Container with handle and latch system

Abstract

A container is provided having a base and a lid. The cover is rotatable about the hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and may be secured via one or more latch assemblies. The latch assembly may include a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an actuation member. The cover may have a handle having a stowed position and a carrying position, where the handle may be maintained in the stowed position until subjected to a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position. Similarly, when in the carrying position, the handle may be maintained in the carrying position until subjected to a second force greater than the threshold force to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 835,849, filed on June 8, 2022, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to containers, latch systems, and handle assemblies. Background Art

[0004] There are various types of containers and latch systems. Containers can be used for food, beverages and other materials or articles. There are latch systems to lock containers in closed configurations. However, conventional containers and latch 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 articles, and may not be strong enough to hold articles on the top of the container. Additionally, some latch systems may engage when the user does not want the system to be engaged, and may not provide enough locking between the latch systems of the container in other cases. Some containers may also include handles to assist users in carrying or moving containers. These handles need to be easily grasped, and / or moved to a position that is easily grasped when needed. In such an arrangement, these and other defects may render the container and / or latch system almost useless. Summary of the invention

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure may be directed to a container, comprising: (1) a base portion, comprising: (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; (b) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; and, (c) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and, (2) a lid connected to the base portion, wherein the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and configured to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration. The lid may include a handle assembly, the handle assembly including a handle, the handle having a stowed position and a carrying position, in which the handle is generally parallel to an upper surface of the lid in the stowed position and in which the handle is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the lid in the carrying position. The handle can be maintained in the stowed position until a first force greater than a threshold force is applied to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position; and when the handle is in the carrying position, the handle can be maintained in the carrying position until a second force greater than the threshold force is applied to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position. The handle can be recessed in a cavity formed in the upper surface of the cover, wherein the cavity includes a pair of mounting members extending from the outwardly facing surface of the cavity, and the handle is connected to the pair of mounting members. In some examples, the pair of mounting members can also be connected to the rear surface of the cavity. The handle can include a gripping portion and a pair of legs, wherein each leg has a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end, the fixed end is connected to the end of the gripping portion, wherein the recess is located near the free end. The handle can be recessed in the cavity formed in the upper surface of the cover; and the recess of each leg can receive a biasing member and a plunger, wherein the plunger includes a recess at a first end and a plurality of first engaging members at a second end opposite the first end, and the recess receives the biasing member. The cavity may include a pair of side surfaces, wherein each of the pair of side surfaces includes a receiving member, and the receiving member can receive a stop member, and the stop member includes a plurality of second engagement members. The plurality of first engagement members can engage the plurality of second engagement members to maintain the handle in a stowed position or a carrying position. The biasing member can apply a third force on the plunger to engage the plunger with the stop member. The plurality of first engagement members may include a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses, wherein each protrusion is connected to an adjacent recess, and wherein an inclined surface is between each protrusion and each recess.

[0007] Other aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion comprising: (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the sidewall structure has a first end and a second end; (b) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; and, (c) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and, (2) a lid pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge, wherein the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and configured to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration. The container may further include a latch assembly pivotally connected to the lid relative to the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly including a latch body and an actuating member, the latch body being pivotally connected to the lid, the actuating member being pivotally connected to the latch body, wherein the actuating member rotates relative to the latch body to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. In addition, the base portion may include a first raised portion and a second raised portion, the first raised portion being adjacent to the latch assembly and the second raised portion being adjacent to the hinge. The container may further include a first latch guard, the first latch guard being connected to the first raised portion, wherein the first latch guard includes a first arm and a first beam, the first arm extending from the first raised portion, the first beam being located at a first predetermined distance below the latch assembly, wherein the first beam serves as a first fixed handle. In addition, the container may include a second latch guard connected to the second raised portion, wherein the second latch guard includes a second arm and a second beam, the second arm extending from the second raised portion, the second beam being located at a second predetermined distance below the hinge, wherein the second beam serves as a second fixed handle. The first beam may have a concave lower surface, wherein the concave lower surface may include a plurality of ribs. The lid may include a movable handle assembly, the movable handle assembly including a handle and a plunger, the plunger including a biasing member, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion and a pair of legs. Each leg in the pair of legs may include a recess, the recess receiving the plunger. The handle has a stowed position and a carrying position, such that the handle is maintained in the stowed position until a first force greater than a threshold force is applied to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position. Similarly, when the handle is in the carrying position, the handle may be maintained in the carrying position until a second force greater than the threshold force is applied to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position. Each leg in the pair of legs may be attached to a mounting member extending from an outwardly facing surface of the lid. The handle may be recessed in a cavity on the upper surface of the cover, wherein the cavity includes a side surface having a receiver. The receiver may receive a stop member including a plurality of second engagement members.The plunger may include a plurality of first engagement members that engage the plurality of second engagement members to maintain the handle in the stowed position or the carrying position.

[0008] Still additional aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion comprising: (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the sidewall structure has a first end and a second end; (b) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; and, (c) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (2) a lid connected to the base portion, wherein the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration; and, (3) a latch assembly pivotally connected to the lid, wherein the latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in a closed configuration, and may be configured to allow access to the opening when the container is in a closed configuration. The lid may include a handle assembly, the handle assembly including a handle, a plunger, and a stop member, the plunger including a biasing member, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion and a pair of legs. Each leg in the pair of legs may include a recess that receives a biasing member and a plunger; wherein the handle has a stowed position and a carrying position. A stop member may be located in a receiver on the lid, and the stop member may engage the plunger to maintain the handle in the stowed position until a first force greater than a threshold force is applied to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position. In addition, when the handle is in the carrying position, the stop member may engage the plunger to maintain the handle in the carrying position until a second force greater than a threshold force is applied to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position. Each leg in the pair of legs may be connected to a mounting member that extends from an outwardly facing surface of the lid. In some examples, the container may include a latch guard having a pair of arms and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar is located at a predetermined distance below the latch assembly and serves as a first fixed handle.

