Patent Application
20130082051
There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to utility containers and, more particularly, to a retrofittable double lid for a storage container.
2. Description of the Related Art
The prior art discloses various utility containers, boxes, and carts having a double lid or double compartment. However, none of the prior art devices disclose, show, or teach a double lid retrofittable to a storage container, the double lid having a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to one of the lids of the double lid.
Accordingly, a need exists for a double lid being retrofittable to a storage container, the double lid having a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to one of the lids of the double lid. The development of the retrofittable double lid for a storage container fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
Consequently, a need has been felt for a double lid being retrofittable to a storage container, the double lid having a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to one of the lids of the double lid. This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a double lid retrofittable to a storage container, the double lid hingedly connected to a storage container, the double lid comprising: a top lid and a bottom lid, the top lid being hingedly connected to the bottom lid; and a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to the top lid, the retrofittable double lid for a storage container providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a double lid adapted and configured to be retrofitted to a conventional storage container is disclosed, the conventional storage container preferably, although not limited to, the type having insulative features and qualities, such as a cooler. The double lid comprises a top lid and a bottom lid, the top lid being hingedly connected to the bottom lid. The top lid is openable independent of the bottom lid. The top lid comprises a first interior space and a second interior space formed integral in the lower surface thereof. The bottom lid comprises a plurality of interior spaces formed integral in the upper surface thereof, wherein the plurality of interior spaces provide dry storage compartments.
An attachment means is provided for removably attaching a plurality of implements, such as cutting instruments, to the top lid of the double lid.
In accordance to one embodiment, the attachment means is defined as being magnetic, thereby being attracted to any magnetically attractive or magnetically conductive surface, such as the steel blade of a knife. The attachment means comprises an elongated member centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement within a transverse stile of the top lid. The elongated member is defined as having a magnetic pull force sufficient for ensuring a plurality of implements, and more particularly cutting instruments, remain in a fixedly secured, stationary position against transverse stile.
A conventional latch and clasp may be included for securely holding the double lid in a closed position onto the storage container.
A catch assembly is provided so as to allow the top lid to be releasably lockable to the bottom lid.
A pair of shelves retrofittable to the storage container are disclosed.
An alternate embodiment is disclosed, wherein the alternate embodiment comprises a storage container having a double lid hingedly connected thereto.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
Referring now to
In accordance to the preferred embodiment, the double lid 10 is adapted and configured to be retrofitted to a storage container 20 having insulative features and qualities, such as a cooler 21, and more particularly, a thermally insulated container for maintaining liquids, food, perishable items and/or other articles at a cool temperature. Thus, in accordance to one embodiment, the present invention is adapted and configured for replacing a conventional storage container lid (not shown) with an improved, retrofittable double lid.
In reference to
Referring now more specifically to
The top lid 30 and the bottom lid 40 are each constructed of a lightweight, rigid material. The lightweight, rigid material may be selected from the group comprising plastic, thermoplastic, metal or a metallic-plastic composite. Preferred plastic and thermoplastic materials include polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyolefin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or blends thereof, and ABS/Nylon blend. The top lid 30 and the bottom lid 40 may fabricated utilizing a common molding process such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, or other molding and fabricating methods.
Two hinges 50, 52, such as piano hinges, connect the top lid 30 to bottom lid 40. The hinges 50, 52 are spatially mounted to a lower portion of the rear edge 36 of top lid 30 and an upper portion of the rear edge 46 of bottom lid 40.
Two connecting hinges 60, 62 connect the double lid 10 to the storage container 20. The connecting hinges 60, 62 are spatially mounted to a lower portion of the rear edge 46 of bottom lid 40 and an upper longitudinal edge 26a of the rear opposing side 26 of container 20. Thus, the top lid 30 is openable independent of the bottom lid 40.
With respect to the above-described hinges 50, 52 and 60, 62, other types of hinges may also be utilized as described within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
In order to assist lifting and supportably maintaining the top lid 30 in a lifted orientation, sear springs 54, 56 may be fitted at spaced intervals along each of the two hinges 50, 52, respectively.
