Low profile latches

Abstract

The present invention relates to a latch for selectively joining a lower portion and an upper portion of a container. The latch includes a base having a front surface, a rear surface, a connection end, and a joinable end. The rear surface includes an upward hook, a downward hook, and a joining tooth. The upward hook and the downward hook are configured to engage the lower portion of the container and permit axial movement and pivotal movement of the latch. The axial movement is between an upward position and a low profile position. In the upward position, the joinable end is high enough so that the joining tooth can engage the upper portion. In the low profile position, the joinable end is too low to engage the upper portion. The pivotal movement is about the connection end so that the joinable end can move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the joinable end is away from the upper portion so that the two portions cannot be joined together. In the engaged position, the joinable end is adjacent to the upper portion so that the joining tooth can engage the upper portion and join the two portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to latches. More specifically, it relates to low-profile latches for containers. Background Technology

[0002] A latch is a known mechanism used to selectively fasten the upper and lower portions of a container (such as an accessory kit). There are two types of latches: one-piece and two-piece. A one-piece latch is typically fixed to the lower portion of the container. When the operator wishes to close or fasten the upper portion of the container, she applies pressure to the upper portion of the latch, causing it to engage and fasten the upper portion of the container. The advantage of this one-piece mechanism is its relatively low cost of manufacture. However, a disadvantage of one-piece latches is their high profile. When the container is in the open position, such as in this article… Figure 2 As shown, the upper portion of the latch is significantly higher than the surface of the container. For ease of access, it is not uncommon for operators to store the accessory kit on a shelf or cubby when it is in its open position. Such shelves or cubbys are typically only sized to accommodate an open container. A high-profile, one-piece latch would hit the upper shelf or cubby and prevent the container from being fully stored on the desired shelf.

[0003] Two-piece latches solve this problem because they typically have a movable ring with an upper engaging portion. This ring is attached to the lower portion of the container. When the operator wishes to fasten the container, she swings the ring and upper engaging portion upwards so that they can engage and fasten the upper portion of the container. The movable nature of the ring and upper engaging portion allows the latch to present a low profile when the container is open. However, this type of two-piece design is generally more expensive to manufacture. It would be advantageous to have a cheaper one-piece latch that presents a low profile when the latch is not fastening the upper and lower portions of the container and the container is in its open position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, a latch is provided for selectively connecting a lower portion and an upper portion of a container. The latch includes a base having a front surface, a rear surface, a connecting end, and a selectively engaging connecting end. The rear surface further includes an upward hook, a downward hook, and connecting teeth. The latch is characterized in that the upward and downward hooks are configured to engage with the lower portion of the container and allow axial and pivotal movement of the latch. Axial movement occurs between an upward position and a low-profile position. In the upward position, the connecting end is high enough that the connecting teeth can engage with and connect the upper portion of the container. In the low-profile position, the connecting end is too low to engage and connect the upper portion of the container. Pivotal movement occurs about the connecting end, allowing the connecting end to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the connecting end is away from the upper portion of the container so that the two portions cannot be connected together. At the engagement position, the connecting end is adjacent to the upper part of the container, allowing the connecting teeth to engage with the upper part of the container and connect the two parts together.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a container includes an upper portion and a lower portion connected to each other by a hinge, such that when the upper and lower portions are in contact with each other, they define an internal space. The container further includes a latch for selectively engaging the lower and upper portions of the container. The latch includes a base having a front surface, a rear surface, a connecting end, and a selectively engaging connecting end. The rear surface further includes an upward hook, a downward hook, and connecting teeth. The latch is characterized in that the upward and downward hooks are configured to engage with the lower portion of the container and allow axial movement and pivoting movement of the latch. Axial movement occurs between an upward position and a low-profile position. In the upward position, the connecting end is high enough that the connecting teeth can engage with and engage the upper portion of the container. In the low-profile position, the connecting end is too low to engage and engage the upper portion of the container. The pivoting movement occurs around the connecting end, allowing the connecting end to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the connecting end is away from the upper portion of the container, preventing the two parts from being joined together. In the engaged position, the connecting end is adjacent to the upper portion of the container, allowing the connecting teeth to engage with the upper portion of the container and join the two parts together.

[0006] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the invention, as well as the functionality of the method of operation, the combination of structural elements and components, and the economy of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein the same reference numerals in the various figures refer to corresponding components. Furthermore, it should be understood that structural features shown or described in any embodiment herein may also be used in other embodiments. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate features of the invention according to one or more embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts or elements.

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a closed container including a latch according to the invention;

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an open container including a latch according to the invention;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front view of the container and latch;

[0011] Figure 4 It is a detailed perspective view of the container, showing the location where the latch is attached to the container;

[0012] Figure 5a and Figure 5b These are, respectively, the front perspective view and the rear perspective view of the latch according to the present invention;

[0013] Figure 6a and Figure 6b These are cross-sectional views of the latch in its upward and low-profile positions, respectively; and

[0014] Figure 7a and Figure 7b These are cross-sectional views of the latch in the engaged and disengaged positions, respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Various views of the container 16 and latch 10 according to the invention are shown. The latch 10 is configured to selectively bind the lower portion 12 and the upper portion 14 of the container 16. The latch includes a base 18 having a front surface 20, a rear surface 22, a connecting end 24, and a selectively engaging binding end.

[0016] 26. For example Figure 5b As best shown, in the preferred embodiment, the rear surface 22 further includes an upward hook 28 adjacent to the connecting end 24, a downward hook 30 centrally positioned on the rear surface 22, and a binding tooth 32 adjacent to the connecting end 26. The upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30 are configured to engage with the lower portion 12 of the container 16 and allow axial and pivotal movement of the latch 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the upward hook 28, the downward hook 30, and the binding tooth 32 may also be positioned at other locations on the rear surface 22 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0017] The axial movement of latch 10 occurs between an upward position and a low profile position. In the upward position, the connecting end 26 is high enough that the connecting teeth can engage and connect the upper portion 14 of container 16. In the low profile position, the connecting end 26 is too low to engage and connect the upper portion 14 of container 16.

[0018] The pivoting movement of latch 10 is about connecting end 24, allowing connecting end 26 to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the connecting end is away from the upper portion 14 of container 16, preventing the lower portion 12 and upper portion 14 from being connected. In the engaged position, connecting end 26 is adjacent to the upper portion 14 of container 16, allowing connecting teeth 32 to engage with the upper portion 14 of container 16 and connect the lower portion 12 and upper portion 14 together.

[0019] As shown in the cross-sectional view of latch 10 Figure 6a and Figure 6b Ideally, axial movement is facilitated by the engagement of the upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30 with the protrusion 34 on the lower portion 12 of the container 16. Similarly, as... Figure 7a and Figure 7b As shown, the pivoting movement of the latch 10 is also facilitated by the engagement of the upward hook 28 and the downward hook with the protrusion 34. In a preferred embodiment, the upward hook 28 is shaped to engage with the lower cavity 36 defined by the protrusion 34. For example, the upward hook 28 may include a rounded bulb 29 configured to engage with the lower cavity 36. Similarly, the downward hook 30 may also be shaped to engage with the upper cavity 38 defined by the protrusion 34. For example, the downward hook may include a rounded bulb 31 configured to engage with the upper cavity 38.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the lower portion 12 and the upper portion 14 is achieved by engaging the connecting tooth 32 with the protrusion 40 on the upper portion 14 of the container 16. Preferably, the connecting tooth engages with a clasping tooth 42 positioned on the protrusion 40. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the clasping tooth 42 can also be replaced by a clasping recess (not shown) configured to receive the connecting tooth.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 5b As shown, the latch 10 may further include a vertical guide 44. The vertical guide 44 may be positioned on the rear surface 22, outside the upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30. The vertical guide 44 is configured to guide axial movement of the latch between an upward position and a low-profile position.

[0022] In addition to a separate latch, the present invention also envisions a container having said latch. For example... Figure 2 As best shown, container 16 includes a lower portion 12 and an upper portion 14 connected to each other by a hinge 46. The lower portion 12 and upper portion 14 are freely movable about the hinge 46 such that when the two portions contact each other, they define an interior space 48. A latch 10 of container 16 is configured to selectively engage the lower portion 12 and upper portion 14 and restrict contact with the interior space 48. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the latch 10 of container 16 includes all the elements and functions of the individual latches described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat all the described elements and functions herein.

[0023] Industrial applicability

[0024] We will now describe the industrial practicality of latches and containers. When at the work site, the operator typically needs to constantly access the interior space of the toolbox. For example, she might be working with various sockets, drill bits, or accessories stored in the accessory toolbox. Because the work may require various different tools, she may need to constantly return to her accessory toolbox to retrieve the correct size accessory. When working in this manner, the accessory toolbox or container 16 is maintained in an open configuration. See also Figure 2 However, workspace is sometimes limited. In these cases, the operator may need to store container 16 on an unobstructed shelf or in a small compartment. Such shelves may be height-restricted to allow multiple shelves within a single, limited space. For an open accessory kit to be stored on such a shelf, the latch on the kit must not interfere with the shelf. If the latch interferes with the shelf, it will prevent the container from being fully inserted into the shelf. For example, as... Figure 3As shown, the height of the shelf may be less than h1 but greater than h2. When this occurs, a prior art latch with a fixed height h1 will interfere with the shelf when the container is inserted into it. To avoid this problem, the present invention discloses a container with a latch that can be in an upward position ( Figure 3 The latch on the left side of the middle section) and the low profile position ( Figure 3 The latch 10 can move between the right-hand and left-hand sides. In the upward position, the latch 10 can be at height h1. In the low-profile position, the latch 10 can move downward to a lower height h2. When the latch is in its low-profile position h2, the container can be easily stored on the shelf without the latch interfering with the shelf.