[0009] Still other aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion comprising: (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the sidewall structure has a first end and a second end; (b) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; and, (c) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (2) a lid pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge, wherein the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration; and, (3) a latch assembly pivotally connected to the lid opposite the hinge, wherein the latch assembly includes a locked position and an unlocked position. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and configured to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration. The latch assembly may include a latch body, an actuating member, and a locking button, wherein the latch body is pivotally connected to the cover, the actuating member is pivotally connected to the latch body, and the locking button is connected to the latch body. The locking button may have a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the locked state prevents the latch assembly from moving to the unlocked state, and the unlocked state allows the latch assembly to move to the unlocked position. The actuating member may rotate relative to the latch body to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. The latch assembly may require that the actuating member and the locking button are both engaged to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the locking button is in the locked state, the movable locking member of the latch assembly may be prevented from moving relative to the latch body. The locking button may be connected to a key member, which is received in a slot of the movable locking member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a container in a closed position is shown according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0012] Figure 2A An example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in an open position according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1 A top perspective view of a container.

[0013] Figure 2B An example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in an open position according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1 A top perspective view of a container.

[0014] Figure 3 According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 A top perspective view of the lid of a container with the handle in a stowed position.

[0015] Figure 4 According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 A top perspective view of the lid of a container with the handle in a carrying position.

[0016] Figure 5 According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 An exploded top perspective view of a lid of a container.

[0017] Figure 6 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a cover according to one or more aspects described herein is shown, the perspective cross-sectional view showing the handle to Figure 1 Attachment of the lid of the container.

[0018] Figure 7 The present invention shows a method of assembling a handle according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of a cover during operation of a cover of a container.

[0019] Figure 8 According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the assembly of a handle assembly of a lid of a container.

[0020] Fig. 9 The handle assembly is shown assembled to the Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a lid of a container.

[0021] Fig.10 According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the plunger and stop member of the lid of a container.

[0022] Fig.11A According to one or more aspects described herein, Figure 1 A front perspective view of a latch assembly of a container.

[0023] Fig. 11B According to one or more aspects described herein, Fig.11A A rear perspective view of the latch assembly.

[0024] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C FIG. 1 shows a method of moving from a locked position to an unlocked position according to one or more aspects described herein. Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of a latch assembly.

[0025] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C FIG. 1 shows a method of moving from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more aspects described herein. Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of a latch assembly.

[0026] Fig.14A A device having a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Figure 1 Front perspective view of an alternative container.

[0027] Fig. 14B A device having a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.14A Front view of the container.

[0028] Fig. 14C According to one or more aspects described herein, Fig.14A Rear view of the container.

[0029] Fig.15A A device having a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Figure 1 Front perspective view of an alternative container with the latch guard in a restricted position.

[0030] Fig. 15B A device having a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.15A A rear perspective view of a container of FIG. 1 with the latch guard in an accessible position.

[0031] Fig.16A A device for use in accordance with one or more aspects described herein is shown in a restricted position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative latch assembly for a container.

[0032] Fig. 16B A diagram showing a device in a restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein Fig.16A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0033] Fig. 16C An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.16A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0034] Fig.16D An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.16A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0035] Fig.17A A device for use in accordance with one or more aspects described herein is shown in a restricted position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative latch assembly for a container.

[0036] Fig. 17B A diagram showing a device in a restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein Fig.17AA perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0037] Fig. 17C An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.17A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0038] Fig.17D An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.17A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0039] Fig.18A A device for use in accordance with one or more aspects described herein is shown in a restricted position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative latch assembly for a container.

[0040] Fig.18B An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.18A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0041] Fig.18C An example of an apparatus in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. Fig.18A A perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly.

[0042] Further, it should be understood that the drawings may represent the proportions of various components of a single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this particular proportion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In the following description of various example structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present invention, and in which various example devices, systems and environments in which some aspects of the present invention can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. It will be understood that other specific arrangements of components, example devices, systems and environments can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and structural and functional modifications can be made. In addition, although the terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "side", "back" and the like can be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the present invention, these terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientations during typical use. "Substantially parallel" can be used to indicate that a first line, line segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this case, within 5%) equidistant from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., which exceeds at least 50% of the length of the first line, line segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. "Substantially perpendicular" may be used to indicate that a first line, line segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this case, within 5%) 90 degrees from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., which exceeds at least 50% of the length of the first line, line segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. Additionally, the term "plurality" as used herein indicates any number greater than 1, which may be disjunct or conjunct as desired, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the reader should be aware that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0044] In general, some aspects of the present invention relate to containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies for containers. According to various aspects and embodiments, the containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies described herein may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composite materials, and may be formed into one of a variety of configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies may include components made of several different materials. Additionally, components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer components, such as elastomers, may be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as by various moldings, such as injection molding and casting techniques, and / or other known techniques.

[0045] Various figures in this application illustrate examples of containers, latch assemblies and handle assemblies according to the present invention. When the same reference numeral appears in more than one drawing, the reference numeral is used consistently in this specification, and the drawings always refer to the same or similar parts.

[0046] Figures 1 to 2B A perspective view of a container 100 is depicted. In one example, the container 100 may include a base portion 110 and a lid 140, and in some examples, the lid 140 may be coupled to the base portion 110, or in some examples, may be non-destructively and removably coupled to the base portion 110. The base portion 110 may be a structure forming a space for containing objects, as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the shape of the base portion 110 may be cubic or substantially cubic. In other examples, the shape of the base portion 110 may be prismatic or substantially prismatic (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, etc.). In other examples, the shape of the base portion 110 may be substantially cylindrical, or the base portion 110 may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0047] The base portion 110 may include a sidewall structure 112 having a first side 114, a second side 116 opposite the first side 114, a third side 118 extending between an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side, and a fourth side 120 opposite the third side 118. The sidewall structure 112 may also have a first end 122 and a second end 124. The sidewall structure 112 may also include a bottom portion 126 connected to the first end 122 of the sidewall structure 112 and configured to support the container on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, etc. In some examples, the bottom portion 126 may also and / or alternatively include one or more feet that may support the container 100 on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, etc. The feet may be integrally formed with the base portion 110, or may be attached to the base portion 110 after the base portion 110 has been formed.

[0048] The base portion 110 also includes a second end 124 that defines an opening 128 (at FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B 1 ). The opening 128 is configured to allow access to an interior space 130 of the container 100, which is formed by the sidewall structure 112 and the bottom portion 126. In some examples, the space 130 can hold items, such as in Figure 2A Box 199 is shown in FIG.

