Container with handle and latch system

Abstract

A container having a base and a lid is provided. [Solution] The lid is rotatable around a hinge from a closed position to an open position and can be secured by one or more latch assemblies. The latch assembly may include a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an actuating member. The lid may have a handle having a stowed position and a transport position, the handle being able to remain in the stowed position until actuated by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the stowed position to the transport position. Similarly, when the handle is in the transport position, it may be able to remain in the transport position until actuated by a second force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the transport position to the stowed position.

Description

Description of Related Applications , , ,

[0005]

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 835,849, filed on June 8, 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all non-limiting purposes.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to containers, latch systems, and handle assemblies.

Background Art

[0003] There are various types of containers and latch systems. Containers may be used for food, beverages, and other materials and items. There are latch systems to lock the container in a closed form. However, conventional containers and latch systems are often not very durable and can be difficult to use. For example, a container may not have sufficient strength to hold a particular item, or may not have sufficient strength to hold an item on top of the container. Further, some latch systems may operate when the user does not desire the system to operate, and in other cases, may not provide a sufficient locking interval for the container. Some containers may also include handles to assist the user in carrying or moving the container. These handles need to be easily graspable and / or movable to an easily graspable position when needed. In such configurations, due to these and other deficiencies, the container and / or latch system may effectively become useless.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the following 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.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion, the base portion having (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and 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 opposite to the first end, the base portion having an opening made to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and (2) a lid connected to the base portion, the lid having an open form and a closed form. The lid may be made to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in a closed form, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in an open form. The lid may include a handle assembly, the handle having a storage position in which the handle is substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid, and a carrying position in which the handle is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the lid. The handle can be kept in the retracted position until it is actuated by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the retracted position to the transport position, and when the handle is in the transport position, it can be kept in the transport position until it is actuated by a second force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the transport position to the retracted position. The handle can be embedded in a cavity formed in the upper surface of the lid, the cavity comprising a pair of fixtures extending from the outward-facing surface of the cavity, to which the handle is connected. In some examples, the pair of fixtures may also be connected to the back of the cavity. The handle may include a gripping portion and a pair of legs, each leg having a fixed end connected to the end of the gripping portion and a free end opposite the fixed end, with a pocket near the free end. The handle can be embedded in a cavity formed on the top surface of the lid, and each leg pocket can receive a biasing member and a plunger, the plunger having a recess for receiving the biasing member at a first end and a first set of engaging members at a second end opposite the first end. The cavity can include a pair of sides, each side of the pair of sides having a receiving portion, the receiving portion of which can receive a retaining member including a second set of engaging members.The first set of engaging members can engage with the second set of engaging members to maintain the handle in either a retracted or transported position. A biasing member can apply a third force to the plunger, causing it to engage with the retaining member. The first set of engaging members may include a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses, each projection connected to an adjacent recess by an inclined surface between the projection and the recess.

[0006] Other aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion, the base portion having (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and 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 opposite to the first end, the base portion having an opening made to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and (2) a lid pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge, the lid having an open and a closed form. The lid may be made to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed form, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open form. The container may also include a latch assembly pivotably connected to the lid opposite the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly including a latch body pivotably connected to the lid and an actuator pivotably connected to the latch body, the actuator moving the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position when rotated relative to the latch body. In addition, the base portion may include a first raised portion adjacent to the latch assembly and a second raised portion adjacent to the hinge. The container may also include a first latch guard connected to the first raised portion, the first latch guard including a first arm extending from the first raised portion and a first crossbar located at a predetermined distance below the latch assembly, the first crossbar serving as a first fixed handle. In addition, the container may be provided with a second latch guard connected to a second raised portion, the second latch guard including a second arm extending from the second raised portion and a second crossbar located at a second predetermined distance below the hinge, the second crossbar serving as a second fixed handle. The first crossbar may have a concave bottom surface, which may include a plurality of ribs. The lid may include a movable handle assembly including a plunger with a handle and a biasing member, the handle including a gripping portion and a pair of legs. Each leg of the pair of legs may include a pocket for receiving the plunger.The handle has a retracted position and a transport position such that the handle remains in the retracted position until it is actuated by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the retracted position to the transport position. Similarly, when the handle is in the transport position, it can be maintained in the transport position until it is actuated by a second force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the transport position to the retracted position. Each leg of a pair of legs can be attached to a fixture extending from the outward-facing surface of the lid. The handle can be embedded in a cavity on the upper surface of the lid, the cavity including a side having a receiving portion. The receiving portion can receive a retaining member including a second plurality of engaging members. The plunger may include a first plurality of engaging members that engage with the second plurality of engaging members to maintain the handle in either the retracted position or the transport position.

[0007] Further aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion, the base portion having (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and 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 opposite to the first end, the base portion having an opening made to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (2) a lid connected to the base portion, the lid having an open and a closed configuration; and (3) a latch assembly pivotably connected to the lid, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The lid may be made to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in a closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in an open configuration. The lid may include a handle, a plunger including a biasing member, and a handle assembly including a retaining member, the handle including a gripping portion and a pair of legs. Each leg of the pair of legs may include a pocket for receiving a biasing member and a plunger, and its handle has a retracted position and a transport position. A retaining member may be positioned within the receiving portion of the lid, and the retaining member may engage with the plunger to maintain the handle in the retracted position until actuated by a first force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the retracted position to the transport position. In addition, when the handle is in the transport position, the retaining member may engage with the plunger to maintain the handle in the transport position until actuated by a second force greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the transport position to the retracted position. Each leg of the pair of legs may be connected to a fixture extending from the outward-facing surface of the lid. In some examples, the container may include a latch guard having a pair of arms and a crossbar, the crossbar positioned at a predetermined distance below the latch assembly and serving as a first fixed handle.

