Storage container with locking handle

The present invention relates generally to portable storage containers for storing and protecting various items such as hanging file folders and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage body having a lid and handle structure that improves the load carrying capability and aesthetic design of the storage container.

Presently, storage containers are known that are designed to allow a series of hanging file folders or other items to be supported within a container body. The storage containers may include a separate or attached lid to enclose and cover the container to prevent dirt, debris or moisture from entering the storage container and damaging the material therein. Certain storage containers may also include a handle secured to the lid or the container to enable carrying the storage container and the contents therein. Sometimes, the handles are used to aid in removing the lid from the container body.

Some storage containers are provided with handles that are pivotally attached either to the lid or the container body, and are typically moved between a storage position and a carrying position on the lid or container body. These handles can protrude undesirably from the periphery of the storage container and, depending on their attachments to the lid or container body, may cause deformation of the lid or container body when the storage container is loaded. Therefore, a need exists for a storage container having a lid and handle structure that will be both aesthetically pleasing and also provide for a better load distribution that will maintain the shape of this storage container when filled.

The present invention relates to a portable storage container including a storage body having an outer wall and a bottom wall joined to the outer wall to define an open storage cavity wherein the outer wall is joined to a peripheral flange extending around the storage body. The storage container also contains a lid that is receivable on the storage body to enclose a storage cavity, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the storage body. The storage container further includes a handle having opposite ends attached to the lid. The handle is movable between a collapsed, unlocked storage position within the lid and an upright, locked carrying position wherein the opposite ends are frictionally engageable with the peripheral flange.

The lid and the peripheral flange are provided with a latching arrangement for selectively latching and unlatching the lid on the storage body. In the preferred embodiment, the lid is pivotally attached to the storage body and the handle is shaped to follow a contour of a peripheral wall of the lid when the handle is in the collapsed storage position. The peripheral flange includes a base wall and a side wall wherein the base wall extends generally perpendicular to the outer wall of the storage body. The opposite ends of the handle include pivot rollers and hooks extending from the pivot rollers. The hooks have nibs that are frictionally engageable with the base wall of the peripheral flange when the handle is in the upright locked position. The peripheral flange includes a pair of upwardly rising walls joined to a pair of notched walls. The rising walls and the notched walls define passageways for receiving the hooks when the handle is in the upright locked position. The hooks have foot portions that fit into the passageways and bearing portions that engage the notched walls.

In another aspect of the invention. a portable storage container includes a storage body having an outer wall and a bottom wall joined to the outer wall to define an open storage cavity wherein the outer wall is joined to a peripheral flange extending around the storage body. A lid is pivotally attached to the storage body for selectively covering and uncovering the storage cavity. The lid has a peripheral wall formed with a recess along a portion thereof. A handle has opposite ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of the lid. The handle is movable between a collapsed, unlocked storage position located in the recess of the lid, and an upright, locked carrying position wherein the opposite ends are frictionally engageable with the peripheral flange. A latching arrangement is provided between the lid and the peripheral flange for selectively latching and unlatching the lid relative to the storage body.

The peripheral flange includes a base wall and a side wall wherein the base wall extends generally perpendicularly to the outer wall of the storage body. The side wall of the peripheral flange includes a stop rib engageable with the lid. The latching arrangement includes a first latching element fixed on the peripheral flange, a second latching element fixed on the peripheral wall of the lid and a catch slidably mounted on the second latching element and slidable back and forth on the first and second latching elements to selectively latch and unlatch the lid relative to the storage body. A series of tabs extends between the side wall of the peripheral flange and the outer wall of the storage body. A series of fins project downwardly from an underside of the lid. The fins are received in a cavity between the side wall of the peripheral flange and the outer wall of the storage body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a portable storage container with a locking handle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of FIG. 1 with a lid in a latched position;

FIG. 3 is a view like FIG. 2 with the lid in an unlatched position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing the handle in a collapsed, unlocked storage position;

FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 5 showing the handle in an upright, locked carrying position; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

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