[0049] The container 100 may include a lid 140. The lid 140 is capable of pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, rotating the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration includes rotating the lid about 90° from the closed configuration, or about 180° from the closed configuration, or about 270° from the closed configuration. Figure 1As shown, when the container is in use (e.g., when the container is in a closed configuration), the opening 128 can be covered by a cover 140. In some arrangements, the cover 140 can be connected to the base portion 110 in a closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, other fixing systems or devices can be used to fix the cover 140 to the base portion 110, as will be discussed more fully herein.

[0050] In some examples, the lid 140 can be hinged such that the lid 140 is connected to the base portion 110 at a hinge 132 (removably or permanently) and can rotate about the hinge 132. The hinge 132 can be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, etc. These and various other hinge arrangements may be discussed more fully herein. The hinge 132 can permit the lid 140 to be opened and rotated away from the base portion 110 to allow access (e.g., via the opening 128) to the space 130 defined by the base portion 110. That is, the hinge 132 can facilitate the removal of the lid 140 from a closed configuration of the container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the space 130 formed by the base portion 110, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) is rotated to an open configuration (e.g., when the cover does not cover the space 130 formed by the base portion 110, as shown FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B as shown), and vice versa.

[0051] In addition, in some arrangements, the container 100 may include a gasket 134 or other sealing device. The gasket 134 may be arranged in the lid 140 or the base portion 110, and may assist in sealing the lid 140 and the base portion 110 when the lid 140 is in a closed configuration. In one example, the container 100 may be manufactured so that the container 100 is dustproof when tested for 8 hours and / or the container 100 is waterproof when tested for 30 minutes under 1 meter of water. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be able to achieve an IP67 rating (as published by the International Electrotechnical Commission), which specifies: no dust ingress or complete protection from dust when tested for 8 hours, and no harmful amount of water ingress when the housing is immersed in water under defined pressure and time conditions (up to 1 meter of immersion). The IP67 dust test is up to 8 hours, and the housing is tested in a vacuum. IP67 water tested for up to 30 minutes with the enclosure tested with the lowest point of the enclosure being 1000mm below the surface of the water, or with the highest point being 1500mm below the surface, whichever is deeper.

[0052] In some examples, the gasket 134 can be placed in a recess formed in at least one of the base portion 110 and the lid 140 and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base portion 110 or the lid 140. Additionally, in some examples, the container 100 can include a ridge that is at the opposite of the base portion 110 or the lid 140 and extends around the periphery of the base portion 110 or the lid 140. The gasket 134 can be placed between the recess and the ridge. The gasket 134 can assist in maintaining a seal between the interior of the container 100 and the external environment, and in some examples can assist in maintaining the temperature of the items contained in the container 100. In some examples, the gasket 134 can be a conventional gasket with a generally circular cross-section. In some examples, the gasket 134 can have different cross-sectional shapes, such as a circular or annular shape, an oval shape, a Y shape, a U shape, or other shapes known to those skilled in the art. In other arrangements, the gasket 134 may include strategically placed cutouts that may reduce or eliminate the need for vents (eg, vents that prevent the cover from locking).

[0053] The container 100 can be configured to contain items, store items, carry items, etc. The items include food, beverages, or any other items. Additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein, the container 100 can be configured to store substances in a solid state or a gaseous state or a combination thereof.

[0054] The container 100 including the base portion 110 and the lid 140 can be formed of various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics or fiber reinforced materials. In some examples, the base portion 110 and the lid 140 can be formed of a polymer material such as polyethylene, which is molded to form both the base portion 110 and the lid 140. In some arrangements, the outer shell of the base portion 110 and the lid 140 is formed using injection molding or rotational molding / rotational molding processes as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, without departing from the present invention, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) can be used to form the container 100.

[0055] In some arrangements, the container 100 can include a movable handle assembly 160 on the lid 140, the movable handle assembly 160 allowing a handle 162 to be moved to a stowed position or a carrying position, and also to remain in the stowed position or the carrying position until operated by a user. The handle 162 can allow a user to easily lift and / or carry the container 100 by simply grasping the handle 162 with a single hand. The handle 162 can be pivotally attached to the lid 140 and positioned in a recessed cavity 142 located on the upper surface 143 of the lid 140. The handle 162 can have a stowed position and a carrying position, in which the handle can be generally parallel to the upper surface 143 of the lid 140, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in the carrying position, the handle can be generally perpendicular to the upper surface 143 of the cover 140, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown. The handle assembly 160 may include components that allow the handle 162 to be maintained in the stowed position until subjected to an upward or rotational force from a user that is greater than a threshold force to move the handle 162 from the stowed position to the carrying or upright position. In addition, the handle assembly 160 allows the handle 162 to be maintained in the carrying position until subjected to a downward or rotational force from a user that is greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position.

[0056] like Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the handle assembly 160 may include a handle 162, wherein the handle 162 includes a grip portion 164 and a pair of legs 166, a plunger 168, a biasing member 170, a stop member 172, and a pin 174. The plunger 168 and the stop member 172 may engage with each other to prevent any unwanted movement of the handle 162, such as Fig.10As shown. For example, the plunger 168 may include a plurality of engagement members 176 that engage with corresponding plurality of engagement members 178 on the stop member 172. The plurality of engagement members 176, 178 may include a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of recesses, and an inclined surface between each protrusion and recess. In particular, each of the plurality of protrusions on the plunger 168 and the stop member 172 may be received in a corresponding recess in the plurality of recesses on the plunger 168 and the stop member 172. When the handle 162 has an upward or downward force applied to the handle 162 by a user that is greater than a threshold force, the inclined surface between each protrusion and each recess allows the plunger 168 and the stop member 172 to rotate relative to each other as the engagement members contact and slide along each other. The protrusions and recesses may be arranged in an alternating pattern in which each protrusion is adjacent to a recess, wherein the inclined surface extends between the base surface of the recess and the upper surface of the protrusion. The interaction of the engagement members 176, 178 of the plunger 168 and the stop member 172 resists any movement of the handle 162 caused by any unintentional movement or force applied to the container (e.g., the container is turned upside down or turned on the side of the container). The biasing member 170 can provide a longitudinal force that keeps the engagement members 176, 178 engaged with each other to prevent any unintentional movement of the plunger 168 relative to the stop member 172. The biasing member 170 can be a compression spring, or other member known to those skilled in the art that applies a linear force to keep the plunger 168 engaged with the stop member 172. In other words, unless the force directly applied to the handle 162 is greater than a threshold force, the handle 162 will remain in the stowed position or the carrying position. The threshold force can be determined by the force applied by the biasing member 170 and the depth of the recesses on the engagement members 176, 178 and the angle of the inclined surface. The threshold force may be a force large enough so that if the container 100 is turned upside down or even shaken when turned upside down, the handle 162 will not move from the stowed position to the deployed position. Similarly, the threshold force may be a force large enough so that if the container 100 is in an upright position and shaken from side to side, the handle 162 will not move from the deployed position to the stowed position. Alternatively, the plurality of engagement members 176, 178 may be corresponding sets of teeth that engage with each other. As another alternative example, the plunger 168 and the stop member 172 may include engagement surfaces that frictionally engage with each other, rather than the engagement members 176, 178, wherein the biasing member 170 applies a force to generate friction between these engagement surfaces, thereby generating the threshold force.

[0057] Each leg 166 may have a fixed end 180 and a free end 182 opposite the fixed end 180, the fixed end 180 being connected to each end of the grip portion 164. A recess 184 may be located near the free end 182 of each leg 166 to receive the biasing member 170 and the plunger 168. In one example, the recess 184 may be located on the outer side surface of each leg 166. Each plunger 168 may include a recess 187 at a first end 186 and a plurality of engagement members 176 on a second end 188 opposite the first end 186, the recess 187 receiving the biasing member 170. The plunger 168 may also include an anti-rotation member 190, which may contact a corresponding anti-rotation member 192 within the recess 184. The anti-rotation members 190, 192 may be a boss and a corresponding recess, wherein the recess or boss may be located on the plunger 168 or within the recess 184. The recess 184 may also include an opening 185 extending through the bottom surface of the recess 184 through the remainder of the leg 166. In addition, the plunger 168 may include an opening 169 extending through the plunger 168. In some examples, a recess 184 that receives the plunger 168 and the biasing member 170 may be disposed on the inner side surface of each leg 166. Alternatively, the biasing member 170 may be integrally formed as part of the plunger 168 so that the plunger 168 and the biasing member 170 are made as a single component to provide a spring force to keep the plunger 168 engaged with the stop member 172.

[0058] The cavity 142 of the cover 140 can be arranged to fix the handle 162. The cavity 142 can include a pair of side surfaces 144, each side surface 144 having a receiver 146 to fix the stop member 172. Each receiver 146 can also include an anti-rotation member (not shown) that can contact a corresponding anti-rotation member 173 located on the stop member 172. The anti-rotation member can be a boss and a corresponding recess, wherein the recess or boss can be located on the stop member 172 or located within the receiver 146. The receiver 146 can be an opening in each side surface 144 and / or can include an insert that is placed in the receiver 146 to help fix the stop member 172. The cavity 142 can also include an outward-facing surface 152, a rear surface 154, and a pair of mounting members 156 that extend from the outward-facing surface of the cavity 142. The pair of mounting members 156 can be spaced inwardly from each of the side surfaces 144. The handle 162 can be connected to a pair of mounting members 156. In some examples, the pair of mounting members 156 can also extend from and be connected to the rear surface 154. Each mounting member 156 can include an opening 157, wherein the opening 157 of each mounting member 156 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, in an example, when the plunger 168 is located in a recess 184 disposed on the inner side surface of each leg 166, the stop member 172 can be received in the opening 157 of each mounting member 156 to engage the plunger 168. In some examples, the cavity 142 can include an engagement member that is integrally formed in the side surface 144, so that these integrally formed engagement members interact with the engagement member 176 of the plunger 168 without using a separate stop member 172. Alternatively, the biasing member 170 may be located in the receiver 146 and / or adjacent to the stop member 172 to directly apply force to the stop member 172 to engage the stop member 172 with the plunger 168 rather than the biasing member 170 applying force on the plunger 168 .

[0059] Figures 7 to 9 FIG. 1 shows the installation process of the handle assembly 160 to the cover 140. Figure 7As shown, each stop member 172 can be mounted into the receiver 146 of the side surface 144, wherein the anti-rotation member of the receiver engages the anti-rotation feature 173 of the stop member 172. In addition, the biasing member 170 and the plunger 168 can be mounted into the recess 184 of each leg 166, and the biasing member 170 is at least partially received in the recess 187 of the plunger 168. The biasing member 170 can contact the bottom surface of the recess 184. The anti-rotation member 190 of the plunger 168 can engage the anti-rotation member 192 of the recess 184. Once the biasing member 170 and the plunger 168 are installed into each leg 166 of the handle 162, the handle 162 can be positioned so that the opening 157 of the mounting member 156 is aligned with the opening 185 of each leg 166 and the opening 175 of the stop member 172. Next, a pin 174 is installed through the opening 157 of each mounting member 156, the opening 175 of the stop member 172, and the opening 185 of each leg 166 to rotatably connect the handle 162 to the cover 140. The pin 174 can be permanently fixed to the cover 140 by friction fitting into the stop member 172, or can be permanently fixed within the receiver 146 of the side surface 144. In some examples, the pin 174 can be releasably connected to the cover 140 using a threaded connection or other connection methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0060] In some arrangements, the container 100 may also include one or more latch assemblies 200. The latch assembly 200 may have a locked position and an unlocked position and may be configured to lock the lid 140 when the lid 140 is in a closed configuration. The latch assembly 200 may include one or more parts integrally formed with the container 100 or otherwise attached to the container 100. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B As shown, the container 100 may include a latch retainer 210. The latch retainer 210 may extend from the sidewall structure 112 and may form a recess within the container 100. The latch retainer recess has a shape configured to receive a portion of a locking member 230, as will be discussed in more detail below. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the container 100 is in a closed configuration, the latch assembly 200 may engage the latch retainer 210 to lock the lid 140 to the base portion 110. The latch assembly 200 may be similar to the latch assemblies described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 16 / 006,344, filed on June 12, 2018, and 17 / 123,746, filed on December 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0061] The container 100 may also include various features to improve the strength and / or functionality of the container 100. For example, the container may include various raised portions, wherein certain portions of the base portion 110 and / or the lid 140 extend further outward than other components of the base portion 110 and / or the lid 140. The container 100 may also include a raised portion 136 that surrounds the latch assembly 200 and the hinge 132. Figure 1 2 , a raised portion 136 may be present on one or both of the base portion 110 or the lid 140. The raised portion 136 may be raised to a height equal to or greater than the latch assembly 200 and the hinge 132, respectively, so that the latch assembly 200 and / or the hinge 132 do not extend outwardly beyond the raised portion 136 of the container 100. This may protect the latch assembly 200 and / or the hinge 132 to reduce damage to these components during use.

