U.S. patent application number 17/493805 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for child-resistant storage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to STO RESPONSIBLE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is STO RESPONSIBLE, LLC. Invention is credited to Shuichi Amano, Michael Creighton, Sandra Elkind.
Application Number | 20220024656 17/493805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005885480 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220024656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elkind; Sandra ; et
al. |
January 27, 2022 |
CHILD-RESISTANT STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
The technology disclosed herein includes methods and apparatus
of a childproof storage container, which includes a lid and a base
portion with seesaw-style latches. The seesaw-style latches are
configured to unlock a childproof storage container in a looked
position upon simultaneously release. Each seesaw-style latch may
include a flared end. In a locked position, the childproof storage
container may be unlocked and opened upon depression of the flared
end of the seesaw-style latch, which rotates the seesaw-style latch
from the lid. Each seesaw-style latch may include a standing rib to
prevent over-rotation of each seesaw-style latch and/or a chamfer
to facilitate closure. The base portion may include a base portion
flange, which includes a plurality of female recesses to receive
the plurality of male teeth of a lid flange. The base portion and
the lid may include opposing walls that interlock during a closed
position and/or a gasket for sealing.
Inventors: |
Elkind; Sandra; (Lafayette,
CO) ; Amano; Shuichi; (Bethlehem, PA) ;
Creighton; Michael; (Warrington, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STO RESPONSIBLE, LLC |
Lafayette |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
STO RESPONSIBLE, LLC
Lafayette
CO
|
Family ID: |
1000005885480 |
Appl. No.: |
17/493805 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16108903 |
Aug 22, 2018 |
11136173 |
|
|
17493805 |
|
|
|
|
62670493 |
May 11, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2215/02 20130101;
B65D 45/18 20130101; B65D 50/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 50/04 20060101
B65D050/04; B65D 45/18 20060101 B65D045/18 |
Claims
1. A childproof storage container comprising: a lid; and a base
portion, the base portion including: a plurality of seesaw-style
latches, the plurality of seesaw-style latches configured to lock
the base portion to the lid and unlock the base portion from the
lid upon simultaneously release of the plurality of seesaw-style
latches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/108,903, filed Aug. 22, 2018, entitled
"Child-Resistant Storage Container", which claims the benefit of
and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/670,493.
entitled "Childproof Storage Container" filed on May 11, 2018,
which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for ail that
it discloses or teaches.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cartons, vials, bottles, boxes, or other paperboard or
plastic containers mas be used for holding and storing items. In
some implementations, the items held or stored in the containers
may be harmful to certain users, such as children (e.g., a
pharmaceutical drug). A user may desire to hold or store items in a
lockable, child-resistant or childproof container.
SUMMARY
[0003] The disclosed technology includes methods and apparatus of a
childproof storage container. The childproof storage container
includes a lid and a base portion with seesaw-style latches. The
seesaw-style latches are configured to unlock the childproof
storage container in a locked position upon simultaneously release.
Each seesaw-style latch may include a flared end, where upon
depression of the flared end, the seesaw-style latch rotates and
dislodges from a locked position on the lid. In some
implementations, each seesaw-style latch includes a standing rib
(or stop) to prevent over-rotation of each seesaw-style latch. In
some implementations, the base portion includes a base portion
exterior flange, which includes female recesses to receive
corresponding male teeth of a lid exterior flange.
[0004] In some implementations, the lid includes a lid exterior
flange and a lid interior flange, and the base portion includes a
base portion exterior flange and a base portion interior flange,
where the lid exterior flange nests in a channel located between
the base portion exterior flange and the base portion interior
flange, and the lid exterior flange locates inside the base
portion. In some implementations, the childproof storage container
may include at least one gasket. For example, a gasket may be
located in a channel in between the base portion exterior flange
and the base portion interior flange. In another example, the
gasket may be located in a channel in between the lid exterior
flange and the lid interior flange. In some implementations, each
seesaw-style latch of the childproof storage container may include
a chamfer to facilitate closure of the childproof storage
container.
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages
of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following
more particular written Detailed Description of various
implementations as further illustrated in the accompanying drawings
and defined in the appended claims.
[0006] These and various other features and advantages will be
apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container in a closed and locked position.
