U.S. patent application number 12/510125 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for container with integrally formed recoil device.
Invention is credited to Christopher G. Samuelson, Jacob D. Samuelson.
Application Number | 20090290928 12/510125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41342233 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090290928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Samuelson; Jacob D. ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
CONTAINER WITH INTEGRALLY FORMED RECOIL DEVICE
Abstract
A container is disclosed that includes an elongated,
substantially hollow body having at least one opening, and a recoil
mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard
configured to extend from and recoil into the body. The container
also includes a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface
of the body and configured to one of extend the item outward from
an opening in the body, or, retract the item inward into the body.
The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed with the
body, and an advance mechanism that causes the plunger to extend or
retract in response to the direction of a rotating force.
Inventors: |
Samuelson; Jacob D.;
(Centerville, UT) ; Samuelson; Christopher G.;
(Centerville, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kunzler & McKenzie
8 EAST BROADWAY, SUITE 600
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
41342233 |
Appl. No.: |
12/510125 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11623691 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
7566185 |
|
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12510125 |
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60759122 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/6 ; 401/68;
401/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/04 20130101;
F21L 4/005 20130101; A45F 5/004 20130101; B43K 25/00 20130101; B43K
29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/6 ; 401/68;
401/88 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/18 20060101
A45D040/18; A45D 40/06 20060101 A45D040/06; A45D 40/22 20060101
A45D040/22 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a substantially hollow body; a housing
coupled with an interior surface of the substantially hollow body
and shaped to engage a household item; a recoil mechanism attached
to the interior surface of the substantially hollow body and
coupled with a first end of a lanyard that extends from and recoils
into the body; and an attachment mechanism coupled to a second end
of the lanyard and configured to securely connect the substantially
hollow body with an object.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the household item is selected
from a group consisting of lip balm, cosmetic products, food
products, coins, keys, pocket knives, hand sanitizer, insect
repellent, sunscreen, self-defense spray, compass, and
flashlights.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a
hook.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a
hook and loop strap.
5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a flip-top cap
integrally formed with the substantially hollow body, the cap
comprising a ridge extending outward from the cap to enable
one-finger operation, the cap configured to cover an opening of the
substantially hollow body.
6. The container of claim 1, further comprising an advance
mechanism formed on an exterior surface of the substantially hollow
body and mechanically coupled with a plunger such that a rotating
force causes the plunger to one of extend or retract in response to
the direction of the rotating force.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the substantially hollow body
further comprises a partition separating a first chamber and a
second chamber.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein the housing is integrally
formed on an interior surface in the first chamber of the
substantially hollow body.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein the recoilable spool is
coupled with an interior surface of the second chamber of the
substantially hollow body.
10. The container of claim 9, further comprising a threaded shaft
coupled with the substantially hollow body and extending along a
longitudinal axis of the body from the partition towards the
opening, the threaded shaft configured to engage a threaded opening
in a plunger, rotate with an advance mechanism, and slide the
plunger along the longitudinal axis in response to a rotating
force.
11. The container of claim 7, wherein the partition forms a barrier
between the first and second chamber, and the first chamber forms a
reservoir for one of liquids, gels, or creams.
12. The container of claim 11, further comprising a pump action top
attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a draw tube
that extends into the first chamber such that a pumping action
causes the disbursement of one of liquids, gels, or creams.
13. The container of claim 11, further comprising a roller-ball top
attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a
roller-ball applicator for the disbursement of one of liquids,
gels, or creams.
14. The container of claim 11, further comprising an aerosol spray
top attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a dip
tube that extends into the first chamber such that a depression
force on an actuator causes an aerosol mist of liquid
particles.
15. A container comprising: an elongated, substantially hollow body
having at least one opening; a recoil mechanism integrally formed
in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and
recoil into the body; the body configured to contain an item; and a
plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and
configured to extend the item outward from an opening in the body
and retract the item inward into the body.
16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a flip-top cap
integrally formed with the body, the cap comprising a ridge
extending outward from the cap to enable one-finger operation, the
cap configured to cover the at least one opening.
17. The container of claim 15, further comprising an advance
mechanism formed on an exterior surface of the body and
mechanically coupled with the plunger such that a rotating force
causes the plunger to one of extend or retract in response to the
direction of the rotating force.
18. The container of claim 17, further comprising a threaded shaft
coupled with the body and extending along a longitudinal axis of
the body from a partition towards the opening, the threaded shaft
configured to engage a threaded opening in the plunger, rotate with
the advance mechanism, and slide the plunger along the longitudinal
axis in response to the rotating force.
19. The container of claim 15, wherein the body further comprises a
first chamber, a second chamber, and a partition disposed between
the first and second chambers.
