CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A container assembly includes an outer shell forming an interior cavity, an inner tray dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the outer shell, wherein the inner tray is rotatably coupled to the outer shell and configured to rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The container assembly further includes a plurality of gripping members disposed within the inner tray, the gripping members being structured to flex outwardly to receive an item placed in the inner tray and apply an inward force to the item to releasably secure the item within the inner tray.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for a container that can be assembled and disassembled.

Related Art

Containers can be used to package consumer goods. Containers can include mechanisms for locking or unlocking the containers to allow for repeated storage of consumer goods. Containers can also include tamper evident mechanisms that ensure consumer goods have not been tampered with prior to a consumer opening the container.

SUMMARY

In certain aspects, a container assembly is provided. The container assembly includes an outer shell forming an interior cavity, an inner tray dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the outer shell, wherein the inner tray is rotatably coupled to the outer shell and configured to rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a plurality of gripping members disposed within the inner tray, the gripping members being structured to flex outwardly to receive an item placed in the inner tray and apply an inward force to the item to releasably secure the item within the inner tray.

The inner tray can be connected to the outer shell at one or more pivot points. The outer shell can include one or more pivot ports, and the inner tray can include one or more pivot posts received within the one or more pivot ports. The container assembly can include a locking member extending from a side surface of the inner tray, the locking member being positioned to slide into and engage with a locking port formed in a side wall of the outer shell to releasably secure the inner tray within the outer shell. The plurality of gripping members can be a plurality of curved arms extending from one or more inner walls of the inner tray. The plurality of gripping members can include a first pair of gripping members extending from a first side wall of the inner tray and a second pair of gripping members extending from a second side wall of the inner tray. Each of the plurality of gripping members can include a textured surface configured to grip the item placed in the inner tray. The plurality of gripping members can be formed of polypropylene. The container assembly can include a tamper-evident tab. The tamper-evident tab can be removably attached to a side wall of the outer shell. The tamper-evident tab can be mechanically joined to the outer shell. The inner tray can include a spacing member disposed on a side wall of the inner tray and configured to contact and exert an outward force on an inner wall of the outer shell. The spacing member can be a spring member.

In another aspect, a container assembly is provided. The container assembly can include an outer shell forming an interior cavity, an inner tray dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the outer shell, a plurality of gripping members disposed within the inner tray, the gripping members being structured to flex outwardly to receive an item placed in the inner tray and apply an inward force to the item to releasably secure the item within the inner tray, and a locking member extending from a side surface of the inner tray, the locking member being positioned to slide into and engage with a locking port formed in a side wall of the outer shell to releasably secure the inner tray within the outer shell.

The inner tray can be connected to the outer shell at one or more pivot points, wherein the inner tray is configured to rotate around the one or more pivot points when the locking member is not engaged with the locking port. The outer shell can include one or more pivot ports, and the inner tray can include one or more pivot posts received within the one or more pivot ports. The plurality of gripping members can be a plurality of curved arms extending from one or more inner walls of the inner tray. The plurality of gripping members can include a first pair of gripping members extending from a first side wall of the inner tray and a second pair of gripping members extending from a second side wall of the inner tray. Each of the plurality of gripping members can include a textured surface configured to grip the item placed in the inner tray. The plurality of gripping members can be formed of polypropylene. The container assembly can include a tamper-evident tab. The tamper-evident tab can be removably attached to a side wall of the outer shell. The tamper-evident tab can prevent separation of the outer shell and the inner tray while attached to the side wall of the outer shell. The tamper-evident tab can be mechanically joined to the outer shell. The locking member can be configured to engage with the locking port in a first position and configured to engage with a second locking port of the outer shell in a second position. The inner tray can include a spacing member disposed on a side wall of the inner tray and configured to contact and exert an outward force on an inner wall of the outer shell. The spacing member can include a spring member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a container assembly.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G illustrates a bottom view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H illustrates a perspective view of an outer container of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I illustrates a top view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1J illustrates a front view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1K illustrates a side view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1L illustrates a cross-sectional view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1M illustrates a side view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1N illustrates a bottom view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1O illustrates a perspective view of an inner container of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1P illustrates a top view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1Q illustrates a front view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1R illustrates a side view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1S illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1T illustrates a side view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1U illustrates a bottom view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 1V illustrates a rear view of the container assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1W illustrates a rear view of the outer container of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1X illustrates a rear view of the inner container of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a container assembly.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2G illustrates a bottom view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2H illustrates a perspective view of an outer container of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2I illustrates a side view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2J illustrates a front view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2K illustrates a side view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2L illustrates a cross-sectional view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2M illustrates a side view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2N illustrates a bottom view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2O illustrates a perspective view of an inner container of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2P illustrates a top view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2Q illustrates a front view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2R illustrates a side view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2S illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2T illustrates a side view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2U illustrates a bottom view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 2V illustrates a rear view of the container assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2W illustrates a rear view of the outer container of FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2X illustrates a rear view of the inner container of FIG. 2O.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a container assembly.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D illustrates an exploded perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A in an open position.

FIG. 3F illustrates an exploded view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3G illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3H illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3I illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3J illustrates a perspective view of an outer shell of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3K illustrates a front view of the outer shell of FIG. 3J.

FIG. 3L illustrates a rear view of the outer shell of FIG. 3J.

FIG. 3M illustrates a bottom perspective view of the outer shell of FIG. 3J.

FIG. 3N illustrates a perspective view of an inner tray of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3O illustrates a side view of the inner tray of FIG. 3N.

FIG. 3P illustrates a side view of the inner tray of FIG. 3N.

FIG. 3Q illustrates a bottom view of the inner tray of FIG. 3N.

FIG. 3R illustrates a perspective view of the inner tray of FIG. 3N.

FIG. 3S illustrates a rear view of the container assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3T illustrates a rear view of the inner tray of FIG. 3N.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a container assembly.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view the container assembly of FIG. 4A in an open position.

FIG. 4F illustrates an exploded perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4H illustrates a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4I illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4J illustrates a perspective view of an outer shell of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4K illustrates a front view of the outer shell of FIG. 4J.

FIG. 4L illustrates a rear view of the outer shell of FIG. 4J.

FIG. 4M illustrates a bottom perspective view of the outer shell of FIG. 4J.

FIG. 4N illustrates a perspective view of an inner tray of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4O illustrates a side view of the inner tray of FIG. 4N.

FIG. 4P illustrates a side view of the inner tray of FIG. 4N.

FIG. 4Q illustrates a bottom view of the inner tray of FIG. 4N.

FIG. 4R illustrates a perspective view of the inner tray of FIG. 4N.

FIG. 4S illustrates a rear view of the container assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4T illustrates a rear view of the inner tray of FIG. 4N.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a container assembly can be utilized to enclose, contain, and/or protect goods or components. In some embodiments, the container assembly may be used as product packaging for consumer goods (e.g., disposable goods) in order to protect the goods during shipment, storage, and purchase. In some embodiments, the container assembly may provide a way to ensure that consumer goods have not been tampered with or adulterated before purchase by the consumer.

In some embodiments, the container assembly can be configured to grip and hold a consumer good or other item inside of the container assembly such that the item is restricted from translation or otherwise bouncing around or jostling within the container assembly. In some embodiments, the container assembly can include a flexible means of containing and holding the consumer goods or items within the container assembly. The flexible means may conform to the shape of items positioned within the container assembly to ensure a firm hold of such items. The flexible means can provide an advantageous form of product packaging because a single configuration or design can accommodate many different types of items with varying sizes and shapes. This allows the container assembly to be more easily manufactured and also to be economical and eco-friendly due to its ability to be reused with multiple items. The flexible means may provide for a more durable, robust, and eco-friendly alternative to molded packaging inserts.

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a container assembly 100 in its assembled configuration. In this embodiment, the container assembly 100 can include two containers. The containers may also be referred to as boxes or housing members. In some embodiments, the two containers can include an inner sleeve or inner container 110 and an outer shell, outer sleeve, or outer container 120. The inner container 110 can be removably received within the outer container 120. The two containers 110 and 120 can be in the shape of rectangular prisms or square prisms.

The container assembly 100 can be assembled by sliding the inner container 110 into the outer container 120. The outer container 120 can include an opening 123 for receiving the inner container 110 therein. In some embodiments, the opening 123 can be an open side face of the outer container 120. In the assembled configuration, a side wall 113 of the inner container 110 can form a side wall of the container assembly 100 when positioned within the container 120. In some embodiments, the outer container 120 can include side walls 121A and 121B, upper or top wall 128, and bottom wall 127. In some embodiments, the inner container 110 can include side walls 121A, 121B, 112, and 113 and a bottom wall 109.

In some embodiments, the inner container 110 can include a locking flange or locking member 114. The locking member 114 may be a slide lock. The locking member 114 may be in the form of a flexible arm or protrusion extending from a side wall 111A of the inner container 110. The flexible protrusion can interface with one or more surfaces of the outer container 120 to prevent removal of the inner container 110 in the absence of actuation by a user. For example, the flexible protrusion 114 can be configured to contact a surface of the outer container 120 that prevents the protrusion 114 from moving in a lateral direction, in the absence of an application of force to the flexible protrusion 114 by the user (e.g., pressing the flexible protrusion inward).

In certain embodiments, locking member 114 can be configured to interact with a locking port 124 of the outer container 120. During assembly, the locking member 114 can slide along the inner surface of a side wall 121A of the outer container 120, temporarily flexing inward while the inner container 110 slides into the outer container 120. Once the locking member 114 is aligned with the locking port 124 of the outer container 120, the locking member 114 can resiliently spring back to a resting configuration and engage with the locking port 124 in order to prevent the inner container 110 from sliding out of the outer container 120. The locking member 114 is discussed further with respect to FIG. 1B.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 can include a tamper-evident mechanism. The tamper-evident mechanism can indicate that the container has not been opened since it was packaged, and thus the items inside the container have not been tampered with. The tamper-evident mechanism can include a tamper evident tab 125 disposed on the outer container 120 or on an outer layer of the container. In some embodiments, the tab 125 interfaces with a portion of the inner container 110 when the inner container 110 is positioned within the outer container 120 such that removal of the inner container 110 cannot occur without opening, breaking, or otherwise adjusting the tab 125 in a way that would notify a user that the package has been opened. In some embodiments, the tab 125 can interface with a tamper-evident locking component 115 disposed on a wall of the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 125 is disposed on a side wall of the outer container 120. In other embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 125 can be connected to the side wall 113 of the inner container 110. In other embodiments, the container assembly 100 may not include a tamper-evident tab 125 at all. The tamper-evident tab 125 is discussed further with respect to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the container assembly 100 in its assembled configuration taken along line 1B-1B in FIG. 1C. As shown in FIG. 1B, the locking member 114 is aligned with a locking port 124 disposed on the side wall of the outer container 120. A finger or tip of the locking member 114 is shown engaging with the side wall 121A of the outer shell 120 which also forms the edge of the locking port 124. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the locking member 114, and thus the inner container 110, is restricted from translating in one lateral direction corresponding to the movement of removing the inner container 110 from the outer container 120. In this embodiment, the container assembly 100 can be disassembled by pressing on the locking member 114 such that it is flexed inward and can slide along the inner surface of the outer container 120.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, the outer container 120 can include two locking ports. For example, the container can include a second locking port 126. The locking member 114 can engage with the second locking port 126 after the locking member 114 has been pressed to disengage from the first locking port 124 and the inner container 110 has been partially pulled away from the outer container 120. This can provide a two-step unlocking process, where the container assembly 100 can be opened to provide access to the item contained inside without having to completely disassemble the container assembly 100. The locking member 114 can be released from the second locking port 126 in the same way as the first locking port 124—by pressing on the locking member 114. In this way, the inner container 110 can be removed from the outer container 120 by pulling the inner container 110 outward while depressing the locking member 114 two times, once for each locking port. In this embodiment, although there is a two-step unlocking process, assembly or re-assembly of the container assembly 100 can be accomplished in one step (pressing the boxes together) without having to press the locking flanges 114. Due to the sloped nature of the locking member 114, the locking member 114 will flex and depress in response to the force of pressing the boxes together when it is engaged to the second locking port 126.

In some embodiments, there may only be one locking member 114 and locking port 124 and the container assembly 100 can be disassembled in a single-step process by only pressing to disengage the locking member 114 one time. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, there is one locking member 114 disposed on one side of the container assembly 100. However, in other embodiments, there may be two or more locking members 114 and locking ports 124 disposed on other faces of the container assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, there may be one or more locking members 114 and one or more locking ports 124 disposed on opposite sides of the container assembly 100 such that when a person dissembles the container assembly 100, they would press their fingers (or thumb) onto opposite sides of the container assembly 100. The locking feature enabled by the locking member 114 is advantageous because it prevents the container assembly 100 from incidentally disassembling during shipping or other movement of the assembly. Moreover, the locking feature can make the container assembly 100 child-resistant so that young children are unable to open the container assembly 100 and ingest or damage the items contained therein.

FIG. 1B also shows gripping members 116A-D disposed inside the walls of the inner container 110. The gripping members 116A-D may be springs, spring members, fingers, arms, flanges, or protrusions. The gripping members 116A-D can be attached to and protrude from the side walls 111A & 111B of the inner container 110. The gripping members 116A-D may conform to and firmly secure items positioned within the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can be composed of a flexible, resilient material such as polypropylene (PP) or post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP) or some other plastic or metal, which can receive and conform to hold items in place inside the inner container 110.

In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can make an ovular shape where each of the gripping members 116A-D is formed in an arc shape that faces inward towards the center of the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the gripping members can include two gripping members that extend from each side wall 111A & 111B and protrude inwardly towards the center of the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can include a gripping member 116A that extends from a side wall 111B and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 113. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can include a gripping member 116B that extends from a side wall 111B and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 112. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can include a gripping member 116C that extends from a side wall 111A and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 113. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can include a gripping member 116D that extends from a side wall 111A and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 112. In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can include textured surfaces 119 to enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 116A-D, for example, by creating friction against the movement of the item being gripped. The textured surfaces can include bumps, notches, ridges, cuts, adhesive, or any other components that enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 116A-D.

The gripping members 116A-D may be spring-like. The gripping members 116A-D may be flexible but have sufficient elasticity to be biased to return to a resting position. The gripping members may be flexible to receive an item between the gripping members 116A-D, but provide sufficient force due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members to secure the item between the gripping members.

In use, an item can be placed between the gripping members 116A-D by pressing the item between the gripping members 116A-D, which will flex and expand to accommodate the shape of the item and also apply a force inward onto the item due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members 116A-D to retain the item therein. Because of their resilient nature, the gripping members 116A-D can also dampen forces affecting the item being gripped in relation to jostling or movement outside of the container assembly 100. That is, the gripping members 116A-D can flex to allow the item being gripped to move to some degree inside the container assembly 100 to reduce forces resulting from impact of the container assembly 100 being dropped or otherwise impacting another object, the ground, etc.

In some embodiments, the gripping members 116A-D can also include ridges or other texturing to create a higher amount of friction against any potential movement of the item that is being gripped.

Because the gripping members 116A-D are flexible, the gripping members 116A-D can accommodate and firmly hold items of varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the gripping members can be curved. In embodiments with curved gripping members 116A-D, the curved shape of the members 116 can provide for accommodation of items which range from narrow and small to items that are nearly the size of the inner container 110, due to the shape of the gripping members 116A-D curving inward towards each other. The gripping members 116A-D can be made from a variety of different materials and can be configured in different sizes and shapes, depending on what items the inner container 110 is designed to hold.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 can include stabilizing elements which can protect the inner container 110 from impact, jostling, etc. As shown in FIG. 1B, in certain embodiments, a spacing member 117 can extend from a wall 112 of the inner container 110 and interface with the inside face of the wall 122 of the outer container 120. The spacing member can be a spring, spring member, flange, finger, or protrusion. The spacing member 117 can be capable of flexing inward when the inner container 110 is inserted into the outer container 120. Upon assembly, the spacing member 117 can help facilitate locking the inner container 110 in place with respect to the outer container 120 by providing a force that pushes the wall 112 of the inner container 110 away from the wall 122 of the outer container 120.

When the outer container 120 and inner container 110 have been combined, the locking member 114 can be engaged with the locking port 124 and can prevent lateral movement of the inner container 110 in the direction of disassembly, while the spacing flange 117 can resist movement in the opposite direction due to the natural spring force it can apply to the outer container 120 as a result of its deformation by flexing inward towards the inner container 110.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 can also have a spacing bump 118 disposed along one or more of the side walls 111A or 111B of the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the spacing bump 118 can be disposed on side wall 111A. The spacing bump 118 can be configured to slide along the inside of a side wall 121A of the outer container 120 in order to maintain a distance between the inner container 110 and outer container 120. The spacing bump 118 can be sized and shaped such that it ensures the locking member 114 and the tamper-evident locking component 115 will properly align with the corresponding components of the outer container 120 with which they engage. In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 can include a plurality of spacing bumps 118.

FIG. 1B also shows the tamper-evident tab 125 disposed on the outer container 120 that interfaces with a tamper-evident locking component 115 disposed on a side wall 111A of the inner container 110. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 125 is disposed on the same plane as the side wall 121A of the outer container 120 and forms part of that side wall 121A. The tamper-evident tab 125 can interface with the tamper-evident locking component 115 in a way such that the tamper-evident locking component 115 restricts lateral movement of the inner container 110 with respect to the outer container 120.

In some embodiments, the tamper-evident locking component 115 has a ridge or raised portion (with respect to the flat face of the side wall 111A) which interfaces with an indentation in the tamper-evident tab 125.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 can be disassembled by removing or otherwise altering the tamper-evident tab 125 from the outer container 120, thus allowing the inner container 110 to translate freely with respect to the outer container 120, assuming the locking member 114 is disengaged. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 125 can be attached to the outer container 120 in a ‘break-away’ configuration, where small pieces of plastic or other materials hold the tamper-evident tab 125 in place, but the assembly 100 cannot be dissembled without breaking the components holding the tamper-evident tab 125 in place. In some embodiments, it may be possible to insert the inner container 110 into the outer container 120 without breaking the tamper-evident tab 125.

FIG. 1C shows a side-view of the container assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. As shown in FIG. 1C, the locking member 114 is aligned with the top locking port 124 while the assembly is assembled. In this configuration, there is no locking member 114 in the second locking port 126. The tamper-evident tab 125 is also in-tact and disposed on the edge of a side wall 121A of the outer container 120.

FIG. 1D shows another side-view of the container assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 1E shows a cross-sectional view of the container assembly 100 in an assembled configuration taken along line 1E-1E in FIG. 1D. FIG. 1F shows another side-view of the container assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 1G shows a bottom view of the container assembly 100 in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 1H shows a top perspective view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1I shows a top view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1J shows a front view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1K shows a side-view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1L shows a cross-sectional view of the outer container 120 taken along line 1L-1L in FIG. 1K. FIG. 1M shows another side-view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1N shows a bottom view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1O shows a schematic perspective view of an inner container 110. FIG. 1P shows a top view of the inner container 110. FIG. 1Q shows a side-view of the inner container 110. FIG. 1R shows another side-view of the inner container 110. FIG. 1S shows a cross-sectional view of the inner container 110 taken along line 1S-1S in FIG. 1R. FIG. 1T shows another side-view of the inner container 110. FIG. 1U shows a bottom view of the inner container 110 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 1V shows a rear view of the container assembly 100. FIG. 1W shows a rear view of the outer container 120. FIG. 1X shows a rear view of the inner container 110.

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of a container assembly 200 in its assembled configuration. The container assembly 200 can include any of the same or similar features and/or functions as the container assembly 100 and vice versa. In this embodiment, the container assembly 200 can include two containers. The containers may also be referred to as boxes or housing members. In some embodiments, the two containers can include an inner sleeve or inner container 210 and an outer shell, outer sleeve, or outer container 220. The inner container 210 can be removably received within the outer container 220. The two containers 210 and 220 can be in the shape of rectangular prisms or square prisms.

The container assembly 200 can be assembled by sliding the inner container 210 into the outer container 220. The outer container 220 can include an opening 223 for receiving the inner container 210 therein. In some embodiments, the opening 223 can be an open side face of the outer container 220. In the assembled configuration, a side wall 213 of the inner container 210 can form a side wall of the container assembly 200 when positioned within the container 220. In some embodiments, the outer container 220 can include side walls 221A and 221B, an upper or top wall 229, and a bottom wall 228. In some embodiments, the inner container 210 can include side walls 211A, 211B, 212, and 213 and a bottom wall 209.

In some embodiments, the inner container 210 can include a locking flange or locking member 214. The locking member 214 may be a slide lock. The locking member 214 may be in the form of a flexible arm or protrusion extending from a side wall 211A of the inner container 210. The flexible protrusion can interface with one or more surfaces of the outer container 220 to prevent removal of the inner container 210 in the absence of actuation by a user. For example, the flexible protrusion 214 can be configured to contact surface of the outer container 220 that prevents the protrusion 214 from moving in a lateral direction, in the absence of an application of force to the flexible protrusion 214 by the user (e.g., pressing the flexible protrusion inward).

