Container With Removable Base

Abstract

A container (10) for holding at least one article (32, 132) includes a sleeve (12, 112), a top (16, 116) located at one end of the sleeve (12, 112), and a base (14, 114, 214) located at an opposite end of the sleeve (12, 112). The container (10) includes a locking mechanism (54, 56, 154, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258) that provides means for releasably securing the sleeve (12, 112) to the base (14, 114, 214). A support structure (28, 128, 228) is positioned on the base (14, 114, 214) and includes a recess (44, 144, 244) for receiving an article (32, 132) and an arm (46, 246) that is proximate to the recess (44, 144, 244) and configured to contact the article (32, 132).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/742,773, filed Dec. 6, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to containers and, more specifically, to containers with removable bases.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A container that includes a lock and release mechanism is desirable in many applications. The lock and release mechanism keeps the container locked in a closed condition unless a release mechanism is triggered to open the container. Thus, the container provides child resistance or is otherwise not inadvertently opened to allow access to the products contained therein.

Many of the known lock and release mechanisms are overly complex so as to require multiple parts and/or difficult manufacturing processes. The additional costs associated with such a lock and release mechanism can be substantial with respect to high volume productions. In addition, certain of the previous lock and release mechanisms can be manipulated to open the container without properly triggering the release mechanism.

In addition, the ability of a package to stand upright is a feature that is useful in stocking and displaying items in a store or warehouse. One type of package that is in common use today is the clamshell package. Clamshell packages are desirable because, amongst other reasons, they are formed in a single piece of a clear material that makes their contents easy to view, and they are made of tough plastic material that provides a high degree of security. However, they are typically sealed around all the edges in such a manner as to form a frame, which prohibits the ability of the package to stand upright.

Further, many packages must be destroyed in order to access the contents, as is typically necessary with claim shell packages. Such destruction of the original package is irrational and wasteful when it is often a benefit for the end user to continue to store and protect the article in the original container.

Therefore, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. What is needed is a reusable container that includes an effective lock and release mechanism, which is also simple to use and easy to manufacture.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device for holding an item, which includes a sleeve, a base cap with means for supporting the item, and a locking mechanism for releaseably attaching the base cap to the sleeve. In certain embodiments a package is provided, which includes an item, a sleeve, a base cap with means for supporting the item, and a locking mechanism for releaseably attaching the base cap to the sleeve. More specific embodiments are taught and suggested herein.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a container or apparatus for holding at least one article is provided. The apparatus comprises: a sleeve; a top cap located at one end of the sleeve; a base cap located at an opposite end of the sleeve; a locking mechanism that releaseably engages the sleeve to the base; and, a first support structure positioned on the base that comprises at least one article receiving recess. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes an arm proximate to the recess which is configured to contact an article at a first location. Another embodiment further comprises a second support structure extending from either the top cap or sleeve, which is configured to contact the article at a second location. In another embodiment the top cap is releaseably attached to the sleeve, while in another embodiment the sleeve further comprises an aperture that engages the locking mechanism.

Other embodiments of the present invention include a package for holding at least one article. In one embodiment the package comprises: a sleeve having a first side, a second side, a closed end formed by the joining of the sleeve ends at that end, an open end opposite the closed end; a base that is located at the open end; a locking mechanism that releaseably engages the sleeve to the base; a first support structure positioned on the base comprising at least one article receiving recess, and, an article at least partially positioned within the receiving recess. An alternative embodiment includes an arm proximate to the recess which is configured to contact an article at a first location. In an alternative embodiment, a second support structure extends from the sleeve and is configured to contact the article at a second location. Another embodiment provides for a top cap in lieu of the sealed closed end. Yet another embodiment includes a top cap that comprises a second support structure. And, in still another embodiment the top cap is releaseably attached to the sleeve.

Further embodiments of the present invention include a system for holding at least one article, comprising: a sleeve having a first end and a second end; means for supporting an article positioned at each of said ends; means for releaseably securing a first end to the means for supporting; and, means for retaining an article positioned on the means for supporting. In additional embodiments, the system comprises means for releaseably securing a second end to the means for supporting.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to merely illustrative of various potential applications of the present invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container with a removable base, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the container of FIG. 1, the base being removed from the container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a container with a removable base, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a removable base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily, to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 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 variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a container, case, or package with a removable base or base end cap. Generally described, the exemplary container includes a tubular sleeve with a top end cap and a removable base end cap, wherein the removable base end cap can be releasably secured to the tubular sleeve by means for releasably securing. For purposes of the present teaching, the terms “lower”, “upper”, “top”, “base”, and “bottom” are merely for the purpose of orientation and/or direction, and may thus be used interchangeably.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a container 10 includes a tubular sleeve 12, a base end cap 14, and a top end cap 16. The dimensions and shape of the container, as well as the material used to form the container, are merely design decisions. The exemplary container 10 is dimensioned, shaped, and arranged for packaging discs, such as discs for storing computer readable media and the like. However, it should be understood that the container 10 can be scaled or altered to package any article including healthcare and personal care products such as medical devices and perfume bottles, portable articles such as toys and electronic devices, etc.

The material for forming the container can be selected for aesthetic purposes. For example, the tubular sleeve of the container can be formed from a plastic that is transparent such that articles packaged in the container are viewable. Alternatively or additionally, the tubular sleeve can be formed from a material that is selected such that graphics can be printed thereon. Further, the material can be selected according to manufacturing constraints. As described in further detail below, the end caps of the container include elements that may be integral to, machined in, or attached to the end caps. Accordingly, the material for forming the end caps is merely a design decision.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tubular sleeve 12 is defined by four walls and has a somewhat oval shaped, partially squared cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the container can be determined according to the dimensions of the article or articles packaged therein or according to ergonomics, for example, to provide a container that is easily gripped.

The tubular sleeve 12 includes a front wall 18, a back wall 20, a first side wall 22, and a second side wall 24. The tubular sleeve 12 includes open ends O1, O2 that are adjacent to lower and upper edges E1, E2 of the tubular sleeve 12. As described in further detail below, the open ends O1, O2 of the tubular sleeve 12 receive the base end cap 14 and the top end cap 16, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular sleeve 12 further includes an aperture 25 that is disposed in the front wall 18 and a notch N1 that is disposed in the back wall 20. The aperture 25 is dimensioned and positioned to functionally align with elements of the base end cap 14 to releasably secure the base end cap 14 to the tubular sleeve 12 as the container 10 is assembled, as described in further detail below. The notch N1 facilitates removal of the base end cap 14 from the tubular sleeve 12, as described in further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base end cap 14 is dimensioned and shaped to be received in the open end O1 of the tubular sleeve 12 and to at least partially support articles that are packaged in the container 10. The base end cap 14 includes a bottom wall 26 and a lower support structure 28 that extends upwardly from the bottom wall 26. The cross sectional area of the bottom wall 26 extends outside that of the lower support structure 28 such that the base end cap 14 includes a rim 30 that corresponds to the edge E1, as described in further detail below.

The lower support structure 28 is dimensioned and shaped to fit within or otherwise engage with the walls of the tubular sleeve 12. The lower support structure 28 includes a front wall 34, a back wall 36, a first side wall 38, a second side wall 40, and a top wall 42. The exemplary top wall 42 is shaped according to the curvature of a disc 32. Specifically, the contour of the top wall 42 can be at least partially defined by the curvature of the edge of the disc 32 such that the discs 32 can easily be viewed and accessed when received and supported by the lower support structure 28. Further, the top wall 42 slants upwardly from the front wall 34 toward the back wall 36. In alternative embodiments, the top wall 42 is level so as to be substantially parallel with the bottom wall 26, or slopes or curves in various directions and angles. Thus, it should be understood that the slant, slope, angle, or contour of the top wall 42 is merely a design decision.

The lower support structure 28 is dimensioned and shaped and/or includes elements that are dimensioned and positioned to provide means for supporting one or more articles. In the exemplary embodiment, the first support structure 28 includes recesses or grooves 44 to receive, support, and display a plurality of discs 32. The grooves 44 are defined in the top wall 42 so as to extend between the first side wall 38 and the second side wall 40 and are evenly spaced along the sloped top wall 42, between the front wall 34 and the back wall 36, such that discs 32 that are received in the grooves 44 are displayed in a stepped fashion.

In the exemplary embodiment, means for retaining the discs 32 in the grooves 44 includes a flexing arm 46 that is disposed in each groove 44. Each flexing arm 46 includes a cantilever 48 and a detent 50 disposed at the free end of the cantilever 48. Each cantilever 48 can be formed by a substantially U-shaped channel or cut, that extends through a side wall of a respective groove 44. Each flexing arm 46 is oriented such that the detent 50 is positioned to engage a non-optical portion of a disc 32 that is received in the groove 44 so as to not damage the digital contents of the disc 32.

In the exemplary embodiment, means for releasably securing the base end cap 14 to the tubular sleeve 12 includes elements of the base end cap 14, and specifically of the lower support structure 28, that at least partially provide a lock and release mechanism. The lower support structure 28 includes a push button 54 that protrudes from the front wall 34. The push button 54 is integral to and protrudes from the free end of a cantilever 56. A cut line defines the cantilever 56 and the push button 54 from the top wall 42 and the front wall 34 such that the push button 54 can be displaced inwardly, as described in further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top end cap 16 is dimensioned and shaped to be received in the open end O2 of the tubular sleeve 12 and to at least partially support articles that are packaged in the container 10. The base end cap 14 includes a top wall 60 and an upper support structure 62 that extends downwardly from the top wall 60. The cross sectional area of the top wall 60 extends outside that of the upper support structure 62 such that the base end cap 16 includes a rim 64 that corresponds to the edge E2, as described in further detail below.

The upper support structure 62 is dimensioned and shaped to fit within or otherwise engage the walls of the tubular sleeve 12. The upper support structure 62 includes a front wall 66, a back wall 68, a first side wall 70, a second side wall 72, and a bottom wall 74. The upper support structure 62 includes a fin 76 that provides means for supporting the upper edges of the discs 32. The fin 76 extends downwardly from the bottom wall 74 and a lower edge of the fin 76 includes peaks and valleys 78 that are stepped so as to correspond to the grooves 44.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 can be assembled using the following non-limiting method that is presented for purposes of teaching. The top end cap 16 is received in the open end O2 of the tubular sleeve 12 and attached thereto. Specifically, the top end cap 16 is inserted into the open end O2 of the tubular sleeve 12 until the rim 64 contacts the top edge E2 of the tubular sleeve 12. Thereby, the elements of the top end cap 16 are properly positioned in the tubular sleeve 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the top end cap 16 is attached to the tubular sleeve 12 by tabs 80 that are disposed on the inside of the tubular sleeve 12 and recesses 82 disposed in the top end cap 16. Each tab 80 is received in a respective recess 82 to attach the top end cap 16 to the tubular sleeve 12. In alternative embodiments, the top end cap 16 is press fit into the open end O2 of the tubular sleeve 12 and/or the top end cap 16 is attached to the tubular sleeve 12 with adhesive, mechanical fasteners, a lid type arrangement, combinations thereof, and the like. In other alternative embodiments, the top end cap 16 may be integral to the tubular sleeve 12. In still other alternative embodiments, the sleeve 12 is roughly trapezoidal in shape, having an open base end and a closed upper end such that there is no need for a top end cap.

The base end cap 14 is loaded with discs 32, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such that each disc 32 is received and supported in a groove 44 and such that each disc 32 is retained in the groove 44 by means for retaining. Specifically, the edge of the disc 32 is engaged by a flexing arm 46. As each disc 32 enters a groove 44, the disc 32 contacts the detent 50 of the flexing arm 46 to deflect the cantilever 48 and displace the detent 50. The deflected cantilever 48 thereafter holds the detent 50 against disc 32 such that the disc 32 is pressed between the detent 50 and a wall of the groove 44.

The loaded base end cap 14 is received in the open end O1 of the tubular sleeve 12, and is releasably secured thereto by means for releasably securing. In the exemplary embodiment, means for releasably securing includes the aperture 25 and the push button 54 that provide a lock and release mechanism.

The tubular sleeve 12 slides over the base end cap 14 until the edge E1 of the tubular sleeve 12 contacts the rim 30 of the base end cap 14. The push button 54 deflects inwardly to allow the tubular sleeve 12 to slide over the base end cap 14 and, as the edge E1 and the rim 30 come into contact, the push button 54 functionally aligns with the aperture 25 and returns to an undeflected position. The push button 54 is thereby received in the aperture 25 such that the tubular sleeve 12 is releasably secured to the base end cap 14. To release the tubular sleeve 12 from the base end cap 14, the push button 54 can be depressed to inwardly deflect the cantilever 56 such that the tubular sleeve 12 can slide unobstructed over the base end cap 14 as the tubular sleeve 12 and the base end cap 14 are pulled from one another. The notch N1 is provided to facilitate gripping the base end cap 14 to pull the base end cap 14 from the tubular sleeve 12.

The container 10 is thereby fully assembled as shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that, as the end caps 14, 16 are received in the open ends O1, O2 of the tubular sleeve 12, the bottom wall 26 of the base end cap 14 defines the bottom wall of the container 10 and the top wall and the top wall 60 of the top end cap 16 defines the top wall of the container 10. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the outer surfaces of portions of the walls of the lower and upper support structures 28, 62 are in flat face contact with the inside surfaces of portions of the walls of the tubular sleeve 12 for structural purposes.

Referring to FIG. 1, as the container 10 is fully assembled, the upper support structure 62 supports a top edge of each disc 32 and the lower support structure 28 supports a bottom edge of each disc 32 to support and position each disc 32. Specifically, a top edge of each disc 32 is supported between two peaks 78 of the fin 76, and a bottom edge of each disc 32 is supported by a groove 44. Thereby, the upper and lower support structures 28, 62 provide means for supporting the discs 32.

Regarding the numeric designation of elements in FIGS. 4 and 5, the elements in FIGS. 4 and 5 are designated with element numbers that are similar to those used in FIGS. 1-3 for similar elements, except that the numeric prefix of “1” or “2” has been added.

It should be noted that means for supporting is not limited to the illustrated lower and upper support structures. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, means for supporting is the lower support structure 114 without an upper support structure. In other alternative embodiments, the lower support structure 128 can include one or more fins in addition to, or in place of, the grooves. Further, means for supporting is not limited to the top and base end caps. In certain embodiments, the tubular sleeve includes support structures that extend inwardly from the walls of the tubular sleeve.

It should be understood that means for releasably locking is not limited to the elements, the position of the elements, the number of elements, or the arrangement of elements that are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a container 110 includes a tubular sleeve 112, a base end cap 114, and means for releasably securing the base end cap 114 to the tubular sleeve 112. In this embodiment, means for releasably securing includes a notch N2 and a slot or aperture 125 that are disposed in the tubular sleeve 112, and a cantilever 156 that includes a push button 154 and a detent 158 that is disposed in a wall of the base end cap 114.

The notch N2 is disposed along the lower edge E1 of the tubular sleeve 112 and the aperture 125 is disposed adjacent to and aligned with the notch N2. The notch N2 and the aperture 125 are positioned in the front wall 118 of the tubular sleeve 112.

The cantilever 156 is defined in the front wall 134 of the base end cap 114 by a cut line. The push button 154 is disposed at the proximal or supported end of the cantilever 156 and the detent 158 is disposed and the distal or free end of the cantilever 156.

The base end cap 114 can be received at or in an open end O1 of the tubular sleeve 112 according to a method similar to that described above to assemble the container 10. As the tubular sleeve 112 slides over the base end cap 114, the portion of the tubular sleeve 112 that is between the notch N2 and the aperture 125 contacts the detent 158 to deflect the cantilever 156 such that the detent does not obstruct the tubular sleeve 112. Alternatively, the push button 154 can be pressed to deflect the cantilever 156. Thereafter, the detent 158 aligns with and is received in the aperture 125 and the push button 154 aligns with the notch N2. Specifically, as the base end cap 114 is substantially fully received by the tubular sleeve 112, the deflected cantilever 156 returns to its substantially undeflected position, to force the detent 158 into the aperture 125. The notch N2 is designed to receive the push button 154 as the tubular sleeve 112 slides over the base end cap 114, such that the push button 154 can protrude from the base end cap 114 without obstructing the tubular sleeve 112. The tubular sleeve 112 can be released and separated from the base end cap 114 by simultaneously depressing the push button 154 to deflect the cantilever 156, thereby releasing the detent 158 from the aperture 125, and sliding the tubular sleeve 112 from the base end cap 114.

Means for releasably locking the tubular sleeve 112 to the base end cap 114 is not limited to the positions described above. For example, referring to the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, elements of the lock and release mechanism are disposed in each of the front and back wall a base end cap 214 and in respective front and back walls of a tubular sleeve (not shown). In additional alternative embodiments, elements of a lock and release mechanism are disposed in one or each of the side walls of a base end cap and of a tubular sleeve. Still other positions may be preferable depending on other aspects of the containers, such as graphics printed on the tubular sleeve that may or may not be designed to interact with the lock and release mechanism.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for holding at least one article, comprising:

a sleeve (12, 112);

a top (16, 116) located at one end of said sleeve (12, 112);

a base (14, 114, 214) located at an opposite end of said sleeve (12, 112);

a locking mechanism (54, 56, 154, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258) that releaseably engages said sleeve (12, 112) to said base (14, 114, 214); and,

a first support structure (28, 128, 228) positioned on said base (14, 114, 214) comprising at least one article receiving recess (44, 144, 244).

2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, said first support structure (28, 128, 228) further comprising an arm (46, 246) proximate to said at least one recess (44, 144, 244) and configured to contact an article at a first location.

3. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, further comprising a second support structure (62) extending from at least one of said top (16, 116) and said sleeve (12, 112), configured to contact an article at a second location.

4. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein said top (16, 116) is releaseably attached to said sleeve (12, 112).

5. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein said sleeve (12, 112) further comprises an aperture (25, 125) that engages said locking mechanism (54, 56, 145, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258).

6. A package (10), comprising:

a sleeve (12, 112) having a closed end (16, 116) and an open end (O1);

a base (14, 114, 214) located at said open end (O1);

a locking mechanism (54, 56, 154, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258) that releaseably engages said sleeve (12, 112) to said base (14, 114, 214);

a first support structure (28, 128, 228) positioned on said base (14, 114, 214), comprising at least one article receiving recess (44, 144, 244); and,

an article (32, 132) at least partially positioned within said receiving recess (44, 144, 244).

7. The package (10) of claim 6, said first support structure (28, 128, 228) further comprising an arm (46, 146, 246) proximate to said at least one recess (44, 144, 244) configured to contact said article (32, 132) at a first location.

8. The package (10) of claim 6, further comprising a second support structure (62) extending from said sleeve (12, 112) and configured to contact said article (32, 132) at a second location.

9. The package (10) of claim 6, wherein said closed end comprises a top (16, 116).

10. The package (10) of claim 9, wherein said top (16, 116) further comprises a second support structure (62).

11. The package (10) of claim 6, wherein said top (16, 116) is releaseably attached to said sleeve (12, 112).

12. A system (10) for holding at least one article, comprising:

a sleeve (12, 112) having a first end and a second end;

means for supporting an article (14, 114, 214, 16, 116) positioned at each of said ends;

means for releaseably securing (54, 56, 154, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258) a first end to said means for supporting (14, 114, 214, 16, 116); and,

means for retaining (46, 146, 246) an article positioned on said means for supporting (14, 114, 214, 16, 116).

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising means for releaseably securing (54, 56, 154, 156, 158, 254, 256, 258) a second end to said means for supporting (14, 114, 214, 16, 116).