Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6779681
-
Patent Number
6,779,681
-
Date Filed
Monday, February 26, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, August 24, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 220 324
- 220 326
- 220 835
- 220 422
- 220 423
- 206 15
- 292 13
- 292 19
- 292 87
- 292 89
- 292 91
- 292 107
- 292 120
- 292 238
- 292 209
- 292 DIG 11
- 292 DIG 30
- 292 207
- 190 119
- 190 120
- 070 70
- 070 71
-
International Classifications
-
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a latch for a storage unit.
BACKGROUND
It is generally known to provide for a storage unit having a base, a cover, and a latch for securing the cover in a “closed” or “locked” position. Such latches are typically “buckles” or hasps.
However, such known latches has several disadvantages including: requiring two hands to operate; requiring multiple materials and components; having one or more “pinch points” that may pinch the hand of a user; requiring an undesirable amount of force to operate (which makes actuation difficult for some users); requiring precise alignment and/or a secondary device (e.g., lock) to “lock.”
To provide an inexpensive, reliable and widely adaptable technique of engaging/locking and disengaging/unlocking such items as storage units and totes to avoid the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a latch for a storage unit. It would also be advantageous to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-manufacture and aesthetically pleasing latch which overcomes the above-noted disadvantages of prior latches for storage units. It would further be advantageous to provide a latch that only requires one hand (or finger) to operate. It would further be advantageous to provide a latch that requires a lesser amount of force to operate. It would further be advantageous to provide a latch that employs components that may be fabricated (e.g., integrally molded) with latch, cover, or base. It would be desirable to provide for a latch having one or more of these or other advantageous features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
How these and other advantages and features of the present invention are accomplished, individually or in various subcombinations, is described in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings. Generally, however, they may be accomplished in a storage unit comprising a base, a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base. The mechanism includes a member that is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture.
These and other features of the present invention may also be accomplished in a storage unit comprising a base having a rim, a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base. The mechanism includes a user interface and a post. The user interface is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. The post is at least partially disposed in an aperture in the rim when user interface is in the second position.
These and other features of the present invention may further be accomplished in a storage unit comprising a base having a rim, a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, 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.
The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects of the present invention are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the storage unit with the cover partially open according to a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the storage unit of
FIG. 1
with the cover closed.
FIG. 3
is a rear perspective view of the storage unit of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
is a fragmentary perspective view of the storage unit of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 5
is a schematic perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6
is a schematic perspective view of a cover for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7
is a top plan view of the storage unit of
FIG. 1
with the latch in a locked position.
FIG. 8
is a top plan view of the storage unit of
FIG. 1
with the latch in an unlocked position.
FIG. 9
is a sectional view of storage unit of
FIG. 7
taken along the line
9
—
9
.
FIG. 10
is a sectional view of storage unit of
FIG. 8
taken along the line
10
—
10
.
FIG. 11
is a sectional view of storage unit of
FIG. 1
taken along the line
11
—
11
.
FIG. 12
is a sectional view of storage unit of
FIG. 7
taken along the line
12
—
12
.
FIG. 13
is a schematic fragmentary elevation view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14
is a schematic fragmentary elevation view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a storage unit
10
having a cover
12
and a mechanism (shown as a latch
14
) is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Latch
14
is intended to provide quick and easy access to the interior space of the storage unit
10
with the use of only one hand (or finger) to operate or actuate latch
14
and open cover
12
. Latch
14
is operated by being moved between an engaged (e.g., locked, closed, etc.) position (see
FIGS. 2
,
7
,
9
, and
12
) and a disengaged (e.g., unlocked, open, etc.) position (see
FIGS. 1
,
8
, and
10
). According to a preferred embodiment, moving latch
14
between the engaged and disengaged position may be done with one hand, or a single finger of one hand. By providing “one-handed” manipulation of the latch
14
, it is intended to allow for the other hand to be free to handle items (i.e., load or unload articles into or from, respectively, storage unit
10
).
Before proceeding to the detailed description of the preferred and exemplary embodiment, several comments can be made about the general applicability and the scope thereof.
