Container with internal lift

Abstract

A container having an internal lift has a base at its lower end and an open top at its upper end. A continuous wall extends upward from the base. A retainer is disposed on the inner surface of the container. A lift inserted in the container has a tray at its lower end and an elongated member extends upward from the tray. A plurality of spaced apart retainer contacting segments are disposed along the length of the elongated member. Each retainer contacting segment is capable of cooperating with the retainer in order to suspend the tray above the base of the container at a number of different pre-set vertical positions. Each vertical position corresponds to the location of a different retainer contacting segment.

1 . A container for storing and dispensing goods, the container comprising a base at a lower end thereof and at least one wall surrounding the base and extending upward therefrom to a top of the container, the at least one wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a retainer located thereon near the top, the top having an opening therein, the container having a lift therein, the lift having a tray with an elongated member extending upward therefrom, the elongated member having a plurality of spaced apart retainer contacting segments disposed along a length thereof, each of the plurality of retainer contacting segments being capable of suspending the tray above the base of the container at a different vertical position, there being a multitude of vertical positions, wherein each vertical position corresponds to the location of a different retainer contacting segment contacting the retainer. 
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the retainer comprises a hook. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the retainer contacting segments comprise a plurality of apertures, each aperture being sized to fit onto the retainer. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the hook is affixed to the inner wall. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4  wherein the hook is positioned just below the open top. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the tray sized to fit within the open top to enable the lift to be inserted into and removed from the container. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the container additionally comprises a cover for engaging with an upper lip of the at least one wall in order to seal the open top of the container. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the tray has a flat upper surface. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the tray is normal to the elongated member. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the perimeter of the upper surface of the tray is fitted with a continuous, upwardly extending flange portion for facilitating the containment of articles on the upper surface of the tray. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 3  wherein each aperture is identical in size. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member has an upper end comprising a handle.