Candy and gum containers

Abstract

A plurality of candy and gum containers with a variety of shapes and features. The shapes of the different embodiments include a guitar, a racecar, a surfboard, a book, a star, a rectangle, a lighter and an ice cream cone. All embodiments are made of metal and the upper portion of each embodiment can be hinged together to the lower portion of that embodiment or the upper portion of each embodiment can be separated from the lower portion of that embodiment. Certain embodiments of the candy and gum containers provide a quick release mechanism for providing easy access to the contents of the containers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/266,624 filed Oct. 9, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to candy and gum storage containers having a variety of shapes.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] There are many types of containers and objects with ornamental designs. Most of these containers and objects have at least some functional purpose, such as lunch boxes and candy tins. These containers can vary greatly in size and shape, as is shown in the related art.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,116 issued to Reger, outlines an ornamental design for a package for confectionery products.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 382,476 issued to Bell, outlines an ornamental design for a box for candy and nuts.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 408,211 issued to Cordell, outlines an ornamental design for a cake pan in the shape of a car.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 424,931 issued to Teasdale et al., outlines an ornamental design for a packaged food carton.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 431,463 and Des. 437,219 issued to Gallart et al., outlines ornamental designs for a package for confectioneries.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 438,115 issued to Caldwell, outlines an ornamental design for a domed display lid for a decorative box.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 460,354 issued to Goldiner et al., outlines an ornamental design of a skull box.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,945 issued to Kirkland, outlines the use of a container structure suitable for containing non-beverage materials, such as solid or semi-solid foods or non-food items. The container structure is sized and shaped to be dispensed from a vending machine and configured for dispensing conventional drink cans. Accordingly, food items and non-food items alike may be made readily available to the public from conventional canned vending machines.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,211 issued to Greiner, outlines the use of a decorative container for displaying items in internal cavities and includes an inner container and an outer container, defining a hollow region therebetween. The decorative container also includes a plurality of dividers within the hollow region separating the region into a plurality of internal cavities. The outer container also includes a removable plate, configured to provide access to each of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within the internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,163 issued to Coleman et al., outlines a morphing candy holding device that includes a main housing with a primary chamber and secondary chamber. The primary chamber includes an aperture through which a piece of candy secured in the primary chamber can be pushed upward for consumption by a consumer. A lower housing includes a candy stick holder in the primary chamber which pushes the candy up through the aperture for consumption. A secondary electrical circuit includes a power source, an integrated circuit and a control switch for controlling the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry in addition to the integrated circuit includes four LED lights which are in a series from a bottom of the secondary chamber to an upper end of the chamber. The LED lights shine through a series of transition pictures which change from one form to another form from the lower end of the secondary chamber to the upper end of the secondary chamber.

[0014] Web site URL www.rmpalmer.com, outlines candy that is placed in a container in the shape of various racecar tins.

[0015] Web site URL www.anniems.com, outlines tins and confections from a Wizard of OZ theme in various shapes and pictures.

[0016] Each of the previously described patents and Web site URLs outline decorative containers for various uses. However, only the www.rmpalmer.com Web site and the www.annieems.com Web site outline decorative containers that are used for storing candy and gum. Although useful, these containers are not hinged and are not designed to be used repeatedly over a long period of time. That would be something of interest to candy and gum users, candy and gum containers that are uniquely ornamental, yet can be hinged and durable to be used over and over again. The existing containers also do not provide a quick release mechanism for easily opening a sealed container. It would be beneficial to provide a means for easily gaining access to the contents of the containers.

[0017] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention is a plurality of candy and gum containers with a variety of shapes and features. The shapes of the different embodiments include a guitar, a racecar, a surfboard, a book, a star, a rectangle, a lighter and an ice cream cone. All embodiments are made of metal and the upper portion of each embodiment can be hinged together to the lower portion of that embodiment or the upper portion of each embodiment can be separated from the lower portion of that embodiment.

[0019] An additional embodiment of the present invention comprises a quick release candy and gum container. The quick release candy and gum container provides a quick release mechanism for releasing the top portion of the container from a closed position on the bottom portion. The quick release mechanism is preferably located on the top surface of the candy and gum container. The quick release mechanism is in the form of a press-to-open button that releases the top portion of the container from the bottom portion of the container when a force is applied to the button.

