Patent Publication Number: US-11661236-B2

Title: Container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/524,839 filed May 5, 2017, which is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/AU2015/000673 filed on Nov. 5, 2015, which claims the benefit of Australian Patent Application No. 2014904472 filed Nov. 6, 2014, the entire disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This specification discloses a container. The disclosed container may be used for the same purposes as, and instead of, common wooden pallets and intermediate bulk containers. 
     Background Art 
     Pallets are used for the storage and/or transport of goods and other substances. The pallets are usually made from wood although plastic pallets are becoming more common. Once goods have been loaded onto a pallet the pallet can be lifted and moved short distances by a fork lift truck. The pallet can be transported large distances by being loaded onto or in road or rail vehicles, marine vessels or aeroplanes. To assist in retaining goods on pallets is also know to wrap a laden pallet in plastic film. 
     When a pallet carries goods or materials that form a flat surface and have weight bearing characteristics it is possible to stack one loaded pallet on top of another. This assists in reducing overall transport costs as it enables a vehicle such as a tray top truck to carry more goods laden pallets than if stacking were not possible. However this is not possible when for example a pallet is loaded with a machine or other goods of irregular shape or that may otherwise not be suitable for bearing the load of an additional stacked pellet. 
     An intermediate bulk container (IBC) is an industrial container used to carry bulk liquids and particulate materials. One common form of IBC consists of container made of a plastics material (e.g. polyethylene) housed within a rigid open frame. An IBC can be loaded onto a pallet. One relatively common problem is that the IBC is prone to accidental piercing by a fork lit truck. Also when carrying hazardous materials, after the IBC has been emptied, there usually remains some residue of the hazardous material. As a consequence the emptied IBC must still be transported in accordance with the same requirements as a full IBC. 
     The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition the above description of the prior art is not intended to limit the application of the container disclosed herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a container and in particular, although by no means exclusively, to a container for storing and transporting goods, materials and commodities. To provide context the container may conveniently but not necessarily be configured to have a footprint of the same general size as a standard wooden pallet and/or IBC. 
     The disclosed container more particularly relates to a container having a lid structure that enables either front or top loading. The disclosed container is also able to be reconfigured between an erected condition, where wells of the container form an enclosed storage space, and a lay flat condition. 
     The disclosed container may include a liquid impervious bladder. The bladder can be formed of a material that can be collapsed or flattened. This enables the bladder when emptied to be removed from the storage space and flattened. The container itself can then be collapsed to the lay flat condition. By forming the walls of the container as solid walls the risk of piercing of the bladder is substantially reduced. 
     Also disclosed is a latch mechanism that may be used with or otherwise incorporated in the disclosed container to selectively latch panels/walls of the container, for example to control access to contents of the container. However the latch mechanism may also be used separately of, and not limited to use with, the disclosed container. 
     In one aspect there is disclosed a container comprising:
         a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls and a top wall, the walls be coupled together to enable the container to be reconfigured between a lay flat condition and an erected condition while the walls remain coupled together, wherein when in the erected condition the walls form an enclosed storage space; and   a lid structure comprising at least two lid panels wherein a first lid panel forms at least a part of the top wall and a second lid panel forms at least a part of one side wall;   the first lid panel being pivotally coupled to another of the side walls and detachably coupled to the second lid panel, the lid structure have a top load configuration wherein when the container is in the erected condition the first lid panel is capable of being decoupled from the second lid panel and pivoted to a position enabling top loading of the container while the second panel forms at least a part of the one side wall, a front load configuration where the first and second lid panels are connected to each other and moveable relative to each other to enable front loading of the container, and a closed configuration where the first and second lid panels act as respective parts of the top wall and one side wall to form the enclosed storage space.       

     In one embodiment the lid structure comprises a hinge mechanism comprising at least one member that is movable between an engaged position where the at least one member connects the first and second lid panels together and acts as a pivot axis enabling pivot motion of the first and second lid panels relative to each other, and a disengaged position enabling the second lid panel to be detached from the first lid panel. 
     In one embodiment the hinged mechanism is retained by one or both of the lid panels when in the engaged position and in the disengaged position. 
     In one embodiment the at least one member comprises at least two members wherein the at least two members are retained by one of the first lid panel and the second lid panel. 
     In one embodiment the at least one member comprises at least two members wherein a first of the at least two members is retained by the first lid panel and a second of the at least two of members is retained by the second lid panel. 
     In one embodiment the at least one members comprises at least one pin slidably mounted within one of the lid panels. 
     In one embodiment the first lid panel forms the top wall. 
     In one embodiment the second lid panel forms the one side wall. 
     In one embodiment each of the other side walls are formed of respective wall panels, each of the remaining wall panels being pivotally coupled to the base. 
     In one embodiment the lid structure is arranged to have two front load configurations these being a first front load configuration wherein both first and second lid panel are move to a location displaced from their location when the lid structure is in the closed configuration; and a second front load configuration where only the second lid panel move to allocation displaced from its location when the lid structure is in the closed configuration. 
     In one embodiment the lid structure is arranged so that the second lid panel is capable of tying flat on the first lid panel when in the first front load configuration. 
     In one embodiment the bottom wall comprises a bunded pallet. 
     In one embodiment the container comprises a locking system arranged to lock the container in the erected condition to prevent unauthorised access to the enclosed space. 
     In one embodiment the locking system comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms which are fixed to respective associated walls of the container, each locking mechanism having a locked state where locking mechanism locks two associated walls together and an unlocked state enabling the associated walls to be moved relative to each other. 
     In one embodiment the locking system comprises a plurality of secure locks each capable of engaging a respect locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised change from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     In one embodiment each locking mechanism comprises a drawbolt. 
     In one embodiment the container comprises a liquid impervious bladder disposed within the storage space, the bladder having at least sealable opening. 
     In one embodiment the at least one sealable opening is an inlet wherein the inlet is accessible when the lid structure is in the closed configuration. 
     In one embodiment the at least one sealable opening is an inlet wherein the inlet is accessible when the lid structure is in the top load configuration. 
     In one embodiment the container comprises a demountable divider configured to engage with an inside of two side walls when the container is in the erected condition and divide the storage space into a plurality of sub-spaces. 
     In one embodiment the demountable divider is self-supporting when engaged with the two side walls. 
     In one embodiment the demountable divider comprises at least two panels that are pivotally coupled together. 
     In one embodiment each of the two ide walls is configured to engage with the demountable divider at a plurality of apart spaced locations. 
     In one embodiment each of the two walls is provided with a plurality of spaced channels for receiving a respective end of the demountable divider. 
     In one embodiment the container comprises at least one recess for receiving a respective electronically readable tag. 
     In one embodiment the container comprises at least one electronically readable tag received within a respective recess. 
