U.S. patent application number 17/596319 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-18 for container and corresponding method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nicoventures Trading Limited. Invention is credited to Ainsley Cox, Anthony Cruice.
Application Number | 20220258912 17/596319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220258912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cruice; Anthony ; et
al. |
August 18, 2022 |
CONTAINER AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
Abstract
A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at
least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in
which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in
which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed
from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured
to act as a stand on which the base is supported. The lid may
comprise a supporting portion which is configured, when supported
on a horizontal surface when the lid is in the second position, to
orientate the container such that the recess is exposed at an angle
of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the
horizontal.
Inventors: |
Cruice; Anthony; (London,
GB) ; Cox; Ainsley; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nicoventures Trading Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/596319 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 15, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2020/051437 |
371 Date: |
December 7, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/52 20060101
B65D005/52; B65D 43/16 20060101 B65D043/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 21, 2019 |
GB |
1908931.7 |
Claims
1. A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at
least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in
which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in
which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed
from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured
to act as a stand on which the base is supported.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a front
surface which is covered by the lid in the first position of the
lid, and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the lid
is configured to rest against the rear surface when the lid is in
the second position.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a supporting
portion which is configured, when supported on a horizontal surface
when the lid is in the second position, to orientate the container
such that the recess is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees
and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least one
fold line for folding the lid into a plurality of smaller
portions.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the at least one fold line
comprises a plurality of fold lines.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fold lines
are parallel to each other.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is resiliently
deformable between the first position and the second position.
8. The container according to any of claim 1, wherein the container
comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the first
position.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the securing means is an
elasticated material, secured to the container, which is configured
to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated material and
the base when the lid is in the first position.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises at least
one primary holder for releasably securing, in the recess, a main
body from an aerosol provision system, wherein the at least one
object comprises the main body.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises at least
one secondary holder for releasably securing, in the recess, a
cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the at least
one object comprises the cartridge.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first end
that is attached to the base, and a second free end opposite the
first end.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises an end
portion comprising a width that decreases in the direction from the
first end to the second free end.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a
maximum width of less than 100 mm when the lid is in the first
position.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a
maximum length of less than 160 mm when the lid is in the first
position.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a
maximum depth of less than 70 mm when the lid is in the first
position.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at
least one contoured surface for allowing a user to better grip the
container via the countered surface.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least
one contoured surface for allowing a user to better grip the lid
via the countered surface.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein each contoured surface
comprises a plurality of grooves.
20. A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at
least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in
which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in
which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed
from the recess, wherein the container comprises a securing means
for securing the lid in the first position, wherein the securing
means is an elasticated material, secured to the container, which
is configured to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated
material and the base when the lid is in the first position.
21. A kit of parts comprising the container of claim 1, further
comprising a main body from an aerosol provision system, and a
cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge
is attachable to the main body, wherein the at least one object
comprises the main body and the cartridge.
22. A method of storing at least one object in the container of
claim 1.
23. The method according to of claim 22, wherein the at least one
object comprises a main body from an aerosol provision system, and
a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge
is attachable to the main body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT
Application No. PCT/GB2020/051437, filed Jun. 15, 2020, which
claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1908931.7, filed
Jun. 21, 2019, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a container and
corresponding method, which may be used in the context of storing
at least one object, such as a main body and a cartridge from an
aerosol provision system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the context of transporting objects, such as an aerosol
provision system (electronic cigarette) and its components, there
exists the potential for such objects to be damaged during transit
unless they are suitably held in a container.
[0004] Existing containers for transporting such objects can be
awkward to open, and the objects can be difficult to access when
the container is in an open position.
[0005] Accordingly, various approaches are described herein which
seek to help address or mitigate some of these issues.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is
provided a container comprising a base defining a recess for
storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first
position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second
position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to
be removed from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is
configured to act as a stand on which the base is supported.
[0007] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is
provided a container comprising a base defining a recess for
storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first
position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second
position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to
be removed from the recess, wherein the container comprises a
securing means for securing the lid in the first position, wherein
the securing means is an elasticated material, secured to the
container, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid between
the elasticated material and the base when the lid is in the first
position.
[0008] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is
provided a kit of parts comprising a container according to the
first or second aspects of the invention, and a main body from an
aerosol provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision
system, wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body,
wherein the at least one object comprises the main body and the
cartridge.
[0009] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is
provided a method of storing at least one object in a container
according to any of the first or second aspects of the
invention.
[0010] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the
invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the
invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with,
embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the
invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 represents in perspective view a container comprising
a base and a lid, when the lid is in an open supporting
position.
