Container With Lock And Release Mechanism

Abstract

A container includes an improved lock and release mechanism for securing a top structure to a base structure. The base structure and top structure are releasably secured together as a protrusion, which extends from a front wall, and a groove, which is disposed in a flexible portion of a front wall, engage one another. The container further includes protrusions and recesses that align the top and base structures and constrain the movement of the top and base structures relative to one another in a sliding plane such that the lock and release mechanism is not inadvertently released. The flexible portion of the front wall can be displaced to disengage the locking elements.

1 . A container, comprising: 
 a first structure, comprising: 
 a first wall; and  
 a first locking element;  
   a second structure, comprising: 
 a second wall having a flexible portion; and  
 a second locking element;  
   wherein said first structure can be releasably secured to said second structure as said first wall is disposed to be adjacent to said second wall and said first locking element engages said second locking element; and    wherein said first locking element can be disengaged from said second locking element by displacing said flexible portion of said second wall.    
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a hinge connects said first structure to said second structure.  
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising means for positioning said first structure with respect to said second structure.  
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein said means for positioning aligns said first wall with respect to said second wall in a first plane.  
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein said means for positioning constrains the movement of said first wall with respect to said second wall in a second plane that is perpendicular to said first plane.  
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 3 , said means for positioning comprising an extension and a recess.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a push button that facilitates displacing said flexible portion of said second wall.  
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible portion of said second wall is at least partially defined by a slot.  
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein said slot defines an upper edge of said flexible portion of said second wall.