     In a second aspect there is disclosed a latch mechanism comprising:
         a lever capable of pivotal movement about a lever axis;   a latch member pivotally coupled about a latch axis to the lever, the latch member being movable by pivoting of the lever about the lever axis to reach and engage a catch;   wherein the lever and the latch member are biased to pivot in the same direction about their respective axes.       

     In one embodiment the latch mechanism comprises a lever spring arranged to bias the lever to pivot in a first direction and a latch spring arranged to bias the latch member to pivot in the first direction. 
     In one embodiment the latch spring acts between the lever and the latch member. 
     In one embodiment the lever spring acts between the lever and a base to which the lever is able to be pivotally coupled. 
     In one embodiment the lever spring and latch spring act independently of each other. 
     In one embodiment the latch member is coupled to the lever in a manner to enable adjustment of a distance between the lever axis and the latch axis. 
     In one embodiment the latch mechanism comprises a locking facility arranged to enable the lever to be locked against pivotal movement to an extent to enable release of the latch member from an engaged catch. 
     In one embodiment the locking facility comprises a lug and an opening in the lever, the lug and opening being juxtaposed such that the lug is able to extend through the opening when the lever is in a first state, and the lug being configured to receive a releasable locking device. 
     In one embodiment the latch mechanism comprises a bracket wherein the bracket includes the base. 
     In a third aspect there is disclosed a latch mechanism comprising:
         a bracket,   a lever coupled to the bracket for pivotal movement about a lever axis;   a latch member pivotally coupled about a latch axis to the lever;   wherein the lever and the latch member are biased to pivot about their respective axes in a direction toward the bracket.       

     In a fourth aspect there is disclosed latch mechanism comprising:
         a lever coupled to pivot about a lever axis;   a latch member pivotally coupled about a latch axis to the lever;   the lever and the latch member both being biased to pivot in a first direction;   the lever and the latch member arranged to be movable between a released position and a latched position, wherein when in the latched position the lever is pivoted about the lever axis in a second direction being opposite to the first direction and is capable of engaging a catch, and wherein when in the released position the latch member overlies the lever;   the lever and the latch member further arranged so that when in the latched position upon applying a force on the lever to pivot the lever through a first angle in the second direction, the latch member is displaced from the catch wherein on subsequent release of the force both the lever and the latch member are biased to pivot in the first direction to the released position.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the container as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1   a    is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the disclosed container when in an erected condition and with its lid structure in a closed configuration: 
         FIG.  1   b    is a schematic representation of the disclosed container of  FIG.  1   a    in a lay flat condition; 
         FIG.  1   c    is a schematic representation of the disclosed container with its lid structure in a top load configuration; 
         FIG.  1   d    is a schematic representation of the disclosed container with its lid structure in a front load configuration: 
         FIG.  2   a    Is a top isometric view of a bottom wall of the container shown in  FIG.  1     a;    
         FIG.  2   b    Is a bottom isometric view of the bottom wall shown in  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  2   c    is a top elevation of the bottom wall shown in  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  2   d    is a front elevation of the bottom wall shown in  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  2   e    is a bottom elevation of the bottom wall shown in  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  21    is a section view of the bottom wall shown in  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  3   a    is a front elevation of one of the side walls of the container shown in  FIG.  1     a;    
         FIG.  3   b    is a back view of the side wall shown in  FIG.  3     a;    
         FIG.  3   c    Is a section view of the side wall shown in  FIG.  3     a;    
         FIG.  4   a    is a front isometric view of a back wall of the container shown in  FIG.  1     a;    
         FIG.  4   b    is a back isometric view of the back wall shown in  FIG.  4     a;    
         FIG.  5   a    is a front isometric view of a front wall of the container shown in  FIG.  1     a;    
         FIG.  5   b    is a back isometric view of the front wall shown in  FIG.  5     a;    
         FIG.  6   a    is a top isometric view of a top wall of the container shown in  FIG.  1     a;    
         FIG.  6   b    is a bottom isometric view of the top wall shown in  FIG.  5     a;    
         FIG.  7   a    is a schematic representation of the container as depicted in  FIG.  1   d    but showing the location of a hinge mechanism incorporated in the container; 
         FIG.  7   b    is an enlarged view of the hinge mechanism in an engaged state; 
         FIG.  7   c    Is an enlarged view of the hinge mechanism in a disengaged state: 
         FIG.  8   a    is a view of the container in the closed state together with an enlarged detail of a first embodiment of a latch mechanism incorporated in the container when in an unlatched state; 
         FIG.  8   b    is a view of the container in the closed state together with an enlarged detail of the latch mechanism incorporated in the container when in a latched state; 
         FIG.  9    is a cutaway view of an embodiment of the container suitable for the transport and storage of liquids or fine particles; 
         FIG.  10   a    is a schematic representation of the container incorporating a demountable divider with the divider in a ready for use configuration; 
         FIG.  10   b    is a schematic representation of the container with the divider of  FIG.  10   a    in the process of being installed into the container; 
         FIG.  11   a    is a schematic representation f a further embodiment of the container when in the erected condition and with its lid structure in the front load configuration; 
         FIG.  11   b    is a schematic representation of the container shown in  FIG.  11   a    but with its lid structure in the closed configuration; 
         FIG.  12   a    is an exploded perspective view of the components of a second embodiment of the latch mechanism (“second latch mechanism”); 
         FIG.  12   b    is a side view of the components shown in  FIG.  12     a;    
         FIG.  13   a    is a perspective view of the second latch mechanism in a released position; 
         FIG.  13   b    is a top elevation of the second latch mechanism in the released position; 
         FIG.  13   c    is a side elevation of the second latch mechanism in the released position; 
         FIG.  14   a    is a perspective view of the second latch mechanism in the latched position; 
         FIG.  14   b    is a top elevation of the second latch mechanism in the latched position; 
         FIG.  14   c    is a side elevation of the second latch mechanism in the latched position; 
         FIG.  15   a    is a top elevation of the second latch mechanism showing details of a lever spring incorporated in the latch mechanism; 
         FIG.  15   b    is a side elevation showing details of the lever spring; 
         FIG.  16   a    is a top elevation showing details of a latch spring incorporated in the second latch mechanism; 
         FIG.  16   b    is a side elevation of the second latch mechanism showing the latch spring; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of the second latch mechanism highlighting the spring route of both the lever spring and the latch spring shown in  FIGS.  15   a   - 16   b;    
         FIG.  18   a    is a perspective view of the second latch mechanism in a first intermediate position between the released and latched positions; 
         FIG.  18   b    is a top elevation of the second latch mechanism shown in  FIG.  18     a;    
         FIG.  18   c    is a side elevation of the second latch mechanism shown in  FIG.  18     a;    
         FIG.  19   a    is a perspective view of the second latch mechanism in a second intermediate position moving from the loose position to the latched position; 
         FIG.  19   b    Is a top elevation of the second latch mechanism shown in  FIG.  19   a   ; and 
         FIG.  19 G  is a side elevation of the second latch mechanism shown in  FIG.  19   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1   a - 1   d    depict an embodiment of the disclosed container  10  in respective different configurations. The container  10  in this embodiment comprises a bottom wall  12 , a top wall  14 , and four side walls  16   a - 16   d  (hereinafter referred to in general as “side walls  16 ”). 