[0020] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide decorative candy and gum containers in a variety of decorative shapes.

[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide decorative candy and gum containers with hinged closeable tops.

[0022] It is a further object of the invention to have an aesthetically pleasing way for people to store candy and gum.

[0023] It is a further object of the invention to have a reusable container for storing candy and gum that is also aesthetically pleasing.

[0024] Still a further object of the invention to provide a container for storing candy and gum that includes a quick release mechanism for easily separating the top and bottom portions of the container.

[0025] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0026] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a guitar embodiment of a candy and gum container, according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded overhead perspective view of a guitar embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an overhead perspective view of a hinged guitar embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded overhead perspective view of a racecar embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0031] FIG. 4A is an exploded overhead perspective view of a second racecar embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an overhead perspective view of a hinged racecar embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an exploded overhead perspective view of a surfboard embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a compact embodiment of a candy and gum container with an inside mirror.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an exploded overhead perspective view of a star embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0036] FIG. 9 is an exploded overhead perspective view of an ice cream cone embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a front overhead perspective view of a book embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a front overhead perspective view of a lighter embodiment of a candy and gum container.

[0039] FIG. 12 is an environmental, perspective view of a surfboard shaped candy and gum container depicting the quick release mechanism.

[0040] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the surfboard shaped candy container depicting the separated top and bottom portions.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a side view of the surfboard shaped candy container depicting the top portion in a closed position over the top portion.

[0042] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The present invention is a candy and gum container 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the candy and gum container 10 is shown with candy C being stored in the candy and gum container 10.

[0044] The first embodiment of the candy and gum container 10 is in the shape of a guitar and is comprised of a top portion 20 and a bottom portion 30, the top portion 20 having a top surface 22 and sidewalls 24 on the perimeter of the top surface 22 and the bottom portion 30 having a bottom surface 32 and sidewalls 34 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 32, the top portion 20 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 30, forming the container 10 for holding candy C and the like. The top portion 20 and bottom portion 30 can also be completely separated and opened into two separate pieces that form the candy and gum container 10.

[0045] In another embodiment of the candy and gum container 10, the top portion 20 can also be hinged together with a small wire hinge 45 to the bottom portion 30, allowing the candy and gum container 10 to be opened and closed as desired by the user. Similar hinged and non-hinged candy containers are known in the related art, however, the point of novelty with this embodiment of the candy and gum container 10 is its decorative guitar shape. The candy and gum container 10 is made of metal and is aesthetically made in the shape of a guitar. The hinged and non-hinged candy and gum containers 10 are structurally identical, except for the hinge 45 being added to the hinged candy and gum container 10. Both candy and gum containers are shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0046] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a racecar 50, as is shown in FIG. 4. Like the first embodiment, this candy and gum container 50 is comprised of a top portion 60 and a bottom portion 70, the top portion 60 having a top surface 62 and sidewalls 64 on the perimeter of the top surface 62 and the bottom portion 70 having a bottom surface 72 and sidewalls 74 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 72, the top portion 60 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 70, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 50 for holding candy and gum and the like. The middle of the top surface 66 is raised to represent a racecar roof, while the front of the top surface 67 represents a racecar hood. The back of the top surface 65 represents a racecar trunk. This candy and gum container 50 can have a separate top portion 60 and a separate bottom portion 70 or have the top portion 60 hinged to the bottom portion 70 with a small wire hinge 85, as shown in FIG. 5. The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 50 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of a racecar and is depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0047] An additional embodiment of the racecar tin is depicted in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A depicts stylized racecar 350. The stylized racecar 350 comprises a top portion 360 having a top surface 362 and a bottom portion 370 having a bottom surface 372. The top portion includes a front windshield 364, a rear window 368 and two side windows 366. A back bumper portion 369 is also included on the top portion. The bottom portion further comprises a plurality of wheel portions 376 and fin 374. This candy and bum container 350 can have a separate top and bottom portion as depicted in FIG. 4A, or have the top portion 350 hinged to the bottom portion 370 in the same manner as depicted in FIG. 5.

