Systems for containing and storing materials

Abstract

The present invention describes methods and apparatus store materials in a refuse container or a storage container. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a container enclosing system having an inner container enabled to store multiple materials. Furthermore, the container enclosing system has a first exterior panel and a second exterior panel, both in communication with the inner container. Additionally, the container enclosing system provides an access mechanism enabled to move the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel from a first closed position to a second open position located a predetermined distance from the center vertical axis of the inner container.

1 . A container enclosing system comprising:
 an inner container enabled to store a plurality of materials;   a first exterior panel in communication with the inner container;   a second exterior panel in communication with the inner container; and   an access mechanism enabled to move the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel from a closed position to an open position located a predetermined distance from the center vertical axis of the inner container.   
     
     
         2 . The container enclosing system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third exterior panel in communication with the inner container, wherein the access mechanism is further enabled to move the third exterior panel from a closed position to an open position located a predetermined distance from the center vertical access of the inner container. 
     
     
         3 . The container enclosing system of  claim 1 , wherein the access mechanism includes a spring element. 
     
     
         4 . The container enclosing system of  claim 3 , wherein the spring element can be provided in communication with at least one pedal. 
     
     
         5 . The container enclosing system of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one pedal can be pressed to activate the access mechanism and compress the spring element. 
     
     
         6 . The container enclosing system of  claim 5 , wherein the spring element is in compressed state when the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel are in an open position. 
     
     
         7 . The container enclosing system of  claim 6 , wherein at least one pedal can be pressed to release and extend the spring element and return the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel to the closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The container enclosing system of  claim 1 , wherein the access mechanism can include a step ring, wherein the step ring can be depressed to move the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel from the closed position to the open position. 
     
     
         9 . The container enclosing system of  claim 1 , wherein inner container has a volume equal to or greater than five liters. 
     
     
         10 . A container system comprising:
 an inner container enabled to store a plurality of materials;   a first exterior panel in communication with the inner container having a first pivot member at the bottom of the first exterior panel;   a second exterior panel in communication with the inner container having a second pivot member at the bottom of the second exterior panel; and   wherein the first pivot member and the second pivot member are proximate a lower portion of the inner container.   
     
     
         11 . The container system of  claim 10 , further comprising a third exterior panel in communication with the inner container having a third pivot member, wherein the third pivot member is proximate the lower portion of the inner container. 
     
     
         12 . The container system of  claim 10 , wherein the first exterior panel can pivot about the first pivot member such that the first exterior panel moves from a closed position to an open position a predetermined distance from the center vertical axis of the inner container. 
     
     
         13 . The container system of  claim 12 , wherein the second exterior panel can pivot about the second pivot member such that the second exterior panel moves from a closed position to an open position a predetermined distance from the center vertical axis of the inner container. 
     
     
         14 . The container system of  claim 10 , further comprising an access mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The container system of  claim 14 , wherein the access mechanism includes a spring element. 
     
     
         16 . The container system of  claim 15 , wherein spring element can enable the pivoting of the first exterior panel and second exterior panel. 
     
     
         17 . A tool storage system comprising:
 a storage device enabled to removably receive at least one tool, the storage device having a first exterior panel and a second exterior panel;   wherein the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel are enabled to be moved from a closed position to an open position to permit insertion or removal of the at least one tool; and   wherein the at least one tool is held at a predetermined orientation by the storage device.   
     
     
         18 . The tool storage system of  claim 17 , further comprising a third exterior panel and wherein the second exterior panel and the third exterior panel are enabled to move from a closed position to an open position to permit insertion and removal of the at least one tool. 
     
     
         19 . The tool storage system of  claim 17 , wherein the predetermined orientation is substantially vertical. 
     
     
         20 . The tool storage system of  claim 17 , wherein shape of the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel resembles a lotus flower.