Latch arrangement

Abstract

A latch arrangement for releasably securing a lid to a container wherein the latch arrangement includes: a latch element coupled to one side of the lid; wherein the latch element is moveable between an engaged position wherein the latch is retained against the container by a magnetic force whereby the lid is secured to the container, and a disengaged position wherein the lid is able to be removed from the container.

1 . A latch arrangement for releasably securing a lid to a container wherein the latch arrangement includes:
 a latch element coupled to one side of the lid;   wherein the latch element is moveable between an engaged position wherein the latch element is retained against the container by a magnetic force whereby the lid is secured to the container, and a disengaged position wherein the lid is able to be removed from the container.   
     
     
         2 . The latch arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the latch arrangement and the container includes a magnetic element to provide the magnetic force to retain the latch element against the container. 
     
     
         3 . The latch arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein the latch element is movable relative to the lid. 
     
     
         4 . The latch arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein the container includes a first recess for receiving a flange of the latch element. 
     
     
         5 . The latch arrangement of  claim 4 , wherein the magnetic element provides an attractive force to guide the flange of the latch element into engagement with the recess so as to provide a first coupling. 
     
     
         6 . The latch arrangement of  claim 5 , further including a catch on an opposing side of the lid for engaging with a second recess positioned on the other side of the container. 
     
     
         7 . The latch arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein when the latch element is in the disengaged position the lid is pivotable about the side including the catch. 
     
     
         8 . The latch arrangement of  claim 6 , the second recess is adapted to receive a flange of the catch, the flange engaging with the second recess so as to form a second coupling. 
     
     
         9 . The latch arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is pivotable about the second coupling between an open and a closed position, whereby in the closed position the lid provides a covering to the container. 
     
     
         10 . The latch arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the latch element is composed of a flexible material. 
     
     
         11 . The latch arrangement of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible material allows the latch element to comply with distortions of the container that arise during use of the container, thereby allowing movement between the lid and the container. 
     
     
         12 . The latch arrangement of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible material is a Thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         13 . The latch arrangement of  claim 10 , wherein the latch element is coupled to the first side of the lid via a hinge. 
     
     
         14 . The latch arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein the lid and an opening aperture of the container are oval shaped, thereby the lid having a preferred orientation connection to the container in either a right handed or left handed orientation. 
     
     
         15 . The latch arrangement of  claim 14 , wherein the sides of the container each include the first recess and the second recess such that the latch element and catch are able to form the first and second couplings in either the right handed or left handed orientation. 
     
     
         16 . The latch arrangement of  claim 15 , wherein the lid and the container are part of a vacuum cleaner assembly.