Patent Publication Number: US-11375748-B2

Title: Storage container assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 16/282,536 filed on Feb. 22, 2019, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a storage container assembly for storing new smoking articles, used smoking articles and associated accessories. The storage container assembly configured to prevent child tampering with contents therein. 
     Cigarette and smoking article storage means such as cartons, boxes, cases, packs and containers are still commonly used today to store new cigarettes and smoking articles when not being smoked by the user. Commonly these storage means are non-rigid and are made of paper-based materials lacking rigidity. Problems arise when a smoking article is only partially smoked, and the user has the decision to save the smoking article for later use or discard of the smoking article. Currently, if the user attempts to store a smoking article for later use the smoking article is often still lit and can pose a potential risk of fire in inserted back into paper-based material storage means. Secondly, odor from the used smoking article is often unwanted in indoor, public or confined spaces. Lastly, security of smoking articles often held as a priority of the user of the smoking article, especially when securing and blocking access the smoking article to under-aged children. Additionally, when a container does not lock into a closed position, items stored inside are free to fall out if not secured properly. A solution is needs for smoking article storage means that create an airtight seal trapping odor within the storage means, constructed of a non-paper material for righty and safety and a secure method for storing a used smoking article for later use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates to an improved storage container assembly creating an airtight seal. The airtight seal eliminates common odors from the used smoking article that is often unwanted in indoor, public or confined spaces. The storage container assembly comprises a lid member and a base member, wherein the connection between the lid member and the base member is tamper proof and creates a connection not easily opened by under-aged children. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a reusable and rigid case in comparison to traditional paper-based storage containers wherein having paper material provides no rigidity or protection and poses a fire hazard to the user if a used cigarette is re-inserted into the container. The present invention aims to provide a safe storage medium for used smoking articles, even when still partially lit. 
     In order to do so a storage container assembly is provided. The storage container assembly configured to prevent child tampering with contents therein. The storage container assembly includes a base container and a lid, rotationally joined to the base container. 
     The base container having rear wall joined to a base container first side wall, a base container second side wall, and a base container bottom wall. Next, a base container front wall joined to the base container first side wall, the base container second side wall, and the base container bottom wall. The base container also having a first locking tab joined to the base container first side wall. The first locking tab extending above the base container front side wall and further comprising a first locking button. The base container also having a second locking tab joined to the base container second side wall. The second locking tab extending above the base container front side wall and further comprising a second locking button. 
     The storage container assembly therein creating a storage space existing between the base container rear wall, the base container front wall, the base container first side wall, the base container second side wall, and the base container bottom wall. 
     The storage container also including a lid member having a lid rear wall, joined to a first lid side wall, a second lid side wall and a lid top wall. The lid front wall is joined to the first lid side wall, the second lid side wall and the lid top wall. A first button opening arranged through the first lid side wall. Next, a second button opening arranged through the second lid side wall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures. 
       The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exemplary top view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 6  shows an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 10  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 11  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 12  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 14  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 15  shows an exemplary top view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 16  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 17  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 18  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 19  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 20  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 21  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 22  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
         FIG. 23  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the removable container of the storage container assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1-21  illustrate an exemplary storage container assembly  100 . The storage container assembly  100  configured to prevent child tampering with contents therein. The storage container assembly  100  includes a base container  110  and a lid  105 , rotationally joined to the base container  110  by hinge  150 . 
     The base container  110  having rear wall joined to a base container first side wall, a base container second side wall, and a base container bottom wall. Next, a base container front wall joined to the base container first side wall, the base container second side wall, and the base container bottom wall. The base container  110  also having a first locking tab  120  joined to the base container first side wall. The first locking tab extending above the base container front side wall and further comprising a first locking button  122 . The base container  110  also having a second locking tab  121  joined to the base container second side wall. The second locking tab extending above the base container front side wall and further comprising a second locking button  123 . The storage container assembly  100  therein creating a storage space existing between the base container rear wall, the base container front wall, the base container first side wall, the base container second side wall, and the base container bottom wall. 
     The storage container assembly  100  also including a lid  105  having a lid rear wall, joined to a first lid side wall, a second lid side wall and a lid top wall. The lid front wall is joined to the first lid side wall, the second lid side wall and the lid top wall. A first button opening  115  arranged through the first lid side wall. Next, a second button opening  116  arranged through the second lid side wall. In some embodiments, the lid  105  further comprises a match strikeplate  125 . In some embodiments, the base container  110  further comprises a match strikeplate  125 . In some embodiments, the lid  105  further comprises a match compartment  140  having a second lid  145  hingedly adjoined to the lid  105  by a hinge  150  (As shown in  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the base container  110  further comprises a match compartment  140  having a second lid  145  hingedly adjoined to the lid  105  by a hinge  150  (As shown in  FIG. 12 ). In some embodiments, the match compartment  140  further comprises a match strikeplate  125 . In some embodiments, the second lid  145  further comprises a match strikeplate  125 . 
     In some embodiments, the storage container assembly further comprises a base container internal wall  151 , joined to the base container front wall, the base container rear wall, and the base container bottom wall creating an internal container  152 . In some embodiments, the internal wall  151  extends above the upper edge of the base container  110 . In this exemplary embodiment, the base container internal wall  151  is approximately parallel to the base container first side wall and the base container second side wall. In some embodiments, the base container internal wall  151  is not parallel to the base container first side wall and the base container second side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the base container internal wall  151  further comprises a plurality of internal wall protrusions  156  arranged within the internal container  152  on the base container internal wall  151  and a plurality of first wall protrusions  155  arranged within the internal container on the base container first side wall. Next, in some embodiments, a removable container  130  is inserted into the internal container and rests between the plurality of internal wall protrusions  156  and the plurality of first wall protrusions  155 . In some embodiments, the removable container further comprises a plurality of bumps  175  arranged on the removable container, wherein the plurality of bumps rest between the plurality of internal wall protrusions and the plurality of first wall protrusions when the removable container in inserted within internal container. The removable container  130 , in some embodiments, having a circular indentation  180  extending into the removable container. The circular indentation  180  allowing at least one finger of the user to remove a smoking article  135  held within the removable container  130 . The removable container  130 , in some embodiments, having a grip tab  170  extending away from the removable container. The grip tab allowing at least one finger of the user to remove the removable container  130  from the internal container  152 . In some embodiments, the grip tab is the full width of the removable container  130  (as shown in  FIGS. 13, 20 and 21 ). In some embodiments, the grip tab is the less than the full width of the removable container  130  (as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     The storage container assembly arranged to be used in different modes of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation the first locking button  122  extends through the first button opening  115  and the second locking button  123  extends through the second button opening locking the base container  110  to the lid  105  with an air tight seal. 
     For example, in a second mode of operation squeezing the first locking button  122  inward from the first button opening  115  while squeezing the second locking button  123  inward from the second button opening  116  unlocks the base container  110  from the lid  105  releasing the air tight seal. In some embodiments, the first locking button  122  and second locking button  123  are a convex shape. In some embodiments, the first locking button  122  and second locking button  123  are a concave shape. In some embodiments. the plurality of internal wall protrusions  156  and the plurality of first wall protrusions  155  are a convex shape. In some embodiments. the plurality of internal wall protrusions  156  and the plurality of first wall protrusions  155  are a concave shape. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the removable container  130  may be inserted into the base container  110  through a removable container opening  165  arranged on the base container first side wall or the base container second side wall. In some embodiments, the base member  110  can include more than one base container internal wall  151  and more than one internal container  152 . In some embodiments, the storage container assembly  100  can include more than one removable container  130  (As shown in  FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, the storage container assembly  100  can include a lighter  160  designed to fit within the internal container  152  (As shown in  FIG. 9 ). 
     As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.” 
     As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. 
     As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein. 
     All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference). 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated. 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.