Portable document container

Abstract

A container adapted for use by a child in storing and transporting rolled documents is provided. The container is generally cylindrical, having a hinged container lid and a carry handle attached to the hinge mechanism to facilitate carrying by hand or attachment to another transported item, such as a child's backpack.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container adapted for use by a child in storing and transporting rolled documents, the container comprising:
 a cylindrical housing having a closed first end and an open second end, the cylindrical housing thereby defining an interior storage chamber of suitable size to contain a rolled document, and wherein all surfaces of the interior storage chamber are smooth, being free of any ridge, lip, or protrusion;   a container lid securable against the open second end of the cylindrical housing to close the storage chamber;   a first hinge mount operatively attached to the container lid adjacent an edge of the container lid;   a second hinge mount operatively attached to the cylindrical housing adjacent the open second end;   each of the first and second hinge mounts positioned so as to correspond with one another, when the container lid is mated with the cylindrical housing, to form a hinge channel for receiving a hinge pin;   a hinge pin extending through the hinge channel formed by the first and second hinge mounts to facilitate hinged manipulation of the container lid to open and close the open second end of the container; and   a carrying handle continuous with the hinge pin.   
     
     
         2 . The container as in  claim 1 , wherein the carrying handle is pivotably attached to the hinge pin. 
     
     
         3 . The container as in  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism between the container lid and the open second end of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The container as in  claim 3 , wherein the open second end comprises a recessed upper edge for mating with the container lid. 
     
     
         5 . The container as in  claim 4 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a retention ridge protruding from the recessed upper edge, the retention ridge mateable with a notch in the container lid. 
     
     
         6 . The container as in  claim 1 , wherein the side walls are tapered so as to narrow the cylindrical housing from the open end to the closed first end. 
     
     
         7 . The container as in  claim 1 , wherein the carry handle is adapted for attachment to a backpack. 
     
     
         8 . The container as in  claim 1 , wherein the carry handle comprises an integrated carabiner, clip, key ring, or clasp.