Tote lid hinge design

Abstract

Systems and methods for tote lid hinges are provided. In some embodiments, a tote includes: an interior of the tote; a lid to cover the interior of the tote; and a hinge mechanism configured to be opened in more than one direction. Different applications and use cases of a tote require differences in the opening direction of the tote lid. A flexible hinge mechanism allows the lid to be opened/closed for these various applications using the same hinge & lid design, rather than changing the lid type by application.

1 . A tote comprising:
 an interior of the tote;   a lid to cover the interior of the tote; and   a hinge mechanism configured to be opened in more than one direction.   
     
     
         2 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism is based on a ball and socket design. 
     
     
         3 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism comprises one or more socket arms configured to deflect out of the way during assembly/removal of the lid and snaps around one or more ball joint to capture and allow free rotation. 
     
     
         4 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism allows the lid to be opened from four sides. 
     
     
         5 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism allows for the lid to be completely removed and re-attached. 
     
     
         6 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism is symmetric such that the lid can be installed in a first way and in a second way that is at 180 degrees to the first way with no loss of function between the first way and the second way. 
     
     
         7 . The tote of  claim 1  further comprising a pivot latch to release the lid and/or secure the rotation of the lid. 
     
     
         8 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the tote comprises a storage container with a cooled volume which is used for transporting and preserving goods. 
     
     
         9 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a fixed component and a moveable component such that the components may be joined or separated in one orientation through an opening but are inseparable once rotated about an axis defined by the fixed component until the rotation is reversed to the initial position. 
     
     
         10 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the moveable component comprises a cross-sectional profile such that rotation of the moveable component is permitted within the fixed component but is retained. 
     
     
         11 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the fixed component includes a mechanical feature to prevent additional rotation beyond a fixed amount. 
     
     
         12 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the moveable component is removeable from a base when oriented in a specific position. 
     
     
         13 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a latch with spring plunger detent. 
     
     
         14 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the moveable component is retainable in the fixed component in various orientations by means of mechanical positioning features including one or more of: deflection hooks, spring plunger detents, and corresponding relief features in the fixed or moveable components. 
     
     
         15 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the fixed component utilizes a mechanical retaining feature to prevent the moveable component from free separation, or alternatively applying a clamping force to the lid and sealing materials between the mounting surface of the fixed component and the lid. 
     
     
         16 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a friction hinge for pivot rotation and a snap-fit retention. 
     
     
         17 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a live hinge inside of which can rotate a pin. 
     
     
         18 . The tote of  claim 17  wherein the pin can be pulled from the live hinge when enough force is applied in the vertical direction.