Container and latch system

Abstract

A container is provided having a base and a lid. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured via one or more latch assemblies. The latch assemblies may include a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an actuating member. Further features of the container may include handles and strength features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may be attached to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container. The container may also have wheels attached to the bottom and / or across the bottom to one side of the sidewall structure. Additionally, in a typical container having wheels, a pull handle may be attached to the opposite side of the wheels. The lid may include a lid support member, which may function as a moleboard for releasably securing an item to the lid support member while also providing structural support to the lid.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 123,746, filed December 16, 2020. U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 123,746 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 828,282, filed March 24, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 006,344, filed June 12, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 518,358, filed June 12, 2017. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 839,311, filed April 3, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 735,013, filed January 6, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 788,886, filed January 6, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 788,888, filed January 6, 2019. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 839,311 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 830,203, filed April 5, 2019. All of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] background Various types of containers and latch systems exist. The containers can be used for food, beverages, and other materials or items. Latch systems exist to lock the container in a closed configuration. However, conventional containers and latch systems may not be very durable or easy to use. For example, the container may not be strong enough to hold certain items, or may not be strong enough to hold an item on the container. Furthermore, some latch systems may engage when the user does not want the system to be engaged, and in other cases may not provide a sufficient lock with the container. In such configurations, these and other deficiencies may render the container and / or latch system substantially useless. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Quick Overview This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The 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.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base including: (1) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end; (2) a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; (3) an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom; and (4) a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure and having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; (b) a lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; and (c) a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include (1) a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid; (2) a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member slidably between at least a first position and a second position, configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the first position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the second position; (3) at least one biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member and biasing the locking member to the first position; and (4) an actuating member engaged with the latch body and configured to move the locking member from the first position to the second position, the actuating member including an actuating barrel having a plurality of spaced apart ridges. A hook portion of the locking member may engage with the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The at least one biasing member may be positioned laterally between the plurality of ridges. In some examples, the at least one biasing member may include two biasing members positioned laterally between the plurality of ridges. The locking member may have at least one engagement member that contacts one of the plurality of ridges of the actuation valve. Further, the at least one engagement member may include two engagement members spaced apart from one another to form an opening between the two engagement members. Each ridge of the plurality of ridges may have a generally triangular shape.In some embodiments, the container may include a second latch assembly, and the second latch assembly may be positioned on an opposite side of the container as the latch assembly. Alternatively, the container may include a second latch assembly, and the second latch assembly may be positioned on an adjacent side of the container as the latch assembly.

[0005] A further aspect of the disclosure may relate to a container, the container comprising: (a) a base, the base including: (1) a sidewall structure having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; (2) a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure; and (3) an interior of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom, the sidewall structure being connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and the second end opposite the first end. The container includes a base including an opening configured to allow access to the cavity, (4) a first latch keeper extending from a second side of the sidewall structure, (5) a kick-out rib on the second side of the sidewall structure extending outwardly beyond a front surface of the first latch keeper, and (6) a second latch keeper extending from a third side of the sidewall structure and having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface, and (b) a lid pivotally connected to the base by a hinge and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The lid may have a plurality of latch assemblies including a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly, each of which has a locked position and an unlocked position. The first latch assembly may engage the first latch keeper when the first latch assembly is in the locked position. When the lid is being moved from the open position to the closed position, the kick-out rib can push the first latch assembly away from the base so that the first latch assembly does not bind when the lid is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The kick-out rib can have an upper sloped surface extending outwardly and downwardly from the sidewall structure and a lower sloped surface converging toward the upper sloped surface. A rounded edge can extend between the upper and lower sloped surfaces. When the lid is in the closed configuration, the kick-out rib can fit between the first ridge of the sidewall structure and the first latch assembly. The base can also include a first sloped surface disposed adjacent a first end of the first latch keeper and a second sloped surface disposed at a second end of the first latch keeper. The kick-out rib includes a first kick-out rib extending from the first sloped surface and a second kick-out rib extending from the second sloped surface.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base including: (1) a sidewall structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end, (2) a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure, (3) an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom, (4) a pair of wheels connected to the second side of the sidewall structure, and (5) a pull handle assembly connected to the first side of the sidewall structure, and (b) a lid connected to the base and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The pull handle assembly may include (1) a pull handle pivotally attached to a first side of the sidewall structure, (2) a primary hinge plate pivotally attached to the pull handle, and (3) a secondary hinge plate pivotally attached to the primary hinge plate and the first side. The pull handle assembly may have an extended configuration that allows a user to pull the container, and a nested configuration. The pull handle may be positioned within a recess in the first side of the sidewall structure in the nested configuration. When the pull handle assembly is in the nested configuration, a top surface of the pull handle may be disposed substantially parallel to an outwardly facing surface of the first side. The pull handle may include a first handle end pivotally connected to the first side of the sidewall structure, a second handle end opposite the first handle end, and a pull handle body extending between the first handle end and the second handle end. The primary hinge plate may be pivotally connected to the pull handle body at a location closer to the first handle end of the pull handle body than the second handle end. Additionally, when the pull handle assembly is in the nested configuration, the secondary hinge plate may be positioned between the pull handle and a first side of the sidewall structure, and the secondary hinge plate may be positioned between the primary hinge plate and a first side of the sidewall structure. Additionally, when the pull handle assembly is in the nested configuration, the secondary hinge plate and the primary hinge plate may be substantially parallel to a top surface of the pull handle.The sidewall structure may include a third side extending between the first side and the second side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the third side including a pair of tracks, each track of the pair of tracks including a hollow cavity. The sidewall structure may also include a third side extending between the first side and the second side and a fourth side opposite the third side, a first corner formed at an intersection of the first side and the third side, and a first corner support extending inwardly from the first corner. The first corner support may include a hollow cavity.

[0007] A further aspect of the disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base including a sidewall structure having (1) a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end, (2) a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure, and (3) an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom, and (b) a lid connected to the base and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. A lid support member may be attached to the lid, the lid support member including (1) a primary wall having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, (2) a perimeter wall connected to the primary wall, and (3) a plurality of openings extending through the primary wall and configured to receive straps for securing an article to the lid support member. The primary wall may contact the inner surface of the lid at multiple locations, and the perimeter wall may contact the inner surface of the lid at multiple locations. Alternatively, the container may include a lid stay rod assembly extending between the base and the lid support member, and the lid stay rod assembly may be pivotally attached to the base and pivotally attached to the lid support member. When the lid is in the fully open configuration, the lid stay rod assembly may prevent the lid from closing. In some examples, the lid support member may include (1) a lattice-like front surface formed from a plurality of front ribs that intersect with each other in a generally vertical orientation, and (2) a rear surface opposite the front surface, with a portion of the rear surface contacting the inner surface of the lid. A majority of the plurality of front ribs have openings. The rear surface may have a lattice-like shape and may be formed from a plurality of rear ribs that intersect with each other in a generally vertical orientation. The lid support member may further include an opening support rib extending behind each of the plurality of elongated openings. The lid support member may further include a plurality of connecting members positioned between the front and rear faces, each connecting member connecting to and extending between adjacent ones of the plurality of front ribs.

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure may relate to a strap for lifting a container, the strap including a base member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongate member extending between the first end and the second end. The base member may be formed from a woven fiber material. The strap may have a first end portion located at the first end having a first engagement member, the first engagement member including a first layered portion, and a second end portion located at the second end, the second end portion including a second engagement member having a second engagement member including a second layered portion. The strap may also have a carry handle including a first opening and a second opening, the elongate member extending through the first opening and the second opening. The base member may include a pair of overlapping regions located on either side of the carry handle, each overlapping region including multiple layers of the base member and stitching to join the multiple layers together. The carry handle may be substantially centered along the entire length of the strap. Additionally, both the first end portion and the second end portion include stitches joining the first layered portion and the second layered portion. The stitches of the first layered portion may be located a distance from the first end defining an inner portion and an outer portion of the first layered portion, the inner portion having a first length defined as the distance from the centerline of the stitches to the first end of the base member and the outer portion having a second length defined as the distance from the centerline of the stitches to the end of the outer portion. The first length of the inner portion may be less than the second length of the outer portion. The base member may be a single, integral member, and in some examples, the strap may have a variable width along the entire length of the strap.

[0009] Other aspects of the disclosure may describe a system of straps for lifting containers including a container having a first side handle including a first elongated opening on a first side of the container and a second side handle including a second elongated opening on a second side of the container opposite the first side, the first elongated opening having a first opening width and the second elongated opening having a second opening width. The strap may include a base member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongate member extending between the first end and the second end, the base member having a strap width. The strap may also include a first end portion located at the first end having a first engagement member including a first layered portion, and a second end portion located at the second end including a second engagement member having a second layered portion. The strap may also include a carry handle having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, the elongate member extending through the first opening and the second opening. The first end portion may extend through the first elongate opening and the second end portion may extend through the second elongate opening and may secure the strap to the container using a friction fit. The strap width of the base member at the first end portion may be greater than the width of the first elongate opening of the container. The strap width may be in the range of 1% to 10% greater than the first opening width. The first engagement member may include stitches located a predetermined distance from the first end portion to a centerline of stitches defining an inner portion and an outer portion of the first end portion, the inner portion having a first length defined as the distance from the centerline of the stitch to the first end of the strap, and the outer portion having a second length defined as the distance from the centerline of the stitch to an end of the outer portion, the first length being less than the second length. The container can include a first recess offset below the first top end surface of the first side handle, the first recess having an inner recess portion extending from the first elongated opening toward the container's interior cavity and an outer recess portion extending away from the first elongated opening in a direction extending away from the container's interior cavity, the inner portion of the first end portion being received in the inner recess portion. A depth of the first recess can be greater than a thickness of the first end portion.The majority of the strap may extend below the first side handle.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for attaching a strap to a container, the method comprising the steps of: (a) releasing a lid from a base of the container, the lid being rotatably coupled to the base; (b) inserting a first end portion of the strap through a first elongated opening on a first handle of the base, the first end portion being inserted at a first acute angle relative to a first top surface of the first handle; and (c) rotating a first inner portion of the first end portion onto the first top surface of the first handle. (d) rotating a first outer portion of the first end portion onto a first top surface of the first handle; (e) inserting a second end portion of the strap into a second opening on a second handle of the base, the strap being inserted at a second acute angle relative to the second top surface of the second handle; (f) rotating a second inner portion of the second end portion onto the second top surface of the second handle; and (g) spreading a second outer portion of the second end portion onto the second top surface of the second handle. In some examples, the method may include (a) disposing the first inner portion in a first inner recess, the first inner recess being offset below a first top surface of the first handle and extending from a first elongated opening toward an interior cavity of the container; (b) disposing the first outer portion in a first outer recess, the first outer recess being offset below a first top surface of the first handle and extending away from the first elongated opening away from the interior cavity of the container; (c) closing the lid onto the base; and (d) lifting the strap with a centrally located strap handle, the base member of the strap extending around the first handle and contacting an outer surface of the first handle. The first acute angle may be between 1 degree and 55 degrees. The width of the first end portion may be greater than the width of the first elongated opening.

[0011] According to another aspect, a container is disclosed. The container can include a molded base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the molded base including a sidewall structure having a first end and a second end, a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, and an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end, the opening configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom. The base can further include a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure, the latch keeper having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container can also include a lid pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. A hinge may be configured to connect the lid to the base, where the lid is rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration.The container may further include a latch assembly, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0012] The latch assembly may include a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid, the latch body having at least one engagement lug. The latch assembly may further include a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between at least a lower position and an upper position. The locking member may be configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the lower position and to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upper position. Additionally, the latch assembly further includes a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member to bias the locking member to the lower position, and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member and configured to move the locking member from the lower position to the upper position. The latch assembly may move from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the locking member is in the upper position. Another aspect of the latch assembly is that at least one engagement lug of the latch body can be engaged with the underside of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position, and that a hook portion of the locking member can be engaged with the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure may relate to the container lid being rotated from a closed configuration to an open configuration may include rotating the lid 90 degrees from the closed configuration. Additionally, the latch keeper may further include a support rib extending from an exterior surface of the base to an interior surface of the latch keeper, the support rib may be centered relative to an upper surface of the latch keeper. The locking member may further include at least two hook portions such that the support rib is positioned between the at least two hook portions of the locking member when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The base may further include at least one angled surface adjacent the latch keeper, whereby the angled surface extends downwardly away from a boundary surface of the base at an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a boundary surface of the base. A gasket may be disposed within a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid. As another feature, the base may further include a handle on each side of the container, each handle being integrally molded with the base. The handle may have a curved contour below an outer surface of the handle, the curved contour being formed by a plurality of ribs extending from one of the sides of the sidewall structure to an inner surface of the handle.

