Patent Publication Number: US-10773867-B1

Title: Illuminating container having an internal storage cavity and a light source and integrated circuit contained within a portion of the container external to the internal storage cavity

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to containers. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a container which has a light source in a body or a cover to illuminate contents stored within the container. 
     Description of Related Art 
       Cannabis  for end-user consumption is typically packaged inside an opaque container, and usually with a child-proof safety cover. In many instances, this is required by law. However, due to this regulation it can be difficult for consumers to identify the product even when the package is opened. This is particularly the case for patients who suffer from sight related issues, for example, Glaucoma, where patients&#39; sight can be weak, blurry and/or suffer from visual disturbance, often in low light. 
     Another concern for patients is taking the correct dosage of the  cannabis  itself. With current opaque packaging containers, due to the dark internal environment, it is common for patients to take more than what might be the required dosage. 
     Another problem with opaque packaging relates to the overall sales and marketing approach to  cannabis  as of recently. It has been observed that  cannabis  products are often demonstrated and marketed to consumers in a similar manner as diamonds and jewelry in retail environments—i.e. careful handling of the merchandise and presentation in a highly lit environment (most times under a super white spotlight)—all in order to demonstrate the colors, hues and amount of visible THC/CBD (otherwise known as ‘crystals’) that vary between different strains, up close to the potential consumer. 
     In addition to this method of in-store selling and marketing, it has been observed that most marketing related materials (e.g. posters, billboards, websites, magazines) contain zoomed in shots of the product (i.e. the  cannabis  buds) in order to highlight the colors, hues, and visible crystals that vary between the different strains of  cannabis . However, when it comes to opening the containers and seeing the product itself, the visual appearance of the buds will never match what is being marketed due to the dark internal environment of the container. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a system that can provide visual inspection of  cannabis  inside the opaque container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
     In one aspect, an illuminating container is provided. The container comprises a body comprising an opaque material. A cover is attachable to the container body. The cover allows access to a body interior space when in an open position, and prevents access to the body interior space when in a closed position. Within the body is an inner wall which separates electronics components, including a light, from a storage cavity defined by the inner wall. The inner wall has at least a portion formed of a transparent or translucent material allowing the light to pass through the inner wall to the storage cavity. In many embodiments, the inner wall is formed entirely of the transparent or translucent material. 
     In another aspect, an illuminating  cannabis  container is provided. The container comprises a body comprising an opaque material. A cover is attachable to the container body. The cover allows access to a body interior space when in an open position, and prevents access to the body interior space when in a closed position. The cover is threadedly connectable to the body, and when connected thereto, forms a child safety lock such as that of prescription bottles and certain household chemicals. Within the body is an inner wall which separates electronics components, including a light, from a storage cavity defined by the inner wall. The inner wall has at least a portion formed of a transparent or translucent material allowing the light to pass through the inner wall to the storage cavity. In many embodiments, the inner wall is formed entirely of the transparent or translucent material. The container further has a quantity of  cannabis  plant material within the storage cavity. Upon illumination of the light, the  cannabis  plant material can be easily inspected, evaluated, displayed, and properly dosed. 
     In yet another aspect, an illuminating  cannabis  container is provided. The container comprises a body which may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. A cover is attachable to the container body. The cover allows access to a body interior space when in an open position, and prevents access to the body interior space when in a closed position. The cover is threadedly connectable to the body, and when connected thereto, forms a child safety lock. A plurality of electronics components are positioned in the cover with a light of the electronics components directed into the body interior space. The electronics components further comprise a battery and an integrated circuit such as a processor operating as a controller in electronic communication with the battery and light. Upon receipt of an input from a switch, the integrated circuit is operable to activate the light for a predetermined period of time. The container further has a quantity of  cannabis  plant material within the storage cavity. Upon illumination of the light, the  cannabis  plant material can be easily inspected, evaluated, displayed, and properly dosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  provides a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  provides a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 3  provides a side cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 4  provides a side cutaway view of still another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 5  provides a side cutaway view of still yet another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 6  provides a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 7  provides a side cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 8  provides a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 9  provides a side cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the container. 
         FIG. 10  provides an exploded view of an embodiment of the container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. 
     Generally, the present disclosure concerns a container which includes illuminating components in its body or in a cover. In many embodiments, the illuminating container is designed for use in storage of  cannabis . Such containers typically are made of a container body having opaque material such as an opaque outer layer to prevent visual inspection from the outside. Accordingly the illumination provided by the present disclosure allows the contents of the container (typically  cannabis ) to be illuminated, allowing for optimal visual inspection of the container contents as well as a pleasant visual presentation of the contents therein. While often discussed applied to opaque containers, the present illuminating system may also be applied in certain embodiments to transparent or translucent containers as well. 