[0008] FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of an example
storage container in a closed and unlocked position.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0012] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example storage
container, in an open and unlocked position.
[0013] FIG. 4B illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0014] FIG. 4C illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
[0015] FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container in a partially open and unlocked position.
[0016] FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of an example
storage container in an open and unlocked position.
[0017] FIG. 6A illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0018] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container in a partially open and unlocked
position.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container in a partially open and unlocked
position.
[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
[0022] FIG. 9B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an
example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of example operations to use a locked
example storage container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in fader to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will
be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
For example, while various features are ascribed to particular
implementations, it should be appreciated that the features
described with respect to one implementation may be incorporated
with oilier implementations as well. Similarly, however, no single
feature or features of any described implementation should be
considered essential to the invention, as oilier implementations of
the invention may omit such features.
[0025] The disclosed methods and apparatus include a storage
container (e.g., a childproof storage container, a locking storage
apparatus, a childproof container, lockable container, etc.) that
reduces the risk of children, or other individuals, accessing the
contents inside the apparatus. The apparatus may have varying
dimensions and volume capacities depending on the intended goods
used by end users, in some implementations, the apparatus can be
configured for single- or multiple-close solids or liquids, or
other contents. The apparatus can be made of a variety of
semi-rigid, deflectable, and/or flexible materials, including
thermoplastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.).
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container 100 in a closed and locked position. The storage
container 100 includes a lid 102 and a base portion 104. In some
implementations, the lid 102 may be attached to the base portion
104 by at least one hinge (see hinge 106 in FIG. 1B).
[0027] The base portion 104 further includes a plurality of
seesaw-style latches (e.g., seesaw-style latch 108). For purposes
of this disclosure, a "seesaw-style latch" is a latch that lodges
and locks onto a latch landing (not shown, shown and described in
FIG. 3B, latch landing 342) of a storage container 100, securing
two components (e.g., the lid 102 and the base portion 104) of the
storage container 100 to each other. The seesaw-style latch 108 may
be located on the base portion 104 of the storage container 100 and
lock onto a latch landing located on the lid 102 via a lip 138 (not
shown) on the interior the seesaw-style latch 108. In some
implementations, the latch may be located on the lid 102 and the
latch landing may be located on the base portion 104.
[0028] In some implementations, the seesaw-style latches 108 may be
three seesaw-style latches 108 on one storage container 100. The
seesaw-style latches 108 are configured to lock the base portion
104 to the lid 102 and unlock the base portion 104 from the lid 102
upon release of the seesaw-style latches 108.
[0029] Specifically, to lock the base portion 104 to the lid 102,
the lid 102 can be rotated toward a base portion 104 of the storage
container 100. The lid 102 is pushed down or slid into the
seesaw-style latches 108 located on the base portion 104.
[0030] In some implementations, as the lid 102 is pushed down,
chamfers (not shown in FIG. 1. shown and described in FIG. 8)
located on the seesaw -style latches 108 aid in automatic locking
of the seesaw-style latches 108, and the seesaw-style latches 108
rotate, securing the seesaw-style latches 108 onto the lid 102, and
locking the storage container 100 (not shown in FIG. 1, shown and
described in detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B).
[0031] In some implementations, as the storage container 100 is
locked, female recesses in a flange located on the lid 102 or base
portion 104 receive male teeth located in a flange on the base
portion 104 or lid 102, respectively (not shown in FIG. 1, shown
and described in detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The female recesses in
a flange of one component receive male teeth located in a flange of
a different component prevent accidental or limp opening.
[0032] In some implementations, as the storage container 100 is
locked, at least two opposing walls or flanges in the lid 102 and
the base portion 104 interlock to prevent odor leakage and to keep
the contents of the storage container 100 fresh (not shown in FIG.
1, shown and described in detail in FIGS. 9A and 9B). In one
example, a flange located on the lid 102 or base portion 104 next
to a flange or in a channel in between two flanges on the base
portion 104 or lid 102, respectively.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1A, to unlock the storage container 100, a
flared end 110 of each seesaw-style latch 108 can be pushed
downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base
portion 104 when the storage container 100 is in a locked position,
the seesaw-style latch 108 rotates and the seesaw-style latch 108
dislodges From a latch landing on the lid 102 from the base portion
104. When the seesaw-style latch 108 dislodges from the latch
landing, the seesaw -style latch releases.
[0034] The seesaw-style latch 108 may be a torsion snap joint or a
similar snap joint feature. In implementations where the seesaw
-style latch 108 is a torsion snap joint, deflection is due to a
torsional deformation of the fulcrum.
[0035] The storage container 100 is not unlocked and available for
opening until each seesaw-style latch 108 is released. In some
implementations, each seesaw-style latch 108 max be released
simultaneously. In some implementations, each seesaw-style latch
108 max be released at a different time period. However, the entire
storage container 100 will not be unlocked and available for
opening until every seesaw-style latch 108 is released.
[0036] FIG. 1B illustrates a hack perspective view of an example
storage container in a closed and unlocked position. As shown, the
storage container 100 includes a lid 102 and a base portion 104. In
some implementations, the lid 102 may be attached to the base
portion 104 by a hinge 106. In some implementations, live hinge 106
is a living hinge. A living hinge allows for multiple storage
containers 100 to be easily stacked for shipping purposes, for
example. In another example, a living hinge keeps the lid 102 and
the base portion 104 permanently attached. In some implementations,
the hinge 106 may be any other available type of hinge, such as a
spring hinge or non-living hinge. The hinge 106 constrains rotation
on the lid 102 to facilitate evening of the storage container 100,
as well as keeps the lid 102 attached to the base portion 104 as a
convenience factor.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container 200, in an open and unlocked position. The
storage container 200 includes a lid 202 and a base portion 204,
attached via a living hinge 206. In FIG. 2, the base portion 104
further includes three seesaw-style latches 208. In a closed
petition (not shown), the three seesaw-style latches 208 lock onto
a latch landing 242 of a storage container 200, securing the lid
202 and the base portion 204. The seesaw-style latches 208 are
configured to lock the base portion 204 to the lid 202 and unlock
the base portion 204 from live lid 202 upon release of the
seesaw-style latches 208. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 208
includes a flared end 210. When the flared end 210 is pushed
downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base
portion 204. when the storage container 200 is in a locked
position, live seesaw style latch 208 rotates and the lip (not
shown) of the seesaw-style latch 208 dislodges from the latch
landing 242 on the lid 202. When the seesaw-style latch 208
dislodges from the latch landing 242, the seesaw-style latch
releases 208. The arrow shown in FIG. 2 depicts the direction that
the lid 202 can move when opening the storage container 200.
[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container 300, in a closed and locked position. In
FIG. 3A, a seesaw-style latch 308 located on a base portion 304 of
the front of the storage container 300 is locked onto a latch
landing 342 (show in in FIG. 3B) via a lip 338 on the interior of
the seesaw-style latch 308. The seesaw-style latch 308, in
combination with other seesaw-style latches 308 located on the base
portion 304 (not shown) are configured to lock the base portion 304
to the lid 302 and unlock the base portion 304 from the lid 302
upon release of the seesaw-style latches 308. Specifically, each
seesaw-style latch 308 includes a flared end 310. When the flared
end 310 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the
side of the base portion 304 (see arrow) when the storage container
300 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 308
releases.
[0039] FIG. 3B illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container 300, in a closed and locked position. In
FIG. 3B, when the flared end 310 is depressed, the seesaw-style
latch 308 rotates (see arrow) outward away from the lid and
dislodges the lip 338 on the interior of the seesaw-style latch 108
from the latch landing 342 on the lid 302. When the seesaw -style
latch 308 dislodges from the latch landing 342, the seesaw-style
latch 308 releases. When all the seesaw-style latches 308 release,
the storage container 300 is unlocked and opens.
[0040] A standing rib (not shown, shown and described in FIGS.
4A-C) is located on the interior side of the seesaw-style latch
308. In a locked position, the standing rib secures into a notch
344 in the latch landing 342. When the seesaw-style latch 308
releases from the lid 302, the standing rib prevents over-rotation
of the seesaw-style latch 308, as the standing rib will contact the
side of the base portion 304 and stop rotation of the seesaw-style
latch 308.