     When the container  10  is in the erected condition shown in  FIG.  1   a    the bottom wall  12 , top wall  14  and side walls  16  form an enclosed storage space. 
     In this embodiment the side walls  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are coupled to the bottom wall  12 , and the top wall  14  is coupled to both the side wall  16   b  and the side walls  16   d . By virtue of this coupling the container  10  can be reconfigured to the lay flat condition shown in  FIG.  1   b    where the respective walls overlie each other as well as the bottom wall  12 . Thus the container  10  can be reconfigured between the erected condition shown in  FIG.  1   a    and the lay flat condition shown in  FIG.  1   b    by simply pivoting or folding various walls relative to other walls. All of the walls  12 ,  14  and  16  remain coupled together in these two configurations. 
     The container  10  has a lid structure  18  comprising two lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  The first lid panel  20   t  forms a part of the top wall  14 . Indeed, in this embodiment the first lid panel  20   t  constitutes the whole of the top wall  14 . The second lid panel  20   f  forms at least part of one of the side walls  16   d . More specifically in this particular embodiment the second lid panel  20   f  constitutes the whole of the side wall  16   d . Thus in this embodiment the first lid panel  20   t  is one and the same as the top wall  14 , and the second lid panel  20   f  is one and the same as the side wall  16   d . Accordingly the lid structure  18  can also be considered as comprising the top wall  14  and the side wall  16   d.    
     The first lid panel  20   t  is pivotally coupled to the side wall  16   b . In addition the first lid panel  20   t  is detachably coupled to the second lid panel  20   f . By virtue of the detachable coupling it is possible to decouple the first lid panel  20   t  from the second lid panel  20   f.    
     When the container  10  is in the erected condition the lid structure  18  can have one of several different configurations. These configurations include a closed configuration shown in  FIG.  1   a   , a top load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   c   , and a front load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   d   . As will be explained with reference to a second embodiment the front load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   d    may be one of two different front load configurations. In the second front load configuration the second lid panel  20   f  is pivoted to lie on top of the first lid panel  20   t , the first lid panel  20   t  remaining unmoved, parallel to and overlying the bottom wall  12 . 
     In the closed configuration shown in  FIG.  1   a    the lid structure  18  is arranged so that the first lid panel  20   t  and the second lid panel  20   f  constitute the top wall  14  and side wall  16   d  and form, together with the remaining walls of the container  10 , the enclosed storage space. 
     When the lid structure  16  is in the top load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   c   , the first lid panel  20   t  is: detached from the second lid panel  20   f ; and, then pivoted to a position enabling top loading of the container  10 . In this condition the second lid panel  20   f  forms part, and indeed the whole, of the side wall  16   d  and remains disposed between the side walls  16   a  and  16   c.    
     In the top load configuration depicted in  FIG.  1   c    the first lid panel  20   t  is shown nearly directly above the side wall  16   b . However the first lid panel  20   t  will not normally be held in this position. Rather this may be a transition position either back to the closed configuration show in  FIG.  1   a    or to a rest position where the lid panel  20   t  is swung further so as to lie face to face with the side wall  16   b  on an outside of the container  10 . 
       FIG.  1   d    depicts the lid structure  18  in a first of two possible the front load configurations. In the first front load configuration the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  remain connected to each other. Further, the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  can be moved and in this instance pivoted relative to each other to open the container  10  and enabling front loading of goods or materials onto the bottom wall  12 . More particularly both the first and second panels  20   t  and  20   f  are moved from their respective closed configuration positions so that they are in a substantial face to face relationship, with the second lid panel  20   f  resting on the top edges of the side panels  16   a  and  16   c.    
       FIGS.  2   a - 2   f    depicts the bottom wall  12  of the container  10 . The bottom wall  12  is configured to receive members of a lifting apparatus such as the forks of a forklift truck. This enables lifting of the container  10  from beneath the bottom wall  12 . This is facilitated by providing the bottom wall  12  with a plurality of spaced apart legs  22 . In this instance the bottom wall  12  has nine legs  22  arranged in a three by three matrix like pattern as shown most clearly in  FIG.  2   b   . This arrangement of legs  22  forms a first pair of channels  24   a  and a second pair of channels  24   b  (hereinafter referred to in general as “channels  24 ”). Each respective pair of channels  24  is able to receive the forks of a forklift truck. Further each pair of channels open onto opposite sides of the container  10 , and the pair of channels  24   a  is perpendicular to the pair of channels  24   b . Thus the base  12  and consequently the container  10  can be lifted by a forklift truck of other lifting apparatus driven or moved toward the container  10  in a direction front on to any one of the four side walls  18 . 
     The bottom wall  12  is further configured to form a bunded pallet. This is achieved by configuring the bottom wall  12  to form a liquid receiving receptacle  26 . Thus any liquid which spills or otherwise leaks from any item loaded onto the bottom wall  12  is able to flow into and be contained within the receptacle  26 . 
     The receptacle  28  is defined between four walls  28   a - 28   d  (hereinafter referred to as “walls  28 ”) of the bottom panel  12 . In order of height the wall  28   c  is the lowest followed by walls  28   d  and  28   a  which are of the same height, and then wall  28   b  which is the highest of the walls  28 . Each of the walls  28   a ,  28   b  and  28   c  is formed with integral hinge portions  30 . The hinge portions  30  are in the form of spaced apart raised tubular structures. As will be explained in greater detail later, the hinge portions  30  cooperate with complementary hinge portions on side walls  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  to form hinges that couple the corresponding side walls to the bottom wall  12  and also enable relative pivoting motion. 
     The wall  28   d  is not provided with hinge portions. Rather it forms a lip or wall delimiting the forward extent of the receptacle  28  and also acting as a stop for the second lid panel  20   f  (side wall  16   d ). 
     A serpentine channel  32  forms part of the liquid collection volume or space of the receptacle  26 . The channel  32  winds between alternating and spaced apart ribs  34  and  36  formed in an inside of the bottom panel  12 . The serpentine channel  32  is depicted by way of dots in  FIG.  2   c   . The ribs  34  and  36  have respective planar surfaces  38  and  40 . These surfaces are of the same height as each other. Thus together the ribs  34  and  36  form a support surface on the bottom wall  12 . 
     A drainage opening  42  is formed in the bottom wall  20  and opens onto a middle leg  22  adjacent the wall  28   d . The drainage opening  42  communicates with the serpentine channel  32  via an internal conduit  44  (see  FIG.  2   f   ). A stopcock or other valve (not shown) can be coupled to the drainage opening  42  to control the drainage of the receptacle  28 . 
     Various recesses and pockets are formed on the bottom wall  12  for different purposes. One set of recesses  48  (see  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   b   ) is provided for seating or otherwise receiving identification tags such as RFID tags. Respective second recesses  48  are formed, one in each legs  22  at the opposite ends of the wall  28   d . The recesses  48  receive parts of a latch mechanism (described later) which may be used to lock the container  10  in the closed configuration. Pockets  49  are also provided in the bottom wall  12  along the wall  28   d  on opposite sides of a central one of the top  22 . 
       FIGS.  3   a - 3   d    depict an embodiment of the side wall  16   c . The side wall  16   c  is in this embodiment in the form of a single one piece panel. The side wall  16   c  has an inner face  60  and an outer face  52 . When the container  10  is in the erected condition the face  52  is on an outside of the container  10 . The inner face  50  is formed with a plurality of laterally extending spaced apart channels  54 . A plurality of recesses  56  is formed in the inner face  50 . Hinge portions  58  are formed along one edge of the panel  16   a . The hinge portions  58  are in the form of spaced apart tubular structures. In the container  10 , the hinge portions  58  interleave with corresponding hinge portions  30  along the wall  28   c . A pivot pin or axle (not shown) can then be passed through the interleaved hinge portions  30  and  58  to form a hinge coupling between the wall  16   a  and the bottom wall  12 . 
     An upper lip  59  and opposite side lips  60  and  62  extend about the side wall  16   c . With reference to the container  10  being in the erected condition, the lip  59  runs along an upper edge of the wall  16   c ; the lip  60  extends along a side edge of the side wall  16   c  adjacent the side wall  16   d ; and the lip  62  runs along an opposite side edge of the side wall  16   c  adjacent the side wall  16   b . The lip  59  is formed with a cut out  84 . A number of depressions  66  are formed along the lip  62 . 
     The outer surface  52  is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels  68 . A central diamond shaped recess  70  is also formed centrally in the outer surface  52 . The recess  70  may receive signage which may for example contain warnings or a description of contents or intended contents of the container  10 . Also cutaways  69  are provided on the side wall  16   c  to enable lifting/pivoting of the side wall  16   c  from the lay flat condition to the erected condition. 
     Latch recesses  71  are formed in the outer face  52 . The latch recesses  71  are in alignment with respective recesses  56  on the inner face  50 . 
     The side wall  16   a  has a configuration which is a mirror image of the side wall  16   c.    
       FIGS.  4   a  and  4   b    depict the side wall  16   b . In the present embodiment the side wall  16   b  can be considered to form the backside wall or more simply the back wall of the container. For the purposes of more easily differentiating the side wall  16   b  from the side walls  16   a  and  16   c , the side wall  16   b  will be also referred to as the back wall  16   b.    
     The back wall  16   b  is of generally the same configuration as the wall  16   a  and  16   c  having an inner face  50  with and an outer face  52 . The inner face has a plurality of laterally extending spaced apart channels  54 ; and the outer face has a plurality of longitudinally channels  68 . Hinge portions  58  similar to those of the side walls  16   a  and  16   b  are provided along one edge of the back wall  16   b.    
     However the back wall  16   b  differs from the side walls  16   a  and  16   c  as follows. The back wall  16   b  is formed hinge portions  72  along an upper edge  73  opposite the hinge portions  58 . A further difference in the back wall  16   b  is the provision of opposite side lips  74  that extend perpendicular to the plane of its inner and outer faces  50  and  52 . The lips  74  are formed with raised dimples  76  on a side internal of the container  10  when in the erected condition. The dimples  76  are located so as to seat within the depressions  68  formed on the walls  16   a  and  18   c . A rectangular depression  75  is also formed in the inner face  60 . The depression  75  can receive a sign that is viewable when the lid structure  18  is in the front load configuration. 
       FIGS.  5   a  and  5   b    depict one possible configuration of the side wall  16   d . The side wall  16   d  has a hybrid configuration in comparison to the side walls  16   a / 16   c ; and the side wall  16   b . In this embodiment the side wall  16   d  can be considered to form the front side wall or more simply the front wall of the container  10 . For the purposes of more easily differentiating the side wall  16   d  from the side walls  16   a  and  16   c , the side wall  16   b  will be also referred to as the front wall  16   b.    
     The front wall  16   d  is in the form of a single panel having an inner surface  50  with transverse channels  54  and an outer surface  52  with longitudinal channels  68 . A lower edge of the front wall  16   d  is formed with a pair of spaced apart lugs  80 . The lugs  80  are received within the pockets  49  when the container  10  is in the erected condition with the lid structure  18  in the closed configuration. The front wall is also provided with four recesses  56  on its inner face  50  and corresponding aligned recess  71  on its outer face  52 . 
     The front wall  16   d  has a plurality of spaced apart hinge portions  58  along an edge opposite the lugs  80 . The two remaining edges of the front wall  16   d  are formed with lips  84  that extend in a plane transverse to that of its inner and outer faces  50 ,  52 . The lips  84  are configured so that when the lid structure  18  is in the closed configuration the lips  84  overlie the lips  60  on the side walls  16   a  and  16   c.    
       FIGS.  6   a  and  6   b    depict one configuration of the top wall  14 . The top wall is formed as a single panel. The top wall  14  has an inner face  50  with transverse channels  54 , and an outer face  52  with transverse channel  68 . The top wall  14  is also provided with four recesses  56  on its inner face  50  and corresponding aligned recess  71  on its outer face  52 . 
     One edge of the top wall  14  is formed with a plurality of spaced apart hinge portions  82 . The hinge portions  82  are in the form of integral tubular structures which are received between the hinge portion  72  on the back wall  16   b . An opposite edge of the top wall  14  is formed with a plurality of hinge portions  88  which are spaced by recesses  89 . The hinge portions  88  are in the form of hollow structures. In the fully assembled container  10 , the hinge portions  88  interleave with the hinge portions  58  on the front wall  16   d  to enable the formation of a hinge coupling. The hinge portions  58  being received in the recesses  89 . 
     Each of the two remaining edges of the top wall  14  is formed with respective channels  90 . The channels  90  lie inboard of the inner face  50  but open at one end onto the edge having the hinge portions  82 . When the container  10  is in the erected condition with the lid structure  18  in the closed configuration the channels  90  receive the upper lips  59  of the side walls  16   a  and  16   c.    
     The outer face  52  is also formed with recesses  91  configured and located to receive the legs  22  of another container  10 . This assists in stacking of containers on top of each other and enabling cubing out of: transport vehicles such as trucks and trains; and, sea containers. 
