ANIMAL-RESISTANT CONTAINER SYSTEM

Abstract

An animal-resistant container system includes a first container and a second container. A fastener has a first part attached to the first container and a second part attached to the second container. The fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container so as to prevent animals from accessing contents of the first container and the second container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the following prior filed co-pending provisional application: provisional application number of 61/461,507, filed on Jan. 19, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

People who live, work, and recreate in outdoor wilderness environments face the challenge of keeping their personal possessions, especially food, safe from animal disturbance. Animals including bears, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, rodents, and birds are very adept at gaining access to food, food waste, and fragrant toiletries such as toothpaste, lotion, soap, et cetera. Bears in particular have proven to be one of the most adept animals at gaining access to these items and have been the standard by which land and wildlife managers develop policies and criteria for animal-resistant containers.

Many of these land and wildlife managers have adopted comprehensive bear management practices and have set strict requirements for proper food storage and use of waste containers. Of notable mention are Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Denali National Park. These parks have taken an active role in preventing bears from accessing human food in order to protect both bears and humans.

Due to regular bear-human encounters at some national parks, many bears have become human-habituated, meaning bears have become accustomed to human presence and have an increased tolerance of humans. In addition to becoming human-habituated, bears may also become human food-conditioned through the positive reinforcement created by obtaining human food rewards. Bears that are human food-conditioned may stop searching for their natural sources of food, can become unhealthy, are more likely to have encounters with humans, and may need to be relocated by wildlife managers. Bears that are both human-habituated and human food-conditioned are more likely to pose a risk to humans. For this reason, land and wildlife managers may decide to exterminate human-habituated human food-conditioned bears that become increasingly bold and aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food. In Yosemite National Park, bears have been known to rip open car doors in an effort to obtain the food inside.

Oftentimes land and wildlife managers install animal-resistant food storage and waste containers at family or car camping areas. Many of these animal-resistant containers are referred to as bear-resistant containers. Though not solely intended for bears, such animal-resistant containers are often designed to withstand the rigors of bear intrusion attempts. The animal-resistant food storage containers provided at family or car camping campsites typically consist of large steel containers with special latches and are capable of storing large amounts of groceries. To protect food waste against animal intrusion, steel dumpsters with special steel lids are typically used. There are many types of animal-resistant containers used at family or car camping areas and the technology for these containers may not require highly sophisticated design solutions or materials due in part to the fact that heavy duty steel is typically used.

Backpackers and campers have developed alternative food storage methods in lieu of animal-resistant containers. A well-known alternative method is to suspend food from a tree. It is often very difficult for backpackers and campers to properly suspend their food to prevent access by animals. First, a person must find a mature tree with specific characteristics in limb height and strength. The person must also be able to find rocks, which need to be attached to a rope and thrown over a tree limb that is 15-25 feet above the ground depending on the exact method used. In rocky, alpine, and high-elevation environments, trees may not be available or may be unsuitable for this method.

Suspended food must be hung by a rope, away from the tree's trunk, on a limb that is strong enough to support two bags of food, yet weak enough to not support a bear. The limb must also be high enough above the ground so that a bear is unable to reach the hanging food, yet low enough from the limb so that smaller animals cannot access the food. In order for a person to retrieve the food, a rope is often connected to the food bag and then tied to one tree or in some methods, to an additional tree hopefully nearby. This method has been known to fail due to bears simply grabbing or slashing the retrieval ropes. An alternative method to retrieval ropes is to counterbalance two roughly equally weighted bags of food over a tree's limb. This method is typically accomplished by pushing a long downed tree branch or trekking pole up on one of the food bags until the two bags are approximately equidistant from the tree's limb.

Another similar method is to utilize a bear pole in areas where land or wildlife managers have provided one. A bear pole permanently fixes to the ground, allows bags of food to be suspended in a similar fashion to the tree suspension method, and has similar disadvantages.

The above alternative methods to animal-resistant containers used by backpackers and campers can be difficult to execute, may be impossible at a particular location, and can permanently damage trees. For these reasons, land and wildlife managers may prohibit these methods in certain areas, and instead require that backpackers and campers use approved animal-resistant food containers.

Several commercially available animal-resistant containers have been developed to resist bear intrusion and meet the needs of backpackers and campers. These lighter weight containers must resist the considerable strength, weight, sharp claws, and powerful jaws of bears. The container's closure must also resist tampering from bears, yet be relatively easy for humans to open. Most of these commercially available animal-resistant containers are made with a hard outer shell, and of these containers, all are roughly cylindrical in shape and have a closure at one end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a container system, depicting two containers unattached.