[0013] FIG. 2A represents in plan view a portion of the container
from FIG. 1, when the lid is in an open unsupporting position.
[0014] FIG. 2B represents in plan view a portion of the container
from FIG. 1, when the lid is in a closed position.
[0015] FIG. 3A represents in perspective view a portion of the
container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the closed position.
[0016] FIG. 3B represents in perspective view a portion of the
container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the open supporting
position.
[0017] FIG. 3C represents in perspective view a portion of the
container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the open unsupporting
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are
discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain
examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and
these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of
brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of
apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in
detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional
techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
[0019] With reference to the Figures, there is shown a container 10
comprising a base 12 defining a recess 14 for storing at least one
object 100. The container further comprises a lid 16 moveable
between a first, closed, position (as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A)
in which the recess 14 is covered by the lid 16 and a second, open
supporting, position (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B) in which the
recess 14 is exposed for allowing the object 100 to be removed from
the recess 14, wherein the second position the lid 16 is configured
to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported.
[0020] In accordance with some embodiments, such as the container
shown in the Figures, the base 12 comprises a front surface 18
which is covered by the lid 16 in the first position of the lid 16,
and a rear surface 20 opposite the front surface 18, wherein the
lid is configured to rest against the rear surface 20 when the lid
is in the second position.
[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 16 may
comprise a supporting portion 22 which is configured, when
supported on a horizontal surface 200 when the lid 16 is in the
second position, to orientate the container such that the recess 14
and/or the front surface 18 is exposed at an angle of between 30
degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
[0022] In accordance with some embodiments, the lid 16 may comprise
at least one fold line 28 for folding the lid 16 into a plurality
of smaller portions. In some particular embodiments, such as those
shown in the Figures, the at least one fold line 28 is shown as
comprising a plurality of fold lines. In such embodiments, the
plurality of fold lines may be parallel to each other, as shown for
instance in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3C.
[0023] In some embodiments, the lid 16 may be resiliently
deformable between the first position and the second position.
[0024] The container in some instances may comprise a securing
means 30 for securing the lid 16 in the first position. In some
embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, the securing means
may comprise an elasticated material 30, secured to the container
10, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid 16 between the
elasticated material 30 and the base 12 when the lid 16 is in the
first position.
[0025] The shape and content of the recess may be configured
depending on the intended use of the container. In some
embodiments, the recess 14 may comprises at least one primary
holder 32 for releasably securing, in the recess 14, a main body
100A useable in an aerosol provision system. In some embodiments,
the recess may comprise at least one secondary holder 34 for
releasably securing, in the recess 14, a cartridge 100B from an
aerosol provision system. In the embodiments shown in the Figures,
the recess 14 comprises one primary holder 32 and two secondary
holders 34, such that the container 10 can accommodate a complete
aerosol provision system, along with a spare/replacement cartridge
100B for use in the aerosol provision system when an initial
cartridge 100B stored in the container runs out or is depleted.
[0026] In relation to the size and dimensions of the container,
this will also depend on the intended use of the container. In some
embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum width W of less
than 100 mm when the lid is in the first position. In some
embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum length L of less
than 160 mm when the lid is in the first position. In some
embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum depth D of less
than 70 mm when the lid is in the first position.
[0027] In some embodiments, the lid 16 may comprise a first end 16A
that is attached to the base 12, and a second free end 16B opposite
the first end 16A. In such embodiments, the lid may also comprise
an end portion 16C comprising a width that decreases in the
direction from the first end 16A to the second free end 16B.
[0028] To help allow the user to better grip the container during
use, in some embodiments the container may comprises at least one
contoured surface 38 about which the user can grip the container.
In some embodiments, the contoured surface may comprises a
plurality of grooves 40. The position of the at least one contoured
surface may be appropriately located on the container, depending on
its intended use, however in some embodiments the lid may comprise
the at least one contoured surface, as shown in the embodiments of
container from FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A.
[0029] In terms of the operation of the containers described
herein, an example operation is described with reference to the
embodiment of containers shown in FIGS. 1-3C. In that particular
embodiment, the container 10 is provided with the lid 16 in its
first position where it covers the front surface 18 of the base 12
such to cover the recess 14. To better secure the lid 16 in its
first position, the securing means 30 in the form of the
elasticated material 30 grips the portion of the lid 16 between the
elasticated material 30 and the base 12. The use of such a securing
means 30 which grips the portion of the lid 16 between the securing
means 30 and the base 12 provides a secure, yet easy to use,
mechanism for keeping the lid in the closed position.
[0030] From this first position, the lid 16 is then removed from
between the elasticated material 30 and the base 12, and the lid 16
then moved into the open unsupporting position as shown in FIG. 2A
and FIG. 3C. In this open position, any object 100 from the recess
14 can then be removed for use as required by the user.
[0031] From the open unsupporting position, the lid may then be
moved to the second, open supported, position shown in FIG. 1, by
moving the lid 14 and folding it about the fold lines 28 such that
the lid 14 rests against the rear surface 20 of the container 10.
In this second position, the supporting portion 22 from the lid 16,
when supported on a horizontal surface 200, orientates the
container 10 such that the recess 14 and/or the front surface 18 is
exposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal, for instance
between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
Accordingly, in this position the lid 16 effectively acts as a
stand on which the base 12 and any object 100 located in the recess
14 is supported, and thus provides the user with convenient access
to the recess 14 and any object 100 located therein.
[0032] In moving the lid between the closed and open positions, the
presence of the contoured surface 38 and grooves 40 from the lid 14
allows the user to better grip the lid as it is moved, particularly
in wet conditions.
[0033] It will be appreciated that while the above description has
focused on some specific container configurations comprising a
number of different features, containers in accordance with other
embodiments of the disclosure may not include all these features.
For example, in some implementations the lid 16 may not be
configured to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported when
the lid 16 is in its second position.
[0034] In some embodiments, the lid 16 may not comprise at least
one fold line 28 for folding the lid 16 into a plurality of smaller
portions. In such embodiments, the lid 16 may instead be
resiliently deformable between the first position and the second
position to allow for its movement therebetween.
[0035] In addition, whilst the container configurations herein
disclosed have been principally disclosed as being used to support
components from a vapour provision system, it will be appreciate
that the containers described herein may be used for storing any
required object, depending on the application of the container. For
example, in some embodiments, the container 10 may be used to
support jewellery, such as a watch or necklace; or in another
embodiment a set of spectacles. In these embodiments, the recess
may comprise at least one holder for releasably securing, in the
recess, the object to be held therein.
[0036] In some embodiments, the container may be provided on its
own. In some embodiments however, the container 10 may be provided
as a part of a kit, in which the container 10 is provided along
with at least one object 100 which the container 10 is configured
to store in its recess 14.
[0037] Thus, there has been described a container comprising a base
defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid
moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by
the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for
allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the
second position the lid is configured to act as a stand on which
the base is supported.
[0038] There has also been described a container comprising a base
defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid
moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by
the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for
allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the
container comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the
first position, wherein the securing means is an elasticated
material, secured to the container, which is configured to grip a
portion of the lid between the elasticated material and the base
when the lid is in the first position.
[0039] There has also been described a kit of parts comprising a
container as set out above, and a main body from an aerosol
provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system,
wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body, wherein the
at least one object comprises the main body and the cartridge.
[0040] There has also been described a method of storing at least
one object in a container as set out above.
[0041] There has also been described a container 10 comprising a
base 12 defining a recess 14 for storing at least one object 100,
and a lid 16 moveable between a first position in which the recess
14 is covered by the lid 16 and a second position in which the
recess 14 is exposed for allowing the object 100 to be removed from
the recess 14, wherein the second position the lid 16 is configured
to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported. The lid 16 may
comprise a supporting portion 22 which is configured, when
supported on a horizontal surface 200 when the lid 16 is in the
second position, to orientate the container 10 such that the recess
14 is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with
respect to the horizontal.
[0042] In order to address various issues and advance the art, this
disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in
which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and
features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of
embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are
presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed
invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments,
examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of
the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the
disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents
to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the
claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or
consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed
elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other
than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be
appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined
with features of the independent claims in combinations other than
those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include
other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in
future.
[0043] Purely for the avoidance of any doubt, the phrase aerosol
provision system as used herein is intended to mean systems such as
electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) which generally contain an
aerosol precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid
containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid
material such a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is
generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat
vaporisation. Such aerosol provision systems and electronic
cigarettes typically comprise two main functional parts, namely the
main body part--see the main body 100A shown in FIG. 1, and the
replaceable cartridge part--see the cartridge 100B also shown in
FIG. 1. Typically the cartridge 100B will comprise the consumable
aerosol precursor material and the heating element (atomiser),
while the main body 100A will comprise longer-life items, such as a
rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors
and user interface features. An example vapour provision system,
such as that shown in the Figures, is the Vype ePen 3.
* * * * *