     The walls  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are permanently attached to the bottom wall  12  by way of respective pivot pins. One pivot pin couples the hinge portions  30  and  58  of the walls  28   a  and  16   a . Another pivot pin couples the hinge portions  30  and  58  of the walls  28   b  and  16   b . Another pivot pin connects the hinge portions  30  and  58  of the wells  28   c  and  16   c.    
     A further pivot pin connects the hinge portions  72  of the back wall  16   b  to the hinge portions  82  of the top wall  14 . 
       FIGS.  7   a ,  7   b  and  7   c    depict a hinge mechanism  96  that demountably couples the top wall  14  to the front wall  16   d . As previously explained the combination of the top wall  14  and the front wall  16   d  forms the lid structure  18 . Further in this embodiment the top wall  14  and the front wall  16   d  also constitute the first lid panel  20   t  and  20   f  respectively. 
     The hinge mechanism  986  is movable between an engaged position shown in  FIG.  7   b    where the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  are pivotally coupled together, and a disengaged position shown in  FIG.  7   c    where the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  are disengaged from each other. When the hinge mechanism  98  is in the engaged position the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  can be pivoted relative to each other. 
     When the hinge mechanism  96  is in the engaged position the lid structure  18  can be moved to the front load configuration shown in  FIGS.  1   d  and  7   a   . In this front load configuration both of the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  are moved from (or displaced relative to) their respective locations when the lid structure  18  is in the closed configuration shown in  FIG.  1   a   . This front load configuration enables loading from the front of the container. Additionally the top of the container  10  is opened to allow easy access to the rear of the storage space. 
     The hinge mechanism  96  comprises two members in the form of bolts  98 . In  FIGS.  7   b  and  7   c    only one of the bolts  98  is depicted. A second of the bolts is provided in an opposite comer of the panels  20   t  and  20   f.    
     From  FIG.  7   b    it will be seen that when the hinge mechanism  96  is in the engaged position the bolt  98  extends partiality within the hinge portions  88  and  58  of the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  respectively. However when the hinge mechanism  96  is in the disengaged position shown in  FIG.  7   c    the bolt  98  resides within the hinge portion  88  and is totally withdrawn from the hinge portion  58 . This enables the second lid panel  20   f  to be physically detached or decoupled from the lid panel  20   t.    
     A lever  100  is attached to the bolt  98  and extends through a slot  102  formed in the lid panel  20   t  (i.e. top wall  14 ). A handle or knob  102  is attached to the end of the lever  100  opposite the bolt  98 . A friction washer  104  between the knob  102  and the lever  100  creates friction which retains the bolt  98  in a position in the absence of the application of an external force. 
     In use, a user will be able to apply a force on the knob  102  overcoming the friction of the washer  104  to slide the bolt  98  as required to engage or disengage the hinge mechanism  96 . 
       FIG.  1   c    depicts the container  10  with the hinge mechanism  96  in a disengaged position and the lid structure  18  in the top load configuration. In this configuration the second lid panel  20   t /front wall  16   d  is coupled to the upper side wall  16   a  and  16   c . Thus in this configuration the container  10  is in the form of an open top box. 
     The container  10  also comprises a latching system  110  (refer to  FIGS.  8   a  and  8   b   ) which is arranged to lock the container  10  in the erected condition to prevent unauthorised access to the enclosed storage space. The latching system  110  comprises a plurality of latch mechanisms  112  which are fixed to respective associated walls  12 ,  14  and  16 . Each latch mechanism  112  has a latched state where the latch mechanism latches two associated walls together and an unlatched state enabling the associated walls to be moved relative to each other. 
     Each latch mechanism  112  has a catch  114 , lever  120  and latch member  118 . The catch, which is in the form of a plate with a hook at one end, is attached to one wall and a latch body  116  that comprises the lever  120  and latch member  118  is attached to an adjacent wall. The latch member  118  is pivotally connected to the lever  120  which in turn is pivotally connected to a bracket attached to the associated wall. 
       FIG.  8   a    depicts the latch mechanism  112  in the disengaged state where the latch body  116  is disengaged from the catch  114 . In particular, the latch member  118  is spaced from the catch  114 . 
       FIG.  8   b    depicts the latch mechanism  112  in the engaged or locked state. Here the latch body  116  engages the hook plate  114 . Moreover the latch member  118  is engaged with the catch  114  and the lever  120  has been pivoted down to lie substantially flush with the associated side wall  16   c . Now the walls  16   c  and  14  are latched together. An eye  122  extends through a central region of the lever  120  when the latch mechanism  112  is in the latched state. A secure lock such as a padlock can be engaged with the eye  122  thereby preventing the lever  120  from being pivoted upwards. This in effect locks the latch mechanism  112  to prevent unauthorised access to the storage space. 
     Each of the catches  114  and the latch bodies  116  are disposed within corresponding recesses  71  formed on the outer faces  52  of the respective walls. Additionally, in order to strengthen the connection of the latching system  110  to the container  10  metallic fastening plates (not shown) are also provided within respective recesses  56  formed on the inner faces  52  of the corresponding walls. Bolts (not shown) fasten the catches  114  and the latch bodies  116  to the fastening plates in the recesses  56 . The recesses  56  and  71  are configured to neatly fit the respective parts of locking mechanism and in a manner to lie below the exposed surface of the outer faces  52 . This assist in protecting the latch parts from being tampered with. 
     In this particular embodiment the latching system  110  is formed with ten latch mechanisms  112 . Two latch mechanisms  112  operate between the top wall  14  and the side wall  16   a ; two latch mechanisms  112  act between the side wall  16   a  and front wall  16   d ; two latch mechanisms  112  act between the bottom wall  12  and the front wall  16   d ; two latch mechanisms  112  act between the top wall  14  and the side wall  16   c ; and two latch mechanisms  112  act between the side wall  16   c  and the front wall  16   d.    
     In addition to providing a degree of security to the contents of the container the latching system  110  also provides the container  10  with increased structural strength. This is most evident when all the latch mechanisms  112  are in the latched state (irrespective of whether padlocks are fitted to the eyes  122 ) and the container  10  is accidentally dropped or run into by a vehicle. The latch mechanisms  112  will tend to keep the walls between which they operate in a fixed spatial relationship. 
     In order to enable the container  10  to be used for liquids or particulate matter, the container  10  may incorporate a bladder  130  as shown in  FIG.  9   . The bladder  130  is made of a shape which substantially conforms to the inner faces of the walls  12 ,  14  and  16  of a container  10  when in the erected condition with the lid structure  18  in the closed configuration. The bladder  130  has an inlet  132  with a removable lid (not shown). The inlet  132  is accessible when the lid structure is in the top load configuration. 
