Storage container with graphic storage and viewing portals

Abstract

The storage container of the present invention has provisions for retaining graphic elements within the storage container sides and lid. The graphic elements may be viewed through the transparent, or semi-transparent material of the storage container box and lid. The user of the storage container may easily select graphic elements which relate to the items stored within. The graphic elements may be portions of the original packaging of the items to be stored, or may be produced by the user. The graphic elements are easily positioned and retained within the storage container by clips located along the box sides, and within a recess beneath the lid. The graphic elements are then readily viewable from the exterior of the container through the container sides and top, and are readily replaceable as new items are stored within the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A storage container for storing items, the storage container configured such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the storage container, the graphic element then visible from the exterior of the container, the storage container comprising:
 a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container, the enclosed container having an interior and an exterior;   the base member, constructed of a transparent, or semi-transparent material;   the base member comprising a bottom and a plurality of vertical sides extending therefrom, the bottom and each vertical side having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container;   at least one clip affixed to the inner surface of the bottom of the base member, and adjacent the inner surface of the vertical side, the clip having a protrusion extending in the direction of the inner surface of the vertical side;   wherein a graphic element may be positioned between the inner surface of at least one base member vertical side, and the at least one clip, the graphic element then being restrained in position by the clip protrusion; and   wherein the graphic element may be viewed from the exterior of the base member vertical side.   
     
     
         2 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising the at least one clip being individually molded and ultrasonically welded to the base member. 
     
     
         3 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising the at least one clip being chemically bonded to the base member. 
     
     
         4 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising the at least one clip being molded integral with the base member. 
     
     
         5 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising the base member made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate. 
     
     
         6 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising the base member having a raised rib extending upward from the base member bottom inner surface, the raised rib extending adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side, wherein the graphic element positioned within the base member and adjacent the vertical side will be captured between the vertical side the and raised rib. 
     
     
         7 . The storage container of  claim 6 , wherein the raised rib extends at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length. 
     
     
         8 . The storage container of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of raised ribs extend adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side, the plurality of raised ribs having a total length of at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length. 
     
     
         9 . The storage container of  claim 6 , further comprising the raised rib extending upward a distance of at least 0.062 inch from the base member bottom inner surface. 
     
     
         10 . A storage container for storing items, the storage container configured such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the storage container, the graphic element then visible from the exterior of the container, the storage container comprising:
 a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container, the enclosed container having an interior and an exterior;   the lid comprising a central recessed portion in the upper surface therein, the central recessed portion extending into the storage container and configured to receive an informational graphic therein, the central recessed portion having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container;   a retaining plate configured to be positioned adjacent the central recessed portion of the lid, and configured to engage the lid;   wherein a graphic element may be positioned between the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate, the graphic element then being restrained in position; and   
       wherein the graphic element may be viewed from the exterior of the container lid. 
     
     
         11 . The storage container of  claim 10 , further comprising a tab formed in the central recessed portion of the lid, the tab configured to be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate. 
     
     
         12 . The storage container of  claim 10 , further comprising the retaining plate made from a transparent, or semi-transparent material, the retaining plate being positioned adjacent the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid, the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the outer surface of the central recessed portion. 
     
     
         13 . The storage container of  claim 10 , further comprising the retaining plate made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate. 
     
     
         14 . The storage container of  claim 10 , further comprising the lid made from a transparent, or semi-transparent material, the retaining plate being positioned adjacent the inner surface of the central recessed portion, the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the inner surface of the central recessed portion. 
     
     
         15 . The storage container of  claim 14 , further comprising a tab formed in the retaining plate, the tab configured to be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate. 
     
     
         16 . The storage container of  claim 13 , further comprising the lid made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate. 
     
     
         17 . A storage container for storing items, the storage container comprising:
 a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the upper portion of the base member to form an enclosed container;   the lid comprising a central recessed portion in the upper surface therein, the central recessed portion extending into the storage container and configured to receive on informational graphic therein;   the base member comprising a bottom and a plurality of vertical sides extending therefrom, the bottom and each vertical side having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container; and   wherein the base member may be stacked upon the lid, a portion of the base member being received into the central recessed portion of the lid.   
     
     
         18 . The storage container of  claim 17 , wherein the vertical sides of the base member are angled, the angled vertical sides extending up from the base member and angled outward toward the exterior of the container, the bottom the base member configured to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid. 
     
     
         19 . The storage container of  claim 15 , wherein the base member comprises a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the bottom of the base member, the protrusion configured to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid.