CHILD PROOF BIN

Abstract

A child proof bin may include a first bin portion (such as a hollow receptacle) and a second bin portion (such as a lid) removably attachable to the first bin portion. The second bin portion includes a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child, activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess, and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion. The activation mechanisms are operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/309,791 filed Mar. 17, 2016 and titled “Child Proof Toy Bins,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to bins. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to child proof bins.

BACKGROUND

Parents of young children spend countless hours cleaning up and organizing items, such as toys. Many toys incorporate multiple parts (i.e. blocks, cars, puzzles, train sets, etc.). Parents may try to organize such toys into separate traditional toy bins, only to have children dump all the toy bins out and the organizing process starts all over again. Millions of parents find themselves frustrated with toys spread throughout their homes, wishing they could spend less time cleaning up and organizing toys, as well as other items.

One solution for this problem is child proof toy or other bins. The general idea behind a child proof toy bin or other kind of child proof bin is that children cannot open the bins themselves. Adults may be able to easily open the toy bins. This may allow parents or other adults to give children access to only one toy or other bin at a time. This may also limit the potential mess to one bin's worth. After children play with toys (and/or otherwise use other items) from one bin, parents or other adults may encourage children to clean up the manageable mess before another bin is opened. By not mixing contents from multiple bins, toys may stay organized. Mr. Potato Head™ may keep his arms, Barbie™ may keep her clothes, puzzles may keep their pieces, and so on.

Child proof bins may also be used for other items. Such other items may include, but are not limited to, scissors, markers, paint, crafts, medicine, batteries, cleaning supplies or anything else parents or other adults may want to control access to.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a child proof bin. A child proof bin may include a first bin portion (such as a hollow receptacle) and a second bin portion (such as a lid) removably attachable to the first bin portion. The second bin portion may include a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child, activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess, and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion. The activation mechanisms may be operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion.

In various embodiments, a child proof bin may include a hollow receptacle that defines four apertures and a lid removably attachable to the hollow receptacle. The lid may include a surface defining two pairs of recesses positioned about four to six inches apart; four buttons positioned respectively in the two pairs of recesses such that the four buttons do not extend above their respective recess; and four protrusions each connected to one of the four buttons and positioned to project into one of the four apertures. The four buttons may be operable to be simultaneously activated to withdraw the four protrusions from the four apertures to allow the lid to be removed from the hollow receptacle. In various examples, the lid may cover the four protrusions when the lid is attached to the hollow receptacle.

In some examples, the four buttons are biased against activation. The four buttons may be biased against activation by springs. The four buttons may resist individual activation. The four buttons may resist individual activation via movement mechanisms that connect the four buttons to a respective protrusions of the four protrusions. The movement mechanisms may be obscured when the lid is attached to the hollow receptacle.

In some embodiments, a child proof bin may include a hollow receptacle and a lid removably attachable to the hollow receptacle. The lid may include a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned an average adult human hand span apart; activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess; and lock mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to lock the lid to the hollow receptacle. The activation mechanisms may be operable to be simultaneously activated to unlock the lid from the hollow receptacle.

In some examples, the hollow receptacle is transparent. In various examples, the hollow receptacle and lid are formed of plastic. In numerous examples, the child proof bin comprises a toy bin. In various examples, the lid is opaque. In other examples, the hollow receptacle and lid may be configured in a variety of combinations of colors, opacities, and/or transparencies. In some examples, at least two of the activation mechanisms are moveable in opposite directions. In various examples, the hollow receptacle is rectangular.

In numerous embodiments, a child proof bin may include a first bin portion and a second bin portion removably attachable to the first bin portion. The second bin portion may include a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child; activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess; and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion. The activation mechanisms may be operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion. The hand span of an average human child may be less than five inches.

In some examples, the attachment mechanisms couple the second bin portion to the first bin portion at multiple sides of the first bin portion. In various examples, the attachment mechanisms couple to an internal part of the first bin portion.

In numerous examples, the activation mechanisms are operable as a handle for the second bin portion. In various examples, the attachment mechanisms are angled such that they are insertable into the first bin portion when extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1A depicts an adult human attempting to operate a child proof bin.

FIG. 1B depicts a human child attempting to operate the child proof bin of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the child proof bin of FIG. 1A, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 depicts a first alternative embodiment of the child proof bin of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a second alternative embodiment of the child proof bin of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

The following disclosure relates to a child proof bin. A child proof bin may include a first bin portion (such as a hollow receptacle) and a second bin portion (such as a lid) removably attachable to the first bin portion. The second bin portion may include a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child, activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess, and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion. The activation mechanisms may be operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion.

