US4722025A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ground latch and case
Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN STRONG BOX CORP
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Filing: 1986-09-22
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Granted: 1988-01-26
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Expires: 2006-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A lined metal box for the containment and possible transportation of solid state electronic components is provided with a lid having a key-actuated securing latch therefor. In order to assure that no high voltage can be applied to the case, and more particularly its contents during the transfer thereof, the key for the metal case is provided with a grounding so adapted to ensure grounding of the case before the lid can be released and the contents therein made accessible. The box lining comprises an electrically conductive foam lining, to ensure that no cumulative electrostatic charge can build up, as all such charges leak to the box structure. At the time of unloading the box, the box is grounded and all electrostatic potentials are effectively reduced to the ground value.
Inventors
- 👤 Will B. Robinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 06:19
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K9/00; H05K9/0067; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/0894
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An electrically conductive container, having: a body portion; a lid closure portion therefor; latch means for retaining the lid portion in secured relation to the body portion, making electrical contact with said body portion and said lid; key means for releasing the latch means, said key means making electrical contact with the latch means; ground cable means connected with the key means to remove any charge above ground potential, and whereby upon insertion of said key in said latch means to open said container said container is effectively grounded and any electrostatic charge thereon is removed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
An electrically conductive container, having: a body portion; a lid closure portion therefor; latch means for retaining the lid portion in secured relation to the body portion, making electrical contact with said body portion and said lid; key means for releasing the latch means, said key means making electrical contact with the latch means; ground cable means connected with the key means to remove any charge above ground potential, and whereby upon insertion of said key in said latch means to open said container said container is effectively grounded and any electrostatic charge thereon is removed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The container as set forth in claim 1; said latch means having clip means secured to one said container portion, and grommet means secured to the other said container portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The container as set forth in claim 2; said latch means being secured to said container body portion, and said grommet means being secured to said lid portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The container as set forth in claim 3; said grommet means having an aperture therethrough for the passage of said key, and said clip means extending beyond said aperture to engage the remote edge of said grommet when in a closed condition, for disengagement therefrom upon insertion of said key in extended projecting relation through said grommet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The container as set forth in claim 1; in combination with a shock-insulative lining, and said lining having an electrical conduction characteristic of predetermined value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The container as set forth in claim 1; wherein said latch means comprises a tumbler-less lock.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of protecting sensitive solid state electronic components, comprising the steps of: inserting said components within a rigid electrically conductive container having a latch therefor electrically connected to said container; closing the container in latched securing relation with the components; subsequently inserting a key connected to a ground into said latch to thereby release any accumulated electrostatic charge from the container and also to contemporaneously permit the release of the latch, thereby permitting the container to be opened to access said components.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of protecting sensitive solid state electronic components, comprising the steps of: inserting said components within a rigid electrically conductive container having a latch therefor electrically connected to said container; closing the container in latched securing relation with the components; subsequently inserting a key connected to a ground into said latch to thereby release any accumulated electrostatic charge from the container and also to contemporaneously permit the release of the latch, thereby permitting the container to be opened to access said components.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4494651A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-25 | 1991-07-27 | 1992-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-25 | 1995-07-27 | 1996-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-25 | 1999-07-27 | 2000-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |