Patent Application
20250136345
The present disclosure relates, in general, to padded container inserts. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a padded insert for a container that is made up of interlocking individual pieces, such that the insert is adjustable and conforms around the contents of the container.
Generally, padded container inserts are used to protect the contents of containers and packaging. They are typically made of high-density polyurethane foam and can be used with various items, from antiques to electronic equipment. Foam inserts have also been used to insulate items from extreme temperatures.
Container inserts can be custom-designed and constructed for each container and item to be contained within the container. Some container inserts are generically designed to allow for user customization at a lower cost. Traditional foam inserts consist mainly of a solid piece of non-reusable foam that is cut to fit a specific object and only that specific object. Other custom inserts typically utilize a pluck-and-pull system where the container insert is perforated, and a user plucks and pulls individual smaller units of the insert from the whole insert. Once a unit is plucked and pulled, it serves no other purpose and is typically discarded. In addition, once individual units have been removed from the insert, the insert can typically not be utilized for a different item to be contained.
Thus, what is needed is a container insert that is changeable and has individual units that interlock to form different shapes.
To minimize the limitations in the prior art and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present disclosure discloses a new and useful interlocking insert for containers.
The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein below. It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.
One embodiment of the present disclosure is a container insert that comprises a border and a plurality of individual interlocking container insert pieces. The pieces may preferably be identical to each other and may form a tessellated pattern within the border may be removed and replaced in a reusable manner. The container insert may be configured to fit within a container, such as a case or travel case. The pieces may preferably be made from plastic or durable foam in order to protect objects within cavities formed when one or more pieces are removed.
The devices of the present disclosure may more efficiently fill the available space of a container without the need for a custom (but static and unchangeable) container insert. The container insert may be designed to fit different containers of varying sizes and shapes. The individual interlocking container pieces allow the device of the present disclosure to be used and reused, eliminating the need for one time use or single use inserts.
The present disclosure discloses a unique, better, and more efficient system and apparatus for filling container space to securely hold delicate devices. As disclosed in the present disclosure, an interlocking container insert may provide a universal container filling system.
An interlocking container insert device comprising: a plurality of interlocking container insert pieces; wherein each of the interlocking container insert pieces comprises: a plurality of interlocking tabs; a plurality of interlocking cavities; and a body structure. The plurality of interlocking tabs may be configured to protrude distally from the body structure; wherein all of the interlocking tabs have a tab size and a tab shape that may be substantially the same; wherein all of the interlocking cavities have a cavity size and a cavity shape that may be substantially the same; wherein each of the interlocking cavities may be formed by two adjacent interlocking tabs of the interlocking tabs and the body structure between the two adjacent interlocking tabs; wherein the tab shape may be a mirror negative of the cavity shape; wherein the interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces; and wherein the plurality of interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to interlock to each other and form an interlocking container insert with a tessellate pattern. The interlocking container insert may further comprise: a border; wherein the border comprises a plurality of border interlocking tabs and a plurality of border interlocking cavities; wherein the border interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces; wherein the border interlocking cavities may be configured to interlock with the interlocking tabs of the interlocking container insert pieces. The border may have an outer edge that may be configured to matingly engage with an interior surface of a container. The interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern may have an outer edge that may be configured to engage with an interior surface of a container. The interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern may comprise one or more object cavities that may be formed by removing one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces from the interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern. The object cavities may be configured to be adjustable in size and shape by removing or adding one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces. The object cavities may be configured to be temporarily shaped to fit one or more specific objects. The interlocking container insert pieces and the border may be made of foam. The interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to be removably held in an interlocked state via friction. The interlocking container insert pieces and the border may be made of paper fiber materials. The body structure of one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces may be hollow.
Another embodiment may comprise: a plurality of interlocking container insert pieces; and a border; wherein each of the plurality of interlocking container insert pieces comprises: a plurality of interlocking tabs; a plurality of interlocking cavities; and a body structure. The interlocking tabs may be configured to protrude distally from the body structure. The interlocking tabs may have a tab size and a tab shape that may be substantially the same. The interlocking cavities have a cavity size and a cavity shape that may be substantially the same; wherein each of the interlocking cavities may be formed by two adjacent interlocking tabs of the interlocking tabs and the body structure between the two adjacent interlocking tabs. The tab shape may be a mirror negative of the cavity shape; wherein the interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces; wherein the interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to interlock to each other and form an interlocking container insert with a tessellate pattern. The border may comprise a plurality of border interlocking tabs and a plurality of border interlocking cavities; wherein the border interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces; wherein the border interlocking cavities may be configured to interlock with the interlocking tabs of the interlocking container insert pieces. The border may have an outer edge that may be configured to matingly engage with an interior surface of a container; and wherein the interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern may comprise one or more object cavities that may be formed by removing one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces from the interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern. The one or more object cavities may be configured to be adjustable in size and shape by removing or adding the one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces. The one or more object cavities may be configured to be temporarily shaped to fit one or more specific objects. The interlocking container insert pieces and the border may be made of foam. The interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to be removably held in an interlocked state via friction. The interlocking container insert pieces and the border may be made of paper fiber materials. The body structure of the interlocking container insert pieces may be hollow.
Another embodiment may comprise: a plurality of interlocking container insert pieces; and a border. Wherein each of the interlocking container insert pieces comprises: a plurality of interlocking tabs; a plurality of interlocking cavities; and a body structure. Wherein the interlocking tabs may be configured to protrude distally from the body structure; wherein all of the interlocking tabs may have a tab size and a tab shape that may be substantially the same. Wherein the interlocking cavities may have a cavity size and a cavity shape that may be substantially the same; wherein each of the interlocking cavities may be formed by two adjacent interlocking tabs of the interlocking tabs and the body structure between the two adjacent interlocking tabs; wherein the tab shape may be a mirror negative of the cavity shape. The interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces. The interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to interlock to each other and form an interlocking container insert with a tessellate pattern. The border may comprise a plurality of border interlocking tabs and a plurality of border interlocking cavities. The border interlocking tabs may be configured to interlock with the interlocking cavities of the interlocking container insert pieces. The border interlocking cavities may be configured to interlock with the interlocking tabs of the interlocking container insert pieces. The border may have an outer edge that may be configured to matingly engage with an interior surface of a container. The interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern may comprise one or more object cavities that may be formed by removing one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces from the interlocking container insert with the tessellate pattern. The object cavities may be configured to be adjustable in size and shape by removing or adding one or more interlocking container insert pieces. The object cavities may be configured to be temporarily shaped to fit one or more specific objects. The plurality of interlocking container insert pieces and the border may be made of foam; and wherein the interlocking container insert pieces may be configured to be removably held in an interlocked state via friction. The body structure of one or more of the interlocking container insert pieces may be hollow.
These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.
The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. However, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure. As will be realized, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the screenshot figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
Disclosed are components that may be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, may refer to a deviance of between 0.001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.
Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments.
As used herein, the term “container insert” refers to specifically shaped units designed to fill a container. Generally, the container insert may be configured to snuggly fit within at least part of a container.
As used herein, the term “facet” refers to a flat surface in the shape of an insert and arranged in a geometrical pattern.
As used herein, the term “flexibility” refers to mechanical properties. Specifically, flexibility is a material's ability to bend without failing or breaking.
As used herein, the term “interlock” refers to joining or connecting closely or matingly. Typically, the connection is one portion of a piece fitting together with another portion of a second piece.
As used herein, the term “malleability” or “malleable” refer to mechanical properties of materials. Specifically, malleability is a material's ability to be reshaped, changed, adjusted, or physically pushed out of its normal shape, so as to fit without failing or braking.
As used herein, the term “deformability” or “deformable” refer to mechanical properties of materials. Specifically, deformability is a material's ability to be reshaped, changed, adjusted, or physically pushed out of its normal shape, so as to fit without failing or braking, wherein the material returns to its normal/typical shape, or approximately normal/typical shape, when outside physical forces are removed.
As used herein, the term “mirror image” refers to an object with an opposite handed spatial arrangement corresponding to another object.
As used herein, the term “mirror negative” or “mirror negatives” refers to two objects being designed to matingly fit together, wherein a first object has a specifically shaped protrusion, and a second object has that same specifically shape, but as a cavity.
As used herein, the term “tessellate” refers to a pattern using identical shapes that fit together with no spaces.
The main components of an interlocking container insert system are the individual interlocking insert pieces and an optional interlocking container insert border. Individual interlocking container insert pieces may form a tessellated design using a plurality of identical interlocking container insert pieces.
The tessellating design allows for a plurality of interlocking container insert pieces to interlock and form an insert system, regardless of the orientation of an interlocking container insert.