20. A container comprising: a substantially hollow body; a
partition forming a liquid barrier between a first chamber and a
second chamber inside the substantially hollow body, the first
chamber forming a reservoir; a housing coupled with an interior
surface of the first chamber and shaped to engage a household item;
a recoilable spool attached to an interior surface of the second
chamber and coupled with a first end of a lanyard that extends from
and recoils into the body; and an attachment mechanism coupled to a
second end of the lanyard and configured to securely connect the
substantially hollow body with an object.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,122
entitled "CONTAINER WITH INTEGRALLY FORMED RECOIL DEVICE" and filed
on Jan. 13, 2006 for Jacob D. Samuelson et al., and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/623,691 titled "CONTAINER WITH INTEGREALLY
FORMED RECOIL DEVICE" and filed on Jan. 16, 2007 for Jacob D.
Samuelson et al., both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to containers and more particularly
relates to a container having an integrally formed recoil device
for securely fastening the container to an object.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A problem with current containers of household items is the
dexterity required to open, dispense, and close the container. Due
to the size of the container, often times a person must use both
hands to remove the cap and access the household item. If gloves
are being worn this task becomes nearly impossible. For example,
consider lip balm. A large number of outdoor winter enthusiasts use
lip balm because cold weather leads to chapped lips. Outdoor winter
enthusiasts almost always wear some type of glove or mitten, and
unfortunately, are unable to dispense and apply lip balm without
first removing the gloves or mittens. Typically a skier must first
remove his or her gloves, dig through the pocket or bag that
contains the lip balm, apply the lip balm, return the lip balm to
the pocket or bag, and replace the gloves. This is an uncomfortable
but necessary procedure when using lip balm of the prior art.
[0006] Many have attempted to solve portions of the above described
problem. For example, one apparatus provides a carrying case that
attaches to a hook on a ski jacket. The carrying case is similar in
structure to a pouch. However, one must still remove his or her
gloves in order to remove the lip balm from the pouch, and dispense
lip balm.
[0007] Another solution is to attach a neck lanyard to the lip
balm. One problem with this solution is that the lanyard must be of
sufficient length so that the lip balm can be applied to the lips
when the lanyard is around a person's neck. However, the resulting
length of the lanyard requires that one tuck the lanyard beneath
clothing to prevent the lip balm from swinging and bouncing
excessively. Again, gloves or mittens must be removed in order to
retrieve and apply the lip balm.
[0008] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a
need exists for a container having an integrally formed recoil
device that prevents loss and a household item dispensing device
that is capable of one-handed operation or operation when a person
is wearing a glove or mitten.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] The present disclosure has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available lip balm containers. Accordingly, the
present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus that
overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the
art.
[0010] The container is provided with an elongated, substantially
hollow body having at least one opening, a recoil mechanism
integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured
to extend from and recoil into the body, and a plunger slideably
coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to one
of extend the item outward from an opening in the body, or, retract
the item inward into the body.
[0011] The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed
with the body. The cap may include a ridge extending outward from
the cap to enable one-finger operation. The cap is configured to
cover the opening. The container also includes an advance mechanism
formed on an exterior surface of the body. The advance mechanism is
mechanically coupled with the plunger such that a rotating force
causes the plunger to one of extend or retract in response to the
direction of the rotating force.
[0012] In one embodiment, the container includes a threaded shaft
coupled with the body. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis
of the body from a partition towards the opening. The threaded
shaft is configured to engage a threaded opening in the plunger,
rotate with the advance mechanism, and slide the plunger along the
longitudinal axis in response to the rotating force.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the body includes a first chamber,
a second chamber, and a partition disposed between the first and
second chambers. The container may also include a hook coupled to a
first end of the lanyard and configured to securely couple the
container with an object. Examples of the object include articles
of clothing, luggage, outerwear, sporting equipment, and vehicles.
The item may include lip balm, cosmetic products, food products,
coins, keys, pocket knives, and flashlights. In one embodiment, the
recoil mechanism includes a spiral spring having first and second
ends, where the first end is securely fastened with a shaft and the
second end is coupled with the lanyard.
[0014] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the
disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the disclosure may be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] These features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the
disclosure as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a container having an integrally formed recoil
device;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side and bottom perspective view diagram
illustrating one embodiment of a container having a lanyard
extending outward from a bottom of the container;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the container;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view diagram illustrating the
assembled internal components of the container;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of a container; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustration showing another
embodiment of a container for housing a flashlight;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration showing another
embodiment of the container;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration showing one
embodiment of a container having a roller-ball applicator top;
and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustration showing one
embodiment of a container having a pump-action top.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0028] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize, however, that the disclosure can be practiced
without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods,
components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in
detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a container 100 having an integrally formed recoil
device in accordance with the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, the container 100 is configured with a flip-top lid
102, an advance mechanism 104, a lanyard 106, and an attachment
mechanism 108. The container 100 may be cylindrical as depicted in
FIG. 1. Alternatively, the container 100 may have an elongated
tubular shape having a cross-sectional area in the form of a
square, rectangle, oval, etc.
