FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates to various embodiments for child resistant containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved containers that are child resistant or child proof and are also customized for holding food products, as well as vaping products, and cannabis related products.
BACKGROUND
With the legalization of cannabis in many states and countries around the world, cannabis and cannabis derived products are in high demand for medicinal, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. Many manufacturers, sellers, and dealers of cannabis or cannabis products are struggling with the commercially available containers and products available for safely storing and transporting cannabis related products. Too often the cannabis or cannabis type products in these containers are spoiled due to mold as a result of moisture entering the container or the fact that the containers are not airtight. The quality of the cannabis or cannabis product degrades quickly in such conditions. Further, the existing options are not sufficiently child proof or child resistant to prevent children from accidentally opening the container and ingesting the product inside.
Vaping is another common alternative to smoking nicotine that has become more popular lately. Vaping involves the use of an electronic cigarette, also known as e-cigarette, vape pen, among other names. An e-cigarette is a handheld battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking and provides some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without burning tobacco. The same problems exist for containers commercially available for these e-cigarettes or vape pens that exist for cannabis products as noted above. Specifically, children are often attracted to these products and are eager to try to find ways to open their packaging. It is known that vaping and smoking is found to be harmful for young children. Additionally, the containers commercially available for vaping are not airtight and do not prevent unwanted moisture from building up in these containers.
Accordingly, alternatives are needed to existing child resistant containers that are also well suited to housing and storing products such as cannabis products and vaping products that are best kept in a child resistant container to avoid unwanted use from children of these products but are also airtight and customized for these products.
SUMMARY
One or more embodiments are provided for in the present description a child-proof container having a lid, a base, and an insert piece. The insert piece can be inserted into the base, whereby the insert piece can be inserted within an interior cavity of the base. The insert piece may be four sided in one or more non-limiting embodiments or in alternative embodiments may only include three sides. The insert piece may further include, in one non-limiting embodiment, at least three activation mechanisms located on each side of the insert piece except for a back side of the insert piece. The at least three activation mechanisms are configured to be pressed simultaneously for the lid to separate from the base, whereby the at least three activation mechanisms further include at least three hook elements, whereby a first hook element is coupled to or integrated with the first activation mechanism, a second hook element is coupled to or integrated with the second activation mechanism, and a third hook element that is coupled to or integrated with the third activation mechanism, wherein each hook element of the at least three hook elements are configured to engage or hook onto an inside edge of a corresponding side of the lid.
The present description includes another non-limiting embodiment for a child-proof container which may include a lid and a base, whereby the lid and the base have an elongated, cube shape. The child-proof container may further include an insert piece, whereby the insert piece is configured to fit into the base and to contact all the inner walls of the base. The insert piece further includes at least four sides and at least four activation mechanisms located on each side of the at least four sides. The at least four activation mechanisms are configured to be pressed simultaneously in order for the lid to separate from the base. The at least four activation mechanisms further comprise a hook element coupled to each activation mechanism, whereby each hook element of the at least four activation mechanisms are configured to engage or hook onto an inside edge of a corresponding side of the lid.
The present description also includes another non-limiting embodiment for a child-proof container. The child-proof container may have a lid and a base, whereby the base includes a two-tier configuration with a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion of the base extends upwardly from the lower portion of the base, whereby the upper portion of the base has a smaller perimeter than the lower portion of the base. The base may further include at least one hook element located on a front side of the upper portion of the base, whereby the lid is configured to close over the upper portion of the base and to be flush with the lower portion of the base. The base may further include, at least one selection point that a user is configured to depress in order to detach the lid from the base.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1A is a top view of a first embodiment for a child proof container as shown with a closed lid.
FIG. 1B is a top view of the container in FIG. 1A as shown with an open lid.
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the container in FIG. 1A with an open lid and a close-up view of its insert piece.
FIG. 1D is another perspective view of the container in FIG. 1A with a close-up view of the insert piece as connected to the lid of the container.
FIG. 1E is a top view of the lid and the insert piece for the container shown in FIG. 1A
FIG. 1F is a close-up view of the lid of the container shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is a top view of the child proof container shown in FIG. 1A with an insert piece having a closed bottom surface and is shown with a closed lid.
FIG. 2B is a top view of the container of FIG. 2A as shown with an open lid and a gasket.
FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A as shown with an open lid.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment for a child proof container as shown with a closed lid.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3A as shown with a removed lid and a base having an insert piece.
FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the base of the container of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4A is a fourth embodiment for a child proof container with a closed lid.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 4A with an open lid.
FIG. 4C is a close-up, front view of the container of FIG. 4A with a view of the hook on the base of the container.
FIG. 5A is a front view of a hexagonally shaped child proof container with the same mechanism to open and close as FIGS. 4A-4C.
FIG. 5B is a top view of the container of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a fifth embodiment for a child proof container with a closed lid.
FIG. 6B is a top view of the container of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6C is a view of the interior of the container shown in FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.
The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.
Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).
The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.
Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.