[0008] Further aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (1) a base portion, the base portion having (a) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and 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 opposite to the first end, the base portion having an opening made to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (2) a lid pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge, the lid having an open and a closed configuration; and (3) a latch assembly pivotably connected to the lid opposite the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The lid may be made to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in a closed configuration, and to allow access to the opening when the container is in an open configuration. The latch assembly may include a latch body pivotably connected to the lid, an actuation member pivotably connected to the latch body, and a lock button connected to the latch body. The lock button may have a locked state that prevents the latch assembly from moving to the released position and a released state that allows the latch assembly to move to the released position. The actuator, when rotated relative to the latch body, can move the latch assembly from the locked position to the released position. The latch assembly may require both the actuator and the lock button to engage in order to move the latch assembly from the locked position to the released position. When the lock button is in the locked position, the movable locking member of the latch assembly can be prevented from moving relative to the latch body. The lock button may be connected to a key member that is received in a slot in the movable locking member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The present invention is illustrated by example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Figure 1] A top perspective view of a container in a closed position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2A]A top perspective view of the container in Figure 1 in the open position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2B] A top perspective view of the container in Figure 1 in the open position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] A top perspective view of the lid of the container of Figure 1 with the handle in the retracted position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] A top perspective view of the lid of the container of Figure 1 with the handle in the carrying position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] An exploded top perspective view of the lid of the container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lid showing the attachment of a handle to the lid of the container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7] An exploded perspective view of a portion of the lid during the assembly of the handle onto the lid of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of the assembly of the container lid handle assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the assembly of the handle assembly to the lid of the container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view of the plunger and retaining member of the container lid of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11A] Front perspective view of the latch assembly of the container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11B] Rear perspective view of the latch assembly of Figure 11A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12A] A cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of Figure 11A moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12B] A cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of Figure 11A moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12C]Cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11A moving from the locked position to the released position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 13A] Cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11A moving from the released position to the locked position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 13B] Cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11A moving from the released position to the locked position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 13C] Cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11A moving from the released position to the locked position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 14A] Front perspective view of an alternative container of FIG. 1 with a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 14B] Front view of the container of FIG. 14A with a latch guard according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 14C] Rear view of the container of FIG. 14A according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 15A] Front perspective view of an alternative container of FIG. 1 with the latch guard in the restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 15B] Rear perspective view of the container of FIG. 15A with the latch guard in the accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16A] Perspective view of an alternative latch assembly of the container of FIG. 1 in the restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16B] Perspective view of a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 16A in the restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16C] Perspective view of a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 16A in the accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16D] Perspective view of a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 16A in the accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 17A]Perspective view of a latch assembly replacing the container of FIG. 1 in a restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 17B] Perspective view of a part of the latch assembly of FIG. 17A in a restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 17C] Perspective view of a part of the latch assembly of FIG. 17A in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 17D] Perspective view of a part of the latch assembly of FIG. 17A in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 18A] Perspective view of a latch assembly replacing the container of FIG. 1 in a restricted position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 18B] Perspective view of a part of the latch assembly of FIG. 18A in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 18C] Perspective view of a part of the latch assembly of FIG. 18A in an accessible position according to one or more aspects described herein

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings may represent the scales of different components of one embodiment. However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

[0011] In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification and show in order various exemplary devices, systems, and environments in which embodiments of the present invention can be carried out. It should be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary devices, systems, and environments may be used and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” and “rear” may be used herein to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention, but these terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on the exemplary orientation shown in the drawings or a typical orientation in use. “Approximately parallel” can be used to indicate that a first line, section, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately equidistant (in this example, within 5%) from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc. over at least 50% of the length of that first line, section, plane, edge, surface, etc. "Approximately perpendicular" can be used to indicate that a first line, section, plane, edge, surface, etc., is at approximately 90 degrees (in this example, within 5%) to another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least 50% of the length of that first line, section, plane, edge, surface, etc. Furthermore, the term "multiple" as used herein refers to any number greater than one, either disjunct or conjunct, up to an infinite number as needed. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of a structure to fall within the scope of the invention. Also, please note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] In general, aspects of the present invention relate to containers, container latch assemblies, and handle assemblies. Depending on the various aspects and embodiments, the containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies described herein can be formed from one or more of various materials such as metals (including alloys), polymers, and composites, and can be formed into one of various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies may include components manufactured from several different materials. Furthermore, these components can be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components can be formed by forging, casting, slip casting, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Furthermore, polymer components such as elastomers can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques such as injection molding and casting techniques, and / or other known techniques.

[0013] The various drawings in this application illustrate examples of containers, latch assemblies, and handle assemblies according to the present invention. Where the same reference numeral appears in multiple drawings, that reference numeral is used consistently herein, and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

[0014] Figures 1-2B show perspective views of the container 100. In some examples, the insulated container 100 may comprise a base portion 110 and, in some examples, a lid 140 that can be attached thereto, or in some examples, can be attached thereto in a manner that allows for non-destructive removal. The base portion 110 may be a structure that forms a space for accommodating articles, as will be discussed in detail herein. In some examples, the base portion 110 may be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In other examples, the base portion 110 may be frustum pyramidal or substantially frustum pyramidal (e.g., pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, etc.). In yet another example, the base portion 110 may have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0015] The base portion 110 may include a side wall structure 112 having a first side 114, a second side 116 opposite the first side 114, a third side 118 extending between the edge of the first side and the edge of the second side, and a fourth side 120 opposite the third side 118. The side wall structure 112 may also have a first end 122 and a second end 124. The side wall structure 112 may also include a bottom portion 126 connected to the first end 122 of the side wall structure 112 and made to support the container on a surface such as a table, ground, or vehicle floor. In some examples, the bottom portion 126 may also and / or instead include one or more legs that can support the container 100 on a surface such as a table, ground, or vehicle floor. The legs may be molded integrally with the base portion 110 or attached to the base portion 110 after the base portion 110 has been molded.

[0016] The base portion 110 further includes a second end portion 124 that defines an opening 128 (shown in Figures 2A-2B). The opening 128 is made to provide access to the internal space 130 of the container 100, which is formed by the side wall structure 112 and the bottom portion 126. In some examples, the space 130 can hold items such as a small storage container 199, as shown in Figure 2A.

[0017] The container 100 may be equipped with a lid 140. The lid 140 is pivotable between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments, the step of rotating the lid from the closed position to the open position includes rotating the lid about 90° from the closed position, or about 180° from the closed position, or about 270° from the closed position. As shown in Figure 1, the opening 128 can be covered with the lid 140 when the container is in use (e.g., when the container is in the closed position). In some arrangements, the lid 140 can be attached to the base portion 110 in the closed position using a press fit. In addition to or instead of this, other fastening systems or devices may be used to fasten the lid 140 to the base portion 110, as will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0018] In some examples, the lid 140 can be hinged to the base portion 110 so as to be connected (either removable or permanent) by a hinge 132 and can be rotated around the hinge 132. The hinge 132 can be one of various types of hinges, including continuous piano hinges, double hinges, ball-joint hinges, living hinges, and the like. These and various other hinge configurations are discussed in detail herein. The hinge 132 can be rotated to open the lid 140 and move away from the base portion 110 so as to be able to access the space 130 defined by the base portion 110 (for example, through an opening 128). In other words, the hinge 132 facilitates the rotation of the lid 140 from a closed container (for example, when the lid is in a fixed position covering the space 130 formed by the base portion 110, as shown in Figure 1) to an open container (for example, when the lid does not cover the space 130 formed by the base portion 110, as shown in Figures 2A-2B), and vice versa.

[0019] In addition, in some configurations, the container 100 may be equipped with a gasket 134 or other seal. The gasket 134 may be located on either the lid 140 or the base portion 110 and may help to seal the lid 140 and the base portion 110 when the lid 140 is in a closed position. In some examples, the container 100 may be manufactured to be dustproof when tested for 8 hours and / or waterproof when tested in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the container 100 may achieve an IP67 rating (as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission) which specifies that when tested for 8 hours, there is no ingress of dust, i.e., it is completely protected from dust, and that when the enclosure is immersed in water (up to 1 m of immersion) under predetermined pressure and time conditions, no ingress of harmful amounts of water is possible. The IP67 dust test is for a period of 8 hours, and the enclosure is tested in a vacuum. The IP67 water test lasts for 30 minutes, and the enclosure is tested with either the bottom of the enclosure submerged 1000 mm below the water surface or the highest point submerged 1500 mm below the water surface, whichever is deeper.

[0020] In some examples, the gasket 134 may be formed on at least one of the base portion 110 and the lid 140 and housed in a recess extending around the outer circumference of at least one of the base portion 110 or the lid 140. Furthermore, in some examples, the container 100 may have a raised portion on the opposite side of the base portion 110 or the lid 140 and extending around the outer circumference of the base portion 110 or the lid 140. The gasket 134 may be positioned between the recess and the raised portion. The gasket 134 may help maintain a seal between the inside of the container 100 and the external environment, and in some examples, may help maintain the temperature of the articles contained in the container 100. In some examples, the gasket 134 may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In some examples, the gasket 134 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a donut or ring shape, an ellipse shape, a Y-shape, a U-shape, or other shape known to those skilled in the art. In other configurations, the gasket 134 may include strategically placed cutouts that reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking).

[0021] Container 100 can be constructed to contain, store, transport, etc., items including food, beverages, or any other items. In addition to or instead of thereto, Container 100 can be constructed to store materials in a solid or gaseous state, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.

[0022] The container 100, comprising a base portion 110 and a lid 140, can be formed from a variety of 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 from 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 shells of the base portion 110 and the lid 140 are formed using injection molding or rotomolding / rotational molding (not shown), as understood by those skilled in the art. However, without departing from the present invention, the container 100 may be formed using various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.).

[0023] In some configurations, the container 100 may be provided with a movable handle assembly 160 on the lid 140, which can move the handle 162 to a storage position or a carrying position, and can remain in either the storage position or the carrying position until activated by the user. The handle 162 allows the user to easily lift and / or carry the container 100 using only one hand to grasp the handle 162. The handle 162 may be pivotally attached to the lid 140 and located in a recessed cavity 142 positioned in the upper surface 143 of the lid 140. The handle 162 may have a storage position in which the handle is substantially parallel to the upper surface 143 of the lid 140, as shown in Figure 3, and a carrying position in which the handle is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 143 of the lid 140, as shown in Figure 4. The handle assembly 160 may include components that can keep the handle 162 in the stored position until it is actuated by an upward or rotational force by the user greater than a threshold force to move the handle 162 from the stored position to the transport or upright position. In addition, the handle assembly 160 may keep the handle 162 in the transport position until it is actuated by a downward or rotational force by the user greater than a threshold force to move the handle from the transport position to the stored position.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5-10, the handle assembly 160 may include a handle 162 with a gripping portion 164 and a pair of legs 166, a plunger 168, a biasing member 170, a retaining member 172, and a pin 174. The plunger 168 and the retaining member 172 can engage with each other, as shown in Figure 10, to prevent the handle 162 from moving undesirably. For example, the plunger 168 may include a plurality of engaging members 176 that engage with a plurality of corresponding engaging members 178 on the retaining member 172. The plurality of engaging members 176, 178 may include a plurality of projections, a plurality of recesses, and inclined surfaces between each projection and each recess. Specifically, each projection of the plurality of projections on the plunger 168 and the retaining member 172 can be received in the corresponding recesses of the plurality of recesses on the plunger 168 and the retaining member 172. The inclined surfaces between each projection and each recess allow the engaging members to contact and slide with each other when an upward or downward force greater than a threshold force is applied to the handle 162 by the user, so that the plunger 168 and the retaining member 172 can rotate relative to each other. The projections and recesses can be arranged in an alternating pattern with each projection adjacent to a recess by the inclined surfaces extending between the bottom surface of the recess and the top surface of the projection. The interaction of the engaging members 176, 178 of the plunger 168 and the retaining member 172 resists any movement of the handle 162 caused by any unintentional movement or force applied to the container (e.g., the container being turned upside down or tipped over). The biasing member 170 can provide a longitudinal force that keeps the engaging members 176, 178 engaged with each other and prevents any unintentional movement of the plunger 168 relative to the retaining member 172. The biasing member 170 can be a compression spring or other member that applies a linear force to keep the plunger 168 engaged with the retaining member 172, as is known to those skilled in the art. In other words, the handle 162 will remain in either the retracted or transported position until a force greater than a threshold force is applied directly to the handle 162. That threshold force can be determined by the force applied by the biasing member 170, as well as the depth of the recesses and the angle of the inclined surfaces on the engaging members 176, 178.The threshold force can be sufficiently large to prevent the handle 162 from moving from the retracted position to the extended position when the container 100 is turned upside down or shaken upside down. Similarly, the threshold force can be sufficiently large to prevent the container 100 from moving from the extended position to the retracted position when it is in the upright position and shaken from side to side. Alternatively, the multiple engaging members 176, 178 can be corresponding pairs of teeth that engage with each other. As another alternative example, instead of the engaging members 176, 178, the plunger 168 and the retaining member 172 may include engaging surfaces that frictionally engage with each other, so the biasing member 170 can generate a threshold force by applying a force that creates friction between these engaging surfaces.

