Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Latching mechanisms, storage receptacles with latching mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing and using the same
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Application No.: US17404849Application Date: 2021-08-17
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Publication No.: US12043456B2Publication Date: 2024-07-23
- Inventor: Julian Leland Bell , Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr. , Justin Ashtiani
- Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
- Applicant Address: US GA Atlanta
- Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
- Current Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US GA Atlanta
- Agency: Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
- Main IPC: B65D43/22
- IPC: B65D43/22 ; B65D43/16 ; E05B63/12 ; E05C19/00

Abstract:
Latching mechanisms, storage receptacles with latching mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the latching mechanism includes a first latching element, a second latching element, and a ball-locking mechanism. The ball-locking mechanism allows the first latching element to be releasably secured to the second latching element. The latching mechanism may be integrated with a frame, which may be adjustable, and which may further be integrated with a storage receptacle, e.g., one that has a storage compartment and an opening. The components of the latching mechanism may be shaped, sized, or otherwise configured to enable, and facilitate, automated and/or semi-automated handling and manipulation. The latching mechanisms, storage receptacles, and associated handling systems described herein may be used in a logistics network operation.
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