Sealable Storage Container

Abstract

 A storage container has a container body with an upwardly facing opening and a lid connected to the container body that is pivotally movable between open and closed positions. At least one latch is provided at each of the front side, left side, and right side of the container body to secure the lid to the container body. A seal structure is disposed at an interface between the lid and an upper portion of the container. The seal structure generally surrounds the upwardly facing opening and is compressed when the lid is latched in the closed position by the latches. The container body may also include a plurality of compartments each with upper edges defining an upwardly facing opening. The upper edges can be positioned to engage an inner surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position so that the lid closes off the compartments.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container, and more particularly, to a storage container with compartments for storing and carrying objects.

[0002] Numerous organizers or storage containers with multiple compartments are known in the art. However, there is a constant need in the industry to improve upon existing organizers.

[0003] Some standard organizers have a lid for enclosing objects in the compartments and body. Some of these lids are attached to the body via a hinge at a back part, and are locked shut by locking latches at a front part. However, such configurations can result in objects moving between compartments when the lid is closed.

[0004] One aspect provides a storage container having a container body with an upwardly facing opening. The container body includes a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. The container further includes a lid pivotally connected to the rear side of the container body that is pivotally movable between open and closed positions. At least one latch is provided at each of the front side, left side, and right side of the container. Each latch is arranged to secure the lid to the container body at the front side, left side and right side of the container body. The container also includes a plurality of compartments disposed in the container body. The compartments have upper edges defining an upwardly facing opening. The upper edges of the compartments are positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position so that the lid closes off the compartments. The container further includes a seal structure disposed at an interface between the lid and an upper portion of the container. The seal structure generally surrounds the upwardly facing opening and is compressed when the lid is latched in the closed position by the latches.

[0005] These and other aspects of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment, the structural components illustrated herein can be considered drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not a limitation of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage container in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the storage container in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 3a are isometric views of the storage container of FIG. 1 in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the storage container in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the lid and compartments of the storage container of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a storage container in a closed position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container storage assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9a-9b are cross-sectional views of a lid of a container in FIG. 8 in the unlatched and latched positions, respectively; and

FIGS. 10a-10b are cross-sectional views of the container of FIGS. 9a-9b unlatched from another container and the container latched with another container, respectively.

[0006] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show a storage container 10 for objects to be stored and transported. Storage container 10 comprises a container body 12 with an interior space 14 defined by an upwardly facing opening 16. Container body 12 comprises a front side 18, a rear side 20, a left side 22, a right side 24, and a bottom side 25 that form interior space 14. Interior space 14 of container body 12 has a surrounding edge 38 that defines upwardly facing opening 16. As further described later, interior space 14 is configured to receive and hold a plurality of compartments 60 therein.

[0007] Storage container 10 may include a handle 40 constructed and arranged to enable the user to lift and carry container 10. Front wall 18 may include a recessed area 54 constructed and arranged to provide clearance space for a user's hand and fingers when handle 40 is in use. Handle 40 may be formed integrally with front wall 18 of body 12, in accordance with an embodiment. In another embodiment, the handle 40 is separately formed and connected to body 12. In another embodiment, front wall 18 may comprise a depression constructed and arranged to receive handle 40 when handle 40 is not in use. In an embodiment, handle 40 may be pivotably attached to front wall 18 of storage container 10. When handle 40 is to be used, handle 40 may be pivoted away from the depression to a position wherein handle 40 is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by front wall 18. Handle 40 may optionally be attached to storage container 10 via attachment devices such as pins, hinges, snap-fit connections, or other connecting mechanisms. There may be a grip material 56 such as, for example, rubber, plastic, or other material, provided on one or more areas of handle 40 to provide slip resistance and comfort to a user's palm and fingers during transport of storage container 10.

[0008] Storage container 10 further comprises a cover or a lid 26 that is pivotably connected to container body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, lid 26 is pivotally connected to rear side 20 of body 12. It maybe considered that the side at which the pivot connection is provided (e.g., via a hinge) will be the "rear" side. Lid 26 is pivotally moveable relative the container body 12 between an open position (e.g., see FIG. 3) and a closed position (e.g., see FIG. 1), to permit and/or prevent access to interior space 14 and contents or objects therein. Lid 26 may comprise a top surface or side 42 and a bottom surface or underside 44. A securement edge 46 for connecting with surrounding edge 38 of upwardly facing opening 16 of container body 12 is provided along a perimeter of lid 26. In an embodiment, lid 26 may be of substantially similar shape to container body 12. In an embodiment, a shape of securement edge 46 is a shape that corresponds to a shape of surrounding edge 38, such that edges 38 and 46 can be connected together. For example, securement edge 46 may comprise a female shape, while surrounding edge 38 comprises a male shape, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the shaped do not mate in a male/female relationship, but simple comprise engagement surfaces of any shape.

