Shock-resistant and environmentally sealed container with pressure equalization

Abstract

A shock-resistant and environmentally sealed container with pressure equalization is provided. A latch is pivotally coupled to the container and has an open position and a closed position. An air passageway is provided that permits air to pass between the interior of the container and the surrounding atmosphere. Several different elements are disclosed that are positioned in the air passageway. These elements are designed to cooperate with the latch so that when the latch is in the closed position, the element seals the air passageway and when the latch is in the open position, air is allowed to pass through the air passageway and equalize any air pressure differentials.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pressure equalization system for a container comprising: 
 a latch pivotably coupled to the container, the latch having an open position and a closed position; and    a deflectable member positioned in a container air passageway and adjacent to the latch, the deflectable member including an aperture;    wherein the latch is structured to contact the deflectable member and seal the air passageway when the latch is in the closed position, and when the latch is in the open position, the air passageway is unsealed.    
     
     
         2 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the latch includes a surface structured to seal one end of the deflectable member.  
     
     
         3 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is structured to secure a top section of the container to a bottom section of the container.  
     
     
         4 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the air passageway extends through the container and allows air to communicate between an interior of the container and the atmosphere.  
     
     
         5 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture located in the deflectable member is positioned substantially along a longitudinal axis of the deflectable member and allows air to pass through the deflectable member.  
     
     
         6 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the deflectable member is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: rubber, plastic, polyurethane, a combination of any of rubber, plastic and polyurethane, and other suitable materials.  
     
     
         7 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the container is substantially waterproof and substantially airtight.  
     
     
         8 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 1 , wherein the deflectable member is cylindrical and includes an aperture positioned along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder.  
     
     
         9 . A method of equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a deflectable member that is positioned in an air passageway in the container, the deflectable member including an aperture;    positioning a latch adjacent to the deflectable member so that when the latch is in a closed position, the latch seals the air passageway; and    pivoting the latch away from the deflectable member so that air passes through the air passageway, thereby equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of pivoting the latch away from the deflectable member is performed each time the container is opened.  
     
     
         11 . A pressure equalization system for a container comprising: 
 means for providing a deflectable member that is positioned in an air passageway in the container, the deflectable member including an aperture;    means for positioning a latch adjacent to the deflectable member so that when the latch is in a closed position, the latch seals the air passageway; and    means for pivoting the latch away from the deflectable member so that air passes through the air passageway, thereby equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere.    
     
     
         12 . A pressure equalization system for a container comprising: 
 a latch pivotably coupled to the container, the latch having an open position and a closed position; and    a slideable member positioned in a container air passageway and adjacent to the latch;    wherein the latch is structured to contact the slideable member and the slideable member seals the air passageway when the latch is in the closed position, and when the latch is in the open position, the air passageway is unsealed.    
     
     
         13 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , wherein the latch includes a surface structured to contact one end of the slideable member.  
     
     
         14 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , wherein the latch is structured to secure a top section of the container to a bottom section of the container.  
     
     
         15 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , wherein the air passageway extends through the container and allows air to communicate between an interior of the container and the atmosphere.  
     
     
         16 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , wherein the container is substantially waterproof and substantially airtight.  
     
     
         17 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , further including a spring positioned in the air passageway, the spring structured to urge the slideable member out of the air passageway.  
     
     
         18 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , further including a sealing member coupled to the slideable member, the sealing member structured to seal the air passageway.  
     
     
         19 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 12 , further including a stop coupled to the slideable member, the stop structured to limit a movement of the slideable member in the air passageway.  
     
     
         20 . A pressure equalization system for a container comprising: 
 a latch pivotably coupled to the container, the latch having an open position and a closed position; and    a deflectable member positioned in a container air passageway and adjacent to the latch, the deflectable member including an aperture;    wherein the latch is structured to contact the deflectable member and close the air passageway when the latch is in the closed position, and when the latch is in the open position, the air passageway is open.    
     
     
         21 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the latch includes a tip structured to close the deflectable member.  
     
     
         22 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the latch is structured to secure a top section of the container to a bottom section of the container.  
     
     
         23 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the air passageway extends through the container and allows air to communicate between an interior of the container and the atmosphere.  
     
     
         24 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the aperture located in the deflectable member is positioned substantially along a longitudinal axis of the deflectable member and allows air to pass through the deflectable member.  
     
     
         25 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the deflectable member is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: rubber, plastic, polyurethane, a combination of any of rubber, plastic and polyurethane, and other suitable materials.  
     
     
         26 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the container is substantially waterproof and substantially airtight.  
     
     
         27 . The pressure equalization system of  claim 20 , wherein the deflectable member is cylindrical and includes an aperture positioned along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder.  
     
     
         28 . A method of equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a deflectable member that is positioned in an air passageway in the container, the deflectable member including an aperture;    positioning a latch adjacent to the deflectable member so that when the latch is in a closed position, the latch closes the aperture in the deflectable member; and    pivoting the latch away from the deflectable member so that air passes through the air passageway, thereby equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere.    
     
     
         29 . A method of equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a slideable member that is positioned in an air passageway in the container;    positioning a latch adjacent to the slideable member so that when the latch is in a closed position, the latch contacts the slideable member, and the slideable member seals the air passageway; and    pivoting the latch away from the slideable member so that air passes through the air passageway, thereby equalizing atmospheric pressure between an interior of a container and a surrounding atmosphere.