Locking mechanism for container lid
US5997052A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1063
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention is directed to a lock releasing mechanism for a container having a hinged or removable lid. A locking arm is disposed adjacent the container lid to prevent an opening of the lid, and a cable, or rigid bar, connects the locking arm to the locking mechanism. The elements of the locking mechanism comprise a slide plate to which the cable is fixed; a spring for urging the slide plate to a locked position, a guide member for guiding the slide plate, and a trigger ball which blocks movement of the slide arm in the locked position. When the container is tilted forward by a predetermined angle, the trigger ball becomes dislodged from the locking position to enable movement of the slide plate, and subsequent movement of the locking arm. When the locking arm is moved out of the path of travel for the container lid, the contents of the container may be removed. In one embodiment, a stop is provided to limit rotation of the locking bar to prevent contact with the container lid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.