[0025] Each leg 166 may have a fixed end 180 connected to each end of the gripping portion 164, and a free end 182 opposite the fixed end 180. A pocket 184 for receiving a biasing member 170 and a plunger 168 may be located near the free end 182 of each leg 166. In one example, the pocket 184 may be located on the outer surface of each leg 166. Each plunger 168 may include a recess 187 at a first end 186 for receiving a biasing member 170, and a plurality of engaging members 176 at a second end 188 opposite the first end 186. The plunger 168 may also include an anti-rotation member 190 that can contact a corresponding anti-rotation member 192 in the pocket 184. The anti-rotation members 190, 192 may be a boss and a corresponding recess, the recess or boss may be located on the plunger 168 or in the pocket 184. The pocket 184 may also include an opening 185 that extends through the rest of the leg portion 166 to the bottom surface of the pocket 184. In addition, the plunger 168 may include an opening 169 that extends through the plunger 168. In some examples, the pocket 184 that receives the plunger 168 and the biasing member 170 may be located on the inner surface of each leg portion 166. If necessary, the biasing member 170 may be integrally molded as part of the plunger 168 so that the plunger 168 and the biasing member 170 are made as a single piece to provide a spring force that keeps the plunger 168 engaged with the retaining member 172.

[0026] The recessed cavity 142 of the lid 140 may be positioned to secure a handle 162. The recessed cavity 142 may include a pair of sides 144, each side 144 having a receiving portion 146 for securing a retaining member 172. Each receiving portion 146 may also include an anti-rotation member (not shown) that can contact a corresponding anti-rotation member 173 located on the retaining member 172. These anti-rotation members may be bosses and corresponding recesses, and the recesses or bosses may be located either on the retaining member 172 or within the receiving portion 146. The receiving portion 146 may be an opening in each side 144 and / or may include an insert positioned within the receiving portion 146 to assist in securing the retaining member 172. The recessed cavity 142 may also include an outward-facing surface 152, a back surface 154, and a pair of fixtures 156 extending from the outward-facing surface of the cavity 142. A pair of mounting fixtures 156 may be spaced inward from each of the sides 144. A handle 162 can be connected to the pair of mounting fixtures 156. In some examples, the pair of mounting fixtures 156 may also extend from the back 154 and be connected to the back 154. Each mounting fixture 156 may include an opening 157, and the openings 157 of each mounting fixture 156 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, in an example where a plunger 168 is positioned in a pocket 184 located on the inner surface of each leg 166, a retaining member 172 may be received in the opening 157 of each mounting fixture 156 to engage with the plunger 168. In some examples, a recessed cavity 142 may include engaging members integrally molded to the side 144, so that these integrally molded engaging members interact with the engaging members 176 of the plunger 168 without the use of a separate retaining member 172. Alternatively, instead of the biasing member 170 applying force to the plunger 168, the biasing member 170 can be positioned within the receiving portion 146 and / or adjacent to the retaining member 172 to directly apply force to the retaining member 172 and engage the retaining member 172 with the plunger 168.

[0027] Figures 7-9 show the process of attaching the handle assembly 160 to the lid 140. As shown in Figure 7, each retaining member 172 can be attached to a receiving portion 146 on the side 144, and the anti-rotation member of the receiving portion engages with the anti-rotation member 173 of the retaining member 172. In addition, the biasing member 170 and plunger 168 can be attached to the pocket 184 of each leg 166, with the biasing member 170 at least partially received in the recess 187 of the plunger 168. The biasing member 170 can contact the bottom surface of the pocket 184. The anti-rotation member 190 of the plunger 168 can engage with the anti-rotation member 192 of the pocket 184. Once the biasing member 170 and plunger 168 are attached to each leg 166 of the handle 162, the handle 162 can be positioned so that the opening 157 of the mounting fixture 156 aligns with the opening 185 of each leg 166 and the opening 175 of the retaining member 172. Next, the pin 174 is mounted by passing it through the opening 157 of each mounting fixture 156, the opening 175 of the retaining member 172, and the opening 185 of each leg 166 to rotatably connect the handle 162 to the lid 140. The pin 174 can be permanently fixed to the lid 140 by friction fitting into the retaining member 172, or within the receiving portion 146 of the side 144. In some examples, the pin 174 can be releasably connected to the lid 140 using screw connections or other connection methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In some configurations, 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 constructed to lock the lid 140 when the lid 140 is in the closed position. The latch assembly 200 may include one or more parts that are integrally molded with the container 100 or otherwise attached to the container 100. As shown in Figures 2A-2B, the container 100 may include a latch keeper 210. The latch keeper 210 may extend from the side wall structure 112 and form a pocket within the container 100. This pocket of the latch keeper has a shape constructed to receive a portion of the locking member 230, as will be discussed in more detail below. As will be described in more detail below, the latch assembly 200 may engage with the latch keeper 210 to lock the lid 140 to the base portion 110 when the container 100 is in the closed position. The latch assembly 200 may be similar to the latch assemblies described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 006344, filed June 12, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 123746, filed December 16, 2020, both of which are fully cited.

[0029] 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 in which certain parts of the base portion 110 and / or lid 140 extend further outward than other parts of the base portion 110 and / or lid 140. The container 100 may also include raised portions 136 surrounding the latch assembly 200 and hinge 132. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the raised portions 136 may be present on one or both of the base portion 110 or lid 140. Each raised portion 136 may be the same height as or greater than the height of the latch assembly 200 and hinge 132, so that the latch assembly 200 and / or hinge 132 do not protrude outward beyond the raised portions 136 of the container 100. This protects the latch assembly 200 and / or hinge 132 and reduces the likelihood of these components being damaged during use.

