U.S. patent application number 12/001627 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for sealable container for transporting breakable items.
Invention is credited to Brenda Lea Baye, Cheyenne McManus Dragomer, Doug Michael Dragomer, Peter Samuel Hill.
Application Number | 20080135554 12/001627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496757 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080135554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hill; Peter Samuel ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Sealable container for transporting breakable items
Abstract
Sealable containers for transporting breakable items are
provided. Sealable containers for transporting breakable items
include: a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open
end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer
surface; at least one body of cushioning material; a closure
configured to threadedly engage the threaded open end of the
cylindrical body; at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface;
at least one thermal blanket; at least one disc of foam inside the
cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; at least one disc of foam
inside the cylindrical body near the threaded open end; foam having
partially pre-cut sections configured to be removable; a sealing
ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the closure
threadedly engages the threaded open end; at least one fitting on
the outer surface of the cylindrical body; and at least one strap
connected to the at least one fitting.
Inventors: |
Hill; Peter Samuel;
(Tujunga, CA) ; Baye; Brenda Lea; (Tujunga,
CA) ; Dragomer; Doug Michael; (Burbank, CA) ;
Dragomer; Cheyenne McManus; (Burbank, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
PO BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Family ID: |
39496757 |
Appl. No.: |
12/001627 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60874050 |
Dec 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
60966927 |
Aug 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/215 ;
206/523; 220/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/052 20130101;
B65D 81/113 20130101; B65D 81/3886 20130101; B65D 85/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/215 ;
220/288; 206/523 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. A sealable container for transporting breakable items, the
sealable container comprising: a cylindrical body comprising: a
closed end; an open end opposite the closed end, the open end being
threaded; an inner surface; and an outer surface; at least one body
of cushioning material within the cylindrical body; and a closure
having a flange, the closure being configured to threadedly engage
the open end of the cylindrical body; wherein when the closure
threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body, the flange
of the closure abuts the inner surface of the cylindrical body.
2. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein when the
closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical body,
the flange of the closure and the inner surface of the cylindrical
body are spaced by a distance of less than approximately 0.10
inches (2.5 mm).
3. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical
body.
4. The sealable container according to claim 3, wherein the at
least one sheet of foam is corrugated open-cell foam.
5. The sealable container according to claim 3, wherein the at
least one sheet of foam is closed-cell foam.
6. The sealable container according to claim 5, further comprising
at least one thermal blanket configured to provide thermal
insulation of a breakable item.
7. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the
closed end.
8. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body near the open
end.
9. The sealable container according to claim 8, wherein at least
one of the at least one disc of foam has an aperture configured to
receive a breakable item.
10. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising
foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially pre-cut
sections configured to be removable.
11. The sealable container according to claim 1, further comprising
a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the
closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical
body.
12. The sealable container according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one fitting on the outer surface of the
cylindrical body; and at least one strap connected to the at least
one fitting.
13. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical body is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed
by blow molding.
14. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical body is made of high-density polyethylene.
15. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical body is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed
by injection molding.
16. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the
closure is made of a synthetic polymeric material formed by
injection molding.
17. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the
closure has at least one outwardly facing recessed pocket
configured to facilitate threadedly engaging the open end of the
cylindrical body.
18. A sealable container for transporting breakable items, the
sealable container comprising: a cylindrical body having a closed
end, a threaded open end, an inner surface, and an outer surface;
at least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical
body; a closure having a flange, the closure configured to
threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at
least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical
body; foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially
pre-cut sections configured to be removable; at least one disc of
foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; and a
sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the
closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical
body; wherein when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open
end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the
inner surface of the cylindrical body.
