Abstract:
A storage case allows access to the accessories therein regardless of the length of the accessories. The case may be telescopic such that the length of the case may be adjusted to store accessories of various lengths and to facilitate the access to these accessories. The storage case may have fixed dimensions with a slidably removable wall that allows easy access to the accessories stored therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and has panels with multiple hinges that allow the different hinges to provide varying degrees of access to the accessories therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and have a pivotal sidewall that may be pivoted to allow access to the accessories stored therein.

Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to storage cases, and, in particular, storage cases for tool accessories having varying lengths.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     When utilizing power tools, the accessories or working bits for the tools may be changed out or varied depending upon the operation to which the power tool is being used. These various accessories come in various lengths, sizes and dimensions. For example, the accessories may include saw blades, hammer drill bits, drill bits, jigsaw blades, scroll saw blades, screw driver bits and the like, such as those shown in  FIG. 23 . The length of the accessories may vary. By way of non-limiting example, some saw blades may be nine inches in length, while other saw blades are six inches in length. It would be desirable to provide a storage case that is capable of storing these accessories having various lengths and sizes. Moreover, it would be advantageous if such a storage case allowed easy and quick access to the accessories regardless of the length or size of the accessory and does not require the accessories to be dumped out to retrieve the shorter accessories. Productivity of the user of the power tool may be enhanced by allowing easy and quick access to the accessories. Additionally, it would be advantageous if such a case were lightweight, compact, durable and economical to manufacture.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     A storage case according to the present teachings advantageously allows access to the accessories therein regardless of the size or shape of the accessories. In one teaching, the case is telescopic such that the length of the case may be adjusted to store accessories of various lengths and to facilitate the access to these accessories. In another teaching, the storage case has fixed dimensions with a slidably removable wall that allows easy access to the accessories stored therein. In another teaching of the present invention, the storage case is fixed in dimension and has panels with multiple hinges that allow the panel to be pivoted about the different hinges thereby providing varying degrees of access to the accessories therein. In yet another teaching of the present invention, the storage case is fixed in dimension and has a pivotable sidewall that may be pivoted to allow access to the accessories stored therein.  
         [0004]     Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0006]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of a storage case according to the present teachings in a retracted and extended state, respectively;  
         [0007]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the storage case of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0008]      FIGS. 4-7  are side views of the storage case of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in various operable positions and showing the storage of accessories therein;  
         [0009]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0010]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0011]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional views along lines  10 A- 10 A and  10 B- 10 B, respectively, of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a storage case according to the present teachings;  
         [0013]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 11  with one side of the lid open;  
         [0014]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 11  with the panel partially removed;  
         [0015]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a storage case according to the present teachings;  
         [0018]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 16  with the panels in a first open position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 16  with the panels in a second open position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a storage case according to the present teachings;  
         [0022]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 20  with one of the panels open;  
         [0023]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view along line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21  with one panel open and the other panel closed; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 23  is a plan view of various accessories that may be stored in storage cases of the present teachings. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the teachings, their application, or uses.  
         [0026]     With reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , a storage case  30  according to the present teachings is shown. Storage case  30  is extendable between a fully retracted position, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , a fully extended position, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , and various intermediate positions therebetween such as those shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . Storage case  30  may store accessories of various lengths therein. Such accessories include, by way of non-limiting example, saw blades  99 , such as those shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , and drill bits  100  and screw driver bits  100 ′, such as those shown in  FIG. 23 , and the like. Storage case  30  includes an outer shell  32  and an inner shell  34  that fits within outer shell  32 . Shells  32 ,  34  are movable or telescopic with respect to one another to change the length of storage case  30 . Storage case  30  also includes a lid  36  that attaches to outer shell  32 . Lid  36  is movable between an open position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , to allow access to and cover the interior the storage case  30 .  
         [0027]     Lid  36  can be a single-piece member having an upper portion  38  and a downwardly-extending lower portion  40  that resides within the interior of outer shell  32  when in the closed position. Upper portion  38  includes an outwardly-extending projection or tab  42  that provides a gripping surface that facilitates the opening of lid  36 . Lower portion  40  includes outwardly-extending rod-like projections  44  and outwardly-extending projections  46 . Projections  46  engage with recesses (not shown) within the interior of outer shell  32  to retain lid  36  in a closed position. Rods  44  engage with apertures  48  in outer shell  32  to provide a pivot about which lid  36  rotates when moving between the open and closed positions. Lid  36  can be made from a variety of materials and may be transparent, translucent or opaque. By way of non-limiting example, lid  36  may be made from polypropylene, ABS, glass-filled polymers, and the like.  
