U.S. patent application number 17/140559 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for locking system for containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sprout Studios LLC. Invention is credited to Benjamin Lenart, Jordan Nollman, Richard Orsini, Zachary Porter.
Application Number | 20210206551 17/140559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005332221 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210206551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nollman; Jordan ; et
al. |
July 8, 2021 |
Locking System for Containers
Abstract
A locking security device including an outer collar and an inner
collar wherein the inner collar rotates freely within the outer
collar and wherein the locking security device is may be used with
numerous genres of existing jars, mason jars and particularly wide
mouth mason jars. The locking system provides an elderly-friendly,
child-resistant pill locking mechanism which can be utilized in
numerous capacities, and particularly fit for mason jars and wide
mouth mason jars.
Inventors: |
Nollman; Jordan; (Boston,
MA) ; Orsini; Richard; (Boston, MA) ; Lenart;
Benjamin; (Boston, MA) ; Porter; Zachary;
(Boston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sprout Studios LLC |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005332221 |
Appl. No.: |
17/140559 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62956345 |
Jan 2, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 55/10 20130101;
B65D 55/12 20130101; B65D 2255/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/10 20060101
B65D055/10; B65D 55/12 20060101 B65D055/12 |
Claims
1. A locking device comprising: an outer collar; an inner collar
wherein the inner collar rotates freely within the outer
collar.
2. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the inner collar is
disposed to fit circumferentially over the top of the container to
secure the lid so it cannot be removed without disengaging the
outer collar and the inner collar.
3. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the outer collar further
comprises a set of locking teeth.
4. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the inner collar further
comprises a set of locking teeth.
5. The locking device of claim 4 wherein the inner collar further
comprises a set of locking teeth wherein the set of locking teeth
on inner portion of the upper region of the outer collar are design
to engage with the set of locking teeth on outer portion of the
upper region of the inner collar.
6. The locking device of claim 4 wherein the locking teeth of the
outer collar and the locking teeth of the inner collar are designed
with angularly displaced rearward support sections of the mating
faces in order to add support and rigidity while retained lighter
weight qualities.
7. The locking device of claim 4 wherein the locking teeth of the
outer collar and the locking teeth of the inner collar are
substantially rectangular.
8. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the outer collar further
comprises a removably attached lanyard, a lanyard hole, and a
removably attached name plate, and the name plate retaining
portion.
9. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the inner collar further
comprises a lanyard hole.
10. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the outer collar further
comprises a lower retaining mechanism for securely retaining the
inner collar within the outer collar and upper retaining mechanism
for securely retaining the inner collar within the outer collar.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and takes priority
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/956,345 filed
on Jan. 2, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present system relates to locking systems for
containment systems and more specifically for localized or analog
locking devices for jars and packaging suitable for retaining
medication or valuables, yet providing resistance to entry by
unwanted factions, including children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure relates to access control for
personal secured containers. It is well known that medications,
such as pills, tablets, and capsules, must be administered over a
dosing period. Additionally, substances now in regular daily usage
such as hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis, marijuana, medical
marijuana and other recreational or medicinal substances. In many
circumstances the medications can be harmful to children, so
lawmakers have passed regulations concerning child resistant
packaging. The use of child resistant packaging is well known
throughout the art, and has been utilized for goods ranging from
household items to pharmaceutical products. The pharmaceutical
industry has settled on two main methods of dispensing medication,
either loosely in a bottle or more discretely in a blister
card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is
clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any
of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination
thereof. A versatile system, method and series of apparatuses for
creating and utilizing numerous locking mechanisms for containment
systems. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are
illustrated herein.
[0005] In this specification, a "user" is anyone interacting with
the locking system or web service, including a person operating a
portable electronic device as described herein. The words "user"
and "device" (or "portable electronic device") are in some cases
used interchangeably, since the device is carried and operated by
the user.
[0006] A "locking system" or "lock system" includes a "lock", and
the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Configuration,
description, use or claims to a "locking system" or "lock system"
includes configuration, description, use or claims to a "lock"
accordingly.
[0007] The present invention provides an elderly-friendly,
child-resistant pill locking mechanism which can be utilized in
numerous capacities, and particularly fit for mason jars and wide
mouth mason jars. The system utilizes a rotational security system
designed to allow usage with standard containers such as mason jars
without any requirement of retrofitting.
[0008] It is therefore an objective of the instant system to
introduce a novel system or platform for security of a containment
vessel.
[0009] It is an additional objective of the instant system too
introduce a novel system or platform for on location, inexpensive
and analog security of a containment vessel.
[0010] It is an additional objective of the instant system to
introduce novel system or platform for security of all genres of
containment systems, of all shapes and sizes.
[0011] It is also an objective of the instant system to introduce a
novel system or platform for security of all genres containment
systems such all shapes and sizes of jars and jars with lids,
including small, medium and large mouth jars with lids.
[0012] It is additionally an objective of the instant system to
introduce a novel system or platform for security of a standard
mason jar and lid that utilizes an instant simple retrofit to the
standard mason jar.
[0013] It is additionally an objective of the instant system to
introduce a novel system or platform for security of a standard
mason jar and lid.
[0014] It is also an objective of the instant system to introduce a
novel system or platform for security of a wide mouth mason jar and
lid.
[0015] It is an additional object of the present system to disclose
an analog security system that replaces the mason jar metal
threaded collar, but retains the mason jar metal sealing cap.
[0016] It is an additional object of the present system to disclose
an analog security system further disclosing a replaceable co-brand
tag and a removable lanyard loop post.
[0017] It is moreover an objective of the instant system to
introduce a system to securely store all kinds of materials, in a
manner wherein children, animals and unwanted people are flatly
denied access to the contents of a container, which is specifically
suited to such substances as cannabis.
[0018] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the locking system for containers, in order
that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art
may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the
system that will be described hereinafter and which will form the
subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0019] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description, and/or illustrated in the drawings. The system is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] These together with other objects of the system, along with
the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming
a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the
system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained
by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings
and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred
embodiments of the system.
[0021] The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important
features of the present system in order that the detailed
description of the system that follows may be better understood,
and the present contributions to the art may be more fully
appreciated. It is of course not possible to describe every
conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one
of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further
combinations or permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel
architecture described below is intended to embrace all such
alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper side perspective view of the
container locking system in a disassembled state illustrating the
outer collar and the inner collar of the instant system and the
constituent components of the outer collar including the lanyard,
the lanyard hole, the removably attached label plate or name plate,
and the name plate retaining portion, with the removably attached
name plate disengaged of the invention as disclosed;
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the container
locking system, including the outer collar and the inner collar of
the system, fully engaged to securely lock the lid of an ordinary
mason jar and the adaptation of the container system to the sealing
mechanism of the normal mason jar.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the container
locking system in a fully assembled from including the outer collar
and the inner collar of the system. Further illustrated is the
removably attached nameplate engaged.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the overall
container locking system with inner collar below the outer collar,
illustrating the aligning of the lanyard hole of the inner collar
and outer collar.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the outer
collar illustrates the locking teeth on inner portion of the upper
region of the outer collar are design to engage with the set of
locking teeth on outer portion of the upper region of the inner
collar.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates the corresponding upper side of the inner
collar, exemplifying the locking teeth located on the outer portion
of the upper region of the inner collar.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates side perspective view of a cutaway of the
container locking system illustrating the outer collar and gauge of
the inner caller. For the illustrated upper portion of the outer
collar in the rim size portion of the outer collar.
[0030] FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
including an outer surface comprising ridges for ease of grip and
rotation.
[0031] FIG. 8B illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
including an outer surface comprising ridges for ease of grip and
rotation and the loop for hanging attachments.
[0032] FIG. 8C illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
including an outer surface comprising ridges for ease of grip and
rotation, the loop for hanging attachments and the area for
advertisements or labels.
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of
one embodiment of the container locking system further illustrating
the element and for the illustrating some examples of replaceable
signs illustrating company names or logos for products or
goods.
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates an upper side perspective view of one
embodiment of the container locking system.
[0035] FIG. 11 is an inverted view of the outer collar and inner
collar.
[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the container
locking system, including the outer collar and the inner collar of
the system, fully engaged to securely lock the lid of an ordinary
mason jar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of several
embodiments of the apparatus and does not represent the only forms
in which the present apparatus may be constructed and/or utilized.
The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the apparatus in connection with the
illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0038] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be
applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or
elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein
assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not
explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range
of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent
to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In
many instances, the terms "about" may include numbers that are
rounded to the nearest significant figure.
[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0040] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not
necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments of the
claimed invention.
[0041] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper side perspective view of one
embodiment of the container locking system 10 in a disassembled
state, including the outer collar 20 and the inner collar 30 of the
system. Illustrated in depth are the outer collar 20 and its
constituent components including the removably attached lanyard 22,
the lanyard hole the removably attached or replaceable Co-brand
tag, label plate or name plate 21, and the name plate 21 retaining
portion 22, with the removably attached name plate 21 disengaged.
The label plate can be used to advertise company names or even to
act as a marker indicating what substance is stored in the specific
bottle.
[0043] Addressing the inner collar 30 of the system, illustrated
are the set of locking teeth 35 on outer portion of the upper
region 39 of the inner collar 30. Additionally illustrated is the
inner collar 30 which is contained within and floats freely inside
the outer collar 20. Further illustrated are the inner collar 30
constituent components including the lanyard hole 34 the set of
locking teeth 35, which are located on outer portion of the upper
region of the inner collar 30. Further illustrated is the threaded
portion 38 of the inner collar 30.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the container
locking system 10, including the outer collar 20 and the inner
collar 30 of the system, fully engaged to securely lock the lid of
an ordinary mason jar 50. In addition, illustrated is the
adaptation of the container system 10 to the sealing mechanism 51
of the normal mason jar of all sizes, here a wide mouth mason jar
50 is utilized, without any need for altering the normal sealing
mechanism 51 and threading arrangement. Concurrently illustrated is
the threaded portion 58 of the jar 50 which mates with the threaded
portion 38 of the inner collar 30. Thus, the system provides a
highly useful, and seamlessly implemented system for providing
security for a normal household jar.
[0045] Further illustrated is the removably attached nameplate 21
prominently displayed in the engaged position. The removably
attached nameplate 21 can be removed and installed without any loss
of security or removal of the container locking system 10.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates front perspective view of the container
locking system 10 in a fully assembled from including the outer
collar 20 and the inner collar 30 of the system. Further
illustrated is the removably attached nameplate 21 engaged and
prominently displayed.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the overall
container locking system 10 with inner collar 30 below the outer
collar 20. And further illustrating the lining up of the lanyard
hole 34 of the inner collar 30 and the lanyard hole 24 of the outer
collar 20. Further illustrated is the removably attached nameplate
21 engaged and prominently displayed.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the outer
collar illustrates the locking teeth 25 on inner portion of the
upper region 28 of the outer collar 20 are design to engage with
the set of locking teeth 35 on outer portion of the upper region of
the inner collar 30. Further illustrated is the lower retaining
mechanism 29 for securely retaining the inner collar 30 within the
outer collar 20.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates the corresponding upper side of the inner
collar 30, exemplifying the locking teeth 35 located on the outer
portion of the upper region 38 of the inner collar 30.
[0050] In operation, in order to initially secure the container
locking system 10 to the 50, the user mates the threaded area 38 of
the inner collar 30 with the threaded area 58 of the jar. The user
next rotates clockwise while simultaneously applying a quantity of
force downward until reaching the stop point of the mated threads
and releasing the outer collar 20 of the container locking system
10. At this point, the inner collar will float axially inside the
outer collar and retain the security of the jar.
[0051] When the user desires to remove the container locking
device, the user applies a quantity of force downward while
simultaneously rotating counterclockwise, which engages the locking
teeth 28 of the outer collar 20 and the locking teeth 38 of the
inner collar 30 in order to allow complete rotation of the
container locking system and then simultaneously rotate
counterclockwise and the inner collar will ride upward on the
threads, thus unlocking the jar.
[0052] Thus, due in part to the amount of downward pressure or
force, and the corresponding user hand and arm strength required to
activate and deactivate the locking teeth, the system provides a
simple, low maintenance, yet extremely effective manner to keep
goods secure from children and possibly elderly co-habitators.
[0053] As illustrated throughout the Figures, the locking teeth 28
of the outer collar 20 and the locking teeth 38 of the inner collar
30 are both designed with mating faces set perpendicular to the
interior portion of the outer collar 20 and the exterior portion of
the inner collar 30 in order to provide the greatest possible
mating surface area and in order that the teeth mesh and slippage
can never occur.
[0054] Also illustrated throughout the Figures, the locking teeth
28 of the outer collar 20 and the locking teeth 38 of the inner
collar 30 are designed with angularly displaced rearward support
sections of the mating faces in order to add support and rigidity
while retained lighter weight qualities. The angle of the rearward
support sections may range from ten (10) degrees to forty five (45)
degrees.
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a cutaway
container locking system 10 illustrating the outer collar and gauge
of the inner caller 30. For the illustrated upper portion of the
outer collar in the rim size portion 25 of the outer collar.
Additionally illustrated are the threaded portions 38 of the inner
collar, the lanyard hole of the inner collar 37, the outer collar
lower retaining mechanism 29 for securely retaining the inner
collar 30 within the outer collar 20 and further illustrated is the
outer collar upper retaining mechanism 27 for securely retaining
the inner collar 30 within the outer collar 20. The lower retaining
mechanism 29 and the upper retaining mechanism 27 guide the inner
collar 30 and ensure that the inner collar 30 freely the floats,
but cannot break free from the outer collar 20.
[0056] FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
60 including an outer surface comprising ridges 65 for ease of grip
and rotation.
[0057] FIG. 8B illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
60 including an outer surface comprising ridges 65 for ease of grip
and rotation and the loop for hanging attachments 37.
[0058] FIG. 8C illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of the
container locking system illustrating a customizable silicon band
60 including an outer surface comprising ridges 65 for ease of grip
and rotation, the loop for hanging attachments 37 and the area for
advertisements or labels 61.
[0059] This configuration limits the possibility for mishandling
the device, jar, or the enclosed contents and speeds up the
locking/unlocking process overall. In one embodiment, the exterior
surface of the lock includes gripping elements to further
facilitate the mounting and removal of the lock. Plastic normally
has a greater risk of slippage compared to other materials like
rubber, for example. Ridges, or other similar gripping and holding
elements, assist the user in maintaining secure grip while handling
the jar. Because the device is directed for use on glass jars,
additional elements to prevent slippage or drops are highly
desirable.
[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of
one embodiment of the container locking system 10 illustrating the
element 21 and for the illustrating some examples of replaceable
signs 80 illustrating company names or logos for products or
goods.
[0061] FIG. 10-FIG. 12 illustrate an additional embodiment of
instant system wherein the mating teeth of the outer casing and the
mating teeth at the inner casing comprise a substantially
rectangular shape wholly perpendicular mating, as well as providing
optimal strength characteristics as opposed to those utilizing the
angularly displaced rearward support sections of the mating faces,
which add support and rigidity, while retained lighter weight
qualities. Further illustrated is an identification or co-branding
label which is more permanently etched into the outer collar in two
places.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates an upper side perspective view of one
embodiment of the container locking system 70 in a disassembled
state, including the outer collar 80 and the inner collar 90 of the
system. Illustrated in depth are the outer collar 80 and its
constituent components including the co-brand tag, label p late or
name plate 81, and the name plate which is etched into the material
utilized. The label plate 81 can be used to advertise company names
or even to act as a marker indicating what substance is stored in
the specific bottle.
[0063] Addressing the inner collar 90 of the system, illustrated
are the set of locking teeth 95 on outer portion of the upper
region 99 of the inner collar 90. Additionally illustrated is the
inner collar 90 which is contained within and floats freely inside
the outer collar 80. Further illustrated pare the inner collar 90
constituent components including the set of locking teeth. 95,
which are located on the outer portion of the upper region of the
inner collar 90. Further illustrated is the threaded portion 98 of
the inner collar 90.
[0064] FIG. 11 is an inverted view of the outer collar 80 and inner
collar 90. Additionally illustrated are the threaded portions 98 of
the inner collar, the lanyard hole of the inner collar 97, the
outer collar lower retaining mechanism 87 for securely retaining
the inner collar 90 within the outer collar 80 and further
illustrated is the outer collar upper retaining mechanism 89 for
securely retaining the inner collar 90 within the outer collar
80.
[0065] The outer collar lower retaining mechanism 89 and the upper
retaining mechanism 87 guide the inner collar 90 and ensure that
the inner collar 90 freely the floats but cannot break free from
the outer collar 80. Further illustrated are the locking teeth 85
of the outer collar 80 which match in a perpendicular fashion with
the locking teeth 95 of the inner collar 90.
[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the container
locking system 70, including the outer collar 80 and the inner
collar 90 of the system, fully engaged to securely lock the lid of
an ordinary mason jar 50. In addition, illustrated is the
adaptation of the container system 10 to the sealing mechanism 51
of the normal mason jar of all sizes, here a wide mouth mason jar
50 is utilized, without any need for altering the normal sealing
mechanism 51 and threading arrangement. The threaded portion 58 of
the jar 50 mates with threaded portion 98 of the inner collar 90
and thus, the system provides a highly useful, and seamlessly
implemented system for providing security for a normal household
jar.
[0067] It will be appreciated that the specific mechanisms for each
stage of locking/unlocking are possible configurations and are not
limiting. Although the dual sets of mating locking teeth are
illustrated numerous mechanical systems and embodiments could be
employed to accomplish the objectives of the present system.
* * * * *