Tackle Box

Abstract

A spring urged device automatically opens the top, when the front latch is released from a pair of depending hooks having multiple notches. The latch has slides, with a coil spring between for automatically latching, when the top is closed. A series of trays in normally stacked position are enclosed by the top, when closed. The trays are moved to a separated, elevated position by a linkage arrangement at each end which permits the top to be opened to a generally upright position, without unstacking the trays, thereby permitting access to the top tray. Upon opening the lid the remainder of the way, all three trays are automatically unstacked into an easily accessible display position. Parallel links for connecting the trays with the bottom and with each other include a connecting link having a pair of spaced pins which engage a pair of slots in an actuating link pivoted to a depending boss of the top. Both slots extend longitudinally of the actuating link, but one slot has a perpendicular portion at one end and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at the opposite end, so that the links connected to the trays will not be moved until the top is moved from upright to rear position. The top and bottom shells have lateral outside reinforcing ribs, that of the lower shell being spaced from the upper edge by an upright flange to which the latch is attached. The detent is mounted inside the front of the upper shell, while a pair of latching hooks are connected by a base embedded in the upper shell. The trays have reinforcing flanges around the upper edges, with notches on the outside engaged by an inside projection of a hook of a lateral partition, which hook is wider than the reinforcing flange which extends around the web of the partition. The top reinforcing flange is formed in a zigzag manner, to provide notches or serrations on opposite sides, for engagement by similar hooks of generally shorter and generally similar, longitudinal partitions. The handle is positioned in a well and is held in flat position, until pulled up, by a spring strip which extends through slots in the ends of the well. Clips which are attached to the strip prevent the ends of the strip from being pulled through the slots. The handle may be formed of a plastic and the ends of the handle used to seal the slots.

Description

This invention relates to containers, such as tackle boxes, particularly adapted to contain fishing equipment and the like.

Many fishermen use containers originally designed as toolboxes for containing fishing equipment, but these usually require two hands to open and close. Since a fisherman using a tackle box normally wishes to retain the fly rod or casting rod in one hand, while searching for and obtaining a different fly or lure or other type of fishing equipment, it is highly desirable that a tackle box be adapted to be opened and closed by the use of one hand only. Also, it often happens that, if only a fly or lure is to be changed, limited access to the tackle box is all that is necessary. Ordinary toolboxes having trays in which smaller items can be placed usually require the tray to be lifted out by hand, or if the top is connected to the tray, the ordinarily be elevated to a position out of the box before access to the tray is secured. The usual type of latch which requires the top or lid first to be closed, then the latch secured, again means that the fisherman must place on the ground or stand against a tree or the like a rod which he is carrying. Since fishing equipment varies in size and the number of articles of a particular size of tools and the like is different, toolbox tray compartmentation is normally very unsatisfactory for use in holding fishing tackle. Special containers have been designed for use as tackle boxes, but these usually follow along the lines of conventional toolboxes.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide a novel tackle box; to provide such a tackle box in which a plurality of trays may be used; to provide such a tackle box which will permit access to a tray without requiring the box to be completely opened; to provide such a tackle box which may be opened with one hand; to provide such a tackle box with a retractable handle and flush hardware for convenience of storage in the home, auto, stores and for packaging; to provide such a tackle box which automatically opens when the latch is released; to provide such a tackle box in which access to a plurality of trays, as well as additional equipment contained in the bottom of the box is readily obtained; to provide such a tackle box which can be effectively closed by one hand; to provide such a tackle box which can be carried about, even though not completely closed, without the danger of the tackle box falling open and the contents spilling out; to provide such a tackle box in which any desired arrangement of the compartments of the trays may be made; to provide such a tackle box which includes novel partitions, for effecting such compartmentation; to provide such a tackle box in which the operations of opening and closing are simple and effective; to provide such a tackle box in which a latch which may be opened with one hand is associated with a device for automatically opening the top or lid, when the latch is released; to provide such a tackle box where all three trays are automatically unstacked into an accessible position upon opening the lid; to provide such a tackle box in which the handle is mounted in a wall in the top of the box and the handle has a strip extending through slots at the ends of the well; to provide such a tackle box having such a handle and well in which the ends of the handle body tend to seal the slots when the handle is in retracted position; and to provide such a tackle box which will be sturdy in construction and will stand the rigors of rough useage.

The foregoing and additional objects and the novel features of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tackle box constructed in accordance with this invention, in closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tackle box of FIG. 1, with the lid moved to a substantially upright position for access to an upper tray;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tackle box of FIG. 1, with the lid moved to a rear or approximately 180.degree. position for access to all of the trays and also the interior of the box below the trays;

FIG. 4 is an opposite end view of the tackle box of FIG. 1, on a slightly enlarged scale and broken away to show certain parts in the interior thereof;

FIG. 5 is an opposite end view of the tackle box, in the position of FIG. 3 but on a slightly enlarged scale;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a lower shell of the tackle box of FIG. 1, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse section, taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 6 on a further enlarged scale;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view, on an enlarged scale, of an upper shell of the tackle box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the upper shell of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an offset vertical section, taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevation, on an enlarged scale, taken from the inside of the upper shell at the position of line 12--12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation, on an enlarged scale, of a catch or hook assembly, a portion of which is embedded in the top shell;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a pop up device which is mounted on the upper shell or lid and causes the lid to be automatically raised when the latch is released;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the detent of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a central longitudinal section of the pop up device, taken along line 16--16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of an adjustable lateral partition which is also shown installed in a tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of the partition of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a condensed front view of a tray of the tackle box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the front upper edge of the tray of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 21--21 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of a transverse partition or divider which is also shown installed in a tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 23--23 of FIG. 3, on an enlarged scale and showing the attachment of one end of a transverse divider of FIG. 19 to a partition of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is an inside view, on an enlarged scale, of a latch shown in initial engagement with a pair of catches or hooks which depend from the lid;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the latch;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation of a slide forming a part of the latch;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the slide;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale and taken along line 28--28 of FIG. 1, at one edge of a handle well;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary vertical section, on a further enlarged scale and taken along line 29--29 of FIG. 1, at the center of and at one end of the handle;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary transverse section, taken along line 30--30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a condensed top plan view of a handle assembly, comprising a spring strip which is embedded in the handle but extends from each end thereof;

FIG. 32 is an end view of the handle assembly of FIG. 31; and

FIG. 33 is a transverse section taken along line 33--33 of FIG. 31.

A tackle box constructed in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1--3, includes a bottom or base section B and a top section T which are hinged together at the rear, as in a manner described below, and latched together at the front, when in closed position, by a drawbolt or latch L which is mounted on the bottom section at the front. In closed position, latch L engages a hook assembly H mounted on the top section. The latch L is constructed so that it may be opened by the use of one hand only, as described later, and when the latch L is released, a popup device D causes the top shell to pop up, so that the top shell will move upwardly to the position of FIG. 2. The top section T, when in closed position, encloses a series of trays, such as an upper tray U, an intermediate tray I and a lower tray O. When latch L is released, access to the contents of the upper tray U is permitted, when the upper section is moved through approximately 90.degree. to the upright position of FIG. 2, but without moving the trays from the normal stacked position. The trays and sections are connected together by a linkage assembly which includes an actuating link A, a connecting link C, a parallel link P, a font link F and a rear link R. This linkage assembly at each side of the trays, is constructed and arranged, including interconnection between the trays and the respective sections, so that all of the links, except the actuating link A, will remain in the nested position of FIG. 2 until the top section T is moved from the approximately upright position of FIG. 2 to the rear position of FIG. 3, and the trays will be elevated and separated, as shown, during such movement. This permits access to the contents of both the intermediate and lower trays, as well as to the contents of the bottom section B. The top section T preferably has sufficient height to enclose the trays, when in the stacked position of FIG. 2, so that when articles are placed in the bottom section B, with the trays in elevated position, as in FIG. 3, the user may fill the bottom section B to approximately the upper edge thereof, without the lower tray O disturbing the arrangement, when the tackle box is closed. In addition to the popup device D and the cooperation of the latch L with the hook assembly H, which are described later, other features of this invention include removable dividers or partitions in the trays, which will also be described later.

The tackle box may be carried by a handle 10 which is located within a well 11 in the top 12 of a shell of the top section T, being resiliently mounted, as by a leaf spring embedded in and extending from each end thereof, or associated with springs of a suitable type at each end, so as to be held flat within the well 11, when released, thereby permitting other articles to be stacked on top of the tackle box without interference by the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each actuating link A is pivotally attached, as by 139 141 14, 147 155 152 15 which depends from a shell of the top section T, while the connecting link C and the front link F are pivotally attached at spaced positions, as by pins 16, to the base or bottom shell. The opposite end of front link E, the center of connecting link C and the lower end of parallel link P are pivotally connected at spaced positions lower as by pins 17, to the tray O, while the upper end of connecting link C, the center of parallel link P and the lower end of rear link R are pivotally connected, as by pins 18, to the intermediate tray I and the upper ends of links P and R are pivotally connected, as by spaced pins 19, to the upper tray U. Each connecting link C is also provided with a pair of outwardly extending pins 20 and 21, which are spaced between the pins 17 and 18 for that link, with pin 20 engaging a longitudinal slot 22 and pin 21 engaging an offset slot 23, the principal portion of which extends generally longitudinally of the actuating link A, but a front portion 24 of which extends downwardly and perpendicularly to the principal portion of the slot, with a convex bevel 25 at the corner, and a rear portion 26 of which is curved, such as shown, for a purpose described below. The length of the trays is preferably less than the width of the inside of the bottom and top shells, with each of the links A, C and F being provided with an outward offset 27 at the bottom, the lower ends of links P and R being provided with a similar outward offset 28 at the bottom, links C and P being provided with a generally central, inward offset 29 just below the respective pin 17, and each of the links F, C, P and R being provided with an inward offset 30 adjacent the upper end, just below the respective pin 16, 17 and 18, all for clearance purposes. The offsets of the links connected to the trays permit the links to move freely with respect to the trays, during movement from the position of FIG. 4 to that of FIG. 5, and vice versa. Each tray may be provided with a reinforcing boss 31 at the position of connection of pins 16, 17 and 18, a reinforcing flange 32 around the upper edge and an abutment block 33 which engages the respective links as they move past, to maintain the trays in lateral alignment during movement. Each tray has an inclined front wall 34 to provide visibility and accessibility to lower trays and also to facilitate removal of small articles in the trays. Otherwise, the trays are generally rectangular, with rounded corners, and may be molded from a suitable plastic, such as polypropylene. The links are preferably stamped from metal, such as steel and provided with a suitable finish, as by plating, or stainless steel.

