Collapsible Storage Container Incorporating Latch Mechanism

Abstract

A collapsible storage container is provided that incorporates a latch mechanism for maintaining the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use. The storage container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second support posts extending from corresponding corners of the base. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts and a first pin element projects laterally from a first side of the panel. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post and includes a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough. The recess is partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.

1 . A collapsible storage container, comprising:
 a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;   a first pair of support posts extending from the base, each support post of the first pair of support posts extending along a corresponding axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end and a lower end;   a removable panel receivable between the first pair of support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent a first support post of the first pair of support posts and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post of the first pair of support posts;   a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel; and   a plate interconnected to the first support post of the first pair of support posts and including an edge having a recess for supporting the first pin element, the recess being defined by:
 a first portion extending along an axis and having a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end; 
 a second portion extending along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends; and 
 a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess. 
   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the first pin element has a diameter and wherein the third portion of the recess has a height, the height of the third portion of the recess being greater than the diameter of the first pin element. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge limiting vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein the lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1  wherein first pin element terminates at an enlarged head and wherein the panel includes inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface of the panel and the first support post define a pocket for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element therein. 
   
   
       8 . A collapsible storage container, comprising:
 a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;   first and second support posts extending from the base, each support post extending along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end;   a removable panel receivable between the first and second support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post;   a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel, the first pin element terminating at an enlarged head; and   a plate positioned adjacent the first support post so as to define a pocket therebetween for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element, the plate including an edge having a recess for receiving the first pin element therein, the recess being defined by first and second portions laterally spaced from and communicating with each other.   
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8  wherein the first portion of the recess extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 9  wherein the second portion of the recess extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10  wherein the recess in the plate includes a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11  wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 11  wherein the first pin element has a diameter and wherein the third portion of the recess has a height, the height of the third portion of the recess being greater than the diameter of the first pin element. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 11  wherein the third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge limiting vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 8  wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post. 
   
   
       17 . A collapsible storage container, comprising:
 a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;   first and second support posts extending from the base, each support post extending along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end;   a removable panel receivable between the first and second support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post;   a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel; and   a plate positioned adjacent the first support post and including a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough, the recess being partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.   
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 17  wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 17  wherein the recess in the plate includes:
 a first portion extending along an axis and having a first end communicating with an edge of the plate and a second end;   a second portion extending along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends; and   a third portion extending along an axis a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.   
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 19  wherein the third portion of the recess is defined a lower edge, the lower edge guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. 
   
   
       21 . The container of  claim 19  wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.