Display Container For Botanical Specimens

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens. Embodiments of the disclosed jar may have a body portion with an integrated LED array for illuminating the contents of the jar. The jar may have a removable lid with an integrated magnifying lens, and an opening or port to enable a user to smell the contents of the jar. The opening may have a removable plug to establish a substantially air tight seal on the lid of the jar, to trap odors within the jar. The removable plug can be selectively removed to enable the user to smell the contents of the jar. The jar may have an electronics module and power source operable for wireless charging. The jar may also be configured to interface with a charging dock or base for wireless charging of integrated batteries.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/568,468, filed Jan. 4, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/950,512 filed on Nov. 17, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/910,682 filed on Mar. 2, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/607,785, filed on Jun. 16, 2017 entitled “LIGHTED MAGNIFIED DISPLAY JAR,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety at least by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of botanical examination and observation; in particular, a lighted magnified display jar with sealable smell port for multisensory examination of botanical specimens.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An object of the present disclosure is a multisensory examination jar apparatus comprising a lid having side walls defining a circumference and a top portion extending from the side walls, the top portion comprising a circular aperture and an elongated aperture, the circular aperture having side walls defining a viewing portion and the elongated aperture having side walls defining a smell port, the lid having a magnifying lens coupled to an interior portion in alignment with the circular aperture; a smell port plug removably coupled to the elongated aperture, the smell port plug having a bottom portion and side walls, the smell port plug being configured to seal the smell port when removably coupled to the elongated aperture; a housing being selectively coupled to the lid, the housing having an upper circumference and a lower circumference with a support structure extending therebetween to define a viewing area, the housing having a jar portion defining an interior portion of the housing; an LED array disposed around an interior portion of the upper circumference of the housing; and, an electronics module being operably engaged with the LED array and a power source.

Another object of the present disclosure is a magnified display jar apparatus comprising a lid having side walls defining a circumference and a top portion extending from the side walls, the top portion having a circular aperture and an elongated aperture, the circular aperture having side walls defining a viewing portion and the elongated aperture having side walls defining an odor port, and a magnifying lens coupled to an interior portion of the lid in alignment with the circular aperture; an odor plug removably coupled to the elongated aperture, the odor plug having a bottom and side walls configured to seal the odor port when removably coupled to the elongated aperture; a housing being selectively coupled to the lid, the housing having an upper circumference and a lower circumference with a support structure extending therebetween to define a viewing area, the housing having a jar portion defining an interior portion of the housing, the upper circumference of the housing having a channel portion disposed around an interior portion of the upper circumference; an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs being mounted on a ring-shaped array surface, the LED array being coupled to the channel portion of the upper circumference of the housing; and, an electronics module being operably engaged with the LED array and a power source.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is a magnified display jar apparatus comprising a lid having side walls defining a circumference and a top portion extending from the side walls, the top portion having a circular aperture and an elongated aperture, the circular aperture having side walls defining a viewing portion and the elongated aperture having side walls defining an odor port, and a magnifying lens coupled to an interior portion of the lid in alignment with the circular aperture; an odor plug removably coupled to the elongated aperture, the odor plug having a bottom and side walls configured to seal the odor port when removably coupled to the elongated aperture; a housing being selectively coupled to the lid, the housing having an upper circumference and a lower circumference with a support structure extending therebetween to define a viewing area, the housing having a jar portion defining an interior portion of the housing, the upper circumference of the housing having a channel portion disposed around an interior portion of the upper circumference; an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs being mounted on a ring-shaped array surface, the LED array being coupled to the channel portion of the upper circumference of the housing; and, an electronics module being operably engaged with the LED array and a power source.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a magnified lighted display jar with sealable smell port with the lid in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detailed description of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Moreover, certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. For example, the words “right,” “left,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner” and “outer” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word “a” is defined to mean “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens; more particularly, a magnified lighted display jar for displaying, viewing, and smelling flowers and other vegetation. Embodiments of the disclosed jar may have a body portion with an integrated LED array for illuminating the contents of the jar. The jar may have a removable lid with an integrated magnifying lens, and an opening or port to enable a user to smell the contents of the jar. The opening may have a removable plug to establish a substantially air tight seal on the lid of the jar, to trap odors within the jar. The removable plug can be selectively removed to enable the user to smell the contents of the jar. The jar may have an electronics module and power source operable for wireless charging. The jar may also be configured to interface with a charging dock or base for wireless charging of integrated batteries.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a magnified display jar with sealable smell port 100 is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, magnified display jar 100 is configured to store flowers, or other items, in a jar portion 108. Jar portion 108 is housed in housing 104. A lid portion 102 interfaces with body portion 108 to contain and seal the contents of jar portion 108. Lid portion 102 contains a magnifying lens 112 and a smell or odor port plug 110. Smell port plug 110 may be constructed from rubber, plastic, and the like. Smell port plug 110 may have a gripping portion 202 that enables a user to remove smell port plug 110 from lid 102. Lid 102 and housing 104 contain a security connector portion 114. Security connector portion 114 enables a user to securely couple lid 102 and housing 104 with a cable, zip tie, locking device, or other connection means to prevent lid 102 from being removed from housing 104. A charging dock 106 is operable to interface with a lower portion of housing 104 to enable wireless charging of an integrated battery pack.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an isometric view of magnified display jar with sealable smell port 100 is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, magnified jar 100 contains an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to an upper interior portion of housing 104. A power button 118 is operably engaged with an integrated battery and is configured to turn the LED array on and off in relation to the integrated battery. Housing 104 may also have a lower security connector portion or eyelet 116, which is configured to receive a cable, zip tie, or the like for securely connecting or locking magnified display jar 100 to a desired location.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of magnified display jar with sealable smell port 100 is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, magnified display jar 100 is generally comprised of a lid assembly 302, a body assembly 304, and an electronics assembly 306. Lid assembly 302 is generally comprised of lid 102, smell port plug 110, smell port gasket 120, lid insert 122, magnifying lens 112, lens coupling 144, and lid gasket 124. Lid 102 is comprised of a circular opening defining a viewing area 146 and an elongated opening defining a smell port 148. Smell port plug 110 is configured to be the same shape as smell port 148 such that smell port plug 110 may be mateably coupled with smell port 148. Lid insert 122 is configured to mateably couple with lid 102, such that lid insert 122 aligns with viewing area 146 and smell port 148. Lid insert 122 may further comprise a smelling surface 150. Smelling surface 150 is configured to extend between the area of smell port 148. Smelling surface 150 contains a plurality of apertures such that air (i.e. smell) may freely flow therethrough, but configured such that a user is prevented from inserting their fingers or a foreign object into the interior portion of magnified display jar 100. Smell port gasket 120 is inserted against a perimeter of smelling surface 150 and then lid insert 122 is mateably coupled with lid 102. Smell port gasket 120 provides a substantially air tight seal between lid insert 122 and lid 102 along the perimeter of smell port 148. Lens 112 is coupled to an interior portion of lid insert 122 in alignment with viewing area 146. Lens coupling 144 is configured to secure lens 112 to lens insert 122 in alignment with viewing area 146. Lens coupling 144 may be screwed, glued, or otherwise coupled to lens insert 122 in order to secure lens 112. Lid gasket 124 may be coupled to and disposed around a perimeter of lid insert 112 such that lid assembly 302 may establish a substantially airtight seal with body assembly 304 when coupled to body 104. Lid insert 122 and body 104 may have complementary threaded portions such that lid assembly 302 may be screwed and unscrewed from body assembly 304. The threaded portions of lid insert 122 and body 104 should be configured such that security connectors 114 (as shown in FIG. 1) are aligned when lid assembly 302 is coupled to body assembly 304. The threaded portions of lid insert 122 and body 104 are a design choice to provide stability and a more air tight connection, but lid assembly 302 and body assembly 304 may be mateably coupled using any suitable mechanical means.

Body assembly 304 is generally comprised of housing 104, LED array 128, LED gasket 130, jar gasket 132, jar 134, power switch 118, electronics housing 136, circuity 140, batteries 138, power connector 142, and base portion 160, and bus 126. Housing 104 may be comprised of an upper circumference 152, a lower circumference 156, and a support structure 158 extending between upper circumference 152 and lower circumference 156 to provide structural integrity of housing 104 and to define a viewing area 154 extending between an upper perimeter of lower circumference 156 and a lower perimeter of upper circumference 152. LED array 128 comprises a plurality of LEDs disposed around LED array 128 (as shown in FIG. 5). LED array 130 is coupled to a channel portion (as shown in FIG. 5) of housing 104. LED gasket 130 is disposed on LED array 130 to secure and conceal LED array 130 in the channel portion (as shown in FIG. 5) of housing 104. Jar gasket 132 is disposed around an inner perimeter of housing 104 adjacent to the channel portion (as shown in FIG. 5) of housing 104. Jar 104 is housed in an interior portion of housing 104. Jar gasket 132 provides an interface between jar 134 and housing 104 to ensure a secure fit between jar 134 and housing 104.

Electronics housing 136 couples to base portion 160 to contain circuity 140, batteries 138, power connector 142. Power connector 142 interfaces with a power connector aperture in base 160 such that power connector 142 can interface with the charging dock (as shown in FIG. 1). Electronics housing 136 interfaces with a lower portion of housing 104 to securely couple jar 134 in the interior portion of housing 104. Bus 126 provides power transfer between LED array 128 and batteries 138. Power switch 118 is operably engaged with circuity 140 to control the transfer of power from batteries 138 to LED array 128 via bus 126.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an isometric view of a magnified display jar with sealable smell port 100 is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, magnified display jar 100 is shown in an open configuration, with lid assembly 302 disconnected from housing 104. Lid gasket 124 is shown coupled to an inner portion of lid insert 122. Lens coupling 144 is shown being screwed to lid insert 122 to secure lens 112. The threaded portions of lid insert 122 and housing 104, as discussed in FIG. 3 above, are shown. The user places a desired item, such as a flower, into the interior portion 402 of body assembly 304 and secures lid assembly 302 to body assembly 304 to securely contain the item for viewing and examination via lens 112 and smell port 148 (as shown in FIG. 3).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of body assembly 304 is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, upper circumference 152 of housing 104 is comprised of channel 502 and an inner perimeter 506. LED array 128 is housed in channel 152 and LED gasket 130 is disposed on LED array 128. LED array 128 has a plurality of LEDs 504 disposed thereon. In an embodiment, LED array 128 has between four and eight LEDs 504 disposed equidistant around the circumference of LED array 128. LED gasket 130 has a plurality of apertures disposed equidistant around the circumference of LED gasket 130 in alignment with the location of LEDs 504 disposed LED array 128. Jar gasket 132 is disposed around inner perimeter 506 to secure jar 134 inside housing 104. Inner perimeter 506 is offset from channel 502 such that LEDs 504 disposed LED array 128 are not impeded by jar gasket 132 and/or jar 134.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an isometric view of a magnified display jar 100 with smell port plug 110 removed is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, magnified lighted display jar 100 is configured such that a user can visually examine and smell the contents of magnified display jar 100 simultaneously. With smell port plug 110 removed, the user may bring magnified display jar 100 adjacent to his or her face such that the user's nose is approximately centered horizontally with smell port 148. The user may then align viewing area 146 adjacent to the user's eyes, such that the user may visually examine the contents of magnified display jar 100 via lens 112, while simultaneously smell the contents of magnified display jar 100 via smell port 148. According to an embodiment, viewing area 146 is circular in shape and is off-centered in relation to the center of lid 102 (in relation to the circumference of lid 102). Smell port 148 may be elongated in shape and configured as an arc in relation to the circumference of lid 102. Smell port 148 may have an arc angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, although any shape or configuration suitable to enable simultaneous viewing and smelling via lid 102 is anticipated. When the user has concluded examining the contents of magnified lighted display jar 100 the user replaces smell port plug 110, thereby establishing a substantially air tight seal on lid 102.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens. The multisensory examination jar as described herein provides the following, non-exhaustive, improvements over the prior art:

Simultaneous visual and olfactory examination of botanical specimens;

Integration of full spectrum lighting, magnification lens, and olfactory examination port;

Integration of a circular LED array to prevent unobstructed illumination of the botanical specimen, regardless of the placement or configuration of the lid;

Wireless charging of integrated batteries via a removable charging dock;

Multiple security attachments for ensuring the integrity of the contained specimen, and well as physical security of the multisensory examination jar;

Unique design of lid to support optimal placement of visual and olfactory examination areas.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display container comprising: a) a housing including: i. an upper portion defining an upper circumference of the housing,ii. a lower portion defining a lower circumference of the housing, andiii. an intermediate portion extending vertically between and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion defining a viewing area between the upper and lower portions;b) a lid detachably mounted to the upper portion of the housing, the lid including: i. a top wall having a viewing aperture passing vertically therethrough,ii. a lens in alignment with the viewing aperture, andiii. a side wall extending downwardly from a periphery of the top wall and defining a circumference of the lid;c) a generally cylindrical, transparent sidewall in the housing, the sidewall extending across the viewing area between an upper end within the upper circumference of the housing and a lower end within the lower circumference of the housing, the transparent sidewall cooperating with the housing and lid to define an enclosed interior for storing a botanical specimen; andd) an integrated lighting system including at least one LED in the interior adjacent the upper portion of the housing for illumination of the botanical specimen from above, and a control system coupled to the at least one LED for controlling operation of the at least one LED.

2. The display container of claim 1, wherein the control system includes an electronics module in the lower portion of the housing and coupled to the at least one LED through one or more connectors extending along, and generally concealed by, the intermediate portion of the housing.

3. The display container of claim 2, wherein the control system comprises a power switch attached to the lower portion of the housing for controlling supply of power to the light source.

4. The display container of claim 2, wherein the lighting system includes a battery in the lower portion of the housing for powering the at least one LED.

5. The display container of claim 4, wherein the lighting system includes a wireless charging module in the lower portion of the housing for wireless charging of the battery in cooperation with an inductive charging dock.

6. The display container of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED is mounted to the upper portion of the housing.

7. The display container of claim 6, wherein the upper portion of the housing includes an annular channel extending around the upper circumference in the interior, and wherein the at least one LED comprises a plurality of LEDs mounted on an annular array surface received in the annular channel.

8. The display container of claim 7, wherein the upper portion of the housing includes an overhang extending radially inwardly into the interior, and the annular channel is in an underside of the overhang and has a downwardly facing channel opening for receiving the annular array surface.

9. The display container of claim 8, wherein the lighting system includes an annular LED gasket mounted in the channel over the annular array surface.

10. The display container of claim 1, wherein the lighting system includes an LED cover mounted over the at least one LED for concealment thereof.

11. The display container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion of the housing comprises a pair of columnar supports on opposite sides of the housing and spaced circumferentially apart from each other by openings defining the viewing area.

12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a security connector portion for securing the lid to the housing, the security connector portion including a first eyelet fixed to the lid and a second eyelet fixed to the upper portion of the housing adjacent the first eyelet, the first and second eyelets securable to each other to inhibit the lid from being removed from the housing.

13. The display container of claim 1, wherein the housing is generally opaque.

14. A display container comprising: a) a housing including: i. an upper collar defining an upper circumference of the housing, the upper circumference extending about an open top of the housing,ii. a lower collar defining a lower circumference of the housing, the lower circumference extending about a closed bottom of the housing, andiii. at least one columnar portion extending vertically between and connecting the upper and lower collars, the at least one columnar portion spacing apart the upper and lower collars by an open space therebetween;b) a lid detachably mounted to the upper collar to cover the open top of the housing, the lid having an integrated lens extending over the open top of the housing; andc) a generally cylindrical, transparent sidewall supported by the housing, the transparent sidewall extending vertically between an upper end received by the upper collar and a lower end received by the lower collar for horizontally enclosing the open space to define an interior of the container in cooperation with the housing and the lid, the interior for holding a botanical specimen;d) an integrated lighting system including at least one LED in the interior above the open space for illumination of the botanical specimen from above, and a control system coupled to the at least one LED for controlling operation of the at least one LED.

15. The display container of claim 14, wherein control system includes an electronics module in the housing below the open space and coupled to the at least one LED through one or more connectors extending along the at least one columnar support.

16. The display container of claim 15, wherein the control system includes a power switch projecting from an exterior of the lower collar for controlling supply of power to the at least one LED.

17. The display container of claim 15, wherein the lighting system includes a rechargeable battery in the housing below the open space and coupled to the electronics module for supply of power to the at least one LED.

18. The display container of claim 14, wherein the at least one columnar support comprises a pair of columnar supports on opposite sides of the housing and spaced circumferentially apart from each other by openings across which the transparent sidewall extends.

19. The display container of claim 18, wherein the upper collar, lower collar, and pair of columnar supports are of integral, unitary, one-piece construction.

20. A display container comprising: a) a housing including: i. an upper portion defining an upper circumference of the housing,ii. a lower portion defining a lower circumference of the housing, andiii. an intermediate portion extending vertically between and connecting the upper and lower portions, the intermediate portion defining a viewing area between the upper and lower portions;b) a transparent sidewall supported by the housing and extending across the viewing area to horizontally enclose an interior of the container for storing a botanical specimen viewable through the viewing area;c) a lid mounted to the upper portion and having an integrated lens extending overtop the interior for viewing the botanical specimen from above; andd) an integrated lighting system including at least one LED positioned in the interior for illumination of the botanical specimen from above, and a control system coupled to the at least one LED for controlling operation of the at least one LED.