The claimed invention relates to storage devices, and in some aspects, to a storage device with controlled climate and controlled access.
Although, with a striking 4.3 billion prescriptions filled and 374 billion dollars in sales, 2014 was a great year for business in prescription drugs, death rates from drug overdoses have never been higher. In the United States alone, 100 people die daily from drug overdoses. On the other hand, in a recent article published by countercurrentnews.com, States that have legalized medical marijuana saw a 25% drop in painkiller deaths between 1999 and 2010. The organic origin and healing properties of various herbs and plants, such as marijuana have been known, and used for over 10,000 years by some of the earliest human civilizations. Many herbs and plants have medical uses that are similar to more dangerous conventional drugs. Medical marijuana and other herbs and plants may be helpful in bettering the quality of life for chronic illness and other illnesses, while continuing to keep painkiller related deaths and other deaths related to the other medical substances low.
Unfortunately, the industry has failed to develop products geared toward preserving the healing and other properties of herbs and plants, such as cannabis, while keeping children safe. For example, emergency room visits by children, ages 2 to 18, who have taken cannabis, for example, have been increasing. With the increased use of herbs and plants with of all of the products in which the herbs and plants may be included (candy, cookies, drinks, bake pops, brownies, etc.), it may be desirable for adults to have access to their herbs and plants, while preventing children from having access.
There is also a fundamental lack of understanding of the shelf life and safe storage techniques of many medical and recreational substances, such as cannabis, fresh saffron, fresh vanilla, cloverleaf, tobacco, and various fresh teas. Unlike prescription drugs, which can have a shelf life of up to several years, herbs and plants, such as marijuana, need specific environmental conditions to maintain its potency and healing properties. Understanding how to create this environment will increase shelf life and will allow consumers to more thoroughly enjoy their herbs and plants, by keeping their herbs and plants fresher for a longer period of time.
Accordingly, there is a need for a secure storage device that also preserves the properties of herbs and plants.
Provided herein are embodiments of a climate controlled safe system. In some embodiments, the climate controlled safe system includes a safe body, a safe door pivotly coupled to the safe body, an insert removably coupled to the safe body, and wherein the insert further includes an insert body, an insert door pivotly coupled to the insert body, and further wherein the insert door includes a removable climate control unit and a removable hygrometer.
In some embodiments, the climate controlled safe system's insert body includes one or more rails for receiving one or more storage trays or one or more vertical storage boxes.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description, which illustrate, by way of examples, the principles of the present invention.
The present invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
The below described figures illustrate the described invention and method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. All features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment unless otherwise stated. Therefore, it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.
In certain embodiments, the climate control safe system may include a safe body and a removable insert, or frame. In some embodiments, the insert may function similar to a humidor. The removable insert may receive one or more storage trays or storage boxes. In certain embodiments, the storage boxes may be inserted into the insert vertically.
In some embodiments, climate control mechanisms are removably installed on the inside face of the door of the insert.
It should be noted that although examples herein refer to storage of plants and herbs, other items may also be stored in the disclosed climate control safe system. These items may include those that benefit from climate control, for example, medicine, firearms, and so on.
In some embodiments, the humidifier pack 198 may be provided with humidity control solution such as polyglycol solution. In some operations, the polyglycol solution may be poured (or dropped) over the humidifier pack 198 which will absorb the polyglycol solution. Other suitable humidity control mechanism and solution may also be used. With the humidifier pack 198 installed, the insert 195 may function similar to a humidor.
In some embodiments, either or both the measurement unit 197 or/and the humidifier pack 198 are removably coupled on the inside face of the inset door 193 as shown.
In some embodiments, the insert 195 may include a plurality of upper rails 181 and lower rails 182. Rails 181 and 182 may receive horizontal trays 191, where a bottom side of the tray 191 may slide and rest on the rails 181 or 182. In some embodiments, the height of the tray 191 is made so that at least three trays 191 may horizontally fit inside the insert 195 (e.g., with one resting on the bottom floor of the insert 195).
In certain embodiments, rails 181 and 182 may receive vertical storage boxes 192, where for example, grooves 185, 186 on opposite sides of the vertical box 192 may fitly slide into the corresponding rail 182 and an opposite rail (not shown; see
In some embodiments, the back side of the safe body 190 may include apertures (holes) 172, 173, used to secure the safe body to a vertical structure, such as a wall. The bottom side of the safe body may also include apertures (holes) 174, 175 to secure the safe body to a horizontal structure, such as a floor. Attachment devices such as screws may be used. A user may remove the insert 195 to thereby expose the holes, and the user may secure the safe body 190, via the holes to a structure that is more difficult to move than the safe system 100. For example, the safe body 190 may be bolted to a wall and/or floor.
In some embodiments, the insert 195 may be made from wood. In other embodiments, any of a variety of materials may be used for the insert 195, such as plastic or metal.
Humidity control 104 may include electronics and sensor for setting, monitoring, reporting, and controlling a desired humidity level inside the safe system 100, and more particularly inside the insert 195. In some embodiments, the humidity control 104 may provide absolute humidity control. In some embodiments, the humidity control 104 may provide relative humidity control. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. For example, the humidity of the safe may be kept at less than 60% humidity, such as between 30% or 40% and 60% or between 30% or 40% to 50% humidity (e.g., between 30% and 60% or between 40% and 50%), so that mold is unlikely to grow and optionally the temperature of the safe system 100 may be kept at between 5 degrees Celsius and 20 or 24 degrees Celsius or between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 or 24 degrees Celsius (e.g., between 5 and 24 degrees Celsius or between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius).
In some embodiments, the humidity may be measured and controlled by a humidifier 198 and hygrometer 197, as shown in figures above. In some embodiments, the humidifier and/or hygrometer may be removable. In some embodiments, the humidifier and hygrometer may be removably attached to the door of the safe insert 195, such as by a magnet, screws, snaps, or other structure for removably attaching the hygrometer and humidifier.
Oxygen control 106 may include electronics and sensor for setting, monitoring, reporting, and controlling a desired level of oxygen inside the safe system 100, and more particularly inside the insert 195.
In some embodiments, control and functions of the safe system 100 may be programmable from the user interface 108. The user interface 108 may include a keypad 109 and a display screen 110. In some embodiments, the display screen 110 may be a touchscreen. The keypad 109 and screen 110 may be used to access (e.g., open, close) the safe system 100, e.g., using an access key code.
In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may communicate with external or remote devices via communication interface 114. Communication interface 114 may provide wired or wireless communication, e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. In some embodiments, communication interface 114 may provide key access to the safe system 100.
In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include a memory system that may include, for example, any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a long term storage system, such as a hard drive; a short term storage system, such as random access memory; a removable storage system, such as a removable drive; and/or flash memory. The memory system may include one or more machine-readable mediums that may store a variety of different types of information. The term machine-readable medium is used to refer to non-transitory computer readable memory, capable carrying information that is readable by a machine. The memory system may store an application for communicating with external devices as described herein.
In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include a processor system that may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of multiple parallel processors, a single processor, a system of processors having one or more central processors and/or one or more specialized processors dedicated to specific tasks. The processor system retrieves machine instructions from the memory system and implements the machine instructions. The processor system may implement software app stored in the memory system for performing functions described herein, for example, locking and unlocking the safe system 100, monitoring, controlling, and operating the safe system 100, and communicating with external devices as described herein.
In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include tracking device 112. The tracking device 112 may provide location of the safe system 100 to a remote device, e.g., a server, a smart phone, etc. As a result, the safe system 100 may be quickly located if stolen or misplaced. The tracking device 112 may include RFID, GPS, internet technology, or a combination thereof.
The safe system 100 may provide self-diagnosis with indication of any faults. A non-volatile memory may retain all settings and parameters when power is off. In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include a power supply (either AC and/or DC) and battery backup. In some embodiments, the sensors may always operate, even when there is no power.
In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include electronics key access. The electronics key access may be wireless, for example, using the wireless communication interface 114. In some embodiments, the safe system 100 may include two locks. A lock 208 may be operated by a mechanical key, or analog, or by a combination lock, or a combination of a mechanical key and combination lock. The second lock (or user interface) 208 is electronics lock that may be operated by user device 230, e.g., using wireless communication. In some embodiments, the lock 208 may use biometrics. Biometric identification authenticates secure entry, data or access via human biological information, such as fingerprints, facial features, voice, or DNA.
Input system 304 may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a keyboard system, a mouse system, a track ball system, a track pad system, buttons on a handheld system, a scanner system, a microphone system, a connection to a sound system, and/or a connection and/or interface system to a computer system, intranet, and/or internet (e.g., IrDA, USB), for example.
Memory system 306 may include, for example, any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a long term storage system, such as a hard drive; a short term storage system, such as random access memory; a removable storage system, such as a removable drive; and/or flash memory. Memory system 306 may include one or more machine-readable mediums that may store a variety of different types of information. The term machine-readable medium is used to refer to non-transitory computer readable memory, capable carrying information that is readable by a machine. Memory 306 may store an application for communicating with the safe system 100 and/or the server 210. The application may also perform other functions as described herein, for example, a membership club application.
Processor system 308 may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of multiple parallel processors, a single processor, a system of processors having one or more central processors and/or one or more specialized processors dedicated to specific tasks. Processor system 308 receives input from input system 304 and sends output to output system 302. Processor system 308 retrieves machine instructions from memory system 306 and implements the machine instructions. Processor 308 may implement the app stored in memory system 306 for performing functions described herein, for example, locking and unlocking the safe system 100, operating the safe system 100, and communicating with server 210, executing a membership club application, and so on.
Receiver 310 receives electrical and/or other signals from a network for communicating with other devices, such as the server 210 and safe system 100, via the network. In some embodiments, receiver 310 may receive signals directly from the safe system 100.
Transmitter 312 transmits signals through a network for communicating with other devices, such as the server 210 and safe system 100. In some embodiments, transmitter 310 may transmit signals directly to the safe system 100.
Output system 402, input system 404, memory system 406, and processor system 408 may be similar to output system 302, input system 304, memory system 306, and processor system 308. Memory system 406 may store a downloadable version of the app 215 and other software described herein. Processor 408 may implement code stored in memory system 406 for performing functions described herein, for example, communicating with user devices.
In some embodiments, the purchaser/user of the safe system 100 described above may have the option of participating, using the downloadable app 215, in a user's club for the substance of choice. The server 210 may store a user interface that the user may use for setting up a membership in a club for sharing or purchasing the herbs, plants and/or other substances and items. In some embodiments, purchasers/users of the safe system 100 may join a club for receiving and using herbs, plants or other substances, or other items. The club member may periodically (e.g., once of month) receive a multiplicity of different products having the substance of interest, and for a number of consecutive periods, each time a delivery is sent, a different set of products having the substance may be sent, unless the user specifically requests that a particular product be delivered. The products delivered as part of the club may be stored in one of the safe systems of this disclosure. In some embodiments, upon purchasing one of the safe systems 100, the user obtains a membership for the club. In some embodiments, there may be a server, e.g., server 210 as described above, via which the user signs up for the club. The user may enter a serial number of a medical card that authorizes the user to purchase the substance and a username. The server may automatically check a database at a remote location (e.g., at a government office) to determine whether the serial and username match one another. If the serial number and username match, then the user is enrolled in the club. If the serial number and username do not match, then the user is denied permission to enroll in the club.
The user may also use the app 215 or another user device for communicating with the server regarding the herb or plant club, such as by setting preferences related to payment options, how often and where the herbs, plants, and/or other substances are delivered, in addition to the strains of plants or plants that are delivered.
One or more of the components, processes, features, and/or functions illustrated in the figures may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, block, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, processes, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the disclosure. The apparatus, devices, and/or components illustrated in the Figures may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or processes described in the Figures. The algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and/or embedded in hardware.
Note that the aspects of the present disclosure may be described herein as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.
The methods or algorithms described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executable by a processor, or in a combination of both, in the form of processing unit, programming instructions, or other directions, and may be contained in a single device or distributed across multiple devices. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.
The enablements described above are considered novel over the prior art and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the disclosure and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.
The definitions of the words or drawing elements described above are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.
In the foregoing description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc.,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.
As used above, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, processes, operations, values, and the like.
It should be noted that where a discrete value or range of values is set forth herein (e.g., 5, 6, 10, 100, etc.), it is noted that the value or range of values may be claimed more broadly than as a discrete number or range of numbers, unless indicated otherwise. Any discrete values mentioned herein are merely provided as examples.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/871,725, filed Jul. 22, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/654,528, filed Oct. 16, 2019, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/857,225, filed Dec. 28, 2017, now abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/440,901, filed Dec. 30, 2016, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/441,017, filed Dec. 30, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62440901 | Dec 2016 | US | |
62441017 | Dec 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17871725 | Jul 2022 | US |
Child | 18368481 | US | |
Parent | 16654528 | Oct 2019 | US |
Child | 17871725 | US | |
Parent | 15857225 | Dec 2017 | US |
Child | 16654528 | US |