Container and latching system

Abstract

To provide a container which is sufficiently sturdy and which includes hook and lock functions matching the convenience of a user, and to provide a latching system.SOLUTION: A container includes a base part which includes a lid capable of rotating around a hinge from a closed state to an open state. The lid can be fixed to the base part by a latch assembly. The latch assembly can have a lock position and a lock release position, and includes: a latch body pivotally connected to the lid; a latch button slidably connected to the latch body, and having a latch button lock member; a latch lock arm pivotally connected to the latch body; and a latch lock arm energization member for adding a rotating force to the latch lock arm. When the latch assembly moves to the lock position, the latch lock arm is engaged with the base part and rotates against the rotating force from the latch lock arm. Thereby, the latch button moves against a linear force, and then, the latch button lock member is engaged with an arm lock member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 530,053, filed on November 18, 2021, and for all non-limiting purposes, the entire content thereof is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 。

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a portable container having a latching system.

Background Art

[0003] There are various different types of containers and latching systems. Containers can be used for food, beverages, and other materials or articles. There is a latching system for locking the container in a closed state. However, conventional containers and latching systems are often lacking in durability and are difficult to use. For example, a container may not be sturdy enough to hold a particular article, and may not be sturdy enough to hold an article on the container. Additionally, some latching systems may latch even when the user does not desire the system to latch, and in another case, may not provide sufficient locking therebetween for the container. In such devices, these and other deficiencies can render the container and / or the latching system substantially useless.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container, the container comprising: (a) a base, which includes (1) a sidewall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; (2) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on its surface; and (3) a base opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure and configured to allow access to an internal void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (b) a lid pivotally connected to the base, having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base, and configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening; and (c) a latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may include (a) a latch body pivotally connected to the lid, (b) a latch button having a latch button locking member slidably connected to the latch body, (c) a latch lock arm having a latch arm locking member pivotally connected to the latch body, (d) a latch button biasing member that applies a linear force to the latch button, and (e) a latch lock arm biasing member that applies a rotational force to the latch lock arm. To move the latch assembly to the locked position, the latch lock arm engages with the base and rotates against the rotational force of the latch lock arm biasing member, the latch button moves against the linear force of the latch button biasing member, and then the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member. Additionally, the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member when the latch lock arm is in a substantially vertical position. In exemplary embodiments, the latch lock arm biasing member is a torsion spring. The latch arm locking member may include a first locking surface and a curved upper surface extending from the upper edge of the first locking surface, and the latch arm locking member may be substantially central along the latch locking arm. The latch locking arm may have a pair of engaging members positioned on each side of the arm locking member, and each engaging member of the pair of engaging members may be spaced apart from the arm locking member.Additionally, each engaging member of a pair of engaging members of the latch lock arm may have an end with a curved surface that engages with a housing positioned on the underside of a lip extending along a first side of the base. The latch assembly may include a locking pawl, which is rotatably mounted to the latch body and positioned closer to the upper edge of the latch body than to the lower edge of the latch body. The locking pawl includes a central member with a hole extending through the base, a first projection extending outward from the central member, and a second projection extending outward from the central member on the opposite side of the first projection. The first projection of the locking pawl may contact the latch button to prevent upward movement of the latch button when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position. The second projection of the locking pawl may have a curved outer surface that contacts the lid to prevent the latch assembly from locking before the lid is closed when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position. The latch assembly may include a third biasing member that applies a second rotational force to the interlocking pawl. In some examples, the container may include a segment extending across the lid opening of the lid, which is pivotally connected to the lid. The segment may be connected to the lid by a hinge and selectively fixed to the lid on the opposite side of the hinge to prevent rotational movement of the segment. The segment may be removably fixed to the lid by a snap-fit. The segment may include a plurality of elongated openings.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container, the container comprising: (a) a base, which includes a base sidewall structure having (1) at least a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a first end, and a second end; (2) a bottom portion connected to the first end of the base sidewall structure and configured to support the container on its surface; (3) a base opening formed at the second end of the base sidewall structure and configured to allow access to the base internal void of the base formed by the base sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and (b) a lid pivotally connected to the base, which includes (1) at least a first side, and (1) A lid sidewall structure having a second side opposite to the first side, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end; (2) an upper portion connected to the second end of the lid sidewall structure; (3) a lid opening formed at the first end of the lid sidewall structure, configured to allow access to the lid internal void formed by the lid sidewall structure and the upper portion; (4) a lid including a segment pivotally connected to