[0030] Here, the latch assembly 200 is more specifically referred to, as best shown in Figures 11A and 11B. The latch assembly 200 may include several components, including a latch body 202, a locking member 230, a biasing member 250, and an operating member 270. As described above, the latch assembly 200 may include a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch body 202 can be pivotably engaged with the lid 140. The latch body 202 can be pivotably engaged with the lid 140 using a hinge 204, but any suitable pivot engagement may be used. The latch body 202 may have an inner surface 206 and an outer surface 208. The outer surface 208 may be curved and may generally follow the curvature of the side wall structure 112 of the container 100. The inner surface 206 may also be curved and may include a number of different features. One exemplary feature that may be included in the latch body 202 may be one or more engagement lugs 212. The engaging lug 212 can engage with the base portion 110 or the latch keeper 210, and can assist in compressing the lid 140 against the base portion 110 of the container 100.

[0031] The latch body 202 can also engage with the locking member 230. As shown in Figure 11B, the locking member 230 can be slidably engaged with the latch body 202 so that the locking member 230 can move between an upper and lower position in a substantially linear path. The locking member 230 can be configured to lock the lid 140 in a closed position when the locking member 230 is in the lower position, and to unlock the lid 140 when the locking member 230 is in the upper position.

[0032] As primarily shown in Figure 11B, 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 may include an opening through which the guide member 232 can pass. The guide member 232 may be a cylindrical rod, but any suitable shape may be used to allow upward and downward movement of the locking member 230. As shown in Figure 11B, the latch assembly 200 may also include at least one biasing member 250 engaged with the latch body 202 and the locking member 230. The biasing member 250 may be designed to bias the locking member 230 to a downward position. The biasing member 250 may be a compression spring as shown in Figure 11B, but in an alternative embodiment, any suitable device for biasing the locking member 230 to a downward position may be used.

[0033] The locking member 230 may include a base portion 240 and a hook portion 242 extending inward from the base portion 240. When the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, the hook portion 242 of the locking member 230 can engage with the latch keeper 210. Furthermore, when the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 212 can engage with the lower surface of the latch keeper 210.

[0034] The latch body 202 can also pivotably engage with the actuarial member 270. The actuarial member 270 can also engage with the locking member 230 and can be configured to move the locking member 230 from a lower position to an upper position. The actuarial member 270 can pivotally engage with the latch body 202 by a hinge 272 extending through the latch body 202 and the actuarial member 270. The actuarial member 270 may include a gripping portion 274, an actuarial barrel 276, and one or more arms 278 connecting the gripping portion 274 and the actuarial barrel 276. The gripping portion 274 can be spaced a certain distance from the side wall structure 112 of the container 100. This distance allows the user to insert their fingers between the side wall structure 112 and the gripping portion 274 and grasp the back surface 280 of the gripping portion 274. The actuarial barrel 276 of the actuarial member 270 can engage with the locking member 230. The actuating barrel 276 may include at least one protruding portion 282. To unlock the latch assembly 200, the user can pull the gripping portion 274 of the actuating member 270 forward, rotating at least one protruding portion 282 of the actuating barrel 276 and lifting the locking member 230. This movement unlocks the latch assembly 200 and allows the lid 140 to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0035] Referring here to Figures 12A to 12C, the procedure for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly 200 from the locked position to the unlocked position is illustrated by vertical cross-sectional views of the latch assembly 200 and a portion of the base portion 110 and the cover 140. Figure 12A shows the latch assembly 200 in the locked position, Figure 12B shows the unlocked latch assembly 200, and Figure 12C shows the latch assembly 200 in the unlocked position. As shown in Figure 12A, in the locked position, the lower surface of the hook portion 242 engages with the upper surface of the latch keeper 210, the inward-facing surface of the hook portion 242 engages with the inner surface of the latch keeper 210, and the engagement lug 212 engages with the lower surface of the latch keeper 210.

[0036] As shown in Figure 12B, the latch assembly 200 can be moved to the released position by rotating the actuator 270 as indicated by arrow 290. This rotation can be achieved by the user pulling the back surface 280 forward. As the actuator barrel 276 rotates, as shown in Figure 12B, at least one protrusion 282 engages with the locking member 230, lifting it up. As shown in Figure 12C, the latch assembly 200 is in the released position. As the locking member 230 is lifted above the latch keeper 210, the latch assembly 200 is released, and the latch body 202, including the locking member 230 and actuator 270, can be rotated forward as indicated by arrow 294.

[0037] Referring here to Figures 13A to 13C, the procedure for moving the latch assembly 200 from the unlocked position to the locked position is illustrated by vertical cross-sectional views of the latch assembly 200 and parts of the base 110 and lid 140. Figure 13A shows the latch assembly 200 in the unlocked position, Figure 13B shows the latch assembly 200 in the locked position, and Figure 13C shows the latch assembly 200 in the locked position.

[0038] As shown in Figure 13A and indicated by arrow 296, in one embodiment, the user can return the latch assembly 200 to the locked position by pushing the latch body 202. As shown in Figure 13B, when the latch body 202 is pushed inward, the locking member 230 can contact the latch keeper 210, thereby allowing the locking member 230 to be lifted upward as indicated by arrow 298. In other examples, in addition to pushing the latch body 202 inward, the user must pull the actuator 270 outward to move the latch assembly 200 to the locked position. In such examples, it is convenient that the latch assembly 200 can only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member 230 is moved upward by the actuator 270. This reduces the possibility of accidentally locking the container 100.

[0039] As shown in Figure 13C, once the hook portion 242 is moved behind the latch keeper 210, the biasing member 250 can push the locking member 230 downward. As shown in Figure 13C, the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position, with the lower surface of the hook portion 242 engaging with the upper surface of the latch keeper 210, the inward-facing surface of the hook portion 242 engaging with the inner surface of the latch keeper 210, and the engaging lug 212 engaging with the lower surface of the latch keeper 210. When the latch assembly 200 is in the closed position, the lid 140 is positioned to abut against the base portion 110 of the container 100, thereby allowing the container 100 to be closed, secured, and / or sealed.

[0040] The latch assembly 200, including the latch body 202, the locking member 230, and the actuating member 270, may be formed separately from each other and may be formed from a material such as plastic or another suitable material that can be formed or molded into the desired shape. The latch assembly 200 can be made of sufficient size, thickness, and structural material to withstand the repeated stress cycles as the latch engages and disengages with the latch keeper 210 over time. The containers described herein include various features that ensure the easy and efficient manufacture of the containers while providing durability and wear resistance.

