Clamps, Clips, Hooks, Or Latches Patents (Class 220/324)
  • Patent number: 5908131
    Abstract: A locking device for use in a processing device for processing photosensitive material such as photographic film has a light-shield cover that can be unlocked without moving a knob plate. The knob plate has an engaging member for locking the light-shield cover. An unlocking mechanism is provided to unlock the light-shield cover without moving the knob plate. The unlocking mechanism has a pushing head, and an unlocking lever having a tip engageable with the engaging member and adapted to be pushed by the pushing head. By moving the unlocking lever with the pushing head until its tip disengages from the engaging member, the engaging member can pass through a cutout, so that the light-shield cover can be unlocked and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5906292
    Abstract: A formed plastic container having a cover portion and a bottom portion, also includes a latch. The latch has a projection extending out from the cover, and a locking flap extending out from the bottom that flexes to meet and hold the projection. In one embodiment, the projection includes a tab, and the locking flap includes a rib that lifts the flap above the tab when closed, in order to reduce the possibility of the tab coming away from the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Genpak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Edward W. Rider, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5893478
    Abstract: A container for small articles is formed of a housing having a an opening at an upper face thereof, a cover movably attached to the housing, and a locking device. The cover moves between a closing position for closing the opening, and an opening position for opening the opening of the housing. The cover is located at one side of the housing in the opening position. The locking device includes a catcher having a latching portion therein and attached to the cover, and a striker attached to housing. When the cover is disposed to the closing position, the striker engages the latching portion to lock the cover at the closing position, and when the cover in the closing position is pushed, the striker engaged with the latching portion is released from the latching portion, so that the cover is moved to the opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Maruoka
  • Patent number: 5887744
    Abstract: A closure for a waste container, which has a lid having a covering surface for covering the mouth of the container, a peripheral first groove in the circumference of the lid, the first groove being open in a direction away from the covering surface and defining an inner peripheral wall having an outer free end, and an outer peripheral wall having an outer free end with peripherally spaced lockable detent projections at the outer free end, the inner and outer peripheral walls being substantially perpendicular to the covering surface, a sealing gasket within the first groove for contacting the mouth when the lid is tightly closed, a lateral extension at the periphery of the lid outwardly of the first groove and forming a second groove in the extension, wherein the second groove being open in a direction that is opposed to the direction of the opening in the first groove, the second groove accommodating a hinge pin attached to the container for attaching the lid to the container mouth, a peripheral lateral exten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sanypick, S.A.
    Inventor: David Gonzalez Mejias
  • Patent number: 5878907
    Abstract: The container consists of two shells which face each other and are mounted to each other at their port edges by means of wedge type fastener structures. To this end each shell includes a plurality of semi-wedges arranged distributed along the circumference. Two opposite semi-wedges of the two shells complete themselves to a complete wedge. A separately provided wedge clams is slid over every complete wedge, which wedge clamp grips around the complete wedge and presses the two semi-wedges of each complete wedge and accordingly the two port edges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Otto Peter Graf
  • Patent number: 5875916
    Abstract: A waterproof container is provided including a housing formed of an elastomeric material defining an interior space with an open top having a planar top peripheral edge. An interior lining of the housing is constructed from a foam material. The lining is situated within the interior space of the housing for protecting the contents thereof. Further provided is a cover having a planar rectangular configuration with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face of the cover has a cut out with a rectangular cross-section formed adjacent the entire periphery. The cut out has a width equal to a thickness of the faces of the housing. The cover further has a planar bottom lining constructed from a foam material situated on the bottom face of the cover. Next provided is a gasket having a planar rectangular configuration and a width equal to the thickness of the faces of the housing. A coupling mechanism is included for selectively securing the cover to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Larry Crockett, Sr., Delores Crockett
  • Patent number: 5876568
    Abstract: In a coke drum an outlet arrangement is provided which allows removal of the coke from the drum without endangering the health or safety of workers heading or unheading the coke drum. Instead of using a manually removable bottom flange for the drum, a semiautomatic bottom flange removal system is provided. A spool is attached to the conventional, pre-existing, about 6 feet in diameter drum stationary bottom flange. The spool includes a tapered clamping surface. A new style removable bottom flange also includes a tapered clamping surface. The tapered clamping surfaces cooperate with clamp ring sectors movable by externally mounted hydraulic cylinders into contact with the spool and the flange, and other hydraulic cylinders mounted directly on the ring sectors move male locking surfaces into locking engagement with cooperating female locking surfaces formed on adjacent clamp ring sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Kindersley