The majority of child proof products on the market today are designed to prevent children from accessing medications or other harmful products. They are often very small containers, some the size of a medicine bottle. Other strategies involve installing hooks or latches into cabinets or doors to keep kids out. None of these products or approaches meet the needs of keeping toys organized. The present disclosure serves a different need and is designed in a new and unique way.

Many child proofing strategies are not too difficult for children to figure out by simply watching their parents. They depend on the cognitive difference between children and adults. The child proof bin of the present disclosure uses on a physical difference between a child's and an adult's hand span (between the thumb and the index finger). The present disclosure uses two adult-sized hands to open. Small children may not be able to open this bin because their hands simply may not big enough. The present disclosure may involve two paired mechanisms such that a child using both hands may still be unable to open the bin.

In various embodiments, a child proof bin may have a cube-shaped, hollow receptacle as its base. The base may hold items that parents or other adults want to control access to. There may be a separate, unhinged lid placed on top of the base to secure desired contents inside. The lid may contain two sets of opposing spring-biased, finger-actuated buttons. Each button may be connected to a protrusion that inserts into a notch in the base, securing the lid to the base. Springs may force the protrusions outward into the notches. When all four buttons are squeezed simultaneously (such with the thumb and index finger), the protrusions may move inward, releasing the lid from the base. The squeezed buttons may also act as a handle to remove the lid. The button pairs may be spaced approximately 4-6 inches apart, which may be greater than the hand span of a child. Protrusions may be centrally positioned in the lid to prevent children from using two hands to pry one side open. Buttons may be recessed below the plane of the lids' surface. This may allow bins to be stacked on top of each other and may prevent children from using flat edges to aid in opening bins. The bins may be stacked inside each other when the lids are removed. The notches in the base (or the protrusions or both) may be designed with an angle, allowing users to snap the lid into place without having to squeeze the buttons. When the lid is secured to the base, the protrusions may not be visible or accessible.

In some implementations, such a child proof bin may come in a variety of sizes in order to store an array of items. The base may be transparent (such as when the base is formed of transparent plastic, though the base may be formed of other plastics or materials in various implementations) to make contents inside visible in some examples. In various examples, the lid may be made from a solid, opaque plastic to hide the mechanics of the springs and protrusions. In some implementations, the lid may come in a variety of colors. The base and lid may have rounded corners to be more kid friendly and attractive in one or more examples.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-3. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1A depicts an adult human 130A attempting to operate a child proof bin 100 (such as a toy bin and/or other bin). As illustrated, the child proof bin 100 includes a hollow receptacle 102 (or other first bin portion) and a lid 101 (or other second bin portion) removably attached thereto. The lid 101 includes a surface that defines two pairs of recesses 103, 105 and 107, 109. Four buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 (or other activation mechanisms) are positioned respectively in the two pairs of recesses 103, 105 and 107, 109. The buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be activated to allow the lid 101 to be removed from the hollow receptacle 102.

Many child proofing strategies are not too difficult for children to figure out by simply watching their parents. They depend on the cognitive difference between children and adults. To the contrary, the child proof bin 100 utilizes a physical difference between a child's hand span and an adult's hand span. Essentially two adult-sized hands may be used to open the child proof bin 100. Small children may not be able to open the child proof bin 100 because their hands may simply not be big enough. The child proof bin 100 may involve two paired sets of buttons 104, 106 and 108, 110 such that a child using both hands may be unable to activate the buttons 104, 106 and 108, 110 and open the child proof bin 100.

By way of illustration, the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be positioned such that they are within the adult's hand span (between the thumb 132A and the index finger 131A). Thus, the adult human 130A may activate the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 (the buttons 104 and 108 being configured in this embodiment to be moveable in an opposite direction from the buttons 106 and 110) and remove the lid 101 from the hollow receptacle 102.

To contrast, FIG. 1B depicts a human child 130B attempting to operate the child proof bin 100 of FIG. 1A. The buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be positioned such that they are outside the child's hand span (between the thumb 132B and the index finger 131B). The hand span of an average human child may be less than five inches. Thus, the human child 130A is unable to activate the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 and remove the lid 101 from the hollow receptacle 102.

In some examples, the lid 101 may be removable from the hollow receptacle 102 when a number of the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 are activated simultaneously. For example, the lid 101 may be removable when the two paired sets of buttons 104, 106 and 108, 110 are activated simultaneously. This may prevent the human child 130B from activating the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 to overcome the deficiency in the child's hand span.