[0048] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a surfboard 90, as is shown in FIG. 6. Like the previous embodiment, this candy and gum container 90 is comprised of a top portion 100 and a bottom portion 110, the top portion 100 having a top surface 102 and sidewalls 104 on the perimeter of the top surface 102 and the bottom portion 110 having a bottom surface 112 and sidewalls 114 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 112, the top portion 100 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 110, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 90 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 90 can have a separate top portion 100 and a separate bottom portion 110 or have the top portion 100 hinged to the bottom portion 110 with a small wire hinge (not shown). The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 90 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of a surfboard and is depicted in FIG. 6.

[0049] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a rectangle 120, as is shown in FIG. 7. Like the previous embodiments, this candy and gum container 120 is comprised of a top portion 130 and a bottom portion 140, the top portion 130 having a top surface 132 and sidewalls 134 on the perimeter of the top surface 132 and the bottom portion 140 having a bottom surface 142 and sidewalls 144 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 142, the top portion 130 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 140, forming a cavity within the candy and gum container 120 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 120 can have a separate top portion 130 and a separate bottom portion 140 (not shown) or have the top portion 130 hinged to the bottom portion 140 with a small wire hinge 150. There is also a mirror 160 provided on the inside of the top portion 130. The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 120 is the presence of the mirror 160 and not its overall shape, which is in the shape of an ordinary rectangle and is depicted in FIG. 7.

[0050] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a star 170, as is shown in FIG. 8. Like the previous embodiments, this candy and gum container 170 is comprised of a top portion 180 and a bottom portion 190, the top portion 180 having a top surface 182 and sidewalls 184 on the perimeter of the top surface 182 and the bottom portion 190 having a bottom surface 192 and sidewalls 194 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 192, the top portion 180 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 190, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 170 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 170 can have a separate top portion 180 and a separate bottom portion 190 or have the top portion 180 hinged to the bottom portion 190 with a small wire hinge (not shown). The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 170 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of a star and is depicted in FIG. 8.

[0051] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of an ice cream cone 200, as is shown in FIG. 9. Like the previous embodiments, this candy and gum container 200 is comprised of a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 220, the top portion 210 having a top surface 212 and sidewalls 214 on the perimeter of the top surface 212 and the bottom portion 220 having a bottom surface 222 and sidewalls 224 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 222, the top portion 210 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 220, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 200 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 200 can have a separate top portion 210 and a separate bottom portion 220 or have the top portion 210 hinged to the bottom portion 220 with small wire hinges (not shown). The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 200 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of an ice cream cone and is depicted in FIG. 9.

[0052] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a book 230, as is shown in FIG. 10. Like the previous embodiments, this candy and gum container 230 is comprised of a top portion 240 and a bottom portion 250, the top portion 240 having a top surface 242 and sidewalls 244 on the perimeter of the top surface 242 and the bottom portion 250 having a bottom surface 252 and sidewalls 254 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 252, the top portion 240 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 250, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 230 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 230 can have a separate top portion 240 and a separate bottom portion 250 or have the top portion 240 hinged to the bottom portion 250 with small wire hinges 260. The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 230 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of a book and is depicted in FIG. 10.

[0053] An additional embodiment of the invention includes a candy and gum container that is in the shape of a cigarette lighter container 270, as is shown in FIG. 11. Like the previous embodiments, this candy and gum container 270 is comprised of a top portion 280 and a bottom portion 290, the top portion 280 having a top surface 282 and sidewalls 284 on the perimeter of the top surface 282 and the bottom portion 290 having a bottom surface 292 and sidewalls 294 on the perimeter of the bottom surface 292, the top portion 280 aligning together with and closing over the bottom portion 290, forming a cavity (not shown) within the candy and gum container 270 for holding candy and gum and the like. This candy and gum container 270 can have a separate top portion 280 and a separate bottom portion 290 or have the top portion 280 hinged to the bottom portion 290 with small wire hinges 300. There is also a small tab 310 to help to open the top portion 280 of the container 270. The point of novelty of this candy and gum container 270 is also its overall shape, which is in the shape of a cigarette lighter and is depicted in FIG. 11.

[0054] An additional embodiment of the surfboard shaped candy and gum container 90 is depicted in FIG. 12. The candy and gum container 90 depicted in FIG. 12 further comprises a quick release mechanism 101. The quick release mechanism 101 is located on the top surface of the candy and gum container 90. In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 the quick release mechanism is a press-to-open button. The quick release mechanism, however, is not limited in this manner and may be any quick release mechanism known to those in the field. The container depicted in FIG. 12 is the surfboard container 90, however, the quick release mechanism may be applied to any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0055] FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of the present embodiment. The top portion 100 of the candy and gum container 90 further comprises a top lip 103. A similar bottom lip 105 is located on the bottom portion 110 of the container 90.

[0056] FIG. 14 depicts the top portion 100 in a closed position over the bottom portion 110. In the closed position the top lip 103 slides over the bottom lip 105 and secures the top portion 100 over the bottom portion 110. The quick release mechanism 101 provides a means for easily releasing the top portion 100 from the bottom portion 110. When a force is applied to the quick release mechanism 101 the top lip 103 is released and slides back over the bottom lip 105. This releases the top portion 100 of the container 90 from the bottom portion 110.

[0057] All embodiments are made of metal and can be easily handled manually. The guitar embodiment of the candy and gum container 10 is approximately 113 mm. long, 68 mm. wide at its widest point and 13 mm. deep. The racecar embodiment of the candy and gum container 50 is approximately 62 mm. long, 40 mm. wide, (with rounded corners) and14 mm. deep. The surfboard embodiment of the candy and gum container 90 is approximately 3.5″ long, 1.25″ wide and 0.625″ deep. The rectangular embodiment of the candy and gum container 120 and the book embodiment of the candy and gum container 230 is approximately 2.375″ long, 1.625″ wide and 0.625″ deep. The star embodiment of the candy and gum container 170 is approximately 2.5″ in diameter and 1.0″ deep. The ice cream cone embodiment of the candy and gum container 200 is approximately 3.0″ long, 1.5″ wide at its widest point and 0.625″ deep. The lighter embodiment of the candy and gum container 270 is approximately 2.75″ long, 1.5″ wide and 0.50″ deep.

[0058] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A quick release candy and gum container, comprised of:

a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a top surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the top surface, and the bottom portion having a bottom surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the bottom surface, said top portion aligning together with and closing over said bottom portion, forming said container for holding candy and gum and the like;

the top portion being slightly larger and in the same shape as the bottom portion, allowing the top portion sidewalls to close on the bottom portion as desired; and

a quick-release mechanism for releasing said top portion from a closed position on said bottom portion.

2. The quick release candy and gum container according to claim 1, wherein said quick release mechanism is located on said top surface of said top portion.

3. The quick release candy and gum container according to claim 1, wherein said quick release mechanism comprises a press-to-open button.

4. The quick release candy and gum container according to claim 1, wherein said container is in the shape of a surfboard.

5. A candy and gum container, comprised of:

top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a top surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the top surface, and the bottom portion having a bottom surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the bottom surface, said top portion aligning together with and closing over said bottom portion, forming said container for holding candy and gum and the like; and

the top portion being slightly larger and in the same shape as the bottom portion, allowing the top portion sidewalls to close on the bottom portion as desired.

6. The candy and gum container according to claim 5, further comprising a quick-release mechanism for releasing said top portion from a closed position on said bottom portion.

7. The candy and gum container according to claim 6, wherein said quick release mechanism is located on said top surface of said top portion.

8. The candy and gum container according to claim 6 wherein said quick release mechanism comprises a press-to-open button.

9. The candy and gum container according to claim 8, wherein said container is in the shape of a surfboard.

10. A candy and gum container, comprised of:

a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a top surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the top surface and the bottom portion having a bottom surface and sidewalls on the perimeter of the bottom surface, said top portion aligning together with and closing over said bottom portion, forming said container for holding candy and gum and the like;

the top portion being slightly larger and in the same shape as the bottom portion, allowing the top portion to close on the bottom portion as desired; and

the top portion is hinged to the bottom portion, allowing the container to open and close as desired.

11. The candy and gum container according to claim 10, further comprising a quick-release mechanism for releasing said top portion from a closed position on said bottom portion.

12. The candy and gum container according to claim 11, wherein said quick release mechanism is located on said top surface of said top portion.

13. The candy and gum container according to claim 12, wherein said quick release mechanism comprises a press-to-open button.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the container is in the shape of a surfboard.