[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a container comprising a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end, a base including a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, and an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end, the opening configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom. The base may also include a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure, the latch keeper having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container may also include a lid pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. A hinge may be configured to connect the lid to the base, the lid being rotatable from the closed configuration to the open configuration about the hinge, and the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid, the latch body having at least one engagement lug, and a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member being movable between a lower position and an upper position. The locking member may be configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the lower position and to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upper position. The latch assembly may also include a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member to bias the locking member to the lower position, and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, configured to move the locking member from the lower position to the upper position.

[0015] A further aspect of the disclosure may relate to a base of a container including a plurality of tabs positioned along an inner surface of an interior cavity. Each of the plurality of tabs may extend from one of the inner surfaces and include an upper support surface and an opening, the opening of each tab having an elongated shape. The upper support surface may be located in an upper region of the interior cavity of the base or at a height that is greater than 50% of the height of the interior cavity. Additionally, the base may include a pair of tracks positioned on at least an inner surface of at least one sidewall, the pair of tracks being positioned on at least an inner surface of at least two sidewalls. Similarly, the lid may include a plurality of clips positioned along an inner surface of the lid, each clip including an engagement member and an elongated opening, the elongated opening of each of the plurality of tabs may have substantially the same width as the elongated opening of each clip. Additionally, the container may include a gasket disposed within a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid, and a channel integrally formed with an outer surface of the base, the channel extending around the entire outer surface of the base.

[0016] Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a container, the container includes a base having a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end, a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, and an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end, the opening configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom. The container can also include a lid pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The container can also include a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly including a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid and a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member movable between a lower position and an upper position. The locking member is configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in a lower position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in an upper position. An actuating member is pivotally engaged with the latch body and may also be engaged with the locking member, the actuating member moving the locking member from the lower position to the upper position.

[0017] Other aspects of the container described within this disclosure may include a latch assembly having a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member to the lower position. The locking member may be slidable between the lower and upper positions, and the latch assembly may be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the locking member is in the upper position. The latch body may include an inner surface and at least one engagement lug, and the base includes a latch keeper with an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage a lower surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position, and a lower surface of a hook portion of the locking member engages an upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements.

[0019] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0020] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A with the lid in an open position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0021] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0022] [Figure 2B] FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0023] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a base portion of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0024] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the base of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0025] [Figure 4B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the handle of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0026] [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portion of a handle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0027] [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a handle and container according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0028] [Figure 5A] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a portion of the lid of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0029] [Figure 5B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a portion of the base of the container of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0030] [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a bottom rear perspective view of a latch assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0031] [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0032] [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0033] [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a bottom front perspective view of a latch assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0034] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a latch assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0035] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0036] [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10B]1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10C] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10D] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0037] [Figure 11A] 10A-10D depict cross-sectional side views of the movement of the latch assembly of FIGS. 10A-10D from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11B] 10A-10D depict cross-sectional side views of the movement of the latch assembly of FIGS. 10A-10D from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11C] 10A-10D depict cross-sectional side views of the movement of the latch assembly of FIGS. 10A-10D from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0038] [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12B] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12C] 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a latch assembly moving from a locked position to an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0039] [Figure 13A] 13B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the movement of the latch assembly of FIG. 13A from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13B]13C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the movement of the latch assembly of FIG. 13B from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13C] 13D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the movement of the latch assembly of FIG. 13C from an unlocked position to a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0040] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0041] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0042] [Figure 16A] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0043] [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of a portion of the container shown in FIG. 16A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0044] [Figure 17A] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid in a closed position in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0045] [Figure 17B] 17B illustrates a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid in an open position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0046] [Figure 18A] FIG. 17B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0047] [Figure 18B] FIG. 17B illustrates a rear view of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0048] [Figure 18C] FIG. 17B illustrates a top view of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0049] [Figure 18D] FIG. 17B illustrates a bottom view of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0050] [Figure 18E] FIG. 17B illustrates a left side view of the container of FIG. 17A in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0051] [Figure 18F] FIG. 17B illustrates a right side view of the container of FIG. 17A in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0052] [Figure 19A] 17B illustrates a top view of the base of the container of FIG. 17A with the lid removed according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0053] [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B illustrates a close-up view of the base of the container shown in FIG. 19A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0054] [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0055] [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the latch assembly of FIG. 20A in a locked position in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0056] [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the latch assembly of FIG. 20A in a locked position in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0057] [Figure 21] 20B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 20A in an unlocked position in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0058] [Figure 22A] FIG. 17B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0059] [Figure 22B] FIG. 17B illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view through the handle of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0060] [Figure 22C] FIG. 17B illustrates a partial bottom perspective view of the handle of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0061] [Figure 23A] FIG. 17B illustrates a partial top perspective view of a base portion of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0062] [Figure 23B] 23A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the partial top perspective view of FIG. 23A illustrating the base of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0063] [Figure 24A] FIG. 17B illustrates a top perspective view of the inside of the lid of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0064] [Figure 24B] 24A shows an enlarged top perspective view of FIG. 24A illustrating a portion of the lid of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0065] [Diagram 25] FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0066] [Figure 26A] 17B shows a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 17A in an open position with various accessories installed according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26B] 17B shows a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 17A in an open position with various accessories installed according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26C] 17B shows a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 17A in an open position with various accessories installed according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26D] 17B shows a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 17A in an open position with various accessories installed according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0067] [Figure 27A] FIG. 17B illustrates a top perspective view of an attachment for the container of FIG. 17A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0068] [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 27A according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27C] FIG. 27B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 27A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0069] [Figure 28] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial top front perspective view of a carry strap mounted on a container according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0070] [Figure 29] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial top front perspective view of a carry strap partially installed on a container according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0071] [Diagram 30] FIG. 29 illustrates a top front perspective view of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0072] [Diagram 31] FIG. 29 illustrates a top view of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0073] [Diagram 32] FIG. 30 illustrates a bottom view of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0074] [Diagram 33] FIG. 30 illustrates a front view of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0075] [Diagram 34] FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0076] [Diagram 35] FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of an alternative base member of the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0077] [Figure 36A] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36B] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36C] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36D] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36E] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36F] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36G] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Fig. 36H] 29 illustrates a top view of an alternative stitching option for the carry strap of FIG. 28 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0078] [Figure 37] FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view of another exemplary container in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0079] [Figure 38A] FIG. 38 illustrates a front right perspective view of the container of FIG. 37 in an open position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0080] [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B illustrates an expanded perspective view of FIG. 38A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0081] [Figure 39] FIG. 38 illustrates a front left perspective view of the container of FIG. 37 in an open position with various accessories installed according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0082] [Diagram 40] FIG. 38 illustrates an enlarged view of the container of FIG. 37 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0083] [Diagram 41] 38 illustrates a front perspective view of a latch assembly of the container of FIG. 37 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0084] [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 illustrates a rear perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0085] [Diagram 43]42 illustrates a front perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41 with some components removed in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0086] [Diagram 44] 42 illustrates a rear perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41 with some components removed in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0087] [Diagram 45] FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view of another exemplary container in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0088] [Diagram 46] FIG. 46 illustrates a left-front bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 45 in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0089] [Figure 47] FIG. 46 illustrates a front right perspective view of the container of FIG. 45 in an open position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0090] [Figure 48] FIG. 46 illustrates a top view of the base of the container of FIG. 45 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0091] [Figure 49] 49 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the base taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 48 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0092] [Figure 50] 50 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the base taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 48 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0093] [Figure 51] 51 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 47 taken along line 51-51 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0094] [Figure 52]52 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 47 taken along line 52-52 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0095] [Figure 53] 52 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 47 taken along line 52-52 of FIG. 47 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0096] [Figure 54A] FIG. 48 illustrates a front perspective view of a lid support plate of the container of FIG. 47 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0097] [Figure 54B] FIG. 54B illustrates a rear perspective view of the lid support plate of FIG. 54A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0098] [Fig. 54C] FIG. 54B illustrates a close-up view of the lid support plate of FIG. 54A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0099] [Figure 55] 1 illustrates a front view of a lid support plate with various accessories attached thereto according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0100] [Figure 56] 1 illustrates a front view of a lid support plate with various accessories attached thereto according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0101] [Figure 57] FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view of another exemplary container in an open position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0102] [Figure 58] FIG. 58 illustrates a partial front right perspective view of the exemplary container of FIG. 57 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0103] [Figure 59]58 illustrates a partial front right perspective view of the exemplary container of FIG. 57 with some components removed in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0104] [Figure 60] FIG. 1 illustrates a front left perspective view of another exemplary container in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0105] [Figure 61] 61 illustrates a partial front left perspective view of the container of FIG. 60 with some components removed and the handle in a partially extended position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0106] [Figure 62] 61 illustrates a partial front left perspective view of the container of FIG. 60 with some components removed and the handle in an extended position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0107] [Figure 63] 61 illustrates a partial front-left bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 60 with some components removed and the handle in an extended position according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0108] Additionally, while the figures may represent different components of one single embodiment to scale, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0109] In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which illustrate, by way of example, various exemplary devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the present invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary devices, systems, and environments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "rear" and the like may be used herein to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention, these terms are used herein for convenience, e.g., based on the exemplary orientations shown in the figures or typical in-use orientations. Furthermore, the term "plurality", as used herein, denotes any number greater than or equal to two, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as appropriate, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to be included within the scope of the present invention. The reader is also advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0110] In general, aspects of the present invention relate to containers and latch assemblies for containers. According to various aspects and embodiments, the suitcases and latch assemblies described herein may be formed from one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and may be formed in one of a variety of configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the containers and latch assemblies may include components made from a number of different materials. They may also be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal parts may be formed by forging, forging, molding, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Additionally, polymeric components, such as elastomers, may be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

[0111] The various figures of this application show examples of receptacles and latch assemblies according to the present invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently herein and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

[0112] 1A, 1B, and 2A show perspective views of a container 2. In one example, the container 2 may include a base 4 and a lid 5, which may be joined in some examples, or may be non-destructively removably joined in some examples. The base 4 may be a structure that forms a cavity for receiving an item, as described more fully herein. In some examples, the base 4 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. In other examples, the base 4 may be prismatic or substantially prismatic in shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, etc.). In still other examples, the base 4 may be substantially cylindrical in shape or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention.

[0113] The base portion 4 may include a sidewall structure 6 having a first side 8, a second side 10 opposite the first side, a third side 12 extending between an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side, and a fourth side 14 opposite the third side. The sidewall structure 6 may also have a first end 16 and a second end 18. The sidewall structure 6 may also include a bottom 20 connected to the first end 16 of the sidewall structure 6 and configured to support the container on a surface such as a table, a ground, a vehicle bed, etc. In some embodiments, the bottom 20 may also and / or alternatively include one or more legs 22 capable of supporting the container 2 on a surface such as a table, a ground, a vehicle bed, etc. The legs 22 may be integrally formed with the base 4 or may be attached to the base 4 after the base is formed.

[0114] The base portion 4 further includes a second end 18 that defines an opening 19 (shown in FIG. 3 ). The opening 19 is configured to allow access to an interior cavity 21 of the container 2 defined by the sidewall structure 6 and the bottom portion 20.

[0115] The container 2 may include a lid 5. The lid 5 is rotatable 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. As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 19 may be covered by the lid 5 when the container is in use (e.g., when the container is in the closed configuration). In some configurations, the lid 5 may be connected to the base 4 in the closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, the lid 5 may be secured to the base 4 using other fastening systems or devices, as described more fully herein.

[0116] In some examples, the lid 5 may be connected (removably or permanently) to the base 4 at a hinge 37 and hinged such that the lid 5 may be rotated about the hinge 37. The hinge 37 may be one of various types of hinges including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, and the like. These and various other hinge configurations may be more fully described herein. The hinge 37 may enable the lid 5 to open and rotate away from the base 4 to allow access to the void defined by the base 4 (e.g., via the opening 19). That is, the hinge 37 may facilitate rotation of the lid 5 from a closed configuration of the container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the void 21 formed by the base 4, as shown in FIG. 1A) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid is not covering the void 21 formed by the base 4, as shown in FIG. 1B) and vice versa.

