Retrofittable Double Lid For Storage Container

Abstract

A double lid retrofittable to a storage container, the double lid includes a top lid and a bottom lid. The top lid and bottom lid each includes a plurality of interior spaces. The double lid further includes an attachment mechanism for removably attaching a plurality of implements to the top lid thereof.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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:

• U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,722, issued in the name of Cheney;
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,908 B2, issued in the name of Biondo et al.;
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,092 issued in the name of Cheney;
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,812, issued in the name of Hwang;
• U.S. Patent Application no. 2010/0200581 A1, published in the name of Maltz;
• U.S. Patent Application no. 2010/0089935 A1, published in the name of Heilman et al.;
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,047, issued in the name of Dennis;
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,410 B2, issued in the name of Ford;
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,057, issued in the name of Taylor; and
• U.S. Patent Application no. 2009/0033012 A1, published in the name of Correa.

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retrofittable double lid for a storage container, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage container;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a double lid shown hingedly connected to a storage container, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of a conventional padlock;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the container with retrofitted double lid of FIG. 3, wherein the double lid is shown closed onto storage container;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the double lid hingedly connected to a storage container, only showing the top lid in broken lines, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the bottom lid, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the bottom lid illustrating one of the interior spaces disposed with a rechargeable power source and a subcompartment for accommodating and retaining a mobile electronic device, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of the side edge of the bottom lid shown disposed with an outlet for receiving power from an AC outlet, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a power supply cord;

FIG. 6D is a top plan view of the bottom lid illustrating one of the interior spaces disposed with an alternate rechargeable power source embodiment and a subcompartment for accommodating and retaining a mobile electronic device, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6E is a side elevational view of the side edge of the bottom lid shown integrated with a solar panel, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6F is a schematic diagram of the power connection circuitry, in accordance to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the top lid illustrating the attachment means, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conventional knife;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a first sear, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 a side elevational view of a second sear, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the bottom lid illustrating a pair of sears pivotally disposed in respective recessed cavities, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a storage container shown retrofitted with a double lid and a pair of shelves, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded, side elevational view of an anchor, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a side elevational view of a combination anchor-umbrella device;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the storage container retrofitted with the double lid and pair of shelves of FIG. 12, shown anchored to the ground, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now to FIG. 1, a retrofittable double lid 10 for a storage container is shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The storage container, generally designated at 20, is 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.

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 FIG. 2, the storage container 20 generally defines a rectangular shape and includes a bottom wall 22 from which two pairs of opposing sides 23, 24 and 25, 26, respectively, extend vertically therefrom forming an open interior 27 and an open top 28.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1-5, the double lid 10 comprises a top lid 30 and a bottom lid 40, the top lid 30 being hingedly connected to the bottom lid 40. The top lid 30 comprises a lid body 32 having an upper surface 33 opposing a lower surface 34, a front edge 35 opposing a rear edge 36, and a first side edge 37 opposing a second side edge 38. The bottom lid 40 comprises a body 42 having an upper surface 43 opposing a lower surface 44, a front edge 45 opposing a rear edge 46, and a first side edge 47 opposing a second side edge 48.

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 FIGS. 3 and 6, the bottom lid 40 further comprises a plurality of interior spaces 90 formed integral in the upper surface 43 thereof. The plurality of interior spaces 90 provide dry storage compartments for retaining food, cutlery, and other dinnerware accessories (not shown), and personal articles (not shown), such as car keys, wallet, credit/debit cards, identification cards, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) organizer, an iPod, a portable radio, a pager, or other hand-held mobile electronic devices, and the like. The plurality of interior spaces 90 comprises a first enlarged interior space 91, a second interior space 100, and a third interior space 110. The first enlarged interior space 91 defines a floor 92 from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 93, 94 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 95, 96 upwardly depend. The two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 93, 94 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 95, 96 conjunctively define a peripheral out-turned upper edge 98 formed by the upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40. The two opposing longitudinal sidewalls 93, 94 and two opposing horizontal sidewalls 95, 96 each defines a height substantially greater than a height defining each the front edge 45, rear edge 46, first side edge 47, and second side edge 48.

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 FIGS. 6A-6C, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of interior spaces 90 includes a subcompartment 400 which includes an interior cavity 402 having a shape and dimension for accommodating and retaining a mobile electronic device 410, i.e., a cellular phone 412, personal digital assistant (PDA) organizer, iPod, portable radio, pager, or other hand-held mobile electronic devices 410, in a semi-snug fit manner.

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 FIGS. 6D-6F, in accordance to an alternate embodiment, the rechargeable power source 420a receives power via a solar panel 500 coupled to the second side edge 48 of bottom lid 40. The solar panel 500 is adapted to convert ambient light into electric power. The rechargeable power source 420a comprises at least one rechargeable battery 421a electrically connected to the solar panel 500 via power connection circuitry 510. The power connection circuitry 510 is adapted to permit the flow of power from the solar panel 500 to the at least one rechargeable battery 421a. The at least one rechargeable battery 421a is further 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, thereby supplying power thereto.

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 FIGS. 1, and 7-8, an attachment means 130 is disclosed for removably attaching a plurality of implements 140, such as cutting instruments 141, e.g., knife 143, and cutting instrument accessories, e.g., blade sharpener (not shown) to the top lid 30 of the double lid 10. Suitable methods for attachment may include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop fastener systems, adhesive bonding, and combinations thereof. Preferably, attachment means 130 is defined as being magnetic, thereby being attracted to any magnetically attractive or magnetically conductive surface 142, such as the steel blade 145 of a knife 143. A typical knife 143 having a steel blade 145 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, and more particularly in FIG. 8, wherein knife 143 includes a handle 144 and a blade 145, the blade 145 defining a cutting edge 146 and a tip 147. Thus, in accordance to the preferred embodiment, positioning of a magnetically attractive or magnetically conductive cutting instrument(s) 141 onto the attachment means 130 ensures fixed engagement by the cutting instrument(s) 141 thereto. In the event double lid 10 is transported, the magnetic pull force provided by attachment means 130 ensures cutting instrument(s) 141 remain(s) in a fixedly secured, stationary position there against.

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 FIG. 1, the blade 145 portion of a pair of knives 143 is shown secured against the transverse stile 89 via the magnetic attraction of blades 145 to elongated member 132, thereby removably securing the knives 143 to transverse stile 89.

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 FIGS. 3 and 5, when top lid 30 and bottom lid 40 are moved to a closed position, the first enlarged interior space 91 provides a volume of space into which secured implements 140 are accommodated, thereby allowing the lower surface 34 of top lid 30 to intimately engage the upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40 in a flush, contact relationship.

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 FIG. 3) are provided for securely holding the double lid 10 in a closed position onto the storage container 20. The latch 150 is suitably mounted to a front side 25 of storage container 20, and the clasp 152 is suitably mounted to the front edge 35 of top lid 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, and 9-11, the top lid 30 is openable independent of the bottom lid 40, wherein top lid 30 may be opened by release of a sear(s) 162 of a catch assembly 160, and the lifting of the front edge 35 of top lid 30. The catch assembly 160 comprises at least one sear 162 for locking to a corresponding at least one catch bar 167. Preferably, two sears 162 and two corresponding catch bars 167 are provided. The sears 162 are each pivotally disposed about a pin 170 within a recessed cavity 49c, 49d of respective, opposing upper surface front corners 49a, 49b of the bottom lid 40, and biased via a spring 172 which urges each of the sears 162 upward relative to the plane of the upper surface 43 of bottom lid 40. Each sear 162 includes a hook end 164 and a generally S or Z-shaped lower end 166 terminating into a button 168 which extends through a respective opening 169, 169a in the first side edge 47 and second side edge 48 of bottom lid 40, the opening 169 in the first side edge 47 and the opening 169a in the second side edge 48 are in fluid communication with a respective recessed cavity 49c, 49d. The hook end 164 of each sear 162 includes a bar retainer portion 164a.

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 FIG. 3, the front edge 35 of top lid 30 is mounted with a major handle 154 and the front edge 45 of bottom lid 40 is mounted with a minor handle 157. Major handle 154 includes a hole 155 defined therethrough, and minor handle 157 includes a hole 158 defined therethrough. When top lid 30 and bottom lid 40 are moved to a closed position with respect to one another, the major handle 154 is adapted to engage complementary the minor handle 157, such that the hole 155 of major handle 154 is vertically aligned with the hole 158 of minor handle 157. To lock major handle 154 and minor handle 157, and thus securely lock top lid 30 in a closed position to bottom lid 40, the shackle 159a of a padlock 159, as shown in FIG. 3A, is passed through respective holes 155, 158 of the major and minor handles 154, 157. The advantage of locking the double lid 10 independently of the storage container 20 allows for valuable items contained inside the double lid 10 to be secured from access thereto while concurrently allowing access to the open interior 27 of the storage container 20.

It is envisioned minor handle 157 may be disposed with a bottle opener molded integral along a lower surface thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, a first shelf 190 and a second shelf 196 retrofittable to a storage container 20 are provided. The first shelf 190 is hingedly connected to the right opposing side 23 of storage container 20, adjacent the continuous open top edge 28a thereof. The second shelf 196 is hingedly connected to the left opposing side 24 of storage container 20, adjacent the continuous open top edge 28a thereof. A first hinge 200, such as a piano hinge, connects the first shelf 190 to the storage container 20, and a second hinge 202, such as a piano hinge, connects the second shelf 196 to the storage container. With respect to the above-described hinges 200 and 202, other types of hinges may also be utilized as described within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

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 FIG. 13A. The combination umbrella-anchor devices 219, 229 each comprises a telescopic vertical member 219a, 229a mounted or molded integral to an upper surface of the respective annular upper flange 214, 224 of anchors 210, 220. Each umbrella-anchor device 219, 229 includes a canopy 219b, 229b and other elements commonly associated with a conventional umbrella which include, but are not limited to a runner, canopy support ribs, stretchers, and ferrule (elements not shown).

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 FIG. 14, allows for the first shelf 190 and second shelf 196 to be removably secured to the respective anchor 210, 220, and thereby anchoring the storage container 20 to the ground 5.

Finally, in reference to FIG. 15, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, wherein an improved storage container 300 is provided. The storage container 300 having insulative features and qualities, and generally defines a rectangular shape and includes a bottom wall 322 from which two pairs of opposing sides 323, 324 and 325, 326, respectively, extend vertically therefrom forming an open interior 327 and an open top 328.

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.

Claims

1. A retrofittable double lid apparatus for a storage container, the apparatus comprising:

a double lid, the double lid hingedly connected to the storage container, wherein the double lid comprising 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; and

a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to the double lid.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top lid comprises:

a lid body having an upper surface opposing a lower surface;

a front edge;

a rear edge, the front edge opposing the rear edge;

a first side edge; and

a second side edge, the first side edge opposing the second side edge; and wherein the bottom lid comprises:

a body having an upper surface opposing a lower surface;

a front edge;

a rear edge, the front edge opposing the rear edge;

a first side edge; and

a second side edge, the first side edge opposing the second side edge.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom lid is hingedly connected to a rear side of the container.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top lid further comprises a first interior space and a second interior space, each the first interior space and the second interior space formed integral in the lower surface of the lid body of the top lid, the first interior space and the second interior space are aligned juxtapositional to one another.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first interior space and the second interior space are separated by a transverse stile, the transverse stile being contiguous to the lower surface of the lid body of the top lid.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bottom lid further comprises a plurality of interior spaces formed integral in the upper surface of the body of the bottom lid, the plurality of interior spaces provide dry storage compartments.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of interior spaces comprises a first enlarged interior space, a second interior space, and a third interior space.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of interior spaces comprises a subcompartment.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first enlarged interior space defines a floor from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls and two opposing horizontal sidewalls upwardly depend, the two opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the two opposing horizontal sidewalls conjunctively define a peripheral out-turned upper edge formed by the upper surface of the body of the bottom lid, the two opposing longitudinal sidewalls and two opposing horizontal sidewalls each defines a height substantially greater than a height defining each the front edge, the rear edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the bottom lid.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second interior space defines a floor from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls and two opposing horizontal sidewalls upwardly depend.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third interior space defines a floor from which two opposing longitudinal sidewalls and two opposing horizontal sidewalls upwardly depend.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the subcompartment includes an interior cavity shapely configured and dimensioned for accommodating and retaining a mobile electronic device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one of the plurality of interior spaces comprises a rechargeable power source housed within a power source compartment, the power source compartment is positioned adjacent the subcompartment, and wherein the rechargeable power source is electrically connected to a power cord and power cord plug, the power cord plug is receivable within a charging contact of the mobile electronic device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rechargeable power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rechargeable power source includes an outlet for receiving power from an AC outlet via a power supply cord, thereby allowing the rechargeable power source to be re-energized upon depletion of power.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rechargeable power source receives power via a solar panel coupled to the bottom lid, the rechargeable power source is electrically connected to the solar panel via a power connection circuitry.

17. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first enlarged interior space, the second interior space, and the third interior space are separated by longitudinal and transverse splines being contiguous to the upper surface of the body of the bottom lid.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to the double lid comprises an elongated member centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement within a transverse stile of the top lid of the double lid, the elongated member occupying longitudinally a substantial portion of the transverse stile, the elongated member defines a diameter or height measuring less than a height defining the top lid.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the elongated member is rigid, thereby imparting enhanced transverse support to the top lid.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the elongated member is defined as being magnetic and provides a magnetic pull force sufficient for ensuring a plurality of implements remain in a fixedly secured, stationary position against the transverse stile.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of implements includes cutting instruments.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a catch assembly for allowing the top lid to be releasably locked to the bottom lid.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:

at least one shelf, the at least one shelf is hingedly connected to a right side and/or a left side of the storage container.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising at least one anchor for maintaining the at least one shelf in an elevated position with respect to the ground, and for anchoring the storage container to the ground.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one anchor is defined as a combination umbrella-anchor device.

26. A storage container comprising:

a body, the body comprising a bottom wall from which two pairs of opposing sides extend vertically therefrom forming an open interior and an open top;

a double lid, the double lid hingedly connected to a rear side of the two pairs of opposing sides of the body, wherein the double lid comprising 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; and

a means for removably attaching a plurality of implements to the top lid.

27. The storage container of claim 26, wherein the body and the double lid are thermally insulated.