Latch Mechanism For A Child-Resistant Storage Case

Abstract

A latch mechanism for a child-resistant storage case has a seal bead between the lid and body of the storage case. The latch mechanism includes a latch tab extending downward from the lid that must be simultaneously pivoted inward and pressed upward to release the lid. The latch tab acts as a lever arm to locally deform the adjacent portions of the lid and seal, and thereby more easily release the seal when the latch tab is pressed upward.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A storage case comprising:
 a body having a chamber for storage with a top rim;   a flange extending outward adjacent to the top rim of the body;   a latch opening in the flange;   a lid for closing the chamber of the body;   a latch tab extending downward from the lid to pass through the latch opening when the lid is in the closed position, with a catch to secure the latch tab in the latch opening in the closed position; and   a flexible seal between at least a portion of the top rim of the body and the lid when the lid is in the closed position;   wherein pressing inward and upward on the latch tab releases the catch of the latch tab and pivots the latch tab to deform adjacent portions of the lid and seal, thereby releasing the seal and lid from the closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The storage case of  claim 1  wherein the seal comprises a flexible beaded seal on one of the lid and body, and a complementary recess along the other of the lid and body. 
     
     
         3 . The storage case of  claim 1  further comprising a flexible upper wall extending about the top rim of the body, and wherein the flexible seal comprises a beaded seal on the flexible upper wall. 
     
     
         4 . The storage case of  claim 3  wherein the seal comprises a bead on the outside of the flexible upper wall and a complementary recess on the inside of the lid for engaging the bead. 
     
     
         5 . The storage case of  claim 1  wherein the adjacent portion of the lid is deformed outward to release the seal by pressing inward and upward on the latch tab. 
     
     
         6 . The storage case of  claim 1  wherein the lid further comprises a flange extending outward in vertical alignment with the latch opening, and wherein the latch tab extends downward from the flange of the lid and through the latch opening when the lid is in a closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The storage case of  claim 1  further comprising a hinge between the lid and body allowing the lid to move between a closed position and an open position. 
     
     
         8 . The storage case of  claim 1  further comprising a side tab extending laterally outward from body adjacent to the latch tab. 
     
     
         9 . A storage case comprising:
 a body having a chamber for storage with a top rim;   a flexible upper wall extending about the top rim of the body;   a flange extending outward adjacent to the top rim of the body;   a latch opening in the flange;   a lid for closing the chamber of the body;   a latch tab extending downward from the lid to pass through the latch opening when the lid is in the closed position, with a catch to secure the latch tab in the latch opening in the closed position; and   a flexible seal between at least a portion of the flexible upper wall of the body and the lid when the lid is in the closed position;   wherein pressing inward and upward on the latch tab releases the catch of the latch tab and pivots the latch tab to deform adjacent portions of the lid, flexible upper wall and seal, thereby releasing the seal and lid from the closed position.   
     
     
         10 . The storage case of  claim 9  wherein the seal comprises a flexible beaded seal on one of the lid and the flexible upper wall of the body, and a complementary recess along the other of the lid and the flexible upper wall of the body. 
     
     
         11 . The storage case of  claim 9  wherein the flexible seal comprises a beaded seal on the flexible upper wall of the body. 
     
     
         12 . The storage case of  claim 11  wherein the seal comprises a bead on the outside of the flexible upper wall and a complementary recess on the inside of the lid for engaging the bead. 
     
     
         13 . The storage case of  claim 9  wherein the adjacent portion of the lid is deformed outward to release the seal by pressing inward and upward on the latch tab. 
     
     
         14 . The storage case of  claim 9  wherein the lid further comprises a flange extending outward in vertical alignment with the latch opening, and wherein the latch tab extends downward from the flange of the lid and through the latch opening when the lid is in a closed position. 
     
     
         15 . The storage case of  claim 9  further comprising a side tab extending laterally outward from body adjacent to the latch tab. 
     
     
         16 . The storage case of  claim 9  further comprising a hinge between the lid and body allowing the lid to move between a closed position and an open position.