In certain embodiments, locking member 214 can be configured to interact with a locking port 224 of the outer container 220. During assembly, the locking member 214 can slide along the inner surface of a side wall 221A of the outer container 220, temporarily flexing inward while the inner container 210 slides into the outer container 220. Once the locking member 214 is aligned with the locking port 224 of the outer container 220, the locking member 214 can resiliently spring back to a or resting configuration and engage with the locking port 224 in order to prevent the inner container 210 from sliding out of the outer container 220. The locking member 214 is discussed further with respect to FIG. 2B.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can include a tamper-evident mechanism. The tamper-evident mechanism can indicate that the container has not been opened since it was packaged, and thus the items inside the container have not been tampered with. The tamper-evident mechanism can include a tamper-evident tab 225 disposed on the outer container 220 or on an outer layer of the container. In some embodiments, the tab 225 interfaces with a portion of the inner container 210 when the inner container 210 is positioned within the outer container 220 such that removal of the inner container 210 cannot occur without opening, breaking, or otherwise adjusting the tab 225 in a way that would notify a user that the package has been opened. In some embodiments, the tab 225 can interface with a tamper-evident locking component 215 disposed on a wall of the inner container 210. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 225 is disposed on a side wall of the outer container 220. In other embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 225 can be connected to the side wall 213 of the inner container 210. In other embodiments, the container assembly 200 may not include a tamper-evident tab 225 at all. The tamper-evident tab 225 is discussed further with respect to FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2B is a top cross-sectional view of the container assembly 200 in its assembled configuration taken along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 2B, the locking member 214 is aligned with a locking port 224 disposed on the side wall of the outer container 220. A finger or tip of the locking member 214 is shown engaging with the side wall 211A of the outer shell 210 which also forms the edge of the locking port 224. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the locking member 214, and thus the inner container 210, is restricted from translating in one lateral direction corresponding to the movement of removing the inner container 210 from the outer container 220. In this embodiment, the container assembly 200 can be disassembled by pressing on the locking member 214 such that it is flexed inward and can slide along the inner surface of the outer container 220.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the outer container 220 can include two locking ports. For example, the container can include a second locking port The locking member 214 can engage with the second locking port 226 after the locking member 214 has been pressed to disengage from the first locking port 224 and the inner container 210 has been partially pulled away from the outer container 220. This can provide a two-step unlocking process, where the container assembly 200 can be opened to provide access to the item contained inside without having to completely disassemble the container assembly 200. The locking member 214 can be released from the second locking port 226 in the same way as the first locking port 224—by pressing on the locking member 214. In this way, the inner container 210 can be removed from the outer container 220 by pulling the inner container 210 outward while depressing the locking member 214 two times, once for each locking port. In this embodiment, although there is a two-step unlocking process, assembly or re-assembly of the container assembly 200 can be accomplished in one step (pressing the boxes together) without having to press the locking flanges 214. Due to the sloped nature of the locking member 214, the locking member 214 will flex and depress in response to the force of pressing the boxes together when it is engaged to the second locking port 226.

In some embodiments, there may only be one locking member 214 and locking port 224 and the container assembly 200 can be disassembled in a single-step process by only pressing to disengage the locking member 214 one time. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, there is one locking member 214 disposed on one side of the container assembly 200. However, in other embodiments, there may two or more locking members 214 and locking ports 224 disposed on other faces of the container assembly 200. For example, in some embodiments, there may be one or more locking members 214 and one or more locking ports 224 disposed on opposite sides of the container assembly 200 such that when a person dissembles the container assembly 200, they would press their fingers (or thumb) onto opposite sides of the container assembly 200. The locking feature enabled by the locking member 214 is advantageous because it prevents the container assembly 200 from incidentally disassembling during shipping or other movement of the assembly. Moreover, the locking feature can make the container assembly 200 child-resistant so that young children are unable to open the container assembly 200 and ingest or damage the items contained therein.

FIG. 2B also shows gripping members 216A-D disposed inside the walls of the inner container 210. The gripping members 216A-D may be springs, spring members, fingers, arms, flanges, or protrusions. The gripping members 216A-D can be attached to and protrude from the side walls 211A & 211B of the inner container 210. The gripping members 216A-D may conform to and firmly secure items positioned within the inner container 210. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can be composed of a flexible, resilient material such as polypropylene (PP) or post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP) or some other plastic or metal, which can receive and conform to hold items in place inside the inner container 210.

In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can be formed in a mirrored configuration where the mirror line runes down the middle of the length of the inner container 210. In some embodiments, the gripping members can include two gripping members that extend from each side wall 211A & 211B and protrude inwardly towards the center of the inner container 210. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can include a gripping member 216A that extends from a side wall 211B and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 213. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can include a gripping member 216B that extends from a side wall 211B and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 212. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can include a gripping member 216C that extends from a side wall 211A and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 213. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can include a gripping member 216D that extends from a side wall 211A and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 212. In some embodiments, gripping members 216A and 216C form arc shapes that face inward towards the center of the inner container 210. In some embodiments, gripping member 216D is formed in an arc that extends towards the front wall 212 with the inner face of the arc facing side wall 211A, and gripping member 216B is formed in an arc that extends towards the back wall 213 with the inner face of the arc facing side wall 211B, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the gripping members 216A-D can include textured surfaces 219 to enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 216A-D, for example, by creating friction against the movement of the item being gripped. The textured surfaces can include bumps, notches, ridges, cuts, adhesive, or any other components that enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 216A-D.

The gripping members 216A-D may be spring-like. The gripping members 216A-D may be flexible but have sufficient elasticity to be biased to return to a resting position. The gripping members may be flexible to receive an item between the gripping members 216A-D, but provide sufficient force due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members to secure the item between the gripping members.

In use, an item can be placed between the gripping members 216A-D by pressing the item between the gripping members 216A-D, which will flex and expand to accommodate the shape of the item and also apply a force inward onto the item due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members 216A-D to retain the item therein. Because of their resilient nature, the gripping members 216A-D can also dampen forces affecting the item being gripped in relation to jostling or movement outside of the container assembly 200. That is, the gripping members 216A-D can flex to allow the item being gripped to move to some degree inside the container assembly 200 to reduce forces resulting from impact of the container assembly 200 being dropped or otherwise impacting another object, the ground, etc.

Because the gripping members 216A-D are flexible, the gripping members 216A-D can accommodate and firmly hold items of varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the gripping members can be curved. In embodiments with curved gripping members 216A-D, the curved shape of the members 216 can provide for accommodation of items which range from narrow and small to items that are nearly the size of the inner container 210, due to the shape of the gripping members 216A-D curving inward towards each other. The gripping members 216A-D can be made from a variety of different materials and can be configured in different sizes and shapes, depending on what items the inner container 210 is designed to hold.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can include stabilizing elements which can protect the inner container 210 from impact, jostling, etc. As shown in FIG. 2B, in certain embodiments, a spacing member 227 can extend from a wall 212 of the inner container 210 and interface with the inside face of the wall 222 of the outer container 220. The spacing member can be a spring, spring member, flange, finger, or protrusion. The spacing member 227 can be capable of flexing inward when the inner container 210 is inserted into the outer container 220. Upon assembly, the spacing member 227 can help facilitate locking the inner container 210 in place with respect to the outer container 220 by providing a force that pushes the wall 212 of the inner container 210 away from the wall 222 of the outer container 220.

When the outer container 220 and inner container 210 have been combined, the locking member 214 can be engaged with the locking port 224 and can prevent lateral movement of the inner container 210 in the direction of disassembly, while the spacing member 227 can resist movement in the opposite direction due to the natural spring force it can apply to the outer container 220 as a result of its deformation by flexing inward towards the inner container 210.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can also have a spacing bump 218 disposed along one or more of the side walls 211A or 211B of the inner container 210. In some embodiments, the spacing bump 218 can be disposed on side wall 211A. The spacing bump 218 can be configured to slide along the inside of a side wall 221A of the outer container 220 in order to maintain a distance between the inner container 210 and outer container 220. The spacing bump 218 can be sized and shaped such that it ensures the locking member 214 and the tamper-evident locking component 215 will properly align with the corresponding components of the outer container 220 with which they engage. In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can include a plurality of spacing bumps 218.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can also have spacing members 217 disposed on the side walls 211A & 211B of the inner container 210 that can contact and press against the inner surfaces of the side walls 221A & 221B of the outer container 220. The spacing members 217 can be springs, spring members, arms, flanges, fingers, or protrusions. The spacing bump 218 can be sized and shaped so that the bump 218 will maintain the side spacing members 217 at a great enough distance away from the side walls 221A & 221B of the outer shell 220 that a side spacing member 217 will not engage the locking port 226 while sliding along the wall of the outer container 220. The side spacing member 217 can facilitate a snug fit between the inner container 210 and the outer container 220. The side spacing flanges 217 can also be made from a resilient material that provide protection against jostling, impact, etc. by reducing impact forces caused by the outer container 220 impacting the ground or other objects.

FIG. 2B also shows a tamper-evident tab 225. The tamper-evident tab 225 can be disposed on the outer shell 220 that connects to the side edge of the bottom wall 213 of the containment box 210. In this embodiment, the tamper-evident tab 225 is disposed on the same plane as the side wall 221A of the outer shell 220 and forms part of that side wall 221A. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 225 can be attached to both the bottom wall 213 of the inner container 210 and the side wall 221A of the outer shell 220 in a ‘break-away’ configuration, where small pieces of plastic or other materials hold the tamper-evident tab 225 in place. In such embodiments, the assembly 200 cannot be dissembled without breaking the components holding the tamper-evident tab 225 in place.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 200 can be disassembled by removing the tamper-evident tab 225 from the outer container 220 and breaking its connection to the inner container 210, thus allowing the containment box 210 to translate freely with respect to the outer container 220, assuming the locking member 214 is disengaged.

FIG. 2C shows a side-view of the container assembly 200 in an assembled configuration. As shown in FIG. 2C, the locking member 214 is aligned with the top locking port 224 while the assembly is assembled. In this configuration, there is no locking flange 214 in the second locking port 226. The tamper-evident tab 225 is also in-tact and disposed on the lower edge of a side wall 221A of the outer container 220.

In some embodiments, any features of the container assemblies described herein can be composed of polypropylene (PP) or post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP). The Figures depict dimensions of certain embodiments of the container assemblies. However, the container assemblies may have any suitable dimensions.

In some embodiments, the container assembly can be used to hold disposable vape pens, e-cigarettes, and cartridges snugly in place during shipping and/or transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. However, the container assembly is not limited in what items it may be used with. Because the container assembly provides a robust and reusable solution for transporting and protecting items, including fragile goods, it can be useful for a vast array of products, including medical devices like blood glucose meters, measurement tools, surgical equipment, etc. The container assembly can also be used to transport liquids or gels that are contained within glass vials or other fragile packaging or packaging that is shock or impact sensitive.

FIG. 2D shows another side-view of the container assembly 200 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 2E shows a cross-sectional view of the container assembly 200 in an assembled configuration taken along line 2E-2E in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2F shows another side-view of the container assembly 200 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 2G shows a bottom view of the container assembly 200 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 2H shows a schematic perspective view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2I shows a top view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2J shows a front view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2K shows a side-view of an outer container 220. FIG. 2L shows a cross-sectional view of the outer container 220 taken along line 2L-2L in FIG. 2K. FIG. 2M shows another side-view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2N shows a bottom view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2O shows a schematic perspective view of the inner container 210. FIG. 2P shows a top view of the inner container 210. FIG. 2Q shows a side-view of the inner container 210. FIG. 2R shows another side-view of the inner container 210. FIG. 2S shows a cross-sectional view of the inner container 210 taken along line 2S-2S in FIG. 2R. FIG. 2T shows another side-view of the inner container 210. FIG. 2U shows a bottom view of the inner container 210 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 2V shows a rear view of the container assembly 200. FIG. 2W shows a rear view of the outer container 220. FIG. 2X shows a rear view of the inner container 210.

FIGS. 3A-3R illustrate an embodiment of a container or container assembly 300. The container assembly 300 can include any of the same and/or similar features as any of the container assemblies described herein (for example, container assembly 100) and vice versa.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of the container assembly 300 in its assembled configuration. In this embodiment, the container assembly 300 can include two components which can fit together. The two components may also be referred to as boxes or housing members. In some embodiments, the two components can include an inner tray, inner compartment, or inner container 310 and an outer shell, casing, or outer container 320. In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can be removably received within an interior (e.g., an interior cavity) of the outer shell 320. The inner tray 310 can be at least partially removable from the interior of the outer shell 320. In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can be movably coupled (e.g., pivotably coupled) to the outer shell 320. The inner tray 310 can be generally shaped like a rectangular prism or square prism. The outer shell 320 can be generally shaped and sized to fit around three or more faces of the inner tray 310.

The container assembly 300 can be configured so that the inner tray 310 is connected to the outer shell 320 approximately at a corner of the inner tray 310. The connection can allow the inner tray 310 to move with respect to the outer shell 320 by rotation around an axis. In some embodiments, the outer shell 320 can be in the shape of a rectangular prism with two or more of the side walls open/empty to allow for rotation and movement of the inner tray 310. In some embodiments, the outer shell 320 can include side wall 321, an upper or top wall 327, and a bottom wall 326. In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can include side walls 311A, 311B, 312, and 313, and a bottom wall 309.

In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can include one or more hinge posts 318. The one or more hinge posts 318 can interface with one or more hinge ports 328 in the outer shell 320. In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can include two hinge posts 318 configured to interface with two hinge ports 328 in the outer shell 320 as shown in FIGS. 3F and 3O. When the one or more hinge posts 318 are coupled with (e.g., positioned inside) the hinge ports 328, the inner tray 310 can rotate about an axis that runs through the one or more hinge posts and one or more hinge ports (e.g., a pivot axis). The container assembly 300 can be opened or closed by rotating the inner tray 310 into or out of the outer shell 320. In some embodiments, the outer shell 320 can include an open space or cut-out 329 near the one or more hinge ports 328, as shown in FIGS. 3F & 3L, for example. The cut-out 329 can provide space or clearance for the inner tray 310 to swing out as it rotates about its pivot point or pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the inner tray 310 can include a locking flange or locking member 314. The locking member 314 may include a flexible arm or protrusion 315. The arm or protrusion may extend from a side wall 312 of the inner tray 310. The locking member 314 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 315 of the locking member 314) can interface with one or more surfaces of the outer shell 320 to prevent removal of the inner tray 310 in the absence of actuation by a user. For example, the flexible protrusion 315 can be configured to contact a surface of the outer shell 320 in the absence of an application of force to the flexible protrusion 315 by the user (e.g., pressing the flexible protrusion inward).

In certain embodiments, locking member 314 can be configured to interact with a locking port 324 of the outer shell 320. During assembly, the inner tray 310 can be rotated into the outer shell 320. During this rotation, the locking member 314 rotates towards a locking port 324 disposed through a side wall 322 of the outer shell 320. As the inner tray 310 approaches the outer shell 320, the locking member 314 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 315 thereof) contacts the inner face of a side wall 322 temporarily flexing inwards while the locking member 314 moves into position inside the locking port 324. Once the locking member 314 is aligned with the locking port 324 of the outer shell 320, the locking member 314 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 315) can resiliently spring back to a resting configuration and engage with the locking port 324. When the locking member 314 is engaged with the locking port, it can prevent the inner tray 310 from rotating out of and away from the outer shell 320. The locking member 314 is discussed further with respect to FIGS. 3A-3E.

FIGS. 3F and 3R also show gripping members 316A-D disposed inside the walls of the inner tray 310. The gripping members 316A-D may be springs, spring members, fingers, arms, flanges, or protrusions. The gripping members 316A-D can be attached to and protrude from the side walls 311A & 311B of the inner tray 310. The gripping members 316A-D may conform to and firmly secure items positioned within the inner tray 310. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can be composed of a flexible, resilient material such as polypropylene (PP) or post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP) or some other plastic or metal, which can receive and conform to hold items in place inside the inner tray 310.

In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can make a circular shape where each of the gripping members 316A-D is formed in an arc shape that faces inward towards the center of the inner tray 310. In some embodiments, the gripping members can include two gripping members that extend from each side wall 311A & 311B and protrude inwardly towards the center of the inner tray 310. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can include a gripping member 316A that extends from a side wall 311B and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 313. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can also include a gripping member 316B that extends from a side wall 311B and extends inwardly and towards the rear wall 313. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can include a gripping member 316C that extends from a side wall 311A and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 313. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can also include a gripping member 316D that extends from a side wall 311A and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 312. In some embodiments, the gripping members 316A-D can include textured surfaces 317 to enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 316A-D, for example, by creating friction against the movement of the item being gripped. The textured surfaces can include bumps, notches, ridges, cuts, adhesive, or any other components that enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 316A-D.

The gripping members 316A-D may be spring-like. The gripping members 316A-D may be flexible but have sufficient elasticity to be biased to return to a resting position. The gripping members may be flexible to receive an item between the gripping members 316A-D, but provide sufficient force due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members to secure the item between the gripping members.

In use, an item can be placed between the gripping members 316A-D by pressing the item between the gripping members 316A-D, which will flex and expand to accommodate the shape of the item and also apply a force inward onto the item due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members 316A-D to retain the item therein. Because of their resilient nature, the gripping members 316A-D can also dampen forces affecting the item being gripped in relation to jostling or movement outside of the container assembly 300. That is, the gripping members 316A-D can flex to allow the item being gripped to move to some degree inside the container assembly 300 to reduce forces resulting from impact of the container assembly 300 being dropped or otherwise impacting another object, the ground, etc.

Because the gripping members 316A-D are flexible, the gripping members 316A-D can accommodate and firmly hold items of varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the gripping members can be curved. In embodiments with curved gripping members 316A-D, the curved shape of the members 316A-D can provide for accommodation of items which range from narrow and small to items that are nearly the size of the inner tray 310, due to the shape of the gripping members 316A-D curving inward towards each other. The gripping members 316A-D can be made from a variety of different materials and can be configured in different sizes and shapes, depending on what items the inner tray 310 is designed to hold.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the container assembly 300 can include a tamper-evident tab 325. The tamper-evident tab 325 can be disposed on the outer shell 320. The tamper-evident tab 325 may interface with the locking member 314. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 325 can be attached to the outer shell 320 in a ‘break-away’ configuration, where small pieces of plastic or other materials hold the tamper-evident tab 325 in place, but the assembled container assembly 300 cannot be dissembled without breaking the components holding the tamper-evident tab 325 in place. In some embodiments, it may be possible to insert the inner tray 310 into the outer shell 320 without breaking the tamper-evident tab 325. In some embodiments, a tamper-evident tab 325 can be re-attached between uses of the container assembly 300. In some embodiment, a new tamper-evident tab 325 can be attached to the outer shell 320 of a container that has already had its tamper-evident tab 325 removed.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate one example of the process of removing the tamper-evident tab 325 and opening the container assembly 300. In some embodiments, when assembled, an outer face of the container assembly 300 can include portions of both the inner tray 310 and outer shell 320. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the container assembly 300 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 3B, one face of the container assembly 300 can include both the portion of the outer shell 320 with the tamper-evident tab 325 and a portion of the wall 312 of the inner tray 310. These pieces of the outer shell 320 and inner tray 310 can be combined to form a face or wall of the container assembly 300. In some embodiments, the container assembly 300 can be disassembled by removing or otherwise altering the tamper-evident tab 325 from the outer shell 320. For example, in some embodiments, a force can be applied to the tamper-evident tab 325 in the direction indicated by the arrow 330 in FIG. 3B. The tamper evident tab 325 can be separated from the outer shell 320 as shown in FIG. 3C. Once the tamper-evident tab 325 has been removed, the locking member 314 can be exposed as shown in FIG. 3D. After the tamper-evident tab 325 has been removed, the locking member 314 can be depressed, for example, as shown by the arrow 332 in FIG. 3D. When the locking member 314 is in a depressed position, the inner tray 310 can rotate away from the outer shell 320, for example, in the direction indicated by the arrows 334 in FIG. 3D. The inner tray can be moved to an open configuration as shown in FIG. 3E. The inner tray 310 can rotate about the pivot point where the hinge posts 318 interface with the hinge ports 328. In this way, the inner tray 310 can rotate freely away from the outer shell 320 and out of a locked positioned when the locking member 314 has been depressed. Once the locking member 314 has rotated such that it is no longer in the locking port 324 and not contacting the inside of the top wall of the outer shell 320, the inner tray 310 can rotate freely about the pivot point to a fully opened configuration. In the opened configuration, an open top face of the inner tray 310 will be at least partially exposed and not covered by the outer shell 320. In the opened configuration, a user can have access to the consumer goods held within the inner tray 310.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3I, one or more side walls of the inner tray 310 can include gripping features 319. The gripping features can include bumps, ridge, cuts, indentations, or other features that allow for fingers to grip onto the side walls. In some embodiments, the front side wall 312 of the inner tray 310 can include gripping features 319 adjacent to the locking member 314 as shown in FIG. 3D. These gripping features can be utilized be a user in order to apply pressure to the inner tray 310 to open or close the container assembly 300 assembly. In some embodiments, the exterior face of the back wall 313 of the inner tray 310 can include gripping features 319 as shown in FIGS. 3F & 3G. These gripping features can be utilized be a user in order to apply pressure to the inner tray 310 to open or close the container assembly 300 assembly.

FIG. 3F shows an exploded view of the container assembly 300 with the inner tray 310 detached from the outer shell 320. FIG. 3G shows a side view of the container assembly 300 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 3H shows another side view of the container assembly 300 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 3I shows a bottom perspective view of the container assembly 300 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 3J shows a perspective view of the outer shell 320 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3K shows a side view of the outer shell 320 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3L shows another side view of the outer shell 320 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3M shows another perspective view of the outer shell 320 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3N shows a perspective view of the inner tray 310 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3O shows a side view of the inner tray 310 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3P shows another side view of the inner tray 310 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3Q shows a bottom view of the inner tray 310 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3R shows another perspective view of an inner tray 310 of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3S shows a rear view of the container assembly 300. FIG. 3T shows a rear view of the inner container 310.

FIGS. 4A-4R illustrate an embodiment of a container or container assembly 400. The container assembly 400 can include any of the same and/or similar features as any of the container assemblies described herein (for example, container assembly 400) and vice versa.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the container assembly 400 in its assembled configuration. In this embodiment, the container assembly 400 can include two components which can fit together. The two components may also be referred to as boxes or housing members. In some embodiments, the two components can include an inner tray, inner compartment, or inner container 410 and an outer shell, casing, or outer container 420. In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can be removably received within an interior (e.g., an interior cavity) of the outer shell 420. The inner tray 410 can be at least partially removable from the interior of the outer shell 420. In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can be movably coupled (e.g., pivotably coupled) to the outer shell 420. The inner tray 410 can be generally shaped like a rectangular prism or square prism. The outer shell 420 can be generally shaped and sized to fit around three or more faces of the inner tray 410.

The container assembly 400 can be configured so that the inner tray 410 is connected to the outer shell 420 approximately at a corner of the inner tray 410. The connection can allow the inner tray 410 to move with respect to the outer shell 420 by rotation around an axis. In some embodiments, the outer shell 420 can be in the shape of a rectangular prism with two or more of the side walls open/empty to allow for rotation and movement of the inner tray 410. In some embodiments, the outer shell 420 can include side wall 421, an upper or top wall 427, and a bottom wall 426. In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can include side walls 411A, 411B, 412, and 413, and a bottom wall 409.

In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can include one or more hinge posts 418. The one or more hinge posts 418 can interface with one or more hinge ports 428 in the outer shell 420. In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can include two hinge posts 418 configured to interface with two hinge ports 428 in the outer shell 320 as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4O. When the one or more hinge posts 418 are coupled with (e.g., positioned inside) the hinge ports 408, the inner tray 410 can rotate about an axis that runs through the one or more hinge posts and one or more hinge ports (e.g., a pivot axis). The container assembly 400 can be opened or closed by rotating the inner tray 410 into or out of the outer shell 420. In some embodiments, the outer shell 420 can include an open space or cut-out 429 near the one or more hinge ports 428, as shown in FIGS. 4F & 4L, for example. The cut-out 429 can provide space or clearance for the inner tray 410 to swing out as it rotates about its pivot point or pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the inner tray 410 can include a locking flange or locking member 414. The locking member 414 may include a flexible arm or protrusion 415 extending from a side wall 412 of the inner tray 410. The locking member 414 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 415 of the locking member 414) can interface with one or more surfaces of the outer shell 420 to prevent removal of the inner tray 410 in the absence of actuation by a user. For example, the flexible protrusion 415 can be configured to contact a surface of the outer shell 420 in the absence of an application of force to the flexible protrusion 415 by the user (e.g., pressing the flexible protrusion inward).

In certain embodiments, locking member 414 can be configured to interact with a locking port 424 of the outer shell 420. During assembly, the inner tray 410 can be rotated into the outer shell 420. During this rotation, the locking member 414 rotates towards a locking port 424 disposed through a side wall 422 of the outer shell 420. As the inner tray 410 approaches the outer shell 420, the locking member 414 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 415 thereof) contacts the inner face of a side wall 422 temporarily flexing inwards while the locking member 414 moves into position inside the locking port 424. Once the locking member 414 is aligned with the locking port 424 of the outer shell 420, the locking member 414 (e.g., the flexible protrusion 415) can resiliently spring back to a resting configuration and engage with the locking port 424. When the locking member 414 is engaged with the locking port, it can prevent the inner tray 410 from rotating out of and away from the outer shell 420. The locking member 414 is discussed further with respect to FIGS. 4A-E.

FIGS. 4R and 4N also shows gripping members 416A-D disposed inside the walls of the inner tray 410. The gripping members 416A-D may be springs, spring members, arms, fingers, flanges, or protrusions. The gripping members 416A-D can be attached to and protrude from the side walls 411A & 411B of the inner tray 410. The gripping members 416A-D may conform to and firmly secure items positioned within the inner tray 410. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can be composed of a flexible, resilient material such as polypropylene (PP) or post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP) or some other plastic or metal, which can receive and conform to hold items in place inside the inner tray 410.

In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can be formed in a mirrored configuration where the mirror line runes down the middle of the length of the inner tray 410. In some embodiments, the gripping members can include two gripping members that extend from each side wall 411A & 411B and protrude inwardly towards the center of the inner tray 410. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can include a gripping member 416A that extends from a side wall 411B and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 413. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can include a gripping member 416B that extends from a side wall 411B and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 412. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can include a gripping member 416C that extends from a side wall 411A and extends inwardly and towards the back wall 413. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can also include a gripping member 416D that extends from a side wall 411A and extends inwardly and towards the front wall 412. In some embodiments, gripping members 416B and 416D form arc shapes that face inward towards the center of the inner tray 410. In some embodiments, gripping member 416A is formed in an arc that extends towards the rear wall 413 with the inner face of the arc facing side wall 411B, and gripping member 416C is formed in an arc that extends towards the front wall 412 with the inner face of the arc facing side wall 411A, as shown in FIGS. 4F & 4Q. In some embodiments, the gripping members 416A-D can include textured surfaces 417 to enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 416A-D, for example, by creating friction against the movement of the item being gripped. The textured surfaces 417 can include bumps, notches, ridges, cuts, adhesive, or any other components that enhance the gripping ability of the gripping members 416A-D. The gripping members 416A-D may be spring-like. The gripping members 416A-D may be flexible but have sufficient elasticity to be biased to return to a resting position. The gripping members may be flexible to receive an item between the gripping members 416A-D, but provide sufficient force due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members to secure the item between the gripping members.

In use, an item can be placed between the gripping members 416A-D by pressing the item between the gripping members 416A-D, which will flex and expand to accommodate the shape of the item and also apply a force inward onto the item due to the resilient and spring-like nature of the gripping members v to retain the item therein. Because of their resilient nature, the gripping members 416A-D can also dampen forces affecting the item being gripped in relation to jostling or movement outside of the container assembly 400. That is, the gripping members 416A-D can flex to allow the item being gripped to move to some degree inside the container assembly 400 to reduce forces resulting from impact of the container assembly 400 being dropped or otherwise impacting another object, the ground, etc.

Because the gripping members 416A-D are flexible, the gripping members 416A-D can accommodate and firmly hold items of varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the gripping members can be curved. In embodiments with curved gripping members 416A-D, the curved shape of the members 416A-D can provide for accommodation of items which range from narrow and small to items that are nearly the size of the inner tray 410, due to the shape of the gripping members 416A-D curving inward towards each other. The gripping members 416A-D can be made from a variety of different materials and can be configured in different sizes and shapes, depending on what items the inner tray 410 is designed to hold. In some embodiments, the outer shell 420 can include an open space or cut-out 429 near the hinge ports 428, as shown in FIGS. 4F & 4L, for example. The cut-out 429 can provide space or clearance for the inner tray 410 to swing out as it rotates about its pivot point.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the container assembly 400 can include a tamper-evident tab 425. The tamper-evident tab 425 can be disposed on the outer shell 420. The tamper-evident tab 425 may interface with the locking member 414. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident tab 425 can be attached to the outer shell 420 in a ‘break-away’ configuration, where small pieces of plastic or other materials hold the tamper-evident tab 425 in place, but the assembled container assembly 400 cannot be dissembled without breaking the components holding the tamper-evident tab 425 in place. In some embodiments, it may be possible to insert the inner tray 410 into the outer shell 420 without breaking the tamper-evident tab 425. In some embodiments, a tamper-evident tab 425 can be re-attached between uses of the container assembly 400. In some embodiment, a new tamper-evident tab 425 can be attached to the outer shell 420 of a container that has already had its tamper-evident tab 425 removed.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate one example of the process of removing the tamper-evident tab 425 and opening the container assembly 400. In some embodiments, when assembled, an outer face of the container assembly 400 can include portions of both the inner tray 410 and outer shell 420. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the container assembly 400 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 4B, one face of the container assembly 400 can include both the portion of the outer shell 420 with the tamper-evident tab 425 and a portion of the wall 412 of the inner tray 410. These pieces of the outer shell 420 and inner tray 410 can be combined to form a face or wall of the container assembly 400. In some embodiments, the container assembly 400 can be disassembled by removing or otherwise altering the tamper-evident tab 425 from the outer shell 420. For example, in some embodiments, a force can be applied to the tamper-evident tab 425 in the direction indicated by the arrow 430 in FIG. 4B. The tamper evident tab 425 can be separated from the outer shell 420 as shown in FIG. 4C. Once the tamper-evident tab 425 has been removed, the locking member 414 can be exposed as shown in FIG. 4D. After the tamper-evident tab 425 has been removed, the locking member 414 can be depressed, for example, as shown by the arrow 432 in FIG. 4D. When the locking member 414 is in a depressed position, the inner tray 410 can rotate away from the outer shell 420, for example, in the direction indicated by the arrows 434 in FIG. 4D. The inner tray can be moved to an open configuration as shown in FIG. 4E. The inner tray 410 can rotate about the pivot point where the hinges posts 418 interface with the hinge ports 428. In this way, the inner tray 410 can rotate freely away from the outer shell 420 and out of a locked positioned when the locking member 414 has been depressed. Once the locking member 414 has rotated such that it is no longer in the locking port 424 and not contacting the inside of the top wall of the outer shell 420, the inner tray 410 can rotate freely about the pivot point to a fully opened configuration. In the opened configuration, an open top face of the inner tray 410 will be at least partially exposed and not covered by the outer shell 420. In the opened configuration, a user can have access to the consumer goods held within the inner tray 410.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4I, one or more side walls of the inner tray 410 can include gripping features 419. The gripping features can include bumps, ridge, cuts, indentations, or other features that allow for fingers to grip onto the side walls. In some embodiments, the upper side wall 412 of the inner tray 410 can include gripping features 419 adjacent to the locking member 414 as shown in FIG. 4D. These gripping features can be utilized be a user in order to apply pressure to the inner tray 410 to open or close the container assembly 400 assembly. In some embodiments, the exterior of the rear wall 413 of the inner tray 410 can include gripping features 419 as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G. These gripping features can be utilized be a user in order to apply pressure to the inner tray 410 to open or close the container assembly 400 assembly.

FIG. 4F shows an exploded view of the container assembly 400 with the inner tray 410 detached from the outer shell 420. FIG. 4G shows a side view of the container assembly 400 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 4H shows another side view of the container assembly 400 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 4I shows a bottom perspective view of the container assembly 400 in an assembled configuration. FIG. 4J shows a perspective view of the outer shell 420 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4K shows a side view of the outer shell 420 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4L shows another side view of the outer shell 420 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4M shows another perspective view of the outer shell 420 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4N shows a perspective view of the inner tray 410 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 3O shows a side view of the inner tray 410 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4P shows another side view of the inner tray 410 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4Q shows a bottom view of the inner tray 410 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4R shows another perspective view of the inner tray 410 of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4S shows a rear view of the container assembly 400. FIG. 4T shows a rear view of the inner container 410.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some examples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusive of endpoints.

Several illustrative examples of container assemblies have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, including examples and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all other examples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the examples described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any example.

In summary, various examples of container assemblies and related methods have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses of the examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

1. A container assembly, comprising: an outer shell forming an interior cavity;an inner tray dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the outer shell, wherein the inner tray is rotatably coupled to the outer shell and configured to rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration; anda plurality of gripping members disposed within the inner tray, the gripping members being structured to flex outwardly to receive an item placed in the inner tray and apply an inward force to the item to releasably secure the item within the inner tray.

2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner tray is connected to the outer shell at one or more pivot points.

3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises one or more pivot ports, wherein the inner tray comprises one or more pivot posts received within the one or more pivot ports.

4. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking member extending from a side surface of the inner tray, the locking member being positioned to slide into and engage with a locking port formed in a sidewall of the outer shell to releasably secure the inner tray within the outer shell.

5. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gripping members comprise a plurality of curved arms extending from one or more inner walls of the inner tray.

6. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gripping members comprise a first pair of gripping members extending from a first sidewall of the inner tray and a second pair of gripping members extending from a second sidewall of the inner tray.

7. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of gripping members comprises a textured surface configured to grip the item placed in the inner tray.

8. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gripping members are formed of polypropylene.

9. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tamper-evident tab.

10. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident tab is removably attached to a side wall of the outer shell.

11. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident tab is mechanically joined to the outer shell.

12. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner tray further comprises a spacing member disposed on a side wall of the inner tray and configured to contact and exert an outward force on an inner wall of the outer shell.

13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the spacing member comprises a spring member.

14. A container assembly, comprising: an outer shell forming an interior cavity;an inner tray dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the outer shell;a plurality of gripping members disposed within the inner tray, the gripping members being structured to flex outwardly to receive an item placed in the inner tray and apply an inward force to the item to releasably secure the item within the inner tray; anda locking member extending from a side surface of the inner tray, the locking member being positioned to slide into and engage with a locking port formed in a sidewall of the outer shell to releasably secure the inner tray within the outer shell.

15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the inner tray is connected to the outer shell at one or more pivot points, wherein the inner tray is configured to rotate around the one or more pivot points when the locking member is not engaged with the locking port.

16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer shell comprises one or more pivot ports, wherein the inner tray comprises one or more pivot posts received within the one or more pivot ports.

17. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of gripping members comprise a plurality of curved arms extending from one or more inner walls of the inner tray.

18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of gripping members comprise a first pair of gripping members extending from a first sidewall of the inner tray and a second pair of gripping members extending from a second sidewall of the inner tray.

19. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of gripping members comprises a textured surface configured to grip the item placed in the inner tray.

20. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of gripping members are formed of polypropylene.

21. The container assembly of claim 14, further comprising a tamper-evident tab.

22. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein the tamper-evident tab is removably attached to a side wall of the outer shell.

23. The container assembly of claim 22, wherein the tamper-evident tab prevents separation of the outer shell and the inner tray while attached to the side wall of the outer shell.

24. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein the tamper-evident tab is mechanically joined to the outer shell.

25. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the locking member is configured to engage with the locking port in a first position and configured to engage with a second locking port of the outer shell in a second position.

26. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the inner tray further comprises a spacing member disposed on a side wall of the inner tray and configured to contact and exert an outward force on an inner wall of the outer shell.

27. The container assembly of claim 26, wherein the spacing member comprises a spring member.