     One goal of certain embodiments the present disclosure is to improve the way  cannabis  is packaged and presented to consumers and patients.  Cannabis  stored in the present inventive containers can be more easily viewed, such that colors, hues, and crystals can be visible while in the container. This allows for better display and inspection of the product in a dispensary or other purchase location. Also, once purchased, it provides easier viewing of the product for dosing, quality, and quantity evaluation. Through the use of the inventive containers, producers, brands, and consumers/patients will be able to easily identify the different strains that are available, and the consumer/patient is better enabled to take the correct dosage versus what they may measure without the illumination inside the container. Moreover, in a sales setting, the illuminating container may be used to increase the speed of transactions. Instead of a vendor removing  cannabis  from a container and displaying it to the customer, the vendor can simply open the container, and with the light activated, showcase the features of the  cannabis  contained therein. 
     In one embodiment, the illuminating container is formed generally by a container body comprising an opaque outer wall. Electronics components which allow operation of the lighting features are located within an interior space of the body. In this embodiment, an inner wall separates the electronics components, including a light, from a storage cavity, such that the items stored in the container do not interfere with or become mixed with the electronics components. The inner wall, in many embodiments, may be removable from the body to access the electronics components though in other embodiments is permanently attached. A cover is attachable to the body to prevent access to an interior space of the body when in a closed position, and allow access when in an open position. In many embodiments, the cover may be a child lock cover or other secure cover to prevent access by children. 
     In many instances, the opaque container embodiments may be formed of an opaque material such as plastic, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, and the like, though in other embodiments, the container may be made opaque by a paint, plastic or other wrap, and the like. As will be understood by those in the art, the opaque container may let a negligible amount of light through, but nevertheless the contents of the container cannot be inspected visually from the outside of the container. The container may be of any size and shape, without straying from the scope of this invention. 
     In another embodiment, electronics components may be positioned on or in the cover. In such an embodiment, the light may emanate from the cover into the body interior space when the light is activated. 
     In many embodiments, a switch may control activation of the light within the body/cover. In further embodiments, the light may be programmed to activate for a predetermined period of time, and then shut off upon activation of the switch. Sensor switches may, in some embodiments, be used to automatically detect removal of the cover from the body, which indicates that the container is being opened. Upon detection of removal, the light may be turned on. Examples of such sensor switches may include, but are not limited to pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, photo sensors, and proximity sensors, among others. In other embodiments, manual switches such as buttons, toggle switches, and the like allow for manual activation of the light. 
     The inner wall of certain embodiments may be formed of a plastic or other material which separates stored contents of the container from electronic components to provide illumination. Generally, some or all of the inner wall material is translucent or transparent so as to provide optimal illumination. In a particular embodiment used for storing and illuminating  cannabis , it was found that a transparent inner wall, such as transparent plastic, reflected lighting within the container and allowed for optimal reflection off crystals and other components of the  cannabis . This highlights the desirable components (crystals and other colored elements) of the  cannabis  making them more visible to the naked eye. 
     In some embodiments, the inner wall may include score marks, protrusions, or other markings to indicate different fill levels. For example, score lines may be placed at 25%, 50%, and 75% full. Though, the positioning and number of markings may vary in different embodiments. These markings may be positioned on the inner wall itself, or may be visible through a transparent inner wall and may be positioned on the container or an adjacent layer near the transparent inner wall. While not easily visible without the internal illumination of the container, once the illumination is activated, the markings can be easily viewed. 
     The light can be positioned anywhere in the body or cover. In many instances, a light positioned along a side of the body approximately half way between the bottom and the top of the body was found to be ideal. The light may be any light or plurality of lights capable of illuminating the interior space of the container. This may include, but is not limited to white or colored light emitting diodes (LED), as well as other light sources known in the art. In one particular embodiment, the light may be operable to provide approximately 150-350 lux. 
     Electronics components to control the lighting may include but are not limited to, in addition to the light and among others, a battery, an integrated circuit, printed circuit board assembly, and/or a switch, among other options. 
     Overall, the present container, especially when used for storing and illuminating  cannabis , provides advantageous illumination for the common opaque packaging allowing display, viewing, and presentation of  cannabis  stored therein. The lighting is preferably designed to highlight desirable components of the  cannabis  such as crystals, as well as the various colors and hues of the particular  cannabis  type. The lighting is further operable to allow proper dosing, allowing a user to obtain the desired amount, as well as allowing a viewing of how much  cannabis  remains in the package. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the container is provided. The container  10  is formed of an opaque layer  12  covering a body  15 , shown here as a jar. Though as noted above, the opaque material may vary. A child-safety cover  11  is threadably connected to the top of the body  15 , preventing access to the interior space of the container  10  when threadedly attached in a closed position, and allowing access when removed in an open position. An inner wall  9  separates the electronics components ( 13 ,  14 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ) from the storage cavity defined by the inner wall  9 . In this view, within the storage cavity is a quantity of  cannabis    4 . The electronics components operate together to illuminate the container. A light  13  is shown in this embodiment at a side and middle area of the body  15 . However it should be understood that one or more lights may be used, and may be positioned at various locations. Connected to the light  13  is an integrated circuit  19 , operable as a controller, which is mounted to circuit board  18 . The circuit board  18  is, in this embodiment, mounted to a bottom of the inner wall  9  via two sided tape  17 . A battery  14  provides electrical energy to illuminate the light  13 . A switch, in this embodiment a photo sensor  16 , is in communication with the integrated circuit  19 . Upon detection of a predetermined level of light from the outside (which indicates that the cover  11  has been removed), the photo sensor  16  provides a signal to the integrated circuit  19  which in turn activates the light  13 . The light  13  may remain active until the photo sensor  16  no longer detects the light from outside, or may remain on for a predetermined amount of time, among other options. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the container. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , however instead of the photo sensor  16 , a magnetic sensor  22  is used. The magnetic sensor  22  is in communication with the integrated circuit  19 . One or more magnets  21  is positioned on the cover  11 . When the magnetic sensor  22  senses that the magnets  21  are not present (indicating that the cover has been removed) it provides a signal to the integrated circuit  19  which in turn activates the light  13 . The light  13  may remain active until the magnetic sensor  22  detects a magnet again, or may remain on for a predetermined amount of time, among other options. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  utilizes a plurality of lights  13  for illuminating the container. 
       FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the container having the lighting and related electronics components housed in the cover  11 . In this view, body  15  is often formed of an opaque material, but in other embodiments may be translucent or transparent. The cover  11  is connectable to the body  15  via a threaded connection, and in most embodiments, a child-proof connection. In the cover  11  is a light  33 , as well as a button switch  31  to turn the light  33  on. In this embodiment, an adhesive  32 , such as double sided tape, is used to join the circuit board  18  and the integrated circuit  19  connected thereto to the cover  11 . In use, a user may remove the cover  11 , activate the light using button  31 , and then manipulate the cover to shine the light into the body  15  to illuminate the contents therein. Of course, switch embodiments discussed elsewhere in this disclosure relating to automatic switches, among others, may also be used in the cover-based embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  provides a view of yet another embodiment of the container. In this view, the inner wall  43  is covered by a secondary opaque covering  41  which prevents light which may pass through the body  15  (in this embodiment having opaque layer  12 ) from accidentally triggering a photo sensor (not shown). The opaque covering  41  thus provides a second barrier between the photo sensor and the outside environment. The opaque covering  41  also operates, in certain embodiments, to hide the electronics components from view when looking into the container. In many embodiments the opaque covering  41  may be made of a black paper or other similar opaque material. A spacer  42  positions the opaque covering  41  from a light-porous inner wall  43 . The inner wall  43 , in this embodiment, is formed of a plastic layer which has a plurality of openings or transparent areas to allow light from one or a plurality of LEDs  44  into the interior storage cavity defined by the inner wall  43 . As in other embodiments, the electronics components, here comprising battery  14 , circuit board  18  and the integrated circuit  19  connected thereto, as well as a photo sensor in communication with the circuit board  18  and integrated circuit  19  control activation of the light when the cover  11  is removed. 
       FIG. 5  provides still another embodiment of the container. In this embodiment, an electro-luminescence (EL) panel is formed into a cylinder to define the inner wall  51  as well as providing illumination. In this embodiment, the floor of the inner wall is formed of a sponge  52  to diffuse light from the EL panel inner wall  51 . A spacer  42  separates the EL panel inner wall  51  from an outer opaque covering  41  which is advantageous for photo sensor triggered solutions to activate the lighting because the photo sensor is blocked from the light by both the opaque container  10  and the opaque covering  41 . Batteries  14  provide power to the EL panel  51  via micro transformer  50 . The circuit board  18  and the integrated circuit  19  provide control operation for the lighting as activated by a switch, which may be a photo sensor, magnetic sensor, and the like. 
       FIG. 6  provides yet another embodiment of the container. In this view, a fiber optic wire or wires is integrated into the inner wall to provide illumination. The container is similar in structure to that of  FIG. 5 , with the lighting arrangement being different. In this embodiment, a fiber-optic woven material is formed into the inner wall  63 . The fiber optic wire or wires provide the illumination on the wall itself. Fiber optic wires  62  extend from the inner wall to a LED source  64  to provide source lighting. In photo sensor triggered embodiments, such as that shown, a secondary opaque covering  41  provides an additional light-blocking barrier between the body  15  and opaque layer  12  and the photo sensor (not shown). 
       FIG. 7  provides a view of an embodiment of the container having an opaque wrapping and all of the electronics components on an exterior of a transparent or translucent body. In this embodiment, a body  15  of the container, shown here as a jar, is formed of a transparent or translucent material. Cover  11  again is connectable to open and close the body interior space. A flexible opaque layer  71  can be attached to the jar to prevent light from entering and prevent visual inspection of the body&#39;s  15  contents. Within this opaque layer  71  are the electronics components to provide lighting to the body  15  interior. A ring shaped spacer  74  elevates the body  15  away from the electronics components which are within the ring  74 . This includes circuit board  18 , battery  14 , and integrated circuit  19 . A light  72  is positioned to be located on a side of the jar approximately halfway from its bottom when attached. The light is controlled by button switch  73  which is in communication with the integrated circuit  19 , as is the button  73 . The flexible opaque layer  71  may be in many different configurations. In one embodiment, the layer  71  may be formed as a sleeve or sock, which is flexible and can slide over the body  15 . In another embodiment, the layer  71  may be wrapped or bunched around the body  15  and then secured in place around an upper area of the body  15 . 
       FIG. 8  provides a view of still yet another embodiment of the container having a light source at a bottom of the container. In this view, an opaque body  81  forms the container body, and cover  11  is connectable to the opening of the body  81 . An inner wall  52  in this embodiment extends across a cross section of the body  81  above a bottom of the body  81 . In this embodiment, inner wall  52  is formed of a sponge material which may diffuse the light and at the same time separate material stored in the storage cavity of the body  81  from the electronics components. However, any at least partially transparent or translucent material may be used in place of the sponge. Electronics components are positioned below the inner wall  52  to provide illumination. In this embodiment, light  13 , circuit board  18 , battery  14 , and integrated circuit are in electronic communication and attached to the body  81 . A switch (not shown) may control activation of the light  13 , as discussed above. 
       FIG. 9  provides another embodiment of the container which provides a sound output as well as illumination. In this embodiment, a body  15  has an opaque layer  12  covering it, and a cover  11  attachable to its opening. Inner wall  9  separates the electronics components ( 13 ,  14 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ) from the storage cavity defined by the inner wall  9 . An opaque covering  92  surrounds the inner wall  9  to limit light entry to prevent accidental triggering of the photo sensor  91 . As in other embodiments, circuit board  18 , battery  14 , and integrated circuit  19  are in communication with the light  13  and photo sensor  91 . Upon receipt of a signal from photo sensor  91 , the integrated circuit  19  is operable to activate the light  13 . In this embodiment, the integrated circuit  19  is operable to activate the light  13  for a predetermined period of time. Further, a speaker or buzzer  94  is also in communication with the integrated circuit  19 . As with the light  13 , upon receipt of a signal from photo sensor  91 , the integrated circuit  19  is operable to activate the speaker or buzzer  94  to provide a pleasant audible output when viewing the contents of the container. 
       FIG. 10  provides an exploded view of an embodiment of the container. A body  15  has electronics components including battery  14 , integrated circuit  19  and circuit board  18  held in place by two layers of adhesive such as double sided tape  17 . An opaque covering  41  surrounds the inner wall  9 . On the inner wall are openings for light entry from the light source (not shown). Cover  11  is attachable to the body  15  and allows access to its interior. In this embodiment, the inner wall  9  has depressions  101  on the outer surface. When assembled, the lights can extend into these depressions. This arrangement allows the lights to be positioned inward, for example radially inward, from the edge of the rest of the inner wall. It has been found that this positioning of the light provides enhanced illumination of the contents because it can provide not only lateral illumination, but also upward and/or downward illumination. This inner wall  9  embodiment may, of course, be applied to any other embodiment of the container. 
     While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.