Actuating working surface of the storage device

Abstract

The systems described in this disclosure can be used with storage systems to provide a platform for items such as blueprints and / or paper. A container includes a top panel that pivots relative to the container. The container can include additional panels that pivot relative to the top panel, and the additional panels rotate away from the top panel to extend the platform provided by the top panel.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 947,923, filed on December 13, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of tool storage systems and related devices. This disclosure particularly relates to a device or tool storage container that includes a surface, such as a writing surface, and a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling the device or tool storage container to another such device or container in, for example, a modular tool storage system.

[0004] Tool storage units are commonly used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to be incorporated into modular storage systems. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices, and / or containers can provide a variety of different functions, such as being adapted to provide a writing surface. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first embodiment of this disclosure relates to a container, such as a tool storage device, that includes a housing, a top panel defining a top surface, a left panel pivotable relative to the top panel, a support arm, a support structure, and a bottom surface of the container. The left panel pivots rotatably relative to the top panel about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. When the left panel is in the open position, both the bottom of the left panel and the top surface of the top panel face upward. A first end of the support arm pivots relative to the top of the left panel opposite the bottom of the left panel. The support structure includes an inclined surface that abuts a second end of the support arm opposite the first end. When the left panel is in the open position, the inclined surface defines an angle relative to a line extending from the bottom of the inclined surface to the first axis of the left panel, and the angle is between 65 degrees and 85 degrees. The bottom surface of the container defines a coupling interface that is configured to couple the container to a second container.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a container that includes: a housing, a top panel defining a top surface, a left panel pivotable relative to the top panel, a support arm, a biasing element, and a bottom surface of the container. The left panel pivotally rotates relative to the top panel about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. When the left panel is in the open position, both the bottom of the left panel and the top surface of the top panel face upward. The top of the left panel defines a channel. A first end of the support arm is pivotally coupled to the top of the left panel opposite the bottom. The support arm rotates relative to the left panel about a second axis. The second axis extends through the channel in the left panel. The biasing element biases the support arm into the channel when the left panel is in the open position. The bottom surface of the container defines a coupling interface that is configured to couple the container to a second container.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a container that includes a housing defining an internal storage compartment, a top panel pivotable relative to the housing, a left panel pivotable relative to the top panel, and a right panel pivotable relative to the top panel. The top panel rotates relative to the housing about a first axis. The left panel pivotally rotates relative to the top panel about a second axis, and the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The right panel pivotally rotates relative to the top panel about a third axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis. The bottom surface of the container defines a coupling interface that is configured to couple the container to a second container.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and the figures included herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0009] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may be practiced in practice, embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 the tool storage device.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a support rod according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the support rod.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device.

[0020] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device when the left panel is being opened.

[0021] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device when the left panel is opened further than in Figure 10 is opened.

[0022] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the tool storage device when the left panel is in the open position.

[0023] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a support structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of the support structure.

[0024] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a support structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 of a cross-section of the support structure.

[0025] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1Perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0026] Figure 16 Is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 Is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0028] Referring generally to the drawings, embodiments of stackable tool storage devices, containers, or units are shown. One or more of these devices are configured to selectively couple and decouple with a storage unit. The tool storage device includes one or more panels that are adjustable to expose one or more surfaces. At a construction site, there may be few surfaces and / or platforms to support objects, documents, etc. A portable stackable tool storage system is described herein that includes a storage device that provides one or more surfaces, such as a writing surface. In one embodiment, the storage unit has left and / or right panels that open in a butterfly fashion to expose an integral writing surface, and the left and right panels are pivotally connected to a housing such that the writing surface can be tilted towards a reader.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , modular storage units, containers, and / or devices such as tool storage device 10 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Tool storage device 10 includes a left panel 20 and a right panel 40 that pivotally open to expose a writing surface 72 of a top panel 70. Tool storage device 10 includes a handle 16 and a strap 18 for transportation.