         [0028]     Outer shell  32  includes a top edge  50  that engages with the bottom surface of upper portion  38  of lid  36  when lid  36  is in a closed position. Outer shell  32  also includes a lower edge  52 . The inner surface  54  of outer shell  32  defines the interior, and is generally smooth and defines an inner diameter of outer shell  32 . An inwardly-extending projection  56  is disposed at inner surface  54 , adjacent lower edge  52 . Projection  56  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) engages with complementary projections on inner shell  34  to retain outer shell  32  in a desired position relative to inner shell  34 , as described below. Inner surface  54  may taper due to the drafting associated with molding outer shell  32 . The tapering results in the inner diameter of outer shell  32  being smallest adjacent lower edge  52  and largest adjacent top edge  50 . A wall thickness of the majority of outer shell  32  is substantially the same. A variety of draft angles may be utilized in manufacturing outer shell  32 . For example, outer shell  32  may have a draft angle as small as about 0.5°.  
         [0029]     Inner shell  34  has an upper portion  58  and a lower portion  60 . Upper portion  60  always resides within outer shell  32 . Inner shell  32  has opposite inner and outer surfaces  62 ,  64 , an upper edge  66  and a bottom  68 . Inner and outer surfaces  62 ,  64  may taper as they extend from bottom  68  to upper edge  66  due to the associated draft used when inner shell  34  is molded. As a result, the inner diameter of inner shell  34  is smallest adjacent bottom  68  and greatest adjacent upper edge  66 . The thickness of inner shell  34  between inner and outer surfaces  62 ,  64  is substantially the same or uniform. Bottom  68  and inner surface  62  defines the interior cavity  70  of inner shell  34  within which accessories can be disposed. Outer surface  64  includes both flat portions  64   a  and curved portions  64   b  and numerous features that facilitate the assembly of storage case  30  and the telescopic and positive position retaining functions of storage case  30 . Four longitudinally-extending ribs  74  extend along outer surface  64  of lower portion  60  from bottom  68  toward upper edge  66  and merge into outer surface  64  adjacent upper portion  58 . Ribs  74  are located at the junction of the flat and curved portions  64   a ,  64   b  of outer surface  64 . Ribs  74  are dimensioned to provide a constant exterior dimension of lower portion  58  of inner shell  34  between opposing flat portions  64   a  along its longitudinal length, as shown in  FIG. 10B . Ribs  74  are dimensioned to engage with projection  56  on inner surface  54  of outer shell  32 . The uniform outer dimension of ribs  74  causes at least one rib  74  to be engaged with projection  56  in all positions of outer shell  32  relative to inner shell  34 . As a result, a consistent feel is experienced by a user extending or retracting inner and outer shells  32 ,  34  relative to one another. The use of ribs  74  to provide the constant exterior dimension to engage with projection  56  on inner surface  54  of outer shell  32  allows outer surface  64  to taper with the tapering of inner surface  62  thereby resulting in a wall thickness that is generally uniform or constant. The ribs eliminate the need for outer surface  64  to form a uniform exterior dimension to engage with projection  56  on inner surface  54  of outer shell  32 . As a result, the overall volume or material used to produce inner shell  34  is reduced. That is, if outer surface  64  were to provide a uniform exterior dimension, the wall thickness would be greater adjacent bottom  68  and thinner adjacent upper edge  66 . As a result, the material used to form inner surface  62  would need to be increased over that associated with the use of ribs  74  to provide the constant exterior dimension. Thus, the use of ribs  74  reduces the material costs of producing inner shell  34  and results in a more economical storage case  30 .  
         [0030]     A lower assembly feature  76 , as shown in  FIG. 10A , projects outwardly from the opposite flat outer surfaces  64   a , and functions to retain outer shell  32  on inner shell  34  when assembled. Assembly feature  76  includes a generally-flat top surface  78  that extends orthogonally from outer surface  64  and a tapering side edge  80  that tapers inwardly as it extends downwardly. When assembling storage case  30  inner shell  34  is slid into outer shell  32 . Tapering side edge  80  engages with projection  56  and, due to the tapering, allows projection  56  to extend over assembly feature  76 . The flat top surface  78  prevents projection  56  from moving downwardly relative to inner shell  34  beyond assembly feature  76  thereby inhibiting the removal inner shell  34  from outer shell  32 .  