[0025] We will now describe the operation of latch 10. Such as Figure 1 The container 16 shown is a typical toolbox configured to allow easy transport of sockets, drill bits, tools, and / or other accessories. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the latch on the right side has been removed to show additional details regarding how the latch 10 engages with the container 16 and moves between various positions (e.g., upward position, low profile position, disengaged position, and engaged position). Figure 1 As shown, the latch 10 on the left is in the upward and engaged position, in which the latch connects the upper portion 14 of the container 16 to the lower portion 12.

[0026] When the operator wishes to open latch 10, she will pull the connecting end 26 of latch 10 away from the container. More specifically, she will pull the connecting end 26 away from the upper portion 14 of the container 16. Figure 7a and Figure 7b Ideally, as the operator pulls the connecting end 26 away from the upper portion 14, the connecting teeth 32 slightly flexes to pass over the latching teeth 42 positioned on the protrusion 40. Once the connecting teeth 32 have passed over the latching teeth 42, the latch is no longer in the engaged position. Instead, the latch 10 is now in the disengaged position. In this position, the upper portion 14 of the container can now move freely away from the lower portion 12, and the interior space 48 is accessible.

[0027] Crucially, when the latch 10 is in the disengaged position, the connecting end 24 remains engaged with the lower portion 12 of the container. This engagement is achieved by means of an upward hook 28, a downward hook 30, and a protrusion 34. As the latch pivots from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the upward hook 28 engages with the bottom of the protrusion 34, and the downward hook 30 engages with the top of the protrusion 34. The spacing between the upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30 ensures that when the latch 10 is in the disengaged position, both the upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30 engage with the protrusion 34 simultaneously, securing the connecting end to the protrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the upward hook 28 may further include a spherical portion 29 configured to engage with the lower cavity 36 defined by the protrusion 34. The engagement of the spherical portion 29 into the lower cavity 36 facilitates further securing of the latch to the protrusion. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the spherical portion 29 positioned in the lower cavity 36 also facilitates pivoting movement of the latch 10.

[0028] Once latch 10 has moved from its engaged position to its disengaged position and container 16 has been opened, the latch can be pivoted back toward the container, such that the latch is in an upright or vertical position, for example... Figure 3 and Figure 6a The location shown. Figure 3 The latch on the left side is in its disengaged and upward position. In this position, the height of the latch, measured from the bottom of the lower portion 12 to the top of the latch or the connecting end 26, can be h1. As mentioned above, this height may be too high to allow the entire container and latch to be stored on a shelf or in a compartment. When this occurs, as... Figure 3 As shown on the right, the operator of the present invention can lower the latch 10 so that the latch height is h2 (which is also measured from the bottom of the lower portion 12 to the top of the latch or the connecting end 26). Figure 6a and Figure 6b The latch 10 is shown in its upward position. Figure 6a ) to its low profile position ( Figure 6b The detailed movement of ). In Figure 6aIn the latch 10, the upward hook 28 engages with the bottom of the protrusion 34. This engagement prevents further upward axial movement of the latch. To move the latch 10 to its low profile position, the latch is pressed down, causing the downward hook 30 to engage with the protrusion 34. In a preferred embodiment, the latch 10 can be moved from its upward position to its low profile position under the influence of gravity. One or more vertical guides 44 can guide this movement. In another preferred embodiment, the downward hook 30 may further include a rounded ball portion 31 configured to engage with the upper cavity 38 defined in the protrusion 34. This engagement allows for a lower height h2 in the low profile position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the spacing between the upward hook 28 and the downward hook 30 makes it difficult to remove the latch from the protrusion 34 regardless of where the latch 10 is in the axial range (i.e., from the upward position h1 to its low profile position h2).

[0029] When the operator finishes her work and wishes to close and fasten the toolbox, she simply reverses all the steps described above. First, she raises the latch from its low profile position to its upward position. Then, she pivots the engagement end 26 of the latch 10 away from the container 16, allowing the upper portion 14 of the container to move to the closed position around the hinge 46. Next, she pivots the engagement end 26 of the latch back toward the upper portion 14. Pressure can then be applied to the engagement end 26, causing the engagement teeth 32 to buckle, pass over, and engage with the latching teeth 42 of the protrusion 40.

[0030] Although various aspects of the invention have been described in detail for illustrative purposes, based on embodiments currently considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that such details are merely for that purpose, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A latch (10) for selectively connecting a lower portion (12) and an upper portion (14) of a container (16), the latch (10) comprising: A base (18) having a front surface (20), a rear surface (22), a connecting end (24), and a selectively engaging connecting end (26), wherein the rear surface (22) further includes an upward hook (28), a downward hook (30), and connecting teeth (32); and The characteristic feature is that the upward hook (28) and the downward hook (30) are configured to engage with the lower portion (12) of the container (16) and allow axial and pivotal movement of the latch (10); and The axial movement occurs between an upward position and a low profile position, wherein in the upward position, the connecting end (26) is high enough that the connecting tooth (32) can engage and connect the upper portion (14) of the container (16), and in the low profile position, the connecting end (26) is too low to engage and connect the upper portion (14) of the container (16); and The pivoting movement is performed around the connecting end so that the connecting end (26) can move between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein in the disengaged position, the connecting end (26) is away from the upper portion (14) of the container (16) so that the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) cannot be connected together, and in the engaged position, the connecting end (26) is adjacent to the upper portion (14) of the container (16) so that the connecting tooth (32) can engage with the upper portion (14) of the container (16) and connect the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) together.

2. The latch (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The axial movement and the pivoting movement are facilitated by the engagement of the upward hook (28) and the downward hook (30) with the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

3. The latch (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The upward hook (28) is shaped to engage with the lower cavity (36) defined by the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

4. The latch (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The downward hook (30) is shaped to engage with the upper cavity (38) defined by the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

5. The latch (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) of the container (16) are connected together by the engagement of the connecting tooth (32) with the protrusion (40) on the upper portion (14) of the container (16).

6. The latch (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting tooth (32) is shaped to engage with the gripping tooth (42), which is positioned on the protrusion (40) on the upper portion (14) of the container (16).

7. The latch (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rear surface (22) further includes one or more vertical guides (44) extending from the connecting end (24) to the connecting end (26) and positioned outside the upward hook (28), the downward hook (30) and the connecting tooth (32).

8. A container (16), comprising: The lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) are connected to each other by a hinge (46) such that when the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) are in contact with each other, the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) define an interior space (48). A latch (10) configured to selectively connect the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) together and restrict contact with the interior space (48), the latch comprising: A base (18) having a front surface (20), a rear surface (22), a connecting end (24), and a selectively engaging connecting end (26), wherein the rear surface (22) further includes an upward hook (28), a downward hook (30), and connecting teeth (32); and The characteristic feature is that the upward hook (28) and the downward hook (30) are configured to engage with the lower portion (12) of the container (16) and allow axial and pivotal movement of the latch (10); and The axial movement occurs between an upward position and a low profile position, wherein in the upward position, the connecting end (26) is high enough that the connecting tooth (32) can engage and connect the upper portion (14) of the container (16), and in the low profile position, the connecting end (26) is too low to engage and connect the upper portion (14) of the container (16); and The pivoting movement is performed around the connecting end so that the connecting end (26) can move between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein in the disengaged position, the connecting end (26) is away from the upper portion (14) of the container (16) so that the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) cannot be connected together, and in the engaged position, the connecting end (26) is adjacent to the upper portion (14) of the container (16) so that the connecting tooth (32) can engage with the upper portion (14) of the container (16) and connect the lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) together.

9. The container (16) according to claim 8, wherein, The axial movement and the pivot movement of the latch (10) are facilitated by the engagement of the upward hook (28) and the downward hook (30) with the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

10. The container (16) according to claim 9, wherein, The upward hook (28) is shaped to engage with the lower cavity (36) defined by the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

11. The container (16) according to claim 9, wherein, The downward hook (30) is shaped to engage with the upper cavity (38) defined by the protrusion (34) on the lower portion (12) of the container (16).

12. The container (16) according to claim 8, wherein, The lower portion (12) and the upper portion (14) of the container (16) are connected together by the engagement of the connecting tooth (32) with the protrusion (40) on the upper portion (14) of the container (16).

13. The container (16) according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting tooth (32) is shaped to engage with the gripping tooth (42), which is positioned on the protrusion (40) on the upper portion (14) of the container (16).

14. The container (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The rear surface (22) further includes one or more vertical guides (44) extending from the connecting end (24) to the connecting end (26) and positioned outside the upward hook (28), the downward hook (30) and the connecting tooth (32).

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