Patent Application
20240247520
Various types of containers and latching systems exist. Containers may be used for food, beverages, and other materials or items. Latching systems exist to lock the containers in a closed configuration. However, conventional containers and latching systems are often not very durable and may not be easy to use. For instance, containers may not be strong enough to hold certain items and may not be strong enough to hold items on top of the container. Additionally, some latching systems may engage when a user does not want the system engaged and in other cases may not provide a sufficient lock between for the container. In such arrangements, these and other deficiencies may render the container and/or latching system virtually useless.
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.
One aspect of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base including: (1) a sidewall structure having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, where the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; (2) a bottom portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure; (3) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, where the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (4) a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure, where the latch keeper having an upper surface, an inner surface and a lower surface; (b) a lid, the lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the lid configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration; and (c) a latch assembly, where the latch assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may comprise: (1) a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid; (2) a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between at least a first position and an 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; (3) at least one biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the at least one biasing member biasing the locking member in the first position; and (4) an activating member engaged with the latch body and configured to move the locking member from the first position to the second position, the activating member comprising an activating barrel having a plurality of raised portions that are spaced apart from one another. The hook portion of the locking member may engage the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The at least one biasing member may be positioned laterally in between the plurality of raised portions. In some examples, the at least one biasing member may include two biasing members that are positioned laterally in between the plurality of raised portions. The locking member may have at least one engaging member that contacts a raised portion of the plurality of raised portions of the activating barrel. In addition, the at least one engaging member may include two engaging members that are spaced apart from each other creating an opening between the two engaging members. Each raised portion of the plurality of raised portions may have a substantially triangular shape. In some embodiments, the container may include a second latch assembly, wherein the second latch assembly may be located on an opposite side of the container as the latch assembly. As another option, the container may include a second latch assembly, wherein the second latch assembly may be located on an adjacent side of the container as the latch assembly.
Additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base that includes: (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 portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure; (3) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (4) a first latch keeper extending from the second side of the sidewall structure; (5) a kick out rib on the second side of the sidewall structure that extends outward beyond a front surface of the first latch keeper; and (6) a second latch keeper extending from the third side of the sidewall structure, the second latch keeper having an upper surface, an inner surface, and a lower surface; and (b) a lid pivotally connected to the base by a hinge, where the lid having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The lid may have a plurality of latch assemblies that include a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly, where the first latch assembly and the second latch assembly each have 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 to a closed position from an open position, the kick out rib may push the first latch assembly away from the base to prevent the first latch assembly from binding as the lid moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The kick out rib may have an upper ramped surface that extends outward and downward from sidewall structure and a lower ramped surface that converges toward the upper ramped surface. A rounded edge may extend between the upper ramped surface and the lower ramped surface. When the lid is in the closed configuration, the kick out rib may fit between a first raised portion of the sidewall structure and the first latch assembly. The base may also include a first ramped surface arranged adjacent a first end of the first latch keeper and a second ramped surface arranged a second end of the first latch keeper. The kick out rib comprises a first kick out rib that extends from the first ramped surface and a second kick out rib that extends from the second ramped surface.
Other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base that includes: (1) a sidewall structure having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, where the sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; (2) a bottom portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure; (3) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, where the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; (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, where the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The pull handle assembly may include: (1) a pull handle pivotally attached to the 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 enables a user to pull the container and a nested configuration. The pull handle may be located within a recess on the first side of the sidewall structure in the nested configuration. When the pull handle assembly is in the nested configuration, an upper surface of the pull handle may be arranged substantially parallel to an outward facing surface of the first side. The pull handle may include a first handle end that is 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 nearer the first handle end of the pull handle body than the second handle end. In addition, when the pull handle assembly is in the nested configuration, the secondary hinge plate may be positioned between the pull handle and the first side of the sidewall structure, and the secondary hinge plate may be located between the primary hinge plate and the 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 with an upper surface of the pull handle. The sidewall structure may include a third side that extends between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side that is opposite the third side, where the third side includes a pair of tracks, and each track of the pair of tracks includes a hollow cavity. The sidewall structure may also a third side that extends between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side that is opposite the third side, where a first corner is formed at an intersection of the first side and the third side, and a first corner support may extend inwardly from the first corner. The first corner support may include a hollow cavity.
Additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: (a) a base that includes: (1) a sidewall structure with a first side, a second side opposite the first side, where the sidewall structure has a first end and a second end; (2) a bottom portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure; (3) an opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, and (b) a lid connected to the base, where the lid has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The lid may be configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. A lid support member may be attached to the lid, where the lid support member may include: (1) a primary wall with a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, (2) a perimeter wall that connects to the primary wall, and (3) a plurality of openings extending through the primary wall that are configured to receive a strap to secure an item to the lid support member. The primary wall may contact an interior surface of the lid in a plurality of locations, and the perimeter wall may contact the interior surface of the lid in a plurality of locations. As another option, the container may include a lid stay rod assembly that extends between base and the lid support member, where the lid stay rod assembly may be pivotally attached to the base and also pivotally attached to the lid support member. When the lid is in a 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 front surface with a grid-like shape formed from a plurality of front ribs that intersect each other in a generally perpendicular orientation; (2) a rear surface opposite the front surface, where a portion of the rear surface contacts an interior surface of the lid. A majority of the plurality of front ribs have an opening. The rear surface may have a grid-like shape and may be formed from a plurality of rear ribs that intersect each other in a generally perpendicular orientation. The lid support member may further include an opening support rib extending behind each elongated opening of the plurality of elongated openings. The lid support member may further comprise a plurality connecting members that are positioned between the front surface and the rear surface, and where each connecting member connects to and extends between neighboring front ribs of the plurality of front ribs.
Aspects of this disclosure may relate to a strap for lifting a container where the strap includes a base member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongated 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 engaging member, where the first engaging member includes a first layered portion, a second end portion located at the second end, where the second end portion includes a second engaging member that has a second engaging member, which includes a second layered portion. The strap may also have a carry handle that includes a first opening and a second opening, where the elongated member extends through the first opening and the second opening. The base member may include a pair of overlap regions arranged on both sides of the carry handle, where each overlap region includes a plurality of layers of the base member and stitching to join the plurality of layers together. The carry handle may be substantially centered along an entire length of the strap. Additionally, the first end portion and the second end portion both include stitching that joins the first layered portion and the second layered portion. The stitching of the first layered portion may be located a fixed distance from the first end defining an inboard portion and an outboard portion of the first layered portion, where the inboard portion has a first length defined as a distance from a centerline of the stitching to the first end of the base member and the outboard portion has a second length defined as a distance from the centerline of the stitching to an end of the outboard portion. The first length of the inboard portion may be less than the second length of the outboard portion. The base member may be a single unitary member, and in some examples, the strap may have a variable width along an overall length of the strap.
Other aspects of this disclosure may describe a system of a strap for lifting a container that include a container having a first side handle that includes a first elongated opening on a first side of the container and a second side handle having a second elongated opening on a second side of the container opposite the first side, where the first elongated opening has a first opening width and the second elongated opening has a second opening width. The strap may include a base member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongated 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 engaging member that includes a first layered portion, and a second end portion located at the second end, where the second end portion includes a second engaging member that has a second layered portion. The strap may also include a carry handle with a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, where the elongated member extends through the first opening and the second opening. The first end portion may extend through the first elongated opening and the second end may extend through the second elongated opening and 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 elongated opening of the container. The strap width may be within a range of 1 percent to 10 percent greater than the first opening width. The first engaging member may include stitching located a fixed distance from the first end to a centerline of the stitching defining an inboard portion and an outboard portion of the first end portion, where the inboard portion has a first length defined as a distance from the centerline of the stitching to the first end of the strap and the outboard portion has a second length defined as a distance from the centerline of the stitching to an end of the outboard portion, where the first length is less than the second length. The container may include a first recess offset below a first top surface of the first side handle, where the first recess has an inboard recess portion that extends toward an interior void of the container from the first elongated opening and an outboard recess portion that extends away from the first elongated opening in a direction extending away from the interior void of the container, and where an inboard portion of the first end portion is received in the inboard recess portion. A depth of the first recess may be greater than a thickness of the first end portion. A majority of the strap may extend below the first side handle.
Yet other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a method for installing a strap on a container that include: (a) opening a lid from a base of the container, where the lid is rotationally 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, where the first end portion is inserted at a first acute angle to a first top surface of the first handle; (c) rotating a first inboard portion of the first end portion onto the first top surface of the first handle; (d) rotating a first outboard portion of the first end portion onto the 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, where the strap is inserted at a second acute angle to a second top surface of the second handle; (f) rotating a second inboard portion of the second end portion onto the second top surface of the second handle; and (g) unfolding a second outboard portion of the second end onto the second top surface of the second handle. In some examples, the method may also include: (a) placing the first inboard portion into a first inboard recess, where the first inboard recess is offset below the first top surface of the first handle and extends toward an interior void of the container from the first elongated opening; (b) placing the first outboard portion into a first outboard recess, where the first outboard recess is offset below the first top surface of the first handle and extends away from the interior void of the container from the first elongated opening; (c) closing the lid onto the base; and (d) lifting the strap by a centrally located strap handle, where a base member of the strap extends around the first handle and contacts an outboard surface of the first handle. The first acute angle may be between 1 degree and 55 degrees. A width of the first end portion may be greater than a width of the first elongated opening.
According to another aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may comprise a molded base that includes a sidewall structure 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 sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface, and an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The base may further include a latch keeper extending from the sidewall structure, where the latch keeper has an upper surface, an inner surface and a lower surface. The container may also include a lid that is pivotal between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the lid has a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and is configured to cover the opening formed at 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 the closed configuration to the open configuration. The container may further include a latch assembly, where the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position.
The latch assembly may include a latch body that is pivotally engaged with the lid and where the latch body having at least one engagement lug. The latch assembly may further include a locking member that is slidably engaged with the latch body, where the locking member is slidable between at least a downward position and an upward position. The locking member may be configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position. Still the latch assembly further includes a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, where the biasing member biases the locking member in a downward position; and an activating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, where the activating member configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position. The latch assembly may only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. Another aspect of the latch assembly is that the at least one engagement lug of the latch body may be engaged to the lower surface of latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position; and that a hook portion of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.
Other aspects of this disclosure may relate to the lid of the container being rotated from the closed configuration to the open configuration may include rotating the lid 90 degrees from the closed configuration. In addition, the latch keeper may further include a support rib that extends from an exterior surface of the base to the inner surface of the latch keeper, where the support rib may be centrally located relative to the upper surface of the latch keeper. The locking member may further comprise at least two hook portions, such that when the latch assembly is in the locked position, the support rib is positioned between the at least two hook portions of the locking member. The base may further comprise at least one ramped surface adjacent the latch keeper, such that the ramped surface extends downwardly at an angle away from an interface surface of the base. The at least one ramped surface forms an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the interface surface of the base. A gasket may be arranged in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid. As another feature, the base may further comprise a handle on each of the sides of the container, where each handle is integrally molded with the base. The handles may have a curved profile underneath an exterior surface of the handle, where the curved profile is formed by a plurality of ribs extending from one of the sides of the sidewall structure to an interior surface of the handle.
