A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A closure includes a pivoting closure cap and a closure base configured to more easily align and securely pivot open without uncoupling. In various embodiments, the pivoting closure cap includes a pair of hinge assemblies including hinge pins pivotable between a closed position and an open position where the pivoting closure cap is opened for pouring. The closure base includes a pair of hinge pin receivers with a hinge pin sockets. The hinge pins located and rotatable within the sockets.

A package includes a container and a closure coupled to the container to control release of product therefrom. The closure includes a closure body coupled to the container and a flip-top cap coupled to the closure body and configured to pivot relative to the closure cap between a closed position and an opened position.

A package includes a flexible body configured to transition between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The body includes an open first end, a closed second end, and sides extending between the first end and the second end. The package also includes a closure connected to the body having a first end, a second end, and a slit extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the closure. The closure is configured to transition between a closed configuration, in which the closure retains the body in the collapsed configuration sealing the open first end of the body, and an open configuration upon application of a biaxial force to the first end and the second end of the closure, which causes the body to transition to the expanded configuration.

This disclosure relates to a cover and a water container using the cover. The cover comprises a cover base, an upper cover, a bracket, a pressing ring and a button. The upper cover is hinged to the cover base and has a first snap portion. The pressing ring is hinged to the bracket and has a snap-fit portion for snapping the upper cover. The button is pivotally arranged on the cover base in a lever manner and has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the button has a second snap portion. The pressing ring is connected to the cover base by a reset elastic member. When the pressing ring is turned relative to the bracket and pushes against the lower end of the button, a pushing force is applied to the lower end of the button to disengage the second snap portion from the first snap portion. The user operates the overturn of the pressing ring with one hand to disengage the pressing ring from the upper cover and disengage the button from the upper cover, and then the cover is completely opened. After the pressing ring and the button return to their original positions, the user can turn the upper cover with one hand again, and then the cover can be easily closed. In this way, users can open and close the cover with one hand conveniently.

A container for wipes, and a cap for the container, having a pop-up style dispensing means positioned beneath a reclosable lid. The container may be as upright cylindrical container for perforated wipes or a rigid tub for interfolded wipes. The dispensing means comprises flexible, rubber-like material having at least one opening through which wipes are removed from the container when the lid is open, and a hard plastic backing member underneath a portion of the rubber-like material adjacent the opening through which wipes are removed.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

This disclosure relates to a cover and a water or liquid container using the cover. An example cover includes a base; an opening in the base; a lid hinged to the base, the lid including a retention feature; a pressing ring hinged to the base, the pressing ring releasably couplable with the retention feature and a button pivotally coupled to the base, the button releasably couplable with the retention feature, wherein rotation of the pressing ring releases the pressing ring from the retention feature, causes rotation of the button, and releases the button from the retention feature, wherein release of the pressing ring and the button from the retention feature enables the lid to move from a first position in which the lid covers the opening to a second position in which the opening is exposed.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A container includes a lid having a peripheral flange which defines a lifting tab. The container includes a base having an upper peripheral rim. A bend line is formed in a surface of the base to define a bendable portion of the base. The bendable portion of the base receives and limits access to the lifting tab when the container is closed. A container includes a lid having a peripheral flange which defines a lifting tab. The lifting tab has a top surface and a bottom surface. The lid includes a protrusion extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the lifting tab. The container includes a base. The base has an aperture formed in a portion of the base to receive the protrusion of the lid when the container is closed.