[0041] To avoid unintentional unlocking of the latch assembly 200, the container 100 or the latch assembly 200 may incorporate various different concepts to prevent unexpected unlocking of the latch assembly 200. These concepts are shown in Figures 14A to 18C.

[0042] Figures 14A–14C show a latch guard 300 located below the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 300 can be fixedly connected to a raised portion 136 located on either one or both sides of the latch assembly 200, as shown in Figures 14A–14B. The latch guard 300 may include a pair of arms 302 and a crossbar 304 connected between the pair of arms 302. The arms 302 may be connected to the container 100 in a recess located within the raised portion 136, or they may be mounted on the surface of the raised portion 136.

[0043] The crossbar 304 may have an upper surface 306 and a lower surface 308. The upper surface 306 is positioned below the actuarial member 270 of the latch assembly 200 at a predetermined distance. This distance allows the user to reach between the actuarial member 270 and the upper surface 306 and, in the manner described above, pull the actuarial member 270 with that hand to unlock the latch assembly 200. In addition, the crossbar 304 can function as a fixed handle that allows the user to lift the container 100 without fear of unlocking the latch assembly 200. The upper surface 306 may have an inclined or curved shape such that the distance from the latch assembly 200 is greater near the front edge 310 than at the rear edge of the crossbar. Furthermore, the lower surface 308 may have a concave shape. The concave lower surface 308 may also include several ribs that help to make it easier for the user to grip. The crossbar 304 may have a width greater than the width of the latch assembly 200, and its 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 positioned below the hinge 132 on the side of the container 100 opposite the latch assembly 200, as shown in Figure 14C. Similarly, the latch guard 300 below the hinge 132 may be connected to the raised portions 136 on both sides of the hinge 132 and positioned below the hinge 132 at a predetermined interval. By positioning the latch guards 300 on opposite sides, the user can easily lift the container 100 without fear of tilting the container 100 or accidentally unlocking the container 100.

[0044] Figures 15A-15B show a latch guard 400, which is another device that can protect the latch assembly 200 from being unintentionally released. The latch guard 400 can be positioned below the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 can be pivotably connected to a raised portion 136 located on either one or both sides of the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 may include a pair of spindles 402 and a crossbar 404 connected between the pair of spindles 402. The spindles 402 can be aligned along an axis so that the latch guard 400 can rotate around the axis. The spindles 402 can be connected to the container 100 in the lower region of the raised portion 136 where the axis is located below the lowest surface of the latch assembly 200. The latch guard 400 may have a restricting position, as shown in Figure 15A, that prevents a user from reaching the actuarial member 270 of the latch assembly 200, and an accessible position, as shown in Figure 15B, where the latch guard 400 is rotated downward away from the latch assembly 200, allowing a user to reach the actuarial member 270 and unlock the latch assembly 200. A biasing member (not shown) can apply force to the latch guard 400 to bias it into the restricting position, preventing the latch assembly 200 from being unintentionally unlocked.

[0045] The crossbar 404 may have an upper surface 406 and a lower surface 410. The upper surface 406 may include a sloping portion that slopes downward toward the leading edge 408, such that the distance from the latch assembly 200 is greater near the leading edge 408 than at the trailing edge of the crossbar 404. The greater distance provides additional clearance for the user to grasp and operate the latch assembly 200. Furthermore, the lower surface 410 may have a concave shape. A concave lower surface 410 may also include several ribs 412 that help to make it easier for the user to grip. The crossbar 404 may have a width greater than the width of the latch assembly 200, which is defined as the horizontal distance along the length of the crossbar 404. In some examples, the container 100 may have a second latch guard 400 located beneath a hinge 132 on the side of the container 100 opposite the latch assembly 200. Similarly, the latch guard 400 located below the hinge 132 can be connected to the raised portions 136 on either side of the hinge 132. The latch guard 400 on the side with the hinge 132 may be rotatably connected or fixedly connected without rotation. By positioning the latch guards 400 on opposite sides, the user can easily lift the container 100 without fear of tilting the container 100 or accidentally unlocking it.

[0046] The latch guards 300 and 400 can be formed from polymer materials or metallic materials. Furthermore, the latch guards 300 and 400 can be formed by various forming methods. For example, metallic components can be formed by forging, casting, inlay, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Furthermore, polymer components can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques such as various molding (e.g., injection molding) and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

[0047] As another alternative to the latch guard described above, Figures 16A–16D show an improved latch assembly 500. For the illustrative latch assembly 500 in Figures 16A–16D, features are referenced using similar reference numbers under the "5xx" series, rather than the "2xx" series used for the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B. Therefore, certain features of the latch assembly 500 already described with respect to the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B may not be described in as much detail, or not at all. The latch assembly 500 may include a lock button 511 positioned on the outer surface 508 of the latch body 502, as shown in Figure 16A, as well as all the other components of the latch assembly 200. The lock button 511 can have a locked state in which the locking member 530 is prevented from moving relative to the latch body 502, thereby preventing the latch assembly 500 from moving to the released position, and a released state in which, when the lock button 511 is pressed down, the locking member 530 is allowed to move relative to the latch body 502, thereby allowing the latch assembly 500 to move to the released position.

[0048] The lock button 511 may be connected to a key member 513 that engages with the locking member 530 of the latch assembly 500. The lock button 511 may also be connected to a key member 513 that extends inward from the lock button 511 through the latch body 502 toward the locking member 530. The key member 513 is received in a slot 515 of the locking member 530. The key member 513 may generally have an elongated body member 517 and an enlarged end portion 519. The end portion 519 may be located inside the locking member 530 and be received in a recess 521 that intersects with the slot 515. In some examples, the elongated body member 517 and the end portion 519 may have a cylindrical shape or a geometric cross-sectional shape such as a circle, square, hexagon or other geometric shape. A biasing member (not shown) may apply force to the lock button 511 to bias the lock button 511 into a locked state, thereby preventing the latch assembly 500 from being unexpectedly released. When the lock button 511 is in the locked position, the end portion 519 is fixed in the recess 521, as shown in Figure 16B, preventing the locking member 530 from moving relative to the latch body 502, thereby preventing the latch assembly 500 from unintentionally moving to the unlocked position. To move the latch assembly 500 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must press down the lock button 511, as shown in Figure 16C, which causes the enlarged end portion 519 to move out of the recess 521. Once the enlarged end portion 519 is free from the recess 521, the elongated main body member 517 can slide freely within the slot 515, as shown in Figure 16D, so that the user can also move the locking member 530 from the locked position to the unlocked position by pulling the actuator 570. Thus, to move the latch assembly 500 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must engage both the lock button 511 and the actuarial member 570 (i.e., the user must both press down the lock button 511 and pull the actuarial member 570). This dual action helps prevent the latch assembly 500 from moving to the unlocked position unintentionally.