the internal part of the lid, the segment separating the base internal void from the lid internal void; and (c) a latch assembly pivotally connected to the lid, having a locked position and an unlocked position. The segment may include a front side, a rear side, a first side including an incorporated hinge, and a second side opposite to the first side, the incorporated hinge being connected to a hinge housing of the lid. The lid may be configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening. The second side of the segment may include a centrally located recess that forms a pair of tabs, each tab of the pair including an engaging housing. The engaging housing forms a friction fit with a lid engaging member extending from the inner surface of the lid to prevent rotational movement of the segment. In some examples, the segment may include a number of elongated openings extending across a portion of the front side of the segment in a direction from the first side of the segment to the second side of the segment.The latch assembly of the container may include (a) a latch body pivotally connected to the lid, (b) a latch button having a latch button locking member slidably coupled to the latch body, (c) a latch lock arm having an arm locking member pivotally connected to the latch body, (d) a latch button biasing member that applies a linear force to the latch button, and (e) a latch lock arm biasing member that applies a rotational force to the latch lock arm. When the latch assembly is moved to the locked position, the latch lock arm engages with its base and rotates against the rotational force, the latch button moves against the linear force, and then the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form, which will be further explained in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify the principal or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The present invention is illustrated illustratively and is not limited to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Figure 1] This is a top perspective view showing one or more of the containers described herein in a closed state. [Figure 2] This is a bottom perspective view showing the container shown in Figure 1 in a closed state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] This is a top perspective view showing the container shown in Figure 1 in an open state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] This is an exploded top perspective view showing the container shown in Figure 1 in an open state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] This is a top perspective view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, with some components removed for clarity, showing it in an open state. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the container shown in Figure 1 in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity. [Figure 9] This is a rear view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity. [Figure 10] This is a right-side view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity. [Figure 11] This is a left-side view of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in a closed state, with some components removed for clarity. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing a cross-section of the container shown in Figure 1 along line 12-12, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13] This is a side view showing a cross-section of the container shown in Figure 1 along line 13-13, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14] This is a side view showing a cross-section of the container shown in Figure 1 along line 14-14, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing a cross-section of the lid and divided parts of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein, along the line 15-15. [Figure 16A] This figure shows a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from an unlocked state to a locked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16B] Another diagram showing a partial cross-section of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from an unlocked state to a locked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16C] This is yet another figure showing a partial cross-section of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from an unlocked state to a locked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16D] This is yet another figure showing a partial cross-section of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from an unlocked state to a locked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17A] This figure shows a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from a locked state to an unlocked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17B] Another diagram showing a partial cross-section of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from a locked state to an unlocked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17C] This is yet another figure showing a partial cross-section of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, moving from a locked state to an unlocked state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] This is a rear perspective view of the latch assembly of the container shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] This is a rear perspective view of the latch assembly shown in Figure 18, according to one or more embodiments described herein, with some components removed. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly shown in Figure 18, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0009] Furthermore, while the drawings may represent the scale of various components of one embodiment, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiment is not limited to that particular scale.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In the following description of various different exemplary structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof. The accompanying drawings exemplarily show various different exemplary devices, systems and environments in which aspects of the present invention can be implemented. It should be understood that without departing from the scope of the present invention, parts, other specific arrangements and environments of exemplary devices and systems can be utilized and structural and functional modifications can be made. Also, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "back", etc. may be used herein to describe various different exemplary features and elements of the present invention, but these terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on the exemplary orientation shown in the drawings or the typical orientation during use. Further, the term "plurality" used herein indicates any number greater than one and optionally or consecutively, up to an infinite number as required. No part of this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of the present invention. Also, the reader is advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to the correct scale.