The present disclosure is generally drawn to various embodiments for child proof containers. The various embodiments described below are designed to include varying structures and mechanisms that should prevent a child from easily opening the container. Further, the containers described below, according to one or more embodiments, may be particularly suited to hold sensitive products, such as cannabis or cannabis derived products, as well as vaping pens or electronic cigarettes. It is noted that the containers may be used for any type of product, other than cannabis or cannabis derived products, including other drugs or medicines where it would be desirable to prevent children from easily opening the containers and accessing the contents inside of them.
Further, it is noted, that the various embodiments for containers provided herein may be particularly useful for cannabis and cannabis products because one or more of the containers are designed to be airtight to prevent moisture from entering the container and degrading the quality of the cannabis or cannabis derived product. The fact that these containers may be made airtight to prevent moisture is useful for any type of products including food related products, medicines, or other ingestible items. Further, the containers are not overly bulky or complicated to open or close but may still be child proof containers that prevent a child from unwantedly opening one or more of the containers as they require understanding a specific process for opening the containers.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1F, FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a first embodiment for a container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment for a container with its lid in a closed position while FIG. 1B shows the same container with an open lid. As shown in these FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a non-limiting embodiment, container 100 may include lid 102, base 104, and insert piece 111. In one non-limiting embodiment, container 100, including lid 102 and base 104, may be made of tin. In one embodiment, insert piece 111 may be made of a moldable plastic. It is also contemplated that other materials known in the art may alternatively be used to make or manufacture each component of container 100 other than those listed above.
Lid 102 is configured to be opened and closed over base 104 and insert piece 111. Base 104 may be suitable for holding items or goods in its interior cavity 110. In one embodiment, cannabis or cannabis derived products may be particularly suitable for being stored within the interior cavity 110 of container 100. Lid 102 and base 104 may be rectangular shaped, and the outer edges 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) of lid 102 and base 104 may each be rounded or curved in one or more non-limiting embodiments. However, it is also contemplated that outer edges 106 of lid 102 and base 104 may also be squared off, pointed, or any other design known in the art. Further, lid 102 and base 104 may be formed in shapes other than substantially rectangular shaped, including, square, triangle, hexagonal, or any other geometric shape as desired.
Turning to FIG. 1C, FIG. 1C may more clearly show an interior view of container 100 with lid 102 open and insert piece 111 located or positioned within the borders of base 104. In one embodiment, insert piece 111 is a uniform piece that has four sides continuously joined together. In alternative embodiments, insert piece 111 may have less than four sides, and may have only three sides or two sides. In alternative embodiments, insert piece 111 may have as many sides as possible to fit closely in the shape of base 104.
In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, insert piece 111 may include a first side or front side 115, a second side or rear side 116, and a third 117 and fourth 118 opposing sides. Insert piece 111 further includes an inner cavity formed by each of the four joined, continuous sides. The inner cavity of insert piece 111 is contiguous with the inner cavity 110 (as indicated in FIG. 1B) of base 104. In addition to the above, front side 115, rear side 116, third side 117, and fourth side 118 of insert piece 111 include curved edges 135 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1E) on each corner that connect or merge into the side adjacent with one another.
Insert piece 111 is configured to provide a child-proof or child-resistant feature to container 100. Specifically, container 100 is configured to be child-proof or child resistant because insert piece 111 is designed to include mechanisms that prevent lid 102 from being lifted open without first activating these mechanisms. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, insert piece 111 includes at least three buttons that must be depressed simultaneously in order for lid 102 to open. As shown more clearly in FIG. 1C, insert piece 111 specifically includes first button 112, second button 113, and third button 114. It is noted that the term “button” may be interchangeably referred to herein as “activation mechanism.”
When the user wants to access the contents stored within container 100, the user must simultaneously or substantially simultaneously press down on first button 112, second button 113, and third button 114 in order for lid 102 to release and for the user to pull open the lid 102 from base 104. Other types of activation mechanisms may be used in alternative embodiments, including slide type release buttons, knobs that may be twisted from either side, buttons that require pulling up, or any other type of activation mechanism known in the art.
As shown in FIG. 1C, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, first button 112 may be located on the third side 117 of insert piece 111. Second button 113 may be located on front side 115 of insert piece 111, and third button 114 may be located on the fourth side 118 of insert piece 111. Thus, in one embodiment, there are at least three buttons on three continuous sides of the insert piece 111.
Turning to FIG. 1D, FIG. 1D provides a close-up view of insert piece 111. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, insert piece 111 includes an upper portion 123, a ridge portion 122, and a lower portion 124. As shown in FIG. 1D, upper portion 123 is the section of insert piece 111 that is located above ridge 122, while lower portion 124 is the section of insert piece 111 that is located below ridge 122. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, ridge 122 is a continuous, protruding ridge that projects outwards from the exterior sides of at least three sides of insert piece 111. Specifically, ridge 122 projects from side 117, side 115, and side 118 of container 100 as shown in FIG. 1C.
