Abstract:
A chest-worn tackle box assembly. The assembly includes a breast plate that is supported by a shoulder harness, and a storage box which is mounted to the breast plate so as to be pivotable from a vertical stowed position in which the top of the box lies against the breast plate, to a horizontal position in which the access opening of the box is disposed upwardly. The assess opening is covered by a tambour door having edges retained in tracks in the sidewalls of the storage box. The tambour door is slid open to access an internal compartment of the storage box, a vertical space being provided between the lower wall of the storage box and the floor of the internal compartment to receive the door as it slides into the lower runs of the tracks. The internal compartment may be subdivided for segregated storage of tackle items.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     a. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to tackle boxes, and, more particularly, to an ergonomic chest-worn box for the organization and storage of fishing tackle or other items. 
     b. Background Art 
     Because of the gear intensive nature of fishing, it is common for fishermen to employ a tackle box for the storage and organization of their various paraphernalia such as lures, flies, weights, leaders, and other tackle. Typically, these tackle boxes are large, cumbersome affairs containing a myriad of complex trays, drawers, slots, and fold out compartments intended to systematically arrange the gear for quick, easy access. However, because of the size and complexity of these tackle boxes, they are usually deposited in one spot near the fishing source, e.g., on the shore, and the user must constantly return to the box to change lures, reconfigure the leader, or alter rigging to adapt to changes in fishing conditions. For serious fishermen, this is a major inconvenience which detracts from the gear in remote locations. While these devices may have addressed the portability issue, their functionality remains deficient in several areas. 
     First, the portable tackle boxes found in the prior art typically comprise a rectangular box shaped enclosure which is ergonomically deficient for an article that is intended to be worn by a person. Whether slung over the shoulder or mounted on the chest, the sharp corners and abrupt edges inevitably bear against the user&#39;s body and cause discomfort. This discomfort is accentuated as the wearer articulates his body, such as when casting or stooping down to release a fish. 
     The instability of many of these units further aggravates the discomfort issue. For instance, the shoulder borne variety of portable tackle boxes are inherently unstable. They tend to swing on the shoulder of the wearer, banging against the body or sliding off the shoulder with every false step or sudden movement. Considering the mobility and agility required for negotiating a stream crossing or bushwhacking a wooded bank, the shoulder worn tackle boxes are simply inappropriate. 
     While the chest worn tackle boxes provide better securement, many of them protrude excessively from the chest, causing instability and magnifying their discomfort. Because of the protrusive designs, the centers of gravity on these boxes are excessively outboard of the wearer&#39;s body. This makes them prone to lateral swinging, and the cantilever effect causes the body supported edges to dig in to the wearer&#39;s chest. With any sort of abrupt or bouncy movement, this detrimental effect is augmented. In addition, many of these boxes have flip out compartments which, when opened, extends the center of gravity even farther from the chest, thus further reducing the comfort level. 
     Another deficiency common among many of the portable chest borne tackle boxes is the cluttered, complex arrangement of lids, flaps and drawers which must be negotiated in order to access the stored items. Many of these units share the complex construction typical of their larger, non-portable brethren, yet, for many situations, these “bells and whistles” are undesirable on a portable unit. For instance, when balanced in a rocking boat or thigh deep in a frigid stream, access to the gear should be quick and simple. The dexterity and patience required to access many of the portable units found in the prior art is excessive in these types of situations. In addition, the complex arrangement of flip top access lids and fold out trays, common on many of these units, presents numerous opportunities for line entanglement. Aside from the functionality issues, the complexity of many portable tackle boxes drives up the cost and increases the weight, both of which should be minimized to enhance commercial success. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable chest mounted tackle box that is ergonomically designed such that, even during dynamic activities, it remains stably supported and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, there exists a need for such a device that is sleek and uncluttered, allowing quick and easy access to its contents and reducing the risk of line entanglement. Still further, there exists a need for such a device which maintains design simplicity, allowing reduced weight for enhanced portability, and part consolidation for low cost production. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has solved the problems cited above, and is an ergonomic chest mounted tackle box for the organization, storage and deployment of fishing tackle or other items. Broadly, the invention comprises, (a) a breast panel member, anatomically contoured to the general shape of a person&#39;s chest region, providing comfortable, stabilizing support means for substantially vertical stowage or substantially horizontal deployment of a housing element by means of a pivotal connection, (b) a housing element, pivotally supported from the breast panel member and providing a containment for a compartmentalized receptacle member, (c) a receptacle member providing storage for tackle or other items and comprising a partitioning element for dividing the receptacle member into one or more storage bins, (d) a lid element comprising a tamboured closure for containment of items stored in the receptacle member, (e) a latch member for securing the housing element in a substantially vertically disposed position against the breast panel member when stowed, (f) a harness system providing securement of the tackle box assembly to the users upper torso by means of shoulder strap elements affixed to the breast panel member. 
     The breast panel member of the present invention serves as a stabilizing and load bearing element which comfortably supports and distributes the load of the tackle box assembly and stored contents on the wearer&#39;s chest. Accordingly, the breast panel may comprise a substantially rectangular and vertically disposed semi-rigid sheet of material, sized and contoured to anatomically conform to the general shape of a person&#39;s chest region. The corners of the sheet may be “softened” by rounding them, and the width and vertical length of the breast panel may be generously specified to assure lateral stability and adequate surface area for load bearing comfort. By using a semi-rigid sheet material, the breast panel may yielding deflect and conform as the wearer articulates his body. Unlike other portable tackle boxes found in the prior art, in which rigid box-like structures with corners and edges bear against the body, the chest panel of the present invention provides a conformal, semi-compliant protective barrier which serves as an intermediate load bearing surface between the user&#39;s body and tackle box load. Load is transferred into the breast panel through a pivotal connection with the tackle box housing and receptacle assembly. Towards the lower end of the breast panel, two parallel, vertically oriented hinge tabs may extend forward proximate either side edge. Each hinge tab may include a circular aperture, thus providing means for pinned pivotal connection of the housing and receptacle assembly. 
     The breast panel may be secured to the wearer&#39;s chest by means of a harness system that may comprise left and right shoulder straps. The left shoulder strap may connect to the breast panel proximate its upper left corner, pass over the wearer&#39;s left shoulder, pass under the left arm and reconnect to the breast panel proximate its lower left corner. The right shoulder strap may connect to the breast panel proximate its upper right corner, pass over the wearer&#39;s right shoulder, pass under the right arm and reconnect to the breast panel proximate its lower right corner. To assure that the shoulder straps remain seated on the wearer&#39;s shoulders during dynamic activities, a substantially horizontally disposed lateral stabilizing strap may connect between the two shoulder straps across the wearer&#39;s upper back. 
     The housing element mounts to the breast panel via the panel&#39;s hinge tabs and serves as a pivoting enclosure for the receptacle member and the tackle stored within. The housing element is essentially a four sided, open topped box, which may comprise a substantially flat and rectangular floor that contours seamlessly into an accurate front wall and a substantially vertically disposed, flat rear wall. The side walls may comprise flat, vertically disposed plates with front, rear, and bottom edge profiles that conform to the respective front wall, rear wall, and floor of the housing. The top edge of each side wall may be contoured to conform with the breast panel profile, such that when the housing is pivoted upward into a stowed position, the unit nests snugly against the breast panel, thus drawing the housing&#39;s center of gravity closer to the wearer&#39;s body and minimizing instability. 
     On the inside face of each side wall, a continuous parallel set of raised ribs may run adjacent each wall&#39;s top, front, and bottom edges, forming a track for the sliding retention of a tamboured lid. To enclose the top of the housing, the tamboured lid is slid towards the rear housing wall, and to access the housing contents, the tamboured lid is slid towards the front wall. The arcuate shape of the front wall and the corresponding arced profile of the track along the conforming front edge of the side walls, allows the tamboured lid to slidingly transition from the top of the housing to the floor of the housing while being opened. By using a tamboured lid, no flip top access lids are required, thus simplifying access to the housing contents and reducing the risk of line entanglement. 
     It would be impractical to place tackle directly within the housing since these items would interfere with the sliding operation of the tamboured lid as it traverses the housing floor while being opened. Thus, a receptacle member, providing storage means for tackle or other items, may be secured within the housing in a position elevated above the housing floor. By elevating the receptacle, an internal cavity is formed, between the receptacle floor and the housing floor, which accommodates the sliding insertion of the tamboured lid when opened. 
     The receptacle may comprise a rectangular, four sided, open topped box with a floor, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall. The receptacle may be divided into one or more storage bins by positioning a partitioning element within the receptacle&#39;s interior. The partitioning element may comprise a unitized, interlocking network of dividers in the conventional manner, or may comprise a modular arrangement of individual dividers or boxes that may be configured according to user preference. In addition, the partitioning element may be fixed within the receptacle or removable in part or in total. The height of the receptacle walls and partitioning element may be configured such that when closed, the tamboured lid securely seals the contents and prevents spillover between bins regardless of the housing&#39;s orientation. 
     The rear of the housing/receptacle assembly nests between the two hinge tabs on the breast panels; and circular apertures, configured to align with the hinge tab apertures, may be formed in the side walls of the housing/receptacle assembly. Through these aligned apertures, a fastener may join each hinge tab to the corresponding side wall of the housing/receptacle assembly, thus forming a pivotal connection which allows the housing to rotate about a horizontal axis with respect to the stationary breast panel. In the deployed position, the housing may rotate downward until the housing&#39;s rear wall contacts the breast panel. In this position, the housing extends substantially normal to the breast panel in the form of a shelf, thus allowing quick and convenient access to the housing&#39;s contents by simply sliding the tamboured lid open. Since the rear wall of the housing bears against the breast panel, the load is comfortably distributed over the wearer&#39;s chest rather than digging into the lower portion of the chest cavity as is common among tackle boxes found in the prior art. 
     When immediate access is not required, the housing/receptacle assembly may be conveniently stowed by sliding the tamboured lid shut and rotating the housing into a vertical position such that profiled top edges of the housing&#39;s side walls mate with the matching contour in the breast panel. A latch member may secure the housing to the breast panel in this position, creating a low profile package with enhanced stability. 
    
    
     The invention, together with further aspects and advantages thereof, may be further understood by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portable tackle box in accordance with the present invention, showing the storage assembly in the stowed position.; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the portable tackle box of FIG. 1, showing the storage assembly in the deployed position and with the harness and latch assemblies removed; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the portable tackle box of FIG. 1, showing the storage assembly in the deployed position and with the tamboured lid opened assemblies removed; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded, isometric view of the portable tackle box of FIG. 1, showing the storage assembly in the deployed position and the harness and latch assemblies removed; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the housing of the portable tackle box of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     a. Overview 
     As used in this description and the appended claims, the terms “forward”, “rearward”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and so forth reference the orientation of the assembly of the present invention as this is worn on the front of a person&#39;s chest, generally as shown in the figures. 
     FIG. 1 shows an ergonomic chest mounted tackle box  20  in accordance with the present invention. The tackle box  20  comprises three main assemblies including, (a) a storage assembly  22  which provides a secured enclosure for the storage of tackle or other items, (b) a breast panel assembly  24 , which mounts to the user&#39;s upper torso and supports, distributes, and stabilizes the storage assembly load on the wearer&#39;s chest, (c) and a harness assembly  26  which comprises shoulder straps  28   a, b  for securing the tackle box to the wearer&#39;s chest. 
     FIG. 1 shows the tackle box  20  in the stowed position. The storage assembly  22  had been rotated upward about the axes of the hinge fasteners  30   a, b  into a substantially vertical position where it conformingly mates with the breast panel assembly  24  and is secured with a latch  32 . This stowed position is the desired orientation when immediate access to the contents of the storage assembly  22  is not required. In this configuration, the storage assembly  22  maintains a very stable, low profile against the wearer&#39;s chest, reducing the risk of snagging on tree branches or fishing lines, and allowing the user to perform articulated athletic activities with comfort and stability. 
     When access to tackle or other items is required, the storage assembly  22  may be deployed by releasing the latch  32 , and counter-rotating the storage assembly  22  downward until the pivot stops  120   a, b  on its rear wall contacts the breast panel  24 . This deployed position is shown in FIG. 2 in which the harness assembly  26  and latch  32  have been removed for clarity. In this position, the storage assembly  22  extends substantially normal to the breast panel  24  in the form of a shelf, thus allowing quick and convenient access to the storage assembly&#39;s contents by simply sliding the tamboured lid  34  open. The cantilevered load of the storage assembly is supported and distributed through the chest panel  24 , thus assuring no discomfort. 
     In FIG. 3, the tamboured lid  34  has been slid open, exposing the storage bins  36  formed by the receptacle box  38  and partitions  40 , and allowing access to the stored contents. 
     The tackle box of the present invention may be provided in various sizes, as in different sizes for use by adults and children. The breast panel having the configuration described below has been found ergonomically suitable for both male and female users. 
     b. Breast Panel, Harness, and Latch 
     The breast panel  24  may best be described by referring to FIG. 4, which is an exploded view of the tackle box invention with the harness assembly  26  and latch  32  removed for clarity. In this preferred embodiment, the breast panel  24  comprises a substantially rectangular material sheet  50  with an upper portion  52  contoured in a general way to accommodate the general form of the breast region of a generic person&#39;s upper chest region, and a lower portion  54  contoured in a general way to accommodate the general form of the cavity of a generic person&#39;s lower chest region. To conform to the breast region, the upper panel  52  comprises a convex curvature about a horizontal axis, creating a horizontally disposed depression on its back side which accommodates the anatomical protrusion of the breasts. The lower panel  54  comprises a subtle concave curvature about a horizontal axis, creating a horizontally disposed swell on its back side which recesses into the chest cavity. By shaping the sheet  50  in this manner, the contact area between panel and body is more uniformly distributed than say with a flat panel or flat faced box. Accordingly, the load of the storage assembly  22  is distributed throughout the entire chest region providing comfort and stability. To eliminate any irritation due to sharp corners, rounds  56  are provided at each corner of the sheet  50 . 
     Proximate the juncture of the upper  52  and lower panels  54 , two parallel, vertically aligned hinge tabs  58   a, b  extend forward from, and substantially normal to, the sheet  50 . The spacing between tabs is configured to accept the width of the storage assembly  22 , with one hinge tab  58   b  extending proximate the right edge of the sheet  50 , and the other  58   a  extending proximate the left edge of the sheet. These hinge tabs may be chamfered and rounded to remove any sharp corners, and each possesses a circular aperture  60   a, b  axially aligned with the aperture in the opposite tab. These apertures  60   a, b  are sized and aligned in conjunction with the housing apertures  62   a, b  to form a set of pivotal joints between the storage assembly  22  and the breast panel  24 . A standard fastener  30   a, b , such as a rivet or bolt, connects each hinge tab aperture  60   a, b  to the correspondingly adjacent housing aperture  62   a, b  and receptacle aperture  64   a, b  with the fastener serving as the hinge pin. To prevent abrasive wear within the joint, due to repeated stowage and deployment of the storage assembly, spacers  68   a, b  may be inserted between the hinge tab  58   a, b  and the outside of the storage assembly  22  wall in each joint. It will be understood that various other pivot structures may be used to interconnect the breast panel and storage assembly, such as, for example, rods, pins and various other fasteners, or hubs or other protrusions molded or formed on one part for engaging a corresponding bore or receptacle on the other. 
     The breast panel  24 , including sheet  50  and hinge tabs  58   a, b , may preferably be formed from a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, which is approximately ⅛ inch thick. By using a semi-rigid sheet material, the breast panel  24  may yielding deflect and conform as the wearer articulates his body. Alternatively, the added comfort afforded by a compliant panel may be sacrificed by using a more rigid panel structure made from material which is thicker or has a higher modulus such as aluminum or fiber reinforced plastic. 
     For the sake of economical production, the breast panel  24  may preferably be formed as a single integral part. This may be accomplished by a molding process such as injection molding, or by thermo-forming, in which a flat stamped sheet may be heated against a contoured die to form the ergonomic profile on the sheet  50  and fold the hinge tabs  58   a, b  into the appropriate extended position. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 as well as FIG. 4, a set of horizontally disposed through slots  70   a, b  may adjoin the upper corners of the breast panel  24 , allowing the upper terminus  72   a, b  of each shoulder strap  28   a, b  to be fed through and secured to itself by sewing, rivets or other means. A set of vertically disposed through slots  74   a, b  may adjoin the lower corners of the breast panel  24 , allowing the lower terminus  76   a, b  of each shoulder strap  28   a, b  to be fed through and secured to itself by similar means. From its upper connection, the left shoulder strap  28   a , passes over the wearer&#39;s left shoulder, passes under the left arm and rejoins the breast plate  24  at its lower connection as described. From its upper connection, the right shoulder strap  28   b , passes over the wearer&#39;s right shoulder, passes under the right arm and rejoins the breast plate  24  at its lower connection as described. By orienting the upper slots  70   a, b  horizontally, the flat faces of the upper shoulder strap ends  72   a, b  drape over the shoulders without twisting, thus providing maximum bearing contact area and the greatest comfort. The lower slots  74   a, b  are oriented vertically to achieve this same effect on the wearer&#39;s flank as the lower ends of the straps  76   a, b  wrap around the sides of the upper torso. As the lower end transitions into the upper end of each shoulder strap  28   a, b , this flat aspect is maintained with respect to the wearer&#39;s anatomical contours, providing comfortable distribution of the tackle box weight. To assure that the shoulder straps  28   a, b  remain seated on the wearer&#39;s shoulders during dynamic activities, a substantially horizontally disposed lateral stabilizing strap  78  may be configured to join the two shoulder straps  28   a, b  across the wearer&#39;s upper back. This lateral strap  78  may connect to the shoulder straps  28   a, b  by sewing, rivets, or other means. 
     The shoulder straps  28   a, b  and lateral strap  78  may be formed from any suitable, flexible strap material such as 1 inch nylon or polypropylene webbing. For added comfort, the webbing width may be increased, or padding may be added as is typical on backpacks and soft luggage. An adjustable quick release buckle  80   a, b , such as a plastic Fastec® side release buckle, may be incorporated into each shoulder strap  28   a, b  proximate its lower breast panel connection. These quick release buckles  80   a, b  may be connected in the conventional manner, providing shoulder strap length adjustment for optimal fit, and an intermediate disconnect on the straps to aid in donning or removing the tackle box  20 . 
     Centered between the upper slots  70   a, b  of the breast plate  24 , is a third horizontally disposed through slot  82  which adjoins the upper edge of the breast panel. This slot  82  may be used to secure an elastic retaining strap  84  which serves as one component of the two part latch assembly  32 . The second component is an angulated prong  86  mounted on the outer front end wall  88  of the housing  90 . The retaining strap  84  may comprise an elastically yielding material such as rubber, elastic webbing, or a bungy cord, for example. In the preferred embodiment, a rubber strap  84  comprising a latch hole  92  and a securement loop  94  is employed. The retaining strap  84  may be secured to the breast panel  24  by passing its free end  96  through the slot  82  and then looping it back on itself such that the free end  96  passes through the securement loop  88 . The storage assembly  22  may then be secured in its upright stowed position by stretching the retaining strap  84  and hooking the latch hole  92  onto the latch prong  86 . 
     c. Housing 
     Referring to FIG.  4  and FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment, the housing  90  is a four sided, open topped box which forms the outer shell body of the storage assembly  22 . The housing  90  comprises a substantially flat and rectangular floor  100  that contours seamlessly into an arcuate front wall  102  and rounds into a substantially vertically disposed, flat rear wall  104 . The side walls  106   a, b  comprise flat, vertically disposed plates with front, rear, and bottom edge profiles that conform to join to the respective front wall, rear wall, and floor of the housing. The top edge  108   a, b  of each side wall  106   a, b  is contoured to conform with the ergonomic profile of the breast panel  24 , such that when the housing  90  is pivoted upward into a stowed position, the unit nests snugly against the breast panel, thus drawing the housing&#39;s center of gravity closer to the wearer&#39;s body and minimizing instability. 
     In the stowed position, the curved front wall  102  is disposed upwardly so that rainwater is shed forwardly and rearwardly by the curved surface without accumulating and seeping into the assembly. Water shed towards the rear simply flows down over the closed tambour door, so that the assembly is essentially waterproof in the stowed position. 
     A circular aperture  62   a, b  is formed in each side wall  106   a, b  proximate the rear wall  104  of the housing  90 . As discussed previously, these apertures  62   a, b  are configured in conjunction with the apertures  60   a, b  on the breast panel hinge tabs  58   a, b  to provide a pivotal joint for the stowage and deployment of the storage assembly  22 . 
     On the inside face of each side wall  106   a, b , a continuous, parallel set of raised ribs  110   a, b  ( 110   a  not shown) extend adjacent each wall&#39;s top, front, and bottom edges, forming a track  112 , a, b  ( 112   a  not shown) for the sliding retention of the tamboured lid  34 . The height of the rear wall  104  terminates below the height of the track  112   a, b  adjoining the top edge  108   a, b  of the side walls  106   a, b , so that the tamboured lid  34  can be inserted into the slot during assembly. It will be understood that in some embodiments the tambour track may be formed by grooves in the side walls rather than by raised ribs. 
     The relief height of the sidewall rib pairs  110   a, b  adjoining the floor  100  of the housing  90  is extended in relation to the remaining rib portions, forming a lower rib extension platform  114   a, b . During assembly, the lower edges of the receptacle sidewalls  116   a, b  seat on these extension platforms  114   a, b , elevating the receptacle  38  above the housing floor  100  and providing an internal cavity, between the receptacle  38  and housing floor  100 , for the sliding insertion of the tamboured lid  34  when retracted during opening. 
     On the inside face of each side wall  106   a, b , a set of parallel alignment ribs  116   a-d  ( 116   a, c  not shown) extends substantially vertically from the rib extension platforms  114   a, b . These alignment ribs  116   a-d  are configured to mate with a corresponding set of shallow grooved slots  118   a, d  ( 118   b, d  not shown) on the outer surface of the receptacle sidewalls  116   a, b , providing alignment means for assembly of the receptacle  38  within the housing  90 . 
     To deploy the storage assembly, the housing  90  is pivoted downwardly until the lower portion of its rear wall  104  contacts the breast plate  24 . To provide a more positive action and to reduce the effect of wear and marring due to repeated stowage and deployment of the unit, a pivot stop such as a set of rectangular protruding stop feet  120   a, b , may be added to the housing&#39;s rear wall  104  proximate this contact region. These stop feet  120   a, b  can be viewed in FIG.  1 . 
     When the housing is in the deployed position the forward wall  102  of the housing is disposed distally, away from the wearer&#39;s body. In this position the convexly curved surface of the forward wall serves to eliminate any sharp corners that might graze against the user&#39;s forearms or catch on tackle during use. 
     The housing  90  is optionally provided with one or more hubs or bosses  132  formed or mounted on the outer surfaces of the side walls  106   a, b . The hubs are sized and configured to be received through the central opening  134  of a spool  136  containing monofilament leader, tippet or other fishing line. This permits the fishermen to “snap” one or more spools onto the hubs on either side of the assembly, at convenient chest level, and then strip off the line  138  as the spool rotates on the hub  132 . Other forms of attachments may be provided for the spools, in addition to or in place of the hubs  132  that are shown, such as, for example, various fixed or folding studs or shafts, with or without end keepers and configured to be received in the central openings of the spools. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the housing  90  is molded from plastic as a single integral unit, including stop feet  120   a, b  and latch prong  86 . By use of this material and production means, a tough, light weight unit can be produced at low cost. Alternatively, the housing may be made from individually molded plastic components and assembled by adhesives, thermoforming, or other conventional methods. In addition, other materials such as aluminum or other could be used. 
     d. Receptacle 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the receptacle  38  provides compartmentalized storage area for tackle or other items. In the preferred embodiment, the receptacle  38  comprises an open topped box structure, configured to nest within the housing  90  and formed from an assemblage of flat rectangular panels including a floor (not shown), two side walls  116   a, b , a front wall  122  and a rear wall  124 . This assemblage may be made out of metal sheet or other suitable material, however the preferred construction is integrally molded plastic due to its low-cost efficiency. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the interior cavity of the receptacle  38  is divided into one or more storage bins  36  by placing a partitioning element  40  within the receptacle&#39;s interior. In FIG. 4, a single partitioning element  40  is shown, made up of an integrated lattice of intersecting divider walls  126  joined to the receptacle&#39;s exterior walls; in this manner, the partitioning element may be integrally molded with the receptacle walls and floor, or fabricated from metal sheet or other material and joined by conventional means. As an alternative, however, the partitioning element  40  may comprise a removable and configurable, modular arrangement of individual dividers, or bins or boxes made, for example, from plastic or metal. In addition, many tackle box manufacturers have their own designs and sets of configurable bin inserts and trays, and the receptacle  38  of the present invention may be configured to accept these modular units using existing installation methods. Still further, the bins or receptacles may be arranged in multiple layers, such as two layers of thin boxes for dry flies, with the boxes in the upper layer being removable so as to provide access to the article in the lower layer of boxes. 
     In addition, one or more of the storage bins may optionally be provided with a magnet or magnets for retaining hooks, swivels or other ferrous tackle articles therein. For example, a magnet may be adhered or otherwise mounted to the bottom of the storage bin, or a washer or other generally flat, ferrous member may be mounted in the bottom of each of the bins so as to enable the user to move the magnet or magnets from the bottom of one bin to another as desired. Small, generally flat rare-earth magnets are eminently suitable for this purpose. 
     As discussed previously, each side wall includes a set of vertically slotted grooves  118   a-d  which extend from the lower edge of its outer face. To assemble the receptacle  38  to the housing  90 , the receptacle is vertically inserted into the housing cavity such that these grooves slidingly mate with the alignment ribs  116   a-d . The lower rib extension platforms  114   a, b  on the housing side walls  106   a, b  define the extent of insertion, and the receptacle is then secured by assembling the pivot joint such that the pivot joint fastener  30   a, b  connects the receptacle and housing via their common apertures. 
     The height of the receptacle&#39;s front wall  122 , side walls  116   a, b , and partition walls  126  are configured to extend to the bottom of the tambour lid track  112 , a, b  adjoining the upper edge  108   a, b  of each housing side wall  106   a, b . In this manner, the tamboured lid  34  will securely seal the receptacle  38  and prevent spillage or shuffling of its contents when closed. The height of the rear wall  124 , slightly exceeds the others (e.g., by about ⅛ inch) such that it blocks the end of the tambour lid track  112 , a, b , thus preventing the lid  34  from sliding out the end of the track when the storage assembly  22  is rotated into its vertically stowed orientation. 
     e. Tamboured Lid 
     By way of background, a tamboured panel in the traditional sense would consist of stiff, narrow wood strips adhered or mechanically fastened to a flexible backing material. Such a panel is flexurally rigid about an axis perpendicular to the strips, but, since the panel can bend between the strips, is flexurally compliant about an axis parallel with the strips. This same principle is utilized for the tamboured lid  34  in the present invention. Although the tamboured lid construction could be implemented using a variety of materials and assembly methods, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the lid  34  is constructed from a single sheet of molded plastic comprising a linear array of alternating ribs  130  and grooves  132 . Such a material is commonly used in the automotive industry to fabricate interior consoles and storage bins, and is available in sheets that may simply be cut to size. 
     The grooves  132  provide the flexural compliance which allows the lid  34  to bend as it transitions from the top to the bottom of the housing  90  while being opened or closed. The groove depth may be configured accordingly. The thickness of the ribs  130  is configured to allow sliding reciprocation within the tambour lid track  112 , a, b  and the width of the lid  34  is configured to assure it does not jump the track. Proximate its free, exterior edge, a slide handle  134  made from plastic, or other suitable material, may be integrally molded or connected to the lid  34  by mechanical fasteners or other means. 
     It is to be recognized that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described above without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.