FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to container closures, and specifically to a model of container closure including a combination of interlocking shapes and small obstructing bumps, which fastens and unfastens by application of deliberate and sufficient effort.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.
Sealing of containers has been a relevant concern to human beings ever since someone first had the idea to make a box with a lid, or a bottle with a cap. Reasons to seal a container might include prevention of unauthorized access, prevention of spilling contents, limiting exposure of contents to the surrounding environment, or simply the tidiness of removing clutter from view. The best method of closure for a container varies widely by container designs and intended contents, and no single type of container closure is the perfect fit for every possible application. While a container having no lid or cap is still somewhat useful, a container having means of closure that is well suited to the container design and the storage task at hand is generally more so.
Therefore, there is a long-felt and constant need in the art of container closure to provide useful and novel variety in container closure design that may suit current applications more usefully or enable future innovation of new varieties of useful containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Towards these and other objects of the method of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented method”) that are made obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, what is provided is a container closure system for detachably and securely coupling a cap onto a container.
In preferred embodiments, the invented container closure system includes or comprises some or all of these features. Preferred embodiments may include a first side having one or more keys, which are pieces of material shaped to stick out from a substantively smooth container or cap shape, and a corresponding second side having one or more gaps in a ledge, such that if and only if the cap is turned to the correct position relative to the container, the keys fit through the gaps and are not blocked by the ledge, and the first side may be uncoupled from the second side. Additionally, preferred embodiments may include one or more flexible securing bumps (hereinafter, “nubs”) positioned beneath the ledge of the second side such that channels indented into the outward surface edges of the keys of the first side fit around the nubs, allowing the nubs to laterally traverse through the channels when the sides are coupled together, and such that even when the keys are correctly oriented to fit through the gaps, someone decoupling the sides may need to exert more force to dislodge the channels of the keys from the nubs and open the container.
When the container is closed and locked, the cap may turn freely or with some minimal friction, underneath the ledge. As the cap is turned, the channels on the outer edges of the keys leave space for the keys to laterally traverse the nubs, like a train wheel moving along a rail. At this point, the cap cannot be pulled off because the keys are not lined up with their gaps and thus are blocked by the ledge. When the cap is turned to the correct orientation and the keys are lined up with the correct gaps, the cap is no longer blocked, but still may not easily come loose, because the channels on the outer edges of the keys are still on the ‘rail’ provided by the flexible nubs. However, when the cap is pulled to open the container, the channel of the key bends the nub and can thus traverse the nub vertically and be fully dislodged; the key may also be made of a slightly flexible material to allow the edges of the channel bending around the nub, instead of or in addition to bending of the nub. Once the key channel edges have been pulled over the nubs, the cap can be removed freely.
Some preferred applications of the invented container closure system may include providing a container closure that would resist falling open by accident or without intentional effort made to open the container, or which would resist access by someone who cannot apply enough physical force to open the closure system, such as a young child. Another preferred application is as a closure system for containers made of paper and/or paper goods, for which other methods of container closure that are already known in the art may not work or may not be as suitable.
In certain embodiments of the invention including multiple keys, the keys may all be the same size and shape; in this case, there may be multiple ‘correct’ cap orientations that would permit the cap to be opened, as any gap could fit any key. In other preferred embodiments, the keys may be differently shaped, such that each key must be matched with, not just any gap, but the gap which fits that key specifically. For instance, at least one key/gap pair may be smaller or larger than the other key/gap pairs, or have a different shape profile, thus requiring a user opening the cap to match the unique key to the unique gap in order to free all of the keys and open the container.
In various preferred embodiments, the keys may be positioned on the cap, and the gapped ledge and nubs on the mouth of the container; in other preferred embodiments, the container side may include the keys, and the cap side include the corresponding gapped ledge and nubs.
The invented closure system may be of any size suitable for fitting onto the container and cap utilizing the closure system. It is noted that the closure system involves rotating of the cap around a central point, and a closure point shape suitable for such rotation such as a circular closure point may be preferred, though the container, cap, or both may be of any preferred shape otherwise.
The invented closure system may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials known in the art or discovered to be suitable in the future, such as but not limited to plastic, rubber, wood, metal, ceramic, paper, or silicone. Further, the container, including the cap, may itself be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials known in the art or discovered to be suitable in the future. It is noted that containers constructed of paper or paper products may find this closure system particularly suitable for application.
