Outdoor storage container having hinged and removable lids

Abstract

A multifunction storage container, for example, for outdoor use, is disclosed. The storage container includes at least one lid pivotably mounted to an end wall of the container and one or more removable centrally-positioned lids. The mounted and removable lids may function as covers for the storage container or may function as serving surfaces. In one aspect, the removable lid may be used as a serving tray. The container may be used for food or beverage storage and service and may also be used for storing articles, such as chair cushions or pool accessories. In one aspect, a hinge assembly is provided for pivotably mounting the lids. The container and hinge assembly may be made from wood, for example, cedar or teak, though other materials of construction may be used.

1 . A storage container comprising: 
 an enclosure having an open top, a bottom, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end;    a first lid pivotally mounted to the first end, the first lid adapted to cover at least some of the open top; and    at least one second lid detachably mounted between the first end and the second end, the second lid adapted to cover at least some of the open top.    
     
     
         2 . The storage container as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a third lid pivotally mounted to the second end, the third lid adapted to cover at least some of the open top.  
     
     
         3 . The storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises a first end panel and wherein the first lid is pivotally mounted to the first end panel.  
     
     
         4 . The storage container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the first end comprises a first end panel and the second end comprises a second end panel, and wherein the first lid is pivotally mounted to the first end panel arid the third lid is pivotally mounted to the second end panel.  
     
     
         5 . The storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein he first lid is adapted to be pivotally mounted into a horizontal position outside the open top of the enclosure.  
     
     
         6 . The storage container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first lid and third lid are adapted to be pivotally mounted into a horizontal position outside the open top of the enclosure.  
     
     
         7 . The storage container as recited in  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first lid and second lid are adapted to be pivotally mounted in a vertical position outside the open top of the enclosure.  
     
     
         8 . The storage container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the first lid the second lid, and the third lid are adapted to substantially enclose the open top of the enclosure.  
     
     
         9 . The storage container as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one removable sub-container positioned within the enclosure.  
     
     
         10 . The storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least detachably mounted second lid comprises a plurality of detachably mounted second lids.  
     
     
         11 . A hinge assembly for use with a storage container having a lid and an end panel, the lid having a though hole, the hinge assembly comprising: 
 at least one hinge block mountable to the end panel, the at least one hinge block having a through hole; and    a circular rod adapted to engage the through hole in the at least one hinge block and engage the through hole in the lid, the circular rod having an axis;    wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to allow rotation of the lid about the axis of the circular rod.    
     
     
         12 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to allow at least about 90 degrees of rotation of the lid about the circular rod.  
     
     
         13 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to allow at least about 180 degrees of rotation of the lid about the circular rod.  
     
     
         14 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to allow at least about 270 degrees of rotation of the lid about the circular rod.  
     
     
         15 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the hinge assembly further comprises means for supporting the lid in an open position.  
     
     
         16 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the means for supporting the lid comprises means for supporting the lid in a substantially horizontal open position.  
     
     
         17 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the means for supporting the lid in a substantially horizontal open position comprises at least one compression member.  
     
     
         18 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least one compression member comprises at least one of a rod, a stick, and a pole.  
     
     
         19 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the at least one hinge block comprises at least two hinge blocks.  
     
     
         20 . The hinge assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the storage container lid comprises at least one notch, and wherein the at least one hinge block is adapted to engage the at least one notch.