Patent Abstract:
A container [ 10 ] is disclosed having a universal bracket system [ 300 ] that allows attachment of the container [ 10 ] to a plurality of upstanding outdoor supports including posts, angle iron, and signs supported in cylindrical frameworks. In the preferred embodiment, the container [ 10 ] has a box [ 100 ] with a lid [ 200 ] pivotally attached thereto. The box [ 100 ] has a bracket system [ 300 ] comprised of an upper bracket [ 310 ], a central bracket [ 320 ] and a lower bracket [ 340 ] which have complementary geometric relationships that facilitate attachment to the multiple structures.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to an apparatus for securing a container to an upstanding support and, more particularly, to a universal bracket system for securing an outdoor document storage container to one of several upstanding supports. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the marketing of real estate property, it is important to provide documents containing facts related to the property to potential buyers. It is necessary to leave the documents in containers in the front of homes in a manner that is readily accessible to the potential buyer. Since the documents are typically paper products, they are subject to damage by the elements, particularly by moisture. As a result, real estate document containers need to be both water resistant to protect the materials and easily accessible. 
     Real estate document containers need to be supported in some manner. Numerous solutions to this problem have been developed. One popular method is to provide a spike attached to the back of the container which can penetrate the soil of the yard, thus supporting the container upright in the yard. A more preferred means of support is to attach the document container to the real estate yard sign that is advertising the property for sale. The problem with this method is that there are numerous configurations for the signs, and there is no universal method of attaching to them. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a universal bracket system for securing an outdoor document storage container to different upstanding supports that are commonly used in the real estate and outdoor sign industries. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a container has a box portion with a pivotal lid, and a bracket system extending from the back of the box portion. The bracket system comprises an upper bracket having a generally inverted u-shape, with an interior channel. A central bracket extends from the box portion at a position below the upper bracket. The central bracket has a pair of hollow posts and a central flange extending between the hollow posts. A u-shaped notch is located on the central flange in alignment with the channel of the upper bracket. 
     A lower bracket extends from the box portion at a position below the central bracket. The lower bracket has a pair of posts and a lower flange extending between the posts. A u-shaped notch is located on the lower flange in alignment with the notch of the central bracket and the channel of the upper bracket. 
     In a more preferred embodiment, a bevel is located on each of the upper edges of the notches in the central and lower brackets. A plurality of supports may be provided that extend outward from the container, orthogonal to the flange of the central and lower brackets. 
     In the preferred embodiment, there is a pair of outermost supports located opposite the hollow posts of the central bracket, with a hole extending through each outermost support. There may also be a pair of outermost supports located opposite the posts of the lower bracket, with a hole extending through each outermost support. 
     Also in the preferred embodiment, a centermost support extends perpendicular from the bottom of the notch on each of the central and lower brackets. A generally semicircular relief extends across each centermost support and flange in substantial alignment with the channel. 
     As described, the bracket system permits attachment of the container to a plurality of upstanding outdoor supports including posts, angle iron, and signs supported in rectangular and cylindrical frameworks. Screws can be inserted into the hollow post for attachment to a post. Tying straps, such as twist ties, zip ties, or curling ties, can be inserted through the holes in the supports for attachment of the container to a variety of other supports, such as angle iron. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the container with a universal bracket system in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the box portion of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the box portion of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the lid portion of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the lid portion of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric break-out view of the bracket system of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the container, illustrating the lid in the fully opened position, with the bracket system attached to a vertical post. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are side views of the container, illustrating the lid in the closed position, with the bracket system attached to the cylindrical frame portion of an outdoor sign. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the bracket system of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the bracket system engaging an angle iron support. 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric cut-out view of the bracket system of the container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the bracket system engaging a rectangular frame portion of an outdoor sign. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the box portion of the container, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the bracket system. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the box portion of the container, illustrating an optional adapter attached to the bracket system. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the container system having the adapter attached, illustrating the adapter engaging a pane of glass to support the container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-13  of the drawings, the reference numeral  10  generally designates a container system for retaining documents which is capable of being attached to the most common upstanding supports used in the real estate industry. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of container  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a front view of this embodiment of container  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , container  10  is generally comprised of a box  100  and a lid  200 . A universal bracket system  300  extends from box  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of box  100  of container  10 .  FIG. 4  is a rear view of box  100 . As seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , box  100  has a front panel  102  and offset back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, front panel  102  is made of a transparent material. Front panel  102  and back panel  104  are connected by a pair of opposite side panels  106  and a bottom panel  108 . Collectively, front panel  102 , back panel  104 , side panels  106 , and bottom panel  108  form an opening  110  at the top of box  100  through which documents can be placed. In the preferred embodiment, the intersections between front panel  102 , back panel  104 , side panels  106 , and bottom panel  108  are radiused to avoid sharp corners. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , bottom panel  108  of box  100  has a plurality of drain holes  112 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , back panel  104  is longer than front panel  102 . Front panel  102  may optionally be inclined slightly away from back panel  104 . Opening  110  is downwardly inclined away from back panel  104 . An oblique angle X is formed on side panels  106  where front panel  102  meets opening  110 . The angular disposition of opening  110  facilitates the handling of documents placed and removed in container  10 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 3 , a journal  114  extends outward from a position near to the top of each side panel  106 . In the preferred embodiment, journals  114  are generally cylindrical. In a more preferred embodiment, a bushing  116  is located between journals  114  and side panels  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , lid  200  has a curved apex section  202  at its top. A substantially rectangular front section  204  extends downward from one side of apex  202 . A substantially rectangular lip  206  extends downward from the opposite side of front section  204 . In the preferred embodiment, lip  206  is disposed at an angle Y to front section  204 . In a more preferred embodiment, angle Y is substantially equal to angle X on side panels  106 . By substantially matching angle Y on lid  200  to angle X on box  100 , lid  200  can create an effective seal over opening  110  in box  100 . A pair of opposing side sections  208  are located along orthogonal edges of each of apex  202 , front section  204 , and lip  206 . A tab  212  may be attached to lip  206 . 
     A portal  210  is located in each side section  208 . Portals  210  are receivable of journals  114  to pivotally attach lid  200  to box  100 . In the preferred embodiment, portals  210  are smaller in diameter than bushings  116 . In this embodiment, bushings  116  support side sections of lid  200  off of side panels  106  of box  100 . This permits smooth rotation of lid  200  on journals  114  without friction or interferences between side sections  208  of lid  200  and side panels  106  of box  100 . In the preferred embodiment, a tab  212  is formed on the lower edge of lip  206 . 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric break-out view of bracket system  300  of container  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Bracket system  300  extends generally perpendicular from back panel  104  of box  100 , and is comprised of an upper bracket  310 , a central bracket  320 , and a lower bracket  340 . These three components permit container  100  to be securely attached to multiple upstanding support systems. Bracket system  300  is preferably located centrally (as between side panels  106 ) and substantially on the upper half of back panel  104  of box  100 . Bracket system  300  is preferably formed of an injection molded plastic (such as polypropylene). 
     Upper bracket  310  is located nearest to the top of container  100 . Upper bracket  310  forms a generally inverted U-shape, extending generally perpendicular from back panel  104 . A channel  312  is formed on the interior therein facing the direction of central bracket  320  and lower bracket  340 . Channel  312  is generally aligned with the centerline of back panel  104  and box  100 . 
     Central bracket  320  is located below upper bracket  310 . Central bracket  320  has a pair of hollow posts  322  extending generally perpendicular from back panel  104 . Hollow posts  322  are spaced apart and generally symmetric along the centerline of back panel  104  of box  100 . The holes in the center of hollow posts  322  preferably penetrate back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, hollow posts  322  are located within the portion of back panel  104  that is horizontally opposite opening  110  on box  100 , above front panel  102 . Hollow posts  322  are adapted to receive a screw, nail, bolt, or tying strap. In the preferred embodiment, hollow posts  322  are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. 
     An upstanding flange  324  extends between hollows posts  322 . Flange  324  preferably extends perpendicular from back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, flange  324  extends between hollows posts  322  on one side, and is substantially tangent with hollow posts  322  on its opposite side. Thus configured, flange  324  provides an upstanding flat surface extending perpendicular to back panel  104 . 
     A notch  326  is located in the middle of flange  324 . Notch  326  is generally rectangular and symmetric about the centerline of bracket system  300 . Notch  326  is thus generally aligned with channel  312 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, a bevel  328  is located on each of the upper edges of notch  326 . Bevels  328  are included to allow bracket system  300  to securely attach container  100  to an upright support made of angle iron. Preferably, the angle of bevels  328 , relative to the normal line of back panel  104 , is approximately 45°. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of supports extend outward from back panel  104 , orthogonal to flange  324 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a triad of supports  330 ,  332 ,  334  extend outward from back panel  104 , orthogonal to flange  324 . The outermost supports  330  and  334  are preferably aligned adjacent to, or opposite, hollow posts  322 . A hole  336  is provided in each of supports  330 ,  334 . The centers of holes  336  are preferably collocated to the centers of hollow posts  322  in reference to the centerline of bracket system  300  and penetrate back panel  104 . Holes  336  are adapted to receive a screw, nail, bolt, or tying strap. In the preferred embodiment, holes  336  are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. 
     The centermost support  332  extends perpendicular from the bottom of notch  326  on flange  324 . A generally semicircular relief  338  extends across support  332  and flange  324  at the bottom of notch  326 . Relief  338  is located on the centerline of bracket system  300  and centrally aligned with channel  312 . Relief  338  is adapted to receive a portion of an upstanding support, such as a round post or the corner of an angle iron support. Preferably, the diameter of relief  338  is at least 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). 
     Lower bracket  340  is located on back panel  104  of box  100 . Lower bracket  340  is located below central bracket  320 . In the preferred embodiment, lower bracket  340  is configured identically to central bracket  320 . In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 13 , lower bracket  340  is rotated 180° in orientation with respect to central bracket  320 . 
     Lower bracket  340  has a pair of posts  342  extending generally perpendicular from back panel  104  which are spaced apart and generally symmetric along the centerline of bracket back panel  104  and box  100 . Posts  342  may or may not be hollow. In the preferred embodiment, posts  342  are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. 
     An upstanding flange  344  extends between hollow posts  342 . Flange  344  preferably extends perpendicular from back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, flange  344  extends between posts  342  on one side, and is substantially tangent with posts  342  on its opposite side. Thus configured, flange  344  provides an upstanding flat surface extending perpendicular to back panel  104 . 
     A notch  346  is located in the middle of flange  344 . Notch  346  is generally rectangular and symmetric about the centerline of bracket system  300 . Notch  346  is thus generally aligned with channel  312 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, a bevel  348  is located on each of the upper edges of notch  346 . Bevels  348  are included to allow bracket system  300  to securely attach container  100  to an upright support made of angle iron. Preferably, the angle of bevels  348 , relative to the normal line of back panel  104 , is approximately 45°. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of supports extend outward from back panel  104 , orthogonal to flange  344 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a triad of supports  350 ,  352 ,  354  extend outward from back panel  104 , orthogonal to flange  344 . The outermost supports  350  and  354  are preferably aligned opposite posts  342 . A hole  356  is provided in each of supports  350 ,  354 . The centers of holes  356  are preferably collocated to the centers of posts  342  in reference to the centerline of bracket system  300 . Holes  356  penetrate back panel  104 . Holes  356  are adapted to receive a screw, nail, bolt, or tying strap. In the preferred embodiment, holes  356  are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. 
     The centermost support  352  extends perpendicular from the bottom of notch  346  on flange  344 . A generally semicircular relief  358  extends across support  352  and flange  344  at the bottom of notch  346 . Relief  358  is located on the centerline of bracket system  300  and centrally aligned with channel  312 . Relief  358  is adapted to receive a portion of an upstanding support, such as a round post or the corner of an angle iron support. Preferably, the diameter of relief  358  is at least 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). 
     In the preferred embodiment illustrated, hollow posts  322  of central bracket  320  are aligned tangent to, and above, flange  324 . In this same embodiment, posts  342  of lower bracket  340  are similarly aligned tangent to, and above, flange  344 . In a more preferred configuration of this embodiment, the distance between flange  324  of central bracket  320  and posts  342  of lower bracket  340  is between approximately 2 inches and 3 inches (5 cm and 8 cm). 