[0011] Generally, aspects of the present invention relate to a container and a latching assembly for the container. According to various different aspects and embodiments, the containers and latching assemblies described herein may be formed from one or more of various different materials such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and may be formed from one of various different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the container and the latch assembly may include components formed from a plurality of different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various molding methods. For example, metal components can be formed by forging, shaping, casting, stamping, machining, and / or other known techniques. Further, polymer components such as elastomers can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques such as various different molding and injection molding techniques and / or other known techniques.

[0012] The various drawings in this application illustrate examples of containers and latch assemblies according to the present invention. When the same reference numerals are used in two or more drawings, this reference numeral is used consistently herein, and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

[0013] Figures 1 - 15 show various different views of the container 100. The container 100 may include a base 110 and a lid 150. In some examples, the lid 150 may be connected to the base 110, or in some examples, may be removably connected to the base 110 without being broken. The base 110 may be a structure that forms a void for accommodating an article, as more fully described herein. In some examples, the base 110 may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In another example, the base 110 may be in the shape of a frustum of a pyramid or substantially in the shape of a frustum of a pyramid (e.g., a quadrangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, etc.). In yet another example, the base 110 may have a substantially cylindrical shape or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. Without departing from the present invention, various different other shapes may be used.

[0014] The base 110 may include a base sidewall structure 112 having a first side 114, a second side 116 opposite to the first side 114, a third side 118 extending between the edge of the first side 114 and the edge of the second side 116, and a fourth side 120 opposite to the third side 118. The base sidewall structure 112 may include a first end 124 and a second end 122, with a bottom portion 126 connected to the first end 124 of the base sidewall structure 112. The bottom portion 126 may be configured to support the container 100 on a surface such as a table or the ground. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 126 may and / or include a support member 128. The support member 128 may be attached to the bottom portion 126 to help provide a non-slip surface for the container 100. The support member 128 may be a separate member that can be formed integrally with the base 110, or a separate member that can be attached to the base 110 after the base 110 has been formed. The support member 128 may have a size that occupies at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the bottom portion 126. Although not shown, in some embodiments the support member 128 may have a plurality of legs positioned on the bottom portion 126.

[0015] The base 110 may include a base opening 130 at the second end 122 of the base side wall structure 112 (see Figures 3 to 5). The base opening 130 is configured to allow access to the base internal void 132 formed by the base side wall structure 112 and the bottom portion 126.

[0016] The container 100 may include a lid 150. The lid 150 may be pivotally connected to the base 110 and may be configured to rotate between an open and a closed position, the open position allowing access to the base opening 130 and the base internal gap 132, and the closed position preventing access to the base opening 130 and the base internal gap 132. In some examples, rotating the lid 150 from the closed position to the open position involves rotating the lid about 90° from the closed position, or about 180° from the closed position, or about 270° from the closed position. As shown in Figure 1, when the container 100 is in the closed position, the base opening 130 may be covered by the lid 150. In some devices, the lid 150 can be connected to the base 110 in the closed position using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, as will be more fully described herein, a separate fastening system or fastening device may be used to fasten the lid 150 to the base 110.

[0017] In some examples, the lid 150 may be hinged so that it is connected (removably or permanently) to the base 110 at a hinge 142 and may be rotatable about the hinge 142. The hinge 142 may be one of various types of hinges, including continuous piano hinges, double hinges, ball-joint hinges, living hinges, etc. These hinges and various other hinge devices can be described in more detail herein. The hinge 142 may allow the lid 150 to be opened and rotated away from the base 110 to allow access to the base internal gap 132 defined by the base 110 (for example, through a base opening 130). In other words, the hinge 142 facilitates the rotation of the lid 150 from a closed state (for example, as shown in Figure 1, when the lid 150 is in a position to cover the base internal gap 132 formed by the base 110) to an open state (for example, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, when the lid 150 does not cover the base internal gap 132 formed by the base 110), and vice versa.

[0018] The lid 150 may include a lid sidewall structure 152 having a first side 154, a second side 156 opposite to the first side 154, a third side 158 extending between the edge of the first side 154 and the edge of the second side 156, and a fourth side 160 opposite to the third side 158. The lid sidewall structure 152 may also include a first end 162 and a second end 164, with an upper portion 166 connected to the second end 164 of the lid sidewall structure 152. The upper portion 166 may be configured to function as a cover for the container 100, capable of supporting articles placed on the container 100. In some examples, the upper portion 166 may have a centrally located recess 168 along the upper portion so that a second container can be placed on the upper portion 166. Furthermore, the lid 150 may include a lid opening 170 at the first end 162 of the lid sidewall structure 152. The lid opening 170 is configured to allow access to the lid internal void 172 formed by the lid sidewall structure 152 and the upper portion 166 at the second end 164 of the lid sidewall structure 152. In most examples, the height of the lid sidewall structure 152 may be less than the height of the base sidewall structure 112. Therefore, the volume of the base internal void 132 may be greater than the volume of the lid internal void 172.

[0019] In some devices, the container 100 may include a gasket 199 or another sealing device. The gasket 199 may be located on either the lid 150 or the base 110 and may assist in sealing the lid 150 and the base 110 when the lid 150 is closed. For example, in one example, the container 100 may be manufactured to be dustproof when tested for 8 hours and / or waterproof when tested in water at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the container 100 may obtain an IP68 rating (as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission), which specifies that there is no ingress of dust when tested for 8 hours, or that it is completely protected from dust, and that it is impossible for a harmful amount of water to enter when the enclosure is immersed in water under specified pressure and time conditions (submersion in 1 meter of water). The IP68 dustproof test is 8 hours long, and the enclosure is tested in a vacuum. The IP68 water resistance test lasts for 30 minutes, and the enclosure is tested at a water depth of 1 meter, with the lowest point of the enclosure being submerged.