[0062] Referring now more particularly to the latch assembly 200, Fig.11A and Fig. 11B . The latch assembly 200 may include a plurality of components, including a latch body 202, a locking member 230, a biasing member 250, and an actuating member 270. As discussed above, the latch assembly 200 may include a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch body 202 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 140. The latch body 202 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 140 using a hinge 204, however, any suitable pivotal engagement may be used. The latch body 202 may include an inner surface 206 and an outer surface 208. The outer surface 208 may be curved and may generally follow the curvature of the sidewall structure 112 of the container 100. The inner surface 206 may also be curved and may also include several different features. An exemplary feature that may be included on the latch body 202 may be one or more engagement lugs 212. The engagement lugs 212 may engage the base portion 110 or the latch keeper 210 and may assist in compressing the lid 140 against the base portion 110 of the container 100 .

[0063] The latch body 202 may also engage with the locking member 230. Fig. 11B As shown, the locking member 230 can be slidably engaged with the latch body 202 so that the locking member 230 can move between the upward position and the downward position along a generally linear path. The locking member 230 can be configured to lock the lid 140 in the closed configuration when the locking member 230 is in the downward position and unlock the lid 140 when the locking member 230 is in the upward position.

[0064] Mainly as Fig. 11BAs shown, the locking member 230 can be movably engaged with one or more guide members 232 so that the locking member 230 can slide up and down on the guide members 232. In one embodiment, the locking member 230 can include a hole through which the locking member 230 passes and through which the guide members 232 can also pass. The guide members 232 can be cylindrical rods, but any suitable shape that allows the locking member 230 to move upward and downward can be used. Fig. 11B As shown, the latch assembly 200 may also include at least one biasing member 250 that engages the latch body 202 and the locking member 230. The biasing member 250 may be configured to bias the locking member 230 in a downward position. The biasing member 250 may be, for example, Fig. 11B A compression spring is shown, but in alternative embodiments, the biasing member 250 may be any suitable device for biasing the locking member 230 in the downward position.

[0065] The locking member 230 may include a base portion 240 and a hook portion 242 extending inwardly from the base portion 240. When the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, the hook portion 242 of the locking member 230 may engage the latch keeper 210. Additionally, when the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 212 may engage the lower surface of the latch keeper 210.

[0066] The latch body 202 can also be pivotally engaged with the actuation member 270. The actuation member 270 can also be engaged with the locking member 230 and can be configured to move the locking member 230 from the downward position to the upward position. The actuation member 270 can be pivotally engaged to the latch body 202 by a hinge 272, which extends through the latch body 202 and the actuation member 270. The actuation member 270 can include a gripping portion 274, an actuation cylinder 276, and one or more arms 278, one or more arms 278 connecting the gripping portion 274 and the actuation cylinder 276. The gripping portion 274 can be spaced apart from the sidewall structure 112 of the container 100 by a distance. The distance can allow the user to grip the back surface 280 of the gripping portion 274 by placing the user's finger between the sidewall structure 112 and the gripping portion 274. The actuation cylinder 276 of the actuation member 270 can engage the locking member 230. The actuation cylinder 276 may include at least one raised portion 282. To unlock the latch assembly 200, the user may pull the gripping portion 274 of the actuation member 270 forward, thereby causing the at least one raised portion 282 of the actuation cylinder 276 to rotate and lift the locking member 230. This movement unlocks the latch assembly 200 and allows the lid 140 to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0067] Reference now FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C, showing a procedure for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly 200 from a locked position to an unlocked position with a side cross-sectional view of the latch assembly 200 and portions of the base portion 110 and the cover 140. Fig. 12A The latch assembly 200 is depicted in a locked position, Fig. 12B depicts the latch assembly 200 unlocked, and Fig. 12C The latch assembly 200 is depicted in an unlocked position. Fig. 12A As shown, in the locked position, the lower surface of the hook portion 242 engages with the upper surface of the latch retainer 210; the inner surface of the hook portion 242 engages with the inner surface of the latch retainer 210; and, the engagement lug 212 engages with the lower surface of the latch retainer 210.

[0068] like Fig. 12B As shown, the latch assembly 200 can be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the actuating member 270 as indicated by arrow 290. This rotation can be achieved by the user pulling the back surface 280 forward. Fig. 12B As shown, when the actuator cylinder 276 is rotated, at least one raised portion 282 engages and raises the locking member 230. Fig. 12C As shown, the latch assembly 200 is in the unlocked position. With the locking member 230 raised above the latch keeper 210, the latch assembly 200 is unlocked, and the latch body 202 including the locking member 230 and the actuating member 270 can be rotated forward, as indicated by arrow 294.

[0069] Reference now FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C , showing the procedure of moving the latch assembly 200 from the unlocked position to the locked position with a side cross-sectional view of the latch assembly 200 and portions of the base portion 110 and the cover 140. Fig.13A The latch assembly 200 is depicted in an unlocked position, Fig. 12B depicts a locked latch assembly 200, and Fig. 12C The latch assembly 200 is depicted in a locked position.

[0070] like Fig.13A As shown, and as indicated by arrow 296, in one embodiment, a user can return the latch assembly 200 to the locked position by pressing the latch body 202. Fig. 13BAs shown, as the latch body 202 is pressed inwardly, the locking member 230 can contact the latch retainer 210, which can make the locking member 230 rise upward, as indicated by arrow 298. In other examples, in addition to pushing the latch body 202 inwardly, the user must also pull the actuating member 270 outwardly to move the latch assembly 200 to the locked position. In such an example, when the locking member 230 is moved in the upward position by the actuating member 270, the latch assembly 200 can advantageously only move from the unlocked position to the locked position. This can reduce the possibility of accidentally locking the container 100.

[0071] like Fig. 13C As shown, once the hook portion 242 has been moved behind the latch keeper 210, the biasing member 250 can push the locking member 230 in a downward direction. Fig. 13C As shown, the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, and the lower surface of the hook portion 242 engages the upper surface of the latch keeper 210; the inner-facing surface of the hook portion 242 engages the inner surface of the latch keeper 210; and the engagement lug 212 engages the lower surface of the latch keeper 210. When in the closed position, the latch assembly 200 can be positioned so that the lid 140 abuts the base portion 110 of the container 100, thereby closing, securing and / or sealing the container 100.