19. A system for transporting breakable items, the system
comprising: a cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open
end opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer
surface; a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to
threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at
least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the
closed end; at least one disc of foam inside the cylindrical body
near the threaded open end; a plurality of interchangeable inserts,
each positionable adjacent the inner surface to cushion and/or
thermally insulate a breakable item, the plurality of
interchangeable inserts comprising: at least one sheet of foam on
the inner surface of the cylindrical body; at least one thermal
blanket configured to provide thermal insulation of a breakable
item; and a sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal
when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the
cylindrical body.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein when the closure
threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical body,
the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the
cylindrical body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/874,050, filed on Dec. 11, 2006, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/966,927, filed on Aug. 30,
2007, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers, and
more particularly to sealable containers for transporting breakable
items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In view of recent rules promulgated by the United States
Transportation Safety Administration requiring that containers of
greater than three ounces containing liquids be transported only in
checked luggage, many air travelers often find themselves in a
predicament. Air travelers often desire to transport liquid-holding
containers, such as wine or shampoo bottles, which may be breakable
or ruptureable. However, stowing such containers in a traveler's
personal luggage creates the danger of not only losing the value of
the liquid item, but also of ruining other items in the same
luggage, or even having such luggage confiscated by safety
personnel.
[0004] Containers for transporting breakable items are known, but
are typically configured to transport only a predetermined item
having a particular size and shape. Also, known containers for
transporting breakable items are typically not sealable such that
they are liquid-tight, especially under the application of a force,
such as when dropped.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an inexpensive, light-weight,
adjustable, reusable, sealable container for transporting breakable
items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed
toward sealable containers for transporting breakable items.
Embodiments of containers of the present invention are sealable to
be liquid-tight, such that a liquid can neither enter nor escape
from a sealed container. Another aspect of embodiments of the
present invention is the protection provided by a container to a
breakable item against impact or shock. Embodiments of the present
invention additionally may provide thermal insulation to a
breakable item. Still another aspect of containers of the present
invention is light weight and ease of transporting, facilitated in
some embodiments by a carrying strap. Yet another aspect of
embodiments according to the present invention is that the
containers are configurable to transport breakable items having a
variety of sizes and shapes.
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention is a sealable
container for transporting breakable items that includes a
cylindrical body including a closed end, a threaded open end
opposite the closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface; at
least one body of cushioning material within the cylindrical body;
and a closure having a flange, the closure being configured to
threadedly engage the open end of the cylindrical body; wherein
when the closure threadedly engages the open end of the cylindrical
body, the flange of the closure abuts the inner surface of the
cylindrical body.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention is a sealable
container for transporting breakable items that includes a
cylindrical body having a closed end, a threaded open end, an inner
surface, and an outer surface; at least one body of cushioning
material within the cylindrical body; a closure configured to
threadedly engage the threaded open end of the cylindrical body; at
least one sheet of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical
body; foam inside the cylindrical body, the foam having partially
pre-cut sections configured to be removable; at least one disc of
foam inside the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; and a
sealing ring configured to produce a liquid-tight seal when the
closure threadedly engages the threaded open end of the cylindrical
body; wherein when the closure threadedly engages the threaded open
end of the cylindrical body, the flange of the closure abuts the
inner surface of the cylindrical body.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a system
for transporting breakable items that includes a cylindrical body
having a closed end, a threaded open end opposite the closed end,
an inner surface, and an outer surface; a closure having a flange,
the closure being configured to threadedly engage the threaded open
end of the cylindrical body; at least one disc of foam inside the
cylindrical body adjacent the closed end; at least one disc of foam
inside the cylindrical body near the threaded open end; a plurality
of interchangeable inserts, each positionable adjacent the inner
surface to cushion and/or thermally insulate a breakable item, the
plurality of interchangeable inserts including at least one sheet
of foam on the inner surface of the cylindrical body and at least
one thermal blanket configured to provide thermal insulation of a
breakable item; and a sealing ring configured to produce a
liquid-tight seal when the closure threadedly engages the threaded
open end of the cylindrical body.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the features of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the container of
FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view through the container
of FIG. 1 taken at line 3-3;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closure of a container
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a detail of the vertical sectional view of FIG. 2
showing engagement of a closure of the container of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through a container
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view through a container
according to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of foam of a container
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, embodiments of the present invention
are directed to a sealable container for transporting breakable
items. Embodiments of sealable containers according to the present
invention include a cylindrical body having a closed end and a
threaded open end. Sealable containers according to the present
invention also include a body of cushioning material within the
cylindrical body, and a closure configured to engage the
cylindrical body such that a flange of the closure abuts an inner
surface of the cylindrical body. The flange of the closure prevents
distortion of the cylindrical body where engaged by the closure
under mechanical forces, thereby maintaining sealability of the
container. A sealing ring may also be included to create a
liquid-tight seal where the closure threadedly engages the open end
of the cylindrical body. Embodiments of the present invention may
include one or more sheets or discs of foam inside the container,
which may thermally insulate and/or absorb impact forces from a
breakable item. A sealable container may also include a thermal
blanket for further thermal insulation and protection against
mechanical forces. Embodiments of sealable containers according to
the present invention may also include one or more straps for
transportability.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sealable container 100 for
transporting a breakable item 102 includes a cylindrical body 110
having an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. The
cylindrical body also has a closed end 116 and an open end 118. The
open end 118 is threaded. Although shown having external threads
120 in FIG. 2, the open end 118 may alternatively have internal
threads.
