Abstract:
A roll-top cedar storage chest includes a tambor (7) supported by a beam (8) or bulkhead (18) for additional storage and top-loading capacity.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A new and unique top cover for cedar chests or like boxes or box-like structures is disclosed. Other cedar chests have flat door-like lids whose tops limit their capacity for storing household goods, such as blankets, linens, etc. This new roll-top design increases capacity greatly, while simultaneously providing an &#34;occasional chair&#34; to sit upon. The resultant new and unique design produces a new and pleasant alternative to ordinary cedar chests. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a flexible &#34;roll-top&#34; upper cover, suitable grooves or indented guides into which said flexible member slides, a false inside back wall or surface for storing and hiding said flexible top in the open position and a transverse beam which supports top loads should they be brought to bear on the top by sitting or storing goods on it. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the cedar chest. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cedar chest taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows. 
     FIG. 3 is an end view of a standard tambour (flexible cover). 
     FIG. 4 shows how the tambour is attached to the leading edge slat. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In FIG. 1, two ends 1 and 2 are spaced apart by front assembly 3 and back assembly 4. These four assemblies are mounted on base 6. The base is composed of four sculptured base pieces and a bottom panel 13. All four surfaces of the basic chest, sans tambour, are subject to sculpting and decorative paneling 12. 
     In FIG. 2, false back 17 is installed inside the chest to provide an unobstructed space 5 for storage of flexible tambour 7 when the top is rolled back. Beam 8 is a support for top down-loading when sitting on the unit or draping articles over the top when it is closed. The tambour stops upon opening when it comes to rest against the inside bottom of the provided cavity. 
     Suitable grooves 9 are milled in each end to guide the tambour. 
     FIG. 3 shows the thin strips 14 attached to a flexible rubberized canvas sheet 15. 
     FIG. 4 shows how an opening handle 10 is attached to slat 16 and how the slat is attached to the flexible tambour. 
     In FIGS. 1 and 2, F.L. is Floor line and P.L. is parting line of roll-top and top of front assembly 3. 11 is a doubler or stiffener and is used when length of cedar chest requires more sturdy construction. 
     The specifications of the preferred embodiment should not be taken as a limitations of the scope of appended claims.