Abstract: A container body with a lid hingedly joined thereto for movement about a pivot axis utilizing an elastomeric spring of generally ellipsoidal configuration extending transversely across the pivot axis and having opposed ends seated within the container body and lid, the spring folding centrally at the area of maximum thickness with the elastic deformation biasing the lid to its open position upon release of the closing force on the lid. The pivotal hinge assembly is enclosed by an integral transversely extending handle panel outward of the hinge assembly.

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).

Abstract: A tube rack comprises a base having an array of vertical openings extending therebetween, the openings being configured and dimensioned to receive a plurality of tubes, with the upper ends of the tubes being accessible at the top surface. The base includes base sidewalls that each include a co-axial trunnion extending from the associated sidewall.

Abstract: A storage container intended for placement into standard water bottle holders often found on bicycles. The container has a door, which can be rotated open on a hinge. This can be done without removing the container from the water bottle holder. The container has a retention feature for keeping the door closed. The container provides the user with a storage space for such articles including, but not limited to sunglasses, personal identification, emergency information, money, credit cards, patch kits, tools, writing tools, computers, cell phones, food and first aid kits. The container's shape properly orients the container in the water bottle holder and prevents the container from rotating axially in the water bottle holder or from falling out under vibration. The container may be locked closed and may also be locked to the bottle holder. The container's shape is such that it can stand vertically or horizontally, opened or closed on a flat surface, such as the ground or a tabletop.

Abstract: A case includes a case body, a case cover and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a first joint extended from a rear panel of the case body, a supporting arm having a front biasing surface and a rear biasing surface, and second joint which is extended from the rear wall of the case cover and has a holding slot to define a closed stopping surface and an opened stopping surface. The supporting arm is shaped and sized to slidably fit into the holding slot. Therefore, the supporting arm is slid outwardly from the holding slot until the rear biasing surface is biased against the closed stopping surface to close the case body with the case cover, and the supporting arm is slid into the holding slot until the front biasing surface is biased against the opened stopping surface to open the case body with the case cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container having a lid hingedly connected thereto and so configured that the hinged elements cannot be separated from one another whereby the lid cannot be opened or removed from the body of the container to allow access to the contents of the container

Abstract: A container (22) includes a container body (26) having an open end (34) bounded by a thickened rim (32) having a linear part (36) defining a pintle; a lid body (40) overlying the rim (32) in a closed position and having a channel (46) which includes a linear part (42) defining a socket (66) and having a concave wall (67) extending in close-fitting relation through greater than 180 degrees of the circumferential extent of the pintle around an axis defined thereby to hingably couple the lid body (40) to the container body (26). A container flange (28) extends outwardly around the container body (26) in spaced relation to the rim (32). A skirt (38) is detachable from the lid body (40), and extends therefrom in surrounding relation to the container flange (28) and has a lid flange (56) which extends around and grips the underside of the container flange (28) such that, upon detachment of the skirt (38), the lid body (40) is pivotally movable about the axis to an open position apart from the open end (34).

Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a pivotally movable cover to a back or support plate includes a pair of hinge pins projecting from the back or support plate and a pair of hollow pin receiving barrels projecting from the cover for receipt of the pins. The hollow pin receiving barrels and the pins are provided with complemental ribs and grooves for releasable interengagement when the pins and barrels are interconnected.

Abstract: A motor vehicle central console comprising an enclosure having a base and four lateral faces arising from the base forming an opening opposite to said base, and at least one lid comprising a recto face and a verso face, having means for coupling to the enclosure co-operating with complementary coupling means borne by the enclosure, and at least partially closing said opening. The lid is completely removable. Said coupling means of the lid are completely and simply disconnectable from said complementary coupling means of the enclosure. In the mounted position, the coupling means of the lid co-operate with the complementary coupling means of the enclosure, regardless of which face of the lid is facing the base of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.

