초록 ▼

A unitary hinged connector connects a metal container lid and a metal container bottom to form a hinged container. The metal lid and bottom have matching formed edges which may be identical in shape or interfitting. The hinged connector is formed of molded thermoplastic and includes a ring member, a

A unitary hinged connector connects a metal container lid and a metal container bottom to form a hinged container. The metal lid and bottom have matching formed edges which may be identical in shape or interfitting. The hinged connector is formed of molded thermoplastic and includes a ring member, a swingable partial segment, and an integrally formed hinge joining the ring member and the partial segment. The ring member, which is substantially continuous about the periphery, is normally attached to the formed edge of the container bottom, and has an upper seat for engaging less than all sides of the formed edge of the lid when the container is closed, leaving a hinge side of the formed edge free. The swingable partial segment securely grips at least the hinge side of the formed edge of the lid. The hinge is positioned to close the container in a normal condition and allow the container lid to pivot about the hinge to open the container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A metal container comprising the combination of: a container lid and a container bottom each having a closed end and a side wall terminated in a formed edge, the formed edges of the container lid and bottom defining a peripheral container shape; anda resilient connector s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A metal container comprising the combination of: a container lid and a container bottom each having a closed end and a side wall terminated in a formed edge, the formed edges of the container lid and bottom defining a peripheral container shape; anda resilient connector shaped to match the peripheral container shape and having seats sized to fit the formed edges of the container lid and bottom for forming a closed container, the connector having a ring member, a partial segment, and an integrally formed hinge joining the ring member and the partial segment,the ring member being substantially continuous about the periphery and having a down-facing seat for engaging the formed edge of the container bottom, and an up-facing seat for engaging fewer than all sides of the formed edge of the container lid, leaving at least one side of the formed edge of the container lid free,the partial segment having an up-facing seat for securely gripping at least the free side of the formed edge of the container lid,the hinge being positioned to close the container in a normal condition and allow the container lid to pivot about the hinge to open the container.