First, construction and operation of the latch described in this specification may be used with any article (e.g., lid, top, door, hood, panel, etc.) that provides access in addition to the cover specifically illustrated. Additionally, the associated latch and its operation may have any of a variety of applications for other articles that employ a “locking” feature (or otherwise secured when in a “closed” position). Further, the latch may be used with a variety of items that secured when in a “closed” position (e.g., storage enclosure, containers, totes, bins, boxes, lockers, trunks, coolers, etc.). It is also important to note that the term “storage unit,” “latch,” and “cover” are intended to be broad terms and not a terms of limitation.
Second, the particular materials used to construct the illustrated embodiments are also illustrative. For example, as will be appreciated by those familiar with the art, the storage unit and latch components can be made from any of a variety of plastics or elastomers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, wood, plastic, rubber, metal, etc., and a variety of other materials known to those familiar with the art. Also, the components may be manufactured from any of a variety of manufacturing methods (e.g., molding, blow molding, injection molding, stamping, etc.).
Further, the preferred and exemplary embodiments are illustrated with the latch in a generally horizontal position, and located on the front side of the storage unit (see FIGS.
1
and
2
). Alternative embodiments may be constructed with any of a variety of latch orientations and positions according to the desired configuration of the storage unit, latch performance, or manufacturing considerations (see for example,
FIGS. 1
,
4
, and
5
). Also, the latch may be located on the cover as in the preferred embodiment (see FIG.
1
), or on other components of the storage unit (e.g., the base). Furthermore, the latch shown in the illustrated embodiments is generally elliptical or oval in plan view, but can be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape.
Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplary embodiments,
FIGS. 1 and 2
show storage unit
10
having a base
16
and cover
12
configured to provide access to an interior (storage) space
18
defined by base
16
.
Base
16
includes a bottom wall
20
and sidewalls
22
that define storage space
18
. A rim
24
projects from side walls
22
and is further connected by a plurality of ribs
26
between rim
24
and sidewalls
22
. Ribs
26
are intended to improve manufacturability and to provide rigidity and support for rim
24
. According to alternative embodiments, base
16
may have any of a variety of configurations (e.g., curved, arcuate, cylindrical, multi-sided, etc.).
According to a preferred embodiment as shown in
FIG. 3
, cover
12
is coupled to base
16
by one or more hinges
28
and one or more latches
14
. Hinge
28
may be any of a variety of known pivotal coupling mechanisms that couples cover
12
to base
16
. According to alternative embodiments, storage unit
10
does not include hinge
28
but is secured in place with a flange (e.g., a hook) that engages rim
24
of base
16
in an interference fit (e.g., the hook grabs rim
24
on one or more sides of base
16
). Alternatively, two or more latches
14
may be placed about the cover (e.g., on opposite sides) such that the user may unlock cover by disengaging latches
14
nearly simultaneously.
Cover
12
is configured to be moved between an open position (see
FIG. 2
) and a closed position (see
FIG. 1
) to provide access to storage space
18
. (Alternatively, cover
12
is configured to be removed entirely from base
16
.) Cover
12
includes a top surface
30
a rim
32
. According to a preferred embodiment, rim
32
of cover
12
fits (e.g., loosely or snugly) adjacent rim
24
of base
16
.
Latch
14
is configured to actuate between an engaged (unlocked, open, etc.) position (see
FIGS. 1
,
8
, and
10
) and a disengaged (unlocked, closed, etc.) position (see
FIGS. 2
,
7
,
8
, and
12
). Latch
14
is further configured to be operated using one hand to releasably engage storage unit
10
so that cover
12
may be moved to provide access to interior space of base
16
. According to an exemplary embodiment, latch
14
actuates by pivoting about a pivot axis
34
. According to a preferred embodiment, pivot axis
34
is disposed between ends
36
,
38
to provide a toggle movement (e.g., rocking or teetering action, or the like).
Referring to
FIGS. 4
,
9
, and
10
, latch
14
includes a user interface
40
(e.g., pad, base member, actuator, etc.), a post
42
(e.g., member, boss, button, extension, etc.) extending from base
16
, and an attachment member
44
(e.g., clamp, grip, etc.). Latch
14
is in the locked position when post
42
engaged or coupled with base
16
.