Further, as shown, in various examples, the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be positioned respectively in the recesses 103, 105, 107, 109 so as to be flush with the surface, recessed below the surface, and/or otherwise not extend above their respective recess 103, 105, 107, 109. This may prevent the human child 130B from activating the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 with another object that is larger than the child's hand span, such as a wall, table, and so on.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the child proof bin 100 of FIG. 1A, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A. As shown, the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be operable to move within tracks 111. The buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be coupled to pins 113 (or other lock mechanisms, attachment mechanisms, protrusions, and so on). The buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be biased against activation by springs 112 (or other biasing mechanisms). Activation of the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may compress the springs 112 (and/or otherwise overcome the bias) to remove the pins 113 from where the pins 113 are positioned to project into apertures 114 defined in the hollow receptacle 102. Thus, activation of the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 unlocks the lock of the lid 101 to the hollow receptacle 102 by the pins 113 and allows the lid 101 to be detached and/or otherwise removed.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 3, in various implementations, the hollow receptacle 102 may be a cube-shaped (and/or otherwise rectangular, though it may be shaped otherwise in various implementations), hollow receptacle that functions as a base for the child proof bin 100. The base may be used to hold items that parents or other adults may want to control access to.

The lid 101 may be a separate, unhinged lid. The separate, unhinged lid may be placed on top of the base to secure desired contents inside.

The separate, unhinged lid may contain two sets of opposing spring-biased, finger-actuated buttons 104, 106, 108, 110. Each button 104, 106, 108, 110 may be connected to a pin 113 that inserts into a notch 114 in the base, securing the lid to the base. Springs 112 may force the pins 112 outward into the notches 114. When all four buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 are squeezed simultaneously (such as with the thumb and index finger) the pins 113 may move inward, releasing the separate, unhinged lid from the base. In various examples, the squeezed buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be used as a handle to remove the separate, unhinged lid.

In some implementations, the button pairs 104, 106 and 108, 110 may be spaced approximately 4-6 inches apart, such as between 3.8 inches and 6.2 inches. This may be greater than the hand span of a child.

The pins 113 may be centrally positioned in the separate, unhinged lid. This may prevent children from using two hands to pry one side open. The pins 113 may couple the separate, unhinged lid to the base at multiple sides of the base. The pins 113 may couple to an internal part of the base.

Buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 may be recessed below the plane of the separate, unhinged lid's surface. This may allow multiple child proof bins 100 to be stacked on top of each other. This may also prevent children from using flat edges to aid in opening the child proof bins 100.

The child proof bin 100 may be configured such that multiple child proof bins 100 may be stacked inside each other when the separate, unhinged lids are removed. The notches 114 in the base (or the pins 113 or both) may be configured with one or more angles (such as the pins 113 having sloped ends). This may allow users to snap the separate, unhinged lid into place without having to squeeze the buttons 104, 106, 108, 110 as the pins 113 may be insertable into the base while extended.

In various implementations, the base may be formed of a translucent material, such as clear plastic. This may allow contents to be viewed without opening the child proof bin 100. The separate, unhinged lid may be formed of an opaque material. This may obscure the mechanisms used to lock and/or otherwise attach the separate, unhinged lid to the base. As such, when the separate, unhinged lid is secured to the base, the mechanisms used to lock and/or otherwise attach the separate, unhinged lid to the base may not be visible or accessible.

The child proof bin 100 may come in a variety of sizes in order to store an array of items. The base will be transparent to make contents inside visible. The separate, unhinged lid may be made from a solid, opaque plastic to hide the mechanics of the springs 112 and pins 113. The separate, unhinged lid may come in a variety of colors. The base and separate, unhinged lid may have rounded corners to be more kid friendly and attractive.

FIG. 3 depicts a first alternative embodiment of the child proof bin 100 of FIG. 2. By way of contrast, the pairs of activation mechanisms 304, 306 and 308, 310 may be respectively in tracks 311 across from the other of the respective pair. The pairs of activation mechanisms 304, 306 and 308, 310 may be biased against activation by a biasing mechanism such as springs 312 coupled to a stop 318. When the pairs of activation mechanisms 304, 306 and 308, 310 are activated, the springs 312 may compress against the stops 318.

The pairs of activation mechanisms 304, 306 and 308, 310 may be respectively coupled to engaging mechanisms 322, 321, which are in turn connected to pins 313 that project into apertures 314). The engaging mechanisms 322, 321 may respectively include a sloped surface 316, 320 or other movement mechanisms and a catch 317. One or more blocks 315 may be positioned in the tracks 311. If activation of one of the pairs of activation mechanisms 304, 306 and 308, 310 is attempted without the other of the pair, the catch 317 may be stopped by the block 315. Thus, the activation mechanisms 304, 306, 308, 310 may resist individual activation by the sloped surface 316, 320 (or other movement mechanisms and so on) that connect the activation mechanisms 304, 306, 308, 310 (or buttons and so on) to the engaging mechanisms 322, 321 (or pins 313 and so on).

However, if both of the pair are activated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the sloped surfaces 316, 320 may slide against each other. This may move the engaging mechanisms 322, 321 away from each other such that the catches 317 are separated from the block 315. This may allow the pair to be activated without being prevented by the catch 317 hitting the block 315.

However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, other mechanisms may be used to ensure multiple activation mechanisms are simultaneously activated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some examples, all of the activation mechanisms 304, 306, 308, 310 may be simultaneously activated in order to activate any of the activation mechanisms 304, 306, 308, 310.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a second alternative embodiment of the child proof bin 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4A shows the lid 401 separated from the hollow receptacle 402 and FIG. 4B shows the hollow receptacle 402 separated from the lid 401.

By way of contrast with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pins 413 may be components of the activation mechanisms 404, 406, 408, 410 rather than a separate component coupled thereto. As shown, in some examples the pins 413 may be ledges, protrusions, or other shaped portions of the activation mechanisms 404, 406, 408, 410 that are configured to interact with the apertures 404 of the hollow receptacle 402.

By way of further contrast with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hollow receptacle 402 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be configured to insert into a space defined by a lip of the lid 401 rather than how the lid 101 inserts into an opening defined by the hollow receptacle 102. In this way, the lip of the lid 401 may partially or entirely contact and/or surround the exterior of the hollow receptacle 402 while the pins 413 and/or the activation mechanisms 404, 406, 408, 410 contact the interior of the hollow receptacle 402 and/or engage the apertures 414.

By way of additional contrast with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the apertures 414 may extend entirely though the hollow receptacle 402. FIG. 4B also illustrates how the walls of the hollow receptacle 402 may be angled (and/or tracks associated with the apertures 414) so that the lid 401 and the hollow receptacle 402 may be coupled together while the pins 413 are extended, as the angled walls of the hollow receptacle 402 (and/or tracks associated with the apertures 414) may result in the top of the opening defined by the hollow receptacle 402 being wider than the lid 401 including the extended pins 413, even if the portion of the opening defined by the hollow receptacle 402 at the area where the apertures 414 are positioned is the same width and/or narrower the lid 401 including the extended pins 413.

As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to a child proof bin. A child proof bin may include a first bin portion (such as a hollow receptacle) and a second bin portion (such as a lid) removably attachable to the first bin portion. The second bin portion may include a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child, activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess, and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion. The activation mechanisms may be operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A child proof bin, comprising:

a hollow receptacle that defines four apertures; and

a lid removably attachable to the hollow receptacle, comprising: a surface defining two pairs of recesses positioned about four to six inches apart; four buttons positioned respectively in the two pairs of recesses such that the four buttons do not extend above their respective recess; and four protrusions each connected to one of the four buttons and positioned to project into one of the four apertures;

wherein the four buttons are operable to be simultaneously activated to withdraw the four protrusions from the four apertures to allow the lid to be removed from the hollow receptacle.

2. The child proof bin of claim 1, wherein the four buttons are biased against activation.

3. The child proof bin of claim 2, wherein the four buttons are biased against activation by springs.

4. The child proof bin of claim 1, wherein the four buttons resist individual activation.

5. The child proof bin of claim 4, wherein the four buttons resist individual activation via movement mechanisms that connect the four buttons to a respective protrusion of the four protrusions.

6. The child proof bin of claim 5, wherein the movement mechanisms are obscured when the lid is attached to the hollow receptacle.

7. The child proof bin of claim 1, wherein the lid covers the four protrusions when the lid is attached to the hollow receptacle.

8. A child proof bin, comprising:

a hollow receptacle; and

a lid removably attachable to the hollow receptacle, comprising: a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned an average adult human hand span apart; activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess; and lock mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to lock the lid to the hollow receptacle;

wherein the activation mechanisms are operable to be simultaneously activated to unlock the lid from the hollow receptacle.

9. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein the hollow receptacle is transparent.

10. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein the hollow receptacle and lid are formed of plastic.

11. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein the child proof bin comprises a toy bin.

12. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein the lid is opaque.

13. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein at least two of the activation mechanisms are moveable in opposite directions.

14. The child proof bin of claim 8, wherein the hollow receptacle is rectangular.

15. A child proof bin, comprising:

a first bin portion; and

a second bin portion removably attachable to the first bin portion, comprising: a surface defining pairs of recesses positioned distance apart greater than the hand span of an average human child; activation mechanisms positioned respectively in the pairs of recesses such that the activation mechanisms do not extend above their respective recess; and attachment mechanisms each connected to one of the activation mechanisms operable to attach the second bin portion to the first bin portion;

wherein the activation mechanisms are operable to be activated to detach the second bin portion from the first bin portion.

16. The child proof bin of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanisms couple the second bin portion to the first bin portion at multiple sides of the first bin portion.

17. The child proof bin of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanisms couple to an internal part of the first bin portion.

18. The child proof bin of claim 15, wherein the activation mechanisms are operable as a handle for the second bin portion.

19. The child proof bin of claim 15, wherein the hand span of an average human child is less than five inches.

20. The child proof bin of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanisms are angled such that they are insertable into the first bin portion when extended.