Other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container comprising: a base that includes a sidewall structure having at least 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 and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. 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 comprise a lid that is pivotal between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the lid has a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and is configured to cover the opening formed at 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 and about which the lid is rotatable from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and a latch assembly that has a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly may comprise a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid, where the latch body has an at least one engagement lug, a locking member that is engaged with the latch body, where the locking member is movable between a downward position and an upward position. The locking member may be configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position. The latch assembly may also have a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, where the biasing member biases the locking member in a downward position; and an activating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, where the activating member is configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.
Additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a base portion of the container that includes a plurality of tabs positioned along interior surfaces of the interior void. Each tab of the plurality of tabs may extend from one of the interior surfaces and comprise an upper support surface and an opening, where the opening of each tab has an elongated shape. The upper support surface may be located in an upper region of the interior void of the base or at a height that is greater than fifty percent of a height of the interior void. In addition, the base may include a pair of tracks are positioned on at least an interior surface of at least one sidewall, where the pair of tracks are positioned on at least an interior surface of at least two sidewalls. Similarly, the lid may comprise a plurality of clips positioned along an interior surface of the lid, where each clip includes an engaging member and an elongated opening, where the elongated opening of each tab of the plurality of tabs may have substantially the same width as the elongated opening of each clip. The container may also have a gasket arranged in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid and a channel integrally molded with an exterior surface of the base, where the channel extends around an entire exterior surface of the base.
Still other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a container that includes a base having a sidewall structure with at least 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 and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, where the opening being allows access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The container may also have a lid that is pivotal between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the lid has a shape corresponding to a shape of the base and is configured to cover the opening formed at the second end of the sidewall structure when the container is in the closed configuration. The container may also include a latch assembly that has a locked position and an unlocked position, where the latch assembly includes a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid, a locking member engaged with the latch body, where the locking member is movable between a downward position and an upward position. The locking member is configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position. An activating member may be pivotally engaged with the latch body and also engaged with the locking member, where the activating member moves the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.
Other aspects of the container described within this disclosure may include the latch assembly having a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, where the biasing member biases the locking member in a downward position. The locking member may be slidable between the downward position and the upward position, where the latch assembly may only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. The latch body may include an inner surface and at least one engagement lug, where the base includes a latch keeper that comprises an upper surface, an inner surface and a lower surface. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position; and where a lower surface of a hook portion of the locking member engages the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.
In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
In general, aspects of this invention relate to containers and latching assemblies for containers. According to various aspects and embodiments, the containers and latching assemblies described herein may be formed of 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 invention. It is understood that the containers and latching assemblies may contain components made of several different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. Additionally, polymer components, such as elastomers, can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.
The various figures in this application illustrate examples of containers and latching assemblies according to this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.
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 portion 20 connected to a first end 16 of the sidewall structure 6 and configured to support the container on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 20 may also and/or alternatively include one or more feet 22 which may support the container 2 on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. The feet 22 may be integrally formed with the base 4 or may be attached to the base 4 after the base has been formed.
The base portion 4 further includes a second end 18 defining an opening 19 (shown in
The container 2 may include a lid 5. The lid 5 is pivotable between an open configuration and 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
In some examples, the lid 5 may be hinged such that it is connected to (either removably or permanently) the base 4 at a hinge 37 and may be rotated about the hinge 37. The hinge 37 may be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge, and the like. These and various other hinge arrangements may be discussed more fully herein. The hinge 37 may permit the lid 5 to be opened and rotated away from the base portion 4, to allow access to the void defined by the base portion 4 (e.g., via 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
In addition, in some arrangements, the container 2 may include a gasket 30 or other sealing device. The gasket 30 may be arranged in either the lid 5 or the base 4 and may aid in sealing the lid 5 and base 4 when the lid 5 is in a closed configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the container 2 may be manufactured such that it is dust tight when tested for 8 hours and/or waterproof when tested for 30 minutes under 1 meter of water. In some embodiments, the container 2 may be capable of achieving an IP67 (as set forth by International Electrotechnical Commission) rating which specifies that there is no ingress of dust or complete protection from dust when tested for 8 hours and ingress of water in harmful quantities is not possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion). 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 surface of the water, or the highest point 150 mm below the surface whichever is deeper
In some examples, (and as best shown in
As shown, the gasket 30 is arranged in a recess or channel 32 in the lid 5. Alternatively, the gasket 30 may be arranged in a recess or channel formed in the base 4. When the lid 5 is in a closed configuration, the ridge 34 having a shape corresponding to recess 32 may contact the gasket 30 and compress the gasket 30 and aid in sealing the lid 5 and base 4 in the closed configuration. In some examples, the gasket 30 may be a traditional gasket having a substantially circular cross section. In other arrangements, the gasket 30 may include strategically placed cut-outs that may reduce or eliminate a need for a vent (e.g., a vent to prevent lid lock).
In some arrangements the container 2 may include additional features, such as one or more handles 40. The handles may be arranged on one or more portions of the sidewall structure 6, including on opposing sides, such as sides 12 and 14, as shown. As best shown in
In other examples, as shown in
In some arrangements, 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 a closed configuration. The latch assemblies 100 may include one or more portions integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the container 2. As shown in
The container 2 may also include various features to improve the strength and/or functioning of the container 2. For example, the container may include various raised portions wherein certain portions of the base 4 and/or lid 5 extend further outward than other parts of the base 4 and/or lid. As best shown in
The container 2 may also include raised portions 64, 66 surrounding the latching assemblies 100 and handles 40 respectively. As shown in
The container 2 may be configured to contain, store, carry, etc., items including food, beverages, or any other items. Additionally or alternatively, the container 2 may be configured to store materials in a solid or a gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.