Abstract: A thermoformed container is formed with a receptacle and a separate cover which is hingeably and detachably attached to the receptacle. The receptacle and cover each have a hinge flange with side skirt walls descending therefrom in which indentations are formed during the thermoforming process. The indentations on one of the cover or receptacle form pivot pins which seat in the sockets defined by the indentations on the other of the cover or the receptacle, defining an axis of rotation about which the cover can rotate with respect to the receptacle. The cover and receptacle can thus can be formed of different plastics or of plastics in which conventional integral living hinges can not be used. The pivot pin indentations are produced in the thermoforming process by forming pins which engage into the softened sheet at the side skirt walls. The plastic material cools and hardens to form sharply defined pivot pins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a closure arrangement for closing an opening in a base component. In particular—but not exclusively—this invention relates to a closure arrangement for a container, to serve as an openable lid for the container.

Abstract: A case incorporates with a hinge structure including a first joint, which is extended from a rear panel of a case body, including a supporting arm having a front biasing surface and a rear biasing surface and second joint, which is extended from the rear wall of a case cover, has a holding slot to define a closed stopping surface and an opened stopping surface. The supporting arm is shaped and sized to slidably fit into the holding slot. Therefore, the supporting arm is slid outwardly from the holding slot until the rear biasing surface is biased against the closed stopping surface to close the case body with the case cover, and the supporting arm is slid into the holding slot until the front biasing surface is biased against the opened stopping surface to open the case body with the case cover.

Abstract: A foldable tool kit comprises two abutted elongate first compartments, two abutted second compartments on either side of the first compartment, each second compartment being smaller than the first compartment, and a plurality of hinges each for coupling each of the second compartments to the first compartment or two of the second compartments on the same side. The stored tools are protected from being lost due to the provisions of engaged positioning pegs and holes on the second compartments as well as prevented from mixing due to the provision of covers on the second compartments while carrying.

Abstract: A cosmetic container including interleaved substantially vertical walls upwardly and downwardly extending respectively from a base component and from a product reservoir, with a further downwardly extending tongue projection from an underside of its cover, and in which cooperating detents on the tongue projection and on the reservoir pivot the cover open and closed, to form an internal hinge which is unobservable to a consumer, thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the container in both its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A pill dispenser having a tray body with multiple side by side compartments and a lid hinged to the body. The lid in a closed position is secured to the body by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a tongue having multiple shoulders. A first of the shoulders engages a bar attached to the lid so as to hold the lid in a closed position. The lid can be released and opened only by physical flexing of the tongue each time the bar engages the pair of shoulders, making the device child resistant. The tongue is also pivotal and can be moved to a non-locking configuration for use by the infirm where children are not present. The dispenser lid spans over and prevents access to multiple pill receiving compartments when in the closed configuration thereof.

Abstract: A corner bucket for storing items within a bathing unit. The caddy includes a substantially L-shaped bucket to fit in a corner and a bracket for hanging the bucket. The bracket includes bracket portions for each of the walls which may be secured using fasteners or suction cups. The bracket includes hooks which are received by corresponding openings in the bucket such that the bucket detachably hangs from the bracket.

Abstract: A blow molded carrying chest which includes a frame and a lid is provided. The frame includes a base frame member, and left and right end frame members attached to the base frame member. A top frame member is rigidly attached to the left and right end frame members, and defines only a portion of a top surface of the chest. A lid is hingedly connected to the frame, and defines a remainder of the top surface of the chest not defined by the top frame member. The lid is pivotable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to an interior of the chest.

Abstract: A container (10) has a tray-like bottom (11) and a cover (12). The bottom (11) has two protrusions or supporting handles (13, 14), suitable to hang the bottom on two parallel guides, located in a horizontal plane. The container has a nose or hook at its front side, for coupling another container, placed in front of it. This container (10) may be used to supply meals for passengers by using a trolley during passenger transport and avoids the necessity of a serving tray, on which the container is placed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle central console comprising an enclosure having a base and four lateral faces arising from the base forming an opening opposite to said base, and at least one lid comprising a recto face and a verso face, having means for coupling to the enclosure co-operating with complementary coupling means borne by the enclosure, and at least partially closing said opening. The lid is completely removable. Said coupling means of the lid are completely and simply disconnectable from said complementary coupling means of the enclosure. In the mounted position, the coupling means of the lid co-operate with the complementary coupling means of the enclosure, regardless of which face of the lid is facing the base of the enclosure.

Abstract: A container for housing produce comprising a generally rectangular bottom, generally rectangular opposed first and second side and end walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, and a pivot member on an upper edge of the first side wall. A lid comprising two panels is provided, each panel having first and second side edges and a hinge edge, the first side edges being detachably and pivotally secured to the pivot member. A hinge operatively connects the hinge edges of the two panels. Resilient flanges are provided on the second side edges of the panels to releasably engage shoulders formed on an upper edge of the second side wall when the lid is closed. To nest multiple containers one within another, the lid is removed from the side wall, folded 180° about its hinge, rotated 90° and placed in the bottom of the container. Another container is then placed in the container and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A tool box has an upper casing and a lower casing. The upper casing has a first outer layer and a first inner layer. The lower casing has a second outer later and a second inner layer. The first inner layer has a plurality of first click blocks, a plurality of first grooves, a first pivot seat, a first pivot mount, a first protrusion, and a first blind hole. The second inner layer has a plurality of second click blocks, a plurality of second grooves, a second pivot seat, a second pivot mount, a second protrusion, and a second blind hole. The first pivot mount engages with the second pivot seat. The first pivot seat engages with the second pivot mount.

Abstract: An electronics enclosure includes first and second clamshell components which are hingedly coupled by engaged, respective hinge members. A biased latch is attached to one of the clamshell components and is moveable between a position where it is aligned with one of the hinge members and maintains the hinge engagement and a second nonaligned position where the hinge members can be disengaged and the clamshell components decoupled.

Abstract: The invention provides a cover for a tubular feed container for a disposable cup dispenser, the cover comprising an annular base sized to concentrically override an upper area of the tubular container in friction-fit engagement therewith, and a hinged lid attached to a pair of spaced-apart hinge flanges protruding from an outer surface of the base, wherein an edge of the lid bracketed by the pair of hinges is provided with a concave configuration complementary to the convex curvature of the outer surface of the annular base, and an upper surface area of the lid is provided with a concave depression complementary in configuration to the convex curvature of the outer surface of the annular base, whereby the lid can be rotated about the hinges in an arc of about 270° from a first position atop the base to a second position with the upper surface of the lid substantially flush with an outer portion of the annular base, without damage to the hinges.

Abstract: A bin comprising a vessel and a pivoting lid that can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The lid and the vessel are arranged in such a manner that the air leaving the vessel during closure of the lid and when the lid is close to its closed position is forced to turn at least twice, being forced to pass between substantially vertical surfaces belonging respectively to the lid and to the vessel, at least at the front of the lid, preferably at least at the front of the lid and on both sides therefore, and more preferably still all round the four edges of the lid, so as to encourage the creation of raised pressure inside the vessel, which raised pressure tends to brake the displacement of the lid towards its closed position.

Abstract: A pen refill case, a kit and a method for providing pen refill components using the pen refill case and kit are provided. The pen refill case includes sections that may contain pen refill components corresponding to different types of pens. Further, other components may be provided that aid in the cleaning of and refilling of pens. The case may include a designator indicating the particular types of pen refill components provided in each section. A cover may be provided to allow one to keep the pen refill components from falling out and allow a user to view the particular pen refill components that may be stored within the pen refill case.

Abstract: Projections and mating recesses for a hinge interconnecting a blow-molded double-walled container and lid are formed to be snap fit together while the recesses are warm from molding. The hinge projections and recesses are blow molded without forming any opening through a hinge wall into an interwall space. After the hinge projections and recesses are assembled, interwall spaces of the body and lid are each filled with a pourable insulation material that sets to make the assembled hinge strong and durable.

Abstract: A child safe mop bucket assembly that prevents a child from accessing the contents of the bucket yet enables a mop to extend out of the bucket. The bucket assembly includes a fluid impermeable container having an open end and a lid element sized to cover that open end. The lid element contains an opening that enables a mop handle to extend out through the lid element if a mop is left within the container. The lid element also includes at least one locking pawl that engages the container when the lid element is closed over the open end of the container. The locking pawl is configured to be easily opened by an adult, yet cannot be opened by a small child. As a result, the lid element prevents a small child from accessing the contents of the bucket assembly even when a mop is left within the bucket assembly, thereby protecting the child from harm and the risk of drowning.