  • 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: 5865307
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one piece construction holder or container for irregularly shaped objects such as keys, dimensioned so as to fit within a card compartment of a conventional wallet, whereby said container is substantially rectangular and consists essentially of a rimmed top panel and a rimmed bottom panel integrally hinged together on one side, such that the hinge is thinner than either of the panels to which it is connected, and closure means on the opposite side from the hinge including a plug one one panel aligned with an accomodating hole on the other panel and mutually offset thumb access cutouts; the hinged top and bottom panels are disposed so as to hold the container open or snugly closed as required; the inside distance between the top panel and the bottom panel when the container is closed is defined by the width of the rim on each panel and is sufficient to accomodate from one to three keys placed in the container, and said distance taken together with the thickness of the top panel and the thickness
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jack Friedman
  • Patent number: 5865336
    Abstract: An agitator cover for cans of colors positionable on shaker machines, wherein the cover mounts at its base a peripheral flexible joint (11) which, upon closure of the agitator cover on the can (5), is applied on the external peripheral edge (13, 13') of the ring-shaped rim (7, 7') defining the opening of the can (5). The joint (11) include a ring-shaped anterior body part (17) which is attached to the base of the cover and upon closure under pressure is applied in a sealing manner on the peripheral edge (13, 13') of the can, and a flexible internal ring-shaped lip (19) which is integrally connected with the anterior body part (17) and extending coaxially with the body part (17), and upon closure is applied onto the internal edge (15, 15') of the ring-shaped opening rim (7, 7') of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventors: Alain Krzywdziak, Yannick Tanchoux
  • Patent number: 5853093
    Abstract: A bottle cap assembly, comprising a main portion, and a lid. The main portion and lid are attached by a hinge. The main portion is selectively secured to the lid with a latch, the latch opposite the hinge. The main portion has a central bore, and the hinge has a plug which fits in the central bore when the cap is closed. The central bore has internal grooves, and the plug has protuberances which match the internal grooves to effect a tight seal between the central bore and plug. The main portion further has an upper groove, and the lid has a ring which fits in the upper groove. The ring is larger in diameter and concentric with the plug. At least one opening preventer attaches between the lid and main portion to prevent inadvertant opening of the bottle and for revealing tampering to the bottle, since the opening preventer can be opened once, and then cannot be restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Eliezer Neiger
  • Patent number: 5853087
    Abstract: A packing receptacle for elongated articles includes a receiving part having a holding arrangement for individually positioning the articles therein; and a lid part having a first position in which the lid part is arranged on, and defines an article-receiving space with, the receiving part and a second position in which the lid part is removed from the receiving part. The article-receiving space has a removal opening through which the articles may be removed from the packing receptacle. A hinge interconnects the receiving part with the lid part for allowing a pivotal movement of the lid part about a hinge axis of the hinge from the second position into the first position. An anchoring device secures the lid part to the receiving part when the lid part is in the first position. Further, a closure arrangement is articulated to the lid part and/or the receiving part for movement into a closed position to block the removal opening and into an open position to unblock the removal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Groz Beckert KG
    Inventors: Siegmund Sos, Artur Hoch, Susanne Merkle
  • Patent number: 5829610
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure is provided with a base for attachment to a container, and the base defines a discharge aperture. A lid is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the discharge aperture. A manually releasable latch holds the lid closed on the base. A tamper-indicating element is mounted adjacent the latch. In one form of the invention, the element has a removable part defining a tool. According to another aspect of the invention, the removable part of the element is broken away when the latch is operated. In yet another form of the invention, the element prevents operation of the latch until the removable part of the element is first removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Leo R. Imbery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5823411
