Sealable container for transporting breakable items

Abstract

Sealable containers for transporting breakable items are provided. Sealable containers for transporting breakable items include: a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface; at least one body of cushioning material; a closure configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface; at least one thermal blanket; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body near the threaded open end; foam having partially pre-cut sections configured to be removable; a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end; at least one fitting on the outer surface of the cylindrical body; and at least one strap connected to the at least one fitting.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/874,050, filed on Dec. 11, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/966,927, filed on Aug. 30, 2007, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers, and more particularly to sealable containers for transporting breakable items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In view of recent rules promulgated by the United States Transportation Safety Administration requiring that containers of greater than three ounces containing liquids be transported only in checked luggage, many air travelers often find themselves in a predicament. Air travelers often desire to transport liquid-holding containers, such as wine or shampoo bottles, which may be breakable or ruptureable. However, stowing such containers in a traveler's personal luggage creates the danger of not only losing the value of the liquid item, but also of ruining other items in the same luggage, or even having such luggage confiscated by safety personnel.

Containers for transporting breakable items are known, but are typically configured to transport only a predetermined item having a particular size and shape. Also, known containers for transporting breakable items are typically not sealable such that they are liquid-tight, especially under the application of a force, such as when dropped.

Accordingly, a need exists for an inexpensive, light-weight, adjustable, reusable, sealable container for transporting breakable items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed toward sealable containers for transporting breakable items. Embodiments of containers of the present invention are sealable to be liquid-tight, such that a liquid can neither enter nor escape from a sealed container. Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention is the protection provided by a container to a breakable item against impact or shock. Embodiments of the present invention additionally may provide thermal insulation to a breakable item. Still another aspect of containers of the present invention is light weight and ease of transporting, facilitated in some embodiments by a carrying strap. Yet another aspect of embodiments according to the present invention is that the containers are configurable to transport breakable items having a variety of sizes and shapes.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a sealable container for transporting breakable items that includes a cylindrical body including a closed end, a threaded open end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface; at least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body; and a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to threadedly engage the open end of the cylindrical body; wherein when the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a sealable container for transporting breakable items that includes a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end, an inner surface, and an outer surface; at least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body; a closure configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body; foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially pre-cut sections configured to be removable; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; and a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; wherein when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a system for transporting breakable items that includes a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface; a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body near the threaded open end; a plurality of interchangeable inserts, each positionable adjacent the inner surface to cushion and/or thermally insulate a breakable item, the plurality of interchangeable inserts including at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body and at least one thermal blanket configured to provide thermal insulation of a breakable item; and a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the container of FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view through the container of FIG. 1 taken at line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closure of a container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a detail of the vertical sectional view of FIG. 2 showing engagement of a closure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through a container according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view through a container according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of foam of a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sealable container for transporting breakable items. Embodiments of sealable containers according to the present invention include a cylindrical body having a closed end and a threaded open end. Sealable containers according to the present invention also include a body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body, and a closure configured to engage the cylindrical body such that a flange of the closure abuts an inner surface of the cylindrical body. The flange of the closure prevents distortion of the cylindrical body where engaged by the closure under mechanical forces, thereby maintaining sealability of the container. A sealing ring may also be included to create a liquid-tight seal where the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more sheets or discs of foam inside the container, which may thermally insulate and/or absorb impact forces from a breakable item. A sealable container may also include a thermal blanket for further thermal insulation and protection against mechanical forces. Embodiments of sealable containers according to the present invention may also include one or more straps for transportability.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sealable container 100 for transporting a breakable item 102 includes a cylindrical body 110 having an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. The cylindrical body also has a closed end 116 and an open end 118. The open end 118 is threaded. Although shown having external threads 120 in FIG. 2, the open end 118 may alternatively have internal threads.

The cylindrical body 110 of the present embodiment may be of any length and diameter suitable for receiving a particular breakable item. In one embodiment, the length of the cylindrical body 110 may be between approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) and approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm). In another embodiment, the length of the cylindrical body 110 is approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm). The diameter of the cylindrical body may be between approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) and approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm). The cylindrical body 110 may be formed by blow molding, injection molding or any other suitable process, and may be formed of polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or any other suitable material or combination thereof having light weight and sufficient strength and impact resistance to withstand a drop or a reasonable blow to the container 100. Alternatively, the cylindrical body 110 may be formed of a suitable sheet metal, such as aluminum or thin gauge tin or steel.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealable container 100 also includes a closure 130. The closure 130 may be formed by injection molding or any other suitable process, and may be formed of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber, or any other suitable material or combination thereof. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the closure 130 is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical body 110.

FIG. 5 details the closure 130 threadedly engaging the cylindrical body 110. Although FIG. 5 depicts the closure 130 as having internal threads 132, that is, on an inner surface of the closure 130, another embodiment of a closure may have external threads, on an exterior surface of the closure. An embodiment of the closure having external threads would engage an embodiment of the cylindrical body having internal threads.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the closure 130 has a flange 134 having a diameter less than a diameter of the internal threads 132. When the closure 130 threadedly engages the external threads 120 of the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110, the flange 134 abuts and/or is adjacent the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The flange 134 and the inner surface 112 may be spaced apart by a relatively small distance 135. The distance 135 may vary from a few thousandths of an inch to approximately 1/16th of an inch, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 mm. An embodiment of a closure having external threads does not have a flange.

With further reference to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the closure 130 may also include a sealing ring 136. The sealing ring 136 is a compressible material, such as rubber, which will compress to create a liquid-tight seal when the closure 130 threadedly engages the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, an embodiment of the closure 130 has outwardly facing recessed pockets 138. The pockets 138 are configured to facilitate a user in threadedly engaging or disengaging the closure 130 and the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110, and may be approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) deep.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the container 100 also includes a foam sheet 140 adjacent the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The foam sheet 140 functions to cushion the breakable item 102 from impact or other mechanical forces and also provides thermal insulation to the breakable item 102. The foam sheet 140 may be corrugated open-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties. The dimensions of the foam sheet 140 should be such that when the foam sheet 140 is given a cylindrical shape and inserted into the cylindrical body 110 adjacent the inner surface 112, the foam sheet 140 covers the diameter of the inner surface 112.

The container 100 may also include a lower foam disc 142. The lower foam disc 142 is adjacent the closed end 116 of the cylindrical body 110, as shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102 rests on and is cushioned by the lower foam disc 142. The diameter of the lower foam disc 142 is approximately equal to the diameter of the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The thickness of the lower foam disc 142 may depend on the length of the breakable item 102, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). The lower foam disc 142 may be open-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties.

An embodiment of the container 100 may also include an upper foam disc 144. The upper foam disc 144 is adjacent the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110 and abuts a bottom surface of the closure 130, as shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102 is cushioned by the upper foam disc 144 when the container 100 is not upright. The diameter of the upper foam disc 144 is approximately equal to the diameter of the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. Similar to the lower foam disc 142, the thickness of the upper foam disc 144 may depend on the length of the breakable item 102, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). The upper foam disc 144 may be open-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties.

An embodiment of the container 100 may also include a receiving foam disc 146. The receiving foam disc 146 may be adjacent the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110 and abutting a bottom surface of the closure 130, or may be used in combination with and abutting a lower surface of the upper foam disc 144, as shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102 is cushioned by the receiving foam disc 146 and is further held in place by an aperture 147 sized to receive a portion of the breakable item 102, such as the neck of a bottle. The diameter of the receiving foam disc 146 is approximately equal to the diameter of the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The thickness of the receiving foam disc 146 may depend on the length of the portion of the breakable item 102 to be received, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). The receiving foam disc 146 may be open-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment of a sealable container 100 for transporting breakable items also includes one or more fittings 160 on the outer surface 114 of the cylindrical body 110 and a strap 162 connected to the one or more fittings 160. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, there are two fittings 160 having a loop shape, each fitting 160 being approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) long. In the present embodiment, the fittings 160 are integrally molded with and formed of the same material as the outer surface 114 of the cylindrical body 110. The strap 162 of the present embodiment is connected to the two fittings 160 by inserting the strap 162 through the loops of the fittings 160. The strap 162 may be a strap of polyethylene, nylon, polyester, or other suitable material or combination thereof approximately 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) wide. The strap 162 may include one or more buckles 164 formed of acetal, nylon, polypropylene, or another suitable material or combination thereof, or any other suitable device for adjusting the length of the strap 162.

With reference to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a sealable container 600 for transporting a breakable item 602 includes a closed-cell foam sheet 640 and a thermal blanket 650. The closed-cell foam sheet 640 functions to cushion the breakable item 602 from impact or other mechanical forces and also provides thermal insulation to the breakable item 602. The closed-cell foam sheet 640 is closed-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties. The dimensions of the closed-cell foam sheet 640 should be such that when the closed-cell foam sheet 640 is given a cylindrical shape and inserted into the cylindrical body 110 adjacent the inner surface 112, the closed-cell foam sheet 640 covers the diameter of the inner surface 112.

The thermal blanket 650 also functions to cushion the breakable item 602 from impact or other mechanical forces and provides increased thermal insulation to the breakable item 602. The thermal blanket 650 may be a thermal blanket according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,333, Can. Patent No. 1,291,073, or any other suitable material having thermally insulative properties. The dimensions of the thermal blanket 650 should be such that when the thermal blanket 650 is given a cylindrical shape and inserted into the cylindrical body 110 adjacent the inner surface 112 or closed-cell foam sheet 640, the thermal blanket 650 covers the diameter of the inner surface 112 or closed-cell foam sheet 640, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment of a sealable container 700 for transporting a breakable item 702 includes a closed-cell foam sheet 740, similar to the closed-cell foam sheet 640 described above with regard to the sealable container 600, and foam 750 that is partially pre-cut or has perforations 752. The perforations 752, or scoring, of the foam 750, as illustrated in FIG. 8, allow a user to remove portions of the material along the perforations 752 so that the foam 750 more closely matches the shape of the breakable item 702, and therefore better cushions the breakable item 702. The foam 750 may be open-cell foam such as polyurethane, closed-cell foam such as polyethylene, or any other suitable material having cushioning properties.

In utilizing a container according to one of the embodiments, a user may first open the container by removing the closure. A foam disc is placed inside the cylindrical body, resting on the closed end. A sheet of open-cell foam is then placed in a cylindrical shape adjacent the inner surface of the cylindrical body, after which the breakable item may be lowered into the container so that the breakable item rests on the foam disc and surrounded by the open-cell foam. Alternatively, the open-cell foam may be wrapped around the breakable item and the two may be placed inside the cylindrical body simultaneously, such that the open-cell foam is adjacent the inner surface of the cylindrical body and the breakable item rests on the foam disc. After the breakable item has been placed inside the container, one or more additional foam discs are placed on the breakable item to fill the space between the breakable item and a bottom surface of the closure. The container is then sealed by threading the closure tightly to the open end of the cylindrical body such that the flange of the closure is adjacent or “abuts” the inner surface of the cylindrical body. As depicted in FIG. 1, a container may also have one or more straps. A user may carry such a container by holding a strap or placing the strap over the user's shoulder or neck. After a breakable item has been transported, it may be removed from the container by disengaging the closure.

A container according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes a sheet of closed-cell foam and a thermal blanket. In use, a user of a container according to this embodiment may insert the closed-cell foam around the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and then insert the thermal blanket in a cylindrical shape adjacent the closed-cell foam. At this point, a breakable item may be placed in the center of the cylindrical body so that it is surrounded by the closed-cell foam and the thermal blanket. Alternatively, the closed-cell foam and the thermal blanket may be stacked and placed inside the cylindrical body together. Another alternative for a user of this embodiment is to wrap the thermal blanket and the closed-cell foam around the breakable item before placing the three inside the cylindrical body simultaneously. A container according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 is also used with the closure, and possibly the foam discs and strap, as discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.

In using a container according to the embodiment of FIG. 7, and with further reference to FIG. 8, a user can protect one of many possible breakable items having varying shapes and sizes by surrounding the item with foam that is partially pre-cut or perforated. The perforations, or scoring, of the foam, as illustrated in one configuration in FIG. 8, allow a user to remove portions from the center of the foam so that the remaining foam material more closely matches the shape of the item and therefore better protects the item. In other words, a user can custom-fit a foam form to the shape and size of a particular breakable item, such as the camera shown in FIG. 7. A user may remove portions of foam by breaking the perforated foam along a horizontal plane, thereby creating an upper part and a lower part, and then removing portions from the interior of the perforated foam, thereby creating a foam form. A breakable item may then be placed within an open region where the portions of foam were removed, and the upper part and lower part may be rejoined, thereby enclosing the breakable item inside the foam form. A user may insert a sheet of closed-cell foam around the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and then insert the foam form adjacent the closed-cell foam. Alternatively, the closed-cell foam may be wrapped around the foam form holding the breakable item and the three may be placed inside the cylindrical body simultaneously. A container according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 is also used with the closure, and possibly the foam discs and strap, as discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.

Although the drawings illustrate the invention as applied to a container used to transport a wine bottle and a container used to transport a camera, it will be apparent that the novel aspects of the container of the invention may also be utilized in transporting other types of fragile or breakable items.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to various embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A sealable container for transporting breakable items, the sealable container comprising:

a cylindrical body comprising: a closed end; an open end opposite the closed end, the open end being threaded; an inner surface; and an outer surface;

at least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body; and

a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to threadedly engage the open end of the cylindrical body;

wherein when the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

2. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein when the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure and the inner surface of the cylindrical body are spaced by a distance of less than approximately 0.10 inches (2.5 mm).

3. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

4. The sealable container according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sheet of foam is corrugated open-cell foam.

5. The sealable container according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sheet of foam is closed-cell foam.

6. The sealable container according to claim 5, further comprising at least one thermal blanket configured to provide thermal insulation of a breakable item.

7. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end.

8. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body near the open end.

9. The sealable container according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the at least one disc of foam has an aperture configured to receive a breakable item.

10. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially pre-cut sections configured to be removable.

11. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body.

12. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one fitting on the outer surface of the cylindrical body; and

at least one strap connected to the at least one fitting.

13. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed by blow molding.

14. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is made of high-density polyethylene.

15. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed by injection molding.

16. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the closure is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed by injection molding.

17. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the closure has at least one outwardly facing recessed pocket configured to facilitate threadedly engaging the open end of the cylindrical body.

18. A sealable container for transporting breakable items, the sealable container comprising:

a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end, an inner surface, and an outer surface;

at least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body;

a closure having a flange, the closure configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body;

at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body;

foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially pre-cut sections configured to be removable;

at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; and

a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body;

wherein when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

19. A system for transporting breakable items, the system comprising:

a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface;

a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body;

at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end;

at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body near the threaded open end;

a plurality of interchangeable inserts, each positionable adjacent the inner surface to cushion and/or thermally insulate a breakable item, the plurality of interchangeable inserts comprising: at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body; at least one thermal blanket configured to provide thermal insulation of a breakable item; and

a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.