[0072] The latch assembly 200, including the latch body 202, the locking member 230, and the actuating member 270, can each be formed separately and can be formed of a material, such as a plastic material or another suitable material that can be formed or shaped into a desired shape. The latch assembly 200 can be made of sufficient size, thickness, and construction material to withstand repeated stress cycles as the latch engages / disengages with the latch keeper 210 over time. The containers described herein include various features that ensure easy and efficient manufacturing of the containers while providing durability and wear resistance.

[0073] In order to avoid any unintentional unlocking of the latch assembly 200, the container 100 or the latch assembly 200 may include various different concepts to prevent the accidental unlocking of the latch assembly 200. These concepts are described in FIG. 14A to FIG. 18C Shown in.

[0074] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C The latch guard 300 is shown positioned below the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 300 may be fixedly connected to a raised portion 136 positioned on either or both sides of the latch assembly 200, such as FIG. 14A to FIG. 14BThe latch guard 300 may include a pair of arms 302 and a beam 304 connected between the pair of arms 302. The arms 302 may be connected to the container 100 within a recess within the raised portion 136, or attached to a surface of the raised portion 136.

[0075] The crossbar 304 may have an upper surface 306 and a lower surface 308. The upper surface 306 is spaced a predetermined distance below the actuating member 270 of the latch assembly 200. The spacing allows the user to extend the user's hand between the actuating member 270 and the upper surface 306, and still use the user's hand to pull the actuating member 270, so as to unlock the latch assembly 200 in the manner described above. In addition, the crossbar 304 can be used as a fixed handle to allow the user to lift the container 100 without the risk of unlocking the latch assembly 200. The upper surface 306 may have an inclined or curved shape to allow a greater spacing from the latch assembly 200 near the front edge 310 than at the rear edge of the crossbar. Additionally, the lower surface 308 may have a concave shape. The concave lower surface 308 may also include a plurality of ribs to help the user more easily grip the lower surface 308. The width of the crossbar 304 may be greater than the width of the latch assembly 200, wherein the width is defined as the horizontal distance along the length of the crossbar 304. In addition, the container 100 may have a second latch guard 300, which is arranged below the hinge 132, which is located on the side of the container 100 opposite to the latch assembly 200, such as Fig. 14C Similarly, the latch guard 300 below the hinge 132 may be connected to the raised portions 136 on either side of the hinge 132 and spaced a predetermined distance below the hinge 132. By arranging the latch guards 300 on opposite sides, the user can easily lift the container 100 without the risk of tilting the container 100 or accidentally unlocking the container 100.

[0076] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B A latch guard 400 is shown, which is another device that can protect the latch assembly 200 from being unintentionally unlocked. The latch guard 400 can be located below the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 can be pivotally connected to a raised portion 136, which is positioned on either or both sides of the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 can include a pair of shafts 402 and a beam 404 connected between the pair of shafts 402. The shafts 402 can be aligned along an axis so that the latch guard 400 can rotate about the axis. The shafts 402 can be connected to the container 100 at a lower area of ​​the raised portion 136, wherein the axis is positioned below the lowest surface of the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 can have a restricted position and an accessible position, the restricted position preventing a user from engaging the actuating member 270 of the latch assembly 200, such as Fig.15A As shown, the accessible position allows a user to engage the actuation member 270 and unlock the latch assembly 200, as shown. Fig. 15B As shown, in the accessible position, the latch guard 400 is rotated downwardly away from the latch assembly 200. A biasing member (not shown) may apply a force to the latch guard 400 to bias the latch guard 400 in the restricted position, thereby preventing any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly 200.

[0077] The crossbar 404 can have an upper surface 406 and a lower surface 410. The upper surface 406 can include an inclined portion that slopes downward toward the front edge 408 to provide a greater spacing from the latch assembly 200 near the front edge 408 than at the rear edge of the crossbar 404. The greater spacing provides additional clearance for the user to grasp and actuate the latch assembly 200. Additionally, the lower surface 410 can have a concave shape. The concave lower surface 410 can also include a plurality of ribs 412 to help the user more easily grasp the lower surface 410. The width of the crossbar 404 can be greater than the width of the latch assembly 200, where the width is defined as the horizontal distance along the length of the crossbar 404. In some examples, the container 100 can have a second latch guard 400 that is disposed below the hinge 132 that is located on a side of the container 100 opposite the latch assembly 200. Similarly, the latch guard 400 below the hinge 132 may be connected to the raised portion 136 on either side of the hinge 132. The latch guard 400 on the side with the hinge 132 may be connected so as to be able to rotate, or may be fixedly connected where the latch guard 400 cannot rotate. By arranging the latch guard 400 on the opposite side, the user can easily lift the container 100 without the risk of tilting the container 100 or accidentally unlocking the container 100.

[0078] The latch guards 300, 400 may be formed of a polymer material or a metal material. Additionally, the latch guards 300, 400 may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal parts may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer parts may be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as by various molding (e.g., injection molding) and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

[0079] As an alternative to the latch guard discussed above, FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D A modified latch assembly 500 is shown. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D Example latch assembly 500 of the present invention uses like reference numerals in the "5xx" series of reference numerals to refer to features, rather than as in Figures 1 to 15BTherefore, the above has been about Figures 1 to 15B Certain features of the latch assembly 500 described above for the latch assembly 200 of the container 100 may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. The latch assembly 500 may include a locking button 511 and all other components of the latch assembly 200, the locking button 511 being arranged on the outer surface 508 of the latch body 502, such as Fig.16A The locking button 511 can have a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the locked state prevents the locking member 530 from moving relative to the latch body 502, thereby preventing the latch assembly 500 from moving to the unlocked position, and the unlocked state allows the locking member 530 to move relative to the latch body 502 and allows the latch assembly 500 to move to the unlocked position when the locking button 511 is pressed.

