SAFETY CONTAINER FOR FUEL OR OTHER HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, such as fuel, featuring a teardrop-shaped spout and various lid-lock mechanisms. The teardrop-shaped spout is ergonomically designed to provide controlled and precise pouring, reducing spills and enhancing safety. The safety container may include one of multiple innovative lid-lock mechanisms to maintain the lid in an open position during pouring. These lid-lock mechanisms may include: (1) a pin-lock mechanism with a slide linkage piece, angled rotating pin piece, and locking hole; (2) a bi-stable lid-lock mechanism utilizing an internal spring in the handle for automatic lid positioning; and (3) bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanisms using either flexible curved portions or a springboard platform with springs for biasing. Each lid-lock mechanism ensures the lid remains securely open during use and closed when not in use, providing reliable and safe handling of hazardous liquids.

Claims

1. A safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, the safety container comprising: a teardrop-shaped spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring; a lid covering the teardrop-shaped spout, configured to be locked in an open position and a closed position; and a lid-lock mechanism configured to maintain the lid in the open position during pouring and maintain the lid in the closed position when not in use.

2. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a narrow and pointed end that includes a pointed tip located at a dispensing end of the teardrop-shaped spout and provides precise flow control and directed pouring.

3. The safety container of claim 2, wherein the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a rounded base opposite the narrow and pointed end, wherein the rounded base provides structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

4. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the lid-lock mechanism is a pin-lock mechanism, comprising: a slide linkage piece configured to move backward along a guided track when the lid is in the closed position; an angled rotating pin piece configured to rotate along a pivot link between the slide linkage piece and the angled rotating pin piece when the slide linkage piece is retracted; and a locking hole into which the angled rotating pin piece is inserted to lock the lid in the open position.

5. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the lid-lock mechanism is a bi-stable lid-lock mechanism, comprising: a sliding handle attached to the lid, wherein the sliding handle includes a first linkage and a second linkage opposite the second linkage; and a pair of bi-stable springs housed inside a handle portion of the sliding handle, wherein the bi-stable springs are connected to the first linkage and the second linkage, wherein in a first state, the lid remains closed due to a tension of the bi-stable springs in an extended configuration, and wherein in a second state, pulling back on the sliding handle compresses the bi-stable springs, causing the lid to open and the bi-stable springs to extend the first linkage and the second linkage to a maximum length, thereby locking the lid in the open position.

6. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the lid-lock mechanism is a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism, comprising: two curved, flexible portions located on opposite sides of the bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism; and an actuator connected to the lid that moves the lid from the closed position to the open position and extends linearly between the two curved, flexible portions, wherein in a first state, the actuator remains stable due to the curved, flexible portions holding the actuator and the lid in the closed position, wherein in a second state, actuating the actuator bends the curved, flexible portions, allowing the actuator to move linearly between the two curved, flexible portions, and once the actuator reaches the open position, the curved, flexible portions return to a curved state, holding the actuator and the lid in the open position.

7. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the lid-lock mechanism is a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism, comprising: a springboard platform with a handle connected to the lid; and one or more springs positioned underneath the springboard platform, wherein in a first state, the lid remains closed due to an upward biasing force of the one or more springs on the springboard platform and wherein in a second state, downward pressure applied to the springboard platform compresses the one or more springs, allowing the lid to move to the open position, with the one or more springs exerting a force to maintain the lid in the open position.

8. The safety container of claim 1, wherein the teardrop-shaped spout is configured to provide a smooth and steady flow of liquid, minimizing spills and enhancing safety during dispensing.

9. A safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, the safety container comprising: a spout configured to provide pouring of the hazardous liquids; a lid covering the spout, configured to be locked in an open position and a closed position; and a pin-lock mechanism configured to maintain the lid in the open position during pouring and maintain the lid in the closed position when not in use, that comprises: a slide linkage piece configured to move along a guided track when the lid is in the closed position; an angled rotating pin piece configured to rotate along a pivot link between the slide linkage piece and the angled rotating pin piece when the slide linkage piece is retracted; and a locking hole into which the angled rotating pin piece is inserted to lock the lid in the open position.

10. The safety container of claim 9, wherein the locking hole is located at a rear portion of the safety container.

11. The safety container of claim 9, wherein the spout includes a teardrop-shaped spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring, the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a narrow and pointed end and a rounded base opposite the narrow and pointed end.

12. The safety container of claim 11, wherein the narrow and pointed end includes a pointed tip located at a dispensing end of the spout and provides precise flow control and directed pouring.

13. The safety container of claim 12, wherein the rounded base provides structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

14. A safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, the safety container comprising: a spout configured to provide pouring of the hazardous liquids; a lid covering the spout, configured to be locked in an open position and a closed position; and a bi-stable lid-lock mechanism configured to maintain the lid in the open position during pouring and maintain the lid in the closed position when not in use, that comprises: a sliding handle attached to the lid, wherein the sliding handle includes a first linkage and a second linkage opposite the second linkage, and a pair of bi-stable springs housed inside a handle portion of the sliding handle, wherein the bi-stable springs are connected to the first linkage and the second linkage, wherein in a first state, the lid remains closed due to a tension of the bi-stable springs in an extended configuration, and wherein in a second state, pulling back on the sliding handle compresses the bi-stable springs, causing the lid to open and the bi-stable springs to extend the first linkage and the second linkage to a maximum length, thereby locking the lid in the open position.

15. The safety container of claim 14, wherein the spout includes a teardrop-shaped spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring, the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a narrow and pointed end and a rounded base opposite the narrow and pointed end, wherein the narrow and pointed end includes a pointed tip located at a dispensing end of the spout and provides precise flow control and directed pouring, wherein the rounded base provides structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

16. A safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, the safety container comprising: a spout configured to provide pouring of the hazardous liquids; a lid covering the spout, configured to be locked in an open position and a closed position; and a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism configured to maintain the lid in the open position during pouring and maintain the lid in the closed position when not in use, that comprises: two curved, flexible portions located on opposite sides of the bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism, and an actuator connected to the lid that moves the lid from the closed position to the open position and extends linearly between the two curved, flexible portions, wherein in a first state, the actuator remains stable due to the curved, flexible portions holding the actuator and the lid in the closed position, wherein in a second state, actuating the actuator bends the curved, flexible portions, allowing the actuator to move linearly between the two curved, flexible portions, and once the actuator reaches the open position, the curved, flexible portions return to a curved state, holding the actuator and the lid in the open position.

17. The safety container of claim 16, wherein the spout includes a teardrop-shaped spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring, the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a narrow and pointed end and a rounded base opposite the narrow and pointed end, wherein the narrow and pointed end includes a pointed tip located at a dispensing end of the spout and provides precise flow control and directed pouring, wherein the rounded base provides structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

18. A safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, the safety container comprising: a spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring of the hazardous liquids; a lid covering the spout, configured to be locked in an open position and a closed position; and a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism configured to maintain the lid in the open position during pouring and maintain the lid in the closed position when not in use, that comprises: a springboard platform with a handle connected to the lid, and one or more springs positioned underneath the springboard platform, wherein in a first state, the lid remains closed due to an upward biasing force of the one or more springs on the springboard platform and in a second state, downward pressure applied to the springboard platform compresses the one or more springs, allowing the lid to move to the open position, with the one or more springs exerting a force to maintain the lid in the open position.

19. The safety container of claim 18, wherein the spout includes a teardrop-shaped spout configured to provide controlled and precise pouring, the teardrop-shaped spout comprises a narrow and pointed end and a rounded base opposite the narrow and pointed end.

20. The safety container of claim 19, wherein the narrow and pointed end includes a pointed tip located at a dispensing end of the spout and provides precise flow control and directed pouring and the rounded base provides structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a safety container with a lid locking mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the safety container and lid locking mechanism depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0015] FIG. 3A is a top perspective of the top of the safety container and lid locking mechanism depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the top of the safety container and lid locking mechanism depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a teardrop shaped spout of the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a lid and lid locking mechanism of the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0019] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view a portion of a pin-lock mechanism used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0020] FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of a pin-lock mechanism in the closed lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0021] FIG. 6C is a cross-section view of the pin-lock mechanism depicted in FIG. 6B moving between the closed lid configuration and the open lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0022] FIG. 6D is a cross-section view of the pin-lock mechanism depicted in FIG. 6B in the open lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0023] FIG. 7A is a cross-section view of a portion of a bi-stable lid-lock mechanism in the closed lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0024] FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of a portion of the bi-stable lid-lock mechanism depicted in FIG. 7A in the open lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0025] FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a bi-stable lid-lock springboard mechanism in the closed lid configuration that could be used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0026] FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the bi-stable lid-lock springboard mechanism depicted in FIG. 8A in the open lid configuration that could be used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0027] FIG. 9A is a cross-section view of a bi-stable lid-lock springboard mechanism in the closed lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0028] FIG. 9B is a cross-section view of the bi-stable lid-lock springboard mechanism depicted in FIG. 9A in the open lid configuration used with the safety container depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0029] Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Aspects of this disclosure relate to a container designed for the safe storage and dispensing of fuel and other hazardous liquids. Specifically, the invention pertains to a safety container with a teardrop-shaped spout and a variety of lid-lock mechanisms to ensure safe and convenient use.

[0031] The present invention provides a safety container for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, such as fuel, featuring a teardrop-shaped spout and various lid-lock mechanisms. The teardrop-shaped spout is ergonomically designed to provide controlled and precise pouring, reducing spills and enhancing safety. The safety container may include one of multiple innovative lid-lock mechanisms to maintain the lid in an open position during pouring. These lid-lock mechanisms may include: (1) a pin-lock mechanism with a slide linkage piece, angled rotating pin piece, and locking hole; (2) a bi-stable lid-lock mechanism utilizing an internal spring in the handle for automatic lid positioning; or (3) bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanisms using either flexible curved portions or a springboard platform with springs for biasing. Each lid-lock mechanism ensures the lid remains securely open during use and closed when not in use, providing reliable and safe handling of hazardous liquids.

[0032] In some examples, FIGS. 1-5 depict a safety container 100 for storing and dispensing hazardous liquids, such as fuel. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a safety container 100 in a front perspective view and a side view, respectively, with the lid and the lid-lock mechanism in the closed configuration, with the lid covering the spout. FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a top portion of the safety container 100 with the lid and the lid-lock mechanism in the open configuration. FIG. 4 depicts a close-up view of the spout of the safety container 100. FIG. 5 depicts a close-up view of the top portion of the safety container 100 with the lid and the lid-lock mechanism in the closed configuration, with the lid covering the spout.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the safety container 100 may include a container 110, a handle 112, and a base 114. The safety container 100 may also include a second handle 116 to assist with pouring. The safety container 100 may also include a spout 120 with a lid 122 that covers the spout 120. The safety container 100 may also include a lid-lock mechanism 200 as will be explained in more detail below. The lid-lock mechanism 200 may be connected to a lid connector 124 that connects to the lid 122. The lid-lock mechanism 200 may keep the lid 122 open during dispensing or pouring, ensuring safe and convenient operation. The lid-lock mechanism 200 may also help keep the lid 122 covering the spout 120 when the safety container 100 is closed and not in use.

[0034] The safety container 100 may include a teardrop-shaped spout 120. The teardrop-shaped spout 120 may provide a controlled and directed flow of liquid, minimizing spills and splashes during pouring. The unique teardrop-shaped spout 120 may aid in precise dispensing and enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of accidental spills. The teardrop-shaped spout 120 offers an ergonomic design that helps reduce spills and splashes during dispensing, thereby enhancing safety and ease of use. The teardrop-shaped spout 120 may include a unique geometry that allows for a smooth and steady flow of liquid, minimizing the risk of accidents.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the teardrop-shaped spout 120 is a spout design that may be characterized by a profile that resembles a teardrop, combining a narrow and pointed end 130 with a wider and rounded base 132. The narrow and pointed end 130 may include a pointed tip 134 located at the dispensing end of the spout 120, which allows for precise flow control and/or directed pouring. The wider and rounded base 132 may include a broader base where the spout 120 connects to the safety container 100, providing structural stability and a smooth transition for fluid flow.

[0036] In some examples, the safety container 100 may include one of multiple lid-lock mechanisms 200, 300, 400, 500 connected to the lid connector 124 to keep the lid 122 open during dispensing or pouring, ensuring safe and convenient operation.

[0037] Each lid-lock mechanism 200, 300, 400, 500 may be designed to be user-friendly and reliable, ensuring safe handling of hazardous liquids. These lid-lock mechanisms may include a pin-lock mechanism 200, a bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300, or a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400, 500. FIGS. 6A-6D depict a safety container 100 that includes a pin-lock mechanism 200. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a safety container 100 that includes a bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300. FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a safety container 100 that include a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict another bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the safety container 100 may include a pin-lock mechanism 200 connected to a lid connector 124 that is connected to a lid 122 that covers a spout 120 on the safety container 100. The pin-lock mechanism 200 may be utilized for opening and closing the lid 122 during dispensing. The pin-lock mechanism 200 may be designed to secure the lid 122 in an open position during pouring. The pin-lock mechanism 200 may also be designed to secure the lid 122 in a closed position over the spout 120.