[0020] In some examples (and best shown in Figures 12-14), the gasket 199 may seat in a recess 174 formed in the lid 150, extending around the lid 150. Additionally, in some examples, the container 100 may include a raised portion 134 provided on the base 110. The raised portion 134 extends around the base 110. The gasket 199 may be positioned between the recess 174 and the raised portion 134. When the lid 150 is closed, the raised portion 134, having a shape corresponding to the recess 174, contacts the gasket 199, compressing the gasket 199 and assisting in the seal between the lid 150 and the base 110 in the closed state as shown in Figures 12-14. In some examples, the gasket 199 may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In other devices, the gasket 199 may include strategically placed notches that reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking). The gasket 199 can help maintain a seal between the internal and external environments of the container 100, and in some examples, the gasket 199 can help maintain the temperature of the articles contained within the container 100. Alternatively, the gasket 199 may be located in a recess or channel formed in the base 110.

[0021] The container 100 may include additional features, such as the lanyard 198 shown in Figure 2, to enable a user to carry the container 100 or attach the container 100 to another object. The lanyard 198 may be connected to the base at a third side 118 and extend along the bottom portion 126 to a fourth side 120. As shown in the illustrated example, the support member 128 may have a groove 136 (or a pair of grooves) that accommodates and guides the lanyard 198 along the bottom portion 126. Additionally, the third side 118 and fourth side 120 of the base side wall structure 112 may include a guide rail 138 for engaging with the lanyard 198 and guiding the lanyard 198 along the third side 118 and fourth side 120. The base side wall structure 112 may also include a connecting member 140 adjacent to the guide rail 138 for securing the lanyard 198 to the base 110 of the container 100. The guide rail 138 and the connecting member may be integrally formed with the base 110.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 12-15, the lid 150 may include a pivotally connected segment 178 in the internal portion of the lid 150, thereby separating articles that may be stored in the internal lid void 172 from the internal base void 132. The segment 178 may extend across the lid opening 170 while separating the internal base void 132 from the internal lid void 172. The segment 178 may have a front side 179 and a rear side 180, and an integrated hinge 181 formed along the first side 182, which is pivotally connected to the lid 150 in a hinge housing 175 of the lid 150. The integrated hinge 181 may include a plurality of holes spaced apart from the edge of the first side 182. Additionally, the incorporated hinge 181 may be positioned at a predetermined angle to the front side 179 and may snap into the hinge housing 175 of the lid 150 to secure the segment 178 to the lid 150. This makes the segment 178 removablely fixed to the lid 150. The segment 178 may include a plurality of elongated openings 184. The elongated openings 184 may generally extend across a portion of the segment 178 in a direction directed from a first side 182 to a second side 183 opposite to the first side 182. Each elongated opening 184 may have a length L that extends over at least 50% or 55% to 80% of the width W of the segment 178, where W is the distance from the first side 182 to the second side 183. Alternatively, the segment 178 may be a continuous surface without openings.

[0023] Once the segment 178 is installed, the second side 183 of the segment 178 may be selectively fixed to the lid 150, as best illustrated in Figure 15, to prevent rotational movement of the segment 178. The segment 178 may include a central recess 185 along the second side 183 that forms a pair of tabs 186. Each tab 186 may have an engagement housing 187 that forms a friction fit or snap fit with a lid engagement member 177 extending from the inner surface of the lid 150. The lid engagement member 177 can be fitted into a groove formed by the engagement housing 187 of the segment 178.

[0024] The container 100 may include a removable tray 188. The tray 188 may allow the user to store items in the container 100 at an additional level. The tray 188 rests along a shelf portion 148 that extends along the inner circumference of the base internal void 132. The tray 188 may include an upward overhang 190 with a peripheral wall 192, the peripheral wall 192 extending from the inner edge 194 of the upward overhang 190 to a bottom wall 196 that forms the bottom portion of the tray 188. The volume formed by the peripheral wall 192 and the bottom wall 196 of the tray may form an upper storage area of ​​the base internal void 132. The tray 188 may have a tray depth smaller than the depth of the base side wall structure 112 of the base 110, so that the bottom wall 196 of the tray 188 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 126 of the base 110, which allows for a secondary storage area in the base internal void 132 below the bottom wall 196 of the tray 188. As described above, the tray 188 is removable, and when the tray 188 is removed, the base internal void 132 can form a standalone storage area within the base 110.

[0025] The upward overhang 190 may be continuous along the periphery wall 192 to form a solid upward overhang 190. Similarly, the periphery wall 192 and the bottom wall 196 may be continuous so that no holes or pores are present in the tray 188. Alternatively, the periphery wall 192 and / or the bottom wall 196 may contain holes. In some examples, the shelf portion 148 may be continuous along the inner circumference of the base internal gap 132, while in other examples, the shelf portion 148 may be interrupted, or multiple mounts (not shown) may be positioned along the inner surface of the base side wall structure 112 so that these mounts form a flat surface for supporting the tray 188.