[0021] The cylindrical body 110 of the present embodiment may be of
any length and diameter suitable for receiving a particular
breakable item. In one embodiment, the length of the cylindrical
body 110 may be between approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) and
approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm). In another embodiment, the
length of the cylindrical body 110 is approximately 14 inches (35.6
cm). The diameter of the cylindrical body may be between
approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) and approximately 5 inches (12.7
cm). The cylindrical body 110 may be formed by blow molding,
injection molding or any other suitable process, and may be formed
of polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, low-density
polyethylene, polypropylene, or any other suitable material or
combination thereof having light weight and sufficient strength and
impact resistance to withstand a drop or a reasonable blow to the
container 100. Alternatively, the cylindrical body 110 may be
formed of a suitable sheet metal, such as aluminum or thin gauge
tin or steel.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealable container 100
also includes a closure 130. The closure 130 may be formed by
injection molding or any other suitable process, and may be formed
of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene,
polypropylene, rubber, or any other suitable material or
combination thereof. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the
closure 130 is approximately equal to the diameter of the
cylindrical body 110.
[0023] FIG. 5 details the closure 130 threadedly engaging the
cylindrical body 110. Although FIG. 5 depicts the closure 130 as
having internal threads 132, that is, on an inner surface of the
closure 130, another embodiment of a closure may have external
threads, on an exterior surface of the closure. An embodiment of
the closure having external threads would engage an embodiment of
the cylindrical body having internal threads.
[0024] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the closure
130 has a flange 134 having a diameter less than a diameter of the
internal threads 132. When the closure 130 threadedly engages the
external threads 120 of the open end 118 of the cylindrical body
110, the flange 134 abuts and/or is adjacent the inner surface 112
of the cylindrical body 110. The flange 134 and the inner surface
112 may be spaced apart by a relatively small distance 135. The
distance 135 may vary from a few thousandths of an inch to
approximately 1/16th of an inch, and in one embodiment is
approximately 1 mm. An embodiment of a closure having external
threads does not have a flange.
[0025] With further reference to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the
closure 130 may also include a sealing ring 136. The sealing ring
136 is a compressible material, such as rubber, which will compress
to create a liquid-tight seal when the closure 130 threadedly
engages the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110. Additionally,
as shown in FIG. 4, an embodiment of the closure 130 has outwardly
facing recessed pockets 138. The pockets 138 are configured to
facilitate a user in threadedly engaging or disengaging the closure
130 and the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110, and may be
approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) deep.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the
container 100 also includes a foam sheet 140 adjacent the inner
surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The foam sheet 140
functions to cushion the breakable item 102 from impact or other
mechanical forces and also provides thermal insulation to the
breakable item 102. The foam sheet 140 may be corrugated open-cell
foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester,
polyether, or any other suitable material having cushioning
properties. The dimensions of the foam sheet 140 should be such
that when the foam sheet 140 is given a cylindrical shape and
inserted into the cylindrical body 110 adjacent the inner surface
112, the foam sheet 140 covers the diameter of the inner surface
112.
[0027] The container 100 may also include a lower foam disc 142.