[0039] The pin-lock mechanism 200 may comprise a series of interlocking components that secure the lid 122 in an open position. The pin-lock mechanism 200 may include a slide linkage piece 210, a rotating pin piece 220 connected to the slide linkage piece 210 by a pivot link 230 between the slide linkage piece 210 and the rotating pin piece 220, and a locking hole 240. The slide linkage piece 210 may be located within a guided track or slot 205 within a top portion of the safety container 100. A first end 212 of the slide linkage piece 210 may be connected to a lid connector 124 that connects to the lid 122. A second end 214 opposite the first end 212 of the slide linkage piece 210 may be connected to the rotating pin piece 220 with the pivot link 230. The locking hole 240 may be located adjacent to the spout 120. The locking hole 240 may also be located adjacent to the guided track or slot 205. FIG. 6A shows the locking hole guided track or slot 205 and the locking hole 240.

[0040] The user may initiate the lid opening process by sliding the slide linkage piece 210 backward along a guided track or slot 205 to engage the pin-lock mechanism 200. Sliding the slide linkage piece 210 pulls the lid connector 124 back and opens the lid 122 from covering the spout 120. Once the slide linkage piece 210 is in position and fully retracted and the lid 122 is fully open, the rotating pin piece 220 may be rotated into position by pivoting the angled rotating pin piece 220 about the pivot link 230. The angled rotating pin piece 220 may then be inserted into the locking hole 240 to lock the lid 122 in place in the open position.

[0041] The user may initiate the lid closing process by performing the above steps in the reverse process. First, the user may remove the angled rotating pin piece 220 from the locking hole 240. Next, the user may rotate the angled rotating pin piece about the pivot link. Lastly, the user may slide the slide linkage piece forward along the guided track or slot and fulling closing the lid on the spout.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the safety container 100 may include a bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 connected to a lid connector 124 that is connected to a lid 122 that covers a spout 120 on the safety container 100. The bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 may be utilized for opening and closing the lid 122 during dispensing. The bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 may be designed to secure and lock the lid 122 in an open position during pouring. The bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 may also be designed to secure the lid 122 in a closed position over the spout 120. The bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 may include a pair of bi-stable springs 310, 320, and a sliding handle 330 attached to the lid. The sliding handle 330 may include a first linkage 332, a second linkage 334 opposite the first linkage 332, and a connecting handle 336 that connects the first linkage 332 to the second linkage 334.

[0043] The bi-stable spring lid-lock mechanism 300 may utilize a bi-stable spring configuration with the pair of bi-stable springs 310, 320 to maintain, secure, and lock the lid 122 in either a closed or open position. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, with the lid 122 in the closed configuration, the lid 122 may remain closed due to the tension of the one or more bi-stable springs 310, 320 extended and housed inside the sliding handle 330 connected to the first linkage 332 and the second linkage 334. This configuration and tension in the one or more bi-stable springs 310, 320 ensures the lid 122 remains securely shut, preventing accidental opening. Transitioning to the open position is achieved by pulling back on the sliding handle 330 and the connecting handle 336. The pulling back on the sliding handle 330 and the connecting handle 336 compresses the one or more bi-stable springs 310, 320, causing the opens the lid 122. The one or more bi-stable springs 310, 320 may extend the linkage backwards to its maximum distance, thereby locking the lid 122 in the open position. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, with the lid 122 in the open configuration, the lid 122 is kept open from the opposite compression of the one or more bi-stable springs 310, 320 within the sliding handle 330 and specifically between the first linkage 332 and the second linkage 334, keeping the lid 122 open for easy fueling and usage.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the safety container 100 may include a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 connected to a lid connector 124 that is connected to a lid 122 that covers a spout 120 on the safety container 100. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 may be utilized for opening and closing the lid 122 during dispensing. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 may be designed to secure and lock the lid 122 in an open position during pouring. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 may also be designed to secure the lid 122 in a closed position over the spout 120. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 may include two curved, flexible portions 410, 420 on opposite sides of a handle 430 with an actuator 440 located along the handle 430. The handle 430 may be located between a guide 432 and the curved, flexible portions 410, 420. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the actuator 440 may include one or more extensions 442. A first end 434 of the handle 430 may be connected to the lid 122 and a second end 436 opposite the first end 434 may be utilized by the user to slide the handle 430.

[0045] The handle 430 and the first end 434 may be connected to the lid 122 that moves the lid 122 from the closed position to the open position and extends linearly between the two curved, flexible portions 410, 420. A user may pull or push on the second end 436 of the handle 430 and actuator 440 to move the handle 430 and actuator 440 between the curved, flexible portions 410, 420. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in a first configuration, the handle 430 and the actuator 440, which controls the position of the lid 122, remains stable due to the inherent stability provided by the curved, flexible portions 410, 420. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in a second configuration, and to open the lid 122, the user may push on the handle 430 and the actuator 440. This action may bend the curved, flexible portions 410, 420, allowing the actuator 440 to move linearly along the within the guide 432. Once the handle 430 and the actuator 440 reaches the designated open position, the curved, flexible portions 410, 420 return to their original curved state, holding the handle 430 and the actuator 440 and, consequently, the lid 122 in the open position. This bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 leverages the flexibility and resilience of curved, flexible portions 410, 420 to achieve reliable bi-stable behavior. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400 and the curved, flexible portions 410, 420 may be made of flexible plastic pieces to provide the flexibility and resilience needed to maintain the position of the lid 122. Other materials that provide the flexibility and resilience may be utilized for the curved, flexible portions 410, 420 and the bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 400.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the safety container 100 may include a bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 connected to a lid connector 124 that is connected to a lid 122 that covers a spout 120 on the safety container 100. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 may use a springboard platform 510 with springs 520 positioned underneath to provide biasing. This variant of the bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 uses a springboard platform 510 with springs 520 positioned underneath to provide the necessary biasing force. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 may be utilized for opening and closing the lid 122 during dispensing. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 may be designed to secure and lock the lid 122 in an open position during pouring. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 may also be designed to secure the lid 122 in a closed position over the spout 120. The bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 may include a springboard platform 510, a handle 530 connected to lid connector 124 and the lid 122, an actuator 540 located along the handle 530, and one or more springs 520 positioned underneath the springboard platform 510. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the actuator 540 may include one or more extensions 542. A first end 534 of the handle 530 may be connected to the lid 122 and a second end 536 opposite the first end 534 may be utilized by the user to slide the handle 530. The springboard platform 510 may be curved and shaped such that when the actuator 540 slides over the springboard platform 510, the actuator 540 is biased towards sliding to either side of the springboard platform 510.

[0047] In a first state, the lid 122 may remain closed due to an upward biasing force of the one or more springs 520 on the springboard platform 510 caused by the actuator 540. In a second state, downward pressure applied to the springboard platform 510 by the actuator 540 may compress the one or more springs 520, allowing the lid 122 to move to the open position, with the one more springs 520 exerting a force to maintain the lid 122 in the fully open state.

[0048] The handle 530 and the first end 534 may be connected to the lid connector 124 and the lid 122 that moves the lid 122 from the closed position to the open position. A user may pull or push on the second end 536 of the handle 530 and the actuator 540 to move the handle 530 and actuator 540 over the springboard platform 510. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, in a first configuration with the lid 122 closed, the handle 530 and the actuator 540, which controls the position of the lid 122, remains stable due to the inherent stability provided by the springboard platform 510 and the one or more springs 520 biased against the springboard platform 510. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, in a second configuration, and to open the lid 122, the user may pull on the handle 530 and the actuator 540. This action may move the actuator 540 across the springboard platform 510, allowing the actuator 540 to move linearly along across the springboard platform 510 and biasing the one or more springs 520 downward. Once the handle 530 and the actuator 540 reaches the designated open position, the springboard platform 510 and one or more springs 520 bias upward and return to their original state, holding the handle 530 and the actuator 540 and, consequently, the lid 122 in the open position. This bi-stable springboard lid-lock mechanism 500 leverages the flexibility and resilience of one or more springs 520 against the springboard platform 510 to achieve reliable bi-stable behavior. Once the lid 122 reaches the fully open state, the springs 520 exert a force to maintain this position, effectively locking the lid 122 open. This configuration provides a stable and reliable means to keep the lid 122 open during pouring.

[0049] In use, the safety container 100 is filled with the desired hazardous liquid. The teardrop-shaped spout facilitates easy and controlled pouring, reducing the risk of spills. Depending on the chosen lid lock mechanism, the user can securely lock the lid in the open position by following the specific steps outlined for each mechanism. The pin-lock mechanism offers a mechanical lock, the bi-stable mechanism utilizes a spring for automatic positioning, and the bi-stable springboard mechanisms use either flexible portions or a springboard platform to maintain the position of the lid.

[0050] Each mechanism is designed to be intuitive and reliable, ensuring that the lid remains open during pouring and securely closed when not in use. This dual functionality enhances safety and convenience, making the safety container an essential tool for handling hazardous liquids.

[0051] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.