It is noted that the keys, nubs, or both are preferably made of an at least somewhat flexible material, such that the nubs can be ‘popped’ in and out of the key channels to fasten and unfasten the closure system. In certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention, any one or more key or any one or more nub may be either flexible or rigid. It is noted that an embodiment in which an interlocking key and nub pair are both rigid may require more effort by a user to open or close, as the user opening the container is required to ‘pop’ the nub over the key channel side in order to open and close the container.
In certain preferred embodiments, the invention may comprise or include a device comprising the following components: a cap, the cap having a cover element, a circular vertical wall and at least three keys, each key extending from an exterior side of the circular vertical wall and distally from a central elongate axis of the cap, wherein at least one key has an arc length greater than the remaining two keys; and a container section defining an open volume, a circular vertical wall and a bottom, the circular vertical wall extending along a central elongate axis of the container (“container axis”) from the bottom, and at least three ledges extending from the vertical wall and toward the container axis and along a same planar circle, the three ledges defining three separate release features, wherein a first release feature matches a first key, a second release feature matches a second key, and a third release feature matches a third key, whereby the cap is detachably engaged with the container section when the three keys are positioned between the three ledges and a bottom of the container.
The three ledges may be further shaped and positioned to allow decoupling of the cap from container when the three keys of the cap are placed in one unique alignment position relative to the container.
The container first release feature may include a first nub positioned between the planar circle and the container bottom, the first nub extending from the container vertical wall toward the container axis. The first key may include a receiver channel through which the first nub is sized to extend through while the cap is rotating relative to the container.
The container first release feature may further include a second nub positioned between the planar circle and the container bottom, the second nub extending from the container vertical wall toward the container axis. The second key may include a receiver channel through which the second nub is sized to extend through while the cap is rotating relative to the container.
The container first release feature may further include a third nub positioned between the planar circle and the container bottom, the third nub extending from the container vertical wall toward the container axis. The third key may include a receiver channel through which the third nub is sized to extend through while the cap is rotating relative to the container.
In preferred embodiments, the nubs and channels may be sized or shaped such that any channel fits around any nub, allowing the cap to rotate unobstructed.
In preferred embodiments, a first arc length of a first key of the three keys is sized to extend through only one container release feature. Additionally, in alternative preferred embodiments, a second arc length of a second key of the three keys may be sized to be smaller than two container release features. Additionally, in alternative preferred embodiments, a third arc length of a third key of the three keys is sized to be smaller than two cap container features. A first arc length of a first key of the three keys and a second arc length of a second key of the three keys may be within 5% of divergence. A third arc length of a third key of the three keys may be more than 5% longer than either the first key or the second key. A first arc length of the first release feature and a second arc length of a second release feature may be within 5% of divergence. A third arc length of the third release feature may be more than 5% longer than either the first release feature or the second release feature. The second nub may extend further toward the container axis than the first nub. The second nub may extend further toward the container axis than the third nub.
The first nub may be substantively angled to resist positioning of the first key directly underneath the first release feature. The second nub may be substantively angled to resist positioning of the second key directly underneath the second release feature. The third nub may be substantively angled to resist positioning of the third key directly underneath the third release feature.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
FIG. 1 is an overview diagram presenting the invented container in a closed position.
FIG. 2A is an overview diagram presenting the container of FIG. 1 in an open position.
FIG. 2B is a diagram presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in a perspective view.
FIG. 2C is a diagram presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a perspective view.
FIG. 3A is a 3D model image presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in an underside view.
FIG. 3B is a 3D model image presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in a first side view.
FIG. 3C is a 3D model image presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in a second side view.
FIG. 3D is a 3D model image presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in an underside perspective view.
FIG. 3E is a 3D model image presenting the cap of FIG. 1 in a side cutaway view.
FIG. 4A is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a top view.
FIG. 4B is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a side view.
FIG. 4C is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a perspective cutaway view.
FIG. 5A is a diagram presenting a detail view of the ledge, key, channel, and nub of FIGS. 2 and 3B and how these components fit together.
FIG. 5B is a 3D model image presenting a side cutaway view of the container in a closed position, such that the ledge, key, channel, and nub assembly of FIG. 5A is visible.
FIG. 5C is a side view of the interlocking keys and ledges of FIG. 5A, showing how the horizontal plane of the keys fits underneath the horizontal plane of the ledges.
FIG. 6 is a 3D model image presenting a view of an alternative preferred embodiment shape for the nub of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 7A is a diagram of the ledges, gaps, and keys of FIG. 2A and how these fit together, as seen from a top cutaway view with the keys in a ‘locked’ position under the ledges.