[0049] As another alternative to the latch guard described above, Figures 17A–17D show an improved latch assembly 600. For the illustrative latch assembly 600 in Figures 17A–17D, features are referred to using similar reference numbers under the "6xx" series of reference numbers, rather than the "2xx" series used for the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B. Therefore, certain features of the latch assembly 600 that have already been described with respect to the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B may not be described in as much detail or at all. The latch assembly 600 may include the lock button 611 positioned on the outer surface 068 of the latch body 602, as shown in Figure 17A, as well as all the other components of the latch assembly 200. Figures 17A–17D show the latch assembly 600 with some components removed to illustrate the interaction between the lock member 630 and the lock button 611. The lock button 611 can have a locked state in which the locking member 630 is prevented from moving relative to the latch body 602, and the latch assembly 600 is prevented from moving to the released position, and a released state in which the locking member 630 is allowed to move relative to the latch body 602, and the latch assembly 600 is allowed to move to the released position. The lock button 611 can be pivotably connected to the latch body 602 such that when one side of the lock button 611 is in the locked state, a portion of the lock button 611 is below the outer surface 608 and a portion of the lock button 611 is above the outer surface 608. Figure 17A shows the lock button 611 in the locked state, where the upper part of the lock button 611 is below the outer surface 608 and the lower part of the lock button 611 is above the outer surface 608. Figure 71C shows the lock button 611 in the released state, where the upper and lower parts of the lock button 611 are substantially aligned with the outer surface 608 of the latch body 602. The illustrated example shows a lock button 611 pivotably mounted to the latch body 602 at a central position by a horizontally oriented axis, but the pivot position and orientation of the lock button 611 may be arranged in different positions and orientations without departing from the present invention.

[0050] The lock button 611 may have an extension 613 that protrudes inward from the lock button 611 (i.e., away from the outer surface 608 of the latch body 602). The extension 613 may extend from the top of the lock button 611. In some examples, the extension 613 may form a hook shape to better engage with the locking member 630. When the lock button 611 is in the locked position, the extension 613 may contact the upper surface of the locking member 630, as shown in Figure 17B, to prevent the locking member 630 from moving relative to the latch body 602. A biasing member (not shown) may apply force to the lock button 611 to bias it into the locked position, preventing the latch assembly 600 from being unexpectedly released. By preventing the movement of the locking member 630 relative to the latch body 602, the latch assembly 600 will not be unexpectedly released, even if the actuator 670 is pulled. When the lock button 611 is moved to the release position, as shown in Figure 17D, the extension 613 is no longer in contact with the locking member 630, allowing 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 be moved to the release position when the user pulls the operating member 670. Thus, in order to move the latch assembly 600 from the locked position to the release position, as shown in Figure 17C, the user must press down on the lower part of the lock button 611, thereby moving the extension 613 away from contact with the locking member 630. As shown in Figure 17D, when the extension 613 is released from contact with the locking member 630, the locking member 630 can slide along the latch body 602, and the latch assembly 600 can be moved from the locked position to the release position when the user pulls the operating member 670. Thus, to move the latch assembly 600 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must both press down on a portion of the lock button 611 and pull the actuarial member 670. This dual action helps prevent the latch assembly 600 from being moved to the unlocked position unintentionally.

[0051] As an alternative to the latch guard options described above, Figures 18A–18C show an improved latch assembly 700. With respect to the illustrative latch assembly 700 in Figures 18A–18C, features are referred to using similar reference numbers under the "7xx" series of reference numbers, rather than the "2xx" series used for the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B. Therefore, certain features of the latch assembly 700 that have already been described with respect to the latch assembly 200 of container 100 in Figures 1–15B may not be described in as much detail or at all. The latch assembly 700 may include a lock lever 711 pivotally coupled to an actuator 770, as well as all the other components of the latch assembly 200. Figures 18A–18C show a latch assembly 700 with some components removed to illustrate the interaction between the actuator 770 and the lock lever 711. The lock lever 711 can have a locked state that prevents the movement of the actuarial member 770 and a released state that allows the actuarial member 770 to move. When the actuarial member 770 can rotate relative to the latch body 702, the latch assembly 700 can move to the released position. Figure 18A shows the lock lever 711 in the locked state, preventing the rotation of the actuarial member 770, and Figure 18B shows the lock lever 711 in the released state, rotating together with the actuarial member 770. In order to move the latch assembly 700 to the released position, the user must pull both the actuarial member 700 and the lock lever 711, which allows the latch assembly 700 to move to the released position. Figure 18C shows the lock lever 711 in the released state together with the actuarial member 770, which has been rotated to the released position.

[0052] The locking lever 711 may include a stop surface 713 that engages with a corresponding stop surface 771 on the operating member 770 when the locking lever 711 is in the locked position. The stop surface 713 of the locking lever 711 can rotate away from the stop surface 771 of the operating member 770 when the locking lever 711 is pulled by the user. When the stop surface 713 moves away from the stop surface 771, the operating member 770 rotates freely relative to the latch body 702. In some examples, the stop surfaces 713, 771 may include multiple stop surfaces 713, 771. A biasing member (not shown) can apply force to the locking lever 711 to bias it into the locked position, causing the stop surfaces 713, 771 to engage with each other and preventing the latch assembly 700 from being unintentionally released. This movement of the operating member 770 allows the latch assembly 700 to move to the released position. Thus, to move the latch assembly 700 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user must rotate both the lock lever 711 and the actuarial member 700, as shown in Figure 18C. This dual action helps prevent the latch assembly 700 from being moved to the unlocked position unintentionally.