User interface
40
provides an interface for the user to acutate latch
14
between the locked and unlocked positions. User interface
40
may have any of a variety of shapes and configurations that are adapted to fit in a similarly-shaped and configured area (e.g., recess) in rim
32
of cover
12
. User interface
40
includes ends
36
,
38
configured to provide push points for the user. Ends
36
,
38
may include indexes
46
(e.g., concave surfaces, depressions, dimples, recesses, convex surfaces, bumps, ridges, etc.) configured to receive a finger (e.g., a thumb) of the user. Ends may
36
,
38
may also include indicia
48
(painted, inked, raised surface(s), etc.) to inform the user how to actuate latch
14
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, indicia
48
may be an outline of a padlock in a locked position (exemplifying the end to actuate to engage or lock the latch), and in an unlocked position (exemplifying the end to actuate to disengage or unlock the latch).
Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10
, post
42
extends through an aperture
50
in rim
32
of cover
12
to releasably engage an aperture
52
in rim
24
of base
16
to lock and unlock latch
14
. According to a preferred embodiment, post
42
includes a base
54
, a head
56
, and a neck
58
intermediate head
56
and base
54
. Head
56
is configured (e.g., dimensioned) to be larger than corresponding aperture
52
of base
16
, and to deflect or distort when engaging or disengaging rim
52
. Head
56
may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes which generally correspond with the shape and size of aperture
52
(e.g., rectangular, circular, ovular, etc.). According to a preferred embodiment, head
56
has a circular cross-section and includes a first ramped surface
60
(e.g., conically-shaped) having its smaller diameter furthest from user interface
40
, and a second ramp surface
62
(e.g., conically-shaped) having its smaller diameter nearest user interface
40
. When latch
14
is in the engaged/locked position, head
56
is configured to resistively prevent post
42
from being removed from its position (between sidewall
22
and rim
24
of base
16
) by dimensional interference with aperture
52
(e.g., the diameter of aperture
52
is less than the largest diameter of head
56
).
According to a preferred embodiment, post
42
includes a slot
64
to allow deflection or distortion of head
56
, neck
58
, and base
54
. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, slot
64
extends down approximately one-quarter the height of post
42
. A portion of slot
64
may extend approximately the entire height of post
47
.
According to a preferred embodiment, post
42
is made from a compliant material (e.g. plastic, elastomer, etc.) having a “memory” so that when latch
14
engages or disengages base
16
, head
56
deflects or distorts and returns to substantially the same shape and configuration after passing through aperture
52
in rim
24
of base
16
. Rim
24
of base
16
may also be made out of a compliant material having a memory so that it may also (or alternatively) deflect during engagement or disengagement.
Latch
14
may have a variety of alternative embodiments that provide for “one-handed” locking and unlocking of storage unit
10
. For example, post
42
may be positioned on base
16
and aperture may be disposed on latch
14
. Referring to
FIG. 13
, slots
66
that extend from edge(s) of aperture
52
(e.g., radially, perpendicularly, etc.) may be provided (e.g., in rim
24
of base
16
, in comparable rim in latch
14
, etc.) so that material around aperture
52
deflects during engagement or disengagement. Referring to
FIG. 14
, post
42
may include a compressible member
68
(e.g., a grommet, o-ring, etc.) that deflects when post
42
is engaging or disengaging aperture
52
. Compressible member
68
may be seated in neck
58
, or may be seated in a circumferential groove
70
in post
42
. Alternatively, the compressible member may be configured to be disposed in rim
24
of base
16
when in the engaged/locked position and to provide a friction force to resist disengagement or unlocking of latch
14
.
Referring again to
FIGS. 9 and 10
, attachment member
44
couples to cover
12
and provides a fulcrum about which user interface
40
may pivot and leverage against. According to a preferred embodiment, attachment member
44
includes a pair of spaced apart flanges
72
that define a socket
74
. Socket
74
is configured to receive (e.g., in a snap-fit connection) a member or axle (shown as a rod
76
) on cover
12
. According to a preferred embodiment, flanges
72
form a “C-shape” that fits around rod
76
(e.g., more than 180°) in a snap fit engagement. Ends
36
,
38
of user interface
40
are spaced from attachment member
44
at a distance to provide leverage for engagement and disengagement of latch
14
from base
16
.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the latch as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, the location or orientation of the latch, the location of the post and the aperture, size and shape of the user interface, etc. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A storage unit comprising:a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture, the aperture extending through at least one of the cover and the base, and a user interface including first and second ends and adapted to move the member to the first position when the first end is pushed and to move the member to the second position when the second end is pushed wherein the mechanism includes an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots.