[0030] Locks 14 and coupling interfaces 26 and 46 are configured to couple tool storage device 10 with other devices (such as other tool storage devices) having similar coupling mechanisms. In a specific embodiment, coupling interfaces 26 and 46 utilize one or more of the coupling structures described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US 2018 / 044629, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] Left panel 20 rotates relative to top panel 70 about axis 22, and right panel 40 rotates relative to top panel 70 about axis 42. When left panel 20 and right panel 40 are in the closed position, the lip 30 of left panel 20 extends over the lip 50 of right panel 40. As a result, the lip 30 of left panel 20 prevents right panel 40 from rotating open until left panel 20 is first rotated from the closed position. When left panel 20 and right panel 40 are rotated open from the closed position, left panel 20 is rotated until lip 30 no longer obstructs lip 50 of right panel 40.

[0032] The left panel 20 includes a top surface 24 that includes a coupling interface 26. The bottom of the left panel 20 defines a surface shown as a writing surface 28. In a particular embodiment, when the left panel 20 is in the open position, the bottom surface 28 is coplanar with the writing surface 72. Similar to the left panel 20, the right panel 40 includes a top surface 44 that includes a coupling interface 46. The bottom of the right panel 40 defines a surface 48. In a particular embodiment, when the right panel 40 is in the open position, the bottom surface 48 is coplanar with the writing surface 72.

[0033] As shown, the surface 28 of the left panel 20 provides a flat surface that allows writing on paper, while the surface 48 of the right panel 40 provides a more uneven surface that will support objects but does not easily allow writing on paper. In another particular embodiment, both the surface 28 and the surface 48 are flat and allow writing on paper placed on the surface 28 and / or the surface 48.

[0034] Turning Figures 4 to 6 , where multiple different aspects of the locking mechanism of the tool storage device 10 are described. The user interacts with the locking interface 52 to actuate the locking interface 52 along the axis 62. The locking interface 52 is coupled to the locking arm 54. The protrusion 56 extends from the left panel 20 and is coupled to the end of the locking arm 54. When the left panel 20 is in the closed position, the protrusion 56 extends through the aperture 66 and engages the interior of the aperture, thereby preventing the left panel 20 from being rotated open.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the locking interfaces 52 are biased away from each other by a biasing element such as a spring. To open the left panel 20, the user actuates the locking interface 52 along the axis 62 against the biasing element until the protrusion 56 retracts from the aperture 66. Then the left panel 20 is rotated about the axis 22 until the lip 30 of the left panel 20 does not prevent the right panel 40 from being pivotally opened.

[0036] Turning Figures 7 to 14 , multiple different aspects of the support elements of the left panel 20 and the right panel 40 are shown. In one embodiment, the support arm 80 includes pins 82 that project laterally from the support arm 80 in opposite directions. To couple the support arm to the left panel 20, the pins 82 are inserted into the recesses 36, and the support arm 80 is rotated about the axis 84.

[0037] The sidewall 96 defines the outer periphery of the support arm 80. Inside the sidewall 96 is a cavity shown as recess 94. When the support arm 80 is within the channel 32, the spring 86 extends from the body 88 of the support arm 80. The spring 86 biases the support arm 80 towards being confined within the channel 32. In a plurality of different configurations of the left panel 20, the top surface 90 of the support arm 80 is flush with and / or recessed below the top surface 24 of the left panel 20. When the left panel 20 is rotated open until the surface 28 faces upward, the spring 86 generates a biasing force towards holding the support arm 80 within the channel 32.

[0038] Specifically turning Figures 9 to 12 , a plurality of different configurations of the left panel 20 and the support arm 80 are shown. In Figure 9 , the left panel 20 is in the fully closed position. In a specific embodiment, the end 92 of the support arm 80 does not extend beyond the side surface 34 of the left panel 20.

[0039] The support structure 120 is coupled to one side of the top panel 70. The left panel 20 is pivotally rotated open ( Figure 10 ), until the support structure 120 is disposed within the channel 32, at which time the end 92 of the support arm 80 abuts the support structure 120 ( Figure 11 ). The left panel 20 is further pivotally opened until the left panel 20 is in the open position ( Figure 12 ). In the open position of the left panel 20, the surface 28 of the left panel 20 is coplanar and / or substantially coplanar with the surface 72 of the top panel 70, and the end 92 of the support arm 80 abuts the inclined surface 130.

[0040] Turning Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the support structure 120 includes a sidewall 122 and a central wall 124. In a specific embodiment, the sidewall 122 and the central wall 124 extend along the main longitudinal axis of the support structure 120. The sidewall 122 defines a recess 126 within which the end 92 of the support arm 80 slides as the left panel 20 is pivoted to the open position. As the support arm 80 slides from the top 139 to the bottom 132 of the support structure 120, the end 92 of the support arm 80 abuts the central wall 124 of the support structure until the end 92 abuts the inclined surface 130.

[0041] At the bottom 132 of the support structure 120, the protrusion 128 extends inwardly from the side wall 122 towards the opposite side wall 122. When the end 92 of the support arm 80 abuts the inclined surface 130, the protrusion 128 extends into the recess 94 of the support arm 80. As a result, the engagement between the protrusion 128 and the side wall 122 biases the support arm 80 towards being held in the same position. Thus, the engagement between the protrusion 128 and the support arm 80 provides a biasing force for preventing the support arm 80 from pivoting out of the support structure 120. In a plurality of different embodiments, the protrusion 128 extends from one or more of the side walls 122, and in a specific embodiment, the protrusion 128 extends from two side walls 122 towards the opposite side wall 122.

[0042] When the left panel 20 is opened, the angle of the inclined surface 130 further biases the support arm 80 to remain within the support structure 120. The inclined surface 130 defines an angle 134 between the inclined surface 130 and the top surface 136 of the central wall 124. In a specific embodiment, the angle 134 is between 130 degrees and 170 degrees, more particularly between 150 degrees and 160 degrees, more particularly between 152 degrees and 157 degrees, and more particularly 154 degrees.

[0043] The inclined surface 130 also defines an angle 118 between the inclined surface 130 and a line 138 extending from the bottom 132 of the inclined surface 130 towards the axis 84 of the support arm 80. Thus, as Figure 12 shown, when the end 92 abuts the inclined surface 130, the main longitudinal axis of the support arm 80 and the inclined surface 130 define an angle 118. In a specific embodiment, the angle 118 is between 95 degrees and 115 degrees, more particularly between 98 degrees and 105 degrees, and more particularly 100 degrees. As the amount of force applied to the support arm 80 increases, the entire channel bends until the angle 118 becomes less than 90 degrees, thereby allowing the support arm 80 to disengage, thus helping to protect the support arm 80 from breaking. The applicant has observed that when sufficient force is applied to the left panel 20, this angle allows the support arm 80 to slide out of the support structure 120, which protects the support arm 80 from breaking when the force applied to the left panel 20 is greater than the force that the support arm 80 can withstand without damage.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, each of the left panel 20 and the right panel 40 includes two support arms 80 extending from the respective panel and engaging with the support structure 120. For each panel, the corresponding support arms are arranged at approximately one-third and two-thirds of the distance from the top to the bottom of the panel, thus providing evenly spaced support for the respective panel.

[0045] Turning to Figure 14, in a specific embodiment, the top surface 136 of the central wall 124 is arcuate. The central wall 124 has a width 160 at the top 139. Starting from the top 139, the central wall 124 widens to a maximum width of 162 and then narrows to a width 164 at the junction between the central wall 124 and the inclined surface 130, which width is also the minimum width of the central wall 124 below the width 162. Each of the width 160, width 162, and width 164 is measured from the side surface 34 of the left panel 20 when the left panel 20 is in the closed position. In a specific embodiment, the ratio between the width 160 and the width 162 is between 1:6 and 1:2, more specifically between 1:4 and 1:2.75, and more specifically 1:3.1. In a specific embodiment, the ratio between the width 162 and the width 164 is between 1:1 and 3:1, more specifically between 7:5 and 2:1, and more specifically 8:5.

[0046] Turn to Figures 15 to 17 , when in the open position, the left panel 20 and the right panel 40 extend laterally away from the top panel 70. In a specific embodiment, when open, the surfaces 24, 44, and 72 of the left panel 20, right panel 40, and top panel 70 are coplanar and / or substantially coplanar with each other. In Figures 15 to 17 the illustrated embodiment, the lower wall defining the surface 48 has been joined to the bottom of the right panel 40 such that when the right panel 40 is opened, the right panel 40 also includes a flat surface for supporting writing on paper.