The lower foam disc 142 is adjacent the closed end 116 of the
cylindrical body 110, as shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102
rests on and is cushioned by the lower foam disc 142. The diameter
of the lower foam disc 142 is approximately equal to the diameter
of the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical body 110. The thickness
of the lower foam disc 142 may depend on the length of the
breakable item 102, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch
(2.54 cm). The lower foam disc 142 may be open-cell foam such as
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or
any other suitable material having cushioning properties.
[0028] An embodiment of the container 100 may also include an upper
foam disc 144. The upper foam disc 144 is adjacent the open end 118
of the cylindrical body 110 and abuts a bottom surface of the
closure 130, as shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102 is
cushioned by the upper foam disc 144 when the container 100 is not
upright. The diameter of the upper foam disc 144 is approximately
equal to the diameter of the inner surface 112 of the cylindrical
body 110. Similar to the lower foam disc 142, the thickness of the
upper foam disc 144 may depend on the length of the breakable item
102, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). The
upper foam disc 144 may be open-cell foam such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other
suitable material having cushioning properties.
[0029] An embodiment of the container 100 may also include a
receiving foam disc 146. The receiving foam disc 146 may be
adjacent the open end 118 of the cylindrical body 110 and abutting
a bottom surface of the closure 130, or may be used in combination
with and abutting a lower surface of the upper foam disc 144, as
shown in FIG. 2. The breakable item 102 is cushioned by the
receiving foam disc 146 and is further held in place by an aperture
147 sized to receive a portion of the breakable item 102, such as
the neck of a bottle. The diameter of the receiving foam disc 146
is approximately equal to the diameter of the inner surface 112 of
the cylindrical body 110. The thickness of the receiving foam disc
146 may depend on the length of the portion of the breakable item
102 to be received, and in one embodiment is approximately 1 inch
(2.54 cm). The receiving foam disc 146 may be open-cell foam such
as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyether,
or any other suitable material having cushioning properties.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment of a
sealable container 100 for transporting breakable items also
includes one or more fittings 160 on the outer surface 114 of the
cylindrical body 110 and a strap 162 connected to the one or more
fittings 160. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, there are two
fittings 160 having a loop shape, each fitting 160 being
approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) long. In the present embodiment, the
fittings 160 are integrally molded with and formed of the same
material as the outer surface 114 of the cylindrical body 110. The
strap 162 of the present embodiment is connected to the two
fittings 160 by inserting the strap 162 through the loops of the
fittings 160. The strap 162 may be a strap of polyethylene, nylon,
polyester, or other suitable material or combination thereof
approximately 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) wide. The strap 162 may include
one or more buckles 164 formed of acetal, nylon, polypropylene, or
another suitable material or combination thereof, or any other
suitable device for adjusting the length of the strap 162.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a sealable
container 600 for transporting a breakable item 602 includes a
closed-cell foam sheet 640 and a thermal blanket 650. The
closed-cell foam sheet 640 functions to cushion the breakable item
602 from impact or other mechanical forces and also provides
thermal insulation to the breakable item 602. The closed-cell foam
sheet 640 is closed-cell foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, polyester, polyether, or any other suitable material
having cushioning properties. The dimensions of the closed-cell
foam sheet 640 should be such that when the closed-cell foam sheet
640 is given a cylindrical shape and inserted into the cylindrical
body 110 adjacent the inner surface 112, the closed-cell foam sheet
640 covers the diameter of the inner surface 112.
[0032] The thermal blanket 650 also functions to cushion the
breakable item 602 from impact or other mechanical forces and
provides increased thermal insulation to the breakable item 602.
The thermal blanket 650 may be a thermal blanket according to U.S.
Pat. No. 4,931,333, Can. Patent No. 1,291,073, or any other
suitable material having thermally insulative properties. The
dimensions of the thermal blanket 650 should be such that when the
thermal blanket 650 is given a cylindrical shape and inserted into
the cylindrical body 110 adjacent the inner surface 112 or
closed-cell foam sheet 640, the thermal blanket 650 covers the
diameter of the inner surface 112 or closed-cell foam sheet 640,
respectively.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment of a
sealable container 700 for transporting a breakable item 702
includes a closed-cell foam sheet 740, similar to the closed-cell
foam sheet 640 described above with regard to the sealable
container 600, and foam 750 that is partially pre-cut or has
perforations 752. The perforations 752, or scoring, of the foam
750, as illustrated in FIG. 8, allow a user to remove portions of
the material along the perforations 752 so that the foam 750 more
closely matches the shape of the breakable item 702, and therefore
better cushions the breakable item 702. The foam 750 may be
open-cell foam such as polyurethane, closed-cell foam such as
polyethylene, or any other suitable material having cushioning
properties.
[0034] In utilizing a container according to one of the
embodiments, a user may first open the container by removing the
closure. A foam disc is placed inside the cylindrical body, resting
on the closed end. A sheet of open-cell foam is then placed in a
cylindrical shape adjacent the inner surface of the cylindrical
body, after which the breakable item may be lowered into the
container so that the breakable item rests on the foam disc and
surrounded by the open-cell foam. Alternatively, the open-cell foam
may be wrapped around the breakable item and the two may be placed
inside the cylindrical body simultaneously, such that the open-cell
foam is adjacent the inner surface of the cylindrical body and the
breakable item rests on the foam disc. After the breakable item has
been placed inside the container, one or more additional foam discs
are placed on the breakable item to fill the space between the
breakable item and a bottom surface of the closure. The container
is then sealed by threading the closure tightly to the open end of
the cylindrical body such that the flange of the closure is
adjacent or "abuts" the inner surface of the cylindrical body. As
depicted in FIG. 1, a container may also have one or more straps. A
user may carry such a container by holding a strap or placing the
strap over the user's shoulder or neck. After a breakable item has
been transported, it may be removed from the container by
disengaging the closure.
[0035] A container according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes a
sheet of closed-cell foam and a thermal blanket. In use, a user of
a container according to this embodiment may insert the closed-cell
foam around the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and then
insert the thermal blanket in a cylindrical shape adjacent the
closed-cell foam. At this point, a breakable item may be placed in
the center of the cylindrical body so that it is surrounded by the
closed-cell foam and the thermal blanket. Alternatively, the
closed-cell foam and the thermal blanket may be stacked and placed
inside the cylindrical body together. Another alternative for a
user of this embodiment is to wrap the thermal blanket and the
closed-cell foam around the breakable item before placing the three
inside the cylindrical body simultaneously. A container according
to the embodiment of FIG. 6 is also used with the closure, and
possibly the foam discs and strap, as discussed above with respect
to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
[0036] In using a container according to the embodiment of FIG. 7,
and with further reference to FIG. 8, a user can protect one of
many possible breakable items having varying shapes and sizes by
surrounding the item with foam that is partially pre-cut or
perforated. The perforations, or scoring, of the foam, as
illustrated in one configuration in FIG. 8, allow a user to remove
portions from the center of the foam so that the remaining foam
material more closely matches the shape of the item and therefore
better protects the item. In other words, a user can custom-fit a
foam form to the shape and size of a particular breakable item,
such as the camera shown in FIG. 7. A user may remove portions of
foam by breaking the perforated foam along a horizontal plane,
thereby creating an upper part and a lower part, and then removing
portions from the interior of the perforated foam, thereby creating
a foam form. A breakable item may then be placed within an open
region where the portions of foam were removed, and the upper part
and lower part may be rejoined, thereby enclosing the breakable
item inside the foam form. A user may insert a sheet of closed-cell
foam around the inner surface of the cylindrical body, and then
insert the foam form adjacent the closed-cell foam. Alternatively,
the closed-cell foam may be wrapped around the foam form holding
the breakable item and the three may be placed inside the
cylindrical body simultaneously. A container according to the
embodiment of FIG. 7 is also used with the closure, and possibly
the foam discs and strap, as discussed above with respect to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
[0037] Although the drawings illustrate the invention as applied to
a container used to transport a wine bottle and a container used to
transport a camera, it will be apparent that the novel aspects of
the container of the invention may also be utilized in transporting
other types of fragile or breakable items.
[0038] The preceding description has been presented with reference
to various embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art
and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate
that alterations and changes in the described structures and
methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully
departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *