Patent Description:
Various types of containers and latching systems exist. Containers may be used for food, beverages, and other materials or items. Latching systems exist to lock the containers in a closed configuration. However, conventional containers and latching systems are often not very durable and may not be easy to use. For instance, containers may not be strong enough to hold certain items and may not be strong enough to hold items on top of the container. Additionally, some latching systems may engage when a user does not want the system engaged and in other cases may not provide a sufficient lock between for the container. Some containers also may include handles to assist a user in carrying or moving the container. These handles need to be easily gripped and or moved into a position to be easily gripped when needed. In such arrangements, these and other deficiencies may render the container and/or latching system virtually useless.

<CIT> discloses a U-shaped handle mounted on bags. A supporting means for freely turnably supporting a handle is formed of a stationary supporting piece and a movable supporting piece. The handle is freely turnably supported by a guide shaft supported at both ends to the stationary and movable supporting pieces. A projecting part for engagement is formed on the handle side, and a movable supporting piece side is provided for engagement with the projecting part in the erecting state of the handle <CIT> discloses a container with a handle.

The present invention relates to a container according to claim <NUM> and to a container according to claim <NUM>.

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:.

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.

In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made. Also, while the terms "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "rear," and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. "Generally parallel" may be used to indicate that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this instance, within <NUM>%) equidistant from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least <NUM>% of the length of the first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. "Generally perpendicular" may be used to indicate that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this instance, within <NUM>%) <NUM> degrees with another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least <NUM>% of the length of the first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. Additionally, the term "plurality," as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In general, aspects of this invention relate to containers, latching assemblies, and handle assemblies for containers. According to various aspects and embodiments, the containers, latching assemblies, and handle assemblies described herein may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and may be formed in one of a variety of configurations. It is understood that the containers, latching assemblies, and handle assemblies may contain components made of several different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer components, such as elastomers, can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding, such as injection molding, and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.

The various figures in this application illustrate examples of containers, latching assemblies, and handle assemblies according to this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

<FIG> depict perspective views of a container <NUM>. The container <NUM> comprises a base portion <NUM> and a lid <NUM> that, in some examples, may be coupled, or in some examples may be non-destructively, removably coupled, thereto. The base portion <NUM> is a structure forming a void for containing articles, as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the base portion <NUM> may be cuboidal or substantially cuboidal in shape. In other examples, the base portion <NUM> may be prismoidal or substantially prismoidal (e.g., a pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, or the like) in shape. In still other examples, the base portion <NUM> may be substantially cylindrical in shape or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention.

The base portion <NUM> includes a sidewall structure <NUM> having a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM> opposite the first side <NUM>, a third side <NUM> extending between an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side, and a fourth side <NUM> opposite the third side <NUM>. The sidewall structure <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The sidewall structure <NUM> includes a bottom portion <NUM> connected to a first end <NUM> of the sidewall structure <NUM> and configured to support the container on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. In some examples, the bottom portion <NUM> may also and/or alternatively include one or more feet which may support the container <NUM> on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. The feet may be integrally formed with the base portion <NUM> or may be attached to the base portion <NUM> after the base portion <NUM> has been formed.

The base portion <NUM> further includes a second end <NUM> defining an opening <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The opening <NUM> is configured to allow access to an interior void <NUM> of the container <NUM> formed by the sidewall structure <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM>. In some examples, the void <NUM> may hold items such as a caddy <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The container <NUM> includes a lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is pivotable between an open configuration and closed configuration. In some embodiments rotating the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration includes rotating the lid about <NUM>° from the closed configuration, or about <NUM>° from the closed configuration, or about <NUM>° from the closed configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> is covered by lid <NUM>, when the container is in use (e.g., when the container is in a closed configuration). In some arrangements, the lid <NUM> may connect to the base portion <NUM> in a closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally, or alternatively, other securing systems or devices may be used to secure the lid <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>, as will be discussed more fully herein.

In some examples, the lid <NUM> may be hinged such that it is connected to (either removably or permanently) the base portion <NUM> at a hinge <NUM> and may be rotated about the hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge, and the like. These and various other hinge arrangements may be discussed more fully herein. The hinge <NUM> may permit the lid <NUM> to be opened and rotated away from the base portion <NUM>, to allow access to the void <NUM> defined by the base portion <NUM> (e.g., via opening <NUM>). That is, the hinge <NUM> may facilitate rotation of the lid <NUM> from a closed configuration of the container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the void <NUM> formed by the base portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid is not covering the void <NUM> formed by the base portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>), and vice versa.

In addition, in some arrangements, the container <NUM> may include a gasket <NUM> or other sealing device. The gasket <NUM> may be arranged in either the lid <NUM> or the base portion <NUM> and may aid in sealing the lid <NUM> and base portion <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in a closed configuration. In one example, the container <NUM> may be manufactured such that it is dust tight when tested for <NUM> hours and/or waterproof when tested for <NUM> minutes under <NUM> meter of water. In some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be capable of achieving an IP67 (as set forth by International Electrotechnical Commission) rating which specifies that there is no ingress of dust or complete protection from dust when tested for <NUM> hours and ingress of water in harmful quantities is not possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to <NUM> of submersion). The IP67 dust test is <NUM> hours long and the enclosure is tested in a vacuum. The IP67 water test is <NUM> minutes long and the enclosure is tested with the lowest point of the enclosure <NUM> below the surface of the water, or the highest point <NUM> below the surface whichever is deeper.

In some examples, the gasket <NUM> may be seated in a recess formed in at least one of the base portion <NUM> and the lid <NUM> and extending around a perimeter of the at least one of the base portion <NUM> or the lid <NUM>. Additionally, in some example, the container <NUM> may include a ridge in the opposite of the base portion <NUM> or the lid <NUM> and extending around a perimeter of the base portion <NUM> or the lid <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be placed between the recess and the ridge. The gasket <NUM> may aid in maintaining a seal between the interior of the container <NUM> and the outside environment, and in some examples may aid in maintaining the temperature of the articles contained within the container <NUM>. In some examples, the gasket <NUM> may be a traditional gasket having a substantially circular cross section. In some examples, the gasket <NUM> may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a donut or ring shape, an oval shape, a Y-shape, a U-shape, or other shape known to one skilled in the art. In other arrangements, the gasket <NUM> may include strategically placed cut-outs that may reduce or eliminate a need for a vent (e.g., a vent to prevent lid lock).

The container <NUM> may be configured to contain, store, carry, etc., items including food, beverages, or any other items. Additionally, or alternatively, the container <NUM> may be configured to store materials in a solid or a gaseous state, or combinations thereof.

The container <NUM> including the base portion <NUM> and lid <NUM> may be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the base portion <NUM> and lid <NUM> may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form both the base portion <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. In some arrangements, the outer shells of the base portion <NUM> and the lid <NUM> are formed using injection molding or roto-molding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the container <NUM> without departing from the invention.

The container <NUM> includes a movable handle assembly <NUM> on the lid <NUM> that allows the handle <NUM> move be in a stowed position or a carry position and also to stay in either a stowed position or a carry position until acted upon by a user. The handle <NUM> may allow a user to easily lift and/or carry the container <NUM> using only a single hand to grasp the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be pivotally attached to the lid <NUM> and located in a recessed cavity <NUM> that is located on an upper surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The handle <NUM> has a stowed position, where the handle is generally parallel to an upper surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and a carry position, where the handle is generally perpendicular to an upper surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The handle assembly <NUM> includes components that allow the handle <NUM> to be maintained in the stowed position until acted upon by an upward or rotational force from a user that is greater than a threshold force to move the handle <NUM> from the stowed position to the carry or upright position. In addition, the handle assembly <NUM> allows the handle <NUM> to be maintained in the carry position until acted upon by a downward or rotational force from the user that is greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the carry position to the stowed position.