FIG. 7B is a diagram of the ledges, gaps, and keys of FIG. 2A and how they fit together, as seen from a top cutaway view with the keys in an ‘unlocked’ position under the gaps.
FIG. 8A is a is an overview diagram presenting a second preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the “second container”) in a closed position.
FIG. 8B is a 3D model image presenting a top view of the second invented vessel of the second container of FIG. 8A (hereinafter, the “second container”) having six gaps instead of three gaps, to fit together with the six keys of a second invented cap of FIG. 8B.
FIG. 8C is a 3D model image presenting an underside view of the second cap belonging to a second container of FIG. 8A having six keys instead of three, to fit together with the six gaps and ledges of the second vessel of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8D is a 3D model image presenting a side view of second the cap of FIG. 8C.
FIG. 9A is a 3D model perspective view of a third alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, “the third container”) having elements of the first fastener side positioned on the vessel side as presented in FIG. 2A and elements of the second fastener side positioned on the cap side as presented in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the third container of FIG. 9A in a closed position.
FIG. 9C is a first side cutaway view of the third container of FIG. 9A, with the third container in a closed position.
FIG. 9D is a second side cutaway perspective view of the third container of FIG. 9A, with the third container in a closed position.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart presenting a method for unfastening and opening the container of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention can be adapted for any of several applications.
It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.
Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.
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 invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described.
It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, 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 use of a “negative” limitation.
When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” the elements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” there are no intervening elements present.
Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the same elements throughout the description of the figures.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a line diagram presenting a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, i.e., a substantively cylindrical container 100 having a cap 102 and a vessel 104. The container 100 further includes a top 106, a bottom 108, a central vertical axis 110, and a seam 112. The seam 112 is formed when the cap 102 engages with and is fastened to the vessel 104 to place the container 100 in a closed position whereby a container inner volume 114 is fully enclosed and defined within the container 100 by the cap 102 and the vessel 104. More particularly, the cap 102 may be alternately fastened and unfastened to the vessel 104 along the seam 112 to respectively close and open the second container 100.
Also Presented Here is a Horizontal Plane 116 Orthogonal Positioned to the Central Vertical Axis 110 and Parallel to the Seam 112.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, FIG. 2A is a line drawing diagram presenting the container 100 of FIG. 1, with the cap 102 uncoupled from the vessel 104 at the seam 112, such that the container 100 is in an open position. In preferred embodiments, the vessel 104 is generally hollow such that something can be stored inside the vessel 104 and secured inside the container 100 by fastening the cap 102 onto the vessel 104. In preferred embodiments, the fastening means for closing this container 100 may consist of the following components. A first fastener side 200 consists of a first circular wall 202 from which a plurality of keys 204A, 204B, & 204C extend radially outward, and a second fastener side 206 consisting of a second circular wall 208 supporting a plurality of ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C extending radially inward and gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C shaped such that the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C fit through the gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C between the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C, and the cap 102 can be rotated to place the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C between the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C and the seam 112 of the container, thus coupling the first fastener side 200 together with the second fastener side 206, and detachably coupling the vessel 104 and cap 102 together to form the whole container 100. The second fastener side 206 may further consist of a plurality of nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C positioned on the second circular wall 208 to provide additional securing of the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C when the cap 102 is coupled to the vessel 104. It is understood that any discussion herein regarding any one of the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C; ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C; gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C; or nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C may apply to any or all of the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C; ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C; gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C; or nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C, as these letters designate instances belonging to generic categories of a key 204, a ledge 210, a gap 212, and a nub 214 respectively. Presented also in FIG. 2A are a cap exterior 216, a vessel exterior 218, a vessel interior 220, and a cap interior 222. As noted in reference to FIG. 1, it is understood that the container inner volume 114 is formed by the cap interior 222 and the vessel interior 220.
In order to open the container, a user would generally rotate the cap 102 relative to the vessel 104, until the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C are aligned with the gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C, thus allowing the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C to pass through the gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C, then pull on the cap 102 until the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C traverse the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C, thus uncoupling the first fastener side 200 from the second fastener side 206 and permitting the container to be opened.
In certain preferred embodiments, the first fastener side 200 may be positioned on the edge of the cap 102 proximate to the seam 112 as presented in FIG. 1, and the second fastener side 206 correspondingly positioned at the opening of the vessel 104, as shown in FIG. 2A. However, the positions of the fastening sides may also be reversed in certain embodiments, such that the vessel 104 side includes the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C and the cap 102 side includes the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C and the gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C. Further, in FIG. 2A, the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C extend radially outward from the central axis 110 of the container 100, while the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C extend inward toward the central axis 110; this positioning might be reversed in certain embodiments, such that the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C extend inward and the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C outward; either way, the spaces between ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C form gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C that the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C fit through, but likewise, the empty spaces between the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C are at least sufficient to allow room for the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C to interlock with the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C. It is noted that the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C may also be a single ledge 210 with gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C in the ledge 210, rather than a plurality of ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C with gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C between the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C.
FIG. 2B is a detailed perspective view of the cap 102 and FIG. 2C is a diagram presenting the vessel 104.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 3A through 3E, FIGS. 3A through 3E present three-dimensional images of the cap 102 in a variety of angles and views. FIG. 3A presents an underside view, as though the cap 102 had been placed upon a flat surface such as a tabletop with the top 106 resting upon the table and the viewer looking down into the cap interior 222; FIG. 3B presents a first side view, FIG. 3C presents a second side view, FIG. 3D presents a view from below and to one side, and FIG. 3E a cutaway side view.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A is a view of the cap 102 as viewed from directly below, as though the cap 102 had been placed upon a flat surface such as a tabletop with the top 106 resting upon the table and the viewer looking down into the cap interior 222 portion of the container inner volume 114. It is noted that this is still considered ‘from below’, relative to the container 100, on which the section of the vessel 104 distal from the seam 112 is the bottom 108 and the section of the cap 102 distal from the seam 112 is the top 106. A plurality of key arc lengths 300A, 300B, & 300C, respectively applying to the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C, are presented herein. As a non-limiting example, the key arc lengths 300A, 300B, & 300C may measure within the range of 1 degree to 90 degrees, as considered appropriate for the container 100 and design. Further, the key arc lengths 300 need not be homogenous on the same container 100; a preferred embodiment feature includes building at least one key 204A with a larger arc length 300A than the other key arc lengths 300B & 300C, and corresponding accordingly to a larger gap 212A, such that the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C are not interchangeable and there is only one correct rotation position allowing the cap 102 to be uncoupled.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B is a side view of the cap 102 presenting additional features upon each of the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C respectively, specifically a key channel 302A, 302B, & 302C bounded by a lower key channel ridge 304A, 304B, & 304C and an upper key channel ridge 306A, 306B, & 306C. In preferred embodiment and implementation of the invention, when the cap 102 is in place on the container 100, the positioning of the channels 302A, 302B, & 302C of the keys is such that the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C as first presented in FIG. 2A fit into the channels 302A, 302B, & 302C between the lower key channel ridges 304A, 304B, & 304C and upper key channel ridges 306A, 306B, & 306C. Thus, when the keys 204A, 204B, & 204C are rotated into position underneath the gaps 212A, 212B, & 212C such that the cap 102 can be pulled open, the cap 102 does not just fall open or come free easily, the cap 102 remains in place until pulled on enough that the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C dislodge from the channels 302A. In certain preferred embodiments, the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C; lower key channel ridges 304A, 304B, & 304C; or upper key channel ridges 306A, 306B, & 306C may be constructed of flexible material, making pulling the lower key channel ridges 304A, 304B, & 304C over the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C easier to do. Shaping of the nubs 214A, 214B, & 214C; lower key channel ridges 304A, 304B, & 304C; or upper key channel ridges 306A, 306B, & 306C may also provide a similar benefit, such as the sloped shape of the lower key channel ridges 304A, 304B, & 304C and upper key channel ridges 306A, 306B, & 306C as presented in this image.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3C, FIG. 3C is the cap 102 of FIGS. 3A-E presented from a further additional angle, namely a side view with the top 106 facing upward.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3D, FIG. 3D is the cap 102 of FIGS. 3A-E presented from a further additional angle, namely from below and to one side.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3E, FIG. 3E is a cutaway view of the cap 102.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a top view.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a side view.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4C, FIG. 4C is a 3D model image presenting the vessel of FIG. 1 in a cutaway perspective view.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5A is a cutaway diagram presenting a detail view of the ledge 210A, key 204A, channel 302A, and nub 214A of FIGS. 2A and 3B and how these components fit together. It is understood that this discussion pertains to the keys 204, the channels 302, the ledges 210, and the nubs 214 regards these elements generally, not only the specific instances presented here.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5B, FIG. 5B is the cutaway diagram of FIG. 5A additionally annotated with some possible measurements for these components. It is understood that the invention is not limited to any of these measurements; the measurements provided should be viewed exclusively as an example and disclosure of the best way to practice the invention as presently understood by the inventor.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5C, FIG. 5C is a 3D model image presenting a side cutaway view of the container 100 in a closed position, such that the ledge 210, key 204, channel 302, and nub 214 assembly of FIG. 5A is visible. Presented additionally here are four horizontal planes h1, h2, h3, and h4, all of these normal to the central axis 110 of the container 100, shown here to indicate the vertical positioning of the ledge 210A, key 204A, channel 302A, and nub 214A assembly. It is understood that this discussion pertains to the keys 204, the channels 302, the ledges 210, and the nubs 214 regarding these elements generally, not only the specific instances presented here. The horizontal plane h1 is drawn at the level of the ledges 210; the horizontal plane h2 is drawn at the level of the upper ridge 306 of the key 204; the horizontal plane h3 is drawn at the vertical center of the nub 214 and the channel 302; and the horizontal plane h4 is drawn at the lower ridge 304 of the key 204. In most preferred embodiments of the invention, all of the ledges 210, the keys 204, the channels 302 as presented in FIG. 3B, and the nubs 214 are aligned vertically in the same horizontal planes h1-h4 as described above. In preferred application of the invention, the keys 204 fit underneath the ledges 210 when rotated into a locked position, as presented at least in FIGS. 7A-B, and the nubs 214 fit into the channels 302 with the upper ridges 306 above the nubs 214 (closer to the top 106 of the container 100) and the lower ridges 304 below the nubs 214 (closer to the bottom 108 of the container 100).
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a 3D model image presenting a view of an alternative preferred embodiment shape for the nub 214A of FIG. 5A, namely a slanted nub 600 with angles 602. It is understood that the second nub 214B and/or the third nub 214C may also be shaped like the slanted nub 600. The design benefits of the slanted nub 600 shape and similar include at least discouraging the cap 102 rotation from randomly arriving at a gap 212 and remaining there, such that there is less chance of the container 100 ‘working its way open’ by accident, as any key 204 rotated into any gap 212 would also be rotated directly on top of the associated nub 600; if the nub 600 shape encourages the key to ‘slide off’ of the angles 602 in one direction or the other, rather than remaining in the gap 212, the keys 204 will generally remain in a locked position under the ledges 210 even when the cap 102 is permitted to rotate freely.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a diagram of the ledges, gaps, and keys of FIG. 2 and how these fit together, as seen from a top cutaway view with the keys 204 in a ‘locked’ position under the ledges 210.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7B, FIG. 7B is a diagram of the ledges, gaps, and keys of FIG. 2 and how they fit together, as seen from a top cutaway view with the keys in an ‘unlocked’ position under the gaps. FIGS. 7A and 7B also present the feature of one key 204A being larger in size than the other keys 204B-C and having a correspondingly larger gap 212A, such that the larger key 204A will only fit through the larger gap 212A, and not through any of the other gaps 212B-C. Thus, there is only one correct orientation of keys 204 with respect to gaps 212 for unlocking the assembly shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, not three, as this cap 104 is close to, but not exactly, radially symmetrical. It is noted that other methods for achieving non-identical keys 204 could be found, such as forming differently-shaped keys or making one key 204 smaller than the others instead of larger, however this solution is preferred.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8A is a line diagram presenting an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 100, i.e., a substantively cylindrical container 800, or the “second container” 800″, comprising a second vessel second 802 and a second cap 804. The second container 800 further includes a second top 806, a second bottom 808, a second central vertical axis 810, and a second seam 812. The second seam 812 is formed when the second vessel 802 engages with and is fastened to the second cap 804 to place the second container 800 in a closed position whereby a second container inner volume 814 is fully enclosed and defined by the second cap 802 and the second vessel 804. Also presented here is a horizontal plane 816 orthogonal positioned to the second central vertical axis 810 and parallel to the second seam 812, The second cap 804 may be alternately fastened and unfastened to the second vessel 802 to along the second seam to 812 respectively close and open the second container 800. A second horizontal plane 816 is positioned orthogonal to the second central vertical axis 810 and parallel to the second seam 812.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8B, FIG. 8B is a 3D model image presenting a top view of the second vessel 802 of second container 800, wherein the second vessel 802 presents six ledges 210D through 210I that form six gaps 212D through 212I shaped and positioned to fit together with six keys 204D through 204I of the second cap 802. It is generally understood that additional various alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention might be constructed having any feasible number of ledges 210A through 21, the gaps 212A through 21, and the keys 204A through 21, of which the second container 800 is only a particular and arbitrary example.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8C, FIG. 8C is a 3D model image presenting an underside view of the second cap 804 of the second container 800 having six keys 204D through 204I positioned together with the six gaps 212D through 212I and six ledges 210D through 212I of the second vessel 802.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8D, FIG. 8D is a 3D model image presenting a side perspective view of the second cap 804 of FIG. 8C.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 9A through 9D and FIG. 2A, FIGS. 9A through 9D present an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention 900, i.e., the “third container” 900, comprising a third cap 902 and a third vessel 904, wherein the elements of the first fastener side 200 and second fastener side 206 as presented in FIG. 2A are reversed, such that the keys 204A, 204B and 204C are positioned on the third vessel 904; and the gaps 212A, 212B & 212C and the ledges 210A, 210B & 210C on the third cap 902.
FIG. 9A presents the third container 900 in an open position with the third cap 902 separated; FIG. 9B presents the third container 900 in a closed position; FIG. 9C presents a cutaway side view of the third container 900 in a closed position; and FIG. 9D presents an additional cutaway side view of the third container 900 in a closed position.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9A and FIG. 2A, FIG. 9A is a 3D model perspective view of the third container 900 comprising the third cap 902 and the third vessel 904, wherein the third vessel 904 includes certain elements of the first attachment side 200 including the keys 204A, 204B & 204C, and the cap 902 includes certain elements of the second fastener side 206 including the ledges 210A, 210B, & 210C and the gaps 212A, 212B & 212C.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9B, FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the third container 900 in a closed position.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9C, FIG. 9C is a first side cutaway view of the third container 900 in a closed position.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9D, FIG. 9D is a second side cutaway perspective view of the third container 900, with the third container in a closed position.
Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a flow chart presenting a method for unfastening and opening the container 100 of FIG. 1. In step 10.00, the process starts. In step 10.02, the container 100 is currently closed. In step 10.04, if a user would like to open the container 100, the process continues; if not, the container 100 remains closed until a user would like to open the container 100. In step 10.06, a user opening the container 100 begins by rotating the cap 102. At this point, the keys 204 may be unaligned with the gaps 212; the user may determine by touch, or by following exterior printing marks that signal alignment if available, whether the keys 204 are aligned or alternately whether the user should keep turning the cap 102 until the keys 204 align correctly. In step 10.08, the user tests for key 204 alignment by pulling upward on the cap 102 and checking whether the ledges 210 obstruct this motion. In step 10.10, if the upward pulling of the cap 102 is obstructed, the user must continue turning the cap to find the correct alignment; otherwise, the process may continue. It is noted that the proper alignment might be made easier to find by use of visual cues on the outside of the container 100, such as a pair of lines or arrows located on the cap 102 and vessel 104 exteriors which line up. It is also noted that, depending on the container 100 and application, a designer may wish to make alignment either easier to find or more difficult. Once the cap 102 is aligned such that the keys 204 are positioned in the gaps 212, the cap 102 can be removed but will resist being simply lifted off the top of the container 100. By aligning with the gaps 212, the keys 204 are also aligned with channels 302 as presented in FIG. 3B over the nubs 214, such that pulling on the cap 102 forces each nub 214 against the respective lower ridge 304 of the respective key 204. In step 10.12, the user pulls hard enough to cause the lower ridges 304 to traverse the nubs 214 and ‘pop loose’. After the lower ridges 304 are above the nubs 214, the cap 102 can be removed freely. The process ends at step 10.16. The container 100 might be closed by aligning the keys 204 with their respective gaps 212 and pushing down on the cap 102 from the top 106 until the lower ridges 304 pop back underneath the nubs 214, then turning the cap 102 until the keys 204 are trapped underneath the ledges 210.
It is understood that one or more element numbers 102, 104 & 200 through 222 & 600 of the first container 100 may comprise one or more suitable materials known in the art in singularity or in combination including, but not limited to organic or synthetic substances, such as cellulose, plastic, hemp, polypropylene, organic and/or non-organic fibers, bamboo, paper, corn starch, sugar cane, compostable and/or biodegradable materials, resins and/or resins sourced from recycled materials.
While selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment, it is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20220250802
