Hinge and latching mechanism for containers

Hinge means and latching means for a container comprising:

• a container having a cover and a base, said base having a first lip defining a first mating surface, a flange extending downwardly from said lip and terminating at a lower edge, said flange having an inner face and an outer face, a plurality of support members disposed between the inner face of said flange and said base, said cover having a second lip defining a second mating surface and a plurality of strikes extending upwardly from said second mating surface;
• said hinge means including a strap and a first pair of feet rotatably interconnected with said strap, a hook disposed on said strap for engaging one of said strikes, said first pair of feet each including a toe for engaging said first mating surface, said first pair of feet also engaging said flange, said strap having a portion engaged with said second mating surface;
• said latching means disposed on said flange and adapted to engage one of said strikes on said cover, said latching means including a second pair of feet, each of said second pair of feet including a toe for engaging said first mating surface, a portion for engaging the lower edge of said flange and a heel for engaging the underside of said first mating surface and said inner face of said flange, a latch rotatably disposed between said second pair of feet, said latch being releasably engagable with one of said strikes on said cover.