The top lid 30 further comprises a first interior space 70 and a second interior space 80 formed integral in the lower surface 34 thereof. The first interior space 70 and second interior space 80 each defines a generally rectangular configuration and are aligned juxtapositional to one another.
The first interior space 70 defines a floor 72 from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 73, 74 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 75, 76 upwardly depend. The two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 73, 74 are parallel to first side edge 37 and second side edge 38, and the two opposing horizontal sidewalls 75, 76 are parallel to front edge 35 and rear edge 36 of top lid 30.
The second interior space 80 defines a floor 82 from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 83, 84 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 85, 86 upwardly depend. The two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 83, 84 are parallel to first side edge 37 and second side edge 38, and the two opposing horizontal sidewalls 85, 86 are parallel to front edge 35 and rear edge 36 of top lid 30. The first interior space 70 is oriented, more specifically, juxtaposed and above the second interior space 80, the first interior space 70 and second interior space 80 being separated by a transverse stile 89, the transverse stile 89 being contiguous to lower surface 34 of top lid 30.
Referring now more specifically to
The second interior space 100 defines a floor 102 from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 103, 104 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 105, 106 upwardly depend.
The third interior space 110 defines a floor 112 from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 113, 114 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 115, 116 upwardly depend. The first enlarged interior space 91, the second interior space 100, and the third interior space 110 are separated by longitudinal 120 and transverse splines 122 being contiguous to upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40.
Referring now to
In an exemplary embodiment, the third interior space 110 includes a subcompartment 400 which includes an interior cavity 402 having a shape and dimension for accommodating and retaining a cellular phone 412 in a semi-snug fit manner. A rechargeable power source 420 is housed within a power source compartment 440 disposed within the third interior space 110, adjacent subcompartment 400. The rechargeable power source 420 comprises at least one rechargeable battery 421. In accordance to one embodiment, the rechargeable power source 420 is electrically connected to a power cord 430 and power cord plug 432, the plug 432 is receivable within a charging contact 411 of the mobile electronic device 410, shown herein as a cell phone 412. Rechargeable power source 420 further includes an outlet 434 for receiving power from an AC outlet (not shown) via a power supply cord 436, thereby allowing rechargeable power source 420 to be re-energized upon depletion of power. The outlet 434 of rechargeable power source 420 is recessed within the second side edge 48 of bottom lid 40.
Referring now more particularly to
The power connection circuitry 510 includes a first diode 512 having an anode connected to an output of the solar panel 500, the first diode having a cathode connected to the at least one rechargeable battery 421a by a fuse 514. A second diode 516 connects the at least one rechargeable battery 421a to the power cord 430 and power cord plug 432.
The top lid 30 and bottom lid 40 are hingedly connected such that upon pivotal displacement of top lid 30 onto bottom lid 40 (in a closed position), the lower surface 34 of top lid 30 intimately engages the upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40 in a flush, contact relationship.
Referring now more specifically to
In accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means 130 comprises an elongated member 132 centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement within the transverse stile 89 of the lid body 32 of top lid 30, and occupying longitudinally (lengthwise) a substantial portion thereof. The elongated member 132 defines a diameter or height measuring less than a height H defining the lid body 32 of top lid 30. The elongated member 132 may comprise a cylindrical configuration, but preferably comprises a flat or planar configuration. The elongated member 132 is also preferably rigid. Being rigid, elongated member 132 imparts enhanced transverse support to the top lid 30.
Elongated member 132 is further defined as being magnetic and provides a magnetic pull force sufficient for ensuring a plurality of cutting instruments 141, and more particularly knives 143, remain in a fixedly secured, stationary position against transverse stile 89. Thus, elongated member 132 magnetically secures a plurality of knives 143 to transverse stile 89. In reference to
The magnetic attachment means 130 may comprise a wide variety of permanent magnets including rare earth magnets, alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, and flexible magnets. Other suitable magnets for use as described hereinabove may include rare earth magnets such as Samarium Cobalt and neodymium iron classes.