[0117] Additionally, in some configurations, the container 2 can include a gasket 30 or other sealing device. The gasket 30 can be located on either the lid 5 or the base 4 and can help seal the lid 5 and base 4 when the lid 5 is in the closed configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the container 2 can be manufactured to be dust-proof when tested under 1 meter of water for 8 hours and / or waterproof when tested for 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the container 2 can achieve an IP67 (defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission) rating, which specifies that there is no dust ingress or complete protection from dust when tested for 8 hours, and no ingress of harmful amounts of water is possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under conditions of specified pressure and time (up to 1 meter of immersion). The IP67 dust test is 8 hours long and the enclosure is tested in a vacuum. The IP67 water test is 30 minutes long and the enclosure is tested with the lowest point of the enclosure 1000 mm below the water or the highest point of the enclosure 150 mm below the water, whichever is deeper.

[0118] In some examples (as best shown in FIGS. 10A-11C), the gasket 30 can be seated in a recess 32 formed in at least one of the base 4 and the lid 5 and extending around the perimeter of at least one of the base 4 or the lid 5. Additionally, in some examples, the container 2 can include a ridge 34 on the opposite side of the base 4 or the lid 5, extending around the perimeter of the base 4 or the lid 5. The gasket 30 can be disposed between the recess 32 and the ridge 34. The gasket 30 can help maintain a seal between the interior of the container 2 and the outside environment, and in some examples, can help maintain the temperature of items contained within the container 2. Although one exemplary gasket arrangement is shown in FIGS. 10A-11C, this gasket arrangement, as well as various other gasket arrangements, can be used with any of the containers described herein.

[0119] As shown, the gasket 30 is disposed in a recess or channel 32 in the lid 5. Alternatively, the gasket 30 may be disposed within a recess or channel formed in the base 4. When the lid 5 is in the closed configuration, a ridge 34 having a shape corresponding to the recess 32 may contact the gasket 30, compress the gasket 30, and help seal the lid 5 and base 4 in the closed configuration. In some examples, the gasket 30 may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In other configurations, the gasket 30 may include strategically placed cutouts that may reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking).

[0120] In some configurations, the container 2 can include additional features such as one or more handles 40. The handles can be located on one or more portions of the sidewall structure 6, including opposing sides such as sides 12 and 14, as shown. As best shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the handle 40 can be comprised of first and second arms 42, 44 connected by a gripping member 46. The handle 40 can be pivotable about a hinge 43 that passes through a portion of the sidewall structure 6 and through each of the first and second arms 42, 44. The handle 40 can also include features to reduce movement of the handle when it is not in use and any rattling noises that may be associated with the handle. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, one or both of the arms 42, 44 can include a ridge 48 at the distal end of the arm. In some embodiments, the ridge 48 can be attached to a resilient member 50. As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D, the container 2 can include a recess 52. The ridges 48 may be configured to rest within recesses 52 in the sidewall structure 6 when the handle 40 is not in use, thereby reducing movement of the handle 40 when it is not in use. However, when a user moves the handle 40 for use, the resilient members 50 retract, allowing the user to rotate the handle outward.

[0121] In other examples, as shown in Figures 14-16B and described in more detail below, the handle 240 may be integrally molded with the base portion 204, or in some examples may be an undercut formed generally in the sidewall structure of the base 204. In some examples, the undercut forming the handle may include a recess extending along substantially all or most of the sidewall structure 6. This may facilitate manufacturing of the base 204 with the integrally molded handle 240. In some examples, the integrally molded handle 240 may be flush with the exterior surface of the base 204 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0122] In some configurations, the container 2 may also include one or more latch assemblies 100. The latch assemblies 100 may have a locked position and an unlocked position and may be configured to lock the lid 5 when the lid 5 is in the closed configuration. The latch assemblies 100 may include one or more portions integrally formed with the container 2 or otherwise attached to the container 2. As shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 9, the container 2 may include a latch keeper 70. The latch keeper 70 may extend from the sidewall structure 6 and may form a pocket within the container 2. The pocket of the latch keeper 70 has a shape configured to receive a portion of the locking member 130, as described in more detail below. The latch keeper may have an upper surface 72, an inner surface 74, and a lower surface 76. As described in more detail below, the latch assembly 100 may engage the latch keeper 70 to lock the lid 5 to the base 4 when the container 2 is in the closed configuration.

[0123] The container 2 may also include various features to improve the strength and / or functionality of the container 2. For example, the container may include various ridges where certain portions of the base 4 and / or lid 5 extend further outward than other portions of the base 4 and / or lid. As best shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the base 4 may include a J-shaped ridge or wall 59 that forms a channel 60, where the ridge wall 59 engages with the sidewall structure 6. The channel 60 may surround the entire circumference of the container 2. The channel 60 may also include reinforcing members 62 at various locations within the channel. The channel 60 formed by the J-shaped wall 59 may increase the strength of the container 2 or the base 4. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 2B, the J-shaped wall 59 may allow the base 4 to be constructed such that the inner surface 6A of the sidewall structure 6 is substantially smooth throughout the interior of the container 2. Thus, for example, substantially all or all of the inner surface 6A of the sidewall structure 6, including one or all of the first side 8, the second side 10 opposite the first side, and the third side 12, may be substantially flat and / or smooth.

[0124] The container 2 may also include ridges 64, 66 surrounding the latch assembly 100 and the handle 40, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the ridges 64, 66 may be present on either or both of the base 4 or the lid 5. The ridges 64, 66 may be raised above the height of the latch assembly 100 and the handle 40, respectively, such that the latch assembly 100 and / or the handle 40 do not extend outwardly beyond the ridges 64, 66 of the container 2. This may protect the latch assembly 100 and / or the handle 40 and reduce breakage of these components during use.

[0125] Container 2 may be configured to contain, store, transport, etc., items including food, beverages, or any other items. Additionally or alternatively, container 2 may be configured to store materials in a solid or gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0126] The container 2, including the base 4 and lid 5, may 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 4 and lid 5 may be formed from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form both the base 4 and lid 5 portions. In some configurations, the outer shell of the base 4 and lid 5 portions is formed using an injection molding or rotational molding / rotomolding process (not shown), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the container 2 without departing from the invention.

[0127] In some configurations herein, the base 4 and lid 5 may include an exterior surface or shell that surrounds an insulating portion (not shown), thereby forming an insulating container. The shell may generally be formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the outer shell may be formed from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form both the base 4 and lid 5 portions. In some examples, the insulating portion (not shown) may be formed from an insulating material that exhibits low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion may be formed (or filled) with a polymer foam, such as polyurethane foam. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the invention, including, for example, vacuum insulation panels. In some configurations, the outer shell of the base 4 and lid 5 portions may be formed using injection molding or rotational molding / rotomolding processes, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the container without departing from the invention.

[0128] 8 and 9, the latch assembly 100 may include several components including a latch body 102, a locking member 130, a biasing member 150, and an actuating member 170. As previously mentioned, the latch assembly 100 may include a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0129] The latch body 102 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 5. As shown in FIG. 9, the latch body may be pivotally engaged with the lid 5 using a hinge 106, although any suitable pivotable engagement may be used. In some embodiments, the hinge 106 may be removably engaged with the container 2. The hinge 106 may allow a user to easily remove and replace the latch assembly 100 if it is damaged. The latch body 102 may include an inner surface 108 and an outer surface 110. The outer surface may be curved and may generally follow the curvature of the sidewall structure 6 of the container 2. As previously mentioned, the outer surface 110 of the latch body 102 may not extend outside the outer edge of the sidewall structure 6 of the container 2 in some instances. The inner surface 108 may also be curved and may include a number of different features. One exemplary feature that may be included in the latch body 102 may be one or more engagement lugs 112. As described in more detail below, the engagement lugs 112 may engage with the container base 4 or the latch keeper 70 and may assist in compressing the lid 5 against the base 4 of the container 2 .

[0130] The latch body 102 may also engage with a locking member 130. As shown in Figure 8, the locking member 130 may be slidably engaged with the latch body 102 such that the locking member 130 may move between an upper position and a lower position in a generally linear path. The locking member 130 may be configured to lock the lid 5 in a closed configuration when the locking member 130 is in the lower position and to unlock the lid 5 when the locking member 130 is in the upper position.

[0131] As shown primarily in FIG. 8 , the locking member 130 can be movably engaged with one or more guide members 132 such that the locking member 130 can slide up and down the guide members 132. In one embodiment, the locking member 130 can include an opening 134 through which the locking member 130 and the guide members 132 can also pass. The guide members 132 can engage the latch body 102 at an upper end 136 and a lower end 138. As shown in FIG. 8 , the guide members 132 are cylindrical rods, however, any suitable shape that allows the locking member 130 to move upwardly and downwardly can be used. For example, the guide members 132 can be prismatic or substantially prismatic in shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, etc.). In still other examples, the latch assembly 100 can include other devices suitable for allowing a generally linear movement between the locking member 130 and the latch body 102, including, for example, rails.

[0132] As also shown in Figure 8, the latch assembly 100 may also include at least one biasing member 150 that engages the latch body 102 and the locking member 130. As described in more detail below, the biasing member 150 is configured to bias the locking member 130 to a lower position. The biasing member 150 may be a compression spring as shown in Figure 8, but in alternative embodiments may be any suitable device for biasing the locking member 130 to a lower position.

[0133] The locking member 130 may include a base portion 140 and a hook portion 142 extending inwardly from the base portion 140. The hook portion 142 may include a lower surface 144 and an inwardly facing surface 146. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the lower surface 144 of the hook portion 142 of the locking member 130 may engage with the upper surface 72 of the latch keeper 70, and the inwardly facing surface 146 of the hook portion 142 may engage with the inner surface 74 of the latch keeper 70. Additionally, when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 112 may engage with the lower surface 76 of the latch keeper 70.

[0134] The latch body 102 may also be pivotally engaged with an actuating member 170. The actuating member 170 may also be engaged with the locking member 130 and may be configured to move the locking member 130 from a lower position to an upper position. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the actuating member 170 may be pivotally engaged with the latch body 102 by a hinge 172 that extends through the latch body 102 and the actuating member 170. The actuating member 170 may include a gripping portion 174, an actuating barrel 176, and one or more arms 178 connecting the gripping portion 174 and the actuating barrel 176. As shown in FIG. 9, the gripping portion 174 is spaced a distance from the sidewall structure 6 of the container 2. This distance allows a user to grasp a rear surface 180 of the gripping portion 174 with fingers between the sidewall structure 6 and the gripping portion 174. As shown in FIG. 9, the actuating barrel 176 of the actuating member 170 may be engaged with the locking member 130. The actuation barrel 176 can include a ridge 182. As described in more detail below, a user can pull the gripping portion 174 of the actuation member 170 forward, rotating the ridge 182 of the actuation barrel 176 and lifting the locking member 130. This movement unlocks the latch assembly 100 and allows the lid 5 to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0135] 10A-10D, a procedure for moving one embodiment of the latch assembly 100 from a locked position to an unlocked position is shown along with side cross-sectional views of the latch assembly 100 and a portion of the base 4 and lid 5. FIG. 10A shows the latch assembly 100 in the locked position, FIG. 10B shows the latch assembly 100 unlocked, FIG. 10C shows the latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position, and FIG. 10D shows the latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position, illustrating the anti-rotation feature. As shown in FIG. 10A, in the locked position, the lower surface 144 of the hook portion 142 engages the upper surface 72 of the latch keeper 70, the inwardly facing surface 146 of the hook portion 142 engages the inner surface 74 of the latch keeper 70, and the engagement lug 112 engages the lower surface 76 of the latch keeper 70.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 10B, the latch assembly 100 can be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the actuating member 170 as shown by arrow 190. This rotation can be accomplished by a user pulling the rear surface 180 forward. As shown in FIG. 10B, as the actuating barrel 176 rotates, the ridge 182 engages the locking member 130, causing the locking member 130 to rise. As shown in FIG. 10C, the latch assembly 100 is in the unlocked position. As the locking member 130 rises above the latch keeper 70, the latch assembly 100 is unlocked and the latch body 102, including the locking member 130 and the actuating member 170, can rotate forward as shown by arrow 194.

[0137] FIG. 10D illustrates an anti-rotation feature for the latch assembly 100 and the container 2. As shown in FIG. 10D, the latch assembly 100 is in an unlocked position and has been rotated further outward from the position shown in FIG. 10C. To limit rotation of the latch assembly 100, the latch body 102 may include a back surface 187 configured to engage with an anti-rotation surface 7 of the lid when a user rotates the latch assembly 100 a certain number of rotations from the locked position. For example, the back surface 187 may be configured to engage with the anti-rotation surface 7 when a user rotates the latch assembly 100 at least 20 degrees from the locked position, or at least 30 degrees from the locked position, or at least 45 degrees from the locked position, or at least 90 degrees from the locked position. Advantageously, this anti-rotation feature may also allow a user to utilize the latch assembly 100 as a handle to open the container 2.