[0026] The segment 178 and tray 188 may have an elastomer material coating to provide a soft touch and feel and to store delicate objects. The segment 178 and / or tray 188 may be overmolded onto a more rigid base, or in some cases, the segment 178 and / or tray 188 may be formed from an elastomer material. The elastomer material used to form or partially form the exemplary segment 178 and / or tray 188 may be a material such as natural rubber and synthetic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other similar material, or may contain these materials.

[0027] In some devices, the container 100 may include a latch assembly 200. As best shown in Figures 16A to 20, the latch assembly 200 may have a locked position and an unlocked position, and the latch assembly 200 is configured to lock the lid 150 when the lid 150 is in the closed position. The latch assembly 200 may include a latch body 210 pivotally connected to the lid 150, a latch button 230 slidably connected to the latch body 210, and a latch lock arm 250 pivotally connected to the latch body 210 around a latch pin 270 connected to the latch body 210. The latch assembly 200 may include a latch button biasing member 280 that applies a vertical force to the latch button 230, and a lock arm biasing member 282 that applies a rotational force to the latch lock arm 250. The latch button 230 may have a latch button locking member 232, and the latch lock arm 250 may have an arm locking member 252. In some examples, the latch assembly 200 may further include a striking pawl 288, which is rotatably attached to the latch body 210 via a pin connection, in which case the striking pawl 288 is positioned closer to the upper edge 212 of the latch body 210 than to the lower edge 214 of the latch body 210. As will be described in more detail below, when the latch assembly 200 is moved to the locked position, the latch lock arm 250 engages with the base 110 and rotates against the rotational force of the lock arm biasing member 282, the latch button 230 moves against the vertical force of the latch button biasing member 280, and then the latch button lock member 232 engages with the arm lock member 252 as shown in Figures 16A to 16D.

[0028] Figures 16A to 16D illustrate the movement of the latch assembly 200 from the unlocked position to the locked position. As shown in Figure 16A, the latch assembly 200 is in the unlocked position with the latch lock arm 250 extending away from the latch body 210 toward the base 110. The engaging pawl 288 can prevent the latch lock arm 250 from unintentionally engaging with the latch button 230 and becoming locked when the container 100 is open (for example, the base 110 and the lid 150 are separated from each other on at least one side). The engaging pawl 288 may include a central member 290, which comprises a hole 292 extending through the central member 290, a first projection 294 extending outward from the central member 290, and a second projection 296 extending outward from the central member 290 on the opposite side of the first projection 294. The first projection 294 can contact the latch button 230 when the latch assembly 200 is in the unlocked position, thereby preventing the latch button 230 from moving upward toward the upper edge 212 of the latch body 210. The second projection 296 of the engaging pawl 288 may have a curved outer surface which may contact the lid 150 when the latch assembly 200 is in the unlocked position, thereby preventing the latch lock arm 250 from locking before the lid 150 is closed. Additionally, when the container 100 is open, the pawl biasing member 298 can apply a rotational force to the engaging pawl 288 to keep it in contact with the latch button 230. Since the latch button 230 cannot slide, the latch lock arm 250 cannot rotate and unintentionally engage with the latch button 230 before the lid 150 is closed onto the base 110. For example, the claw biasing member 298 may be a torsion spring that applies a rotational force to bias the first projection 294 toward the latch body 210 (i.e., clockwise as shown in Figure 16A). The rotational motion of the engaging claw 288 can be controlled by a cam-like interaction between the outer surface of the second projection 296 of the claw 288 and the cover 150.In some examples, the corresponding engagement region 176 has a corresponding curved surface for engaging with the curved outer surface of the second projection 296.

[0029] Figures 16B and 16C illustrate the latch assembly 200 engaging with the base 110, causing the latch assembly 200 to begin moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the lock arm engaging member 254 of the latch lock arm 250 engages with the housing 144 located below the lip 146 extending outward along the first side 114 of the sidewall structure, the latch lock arm 250 begins to rotate toward the latch body 210 (i.e., the latch lock arm 250 rotates counterclockwise as shown in Figure 16B). In some examples, the lip 146 may extend outward along the entire circumference of the base 110. The housing 144 may have a concave cross-sectional shape, and the lock arm engaging member 254 may have a convex cross-sectional shape. When the latch lock arm 250 contacts the base 110, the latch lock arm 250 begins to move beneath the base 110. The rotational motion of the latch lock arm 250 causes the latch button lock member 232 to contact and rise along the outer surface 258 of the arm lock member 252. As the latch button lock member 232 moves along the outer surface 258, the latch button 230 can translate upward by sliding toward the upper edge 212 of the latch body 210. As the latch lock arm 250 rotates, the entire latch assembly 200 rotates in a vertical direction.

