Plastic container including plastic hinge assembly

Abstract

A container that is preferably formed entirely of molded plastic materials includes a container body and a lid secured to the container body via a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin having a head and a shaft, where the hinge pin head has a maximum diameter substantially matching a maximum diameter of the shaft. With this construction, the container assembly can be easily and cost-effectively automated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 519,253, filed Nov. 13, 2003, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] (Not Applicable) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to a plastic container and, more particularly, to a plastic container including a hinge assembly with a substantially straight plastic hinge pin suitable for automated assembly. [0004] Attempts have been made to automate the assembly of plastic containers including lids and the like, but problems have arisen that prevent cost-efficient automation. For example, hinge pins are typically formed of aluminum or other metal material for its strength characteristics to prevent the hinge from being broken into. In order to secure such pins in place, a bend is typically formed at an end thereof after insertion. It i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a container including a hinge assembly using a plastic hinge pin that is suitable for automation while overcoming the drawbacks associated with prior attempts. The proposed design uses both a strong and secure snap fit for the hinge pin, which provides an initial engagement between the lid and the container body and a relatively short p

Problems solved by technology

Attempts have been made to automate the assembly of plastic containers including lids and the like, but problems have arisen that prevent cost-efficient automation.

It is considerably expensive if not impossible to automate the process of bending the hinge pins after installation into the hinge.

Using a straight hinge pin could solve the problem, but then it becomes difficult to prevent the pin from working its way out with extended use or possibly being removed in an attempt to break into the container.

Plastic hinge pins have been proposed, but it becomes difficult to secure the pin in the hinge.

Moreover, plastic hinge pins may be subject to tampering, thereby making it easier to break into a container.

This type of connection does not provide an adequate security level since the lid can be removed easily, even if a wire tie is used.

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