[0138] 11A-11C, a procedure for moving the latch assembly 100 from the unlocked position to the locked position is shown along with side cross-sectional views of the latch assembly 100 and portions of the base 4 and lid 5. FIG. 11A shows the latch assembly 100 in the unlocked position, FIG. 11B shows the latch assembly 100 locking, and FIG. 11C shows the latch assembly 100 in the locked position.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 11A and as indicated by arrow 196, in one embodiment, the user can return the latch assembly 100 to the locked position by pushing the latch body 102. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the latch body 102 is pushed inward, the locking member 130 can contact the latch keeper 70 and lift the locking member 130 upward as indicated by arrow 198. In another example, in addition to pushing the latch body 102 inward, the user must also pull the actuating member 170 outward to move the latch assembly 100 to the locked position. In such an embodiment, the latch assembly 100 can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position preferably only when the locking member 130 is moved to the upward position by the actuating member 170. This can reduce the possibility of the container 2 being accidentally locked.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 11C, when the hook portion 142 moves behind the raised portion of the latch keeper 70, the biasing member 150 can urge the locking member 130 downward. As shown in FIG. 11C, the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, with the lower surface 144 of the hook portion 142 engaged with the upper surface 72 of the latch keeper 70, the inwardly facing surface 146 of the hook portion 142 engaged with the inner surface 74 of the latch keeper 70, and the engagement lug 112 engaged with the lower surface 76 of the latch keeper 70. When in the closed position, the latch assembly 100 is positioned such that the lid 5 abuts the base 4 of the container 2, thus closing, securing, and / or sealing the container 2. Additionally, when the latch assembly moves from the unlocked position (FIG. 11A) to the locked position (FIG. 11C), the gasket 30 is compressed between the lid 5 and the base 4 of the container 2. Thus, when the latch assembly 100 is in the locked position, the gasket 30 is more compressed than when the latch assembly 100 is in the unlocked position.

[0141] 12A-12C illustrate a procedure similar to that shown in FIGS. 10A-10C for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly 100 from a locked position to an unlocked position, and FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a procedure similar to that shown in FIGS. 11A-11C for moving an embodiment of the latch assembly 100 from a locked position to an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the actuating member 170 can automatically return to the lowered position as shown in FIG. 10A after being rotated outward by a user, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 10A-11C. However, in other embodiments, the actuating member 170 can only move to the lowered position when manually pushed inward by a user. Additionally, in some embodiments, the actuating member can extend further outward than the latch body 102 when the actuating member is in the lowered position.

[0142] The latch assembly 100, including the latch body 102, the locking member 130, and the actuating member 170, may each be formed separately or may be formed from a material such as a plastic material or another suitable material that can be formed or molded into a desired shape. The latch assembly 100 may be made of a size, thickness, and material of construction sufficient to withstand repeated stress cycles as the latch is engaged / disengaged with the latch keeper 70 over time. The containers described herein include various features that ensure easy and efficient manufacture of the containers while providing durability and wear resistance.

[0143] 14-16B show another exemplary container 202 having a latch assembly 100, with like reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements in container 2, including 200 series reference numbers. Container 202 is substantially similar to container 2, and thus similar aspects of container 202 will not be discussed again herein. However, container 202 may include some differences from container 2. Container 202 includes a handle 240, which may be integrally molded with base portion 204, for example, in the sidewall structure of base 4. As shown in FIGS. 14-16B, integrally molded handle 240 may be formed from and / or include a portion of J-shaped wall 259. Thus, integrally molded handle 240 may include a portion of channel 260 extending around the circumference of container 202.

[0144] 17A-26D show another exemplary container 302 having a latch assembly 400, described below, with like reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements in containers 2 and 202, including reference numbers in the 300 series. The container 302 is substantially similar to containers 2 and 202, and thus similar aspects of the container 302 will not be discussed again herein. However, the container 302 may include some differences from containers 2 and 202. The container 302 includes a handle 340, which may be integrally molded with the base 304, for example, on each side 308, 310, 312, 314 of the sidewall structure 306 of the base portion 304. Additionally, the container 302 may include a number of attachment points for locating and supporting various accessories that may be connected to the container 302. These attachment points are described in more detail below.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 17B, the base 304, along with 19A and 19B, may include a latch keeper 370. The latch keeper 370 may extend from the sidewall structure 306 and may form a pocket in the base 304. The latch keeper 370 may have a shape configured to receive a portion of the locking member 430, as described in more detail below. The latch keeper 370 may have an upper surface 372, an inner surface 374, a rib 375, and a lower surface 376. The rib 375 may extend from the sidewall structure 306 to the lower surface 376 of the latch keeper 370. Optionally, the rib 375 may also connect to the upper surface 372 and the lower surface 376 or the inner surface 374 of the latch keeper 370. The rib 375 may be substantially centrally located along the latch keeper 370. The rib 375 may add structural support to the latch keeper 370 to improve durability. Alternatively, the latch keeper 370 may include a number of ribs 375 disposed on one side of the pocket formed by the latch keeper 370 that may provide additional support to the latch keeper 370. As described in more detail below, the latch assembly 400 may engage the latch keeper 370 to lock the lid 305 to the base 304 when the container 302 is in a closed configuration.

[0146] Further, the base 304 may include a plurality of sloping or tapered surfaces 371 disposed on either side of the latch keeper 370. The sloping surfaces 371 may be sloping downward from an interface 336 of the base 304, which may be substantially flat and extend around at least three sides of the periphery of the base 304. The interface 336 of the base 304 may contact the interface 335 of the lid 305 when the container 302 is in the closed position. The sloping surfaces 371 may be sloping downward from the interface 336 at about 45 degrees, or within a range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, or within a range of 20 degrees to 80 degrees. The sloping surfaces 371 may prevent the latch assembly 400 from getting stuck in the base 304 when the container 302 is closed, and may also contact a bottom of the latch assembly 400 when the lid 305 is closed to push the latch assembly 400 out of the base when the lid 305 is closed, as shown in FIG. 21 .

[0147] The base 304 may further include a number of engagement members 337 extending from an interface 336 of the base 304. The engagement members 337 may be located outside the ridges 334. The engagement members 337 may extend into recesses or cavities 339 in the lid 305. The interaction between the engagement members 337 and the recesses 339 may provide additional structural support to strengthen the bond between the lid 305 and the base 304 when the container 302 is in the closed position and when multiple containers are stacked or additional items are placed on top of the container 302. The base 304 may have any number of engagement members 337. For example, while the exemplary embodiment shows four engagement members 337, the base 304 may include two engagement members, three engagement members, five or more engagement members. The number of recesses 339 in the lid 305 may be equal to the number of engagement members 337 and may be located on the lid 305 at positions corresponding to each engagement member 337 of the base 304. The engagement members 337 in this embodiment have a generally square cross-sectional shape, but may have any cross-sectional shape, such as a circle, a triangle, or other polygon. Each engagement member 337 can have a height that is less than or equal to the width of the engagement member 337. Additionally, while the engagement members 337 and recesses 339 in the exemplary embodiment are located on the first side 308 of the container 302, the engagement members 337 and recesses 339 may be on any side or may have embodiments where they are located on multiple sides.

[0148] As another feature, the base 304 can have a plurality of tabs 321 disposed along the inner surface 306A of the sidewall structure 306 of the base 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 17B and FIG. 19A, a tab 321A can be disposed at each corner of the sidewall structure 306. Additionally, tabs 321B and 321C can be disposed along the inner surface of the first side 308 and the second side 310. Tabs 321B and 321C can be disposed opposite each other as shown in FIG. 19A such that they are aligned along the length of the first side 308. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 19A, the interior portion can include eight tabs 321, with tabs 321A disposed at each of the corners and tabs 321B and 321C disposed along the inner surface of the sidewalls 308, 310. Tabs 321B and 321C may be approximately centrally located such that at least one tab 321B, 321C may be located near the centerline of container 302, but preferably is located on either side of the centerline. Alternatively, multiple tabs 321 may not be aligned with tabs 321 on the opposing inner surface and may have a staggered arrangement. Tabs 321 may provide attachment locations for various accessories, as described further below.

[0149] Each tab 321 extends from the inner surface 306A of the sidewall structure 306 and may include an upper support surface 323, an opening 324 extending through the upper support surface 323, and a pair of side surfaces at either end of the tab 321. The upper support surface 323 of each tab may provide an engagement surface for supporting various accessories inside the container 302, such as the tray 500 described further below. The upper support surfaces 323 of the multiple tabs 321 may be substantially flush with one another to allow the support surfaces 323 to extend across the base 304 and hold accessories that may be supported by the multiple tabs 321. The upper support surface 323 of the tab 321 may be located in an upper region of the inner surface 306A at a height greater than 50% of the height of the interior of the base. Alternatively, the upper support surface 323 of the tab 321 may be located at a height greater than 60% of the height of the interior of the base, or even greater than 70% of the height of the interior of the base. To minimize the impact on the interior space, each tab 321 can have a low profile such that each tab 321 can extend a distance of less than 1 inch, or less than 0.5 inch, or even less than 0.25 inch from the interior surface. Also, opening 324 can be any shape, but is preferably elongated. Opening 324 can provide an attachment point for a strap or other attachment means to further support different accessories.

[0150] Alternatively, the pair of tracks 326 may be disposed along at least two of the inner surfaces 306A of the sidewall structure 306. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, a pair of tracks may be disposed on each of the inner surfaces of the first and second sides 308, 310. Each of the pair of tracks 326 may be centrally disposed to align with the pair of tracks 326 on the opposing inner surface. Each of the tracks 326 may have a height that extends from the inner surface of the base 304 and extends along a majority of the height of the interior portion. To minimize the impact on the interior space, each track 326 may have a low profile such that each track 326 may extend a distance of less than 1 inch, or less than 0.5 inch, or even less than 0.25 inch from the inner surface 306A. The pair of tracks 326 may support a removable divider wall 510, which may also function as a cutting board, to separate the interior of the container into two portions to better organize the stored items. Each of the tracks 326 may have a number of detents or protrusions to securely hold the partition wall 510 to prevent it from moving and to limit any vibration.

[0151] Similar to the exemplary container 302 described above, the embodiment of FIGS. 17-26D can have integrally molded handles 340 disposed along each of the side walls 308, 310, 312, 314. Each of the integrally molded handles 340 can be formed from and / or include a portion of the J-shaped wall 359. Thus, the integrally molded handles 340 can include a portion of the channel 360 that extends around the circumference of the container 302. Thus, the exemplary container 302 can include four handles 340. The handles 340 can be integrally molded with the base portion 304. In some examples, each handle 340 can include a recess formed with an undercut and extending along substantially all or most of the side wall structure 306. This integrally molded handle 340 can simplify the manufacturing process of the base 304. In some examples, the integrally molded handles can be flush with the exterior surface of the base 304 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 22A-22C, each handle 340 can have a curved interior contour 345 to provide an ergonomic and comfortable gripping surface for a user. The handle interior contour 345 can include a plurality of handle ribs 347 extending from the sidewall to the interior surface of the handle 340, and each handle rib 347 can have a curved contour such that the plurality of spaced apart ribs 347 form the curved interior contour 345 of the handle 340. Each rib 347 can have an inter-rib spacing that is less than the width of each rib 347. Alternatively, each rib 347 can have an inter-rib spacing that is greater than or equal to the width of each rib 347.

[0153] Each handle 340 may have an aperture 341 extending through the handle top surface 343 of the handle 340, and each aperture 341 may align with an aperture 349 in the lid 305. Thus, aligning the handle aperture 341 with the lid aperture 349 allows a location for a strap or similar device to pass through the aperture 341, 349 to secure or restrain the container 302. Each aperture 341, 349 may have an elongated shape and may all have substantially the same length and width. Thus, these apertures 341, 349 may provide a user with versatility for other operations beyond simply securing the container 302. To further assist in securing or restraining the container 302, the lid 305 may have a recess or channel 351 that aligns with the aperture 349 to provide a guide surface for the strap to restrain the container 302. Alternatively, clips 520 can be inserted into openings 341 to provide additional positions for using hook and loop type connections to add further versatility of options for holding additional accessories as shown in Figures 23A and 23B.