[0009] One or more hinge structure(s) 30 may be provided that is/are constructed and arranged to enable lid 26 to pivot relative to container body 12. Hinge structure(s) 30 may comprise any type of pivotal arrangement, such as, for example, a living hinge, or pins and hoops. Although, in one embodiment, hinge structure(s) 30 may have a permanent connection, a permanent connection is not required. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, a particular hinge structure 30 may be disconnected such that lid 26 and container body 12 are no longer attached by hinge structure 30. The methods of mounting lid 26 onto container body 12 may vary and the number of lids 26 may vary (e.g., two or more lids, which may be pivotable, may be provided on storage container 10).

[0010] Storage container 10 also includes at least one latch 28 provided at each of the front side 18, left side 22, and right side 24 of the container 10, constructed to secure lid 26 to container body 12 and arranged to secure lid 26 in covering relation with respect to container body 12 at the front side 18, left side 22, and right side 24 of the container body 12. As described further below, each latch 28 is also configured to apply a compression force to seal structure 50 when lid 26 is in the closed position. Each latch 28 is movable between a latched position releasably latching lid 26 in the closed position, and a released position enabling lid 26 to be moved to an open position. In the illustrated embodiment, two latches 28 are provided at front side 18 of the container, with another latch 28 provided on each of left and right sides 22 and 24 of storage container 10. However, two or more latches may also be provided on each of the left and right sides of the container, and/or only a single latch may be provided at the front side 18 of the container. The type(s) of latches used with storage container 10 should not be limiting.

[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, latches 28 comprise latch members constructed and arranged to extend from container body 12. In one embodiment, each latch 28 is attached to the container body 12 for releasable connection to the lid 26. In another embodiment, the latches 28 are attached to lid 26, for releasable connection to the body 12.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, container body 12 has a connection area 32 formed thereon, wherein each latch member 28 may be connected to container body 12. Latches 28 may be attached to container body 12 by any of several attachment mechanisms, such as snap-fitting, welding, bolting, riveting, or any other fastening mechanism. Latches 28 can be pivotable latches for pivotable engagement with the lid. In another embodiment, latches are slidable latches for slidable engagement with the lid. In one embodiment, latches 28 can be plastic living hinges integrally molded

[0013] with container body 12, or alternatively integrally bolded with lid 26, for connection to an engagement member on the other part. Latches 28 may be made of plastic, metal, wood, other materials, or any combination thereof. Latches 28 may be constructed and arranged to engage with a latch engaging member 34, taking the form of a ledge in the illustrated embodiment, on lid 26. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, latch member 28 is formed on a portion of front wall 18 of container body 12. Latch engaging member 34 may be formed within or on securement edge 46 along top surface 42 of lid 26. Latch engaging member 34 may be constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of latch 28 when an engaging portion 36 of the latch 28 is engaged with latch engaging member 34. Engaging portion 36 may be constructed and arranged to engage with latch engaging member 34 of container body 12 when lid 26 is latched to container body 12 (i.e., in a closed position). Latch 28 may also include a tab portion 35 constructed and arranged to enable the user to unlatch latch 28 by lifting or pulling thereon.

[0014] The types of latches used with storage container 10, however, should not be limiting. Also, one or more types of latches may be used on storage container 10. For example, FIG. 2 shows a first type of latches 28 provided on left and right sides 22 and 24 of storage container 10 and a second type of latches 28 provided on front side 18 of storage container 10. Any number and combination of types of latches may be provided on the front and sides of storage container 10, and the illustrated embodiments are not meant to be limiting.