As shown in <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> may include a handle <NUM>, where the handle <NUM> comprises a grip portion <NUM> and a pair of legs <NUM>, a plunger <NUM>, a biasing member <NUM>, a detent member <NUM>, and a pin <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> and the detent member <NUM> engages each other to prevent any unwanted movement of the handle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, the plunger <NUM> includes a plurality of engaging members <NUM> that engage a corresponding plurality of engaging members <NUM> on the detent member <NUM>. The plurality of engaging members <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of recesses, and ramped surfaces between each protrusion and recess. In particular, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions on the plunger <NUM> and the detent member <NUM> may be received in a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses on the plunger <NUM> and the detent member <NUM>. The ramped surfaces between each protrusion and each recess, allow the plunger <NUM> and detent member <NUM> to rotate with respect to each other as the engaging members contact and slide along each other when the handle <NUM> has an upward or downward force applied to it by a user that is greater than a threshold force. The protrusions and recesses may be arranged in an alternating pattern with each protrusion adjacent a recess with a ramped surface extending between a base surface of the recess to an upper surface of the protrusion. The interaction of the engaging members <NUM>, <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> and the detent member <NUM> resists any movement of the handle <NUM> caused by any inadvertent movement or force applied to the container (e.g., such as the container being turned upside down or turned on its side). The biasing member <NUM> may provide a longitudinal force that keeps the engaging members <NUM>, <NUM> engaged with each other to prevent any inadvertent movement of the plunger <NUM> relative to the detent member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be a compression spring, or other member to apply a linear force to keep the plunger <NUM> engaged with the detent member <NUM> as known to one skilled in the art. In other words, unless a force is applied directly to the handle <NUM> greater than a threshold force, the handle <NUM> will stay in either a stowed or carry position. The threshold force may be determined by the force applied by the biasing member <NUM> as well as the depth of the recesses and the angle of the ramped surfaces on the engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>. The threshold force may be a force that is large enough such that the handle <NUM> will not move from a stowed position to a deployed position if the container <NUM> is turned upside down or even shaken when turned upside down. Similarly, the threshold force may be a force that is large enough such that the handle <NUM> will not move from a deployed position to a stowed position if the container <NUM> is in an upright position and shaken from side to side. Alternatively, the plurality of engaging members <NUM>, <NUM> may be corresponding sets of teeth that engage one another. As another alternate example, instead of engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> and the detent member <NUM> may include engaging faces that frictionally engage each other where biasing member <NUM> applies a force to create friction between these engaging faces create the threshold force.

Each leg <NUM> has a fixed end <NUM> connected to each end of the grip portion <NUM> and a free end <NUM> opposite the fixed end <NUM>. A pocket <NUM> is located near the free end <NUM> of each leg <NUM> to receive the biasing member <NUM> and the plunger <NUM>. In one example, the pocket <NUM> may be located on an outboard surface of each leg <NUM>. Each plunger <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> at a first end <NUM> that receives the biasing member <NUM> and the plurality of engaging members <NUM> on the second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> may also include an anti-rotation member <NUM> that may contact a corresponding anti-rotation member <NUM> within the pocket <NUM>. The anti-rotation members <NUM>, <NUM> may be a boss and a corresponding recess where the recess or boss may be located on either the plunger <NUM> or within the pocket <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> may also include an opening <NUM> that extends through a bottom surface of the pocket <NUM> through a remainder of the leg <NUM>. In addition, the plunger <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> that extends through the plunger <NUM>. In some examples, the pocket <NUM> that receives the plunger <NUM> and biasing member <NUM> may be arranged on an inboard surface of each leg <NUM>. Optionally, the biasing member <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of the plunger <NUM> such that the plunger <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM> are made as a single component to provide the spring force to keep the plunger <NUM> engaged with the detent member <NUM>.

The recessed cavity <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is arranged to secure the handle <NUM>. The recessed cavity <NUM> may include a pair of side surfaces <NUM> with each side surface <NUM> having a receiver <NUM> to secure the detent member <NUM>. Each receiver <NUM> may also include an anti-rotation member (not shown) that may contact a corresponding anti-rotation member <NUM> located on the detent member <NUM>. The anti-rotation members may be a boss and a corresponding recess where the recess or boss may be located on either the detent member <NUM> or within the receiver <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may be an opening in each side surface <NUM> and/or may include an insert placed in the receiver <NUM> to help secure the detent member <NUM>. The recessed cavity <NUM> may also include an outward facing surface <NUM>, a rear surface <NUM> and a pair of mounts <NUM> extending from the outward facing surface of the cavity <NUM>. The pair of mounts <NUM> may be spaced inward from each of the side surfaces <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may connect to the pair of mounts <NUM>. In some examples, the pair of mounts <NUM> may also extend from and connect to the rear surface <NUM>. Each mount <NUM> may include an opening <NUM>, where the opening <NUM> of each mount <NUM> may be aligned along a longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the detent member <NUM> may be received in the opening <NUM> of each mount <NUM> to engage the plunger <NUM> in examples when the plunger <NUM> is located in a pocket <NUM> arranged on an inboard surface of each leg <NUM>. In some examples, the recessed cavity <NUM> may include engaging members that are integrally formed in the side surfaces <NUM>, such that these integrally formed engaging member interact with the engaging members <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> without the use of a separate detent member <NUM>. As another option, the biasing member <NUM> may be located in the receiver <NUM> and/or adjacent to the detent member <NUM> to apply a force directly onto the detent member <NUM> to engage the detent member <NUM> with the plunger <NUM> instead of the biasing member <NUM> applying the force on the plunger <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the installation process of the handle assembly <NUM> to the lid <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each detent member <NUM> may be installed into the receiver <NUM> of the side surface <NUM>, where the anti-rotation member of the receiver engages the anti-rotation member <NUM> of the detent member <NUM>. In addition, the biasing member <NUM> and plunger <NUM> are installed into the pocket <NUM> of each leg <NUM> with the biasing member <NUM> being at least partially received within the recess <NUM> of the plunger <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may contact a bottom surface of the pocket <NUM>. The anti-rotation member <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> may engage the anti-rotation member <NUM> of the pocket <NUM>. Once the biasing member <NUM> and plunger <NUM> are installed into each leg <NUM> of the handle <NUM>, the handle <NUM> may be positioned such that openings <NUM> of the mounts <NUM> are aligned with the openings <NUM> of each leg <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the detent member <NUM>. Next, a pin <NUM> is installed through the opening <NUM> of each mount <NUM>, the opening <NUM> of the detent member <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> of each leg <NUM> to rotatably connect the handle <NUM> to the lid <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be either permanently secured to the lid <NUM> with a friction fit with into the detent member <NUM> or within the receiver <NUM> of the side surface <NUM>. In some examples, the pin <NUM> may be releasably connected to the lid <NUM> using a threaded connection or other connection method known to one skilled in the art.

The container <NUM> also includes one or more latch assemblies <NUM>. The latch assemblies <NUM> have a locked position and an unlocked position and may be configured to lock the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in a closed configuration. The latch assemblies <NUM> may include one or more portions integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the container <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> may include a latch keeper <NUM>. The latch keeper <NUM> may extend from the sidewall structure <NUM> and may form a pocket within the container <NUM>. The latch keeper pocket has a shape configured to receive a portion of the locking member <NUM> as will be discussed in more detail below. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the latch assemblies <NUM> may engage the latch keeper <NUM> to lock the lid <NUM> to the base portion <NUM> when the container <NUM> is in a closed configuration. The latch assembly <NUM> may be similar to the latch assemblies described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

The container <NUM> may also include various features to improve the strength and/or functioning of the container <NUM>. For example, the container may include various raised portions where certain portions of the base portion <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> extend further outward than other parts of the base portion <NUM> and/or lid <NUM>. The container <NUM> may also include raised portions <NUM> surrounding the latch assembly <NUM> and the hinge <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the raised portions <NUM> may exist on one or both of the base portion <NUM> or lid <NUM>. The raised portions <NUM> may be raised equal to or greater than the height of the latch assembly <NUM> and hinge <NUM> respectively, such that the latch assembly <NUM> and/or hinge <NUM> do not extend outward beyond the raised portions <NUM> of the container <NUM>. This may protect the latch assembly <NUM> and/or hinge <NUM> to reduce breakage of these components during use.

Referring now more specifically to the latch assembly <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. The latch assembly <NUM> may include multiple components including a latch body <NUM>, a locking member <NUM>, a biasing member <NUM>, and an activating member <NUM>. As discussed above, the latch assembly <NUM> may include a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch body <NUM> may be pivotally engaged with the lid <NUM>. The latch body <NUM> may be pivotally engaged with the lid <NUM> using hinge <NUM>, however, any suitable pivotal engagement may be used. The latch body <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may be curved and may generally follow the curve of the sidewall structure <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> may also be curved and may also include a number of different features. One exemplary feature that may be included on the latch body <NUM> may be one or more engagement lugs <NUM>. The engagement lugs <NUM> may engage the base portion <NUM>, or latch keeper <NUM>, and may assist in compressing the lid <NUM> against the base portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

The latch body <NUM> may also be engaged with the locking member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> may be slidably engaged with the latch body <NUM> such that the locking member <NUM> may move between an upward position and a downward position in a substantially linear path. The locking member <NUM> may be configured to lock the lid <NUM> in a closed configuration when the locking member <NUM> is in the downward position and unlock the lid <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is in the upward position.

As shown primarily in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> may be movably engaged with one or more guide members <NUM> such that the locking member <NUM> may slide up and down the guide members <NUM>. In one embodiment, the locking member <NUM> may include apertures passing through the locking member <NUM> and through which the guide members <NUM> may also pass. The guide members <NUM> may be cylindrical rods but any suitable shape may be used that permits upward and downward movement of the locking member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the latch assembly <NUM> may also include at least one biasing member <NUM> engaged with the latch body <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be configured to bias the locking member <NUM> in a downward position. The biasing member <NUM> may be a compression spring as shown in <FIG>, but may in alternative embodiments be any suitable device for biasing the locking member <NUM> in the downward position.

The locking member <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> and a hook portion <NUM> extending inwards from the base portion <NUM>. When the latch assembly <NUM> is in the locked position, the hook portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may engage the latch keeper <NUM>. Additionally, when the latch assembly <NUM> is in the locked position the upper surface of the engagement lugs <NUM> may engage a lower surface of the latch keeper <NUM>.

The latch body <NUM> may also be pivotally engaged with an activating member <NUM>. The activating member <NUM> may also be engaged with the locking member <NUM> and may be configured to move the locking member <NUM> from the downward position to the upward position. The activating member <NUM> may be pivotally engaged to the latch body <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> extending through the latch body <NUM> and the activating member <NUM>. The activating member <NUM> may include a grip portion <NUM>, an activating barrel <NUM>, and one or more arms <NUM> connecting the grip portion <NUM> and the activating barrel <NUM>. The grip portion <NUM> may be spaced a distance from the sidewall structure <NUM> of the container <NUM>. This distance may allow a user grip the back surface <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> with their fingers placed between the sidewall structure <NUM> and the grip portion <NUM>. The activating barrel <NUM> of the activating member <NUM> may engage the locking member <NUM>. The activating barrel <NUM> may include at least one raised portion <NUM>. To unlock the latch assembly <NUM>, a user may pull the grip portion <NUM> of the activating member <NUM> forward causing the at least one raised portion <NUM> of the activating barrel <NUM> to rotate and lift up the locking member <NUM>. This movement causes the latch assembly <NUM> to unlock and allows the lid <NUM> to be moved from the closed configuration to an open configuration.

Referring now to <FIG>, a procedure for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly <NUM> from the locked position to an unlocked position is shown with side cross-sectional views of the latch assembly <NUM> and portions of the base portion <NUM> and lid <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> in the locked position, <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> unlocking, and <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> in an unlocked position. As shown in <FIG>, in the locked position, the lower surface of hook portion <NUM> is engaged with the upper surface of the latch keeper <NUM>; the inward facing surface of the hook portion <NUM> is engaged with the inner surface of the latch keeper <NUM>; and the engagement lugs <NUM> are engaged with the lower surface of the latch keeper <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the latch assembly <NUM> may be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the activating member <NUM> as shown with arrow <NUM>. This rotation may be accomplished by a user pulling forward on back surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, as the activating barrel <NUM> rotates, the at least one raised portion <NUM> engages and raises the locking member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the latch assembly <NUM> is in an unlocked position. As the locking member <NUM> raises above latch keeper <NUM>, the latch assembly <NUM> becomes unlocked and the latch body <NUM>, including the locking member <NUM> and the activating member <NUM>, may rotate forward as indicated by arrow <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a procedure for moving the latch assembly <NUM> from an unlocked position to locked position is shown with side cross-sectional views of the latch assembly <NUM> and portions of the base portion <NUM> and lid <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> in an unlocked position, <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> locking, and <FIG> depicts the latch assembly <NUM> in locked position.

As shown in <FIG>, and as indicated by arrow <NUM>, in one embodiment a user may return the latch assembly <NUM> to the locked position by pressing on latch body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, as the latch body <NUM> is pressed inward, the locking member <NUM> may contact the latch keeper <NUM> which may cause the locking member <NUM> to raise upward as indicated by arrow <NUM>. In other examples, in addition to pushing the latch body <NUM> inward, a user must also pull activating member <NUM> outward to move the latch assembly <NUM> to the locked position. In such an example, the latch assembly <NUM> may advantageously only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member <NUM> is moved in the upward position by the activating member <NUM>. This may reduce the possibility of accidently locking the container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, once the hook portion <NUM> has moved behind the latch keeper <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> may push the locking member <NUM> in a downward direction. As shown in <FIG>, the latch assembly <NUM> is in the locked position and the lower surface of the hook portion <NUM> is engaged with the upper surface of the latch keeper <NUM>; the inward facing surface of the hook portion <NUM> is engaged with the inner surface of the latch keeper <NUM>; and the engagement lugs <NUM> are engaged with the lower surface of the latch keeper <NUM>. When in a closed position, the latch assembly <NUM> may be positioned such that the lid <NUM> abuts the base portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, thus closing, securing, and/or sealing the container <NUM>.

The latch assembly <NUM>, including the latch body <NUM>, locking member <NUM>, and activating member <NUM>, may each be separately formed and may be formed of materials such as plastic materials or another suitable material which can be formed or molded into the desired shape. The latch assembly <NUM> may be made of sufficient size, thickness and materials of construction to withstand repeated cycles of stress as the latch is engage/disengaged with the latch keeper <NUM> over time. The containers described herein include various features that ensure easy and efficient manufacture of the containers, while providing durability and wear resistance.

In order to avoid any inadvertent unlocking of the latch assembly <NUM>, the container <NUM> or the latch assembly <NUM> may include various different concepts to prevent an accidental unlocking of the latch assembly <NUM>. These concepts are illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a latch guard <NUM> that located below latch assembly <NUM>. The latch guard <NUM> may fixedly connect to the raised portions <NUM> that are positioned on either or both sides of the latch assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The latch guard <NUM> may comprise a pair of arms <NUM> and a cross-member <NUM> connected between the pair of arms <NUM>. The arms <NUM> may be connected to the container <NUM> within a recess located within the raised portions <NUM> or attached to a surface of the raised portions <NUM>.

The cross-member <NUM> may have an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> being spaced a predetermined distance below the activating member <NUM> of the latch assembly <NUM>. This spacing allows for a user to reach their hand between the activating member <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> and still use their hand to pull on the activating member <NUM> to unlock the latch assembly <NUM> in the manner described above. In addition, the cross-member <NUM> may act as a fixed handle to allow a user to lift the container <NUM> without the risk of unlocking the latch assembly <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may have a ramped or curved shape to allow a larger spacing from the latch assembly <NUM> near a front edge <NUM> than at a rear edge of the cross-member. Additionally, the lower surface <NUM> may have a concave shape. The concave lower surface <NUM> may also include a plurality of ribs to help to make it easier for a user to grip. The cross-member <NUM> may have a width that is greater than a width of the latch assembly <NUM>, where the width is defined as the horizontal distance along the length of the cross-member <NUM>. In addition, container <NUM> may have a second latch guard <NUM> that is arranged below the hinge <NUM> on the side of the container <NUM> opposite the latch assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, the latch guard <NUM> underneath the hinge <NUM> may be connected to raised portions <NUM> on either side of the hinge <NUM> and spaced a predetermined distance below the hinge <NUM>. By arranging a latch guard <NUM> on opposing sides, a user may easily lift the container <NUM> without risk of tilting the container <NUM> or accidentally unlocking the container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate latch guard <NUM>, which is another device that can protect the latch assembly <NUM> from being inadvertently unlocked. Latch guard <NUM> may be located below latch assembly <NUM>. The latch guard <NUM> may pivotally connect to the raised portions <NUM> that are positioned on either or both sides of the latch assembly <NUM>. The latch guard <NUM> may comprise a pair of axles <NUM> and a cross-member <NUM> connected between the pair of axles <NUM>. The axles <NUM> may be aligned along an axis such that the latch guard <NUM> may rotate around the axis. The axles <NUM> may be connected to the container <NUM> at a lower region of the raised portions <NUM> where the axis is positioned below the lowest surface of the latch assembly <NUM>. The latch guard <NUM> may have a restrictive position that prevents a user from engaging the activating member <NUM> of the latch assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and an accessible position that allows a user to engage the activating member <NUM> and unlock the latch assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> where the latch guard <NUM> is rotated downward away from the latch assembly <NUM>. A biasing member (not shown) may apply a force to the latch guard <NUM> to bias the latch guard <NUM> in the restrictive position to prevent the any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly <NUM>.

The cross-member <NUM> may have an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may include a ramped portion that slopes downward toward the front edge <NUM> to provide a larger spacing from the latch assembly <NUM> near a front edge <NUM> than at a rear edge of the cross-member <NUM>. The larger spacing provide additional clearance for a user to grasp and activate the latch assembly <NUM>. Additionally, the lower surface <NUM> may have a concave shape. The concave lower surface <NUM> may also include a plurality of ribs <NUM> to help to make it easier for a user to grip. The cross-member <NUM> may have a width that is greater than a width of the latch assembly <NUM>, where the width is defined as the horizontal distance along the length of the cross-member <NUM>. In some examples, container <NUM> may have a second latch guard <NUM> that is arranged below the hinge <NUM> on the side of the container <NUM> opposite the latch assembly <NUM>. Similarly, the latch guard <NUM> underneath the hinge <NUM> may be connected to raised portions <NUM> on either side of the hinge <NUM>. The latch guard <NUM> on the side with the hinge <NUM> may be rotatably connected or may be fixedly connected where it cannot rotate. By arranging a latch guard <NUM> on opposing sides, a user may easily lift the container <NUM> without risk of tilting the container <NUM> or accidentally unlocking the container <NUM>.

Latch guards <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a polymeric or metallic material. Additionally, latch guards <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer components may be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding, (e.g. injection molding) and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.

As an alternative to a latch guard discussed above, <FIG> illustrate a modified latch assembly <NUM>. For the example latch assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the features are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "5xx" series of reference numerals, rather than "2xx" as used in the latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, certain features of the latch assembly <NUM> that were already described above with respect to latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG> may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. Latch assembly <NUM> may include a locking button <NUM> arranged on the outer surface <NUM> of the latch body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, as well as all of the other components of latch assembly <NUM>. The locking button <NUM> may have a locked state that prevents the locking member <NUM> from moving relative to the latch body <NUM>, which prevents the latch assembly <NUM> from moving to an unlocked position, and an unlocked state when the locking button <NUM> is depressed, which allows the locking member <NUM> to move relative to the latch body <NUM> and allows the latch assembly <NUM> to move to an unlocked position.

The locking button <NUM> may be connected to a key member <NUM> that engages the locking member <NUM> of the latch assembly <NUM>. The locking button <NUM> may connect to a key member <NUM> that extends inward from the locking button <NUM> through the latch body <NUM> and toward the locking member <NUM>. The key member <NUM> may be received in a slot <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The key member <NUM> may have generally elongated body member <NUM> and an enlarged end portion <NUM>. The end portion <NUM> may be received in a recess <NUM> that is located on an inboard side of the locking member <NUM> and intersects the slot <NUM>. In some examples, the elongated body member <NUM> and end portion <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, or may have geometrical cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, hexagonal or other geometric shape. A biasing member (not shown) may apply a force to the locking button <NUM> to bias the locking button <NUM> in the locked state to prevent the any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly <NUM>. When the locking button <NUM> is in a locked state, the end portion <NUM> is secured within the recess <NUM> to prevent the locking member <NUM> from moving relative to the latch body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which in turn prevents the latch assembly <NUM> from inadvertently moving to an unlocked position. To move the latch assembly <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position, a user must depress the locking button <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which moves the enlarged end portion <NUM> from the recess <NUM>. Once the enlarged end portion <NUM> is free from the recess <NUM>, the elongated body member <NUM> is free to slidably move within the slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which also allows the locking member <NUM> to be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position when the user pulls the activating member <NUM>. Thus, to move the latch assembly <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position, a user must engage both the locking button <NUM> and the activating member <NUM> (i.e., a user must both depress the locking button <NUM> and pull the activating member <NUM>). This dual movement helps to prevent the latch assembly <NUM> from being accidentally moved to an unlocked position.

As another alternative to a latch guard discussed above, <FIG> illustrate a modified latch assembly <NUM>. For the example latch assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the features are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "6xx" series of reference numerals, rather than "2xx" as used in the latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, certain features of the latch assembly <NUM> that were already described above with respect to latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG> may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. Latch assembly <NUM> may include a locking button <NUM> arranged on the outer surface <NUM> of the latch body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, as well as all of the other components of latch assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate latch assembly <NUM> with some components removed to illustrate the interaction between the locking member <NUM> and the locking button <NUM>. The locking button <NUM> may have a locked state that prevents the locking member <NUM> from moving relative to the latch body <NUM>, which prevents the latch assembly <NUM> from moving to an unlocked position, and an unlocked state, which allows the locking member <NUM> to move relative to the latch body <NUM> and allows the latch assembly <NUM> to move to an unlocked position. The locking button <NUM> may be pivotally connected to the latch body <NUM>, such that when the one side of the locking button <NUM> is in a locked state, a portion of the locking button <NUM> is below the outer surface <NUM> and a portion of the locking button <NUM> is above the outer surface <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the locking button <NUM> in a locked state, where the upper portion of the locking button <NUM> is below the outer surface <NUM>, and the lower portion of the locking button <NUM> is above the outer surface <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the locking button <NUM> in an unlocked state, where the upper portion of the locking button <NUM> and the lower portion of the locking button <NUM> are substantially aligned with the outer surface <NUM> of the latch body <NUM>. While the illustrated example shows the locking button <NUM> pivotally attached to the latch body <NUM> in a central location with a horizontally oriented axis, the location and orientation of the pivot for the locking button <NUM> may be located in different locations and orientations without departing from this invention.

The locking button <NUM> may have an extension <NUM> that protrudes inward (i.e. away from the outer surface <NUM> of the latch body <NUM>) from the locking button <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may extend from the upper portion of the locking button <NUM>. In some examples, the extension <NUM> may form a hook shape to better engage the locking member <NUM>. When the locking button <NUM> is in a locked state, the extension <NUM> may contact an upper surface of the locking member <NUM> to prevent the locking member <NUM> from moving relative to the latch body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A biasing member (not shown) may apply a force to the locking button <NUM> to bias the locking button <NUM> in the locked state to prevent the any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly <NUM>. By preventing the movement of the locking member <NUM> relative to the latch body <NUM>, the latch assembly <NUM> is unable to be accidentally unlocked even if the activating member <NUM> is pulled. When the locking button <NUM> is moved to an unlocked state, the extension <NUM> is no longer in contact with the locking member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which allows the locking member <NUM> to slidably move relative to the latch body <NUM>. By allowing the movement of the locking member <NUM> relative to the latch body <NUM>, the latch assembly <NUM> is able to move to an unlocked position when a user pulls the activating member <NUM>. Thus, to move the latch assembly <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position, a user must depress a lower portion of the locking button <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which moves the extension <NUM> from contacting the locking member <NUM>. Once the extension <NUM> is free from contact with the locking member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> is able to slidably move along the latch body <NUM> and allow the latch assembly <NUM> to be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position when the user pulls the activating member <NUM>. Thus, to move the latch assembly <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position, a user must both depress a portion of the locking button <NUM> and pull the activating member <NUM>. This dual movement helps to prevent the latch assembly <NUM> from being accidentally moved to an unlocked position.

As another alternative to a latch guard options discussed above, <FIG> illustrate a modified latch assembly <NUM>. For the example latch assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the features are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "7xx" series of reference numerals, rather than "2xx" as used in the latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, certain features of the latch assembly <NUM> that were already described above with respect to latch assembly <NUM> of the container <NUM> of <FIG> may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. Latch assembly <NUM> may include a locking lever <NUM> arranged pivotally connected to the activating member <NUM> as well as all of the other components of latch assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate latch assembly <NUM> with some components removed to illustrate the interaction between the activating member <NUM> and the locking lever <NUM>. The locking lever <NUM> may have a locked state that prevents the movement of the activating member <NUM> and an unlocked state that allows movement of the activating member <NUM>. When the activating member <NUM> is able to rotate relative to the latch body <NUM>, the latch assembly <NUM> is able to move to an unlocked position. <FIG> illustrates the locking lever <NUM> in a locked state where the locking lever <NUM> is preventing the activating member <NUM> from rotating, and <FIG> illustrates the locking lever <NUM> in an unlocked state where the locking lever <NUM> is rotated with the activating member <NUM>. In order to move the latch assembly <NUM> to an unlocked position, a user must pull both the activating member <NUM> along with the locking lever <NUM> which allows the latch assembly <NUM> to move to an unlocked position. <FIG> illustrates the locking lever <NUM> in an unlocked state along with the activating member <NUM> being rotated to an unlocked position.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>), comprising:
a base portion (<NUM>) including:
a sidewall structure (<NUM>) having a first side (<NUM>), a second side (<NUM>) opposite the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>);
a bottom portion (<NUM>) connected to a first end (<NUM>) of the sidewall structure;
an opening (<NUM>) formed at the second end (<NUM>) of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void (<NUM>) of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and
a lid (<NUM>) connected to the base portion, the lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open configuration; and
wherein the lid includes a handle assembly (<NUM>) comprising a handle (<NUM>) that has a stowed position where the handle is generally parallel to an upper surface (<NUM>) of the lid and a carry position where the handle is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the lid;
wherein the handle is maintained in the stowed position until acted upon by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the stowed position to the carry position;
wherein the handle is in the carry position; the handle is maintained in the carry position until acted upon by a second force greater than the threshold force to move the handle from the carry position to the stowed position;
wherein the handle includes a grip portion (<NUM>) and a pair of legs (<NUM>), wherein each leg has a fixed end (<NUM>) connected to an end of the grip portion, and a free end (<NUM>) opposite the fixed end with a pocket (<NUM>) located near the free end;
wherein the handle is recessed in a cavity (<NUM>) formed in the upper surface (<NUM>) of the lid; and
wherein the pocket of each leg receives a biasing member (<NUM>) and a plunger (<NUM>), the plunger comprising a recess at a first end (<NUM>) that receives the biasing member and a first plurality of engaging members (<NUM>) at a second end (<NUM>) opposite the first end.