The operation of the linkage arrangement is as follows: When the top T is closed, the links are in the collapsed position of FIG. 4, with pin 20 of the connector link C in the rear end of longitudinal slot 22 of actuating link A, and pin 21 on link C in the upper end of the curved rear portion 26 of slot 23 in link A. When top T begins to move upwardly about a hinge pin 35 of FIG. 4 as a pivot, the pin 14 for the lower end of the actuating link A will also move upwardly in an arc about hinge pin 35. During the initial portion of such movement, i.e. until pin 14 moves into alignment between pin 20 and hinge pin 35, slot 22 will move rearwardly a short distance relative to pin 20, but pin 21 will move to the lower end of the curved rear portion 26 of slot 23. As pin 14 moves further upwardly, slots 22 and 23 will then move along pins 20 and 21, respectively, until with the top T in the substantially upright position of FIG. 2, pin 20 will have reached the front end of slot 22 and pin 21 will have reached the bevel 25 of slot 23, as shown in FIG. 2. Since the center of gravity of top T will have moved to a position rearwardly of the hinge pins 35, the top T will be held in this position, with the weight of the trays and the connection of the actuating link A thereto preventing top T from moving further rearwardly. Thus, in this position, access to the contents of the top tray U is permitted. When used for fishing purposes, the flies and other parts which are most commonly required to be readily accessible by the fisherman should be placed in the top tray U. Further rearward movement of the top T, through the engagement of pin 20 with the front end of slot 22 and engagement of pin 21 with portion 24 of slot 23, will cause connecting link C to pivot upwardly, as the actuating link A moves rearwardly. Since the links F and C are connected in a parallelogram arrangement, between the bottom B and the lower tray O, while links C and P are connected in a parallelogram arrangement between the lower tray O and intermediate tray I, while the links P and R are connected in a parallelogram arrangement between the intermediate tray I and upper tray U, the trays will be maintained parallel to each other. As the top shell T is moved further rearwardly, the pin 21 will move from bevel 25 to the lower end of the perpendicular portion 24 of slot 23. When the top T is moved upwardly to start the closing operation, the perpendicular portion 24 of slot 23 will push against pin 21 to move the connecting link C forwardly and start the trays toward collapsed position. As the top T is moved further upwardly, the pin 20 will be retracted from and then moved back to its front end position in slot 22, while pin 21 will move along the perpendicular portion 24 of slot 23 until it reaches bevel 25. During the remainder of the upward movement of top T, after the links have achieved an upright position and start to move forwardly, the weight of the trays and the contents thereof will cause the trays to move downwardly by gravity, with the pin 21 moving forwardly in slot 23, but the movement is restrained by engagement of pin 20 with the front portion 26 of slot 23. When the generally upright position of the top T of FIG. 2 is reached, the links F, C, P and R will be folded to closed position and the trays will be in the stacked position of FIGS. 2 and 4. When the top T is closed from the position of FIG. 2, a movement of actuating link A, reverse to that described above, will occur. Thus, the slot 22 will move forwardly along pin 20, while slot 23 will move forwardly along pin 21 until pins 14 and 20 are in alignment with the hinge pins 35, whereupon further closing movement of the top T will cause the curved rear portion 26 of slot 23 to move downwardly along pin 21. Of course, each movement of the slots along pins 20 and 21 will occur simultaneously, so that the position of FIG. 4 can be reached when the top T is folded closed. It will be noted that the tackle box of this invention provides for attachment of the hook assembly H to the latch L before the top T is completely closed, as will be described later.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a bottom shell for the bottom section B is provided with a bottom 37, end walls 38, a front wall 39 and a rear wall 40, each of the latter tapering upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall and being connected together and to the bottom wall by curved corners, as shown. A lateral reinforcing rib 41 extends outwardly from each of the end, front and rear walls, with an upright flange 42 surrounding the same. If desired, a decorative strip 43 of FIGS. 1-3 may be secured, as by a suitable adhesive, to the outside of upright flange 42. Each of rib 41 and flange 42 may be continuous around the periphery of the bottom shell, following the contour of the rounded corners between the end walls and the front and rear walls, respectively. At the center of front wall 39, an upwardly flaring block 44 may extend inwardly into the interior of the box, for engagement with the popup device D, in a manner described later. The front wall may also be provided with a pair of spaced, reinforcing bosses 45, at the position of attachment of latch L on the outside of flange 42, while a shallow notch 46 may be provided in the top of flange 42, at the position of the latch. The end walls 38 may be reinforced by inwardly extending bosses 47, at the position of each link pin 16, while the rear wall may be provided with a series of hinge ears 48 which upstand, as in FIG. 8, from the lateral rib 41 and are each connected to the flange 42 by a web 49. Hinge pins 35 extend through holes 50 in the hinge ears 48 and also through similar holes in corresponding hinge ears of the top shell. The hinge ears 48 may, of course, be provided in two series of three each, as shown, although the hinge ears 48 may be spaced completely across the rear of the tackle box, or in any other suitable arrangement. The bottom shell B, as well as the top shell T, may be molded from a suitable plastic material, such as an acrylonitirile butadiene styrene copolymer.

Referring now to FIGS. 9--11, the top shell of the top section T, in addition to the well 11 in top 12, is provided with end walls 52, a front wall 53 and a rear wall 54, these walls flaring outwardly and being connected to each other and to the top by rounded corners, as shown. A reinforcing lateral rib 55 extends outwardly from the end, front and rear walls adjacent the lower edges of the same, with a groove 56 extending around the lower inside edge of rib 55, except above the position of latch L, for engagement with the upper edge of upright flange 42 to provide a better seal when the tackle box is closed and to maintain the shells in registration during use. The well 11 extends downwardly from the top, as in FIG. 11, while the underside of top 12 may be reinforced by a pair of longitudinally extending ribs 57 at each end of well 11, as in FIG. 9. The top shell is also provided with two series of integral hinge ears 58, spaced to interfit with the hinge ears of the bottom shell and to receive a hinge pin 35. Hook assembly H includes a base 60, embedded in the top shell, as in FIG. 11, and disposed angularly to a pair of hooks 61, each of which is provided on the inside, as in FIGS. 12 and 13, with a pair of notches 62 and 63 for coaction with latch L, as in the manner described below. The top shell is also provided, on the inside and above hook assembly H, with a pair of facing, angular ribs 64, as in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, for attachment of popup device D, as in FIG. 9, it being noted that popup device D is omitted in FIG. 12 for clarity of illustration.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the popup device D includes a housing 65 provided with longitudinally extending side flanges 66, tapering as shown in FIG. 15 so that the popup device may be wedged between the angular ribs 64, as in FIG. 9. Housing 65 is provided with a generally rectangular recess 67, with rounded corners, which is open on the side facing the front wall 53 of the top shell and is thus closed by the shell. The device also includes a pin 68, adapted to engage block 44 of the bottom shell and provided with a stem 69 extending within recess 67, with a guide flange 70 between the pin and the stem. Guide flange 70 is preferably generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners, thus corresponding generally to the shape of recess 67, but slightly smaller in size for clearance. A coil spring 71 surrounds stem 69, within recess 67, and urges pin 68 outwardly from housing 65, the housing having an end flange 72 restraining outward movement of pin 68 beyond that shown in FIG. 16. Housing 65 is also provided with an extension 73 at the opposite end, having a recess 74 of reduced size, also open at one side and through which stem 69 extends to guide the stem during movement, as well as forming an abutment for the corresponding end of spring 71. Except for spring 71, the parts of device D are conveniently formed of a suitable plastic. As indicated previously, the purpose of device D is to pop open the top of the tackle box, when the hook assembly H is released from the latch L. As will be evident, when the top of the tackle is closed, pin 68 will then engage block 44 of the bottom shell, to compress spring 71, so that, when the latch is released, the pressure exerted by spring 71 through pin 68 and against block 44 will move the top T to an open position, perhaps not to the generally upright position of FIG. 2, but sufficiently open that the top T can be moved to the upright position of FIG. 2, with one hand. As described later, the latch L may also be released with the use of one hand, so that the fisherman need not use two hands to open the tackle box, but can still retain a fly rod or casting rod in one hand, thus being able to select a different fly or lure and attach the same to the fishing line, without having to release the rod. It will be noted that the pressure of spring 71 will increase as the top of the tackle box is closed, but with the use of two notches 62 and 73 on each hook 61, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the top of the tackle box will be latched, when the lower notch 62 engages the latch L in a manner described below, thus effectively attaching the top to the bottom of the tackle box and permitting the tackle box to be lifted and carried about by the handle 10 without complete closure, and particularly without the possibility of the tackle box opening and spilling out its contents.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-23, each lateral partition or divider 75, as in FIGS. 17 and 18, conforms generally in shape to the lateral cross section of the trays, thus having an inclined front, as shown, and includes a web 76 having a reinforcing flange 77 extending around the front, bottom and rear edges thereof; and a reinforcing flange 78 extending along the top of the web but having alternate serrations 79 on opposite sides, as in FIG. 18, for the purpose of attaching the shorter, longitudinal dividers or partitions 80 between a pair of lateral partitions, as in FIG. 3. At each end, the partition 75 is provided with a hook-shaped flange 81, preferably wider than the reinforcing flanges 77 and 78, but having, at the center, an upright V-shaped projection 82, for engagement with one of the notches 83 formed on the outside of the front and rear reinforcing flanges 32 of the tray, as in FIGS. 19 and 20. As in FIG. 21, a lateral partition 75 may be inserted within a tray, with the projection 82 engaging a notch 83 in each of the front and rear upper flanges of the tray, with the projections thus locking the upper ends of the partition to the tray to prevent longitudinal displacement and the lateral extent of the hook-shaped flange 81 providing lateral stability. Thus, whenever a lateral partition is inserted in the tray, it will remain in that position. If desired, any of the trays may be divided into a series of laterally spaced compartments by using only the lateral partitions 75. However, there are numerous instances in which smaller articles are to be stored and, for convenience, should be placed in separate compartments. Thus, to provide smaller compartments, a series of longitudinal partitions 80, as in FIG. 3, may be inserted at spaced positions between two lateral partitions 75. Each longitudinal partition 80 may be constructed as illustrated in FIG. 22, thus being similar to the lateral partitions in having a hook-shaped flange 81' at each upper end, each again provided with a V-shaped projection 82 for engagement with a serration 79 of the lateral partition to which connected, as in FIG. 23. The longitudinal partitions 80 may have any desired length, although being conveniently shorter than the lateral partitions, and preferably two different lengths of longitudinal partitions are provided, to enable lateral partitions to be placed at two different distances apart and compartments of different sizes provided by the longitudinal partitions. Also, the lateral partitions do not require an inclined front edge but may be generally rectangular in shape and include a web 76', a reinforcing flange 77' extending around the bottom and ends of the web and a reinforcing flange 78' extending along the top of the web. Preferably, the top reinforcing flange 78' is provided with alternating serrations on opposite sides corresponding to serrations 79 of the lateral partitions, as shown in FIG. 18, so that one or more shorter longitudinal partitions may be placed laterally between a pair of longitudinal partitions. The tops of flange 32 of each tray and flanges 78 and 78' of the partitions are rounded transversely, so that hooks 81 and 81' will more readily snap over the same and will also fit more snugly, as in FIGS. 21 and 23. As will be evident, the lateral and longitudinal partitions described permit considerable variation in the size and arrangement of the compartments in the trays, but the use of the hook-shaped flanges and notches or serrations in the edges to which the hook-shaped flanges are attached provide a fixed relation and stability to the desired partition arrangement.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-27, the latch L includes a base or cover 85 having, as in FIG. 25, a pair of inwardly extending bosses 86 which receive a pair of screws which extend from the inside through the upstanding flange 42 of the bottom shell B, at the position of the reinforcing bosses 45 of FIG. 6. Bosses 86 may be internally threaded or self-tapping screws may be used. Cover 85 is adapted to receive a pair of slides 87 which extend outwardly at each end from the cover 85, and are each provided with an enlarged head 88 having a concave, fluted end surface 89, so that both slides may be pushed inwardly simultaneously by a thumb and forefinger of one hand, against the pressure of a central coil spring 90, to release the latch. Each slide, as in FIGS. 26 and 27, is provided with a generally central, longitudinally elongated hole 91 which engages the corresponding boss 86 and also with an inner block 92 having an outwardly projecting detent 93 at its upper end, shaped to engage a notch 62 or 63 of the hook 61, as in FIG. 24. As in FIG. 24, when the top is moved toward the bottom of the tackle box sufficiently to move the detent pin 68, the position of which is indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 24, a short distance, the lower notches 62 of hook 61 will engage the detent 93 of each slide, the slides being moved inwardly through engagement of a bevel 94 at the lower inside corner of each hook 61, with a corresponding bevel 95 on the corresponding detent 93. Thus, the top section T will be attached to the bottom section B, even though not completely closed, so that if the user accidentally uses insufficient force to completely close the tackle box, he can still lift it by the handle 10 and carry it about, without the tackle box falling open and the contents thereof being spilled out. The tackle box is normally completely closed through sufficient pressure on the top thereof, to cause the slides again to be moved inwardly by engagement of a bevel 96 at the upper edge of each notch 62, with bevel 95 on detent 93, so as to cause notch 63 to engage detent 93 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 24, with respect to notch 62. Each slide fits between the outside of cover 85 and the upstanding flange 42, as well as between other parts of the latch, as described below, and is provided with a lateral notch 97, to accommodate the corresponding hook 61, as well as an inwardly extending pin 98 for receiving and guiding spring 90. Each slide also has a bottom guide flange 99, which extends inwardly from the lower end of block 92. Spring 90 is guided not only by pins 98, but also is contained between a pair of ribs 100 outstanding in spaced relation from the central portion of cover 85, as well as the central portion of cover 85 and an inner plate 104, which also serves as a lateral guide for the slides 87. Inner plate 104 is also adapted to hold the parts of the latch in assembled position, prior to attachment of the latch to the tackle box, with its lower edge resting in a notch 105 in a central lower flange 106 of cover 85 and the ends of its upper edge resting in the ends of a notch 107 in a central upper flange 108. Flanges 106 and 108 also guide the slides 87 during inward and outward movement. At its lower edge, plate 104 is attached to base or cover 85 by peening over a pair of ears 109 of an inwardly extending rib 110, against the flanges 111 of a notch 112 in plate 104, while the upper edge of plate 104 may be secured to cover 85 by peening air of ears 113 of rib 114, outstanding inwardly from the cover 85, into an offset well 115 of the plate having a pair of notches 116 to receive the ears 113. The base or cover 85 is completed by a pair of upper end flanges 118 and a pair of lower end flanges 119, which also perform a guiding function for the slides. It will be noted that the bottom flanges 99 of the slides, particularly when moving inwardly, will be guided between the central, lower flange 106 and the lower rib 100, while each notch 120 between the central top flange 108 and the upper end flanges 118 accommodates movement of the respective hook 61 into and out of the latch.

As in FIGS. 28 and 31-33, the handle 10, which is molded of a suitable material, such as polyvinyl chloride, has a flat top and transversely curved sides 123, as well as transversely curved bottom 124, to facilitate the user picking up the handle to lift the tackle box. A spring steel strip 125 is embedded in the handle, as in FIG. 33, so as to extend longitudinally thereof, with each end of the strip extending longitudinally from the handle for an appropriate distance. Adjacent each end, the strip is provided with a slot 126 which has a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, as shown, for a purpose described below. At each end of the handle, a bevel 127 extends upwardly to a position just below strip 125 and a flat 128 above strip 125 and just below strip 125, as in FIG. 29, with the flat 128 rounding into the top, as shown. Each end of strip 125 extends through a slot 130 in the end wall of well 11, below the underside of the upper shell top, with a recess 131 above the slot, within well 11, and a recess 132 below the slot, inside the upper shell, with the faces of the recesses in substantial alignment. These recesses permit spring 125 to bend or flex more readily as it moves inwardly and outwardly without any appreciable drag, particularly when the handle has been pulled up and then released, so that the spring will flatten and pull the handle down with it.

A clip 134 is attached to each end of spring 125, at hole 126, to prevent the spring from being pulled through the slots 130 when the handle is pulled up. As in FIGS. 29 and 30, clip 134 is provided with an upwardly extending end flange 135 which moves along the underside of top 12 to engage the underside of the top above slot 130 when the handle is pulled up. Clip 134 has depending side flanges 136, which move between depending flanges 57 to guide the end of the spring during movement, while a depending flange 137, having lower lateral wings 138, is conveniently struck from the clip, producing a hole 139 of FIG. 29. The depending flange 137 of each clip engages a slot 126 in spring strip 125 to attach a clip to each end of the spring. For assembly purposes, the ends of spring 125 are guided into slots 130 and, when the handle is flat, the ends of spring 125 are bent downwardly, in turn, on the inside of the upper shell. Depending flange 137 of one clip is inserted longitudinally into slot 126, then turned to a transverse position so that flange 137 above wings 138 will extend through the lateral portion of slot 126 and wings 138 will be below strip 125, as in FIG. 30. The opposite clip 134 is attached to the opposite end of strip 125 in a similar manner.

During use, when the handle is pulled up, strip 125 will tend to bow downwardly inside the case, with the underside of strip 125 eventually engaging wings 138. However, when the handle is in well 11, spring strip 125 will hold clip 134 up against the underside of top 12 of the upper shell, as in FIG. 29. It will be understood, of course, that coil spring or the like may be attached to the ends of strip 125, which then need only be sufficiently flexible to move inwardly and outwardly in slot 130, but need not have sufficient strength, as a spring, to maintain the handle in the well. Also during use, the extension of flat 128 below strip 125 will be urged into engagement with the edge of slot 130, as in FIG. 29, to provide a seal to prevent rain water or the like, collecting in well 11, to seep through slot 130 into the interior of the tackle box. By virtue of the recesses 131 and 132, the clearance between strip 125 and slot 130 may be minimal, so that a minimum of space is provided for water to seep through the slot and an additional seal is, in effect, provided. The end 128 of the handle, above strip 125, may be extended so as to engage the face of recess 131 when the handle is in well 11, as in FIG. 28, again for sealing purposes.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that a container constructed in accordance with this invention fulfills to a marked degree the requirements and objects hereinbefore set forth. Thus, the linkage assembly permits the top to be opened to an upright position without changing the stacked condition of the trays, thereby simplifying access to the top tray alone. Also, the resilient popup device causes the top of the box to pop open, when the latch is released, while the latch itself may be released by one hand, thereby requiring the use of one hand only to obtain access to the top tray. This latch is completely flush, allowing little chance for it to snag onto nearby objects in use or in storage. Also, the top of the box can be moved to a rear position by the use of one hand, and the linkage arrangement automatically moves the trays to an elevated, separated position, thereby permitting access to each of the trays and also to the material in the bottom of the box. The hook assembly H or latch engaging means includes a pair of multiple engagement members which will engage the latch and attach the top and bottom of the box together, without requiring that the box be completely closed, thus permitting effective closure of the box for carrying purposes, without overcoming the full pressure of the popup spring. The abutment engaged by the popup device is formed integrally with the bottom shell, adjacent the upper edge thereof, thereby producing little or no interference with the placement in or removal of objects from the bottom of the box. The preferred position of the popup device, between the hooks of the latch engaging means and centrally of the front of the box, produces an opening force at a desirable position; i.e. at the latch itself, and also does not tend to produce any twisting movement of the top, on opening. The reinforcing flanges at or adjacent to the opposing edges of the top and bottom shells maintain these edges in a planar and rectangular condition, so that mating of the top and bottom, on closing, tends to be secured. The upstanding flange of the lower shell not only provides an upper edge, for entrance into a groove in the lower edge of the upper shell, for sealing and alignment purposes, but also provides a convenient position for attachment of the latch. The latch preferably utilized may be opened with one hand, thus facilitating the use of the container as a tackle box, and also automatically engages the latch engaging means, as the top is closed. The partitions for the trays permit a multiplicity of arrangement of compartments in the trays and are readily snapped into position in the trays, but are maintained in position through the end hooks which extend laterally to each side of the remainder of the partition, and also the inside projections of the hooks which cooperate with notches or serrations in the flanges at the upper edges of the trays, or in the flanges at the upper edges of other partitions. The pair of hooks in each connecting link and the pair of slots in the actuating link cooperating therewith, including a longitudinal slot and a generally longitudinal, offset slot having a perpendicular portion at one end and a curved portion at the opposite end, produce a minimum resistance to opening of the top to an upright position, but assure an effective movement of the trays both to opened position and to closed or stacked position. The handle is normally disposed in the well and does not interfere with stacking or storage, while the recesses, inside the well and above the slot and also inside the shell but below the slot, permit the strip extending from each end of the handle to bow and move relatively freely through the slot, as well as permitting a minimum of clearance between each slot and the strip. The ends of the handle, in retracted position, engage the end of the well for sealing purposes, either below the slot or both above and below the slot.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that other embodiments may exist and that variations may be made therein, all without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable by opening movement of said top section and constructed and arranged to permit said top section to be moved to a first position to permit access to the uppermost of said trays and to be moved to a second position to move said trays to said elevated and separated position;

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom section upon release of said latch means, said popup means resisting a closing movement of said top section; and

said latch means including a latch mounted on one of said sections and latch engaging means including a multiple latch engagement member for attaching said top section to said bottom section in nearly closed, as well as closed, position.

2. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said popup means includes:

a spring urged pin mounted on the inside of the front of one section; and

an abutment for said pin extending inwardly on the inside of the front of the opposite section.

3. A container as defined in claim 2, in which:

said pin abutment comprises an inwardly extending block integral with a lower shell of said bottom section.

4. A container as defined in claim 3, in which:

said pin extends from a housing enclosing said spring and is provided with a stem surrounded by said spring in said housing, said housing having lateral flanges; and

said lateral flanges of said popup means housing engage spaced, angular ribs on the inside of an upper shell of said top section.

5. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable by opening movement of said top section and constructed and arranged to permit said top section to be moved to a first position to permit access to the uppermost of said trays and to be moved to a second position to move said trays to said elevated and separated position; and

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom section upon release of said latch means, said popup means being disposed between latch engaging hooks extending from the same section toward the opposite section.

6. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

a series of parallel links at each side of said trays interconnecting said trays, one of said links pivotally connecting said bottom section with at least one of said trays and provided with a spaced pair of pins;

an actuating link pivotally connected to said top and connected to said connecting link by a pin and slot connection, said actuating link having a longitudinal slot and an offset slot engaging the respective pins, said offset slot having a generally perpendicular portion at one end and an oppositely extending, curved portion at the opposite end; and

said links being actuable by opening movement of said top section and constructed and arranged to permit said top section to be moved to a first position to permit access to the uppermost of said trays and to be moved to a second position to move said trays to an elevated and separated position.

7. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable by opening movement of said top section;

lateral partitions for said trays, said trays having notches on the outside of the front and rear upper edges thereof; and

said lateral partitions having an upper transverse hook at the front and rear, said hooks having a greater lateral extent than the remainder of said partition and an upright projection on the inside, for engaging one of said tray notches.

8. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

a latch mounted on one of said sections and having a housing;

opposed slides provided with an outwardly facing detent and ends extending from said housing;

spring means acting between said slides;

a pair of hooks, each provided with a plurality of notches for selective engagement with said slide detents, extending from the opposite case section, said latch and hooks providing latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable by opening movement of said top section; and

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom section upon release of said latch means.

9. A container as defined in claim 5 wherein said latch engaging means includes:

a pair of hooks at each side of said popup means; and

a base connecting said hooks and embedded in a shell of said section.

10. A container as defined in claim 7 including:

a series of longitudinal partitions, each having a transverse hook at each upper end, said hooks having a lateral extension greater than the remainder of said partition and a generally upright projection on the inside, for engaging one of a series of notches formed in the upper edges of said lateral trays.

11. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position;

an actuating link, at each end, pivotally connected to said top section;

a connecting link, at each end, pivotally connected to said bottom section and to at least one of said trays;

a series of links movable in parallel relation to said connecting link, including a link pivotally connected between said bottom section and at least one of said trays and a link pivotally connected between at least two of said trays;

one of said actuating link and said connecting link having pin means extending laterally therefrom; and

the other of said actuating link and said connecting link having slot means engaging said pin means, whereby said top section may be moved to a generally upright position to uncover the uppermost tray without disturbing the stacked relation of said trays, and then moved to a rear position with said trays being moved by said links to a separated, elevated position, during movement of said top section from said generally upright position to said rear position.

12. A container as defined in claim 11, wherein:

said pin means comprises a pair of pins in spaced relation outstanding from said connecting link; and

said slot means comprises a pair of generally longitudinal slots in said actuating link, one of said slots having a generally perpendicular portion at one end and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at the opposite end.

13. In a container for fishing tackle and the like:

a tray which is open at the top and has a bottom, end walls a front wall and a rear wall, and a reinforcing flange extending around the upper edge thereof, said reinforcing flange having a series of notches on the outside, at least at the front and rear; and

a lateral partition for insertion in said tray to divide said tray into compartments, said lateral partition having an upper hook at the front and rear ends, each said hook having a greater lateral extent than the remainder of said partition and means for engagement with a notch of said tray.

14. In a container as defined in claim 13, including:

a longitudinal partition having an upper hook at each end, said hooks having a greater lateral extent than the remainder of said partition and provided with notch engaging means on the inside; and

said lateral partitions being at least two in number and having alternating serrations in the opposite sides of the upper edges thereof.

15. In a container as defined in claim 14, wherein:

the front wall of said tray and the front edge of each said lateral partition are correspondingly inclined;

each said lateral and longitudinal partition is provided with a web and a reinforcing flange extending around the edges of said web; and

said notch engaging means of each said hook of said lateral and longitudinal partitions includes an inwardly extending, upright projection.

16. In a container for fishing tackle and the like having a bottom section, a top section hinged to said bottom section and latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position, the improvement comprising:

a depending well in the top of said top section and a transverse slot in each end of said well, each said slot extending to the inside of said top section;

a handle normally disposed in said well and movable upwardly to a carrying position, said handle having a strip extending from each end thereof and through the corresponding slot;

resilient means associated with said strip for moving said handle into said well when released from said carrying position; and

each end of said handle being constructed and arranged to abut the end of said well, at least below said slot, when said handle is disposed in said well, to restrict the flow of liquid collecting in said well into the interior of said container.

17. In a container as defined in claim 16, wherein:

each end of said well is provided with an upwardly extending surface above the corresponding slot;

the inside of said top section is provided with a downwardly extending surface below each said slot; and

said surfaces at each slot are in general alignment to facilitate movement of said strip into and out of said slots.

18. In a container as defined in claim 16, wherein:

said strip is a spring strip extending longitudinally through said handle and provides said resilient means;

a clip is attached to each end of said strip to prevent said strip end from being pulled through the corresponding slot; and

the underside of the top of said top section is provided with a pair of parallel, depending ribs extending from each end of said well for guiding said clips during movement of said ends of said strip.