[0030] Figure 16D illustrates the latch assembly 200 in the locked position. In the locked position, the latch button locking member 232 engages with the arm locking member 252, in which case the latch locking arm 250 is substantially oriented vertically. Each locking member 232, 252 may include locking surfaces 234, 256, respectively, that face each other when the latch assembly 200 is in the locked position. Furthermore, when in the locked position, each locking surface 234, 256 may be substantially oriented vertically. As the latch button locking member 232 moves the curved outer surface 258 of the arm locking member 252, the latch button locking member 232 eventually reaches the upper edge 260 of the curved outer surface 258. The upper edge portion 260 may also be the upper edge portion of the locking surface 256. As a result, as soon as the latch button locking member 232 passes the upper edge portion 260 of the outer surface 258, the latch button locking member 232 falls, causing the locking surface 234 to move downward so as to face the locking surface 256 of the arm locking member 252.

[0031] To move the latch assembly 200 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the above process is reversed, as shown in Figures 17A to 17C. The user can push the latch button 230 upward, in which case the locking surface 234 is disengaged from the locking surface 256. The lock arm biasing member 282 then rotates the latch lock arm 250 toward the base 110, thereby causing the latch button locking member 232 to slide the outer surface 258 of the arm locking member 252 downward. Additionally, the latch button biasing member 280 applies a downward force to the latch button 230, thereby assisting in the pulling out of the latch button 230 and assisting the latch button locking member 232 to slide the outer surface 258 of the arm locking member 252 downward. In some examples, the latch assembly 200 can operate without the engaging pawl 288.

[0032] Figures 18 to 20 illustrate the latch assembly 200 removed from the lid 150. As described above, the latch assembly 200 may include a latch body 210, a latch button 230 slidably connected to the latch body 210, and a latch lock arm 250 pivotally connected to the latch body 210 with a latch pin 270 connected to the latch body 210 as its center.

[0033] The latch body 210 may include an upper edge 212, a lower edge 214, and an outward-facing surface 216 extending between the upper edge 212 and the lower edge 214. On the inner side 217 opposite the outward-facing surface 216, the latch body 210 may further include a pair of hinge members 223, a latch pin housing 218, a pair of latch button guides 220, and a button biasing member housing 222. The hinge members 223 may be configured to house a lid latch pin 272 for connecting the latch assembly 200 to the lid 150. The latch pin housing 218 may include a hole 228 located on a side 226 of the latch body 210 and may include a pin support 221 for housing the latch pin 270 on at least two sides. Additionally, each latch button guide 220 may be a projection positioned on each side of the latch button 230 so that the latch button 230 continues to move in a linear orientation. The button biasing member housing 222 may include a recess or a pair of recesses in the latch body 210 configured to hold a portion of the latch button biasing member 280. The latch button biasing member 280 may be a compression spring or a pair of compression springs for applying a linear force to the latch button 230 toward the lower edge 214. This linear force helps to keep the latch button locking member 232 engaged with the arm locking member 252. In an exemplary latch assembly 200 including a snaring pawl 288, the latch body 210 may further include a pawl housing 224 for housing a pin and a pawl biasing member 298.

[0034] The latch button 230 may include a latch button locking member 232 extending outward from the rear surface 236, while the front surface 238 may be configured to face and slide along the inner surface 217 of the latch body 210. The latch button 230 may further include a bottom surface 240 that provides an interface for the user to apply an upward force to disengage and / or engage the latch assembly 200. A latch button pin housing 242 may be positioned above the bottom surface 240. The latch button pin housing 242 may have a hole for housing a latch pin 270. The latch button pin housing 242 may have a height greater than the diameter of the latch pin 270 in order to allow the latch button 230 to slide along the latch body 210 while the latch pin 270 is fixed to the latch body 210. For example, the height of the latch button pin housing 242 may be twice the diameter of the latch pin 270. In some examples, the height of the latch button pin housing 242 may be within the range of 1.5 to 3 times the diameter of the latch pin 270. Another feature is that the front surface 238 may include a recess that substantially aligns with a button biasing member housing 222 provided on the latch body 210, which is configured to hold a portion of the latch button biasing member 280.

[0035] The latch button locking member 232 may be centrally located on the latch button 230 and may include a locking surface 234 that extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 240. The latch button locking member 232 may include a sliding surface 244 adjacent to the lower edge of the locking surface 234, in which case the sliding surface 244 may be configured to slide along the outer surface 258 of the arm locking member 252. The sliding surface 244 may be positioned at an acute angle (i.e., in the range of 1 to 89 degrees) with respect to the locking surface 234. In some examples, a stopper 245 may extend from the upper surface 246 of the latch button 230, in which case the stopper is configured to contact the engaging pawl 288 to prevent the latch button 230 from moving unintentionally when the latch assembly 200 is in the unlocked position.