In this non-limiting embodiment, each of the three buttons (e.g., first button 112, second button 113, and third button 114 as shown in FIGS. 1B-1C) are located on the upper portion 123 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1D) of insert piece 111. In one non-limiting embodiment, the inner sides of sides 115, 116, 117, and 118 of insert piece 111 are flat, straight panels that do not include a ridge like ridge 122, as shown in FIG. 1C.
As shown in FIG. 1D, at least two protrusions 125 are located on the lower portion 124 of insert piece 111. Protrusions 125 are spaced a certain distance apart from each other on the front side of insert piece 111. Insert piece 111 is configured to be separately inserted into the interior cavity 110 of base 104. Protrusions 125 are configured to assist in securing insert piece 111 in its place within base 104. To locate insert piece 111 within base 104, the manufacturer or designer may lower insert piece 111 into base 104 by first positioning the front side 115 of insert piece 111 into the base 104 of container 100. The protrusions 125 will act as bumpers or stoppers to prevent insert piece 111 from being pulled up and out from the base 104 of container 100 without extra force or deflection of protrusions 125 from the inner edge of container 100.
As shown in FIG. 1C, when inserted into base 104, upper portion 123 and lower portion 124 of insert piece 111 do not project over the sides of base 104. Rather upper portion 123 and lower portion 124 are aligned with the inner walls of lid 102 and 104 so that when insert piece 111 is inserted into position, upper portion 123 and lower portion 124 of the insert piece 111 contact the inner walls of container 100. However, ridge 122 of insert piece 111 is designed to reach beyond or extend over the sides of base 104 as shown in FIG. 1D. Conversely, buttons 112, 113, and 114 have elements (i.e., lip portion 134 as further discussed below) that also reach beyond or extend outwards from the sides of base 104 and are accessible from an exterior of the container 100 even when the container 100 is closed or the lid 102 is attached to the base 104.
In one or more non-limiting embodiment, upper portion 123 of insert piece 111 may further include slits or grooves 129 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1E) that are positioned on either side of each of the three buttons 112, 113, and 114. These slits or grooves 129 enable buttons 112, 113, 114 to move freely and deflect or flex when needed to disengage from the inner walls of lid 102.
To clarify the structure of buttons 112, 113, and 114, according to one or more non-limiting embodiments, it is helpful to look to FIG. 1D. As shown in FIG. 1D, each of the buttons (e.g., buttons 112, 113, and 114) includes a small flexible wall portion 132, a hook element 133, and a lip portion 134 as pointed out in FIG. 1D. The flexible wall portion 132 extends upward and is in alignment with the upper portion 123 of insert piece 111 and lower portion 124. The hook element 133 of each of buttons 112, 113, and 114 has a horizontal orientation and is in alignment with ridge 122 of insert piece 111 in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Hook element 133 for each button extends or projects forward a distance, but not as far forward as ridge 122 of insert piece 111 or as lip portion 134.
Lip portion 134 has a top surface which is the designated area or region that a user is supposed to press down on in order to release lid 102 when the lid 102 is closed. Each button 112, 113, 114 includes a lip portion 134 and the lip portion 134 is accessible from the exterior of the container 100 even when the container 100 is in the closed position such that the lid 102 is attached to the base 104. The user is intended to depress on the lip portions 134 of each button 112, 113, 114 at the same time in order for the lid 102 to separate from the base 104.
Slits 129, as shown in FIG. 1E, allow the flexible wall portion 132 of buttons 112, 113, and 114 to flex and deflect away from the inner edge of lid 102 when the lip portion 134 of buttons 112, 113, and 114 are pressed by a user. Slits 129 are cut through the front and back side of side 115, 117, and 118 of insert piece 111 as shown in FIG. 1E.
Turning to FIG. 1F, in one non-limiting embodiment, lid 102 includes the continuous, rounded inner edge 130 of lid 102. As shown in FIG. 1F, the lid 102 is rolled inwards to form rounded inner edge 130. As also shown in FIG. 1F, the inner walls of lid 102 have a uniform length and thickness in one or more embodiments on each of its sides. It is noted that in alternative embodiments, inner edge 130 does not have to be rounded. Rather, it will suffice for lid 102 to include an edge or a lip on its inner edge that the top portion of buttons 112, 113, and 114 may grip onto.
When lid 102 is in its closed position, each of the buttons 112, 113, and 114 is designed to engage with the inner walls of lid 102. Specifically, when lid 102 is closed over base 104, the flexible wall portion 132 for each button 112, 113, and 114 projects upward into the inner wall of lid 102 on each respective side that each button is located. Then, the hook element 133 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1D) for each button 112, 113, and 114 engages with the inner wall of lid 102 on each respective side that button is located and contacts the rounded inner edge 130 of lid 102. The hook element 133 for each button 112, 113, and 114 hooks onto the inner edges 130 of the lid 102 on each corresponding side of the lid 102 for each button 112, 113, and 114.
Because of this contact or hooking action between the flexible wall portion 132 and hook element 133 for each button 112, 113, and 114 on the insert piece 111 with the inner walls of lid 102 and the rounded inner edge 130 of lid 102, the lid 102 is prevented from easily being pulled upwards. Notably, in order to disengage the flexible wall element 132 and hook element 133 for each button 112, 113, and 114, the user must press down simultaneously on the lip portion 134 of all three buttons 112, 113, and 114. Upon pressing down on the lip portion 134 of buttons 112, 113, and 114, the flexible wall portion 132 and hook element 133 of buttons 112, 113, and 114 are caused to flex and disengage with the inner walls of lid 102, thus permitting the lid 102 to snap upwards or snap open. This multi-step process required to open the lid 102 makes it more difficult for a child to access sensitive contents within container 102 (e.g., cannabis or cannabis related products or any other type of sensitive item). Also, as noted above, it is intended for a user to have to simultaneously depress the lip portion 134 of each of buttons 112, 113, and 114 for lid 102 to snap open. This requires the user to carefully position their hands over lid 102 and base 104 so as to be able to use their fingers to press simultaneously on buttons 112, 113, and 114 and a child is unlikely to be able to accomplish this action.
Referring again to FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, in one non-limiting embodiment, as shown in these Figures, insert piece 111 may be connected to lid 102 before inserting the insert piece 111 into base 104. As shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, insert piece 111 has a back side 116 that is coupled to a bottom edge of lid 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, lid 102 includes holes (not shown) that correspond in location to hooks (not shown) located on the back of insert piece 111. In this embodiment, the hooks on insert piece 111 are configured to fit into the holes of lid 102 so that insert piece 111 may be attached or connected to the lid 102 prior to inserting both components into base 104. Once the insert piece 111 is securely connected to the lid 102, then the assembly of the lid 102 and the connected insert piece 111 may be inserted within the interior cavity 110 of the base 104 and then the container 100 is considered fully formed such that the lid 102 and the base 104 are coupled together. The insert piece 111 may be inserted by having the lower portion 124 of the insert piece 111, as shown in FIG. 1D, first contact the inner walls of the front side of the base 104 such that the protrusions 125 on the insert piece 111 contact the inner wall of the front side of the base 104 and prevent the insert piece 111 from lifting up and away from the base 104.
As shown in FIG. 1E, in a non-limiting embodiment, the back side 116 of insert piece 111 further includes cutouts 127 that cut out a small area from the back side 116 of insert piece 111. Further, the backside 116 of insert piece 111 also includes a middle portion 128 in between each cutout 127 as shown in FIG. 1E.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment, insert piece 111 may be a separate, uniform piece that is first attachable or connected to lid 102. Then, insert piece 111 may be positioned into base 104 while coupled to lid 102 in order to fully assemble container 100. As noted above, in one non-limiting embodiment, to insert or position insert piece 111 into base 104, the frontside 115 of insert piece 111 may be lowered down into base 104 with the frontside 115 of insert piece 111 oriented towards the inner wall of the front of base 104. The lower half 124 of insert piece 111 includes protrusions 125 which when some force is applied by the manufacturer/assembler, will cause the insert piece 111 to nestle or settle down into base 104, and the insert piece protrusions 125 may help assist the insert piece to stay in place in base 104. Thus, insert piece 111 snaps into place in base 104. As noted above, ridge 122 of insert piece 111 will be located above the lower portion 124 of the insert piece 111 and will extend some distance over the borders of base 104. The insert piece 111 may be customized and sized to fit snugly within the interior perimeter of the base 104. As noted above, the insert piece 111 has four sides such as a first side or front side 115, a second side or rear side 116, and a third 117 and fourth 118 opposing sides which contact the inner walls of the base 104 when the insert piece 111 has been fully inserted within the base 104.
It is contemplated in an alternative method of assembly that, lid 102 may be configured to couple to base 104 directly without coupling the insert piece 111 to the lid 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the lid 102 and base 104 may be first coupled together and the insert piece 111 inserted into the base 104 in the manner described above. In one example, without limitation, lid 102 may be hingedly coupled to base 104. Other known methods for coupling lid 102 to base 104 may also be used including using other fasteners or selectors or via adhesive, soldering, or welding, or any other means known in the art.
Insert piece 111 is generally a rectangular shaped piece. In alternative embodiments, insert piece 111 may have a different shape, such as square shape to accommodate a square shaped lid 102 or base 104. Further, in alternative embodiments, container 100 may have any shape desired, including a triangular, hexagonal, or any other type of geometric shape. Insert piece 111 may be designed accordingly to accommodate the various geometric shapes of such containers, but may still include buttons (e.g., such as buttons 112-114) that are arranged on the top upper half 123 of insert piece 111 and may require pressing on these buttons simultaneously to open the lid 102.
In one embodiment, insert piece 111 is formed using injection molding as one piece and is formed from a strong, durable, and flexible plastic material. Other materials and methods of manufacturing insert piece 111 may also be used.
Accordingly, FIGS. 1A-1F show an embodiment (without limitation thereto) for a container having a lid, such as lid 102, and a base, such as base 104, that includes an insert piece, such as insert piece 111, that is designed to make container 100 child proof. Having insert piece 111 provides a means to make any container child proof or child resistant because it causes a user to have to first select each button 112, 113, and 114 in a simultaneous or substantially simultaneous manner for the lid 102 to open. Otherwise, the lid 102 will not pull up or pop open and the user cannot access the contents stored inside the container 100.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a second embodiment for container 100 where the insert piece 111 includes its own bottom surface or tray for receiving products and can fit into a base 104 of the container along with the insert piece 111. This second embodiment for a container 100 is designed to be airtight, because the container 100 includes this customized insert piece having its own bottom surface as well as a gasket. This container is also designed to be child proof, because it requires a special method or process to open.
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates container 100, with the addition of the gasket 202 and bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B), which function in combination to make container 100 airtight. Container 100 in FIGS. 2A-2C is the same as container 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, except that container 100 in FIGS. 2A-2C is square shaped as opposed to being the more rectangular shape shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. Accordingly, container 100 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C includes the same lid 102 and base 104 and insert piece 111 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1F. Further, insert piece 111 in FIGS. 2A-2C includes first button 112, second button 113, and third button 114, along with their respective components described above.
Turning to FIG. 2B, gasket 202 is shown in FIG. 2B, which displays container 100 with lid 102 in the open position. Gasket 202 functions as a seal that fits within the underside 108 and within the inner cavity of lid 102. The overall body of gasket 202 has the same overall dimensions and shape as the inner region of the underside 108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C) of lid 102, along with some pre-determined thickness. In this example, gasket 202 is shown as being substantially square shaped. In other examples, gasket 202 may be rectangular shaped or any other geometric figure as required to fit within the inner region of the underside 108 of lid 102. Gasket 202 functions as a seal that assists in making container 100 airtight in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. Gasket 202 may also be an example of a gasket that can be used for any of the containers shown in FIG. 1A-FIG. 5B.
Gasket 202 may be pressed directly into the underside 108 of lid 102, and molds to fit within the underside 108 of lid 102. In this embodiment, no adhesives or other means of attachment are used to locate gasket 202 within the underside 108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C) of lid 102. Rather, gasket 202 can be press fitted into position within the underside 108 of lid 102. However, in alternative embodiments, it is possible that some form of adhesive or tape or other fastening element may be used to also hold gasket 202 in place, as well as any other means of attachment known in the art. In one non-limiting example, gasket 202 may be formed of a rubber like or a rubberized material. However, in alternative embodiments, gasket 202 may be made of any type of preferred material.
Turning to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C provides a close-up view of the interior of container 100 with both the insert piece 111 and the bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 acts as useful bottom surface or tray that may receive any products or items a user or manufacturer desires to put on this bottom surface 204. The user may put any type of product as desired on this bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111. Alternatively, the manufacturer, seller, or user of container 100 may pre-package the container 100 so that any products or items are already included in the container 100 and positioned on the bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 during its assembly or prior to shipping to a customer. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 may be useful for holding or storing cannabis or cannabis related products. Accordingly, in one embodiment, bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111, may be made of a food-grade plastic which is particularly useful for cannabis as it is considered an ingestible product.
A container, such as container 100 having insert piece 111 with its own bottom surface 204 is an alternative to container 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, whereby a user is intended to directly place the products on the bottom surface of base 104 as opposed to bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111.
In one embodiment, bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 connects to all four sides of insert piece 111. As shown in FIG. 2C, insert piece 111 includes front side or first side 205, backside or second side 206, third side 207, and fourth side 208. Frontside 205 and back side 206 are opposite to each other and also parallel to each other. Likewise, third side 207 and fourth side 208 are opposite from each other and also parallel to each other. The bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 connects with the bottom surfaces of each side 205, 206, 207, and 208 of the bottom surface or tray 204.
In one non-limiting embodiment, insert piece 111 includes at least three recessed portions or elements, shown in FIG. 2C as first recessed portion 212, second recessed portion 213, and third recessed portion 214. The recessed portions 212-214 of insert piece 111 allow insert piece 111 to include bottom surface 204 without any interference with the movement of buttons 112, 113, and 114. In particular, recessed portions 212, 213, and 214 are offset from the remainder of the four sides 205, 206, 207, and 208 of insert piece 111 so that the flexible wall portion 132 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1D) of buttons 112, 113, and 114 can still flex forward and backwards in order to engage and disengage with lid 102. Thus, in use, a user can simultaneously press on buttons 112, 113, and 114 by pressing down on the lip portion 134 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1D) of each button 112,113, and 114, thus causing the hook element 133 and flexible wall portion 134 of buttons 112, 113, and 114 to be moved away or unhook away from the inner edge 130 or inner walls of lid 102 on each respective side of lid 102. Recessed portions 212, 213, and 214 allow the bottom surface 204 of insert piece 111 to be included within container 100 without disturbing this process for opening and closing the lid 108 in a child proof manner.
In one non-limiting embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, recessed portions 212, 213, and 214 are shaped similar to a straight “C” shape in that they include a straight middle element 216 that is connected on each side by a straight smaller side element 217. A gap, such as gap 215 as shown in FIG. 2C, exists between the backside of the wall element 132 of each button 112, 113, 114 and each recessed portion 212, 213, and 214.
In one embodiment, insert piece 111 with bottom surface 204 may be inserted in the same manner noted above in that insert piece 111 may first attach to the lid 102 and then be inserted into base 104 and secured in place, in part, via protrusions 125, as shown in FIG. 1D, that may be located on the lower half 124 of insert piece 111.
It is noted that FIG. 2C does not show gasket 202 as located in lid 102, however, it is understood that gasket 202 may be positioned within the interior surface 108 of lid 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, adding gasket 202 and having an insert piece 111 with a bottom surface 204 will cause container 100 to be airtight. This is advantageous as having an airtight container reduces the chance that unwanted moisture can enter within the container. Further, if container 100 is used to store cannabis and cannabis related products, it is less likely that these items will become moldy or have their quality degraded by moisture if container 100 is airtight due to the presence of gasket 202 and tray 204.
Further, container 100 is still child proof, because lid 102 is configured to be closed and released in the same manner noted above even with gasket 202 and insert piece 111, which includes bottom surface 204 located within container 100.
It is noted that the first embodiment of a container as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F may be useful, in particular, when a user desires a well-constructed child proof container. Further, the second embodiment of a container as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C may be particularly useful if the user desires a container that is child proof and also airtight to ensure that the contents within the container are not affected by moisture.
THIRD EMBODIMENT
Turning to FIGS. 3A-3C, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a container similar to container 100 shown above in FIGS. 1A-2C, with the addition of an alternative shape for the container and alterations to an insert piece.
FIG. 3A shows container 300 with the lid 302 in a closed position. Base 304 is also visible, as is insert piece 306. Container 300 is illustrated as having an elongated cube shape whereby both the lid 302 and the container 304 have an elongated cube shape. Alternative shapes are contemplated and are entirely possible. However, it may be advantageous for container 300 to have an elongated cube shape in some embodiments, because then container 300 may be particularly useful for storing e-cigarettes, also known as vape pens, which have an elongated shape and are of a taller height. In this exemplary embodiment, both lid 302 and base 304 have an elongated cube shape and may be particularly useful for holding e-cigarettes or other elongated items without limitation thereto.
FIG. 3B shows lid 302 removed from base 304, and further illustrates insert piece 306. Insert piece 306 is a uniform plastic piece that is separately connectable or attachable to the top surface of base 304 as shown in FIG. 3B. Insert piece 306 is square shaped in this example and includes four sides, which are shown as first side 307, second side 308, third side 309, and fourth side 310. These sides are all joined together to form the square shaped insert 306. Insert piece 306 includes a central cavity 305 formed by each of the insert piece sides 307-310. In some embodiments, insert piece 306 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, insert piece 306 may be formed in separate pieces and assembled together. Insert piece 306 is substantially the same as insert piece 111 shown in FIGS. 1A-1F in that the insert piece 111 functions and looks the same, except that the insert piece 306 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C has an additional fourth activation mechanism or button 314, as shown in FIG. 3C.
Accordingly, while not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the insert piece 306 includes an upper portion, a ridge, and a lower portion similar to upper portion 123, ridge 122, and lower portion 124 shown in FIG. 1D. Further, the insert piece 111 may include in one or more non-limiting embodiments, one or more protrusions, such as protrusions 125 shown in FIG. 1D located on the lower portion 124 of the insert piece 306 whereby the protrusions 125 help to secure the insert piece 306 inside of the base 304 of the container 300. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the insert piece 306 may be press fitted into the base 304. Additionally, adhesives, tape, fasteners, or any other attachment method may be used to firmly secure insert piece 306 within the base 304.
Insert piece 306 includes at least four buttons that must be depressed simultaneously in order to release lid 302 from base 304. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first button 311 is included on first side 307, second button 312 is included on second side 308, third button 313 is included on third side 309, and fourth button 314 is included on fourth side 310 for insert piece 306 as shown in FIG. 3C. In one or more embodiments, in use, a user is required to simultaneously depress all four buttons 311-314 at the same time or substantially the same time in order for lid 302 to open or release from base 304.
The four buttons 311-314 each include elements that allow the buttons to be manipulated to open lid 302. As shown in FIG. 3C, representative button 312 includes a lip element 318 that protrudes outwardly away from the edges of insert piece 306 and a hook element 320 that projects upward from lip element 318. In use, a user is required to press down on the lip element 318 which causes hook element 320 to flex inwardly, which causes lid 302 to release. Each button 311-314 on each side 307-310 of insert piece 306 includes a lip element 318 and a hook element 320. Insert piece 306 further includes a ridge 316 whereby the ridge 316 rests on top of and is fitted onto the top surface of the base 104.
Thus, to close container 300, a user or manufacturer or alternative person would first connect insert piece 306 to base 304. Insert piece 306 snaps into place when fitted over the top surface of base 304 with the four buttons 311-314 visible from the top view of base 304. Lid 302 may then be placed over insert piece 306. The hook elements 316 of each button 311, 312, 313, and 314 hooks onto an inner lip or edge (not shown) of lid 302 and may be hidden from view when the lid 302 is positioned over the base 304, but the lip element 318 for each button 311, 312, 313, and 314 will be visible from an exterior of the closed container 300. The user can select or push down on the lip element 318 of each button 311, 312, 313, and 314 in order to open the lid 302.
In one embodiment, a separate insert piece (not shown) that has a cut out hole located in the center of the insert piece may be positioned within the inner cavity of insert piece 306 after insert piece 306 has been snapped into place onto base 304. An e-cigarette or vape pen (not shown) may be then located within the cut out hole located in the center of the separate insert piece and the separate insert piece may be configured to help hold the e-cigarette or vape pen in an upright position. It is noted that an e-cigarette is just an example of an item that may be included within the separate insert piece (which is distinguishable from insert piece 306), and that any other type of longer item that has a taller height profile may be included instead. In a preferred embodiment, the separate insert piece may be made of foam so as to be flexible and to cushion the e-cigarette or vape pen. However, in other embodiments, any other material, such as plastic, paper, or any other material other than foam may be used for the separate insert piece in order to cushion the item within the container 300.
Container 300 may also be made into an airtight container in some embodiments by including a gasket (not shown) and a customized tray (not shown). The customized tray may be designed to snap over insert piece 306 and may include a hole located in the center of the customized tray for holding an elongated item, such as an electronic cigarette. In such an embodiment, it may be preferable for the insert piece to be made of plastic rather than foam to ensure that container 300 is airtight. Further, in such an embodiment, a gasket (not shown) may surround the outside edges of insert piece 306. When lid 302 is placed over base 304, the gasket (not shown) may ensure that container 300 is airtight.
Accordingly, FIGS. 3A-3C provide a third embodiment for a container, such as container 300, that is child proof as it requires understanding of how to manipulate the buttons on the insert piece 306 to open the lid 302 and access its interior contents. Further, container 300 may be useful to hold items with a taller height profile (e.g., such as an e-cigarette or vape pen). As noted above, container 300 may include separate pieces such as a foam insert piece. By adding a gasket and a tray that fits over the insert piece 306, it may be possible to make container 300 airtight as well.
FOURTH EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 4A-4C and FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a fourth embodiment for a child proof container. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, container 400 may be generally rectangular shaped or may be hexagonal shaped as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. Container 400, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, may have a shorter height profile and a wider body. In some embodiments, container 400 is made of a metal, such as tin, but any type of desired material may alternatively be used. Container 400 includes lid 402 and base 404.
FIG. 4A shows lid 402 in closed position, while FIG. 4B shows lid 402 in an open position with a view of the interior of base 404. In some embodiments, lid 402 is hingedly connected (e.g., as shown at 406 in FIG. 4B) to base 404, although it is understood that other means of attachment are also possible. Base 404 includes an inner cavity 405 that may be useful for holding or storing items.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the sides of lid 402 and the sides of base 404 are in alignment with one another and flush with each other. Accordingly, the frontside 420 of lid 402 does not protrude over base 404 when closed and base 404 does not extend over or beyond the sides of lid 402.
In one non-limiting embodiment, base 404 has a two tier or two-level structure, including upper tier 408 and lower tier 410 as shown in FIG. 4B. In a non-limiting embodiment, upper tier 408 has a smaller size but the same overall shape and structure as lower tier 410. In other words, the upper tier 408 of the base 404 has a reduced perimeter size than size of the perimeter of the lower tier 410 of the base 404. The lid 402 is configured to close over the upper tier 408 of the container 400 and to be flush with the lower tier 410 of the base 404. Accordingly, the upper tier 408 is offset from the edges of the lower tier 410 of the base 404. Items may be located within the empty inner cavity 405 of container 400 which spans the lower tier 410 of base 404.
In one non-limiting embodiment, base 404 includes a single hook, such as hook 412 positioned on the frontside of base 402 as shown in FIGS. 4B-4C. More specifically, in one non-limiting embodiment, hook 412 is positioned centrally on the upper tier 408 of base 404, as shown in FIG. 4C. In one non-limiting embodiment, hook 412 is integrally formed with base 404. More than one hooks 412 may be used in alternative embodiments, such that two or three or more hooks may be located on the front side of base 404.
When lid 402 is closed over the upper tier 408 of the base 404, the hook 412 hooks onto the inner edge of lid 402. In order to release hook 412 and open lid 402, a user must depress generally on the center portion of the frontside of base 404 and lift up on the lid 402 at the same time in order for the lid 402 to separate from the base 404 of the container 400.
Each container 400, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, includes at least one selection point 414 on which the user must depress or push against in order to cause the lid 402 to separate from the base 404. FIG. 4C illustrates a symbolic position for this selection point 414 where the user must depress, which is shown in one example to be located on the center portion of the frontside of base 404. The symbolic position of selection point 414 is marked by the dotted circle, shown as 414, which visually illustrates where a user generally presses in order to release lid 402 when lid 402 is closed. When a user presses down on selection point 414, the lid 402 will flex enough so that hook 412 is enabled to release its grip on the inner edge of lid 402. In some embodiments, the spot illustrated by indicator 414 may be structurally weaker than the surrounding areas and may have a thinner thickness so that the lid 402 flexes quickly and easily in response to any pressure from the user's finger.
In some embodiments, there will not be any visual cues or markings corresponding with the position of indicator 414. Rather, a user may be informed by a seller or distributer of container 400 how to open lid 402. In other embodiments, visual cues or markings may affirmatively be provided on base 404 that correspond with a position of indicator 414, so that a user may understand where to press down on just by looking at container 400.
Accordingly, container 400 is a fourth embodiment for a container that may be child proof or child resistant due to its unique structure including the presence of hook 412 which can grip the inner edges of lid 402 of container 400.
FIGS. 5A-5B show that container 400 may be hexagonal shaped in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Accordingly, FIG. 5A shows a front view of the container 400 as a hexagonal shaped child-proof container and FIG. 5B shows a top view of the same hexagonal shaped child-proof container 400. The container 400 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B functions the same as the container 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.
Accordingly, the lid 402 of the hexagonal shaped container 400 shown in FIG. 5A is in alignment and flush with the base 404. Accordingly, the lid 402 and the base 404 do not extend over each other but rather are flush as shown at the frontside 420 of the container 400 and as shown in FIG. 5A.
To disconnect the lid 402 from the base 404, the user must press generally on a central part of the base 404, which is marked by the symbolic indicator 414. The area around 414 may be weaker by being thinner and may flex when the user depresses the area 414 so that the base 404 disconnects from the lid 402 while the user simultaneously presses on the area 414 and pulls up on the lid 402.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the hexagonal shaped container 400 may include a back area 504 with one or more hinges 502 that connects the lid 402 to the base 404 of the container 400. Any shape may be used for container 400 other than a rectangular or hexagonal shaped. Accordingly, the same mechanisms for container 400 may be used if the container 400 is a square shape, oval shape, circular shape, cube shape, or any other shaped container.
FIFTH EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 6A-6C show a fifth embodiment for a childproof container. The childproof container shown in FIGS. 6A-6C may be useful to hold one or more items that are sensitive in nature and should not be easily accessible to children. Some items that may be included, but are not limited to, cannabis related products, nicotine related products, medicine, sharp objects, or any other type of item.
FIG. 6A shows a front view of child proof container 600. FIG. 6B shows a rear or back view of child proof container 600. FIG. 6C shows an interior view of the inside of child proof container 600.
As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, childproof container 600 may have a top lid 602 connected to a bottom base 604. There may be a lip or ridge 606 included with the top lid 602 whereby the lip 606 encircles the bottom surface of the top lid 602. The sides 614 of the lid 602 may extend over the sides 616 of the base 604 such that the lid 602 is not flush with the base 604. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the child proof container 600 may be rectangular shaped (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) or square shaped. Alternatively, childproof container 600 may have any shape known in the art and that is desirable to the user.
As shown in FIG. 6B, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the lid 602 may be connected to the base 602 via one or more hinges 620. As shown in FIG. 6B, in a non-limiting embodiment, there may be two hinges 620 spaced a distance apart and connecting the lid 602 to the base 604.
There may be two grooves 608, as shown in FIG. 6A located on a front side 612 of the lid 602. The grooves 608 may extend through the body of the front side 612 of the lid 602 to the interior part of the lid 602. The grooves 608 may have a hook piece or a protruding piece on the reverse or interior part of the front side of the lid 602 (as shown in FIG. 6C) that can hook onto the top edge 632 of the front side of the base 604. Further, there may be a selection point 610 or area on the front of the base 602 that is weaker structurally. To open the lid 602, a user has to apply pressure or press down on the selection point 610 on the base 604 in order to release the lid 602 while pulling up the lid 602 at the same time. When the user selects the selection point 610, the base 604 is manipulated into deflecting or flexing enough for the lid 602 to release the base 604.
The grooves 608 help to hook onto the top edge 632 of the base 604 and to secure the lid 602 in place but will release when the selection point 610 receives pressure from a user's finger. Accordingly, container 600 is a child proof container because the user has to understand how to select the selection point 610 and lift on the lid 602 at the same time.
In one or more non-limiting embodiment, there may be a visual indicator or marker marking the selection point 610 so that a user can visually discern where the selection point 610 is located on the base 604 of the container 600. In other embodiments, there is no visual indicator or marker to visually indicate where the selection point 610 is on the base 604 of the container 602. In such cases, a user would have to know in advance where to apply pressure to locate the selection point 610 without the benefit of an additional visual marker or indicator.
The one or more containers described herein include various forms and structures that provide several advantages over previously available containers. In some embodiments, a container is provided that includes an insert piece that causes the container to be child proof and can be fitted into any type of container. In another embodiment, the container may be made into an airtight container thus preventing unwanted moisture and mold build up on the contents within the container. In other embodiments, a container is provided that is particularly suitable in its height profile and shape for an e-cigarette and may provide cushioning and protection to an e-cigarette located inside of it. Other embodiments are provided for a hexagonal shaped container and a rectangular shaped container that have various structures that make them child proof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.
Patent Application
20210221576