- 2. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the attachment member is located approximately midway between the first and second ends of the user interface.
- 3. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the member includes a post.
- 4. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the member includes a head.
- 5. The storage unit of claim 4 wherein the head is configured to be moved through the aperture when the member is moved between the first position and the second position.
- 6. A storage unit comprising:a base; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture, the aperture extending through at least one of the cover and the base,; wherein the mechanism includes a user interface; wherein the mechanism includes an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots; wherein the member includes a head; wherein the head is configured to be moved through the aperture when the member is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture.
- 7. The storage unit of claim 6 wherein the head is dimensionally larger than the aperture.
- 8. The storage unit of claim 6 wherein the head has a first and a second ramped surface.
- 9. The storage unit of claim 6 wherein the head is configured to resist removal after having been moved through the aperture.
- 10. A storage unit comprising:a base; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture; wherein the mechanism includes a user interface; wherein the mechanism includes an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots; wherein the member includes a head; wherein the head is configured to be moved through the aperture when the member is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture wherein the member includes a slot configured to provide relief for the head when it deforms.
- 11. The storage unit of claim 10 wherein the head is configured to return to an undeformed orientation when the mechanism is engaged.
- 12. A storage unit comprising:a base; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture; wherein the base includes a first rim; wherein the cover includes a second rim configured to be disposed adjacent the first rim of the base when the cover is in the first position; wherein the aperture is located on the first rim; and wherein the base includes a sidewall and one or more ribs between the first rim and the sidewall.
- 13. The storage unit of claim 12 wherein a pair of ribs are disposed on either side of the aperture and configured to support the first rim when the mechanism is being actuated.
- 14. A storage unit comprising:base; cover movable between a closed position and an open position; mechanism configured to releasable couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture; wherein the mechanism includes a user interface; wherein the mechanism includes an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots; and wherein the attachment member includes a pair of flanges configured to engage an axle.
- 15. A storage unit comprising:a base a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a member configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the member is at least partially disposed in an aperture, the aperture extending through at least one of the cover and the base, and a user interface including first and second ends and adapted to move the member to the first position when the first end is pushed and to move the member to the second position when the second end is pushed wherein the mechanism is a toggle.
- 16. A storage unit comprising:a base having a rim; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a user interface including first and second ends configured to pivot between a first position when the first end is pressed and a second position when the second end is pressed and a post wherein the post is at least partially disposed in an aperture extending through the rim when user interface is in the second position.
- 17. The storage unit of claim 16 wherein the mechanism is adapted to be operated quickly and easily by one hand of a user.
- 18. The storage unit of claim 16 wherein the mechanism includes an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots.
- 19. The storage unit of claim 16 wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position.
- 20. A storage unit comprising:a base having a rim; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a user interface configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and a post wherein the post is at least partially disposed in an aperture extending through the rim when the user interface is in the second position; wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture.
- 21. The storage unit of claim 20 wherein the head is dimensionally larger than the aperture.
- 22. The storage unit of claim 20 wherein the head has a first and second ramped surface.
- 23. A storage unit comprising:a base having a rim; a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; and a mechanism configured to releasably couple the cover to the base, the mechanism including a user interface configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and a post wherein the post is at least partially disposed in an aperture in the rim when the user interface is in the second position; wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture; wherein the post includes a slot configured to provide relief for the head when it deforms.
- 24. A storage unit comprising: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 including: a user interface having first and second ends and configured to pivot between a first position when the first end is pushed and a second position when the second end is pushed; a post configured to be at least partially disposed in an aperture extending through 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.
- 25. The storage unit of claim 24 wherein the latch is adapted to be operated quickly and easily by one hand of a user.
- 26. The storage unit of claim 24 wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position.
- 27. A storage unit comprising: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 including: 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 extending through 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; wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture.
- 28. A storage unit comprising: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 including: 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; wherein the post includes a head configured to be moved through the aperture when the user interface is moved between the first position and the second position; and wherein the head is configured to deform when moved through the aperture; wherein the post includes a slot configured to provide relief for the head when it deforms.
US Referenced Citations (37)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
526742 |
Feb 1993 |
EP |
2 332 702 |
Jun 1999 |
GB |