The container 2 including the base 4 and lid 5 may be formed from various 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 of a plastic material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form both the base 4 and lid 5 portions. In some arrangements, the outer shells of the base 4 and lid 5 portions are formed using injection molding or roto-molding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the container 2 without departing from the invention.
In some arrangements herein, the base 4 and lid 5 may include an exterior surface or outer shell surrounding and enclosing an insulating portion (not shown), thus forming an insulating container. The outer shell may be typically formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the outer shell may be formed of 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 of an insulating material that exhibits low thermal conductivity. For instance, the insulating portion may be formed of (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 insulated panels. In some arrangements, the outer shells of the base 4 and lid 5 portions may be formed using an injection molding or roto-molding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the container without departing from the invention.
Referring now more specifically to the latch assembly 100, as best shown in
The latch body 102 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 5. As shown in
The latch body 102 may also be engaged with the locking member 130. As shown in
As shown primarily in
As shown in
The locking member 130 may include a base portion 140 and a hook portion 142 extending inwards from the base portion 140. The hook portion 142 may include a lower surface 144 and an inward facing surface 146. As shown in
The latch body 102 may also be pivotally engaged with an activating member 170. The activating member 170 may also be engaged with the locking member 130 and may be configured to move the locking member 130 from the downward position to the upward position. As shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
The latch assembly 100, including the latch body 102, locking member 130, and activating member 170, may each be separately formed and may be formed of materials such as plastic materials or another suitable material which can be formed or molded into the desired shape. The latch assembly 100 may be made of sufficient size, thickness and materials of construction to withstand repeated cycles of stress as the latch is engage/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.
As shown in
In addition, the base 304 may include a plurality of ramped or tapered surfaces 371 positioned on either side of the latch keeper 370. The ramped surfaces 371 may angle downward from the interface surface 336 of the base 304, where the interface surface 336 may be substantially flat and extend around on at least three sides of the perimeter of the base 304. The interface surface 336 of the base 304 may contact the interface surface 335 of the lid 305 when the container 302 is in the closed position. The ramped surface 371 may angle downward from the interface surface 336 approximately 45 degrees or within a range of 30 and 60 degrees, or within a range of 20 to 80 degrees. The ramped surface 371 may prevent the latch assembly 400 from getting stuck on the base 304 when closing the container 302 and may also contact the lower portion of the latch assembly 400 as the lid 305 is closed to push the latch assembly 400 out of the way of the base when the lid 305 is closed as shown in
The base 304 may further include a plurality of engaging members 337 that extend from the interface surface 336 of the base 304. The engaging members 337 may be positioned outward of the ridge 334. The engaging members 337 may extend into recesses or cavities 339 on the lid 305. The interaction between the engaging members 337 and the recesses 339 may provide additional structural support to strengthen the joint between the lid 305 and the base 304 when the container 302 is in a 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 engaging members 337. For example, the exemplary embodiment illustrates four engaging members 337, but the base 304 may comprise two engaging members, three engaging members, five engaging members or greater. The number of recesses 339 on the lid 305 may be equal to the number of engaging members 337 and located on the lid 305 at a location that corresponds with each engaging member 337 of the base 304. The engaging members 337 in the exemplary embodiment have a substantially square cross-sectional shape, but may have any cross-sectional shape, like a circle, triangle, or other polygon. Each engaging member 337 may have a height that is less than or equal to the width of the engaging member 337. Additionally, while the engaging members 337 and the recesses 339 of the exemplary embodiment are located on the first side 308 of the container 302, the engaging members 337 and the recesses 339 may be on any side and may have embodiments where they are positioned on multiple sides.
As another feature, base 304 may have a plurality of tabs 321 positioned along the interior surfaces 306A of the sidewall structure 306 of the base 304. For example, as shown in
Each tab 321 may extend from the interior surfaces 306A of the sidewall structure 306 and include an upper support surface 323, an opening 324 extending through the upper support surface 323, and a pair of side surfaces on either end of the tab 321. The upper support surface 323 of each tab may provide an engaging surface to support various accessories within the interior of the container 302, like a tray 500 as discussed further below. The upper support surfaces 323 of the plurality of tabs 321 may be substantially coplanar with each other to allow the support surfaces 323 to hold an accessory that may extend across the base 304 and be supported by multiple tabs 321. The upper support surfaces 323 of the tabs 321 may be positioned in an upper region of the interior surfaces 306A at a height that is greater than fifty percent of the height of the interior portion of the base portion. As another option, the upper support surfaces 323 of the tabs 321 may be positioned at a height that is greater than sixty percent of the height of the interior portion of the base portion, or even greater than seventy percent of the height of the interior portion of the base portion. In order to minimize the impact to the interior space, each tab 321 may have a low profile such that each tab 321 may extend a distance of less than one inch from the interior surface, or less than 0.5 inches, or even less than 0.25 inches. Additionally, the openings 324 may have any shape, but may be preferably elongated in shape. The openings 324 may provide attachment points for straps or other attachment means to further support different accessories.
As another option a pair of tracks 326 may be positioned along at least two of the interior surfaces 306A of the sidewall structure 306. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, a pair of tracks may be positioned on each of the interior surfaces of first and second sides 308, 310. Each of the pair of tracks 326 may be centrally located such that they are aligned with the pair of tracks 326 on the opposing interior surface. Each of the tracks 326 may extend from the interior surfaces of the base 304 and have a height that extends along a majority of the height of the interior portion. In order to minimize the impact to the interior space, each track 326 may have a low profile such that each track 326 may extend a distance of less than one inch from the interior surface 306A, or less than 0.5 inches, or even less than 0.25 inches. The pairs of tracks 326 may support a removable divider wall 510, which may also serve as a cutting board, to separate the interior of the container into two portions to better organize the items being stored. Each of the tracks 326 may have a plurality of détentes or protrusions to securely hold the divider wall 510 to prevent it from moving and limit any vibration.
