Toolbox lid

Abstract

The invention provides a container having a base and a lid, the lid being attached to the base by two or more latches, which may also function as hinges. The user may completely remove the lid of the toolbox by releasing all of the latches. The base and lid together define an internal compartment when the lid is in a closed position. The at least two latches are both operable to releaseably latch the lid to the base, and at least one of the latches comprises a hinge fixing which allows the lid to pivot while it is latched to the base by the latch. Two or more latches may comprise a hinge fixing which allow the lid to pivot while it is latched to the base by the latch.

1 . A container comprising:
 a base and a lid, the base and lid together defining an internal compartment when the lid is in a closed position;   at least two latches, each latch operable to releaseably latch the lid to the base;   wherein at least one of the latches comprises a hinge fixing which allows the lid to pivot while it is latched to the base by the latch.   
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises two latches, located at opposite sides of the container. 
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises three or four latches, each latch located at different sides of the container. 
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein two or more latches comprise a hinge fixing which allows the lid to pivot while it is latched to the base by the latch. 
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein each latch comprising a hinge fixing is linked to the lid by the hinge fixing, and wherein the base comprises latch receiving parts suitable for receiving the latches comprising a hinge fixing. 
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein each latch comprising a hinge fixing is linked to the base by the hinge fixing, and wherein the lid comprises latch receiving parts suitable for receiving the latches comprising a hinge fixing. 
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more hinge fixings comprises one or more hinge loops along part of the length of the latch, and a hinge bar formed integrally in the lid or base, wherein the hinge loops clip onto the hinge bar to link the latch to the lid or base. 
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more hinge fixings comprises one or more hinge loops along part of the length of the side of the lid or base, and a hinge bar formed integrally in the latch, wherein the hinge loops clip onto the hinge bar to link the lid or base to the latch. 
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the one or more latches comprising a hinge fixing is elongated. 
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more elongated latches extend more than one third, and optionally more than one half of the length of the associated container side. 
     
     
         11 . A container according  claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the lid comprises one or more storage wells with openable covers. 
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein a carrying handle is attached to the outer surface of the lid. 
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the container is portable.