[0154] The lid 305 of the container 302 may further comprise a plurality of clips 315 arranged along the inner surface 309 of the lid 305. For example, as shown in FIG. 24A, the clip 315A may be arranged at the center of each of the inner surfaces 325, and a pair of clips 315B and 315C may be arranged at equal intervals along each of the inner surfaces 327, 329. Each of the clips 315 may also extend onto or contact the lower inner surface 331 of the lid 305. The clips 315B and 315C may be aligned to be arranged opposite each other. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17B and FIG. 24A, the lid 305 may include six clips 315, although the lid 305 may include any number of clips 315. Alternatively, the clips 315 may have a staggered arrangement rather than being arranged opposite each other on the inner surface of the sidewall. The clips 315 can provide attachment locations for various accessories, such as a cargo net or bungee cord net 515, or straps 516, including additional hitch points for securing any additional items the user desires.

[0155] Each clip 315 can extend from an inner surface of the lid 305 and can include an engagement member 317 and an aperture 319 extending through the engagement member 317. The apertures 319 can be elongated in shape or can have any shape. Additionally, the apertures 319 in the clips 315 can have a width similar to the apertures 324 in the tabs 321. These apertures 319 can provide attachment points for straps or other attachment means to further support different accessories, as shown in Figures 26B-26D.

[0156] As previously described with respect to the lid 5, the lid 305 can include a recess 332 in which the gasket 330 can be seated, the recess 332 extending around the periphery of the lid 305. The recess 332 can be disposed within an interface 335 of the lid 305. The recess 332 can include a plurality of retaining members 333 extending from the sides of the recess 332, as shown in FIG. 24B. The retaining members 333 can engage the gasket 330 at a plurality of locations around the periphery of the recess 332 to secure the gasket 330 within the recess 332. Each retaining member 333 can include at least one tapered surface such that the retaining member 333 has a thickness near a top of the retaining member near the open end of the recess 332 than a thickness at a central portion of the retaining member 333. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the container 302 can include a ridge 334 on the base 304 that faces the recess 332 in the lid 305 that extends around the periphery of the base 304. The ridge 334 may be disposed on an interface 336 of the base 304. The gasket 330 may be disposed between the recess 332 and the ridge 334 when the lid 305 is engaged with the base 304.

[0157] In some embodiments, the bottom 320 may also and / or alternatively include one or more legs 322 that can support the container 302 on a surface 1, such as a table, ground, vehicle bed, etc. The legs 322 may be formed separately from a non-skid material, such as rubber or elastomer, and attached to the base 304 after formation. The legs 322 may have a height that is considered "low profile" that allows the container 302 to slide along one of its edges when the container 304 is tilted at an angle of more than 15 degrees relative to the surface 1 supporting the container 302, as shown in FIG. 25. Alternatively, the legs 322 may be formed integrally with the base 304.

[0158] 20A-21 illustrate an exemplary latch assembly 400, where like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements in the latch assembly 100, including reference numbers in the 400 series. The latch assembly 400 is substantially similar to the latch assembly 100, and thus like aspects of the latch assembly 400 will not be described again herein. The latch assembly 400 can include multiple components including a latch body 402, a locking member 430, a biasing member 450, and an actuating member 470, as shown in FIG. 20A. Similar to the latch assembly 100 described above, the latch assembly 400 can include a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0159] The locking member 430 may include a base portion 440 and a plurality of hook portions 442 extending inwardly from the base portion 440. The plurality of hook portions 442 may be spaced apart from one another by gaps 441. Each hook portion 442 may include a lower surface 444 and an inward surface 446. As shown in FIG. 20B, when the latch assembly 400 is in the locked position, the lower surface 444 of each hook portion 442 may engage with the upper surface 372 of the latch keeper 370, and the inward surface 446 of each hook portion 442 may engage with the inner surface 374 of the latch keeper 370. Also, as shown in FIG. 20C, the gaps 441 between the claw portions 442 may be fitted with the ribs 375 of the latch keeper 370. Furthermore, when the latch assembly 400 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 412 may engage with the lower surface 376 of the latch keeper 370.

[0160] The latch body 402 may include a number of ribs 413 along the inner surface 408 from a top of the inner surface 408 toward the locking member 430. The ribs 413 may each have a contoured height such that each rib 413 has a lower height in an upper region than in a lower region as the rib extends toward the locking member 430. The ribs 413 help to strengthen the latch body 402 while reducing the overall weight of the latch assembly 400.

[0161] Similar to the latch assembly 100, the latch body 402 may also be pivotally engaged with an actuating member 470. The actuating member 470 may also be engaged with the locking member 430 and may be configured to move the locking member 430 from a lower position to an upper position. The actuating member 470 may be pivotally engaged with the latch body 402 by a hinge 472 extending through the latch body 402 and the actuating member 470. The actuating member 470 may include a gripping portion 474, an actuating barrel 476, and one or more arms 478 connecting the gripping portion 474 and the actuating barrel 476, and the actuating barrel 476 may include a ridge 482. The ridge 482 and the actuating barrel 476 may be joined to one another along a substantially flat contact surface 483. To adequately support the actuation barrel 476, the inner surface 408 of the latch body 402 in that region may be substantially parallel to the contact surface 483 and may support the contact surface 483, and thus the actuation barrel 476, and help prevent the actuation member 470 from rotating backwards beyond the outer surface 410 of the latch body 402. As another option, the gripping portion 474 may include a ridge 475 extending at least a portion of the length of the gripping portion 474 to further assist a user in gripping the gripping portion 474 without slipping.

[0162] As previously mentioned, the angled surface 371 acts to prevent the latch assembly from getting stuck in the base 304 as well as to assist in positioning the latch assembly for proper engagement with the latch keeper 370 .

[0163] 26A-26D show the aforementioned container 302 configured with various accessories. For example, FIG. 26A shows an embodiment of a storage system including the container 302 and a tray 500, which is supported by a number of tabs 321 as well as a divider wall 510 installed between a pair of tracks 326. FIG. 26B shows the system shown in FIG. 26A with a cargo net 515 attached to clips 315 on the lid 305. Yet another embodiment of a storage system is shown in FIG. 26C, where the container 302 includes two trays 500 supported by tabs 321 and a pair of utility straps 516 connected to clips 315 on the lid 305, providing multiple locations for the user to attach and organize any desired items within the container 302. FIG. 26D shows another option of a soft-sided storage bag 518 including multiple zippered storage compartments. As previously mentioned, by providing multiple attachment points in the base and lid, the container 302 can be equipped with a variety of accessory options to provide a storage system for providing an organized storage solution to the user.

[0164] 27A-27C show further details of the tray 500. The tray 500 can have a body 502 with a mounting surface 503 with multiple storage cavities 504. The storage cavities 504 can have any size and can be configured to have any number of cavities 504. For example, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 27A-27C includes three cavities, two of which are smaller than the third cavity. As another feature of the tray 500, the tray 500 can include a movable handle 505. The handle 505 can be vertically moved from an extended position shown in FIG. 27B to a retracted or stowed position shown in FIG. 27C. In the extended position, a user can easily lift the tray 500 from the container 302 while in the retracted position, and the tray 500 has a lower profile or storage height. The handle 505 can have a U-shaped tubular structure with two ends 506 that engage openings 507 in the tray's body 502. Each end 506 of the tubular structure can have a tapered surface 508 to allow installation into the opening 507 and a retention surface 509 to prevent the handle from being removed and to provide a positive stop to limit vertical movement of the handle 505.

[0165] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 28-36-36H, a carry strap 600 may be attached to the container 302 to allow a user to easily lift and carry the container 302. As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the carry strap 600 may be installed by inserting an end portion 616 of each end 604, 606 into an opening 341 in an opposing side handle 340 of the base 304 of the container 302. The carry strap 600 may include a base member 602 having a first end 604, a second end 606 opposite the first end 604, an elongate member 608 extending between the first end 604 and the second end 606, and a carry handle 610. The first end 604 and the second end 606 may each have an end portion 616 that includes an engagement member 618 that serves to secure the strap 600 to the handle 340 of the container 302 using a friction fit. As defined herein, the term "friction fit" can refer to a means by which two components are secured to one another using only the mechanical interference or contact created by the two components when assembled together. The carry handle 610 can include an opening 612 at each end 614 such that the elongate member 608 can extend through each opening 612.

[0166] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , the carry strap 600 may be placed on the container 302 by inserting one of the end portions 616 through an opening 341 in the handle 340 from below, and the end portion 616 may be rotated onto the top surface 343 of the handle 340 relative to the elongate member 608. As shown in the illustrated example, the side handle 340 may include a recess 342 offset below the top surface 343 that receives the engagement member 618. The engagement member 618 of each end portion 616 may include a layered or folded portion 620. The elongate member 608 may be folded onto itself and joined together to form an inner portion 626 and an outer portion 628 of the engagement member 618. The folded portion 620 may include at least two layers of the elongate member 608 and may have at least one fold. As shown in the illustrated example, the folded portion 620 may include three layers and three folds of the elongate member 608. In other examples, the folded portion 620 may be more than three layers and three folds. The folded portion 620 may be joined using mechanical elements 622 such as stitches, grommets, or other means known to those skilled in the art for joining layers together. In the illustrated example, the stitches 622 may be bar tack stitches, lock stitches, or other stitches known to those skilled in the art. The stitches 622 may have a width of about 2 mm, or within a range of 1 mm to 3 mm to provide adequate strength to the joint. The stitches 622 may be positioned at a fixed distance 624 from the respective ends 604, 606 to a centerline 625 of the stitches 622 to form an inner portion 626 and an outer portion 628. The engaging members 618 may then be rotated relative to the elongate members 608 on either side of the stitches 622 to secure the strap 600 to the container 302. The bar tack stitches 622 may also help to increase the strength of the joint. Alternatively, the folded portion 620 may be joined using adhesive, tape, or other means known to those skilled in the art. The adhesive or tape may be used alone or in combination with the stitching 622 .As shown in FIG. 28, when the end portion 616 of the strap 600 extends through the top surface 343 of the handle 340, the engagement member 618 can rotate along the stitches 622 such that the inner portion 626 can be received in the inner recess portion 342A of the recess 342 and the outer portion 628 can be received in the outer recess portion 342B of the recess 342. As previously mentioned, the stitches 622 can be positioned a certain distance from the respective ends 604, 606 such that the inner portion 626 of the engagement member 618 has a length that is shorter than the length of the outer portion 628. For example, the length of the inner portion 626 can be within a range of 60% to 66% of the length of the outer portion 628, or within a range of 55% to 70% of the length of the outer portion 628. The length of the inner portion 626 can be measured as the length of the engagement member 618 from the centerline of the stitches 622 of the engagement member 618 to the respective ends. Similarly, the length of the outer portion 628 can be measured as the length of the engaging member 618 from the centerline of the stitch 622 to the end 629 of the outer portion 628 located at the crease of the folded portion 620. For example, the length of the inner portion 626 can be approximately 7 mm, or within the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, and the length of the outer portion 628 can be approximately 11 mm, or within the range of 9 mm to 16 mm.

[0167] To enhance the frictional fit between the strap 600 and the opening 341, the elongate member 608 of the strap 600 can have a width at each end portion 616 that is greater than the width of the opening 341 on the handle 340. The width W1 of the elongate member 608 can be the distance from the first side 630 to the second side 632 of the elongate member 608, and the width W2 of the opening 341 can be measured as the distance across the span between the smaller ends of the elongate opening 341. In some examples, the width W1 of the base member 602 can be approximately 5% greater than the width W2 of the opening 341, or can be within a range of 3% to 7% greater than the width W2 of the opening 341. The width W1 of the base member 602 may be a constant width, where the width W1 may be about 38 mm or may be in the range of 35 mm to 41 mm, or the base member 602 may have a variable width, where the width of the base member 602 is less in a central region extending through the carry handle 610 than the width of the base member 602 at the end portions 616, as shown in FIG. 35. In the illustrated example, the carry strap 600 has a base member 602 having a constant width, and the elongate member 608 may curl or wrap around the inner surface of the carry handle 610, as shown in FIG. 30. This allows the carry handle 610 to have a width less than the width of the base member 602 at the end portions 616. In some examples, the width of the handle 610 may be in the range of 60-75% of the width of the base member 602 at the end portions 616.

[0168] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, to attach the strap 600 to the container 302, a first end 604 of the strap 600 may be inserted through an elongated opening 341 on the handle 340 located on a first side of the base 304 of the container 302. The end portion 616 may extend through the opening 341 above the top surface 343 with the majority of the elongate member 608 still below the handle 340. In some examples, the end portion 616 may be inserted at an angle through the opening 341 that forms an acute angle with the top surface 343 of the handle 340 when the end portion 616 is inserted into the opening 341. This acute angle may be in the range of 1 degree to 55 degrees. The engagement member 618 may then be rotated relative to the elongate member 608 such that the inner portion 626 of the engagement member 618 lies flat within the inner recess 342A of the recess 342 and the outer recess 342B of the recess 342. The inner recess portion 342A may be the portion of the recess 342 that extends from the elongated opening 341 towards the interior cavity of the container 302 and the outer recess portion 342B may be the portion of the recess 342 that extends from the elongated opening 341 away from the interior cavity of the container 302. The depth of the recess 342 may be greater than the thickness of both the inner portion 626 and the outer portion 328. Once the first end 604 of the strap 600 is engaged with the handle 340 on a first side of the base 304, the process is repeated by attaching the second end 606 of the strap 600 to the handle 340 on a second side of the base 304 opposite the handle 340 with the first end 604 attached. For example, the second end 606 may be inserted through an elongated opening 341 on the handle 340 located on the second side of the base 304 of the container 302, with the end portion 616 extending above the top surface 343 and the majority of the elongate member 608 below the handle 340. Similar to installing the first end portion 604, the second end portion 616 of the end 606 may be inserted such that the end 616 forms an acute angle with the top surface 343 of the handle 340 when inserted into the opening 341. This acute angle may be in the range of 1 degree to 55 degrees. Finally, the second engagement member 618 may be rotated relative to the elongate member 608 such that the inner portion 626 of the engagement member 618 lies flat within the inner portion 342A of the recess 342 and the outer portion 342B of the recess 342.The strap 600 is then secured at both ends 604, 606 to the respective handles 340 of the base 304. The container 302 may be closed and the strap 600 may be grasped by a user by the strap handles 610 to lift the container 302. As the strap 600 is lifted, the elongate member 608 may wrap around a bottom outer portion of the handle 340 and contact the outer surface 346 of the handle 340.

[0169] As previously described, the carry strap 600 may include a base member 602 having a first end 604, a second end 606, an elongate member 608 extending between the first end 604 and the second end 606, and a carry handle 610. The carry handle 610 may be located at a generally central location along the entire length L of the carry strap 600. Additionally, the strap 600 may include a pair of overlap regions 634 located a fixed distance from the end 614 of the carry handle 610. The overlap region 634 may include three layers of the elongate member 608 folded over on itself and then joined together. In some instances, the overlap region 634 may include more than two layers. The overlap region 634 may be permanently joined using a stitch 636, such as a box-x stitch that extends about the perimeter of the overlap region 634, with diagonal stitch regions extending between the corners of the stitch. The stitch 636 may have a rectangular shape such that the box x stitch may be approximately 30 mm long or within the range of 28 to 32 mm, and approximately 34 mm wide or within the range of 32-38 mm.

[0170] As an alternative to the stitch 636 shown in Figures 28-34, the stitch 636 can have a variety of shapes. For example, the stitch 636 can be in several forms, such as: (a) a regular or irregular backstitch substantially parallel to the webbing as in Figure 36A; (b) a box stitch with bar tack reinforcement at the end closest to the fold as shown in Figure 36B; (c) a box stitch with bar tack reinforcement at the end closest to the fold as shown in Figure 36C; (d) a single bar tack or series of bar tacks arranged substantially parallel to the fold as shown in Figure 36D; (e) a regular or irregular backstitch substantially perpendicular to the webbing as in Figure 36E; (f) a double W stitch pattern as shown in Figure 36F; (g) a zigzag stitch pattern as shown in Figure 36G; (h) a circular or pattern bar tack as shown in Figure 36H, where the pattern bar tack can be any geometric shape, such as a triangle, a four sided shape, or a shape including more than four sides. Additionally, the bartack pattern of FIG. 36H can include different geometric shapes, such as having rectangular and triangular bartacks together in the pattern.

[0171] In some examples, the overlap regions 634 may be joined using stitching alone, adhesive, or stitching in conjunction with adhesive. These overlap regions 634 may provide additional strength to the carry strap 600 while maintaining the carry handle 610 in a substantially centered position along the length L of the carry strap 600. The overall length L of the carry strap 600 may have a length that allows the carry strap to clear either the front 308 or rear 310 of the container 302 so as not to prevent a second container 302 from being stacked on top of the first container 302.

[0172] The carry handle 610 may be formed from a polymer wrap around the elongate member 608 forming a smooth surface along a bottom surface 638 and may have a slot 640 that extends the entire length of the handle 610 along a top surface 642. The carry handle 610 may have a concave curvature at the bottom surface 638 as shown in FIG. 33. The base member 602 may be formed from a woven fiber material or webbing. The woven fiber material or webbing may be a single unitary member that forms the base member 602 of the carry strap 600. In other examples, the base member 602 may be formed by multiple webbings or woven strips. The strap material may be formed from nylon, polypropylene, polyester, or other polymer-based materials. The woven fiber material or webbing may be solution dyed, piece dyed, gray, or undyed.

[0173] Additionally, the carry strap 600 as previously described may be attached similarly to the container 202, or in the alternative, the carry strap 600 may include a mechanical clip or similar mechanical structure for securing the carry strap 600 to any of the containers described herein 2, 202 and 302.

[0174] 37-44 show another exemplary container 702 having a latch assembly 800, described below, with like reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements in containers 2, 202, and 302, including reference numbers in the 7XX series. Container 702 is similar to containers 2, 202, and 302 in many aspects, and thus similar aspects of container 702 will not be described again herein. As with other containers disclosed herein, lid 705 may be pivotally attached to base 704. However, container 702 may include some differences from containers 2, 202, and 302. Container 702 includes strap handles 780 attached to each end of container 702, as shown, for example, in FIG. 40. Each strap handle 780 may be attached to a handle 740 at each end of container 702. Additionally, container 702 may be larger than container 302 and may include multiple attachment points for positioning and supporting various accessories that may be attached to container 302, similar to the accessories attached to container 702 shown in Figures 26A-26D.

[0175] Each strap handle 780 may provide a flexible interface to allow a user to lift and move the container 702. Each strap handle 780 may include a strap portion 781 and a carry handle 782, and each end 783 of the strap portion 781 may have an overlapping area that forms an opening for receiving a pin 784. To secure the strap handle 780 to the container 702, the pin 784 may extend through an opening in each end 783 of the strap portion 781 and be received in a clevis portion 785 located at each end of the handle 740. The strap portion 781 may be of a similar material to the base member 602, and the carry handle 782 may be similar to the carry handle 610 of the carry strap 600 described above.

[0176] 41-44 illustrate an exemplary latch assembly 800, with like reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements as the latch assemblies 100 and 400, including reference numbers in the 8xx series. The latch assembly 800 is similar to the latch assemblies 100 and 400, and thus similar aspects of the latch assembly 800 will not be described again herein. The latch assembly 800 can include multiple components including a latch body 802, a locking member 830, a biasing member 850, and an actuating member 870, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. Similar to the latch assemblies 100 and 400 described above, the latch assembly 800 can include a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member 830 can be slidably engaged with the latch body 802 such that the locking member 830 can move between an upper or unlocked position and a lower or unlocked position in a substantially linear path. The locking member 830 may be configured to lock the lid 705 in a closed configuration when the locking member 830 is in a lower or locked position and to unlock the lid 705 when the locking member 830 is in an upper or unlocked position. Alternatively, the latch assembly 800 may be arranged such that the slidably arranged locking member 830 may be configured such that the locking member 830 can be moved to an upper position corresponding to the locked position and can be moved to a lower position corresponding to the unlocked position.

[0177] The locking member 830 may include a base portion 840 and a plurality of hook portions 842 extending inwardly from the base portion 840. The plurality of hook portions 842 may be spaced apart from one another by gaps 841. Each hook portion 842 may include a lower surface 844 and an inwardly facing surface 846. When the latch assembly 800 is in the locked position, the lower surface 844 of each hook portion 842 may engage with an upper surface 772 of the latch keeper 770, and the inwardly facing surface 846 of each hook portion 842 may engage with an inner surface of the latch keeper 770. Also, a rib 775 of the latch keeper 770 may fit into the gap 841 between each hook portion 842. Furthermore, when the latch assembly 800 is in the locked position, the upper surface of the engagement lug 812 may engage with the lower surface 776 of the latch keeper 770. Similar to base 304, base 704 may include a number of angled or tapered surfaces 771 disposed on either side of latch keeper 770. The angled surfaces 771 may slope downwardly from a boundary surface 736 of base 704.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 41 , the latch body 802 can include a plurality of ribs 813 along the inner surface 808, and can include a vertically oriented rib 813A disposed adjacent to the locking member 830. The ribs 813 can also include a horizontally oriented rib 813B extending across most or the entire inner surface 808. Additionally, the ribs 813C can be disposed below the ribs 813B and extend intermittently across the inner surface 808 to act as a vertical stop for the locking member 830 when it moves upward to the unlocked position. The ribs 813 can also help to strengthen the latch body 802 while reducing the overall weight of the latch assembly 800. The ribs 813B can include a mount 814 that supports a guide member 832, which can be connected from the mount 814 to a base 840 of the locking member 830. In some examples, the guide member 832 can extend through an opening in the base 840 of the locking member 830. The biasing member 850 may be disposed between the mount 814 of the latch body 802 and the base 840 of the locking member 830, and in some examples, the guide member 832 may cooperate with the biasing member 850 to allow smooth movement of the locking member 830 relative to the latch body 802. As shown in the illustrated example of FIGS. 41-44, the biasing member 850 may be a compression spring, and the guide member 832 may have a cylindrical shape that extends through an opening in the biasing member 850. Similar to the latch assemblies 100 and 400, the biasing member 850 may be configured to bias the locking member 830 to a lower or locked position. In alternative examples, the biasing member 850 may be any suitable device for biasing the locking member 830 to a lower position. As shown in FIGS. 42-44, each latch assembly 800 may include a pair of guide members 832 and a pair of biasing members 850.

[0179] Similar to the latch assemblies 100 and 400, the latch body 802 can also be pivotally engaged with an actuating member 870. The actuating member 870 may be configured to engage the locking member 830 and move the locking member 830 from a downward or locked position to an upward or unlocked position. The actuating member 870 can be pivotally engaged with the latch body 802 by a hinge 872 extending through the latch body 802 and the actuating member 870. In some examples, the actuating member 870 may be slidably engaged with the latch body 802. The actuating member 870 can include a gripping portion 874, an actuating barrel 876, and one or more arms 878 connecting the gripping portion 874. The actuating barrel 876 can include a pair of ridges 882, each of which can engage with an engagement member 848 extending from a bottom surface of the base 840 of the locking member 830. Each ridge 882 may have a substantially triangular shape, or in other examples, may have a different geometric shape. Each engagement member 848 may be spaced apart from one another to form an opening 849 between the bottom surface of the base 840 and the actuation barrel 876. In some examples, the distance between the engagement members 848 (across the opening 849) may be within a range of 30 mm to 40 mm from one another. By spacing the engagement members 848 apart from one another, the load path through the latch 800 may be improved so that the latch 800 may be more robust and better remain closed during a high stress event, such as a drop impact. A portion of each guide member 832 may extend into the opening 849 between the engagement members 848 of the locking member 830. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the biasing member 850 and the guide member 832 may be laterally disposed between a pair of the ridges 882. This arrangement of outwardly disposed and spaced apart ridges 882 may help improve the durability of latch assembly 800 and help it remain in the locked position when exposed to different environmental stresses, such as large shock loads, such as when latch assembly 800 is dropped onto a corner of container 702. Similar to latch assemblies 100 and 400, as actuation barrel 876 rotates, ridges 882 contact and engage engagement member 848 of locking member 830, causing locking member 830 to rise.As the locking member 830 moves upward, the hook portion 842 disengages from the latch keeper 770 and the latch assembly 800 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0180] 45-56 show another exemplary container 902, which may be similar to the container 2, 202, 302, 702 in many aspects, but is described with similar reference numbers, including 9XX series reference numbers, referring to the same or similar elements within the container 2, 202, 302, 702. The container 902 is similar to the container 2, 202, 302, 702 in many aspects, and thus similar aspects of the container 902 will not be described again herein. For example, the container 902 may include a strap handle 980 at each end of the container, similar to the strap handle 780. The container 902 may also include multiple latch assemblies 800, which may be disposed on adjacent sides of the container 902. For example, the container 902 may include three latch assemblies 800 on the front surface 908 and a single latch assembly 800 on each side 912, 914 adjacent to the front surface 908. The front surface 908 may be longer than the left and right sides 912, 914. However, the container 902 may include some differences from the container 2, 202, 302, 702. In particular, the container 902 may be larger than the container 2, 202, 302, 702 in both length, width, and volume. Optionally, in some examples, the container 2, 202, 302, 702, 902 may have a lid removably connected to the base, and latches may be located along each side of the body and lid such that the latches are located on a front side 908, a rear side 910 opposite the front side 908, a right side 912, and a left side 914 opposite the right side 912, such that the lid can be removed by unlatching all of the latches.