FIG. 1a is a front view of the container system shown in FIG. 1, depicting the two containers attached together.

FIG. 1b is an isometric view of the container system shown in FIG. 1, depicting the two containers unattached.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one container of a container system, showing an internal interlocking mechanism, a cantilevered locking component, and a mesh drawstring assembly.

FIG. 2a is an isometric section view of the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2b is an isometric view of a ring mechanism.

FIG. 2c is an isometric view of a container, showing slots that act in conjunction with a cantilevered locking component.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of two container subassemblies and a cantilevered locking spring mechanism within a slot.

FIG. 3a is another perspective detail view of two container subassemblies and a cantilevered locking spring mechanism within a slot.

FIG. 3b is another perspective detail view of two container subassemblies and a cantilevered locking spring mechanism within a slot.

FIG. 3c is another perspective detail view of two container subassemblies and a cantilevered locking spring mechanism within a slot.

FIG. 3d is another perspective detail view of two container subassemblies and a cantilevered locking spring mechanism within a slot.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of two containers with an optional tubular center component, shown assembled.

FIG. 4a is an isometric view of the two containers shown with optional tubular center component for increased volumetric capacity, shown disassembled.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view depicting a bowl accessory with a container.

FIG. 5a is an isometric section view of a bowl accessory nested within a container.

FIG. 6 is a section view showing the interaction between two ring mechanisms prior to initial rotation.

FIG. 6a is a section view showing the interaction between two ring mechanisms midway through rotation.

FIG. 6b is a section view showing the interaction between two ring mechanisms after complete rotation.

FIG. 6c is a section view of an outward-facing interlocking tab.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a container system where a band is used to fasten two containers.

FIG. 10 shows a container strapped to a backpack.

FIG. 11 show an alternative embodiment of ring mechanisms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved container system is designed to be virtually impenetrable to animals, while retaining a rapid-opening locking mechanism that can be easily manipulated and disengaged by humans without the need for an external tool and/or key.

One embodiment of the container system includes two identical near semi-spherical containers, constructed of a lightweight polymer (such as polycarbonate), each containing an interlocking tab mechanism that permits the two containers to be attached while the interlocking mechanism locates the respective positions of the two containers both axially and radially. Upon rotation, a tamper-resistant locking mechanism engages, preventing unintentional anti-rotation and subsequent separation of the two containers. The rings containing the interlocking mechanism and anti-rotation locking mechanism are attached to the outer semi-sphere. The two containers, when assembled, create a structure that is able to resist substantial impact forces (axially or radially) without suffering from permanent plastic deformation. If volumetric expansion is desired, a tubular device, containing an identical interlocking mechanism on each end, may be installed between the two semi-spherical containers. Either or both of the semi-spherical containers may be replaced by a container with a different shape that retains single or dual openings and compatible interlocking mechanisms. Also, for example, each container may, alternatively, be constructed of another lightweight material such as aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar composites or some other lightweight material or combination of light weight materials.

FIG. 1 shows a container system 100 composed of a container 101 and a container 102. When assembled, container system 101 is near spherical. What is meant by near spherical is that container 101 and container 102 are not perfect half spheres but each include a flat spot which hinders container system 100 from rolling when container system 100 is placed on a flat surface.

Ring mechanisms 201, attached to container 101, and ring mechanism 210, attached to container 102 are used to attach together containers 101 and 102. Ring mechanisms 201 and 201 position containers 101 and 102 axially along an axis A-A and radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis A-A. Upon rotation of one container with respect to the other about axis A-A, a tamper-resistant locking mechanism engages thereby preventing unintentional anti-rotation and subsequent separation of containers 101 and 102.

Fig. la is a front view of container system 100 shown in FIG. 1, depicting container 101 and container 102 attached together. An area 103 designates an area of container system 100 depicted by FIG. 3 and FIGS. 3a through 3d.

FIG. 1b is an isometric view of container system 100 depicting container 101 and container 102 unattached.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of container 101. Container 101 is shown to include a shell 202. Ring mechanism 201 is bonded to shell 202. Ring mechanism 201 is designed, for example, to interface with an identical ring mechanism on container 102, eliminating the need for dissimilar male/female interlocking mechanisms. Ring mechanism 201 is bonded to shell 202 by, for example, solvent, adhesive, sonic, spin welding or other means in such a way as to provide strength to the shell 202, particularly under radial load scenarios. Ring mechanism 201 is designed to accommodate slight radial misalignment when connected to an identical ring mechanism, and also is designed to mechanically induce automatic radial and axial alignment of two containers upon assembly.

Container 101, may optionally contain a textile drawstring divider 250 that attaches radially to ring mechanism 201. Textile drawstring divider 250 may fasten to ring mechanism 201 by mechanical means, such as a conventional plastic tie wrap, utilizing a circular array of holes 612 within ring mechanism 201, as shown by FIG. 2a and FIG. 6b.

Upon tightening of a drawstring 253 by means of a pull-cord 254, container 101 may be fully inverted without resulting in the escape of contents of container 101.

As shown by FIG. 2a, textile drawstring divider 250 includes fabric 251. Fabric 251 is composed of, for example, a conventional textile product such as Kevlar, nylon, polyester, cotton, mesh, etc. Alternatively, a divider composed of a semi-rigid or rigid material can be used to allow container 101 to be inverted without resulting in the escape of contents of container 101. Such a divider could be attached to container 101 by snaps, or some other attachment mechanism and may be designed in such a way as to provide an eating surface such as a plate or bowl when detached from container 101.

FIG. 2b shows additional detail of ring mechanism 201. Ring mechanism 201 includes inward facing interlocking tabs 602 and outward facing interlocking tabs 603. Each of interlocking tabs 602 and 603 contains a leading chamfered edge 601, shown in FIG. 6c, allowing easier engagement of the interlocking tabs. The radial pattern of interlocking tabs 602 and interlocking tabs 603 allows complementary attachment to an identical ring mechanism.

To permit clearance of a spring mechanism 203, shown in FIG. 2a, during attachment of container 101 to container 102, an interlocking tab 617 is slightly shortened.

Each of interlocking tabs 602 and 603 is composed of a standoff pillar 620, shown in FIG. 6, which connects a ring flange 607 to a pillar platform 609. Upon initial engagement of mating surfaces of each pillar platform 609, the leading chamfered edge 601 of each pillar platform 609 acts as a lead-in to accommodate any initial misalignment, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6c.

Each of interlocking tabs 602 and 603 also contains an integrated pillar stop 630 between pillar platform 609 and the ring flange 607, as shown in FIG. 6b. This acts as a mechanical stop between interlocking tabs when the two ring mechanisms have become fully engaged.

As shown in FIG. 6b, each pillar also contains a pillar cutout 613 to allow the usage of single-draw injection molds in production. This is advantageous because of the reduced mold complexity and correspondingly reduced mold costs. Ring mechanism 201 also may feature patterned cutouts 614 along the ring flange 607, either to reduce component weight, or to exist for purely aesthetic reasons.

Ring flange 607 may also contain slots 611, shown in FIG. 2b, along the inner perimeter. Slots 611 are each sized to permit attachment of conventional ¾ inch webbing. An attached loop of webbing through the slots 611 can be used as an attachment point to strap container 101 to a fixed object, such as the outside of a backpack. This is illustrated in FIG. 10 where webbing 191, placed through one of slots 611, is used to strap container 101 to a backpack 190. Alternatively, a small diameter rope may be substituted for webbing and to accommodate, ring flange 607 may contain holes instead of slots 611.

Spring mechanism 203, shown in FIG. 2b, is a cantilevered section of flexible material such as metal, plastic, or some type of composite material. Spring mechanism 203 is fastened to ring mechanism 201 at holes 606, shown in FIG. 2b. This is accomplished, for example, by rivets 605, or alternatively a threaded fastener, as shown in FIG. 6a.

Spring mechanism 203 is arranged to allow rotation of containers 101 and 102 in a direction of engagement. When spring mechanism 203 is engaged, it prevents rotation of containers 101 and 102 in a direction of engagement.

Spring mechanism 203 engages in one of slots 231 of container 102. Locking produced by spring mechanism 203 ensures that bears and other animals, including small children, cannot open the container system. For example, spring mechanism 203 deflects approximately 0.050 inches upon initial assembly of containers 101 and 102.

Size and shape of cutout hole 660, shown in FIG. 6, can be selected to adjust deflection characteristics of spring mechanism 203. Upon rotation, spring mechanism 203 springs sequentially into a plateau region 230 and then into each of two slots 231, as illustrated by FIG. 2c and FIG. 3. To rotate the two containers opposite the direction of engagement, spring mechanism 203 must be manually deflected by a user to allow clearance of two slots 231 and plateau region 230.

For example, containers 101 and 102 are identical so each contains a spring mechanism that a user must deflect in order to allow rotation in the direction opposite to the direction of engagement.

FIG. 3a shows spring mechanism 203 resting in plateau region 230. FIG. 3b, shows spring mechanism 203 resting in the first of slots 231. FIG. 3c shows spring mechanism 203 sliding up a ramp 232 before deflecting to a neutral position in the final locking location, as shown in FIG. 3d. The edge of the slot steps 233 at the edges of slots 231 will prevent unintentional rotation and disassembly of container system 100 by providing a datum surface to obstruct movement of the spring mechanism 203.

The spring mechanism 203 shall be mounted to the ring flange 607 in a location dictated by a spring standoff 610 and the corresponding spring mounting holes 604.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an optional tubular component 401 placed between container 101 and container 102. Use of optional tubular component 401 allows an increase in overall volume of container system 100. For example, ring mechanisms identical to ring mechanisms 201 at each end of tubular component 401 can be used to attach tubular component 401 to container 401 and 402. Additional tubular components, similar in design to tubular component 401 with ring mechanisms can be consecutively connected together allowing for versatile expansion of container system volume. Any additional component that utilizes a compatible interlocking mechanism may be attached to either container 101, container 102, or tubular component 401, regardless of overall external shape. FIG. 4a shows a disassembled view of optional tubular component 401, container 101 and container 102.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a shows a bowl accessory 260 being stored within container 101. For example bowl accessory 260 is an eating bowl or any optional accessory that match the internal geometry of container 101. The geometry of container 101 allows for a nested eating bowl to take up a relatively insignificant amount of space within container system 100, effectively resulting in a spatial displacement that closely approximates that of an increased wall thickness in container 101.

The embodiments previously discussed are exemplary. Various features of container system 100 can be varied depending upon application, desired materials, desired shape of the assembled container system, and so on.

For example FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of a container system 700 where a container 701 and a container 702 are fastened together by a band 704. An inner divider 703 provides support for the fastening achieved by band 704.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of container system 700 where container 701 and a container 702 are disassembled. As can be seen by the close-up cutaway view provided by FIG. 9, band 704 engages a groove 711 of container 701 and a groove 721 of container 702. Inner divider 703 holds groove 711 of container 701 and groove 721 of container 702 tightly against band 704. For example, inner divider 703 is composed of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. One or more optional tubular components may be inserted between container 701 and container 702 to increase the volume of container system 700.

For example, band 704 is composed of a flexible polymer such as polycarbonate. Band 704 can be tightened using an over-center latch mechanism or another mechanism that allows tightening of the band. For example, band 704 may contain between its circumference, a draw latch or over-center latch that tightens or loosens band 704 and results in a band 704 that either has a smaller diameter or larger diameter when in its closed or open position respectively.

FIG. 8 shows an example tightening device 730 that includes a latch 731. For example, latch 731 is injection molded. A hinge pin 735 connects latch 731 to band 704. A hinge pin 736 connections latch 731 to inner divider 703. Latch 731 operates as an over-center closure and optionally can be assisted by addition of a slight interference detent (not shown), which will snap it into the closed position. Optionally, a secondary mechanism can be included, such as a simple screw or quarter-turn fastener, that will further prevent latch 731 from being accidentally opened.

Tightening device 730 also includes an end-link 732. For example, end-link 732 is injection molded. A hinge pin 738 connects end-link 732 to band 704. A hinge pin 737 connections end-link 732 to inner divider 703. End-link 732 allows band to pull further away from container 702, further facilitating separation of container 701 and container 702 from inner divider 703.

FIG. 11 show an alternative embodiment of ring mechanisms. A ring mechanism 800 includes tabs 802 and slots 803. An identical ring mechanism 900 includes tabs 902 and slots 903. To assemble ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 together, tabs 802 are inserted into slots 903. Simultaneously, tabs 902 are inserted into slots 803. Then, ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 are slightly rotated with respect to each other to lock mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 into place.

A detent mechanism 801 is used to align ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 and to lock ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 into place. When ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 are brought together, detent mechanism 801 is aligned with a slot 905. When ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 are rotated into a locked position, detent mechanism 801 is aligned with a locking slot 906. Detent mechanism 801 engages locking slot 906, preventing ring mechanism 800 and ring mechanism 900 from rotating into a release position until a button 806 is depressed. Ring mechanism 900 includes a detent mechanism, identical to detent mechanism 801, that interacts with a slot 805 and a locking slot 806 of ring mechanism 800.

While herein, exemplary containers having similar shapes have been shown attached together to form a container system, containers with varying shapes may be connected together in order to form a container system.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An animal-resistant container system comprising:

a first container having shape that is near half spherical;

a second container having shape that is near half spherical; and,

a fastener, the fastener having a first part attached to the first container and a second part attached to the second container;

wherein the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container so as to prevent animals from accessing contents of the first container and the second container.

2. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1:

wherein the first part of the fastener is a first ring mechanism bonded to the first container, the first ring mechanism including a first plurality of interlocking tabs;

wherein the second part of the fastener is a second ring mechanism bonded to the second container, the second ring mechanism including a second plurality of interlocking tabs; and,

wherein when the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container, the first plurality of interlocking tabs engages with the second plurality of interlocking tabs to fasten the first container to the second container.

3. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 2, additionally comprising:

a textile drawstring divider attached to first ring mechanism, the divider holding contents of the first container within in the first container when the first container is inverted.

4. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 2, wherein the first container includes a first spring mechanism that engages in a slot within the second container when the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container, the first spring mechanism, when engaged, preventing disassembly of the first container from the second container.

5. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 4, wherein the second container includes a second spring mechanism that engages in a slot within the second container when the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container, the second spring mechanism, when engaged, also preventing disassembly of the first container from the second container.

6. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises:

a band shaped to overlap a groove in the first container, to overlap a groove in the second container, and when tightened, to fasten the first container to the second container.

7. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 6 additionally comprising:

a rigid divider, placed between the first container and the second container, the rigid divider holding the groove of the first container and the groove of the second container against the band when the first container is fastened to the second container.

8. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1 additionally comprising:

a divider attached to the first container, the divider holding contents of the first container in the first container when the first container is inverted.

9. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1 wherein the first container and the second container are each composed of one of the following materials: aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and a Kevlar composite.

10. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1: wherein the first container has a flat spot which hinders the animal-resistant container system from rolling when the animal-resistant container system is placed on a flat surface; and,

wherein the second container has a flat spot which hinders the animal-resistant container system from rolling when the animal-resistant container system is placed on a flat surface.

11. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1 wherein the first container has a slot through which webbing is attached to the first container allowing the first container to be strapped to a backpack.

12. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 1 wherein the first container and the second container have identical shapes.

13. An animal-resistant container system comprising:

a first container constructed of a lightweight polymer;

a second container constructed of the lightweight polymer; and,

a fastener, the fastener having a first part attached to the first container and a second part attached to the second container;

wherein the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container so as to prevent animals from accessing contents of the first container and the second container.

14. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 13:

wherein the first part of the fastener is a first ring mechanism bonded to the first container, the first ring mechanism including a first plurality of interlocking tabs;

wherein the second part of the fastener is a second ring mechanism bonded to the second container, the second ring mechanism including a second plurality of interlocking tabs; and,

wherein when the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container, the first plurality of interlocking tabs engages with the second plurality of interlocking tabs to fasten the first container to the second container.

15. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 14, additionally comprising:

a divider attached to first ring mechanism, the divider holding contents of the first container within in the first container when the first container is inverted.

16. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 14, wherein the first container includes a first spring mechanism that engages in a slot within the second container when the fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container, the first spring mechanism, when engaged, preventing disassembly of the first container from the second container.

17. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 13 wherein the fastener comprises:

a band shaped to overlap a groove in the first container, to overlap a groove in the second container and when tightened to fasten the first container to the second container.

18. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 17 additionally comprising:

a rigid divider, placed between the first container and the second container, the rigid divider holding the groove of the first container and the groove of the second container against the band when the first container is fastened to the second container.

19. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 13 wherein the first container has a slot through which webbing is attached to the first container allowing the first container to be strapped to a backpack.

20. An animal-resistant container system as in claim 13 wherein the first container and the second container have identical shapes.