[0047] The top panel 70 is pivotally joined to the housing 12 and rotates relative to the housing 12 about an axis 64 to provide an inclined surface that can be used for writing and / or supporting paper (e.g., blueprints). In a specific embodiment, the left panel 20 and the right panel 40 are pivotally joined to the top panel 70, and as a result, the left panel 20 and the right panel 40 also pivotally rotate relative to the housing 12 about the axis 64.

[0048] After rotating the top panel 70 away from the housing 12, the leg bracket 140 can be pivotally rotated to engage with the housing 12. The leg bracket 140 provides support for the top panel 70 to maintain a certain angle (e.g., 15 degrees) relative to the housing 12. The leg bracket 140 is pivotally joined to the bottom of the top panel 70. The bottom surface 78 of the top panel 70 includes one or more fixing mechanisms shown as snaps 146 that extend from the bottom surface 78 of the top panel 70. The snap 146 secures the leg bracket 140 against the bottom surface 78.

[0049] As Figure 16 shown, when the top panel 70 is pivotally opened, the bottom paper retainer 74 prevents objects and paper from slipping off the surface 72. Similarly, the top paper retainer 76 helps to secure objects and paper from slipping off the opposite side of the top panel 70.

[0050] The leg support 140 can be used to fix a partially open position of the top panel 70 by rotating the leg support 140 about the axis 142. The leg support 140 includes one or more protrusions 144. When the leg support 140 is rotated to the open position, the protrusions 144 abut against the housing 12 to fix the top panel 70 in Figure 16 the inclined position shown. In a specific embodiment, the top panel 70 is inclined at an angle between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, more particularly between 10 degrees and 20 degrees, and more particularly at an angle of 15 degrees with respect to the housing.

[0051] The top panel 70 is opened to expose the first compartment 148 and the second compartment 150. In a specific embodiment and as shown, the first compartment 148 includes a plurality of storage sub-compartments, and the second compartment 150 is an integral storage compartment. When the top panel 70 is rotated to the closed position, the protrusion 68 is positioned above the plurality of sub-compartments of the first compartment 148 and closes the plurality of sub-compartments of the first compartment.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the tool storage device 10 is designed to be independent and does not include a coupling interface for coupling the tool storage device 10 to other storage devices.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the housing 12 does not include an internal compartment for storage. The top panel 70, the left panel 20, and the right panel 40 pivot with respect to the housing 12 to incline the surfaces 28, 48, and 72.

[0054] It should be understood that the drawings show in detail exemplary embodiments, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered restrictive.

[0055] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of the various different aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification is to be construed as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various different exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of the various different elements). Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be varied or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method step may be changed or re-ordered. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the various different exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] Unless expressly stated otherwise, any method set forth herein is not intended to be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in the order specified. Accordingly, no particular order is to be inferred where the method claims do not actually recite an order for its steps to be followed or where no specific statement in the claims or specification is made that the steps are limited to a particular order. Additionally, the article "a" as used herein is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not to be construed as having only one.

[0057] The various different embodiments of this disclosure relate to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or in future applications. Any feature, element or component of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element or component of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: A housing; A top panel that defines a top surface; A left panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the left panel pivots rotatably about a first axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the top panel, and wherein when the left panel is in the open position, the bottom of the left panel and the top surface of the top panel both face upward; A support arm, wherein a first end of the support arm pivots relative to the top of the left panel that is opposite to the bottom of the left panel; A support structure that includes an inclined surface abutting a second end of the support arm that is opposite to the first end, wherein when the left panel is in the open position, the inclined surface defines an angle relative to a line extending from the bottom of the inclined surface to the first axis of the left panel, and wherein the angle is between 65 degrees and 85 degrees; and A bottom surface of the container that defines a coupling interface configured to couple the container to a second container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The top panel defines a first surface, and wherein the left panel defines a second surface that is substantially coplanar with the first surface when the left panel is in the open position.

3. The container according to claim 1, further comprising: A right panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the right panel pivots rotatably about a second axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the top panel, and wherein the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other, and wherein when the right panel is in the open position, the bottom of the right panel and the top surface of the top panel both face upward.

4. The container according to claim 3, further comprising: A second support arm, wherein a first end of the second support arm pivots relative to the top of the right panel that is opposite to the bottom of the right panel; and A second support structure that includes an inclined surface abutting a second end of the second support arm that is opposite to the first end, wherein when the right panel is in the open position, the inclined surface defines an angle relative to a line extending from the bottom of the inclined surface to the second axis of the right panel, and wherein the angle is between 65 degrees and 85 degrees.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein, The left panel includes a first lip extending toward the second axis of the right panel, and wherein the right panel includes a second lip extending toward the first axis of the left panel, and wherein when the left panel and the right panel are in the closed position, the first lip and the second lip engage each other to prevent opening of at least one of the left panel and the right panel.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The left panel defines a channel sized to receive the support arm when the left panel is in the closed position, and wherein when the left panel is in the open position, the support structure is disposed within the channel.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The left panel defines a channel sized to receive the support arm when the left panel is in the closed position, the container further comprising: A biasing element that defines an end of the support arm, wherein the biasing element biases the support arm into the channel when the left panel is in the open position.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein The housing defines an internal storage compartment, and wherein the support structure includes a first wall, the first wall including a protrusion that engages the support arm when the support arm is in the open position.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes a wall that abuts a second end of the support arm, the wall defining a first width at the top of the wall, a second width that is the maximum width of the wall, and a third width that is the minimum width below the second width, and wherein the first width is less than both the second width and the third width, and the second width is greater than the third width.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein, The ratio between the first width and the second width is between 1:6 and 1:2, and wherein the ratio between the second width and the third width is between 1:1 and 3:

1.

11. A container, comprising: A housing; A top panel that defines a top surface; A left panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the left panel pivots rotatably about a first axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the top panel, and wherein when the left panel is in the open position, the bottom of the left panel and the top surface of the top panel both face upward, and wherein the top of the left panel defines a channel; A support arm, wherein a first end of the support arm is pivotally coupled to the top of the left panel opposite the bottom, and wherein the support arm rotates relative to the left panel about a second axis, and wherein the second axis extends through the channel in the left panel; A biasing element that biases the support arm into the channel when the left panel is in the open position; and A bottom surface of the container that defines a coupling interface configured to couple the container to a second container.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein, The biasing element defines an end of the support arm.

13. The container according to claim 11, further comprising: A right panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the right panel pivots rotatably about a third axis relative to the top panel, and wherein the first axis and the third axis are parallel to each other.

14. The container according to claim 13, further comprising a locking mechanism that secures the top panel to at least one of the left panel and the right panel when both the left panel and the right panel are in the closed position.

15. The container according to claim 11, wherein, When the left panel is in the closed position, the biasing element is disposed between the top panel and the second axis of the support arm.

16. A container, comprising: A housing that defines an internal storage compartment; A top panel that pivots relative to the housing, wherein the top panel rotates about a first axis relative to the housing, the top panel defining a top surface; A left panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the left panel pivots rotatably about a second axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the top panel, and wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the left panel defines a first bottom surface and when the left panel is in the open position, the first bottom surface and the top surface of the top panel both face upward, and wherein the top of the left panel defines a channel; A right panel that pivots relative to the top panel, wherein the right panel rotates pivotally relative to the top panel about a third axis, and wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the second axis and the third axis are parallel to each other; A support arm, wherein a first end of the support arm is pivotally coupled to a top of the left panel opposite the bottom, and wherein the support arm rotates relative to the left panel about a fourth axis, and wherein the fourth axis extends through the channel in the left panel; A biasing element that biases the support arm into the channel when the left panel is in the open position; and A bottom surface of the container that defines a coupling interface configured to couple the container to a second container.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein, The left panel includes a first lip extending toward the third axis of the right panel, and wherein the right panel includes a second lip extending toward the second axis of the left panel, and wherein when the left panel and the right panel are in the closed position, the first lip and the second lip engage each other to impede opening of at least one of the left panel and the right panel.

18. The container of claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism that secures the top panel to at least one of the left panel and the right panel when both the left panel and the right panel are in the closed position.

19. The container according to claim 16, wherein, The right panel defines a second bottom surface, and wherein when the left panel and the right panel are in the closed position, the top surface, the first bottom surface, and the second bottom surface are coplanar.

20. The container of claim 16, further comprising a bracket that supports the top panel at an angle between 10 degrees and 20 degrees relative to the housing.

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