     In the preferred embodiment, the outward extension from back panel  104  of upper bracket  310 , central bracket  320 , and lower bracket  340 , are all substantially the same. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a side view of container  10  illustrates the bracket system  300  attached to a vertical post  400 , and with lid  200  in the fully opened position relative to box  100 . From this illustration, it is seen that pivotal rotation of lid  200  is limited by engagement of apex section  202  of lid  200  with back panel  104  of box  100 . In the preferred embodiment, this engagement of apex  202  with back panel  104  occurs at a position in which the center mass of lid  200  is sufficiently forward of journals  114  such that lid  200  will fall closed under its own weight when container  10  is mounted levelly. In a preferred embodiment, lid  200  has a rotational range of between approximately 90 and 140 degrees. 
     In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 13 , posts  342  of lower bracket  340  are aligned tangent to, and below, flange  344 . Also in this embodiment, centermost support  332  extends upward in the direction of upper bracket  310 . In this manner of alignment, the flat surface of flanges  324  and  344  may be aligned over a horizontal post for more secure attachment. In a more preferred configuration of this embodiment, the distance between flange  324  of central bracket  320  and flange  344  of lower bracket  340  is approximately 2 inches (5 cm). 
     This is just one example of the many ways the elements of the present invention can be alternatively configured without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     In another preferred embodiment, not illustrated, a hook and loop assembly is attached between lip  206  of lid  200  and front panel  102  of box  100 . In another preferred embodiment, also not illustrated, stiffening ribs are located on front panel  102  of box  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an optional adapter  800  is disclosed. Adapter  800  has a flat base portion  810 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , studs  820  extend substantially perpendicular from base  810 . Studs  822  also extend substantially perpendicular from base  810 , beneath studs  820 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, studs  820  and  822  are formed integral with base  810 . Studs  820  are sized for insertion into the interior of hollow posts  322  of central bracket  320  in interference fit. In the preferred embodiment, posts  342  of lower bracket  340  are also hollow. Studs  822  are received into the interior of hollow posts  342  of lower bracket  340  in interference fit. To accomplish attachment, studs  820  are configured on base  810  for centered alignment with hollow posts  322  and studs  822  are configured on base  810  for centered alignment with hollow posts  342 . 
     In a more preferred embodiment, the hole in hollow posts  342  is a blind hole that does not extend through back panel  104  of box  100 .  FIG. 15  further illustrates adapter  800  engaging a pane of glass  900 . A hook portion  830  of a Velcro™ type hook and loop assembly is attached to base  810  of adapter  800 . A complementary loop portion  840  is attached to a flat receiving surface such as glass pane  900 . It will be readily appreciated that either portion of the hook  830  and loop  840  assembly can be attached to either adapter  800  or glass  900 , and glass  900  can be any generally flat surface. 
     As the terms are used in this specification and claims, the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to be words of approximation, meaning “largely but not necessarily entirely.” 
     Operation 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate various views of a preferred embodiment of the container  10  of the present invention. As seen in these figures, universal bracket system  300  extends from box  100  portion of container  10 . 
     Box  100  and lid  200  of container  10  are preferably made of an injection molded plastic (such as polypropylene). Also in the preferred embodiment, box  100  is made of a translucent or transparent material such that a person approaching container  10  can tell if it has any documents remaining inside. Bracket system  300  is preferably formed integrally with back panel  104  of box  100 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , bottom panel  108  of box  100  has a plurality of drain holes  112 . These holes allow any moisture that might accumulate inside box  100  to drain out. 
     As best seen in the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , front panel  102  may optionally be upwardly inclined away slightly from back panel  104 . In this configuration, documents can be separated at their top to facilitate grasping of a single document, even when box  100  is filled to capacity as dictated by the width of bottom panel  108 . 
     An oblique angle X is formed on side panels  106  where front panel  102  meets opening  110  such that opening  110  is downwardly inclined away from back panel  104 . The angular disposition of opening  110  facilitates the insertion, separation, and removal of documents into and out of container  10 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , box  100  and lid  200  are configured for pivotal relationship. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , bushing  116  and journal  114  extend outward from a position near to the top of each side panel  110 . Bushings  116  are located between journals  114  and side panels  106 . A portal  210  is located in each side section  208  for receiving journals  114 . In the preferred embodiment, portals  210  are smaller in diameter than bushings  116  so that bushings  116  support side sections of lid  200  off of side panels  106  of box  100 . This permits smooth rotation of lid  200  on journals  114  without friction or interference between side sections  208  of lid  200  and side panels  106  of box  100 . 
     In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , lip  206  is disposed at an angle Y to front section  204  that is near to angle X on side panels  106  of box  100 . By generally matching angle Y on lid  200  to angle X on box  100 , lid  200  can create an effective seal over opening  110  in box  100 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , tab  212  may be formed on the lower edge of lip  206  to permit easy grasping and rotation of lid  200  to gain access to the interior of box  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a side view of container  10  is illustrated with bracket system  300  attached to vertical post  400 , and with lid  200  in the fully opened position relative to box  100 . The pivotal rotation of lid  200  is limited by engagement of apex section  202  of lid  200  with back panel  104  of box  100 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the engagement of apex  202  with back panel  104  occurs at a position in which the center mass of lid  200  is sufficiently forward of journals  114  such that lid  200  will fall closed under its own weight when container  10  is mounted levelly. This functionality prevents accidental failure to close lid  200 , and from the wind blowing lid  200  into a continuously open position such that the contents of container  10  remain exposed to the elements. To provide this functionality and still maintain easy access to documents, in a preferred embodiment, lid  200  has a rotational range of between approximately 90 and 140 degrees. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , it is seen that having the outward extension from back panel  104  of upper bracket  310 , central bracket  320 , and lower bracket  340  substantially the same provides a level, secure mounting of container  10  offset to a post  400 , stabilized by contact with each of upper bracket  310 , central bracket  320 , and lower bracket  340 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , central bracket  320  is seen located within the portion of back panel  104  that is horizontally opposite opening  110  on box  100 . By locating hollow posts  322  of central bracket  320  opposite opening  110 , access is provided for tools needed to rotate mechanical fasteners  370  located in hollow posts  322 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , this provides a means of attachment of container  10  to post  400 , or a fence or similar structure. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are side views of container  10  attached to the cylindrical frame portion  500  of an outdoor sign. In  FIG. 10 , it can be seen that the cylindrical frame portion  500  of a conventional outdoor real estate sign fits into channel  312  of upper bracket  310 . Upper bracket  310  thus secures container  10  centrally on frame  500  and prevents downward movement of container  10  relative to frame  500 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , cylindrical frame portion  500  also fits into generally semicircular reliefs  338  and  358  of central and lower brackets  320  and  340 , respectively. In this manner, each component of bracket system  300  engages frame  500 . Tying straps  380 , such as twist ties, zip ties, or curling ties, can be inserted through holes  336  and  356  and around frame  500  to secure container  10  on frame  500  of the sign. 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of bracket system  300  of container  10 , illustrating the engagement of bracket system  300  with a conventional angle iron support  600 . In  FIG. 11 , it can be seen that angle iron support  600  engages the bottom of upper bracket  310 , without going into channel  312 . Upper bracket  310  thus prevents downward movement of container  10  relative to angle iron  600 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , it is seen that angle iron  600  is located inside notches  326  and  346  of central and lower brackets  320 ,  340 , respectively. In this position, angle iron  600  is engaged at three points within each of central and lower brackets  320 ,  340 . More precisely, the corner of angle iron  600  is centered in each of generally semicircular reliefs  338 ,  358  of central and lower brackets  320  and  340 , respectively, and rest against opposing bevel pair  328  and opposing bevel pair  348  in central and lower brackets  320  and  340 , respectively. Preferably, the angle of bevels  328  and  348  relative to the normal line of back panel  104  is approximately 45°, which provides a plane of contact parallel to the surfaces of angle iron  600 , thus centering and securing angle iron  600  in place. 
     Tying straps  380  such as twist ties, zip ties, or curling ties, can be inserted through holes  336  and  356  and around angle iron  600  to secure container  10  on angle iron  600 . The three point contact centers and stabilizes container  10  on angle iron  600 . 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric cut-out view of bracket system  300  of container  10  illustrating the engagement of bracket system  300  with a rectangular frame portion  700  of a conventional outdoor sign. In  FIG. 12 , it can be seen that rectangular frame  700  engages the bottom of upper bracket  310 , without going into channel  312 . Upper bracket  310  thus prevents downward movement of container  10  relative to rectangular frame  700 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , it is seen that rectangular frame  700  is located inside notches  326  and  346  of central and lower brackets  320  and  340 , respectively. In this position, rectangular frame  700  is securely engaged on three sides within each of central and lower brackets  320   340 . 
     Tying straps  380 , such as twist ties, zip ties, or curling ties, can be inserted through holes  336  and  356  and around rectangular frame  700  to secure container  10  on rectangular frame  700 . The three-sided contact within each of central and lower brackets  320  and  340 , centers and stabilizes container  10  on rectangular frame  700 . Although container  10  is illustrated as side-mounted in  FIG. 12  on rectangular frame  700 , it is appreciated that container  10  could be similarly end-mounted on rectangular frame  700 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , an isometric break-out view of bracket system  300  of container  10  is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Bracket system  300  extends generally perpendicular from back panel  104  of box  100 , and is comprised of an upper bracket  310 , a central bracket  320 , and a lower bracket  340 . These three components permit container  100  to be securely attached to multiple upstanding support systems. Bracket system  300  is preferably located centrally (as between side panels  106 ), and substantially on the upper half of back panel  104  of box  100 . Bracket system  300  is preferably formed of an injection molded plastic (such as polypropylene). 
     In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of supports extend outward from back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a triad of supports  330 ,  332 ,  334  extend outward from back panel  104  on central bracket  320 , and a triad of supports  350 ,  352 ,  354  extend outward from back panel  104  on lower bracket  340 . 
     Outermost supports  330 ,  334 ,  350  and  354  provide sufficient material thickness for the location of holes  336  and  356 . They also stiffen back panel  104  and reduce flexing of flanges  324  and  344  relative to back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, holes  336  and  356  are each spaced approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. 
     Centermost supports  332  and  352  extend outward from back panel  104 , perpendicularly. In the preferred embodiment, centermost supports  332  and  352  extend from the bottom of notches  326  and  346  on central bracket  320  and lower bracket  340 , respectively. They may extend upwards or downwards. 
     Centermost supports  332  and  352  provide sufficient material thickness for the location of reliefs  338  and  358 . They also stiffen back panel  104  and reduce flexing of flanges  324  and  344  relative to back panel  104 . In the preferred embodiment, centermost supports  332  and  352  are centrally aligned with channel  312  to cooperatively receive components of various upstanding support structures. 
       FIG. 13  is a rear view of container  10 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of bracket system  300  as attached on a horizontal post  800 . In this embodiment, posts  342  of lower bracket  340  are aligned tangent to, and below, flange  344 . Also in this embodiment, centermost support  332  extends upward in the direction of upper bracket  310 . In this configuration, flange  324  forms the bottom of central bracket  320 , and flange  344  forms the top of lower bracket  340  such that the flat surfaces of flanges  324  and  344  oppose each other to facilitate alignment on a horizontal post. In a more preferred configuration of this embodiment, the distance between flange  324  of central bracket  320  and flange  344  of lower bracket  340  is approximately 2 inches (5 cm). 
     As with the other embodiments, tying straps  380  such as twist ties, zip ties, or curling ties, can be inserted through holes  336  and  356  and around post  800  to secure container  10  on post  800 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, not illustrated, a hook and loop assembly is attached between lip  206  of lid  200  and front panel  102  of box  100 . In another preferred embodiment, also not illustrated, stiffening ribs are located on front panel  102  of box  100  to add rigidity to box  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , optional adapter  800  provides a means for attaching container system  10  to a generally flat surface such as glass  900 . This permits attachment of container system  10  to the window of a car, house, or store, or any other generally flat surface. In the preferred embodiment, posts  342  of lower bracket  340  are hollow for receiving studs  822 . In the more preferred embodiment, the hollow center of hollow posts  342  does not extend through back panel  104  of box  100 . This blind-hole configuration prevents moisture from entering box  100  through hollow posts  342  when container system  10  is not mated to adapter  800 . 
     The interference fit of studs  820  inside hollow posts  322  and studs  822  inside hollow posts  342  permits secure attachment of adapter  800  to box  100  without the use of adhesive. The use of hook  830  and loop  840  assembly permits removable attachment of container system  10  to virtually any generally flat surface. 
     Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1