[0181] Due to its larger size, the container 902 may include a pair of wheel assemblies 986 to help a user move it easily, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. The wheel assemblies 986 may be attached to the bottom 920 of the base portion 904, or may be attached to both the bottom 920 and the right side 912 of the base portion 904. The wheel assembly 986 may include a wheel housing 987 and a wheel 988, and each wheel 988 may be attached to the wheel housing 987 before the wheel housing 987 is attached to the base portion 904. Each wheel assembly 986 may be secured within a wheel recess 989 on the base portion 904. Each wheel assembly 986 may be secured within the recess using at least one mechanical fastener.

[0182] The base portion 904 of the container 902 may include a pair of tracks 926 disposed along at least two of the inner surfaces 906A of the sidewall structure 906. As shown in FIGS. 47-49, the inner surface 906A may include two pairs of tracks 926 disposed and aligned opposite one another on each of the inner surfaces of the front and rear sides 908, 910. Each pair of tracks 926 may be spaced apart from one another, and each pair of tracks may receive a removable divider wall 525, shown in FIG. 57. The removable divider wall 525 for the container 902 may be similar to the divider wall 510, but larger to fit the container 902. Each track 926 may also extend from the inner surface 906A of the sidewall structure 906 to the inner surface of the bottom 920. Further, as shown in FIG. 49, each track 926 may include a hollow cavity 990 between an outwardly facing surface 991 of each track 926 and an outwardly facing surface of the sidewall structure 906 and / or an outwardly facing surface of the bottom 920 of the container 902. The hollow cavity 990 may be formed by a gas-assisted molding process when the base portion 904 is molded. The hollow cavity 990 may enable each track 926 to have a substantially constant wall thickness. In some examples, the hollow cavity 990 may have a length that is greater than a height, where the length is measured along the longest dimension of the container 902 and the height is measured from top to bottom. The length of the hollow cavity 990 may be about three times the wall thickness of each track 926, or in the range of two and four times the wall thickness of each track 926. The height of the hollow cavity 990 may be 1.5 to 2.5 times the wall thickness of each track 926. As previously mentioned, the tracks 926 can accommodate removable dividers, but can also act as ribs to structurally reinforce the sidewall structure 906 of the container 902 .

[0183] The base 904 may also include a number of tabs 921, similar to the tabs 321 described above, disposed along the inner surface 906A of the sidewall structure 906. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, a tab may be disposed along each inner surface 906A of the sidewall structure 906. Pairs of the tabs 921 may be disposed opposite each other to support various accessories. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 48, the inner surface 906A may include twelve tabs 921, although the number of tabs 921 may be more or less than twelve. Additionally, the base 904 may include corner supports 992 at each corner of the inner surface 906A. Each corner support 992 may project inwardly from the inner surface 906A toward the interior cavity of the container 902. The corner supports 992 may have an upper surface 993 that is substantially coplanar with the upper support surface 923 of each tab 921. These corner supports 992 may help support accessories such as a tray 560 or other accessories as needed. 50, each corner support 992 may include a hollow cavity 994 between an outwardly facing surface 995 of the corner support 992 and the outwardly facing surfaces of the sidewall structure 906 and the bottom 920. The hollow cavity 994 may be formed by a gas-assisted molding process when the base 904 is molded similarly to the hollow cavity 990. The hollow cavity 990 may allow each corner support 992 to have a substantially constant wall thickness. Additionally, each corner support 992 may extend along a majority of the height of the base 904 and extend from the sidewall structure 906 onto the inner surface of the bottom 920. The corner supports 992 may also serve to strengthen and reinforce the base 904.

[0184] In some examples, the track 926 and corner supports 992 may be formed with the sidewall structure 906 as a unitary member. Alternatively, the track 926 and corner supports 992 may be formed with Emabond (登録商標) The adhesive may be attached separately and permanently using a polymer welding technique such as adhesive or other permanent bonding technique.

[0185] As with other containers disclosed herein, the lid 905 may be pivotally attached to the base 904. In some examples, the lid 905 may also have a lid support member 1000. The lid support member 1000 may be removably or permanently attached to the inner surface 909 of the lid 905. A portion of the lid support member 1000 may contact the inner surface 909 of the lid 905 to provide additional bending strength to the lid 905 during loading, such as when a heavy item is placed on the lid 905. Additionally, the lid support member 1000 may function as a moleboard to removably connect various accessories 550 or other items to the lid support member 1000 to allow a user to easily access these items. The various accessories 550 may be secured to the lid support member 1000 using straps 1030 that extend through openings in the lid support member 1000. As shown in FIGS. 55-56, various storage bags or other items may be releasably attached to the lid support member 1000 using straps 1030.

[0186] As shown in FIGS. 51-56, the lid support member 1000 can include a primary wall 1001 having a front surface 1002 formed by a plurality of front transverse ribs 1004 and a plurality of front longitudinal ribs 1006, where the front transverse ribs 1004 and the majority of the front longitudinal ribs intersect each other in a generally perpendicular orientation forming a lattice-like structure. The front surface 1002 can be substantially planar or can have a lattice-like shape where the front transverse ribs 1004 form a wider portion of the front surface 1002 than the front longitudinal ribs 1006. The primary wall 1001 can be connected to a perimeter wall 1008, where the perimeter wall 1008 can include openings 1010 for receiving mechanical fasteners for attaching the lid support member 1000 to the lid 905. The primary wall can also include a rear surface 1012 located opposite the front surface 1002, where the rear surface 1012 can be formed by a plurality of rear transverse ribs 1014 and a plurality of rear longitudinal ribs 1016. The rear surface 1012 may have a lattice-like shape and may be substantially planar and substantially parallel to the front surface 1002. Additionally, the rear longitudinal ribs 1016 may be arranged in spaced apart pairs 1018 with greater spacing between adjacent pairs 1018 of the rear longitudinal ribs 1016. A portion of the rear surface 1012 may contact the inner surface 909 of the lid 905 to help provide additional support to the lid 905, if desired. Alternatively, the lid support member 1000 may have a number of contact members extending from the rear surface 1012 and contacting the inner surface 909 of the lid 905 to help provide additional support to the lid 905, if desired. These contact members may be rear ribs and / or bosses removably or permanently connected to the lid 905 using mechanical fasteners extending through the primary wall 1001. The mechanical fasteners may be equally spaced apart from one another or may be arranged in an asymmetrical pattern. A plurality of connecting members 1020 may be disposed between the front face 1002 and the rear face 1012. Each connecting member 1020 may connect to and extend between an adjacent pair 1018 of the rear transverse ribs 1014 and rear longitudinal ribs 1016. Each connecting member 1020 may also connect to and extend between an adjacent front transverse rib 1004 and an adjacent front longitudinal rib 1006. Each of the front ribs 1004, 1006 may include a tapered region extending from the front face 1002 to the adjacent connecting member 1020.In the illustrated example, the front and rear transverse ribs 1004, 1014 are oriented generally horizontally and the front and rear longitudinal ribs 1006, 1016 are oriented generally vertically relative to the perimeter wall 1008. However, it is contemplated that the transverse ribs 1004, 1014 and the longitudinal ribs 1006, 1016 may be oriented at various angles relative to the edge of the perimeter wall 1008. Additionally, the transverse ribs 1004, 1014 may be oriented at various angles relative to the corresponding longitudinal ribs 1006, 1016, and in some examples, the front ribs 1004, 1006 may be oriented at a different angle relative to one another than the rear ribs 1014, 1016 are oriented relative to one another.

[0187] Additionally, a majority of the front transverse ribs 1004 may have transverse rib openings 1022 extending therethrough. The transverse rib openings 1022 may be disposed between the front surface 1002 and the outwardly facing surface 1024 of each connecting member 1020. In some examples, each of the front transverse ribs 1004 may have transverse rib openings 1022. Each transverse rib opening 1022 may be elongated in shape and may form a path for threading a strap 1030 through the rib openings 1022 to secure an article to the lid support member 1000. Similarly, a majority of the front longitudinal ribs 1006 may have longitudinal rib openings 1026 extending therethrough. The longitudinal rib openings 1026 may be disposed between the front surface 1002 and the outwardly facing surface 1024 of each connecting member 1020. In some examples, each of the front longitudinal ribs 1006 may have longitudinal rib openings 1026. Each longitudinal rib opening 1026 may be elongated in shape and may form a path for routing a strap 1030 therethrough to secure the accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000. The multiple transverse and longitudinal rib openings 1022, 1026 form multiple paths for receiving the strap 1030 either longitudinally or transversely to secure the accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000. To secure the accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000, the strap 1030 may be inserted into either the transverse rib opening 1022 or the longitudinal rib opening 1026, and then the strap 1030 may be wrapped around a portion of the accessory to be attached and then secured to itself by a hook-and-loop type connector or other type of connection. Alternatively, the accessory 550 may have an integral or detachable strap 1030 that may be routed through one of the rib openings 1022, 1026 to secure the accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000.

[0188] 57-59 show another version of the exemplary container 902, except that it has a lid support member 1100 instead of the lid support member 1000. Additionally, the container 902 of FIGS. 57-59 can include a lid stay rod assembly 1140 and a kick-out rib 1170, described below. As with other containers disclosed herein, the lid 905 can be pivotally attached to the base 904 with a hinge. In some examples, the lid 905 can also have a lid support member 1100. The lid support member 1100 can be removably or permanently attached to an inner surface 909 of the lid 905. The lid support member 1100 can include a primary wall 1102 having a front surface 1104 and a rear surface opposite the front surface 1104. The primary wall 1102 can be connected to a perimeter wall 1108 that can include openings 1110 for receiving mechanical fasteners 1112 for attaching the lid support member 1100 to the lid 905. The primary wall 1102 can contact the inner surface 909 of the lid 905 in multiple locations. For example, the primary wall 1102 can include rear ribs or bosses that extend from a rear surface to contact the inner surface 909 of the lid 905 and help support the lid 905. These rear ribs and / or bosses can be removably or permanently connected to the lid 905 using mechanical fasteners 1112 that extend through the primary wall 1102. The mechanical fasteners 1112 can be equally spaced from each other as shown in FIG. 58 or can be arranged in an asymmetric pattern. The lid support member 1100 can provide additional bending strength to the lid 905 during loading, such as when a heavy item is placed on the lid 905.

[0189] A plurality of apertures 1114 extending through the primary wall 1102 configured to receive straps or other members used to secure an article, such as a storage bag 540, to the lid support member 1100. The apertures 1114 may have an elongated shape. In some examples, the apertures 1114 may have a rectangular shape with a length that may be two or three times its width. Additionally, an aperture support rib 1116 may extend across each aperture 1114. The aperture support rib 1116 may extend behind each aperture 1114 and may be spaced a predetermined distance from the rear surface 1106, forming a gap 1118 between an edge 1120 of the aperture support rib 1116 and an end 1122 of the aperture 1114 to allow the strap to be routed from an article attached to the lid support member 1100. The gap 1118 may be located near both ends 1122 of the aperture 1114. Additionally, the lid support member 1100 may serve to accommodate various attachments 550 as shown in FIGS. 55-56 or other items such as a storage bag 540 as shown in FIG.

[0190] Alternatively, the container 902 may have a lid stay rod assembly 1140 extending between the base 904 and the lid 905 to prevent the lid 905 from accidentally closing when the lid 905 is in a fully open configuration (i.e., the lid 905 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the base 904). The lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be a telescoping assembly that automatically locks into a rigid structure when the lid 905 is opened to the fully open configuration. The lid stay rod assembly 1140 may require a user to activate a release mechanism 1142 to allow the lid 905 to close. The lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be pivotally attached to both the lid 905 and the base 904 to allow the rod assembly 1140 to fold into a stored configuration when the lid 905 is in a closed configuration. The lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be disposed near the right side 912 of the sidewall structure 906. Alternatively, the lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be located on the left side 914 of the sidewall structure 906. Although shown in the container 902, a similarly located lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be included in any of the containers described herein.

