Patent Grant
11698241
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant.
The present disclosure relates generally to holsters. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to a holster for containing and/or protecting accessories such as but not limited to a gun, chemical agent, weapon, electrical discharge “stunning” device, power tool, knife, pager, radio, pda, telephone, and other similar communication and computing device, etc., where the holster comprises a container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, and a securing means that selectively holds the cover in a desired position about the container.
A holster is a device used to contain or restrict the undesired movement of an accessory, such as a handgun, most commonly in a location where it can be easily withdrawn for immediate use. Holsters can also be utilized to contain accessories such as knives, chemical agents, batons and other impact weapons, power tools, etc. Because the accessory being contained by the holster is often times repeatedly inserted and subsequently removed from the holster—often at a quick rate—a holster is subjected to many different elements and can be worn down. Moisture can do damage internally as well. Moisture, abrasion caused by many sources, temperature extremes, and even sunlight are but a few examples of the conditions and elements that can cause wear and damage to a holster's exterior. In many professions such as those of law enforcement and the military, maintaining a certain level of appearance is desired or required. Thus, when the holster begins to look worn, or in the case of leather contaminated or stained by substances such as water, chemicals of all sorts, and various bodily fluids, the entire holster needs to be replaced. This is done regardless of whether the rest of the holster is in working condition. There might also be a need to change out the covering, though there is no wear at all. A law enforcement agency might want to change from high-gloss to basketweave. A military unit might want to change from one camouflage style to another.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like, which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.
However, the typical holster arrangement has various disadvantages and shortcomings. Thus, there is a need for a holster comprising multiple units such that a portion of the holster may be discarded without having to replace the entire holster.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the present disclosure comprises a container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, and a securing means that selectively holds the cover in a desired position about the container. In certain exemplary embodiments, the container may be three-dimensional and define a cavity (e.g., a pocket) for containing an accessory. For example, the container may be a compartment substantially open on at least one side where the compartment is shaped to contain a specific accessory including but not limited to a gun, a magazine, a knife, a baton or impact weapon, chemical agent, ammunition for gun, a flashlight, handcuffs, protective gloves, an electrical discharge stunning device, a recorder, pager, radio, pda, telephone, and other similar communication and computing devices and batteries for them. The cover may have a shape that corresponds to the three-dimensional shape of the container. In certain exemplary embodiments, the securing means holds the cover about the outer portion of the container until it is desired that the cover be removed. The securing means may comprise a screw, snap, hook & loop with removable adhesive, clamp, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a replacement cover may be applied to the container and selectively held in place by the securing means. For example, the replacement cover may be substantially the same as the preceding cover. However, in alternative embodiments, the replacement cover may be different than the preceding cover such as in size, shape, color, or other material characteristics.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, each of the components of the accessory container and replaceable cover system, i.e., the cover, the attachment element, the container, and/or the flat is each individually replaceable.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the replaceable container cover of the present disclosure comprises a cover adapted to be fit about and repeatably attachable to and detachable from at least a portion of an outside surface of a container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the cover, and wherein at least one aperture formed through a portion of the container is alignable with the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container cover when the cover is fit about the portion of the outside surface of the container; a cover adapted to be fit about and repeatably moveable between an attached and an unattached condition relative to at least a portion of an outside surface of the container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the cover, and wherein the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container is alignable with the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container cover when the cover is fit about the portion of the outside surface of the container; an attachment element adapted to be repeatably attachable to and detachable from the container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the attachment element; and at least one fastener, wherein at least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably attachable to and detachable from at least some of the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container, wherein if at least a portion of the at least one fastener is attached to at least some of the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover or passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover is adapted to be fit about substantially all of the outside surface of the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover is adapted to be fit about at least a portion of a bottom portion of the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably attachable to and detachable from the attachment element, the cover, and the container, wherein if at least a portion of the at least one fastener is attached to the attachment element, the cover, and the container, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element, passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover, and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the at least one fastener includes a screw post and wherein if at least a portion of the at least one fastener is attached to at least some of the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container the screw post passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover or passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover comprises a first side and a second side where the cover can be attached or coupled to the container with either the first side or the second side being in contact with the outside surface of the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover is not adapted to overlie the at least one cavity of the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, at least a portion of the attachment element extends past a portion of the container and past a portion of an exterior surface of the cover.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, a flap is included, which is adapted to be repeatably attachable to and detachable from the container.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the replaceable container cover of the present disclosure comprises a cover adapted to be fit about and repeatably moveable between an attached and an unattached condition relative to at least a portion of an outside surface of a container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the cover, and wherein at least one aperture formed through a portion of the container is alignable with the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container cover when the cover is fit about the portion of the outside surface of the container; an attachment element adapted to be repeatably attachable to and detachable from the container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the attachment element; and at least one fastener, wherein at least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably moveable between an attached and an unattached condition relative to the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container, wherein in the attached condition, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover or passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably moveable between an attached and an unattached condition relative to the attachment element, the cover, and the container, wherein in the attached condition, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element, passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover, and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover comprises a first side and a second side where the cover can be attached or coupled to the container with either the first side or the second side being in contact with the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover may be removed and/or replaced without removing the attachment element from the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, in the attached condition the at least one fastener includes a screw post that passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover or passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the one or more apertures formed in the cover and the one or more apertures formed in the container are overlapping and aligned when the cover is positioned about the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, when the cover is attached or coupled to the outside surface of the container, and wherein the cover is not adapted to overlie the at least one cavity of the container.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the replaceable container cover of the present disclosure comprises a cover adapted to be fit about and repeatably attachable to and detachable from at least a portion of an outside surface of a container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the cover, and wherein at least one aperture formed through a portion of the container is alignable with the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container cover when the cover is fit about the portion of the outside surface of the container; a cover adapted to be fit about and repeatably moveable between an attached and an unattached condition relative to at least a portion of an outside surface of the container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the cover, and wherein the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container is alignable with the at least one aperture formed through the portion of the container cover when the cover is fit about the portion of the outside surface of the container; an attachment element adapted to be repeatably attachable to and detachable from the container, wherein at least one aperture is formed through at least a portion of the attachment element, wherein at least a portion of the attachment element extends past at least a portion of an outside surface of the cover when the cover is fit about at least a portion of the container; and at least one fastener, wherein at least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably attachable to and detachable from at least some of the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container, wherein if at least a portion of the at least one fastener is attached to at least some of the attachment element, the cover, and/or the container, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover or passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one fastener is repeatably attachable to and detachable from the attachment element, the cover, and the container, wherein if at least a portion of the at least one fastener is attached to the attachment element, the cover, and the container, at least a portion of the at least one fastener passes through the at least one aperture formed through the attachment element, passes through the at least one aperture formed through the cover, and passes through the at least one aperture formed through the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the cover comprises a first side and a second side, and wherein the cover can be fit about the container with either the first side or the second side being in contact with the container.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, when the cover is attached or coupled to the outside surface of the container, and wherein the cover is not adapted to overlie at least one cavity of the container.
Accordingly, the present disclosure separately provides an improved holster or container.
The present disclosure separately provides an improved holster or container that allows for replacement of a holster or container cover.
The present disclosure separately provides an improved holster or container that allows for replacement of a holster or container cover without replacement of the entire holster or container.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in concert with the figures. While features of the present disclosure may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the disclosure discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.
Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s) of the present disclosure or the claims.
As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of the present disclosure. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure.
The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the accessory container and replaceable cover system according to the present disclosure are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of an accessory container and replaceable cover system according to the present disclosure. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the accessory container and replaceable cover system is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the accessory container and replaceable cover system of this disclosure. It should be appreciated that the accessory container and replaceable cover system can be adapted to many applications where an accessory container and replaceable cover system or strap can be used.
As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense (i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.
The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.
Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-ended linking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system, method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.
It should also be appreciated that the terms “accessory container”, “accessory”, and “cover” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this disclosure. Therefore, the terms “accessory container”, “accessory”, and “cover” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this disclosure.
For simplicity and clarification, the accessory container and replaceable cover system of this disclosure will be described as being used in conjunction with certain specific accessories. However, it should be appreciated that these are merely exemplary embodiments of the accessory container and replaceable cover system and are not to be construed as limiting this disclosure. Thus, the accessory container and replaceable cover system of this disclosure may be utilized in conjunction with any firearm, accessory, object, or device.
Turning now to the drawing FIGS.,
In a certain exemplary embodiments, as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In certain exemplary embodiments, the securing means comprises a screw 123. In exemplary embodiments comprising a screw 123, the container and the cover may each define an opening adapted to receive the screw 123 such that when the screw 123 has been received by the holes of the container and the cover, the cover is held in a desired position about the container. In exemplary embodiments where the securing means comprises a screw 123, the container may comprise a screw post 130 where the screw post 130 prevents the end of the screw 123 from coming into contact with the contents of the holster. This may prevent a screw 123 from scratching a gun, knife, power tool, etc. that is being contained by the holster. The screw post 130 may, for example, comprise a polymeric material that cushions the screw 123 as well as the contents of the holster. In another exemplary embodiment, the screw post 130 may be made out of the same material as the container.
In one exemplary embodiment, a container may be utilized with more than one cover. Various covers may comprise different images based on different applications of the holster. For example a first holster may be all black for use in the nighttime, while a second holster may be camouflage, and a third holster may comprise a reflective finish. In one exemplary embodiment comprising more than one cover, a first cover must be selectively removed from the container before a second cover can be selectively attached thereto.
In one exemplary embodiment, a holster further comprises an attachment element. The attachment element may permit an individual using the holster to wear it on his or her body. The attachment element may comprise a belt loop for duty use, belt loop for plain clothes, swivel belt loop attachment, shoulder harness, paddle attachment, clip, clamp, MOLLE-type or MOLLE-compatible device, tactical platform, straps and loops. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment element is connected to the container such that the cover can be selectively attached and detached from the container without having to disconnect the attachment element from the container. In another exemplary embodiment, an attachment element may be removed in order to selectively remove the cover from the container, and the attachment element may be re-secured to the container after or as a new cover is put in place on the container.
In one exemplary embodiment, a securing means 120 selectively secures a cover 110 about a container 100 as well as selectively connects an attachment element to the cover and/or container. The attachment element 140 may be a belt loop attachment as shown in
Some exemplary embodiments comprise a container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, a first securing means for securing the cover to the container, and a second securing means for selectively attaching the cover to a holster accessory. A holster accessory may comprise an attachment element in some embodiments. In other exemplary embodiments, a holster accessory may be a hood, flap, thumb break, retention strap, etc. A tactical platform is typically woven with straps onto a vest, belt, thigh rig, etc. Thus, when a tactical platform is an accessory selectively attached to the cover, a user may be able to wear the holster on his or her body in a variety of ways. A hood is a retention device that helps retain a holstered firearm and is typically deactivated by a user with his or her thumb. In some exemplary embodiments, the second securing means may be utilized to selectively attach different types of accessories to the cover. Some exemplary embodiments comprise a container, a holster accessory connected to the container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, and a securing means for securing the cover to the container. In some embodiments, the container defines an inside surface, and the holster accessory is connected to the inside surface of the container. In other exemplary embodiments, the holster accessory is connected to the outside surface of the container. In exemplary embodiments where the holster accessory is connected to the outside surface of the container, the cover may define an opening that accommodates the holster accessory when the cover has been selectively attached to the container. In some exemplary embodiments, a holster attachment may be permanently attached to a container via sewing, adhesive, rivets, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, a holster accessory is selectively connected to a container via a securing means.
Such as shown in
Some exemplary embodiments comprising a flap may further comprise a flap closing means. The flap closing means may connect part of the flap to a desired position on the container so that the flap may be utilized to cover the contents of the container when the flap has been selectively attached to the container. A flap closing means may be a snap, hook & loop, tie, clamp, magnet, etc. that runs between the flap and the container when it is desired that at least part of the flap be held in a position on the container. It may be necessary to configure the cover such that it defines an opening for utilizing a flap closing means. In another exemplary embodiment, the flap closing means may connect part of the flap to a desired position on the cover so that the flap may be utilized to cover the contents of the container when the flap has been selectively attached to the cover. In such embodiments, a flap closing means may be a snap, hook & loop, tie, clamp, magnet, etc. that runs between the flap and the cover when it is desired that at least part of the flap be held in a position on the cover.
Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a retention strap 160 and thumb break 170. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in
One exemplary embodiment may comprise a container, a cover comprising a first layer and a second layer where the cover is adapted to fit about the container, a thumb break, and a retention strap, where the thumb break and retention strap are selectively positioned between the first layer and second layer of the cover when the cover is selectively connected to the container via a securing means. In one exemplary embodiment, a securing means may be utilized to selectively hold each of the thumb break and the retention strap to the first layer of the cover. In further exemplary embodiments, a thumb break and retention strap may instead be positioned directly against the container or on the outside of the cover.
Another exemplary embodiment comprises a container with an inner and outer surface, a cover adapted to fit about the outer surface of the container, a securing means for selectively holding the cover in a desired position about the container, and a retention strap and thumb break connected to the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention strap and thumb break are selectively connected to the cover or the container by a snap, tie, clamp, button, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the retention strap and thumb break may be part of the container.
In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In some exemplary embodiments, a cover that may be selectively attached to a container via a securing means is reversible. A cover may be made from a variety of materials. In some exemplary embodiments, a cover comprises more than one layer of material. Some covers may comprise layers of different types of materials. Some materials that may be utilized by a cover are synthetics such as polymers or kydex, woven materials such as nylon fabrics, leather, and bullet-resistant materials, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a cover comprises a first semi-rigid polymer layer and a second layer made from fabric or leather. The fabric or leather may be bonded to the polymeric layer via an adhesive, sewing, staple, etc. One or more layers of a cover may comprise bullet-resistant material.
In an exemplary embodiment, a container may be molded to form a rigid container for the accessory to be received therein (e.g., a gun), and to allow for easy insertion or removal of such accessory. In other exemplary embodiments, a container may be semi-rigid such that it defines and substantially retains a cavity of a specific shape. A semi-rigid container may be made from a polymer with low elasticity, a metal, etc. In some other exemplary embodiments, a container may be non-rigid. A non-rigid container may be made from a fabric, an elastic polymer, etc. A rigid or semi-rigid container may be preferable in that it may provide a better fit for contents of the container, minimize “play” within the container, enable easy insertion of contents into the container, make it more difficult for guns, a chemical agent, etc. that may be held in the container to be inadvertently engaged, and/or may be perceived as more attractive than a non-rigid container.
In one exemplary embodiment, a cover comprising a first side and a second side is reversible. When a cover comprising a first side and a second side is reversible, it may be selectively attached to a container such that either the first side or the second side is in contact with the container. A container that is reversible may have a first side with a first appearance and a second side with a second appearance. For example, the first side may comprise a reflective finish while the second side may comprise a camouflage finish, black finish, waterproof finish, etc.
One exemplary embodiment comprises a container and a cover where the cover is designed to be placed about the container. In this exemplary embodiment, the cover may be such that once placed about the container it will stay in a desired position until it is desired that the cover be removed. Application of an external force may be all that is required to remove the cover from the container. For example, the cover may have a sufficiently tight or frictional fit about the container, which may serve as the securing means optionally without the use of any other mechanical or adhesive fastener. In another exemplary embodiment, the container may comprise a reciprocal for receiving a portion of the cover when the cover is positioned about the container. Thus, the container and cover may be adapted to be selectively connected to each other without the assistance of an additional securing means. In one exemplary embodiment comprising a container and a cover adapted to fit about the container, the container may still be utilized to hold a gun, baton, power tool, etc. even after the cover has been selectively removed from about the container. In other words, removal of the cover may not affect the ability of the container to be utilized by a user for containing an accessory or accessories.
A further exemplary embodiment comprises a container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, and a holster accessory. In one exemplary embodiment, the holster accessory is selectively connected to the container by a securing means. In another exemplary embodiment, the accessory is permanently connected to the container. A permanent connection to the container may be made via sewing, adhesive, welding, a grommet, etc. When an accessory is connected to the container either selectively or permanently, it may be possible to remove the cover from about the container without removing the accessory from the container. In another exemplary embodiment, the accessory is connected to the cover by a securing means. In embodiments where the accessory is selectively connected to the cover, it may be possible to remove the cover from about the container without disconnecting the accessory from the cover. For example, one embodiment may comprise a container, a cover adapted to fit about the container, a first accessory connected to the container via a first securing means, and a second accessory connected to the cover via a second securing means.
Another exemplary embodiment may comprise a container and a cover adapted to fit about the container where the cover comprises a first and second layer. When a cover comprises a first and second layer, the second layer may substantially cover at least one entire side of the first layer. In such an embodiment, the second layer of the cover may endure wear and tear while protecting the first layer from exposure to elements that may degrade its quality, appearance, etc. It may be possible to selectively remove the second layer of the cover from the position in which it substantially covers at least one side of the first layer such that it no longer protects the first layer. Because the first layer has been protected from the elements by the second layer, the first layer of the cover may still look new. In one exemplary embodiment where a cover comprises a first and second layer, the first layer may be a permanent or removable layer while the second layer may be selectively removed from about the first layer and then replaced by a new second layer. In such an exemplary embodiment, the first cover layer may be connected to the container by a first securing means and the second cover layer may be connected to the first cover layer by a second securing means.
One or more apertures are formed through the cover 110, such that when the container 100 is at least partially positioned within the cover 110, one or more fasteners 120′ can be inserted at least partially through the apertures and aligned with one or more flaps 150/or attachment elements 140. The fasteners 120′ can then be attached so as to attach or couple the flap 150 and attachment element 140 to the cover 110.
In various exemplary embodiments, the cover 110 covers the exterior bottom wall of the container 100 and extends to cover the sidewalls of the container 100.
A portion of a snap 155 is attached or coupled to the cover 110 and a mating portion of a snap 155 is attached or coupled to the flap 150. In this manner, the flap 150 can be drawn at least partially over an opening of the container cavity 112 and snapped to a closed position by interaction of the portions of the snap 155 attached or coupled to the cover 110 and the flap 150.
As illustrated most clearly in
One or more alignable apertures are formed through the container 100 and the cover 110, such that when the container 100 is at least partially positioned within the cover 110, one or more fasteners 120′ can be inserted at least partially through the apertures formed through the container 100 and the cover 110, and aligned with one or more flaps 150 and/or attachment elements 140. The fasteners 120′ can then be attached so as to attach or couple the container 100, the cover 110, the flap 150, and the attachment element 140 to the cover 110.
In various exemplary embodiments, the cover 110 covers the exterior bottom wall of the container 100 and only extends to cover a portion of the sidewalls of the container 100.
A portion of a snap 155 is attached or coupled to the container 100 and a mating portion of a snap 155 is attached or coupled to the flap 150. In this manner, the flap 150 can be drawn at least partially over an opening of the container cavity 112 and snapped to a closed position by interaction of the portions of the snap 155 attached or coupled to the container 100 and the flap 150.
While certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above, the scope of the disclosure is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as evidenced by the claims. For example, various configurations of the container, cover, and attachment element and other accessories may be implemented and fall within the scope of the claims. Various fasteners may be utilized as securing means and still fall within the scope of the claims disclosure. One skilled in the art would recognize that such modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.
While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental disclosure should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the disclosure is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the embodiments or variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.
Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the disclosure, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the present disclosure. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).
This is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/695,122, filed Nov. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,092,406, issued Aug. 17, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/231,893, filed Dec. 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,488,152, issued Nov. 26, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/174,711, filed Jun. 6, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,161,714, issued Dec. 25, 2018, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/906,956, filed Oct. 18, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,360,275, issued Jun. 7, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3630420 | Bianchi | Dec 1971 | A |
| 3688953 | Bianchi | Sep 1972 | A |
| 4504001 | Nichols | Mar 1985 | A |
| 4694980 | Rogers | Sep 1987 | A |
| 4925075 | Rogers | May 1990 | A |
| 5609283 | Harrison, Jr. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 9360275 | de Nijs | Jun 2016 | B2 |
| 10161714 | de Nijs | Dec 2018 | B1 |
| 10488152 | de Nijs | Nov 2019 | B1 |
| 20020047029 | Liao | Apr 2002 | A1 |
| 20050184115 | Wells | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20070045364 | Grundy | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070068982 | Grundy | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20120091175 | de Nijs | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16231893 | Dec 2018 | US |
| Child | 16695122 | US | |
| Parent | 15174711 | Jun 2016 | US |
| Child | 16231893 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16695122 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Child | 17404328 | US | |
| Parent | 12906956 | Oct 2010 | US |
| Child | 15174711 | US |
