Lockable Secure Lunchbox

The present invention relates to a lockable lunchbox made of metal mesh and plastic. The lunchbox comprising a container for storing food items, snacks, beverages and more. The container can be mounted with removable dividers for sorting and separately storing items. A lid pivotally coupled to the container for closing the container using a latch and catch hook. A padlock is used for locking the lid for preventing unauthorized access to the stored items in the container. In some embodiments, a PIN keypad or a fingerprint scanner can be used and the lid has a fold flush handle for easy handling of the lunchbox and storage in a stacked configuration. The lunchbox has a compact design and can be used at school, offices, and more for safely and securely storing and transporting lunch items.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of lunchboxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel lockable lunchbox that is configured to prevent unauthorized access by unauthorized individuals. The lunchbox uses a lock system for locking the lid of the lunchbox to secure the items stored in a container of the lunchbox. The lid includes a handle on the top of the container for convenient carrying, enabling it to fold flush against the lunchbox to store in a stacked form. The padlock ensures that lunches are protected against theft and tampering. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, bags and containers for carrying food items and beverages, such as lunchboxes, are popular with individuals who bring their lunches and/or snacks to offices. Usually, lunchboxes are stored in an office refrigerator and are taken out during lunch or snack time. A common occurrence in offices is lunch items being stolen or accidentally misused by other individuals. Conventional lunchboxes do not have a lock and therefore, are easily accessible. Individuals may sift through others' lunch bags looking for different food or beverages, spreading germs and bacteria. Similar problems are faced by children in schools and colleges where the lunchboxes are easily accessed by others for food and beverages. Individuals desire an improved lunchbox wherein contents are not accessible to unauthorized individuals.

Conventional lunchboxes have a small space that may not accommodate beverages. When beverages are kept separately, they are prone to being more easily accessed by other individuals. Further, traditional lunchboxes are soft-sided containers that may lose their shape over time or can be compressed when kept in a bag or in a stacked position causing harm to the stored food items therein. Individuals desire a modified lunch box that has adequate space and is safe and secure to store and transport lunch items.

Individuals (including children) generally remove food items, snacks, and more from their lunchboxes and keep same on a surface such as a table or desk to eat. However, there is a concern about cleanliness of the surfaces in offices, schools, camps, and more and therefore, individuals desire a lunchbox that may allow them to have food without removing items from the lunchbox or alternatively provides a way to clean a surface before placing food items thereon.

It is common for individuals to have the same or similar lunchboxes that increases the possibility of unintentional use of others' lunchbox. It is desired to have a lunchbox that can be personalized thereby preventing others from mistakenly accessing the food items therein.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a lunch box that allows individuals to safely and securely store and transport lunch items. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved lunchbox that cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can store multiple food items including beverages. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunch items storage box that does not lose its shape and remains stable when kept on a surface. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can provide a distinguishable or personalization feature for an individual. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can be used at school, offices, and more. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can be easily carried and safely stores food items and beverages by prohibiting any unauthorized use.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a secure lunchbox assembly configured to prevent access of stored items therein from unauthorized users. The lunchbox further comprising a body made of plastic enclosing a metal mesh for avoiding deformity in use and storage; said body having a container including upstanding walls from a base, the container having a cavity for storing food items, snacks, and beverages; the body has a lid pivotally coupled to said container for closing the container to secure the stored food items, snacks, and beverages; a latch positioned on the lid and is configured to engage with a catch hook positioned on a front wall of the container; a padlock for locking the lid wherein the padlock locks the latch and the catch to prevent access to unauthorized individuals and to enable access to only authorized users who have the proper keys or combination to open the padlock.

In this manner, the improved lunchbox of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a reusable lunchbox designed to safely and securely store and transport lunches at school, offices, and more. The lunchbox has a padlock attached to the front of the lunchbox to prevent it from being opened by unauthorized individuals and has a handle for easy carry that can be folded flush for stacked storage of multiple lunchboxes. The lunchbox is made of a metal mesh covered by plastic, thus, the lunchbox retains its shape and protects the stored food items and beverages therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a secure lunchbox configured to provide access of stored items to only authorized users. The lunchbox further comprising a body made of plastic enclosing a metal mesh for avoiding deformity; said body having a container including upstanding or vertical walls and a base, the container having a cavity for storing food items, snacks, and beverages; the body has a lid pivotally coupled to said container for closing the container to secure the stored food items, snacks and beverages; a latch positioned on the lid is configured to engage with a catch hook positioned on one of the walls of the container; a padlock for locking the lid wherein the padlock locks the latch and the catch to prevent access to unauthorized individuals while providing access to only authorized users who have proper keys or combination to open the padlock.