[0015] FIGS. 8-10b illustrate an embodiment that is similar to an embodiment from U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/954,125, filed on November 24, 2010 and assigned to the same assignee, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, showing a plurality of other storage containers 112a, 112b, and 112c each including a seal structure with its lid and having a plurality of storage compartments 60 therein. Containers 112a-112c are constructed and arranged to be connected or latched together. In an embodiment, storage container 10 of FIG. 1 is configured to be stacked with one or more additional storage containers in a manner as shown in FIG. 8, for example. Many of the components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are similar to the components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] Referring to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, a container system 110 has a plurality of containers 112a, 112b, and 112c that are constructed and arranged to be connected or latched together. Each of the containers 112a, 112b, and 112c includes a latch member 122f that is movable between a first position and a second position. A retaining member or latch receiving portion 124f on a container body 132 is constructed and arranged to engage with latch member 122f. In the first position, latch member 122f engages retaining member 124f to inhibit movement of latch member 122f away from the first position. Latch member 122f, when in the second position, is positioned to be able to engage with container body 132 of the at least one other container 112a, 112b, 112c, that is above it, to connect container 112a, 112b, 112c to the above at least one other container 112a, 112b, 112c. Latch member 122f is pivotally movable in a clockwise and clockwise manner and can be pivoted upwards to the second position to engage container body 132 of the at least one other container 112a, 112b, 112c. Latch member 122f can also be pivoted downwards to the first position to engage retaining member 124f to inhibit movement of latch member 122f away from the first position. In one embodiment, latch member 122f may be pivoted along pivot axis A (see FIGS. 10a-10b) between the first and second positions. Latch member 122f may be pivotally connected to container body 132 at a pivoting portion 256 of latch member 122f. In this embodiment, each container 112a, 112b, 112c includes two latch members 122f and two retaining members 124f associated with the latch members 122f. In embodiments having two (first and second) latch members 122f, the latch members 122f may be provided on a left side 128 and a right side 132, respectively, of the containers 112a, 112b, 112c. Latch members 122f of each container 112a, 112b, 112c may be constructed and arranged in a similar manner as one another. However, it should be appreciated that a location and a number of latch members 122f may vary in other embodiments.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a handle 144 is located on or near a front side 130 of container body 132 between latches 148 on the front side (two are shown in this embodiment), which may also be referred to as cover latches 148. Grooves, a layer of elastomeric material, and/or other materials/structures may be provided on handle 144 to facilitate grasping thereof. Each latch 148 on the front side 130 is pivotally connected to a cover or lid 120 and engages a latch engaging element (not shown) on container body 132 to lock lid 120 to container body 132. In this embodiment, latches 148 on the front portion 130 are separate from latch members 122f. It is contemplated that the location and number of cover latches 148 may vary in other embodiments.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, each latch member 122f optionally includes an upper portion 250 having an arcuate shape and that is constructed and arranged to facilitate movement of latch member 122f between the first and second positions. The user may grasp upper portions 250 when pivoting latch member 122f between the first and second positions. Upper portion 250 may extend between extending portions 252a, 252b of latch member 122f. The extending portions 252a, 252b may be provided with grooves or other structures thereon.

[0019] FIG. 9a shows a cross sectional view of one half portion of the latch member 122f. The other half portion of latch member 122f not shown in this Figure may be the mirror image of the portion shown in this Figure to form a whole latch member 122f (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, extending portion 252a includes a container engaging portion 254 constructed and arranged to engage with a lower latch receiving portion 124g (see FIG. 10a) of another container 112a, 112b, 112c to connect containers 112a, 112b, 112c together. The other half portion of latch member 122f, which includes extending portion 252b, may be constructed and arranged in a similar manner as the half portion of latch member 122f shown in FIG. 9a. Thus, there may be a separate container engaging portion 254 on extending portion 252b that is constructed and arranged to engage with a separate lower latch receiving portion 124g on the other container 112a, 112b, 112c.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, an optional lid or cover latching portion 260 is provided on latch member 122f and may be constructed and arranged to engage with a latch engaging portion 262 on lid 120 to latch or secure lid 120 in the closed position. The cover latching portion 260 and container engaging portion 254 may be arranged to be spaced apart on latch member 122f. For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, cover latching portion 260 may be positioned closer than container engaging portion 254 to a pivoting portion 256 of latch member 122f.

[0021] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10b, when cover latching portion 260 of latch member 122f is engaged with latch engaging portion 262 of lid 120, cover latching portion 260, which may take the form of a protrusion, is received in a groove 268 of lid 120 and latch engaging portion 262, which may take the form of a protrusion, is received in a groove 270 of latch member 122f. Thus, to lock lid 120 to the container body 132 using latch member 122f, a user may simply pivot latch member 122f upwards in the counterclockwise direction along the pivot axis A from the position shown in FIG. 9a so that cover latching portion 260 of latch member 122f is engaged with latch engaging portion 262 of lid 120. It is contemplated that the other half portion of latch member 122f not shown in FIG. 9a may also have such similar structures but may be arranged in a mirror image manner.

[0022] Referring back to FIG. 9a, latch member 122f may include a retaining portion 258, which takes the form of a ledge in this embodiment, formed on a lower portion of latch member 122f near the pivoting portion 256. Retaining portion 258 may be constructed and arranged to engage with retaining member 124f, which takes the form of hook-shaped downward facing structure in this embodiment, when the latch member is in the first position (as shown in FIG. 9b). Thus, to move latch member 122f to the first position, a user may simply pivot latch member 122f downwards in the clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 9a so that retaining portion 258 is engaged with retaining member 124f, as shown in FIG. 9b.

[0023] FIG. 10a shows a cross-sectional view of container 112a unlatched from another container 112b. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when container 112b is stacked on container 112a, lower latch receiving portion 124g of container 112b may be positioned at an elevated height relative to latch engaging portion 262 of lid 120 of container 112a. Thus, cover latching portion 260 and container engaging portion 254 are positioned on latch member 122f to accommodate the different vertical positioning of lower latch receiving portion 124g of container 112b and latch engaging portion 262 of lid 120. Accordingly, when latch member 122f is pivoted upwards in the counterclockwise direction to the second position along pivot axis A from the position shown in FIG. 9a, cover latching portion 260 of latch member 122f may be engaged with latch engaging portion 262 of lid 120, and container engaging portion 254 of latch member 122f may be engaged with lower latch receiving portion 124g to 1) latch lid 120 to container 112a and to 2) connect container 112a to the other container 112b, as shown in FIG. 10b. Any combination of at least portions of latch member 122f, latch engaging portion 262 of the lid, and lower latch receiving portion 124g may be made of resilient materials (e.g., plastic) that enable the structures to flex during latching/unlatching. To move latch member 122f to the first position, a user may simply pivot latch member 122f downwards in the clockwise position along the pivot axis A to disengage latch member 122f from lid 120 and the other container 112b and to engage latch member 122f with lower latch receiving portion 124g.

[0024] It is contemplated that the other latch members 122f on containers 112a, 112b, 112c may be constructed and arranged in a similar manner as latch member 122f described above and may operate in a similar manner. It should be appreciated that although latch members 122f described above may be pivoted between the first and second positions, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, latch members 122f may be moved in other ways between the first and second positions. That is, there may be one or any combination of movements such as sliding, pivoting, rotating, or other actions, to move latch member 122f between the first and second positions. In an embodiment, latch members 122f may be provided on storage container 10, on any or all of sides 118, 22, and/or 24.

[0025] In some embodiments, storage container 10 and/or containers 112a, 112b, or 112c may have other latch members that may be used to lock their lids 26, 120 to the container body 12, 132 and may also have pivotable cover latches that may be used to lock the lid to the container body.

[0026] Referring back to FIGS. 3-5, a channel 48 is formed near or along securement edge 46, on or within bottom surface 44 of lid 26. Channel 48 may be integrally formed with lid 26, for example (e.g., molded). Channel 48 contains a seal structure 50 therein, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3a, 4 and 5. For example, the shaded region in FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplary path of seal structure 50 within channel 48 of lid 26 in accordance with an embodiment. Seal structure 50 may be retained within channel 48 by friction, for example. When lid 26 is in a closed position, seal structure 50 is disposed at an interface between lid 26 and an upper portion of container body 12. For example, seal structure 50 may be disposed between lid 26 and at least part of surrounding edge 38 of container body 12 (e.g., see FIG. 4). More specifically, seal structure 50 may be disposed between securement edge 46 of lid 26 and surrounding edge 38 formed by an upper edge of each of the front, rear, left, and right sides 18-24. Seal structure 50 generally surrounds upwardly facing opening 16 and is compressed when lid 26 is latched in the closed position by latches 28. Seal structure 50 may be formed from a water-resistant or water-proof seal material.

[0027] Although in the illustrated embodiment seal structure 50 is provided in channel 48 of lid 26, seal structure 50 may alternatively be attached to another portion of lid 26. Seal structure 50 may also be provided in an alternate location other than lid 26. For example, seal structure 50 may be provided along or within a groove formed along surrounding edge 38 of container body 12 for engagement with a surface of lid 26 when lid 26 is closed.

[0028] Storage container 10 further comprises a plurality of compartments 60 disposed in container body 12. In FIG. 3, the lid 26 is illustrated as a clear plastic lid, revealing many of the compartment therethrough. Each of the compartments 60 has a storage body 62 formed by walls with upper edges 64 defining an upwardly facing opening. Upper edges 64 of compartments 60 are positioned adjacent to an inner surface of lid 26 (e.g., a bottom surface 44 of the lid) when lid 26 is latched in the closed position, so that the lid essentially closes off compartments 60 in that it prevents small parts from escaping the compartments 60 (and falling into other compartments 60, e.g., to mix with other parts) when the container 10 is carried by the handle 40. In one embodiment, the inner surface 44 of lid 26 physically engages or contacts the upper edges 64 of compartments 60.

[0029] Generally, each compartment 60 comprises storage body 62 formed by walls of a similar height such that upper edges 64 of each compartment 60 are positioned to engage an inner surface of lid 26. Thus, the height of the walls of compartments 60 can change (thus resulting in a larger or deeper storage body 62). For example, FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a storage container 80 in a closed position having a container body 12 whose front, rear, and side walls are larger in dimension to accommodate larger or higher compartments 60 therein. However, the plurality of compartments 60 within container body 12 need not comprise similar dimensions. In an embodiment, compartments 60 may comprise individual cups that are removable from container body 12. Compartments 60 may optionally be shaped differently and/or may have various sizes. For example, in an embodiment, a width and a length of the compartments 60 need not be similar. In another embodiment, compartments 60 may be formed within container body 12. For example, one or more walls of or within container body 12 may form compartments 60. The method and type of compartments 60 used with container body 12 are not limiting.

[0030] In an embodiment, compartments 60 of container 10 are constructed and arranged to be removable from container body 12. In an embodiment, each of the compartments 60 may be insertable at other locations in container body 12 so that the configuration of compartments 60 may be changed. In an embodiment, compartments 60 may also be removed completely from interior space 14 of container body 12 so that larger or smaller compartments (not shown) may be provided within container body 12. In one embodiment, the compartments 60 may be fixed within or integrally molded as part of body 12.

[0031] In an embodiment, the configuration of plurality of compartments 60 in container body 12 may be predetermined. For example, an inside of bottom side 25 of container body 12 may comprise a plurality of designated container receiving regions 66, each designed to receive a compartment 60 of a specific size or dimension and in a specific orientation. Container receiving regions 66 may comprise indentations or hollowed out portions 70, protrusions 72 on an inside surface of bottom side 25, a number of containing spaces defined by walls extending towards lid 26, and/or a combination of these or other similar features. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment wherein container receiving regions 66 comprise both indentations 70 (for receiving a bottom edge of a compartment 60) and protrusions 72.

[0032] As described previously, when lid 26 is in the closed position, seal structure 50 surrounds upwardly facing opening 16, engages surrounding edge 38, and is compressed when lid 26 is latched in the closed position by latches 28. Moreover, lid 26 is configured to close off each of the compartments 60 by being disposed adjacent to or optionally contacting upper edges 64 when latched in the closed position. In an embodiment, lid 26 comprises devices for closing off some or all of compartments 60. In an embodiment, upper edges 64 of compartments 60 contact bottom (inner) surface 44 of lid 26 when lid 26 is in the closed position. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate such exemplary features. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of projections 52 may be provided on bottom (inner) surface 44 of lid 26. In an embodiment, two or more projections 52 are provided in locations corresponding to a location of a compartment 60 within interior space 14 of container body 12. For example, projections 52 may extend downwardly from bottom (inner) surface 44 of lid 26 and be positioned along bottom surface 44 such that they at least align with upper edges 64 of compartments 60 within container body 12 when lid 26 is in the closed position. In an embodiment, upper edges 64 of compartments 60 are surrounded by projections 52 when lid 26 is in the closed position.

[0033] As better illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a number of projections 52 corresponding to locations of corners 68 of compartments 60 are formed on the interior surface 44 of lid 26. Projections 52 may be formed on the lid 26 such that they are positioned inside corners 68 (i.e., inside the body 62) of compartments 60 when lid 26 is closed (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In another embodiment, projections 52 surround at least part of an outer perimeter of the edges 64 of compartments 60. In yet another embodiment, projections 52 may be formed such that they extend along an inside and an outside of the compartments 60. For example, projections 52 may extend downwardly around either side of each upper edge 64 of a compartment 60.

[0034] In another embodiment, seal structure 50 may be further disposed at an interface between lid 26 and the at least one or all of upper edges 64 of each of the plurality of compartments 60. For example, bottom surface 44 of lid may comprise one or more extending channels 58 designed to be positioned adjacent to or contacting one or more upper edges 64 of one or more compartments 60 when lid 26 is in the closed position. Seal structure 50 can be designed such that it further extends into channels 58 formed on bottom side 44. In another embodiment, a separate seal structure may be provided or attached in channels 58.

