Abstract:
A convertible multipurpose container includes a container body, a pair of lids, a pair of supporting members for supporting handles, and an extra plate whereby upon outwardly opening the lids, the extra plate is combined with the lids to become a composite plate for receiving articles thereon.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a convertible multipurpose container such as a cold chest, a food container, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plastic container having a pair of lids convertible to a table plate which is combined with an extra plate supported on the plastic container while the lids are opened outwardly. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Generally, plastic containers to store food have a lid which is used to cover the container. Accordingly, when the user takes food from the container in the outdoors such as parks, camping areas, and the like, the user needs a plate for putting food thereon. Sometimes, the user handcarries a separate table for putting food thereon. It is difficult to take food without use of a food table. Also, it is expensive and inconvenient to provide a separate food table. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a convertible multipurpose container, which eliminates the above problems encountered with conventional plastic containers. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which includes a pair of lids, a pair of handles pivotally connected to two pairs of pins at the end portions thereof, a pair of raised stoppers attached to both side walls of the container and in the vicinity of the pins, and an extra plate supported in the plastic container, whereby upon outwardly opening the pair of lids, the pair of handles support the lids and both side lids and the center extra plate form a table plate for putting food thereon. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a convertible multipurpose container which further includes a pair of separate supports for supporting a pair of lids when the pair of lids are opened outwardly. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible multipurpose container which further includes a pair of collapsible supports attached to front and rear walls thereof for supporting a pair of lids when the pair of lids are opened outwardly. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible multipurpose container which further includes a pair of lockable supporting rods slidably attached to the tops of a pair of lids and a pair of engaging grooves disposed at walls thereof for receiving the pair of lockable supporting rods when the pair of lids are opened outwardly. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a convertible multipurpose container which further includes two pairs of tubular containers and four supporting rods slidably inserted into the tubular containers for supporting a pair of lids when the pair of lids are opened outwardly. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     Briefly described, the present invention relates to a convertible multipurpose container which includes a container body, a pair of lids, means for supporting the lids, and an extra plate supported on the body whereby upon outwardly opening the pair of lids, the extra plate is combined with the pair of lids to form a table plate for putting food thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convertible multipurpose container according to the present invention, showing a handy carriage thereof; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the convertible multipurpose container according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are side elevational views of the convertible multipurpose plastic container according to the present invention, showing operation of a pair of handles and how they support a pair of lids of the convertible multipurpose container of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B are perspective views of the handle of the container according to the present invention, showing a bendable handle of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the convertible multipurpose container employing another preferred embodiment of means for supporting the pair of lids according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the convertible multipurpose container employing a third preferred embodiment of means for supporting the pair of lids according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates the convertible multipurpose container employing a fourth preferred embodiment of means for supporting the pair of lids according to the present invention; and 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the convertible multipurpose container employing a fifth preferred embodiment of means for supporting the pair of lids according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, the convertible multipurpose container as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B comprises a container body 1, a pair of lids 2 pivotally connected to the body through hinges 3, a pair of handles 6 pivotally connected to the body 1 by first pivot pins 7, and an extra plate 4 disposed in a container interior la, to be combined with the pair of lids 2 for forming a table plate. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each handle end portion 6&#39; of the pair of handles 6 is to be stopped by a pair of first stoppers 8 attached to both side walls of the container body 1. The first stopper 8 forms a raised portion and has a pentagonal configuration so that a pair of sloped lower edges becomes a stopping portion for the handle end portions 6&#39; of the handles 6, respectively. Therefore, the pair of handles 6 function as a supporter to the pair of lids 2 when the pair of lids 2 are outwardly opened (FIG. 3B). 
     At this time, two pairs of second stoppers 9 disposed on the pair of lids 2 retain the handles 6 for forming a planar dining plate. Also, the extra plate 4 having a plurality of cup holes 5 for putting cups therein seats on an opening 1a of the plastic container, so that the pair of lids 2 supported by the pair of handles 6 form a table plate with the extra plate 4 (FIG. 3B). Accordingly, the plastic container can be converted to a dining table for putting food thereon. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, the handle 6 can be jointed on an upper part 6a and a lower part 6b by a second pivot pin 6c for conveniently carrying the plastic container. 
     Referring in detail to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an additional embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container in accordance with the present invention. A pair of supporting members 10 support a pair of lids 2 of the plastic container. Each supporting member 10 has a small size top portion for engaging with a groove 2a formed in the extra plate lid 2. 
     Referring in detail to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated a third embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container in accordance with the present invention. A pair of collapsible supports 11 are pivotally attached to front and rear walls of the container body 1 by a pair of holes 11a disposed in raised parts extended from the front and rear walls. The collapsible supports 11 rotatable at a right angle about the walls and tips of the collapsible support 11 are tightly engaged with the engaging holes 2a, so that the pair of collapsible supports 11 are effectively supported against the pair of lids 2 (FIG. 8). When the pair of supports 11 are in the collapsed state, the supports 11 are attached to the walls and locked by a pair of locking members 11b (FIG. 9). 
     As shown in FIG. 10, there is illustrated a fourth embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container in accordance with the present invention. The convertible plastic container includes the container body 1, double doors 2&#39; pivotally connected to the body 1 through the hinges 3, the pair of handles 6 pivotally connected to both side walls of the body 1, and an extra plate 4 having a plurality of cup holes 5 for a cup 5a. 
     The handles 6 are movably inserted into two pairs of handle engagements 7; pivotally attached to both side walls of the container body 1 at the ends thereof. The engagements 7&#39; have their locking systems disposed therein (not shown) so that both handles 6 can effectively support the pair of double doors 2&#39; (FIG. 10). When the doors 2&#39; close, one door 2&#39; is stacked on the other door 2&#39;. 
     Referring in detail to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a fifth embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container in accordance with the present invention. A pair of collapsible and lockable supporting rods 10a are pivotally attached to the tops of the pair of lids 2 through second pivots 12. Each lockable supporting rod 10a is slidably disposed within a tube 9a and can be tightly locked by a locking bolt 11. Also, each lockable supporting rod 10a is tightly engaged with an engaging groove 1b formed on the side walls thereof, so that the pair of lockable supporting rods 10a are effectively supported against the pair of lids 2 (FIG. 11). When the pair of tubes 9a containing each supporting rod 10a are in a collapsed state, the tubes 9a are attached to the lids 2 and locked by a pair of locking members (not shown). 
     As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, there is illustrated a sixth embodiment of the convertible multipurpose plastic container in accordance with the present invention. The convertible plastic container includes two pairs of tubular containers 7a attached/mounted to the upper portions of the container body 1 and four supporting rods 8a slidably disposed within the tubular containers 7a, respectively, and slidably inserted into the pair of lids 2, so that the supporting rods 8a are effectively supported against the pair of lids (FIG. 13). When the pair of supporting rods 8a are in the collapsed state, the supporting rods 8a are inserted into the tubes 7a. 
     Accordingly, the convertible multipurpose plastic container of the present invention can be easily converted to a dining table for putting foods thereon. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.