The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 23, 2024
Filed:
Aug. 17, 2021
United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US);
Julian Leland Bell, Decatur, GA (US);
Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Peachtree Corners, GA (US);
Justin Ashtiani, Lithonia, GA (US);
United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US);
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.