Abstract: An apparatus for the secure storage of used cooking grease comprises a tank, having one or more walls and a top and bottom, and a grease inlet located at the top of the tank and having upper and lower openings, with each opening at least partially spanned by one or more members.

Abstract: A box comprises two box elements attached together at a contact surface and connected together in a releasable manner in each of two opposite assembly areas. Each box element includes in each assembly area at least one clipping member which hooks onto a complementary clipping member in corresponding relationship to it on the other box element and at least one journal member which cooperates pivot fashion with a complementary journal member in corresponding relationship to it on the other box element. At least the clipping member of at least one of the box elements is carried by an elastically deformable arm. Applications include boxes for light fittings.

Abstract: A waste container assembly comprises a container body, a lid body, a flange and a door. The container body has an upper rim. The lid body has an outer surface extending from a top of the lid body to a lower portion of the lid body. The lower portion of the lid body is shaped and adapted for engagement with the upper rim of the container body. The flange extends from the lid body and has an inner rim that at least partially defines an opening in the lid body. The door is positioned adjacent the opening in the lid body and is pivotally connected to the flange for selectively moving the door between open and closed positions relative to the lid body. The door is adapted to substantially cover the opening in the lid body when the door is in its closed position. In another embodiment, the door pivots about a pivot axis and has a rim engaging portion adapted for engagement with the inner rim of the lid body when the door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A cover for a freezing counter includes two reciprocably pivotable oblong profile elements, and a heat emitting element and a drain along one of the profile elements.

Abstract: A multipurpose container having a lid and a receptacle. The receptacle has a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The side walls are opposing each other and are integral to the base and to each other. At least one container wall has one half of a hinge mechanism integrally molded to a free end which mates with the other half of the hinge mechanism integrally molded with the lid to for the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism removably and pivotally attaches the lid to the receptacle. The hinge prevents the lid from rotating past a prescribed angle while allowing the lid to remain open to aid in filling the container. The lid includes a living hinge which allows the lid to be reduced in size and fit within the container. The container is adapted to being stackable and nestable when the lid is removed and placed inside the container.

Abstract: An improved hinge with primary application to plastic molded containers. More particularly, this invention relates to a hinge which is compliant to bending forces applied during assembly and use of a container having a cover and a base. Importantly, the improved hinge limits the amount that the hinge may be bent.

Abstract: A portable thermal container such as a thermoelectric cooler is provided with a reversible door. The housing includes first and second pairs of opposed walls which form a generally rectangular opening. Each of the walls of one of the pairs is provided with a socket adjacent each of the walls on the other pairs to form two pairs of opposed sockets. The door includes a pair of pivot pins which are removably inserted in one of the pairs of sockets. The pivoting direction of the door can be reversed by inserting the pivot pins in the other pair of sockets. The door is retained in a closed position by a magnet on the door and metal plates on the walls of one of the pairs.

Abstract: A makeup case is composed of a bottom (2) and a lid (4) which is hinged to the bottom and can be reversibly locked against the said bottom. The bottom and the lid are formed from identical molded parts. A joint structure is designed to be used interchangeably for hinging the bottom to the lid or for reversibly locking the lid against the bottom. The hinging of the bottom to the lid and the reversible locking of the lid against the bottom are provided by mechanical snap-fastening at the joint structure.

Abstract: A sealing container, which includes a container body, an internally ribbed split locating ring mounted around the container body, a clamp fastened to flanged ends of the split locating ring to fix the split locating ring to the container body, a cover pivoted to the flanged ends of the split locating ring, a rubber seal ring fastened to the cover at a bottom side for sealing the container body, a lever pivoted to the a fixed block at the split locating ring, and a locking plate pivoted to the lever and controlled by the lever to lock the cover after closing of the cover on the container body.

Abstract: A two part hinge for containers and boxes. The first part includes a pair parallel arms which include axially aligned opposing sockets which are configured to rotatingly receive pintle ends. The sockets are provided with radially disposed channels which extend from the sockets to exterior edges of the arms to form a slot for guiding the pintle ends into the sockets. The first hinge part also includes a dual function tab which is generally collaterally aligned with and parallel to the arms of the first part of the hinge. The tab is provided with a camming surface and a retaining surface. The camming surface engages and deflects the center portion of the pintle as it passes thereby, while the retaining surface maintains the pintle ends in the sockets by effectively blocking movement of the center portion of the pintle. The retaining surface of the tab is consistent with the arcuate surfaces of the sockets to form a smooth transition between the socket surfaces and the retaining surface of the tab.

