Container With Cutting Apparatus

Abstract

A container includes a base portion having a compartment for storing an encased item and an opening to the compartment. The container also includes a cover and a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus includes a channel, a cutting member having a cutting edge positioned in the channel, and a displaceable structure that is positioned in the channel proximate the cutting member. The cutting apparatus can be concealed when the cover and the base portion are positioned proximate to one another.

1 . A container comprising:
 a base portion comprising a compartment for storing an encased item and an opening to said compartment;   a cover; and   a cutting apparatus comprising:
 a channel; 
 a cutting member having a cutting edge disposed in said channel; and 
 a displaceable structure disposed in said channel proximate said cutting member; 
   wherein said cutting apparatus can be concealed when said cover and said base portion are positioned proximate to one another.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said base portion includes said cutting apparatus. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said cover includes said cutting apparatus. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said cover at least partially closes said opening when said cover and said base portion are positioned proximate to one another. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting member is acutely angled with respect to a vertical plane defined by said channel. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising means for biasing said displaceable portion. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 6 , where said means for biasing is one of a flexible arm, a leaf spring, a coil spring, a foam element, and a rubber element. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said container further includes means for facilitating removal of an encased item from said compartment. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein said means for facilitating removal includes a flap that is displaceable into said compartment. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein said flap is opposite said opening. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein said means for facilitating removal includes one of a wheel and a plunger. 
   
   
       12 . A method for providing a container, comprising:
 forming a container with a plurality of walls that define a compartment;   forming an opening to said compartment in at least one of said walls;   forming a cover that can attach to said compartment to at least partially close said opening; and   forming a cutting apparatus in a portion of said container, forming a cutting apparatus comprising:
 forming a channel in said portion; 
 attaching a cutting member having a cutting edge to said portion such that said cutting edge is disposed in said channel; and 
 forming a displaceable structure that extends into said channel. 
   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said portion is integral to said cover.