Ceramic or Ferrite magnets are made of a composite of iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate. These materials are readily available and at a lower cost than other types of materials used in permanent magnets making it desirable due to the lower cost. Ceramic magnets are produced using pressing and sintering, but are brittle and require diamond wheels if grinding is necessary. These magnets are made in different grades. Ceramic grade 1 is an isotropic grade having equal magnetic properties in all directions. Ceramic grades 5 and 8 are anisotropic grades. Anisotropic magnets are magnetized in the direction of pressing. The anisotropic method delivers the highest energy product among ceramic magnets at values up to 3.5 MGOe (Mega Gauss Oersted). Ceramic magnets possess a good balance of magnetic strength, resistance to demagnetization and low cost.
Flexible magnets are magnets made of flexible materials that are bonded with a magnetic material. Flexible magnets are advantageous in that they may be bent, coiled, twisted, or otherwise machined into almost any desired shape without depleting their magnetic field. Flexible magnets are corrosion resistant, do not need a coating, are easily machined, and may be bonded with a high magnetic energy material.
Rare earth metal magnets are composed of more expensive magnetic material. Rare earth magnets may be coated onto a flexible material, e.g., plastic or nylon, and will provide excellent magnetic strength and flexibility. These magnets can also be manufactured so as to be very thin.
Alnico magnets are made primarily from a composite of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt with small amounts of other elements added to enhance the properties of the magnet. Alnico magnets possess excellent temperature stability, good resistance to demagnetization due to shock, but are easily demagnetized. Alnico magnets are produced by two typical methods, namely, casting or sintering. Sintering offers superior mechanical characteristics, whereas casting delivers higher energy products (up to 5.5 MGOe) and allows for the design of intricate shapes. Alnico magnets are made in different grades. Grades 5 and 8, which are anisotropic grades, are two very common grades. Anisotropic grades provide for a preferred direction of magnetic orientation. Alnico magnets have been replaced in many applications by ceramic and rare earth magnets.
In accordance to another embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned attachment means 130 may comprise a series of magnets (not shown) centrally enveloped within the transverse stile 89 of the lid body 32 of top lid 30, the series of magnets being spatially aligned in a linear orientation, and occupying longitudinally (lengthwise) a substantial portion thereof.
Referring now to
The bottom lid 40 is configured such that upon closure of bottom lid 40 onto open top 28 of storage container 20, the continuous peripheral lower surface edge 44a of bottom lid 40 intimately engages the continuous open top edge 28a of storage container 20 in a flush, sealed contact relationship.
A conventional latch and clasp 150, 152 (shown in
Referring now to
The catch bars 167 are each vertically disposed within a recessed compartment 180, 181 of respective, opposing lower surface front corners 39a, 39b of the top lid 30.
In order to secure top lid 30 onto bottom lid 40 in a closed orientation, the top lid 30 is pivotally displaced downward onto bottom lid 40 until displacing the at least one catch bar 167 into engagement with the bar retainer portion 164a of the hook end 164 of the at least one sear 162.
In order to release top lid 30 from bottom lid 40, the at least one button 168 is pressed actuating the at least one sear 162 to pivot downward about pin 170, thereby displacing the at least one catch bar 167 out of engagement with the bar retainer portion 164a of the hook end 164 of the at least one sear 162 and releasing the top lid 30 from the bottom lid 40. Upon release of the at least one button 168, the at least one sear 162 is urged via spring 172 upward relative to the plane of the upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40, or otherwise a resting position of the at least one sear 162.
As best shown in
It is envisioned minor handle 157 may be disposed with a bottle opener molded integral along a lower surface thereof.
Referring now to
The first shelf 190 and the second shelf 196 each comprises a planar, generally rectangular configuration; however, it is envisioned first shelf 190 and second shelf 196 may comprise other geometric shapes and configurations.
Each the first shelf 190 and the second shelf 196 includes an arcuate-shaped arbor receiving void 206, 208, respectively, for receiving a vertical arbor 217, 227 of an anchor 210, 220, respectively. Each respective anchor 210, 220 defines a head 211, 221 from which an elongated body 212, 222, respectively, extends, the body 212, 222 tapering from the head 211, 221 to a lower end 213, 223 thereof. Each body 212, 222 being threaded from about a mid-section thereof, to the lower end 213, 223, respectively, thereof. Each head 211, 221 defines an annular upper flange 214, 224 and an annular lower flange 216, 226, respectively, the annular lower flange 216, 226 being oriented spatially below the annular upper flange 214, 224, respectively, and in axial alignment therewith. A vertical arbor 217, 227 is integrally interposed between the annular upper flange 214, 224 and annular lower flange 216, 226, respectively, the vertical arbor 217, 227 being oriented perpendicularly therebetween. The annular upper flange 214, 224 and annular lower flange 216, 226 each defining a diameter measuring greater than a diametric measure defining the body 212, 216 and vertical arbor 217, 227 of each respective anchor 210, 220.
To provide user with enhanced leverage for allowing the anchors 210, 220 to be easily driven into the ground 5, the anchors 210, 220 each includes a hole 218, 228 for receiving a rod 250 therethrough. The hole 218, 228 of each respective anchor 210, 220 is defined through the body 212, 222, respectively, thereof, and wherein the hole 218, 228 is positioned below the annular lower flange 216, 226 of each respective anchor 210, 220. The hole 218, 228 is adapted for receiving the rod 250 therethrough, thereby providing a handle 252 by which each respective anchor 210, 220 can be easily turnably-driven into the ground 5.
In accordance to one embodiment, it is envisioned the anchors 210, 220 are each further defined as a combination umbrella-anchor device 219, 229, as illustrated in
To maintain the first shelf 190 and the second shelf 196 in a horizontally oriented position with respect to the ground 5, the vertical arbor 217, 227 of each respective anchor 210, 220 slidably engages the arbor receiving void 206, 208 of the first shelf 190 and the second shelf 196, respectively, in a manner such that a lower surface 214a, 224a of the annular upper flange 214, 224, respectively, engages an upper surface 191 and 197 of the first shelf 190 and second shelf 196, respectively, and an upper surface 216a, 226a of the annular lower flange 216, 226, respectively, engages a lower surface 192 and 198 of the first shelf 190 and second shelf 196, respectively.
The first shelf 190 and second shelf 196 may be maintained at an angular orientation above or below horizontal, according to user preference. The selected angular orientation of shelves 190, 196 being dependent upon the depth at which anchors 210, 220 are driven into ground 5.
The first shelf 190 and the second shelf 196 may each include a pivotal door 230, 236 hingedly connected to a front edge wall 193, 199 respectively thereof, the pivotal door 230, 236 positioned adjacent the arbor receiving void 206, 208 of the first shelf 190 and second shelf 196, respectively. To maintain each the pivotal door 230, 236 in a removably secured, closed position, each the pivotal door 230, 236 includes a door securement mechanism 240, such as a detented lock. More specifically, each pivotal door 230, 236 may comprise a detent 242, 248 disposed in a forward end thereof for cooperating with a radial groove 195, 199b or depression in an inner wall 194, 199a, respectively defining the arbor receiving void 206, 208. Closure of each the pivotal door 230, 236, as more clearly shown in
Finally, in reference to
The storage container 300 further comprises a double lid 329 hingedly connected thereto, the double lid 329 comprising a top lid 330 and a bottom lid 340, the top lid 330 being hingedly connected to the bottom lid 340.
An attachment means 350 is disclosed for removably attaching a plurality of implements 360, such as cutting instruments 361 and cutting instrument accessories, e.g., blade sharpener (not shown) to the top lid 330 of the double lid 329. The attachment means 350 is defined as being magnetic and is centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement within the transverse stile 334 of top lid 330.
For purposes of brevity and obviating redundancy, the storage container 300, the top lid 330, and bottom lid 340 comprise the same elements, features, and advantages, and additional elements, features, and advantages associated with, and in accordance to the preferred and alternate embodiments thereof, as previously described hereinabove.
It is envisioned the storage container 300 includes a telescopic handle suitably mounted to one of the two pairs of opposing sides 323, 324 and 325, 326. This particular embodiment may further include at least one wheel assembly to facilitate mobility and transport over soft or uneven terrain, e.g., sand.
It is further envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.