    Abstract: A locking device for motor vehicle roof trunks has a bottom part and a lid. On two sides of the trunk (1), which extend parallel relative to one another, the lid (3) is pivotable by two hinges around a hinge axis relative to the bottom part (2). The hinges each include a first hinge part (14) associated with the lid (3) and a second hinge part (15) associated with the bottom part (2). All hinges have a common actuating rod (23) which includes hinge pins (30) movable parallel to the direction of the hinge axis (12). Each hinge pin (30) is movably guided in a bearing housing (21) associated with the bottom part (2) and may engage a sleeve (17) associated with the first hinge part (14). A cylinder lock (34) enables all hinges associated with one side to be actuated centrally by actuating the actuating rod 23 towards the closed or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: Huwil-Werke GmbH, Thule GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Gronwoldt, Siegfried Deisenhofer, Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 5810188
    Abstract: A hinged closure has a ring member, a lid member, a first hinge which connects the ring and lid members, and a locking tab member, hinge and protrusion member assembly. The first hinge connects the lid and ring so that the lid reciprocates for closure and opening and upon closure, edges of a lid skirt and ring skirt mate. The lid has a wall surface which has a recess portion which extends from the lid skirt at a position which opposes the first hinge, and an indent is positioned in the recess portion. The locking tab member is hinged to the ring and extends from the ring and the protrusion member extends from the tab so that upon lid and ring closure, the tab extends to the lid recess and so that the protrusion removably connects to the indent portion to hold the lid and ring member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Douglas Novakoski, Gerard Pre
  • Patent number: 5782150
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a base and a cap pivotally coupled together. The base includes a flange and two punctures and a latch formed in one side edge for engaging with a groove and two projections and an ear of the cap such that the cap may be solidly secured to the base. The base includes a number of holes and the cap includes a number of cavities for partially receiving tool bits and for allowing the tool bits to be easily disengaged from the base. The base includes a chamber and the cap includes a space for engaging with the tool bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Yung Hsu Huang
  • Patent number: 5772059
    Abstract: A disposable container closure assembly, comprises a wall defining a circular opening for a substantially rigid container, a closure adapted to fit and close the opening, the closure having a first position for releasably engaging the wall and closing the opening, and a second position for engaging the wall and permanently closing the opening, and a flexible tether secured at a first end to the frame and detachably secured at a second end to the closure for retaining the closure in the first position, the tether being detachable from the closure for enabling positioning the closure in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Med-Safe Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. McCord
  • Patent number: 5755350
    Abstract: A storage container assembly including a housing, a door pivotally connected to the housing, and an elastomeric lock handle removably connected to the door. The lock handle includes a groove having an entrance. The groove is operable to selectively engage or disengage a tongue extending outwardly from the housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the tongue includes an enlarged nub operable to be received in a complementary cavity of the groove when the door is closed. A restricted passage in the groove between the entrance and the cavity maintains the nub within the cavity until the door is intentionally opened. This inexpensive and simple-to-assemble arrangement allows the door to be easily and quietly opened or closed with minimal force by one hand or even a single finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 5752615
    Abstract: A container including a base and an associated cover which form an enclosure for blister packs, pills, medication or other small articles. The container includes at least three latches located around the perimeter of the container to hold it closed. The latches can only be disengaged by applying pressure to all the latches simultaneously. In addition, the latches are spaced from each other so that two hands are required to simultaneously release all of the latches. Openings are advantageously placed near the latches to allow the user to exert inward pressure on the walls of the container, which pressure acts to disengage the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Hofmann, Alex J. Kutaj
  • Patent number: 5749491
    Abstract: A cover for drinking containers, and which includes a generally flat, circular disk-shaped body having two laterally projecting seal flanges. A firm body portion is sized smaller than the interior diameter of an applicable drinking container while the outward projecting annular seal flanges extend to make the overall body slightly larger in diameter than the interior diameter of the drinking container to serve as fluid seals and as frictionally adhesive members which engage the interior sidewall of the container to assist in stabilizing the cover. The top surface of the body is affixed with two oppositely disposed outward projecting flexible extending arms which extend outward beyond the sealing flanges. The arms each support a terminal end stop hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Robert N. Wylder, Martin C. Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 5740938
    Abstract: A child resistant box including a receptacle and an associated cover which form an enclosure for blister-packs, pills, medication or other small articles. The box includes latches located around the perimeter of the box to hold it closed. The latches can only be disengaged by applying pressure to all the latches simultaneously. In addition, the latches are spaced from each other so that two hands are required to simultaneously activate the latches. Openings are advantageously placed near the latches to allow the user to exert inward pressure on the walls of the box, which pressure acts to disengage the latches. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom wall of the box has a plurality of holes sized and spaced to conform to the size and spacing of blister-pack compartments so that the blister-pack contents can be dispensed through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Hofmann, Alex J. Kutaj
  • Patent number: 5738238
    Abstract: A container for preserving food including a container body, a detachable container cover for covering the container body, and a detachable fastener for securing the container body and the container cover together in the closed condition, wherein the container body has a first pair of pivot pins and a second pair of pivot pins respectively aligned at two opposite sides; the container cover has a pair of axle receptacles raised from the periphery and coupled to the second pair of pivot pins of the container body, and a hook raised from the periphery opposite to the axle receptacles; the fastener includes a hook plate having a hook at one end adapted for hooking on the hook of the container body and a transverse pivot at an opposite end, and an actuating plate having a first pair of recessed holes pivotably coupled to the transverse pivot of the hook plate by press fit and a second pair of recessed holes pivotably coupled to the first pair of pivot pins of the container body by press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Hsiu-Jen Yang
  • Patent number: 5735428
    Abstract: A sealing container including a hooked lever turned about a pivot pin between two lugs at the periphery of a container body near its top and adapted to hold down a sealing cap being pivoted to the container body, wherein the lugs of the container body have each a through hole in which the pivot pin is moved, and a springy, smoothly curved projecting portion projecting into the through hole, the through hole of each lug defining a vertical sliding portion at the top, a transverse retaining portion at the bottom, and an arched intermediate portion communicating between the vertical sliding portion and the transverse retaining portion corresponding to the springy, smoothly curved projecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Yuh Shun Chern
  • Patent number: 5735427
    Abstract: An open top container having a drum and a lid wherein the lid engages the drum for sealing the contents thereof using clamps which secure the lid and drum into an engaged relationship. The lid and drum utilize a cammed engagement member so that as the clamps are activated the cammed surface provides a tightening of the lid to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Russell-Stanley Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Hunter, Charles F. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5718347
    Abstract: A container and closure for medicine, pills or the like includes a latch connected to the closure by a living hinge. The closure is connected to the container opposite from the latch by a second living hinge. The latch is seated within a recess on the sidewall of the container to provide a child resistant package. A cavity is formed between the sidewall and the latch in the recess. The latch must be depressed by the user to free a portion of the latch from the recess. The remainder of the latch is dislodged from the recess by pressing on a region of the sidewall of the container. The closure can then be opened by grasping the latch and pulling upwardly thereby freeing the closure from the upper rim of the container. The unitary container and closure provide an effective child resistant package which is likewise easily opened by an adult or senior citizen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventors: Charles B. Walker, Bradford Dunn Walker
  • Patent number: 5711450
    Abstract: There is disclosed a door for closing an access opening of a hyperbaric or other pressure chamber in which access may be had to the interior of a vessel in which a patient is received through an opening and which, when in closed position, is releasably locked to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Paul Reneau
  • Patent number: 5704260
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a base and a cap pivotally coupled together at a folding line. The base includes a flange and two punctures and a latch formed in one side edge. The cap includes a groove and two projections and an ear for engaging with the flange and the punctures and the latch of the base such that the cap may be solidly secured to the base. The base includes a number of cavities and holes for partially receiving various kinds of tool bits and for allowing the tool bits to be easily disengaged from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Yung-Hsu Huang
  • Patent number: 5702021
    Abstract: A locking construction of an electric connection box having an upper casing and a lower casing, comprising: a locking claw which is provided on an outer surface of a first side wall of one of the upper and lower casings; an engageable portion which is provided on an inner surface of a second side wall of the other of the upper and lower casings such that the locking claw is brought into engagement with the engageable portion in a direction for fitting the first side wall into the second side wall; an L-shaped projection which is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall in the vicinity of the locking claw and includes a base portion and a bent portion; and a groove which is formed on an open end of the second side wall such that the base portion of the projection is inserted into the groove in the direction for fitting the first side wall into the second side wall; wherein when the base portion of the projection has been inserted into the groove, the second side wall is gripped between the bent por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ito
  • Patent number: 5695087
    Abstract: A lid has a manually operable latching arrangement which prevents inadvertent disengagement of the lid from a container body even during severe service conditions. Latching is effected by a captive plate on the lid, the plate carrying a latching strap and a blocking member. In the latching position, the blocking member engages under a lip or flange at the upper edge of the container body, and the plate is retained in the latching position by engagement of the latching strap with an abutment in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Canada Post Corporation
    Inventors: John Tutton, Mike Sirois, Jerome Foy, Mike Pears
  • Patent number: 5691878
    Abstract: A housing for use with a ballast for powering one or more fluorescent lamps. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a cover (48) and a base (10). The cover (48) has at least two fingers (80), where each finger (80) includes a mating portion (86). The base (10) has at least two corresponding finger ports (100), each with a guide-lock structure (102) for guiding insertion of the mating portion (86) of the finger (80) into the finger port (100) and for securely locking the finger (80) in place when the mating portion (86) is inserted into the finger port (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Youngkee Ahn, Jiri Slaby
  • Patent number: 5683008
    Abstract: A child-protected thermoplastic container having a generally square shape including a closure having horizontal sealing surfaces complimentary to sealing surfaces on the top of parallel container sides, and including tapered guide surfaces on the parallel sides to guide the closure from back to front for closing while forcing a tight seal on the sealing surfaces. A flared wedge on a flexible projecting nub protrudes from the closure through an aperture in a rib of the container body, preventing backward movement of the closure unless the wedge is depressed. The front of the closure is provided with a lock bar having a handle which snaps closed to effectuate a tight seal on the front, which must be opened before the closure will slide back to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Herbert W. Galer
  • Patent number: 5678722
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hyperbaric chamber in which access may be had to the interior of a pressure vessel in which a patient is received through a door releasably locked to an open end of the vessel to close same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond Paul Reneau
  • Patent number: 5664597
    Abstract: A cover is provided for placing over an article fixed to a surface. The cover is particularly useful for covering a fire hydrant and identifying the fire hydrant in the winter months in a climate accustomed to great depths of snow which normally would cover or otherwise conceal the fire hydrant. The cover has an open end and a closed end with an interior volume formed therebetween for enclosing the fire hydrant. The cover includes a strap or the like for securing the cover to the article being covered to prevent the cover from being removed from covering the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Miskiewicz
  • Patent number: 5662236
    Abstract: In a waterproof case in which a hood (1) contains a connector (P) to prevent the connector from being exposed to water, a cap (4) is for closing an opening portion 10a of the hood and has an end which is rotatably held to the hood through a mounting linkage (5) so that the opening portion can be opened and closed one at a time. A lever (6) is rotatably mounted to the hood at an end thereof. A locking linkage (7) is rotatably mounted at an end thereof to an intermediate portion which is between both ends of the lever. When the lever is rotated by operating the other end with the other end of the locking linkage engaged with the other end of the cap in the state of closing the opening portion, the cap is kept to a condition in which the opening portion is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Kazuomi Sato
  • Patent number: 5660295
    Abstract: New covers for access openings or hatches, for example, gauge hatches, are preferably opened and closed on a "hands-free" basis, so that a human operator can carry gauging/sampling or other equipment in his/her hands and still gain access to the container to be monitored. In one embodiment, the hatch cover comprises a housing including a wall surface defining an opening, a first pivot element and a spaced apart second pivot element; a cover member coupled to the first pivot element and adapted to be pivotably movable about the first pivot element relative to the housing, the cover member being sized and adapted to cover the opening when placed in a closed position and to not cover the opening when placed in an opened position; a pin secured to the cover member; and a movable latch element coupled to the second pivot element and adapted to be pivotably movable about the second pivot element relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: GPE Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hroma, Guy H. Johnson, Gerald S. Sieja
  • Patent number: 5657893
    Abstract: A container includes a receptacle portion and a lid, butt ends thereof being hingeably connected one to the other; one or more resiliently mounted teeth are formed which extend upwardly from a forward end of the receptacle portion, and which include a body portion with a recess extending therethrough; a plurality of laterally spaced apart protrusions are provided and extend inwardly from a forward end of the lid, such that on the lid being hinged over the receptacle portion, the protrusions contact and move over the resiliently mounted teeth, so as to releasably engage within the recesses and so as to releasably lock the receptacle portion and lid together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Plastech Industries Pty Limited
    Inventor: Glenn Edward Hitchings
  • Patent number: 5653359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a springform with a form rim which surrounds the form bottom and is provided with a clamping closure, and with a covering hood which can be mounted on the form bottom which is designed as a serving plate. According to the invention, a carrying handle is provided, which overlaps the covering hood and fixes the covering hood on the form bottom and which is connected detachable to the circumferential edge of the form bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: W. F. Kaiser U. Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Ferdinand Sondermann
  • Patent number: 5651472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping mechanism for clamping together a closure and a body mounting same, comprising a first member mounting a plurality of clamping devices, and a second member having an over-center part. The first and second members are in engagement, the arrangement being such that when the body engages the first member, the first and second members move over-center and the clamping devices and the second member engage the closure to clamp the closure in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Ivan Semenenko
  • Patent number: 5647502
    Abstract: A terrestrial wall mounted medical waste disposal container having a flexibly pivoted top closure lid is shown. The container includes a lid mount which is fitted in a sealing manner upon the top of the container, and a flexible lid which is attached to the lid mount. The lid mount has a recessed top face which abuts and slopes toward an entrance aperture in the top face of the mount. The flexible lid is divided into two portions by a living hinge. The larger and outer portion of the lid is pivotable along the hinge. In the lid's extreme opened position it lies flat on the recessed top face of the lid mount and so also slopes toward the entrance aperture; in this maximally extended position the lid's outer edge comes sufficiently close to the wall that it is impossible to deposit a waste item accidentally behind the lid or the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Devon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Marsh
  • Patent number: 5645167
    Abstract: A paint brush container with improved fastener means comprises a pair of tray-shaped members connected together by a hinge. A fastener means for the trays comprises protrusions on one of them and mating openings provided through the other tray, where the length of the openings is longer than the width of the protrusions. As the hinge may wear and develop play, the trays may become out of their initial alignment. However, the extended length of the fastener openings easily receives the protrusions to provide a snap latch that maintains the container in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Keith Conrad
  • Patent number: 5641065
    Abstract: A medical instrument soaking, transport and storage container intended for receiving surgical instruments and containing a cleaning solution or disinfectant for cleaning the instruments. A lid mounts on the bowl for transport of the instruments to a cleaning/decontamination area of a hospital. The lid portion carries a projecting seal that is received in a circumferentially extending groove in an outwardly extending rim portion of the bowl. Accordingly, sealing is effected between the lid and the bowl. A pivoting clasp is mounted on each side of the lid for engagement with the corresponding portion of the bowl, and therefore secures the lid on the bowl for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Paragon Group of Plastics Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Owens, Daniel L. Sands, Ron Vanderpool
  • Patent number: 5638806
    Abstract: The invention in the present application is for a cookware safety system that includes a safety ring that depends from the bottom of a conventional cooking utensil. The safety ring includes a plurality of chair members that are annularly spaced apart to form a ring that depends from the bottom of the cooking utensil. In one embodiment, the chair members are mounted directly to the bottom of the cooking utensil. The chair members are annularly spaced, using as a point of origin, a centerline of a handle to a cooking utensil. The spacing is such that the chair members will fit a three, four, six or eight-pronged gas stove top burner. The cookware safety system also includes a lid retainer that includes tabs mounted to the side of the sidewall of the cooking utensil and pins that are either mounted directly to the lid of the cooking utensil or a lid retainer. A trivet is also provided and includes at least one annularly extending channel that is adapted to receive the safety ring of the cooking utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Carl Boyd Foust
  • Patent number: 5639129
    Abstract: A door latch and sealing assembly associated with a waste container having an open end and at least one door positioned adjacent to and overlying the open end. The assembly includes a tapered seal actuator, and a seal actuator drive mechanism associated with the seal actuator and adapted to drive the seal actuator. A receiver is rigidly attached to the container and is adapted for operable engagement with the seal actuator. An elastomeric gasket is positioned between the open end and the door. In operation, extension of the seal actuator drive mechanism causes the seal actuator to engage the receiver; the receiver then reactively imparts to the seal actuator a compressive force on the door sufficient to establish a liquid-tight or hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: McClain Industries of Oklahoma