         [0031]     A plurality of positive position-retaining features is disposed along outer surface  64  of inner shell  34 . The position-retaining features engage with projection  56  on inner surface  54  of outer shell  32  to retain outer shell  32  and inner shell  34  in specific positional relationships while allowing some minor limited relative movement. A first position-retaining feature  82  is formed by an outwardly-extending projection  84  and assembly feature  76 . Assembly feature  76  and projection  84  are longitudinally spaced apart such that projection  56  of outer shell  32  can fit therebetween. When projection  56  is disposed between projection  84  and assembly feature  76 , relative movement of outer shell  32  relative to inner shell  34  is limited, thereby providing a positively-engaging position-retaining feature. A second position-retaining feature  86  is disposed longitudinally-upward from first position retaining-feature  82 . Second position-retaining feature  86  includes longitudinally-spaced-apart projections  87   a,    87   b  that extend outwardly. Projection  56  of outer shell  32  can be disposed between second position-retaining projections  87   a ,  87   b  to positively retain outer shell  32  relative to the inner shell  34  in a second position. Similarly, a third position-retaining feature  88  is spaced longitudinally-upwardly from second-retaining feature  86 . The third position-retaining feature  88  includes longitudinally-spaced-apart projections  89   a ,  89   b  that extend outwardly therefrom. Projection  56  of outer shell  32  can fit between projections  89   a ,  89   b  to provide a positive position-retaining feature between outer shell  32  and inner shell  34 . A fourth position-retaining feature  90  is spaced longitudinally-upwardly from third position-retaining feature  88 , and includes longitudinally-spaced-apart projections  91   a ,  91   b  that extend outwardly from outer surface  64 . Upper projection  91   a  extends entirely around outer surface  64 . Projection  56  of outer shell  32  may be disposed between projections  91   a ,  91   b  to provide a fourth positively-retained position of outer shell  32  relative to inner shell  34 .  
         [0032]     A projection  94  extends along upper edge  66  and extends outwardly from outer surface  64 . Four flexible fingers  96  are disposed along the upper portion  58  of inner shell  34  between longitudinally-extending slots  97 . Fingers  96  extend outwardly from outer surface  64  as they extend upwardly. Upper portions  98  of fingers  96  extend outwardly beyond projection  94  and engage with inner surface  54  of outer shell  32  such that they push outwardly on inner surface  54 , as shown in  FIG. 10A . Fingers  96  are dimensioned to engage with inner surface  54  in most positions. That is, the tapering of inner surface  54  causes the position of inner surface  54  relative to fingers  96  to change as outer shell  32  is moved relative to inner shell  34 . As a result, upper portions  98  of fingers  96  provide varying degrees of push or contact with inner surface  54 . When outer shell  32  is positioned in its lower-most position relative to inner shell  34 , such as shown in  FIG. 1 , fingers  96  do not contact inner surface  54 . Rather, a small clearance is provided therein such that fingers  96  are in a relaxed state in this position. In other positions, fingers  96  are flexed inwardly and provide an outward push or force against inner surface  54 . Fingers  96  thereby provide a desired feel and supplement the feel or fit between outer shell  32  and inner shell  34  provided by the engagement between ribs  74  and projection  56 . Engagement of fingers  96  with inner surface  54  of outer shell  32  helps to center outer shell  32  relative to inner shell  34 .  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-7 , storage case  30  is shown in its various operational positions. Outer shell  32  and inner shell  34  are movable relative to one another to telescopically extend or increase the length L of storage case  30 . The length L of storage case  30  is defined as the longitudinal distance between top edge  50  of outer shell  32  and bottom  68  of inner shell  34 . The ability to change the length of storage case  30  facilitates the storage of accessories therein of varying lengths, such as long and short saw blades  99   a ,  99   b  and those shown in  FIG. 23 . Storage case  30  can be positioned with projection  56  of outer shell  32  disposed within the fourth position-retaining feature  90 , thereby providing the largest length L 1  of storage case  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . With storage case  30  at length L 1 , the long and short accessories can both be disposed within the interior cavity  70 . Storage case  30  is dimensioned so that L 1  corresponds to the ability of storage case  30  to stow the longest accessory for which it is intended. Lid  36  can be opened to allow access to the accessories within storage case  30 . If desired, outer shell  32  can be moved relative to the inner shell  34  so that projection  56  disengages from fourth position-retaining feature  90  and engages with third position-retaining feature  88 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this position, storage case  30  has a length L 2 , which is less than length L 1 . In this position, the longer saw blade  99   a  protrudes upwardly beyond top edge  50  of outer shell  32 . Saw blade  99   a  can then be easily grasped and removed from storage case  30 .  
         [0034]     Outer shell  32  can be further moved relative to inner shell  34  so that projection  56  disengages from third position-retaining feature  88  and engages with second position-retaining feature  86 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this position, storage case  30  has a length L 3  which is less than length L 2 . Storage case  30  can be designed so that length L 3  corresponds to the ability to retain the shorter accessory, such as short saw blade  99   b , therein with lid  36  closed. Lid  36  can be opened to allow access to saw blade  99   b  therein. If desired, outer shell  32  can be further moved relative to inner shell  34  such that projection  56  disengages from second position-retaining feature  86  and engages with first position-retaining feature  82 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In this position, storage case  30  has a length L 4  which is less than length L 3 . L 4  also corresponds to the shortest length for storage case  30 . Storage case  30  can be dimensioned so that length L 4  corresponds to the shorter accessory extending upwardly beyond top edge  50  of outer shell  32 . Access to the short accessory, such as saw blade  99   b , is thereby facilitated and can be easily removed therefrom.  
         [0035]     Movement of storage case  30  between length L 1  and length L 4  is facilitated by the flexible nature of outer shell  32  and inner shell  34 . That is, the flexible nature allows projection  56  to be engaged and disengaged with the position-retaining features by the application of the appropriate force between inner and outer shells  34 ,  32 .  
         [0036]     Storage case  30  can be dimensioned so that the position-retaining features correspond to the desired lengths at which storage-case  30  is intended to be operated. For example, the position-retaining features can be disposed at locations that correspond to the various lengths of the intended accessories to be disposed therein. Alternatively, the positioning-retaining features can be disposed at uniform intervals along inner shell  34  to provide various distinct, positively-retained positions to facilitate the use of storage case  30  with accessories that may not have discreet or uniform variations in length. The number of positive-retaining features can be increased or decreased from that shown, as desired.  
         [0037]     Inner and outer shells  34 ,  32  can be made from a variety of materials that facilitate the assembly and operation thereof. By way of non-limiting example, inner and outer shells  34 ,  32  can be made from polycarbonate, glass-filled polymers, ABS, polypropylene, and the like. These materials may be capable of withstanding impacts associated with the potential dropping of storage case  30 . The materials may also be resilient/flexible thereby facilitating the use of the detent, projections and retaining features disclosed therein. Moreover, these materials may also have good temperature-resistance so that they are not excessively brittle when cold nor subject to excessive warping when exposed to heat. Furthermore, the materials exhibit resistance to oil, grease, lubricants, drill oils, and other fluids with which storage case  30  may come in contact. Shells  32 ,  34  may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Transparent and translucent shells may advantageously allow a user to see the accessories that are contained therein without opening the storage case.  
         [0038]     Storage case  30  may be provided with one or more vent holes or be designed with clearances that allow air to flow into and exit from storage case  30 . The allowance of air to go in and out of the cavity facilitates the telescopic movement of the storage case  30  when lid  36  is closed. If desired, storage case  30  can be provided as a weather-tight container such that fluids do not easily enter into or leave storage case  30 . When storage case  30  is weather-tight, lid  36  may need to be open when extending or retracting storage case  30 . Providing a weather-tight storage case  30  can be facilitated by the use of gaskets, over-molding the inside of lid  36  and using a sealing material, and positioning a sealing material between inner and outer shells  34 ,  32 . Optionally, the interior of storage case  30  can be partitioned by one or more partition walls (not shown). Moreover, a horizontal partition may be disposed within inner shell  34  with vertically-extending openings therein. The openings can be configured to retain specific accessories, such as circular openings for retaining drill bits of various sizes therein.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , another storage case  130  according to the present teachings is shown. Storage case  130  includes a longitudinally-extending elongated body member  132 , a base member  134 , a lid member  136 , and two removable panels  138 . Body member  132  includes opposite walls  140 ,  142  and a web  144  extending therebetween the entire longitudinal length of walls  140 ,  142 . Web  144  is generally perpendicular to walls  140 ,  142  and is integral therewith. A pair of laterally-extending projections  146 ,  148  extends along each wall  140 ,  142  adjacent the longitudinal side edges and forms a longitudinally-extending channel  150  therebetween. Each wall  140 ,  142  has two channels  150  that oppose corresponding channels  150  on the opposite wall. These opposing channels retain panels  138  therein.  