[0035] In an embodiment, seal structure 50 is removable from and/or replaceable in storage container 10. Seal structure 50 may be removed from channel 48 of lid 26, from its securement edge 46, its bottom surface or underside 44, surrounding edge 38 of container body 12, or any of the seal attachment locations.

[0036] To latch lid 26 to container body 12, the user may simply pivot lid 26 about its hinge(s) 30 towards container body 12 until securement edge 46 of lid 26 and seal structure 50 in channel 48 touches surrounding edge 38 of container body 12. The user can then simply push lid 26 down around surrounding edge 38, so that securement edge 46 connects therewith as shown in detail in FIG. 4, and then latch the latches 28. In the illustrated embodiment, side latches 28 may be configured such that when their engaging portions 36 are pushed against latch engaging members 34 on container body 12, engaging portions 36 snap onto engaging members 34 and lid 26 is secured in its latched position. Latches 28 on front side 18 may be manually actuated and moved to latch engaging portions 36 with latch engaging members 34. As such, each latch engaging member 34, no matter its configuration, retains engaging portion 36 and thus lid 26 in a latched position.

[0037] Each of the latches 28 on each of the front side18, left side 22 and right side 24 of container 10 is configured to apply a compression force to seal structure 50 on each of the three sides 18, 22, and 24 when lid 26 is latched in a closed position to bring the bottom (inner) surface 44 of lid 26 further adjacent to or in contact with upper edges 64 of compartments 60. The applied compression force comprises a force that is sufficient for compressing seal structure 50 such that lid 26 closes off compartments 60 inside container body 12. The compression force 50 applied to the seal structure maintains a similar stress around the lid 26 in order to keep it flat with respect to the body 12 and the compartments 60 contained therein. This further assists in limiting and/or preventing potential outside elements (e.g., water) from reaching an interior space 14 of the container 10.

[0038] Lid 26 is unable to be pivoted to the open position without unlatching latches 28 to their released position. To unlatch lid 26 from container body 12, the user may simply lift and/or pull latches 28 on front side 18 via a tab portion 35. For example, by pivoting latch 28 via tab portion 35 in the upwards direction, engaging portion 36 of latch 28 may be released and disengaged from latch engaging member 34 on lid 26, and lid 26 may be pivoted to the open position.

[0039] When lid 26 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a user may access the contents of interior space 14 or compartments 60 of container body 12 (the user may further pivot lid 26 about hinge 30 to a greater angle than shown, to access the contents). To move lid 26 to the open position, lid 26 is pivoted about hinge structure(s) 30 that pivotally connect lid 26 with container body 12 (e.g., on its rear side 20).

[0040] The construction and configuration of storage container 10 of FIGS. 1-6 as shown is an example and not intended to be limiting. For example, the number of compartments 60 may vary.

[0041] The lid 26, container body 12, and/or any other parts of the storage container 10 may be made of plastic, metal, wood, other materials, or any combination thereof. The lid 26, container body 12, and/or other parts of the storage container 10 may optionally be made from molded plastic. Also, each of the features described herein may be formed separately or integrally with the structures they are associated with.

[0042] While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention. It is to be understood that the details described herein are solely for explanatory purposes and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

[0043] It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A storage container, comprising:

a container body having an upwardly facing opening, the container body including a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side;

a lid pivotally connected to the rear side of the container body, the lid being pivotally movable between open and closed positions;

at least one latch provided at each of the front side, left side, and right side of the container and arranged to secure the lid to the container body at the front side, left side and right side of the container body;

a plurality of compartments disposed in the container body, the compartments having upper edges defining an upwardly facing opening, the upper edges positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position so that the lid closes off the compartments; and

a seal structure disposed at an interface between the lid and an upper portion of the container, the seal structure generally surrounding the upwardly facing opening and being compressed when the lid is latched in the closed position by the latches.

2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the seal structure is attached to the lid.

3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the seal structure is removable from the container.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the upper edges contact the inner surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.

5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the latches is constructed and arranged to extend from the container body.

6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the latches is constructed and arranged to extend from the lid.

7. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a hinge structure constructed to enable the lid to pivot relative to the container body.

8. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a handle constructed and arranged to enable a user to carry the container.

9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments are removable from the container body.

10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the container body and compartments are constructed and arranged to enable a user to change a configuration of the plurality of compartments within the container body.

Drawing