US 11986946

Here is a concise summary of US Patent 11986946:

US Patent 11986946: Summary

• Title: Connection structure of module, storage box and storage box assembly
• Assignee: Meridian International Co Ltd.
• Inventors: Hongquan Zhang, Qiang Wang, Shujun CAI
• Filing Date: 2023-11-22
• Issue Date: 2024-05-21
• Abstract: The patent describes a connection structure for a module, such as a storage box, that features a first connection part and a second connection part. It includes a stop part positioned within the locking path of a locking mechanism. This design prevents the locking part from automatically engaging, thereby allowing the first connection part and second connection part to remain in an unlocked state. The stop part is retractable, extending when in an unlocked state and compressing when in a locked state.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a storage box that can connect to another storage box. It includes a "first connection part" on one box and a "second connection part" on another. The first part has a movable "locking buckle" biased by a "first resilient member" to automatically lock with a "mating part" on the second box when they align. A separate "locking part" allows for manual unlocking of the buckle. Critically, a retractable "stop part" is included; when this stop part extends outward into the locking mechanism's path, it prevents the automatic locking of the buckle, thereby keeping the boxes in an "unlocked" state. When the boxes are locked, this stop part is compressed.
• Claim 11: This claim is similar to Claim 1, detailing a storage box with an automatic locking mechanism and a manually operable locking part. The key difference lies in the "stop part," which is specifically described as being biased outward from a slot within the locking part by a second resilient member. This stop part moves perpendicular to the sliding path of the main locking part, enabling the hold-unlocked function.
• Claim 15: This claim outlines a storage box with a "first connection part" featuring a locking buckle that is automatically biased outward to a locked state by a first resilient member. A "locking part" moves horizontally to manually control this buckle between a retracted (unlocked) and an extended (locked) position. A "stop part" is integrated with this locking part and includes a holding slot and a second resilient member. When the stop part is extended from its slot, it corresponds to the unlocked state of the buckle (which is held retracted). When the stop part is retracted into its slot, it corresponds to the locked state of the buckle (which is held extended). A "second connection part" on the box has a mating part that interacts with the locking buckle.

Litigation Search:

A search of the USPTO database, specifically the Google Patents page for US11986946B2, indicates that the patent family has litigation.

• A PTAB case (IPR2025-01461) was filed in 2025 and is currently pending (instituted).
• A US case was filed in the California Central District Court (case 8:24-cv-01840).

Regarding CAFC 2026 dockets, no specific docket entries directly referencing patent 11986946 were found for the year 2026. The search results provided general information about USPTO and legal search facilities but did not yield specific CAFC litigation for this patent in 2026.