In yet another embodiment, the lid is locked using a keypad wherein a user inputs a correct PIN or combination for unlocking the lid to access the stored items in the container.

In yet another embodiment, the lid is locked using a fingerprint scanner wherein a user scans one or more fingerprints for unlocking the lid to access the stored items in the container.

In yet another embodiment, a modified storage box for securing a user's lunch items is disclosed. The storage box has a metal mesh covered with plastic; the storage box further includes a container for storing lunch items; a lid pivotally coupled to the container; the outer surface of the lid has a handle configured to fold flush against the lid; the handle is used for holding the storage box during transportation and fold flush during storage; the container and the lid are configured to lock with each other using a padlock for preventing access of stored lunch items to unauthorized individuals; wherein the container has a plurality of removably placed dividers for separately storing the lunch items; and, an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamp for disinfecting the lunch items.

In yet another embodiment, a reusable lunchbox designed to safely and securely store and transport lunches at school, offices, and more is disclosed. The lunchbox includes a container having a front wall, a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, and a base; said walls extending vertically from sides of the base; a catch hook positioned on the front wall of the container; a lid pivotally coupled along a top edge of the rear wall; the lid having a latch on the front surface wherein the lid is configured to engage with the catch hook; a personalized logo positioned on the exterior surface of the lid; a fold flush handle positioned on the exterior surface of the lid; the latch and the catch hook are locked using at least one of a padlock, a keypad PIN/combination, or a fingerprint scanner for preventing access of food items stored inside the container.

In yet another embodiment, a method of securely storing food items retained in a lunchbox is described. The method comprising the steps of: providing a lockable lunchbox having a container and a lid; storing food items in the container; locking the container and the lid using a padlock; storing the lunchbox at any convenient place; unlocking the container using an unlocking mechanism of the padlock; and securely accessing the stored food items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that allows individuals to safely and securely store and transport lunch items. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved lunchbox that cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can store multiple food items including beverages. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunch items storage box that does not lose its shape and remains stable when kept on a surface. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can provide a distinguishable or personalization feature for an individual. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can be used at school, offices, and more. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lunchbox that can be easily carried and safely stores food items and beverages by eliminating any unauthorized use.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a modified storage box for securing a user's lunch items. The storage box has a metal mesh covered with plastic, the storage box further includes a container for storing lunch items, a lid pivotally coupled to the container, the outer surface of the lid has a handle configured to fold flush against the lid, the handle is used for holding the storage box during transportation and folds flush during storage, the container and the lid are configured to lock with each other using a padlock for preventing access of stored lunch items to unauthorized individuals, wherein the container has a plurality of removably placed dividers for separately storing the lunch items, and a UV germicidal lamp for disinfecting the lunch items.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the secure lunchbox of the present invention in a closed state in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The secure lunchbox100of the present invention is configured for storing food items, beverages, and more in a secure and leak-tight manner. More specifically, the lunchbox includes a container102for storing food items and has a hinged closure lid104for closing the container102in a leak-tight manner. The closure lid104has a handle106that is configured to be folded flush against the top surface108of the lid104. The handle106is used for holding the lunchbox100during transportation (in the orientation of the handle shown in dotted lines) and kept in a folded flush position (as shown in solid lines) during storage such as in a refrigerator.

The container102is generally rectilinear or square in one exemplary embodiment but can be of any geometric shape such as oval, circular, elliptical, or the like. In the present embodiment, the container102has a front wall110, a pair of side walls112,114, and a rear wall116. The walls extend vertically from a base118in an upstanding configuration to form a cavity for storing the food items, beverages, snacks, and more. The front face120of the closure lid104has a latch122and the front wall110has a catch124. The latch122is configured to be latched to the catch124and can be locked using a padlock126. The padlock126can be any conventional closed shackle padlock, circular padlock, long shackle padlocks, cable lock, and the like. For securing the closure lid104, the shackle128of the padlock126is engaged through the catch124to lock the latch122. The padlock126prevents the contents stored inside the container102from being accessed by unauthorized individuals and therefore, enables secure storage of food items, snacks, and beverages therein.

The top surface108of the lid104can have a logo or any other indicia130such as name of owner of the lunchbox100for uniquely identifying the lunchbox100and prevent same from being stolen or misplaced. The lunchbox100can be available in different sizes and colors and retains its shape even when stored in a stacked orientation/formation. The top surface108can have a plurality of recesses132for creating 3D cavities.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of the secure lunchbox of one potential embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The lunchbox100is preferably made of a metal mesh202that forms the interior of the lunchbox100and has a layer of plastic cover204covering the metal mesh202. The plastic cover204prevents the outer surface from getting cold when the lunchbox100is kept in a refrigerator. The metal mesh202and the plastic cover204are integrally attached using an adhesive disposed therebetween.

The closure lid104is hinged along the common edge206enabling pivotal movement of the lid104relative to the container102, wherein the lid104is further configured to make a maximum of 150 degree angle during upward pivotal movement along the edge206. The container102is used for storing food items, snacks, beverages, and more. The inner surface208of the lid104has a plurality of pockets210for storing cutlery or napkins. The napkins can be used for cleaning a surface before putting food items thereon and thus enables a clean and hygienic surface. The container102can have removable dividers for separating items stored therein as described later in the disclosure.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view showing food items, snacks, and beverages stored in the lunchbox in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The secure lunchboxes of various embodiments are large enough to store a plurality of items safely that can also allow a user to have food, snacks, and beverages all retained therein. As illustrated in the present embodiment, the lunchbox300stores fruits302, beverages304, and snacks306inside the container308while the lid310pivotally moves along the edge312.

The metal mesh314supports the stored items without any damage while the exterior plastic or silicone cover316may protect the other adjacent items when the lunchbox300is kept inside a refrigerator or on any other surface. It should be noted that the specifications of construction of the lunchboxes of various embodiments are similar with the interior metal mesh and outer silicone or plastic. In the present embodiment, the lunchbox300can have a germicidal UV lamp318for disinfecting stored items.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the secure food storing container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the lunchbox400has a plurality of dividers402,404,406removably placed inside the container408for separately storing the food and other items. The container408may or may not have panels for accommodating the dividers402,404,406and the dividers may be secured between any of the two walls of the container408or between a wall and another divider or between two dividers. The dividers may be made from insulating plastic or wooden material and are securely placed on the metal mesh.

Height and thickness of the dividers can be based on the preferences of a user and allow easy closure of the lid410for closing the container408. As in other embodiments, the lunchbox400has pockets416for securing additional items such as cutlery. The latch412and catch414are used for securing the lid410using a padlock which is a common and important feature in all the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.5illustrates an exploded view of the secure lunchbox ofFIG.4in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the plastic cover502forming the body of the lunchbox400encloses a first metal mesh504for container408and a second metal mesh506for forming the lid410. The metal mesh may be integrated or can be removed and replaced with other metal mesh. The dividers402,404,406are removably placed in any desired orientation in the container408and can be stably placed between the walls of the container408. The pockets416are attached to the metal mesh506using, for example, adhesive and can be of same or different sizes and shapes.

FIG.6illustrates a perspective view showing the lunchboxes of the present invention in a stacked orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The exterior appearance and structure of all the embodiments of the secure lunchbox of the present invention are similar and the handle on the exterior surface of the lid is configured to fold flush against the lunchbox. For storing the lunchboxes in a stacked manner, the handle of each lunchbox100is folded flush as illustrated inFIG.1such that the base of one lunchbox can be positioned on top of the lid of another lunchbox. The logo or indicia on the top of the lid can be used as an identifying means and further, the padlock126allows only an authorized user to open the lid and access the items stored in the container. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lunchbox can have a strap enabling a user to carry the lunchbox on a shoulder.

In use, food items are placed in the lunchbox and the lid is closed to facilitate the padlock closure with the lid. In this way the food items in the lunchbox are secured such that unauthorized users are prohibited from accessing the food items. The padlock is unlocked to open the lid and retrieve the food items to be eaten. In this way the lunchbox ensures that only the owner of the lunchbox can access the food items therein.

In some embodiments, the padlock can have a keyhole for receiving a key thereby facilitating the lock to be moved between the locking condition and the unlocking condition. In some embodiments, the lunchbox can have a light (i.e., LED) in addition to the UV germicidal lamp wherein the LED can illuminate when the lock is unlocked and the lid is opened. The LED enables a person to access the food items even in low light and dark areas.

In some embodiments, in place of the padlock the lunchbox can have a keypad702for entering a PIN as illustrated inFIG.7Aor can have a fingerprint scanner704for scanning a fingerprint as illustrated inFIG.7Bfor authenticating a user for providing access to the stored food items.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “secure food storing container”, “secure lunchbox”, “lunchbox”, “storage box”, and “lunch bag” are interchangeable and refer to the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400are important design parameters for user convenience, the lockable secure lunchbox100,300,400may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.