Biased Patents (Class 220/326)
  • Patent number: 7458482
    Abstract: To provide a protective cover capable of enhancing convenience in connecting and disconnecting an external output line and the like without impairing safety. In a protective cover placed on a side wall of a casing and covering a hollow part in which an output part of an apparatus housed in the casing is provided, the cover is characterized by including an outer lid which is supported by a hinge provided at an upper end to be openable and closable, and is provided, at a part close to a lower end, with a first locking member engaging with a catching member that is provided at a lower part of the hollow part, and an internal lid which is rotatably mounted to a position corresponding to the output part in an inner surface of the aforesaid outer lid to cover the output part. The internal lid is supported by a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yasuda, Satoshi Kojima
  • Publication number: 20080264946
    Abstract: A utility box with a primary latch and secondary latch for preventing accidental upset of a utility box is disclosed. The secondary latch may a flexible type latch that automatically catches when the lid is closed. The secondary latch requires that a person disengage on the latch before opening the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Marcello Alfredo Moschella, Daniela Buccilli
  • Patent number: 7438198
    Abstract: A container comprises a body portion, a lid portion and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member. The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means including a sealing member which extends between the locking member and other of the body portion and the lid portion when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Really Useful Boxes Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Pickles
  • Publication number: 20080245798
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device comprising a base part (2) and a top part (7) that can be joined to the base part (2) via a releasable locking connection (16). The locking connection (16) is provided with at least one catch (18, 19) that is attached to a locking web (20) and engages with a thrust bearing section (21) in a closed position, and a releasing mechanism which acts upon the locking connection (16) and causes the engagement of the or each catch (18, 19) to be canceled when being actuated. The locking connection (16) is also provided with a flexible pressure latch (11) which is recessed in the top part (7). A latch rib (15), under the effect of which the engagement of the or each catch (18, 19) is canceled, is molded onto the side of the pressure latch (11) facing the or each catch (18, 19), whereby a very simple and safe mechanical structure is obtained, resulting in a relatively low production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Gunter Tremmel, Alain Kupek, Ronnie Weissenfeld, Gisela Kaltenpoth
  • Patent number: 7413479
    Abstract: An electrical housing has a first member and a second member that can be locked and unlocked with a cover lock. The cover lock itself can include a male member disposed on one of the members, and a female member disposed on the other of the members for mating with the male member. A rib can also be provided on either the first or second member to help mate the male member with the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Volpone
  • Publication number: 20080190803
    Abstract: On a container (1) with lid (6), particularly a paint pot, where the container (1) displays a container wall (2), a container bottom (3) and a container opening (4) and, in the edge area of the container opening (4), a continuous frame (5), projecting radially inwards relative to the container wall (2), it is envisaged that, for the purpose of simple and inexpensive manufacture, the frame (5) can be snapped onto the edge area of the container opening (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: JOKEY PLASTIK WIPPERFURTH GMBH
    Inventor: Marcus Blumenschein
  • Publication number: 20080185385
    Abstract: A tank for receiving a drink to be dispensed, the tank is rectangular in shape and opens upwardly, a discharge valve is located at the lower, front end of the tank, and a cover fits over the open end of the tank. Detents are formed at the upper end of the walls of the tank. A manually operable locking mechanism secures the cover in fixed position atop the tank. The locking mechanism comprises a vertical shaft or axle that extends through the central part of the cover. A knob is secured to the upper end of the shaft, and a cam is secured to the lower end of the shaft. A plurality of elongated rods pass through diametrically opposed slots in a housing secured to the underside, or interior, of the cover. One end of each rod has a contact surface which is urged against the perimeter of the cam, while the opposite end of the is a locking surface. When the knob is rotated in one direction, the locking surfaces of the rods are forced into the detents to lock the cover in fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Massimo Grampassi
  • Patent number: 7401698
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a tool accessory case having first and second housing members pivotally connected to each other along a hinge portion and forming a tool holding cavity. A latch is connected to the first housing member and is moveable between latched and unlatched positions. The latch has a gripping structure configured for gripping the second housing member, and at least one flexure member configured to contact the first housing member and bias the latch toward the latched position. The latch also has at least one fixed hinge guide for pivoting with respect to the first housing member and with respect to the flexure member. The tool accessory case also has a receiving structure disposed on the second housing member and is configured to receive the gripping structure of the latch when the latch is in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hagen W. Dost, Creighton Wade Nachtigall
  • Patent number: 7396262
    Abstract: A sealed power distribution module includes a nonconductive body defining a terminal receptacle, a barrier seal engaged to and surrounding the body adjacent the receptacle on an exterior surface of the body, a terminal element grid fitted within the receptacle, and provisions for installing commercially available sealed terminals to complete the wiring. The grid is engaged to the body at a location interior to the barrier seal. The power distribution module may also include one or more bus bar assemblies oriented such that simultaneous switching of relay packages is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Jacek M. Korczynski, Kerri M. Moore, Eric D. Ude, Richard E. Kriss, Frank Maine
  • Publication number: 20080135556
    Abstract: A basket for holding goods comprises a base, a flange, and a sidewall extending from the base to the flange, the sidewall including a plurality of faces. Any two of the faces is joined by a structure having an arcuate shape curving into the basket, the arcuate shape extending from the base to the flange. The arcuate shape provides rigidity to the sidewall, protecting goods within the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: PACKAGING PLUS LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Bontrager, Randall Glenn Strange
  • Publication number: 20080110911
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastening structure having a fastening flange extended outward from the periphery of a cover, and the fastening flange has a latch portion under the fastening flange for latching and fixing the cover; and a hinge portion for connecting the fastening flange at the periphery of the cover, and the hinge portion has a plurality of sections of crevices for reducing a hinge area that connects the fastening flange to the cover. The invention also discloses a sealed box that includes the fastening structure, and a container having a latch structure disposed at a top edge of the container and used together with the latch portion for latching and fixing the cover. Without changing the thickness of the hinge portion, the invention can save efforts for the operation of the sealed box while maintaining the stress of the hinge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20080110894
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vial including a stack of test sensors, wherein the vial includes a vial body and a vial cap and a seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal includes an annular ledge, a flange attached to the annular ledge, a hinge, also referred to as an annular line of weakness, and a skirt. In one embodiment of the present invention, the annular line of weakness is positioned between the skirt and the flange such that the skirt folds outward when pressure is applied to the annular ledge, such as, for example, when the skirt is pressed against a sealing surface of the vial body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Bryan Tissington, Joanne Christine Slater
  • Patent number: 7370772
    Abstract: A storage container includes a first container portion and a second container portion hingedly attached to the first container portion. A latch is slidably disposed on the first container portion. The latch includes a pair of engaging members extending therefrom. The latch is moveable between a locked position wherein the engaging members engage the first container portion to the second container portion and an unlocked position wherein the engaging members disengage the first container portion from the second container portion. The latch is subjected to a first biasing force adapted to inhibit movement of the latch in a first direction and a second biasing force adapted to inhibit movement of the latch in a second direction. Movement of the latch into the unlocked position is accomplished by sequential movement of the latch in the first direction followed by movement of the latch in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E Brunson
  • Patent number: 7325693
    Abstract: A container for holding a single wafer includes a door with a latching mechanism having a cam with a pair of opposing wings extending laterally therefrom. The cam is selectively rotatably shiftable between a first favored position wherein the wings are completely within the door enclosure to enable the door to be engaged and disengaged from the door frame, and a second favored position wherein the wings extend laterally outward from the door enclosure so as to engage in the latch recesses in the door frame when the door is engaged in the door frame. The cam wings may include a ramped portion thereon for drawing the door into closer engagement in the door frame when the cam is rotated from the first favored position to the second favored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burns, Matthew A. Fuller, Jeffery J. King, Martin L. Forbes, Mark V. Smith
  • Patent number: 7325698
    Abstract: A substrate container having an enclosure with an access opening for inserting and removing substrates into an interior of the enclosure and a door chassis that is configured to selectively enclose the opening, the door chassis comprising a first wall having a peripheral wall extending therefrom. The substrate container includes a latch mechanism that is operably coupled with the chassis, the latch mechanism configured to operably secure the chassis to the opening. The door of the substrate container includes a textured particle capture region wherein particles generated by the latch mechanism and elsewhere are captured by the particle capture region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Halbmaier
  • Patent number: 7314052
    Abstract: A vanity case which comprises a case body having a cavity, a lid coupled to the back section of the case body, and a tray frame received in the cavity of the case body so as to be slidable forwards and backwards. The lid has an engaging hook piece in the front of its underside. The tray frame has an engaging protrusion and the tray frame is always biased backwards. When the lid is closed, the engaging hook piece of the lid engages with the engaging protrusion of the tray frame. A rear end wall is integrally formed on the rear end of the tray frame in the middle so as to straddle a back wall of the case body, and when the rear end wall is pushed toward the front, the tray frame is moved forwards, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging protrusion and the engaging hook piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Yoshida Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitomo Yuhara, Yuzo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20070175899
    Abstract: The present invention is a product package having a first package within a second package wherein the product is accessible with removing the second package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Christopher Hatcher, William Kater Lasala, Rachel Wiley, Stephen Paul MacKowiak, Robert Vincent Sheehy
  • Patent number: 7234738
    Abstract: A casing assembly includes a casing having a receiving space and an entrance, and a lid mounted detachably in the entrance to deny access into the space. A fastening device is disposed in the casing, and includes a blocking plate and a resilient clip urging the blocking plate to rotate in a predetermined direction to engage the same with the lid, thereby preventing removal of the lid from the casing. The lid may include a downwardly extending tongue which passes through a hole in the casing and is to be engaged by a hook-like portion on the end of the blocking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Applicances Corp.
    Inventors: Johnson Tsao, Hsin-Chih Liu, Wang-Hai Chang
  • Patent number: 7188729
    Abstract: A child resistant blister pack container for stacked blister packs includes a bottom member, a top member, and a child resistant push and lift mechanism. The bottom and top members, once filled and assembled, cannot be separated. They work together with a locking mechanism to assure that the stack of blister packs are secured, and that, upon removal of a blister package from the pack, the sealed medication of that package is automatically opened for use. This important feature prevents or discourages users from removing multiple packages that might other wise be unprotected until used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: DeJonge Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Patent number: 7182203
    Abstract: A container for holding a plurality of wafers in an axially aligned, generally parallel spaced apart arrangement includes an enclosure portion having a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back and an open front. At least one wafer support is provided in the enclosure along with a kinematic coupling on the bottom of the enclosure. The container has a door for sealingly closing the open front which includes a chassis and an operable latching mechanism on the chassis. The latching mechanism includes a cam selectively rotatable to shift the latching mechanism between a first favored position and a second favored position and at least one vibration dampener for dampening vibrations generated when the latching mechanism is shifted between the first and second favored positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burns, Matthew A. Fuller, Jeffery J. King, Martin L. Forbes, Mark V. Smith
  • Patent number: 7108135
    Abstract: A workpiece container assembly includes a container, and a cover having a locking section that facilitates manipulation and gripping by an apparatus for opening and closing the workpiece container assembly. The container is configured to accommodate workpiece(s) therein. A body of the cover covers an open side of the container. The locking section of the cover includes a bar protruding towards the exterior of the body of the cover, a jaw extending from the bar, and a resilient member connected to the bar such that the bar is biased in its longitudinal direction. The container also includes a frame defining an insertion hole into which the bar of the locking section of the cover is inserted. The opening/closing apparatus includes a clamp that can latch onto the jaw and move the bar against the biasing force of the resilient member to withdraw the bar from the insertion hole in the frame of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 7048464
    Abstract: One first aspect of the invention relates to a connection device for the bottom (1) and lid (3) of a box with side-panels (2). The device comprises one or more first attachment means (5) firmly connected to the bottom (1) and lid (3) and one or more attachment means (6) firmly connected to at least one side panel (2). Connection means (7) are also provided for connecting the bottom (1) and lid (3) to the side panel (2) ny interaction with the attachment means (5, 6). Each connection means (7) consists of a clamp with a resilient body (7.1), a first hook (7.2) being arranged at one end and a second hook (7.3) being arranged at the other end. The first attachment means consists of a first rail (5), arranged along an edge on the bottom (1) and lid (3) respectively, equipped with connection means consisting of one or more slots (5.4). The second attachment means consists of a second rail (6) arranged on a side panel (2) essentially parallel to the edge of the side panel (2). The first hook (7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Foldy Pac Supply BV
    Inventor: Lennart Ronnquist
  • Patent number: 7044328
    Abstract: A latching system for use with a dispenser having a cover hingedly connected to a back plate for movement between open and closed positions. The cover includes a latch plate or tongue which is disposed adjacent its top or now hinged end. The latch plate has one or more through apertures therein for engagement with an engagement bar carried by the back plate with the engagement bar having one or more upwardly projecting ribs for engagement with the apertures of the latch plate when the cover is closed. The back plate also carries a movable latch bar selectively movable into contact with the latch plate to disengage the latch plate from the projecting ribs. The back plate also includes one or more projecting support ribs underlying the cover it its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Patent number: 7040487
    Abstract: A protective shipper comprises a cover and a base that are held together by a latching member. The base is configurable to retain and protect semiconductor wafers or film frames with wafers within a storage pocket. The base comprises latching member and a support wall that defines a storage pocket. The cover encloses the storage pocket. One or both of the cover may receive recesses for gripability. The cover may receive one or more latching apertures configured to minimize unintended unlatching. The shipper of the present invention may be manufactured in a mold capable of producing film frame or wafer containing configurations of the shipper by using an interchangeable mold insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zabka, James Nigg
  • Patent number: 7032765
    Abstract: A container constructed of parts that are injection molded using a synthetic resin molding technique includes a base, side walls and end walls. The side and end walls are movable between a first position in which the side and end walls are collapsed in the interior of the base and a second position in which the side and end walls are erect for being engaged at the corners by over center latches that are also molded of a synthetic resin material. The latches fit within recessed areas of the side or end walls such that when the latches are in a locked or unlocked position, the latches are contained entirely within a recessed area, which is recessed with respect to the exterior surface of the walls. Thus, when the latches are in the latched or unlatched position, the latches do not project outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Buckhorn, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Miller, Paul J. Ficker
  • Patent number: 7021680
    Abstract: A latch operable between a locked position and an unlocked position for securing a hood to a litter pan includes a rim adapted to be disposed on the hood. The hood rim includes a top wall and a sidewall. The top wall includes an aperture and the sidewall includes a rib. A rim is disposed on the pan and includes a top wall and a sidewall. The top wall includes a rib for insertion into the hood rim top wall aperture. When the latch secures the hood and pan in the locked position, the hood rim is disposed adjacent the pan rim such that the pan rim rib is disposed in the hood rim aperture and the hood rim rib engages the pan rim sidewall to prevent separation of the hood and pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph VanSkiver, Mike Harper
  • Patent number: 7021485
    Abstract: A modular container for sterilization of medical devices. In various embodiments the container includes a slidable button for releasing the lid, the button being contained within a pocket. Other embodiments include a lid and container bottom arranged so that a pair of stacked containers have a gap between the lid and bottom to facilitate drying of the container contents. Yet other embodiments include arrangement of the container sidewalls to fit within the sides of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Carr Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Baker, Bernie B. Berry, III
  • Patent number: 6986434
    Abstract: The base part and lid part of a container closure joined by a living hinge have positioning members which engage to maintain the lid in a full open position or a partially open position short of the full open position. The positioning members flex to allow the lid part to be initially closed from an as-molded position beyond the full open position. A latch guide cams a latch into engagement to assure closure of the lid part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen B. Getsy, Gary L. Mengeu, Frederick P. Minkemeyer, Dewey R. Carlile, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6983859
    Abstract: A child proof and tamper evident container (C) includes a pail (10) and a screw top cover (12) screwed onto the top of the pail to enclose contents of the pail. A latching mechanism (18) is formed on the pail. A plurality of tamper evident tabs (26) and second a child proof tab (14) are formed on the cover. Both types of tabs means engage the latching mechanism as the cover is screwed onto the pail. The one tab provides an indication as to whether or not the contents of the container have been tampered with, and the second tab prevents a child from removing the cover and opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: U.S. Can Company
    Inventor: Francis T. Azzarello
  • Patent number: 6978910
    Abstract: An anti-spill device used in conjunction with a disposable cup and lid combination for preventing spillage through a sip hole in the lid is disclosed. The anti-spill device includes a cup gripping member that forms two arcuate-shaped flexible arms for securing the cup to the device. The device includes at least one retaining latch that is attached to the cup gripping member by a first retaining channel is integrated into the gripping member. The device further includes a horizontally flexing member connected to the gripping member by a second retaining channel that is integrated into the gripping member. Finally, the device includes a flexible sealing member with a lid engaging area which is biased to cover the sip hole in the disposable lid. A user desiring to drink the beverage within the cup gains access to the sip hole by engaging the device to lift and shift the lid engaging area away from the sip hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sanson, LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Sanders, Craig R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6951292
    Abstract: A container (10) with a hinged lid comprises a container body (11), a hinged lid (23) hinged on the container body (11), and a bottom wall (12) tightly covering the open lower end of the container body (11). A rubber plate 50) is provided between the hinged lid (23) and the container body (11). The container body (11) has an upper wall (27) provided with an opening (24), and a side wall (13). The hinged lid (23) is supported on the side wall (13) of the container body (11). Since the hinged lid (23) is supported on the side wall (13), the hinged lid (23) can be formed in a large shape. The container body (11) is provided with a catching projection (33) for catching a locking projection (32) formed on the hinged lid (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: Uni-Charm Corporation, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Bando, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Kameda, Masaho Hayashi, Norikazu Shinogi
  • Patent number: 6926165
    Abstract: The combination of a container and a screw-type lid is improved by a tamper-evident feature comprising a locking tab on the exterior of the container having upwardly facing teeth and mating teeth on the lid, the teeth on the container and lid being arranged so as be slidable relative to one another while in mutual engagement when the lid is rotated in one direction and to lock to one another when the lid is urged to rotate in an opposite direction. The tab is tearable to terminate the locking action, thereby evidencing tampering. A catch member formed on the container is positioned to engage and cam one of several latch lugs formed on the lid, whereby to establish a locking action with that latch lug. The catch member prevents removal of the lid from the container until the engaged latch lug is pressed inwardly far enough for it to be released from the catch member, whereupon the lid may be unscrewed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Plastican, Inc.
    Inventor: Rino Conti
  • Patent number: 6881271
    Abstract: An electric heater is placed so as to cover an upper opening of a crucible. Then, a plurality of angle members are disposed along the side portions of the electric heater and are pressed and fixed by clamps. The clamp includes, at its bottom, a curved portion formed by bending a plate-like spring member into a convex shape, and generates pressing force between the curved portion and corresponding claw portions at the upper edge, thereby clamping the crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ochiai, Hirotoshi Iwase, Seizo Kato, Tetsuro Endo
  • Patent number: 6866161
    Abstract: A fueling device 10 of a fuel tank comprises a cover 20 which is provided with an operation lever 26 operated to open and close a filling opening SCc, and which opens and closes the filling opening SCc according to the opening/closing operation of the operation lever 26, a fuel cap 30 having a structure such that it is fitted in a buried state in an inlet pipe IP and taken out from the inlet pipe, a gasket GS interposed between the fuel cap 30 and the inner wall of inlet pipe IP, and a spring 70 interposed between the fuel cap 30 and gasket GS and pressing the gasket GS against the sealing surface by a force acting in the direction of closing the cover 20 via the fuel cap 30, while increasing the pressing force. The fueling device 10 has high sealing property against large external forces applied to the upper part of fuel filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 6866162
    Abstract: A container assembly has a lid which connects to an open ended container. The container has a wall which defines a cavity therein and has an outer surface with a plurality of outwardly directed teeth and at least outwardly directed thread. The teeth are located intermediate the threads and a top of the container wall. The lid has an outer wall with inwardly directed teeth which cooperate with the outwardly directed teeth on the exterior surface of the container. The lid also has a first opening in a ridge which allows at least a portion of a tamper indicator to extend therethrough, the tamper indicator, when installed, is biased toward a center of the lid in a first position so that a leg is brought into contact with the teeth on the container. The lid may not be removed without breaking a portion of the tamper indicator. Additionally, the teeth and leg may be configured to allow for the lid to be tightened relative to the container in the first position, but not loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: M & M Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6832686
    Abstract: A package for medicaments comprising a cover and a base connected along one edge by a living hinge, at least two spaced pivotable latching members on one of the members, complementary openings in the other member engagable by the latching member to secure the cover in a closed position, pivoting of one of said latching members to release it from its opening part permitting slight pivotable movement of the cover toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Donegan
  • Publication number: 20040238553
    Abstract: A container has a container base and a container encloser. The container encloser includes a base ring, a hinged cover and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a stationary catch portion and a deflectable latch portion. The deflectable latch portion is sufficiently deflectable to allow the finger of a user to deflect the deflectable latch portion away from the stationary catch portion so that the hinged cover can be moved from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon S. Lane, Michael Rodero, Jason Morenikeji, Len Ekkert, Bridget Zemlo
  • Patent number: 6814225
    Abstract: A security sleeve for merchandise storage containers includes a frame that defines a storage compartment. The frame defines an insertion opening through which the merchandise is loaded into the storage compartment. The frame may be configured to hold any of a variety of merchandise packages including various items of recorded media such as video cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. The sleeve includes at least one locking member that blocks a portion of the insertion opening to prevent the merchandise from being removed from the storage compartment until the frame is destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Alan J. Parris, Nicholas M. Sedon
  • Publication number: 20040206766
    Abstract: A container has a body and a lid. The body has a peripheral wall having a circumferential edge portion that turns outwardly along its entire length to have a first cross-section. The lid has a circumferential edge portion that turns downwardly along its entire length to have a second cross-section complementary in shape to and for enclosing the first cross-section for surface sealing engagement therewith. The lid edge portion includes four side flaps which are foldable inwardly and upwardly to provide respective resiliently self-expanding hooks for bearing resiliently at an acute angle against an outer surface of the body wall to thereby maintain the sealing engagement, with the lid edge portion forming a gap with the body surface across which the hooks extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chi Hung Law
  • Publication number: 20040195241
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container having a raised lip proximal to an open end thereof. The closure includes a cap with a cover, at least two locking levers located on the cap, each lever having an upper actuation arm and lower locking arm, and an elastically deformable hinge connecting the cap and each locking lever. Further, each of the lower locking arms includes an inwardly projecting locking wedge. Each deformable hinge is located between the upper and lower arms of the locking lever thereby providing a fulcrum about which each locking lever may pivot. Radial displacement of the upper actuation arms results in radial displacement of each locking arm, thereby causing each locking wedge to releasably engage the container lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Jameson P. Stull, Robert T. Auer
  • Patent number: 6793096
    Abstract: A food item receiving container. A case defines a receiving space. A lid functions to close the case. Locking wings are integrally formed at edges of the lid, so that they can be pivoted upward and downward. Flange portions are formed on upper end outer surfaces of sidewalls of the case, so that the locking wings are engaged with the flange portions to be maintained in a locked state. An engaging groove is defined on a lower surface of each flange portion. Each locking wing has an elastic engaging part which is formed to be flexed and cover the lower surface of the flange portion when the corresponding locking wing is pivoted downward, and engaging protuberances which are horizontally formed on an upper surface of the elastic engaging part to be engaged with the engaging groove of the flange portion while elastically deforming the elastic engaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hana Cobi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong-Chul Seok
  • Publication number: 20040173614
    Abstract: A locking mechanism on a container (1) or a holding device (28), having two interlockable parts (33, 21, 26), wherein one part (2, 21) forms an interlocking recess (9) and the mating part (3, 26) an interlocking tongue (6). In the opening path of the interlocking tongue, a blocking element (8) is provided, as a result of which the interlocking tongue (6) can only be set to the opening position after removing the blocking element by means of a suitable tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Rosler
  • Patent number: 6786332
    Abstract: A protective holder for a remote control for use in connection with a keyless entry remote control. A lid is secured by a latching mechanism to a controller holder, and a means for attaching a key ring is also present. The protective holder prevents inadvertent depression of buttons on such remote controls when the remote control is stored in a pocket or purse. The protective holder also prevents damage to the remote control if the remote control is dropped or brought into contact with other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph J. Patrick, Marva E. Patrick
  • Patent number: 6779681
    Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed. The storage unit includes a base having a rim, a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, and a latch configured to releasably couple the cover to the base. The latch includes a user interface configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, a post configured to be at least partially disposed in an aperture in the rim when the user interface is in the second position, and an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Doerfler, William Wray Shepler, Matthew Garrett Lerch
  • Publication number: 20040099669
    Abstract: A container and sealable cover in which the container has a bottom wall and an upstanding peripheral wall terminating in an upper edge surrounding an open mouth. The peripheral wall is inclined outwardly at a slight angle to the vertical or alternatively vertically disposed. A replaceable cover is provided with a central top planar wall and an inverted U-shaped periphery terminating in an outer rim skirt. A contiguous downwardly extending sealing fin is disposed inwardly of the skirt for forming an interference fit with the inside surface of the upper portion of the container peripheral wall when the cover is installed over the container mouth. The fin may be substantially vertically disposed or canted outwardly at a small angle to the vertical depending upon the inclination of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: John M. Lown, David A. Melvin
  • Publication number: 20040089668
    Abstract: A child safe container including a base and a cover is provided. The container includes a hinge and latch which cooperate to maintain the container in a locked position. The container is unlocked and can be opened by translating the base and the cover in a preferred direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Lambelet
  • Publication number: 20040084464
    Abstract: Disclosed is an airtight container for keeping food etc. in airtight state. The airtight container comprises a body 10 with an opened upper surface; a lid 20 for covering the opened upper surface of the body 10; and a locking portion having at least two locking flanges 40 integrally pivotally coupled to the periphery of the lid 20 through a thin hinge 44 formed at a connecting portion connecting thereof with the lid 20, the locking flange 40 having a hooking protrusion 42 formed on a lower surface thereof, and hooking ribs 50 formed on an upper portion of the outer wall of the body 10, each rib 50 engaging with the hooking protrusion of the locking flange 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Cha-II Koo
  • Patent number: 6675959
    Abstract: A packaging case includes an upper casing, a lower casing, and a hinge device for linking the upper casing with the lower casing. The hinge device includes a first block and a second block for linking with the first block. A latching post is formed on the first block. The second block forms a plurality of engaging plate. Each engaging plate defines a slot through a lower edge thereof for latching with the latching post. Each slot has a receiving hole for receiving the latching post and a guiding hole for guiding the latching post. The guiding hole is generally wider toward the lower edge of each engaging plate. The narrowest portion of the guiding hole is slightly narrower than the latching post to firmly retain the latching post in the receiving hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Publication number: 20040000557
    Abstract: A three-dimensional reusable plastic storage container is disclosed with an improved latching mechanism between the lid and container portion thereof. Biased latching mechanisms are disposed on opposing ends of the lid and are received in recesses disposed on opposing ends of the container, at the upper rim thereof. The disclosed latching mechanism is applicable to blow molded container with inverted upper rims as well as injection molded containers with external upper rims. The latching mechanisms do not interfere with the use of or the ergonomic design of handles disposed on the opposing ends of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: William Shepler
  • Patent number: 6669042
    Abstract: An integrated positioning and locking device is disclosed. The integrated positioning and locking device is well suited for installing an assembly onto a chassis. In particular, the integrated positioning and locking device has a latch formed in an external wall of the assembly. The latch latches against the chassis. Moreover, the latch includes a lip which points externally from the external wall. In addition, the integrated positioning and locking device further includes an inner wall for blocking access through the external wall to an internal region of the assembly when the assembly is in an installed position on the chassis. Furthermore, the integrated positioning and locking device has a T-shaped boss integrated into the inner wall for positioning the assembly relative to the chassis to facilitate placing the latch into a latched position for locking the assembly in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Wortman