     The bladder  130  is made of a liquid impervious material. Further, the material from which the bladder  130  is made can be pliable and/or flexible. In this way, when the container  130  has been emptied of its contents the bladder  130  may be flattened to take up a volume substantially equal to its footprint area times about four times the thickness of the material from which the bladder  10  is made. When in this condition the inlet  132  can of course be closed with its lid. Therefore any residue within the bladder  130  is maintained within the flattened bladder. However now the container  10  can also be moved to the collapsed or lay flat position as shown in  FIG.  1   d   . Therefore once the container  10  with bladder  130  has been emptied it can be collapsed to a substantially smaller volume therefore greatly reducing further transport or carting costs. 
       FIGS.  10  and  10     b  depict a demountable divider  140  that may be incorporated in embodiments of the container  10 . The divider  140  is configured to engage with the inner faces  50  of two of the side panels  16   a  and  16   c . Further, the divider  140  is self-supporting within the container  10  so as to divide the storage space into a plurality of subspaces. 
     The divider  140  comprises two panels  142  and  144  which are pivotally coupled together by a pivot pin  146 . Opposite ends  148  and  160  of the divider  140  are configured to seat within the channels  54  on the inner faces  50 . Also, the panel  142  is provided with a flange  152  that extends beyond the pivot pin  146  and is arranged to abut against the panel  144  when the two panels  142  and  144  are substantially parallel. Thus the flange  152  acts to hold the divider  140  in a substantially horizontal plane as shown in  FIG.  10   b   . In this manner the divider  10  is self-supporting within the container  10 . 
     Each of the walls  12 ,  14  and  16  is made as an individual panel. In some embodiments these panels can be made from plastics or composite materials using a variety of known manufacturing techniques including blow moulding, injection moulding and rotor moulding. Different types of plastics materials of different thickness may be used depending on the specific use of the container  10 . Non-limiting examples of materials from which the walls  12 ,  14  and  18  can be made include: various types of polypropylene such as HDPE, MDPE, LDPE; composite materials such as glass or carbon fibre composites; and aluminium. 
     The container  10  is well suited for use as a universal segregation pallet. In one embodiment the container  10  may have a width of about 1,150 mm, a depth of about 960 mm, and a height of about 1,100 mm. In one embodiment the load carrying capacity of the container with the above dimensions may be in the order of one tonne. This equates for example to approximately sixty five standard car lead acid batteries. 
     In order to place the container  10  in lay flat condition from the erected condition the lid structure  18  is opened and moved to the front load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   d    and then subsequently pivoted rearwardly a further 180° so that the lid structure  18  lies face to face with the back wall  16   b . Next the side panel  16   c  is pivoted 90° inwardly so as to overlie the bottom wall  12 . The opposite side wall  16   a  is now pivoted 90° inwardly to lie on top of the side wall  16   c . Next the back wall  16   b  together with the folded lid structure  18  is pivoted forward by 90° so as to lie on top of the side wall  16   a.    
     In the event that a divider  140  is installed in the container  10 , the divider  140  will be removed prior to collapsing the container  10  to the lay flat condition. In some embodiments, the bottom well  12  may be configured so that the divider  140  can be received within the receptacle  26  prior to folding down the wells  16  and  14  to place the container  10  in the lay flat condition. In such embodiments the divider  140  is therefore retained within the lay flat container rather than having to be separately handled. 
     Whilst a specific embodiment of the container  10  has been described, it should be appreciated that the container  10  may be embodied in many other forms. 
     For example in one form or variation the first lid panel may be formed as only a part of the top wall  14 . With reference to  FIG.  1   a    this may be achieved for example by forming the top wall  14  as two separate pieces which are permanently hinged together along axis AA. Thus for example the top  14  will be formed as a top wall portion  14 ′ and a first lid panel  20   t ′. In such an arrangement the front load configuration of the lid structure  18  is the same as shown in  FIG.  1   d   . However the container can now have two different top load configurations. In both the top load configurations the entirety of the top wall  14  is decoupled from the front wall  16  by use of the hinge mechanism  96  as described above. However after this decoupling either.
         the entirety of the top wall  14  can be pivoted through 270° to open the entirety of the top of the container  10 ; or   the first lid portion  20   t ′ can be pivoted about axis AA through 180° so as to lie on top of the top wall portion  14 ′. Now one half of the top area of the container  10  is open.       

     Further, with reference to  FIGS.  11   a  and  11   b   , by slight modification of the hinge arrangement coupling the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  two different front load configurations are possible. 
     In  FIGS.  11   a  and  11   b    each of the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  is formed with hinge portions  58 . However the hinge portions  58  do not interleave with each other, rather are disposed side by side. Two links  180  extend between the hinge portions  68  on the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f . A hinge mechanism similar to hinge mechanism  96  can then be incorporated to decouple the lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  in the same manner as described hereinabove. 
     The first front load configuration possible via the hinge arrangement of  FIG.  11   b    is identical to that as shown in  FIG.  1   d   . However in a second front load configuration shown in  FIG.  11   a    the front wall  16   d /second lid panel  20   f  is pivoted through 270° to lie on top of the first lid panel  20   t  and parallel to the base wall  12 . The second front  3   s  load configuration enables a further container  10  to be stacked on top of the opened lid structure  18 . The lid structure of the stacked container can be moved to either the first front load configuration shown in  FIG.  1   d    or the second front load configuration shown in  FIG.  11   a   . Now two containers  10  can be stacked on top of each other and can both be front loaded. 
     In a further modification of the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  11   a  and  11   b    tabs  80   a  may be formed on sliders  99  so as to be slid into and out of the pockets  49 . Additionally a recessed handle  101  can be formed in the front panel  16   d . With these modifications and referring to  FIG.  11   b    is now possible to fully remove the front panel  16   d  by releasing the hinge mechanism and sliding the slide tabs  99  upwardly disengaging the tabs  80   a  from the recesses  49 . Assuming the latches  110  associated with panel  16   d  are disengaged a user can now simply pull off the front panel  16   d  using the handle  101 . Resultant container will look like that shown in  FIG.  11   a    but without the panel  16   d  lying on top of the panel  14 . 
     Further, the bottom wall  12  is depicted as being provided with a plurality of channels  24  created by a matrix of spaced apart legs  22  in order to facilitate the lifting of the container  10  with a forklift truck. However this function can be equally achieved by modifying the bottom wall  12  in a manner so that the channels  24  are replaced with hollow box sections for receiving the forks of a forklift truck. 
     In yet a further variation with reference to the provision of a bladder  130  shown in  FIG.  9    it is possible to form the top wall  14 /lid panel  20   t  with a removable wall portion which overlies the inlet  132 . In this way the bladder  130  can be accessed without opening the container  10 . In such a variation the removable cover may also be provided with a latching mechanism to prevent unauthorised access to the bladder  130 . 