[0053] This disclosure has been disclosed prior to and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts relating to this disclosure, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 100 containers 110 Basic part 112 Side wall structure 114 First Aspect 116. Second Aspect 118 The Third Aspect 120 The Fourth Aspect 122 First end 124 Second end 126 Bottom part 128 Aperture 130 Interior space 136 Raised area 140 Lid 142 Recessed Cavity 156 Mounting hardware 157 Aperture 160 Movable Handle Assembly 162 Handle 166 Legs 168 Plunger 170, 250 biasing member 172 Retractor Member 176, 178 Engaging members 180 fixed end 182 Free end 184 pockets 190, 192 Anti-rotation member 199 Small item container 200, 500, 600, 700 Latch Assembly 202, 502, 602, 702 Latch body 204, 272 hinges 206 Inner Self 208, 508, 608 External surface 210 Latch Keeper 212 Engagement lag 230, 530, 630 Locking components 240 Basic part 242 Hook part 270, 570, 770 Operating parts 274 Gripping part 276 Operating barrel 280 Back side 300, 400 Latch Guard 302 Arm 304, 404 cross member 306 Top surface of horizontal member 308 Underside of horizontal member 402 Mandrel 511, 611 Lock Button 513 Key component 515 slots 711 Locking Lever 713, 771 Stopping surface

Claims

1. In a container, It is the foundation, A side wall structure having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and having a first end and a second end, The bottom portion connected to the first end of the side wall structure, An opening formed at the second end of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end, which is designed to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, The foundation part, A lid that is pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge and has an open and a closed configuration, the lid being designed to cover an opening formed at a second end of the side wall structure when the container is in the closed configuration and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open configuration, and A latch assembly for securing the lid to the base portion, wherein the latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position, and the latch assembly includes a latch body and an actuating member pivotably connected to the latch body, wherein when the actuating member is rotated relative to the latch body, it moves the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. Equipped with, The base portion includes a first raised portion adjacent to the latch assembly and a second raised portion adjacent to the hinge. A first latch guard is connected to the first raised portion, and a first crossbar is located below the latch assembly, and the first crossbar functions as a first fixed handle. A container wherein a second latch guard is connected to the second protruding portion, the second latch guard includes a second crossbar located below the hinge, the second crossbar serving as a second fixed handle.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal member has a concave lower surface.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the concave lower surface includes a plurality of ribs.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal member has a width greater than the width of the latch assembly.

5. In a container, It is the foundation, Side wall structure, The bottom portion connected to the aforementioned side wall structure, An internal space formed by the aforementioned side wall structure and the aforementioned bottom portion, wherein the opening is made so as to be able to access the internal space, Includes, The base portion further includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion protruding from the side wall structure, and a latch keeper located between the first raised portion and the second raised portion. The foundation and, A lid connected to the base portion, having both an open and a closed configuration, the lid being designed to cover the opening when the container is in the closed configuration and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open configuration. A latch assembly pivotably connected to the lid, wherein the latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position, and when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the latch assembly engages with the latch keeper of the bottom portion, A latch guard connected to the first and second raised portions, including a horizontal member located below the latch keeper, A container containing...

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the latch assembly includes a latch body and a latch guard pivotably connected to the lid and an operating member pivotably connected to the latch body, the operating member, when rotated relative to the latch body, moves the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position, and when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the latch guard is positioned below the operating member.

7. The container according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal member has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface has a concave shape.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the lower surface includes a plurality of ribs.

9. The container according to claim 5, wherein the lid is pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the base portion further includes a third and a fourth protruding portion projecting from the side wall structure, and a second latch guard connected to the third and fourth protruding portions, the second latch guard being located below the hinge.

11. The container according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal member has a width greater than the width of the latch assembly.

12. In a container, It is the foundation, Side wall structure, The bottom portion connected to the aforementioned side wall structure, An internal space formed by the aforementioned side wall structure and the aforementioned bottom portion, wherein the opening is made so as to be able to access the internal space, Includes, The aforementioned base portion further includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion protruding from the side wall structure. The foundation and, A lid connected to the base portion, having both an open and a closed configuration, the lid being designed to cover the opening when the container is in the closed configuration and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open configuration. A latch assembly for securing the lid to the base portion, wherein the latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position, and the latch assembly includes a latch body and an operating member pivotably connected to the latch body, wherein when the operating member is rotated relative to the latch body, it moves the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. A latch guard connected to the first and second raised portions, including a horizontal member located below the operating member, A container containing...

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal member has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface has a concave shape.

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

15. The container according to claim 12, wherein the lid is pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge.

16. The container according to claim 15, wherein the base portion further includes a third and a fourth protruding portion projecting from the side wall structure, and a second latch guard connected to the third and fourth protruding portions, the second latch guard being located below the hinge.

17. The container according to claim 15, wherein the horizontal member has a width greater than the width of the latch assembly.

18. In a container, It is the foundation, A side wall structure having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and having a first end and a second end, The bottom portion connected to the first end of the side wall structure, An opening formed at the second end of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end, which is designed to allow access to the internal space of the container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, The foundation part, A lid that is pivotably connected to the base portion by a hinge and has an open and a closed configuration, the lid being designed to cover an opening formed at a second end of the side wall structure when the container is in the closed configuration and to allow access to the opening when the container is in the open configuration, and A latch assembly pivotably connected to the lid on the opposite side of the hinge, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, The latch assembly includes a latch body pivotably connected to the lid and an operating member pivotably connected to the latch body, wherein the operating member, when rotated relative to the latch body, moves the latch assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position. Equipped with, The base portion includes a first raised portion adjacent to the latch assembly and a second raised portion adjacent to the hinge. A first latch guard is connected to the first protruding portion, and the first latch guard includes a first arm extending from the first protruding portion and a first crossbar located at a predetermined distance below the latch assembly, the first crossbar functioning as a first locking handle. A container wherein a second latch guard is connected to the second protruding portion, the second latch guard includes a second arm extending from the second protruding portion and a second crossbar located at a second predetermined distance below the hinge, the second crossbar serving as a second locking handle.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein the first horizontal member has a concave lower surface.

20. The container according to claim 19, wherein the lower surface of the concave shape includes a plurality of ribs.

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