Method and apparatus for combining the lid-securing and carrying functions of covered containers
US6116452A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved system and method for carrying and securing the lid of a container, such as a surgical sterilization tray. A tray is provided with rotating wire bail handles and at least two studs. The cover for the tray has a keyway and cutout which can be engaged with the studs when the lid is placed onto the case. Inadvertent disengagement of the keyway or cutout from the studs is prevented by the interaction of the handles with the lid. The lid is provided with slots and end panels which become mechanically associated with the handles when the handles are rotated to any of a variety of lid-securing positions. The association of the handles with the lid prevents any relative sliding motion of the lid and case which would allow disengagement of the keyway or cutout and the studs, until the handles are rotated to any of a variety of non-lid-securing positions. The system combines the handle and lid-securing functions in a very low part-count design with very few moving parts. The system can be grasped and lifted even when the tray can only be accessed from above, offers improved ergonomics over known systems, can be grasped using full-hand grip of the ha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.