     Also the hinge mechanism  96  can be configured in many different ways to produce the same effect in one very simple alternative a single elongated shaft can be used to pass through the hinge portions  58  and  98  to create the pivot coupling between the top and front walls  14 ,  16   d . A fixed stop can be provided at one end of the shaft and a releasable stop at the other end such as a nut, a split pin or cotter pin at the opposite end. This can be detached enabling the shaft to be remove thereby decoupling the top and front walls  14 ,  16   d  which in this the same as decoupling the first and second lid panels  20   t  and  20   f  form each other. 
     The configuration of the lid structure  18  enables the container  10  to comprise part of a materials handling system. This system would comprise one or more containers  10  and a number of additional front walls/second lid panels  16   d / 20   f . In this system the second lid panels  20   f  which would constitute the front wall of the container can be provided with visual indicia representative of a specific type of material contained in or to be received in the container  10 . For example the indica can be the colour of the panel  20   f . Expanding on this example the colour:
         Blue may be used to signify general and non-hazardous materials requiring no special handling regime   Yellow may be used to signify used lead acid batteries   Red may be used to signify used mixed dry cell batteries   Green may be used to signify oil filters   Orange may be used to signify used aerosol cans   Grey may be used to signify liquid waste       

     In this example the remaining walls/panels from which the container  10  is constructed may also be of the same colour. This colour can be for example the same colour used to signify general waste (i.e. in this case blue). Thus a materials handling company may have for example ten containers  10  with blue coloured second lid panels  20   t  and say twenty additional second lid panels  20   t , four each coloured yellow, red, green, orange and gray. The company can simply interchange the second lid panels with one of the colour appropriate for the material to be carried or placed into the container  10 . 
     Also each of the side and top walls can be provided with a signage holding arrangement enabling signs to the replaceable attached to the walls. In one simple example this can be two spaced apart rails fixed by rivets to the wall and into which signs can be slid. 
     In yet a further variation the latch mechanisms  112  shown in  FIGS.  8   a  and  8   b    may be replaced with more sophisticated latch mechanism  200  shown in  FIGS.  12   a   - 19   c.    
       FIGS.  12  and  12     b  depict component parts of an embodiment of the disclosed latch mechanism  200 . The latch mechanism  200  includes a lever  212  which is capable of pivotal movement about a lever axis  214 . The lever axis  214  coincides with a central axis of a coupling pin  216 . The latch mechanism  200  also includes a latch member  218  which is pivotally coupled about a latch axis  220  to the lever  212 . The latch axis  220  coincides with a central axis of a coupling pin  222 . As will be explained in greater detail below the latch member  218  can be moved by pivoting the lever  212  about the lever axis  214  so that the latch member  218  can engage a catch  224 . 
     The lever  212  and the latch member  218  are biased to pivot in the same direction D 1  about their respective axes  214  and  220 . This bias is provided by way of a lever spring  226  and a latch spring  228 . In this particular embodiment the latch mechanism  200  also comprises a bracket  230  which incorporates a base  232 . The lever  212  is attached to the base  232  by way of the pin  216 . The latch member  218  is coupled to the lever  212  by way of the coupling pin  222 . The coupling pin  222  has opposite ends that de in respective slots  234  on opposite side walls  248  of the lever  212 . The coupling of the latch  218  to the lever  212  is completed by a screw  238  that passes through a hole  238  in a depending lug  240  of the lever  212 . The screw  238  also engages a threaded hole  242  formed in the coupling pin  222 . Therefore turning of the screw  236  causes the coupling pin  222  to slide along the slots  234 . 
     Looking at the components of the latch mechanism  200  in more detail it will be seen that the lever  212  has an upper plate portion  244  formed with an opening  246 . The side walls  248  extend downwardly from opposite edges of the plate  244 . The slots  234  are formed in the side walls  248 . The side walls  248  include planar projections  260  in which respective holes  252  are formed. 
     The latch member  218  is formed with a transverse bar  254  extending between arms  256 . The arms  256  extends side by side and generally parallel to each other. A hole  258  is formed near and in-broad of an end of each arm  256  distant the bar  254 . 
     The coupling pin  222  has a central cylindrical portion  260 . Extending axially from opposite sides of the portion  280  are reduced diameter portions  282 . The portions  262  ride in the slots  234 . Extending axially from the portions  262  are respective reduced diameter stubs  264 . The stubs  264  extend through the holes  258 . In order to retain the coupling of the pin  222  to the latch member  218  once the stubs  264  have been passed through the holes  258  their respective free ends are pressed outwardly to form flanges  266  of a diameter of greater than that of the holes  258 . 
     The bracket  230  is provided with a plurality of holes  270 . The holes  270  can receive fasteners (not shown) for attaching the bracket  230  to an article. The bracket  230  includes or incorporates the base  232 . The base  232  is in the form of two upright lugs  272  each of which is provided with a hole  274 . The bracket  230  is also provided with an upright lug  276  formed with a hole  278 . 
     The lever  212  is attached to the bracket  230  and in particular the base  232  away of the pin  216  which passes through the holes  250  and  274 . During assembly the opposite ends of the pin  218  are flared outwardly to form respective flanges  280 . The flanges  280  have a diameter greater than that of the holes  250  and  274 . The lug  276  is located so as to pass through the opening  248  (as shown for example in  FIGS.  13   a ,  14   a    and  17 ) when the lever  212  overlies the bracket  230 . 
     The lever spring  228  comprises two coils  282  spaced apart by an integral U-shaped tongue  284 . Each coil  282  is also formed within an integral hook arm  286 . The route of the lever spring  228  is detailed in  FIGS.  15   a ,  15   b    and  17 . From these Figures, it will be seen that the coils  282  are located about the pin  216 . The tongue  284  lies beneath and presses against an underside of the plate portion  244  of the lever  212 . The hook arms  288  hook around the lugs  272 . The spring  216  acts to bias the lever  212  in the first direction D 1  (shown in  FIGS.  18   c  and  19   c   ). The direction D 1  is a direction toward the bracket  230 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  12   a ,  16   a ,  16   b    and  17 , the latch spring  228  is formed with two coils  288  which are spaced apart by an integral link  290 . The end of each coil  288  distant the link  290  is provided with a respective hook finger  292 , in the assembled latch  200 , the coils  288  reside on respective portions  262  of the pin  222 , while the link  290  runs transversely across the lever  212  beneath the side walls  248 . The hook fingers  292  hook about the arms  258  of the latch member  218 . The latch spring  228  is configured to bias the latch member  218  to also pivot in the direction D 1 . By virtue of the aforementioned arrangement, the latch spring  228  acts between the latch member  218  and the lever  212 . 