Similar to the example container 302 discussed above, the embodiment of
As shown in
Each handle 340 may have an opening 341 extending through the handle top surface 343 of the handle 340 where each opening 341 may align with an opening 349 of the lid 305. Thus, with the aligned openings 341 of the handle and openings 349 of the lid 305 allow locations for a strap or similar device to pass through the openings 341, 349 to anchor or tie down the container 302. Each opening 341, 349 may have an elongated shape and may all have substantially the same length and width. Thus, these openings 341, 349 may provide versatility to the user for other operations beyond just anchoring the container 302. To further assist with anchoring or securing the container 302, the lid 305 may have recesses or channels 351 that align with the openings 349 to provide guide surfaces for a strap to tie down the container 302. As another option, clips 520 may be inserted through the openings 341 to provide an additional location to use a hook and loop type connection to add further versatility of options to hold additional accessories as shown in
The lid 305 of the container 302 may further comprise a plurality of clips 315 positioned along an interior surface 309 of the lid 305. For example, as shown in
Each clip 315 may extend from interior surfaces of the lid 305 and may include an engaging member 317 and an opening 319 extending through the engaging member 317. The openings 319 may be elongated in shape or alternatively may have any shape. In addition, the openings 319 of the clips 315 may have a similar width as the openings 324 of the tabs 321. These openings 319 may provide attachment points for straps or other attachment means to further support different accessories as shown in
As discussed above with respect to lid 5, lid 305 may include a recess 332 that may seat a gasket 330 where the recess 332 extends around a perimeter of the lid 305. The recess 332 may be positioned within the interface surface 335 of the lid 305. The recess 332 may include a plurality of retaining members 333 extending from the sides of the recess 332 as shown in
In some embodiments, the bottom portion 320 may also and/or alternatively include one or more feet 322, which may support the container 302 on a surface 1 such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. The feet 322 may be formed separately from a non-skid material like a rubber or elastomer and attached to the base 304 after being formed. The feet 322 may have a height that is considered “low profile” that allows the container 304 to be slid along one of its edges when the container 302 is tilted at an angle greater than 15 degrees relative to the surface 1 supporting the container 302 as shown in
The locking member 430 may include a base portion 440 and a plurality of hook portions 442 extending inward from the base portion 440. The plurality of hook portions 442 may be spaced apart from each other by a gap 441. Each hook portions 442 may each include a lower surface 444 and an inward facing surface 446. As shown in
The latch body 402 may include a plurality of ribs 413 along the inner surface 408 from the upper portion of the inner surface 408 towards 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 the 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.
Similar to the latch assembly 100, the latch body 402 may also be pivotally engaged with an activating member 470. The activating member 470 may also be engaged with the locking member 430 and may be configured to move the locking member 430 from the downward position to the upward position. The activating member 470 may be pivotally engaged to the latch body 402 by a hinge 472 extending through the latch body 402 and the activating member 470. The activating member 470 may include a grip portion 474, an activating barrel 476, and one or more arms 478 connecting the grip portion 474 and the activating barrel 476 where the activating barrel 476 may include a raised portion 482. The raised portion 482 and activating barrel 476 may be joined together along a substantially flat contact surface 483. In order to adequately support the activating barrel 476, the interior surface 408 of the latch body 402 in that region may be substantially parallel to the contact surface 483 to support the contact surface 483 and thus assist in supporting the activating barrel 476 and keep the activating member 470 from rotating backward beyond the outer surface 410 of the latch body 402. As another option, the grip portion 474 may include a ridge 475 extending at least a portion of the length of the grip portion 474 to further assist a user in gripping the grip portion 474 without slipping.
As discussed above, the ramped surface 371 acts to both protect the latch assembly from getting stuck on the base 304 as well as acting to help position the latch assembly to properly engage the latch keeper 370.
As another option, as illustrated in
As shown in
To enhance the friction fit between the strap 600 and the openings 341, the elongated member 608 of strap 600 may 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 elongated member 608 may be the distance from a first side 630 to a second side 632 of the elongated member 608, while the width, W2, of the opening 341 may be measured as the distance across the span between the smaller ends of the elongated opening 341. In some examples, the width, W1, of the base member 602 may be approximately 5 percent greater than the width, W2, of the opening 341, or may be within a range of 3 percent to 7 percent 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 approximately 38 mm or within a range of 35 mm to 41 mm, or alternatively, base member 602 may have a variable width where the width of the base member 602 may have a width that is less in a central region that extends through the carry handle 610 than the width of the base member 602 at the end portions 616 as shown in
As shown in
As discussed above, the carry strap 600 may include a base member 602 having a first end 604, a second end, 606 and an elongated 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 in a substantially centered position along the overall length, L, of the carry strap 600. In addition, the strap 600 may include a pair of overlap regions 634 arranged a fixed distance from ends 614 of the carry handle 610. The overlap regions 634 may include three layers of the elongated member 608 folded upon itself and then joined together. In some examples, the overlap regions 634 may include more than three layers. The overlap regions 634 may be permanently joined using stitching 636 such as a box-x stitch that extends near the perimeter of the overlap region 634 with a diagonal stitching region extending between the corners of the stitching. The stitching 636 may have a rectangular shape such that the box-x stitch may be approximately 30 mm in length or within a range of 28 to 32 mm and may have a width of approximately 34 mm, or within a range of 32 to 38 mm.
As an alternative to the stitching 636 shown in
In some examples, the overlap regions 634 may be joined using stitching alone, or may be joined using an adhesive, or may be joined using stitching in conjunction with an adhesive. These overlap regions 634 may provide additional strength for the carry strap 600 while also keeping the carry handle 610 in a substantially centered location along the length, L, of the carry strap 600. The overall length, L, of the carry strap 600 may have a length to enable the carry strap to clear either the front side 308 or rear side 310 of the container 302 to not inhibit a second container 302 being stacked on top of a first container 302.
The carry handle 610 may be formed from a polymer wrap around the elongated member 608 forming a smooth surface along the bottom side 638 and also have a slot 640 extending an entire length of the handle 610 along the top side 642. The carry handle 610 may have a concave curvature on the bottom side 638 as shown in
Additionally, the carry strap 600 as described above may mount similar to container 202 or may in an alternative example, the carry strap 600 may include a mechanical clip or similar mechanical structure to secure the carry strap 600 to any of containers described herein 2, 202, and 302.
Each strap handle 780 may attach to the handle 740 on each end of the container 702. In addition, container 702 may be larger than container 302 and may include a plurality of attachment points for locating and supporting various accessories that may be installed into container 702 similar to the accessories installed in container 302 shown in
Each strap handle 780 may provide a flexible interface to allow a user to lift and move container 702. Each strap handle 780 may include a strap portion 781 and a carry handle 782 where each end 783 of the strap portion 781 may have an overlap region that forms an opening to receive a pin 784. To secure the strap handle 780 to the container 702, pin 784 may extend through the opening in each end 783 of the strap portion 781 and be received in a clevis portion 785 arranged on either end of the handle 740. The strap portion 781 may be similar in material to the base member 602 and the carry handle 782 may be similar to carry handle 610 of the carry strap 600 described above.
The locking member 830 may include a base portion 840 and a plurality of hook portions 842 extending inward from the base portion 840. The plurality of hook portions 842 may be spaced apart from each other by a gap 841. Each hook portions 842 may each include a lower surface 844 and an inward facing surface 846. When the latch assembly 800 is in the locked position, the lower surface 844 of each hook portion 842 may engage the upper surface 772 of the latch keeper 770 and the inward facing surface 846 of each hook portion 842 may engage the inner surface of the latch keeper 770. Further, the rib 775 of the latch keeper 770 may fit within the gap 841 between each of the hook portions 842. Additionally, when the latch assembly 800 is in the locked position the upper surface of the engagement lugs 812 may engage the lower surface 776 of the latch keeper 770. Similar to base 304, base 704 may include a plurality of ramped or tapered surfaces 771 positioned on either side of the latch keeper 770. The ramped surfaces 771 may angle downward from the interface surface 736 of the base 704.
As shown in
Similar to the latch assemblies 100 and 400, the latch body 802 may also be pivotally engaged with an activating member 870. The activating member 870 may be engaged with the locking member 830 and be configured to move the locking member 830 from the downward or locked position to the upward or unlocked position. The activating member 870 may be pivotally engaged to the latch body 802 by a hinge 872 extending through the latch body 802 and the activating member 870. In some examples, the activating member 870 may be slidably engaged with the latch body 802. The activating member 870 may include a grip portion 874, an activating barrel 876, and one or more arms 878 connecting the grip portion 874. Activating barrel 876 may include a pair of raised portions 882, where each raised portion 882 may engage an engaging member 848 that extends from a bottom surface of the base 840 of the locking member 830. Each raised portion 882 may have a substantially triangular shape, or in other examples, may have a different geometric shape. Each engaging member 848 may be spaced apart from each other creating an opening 849 between the bottom surface of the base 840 and the activating barrel 876. In some examples, the distance between the engaging members 848 (distance across opening 849) may be within a range of 30 mm and 40 mm apart from each other. By spacing the engaging members 848 apart from one another, the latch 800 may be more robust and better able to stay closed during a high stress event such as a drop impact because the load path through the latch 800 may be improved. A portion of each guide member 832 may extend into opening 849 between the engaging members 848 of the locking member 830. As shown in
Because of its larger size, container 902 may include a pair of wheel assemblies 986 to assist a user in easily moving it as shown in
The base portion 904 of container 902 may include a pair of tracks 926 positioned along at least two of the interior surfaces 906A of the sidewall structure 906. As shown in the
The length of the hollow cavity 990 may be approximately 3 times greater than a wall thickness of each track 926 or within a range of 2 times and 4 times greater than the wall thickness of each track 926. The height of the hollow cavity 990 may be within 1.5 times and 2.5 times greater than the wall thickness of each track 926. As discussed above, the tracks 926 may receive a removable divider, but may also act as ribs to structurally reinforce the sidewall structure 906 of container 902.
Base 904 may also include a plurality of tabs 921 similar to tabs 321 discussed above positioned along the interior surfaces 906A of the sidewall structure 906. For example, as shown in
In some examples, the tracks 926 and corner supports 992 may be formed with the sidewall structure 906 as a unitary member. Alternatively, the tracks 926 and corner supports 992 may be formed separately and permanently attached using a polymer welding technique, such as Emabond®, or attached using an adhesive or other permanent joining technique.
Similar to the other containers disclosed herein, lid 905 may be pivotally attached to base 904. In some examples, lid 905 may also have a lid support member 1000. The lid support member 1000 may releasably or permanently attach to the interior surface 909 of the lid 905. Portions of the lid support member 1000 may contact an interior surface 909 of the lid 905 to provide additional flexural strength to lid 905 during loading, such as when heavy items are placed on top of the lid 905. In addition, the lid support member 1000 may act as a molle board to allow various accessories 550 or other items to be releasably connected to the lid support member 1000 to allow a user easy access to 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
As shown in
In addition, a majority of the front lateral ribs 1004 may have a lateral rib opening 1022 that extends through the rib 1004. The lateral rib opening 1022 may be located between the front surface 1002 and an outward facing surface 1024 of each connecting member 1020. In some examples, each of the front lateral ribs 1004 may have a lateral rib opening 1022. Each lateral rib opening 1022 may be elongated in shape and create a pathway to route a strap 1030 through the rib opening 1022 to secure an item to the lid support member 1000. Similarly, a majority of the front longitudinal ribs 1006 may have a longitudinal rib opening 1026 that extends through the rib 1006. The longitudinal rib opening 1026 may be located between the front surface 1002 and an outward facing surface 1024 of each connecting member 1020. In some examples, each of the front longitudinal ribs 1006 may have a longitudinal rib opening 1026. Each longitudinal rib opening 1026 may be elongated in shape and create a pathway to route a strap 1030 through the longitudinal rib opening 1026 to secure an accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000. The plurality of lateral and longitudinal rib openings 1022, 1026 create multiple pathways to receive a strap 1030 in either a longitudinal or a lateral direction to secure an accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000. To secure an accessory 550 to the lid support member 1000, a strap 1030 may be inserted into one of either the lateral or longitudinal rib openings 1022, 1026 and then the strap 1030 may be wrapped around a portion of the accessory desired to be attached and then secured to itself with a hook and loop type connector or other type of connection. Alternatively, the accessory 550 may have an integral or removable 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.
A plurality of openings 1114 extending through the primary wall 1102 that are configured to receive a strap or other member used to secure an item, such as a storage bag 540, to the lid support member 1100. The openings 1114 may have an elongated shape. In some examples, the openings 1114 may have a rectangular shape with a length that may be two times or three times the width. In addition, an opening support rib 1116 may extend across each opening 1114. The opening support rib 1116 may extend behind each opening 1114 and may be spaced a predetermined distance from the rear surface 1106 creating a gap 1118 between an edge 1120 of the opening support rib 1116 and an end 1122 of the opening 1114 to route a strap from an item attached to the lid support member 1100. The gaps 1118 may be arranged near both ends 1122 of the openings 1114. In addition, the lid support member 1100 may act to allow various accessories 550 shown in
As another option, container 902 may have a lid stay rod assembly 1140 that extends between base 904 and lid 905 to prevent the lid 905 from accidentally closing when the lid 905 is in a fully open configuration (i.e. 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 storage configuration when the lid 905 is in the closed configuration. The lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be arranged near the right side 912 of the sidewall structure 906. Alternatively, the lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be arranged on left side 914 of the sidewall structure 906. While shown in container 902, a similarly arranged lid stay rod assembly 1140 may be included in any of the containers described herein.
As discussed above, container 902 may include a plurality of latch assemblies 800 that are positioned on the lid 905 to engage latch keepers 970 positioned on the front side 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 with an arc-like movement as it pivots about the hinge. To ensure that the latch assemblies 800A arranged on the sides 912, 914 do not bind and/or inhibit the opening or closing of the lid 905, sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure may include a kick out rib 1170. Similar to bases 304 and 704, base 904 may include a plurality of ramped or tapered surfaces 971 positioned on either side of the latch keeper 970. The ramped surfaces 971 may angle downward from the interface surface 936 of the base 904. Ramped surfaces 971 may include a first ramped surface 971 adjacent a first end of the latch keeper 970A and a second ramped surface 971 adjacent a second end of the latch keeper 970A. A kick out rib 1170 may extend from sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure 906 or may extend from either or both of the ramped surfaces 971 that are positioned on either side of the latch keeper 970A as shown in
As discussed above, each latch assembly 800 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 905 using a hinge or latch pin 806. Each latch assembly 800 may engage a latch keeper 970 when the latch assembly 800 is in the locked position. Each latch keeper 970A may be arranged on sides 912 and 914 of the sidewall structure 906 may include an upper surface 972, an inner surface, a lower surface 976. In some examples, the kick out rib 1170 may extend from the ramped surfaces 971 and may be arranged on opposite ends of the ramped surfaces 971. Ramped surfaces 971 may have the same properties as ramped surface 371 described above. As shown in the illustrated example, a kick out rib 1170 may extend from an upper portion of the ramped surface 971 or may extend from an edge of the interface surface 936 of the base 904. Each kick out rib 1170 may extend outward beyond a front surface 977 of the latch keeper 970. Each kick out rib 1170 may have an upper ramped surface 1172 that extends outward and downward in a diverging manner from the ramped surface 971 and a lower ramped surface 1174 that converges toward the upper ramped surface 1172. In some examples, the upper ramped surface 1172 may be substantially coplanar with the ramped surface 971. A rounded edge 1176 may extend between the upper ramped surface 1172 and the lower ramped surface 1174. In addition, when the lid 905 is in the closed configuration, the kick out rib 1170 may be positioned between the latch body 802 of the latch assembly 800 and the raised portion 964 of the sidewall structure 906.
When the lid 905 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, a kick out rib 1170 may contact the latch assembly 800 and push the latch assembly 800 away from sidewall structure 906 to prevent the latch assembly 800 from binding or preventing the lid 905 from closing. Similarly, as the lid 905 moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the latch assembly 800 may contact a kick out rib 1170 to prevent the latch assembly 800 from binding or preventing the lid 905 from opening. The kick out ribs 1170 may only be present on sides 912, 914 of the sidewall structure 906.
While the lid support members 1000, 1100, lid stay rod assembly 1140, and kick out ribs 1170 are described with respect to container 902, these features may be arranged on any of the containers described herein.
The pull handle assembly 1050 may include a pull handle 1052 pivotally attached to side 914, a primary hinge plate 1054 pivotally attached to the pull handle 1052, a secondary hinge plate 1056 pivotally attached to both the primary hinge plate 1054 and to side 914. The pull handle 1052 may include a first handle end 1060 that is pivotally connected to side 914 of the sidewall structure 906 and 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 engaging members 1066 that are received into the clevis portions 985 on either end of the handle 940. The engaging members 1066 may be pivotally connected to the clevis portions 985 using a pin. The primary hinge plate 1054 may be pivotally connected to the pull handle body 1064 at a location nearer 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 positioned between the pull handle 1052 and the secondary hinge plate 1056 and the secondary hinge plate 1056 is located between the primary hinge plate 1054 and 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 into a 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 with pull handle 1052. As previously discussed, when container 902 is equipped with the articulating pull handle assembly 1050, side 914 may include a recess 996 that extends a majority of the height of side 914 to allow the handle assembly 1050 to nest within the recess 996.
The pull handle body 1064 may include at least one grip opening 1068 that extend through the pull handle body 1064 to allow a user to easily grasp the pull handle 1052. 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 may 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 have different widths. As shown in the illustrated examples, each opening 1068 may be located nearer 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 aft of the opening 1068 (nearer the second handle end 1062 than opening 1068).
In addition,
The lid support member 1000 and pull handle assembly 1050 components may be formed from polymeric materials, which may be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymeric materials may be a PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar material. In addition, the lid support member 1000 and pull handle assembly 1050 components can 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 pull handle assembly 1050 may be formed of a metallic material such as an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or other metallic material with a density below 3 g/cc. As another option, the container components such as the lid, body, lid support member and pull handle assembly may include a structural foam with a composite polymer material with a low density foamed core and a higher density polymer skin.
According to one aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may include a molded base including: a sidewall structure 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 sidewall structure having a first end and a second end; a bottom portion connected to a first end of the sidewall structure and configured to support the container on a surface; and an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. The container 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; a lid, the lid pivotal 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 at 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 and about which the lid is rotatable from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The container may also include a latch assembly, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly comprising; a latch body pivotally engaged with the lid, the latch body having at least one engagement lug; a locking member slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between at least a downward position and an upward position, the locking member configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position; a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member in a downward position; and an activating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the activating member configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position. The latch assembly may only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The lower surface of the locking member engages the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.
Rotating the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration may include rotating the lid 90° from the closed configuration. The container may contain insulation within the sidewall structure. The container may include a second latch assembly. The container may include a gasket arranged 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 an entire exterior perimeter of the base. The container may also include at least one handle. The handle may include a first arm and a second arm, and each of the first arm and second arm may include a raised portion at a distal end of the arm.
According to another aspect, a container is disclosed. The container may include a base including: a sidewall structure having at least 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 and configured to support the container on a surface; an opening formed at a second end of the sidewall structure, opposite the first end, the opening being configured to allow access to an interior void of the container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion; and 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, the lid pivotal 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 at 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 and about which the lid is rotatable from the closed configuration to the open configuration; and a latch assembly, 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; a locking member engaged with the latch body, the locking member being movable between at least a downward position and an upward position, the locking member configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position; a biasing member engaged with the latch body and the locking member, the biasing member biasing the locking member in a downward position; and an activating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the activating member configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.
The locking member may be slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between the downward position and the upward position. The latch assembly may only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body engages the lower surface of latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The lower surface of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position. The container may also include a gasket arranged 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 exterior surface of the base, wherein the channel extends around the entire exterior surface of the base. The container may also include at least one handle with the handle having a first arm and a second arm, and wherein each of the first arm and second arm include a raised portion at a distal end of the arm.
According to another aspect, a latch assembly for a structure is disclosed. The structure may have an open configuration and a closed configuration, the structure comprising; and a first portion movable relative to a second portion; a latch keeper engaged with the first portion. The latch assembly, the latch assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch assembly may include 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 downward position and an upward position, the locking member configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration when the locking member is in the downward position and configured to unlock the lid when the locking member is in the upward position; and an activating member pivotally engaged with the latch body and engaged with the locking member, the activating member configured to move the locking member from the downward position to the upward position.
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 in a downward position. The locking member may be slidably engaged with the latch body, the locking member being slidable between the downward position and the upward position. The latch assembly may only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the locking member is in the upward position.
The latch body may include an inner surface and the latch keeper may include an upper surface, an inner surface and a lower surface. The at least one engagement lug of the latch body may engage the lower surface of latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position; and the lower surface of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch keeper when the latch assembly is in the locked position.
The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/123,746 filed Dec. 16, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/828,282 filed on Mar. 24, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/006,344 filed on Jun. 12, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/518,358 filed on Jun. 12, 2017. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/123,746 filed Dec. 16, 2020 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/839,311 filed on Apr. 3, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/735,013 filed on Jan. 6, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,886 filed on Jan. 6, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,888 filed on Jan. 6, 2019. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/839,311 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/830,203 filed on Apr. 5, 2019. All of the above referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62788886 | Jan 2019 | US | |
| 62788888 | Jan 2019 | US | |
| 62830203 | Apr 2019 | US | |
| 62518358 | Jun 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17123746 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Child | 18626006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16839311 | Apr 2020 | US |
| Child | 17123746 | US | |
| Parent | 16735013 | Jan 2020 | US |
| Child | 16839311 | US | |
| Parent | 16828282 | Mar 2020 | US |
| Child | 17123746 | US | |
| Parent | 16006344 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Child | 16828282 | US |
