Spring-based Container Latch and Related Systems and Methods

Abstract

A spring device for use with a container latch is provided. The spring device includes first and second arms, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms have an attachment structure positioned at a distal end thereof. A spring portion is connected to the middle portion and extends away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms. An attachment sleeve is positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned is substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spring device for use with a container latch, the spring device comprising:
 at least one arm connected to a middle portion, the at least one arm having an attachment structure positioned at a distal end thereof, respectively;   a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with the at least one arm; and   an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal end of the at least one arm, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the at least one arm   
     
     
         2 . The spring device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one arm further comprises at least one of:
 a central arm position interior of the spring portion; and   a first arm and a second arm, each of the first and second arms positioned exterior of the spring portion.   
     
     
         3 . The spring device of  claim 1 , wherein the attached structure of the at least one arm further comprises a hole. 
     
     
         4 . The spring device of  claim 1 , wherein the spring portion further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched. 
     
     
         5 . The spring device of  claim 4 , wherein the attachment sleeve is biasable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with the at least one arm at the distal end, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with the at least one arm at the distal end. 
     
     
         6 . A container latching system comprising:
 a container;   a lid sized to fit over an opening within the container; and   a latch system engagable between a sidewall of the container and the lid, the latch system having:
 a spring structure comprising:
 a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; 
 a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and 
 an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms; 
 
 a flap connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve; and 
 a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion. 
   
     
     
         7 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , wherein the spring portion further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched. 
     
     
         8 . The spring device of  claim 7 , wherein the attachment sleeve is biasable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms at the distal ends, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms at the distal ends. 
     
     
         9 . The container latching system of  claim 7 , further comprising a slot formed within the arched area, wherein a length of the slot is substantially parallel to a length of each of the first and second arms. 
     
     
         10 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , wherein the middle portion is positioned on a top surface of the lid and both of the first and second arms are positioned around a corner edge of the lid, wherein the distal ends of the first and second arms are connected to a side of the lid. 
     
     
         11 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , wherein the spring portion is positioned between the first and second arms. 
     
     
         12 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion when the attachment sleeve is biased towards the first and second arms. 
     
     
         13 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , further comprising a lock contact structure positioned within the flap, wherein the lock contact structure engages with the locking protrusion when the latch system is engaged between the sidewall of the container and the lid. 
     
     
         14 . The container latching system of  claim 6 , further comprising an upper latch housing positioned over the middle portion and the first and second arms of the spring structure. 
     
     
         15 . The container latching system of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one fastener connected between the upper latch housing and the lid, wherein the at least one fastener is positioned through the upper latch housing and the distal ends of the first and second arms. 
     
     
         16 . A method of latching a container lid to a container, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a container and a lid, wherein the lid is sized to cover an opening of the container; and   latching the lid to the container using a latching system, the latching system having:   a spring structure comprising:
 a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; 
 a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and 
 an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms; 
   a flap connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve; and   a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the spring structure further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched, further comprising the step of biasing the attachment sleeve between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms at the distal ends, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms at the distal ends. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of engaging the flap with the locking protrusion when the attachment sleeve is biased towards the first and second arms. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein engaging the flap with the locking protrusion further comprises engaging a lock contact structure positioned within the flap with the locking protrusion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein engaging the flap with the locking protrusion further comprises biasing the spring portion towards the first and second arms, thereby moving the attachment sleeve to a position below the distal ends of the first and second arms.