         [0040]     Panels  138  include upper and lower edges  152 ,  154  and longitudinal-extending sides edges  156  therebetween. Panels  138  have a thickness that is slightly less than the space between projections  146 ,  148  of each channel  150 , thereby enabling removable panels  138  to longitudinally slide within channels  150 . Panels  138 , first and second walls  140 ,  142  and web  144  define first and second compartments  158 ,  160  within which the accessories may be stored, such as saw blades  99   a ,  99   b  and those shown in  FIG. 23 .  
         [0041]     Panels  138  may be transparent to allow a user to see the accessories that are disposed within compartments  158 ,  160 . As such, panels  138  may be made from polycarbonate or the like. If desired, panels  138  can be translucent.  
         [0042]     Base  134  is fixedly attached to the lower end of body member  132  and forms a fixed bottom for compartments  158 ,  160 . Lid  136  covers the tops of compartments  158 ,  160  and has two portions each movable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, lid  136  prevents the longitudinal movement of panels  138  relative to body member  132 . In the open position, panels  138  may be longitudinally moved relative to body member  132 . A first portion  164  of lid  136  covers first compartment  158 , while a second portion  166  of lid  136  covers second compartment  160  when in the closed position. First and second portions  164 ,  166  are separated by a living hinge  168 . Hinge  168  allows first and second portions  164 ,  166  to be pivoted about hinge  168  between the open and closed positions. Lid  136  includes two downwardly-projecting extensions  170 ,  172  that form a channel  174  therebetween, which is disposed over web  144  of body member  132 . Extensions  170 ,  172  and living hinge  168  are positioned on lid  136  so that living hinge  168  is directly above and extends along the top edge of web  144 .  
         [0043]     Each portion  164 ,  166  of lid  136  also includes a downwardly-extending rectangular projection  176  having a surface  178  that engages against projections  148  to retain portions  164 ,  166  in the closed position. Projection  176  and surface  178  are flexible, thereby allowing deformation of projection  176  when engaging with projections  148 . The engagement provides a retaining force that inhibits the inadvertent opening of lid  136 . The side edge  180  of lid  136  extends laterally outwardly beyond body member  132 . This outward extension facilitates the gripping of each portion  164 ,  166  of lid  136 , and the opening and closing thereof.  
         [0044]     When lid  136  is in an open position, accessories, such as those discussed above and shown in  FIG. 23 , may be inserted into compartments  158 ,  160  by dropping or sliding the accessories through the opening covered by lid  136 . Alternatively, panels  138  can be slid longitudinally to allow access to the associated compartment and the accessories positioned therein. With the accessories disposed in the compartment, panels  138  can then be slid longitudinally to their closed position and lid  136  closed. To remove the accessories, lid  136  can be opened and panels  138  longitudinally-slid relative to body member  132 . Access to the accessories therein can then be achieved without the necessity of dumping out the accessories through the top opening. This accessibility to the compartment  158 ,  160  facilitates the removal of accessories of various lengths, especially when mixed together within the same compartment. That is, a shorter accessory can be accessed without the necessity of removing a longer accessory within a compartment due to the longitudinal accessibility of the compartments.  
         [0045]     Body member  132 , lid member  136  and base member  134  may be made from a variety of materials. For example, these members may be made from ABS, polypropylene, glass-filled polymers and the like. While base member  134  is shown as being a solid member that is fixedly attached to body member  132 , it should be appreciated that a second lid member can be utilized in lieu of base member  134 , thereby forming a storage case  130  having operable lid members at each end thereof.  
         [0046]     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-19 , another storage case  230  for storing accessories, such as those shown in  FIG. 23  and discussed above, according to the present teachings is shown. Storage case  230  includes a body member  232  and two flexible panels  234 ,  236  disposed on opposing sides thereof. Panels  234 ,  236  can be pivoted about integral hinges therein to allow variable degrees of access to accessories stowed within storage case  230 , as described below.  
         [0047]     Body member  232  includes laterally spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending side walls  238 ,  240  with a web  242  extending therebetween. A top edge  244  of body member  232  is covered by panels  234 ,  236  when in the closed position. A lower end of body member  232  includes a base or bottom surface  246 . Side walls  238 ,  240 , web  242 , bottom surface  246  and panels  234 ,  236  define first and second compartments  248 ,  250  of storage case  230  within which the accessories of varying lengths can be disposed, such as saw blades  299   a ,  299   b.    
         [0048]     Each panel  234 ,  236  includes a laterally-extending top portion  252  and a longitudinally-extending main portion  254 . Top portion  252  extends orthogonally from main portion  254  and covers top edge  244  of body member  232  when panels  234 ,  236  are in the closed position. Main portion  254  includes two living hinges  256 ,  258 . Upper living hinge  256  separates an upper main portion  260  from an intermediate main portion  262  while lower living hinge  258  separates intermediate main portion  262  from lower main portion  264 . Lower main portion  264  is fixedly attached (i.e., not intended to be removed) to side walls  238 ,  240  and bottom surface  246  of body member  232  while upper and intermediate main portions  260 ,  262  are not fixedly attached thereto. Lower main portion  264  may be fixedly attached to body member  232  through the use of adhesives, pawls, detents or other interlocking features.  
         [0049]     Projections  266  laterally extend from intermediate main portion  262  and include a recess  268  therein. Similarly, projections  270  laterally extend from upper main portion  260  and also include a recess  272  therein. Side walls  238 ,  240  of body member  232  each include lower and upper projections  274 ,  276  that extend toward one another and engage with the respective recesses  268 ,  272  of projections  266 ,  270  on panels  234 ,  236 . The engagement retains the associated portion of panels  234 ,  236  in the closed position.  
         [0050]     In operation, each panel  234 ,  236  can be independently operated to allow access to first and second compartments  248 ,  250 . Panels  234 ,  236  can open to a first position wherein upper main portions  260  are pivoted about upper living hinge  256  to allow limited access to first and second compartments  248 ,  250 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . By applying a sufficient force to upper main portions  260 , the engagement between upper projections  276  of body member  232  with recesses  272  of projections  270  on upper main portions  260  may be overcome and allow upper main portions  260  to pivot about upper living hinge  256 . If additional access to compartments  248 ,  250  is desired, further force can be applied to upper main portions  260  to overcome the engagement between lower projections  274  of body member  232  with recesses  268  in projections  266  on intermediate main portions  262 . When a sufficient force is applied, intermediate main portion  262  pivots about lower living hinge  258 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , to thereby increase the access to compartments  248 ,  250 . The increased accessibility enables a user to access the smaller accessories, such as short saw blades  299   b  therein without the necessity of dumping the contents from storage case  230 .  
         [0051]     Body member  232  and panels  234 ,  236  can be made from a variety of materials. For example, body member  232  may be made from polycarbonate, glass-filled polymers, ABS, polypropylene and the like. Some of the materials that are suitable for body members  232 , such as polycarbonate, may not be suitable for panels  234 ,  236  due to the presence of living hinges. Panels  234 ,  236  may be made from polypropylene.  
         [0052]     While lower main portions  264  of panels  234 ,  236  are shown as being fixedly attached to body member  232 , it should be appreciated that changes can be made to this portion of the panels without deviating from the scope of the present teachings. For example, lower main portions  264  can be configured to also open and close relative to body member  232  about one or more living hinges, such as lower living hinge  258 . When this is the case, positive retaining features, such as the projections and recesses discussed above may also be utilized. This configuration allows access to compartments  248 ,  250  from the top and bottom. Moreover, it should also be appreciated that panels  234 ,  236  can be integrally formed into a single unitary component with a bottom wall or surface (not shown) interconnecting the two panels and extending over bottom surface  246  of body member  232 . In this manner, the number of components utilized to form storage case  230  is reduced. If desired, panels  234 ,  236  and/or body member  232  may be transparent, translucent or opaque. The use of translucent or transparent material enables a user to see the accessories stored within compartments  248 ,  250  without requiring the opening of panels  234 ,  236 .  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-22 , another storage case  330  according to the present teachings is shown. Storage case  330  provides two segregated storage compartments for accessories, such as those shown in  FIG. 23  and discussed above, to be stowed therein. Storage case  330  includes a body member  332  and two pivotal panels  334 ,  336  that are pivotal between open and closed positions to allow access to the storage compartments therein.  
         [0054]     Body member  332  is a single integral piece and includes, in the orientation of the views depicted, upper and lower vertical walls or portions  342 ,  344  interconnected by a horizontal wall or portion  346  thereby forming a “Z” shaped cross section. Body member  332  also includes opposite spaced-apart end walls  348 ,  350  between which walls  342 ,  344 ,  346  extend. Each end wall  348 ,  350  has two apertures  352 , therein to facilitate pivotal connection of panels  334 ,  336  to body member  332 .  
         [0055]     Each panel  334 ,  336  includes a base wall  358  and an enclosing wall  360  extending orthogonally from an edge thereof. Panels  334 ,  336  also include opposite end walls  362 ,  364  that extend along an entire end edge of base wall  358  and a portion of the edge of enclosing wall  360 . A projection  366  extends outwardly from each end wall  362 ,  364  and resides within apertures  352  of end walls  348 ,  350  of body member  232 . The engagement of projections  366  within apertures  352  allows panels  334 ,  336  to be pivotally rotated between open and closed positions relative to body member  332 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , panel  334  is in an open position while panel  336  is in the closed position, with the open position being shown in phantom in  FIG. 22 . Body member  332  and panels  334 ,  336  define first and second storage compartments  370 ,  372 . Compartments  370 ,  372  are vertically spaced apart in the orientation shown in the figures and separated by wall  346  of body member  332 . When in the closed position, a portion of enclosing wall  360  of panels  334 ,  336  resides against the respective walls  342 ,  344  while base wall  358  is substantially parallel with and spaced apart from wall  346 .  
         [0056]     To move panels  334 ,  336  between the closed positions, shown in  FIG. 20 , to an open position, such as that shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the panels are rotated relative to body member  332  about projections  366 . When in the open position, access to compartments  370 ,  372  is facilitated. The access opening extends along the entire length of panel  334 ,  336  thereby allowing the insertion and removal of accessories of varying lengths, such as saw blades  399 , without the necessity of dumping all of the accessories out. Panels  334 ,  336  can be provided with projections (not shown) that engage with recesses (not shown) and end walls  348 ,  350  of body member  332  to provide a positive retaining feature to retain panels  334 ,  336  in the closed position. Alternatively, other types of releasable retaining features may be employed.  
         [0057]     Panels  334 ,  336  may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to see the accessories disposed within compartments  370 ,  372  without requiring the opening of panels  334 ,  336 . As such, panels  334 ,  336  may be made from a variety of materials including polycarbonate, polypropylene and the like. Body member  332  may also be made from a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, glass-filled polymers, ABS, polypropylene and the like.  
         [0058]     While the present teachings have been described with reference to the drawings and examples, changes may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. For example, each of the storage cases disclosed herein may include a belt loop or clip or other type of retaining devices to facilitate the retaining of the storage container on the person or other object. Additionally, while specific projections and recesses form the retaining features that are shown, it should be appreciated that other types of positive retaining features may be employed. For example, flexible fingers and recesses may be used, as well as spring-loaded balls and the like. Additionally, each of the storage cases may be provided as a weather-tight or fluid-tight storage case. That is, through the use of appropriate gaskets, overmolding and inclusion of sealing material therein, and the like can be utilized to provide a weather-tight enclosure to store the accessories therein. Additionally, while the accessories are shown by way of reference to specific accessories, such as drill bits, saw blades and screwdriver bits, it should be appreciate that other accessories may be stored within the storage cases herein and still be within the scope of the present teachings. Moreover, the storage case may be included as part of a kit that includes various accessories in a variety of sizes that are package together with the storage case and sold as a kit. When this is done, the transparent or translucent nature of the outer cover facilitates a purchaser seeing the storage case and the accessories that are contained therein thereby providing a desirable packaging appearance. Accordingly, the description is merely exemplary in nature and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the teachings.