Abstract: A door latch assembly, such as for a battery compartment of an electronic device, is disclosed. The door latch assembly comprises a housing having a pair of opposed, spaced flattened pins defining an elongated surface having a depth and a generally perpendicular narrowed surface having a thickness. The door latch assembly further comprises a door having first and second clasps for receiving the respective first and second pins. Each of the clasps includes an aperture and a slot leading to the aperture. The aperture has a breadth substantially equal to the depth of the elongated surface, and the slot has a gap substantially equal to the thickness of the narrowed surface. When assembling the door to the housing, each of the slots slides over the respective elongated surface to receive and captures the respective pin in the respective aperture.

Abstract: A new hinge for storage media packages and storage devices, especially for use in packages for disc-shaped storage media, includes a hinge pin formed as part of a cover of the package. The hinge pin is inserted into hinge pin receptacles formed on a support plate of the package. The support plate is held by a base plate. When the hinge pin is inserted in the receptacles and the support plate is inserted into the base plate, the receptacles are prevented from expanding, thus locking the hinge pin in the receptacles and locking the cover on the package. The hinge pin locks the support plate in the base plate by projections extending from the receptacles and engaging an undercut of the base plate. Hinge pin supports are formed on projections of the cover and are spaced so that each support is adjacent one or more receptacles.

Abstract: A container for holding paint or other liquids and a method for making same. The container includes a body having a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall along the periphery of the bottom wall which terminates in an upper rim. The container also includes an annular retaining ring secured to the upper rim. The annular retaining ring forms an outlet/inlet through which a liquid can be placed or removed from the container. The container further includes a lid pivotally and detachably mounted to the annular retaining ring for movement between an open position and closed position with respect to the outlet/inlet and for removing the lid from the annular retaining ring. The lid, body and annular retaining ring are individually molded and secured together by simple fastening means.

Abstract: A tank cover for a tank socket of a vehicle fuel tank has a flap and a pivot arm with a curved portion having a first and a second leg. The first leg is connected to the flap. The second leg includes a hinge component with which the second leg is connected to the vehicle such that the flap is pivotal about a first end. A support surface is positioned adjacent to the curved portion remote from the flap. When the flap is to be mounted, the curved portion rests on the support surface and is pivoted while being supported on the support surface for mounting the hinge component. The support surface, after mounting of the tank cover, is spaced at a preset distance from the curved portion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved latch and hinge for an integrally molded box, preferably a sharps box. The combination of the latch and hinge provides a surprisingly secure, simple and inexpensive integrally molded box.

Abstract: A two-part housing, for holding a disc-shaped information carrier (15), for example a CD, has a bottom section (10), a cover section (11) connected to the bottom section via two corner hinges a (12, 13), and a clamping device (14, 14') for holding the information carrier (15). A simple fracture-proof hinge structure is provided in, that the cover section (11) comprises two hinge arms (18) whose free end portions (19) are bent through 180.degree. towards the cover section (11) and are resilient, the bottom section (10) has corner recesses (22) adapted to the hinge arms (18), and the free end portions (19) of the hinge arms (18), which end portions face one another, form in conjunction with rigid hinge walls (24) the corner hinges (12, 13).

Abstract: There is provided a receptacle comprising a box body which is formed with right and left engagement parts, and a lid body which is formed with right and left engaged parts which engage with the right and left engagement parts of the box body so that an engagement of engagement parts and engaged parts is freely released. When the right and left engagement parts both engage with the right and left engaged parts, the lid body is kept at a state of being closed. When the left engagement part engages with the left engaged part and the engagement of the right engagement part with the right engaged part is released, the lid body is rotatable on the axis of the engaged left parts and is opened from the right-hand side. When the right engagement part engages with the right engaged part and the engagement of the left engagement part with the left engaged part is released, the lid body is rotatable on the axis of the engaged right parts and is opened from the left-hand side.