    Inventor: Roger R. Lindley
  • Patent number: 5638839
    Abstract: A refillable cosmetic case has a base with a recess for a releasable tray held in place by a tray retaining cover hinged in the base and having a latching element. The case lid has a rear edge and is hinged to the base at an edge opposite the tray cover hinge, and the lid rear edge can be associated with the tray to assist in its removal whereby when the lid is opened beyond its usual limit of travel the rear edge releases the latching element and thus the tray retaining cover. The cover pivots back on its hinge, so the tray can be lifted out and refilled or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Risdon Corporation
    Inventor: Antonio Montoli
  • Patent number: 5630508
    Abstract: A data cartridge case has a generally rectangular base and cover joined to the rear wall of the base by a living hinge. Top edge of the base front wall is lower than top edge of the rear wall. The top edge of the base front wall and the bottom edge of the cover front wall have horizontal outer portions and chamfered inner portions. Cover side walls have half-thickness lower sections overlapping half thickness forward sections of the base side walls. Upper horizontal edges of the half thickness portions of the base side walls abut complementary lower ledges of the cover side walls. Central rectangular inward projection on each cover side wall half thickness portion fits in a rectangular recess in each base side wall half thickness portion. Notches in the cover front walls allow finger pressure to frictionally raise the cover and to snap the rectangular projections out of the recesses. A groove extends across the entire cover front wall at the height of the hinge for receiving a hinge of an adjacent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Microplas, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Petit
  • Patent number: 5625655
    Abstract: A nuclear power plant fuel transfer tube quick operating remote closure device (10) comprised of a reducing ring (20) and a cover assembly (60). The reducing ring (20) is bolted to the transfer tube housing flange (12). Rotation of a chuck key advances jaws on the cover assembly (60) which feed closure latches (78) into a groove (40) on the reducing ring (20). The upper surface (80) of each latch (78) has a bevelled surface (82) corresponding to a bevelled surface (42) of the groove (40). As the latches (78) engage the groove bevelled surface (42), the entire cover assembly (60) is uniformly drawn toward the reducing ring (20). Machined seal faces (13, 30, 44, 68) and O rings (36, 74) provide a fluid and air tight seal between the transfer tube housing flange (12) and the sealing ring (20) and between the cover assembly (60) and the sealing ring (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis X. McDonald, Scott A. Kendrick, Edward F. Lamoureux, Peter Leombruni, Edward G. Sirica, Frank J. Formanek
  • Patent number: 5612678
    Abstract: A fire detector consisting of a body and a base. An inner wall part is provided in a circumferential wall of the body in such a manner that the inner wall part can be cut away therefrom. Further, an engaging member abutting on the inner wall part is provided in the base. If it is unnecessary to lock the body to the base, the inner wall part is not cut away therefrom. In contrast, if it is necessary to lock the body to the base, the inner wall part is cut away therefrom. Thereby, the engaging member 12 can be fitted into a recess portion formed on the circumferential wall by cutting away the inner wall part therefrom. If the body is pushed against the base, a leading end of the engaging member is pushed up by the top surface of the circumferential wall. When the body being in such a state is turned in the circumferential or clockwise direction thereof to a fixing position at which the body is fixed, the leading end is fitted into the recess portion and moves downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hochiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Shibata
  • Patent number: 5605245
    Abstract: A sharps container apparatus comprising a container including a door manually movable between a closed position and an open position, and a rubber band for biasing the door toward the closed position, the container being completely closed when the door is in the closed position, a bracket adapted to be securely mounted on a wall, and interengaging projections and slots on the bracket and on the container for securing the container to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Bemis, Kenneth V. Pepper
  • Patent number: 5603426
    Abstract: A stirrer lid for color cans on stirring machines, of the type having at a base thereof a frustoconical closure edge, having a main body (5), and including an annular ring (7) fastened to the base of the body and of being downward tapering frustoconical cross section with the ring (7) forming the closure edge of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventors: Alain Krzywdziak, Daniel Parmenon
  • Patent number: 5603402
    Abstract: Container for hydrocleaning apparatuses, in particular compact hydrocleaning machines (16), comprising a couple of opposed and identical half-shells (12,14) hingen to one another on a first side (56) and provided each on a second side (30), opposite to the hinged one, with a central recess (30') circumscribing a through-opening (32) extended transversally; said opening (32) being surmounted by a portion of said second side (30) adjoining edge (40), which develops in the lower part in a sector (34) constituting a half-part of the handle. The configuration and the depth of recess (30') are complementary to the sinking formed on the upper front of the hydrocleaning machines (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Faip S.r.l. Officini Meccaniche
    Inventor: Carlo A. Cuneo