[0036] The latch lock arm 250 may have a front side 268 facing the latch body 210 and a rear side 269 facing the base 110. The latch lock arm 250 may include an arm lock member 252 substantially central along the latch lock arm 250 and a pair of lock arm engaging members 254 positioned on each side of the arm lock member 252, in which case each engaging member 254 may be spaced apart from the arm lock member 252. Furthermore, each engaging member 254 may have a free end 262 having a curved or convex cross-sectional shape that engages with a housing 144 on the base 110 and a fixed end 264 that houses the latch pin 270. The lock arm biasing member 282 may be a torsion spring or a pair of torsion springs connected to the latch pin 270 and applying rotational force to the engaging member 254. Additionally, as shown in Figure 14, the free end 262 of each engaging member 254 may include a locking surface 266 that can contact a locking member 149 positioned within the housing 144 of the base 110. The locking surface 266 may be substantially parallel to the locking surface 256 of the arm locking member 252 and may be spaced forward (towards the latch body 210) from the locking surface 256.

[0037] This disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various different examples. However, the purpose of this disclosure is not to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of various different features and concepts relating to this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0039] Embodiment 1 In a container, The base, A side wall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the side wall structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, A bottom portion connected to the first end of the side wall structure, configured to support the container on its surface, A base opening formed at the second end of the side wall structure, the base opening formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, is configured to allow access to the internal void of the container. Including the base, A lid pivotally connected to the base, configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening, A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, A latch body pivotally connected to the aforementioned lid, A latch button having a latch button locking member slidably connected to the latch body, A latch lock arm having an arm lock member is pivotally connected to the latch body, A latch button biasing member that applies a linear force to the latch button, A latch lock arm biasing member that applies rotational force to the latch lock arm and A latch assembly comprising Equipped with, When the latch assembly is moved to the locked position, the latch lock arm engages with the base and rotates against the rotational force, and the latch button moves against the linear force, after which the latch button lock member engages with the arm lock member. container.

[0040] Embodiment 2 The container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member when the latch locking arm is in a substantially vertical position.

[0041] Embodiment 3 The container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the latch lock arm biasing member is a torsion spring.

[0042] Embodiment 4 The container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the arm lock member includes a first locking surface and a curved upper surface extending from the upper edge of the first locking surface.

[0043] Embodiment 5 The container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the arm lock member is substantially centrally located along the latch lock arm.

[0044] Embodiment 6 The latch lock arm has a pair of engaging members arranged on each side of the arm lock member, and Each of the pair of engaging members is spaced apart from the arm lock member. The container according to Embodiment 1.

[0045] Embodiment 7 The container according to embodiment 6, wherein each of the pair of engaging members of the latch lock arm has an end with a curved surface that engages with a housing positioned below a lip extending along the first side of the base.

[0046] Embodiment 8 The container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the interlocking claws are rotatably attached to the latch body and are positioned closer to the upper edge of the latch body than to the lower edge of the latch body.

[0047] Embodiment 9 The container according to Embodiment 8, wherein the interlocking claws include a central member having a hole extending through the base, a first projection extending outward from the central member, and a second projection extending outward from the central member on the opposite side of the first projection.

[0048] Embodiment 10 The container according to Embodiment 9, wherein the first projection of the interlocking claw is configured to contact the latch button to prevent upward movement of the latch button when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0049] Embodiment 11 The container according to Embodiment 10, wherein the second projection of the interlocking claw has a curved outer surface that contacts the lid to prevent the latch assembly from locking before the lid becomes closed when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0050] Embodiment 12 The container according to embodiment 10, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a third biasing member that applies a second rotational force to the interlocking claws.

[0051] Embodiment 13 The container according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a segmented body extending across the lid opening of the lid, the segmented body being pivotally connected to the lid.

[0052] Embodiment 14 The container according to Embodiment 13, wherein the divided body is connected to the lid by a hinge and is selectively fixed to the lid on the opposite side of the hinge to prevent rotational movement of the divided body.

[0053] Embodiment 15 The container according to embodiment 14, wherein the divided body is fixed in a removable manner by snap fastening.

[0054] Embodiment 16 The container according to embodiment 15, wherein the divided body includes a plurality of elongated openings.

[0055] Embodiment 17 In a container, The base, A base side wall structure having at least a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end, A bottom portion connected to the first end of the base side wall structure, configured to support the container on its surface, A base opening formed at the second end of the base side wall structure, the base opening being configured to allow access to the base internal void of the base, which is formed by the base side wall structure and the bottom portion. Including the base, A lid pivotally connected to the base, A lid side wall structure having at least a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end, The upper portion connected to the second end of the lid side wall structure, A lid opening formed at the first end of the lid side wall structure, configured to allow access to the lid internal void formed by the lid side wall structure and the upper portion, A divided body pivotally connected to the internal part of the lid, separating the internal gap of the base and the internal gap of the lid, comprising a front side, a rear side, a first side including an incorporated hinge, and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the incorporated hinge is connected to the hinge housing of the lid, and Includes, It is configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening. The lid and A latch assembly pivotally connected to the lid, having a locked position and an unlocked position. A container equipped with [the necessary features / features].

[0056] Embodiment 18 The container according to Embodiment 17, wherein the second side of the divided body includes a centrally located recess that forms a pair of tabs, each tab of the pair of tabs includes an engaging housing that forms a friction fit with a lid engaging member extending from the inner surface of the lid to prevent rotational movement of the divided body.

[0057] Embodiment 19 The container according to embodiment 17, wherein the divided body includes a plurality of elongated openings extending across a portion of the front side of the divided body in a direction from the first side of the divided body to the second side of the divided body.

[0058] Embodiment 20 The latch assembly, A latch body pivotally connected to the aforementioned lid, A latch button having a latch button locking member slidably connected to the latch body, A latch lock arm having an arm lock member is pivotally connected to the latch body, A latch button biasing member that applies a linear force to the latch button, A latch lock arm biasing member that applies rotational force to the latch lock arm and Furthermore, When the latch assembly is moved to the locked position, the latch lock arm engages with the base and rotates against the rotational force, and the latch button moves against the linear force, after which the latch button lock member engages with the arm lock member. The container according to Embodiment 17.

Claims

1. It is a container, The base, A side wall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the side wall structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, A bottom portion connected to the first end of the side wall structure, configured to support the container on its surface, A base including a base opening formed at the second end of the side wall structure, which is configured to allow access to the internal void of the container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, A lid pivotally connected to the base, configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening, A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, A latch body pivotally connected to the aforementioned lid, A latch lock arm is pivotally connected to the latch body, A latch lock arm biasing member that applies rotational force to the latch lock arm, A latch assembly having a latch claw positioned closer to the upper edge than the lower edge of the latch body and rotatably attached to the latch body, The latch body is slidably connected to a latch button having a latch button locking member, The aforementioned interlocking claw includes a central member, a first projection extending outward from the central member, and a second projection extending outward from the central member on the opposite side of the first projection. The first projection is configured to contact the latch button to prevent upward movement of the latch button when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position. A container wherein the second projection is configured to contact the lid when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position, preventing the latch assembly from locking before the lid is closed, and when the latch assembly moves to the locked position, the latch lock arm engages with the base and rotates against the rotational force.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the latch button engages with the latch lock arm.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the latch button locking member engages with the latch locking arm when the latch locking arm is in a substantially vertical position.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the latch lock arm biasing member is a torsion spring.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein the latch lock arm includes an arm lock member, the arm lock member including a first lock surface and a curved upper surface extending from the upper edge of the first lock surface.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the arm locking member is located at the longitudinal center of the latch locking arm.

7. The container according to claim 5, wherein the latch lock arm has a pair of engaging members arranged on each side of the arm lock member, and each of the pair of engaging members is spaced apart from the arm lock member.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein each of the pair of engaging members of the latch lock arm has an end with a curved surface that engages with a housing positioned below a lip extending along the first side of the base.

9. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a segment extending across the lid opening of the lid, wherein the segment is releasably connected to the lid.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the divided body includes a plurality of openings.

11. It is a container, The base, A side wall structure having at least a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the side wall structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, A bottom portion connected to the first end of the side wall structure, configured to support the container on its surface, A base including a base opening formed at the second end of the side wall structure, which is configured to allow access to the internal void of the container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, A lid pivotally connected to the base, configured to rotate between an open state that allows access to the base opening and a closed state that prevents access to the base opening, A latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, A latch body pivotally connected to the aforementioned lid, A latch button having a latch button locking member slidably connected to the latch body, A latch lock arm having an arm locking member, A latch button biasing member that applies a linear force to the latch button, The latch assembly comprises a latch body having a meshing claw that is positioned closer to the upper edge than the lower edge of the latch body and is rotatably attached to the latch body, The aforementioned interlocking claw includes a central member having a hole extending through the base, a first projection extending outward from the central member, and a second projection extending outward from the central member on the opposite side of the first projection. The first projection is configured to contact the latch button to prevent upward movement of the latch button when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position. The second projection has a curved outer surface that contacts the lid to prevent the latch assembly from locking before the lid becomes closed when the latch assembly is in the unlocked position, A container wherein, when the latch assembly moves to the locked position, the latch button moves against the linear force until the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the latch button locking member engages with the arm locking member when the latch locking arm is in a substantially vertical position.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the latch lock arm is rotatably connected to the latch body.

14. The container according to claim 11, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a claw biasing member that applies rotational force to the interlocking claws.

15. The container according to claim 1, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a claw biasing member that applies rotational force to the interlocking claws.

16. The container according to claim 9, wherein the divided parts are formed from an elastomer material.

Images