Patent ID: 9597790
Date: 2017-03-21
CPC Classifications: A45C,B25H,Y10T

Claim:
1. A utility box comprising: a base structured and arranged to store and carry articles; a lid hinged on the base; a handle attached to the lid structured and arranged for lifting and carrying the utility box; a primary latch for holding the lid in a closed position; and a resilient secondary latch located on the base or the lid which automatically engages a catch located on the base or lid opposite the secondary latch when the primary latch is not fastened and after the lid is moved upwardly from the closed position, wherein the catch comprises an inclined surface that engages with the resilient secondary latch to force the resilient secondary latch outward from the base or lid against an inward force applied by the resilient secondary latch when the lid is moved from an open position toward the closed position, and wherein the inward force applied by the resilient secondary latch forces the resilient secondary latch inward toward the base or lid after the inclined surface of the catch passes over the resilient secondary latch, and wherein the secondary latch and catch comprise opposing locking faces that are not in contact with each other when the lid is in the closed position, but which move vertically toward each other to thereby engage each other when the lid is moved upward.