Container and latching assembly

Abstract

A container and latch assembly are provided. The container has a base and a lid. The lid can be rotated about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and can be secured via one or more latch assemblies. The latch assembly can include a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an actuating member. Additional features of the container can include a handle and strength enhancing features. The base and the lid can also feature attachment points for various accessories.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202110925931.2, filed on June 12, 2018, entitled "Container and Latch System". Chinese invention patent application No. 202110925931.2 is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201880036572.1, filed on June 12, 2018, also entitled "Container and Latch System".

[0002] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 16 / 006,344, filed June 12, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 518,358, filed June 12, 2017. The full text of the above-cited applications is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] Various types of containers and latching systems exist. Containers can be used for food, beverages, and other materials or articles. Latching systems lock containers in a closed configuration. However, conventional containers and latching systems are often not very durable and may not be easy to use. For example, the container may not be strong enough to hold certain items, and may not be strong enough to keep items on top of the container. Additionally, some latching systems may be engaged in ways the user does not want to engage, and in other cases, these latching systems may not provide sufficient locking for the container. In such an arrangement, these and other defects may render the container and / or latching system virtually useless. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] According to one aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may include: a molded base comprising: a sidewall structure having a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a third side extending between the edges of the first and second sides, and a fourth side opposite to the third side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure opposite to the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The base may also include a latch retainer extending from the sidewall structure, wherein the latch retainer has an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container may also include a cap pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the cap has a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and is configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The hinge can be configured to connect the cover to the base, wherein the cover can rotate about the hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The container may also include a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0007] The latch assembly may include a latch body pivotally engaged with a cover, wherein the latch body has at least one engaging lug. The latch assembly may also include a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, wherein the locking member is slidable between at least a downward position and an upward position. The locking member may be configured to lock the cover in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position, and to unlock the cover when the locking member is in the upward position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes: a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, wherein the biasing member biases the locking member in the downward position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the actuating member being configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position. The latch assembly can only move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. Another aspect of the latch assembly is that, when the latch assembly is in the locked position, at least one engaging lug of the latch body can engage with the lower surface of the latch retainer; and when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the hook of the locking member can engage with the upper surface of the latch retainer.

[0008] Other aspects of this disclosure may involve rotating the lid of the container from a closed configuration to an open configuration, which may include rotating the lid 90 degrees from the closed configuration. Additionally, the latch retainer may include a support rib extending from the outer surface of the base to the inner surface of the latch retainer, wherein the support rib may be centrally located relative to the upper surface of the latch retainer. The locking member may also include at least two hooks such that when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the support rib is located between at least two hooks of the locking member. The base may also include at least one ramp surface adjacent to the latch retainer, such that the ramp surface extends downward at an angle away from the interface surface of the base. The at least one ramp surface forms an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the interface surface of the base. A gasket may be disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid. As another feature, the base may also include a handle on each side of the container, wherein each handle is integrally formed with the base. The handle may have a curved profile below the outer surface of the handle, and wherein the curved profile is formed by a plurality of ribs extending from one side of the sidewall structure to the inner surface of the handle.

[0009] Other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: a base including: a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The base may also include a latch retainer extending from the sidewall structure, the latch retainer having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container may also include a lid pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and being configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. A hinge may be configured to connect the lid to the base, and the lid may rotate about the hinge from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and a latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include: a latch body pivotally engaged with a cover, wherein the latch body has at least one engaging lug; and a locking member engaged with the latch body, wherein the locking member is movable between a downward position and an upward position. The locking member may be configured to lock the cover in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position, and to unlock the cover when the locking member is in the upward position. The latch assembly may also include: a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, wherein the biasing member biases the locking member in the downward position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and the locking member, wherein the actuating member is configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.

[0010] Additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a base portion of a container including a plurality of tabs positioned along an inner surface of an internal cavity. Each of the plurality of tabs may extend from one of the inner surfaces and includes an upper support surface and an opening, wherein the opening of each tab has an elongated shape. The upper support surface may be located in an upper region of the internal cavity of the base, or at a height greater than fifty percent of the height of the internal cavity. Additionally, the base may include a pair of rails positioned on at least an inner surface of at least one sidewall, wherein the rail pair is positioned on at least an inner surface of at least two sidewalls. Similarly, the cap may include a plurality of clips positioned along an inner surface of the cap, wherein each clip includes an engaging member and an elongated opening, wherein the elongated opening of each of the plurality of tabs may have a width substantially the same as the elongated opening of each clip. The container may also have: a gasket disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the cap; and a channel integrally formed with an outer surface of the base, wherein the channel extends around the entire outer surface of the base.

[0011] In other aspects, this disclosure relates to a container comprising: a base having: a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure opposite to the first end, wherein the opening allows access to an internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The container may also include a lid pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The container may also include a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch assembly includes a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid and a locking member engaged with the latch body, wherein the locking member is movable between a downward position and an upward position. The locking member is configured to lock the cover in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position, and is configured to unlock the cover when the locking member is in the upward position. The actuating member can pivotally engage with the latch body and also with the locking member, wherein the actuating member moves the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.

[0012] Other aspects of the container described in this disclosure may include a latch assembly having a biasing member that engages with a latch body and a locking member, wherein the biasing member biases the locking member in a downward position. The locking member is slidable between a downward position and an upward position, wherein the latch assembly can only move from an unlocked position to a locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. The latch body may include an inner surface and at least one engaging lug, wherein the base includes a latch retainer including an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, at least one engaging lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of the latch retainer, and wherein when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the lower surface of the hook of the locking member engages the upper surface of the latch retainer.

[0013] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Brief description of the attached figures

[0014] This invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements, and in the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of a container based on one or more aspects described herein.

[0016] Figure 1B For one or more aspects described herein, wherein the cap is in the open position Figure 1A Top perspective view of the container.

[0017] Figure 2A For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A Bottom perspective view of the container.

[0018] Figure 2B For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A A side sectional view of the container.

[0019] Figure 3 For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A Top perspective view of the base portion of the container.

[0020] Figure 4A For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A A bottom perspective view of a portion of the base of the container.

[0021] Figure 4BFor one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A Top perspective view of the container handle.

[0022] Figure 4C This is a top perspective view of a portion of the handle according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0023] Figure 4D A side sectional view of a portion of the handle and container according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0024] Figure 5A For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A Top perspective view of part of the lid of the container.

[0025] Figure 5B For one or more aspects described herein Figure 1A Top perspective view of a portion of the base of the container.

[0026] Figure 6A This is a bottom rear perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0027] Figure 6B This is a top rear perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0028] Figure 7A This is a top front perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0029] Figure 7B This is a bottom front perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a rear perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0032] Figures 10A to 10D A side sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position, according to one or more aspects described herein, is shown.

[0033] Figures 11A to 11C One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figures 10A to 10D A side sectional view of the latch assembly moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0034] Figures 12A to 12C A side sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position, according to one or more aspects described herein, is shown.

[0035] Figures 13A to 13C One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figures 13A to 13C A side sectional view of the latch assembly moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of a container based on one or more aspects described herein.

[0037] Figure 15 For one or more aspects described herein Figure 14 A side sectional view of the container.

[0038] Figure 16A For one or more aspects described herein Figure 14 A side sectional view of the container.

[0039] Figure 16B For one or more aspects described herein Figure 16A An enlarged view of a portion of the container shown.

[0040] Figure 17A A top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG1, with the cap in the closed position, is shown according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0041] Figure 17B The image shows one or more aspects described herein in which the cap is in the open position. Figure 17A Top perspective view of the container.

[0042] Figure 18A This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A The front view of the container.

[0043] Figure 18B This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A The rear view of the container.

[0044] Figure 18C This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A A top view of the container.

[0045] Figure 18D This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A The bottom view of the container.

[0046] Figure 18E This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A The left-side view of the container.

[0047] Figure 18F This illustrates one or more aspects of the invention in which the cap is in the closed position. Figure 17A The right-side view of the container.

[0048] Figure 19A This illustrates one or more aspects described herein in which the cap has been removed. Figure 17A A top view of the base portion of the container.

[0049] Figure 19B One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 19A An enlarged view of the base portion of the container shown.

[0050] Figure 20A A bottom rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a latch assembly according to one or more aspects described herein is shown.

[0051] Figure 20B This shows one or more aspects of the subject matter in a locked position. Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the latch assembly.

[0052] Figure 20C This shows one or more aspects of the subject matter in a locked position. Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the latch assembly.

[0053] Figure 21 This shows one or more aspects of the document in the unlocked position. Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly.

[0054] Figure 22A One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A A side sectional view of the container.

[0055] Figure 22B This document illustrates one or more aspects described herein. Figure 17A An enlarged side sectional view of the container handle.

[0056] Figure 22C One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A A partial view of the bottom perspective of the container's handle.

[0057] Figure 23A One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A A partial top perspective view of the base portion of the container.

[0058] Figure 23B One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 23A A partial cross-sectional view of the partial top perspective view, showing Figure 17A The base of the container.

[0059] Figure 24A One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A Top perspective view of the inside of the container's lid.

[0060] Figure 24B One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 24A An enlarged view of the top perspective, showing Figure 17A Part of the container's lid.

[0061] Figure 25 One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A A side view of the container.

[0062] Figures 26A to 26D The image shows an open position with various accessories installed, according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 17A Top perspective view of the container.

[0063] Figure 27A One or more aspects described herein are shown. Figure 17A Top perspective view of the container's attachments.

[0064] Figure 27B and Figure 27C For one or more aspects described herein Figure 27A Side sectional view of the attachment.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings may show the proportions of different components in a single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this particular proportion. Detailed Implementation

[0066] In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the various exemplary structures and illustrate various exemplary devices, systems, and environments in which multiple aspects of the invention can be practiced. It should be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary devices, systems, and environments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention herein. Furthermore, while terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe various exemplary structural features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein for simplicity purposes, for example, based on the exemplary orientations shown in the figures or the orientations during conventional use. Additionally, as used herein, the term “plural” means any number, arbitrarily or additively greater than one, up to an infinite number, as needed. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional dimensional orientation of the structure without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, the reader may be informed that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0067] Generally, aspects of the present invention relate to containers and latching assemblies for containers. Depending on the aspects and embodiments, the containers and latching assemblies described herein can be formed from one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and can be formed in a variety of configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood that the containers and latching assemblies can comprise components made of several different materials. Furthermore, these components can be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components can 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 and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

[0068] The various figures in this application illustrate examples of containers and latching assemblies according to the invention. When the same reference numeral appears in multiple figures, that reference numeral is used consistently throughout this specification, and the figures always refer to the same or similar parts.

[0069] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2AA perspective view of container 2 is depicted. In one example, container 2 may include a base portion 4 and a lid 5, which in some examples may be coupled together or, in some examples, may be non-destructively removably coupled together. The base portion 4 may be a structure forming a cavity for receiving articles, as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the base portion 4 may be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In other examples, the base portion 4 may be prismatic or substantially prismatic in shape (e.g., a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a heptagonal prism, etc.). In other examples, the base portion 4 may be substantially cylindrical or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention.

[0070] The base portion 4 may include a sidewall structure 6 having a first side 8, a second side 10 opposite to the first side, a third side 12 extending between the edges of the first and second sides, and a fourth side 14 opposite to the third side. The sidewall structure 6 may also have a first end 16 and a second end 18. The sidewall structure 6 may also include a bottom portion 20 connected to the first end 16 and configured to support the container on a surface such as a workbench, floor, vehicle cargo box, etc. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 20 may also and / or alternatively include one or more legs 22 that can support the container 2 on a surface such as a workbench, floor, vehicle cargo box, etc. The legs 22 may be integrally formed with the base 4 or may be attached to the base 4 after it has been formed.

[0071] The base portion 4 also includes a second end 18, which defines an opening 19 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). The opening 19 is configured to allow access to the internal void 21 of the container 2 formed by the sidewall structure 6 and the bottom portion 20.

[0072] Container 2 may include a cap 5. The cap 5 is pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, rotating the cap from a closed configuration to an open configuration includes rotating the cap from the closed configuration by about 90°, or about 180°, or about 270°. As shown in FIG1, when the container is in use (e.g., when the container is in a closed configuration), the opening 19 may be covered by the cap 5. In some arrangements, when in a closed configuration, the cap 5 may be press-fitted to the base 4. Additionally or alternatively, other securing systems or devices may be used to secure the cap 5 to the base 4, as will be discussed more fully herein.

[0073] In some instances, the cap 5 can be hinged such that it is attached (removably or permanently) to the base 4 at hinge 37 and can rotate about hinge 37. Hinge 37 can be one of various types of hinges, including continuous piano hinges, double hinges, ball joint hinges, movable hinges, etc. These and various other hinge arrangements can be discussed more fully herein. Hinge 37 allows the cap 5 to be opened and rotated away from the base portion 4 to allow access to the gap defined by the base portion 4 (e.g., via opening 19). That is, hinge 37 facilitates rotation of the cap 5 from the closed configuration of the container (e.g., when the cap is in place covering the gap 21 formed by the base 4, as...). Figure 1A (as shown) to the open configuration (e.g., when the cover does not cover the gap 21 formed by the base 4, such as Figure 1B (as shown), and vice versa.

[0074] Additionally, in some arrangements, container 2 may include a gasket 30 or other sealing device. Gasket 30 may be disposed in cap 5 or base 4 and may help seal cap 5 and base 4 when cap 5 is in a closed configuration. For example, in one embodiment, container 2 may be manufactured such that it is dustproof after an 8-hour test and / or waterproof after a 30-minute test underwater at a depth of 1 meter. In some embodiments, container 2 may be able to achieve an IP67 rating (as specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission), which specifies that no dust ingress or complete protection from dust occurs after an 8-hour test, and that no harmful amount of water can ingress when the package is immersed in water (up to 1 m) under defined pressure and time conditions. The IP67 dust test lasts for 8 hours and is conducted in a vacuum. The IP67 water test lasts for 30 minutes, and the lowest point of the package should be 1000 mm below the water surface, or the highest point should be 150 mm below the water surface (whichever is deeper).

[0075] In some instances, (and such as) Figures 10A to 11C As most clearly shown, a gasket 30 can be placed in a recess 32 formed in at least one of the base 4 and the cap 5 and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base 4 or the cap 5. Additionally, in some embodiments, the container 2 may include a ridge 34 opposite to the base 4 or the cap 5 and extending around the periphery of the base 4 or the cap 5. The gasket 30 can be placed between the recess 32 and the ridge 34. The gasket 30 can help maintain a seal between the interior and exterior environments of the container 2, and in some embodiments, can help maintain the temperature of the items contained within the container 2. Figures 10A to 11C An example gasket arrangement is shown, although this and various other gasket arrangements can be used in any container described herein.

[0076] As shown, gasket 30 is disposed in a recess or channel 32 in the cap 5. Alternatively, gasket 30 may be disposed in a recess or channel formed in the base 4. When the cap 5 is in a closed configuration, a ridge 34 having a shape corresponding to the recess 32 can contact and compress gasket 30, and help to seal the cap 5 and base 4 when in a closed configuration. In some instances, gasket 30 may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In other arrangements, gasket 30 may include strategically placed cutouts that reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent cap locking).

[0077] In some arrangements, container 2 may include additional features, such as one or more handles 40. As shown, handles may be arranged on one or more portions of the sidewall structure 6, including on opposite sides such as sides 12 and 14. Figures 4A to 4D As most clearly shown, the handle 40 may consist of a first arm 42 and a second arm 44 connected by a gripping member 46. The handle 40 may be pivotable about a hinge 43 that passes through a portion of the sidewall structure 6 and through each of the first arm 42 and the second arm 44. The handle 40 may also include features for reducing handle movement when not in use and for reducing any possible rattling sounds associated with the handle. Figures 4A to 4D As shown, one or both of the arms 42 and 44 may include a protrusion 48 at the distal end of the arm. In some embodiments, the protrusion 48 may be attached to the resilient member 50. Figure 4A and 4D As most clearly shown, container 2 may include a recess 52. When handle 40 is not in use, protrusion 48 may be configured to lie within the recess 52 of sidewall structure 6. This reduces movement of handle 40 when not in use. However, when a user moves handle 40 for use, resilient member 50 may retract and allow the user to rotate handle outward.

[0078] In other instances, such as Figures 14 to 16B As shown, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the handle 240 may be integrally formed with the base portion 204, and in some instances, the handle may generally be an undercut formed in the sidewall structure of the base portion 204. In some instances, the undercut forming the handle may include a recess that extends substantially all or most of the way along the sidewall structure 6. This makes it easy to manufacture the base 204 with an integrally formed handle 240. In some instances, the integrally formed handle 240 may be flush with the outer surface of the base 204 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0079] In some arrangements, container 2 may also include one or more latching assemblies 100. Latching assembly 100 may have a locked position and an unlocked position, and may be configured to lock lid 5 when lid 5 is in a closed configuration. Latching assembly 100 may include one or more portions integrally formed with or otherwise attached to container 2. Figure 5B and Figure 9 As shown, container 2 may include a latch retainer 70. The latch retainer 70 may extend from the sidewall structure 6 and may form a recess within container 2. The recess of the latch retainer 70 is shaped to receive a portion of the locking member 130, as will be discussed in more detail below. The latch retainer may have an upper surface 72, an inner surface 74, and a lower surface 76. As will be discussed in more detail below, when container 2 is in a closed configuration, latch assembly 100 may engage the latch retainer 70 to lock the cap 5 to the base 4.

[0080] Container 2 may also include various features to improve the strength and / or functionality of container 2. For example, the container may include various protrusions, wherein certain portions of the base 4 and / or the cap 5 extend outwards further than other portions of the base 4 and / or the cap. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As most clearly shown, the base 4 may include a J-shaped protrusion or wall 59 forming a channel 60, the protruding wall 59 engaging with the sidewall structure 6. The channel 60 may surround the entire periphery of the container 2. The channel 60 may also include reinforcing members 62 at various locations within the channel. The channel 60 formed by the J-shaped wall 59 can increase the strength of the container 2 or the base 4. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 2B As shown, the J-shaped wall 59 allows the base 4 to be configured such that the inner surface 6A of the sidewall structure 6 is substantially smooth throughout the entire interior of the container 2. Thus, for example, substantially all or all of the inner surface 6A of the sidewall structure 6 (including one or all of the first side 8, the second side 10 opposite the first side, and the third side 12) can be substantially flat and / or smooth.

[0081] The container 2 may also include protrusions 64 and 66 surrounding the latch assembly 100 and handle 40, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusions 64 and 66 may be present on one or both of the base 4 or the cover 5. The protrusions 64 and 66 may protrude to a height equal to or greater than that of the latch assembly 100 and handle 40, such that the latch assembly 100 and / or handle 40 do not extend outward beyond the protrusions 64 and 66 of the container 2. This protects the latch assembly 100 and / or handle 40 and reduces the risk of breakage of these components during use.

[0082] Container 2 may be configured to contain, store, or carry articles (including food, beverages, or any other items). Additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of this disclosure as described herein, container 2 may be configured to store materials in solid or gaseous form or a combination thereof.

[0083] Container 2 (which includes a base 4 and a cap 5) can be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some instances, the base 4 and cap 5 can be formed from a plastic material such as polyethylene, which is molded to form the two portions of the base 4 and cap 5. In some arrangements, as those skilled in the art will understand, injection molding or rotational molding processes are used to form the outer shell of the base 4 and cap 5 portions. However, without departing from the invention, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) can be used to form container 2.

[0084] In some arrangements described herein, the base 4 and the cover 5 may include an outer surface or shell surrounding and enclosing the insulating portion (not shown), thereby forming an insulated container. The shell can typically be formed of a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some instances, the shell may be formed of a plastic material such as polyethylene, which is molded to form both the base 4 and cover 5 portions. In some instances, the insulating portion (not shown) may be formed of an insulating material exhibiting low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion may be formed (or filled) of a polymer foam such as polyurethane foam. Additional or other insulating materials, including, for example, vacuum-insulated panels, may be used without departing from the invention. In some arrangements, as those skilled in the art will understand, injection molding or rotational molding processes may be used to form the shell of the base 4 and cover 5 portions. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the container without departing from the invention.

[0085] More specifically, now referring to latch assembly 100, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As most clearly shown, the latch assembly 100 may include a plurality of components, including a latch body 102, a locking member 130, a biasing member 150, and an actuating member 170. As described above, the latch assembly 100 may include a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0086] The latch body 102 can be pivotally engaged with the cover 5. For example... Figure 9As shown, the latch body can be pivotally engaged with the cap 5 using hinge 106, but any suitable pivot engagement may also be used. In some embodiments, hinge 106 can be removably engaged with the container 2. If the latch assembly 100 is damaged, hinge 106 allows a user to easily remove and replace the latch assembly. The latch body 102 may include an inner surface 108 and an outer surface 110. The outer surface may be curved and generally may follow the curve of the sidewall structure 6 of the container 2. As discussed above, in some instances, the outer surface 110 of the latch body 102 may not extend beyond the outer edge of the sidewall structure 6 of the container 2. The inner surface 108 may also be curved and may also include several different features. An exemplary feature that may be included on the latch body 102 may be one or more engagement lugs 112. As will be discussed in more detail below, engagement lugs 112 may engage the container base 4 or the latch retainer 70 and may help press the cap 5 against the base 4 of the container 2.

[0087] The latch body 102 can also engage with the locking member 130. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 130 can be slidably engaged with the latch body 102, such that the locking member 130 can move along a substantially linear path between an upward position and a downward position. The locking member 130 can be configured to lock the cover 5 in a closed configuration when the locking member 130 is in the downward position, and to unlock the cover 5 when the locking member 130 is in the upward position.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 130 can be movably engaged with one or more guide members 132, such that the locking member 130 can slide up and down along the guide members 132. In one embodiment, the locking member 130 may include holes 134 through the locking member 130, and the guide members 132 may also pass through these holes. The guide members 132 may engage with the latch body 102 at a top end 136 and a bottom end 138. Figure 8 As shown, the guide member 132 is a cylindrical rod, but any suitable shape that allows the locking member 130 to move upward and downward may also be used. For example, the shape of the guide member 132 may be prismatic or substantially prismatic (e.g., a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a heptagonal prism, etc.). In other instances, the latch assembly 100 may include other means suitable for allowing generally linear movement between the locking member 130 and the latch body 102, including, for example, a track.

[0089] like Figure 8As shown, the latch assembly 100 may further include at least one biasing member 150 that engages with the latch body 102 and the locking member 130. As will be discussed in more detail below, the biasing member 150 is configured to bias the locking member 130 in a downward position. The biasing member 150 may be a compression spring, such as... Figure 8 As shown, but in alternative embodiments it can be any suitable means for biasing the locking member 130 in a downward position.

[0090] The locking member 130 may include a base portion 140 and a hook portion 142 extending inwardly from the base portion 140. The hook portion 142 may include a lower surface 144 and an inwardly facing surface 146. Figure 9 As shown, when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the lower surface 144 of the hook portion 142 of the locking member 130 can engage the upper surface 72 of the latch retainer 70, and the inward-facing surface 146 of the hook portion 142 can engage the inner surface 74 of the latch retainer 70. Additionally, when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engaging lug 112 can engage the lower surface 76 of the latch retainer 70.

[0091] The latch body 102 can also be pivotally engaged with the actuating member 170. The actuating member 170 can also be engaged with the locking member 130 and can be configured to move the locking member 130 from a downward position to an upward position. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the actuating member 170 can be pivotally engaged to the latch body 102 via a hinge 172 extending through the latch body 102 and the actuating member 170. The actuating member 170 may include a gripping portion 174, an actuating cylinder 176, and one or more arms 178 connecting the gripping portion 174 and the actuating cylinder 176. Figure 9 As shown, the gripping portion 174 is spaced a certain distance from the side wall structure 6 of the container 2. This distance allows the user to place their fingers between the side wall structure 6 and the gripping portion 174 to grip the back surface 180 of the gripping portion 174. Figure 9 As shown, the actuation cylinder 176 of the actuation member 170 can engage the locking member 130. The actuation cylinder 176 may include a protrusion 182. As will be discussed in more detail below, a user can pull forward the gripping portion 174 of the actuation member 170, causing the protrusion 182 of the actuation cylinder 176 to rotate and lift the locking member 130. This movement causes the latch assembly 100 to unlock and allows the cover 5 to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0092] Now for reference Figures 10A to 10DThe illustration shows the process for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly 100 from a locked position to an unlocked position, as well as a side sectional view of the latch assembly 100 and the base 4 and the cover 5. Figure 10A A latch assembly 100 in the locked position is depicted. Figure 10B The latch assembly 100 is depicted being unlocked. Figure 10C The latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position is depicted. Figure 10D The latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position is depicted, and anti-rotation features are shown. (As shown) Figure 10A As shown, in the locked position, the lower surface 144 of the hook 142 engages with the upper surface 72 of the latch retainer 70; the inward-facing surface 146 of the hook 142 engages with the inner surface 74 of the latch retainer 70; and the engagement lug 112 engages with the lower surface 76 of the latch retainer 70.

[0093] like Figure 10B As shown, the latch assembly 100 can be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the actuating member 170, as indicated by arrow 190. This rotation can be achieved by the user pulling the back surface 180 forward. Figure 10B As shown, as the actuator cylinder 176 rotates, the protrusion 182 engages the locking member 130 and raises the locking member 130. Figure 10C As shown, the latch assembly 100 is in the unlocked position. As the locking member 130 protrudes above the latch retainer 70, the latch assembly 100 is unlocked, and the latch body 102 (which includes the locking member 130 and the actuating member 170) can rotate forward as indicated by arrow 194.

[0094] Figure 10D The anti-rotation features of the latch assembly 100 and the container 2 are depicted. For example... Figure 10D As shown, the latch assembly 100 is in the unlocked position and has been released from... Figure 10C The position shown is rotated further outward. To limit rotation of the latch assembly 100, the latch body 102 may include a back surface 187 configured to engage the anti-rotation surface 7 of the lid once the user has rotated the latch assembly 100 away from the locked position to a certain extent. For example, the back surface 187 may be configured to engage the anti-rotation surface 7 when the user has rotated the latch assembly 100 at least 20 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 45 degrees, or at least 90 degrees from the locked position. Advantageously, this anti-rotation feature also allows the user to use the latch assembly 100 as a handle to open the container 2.

[0095] Now for reference Figures 11A to 11CThe diagram shows the process for moving the latch assembly 100 from the unlocked position to the locked position, as well as a side sectional view of the latch assembly 100, the base 4, and the cover 5. Figure 11A The latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position is depicted. Figure 11B A latch assembly 100 that is locking is depicted. Figure 11C A latch assembly 100 in the locked position is depicted.

[0096] like Figure 11A As shown, and as arrow 196 indicates, in one embodiment, a user can return the latch assembly 100 to the locked position by pressing the latch body 102. Figure 11B As shown, pressing the latch body 102 inward can cause the locking member 130 to contact the latch retainer 70, which may cause the locking member 130 to bulge upward as indicated by arrow 198. In other instances, in addition to pushing the latch body 102 inward, the user must also pull the actuating member 170 outward to move the latch assembly 100 to the locked position. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the latch assembly 100 can only move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the actuating member 170 moves the locking member 130 to the upward position. This reduces the possibility of the container 2 locking accidentally.

[0097] like Figure 11C As shown, once the hook 142 has moved behind the protrusion of the latch retainer 70, the biasing member 150 can push the locking member 130 in a downward direction. Figure 11C As shown, the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position and the lower surface 144 of the hook 142 engages with the upper surface 72 of the latch retainer 70; the inward-facing surface 146 of the hook 142 engages with the inner surface 74 of the latch retainer 70; and the engaging lug 112 engages with the lower surface 76 of the latch retainer 70. When in the closed position, the latch assembly 100 is positioned such that the cap 5 abuts against the base 4 of the container 2, thereby closing, securing, and / or sealing the container 2. Additionally, as the latch assembly moves from the unlocked position (… Figure 11A Move to the locked position ( Figure 11C The washer 30 is compressed between the cap 5 and the base 4 of the container 2. Therefore, when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the washer 30 is compressed more than when the latch assembly 100 is in the unlocked position.

[0098] Figures 12A to 12C depict a process similar to that shown in Figures 10A to 10C for moving the latch assembly 100 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Figures 13A to 13C depict a process similar to that shown in Figures 10A to 10C. Figures 11A to 11CThe process shown is similar to that for moving the latch assembly 100 from the locked position to the unlocked position in some embodiments. In some embodiments, such as... Figures 10A to 11C As shown, after the user rotates the actuating member 170 outward, the actuating member can automatically return to its original position. Figure 10A The downward position is shown. However, in other embodiments, the actuating member can only move to the downward position when the user manually pushes the actuating member 170 inward. Additionally, in some embodiments, when the actuating member is in the downward position, the actuating member can extend further outward than the latch body 102.

[0099] The latch assembly 100 (which includes a latch body 102, a locking member 130, and an actuating member 170) can each be formed separately and can be formed from a material such as a plastic material or another suitable material that can be formed or molded into a desired shape. The latch assembly 100 can be made with sufficient dimensions, thickness, and construction material to withstand repeated stress cycles as the latch engages / disengages with the latch retainer 70 over time. The container described herein includes various features that ensure ease and efficiency in the manufacture of the container while providing durability and abrasion resistance.

[0100] Figures 14 to 16B Another example container 202 with latch assembly 100 is depicted, wherein similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in container 2, but include reference numerals of the 200 series. Container 202 is substantially similar to container 2, therefore similar aspects of container 202 will not be discussed here. However, container 202 may differ from container 2. For example, container 202 includes handles 240, which may be integrally formed with the base portion 204 in the sidewall structure of the base 4. Figures 14 to 16B As shown, the one-piece handle 240 may be formed of and / or may include a portion of the J-shaped wall 259. Therefore, the one-piece handle 240 may include a portion of a channel 260 that extends around the periphery of the container 202.

[0101] Figures 17A to 26DAnother example container 302 with a latch assembly 400, as discussed below, is depicted, with similar reference numerals referring to the same or similar elements in containers 2 and 202, but including reference numerals of the 300 series. Container 302 is substantially similar to containers 2 and 202, so similar aspects of container 302 will not be discussed here. However, container 302 may differ from containers 2 and 202. For example, container 302 includes handles 340 that may be integrally formed with the base portion 304 on each side 308, 310, 312, 314 of the sidewall structure 306 of the base 304. Additionally, container 302 may include a plurality of attachment points for positioning and supporting various attachments that can be attached to container 302. These attachment points will be described in more detail below.

[0102] like Figure 17B as well as Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the base 304 may include a latch retainer 370. The latch retainer 370 may extend from the sidewall structure 306 and may form a recess within the base 304. The shape of the latch retainer 370 may be configured to receive part of the locking member 430, as will be discussed in more detail below. The latch retainer 370 may have an upper surface 372, an inner surface 374, a rib 375, and a lower surface 376. The rib 375 may extend from the sidewall structure 306 to the lower surface 376 of the latch retainer 370. Optionally, the rib 375 may also be connected to the upper surface 372 and lower surface 376 or the inner surface 374 of the latch retainer 370. The rib 375 may be substantially centrally located along the latch retainer 370. The rib 375 may provide structural support to the latch retainer 370 to improve durability. Alternatively, the latch retainer 370 may include a plurality of ribs 375 positioned on either side of the recess formed by the latch retainer 370 to provide additional support for the latch retainer 370. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the container 302 is in a closed configuration, the latch assembly 400 may engage the latch retainer 370 to lock the cap 305 to the base 304.

[0103] Additionally, the base 304 may include a plurality of ramps or tapered surfaces 371 located on any side of the latch retainer 370. The ramp surface 371 may be angled downwards from the interface surface 336 of the base 304, wherein the interface surface 336 may be substantially flat and may extend around at least three sides of the periphery of the base 304. When the container 302 is in the closed position, the interface surface 336 of the base 304 may contact the interface surface 335 of the cap 305. The ramp surface 371 may be angled downwards from the interface surface 336 at approximately 45 degrees, or in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, or in the range of 20 to 80 degrees. When the container 302 is closed, the ramp surface 371 may prevent the latch assembly 400 from jamming onto the base 304, and as the cap 305 closes, the ramp surface may also contact the lower portion of the latch assembly 400 to push the latch assembly 400 out of the base when the cap 305 is closed, such as... Figure 21 As shown.