As shown in
First interlocking tab 101, second interlocking tab 102, and third interlocking tab 103 may preferably be identical to each other, which allows any piece to be removed and replaced with any other piece. First interlocking tab 101, second interlocking tab 102, and third interlocking tab 103 may also be mirror images when divided down the middle. Constructing first interlocking tab 101, second interlocking 102, and third interlocking tab 103 as mirror images and as a tessellate identical pieces, may allow interlocking container insert piece 100 to interlock with the other interlocking container insert pieces, regardless of orientation of the pieces and may allow for few if any limits on the arrangements that may be made to the container insert of the present disclosure. The container insert may be tailored to fit any container of any shape, simply by the removal or addition of the pieces.
First interlocking tab 101, second interlocking tab 102, and third interlocking tab 103 may preferably be positive protrusions that matingly fits with the mirror negatives of first interlocking cavity 104, second interlocking cavity 105, and/or third interlocking cavity 106.
Any of first interlocking tab 101, second interlocking tab 102, or third interlocking tab 103 may matingly interlock with any of first interlocking cavity 104, second interlocking cavity 105, or third interlocking cavity 106.
Although only one embodiment of interlocking container insert piece 100 is shown in
In one embodiment, interlocking container insert piece 100 may be made from any durable, flexible, malleable, and/or deformable material. Interlocking container insert piece 100 may be made from, but is not limited to, foam, memory foam, high-density polyurethane foam, synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane, and paper fiber materials (which includes fiber materials made from wood, wood pulp, and grasses, such as bamboo), such as cardboard. Although flexible, malleable, and/or deformable materials may be preferred, interlocking container insert 100 may be made from rigid materials, including rigid materials that are crushable or collapsible so as to have force-dampening properties. Materials that the pieces may be made from include wood and grasses (such as bamboo or balsa wood), composites, plastics, foams, and metals.
First face facet 150 may form face facet angle 180 with second face facet 115. face facet angle 180 may be an angle between 0 and 180 degrees.
Second face facet 115 may form second face to first right side angle 160 with first right side facet 120. Second face to first right side angle 160 may preferably be an angle between 1 and 90 degrees. First right side facet 120 may be adjacent to and/or attached to right lower facet 125.
Right lower facet 125 may be configured to be adjacent to and/or attached to second right side facet 130 such that right lower to second right side angle 165 is formed between them.
First face facet 150 may form first face to first left side angle 155 with first left side facet 145. First face to first left side angle 155 may preferably be between 1 and 90 degrees. First left side facet 145 may be adjacent to and/or attached to left lower facet 140.
Left lower facet 140 may be configured to be adjacent to and/or attached to second left side facet 135, such that left lower to second left side angle 170 is formed between them.
First face to first left side angle 155 and second face to first right side angle 160, as shown, are preferably the same and are also preferably equal to left lower to second left side angle 170 and right lower to second right side angle 165, which are themselves the same. Preferably all four of the angles 155, 160, 165, and 170 are identical. Similarly, first right side facet 120, right lower facet 125, left lower facet 140, first left side facet 145, may preferably be equal (or substantially equal) in length. Additionally, second face facet 115, first face facet 150, second right side facet 130, and second left side facet 135 may preferably all be equal (or substantially equal) in length. When the angles and facets are the same, this allows the interlocking container insert pieces to matingly fit together in a substantially snug/tesselate manner.
Second right side facet 130 may be adjacent to and/or attached to second left side facet of third interlocking tab 103. Second right side facet 130 may form right cavity to face facet angle 175 with second left side facet of third interlocking tab 103. Right cavity to face facet angle 175 may preferably be the same or substantially the same as face facet angle 180.
Second left side facet 135 may be adjacent to and/or attached to second right side facet of first interlocking tab 101. Second left side facet 135 may form left cavity to face facet angle 185 with second right side facet (not shown) of first interlocking tab 101. Left cavity to face facet angle 185 may preferably be the same or substantially the same as face facet angle 180.
The structures of second interlocking tab 102 and third interlocking tab 103 may be substantially the same or even identical to the structures of first interlocking tab 101, as detailed in
Border 401 may be the outer portion of a multi-edged container insert and/or the outer portion of a curved/rounded container insert. Although shown as straight, border 401 may be curved or have defined sides.
Border 401 and may be durable, flexible, malleable, and/or deformable, and may be substantially any shape, which may allow the insert to fit within different types of containers and hold different types of objects. Interlocking container insert pieces 402 and border 401 may be made from, but not be limited to, foam, such as, high-density polyurethane foam, synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane, and paper fiber materials. Although flexible, malleable, and/or deformable materials may be preferred for the construction of interlocking container insert pieces 402 and border 401, they may be made from any type of materials. The type of materials used may affect the container insert's ability to protect objects from damage.
As shown in
Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.
Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
