Container assembly

Abstract

A container assembly includes a cover and a base that form a cavity in a closed configuration. The container assembly comprises a latch assembly that secures the cover to the base in a substantially closed configuration, and an opening that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the container assembly, wherein the opening is provided in the base, and wherein the cover comprises a latch catch that receives a portion of the latch assembly.

1 . A container assembly, comprising:
 a cover that includes a cover perimeter,   a base that includes a base perimeter, which is configured to mate with the cover perimeter to form a cavity;   a front latch assembly that secures a first portion of the cover to a first portion of the base;   a left latch assembly that secures a second portion of the cover to a second portion of the base;   a right latch assembly that secures a third portion of the cover to a third portion of the base;   a first valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base;   a second valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base; and   a hinge assembly that pivotally couples the cover to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises an opening that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base. 
     
     
         3 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a channel. 
     
     
         4 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover perimeter comprises a channel that is configured to receive a seal. 
     
     
         5 . The container assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a seal. 
     
     
         6 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the front latch assembly, left latch assembly and right latch assembly are substantially the same. 
     
     
         7 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the front latch assembly comprises:
 an upper latch portion that engages the first portion of the cover; and   a lower latch portion that moves to engage or disengage the upper latch portion.   
     
     
         8 . The container assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a third valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base,   wherein the lower latch portion comprises the third valve assembly.   
     
     
         9 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover and base comprise a polycarbonate material. 
     
     
         10 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising an insert. 
     
     
         11 . A container assembly having a cavity formed by a cover and a base, comprising:
 a latch assembly that secures the cover to the base in a substantially closed configuration; and   a valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the container assembly,   wherein the latch assembly comprises an upper latch grip, and   wherein the cover comprises a latch catch that is configured to receive the upper latch grip.   
     
     
         12 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the latch assembly further comprises:
 an upper latch portion that engages the first portion of the cover; and   a lower latch portion that moves to engage or disengage the upper latch portion,   wherein the upper latch portion is configured to pivot about a first axis, and   wherein the lower latch portion is configured to pivot about a second axis.   
     
     
         13 . The container assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a second valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base.   
     
     
         14 . The container assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a third valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base.   
     
     
         15 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the base comprises an opening that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base. 
     
     
         16 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the cover comprises a channel. 
     
     
         17 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the cover perimeter comprises a channel that is configured to receive a seal. 
     
     
         18 . The container assembly of  claim 17 , further comprising a seal. 
     
     
         19 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         20 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the latch assembly comprises:
 an upper latch portion that engages the first portion of the cover; and   a lower latch portion that moves to engage or disengage the upper latch portion.   
     
     
         21 . The container assembly of  claim 20 , wherein the lower latch portion comprises a second valve assembly that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the base. 
     
     
         22 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the cover and base comprise a polycarbonate material. 
     
     
         23 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising an insert. 
     
     
         24 . The container assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the valve assembly is integrally formed with the latch assembly. 
     
     
         25 . The container assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the latch assembly comprises:
 a rib; and   a reinforcement section.   
     
     
         26 . A container assembly having a cover and a base that form a cavity in a closed configuration, the container assembly comprising:
 a latch assembly that secures the cover to the base in a substantially closed configuration; and   an opening that equalizes pressure between the cavity and outside the container assembly,   wherein the opening is provided in the base, and   wherein the cover comprises a latch catch that receives a portion of the latch assembly.