[0041] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example storage
container 400, in an open and unlocked position. In FIG. 4A, three
seesaw-style latches 408 are located on a base portion 404 of the
storage container 400. The seesaw-style latches 408 are configured
to lock the base portion 404 to the lid 402 (shown in FIGS. 4B and
C) and unlock the base portion 404 from the lid 402 upon release of
the seesaw -style latches 408. Specifically, each seesaw-style
latch 408 includes a flared end 410. When the flared end 410 is
depressed, the seesaw-style latch 408 rotates outward away from the
lid and dislodges from the latch landing 442 on the lid 402. When
the seesaw-style latch 408 dislodges from the latch landing 442,
the seesaw-style latch 408 releases. When all the seesaw-style
latches 408 release, the storage container 400 is unlocked and
opens.
[0042] A standing rib (e.g., standing rib 412) may be located on
the interior side of each seesaw-style latch 408. When the storage
container 400 is in a locked position, the standing rib secures
into a notch (not shown in FIG. 4, shown in FIG. 3, notch 344) in a
latch landing (not shown in FIG. 4, shown in FIG. 3B, latch landing
342).
[0043] When the seesaw-style latch 408 releases from the lid 402,
the standing rib prevents over-rotation of the seesaw-style latch
408, as the standing rib will contact the side of the base portion
404 and slop rotation of the seesaw-style latch 408.
[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container 400, in a closed and locked position. The
standing rib 412 is shown located on the interior side of the
seesaw-style latch 408. In a closed and locked position, the
standing rib secures into a notch in the latch landing (not shown)
and docs not contact the base portion 404.
[0045] FIG. 4C illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container 400, in an open and unlocked position.
The standing rib 412 is shown located on the interior side of the
seesaw-style latch 408. In an open and unlocked position, the
standing rib is no longer secured into a notch in the latch landing
and contacts the base portion 404. Specifically, when the
seesaw-style latch 408 releases from the lid 402 during unlocking
and opening the storage container 400, the standing rib will
contact the side of the base portion 404 and stop rotation of the
seesaw-style latch 408, preventing over-rotation of the
seesaw-style latch 408.
[0046] FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container 500 in a partially open and unlocked position.
The storage container 500 includes a lid 502 and a base portion
504, attached via a living hinge 506 (shown in FIG. 5B). In FIG.
5A, the base portion 504 further includes three seesaw-style
latches 508 (two seesaw-style latches 508 are shown). In a closed
position (not shown), the three seesaw-style latches 508 luck onto
a latch landing 542 of a storage container 500, securing the lid
502 and the base portion 504.
[0047] The seesaw-style latches 508 are configured to lock the base
portion 504 to the lid 502 and unlock the base portion 504 from the
lid 502 upon simultaneous release of the seesaw-style latches 508.
Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 508 includes a flared end
510. When the flared end 510 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a
direction toward tire side of the base portion 504 when the storage
container 500 is in a locked position, the seesaw style latch 508
rotates and the seesaw-style latch 508 dislodges from the latch
landing 542 on the lid 502 from the base portion 504. When the
seesaw-style latch 508 dislodges from the latch landing 542, the
seesaw-style latch releases 542 from the lid 502.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5A, the lid 502 is shown with a lid
exterior flange 514. The lid exterior flange 514 includes a
plurality of male teeth (e.g., two male teeth 526). In FIG. 5A, the
male teeth 526 are located on the front of the storage container
500. In some implementations, the male teeth 526 may be located in
other areas (e.g., a side of a base portion 500, on a lid 502,
etc.).
[0049] One function of the male teeth 526 is an extra layer of
safety. The hinge 506 on the lid 502 has a light amount of inherent
spring tension wanting to keep the lid 502 partially open. If, for
some reason, the seesaw-style latches 508 were to fail or come
inadvertently disengaged, the male teeth 526 hold the lid 102 dosed
so it does not automatically lift open
[0050] The male teeth 526 also help build up force to cause the lid
502 to pop open when all three seesaw-style latches 508 have been
activated properly. Pressing on the side seesaw-style latches 508
forces the lid 502 upwards, however the male teeth 526 hold the lid
502 down. A user is required to keep pressing on the side
seesaw-style latches 508 until there is enough upward force to
cause the lid 502 to skip out of the male teeth 526. This typically
results in a faster, more energetic or active opening of the lid
502, which causes the lid 502 to open up further.
[0051] FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of an example
storage container 500 in an open and unlocked position. Referring
to FIG. 5B, the base portion 504 includes a base portion exterior
flange 518. The base portion exterior flange 518 includes a
plurality of female recesses (e.g., two female recesses 528) to
receive the male teeth 526 of the lid exterior flange 514 when the
storage container 500 is closed and locked. The configuration of
the female recesses 528 receiving the male teeth 526 prevents
accidental or limp opening of the storage container 500.
[0052] FIG. 6A illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container 600, in a closed and Socked position. In
FIG. 6A, the underside of a seesaw-style latch 608 on a base
portion 604 is shown. On a side opposite the flared end 610 of the
seesaw style latch 608, located proximal to the side of the base
portion is a circular tab 634. In some implementations, in locked
and closed storage container 600, the circular tab 634 is
configured to push against an angled surface of a standing wall
(shown in FIG. 6B, standing wall 636, and FIG. 7. standing wall
736) on the lid 602. Specifically, when the side seesaw-style
latches 608 of the storage container 600 are depressed, the
circular tab 634 can push against the angled surface of the
standing wall 636 and push the lid 602 to slide with upward
pressure to reach a threshold that moves the male teeth (see male
teeth 526 in FIG. 5) out of the female recesses. As a result, the
storage container 600 provides a "pop" sound and the storage
container 600 forcefully springs open in an active opening of the
lid 602.
[0053] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an
example storage container 600, in a closed and locked position.
Referring to FIG. 6B, the circular tab 634 is shown on the opposite
side of the flared end 610 of the seesaw-style latch 608 and
located adjacent the standing wall 636. The circular tab 634 is
configured to push against the standing wall 636 on the lid 602 to
provide an active opening of the lid 602. In some implementations,
the circular tab 634 may be a different shaped tab (e.g., oval,
rectangular, other geometric feature, etc.) and may be located in
other areas of the seesaw-style latch 668.
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an
example storage container 700, in a partially open and unlocked
position. In FIG. 7, a seesaw-style latch 708 is shown located on a
base portion 704 of the front of the storage container 700.
[0055] The seesaw-style latch 708, in combination with other
seesaw-style latches 708 located on the base portion 704 are
configured to lock the base portion 704 to the lid 702. The
seesaw-style latch 708 may be locked onto a latch landing 742. The
seesaw-style latch 708 can unlock the base portion 704 from the lid
702 upon release of the seesaw-style latch 708. Specifically, each
seesaw-style latch 708 includes a flared end 710. When the flared
end 710 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the
side of the base portion 704, when the storage container 300 is in
a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 708 releases. In FIG. 7,
standing walls 736 are located adjacent a lid wall 740 on the lid
702. Pressure applied to the standing walls 736 results in a
forceful or active opening of the lid. In some implementations, the
standing walls may be ramping surfaces or located adjacent ramping
surfaces on the lid 702.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example storage container 800, in a partially open and unlocked
position. In FIG. 8, a seesaw-style latch 808 is shown located on a
base portion 804 of the front of the storage container 800. The
seesaw style latch 808 may be locked onto a latch landing (not
shown) of the lid 802 The seesaw-style latch 808, in combination
with other seesaw-style latches 808 (not shown) located on the base
portion 804 are configured to lock the base portion 804 to the lid
802 and unlock the base portion 804 from the lid 802 upon release
of the seesaw-style latches 808. Specifically, each seesaw-style
latch 808 includes a flared end (not shown). When the flared end is
pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of
the base portion 804, when the storage container 800 is in a locked
position, the seesaw-style latch 808 releases. In FIG. 8, a chamfer
832 on a lip 838 of the seesaw-style latch 808 is shown. The
chamfer 842 aids in automatic locking the seesaw-style latches 808
when the lid 802 to being closed.
[0057] FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of an example
storage container 900, in an open and unlocked position. In FIG. 9,
seesaw-style latches 908 are shown located on a base portion 904 of
the front of the storage container 900. The seesaw-style latches
908 max be locked onto a latch landing 942. The seesaw-style
latches 908 are configured to lock the base portion 904 to the lid
902 and unlock the base portion 904 from the lid 902 upon release
of the seesaw-style latches 908. Specifically, each seesaw-style
latch 908 includes a flared end 910. When the flared end 910 is
pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of
the base portion 904, when the storage container 900 is in a locked
position, the seesaw-style latch 908 releases.
[0058] In some implementations, as the storage container 900 is
locked, at least two opposing walls or flanges in the lid 902 and
the base portion 904 interlock to prevent odor leakage and to keep
the contents of the storage container 900 fresh. In one example, a
flange located on the lid 102 or base portion 104 next to a flange
or in a channel in between two flanges on the base portion 104 or
lid 102, respectively.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 9A, a lid exterior flange 914 and a lid
interior flange 116 are located on the lid 902. A base portion
exterior flange 918 and a base portion interior flange 920 arc
located the base portion 904. The lid 902 may be is sized for the
lid exterior flange 916 to nest in a base portion channel 924
between the base portion exterior flange 918 and the base portion
interior flange 920, and the lid exterior flange 914 to locate
inside the base portion 904, when the storage container 900 is in a
locked and closed position. These opposing walls (the lid exterior
flange 916 and base portion exterior flange 918, and the lid
exterior flange 916 and the base portion interior flange 920) seal
the storage container 900.
[0060] The lid 902 or the base portion 904 may have channels
created by flanges, and the channels mas have varying depths,
depending on an implementation. As shown in FIG. 9A, the storage
container 900 may include a gasket 930 for settling. The gasket 930
may be located in a channel of the lid 902 and/or the base portion
904.
[0061] FIG. 9B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an
example storage container 900, in a closed and locked position. As
shown, the lid exterior flange 914 and a lid interior flange 116
are located on the lid 902. A base portion exterior flange 918 and
a base portion interior flange 920 are located the base portion
904. The lid exterior flange 916 is shown nesting in the base
portion channel 924 (not shown as it is occupied by the lid
exterior flange 916, shown in FIG. 9A) between the base portion
exterior flange 918 and the base portion interior flange 920, and
the lid exterior flange 914 to locate inside the base portion 964.
when the storage container 900.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of example operations 1000
to use an example locking storage container. Operations 1002-1008
are directed to unlocking the locking storage container. An
operation 1002 simultaneously depresses a flared end of each of a
plurality of seesaw-style latches of a base portion of the locking
storage apparatus when the locking storage apparatus is in a locked
position. An operation 1004 rotates each of the plurality of
seesaw-style latches from a lid responsive to depressing the flared
end erf each of a plurality of seesaw-style latches. An operation
1006 releases the plurality of seesaw -style latches from the lid.
An operation 1008 opens the locking storage apparatus after the
plurality of seesaw-style latches are released.
[0063] An operation 1008 rotates a lid toward a base portion of the
locking storage apparatus. An operation 1010 slides the lid into a
plurality of seesaw-style latches located on the base portion. An
operation 1012 pushes chamfers on the plurality of seesaw -style
latches to rotate the plurality of seesaw-style latches. An
operation 1014 secures the plurality of seesaw-style latches onto
the lid. An operation 1016 locks tie locking storage apparatus. An
operation 1018 receives a plurality of male teeth of a lid exterior
flange in the lid with a plurality of female recesses in a base
portion exterior flange. An operation 1020 nests a lid exterior
flange in a channel located between a base portion exterior flange
and a base portion interior flange when the locking storage
apparatus is in a locked position. An operation 1022 interlocks at
least two opposing walls when the locking storage apparatus is in a
locked position, the at least two opposing walls including at least
one opposing wall in each of the base portion and the lid.
[0064] The logical operations making up Lie embodiments erf the
invention described herein arc referred to variously as operations,
steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood
that logical operations may be performed in any order, adding or
omitting operations as desired, unless explicitly claimed otherwise
or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim
language.
[0065] The above specification, examples, and data provide a
complete description of the structure and use of exemplary
embodiments of the disclosed technology. Since many embodiments of
the disclosed technology can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope or the disclosed technology. the disclosed
technology resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore,
structural features of the different embodiments mas be combined in
another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.
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