File storage container

Abstract

An improved file storage container includes a generally rectangular box having a base wall and front, rear and side walls mounted on and extending upwards from the base wall thereby forming the generally rectangular box. A box lid includes a lid top wall and a lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls mounted on and extending downwards from the lid top wall, the box lid being adapted to fit onto and cover the generally rectangular box. A connection and securement device includes lower and upper interlocking sections, the lower section mounted atop the generally rectangular box circumferentially around an upper edge of each of the front wall, rear wall and side walls of the generally rectangular box, and the upper section mounted on a lower edge of each of the lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls of the box lid, the upper and lower sections releasably interlocking to form a generally watertight and vermin-proof seal thereby substantially preventing incursion of water and vermin into the box. For supporting the box above a ground surface, the box includes at least three feet mounted on and projecting downwards from the base wall of the generally rectangular box. Finally, the box lid includes at least three feet-receiving indentations formed in the lid top wall of the box lid for receiving and frictionally retaining the feet of a second file storage container mounted thereon whereby file storage containers may be stacked on one another for storage.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A file storage container comprising; 
 a generally rectangular box including a base wall and front, rear and side walls mounted on and extending upwards from said base wall thereby forming said generally rectangular box;    a box lid including a lid top wall and a lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls mounted on and extending downwards from said lid top wall;    said box lid adapted to fit onto and cover said generally rectangular box;    a connection and securement device including lower and upper interlocking sections, said lower section mounted atop said generally rectangular box circumferentially around an upper edge of each of said front wall, rear wall and side walls of said generally rectangular box, and said upper section mounted on a lower edge of each of said lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls of said box lid, said upper and lower sections releasably interlocking to form a generally watertight and vermin-proof seal thereby substantially preventing incursion of water and vermin into said box;    at least three feet mounted on and projecting downwards from said base wall of said generally rectangular box for supporting said base wall of said generally rectangular box above a ground surface; and    at least three feet-receiving indentations formed in said lid top wall of said box lid for receiving and frictionally retaining the feet of a second file storage container mounted thereon whereby file storage containers are stacked on one another for storage.    
     
     
         2 . The file storage container of  claim 1  wherein said file storage container is constructed of a high-impact plastic plate material that is generally resistant to damage and degradation.  
     
     
         3 . The file storage container of  claim 1  further comprising at least one file folder having a specific height, said at least one file folder positioned within said box in a generally upright position, at least one of said front, rear and side walls having a height less than said specific height of said at least one file folder such that an upper section of said at least one file folder extends above at least one of said upper edges of said front, rear and side walls thereby permitting convenient viewing, accessing and removing of said at least one file folder from said generally rectangular box.  
     
     
         4 . The file storage container of  claim 1  wherein said lower section of said connection and securement device comprises a securement lip and said upper section of said connection and securement device comprises a securement clasp, said securement clasp operative to elastically releasably deform to fit over and snap-fit onto said securement lip thereby forming a generally watertight and vermin-proof seal between said generally rectangular box and said box lid.  
     
     
         5 . The file storage container of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 outwardly extending upper and lower protruding channel lips formed circumferentially, respectively, on said upper and lower sections of said connection and securement device, said upper and lower protruding channel lips positioned adjacent one another when said box lid is positioned on said box; and  
 at least one longitudinally extended channel having a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape, said channel adapted to be slid over and engage said upper and lower channel lips to releasably secure said upper and lower channel lips and additionally secure said box lid on said box thereby providing additional protection for box contents.  
 
     
     
         6 . The file storage container of  claim 3  further comprising internal file securement means operative to releasably secure files and folders stored within said file storage container in a generally upright orientation thereby preventing accidental dislodging of file contents from files and folders.  
     
     
         7 . The file storage container of  claim 3  further comprising: 
 a generally semi-flexible file securement plate having a length slightly greater than an internal width of said generally rectangular box; and  
 a plurality of spaced, generally vertical grooves formed on interior surfaces of said front wall, rear wall and side walls, said grooves adapted to frictionally secure said file securement plate in a determined location thereby restrict movement of file folders stored in said box, said semi-flexible file securement plate operative to be positioned within said box generally adjacent folders therein and be moved/ratcheted towards folders until a center section of said file securement plate presses against the adjacent file folder and the tension of the file folders against said file securement plate secure said file securement plate against said grooves.  
 
     
     
         8 . The file storage container of  claim 1  wherein said box lid further comprises at least one handle for facilitating lifting of said file storage container.