[0104] The base portion 304 may also include a plurality of engaging members 337 extending from the interface surface 336 of the base 304. The engaging members 337 may be positioned outside the ridge 334. The engaging members 337 may extend into a recess or cavity 339 on the cap 305. When the container 302 is in the closed position and when multiple containers are stacked or additional items are placed on top of the container 302, the interaction between the engaging members 337 and the recesses 339 can provide additional structural support to enhance the engagement between the cap 305 and the base 304. The base 304 may have any number of engaging members 337. For example, an exemplary embodiment shows four engaging members 337, but the base 304 may include two, three, five, or more engaging members. The number of recesses 339 on the cap 305 may be equal to the number of engaging members 337 and may be located on the cap 305 at positions corresponding to each engaging member 337 of the base 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the joining member 337 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, but may also have any cross-sectional shape, such as a circle, triangle, or other polygon. The height of each joining member 337 may be less than or equal to the width of the joining member 337. Furthermore, although the joining member 337 and the recess 339 of the exemplary embodiment are located on the first side 308 of the container 302, the joining member 337 and the recess 339 may also be located on any side and embodiments may have them positioned on multiple sides.

[0105] As another feature, the base 304 may have a plurality of tabs 321 positioned along the inner surface 306A of the sidewall structure 306 of the base 304. For example, as Figure 17B and Figure 19AAs shown, tab 321A can be located at each corner of the sidewall structure 306. Additionally, tabs 321B and 321C can be positioned along the inner surfaces of the first side 308 and the second side 310. Tabs 321B and 321C can be positioned as follows: Figure 19A They are positioned relative to each other, such that they are aligned along the length of the first side 308. As shown... Figure 19A As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the internal portion may include eight tabs 321, with tabs 321A located at each corner, and tabs 321B and 321C positioned along the inner surfaces of sidewalls 308, 310. Tabs 321B and 321C may be substantially centrally located such that at least one tab 321B, 321C may be positioned near the centerline of container 302, but preferably on either side of the centerline. Alternatively, the tabs 321 may not be aligned with tabs 321 on opposite inner surfaces, but may have an alternating arrangement. Tabs 321 may provide attachment locations for various attachments, as discussed further below.

[0106] Each tab 321 may extend from the inner surface 306A of the sidewall structure 306 and may include an upper support surface 323, an opening 324 extending through the upper support surface 323, and a pair of side surfaces at either end of the tab 321. The upper support surface 323 of each tab may provide an engagement surface to support various attachments inside the container 302, such as the tray 500 discussed further below. The upper support surfaces 323 of the plurality of tabs 321 may be substantially coplanar with each other to allow the support surfaces 323 to hold attachments that may extend across the base 304 and be supported by the plurality of tabs 321. The upper support surface 323 of the tab 321 may be located in the upper region of the inner surface 306A, with a height greater than fifty percent of the height of the inner portion of the base portion. Alternatively, the upper support surface 323 of the tab 321 may be positioned at a height greater than sixty percent, or even greater than seventy percent of the height of the inner portion of the base portion. To minimize impact on the internal space, each tab 321 may have a low profile, such that each tab 321 extends from the inner surface by a distance of less than one inch, or less than 0.5 inches, or even less than 0.25 inches. Additionally, the opening 324 may have any shape, but is preferably elongated. The opening 324 may provide attachment points for strips or other attachment devices to further support various accessories.

[0107] Alternatively, a pair of tracks 326 may be positioned along at least two of the inner surfaces 306A of the sidewall structure 306. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the pair of tracks may be located on each of the inner surfaces of the first side 308 and the second side 310. Each of the pairs of tracks 326 may be centrally located such that they are aligned with the pairs of tracks 326 on the opposing inner surfaces. Each of the tracks 326 may extend from the inner surface of the base 304 and may have a height extending along most of the height of the interior portion. To minimize impact on the interior space, each track 326 may have a low profile such that each track 326 extends from the inner surface 306A by a distance of less than one inch, or less than 0.5 inches, or even less than 0.25 inches. The pair of tracks 326 may support a removable partition wall 510, which may also serve as a cutting board for dividing the interior of the container into two sections for better organization of the stored items. Each of the tracks 326 may have multiple stops or protrusions to securely hold the partition wall 510, thereby preventing the partition wall from moving and limiting any vibration.

[0108] Similar to the example container 302 discussed above, Figures 17 to... Figure 26D Embodiments may have integrally formed handles 340 positioned along each of the sidewalls 308, 310, 312, and 314. Each of the integrally formed handles 340 may be formed by and / or may include a portion of a J-shaped wall 359. Thus, the integrally formed handle 340 may include a portion of a channel 360 extending around the periphery of the container 302. Therefore, the example container 302 may include four handles 340. The handles 340 may be integrally formed with the base portion 304. In some instances, each handle 340 may be formed with an undercut and include a recess extending substantially all or most of the way along the sidewall structure 306. The integrally formed handle 340 may simplify the manufacturing process of the base 304. In some instances, the integrally formed handle may be flush with the outer surface of the base 304 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0109] like Figures 22A to 22C As shown, each handle 340 may have a curved inner profile 345 to provide the user with an ergonomic and comfortable grip surface. The inner profile 345 of the handle may include a plurality of handle ribs 347 extending from the sidewall to the inner surface of the handle 340, wherein each handle rib 347 may have a curved profile such that the plurality of spaced-apart ribs 347 form the curved inner profile 345 of the handle 340. Each rib 347 may have a spacing between the ribs 347 that is less than the width of each rib 347. Alternatively, each rib 347 may have a spacing between the ribs 347 that is equal to or greater than the width of each rib 347.

[0110] Each handle 340 may have an opening 341 extending through a handle top surface 343, wherein each opening 341 may be aligned with an opening 349 of the cap 305. Thus, with the opening 341 of the handle aligned with the opening 349 of the cap 305, a strap or similar device is allowed to be positioned through the openings 341, 349 to anchor or fasten the container 302. Each opening 341, 349 may have an elongated shape and may all have substantially the same length and width. Therefore, these openings 341, 349 can provide the user with versatility regarding other operations, not just anchoring the container 302. To further facilitate anchoring or securing the container 302, the cap 305 may have a recess or channel 351 aligned with the opening 349 to provide a guiding surface for the strap to fasten the container 302. Alternatively, a clip 520 can be inserted through the opening 341 to provide additional positions for using hook-and-loop fasteners to increase versatility and retain additional accessories, such as... Figure 23A and Figure 23B As shown.

[0111] The cap 305 of container 302 may also include a plurality of clips 315 positioned along the inner surface 309 of the cap 305. For example, as Figure 24A As shown, clip 315A may be centrally located on each of the inner surfaces 325, while a pair of clips 315B and 315C may be evenly spaced along each of the inner surfaces 327, 329. Each of the clips 315 may also extend onto or contact the lower inner surface 331 of the cover 305. Clips 315B and 315C may be aligned and positioned opposite each other. Figure 17B and Figure 24A As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the cover 305 may include six clips 315, although the cover 305 may include any number of clips 315. Alternatively, the multiple clips 315 may not be positioned opposite each other on the inner surface of the sidewall, but may have an interlaced arrangement. The clips 315 may provide attachment locations for various accessories such as nets or elastic cord nets 515 or straps 516, including additional hook points for securing any other items desired by the user.

[0112] Each clip 315 may extend from the inner surface of the cover 305 and may include an engaging member 317 and an opening 319 extending through the engaging member 317. The opening 319 may be elongated, or alternatively may have any shape. Additionally, the opening 319 of the clip 315 may have a similar width to the opening 324 of the tab 321. These openings 319 may provide attachment points for strips or other attachment devices to further support various accessories, such as... Figures 26B to 26D As shown.

[0113] As discussed above regarding cap 5, cap 305 may include a recess 332 for housing a gasket 330, wherein the recess 332 extends around the periphery of cap 305. The recess 332 may be located within the interface surface 335 of cap 305. The recess 332 may include a plurality of retaining members 333 extending from the sides of the recess 332, such as... Figure 24B As shown. The retaining member 333 can engage the washer 330 at multiple locations around the periphery of the recess 332 to secure the washer 330 within the recess 332. Each retaining member 333 may include at least one tapered surface such that the thickness of the retaining member 333 near its top is closer to the opening end of the recess 332 than the thickness of its central portion. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the container 302 may include a ridge 334 in the base 304 opposite the recess 332 of the cap 305 extending around the periphery of the base 304. The ridge 334 may be located on the interface surface 336 of the base 304. When the cap 305 engages the base 304, the washer 330 may be positioned between the recess 332 and the ridge 334.

[0114] In some embodiments, the bottom portion 320 may also and / or alternatively include one or more legs 322 that can support the container 302 on a surface 1 such as a workbench, floor, vehicle cargo box, etc. The legs 322 may be formed separately from an anti-slip material such as rubber or elastomer and may be attached to the base 304 after formation. The height of the legs 322 can be considered a “low profile,” which allows the container 304 to slide along one of its edges when the container 302 is tilted at an angle greater than 15 degrees relative to the surface 1 supporting the container 302. Figure 25 As shown. Alternatively, the support leg 322 can be integrally formed with the base 304.

[0115] Figures 20A to 21 An example latch assembly 400 is depicted, wherein similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in latch assembly 100, but include reference numerals of the 400 series. Latch assembly 400 is substantially similar to latch assembly 100, therefore similar aspects of latch assembly 100 will not be discussed further herein. Figure 20A As shown, the latch assembly 400 may include multiple components, including a latch body 402, a locking member 430, a biasing member 450, and an actuating member 470. Similar to the latch assembly 100 discussed above, the latch assembly 400 may include a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0116] The locking member 430 may include a base portion 440 and a plurality of hooks 442 extending inwardly from the base portion 440. The plurality of hooks 442 may be spaced apart from each other by a gap 441. Each hook 442 may each include a lower surface 444 and an inwardly facing surface 446. Figure 20B As shown, when the latch assembly 400 is in the locked position, the lower surface 444 of each hook 442 can engage the upper surface 372 of the latch retainer 370, and the inward-facing surface 446 of each hook 442 can engage the inner surface 374 of the latch retainer 370. Furthermore, the ribs 375 of the latch retainer 370 can fit within the gaps 441 between each of the hooks 442, such as... Figure 20C As shown. Additionally, when the latch assembly 400 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 412 can engage the lower surface 376 of the latch retainer 370.

[0117] The latch body 402 may include a plurality of ribs 413 extending along an inner surface 408 from an upper portion toward the locking member 430. Each rib 413 may have a profiled height such that, as the rib extends toward the locking member 430, the height of each rib 413 in the upper region is lower than its height in the lower region. The ribs 413 help to reinforce the latch body 402 while reducing the overall weight of the latch assembly 400.

[0118] Similar to latch assembly 100, latch body 402 may also be pivotally engaged with actuating member 470. Actuating member 470 may also be engaged with locking member 430 and may be configured to move locking member 430 from a downward position to an upward position. Actuating member 470 may be pivotally engaged to latch body 402 via hinge 472 extending through latch body 402 and actuating member 470. Actuating member 470 may include gripping portion 474, actuating cylinder 476, and one or more arms 478 connecting gripping portion 474 and actuating cylinder 476, wherein actuating cylinder 476 may include protrusion 482. Protrusion 482 and actuating cylinder 476 may engage together along a substantially flat contact surface 483. To adequately support the actuating cylinder 476, the inner surface 408 of the latch body 402 in this region may be substantially parallel to the contact surface 483 to support the contact surface 483, thereby helping to support the actuating cylinder 476 and preventing the actuating member 470 from rotating rearward beyond the outer surface 410 of the latch body 402. Alternatively, the gripping portion 474 may include a ridge 475 extending along at least a portion of the length of the gripping portion 474 to further assist the user in gripping the gripping portion 474 without slippage.

[0119] As discussed above, the ramp surface 371 serves both to protect the latch assembly from getting stuck on the base 304 and to help position the latch assembly to properly engage the latch retainer 370.

[0120] Figures 26A to 26D A container 302 with various accessories as described above is shown. For example, Figure 26A An embodiment of a storage system is shown, which includes a container 302 and a mounted tray 500, wherein the tray 500 is supported by a plurality of tabs 321 and a partition wall 510 mounted between a pair of rails 326. Figure 26B It shows Figure 26A The system shown includes a mesh bag 515 attached to a clip 315 of a cap 305. Figure 26C Another embodiment of the storage system is shown, wherein container 302 includes two trays 500 supported by tabs 321 and a pair of utility strips 516 connected to clips 315 of cap 305 to provide multiple locations for a user to attach and organize any desired items into container 302. Figure 26D Another option is shown, in which the soft-edged storage bag 518 includes multiple zippered storage compartments. As discussed above, by providing multiple attachment points within the base and lid, the container 302 can be equipped with a variety of accessory options to provide a storage system, thereby offering users an organized storage solution.

[0121] Figures 27A to 27C Further details of the tray 500 are shown. The tray 500 may have a body 502 having a mounting surface 503 and a plurality of storage cavities 504. The storage cavities 504 may have any size and may be configured to have any number of cavities 504. For example, Figures 27A to 27C The exemplary embodiment shown includes three cavities, two of which are smaller than the third cavity. As another feature of the tray 500, the tray 500 may include a movable handle 505. The handle 505 can be... Figure 27B The unfolded position shown moves vertically to Figure 27C The tray 500 is shown in its retracted or stored position. In the extended position, the user can easily remove the tray 500 from the container 302, while in the retracted position, the tray 500 has a lower height profile or storage space. The handle 505 may have a U-shaped tubular structure with two ends 506 that engage in an opening 507 in the body 502 of the tray. Each end 506 of the tubular structure may have a tapered surface 508 that allows insertion into the opening 507 and a retaining surface 509 to prevent the handle from being removed, and also provides a positive stop to limit the vertical movement of the handle 505.

[0122] According to one aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may include: a molded base comprising: a sidewall structure having a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a third side extending between the edge of the first side and the edge of the second side, and a fourth side opposite to the third side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure opposite to the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to the internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The container may also include: a latch retainer extending from the sidewall structure, the latch retainer having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; a lid pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and configured to cover an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; and a hinge configured to connect the lid to the base, and the lid being rotatable about the hinge from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The container may further include: a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising: a latch body pivotally engaged with a cap, the latch body having at least one engaging lug; a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between at least a downward position and an upward position, the locking member being configured to lock the cap in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and to unlock the cap when the locking member is in the upward position; a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member in the downward position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the actuating member being configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position. The latch assembly can only move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, at least one engaging lug of the latch body can engage the lower surface of the latch retainer. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, the lower surface of the locking member engages the upper surface of the latch retainer.

[0123] Rotating the cap from a closed configuration to an open configuration may include rotating the cap 90° from the closed configuration. The container may include insulation within its sidewall structure. The container may include a second latch assembly. The container may include a gasket disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the cap. The container may include a channel integrally formed with the outer surface of the base. The channel may extend around the entire outer perimeter of the base. The container may also include at least one handle. The handle may include a first arm and a second arm, and each of the first and second arms may include a protrusion at its distal end.

[0124] According to another aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may include: a base comprising: a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure opposite to the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and a latch retainer extending from the sidewall structure, the latch retainer having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container may further include: a lid pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; a hinge configured to connect the lid to the base, and the lid being rotatable about the hinge from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include: a latch body pivotally engaged with a cap, the latch body having at least one engagement lug; a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member being movable between at least a downward position and an upward position, the locking member being configured to lock the cap in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and to unlock the cap when the locking member is in the upward position; a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member in the downward position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the actuating member being configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.

[0125] The locking member can be slidably engaged with the latch body, and the locking member can slide between a downward position and an upward position. The latch assembly can only move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, at least one engaging lug of the latch body engages the lower surface of the latch retainer. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, the lower surface of the locking member can engage the upper surface of the latch retainer. The container may also include a washer disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the cover. The container may also include a channel integrally formed with the outer surface of the base, wherein the channel extends around the entire outer surface of the base. The container may also include at least one handle having a first arm and a second arm, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes a protrusion at a distal end of the arm.

[0126] According to another aspect, a latch assembly for a structure is disclosed. The structure can have an open configuration and a closed configuration, and includes: a first portion movable relative to a second portion; and a latch retainer engaged with the first portion. The latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position, and may include: a latch body pivotally engaged with the second portion; a locking member engaged with the latch body, movable between at least a downward position and an upward position, the locking member being configured to lock a cover in the closed configuration when in the downward position and to unlock the cover when in the upward position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the actuating member being configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.

[0127] The latch assembly may further include a biasing member that engages with the latch body and the locking member, biasing the locking member in a downward position. The locking member may slidably engage with the latch body and may slide between a downward position and an upward position. The latch assembly can only move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position.

[0128] The latch body may include an inner surface, and the latch retainer may include an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. When the latch assembly is in the locked position, at least one engaging lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of the latch retainer; and when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the lower surface of the hook of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch retainer.

[0129] The present invention has been disclosed above and with reference to various examples in the accompanying drawings. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A container comprising: The base includes: A sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; The bottom portion, connected to a first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and An opening is formed at a second end of the sidewall structure opposite to the first end, and the opening is configured to allow access to the internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; A latch retainer extending from the sidewall structure, the latch retainer having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; A lid, pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration, having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; and A hinge, configured to connect the cover to the base and the cover being rotatable about the hinge from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising: A latch body that engages with the cover, the latch body having at least one engagement lug; A locking member, engaging with the latch body, movable between at least a first position and a second position, the locking member being configured to lock the cover in the closed configuration when in the first position and to unlock the cover when in the second position; and An actuating member, which is pivotally engaged with the latch body and the locking member, is configured to cause the locking member to move up and down between a first position and a second position as the actuating member pivots.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of tabs positioned along the inner surface of the internal cavity.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of tabs includes an upper support surface and an opening.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the opening of each tab has an elongated shape.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the upper support surface is located in the upper region of the internal void of the base.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tabs are positioned at a height greater than fifty percent of the height of the internal void.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein a pair of tracks are positioned on at least the inner surface of at least one sidewall.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the pair of tracks is positioned on at least the inner surface of at least two sidewalls.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a plurality of clips positioned along the inner surface of the cap, wherein each clip includes an engaging member and an elongated opening.

10. The container of claim 2, wherein the cap includes a plurality of tabs positioned along an inner surface of the cap, wherein each tab includes an engaging member and an elongated opening, and wherein the elongated opening of each of the plurality of tabs has a width substantially the same as the elongated opening of each tab.

11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a gasket disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the cap.

12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a channel integrally formed with the outer surface of the base, wherein the channel extends around the entire outer surface of the base.

13. The container of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member engaging with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member in a first position.

14. A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising: A latch retainer having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; A latch body having at least one engaging lug; A locking member, which engages with the latch body, is movable between at least a first position and a second position, the latch assembly being configured to be in the locked position when the locking member is in the first position, and to be in the unlocked position when the locking member is in the second position; A biasing member, which engages with the latch body and the locking member, biasing the locking member in a first position; as well as An actuating member, which is pivotally engaged with the latch body and the locking member, is configured to cause the locking member to move up and down between a first position and a second position as the actuating member pivots.

15. The latching assembly of claim 14, wherein, The latch retainer also includes a support rib extending from the inner surface of the latch retainer.

16. The latching assembly of claim 15, wherein, The support rib is located at the center relative to the upper surface of the latch retainer.

17. The latching assembly of claim 16, wherein, The locking member includes at least two hooks.

18. The latching assembly of claim 17, wherein, When the latch assembly is in the locked position, the support rib is located between the at least two hooks of the locking member.

19. The latching assembly of claim 14, wherein, The latch assembly can move from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the locking member is in the second position.

20. The latching assembly of claim 14, wherein, When the latch assembly is in the locked position, the at least one engagement lug of the latch body engages the lower surface of the latch retainer.

21. The latching assembly of claim 14, wherein, When the latch assembly is in the locked position, the hook of the locking member engages the upper surface of the latch retainer.

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