[0030] The flip-top lid 102 may be integrally formed with a body
110, and coupled with the body 110 by way of a hinge 112. In a
further embodiment, the lid 102 is detachable from the body 110. In
a further embodiment, the lid 102 may include a ridge 114 for
engaging the finger of a user in order to enable "flip-top" like
functionality without requiring two fingers to pull off the cap
102.
[0031] The advance mechanism 104 is configured to vertically lift
an item to expose or discharge the item from the body 110. Examples
of items that may be exposed or discharged from the body include,
but are not limited to, lip balm, lipstick, other cosmetic
products, hard candy such as suckers, soft candy, coins, keys, etc.
The body may be formed substantially of a lightweight rigid
material such as, a polymer-based material. Examples of polymer
based materials suitable for use with the present disclosure
include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, nylon, or the
like.
[0032] In one embodiment, the lanyard 106 comprises a cable or cord
configured to extend and subsequently retract into the body 110. As
used herein, the term "lanyard" refers to a flexible line of rope,
wire, wire rope, or strap that is attached to any small object for
the purpose of securing the object. The recoil mechanism will be
discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As depicted, the
lanyard 106 extends outward from the side of the body. Coupled with
one end of the lanyard 106 is the attachment mechanism 108. The
attachment mechanism 108 may comprise a hook, plastic or otherwise,
configured to secure the container 100 to an article of clothing, a
bag, a belt, a belt loop, a pocket, a purse, or the like.
Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 108 may comprise a key
ring. The lanyard 106 may be formed of nylon or an alternative
durable material and is of a length sufficient to enable a user to
move the container 100 to a desirable location such as adjacent the
user's mouth.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side and bottom perspective view diagram
illustrating one embodiment of a container 200 having a lanyard 106
extending outward from a bottom 202 of the container 200. In one
embodiment, the body 110 may comprise a first chamber 204 for
housing the item, and a second chamber 206 for housing the recoil
mechanism. The body 110 may have an externally visual separation of
the chamber 204, 206 as illustrated by the line 208, or there may
be no externally visual evidence that the body comprises first and
second chambers 204, 206. Line 208, in one embodiment indicates the
position of a partition inside the body 110 disposed between the
first and second chambers 204, 206.
[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the container 100 in accordance with the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, the container comprises a recoil
mechanism 302 located in the second or lower chamber 206 of the
body 110. The recoil mechanism 302 may comprise a spiral spring
304, and a reel 306. An interior end of the spiral spring 304 may
be fixedly connected with a peg 308, and the exterior end of the
spiral spring 304 may be fixedly connected with the reel 306. At
least one end of the peg 308 is fixedly coupled with the body
110.
[0035] In one embodiment, the lanyard 106 comprises a first end
connected with the reel 306 and a second end connected with the
attachment mechanism 108. The body 110 further comprises an opening
310 through which the lanyard 106 may pass. The opening 310 may
include a metal grommet to prevent the lanyard from wearing through
the body 110 as the lanyard 106 passes through the opening 310. As
the lanyard 106 is extracted from the body 110, the reel 306 turns
and subsequently tensions the spiral spring 304. The tensioned
spiral spring 304 serves to recoil the lanyard 106 once the
extracting force is removed from the lanyard 106.
[0036] The advance mechanism, in one embodiment, may comprise a
threaded rod 314, and a plunger 315. In the depicted embodiment,
the advance mechanism also comprises a collar 316 configured to
engage the finger or fingers of a user in order to extend or
discharge the plunger 315. The collar 316, as depicted, may be
disposed next to the lid 102, or alternatively may be disposed
above the spiral spring 304. The plunger 315, as depicted, is
configured to contain an item such as lip balm, lip stick, etc., as
described above.
[0037] The plunger 315 is configured to support the item, and
engage the threaded rod 314. As a user turns the collar 316, which
may be integrally formed with the body, the threaded rod 314 also
turns. Subsequently, the plunger 315 climbs the threaded rod 314
and extends or discharges the item 315. The threaded rod 314, in
one embodiment, is fixedly coupled with the body 110. The threaded
rod may be coupled with a partition 318 integrally formed with the
body 110 and configured to separate the first chamber 204 from the
second chamber 206.
[0038] The body 110, in one embodiment, may be configured as a
sleeve to house the advance mechanism 104. As depicted, the advance
mechanism may comprise an inner cylinder 320 configured to engage
the body 110. This inner cylinder 320 configuration allows a person
to, with one hand, hold the body 110 while rotating the advance
mechanism 104 and extend or retract the item.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view diagram illustrating the
assembled internal components of the container 100 in accordance
with the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the separate
elements may be arranged as depicted, with the spiral spring 304
mounted to a top surface of the reel 306. Alternatively, the spiral
spring 304 may be mounted to a bottom surface of the reel 306. The
threaded rod 314 may be configured to pass into the second chamber
and serve as the fixed peg for fixing the interior end of the
spiral spring 304 and providing a point about which the reel 306
may rotate. Alternatively, this function may be performed by the
peg 308 as described above.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of a container 500 in accordance with the
present disclosure. In one embodiment, the container 500 is
configured in the shape of a flashlight. The recoil mechanism 302
may be integrally formed into the container 500 and thereby provide
a flashlight with a built-in recoil mechanism 500. The container
500 is illustrated here as a flashlight by way of example. However,
one skilled in the art will recognize that the recoil mechanism 302
may be integrated into many objects. These items may include, but
are not limited to, LED lights, pepper spray containers, weapons
such as tazers, cigarette lighters, portable flash memory drives,
portable media players, etc.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustration showing another
embodiment of a container 600 for housing a flashlight. Although
the particular application of FIG. 6 is a flashlight, the concepts
of the upper and lower portions may be applied to form containers
for other household items. The container 600, in one embodiment,
includes a button 602, an LED 604, an upper portion 606, and a
lower portion 608. The upper and lower portion 606, 608 together
form the container 600. The button 602 slides and engages a battery
(not shown) to supply power to the LED 604. The container 600 will
be discussed further with reference to FIG. 7.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration showing another
embodiment of the container 600, specifically, the lower portion
608 of the container 600. The container 600, in one embodiment,
includes a first chamber 702, a second chamber 704, a partition
706, a spindle 708, and a housing 710. The first chamber 702 is an
opening formed by the housing 710 and may be shaped to engage a
multitude of household items, for example, a battery 712 for
powering the LED 604. Alternatively, the first chamber 702 and
housing 710 may be shaped to engage other household items described
above, such as, lip balm, lip gloss, food items, etc.
[0043] In one embodiment, the housing 710 for engaging the
household item may also function as the partition 706 separating
the first and second chambers 702, 704. As shown, the first and
second chamber 702, 704 may have an opening that enables a fluid to
pass from one chamber to the other. Alternatively, the partition
706 may form a fluid or liquid barrier between the first and second
chambers 702, 704. As such, the first chamber 702 becomes a
reservoir for holding liquids, gels, creams, and other viscous
household items. Beneficially, the first chamber 702 may be formed
to hold such viscous household items, or as is depicted in FIG. 7,
the first chamber 702 may be formed to hold rigid household items
like the battery 712.
[0044] The spindle 708 may be formed in the lower portion 608 of
the container 600. The spindle 708, as described above, is shaped
to engage a recoil mechanism as described above. Alternatively, the
spindle 708 may be formed in the upper portion 606 of FIG. 6. In a
further alternative embodiment, the spindle 708 may be formed by
the joining of the upper and lower portions of the container, that
is, the upper portion 606 and the lower portion 608 may each
include a portion of the spindle 708 such that when the upper
portion 606 is mated to the lower portion 608, the spindle 708 is
formed. Likewise, the housing 710 and the partition 706 may be
formed by the joining of the upper and lower portions of container
600.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration showing one
embodiment of a container 800 having a roller-ball applicator top.
In one embodiment the container 800 is formed with first and second
chambers, as described above, having a liquid barrier partition.
The liquid barrier partition prevents viscous household items from
passing into the second chamber which houses the recoil device and
lanyard 802. As such, the container 800 may house such viscous
materials as lip gloss. The container 800 may be adapted to attach
a roller-ball applicator top 804 to disburse the lip gloss, or
other household item, in a manner known to those of skill in the
art of roller-ball applicators. Other contemplated applications,
aside from lip gloss, include, but are not limited to, writing
instruments, sunscreen, lotions, hand sanitizer, lubricants,
etc.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustration showing one
embodiment of a container 900 having a pump-action top. The
container 900, as described above, may be configured to house a
viscous household item. In certain embodiments, these viscous
household items may be disbursed using a pump-action top 902. The
pump-action top 902, as is known by those of skill in the art,
includes a draw tube that extends into the first chamber such that
when a pumping force is applied to the pump-action top 902, the
viscous household item is drawn out of the first chamber and
sprayed. Likewise, the container 900 may be formed to attach to an
aerosol top. As such, household items such as hand sanitizer,
sunscreen, self-defense liquids, etc., may be dispersed from the
container 900.
[0047] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *