Abstract: A portable box comprises a box body including a bottom and a circumferential, upright wall defining at its upper rim an opening, a cover closing the opening as well as a handle means in form of a preferably hoop-shap=ed handle. The handle is pivotally hinged relative to the box body and the cover, a locking device being provided in the hinged area of said handle, where said locking device allows an opening or closing of the cover of the box body in a first portion of the turning movement of the handle and in other portions of said turning movement prevents an opening of the cover.