[0191] As previously described, the container 902 may include a number of latch assemblies 800 disposed on the lid 905 to engage with latch keepers 970 disposed on the front surface 908 of the sidewall structure 906 and on the sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure 906. When the lid 905 is pivotally connected to the base 904 with a hinge, the lid 905 may open in an arcuate motion as it pivots about the hinge. To prevent the latch assemblies 800A disposed on the sides 912, 914 from binding and / or inhibiting the opening and closing of the lid 905, the sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure may include kick-out ribs 1170. Similar to the bases 304 and 704, the base 904 may include a number of angled or tapered surfaces 971 disposed on either side of the latch keepers 970. The angled surfaces 971 may be angled downward from the interface 936 of the base 904. The ramp 971 may include a first ramp 971 adjacent a first end of the latch keeper 970A and a second ramp 971 adjacent a second end of the latch keeper 970A. The kick-out rib 1170 may extend from the sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure 906, or may extend from either or both of the ramps 971 disposed on either side of the latch keeper 970A as shown in FIG. 59. The kick-out rib 1170 may be disposed on an outer portion of the ramp 971. The kick-out rib 1170 may push the latch assembly 800A away from the base 904 to prevent the latch assembly 800A from binding when the lid 905 moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration or when the lid 905 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0192] As previously described, each latch assembly 800 can be pivotally engaged with the lid 905 using a hinge or latch pin 806. Each latch assembly 800 can be engaged with a latch keeper 970 when the latch assembly 800 is in a locked position. Each latch keeper 970A can be disposed on the sides 912 and 914 of the sidewall structure 906 and can include an upper surface 972, an inner surface, and a lower surface 976. In some examples, a kick-out rib 1170 can extend from the angled surface 971 or can be disposed on both ends of the angled surface 971. The angled surface 971 can have the same characteristics as the angled surface 371 described above. As shown in the illustrated example, the kick-out rib 1170 can extend from the top of the angled surface 971 or can extend from an edge of the mating surface 936 of the base 904. Each kick-out rib 1170 can extend outward beyond the front surface 977 of the latch keeper 970. Each kick-out rib 1170 can have an upper sloped surface 1172 that diverges and extends downwardly outward from the sloped surface 971 and a lower sloped surface 1174 that converges toward the upper sloped surface 1172. In some examples, the upper sloped surface 1172 can be substantially coplanar with the sloped surface 971. A rounded edge 1176 can extend between the upper sloped surface 1172 and the lower sloped surface 1174. Additionally, the kick-out rib 1170 can be disposed between the latch body 802 of the latch assembly 800 and the ridge 964 of the sidewall structure 906 when the lid 905 is in the closed configuration.

[0193] As the lid 905 moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the kick-out ribs 1170 may contact the latch assembly 800 and push the latch assembly 800 away from the sidewall structure 906 to prevent the latch assembly 800 from mating or to prevent the lid 905 from closing. Similarly, as the lid 905 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the latch assembly 800 may contact the kick-out ribs 1170 to prevent the latch assembly 800 from mating or to prevent the lid 905 from opening. The kick-out ribs 1170 may only be present on the sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure 906.

[0194] Although the lid support members 1000, 1100, lid stay rod assembly 1140, and kick-out ribs 1170 are described with respect to the container 902, these features may be located on any of the containers described herein.

[0195] 60-63 show an alternative version of the container 902, in place of the strap handle 980, the container 902 includes a pull handle assembly 1050 that allows a user to ergonomically manipulate the container 902. The pull handle assembly 1050 can move the opposite end of the wheel 988 away from the resting surface of the container to assist when the container 902 tilts into a rotated position. The pull handle assembly 1050 may be connected to a side 914 of the sidewall structure 906 that is disposed opposite the side 912 that includes the wheel assembly 986. A user can grasp the handle 1052 and lift the side 914 upward, thereby transferring the weight of the container 902 onto the wheel 988, allowing the user to pull the container 902. The pull handle assembly 1050 can have an extended form that allows a user to pull the container 902, and a nested form in which the pull handle assembly 1050 is disposed within the recess 996 in the side 914. When the pull handle assembly 1050 is in the nested configuration, the top surface 1058 of the pull handle 1052 may be substantially parallel to the outward facing surface of the side surface 914 .

[0196] The pull handle assembly 1050 may include a pull handle 1052 pivotally mounted to the side 914, a primary hinge plate 1054 pivotally mounted to the pull handle 1052, and a secondary hinge plate 1056 pivotally mounted to both the primary hinge plate 1054 and the side 914. The pull handle 1052 may include a first handle end 1060 pivotally connected to the side 914 of the sidewall structure 906, a second handle end 1062 opposite the first handle end 1060, and a pull handle body 1064 extending between the first handle end 1060 and the second handle end 1062. The first handle end 1060 may have a pair of engagement members 1066 that are received within clevis portions 985 on either end of the handle 940. The engagement members 1066 may be pivotally connected to the clevis portions 985 using pins. The primary hinge plate 1054 may be pivotally connected to the pull handle body 1064 at a location closer to the first handle end 1060 of the pull handle body 1064 than the second handle end 1062. The primary hinge plate 1054 and the secondary hinge plate 1056 may nest together such that when the pull handle assembly 1050 is in the nested configuration, the primary hinge plate 1054 is disposed between the pull handle 1052 and the secondary hinge plate 1056, and the secondary hinge plate 1056 is disposed between the primary hinge plate 1054 and the side 914. A spring and damper may be connected between the primary hinge plate 1054 and the secondary hinge plate 1056 to bias the pull handle assembly 1050 to the nested position. Additionally, when the pull handle assembly 1050 is in the nested configuration, the secondary hinge plate 1056 and the primary hinge plate 1054 are substantially parallel to the pull handle 1052. As described above, if the container 902 is equipped with an articulating pull handle assembly 1050, the side 914 may include a recess 996 extending the majority of the height of the side 914 to allow the handle assembly 1050 to nest within the recess 996.

[0197] The pull handle body 1064 may include at least one grip opening 1068 extending through the pull handle body 1052 to allow a user to easily grip the pull handle 1064. In some examples, the pull handle body 1064 may include multiple grip openings 1068 to allow a user flexibility in where the pull handle body 1064 can be gripped. Each opening 1068 may extend across a majority of the length of the pull handle body 1064 and may have the same width or may have different widths. As shown in the illustrated example, each opening 1068 may be located closer to the first handle end 1060 than the second handle end 1062 on the pull handle body 1064. The primary hinge plate 1054 may be attached to the pull handle body 1064 rearward of the opening 1068 (closer to the second handle end 1062 than the opening 1068).

[0198] Additionally, Figures 60-63 show the pull handle assembly 1050 transitioning from the nested configuration shown in Figure 60 to the extended position of Figures 62-63. Figure 61 shows the pull handle assembly 1050 in a partially extended state where the pull handle 1052 is slightly raised and the primary hinge plate 1054 forms an acute angle with the secondary hinge plate 1056. Figures 62-63 show the pull handle assembly 1050 in an extended configuration. When the pull handle 1052 is fully extended, the primary hinge plate 1054 can form an acute angle with the secondary hinge plate 1056. The hinge plates 1054, 1056 can act to limit over-rotation of the pull handle 1052 while providing additional strength to the pull handle assembly 1050.

[0199] The components of the lid support member 1000 and the pull handle assembly 1050 may be formed from a polymeric material, which may be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymeric material may be PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar materials. Additionally, the components of the lid support member 1000 and the pull handle assembly 1050 may be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques. Alternatively or optionally, the lid support member 1000 and the pull handle assembly 1050 may be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or other metallic material having a density less than 3 g / cc. As another option, the container components, such as the lid, the body, the lid support member, and the pull handle assembly, may include a structural foam having a composite polymeric material with a low density foam core and a high density polymeric skin.

[0200] According to one aspect, a container is disclosed, the container can include a molded base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side extending between an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the molded base including a sidewall structure having a first end and a second end, a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, and an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom. The container may also include a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure and having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; a lid pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base and configured to cover an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; and a hinge configured to connect the lid to the base, about which the lid can be rotated from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The container may also include a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising: a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid and having at least one engagement lug; a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between at least a lower position and an upper position, configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the lower position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upper position; a biasing member engaging the latch body and the locking member and biasing the locking member to the lower position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, configured to move the locking member from the lower position to the upper position. The latch assembly may move from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the locking member is in the upper position. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage with a lower surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The lower surface of the locking member engages with an upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.

[0201] Rotating the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration rotates the lid 90 o The container may include rotating the insulator from the closed configuration. The container may contain an insulator within the sidewall structure. The container may include a second latch assembly. The container may include a gasket disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid. The container may include a channel integrally molded with an exterior surface of the base. The channel may extend around the entire periphery of the base. The container may also include at least one handle. The handle may include a first arm and a second arm, each of the first arm and the second arm may include a ridge at a distal end of the arm.

[0202] According to another aspect, a container is disclosed. The container can include a base including a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side and having a first end and a second end, a bottom connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to allow access to an interior cavity of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom, and a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure and having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. The container can also include a lid pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the lid having a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration, a hinge configured to connect the lid to the base, about which the lid is rotatable from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid and having at least one engagement lug; a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member movable between at least a lower position and an upper position and configured to lock the lid in a closed configuration when the locking member is in the lower position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upper position; a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member and biasing the locking member to the lower position; and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member and configured to move the locking member from the lower position to the upper position.

[0203] The locking member may be slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between a lower position and an upper position. The latch assembly may move from an unlocked position to a locked position only when the locking member is in the upper position. At least one engagement lug of the latch body engages with a lower surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The lower surface of the locking member may engage with a top surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The container may also include a gasket disposed in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid. The container may also include a channel integrally molded with an outer surface of the base, the channel extending across the entire outer surface of the base. The container may also include at least one handle, the handle having a first arm and a second arm, each of the first arm and the second arm including a ridge at a distal end of the arm.

[0204] According to another aspect, a latch assembly for a structure is disclosed. The structure can have an open configuration and a closed configuration, the structure comprising a first portion movable relative to a second portion and a latch keeper engaged with the first portion. The structure comprises a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly including a latch body pivotally engaged with the second portion, a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member being movable between at least a lower position and an upper position and configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the lower position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upper position, and an actuating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member and configured to move the locking member from the lower position to the upper position.

[0205] The latch assembly may also include a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member to the lower position. The locking member may be slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between the lower position and the upper position. The latch assembly can move from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the locking member is in the upper position.

[0206] The latch body may include an inner surface and the latch keeper may include an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface. At least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position, and a lower surface of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.

[0207] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose served by this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present disclosure, not to limit the scope of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous variations and modifications can be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. The base is 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 a first end of the sidewall structure; an opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure opposite the first end and configured to provide access to an interior cavity of a container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom; a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure, the latch keeper having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; A base, a lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration and configured to cover the opening formed in the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; 1. A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, A latch body that is rotatably engaged with the lid; a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member slidable between at least a first position and a second position, the locking member configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the first position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the second position; at least one biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member to bias the locking member in the first position; an actuation member including an actuation barrel having a plurality of spaced apart ridges configured to engage with the latch body and move the locking member from the first position to the second position; a latch assembly comprising: Equipped with A container, wherein a hook portion of the locking member engages the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biasing member is positioned laterally between the plurality of ridges.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biasing member comprises two biasing members positioned laterally between the plurality of ridges.

4. The container of claim 1 , wherein the locking member has at least one engagement member that contacts one of the plurality of ridges on the actuation barrel.

5. The container of claim 4 , wherein the at least one engagement member comprises two engagement members spaced apart from one another to define an opening between the two engagement members.

6. The container of claim 1 , wherein each ridge of the plurality of ridges has a substantially triangular shape.

7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a second latch assembly, the second latch assembly being positioned on an opposite side of the container as the latch assembly.

8. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container includes a second latch assembly, the second latch assembly being positioned on an adjacent side of the container as the latch assembly.

9. 10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a strap handle attached to a third side of the sidewall structure, the third side extending between the first side and the second side, the strap handle including a strap portion and a carry handle.

10. the strap portion having an overlap region that defines an opening for receiving a pin; 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the pin extends through the opening in the strap portion and is received in a clevis portion disposed at an end of a handle and forming part of the handle, the handle being located on the third side of the sidewall structure.

Images