Storage container with access panel

Abstract

A storage container has a base with a wall defining an extra opening into an interior volume of the base, and a hinged access panel that is translucent to provide visual access into the interior volume. The hinged access panel is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides physical access into the interior volume through the extra opening and the closed position covers the extra opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A storage container comprising:
 a base having a first opening into an interior volume defined by at least a wall, the wall having a second opening into the interior volume; and   an access panel mounted on the wall, the access panel being at least translucent to provide visual access into the interior volume through the panel, the access panel being movable relative to the wall between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides physical access into the interior volume through the second opening and the closed position covers the second opening.   
     
     
         2 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the storage container includes a hinge formation configured to allow the access panel to move between the open and closed positions. 
     
     
         3 . The storage container of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge formation includes pins formed on the access panel and through-holes formed in the wall. 
     
     
         4 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the access panel includes a latch configured for releasable engagement with the wall. 
     
     
         5 . The storage container of  claim 4 , wherein the wall includes a channel configured to releasably engage with the latch. 
     
     
         6 . The storage container of  claim 4 , wherein the latch includes a tab. 
     
     
         7 . The storage container of  claim 6 , wherein the tab has a triangular cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The storage container of  claim 6 , wherein the tab is configured for engagement with a surface of a channel formed in the wall. 
     
     
         9 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes tapered walls configured to enable the base to nest with another base. 
     
     
         10 . The storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a detachable lid configured to cover the first opening. 
     
     
         11 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the access panel has a reinforcement portion. 
     
     
         12 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the access panel includes a latch having two tabs and an opening between the two tabs configured to receive a user's fingers. 
     
     
         13 . A storage container, comprising:
 a base having a first opening into an interior volume defined by at least a wall, the wall having a second opening into the interior volume;   an access panel pivotally mounted on the wall, the access panel being at least translucent to provide visual access into the interior volume through the panel, the access panel being movable relative to the wall between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides physical access into the interior volume through the second opening and the closed position covers the second opening; and   a hinge formation including pins formed in the access panel and through-holes formed in the wall, each blind hold configured to receive a respective pin to hingedly couple the panel and the wall,   wherein the access panel has a latch configured to releasably lock the access panel in the closed position.   
     
     
         14 . The storage container of  claim 13 , wherein the latch extends laterally from an upper edge of the access panel and is elastically flexible between a neutral position and a depressed position. 
     
     
         15 . The storage container of  claim 14 , wherein the latch includes a tab. 
     
     
         16 . The storage container of  claim 15 , wherein the wall includes a channel configured to receive the tab. 
     
     
         17 . The storage container of  claim 15 , wherein the access panel is generally transparent. 
     
     
         18 . The storage container of  claim 13 , wherein the base is constructed of polypropylene. 
     
     
         19 . The storage container of  claim 13 , wherein the access panel is constructed of high impact polystyrene. 
     
     
         20 . The storage container of  claim 13 , wherein the access panel is generally rectangular. 
     
     
         21 . The storage container of  claim 13 , further comprising a lid. 
     
     
         22 . The storage container of  claim 13 , wherein the base has tapered walls configured to enable the base to nest with another base.