[0080] The locking button 511 can be connected to a key member 513 that engages a locking member 530 of the latch assembly 500. The locking button 511 can be connected to a key member 513 that extends inwardly from the locking button 511 through the latch body 502 and toward the locking member 530. The key member 513 can be received in a slot 515 of the locking member 530. The key member 513 can have a generally elongated body member 517 and an enlarged end portion 519. The end portion 519 can be received in a recess 521 that is located on the inside side of the locking member 530 and intersects the slot 515. In some examples, the elongated body member 517 and the end portion 519 can have a cylindrical shape, or can have a geometric cross-sectional shape, such as a circular, square, hexagonal, or other geometric shape. A biasing member (not shown) can apply a force to the locking button 511 to bias the locking button 511 in the locked state, thereby preventing any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly 500. When the locking button 511 is in the locked state, the end portion 519 is fixed in the recess 521 to prevent the locking member 530 from moving relative to the latch body 502, such as Fig. 16B As shown, this in turn prevents the latch assembly 500 from being accidentally moved to the unlocked position. In order to move the latch assembly 500 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must press the locking button 511, as shown in FIG. Fig. 16C As shown, this will cause the enlarged end portion 519 to move from the recess 521. Once the enlarged end portion 519 is disengaged from the recess 521, the elongated body member 517 is free to slide within the slot 515, as shown in FIG. Fig.16DAs shown, this also allows the locking member 530 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position when the user pulls the actuating member 570. Therefore, in order to move the latch assembly 500 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must engage both the locking button 511 and the stop member 570 (i.e., the user must press the locking button 511 and pull the stop member 570). This dual movement helps prevent the latch assembly 500 from accidentally moving to the unlocked position.

[0081] As another alternative to the latch guard discussed above, FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D A modified latch assembly 600 is shown. FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D Example latch assembly 600, using like reference numerals under the "6xx" series of reference numerals to refer to features rather than as in Figures 1 to 15B Therefore, the above has been about Figures 1 to 15B Certain features of the latch assembly 600 described above for the latch assembly 200 of the container 100 may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. The latch assembly 600 may include a locking button 611 and all other components of the latch assembly 200, the locking button 611 being arranged on the outer surface 608 of the latch body 602, such as Fig.17A shown. FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D The latch assembly 600 is shown with some parts removed to illustrate the interaction between the locking member 630 and the locking button 611. The locking button 611 can have a locked state, which prevents the locking member 630 from moving relative to the latch body 602, thereby preventing the latch assembly 600 from moving to the unlocked position, and an unlocked state, which allows the locking member 630 to move relative to the latch body 602 and allows the latch assembly 600 to move to the unlocked position. The locking button 611 can be pivotally connected to the latch body 602 so that when one side of the locking button 611 is in the locked state, a portion of the locking button 611 is below the outer surface 608 and a portion of the locking button 611 is above the outer surface 608. Fig.17A The lock button 611 is shown in a locked state, wherein an upper portion of the lock button 611 is below the outer surface 608 and a lower portion of the lock button 611 is above the outer surface 608 . Fig. 17C The lock button 611 is shown in an unlocked state, wherein an upper portion of the lock button 611 and a lower portion of the lock button 611 are generally aligned with the outer surface 608 of the latch body 602. Although the illustrated example shows the lock button 611 pivotally attached to the latch body 602 at a central location having an axis oriented horizontally, the location and orientation of the pivot for the lock button 611 may be in different locations and orientations without departing from the invention.

[0082] The locking button 611 may have an extension 613 that protrudes inwardly from the locking button 611 (i.e., away from the outer surface 608 of the latch body 602). The extension 613 may extend from the upper portion of the locking button 611. In some examples, the extension 613 may be formed into a hook shape to better engage the locking member 630. When the locking button 611 is in the locked state, the extension 613 may contact the upper surface of the locking member 630 to prevent the locking member 630 from moving relative to the latch body 602, such as Fig. 17B As shown. A biasing member (not shown) can apply a force to the locking button 611 to bias the locking button 611 in the locked state, thereby preventing any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly 600. By preventing the movement of the locking member 630 relative to the latch body 602, the latch assembly 600 cannot be accidentally unlocked even if the actuating member 670 is pulled. When the locking button 611 is moved to the unlocked state, the extension 613 is no longer in contact with the locking member 630, as shown in FIG. Fig.17D As shown, this allows the locking member 630 to slide relative to the latch body 602. By allowing the locking member 630 to move relative to the latch body 602, the latch assembly 600 can move to the unlocked position when the user pulls the actuation member 670. Therefore, in order to move the latch assembly 600 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must press the lower portion of the locking button 611, as shown in FIG. Fig. 17C As shown, this moves the extension 613 out of contact with the locking member 630. Once the extension 613 is out of contact with the locking member 630, as shown in FIG. Fig.17D As shown, the locking member 630 is able to slideably move along the latch body 602 and allow the latch assembly 600 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position when the user pulls the actuating member 670. Therefore, in order to move the latch assembly 600 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must press a portion of the locking button 611 and pull the actuating member 670. This dual movement helps prevent the latch assembly 600 from being accidentally moved to the unlocked position.

[0083] As an alternative to the latch guard discussed above, 18A to 18C A modified latch assembly 700 is shown. 18A to 18C Example latch assembly 700, using like reference numerals under the "7xx" series of reference numerals to refer to features rather than as in Figures 1 to 15B Therefore, the above has been about Figures 1 to 15BCertain features of the latch assembly 700 described in the latch assembly 200 of the container 100 may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. The latch assembly 700 may include a locking rod 711 and all other components of the latch assembly 200, the locking rod 711 being arranged to be pivotally connected to the actuating member 770. 18A to 18C The latch assembly 700 is shown with some components removed to illustrate the interaction between the actuation member 770 and the locking bar 711. The locking bar 711 can have a locked state that prevents movement of the actuation member 770 and an unlocked state that allows movement of the actuation member 770. When the actuation member 770 is able to rotate relative to the latch body 702, the latch assembly 700 can move to the unlocked position. Fig.18A The locking lever 711 is shown in a locked state, in which the locking lever 711 prevents the actuation member 770 from rotating, and Fig.18B The locking bar 711 is shown in an unlocked state in which it rotates with the actuation member 770. To move the latch assembly 700 to the unlocked position, the user must pull both the actuation member 770 and the locking bar 711, which allows the latch assembly 700 to move to the unlocked state. Fig.18C The locking lever 711 is shown in an unlocked state and the actuation member 770 is rotated to the unlocked position.

[0084] The locking bar 711 may include a stop surface 713 that engages a corresponding stop surface 771 on the actuating member 770 when the locking bar 711 is in the locked state. When the user pulls the locking bar 711, the stop surface 713 of the locking bar 711 may rotate away from the stop surface 771 of the actuating member 770. As the stop surface 713 moves away from the stop surface 771, the actuating member 770 may rotate freely relative to the latch body 702. In some examples, the stop surfaces 713, 771 may include a plurality of stop surfaces 713, 771. A biasing member (not shown) may apply a force to the locking bar 711 to bias the locking bar 711 in the locked state to keep the stop surfaces 713, 771 engaged with each other, thereby preventing any accidental unlocking of the latch assembly 700. This movement of the actuating member 770 allows the latch assembly 700 to move to the unlocked position. Therefore, in order to move the latch assembly 700 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must rotate both the locking lever 711 and the actuating member 770, such as Fig.18C As shown, to move the latch assembly 700 from the locked position to the unlocked position. This double movement helps prevent the latch assembly 700 from being accidentally moved to the unlocked position.

[0085] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose served by the present disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present disclosure, rather than to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: The base part includes: a sidewall structure having 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; an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and a cover connected to the base portion, the cover having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the cover being configured to: cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration; and wherein the cover comprises a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising a handle, the handle having a stowed position and a carrying position, in which the handle is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the cover and in which the handle is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the cover; wherein the handle is maintained in the stowed position until acted upon by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position; and The handle is in the carrying position; the handle is maintained in the carrying position until a second force greater than the threshold force is applied to the handle to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein The handle is recessed in a cavity formed in the upper surface of the cover, wherein the cavity includes a pair of mounting members extending from an outwardly facing surface of the cavity, and wherein the handle is connected to the pair of mounting members.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein: The pair of mounting members are also connected to the rear surface of the cavity.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein The handle includes a gripping portion and a pair of legs, wherein each leg has a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end, the fixed end being connected to an end of the gripping portion, wherein a recess is located adjacent the free end.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein: the handle being recessed in a cavity formed in the upper surface of the cover; as well as Wherein, the recess of each leg receives a biasing member and a plunger, the plunger comprising a recess at a first end and a plurality of first engagement members at a second end opposite the first end, the recess receiving the biasing member.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein The cavity includes a pair of side surfaces, wherein each of the pair of side surfaces includes a receiver, and The receiving member receives a stopping member, and the stopping member includes a plurality of second engaging members.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of first engagement members engage the plurality of second engagement members to maintain the handle in the stowed position or the carrying position.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein: The biasing member exerts a third force on the plunger to engage the plunger with the stop member.

9. The container according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of first engaging members include a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses, wherein each protrusion is connected to an adjacent recess with an inclined surface interposed between each protrusion and each recess.

10. A container comprising: The base part includes: a sidewall structure having 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; an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; a lid pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge, the lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid being configured to: cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration; and a latch assembly pivotally connected to the cover opposite the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly including a latch body pivotally connected to the cover and an actuating member pivotally connected to the latch body, wherein the actuating member rotates relative to the latch body to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position; wherein the base portion includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion, the first raised portion being adjacent to the latch assembly and the second raised portion being adjacent to the hinge; and A first latch guard is connected to the first raised portion, the first latch guard includes a first arm and a first beam, the first arm extends from the first raised portion, the first beam is located at a first predetermined distance below the latch assembly, wherein the first beam serves as a first fixed handle.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein A second latch guard is connected to the second raised portion, the second latch guard comprising a second arm extending from the second raised portion and a second beam located a second predetermined distance below the hinge, wherein the second beam serves as a second fixed handle.

12. The container according to claim 10, wherein The first beam has a concave lower surface.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein The concave lower surface includes a plurality of ribs.

14. The container according to claim 10, wherein The cover includes a movable handle assembly, the movable handle assembly including a handle and a plunger, the plunger including a biasing member, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion and a pair of legs, wherein each leg of the pair of legs includes a recess that receives the plunger; and wherein the handle has a stowed position and a carrying position, such that the handle is maintained in the stowed position until acted upon by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position; wherein, when in the carrying position, the handle is maintained in the carrying position until acted upon by a second force greater than the threshold force to move the handle from the carrying position to the stowed position.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein Each leg of the pair of legs is attached to a mount extending from an outwardly facing surface of the cover.

16. The container according to claim 14, wherein The handle is recessed in a cavity on an upper surface of the cover, and the cavity includes a side surface having a receiver, wherein the receiver receives a stop member including a plurality of second engagement members.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein The plunger includes a plurality of first engagement members that engage the plurality of second engagement members to maintain the handle in the stowed position or the carrying position.

18. A container comprising: The base part includes: a sidewall structure having 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; an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; a cover connected to the base portion, the cover having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the cover being configured to: cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration; and a latch assembly pivotally connected to the cover, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the cover comprises a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising a handle, a plunger and a stop member, the plunger comprising a biasing member, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion and a pair of legs, wherein each leg of the pair of legs includes a recess that receives the biasing member and the plunger; wherein the handle has a stowed position and a carrying position, wherein the stop member is located in a receptacle on the cover, and wherein the stop member engages the plunger to maintain the handle in the stowed position until a first force greater than a threshold force is applied to move the handle from the stowed position to the carry position, and wherein the stop member engages the plunger to maintain the handle in the carry position until a second force greater than the threshold force is applied to move the handle from the carry position to the stowed position.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein Each leg of the pair of legs is connected to a mount extending from an outwardly facing surface of the cover.

20. The container of claim 18, further comprising a latch guard having a pair of arms and a crossbar, wherein: The cross beam is located a predetermined distance below the latch assembly and serves as a first fixed handle.

21. A container comprising: The base part includes: a sidewall structure having 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; an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, the second end being opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; a lid pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge, the lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid being configured to: cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the closed configuration; and a latch assembly pivotally connected to the cover opposite to the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising a latch body, an actuating member, and a locking button, the latch body being pivotally connected to the cover, the actuating member being pivotally connected to the latch body, and the locking button being connected to the latch body, wherein the locking button has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the locked state prevents the latch assembly from moving to the unlocked state, and the unlocked state allows the latch assembly to move to the unlocked position, wherein the actuating member rotates relative to the latch body to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position; and Wherein both the actuation member and the locking button are engaged to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.

22. The container according to claim 21, wherein When the locking button is in the locked state, a movable locking member of the latch assembly is prevented from moving relative to the latch body.

23. The container according to claim 22, wherein The locking button is connected to a key member which is received in a slot of the movable locking member.

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