     Applying a force to pivot the lever  212  in a direction D 2  which is opposite the direction D 1  will increase the tension in the lever spring  226 . However this will have no effect on the tension in the latch spring  228 . In this manner the lever spring  228  and latch spring  228  operate independently of each other. Pivoting of the latch member  218  in the direction D 2  relative to the lever  212  will increase the tension in the latch spring  228 . Due to the relationship between the respective pivot axes  214  and  220 , such action is also likely to create a moment about the axis  214  and provides some increase in tension in the lever spring  226 . 
     The screw  238  can be turned in opposite directions to traverse the pin  222  along the slots  234  thereby allowing the position of the latch member  218  to be varied with respect to the lever  212 . This is also manifested by an adjustment in the distance between the respective pivot axis  214  and  220 . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  12   a   , the catch  224  comprises a plate  296  which is turned or curled at one end to form a hook  298 . A plurality of holes  299  is formed in the plate  296  to receive fasteners (not shown) for fixing the catch  224  to a second article (not shown). 
     The  FIGS.  13   a - 13   c    show the latch mechanism  200  in a released or unlatched position. In the released position:
         the lever  212  is biased by the lever spring  226  against, and overlies, the bracket  230 ;   the latch member  218  is biased by latch spring  228  against and overlies the lever  212 ; and   the lug  276  extends through the opening  246  in the lever  212 .       

     The lever spring  228  and latch spring  228  are preloaded so that when the latch mechanism  200  is in the released position both springs are under tension biasing the lever  212  and the latch member  218  in the direction D 1 . As a result irrespective of the orientation of the article to which the latch mechanism  200  is attached the latch mechanism  218  bears against the lever  212  and the lever  212  bears against the bracket  230 . This prevents the latch arm  218  and/or lever  212  from freely swinging about their respective axes. This is of practical benefit as neither the lever  212  nor the latch can swing out and potentially be accidentally run into to by a person to cause injury or hits by a piece of equipment and thus damaged or broken. Also in the released position the lever arm  218  is disengaged and spaced from the catch  224 . Therefore the respective articles to which the bracket  230  and catch  224  are attached may be moved relative to each other. 
       FIGS.  14   a - 14   c    depict the latch mechanism  200  in the engaged or latched position. In this position:
         the latch member  218  is engaged with the catch  224 , and more particularly the bar  254  is received within the curvature of the hook  298 ;   the lever  212  is biased by the lever spring  224  against the bracket  300 ; the lug  276  protrudes through the opening  246  with the hole  278  also exposed above the lever  212 .       

     The latch spring  228  is in its most tensed state and applies a moment to the lever  212  in the direction D 2  about its pivot axis  214 . However this does not result in the lever  212  pivoting in the direction to away from the bracket  300 . In particular the spring  228  is arranged to have a bias which overcomes the moment applied by the latch spring  228  when the latch mechanism  200  is in the latched position. Additionally the effect of the moment applied by the latch spring  228  is reduced by the location of the pivot axis  220  being below the pivot axis  214 . 
     The combination of the tug  278  and the opening  246  form a locking facility enabling the lever  212  to be locked against pivotal movement about its axis  214  at least to the extent that would result in the latch member  18  disengaging from the catch  224 . This is achieved for example by coupling a padlock or other type of secure lock (not shown) to the lug  76  through the hole  78 . 
       FIGS.  18   a - 18   c   ; and  19   a - 19   c  illustrate two sequential intermediate positions of the latch member  200  moving from the released position to the latch position. 
     Starting with the latch mechanism  200  in the released position (shown in  FIGS.  13   a - 13   c   ) a force, for example by a person&#39;s thumb, is applied to the lever  212  causing it to pivot in the direction D 2  about its pivot axis  214 . This is against the direction of the bias applied by the lever spring  226 . The latch member  218  is carried by the lever  212  so as to reach over the catch  224  and in particular the hook  298 . From the position shown in  FIG.  18   c    the user may either: (a) continue to pivot the lever  212  in the direction D 2  so that the bar  254  will be located adjacent the catch  224  and in the vicinity of position P 1 ; or (b) separately pivot the latch member  218  about its pivot axis  220  away from the lever  212  so that the bar  254  lies adjacent the catch  224  around the position P 1 . In either case it will be recognised that the latching mechanism  200  is not at this stage in the engaged position as the bar  254  is spaced from and not received within the hook  298 . 
     In order to effect engagement and place the latching mechanism  200  in the latched position the force applied to the lever  212  is steadily reduced or can be totally released while holding the latch member  218  against the catch  228 . This will result in a translation of the latch member  218  and in particular the bar  254  toward and into engagement with the hook  298 . This position is shown in  FIGS.  19   a - 19   c   . If a user has not already released the lever  212  they may now do so and rely on the bias of the lever spring  226  and the over centre action of the lever mechanism  200  to pivot the lever  212  in the direction D 1  towards the bracket  300 . It should also be understood that this pivoting motion has the effect linearly displacing the bar  254 , and thus pulling the catch  224 , toward the base  232  and bracket  300 . The degree of this pull can be adjusted by turning of the screw  236 . This adjustment would be normally performed prior to the latching mechanism  200  being moved to the latched position. 
     In use the adjustment may be done by trial and error moving the latch mechanism to the intermediate position shown in  FIGS.  19   a - 19   c    and feeling the degree of force required to push the lever arm  212  in the direction D 1  so as to lie against the bracket  300  with the lug  276  extending through the opening  248 . The degree of adjustment of spacing between the axis  214  and  220  is approximately equal to the length of the slot  234  minus the diameter of the arms  282 . 
     Depending on this adjustment, the lever  212  may be able to return by action of the lever spring  228  only. However in order to tightly couple the latch arm  218  to the catch  224  it is envisaged that the adjustment will be such that the lever will pivot by action of the lever spring  228  alone only to a position where is it spaced above the bracket  300 . In order for the lever  212  to be placed against the bracket  300  a force will need to be applied to snap the lever down onto the bracket  300 . This also provides the pulling effect described above of the catch  224  towards the bracket  300 . 
     In order to disengage the latch mechanism  200  (i.e. move it from the latched position to the released position) the user need only pivot the lever  212  in the direction D 2  through an angle sufficient to slide the bar  254  out of the hook  298 . At that time the  26  bias of the latch spring  228  will automatically pivot the latch member  218  in the direction D 1 . The user may simultaneously release the force on the lever  212  which will result in the lever spring  226  pivoting the lever  212  in the direction D 1  carrying with it the latch member  218 . The lever  212  and latch member are thus returned to the released position shown in  FIGS.  13   a   - 13   c.    
     The latch mechanism  200  may be embodied in other forms. For example the base  232  may be formed integrally with (i.e. moulded into or as part of) the various walls  18  much like hinge portions  58  to provide an anchor point for the lever  212  which can be coupled via the coupling pin  214 . Similarly, the catch  224  and more specifically the hook  298  can be moulded into other walls  18  of the container  10 . 
     In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features of the container as disclosed herein.