Patent Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention disclose and describe embodiment containers for displaying, visualizing, and aroma sampling botanical materials—such as tea, cannabis, and the like including a container body, lid, and lens—which may have various shapes. In a preferred embodiment, lid is shaped to define a recessed area with scent openings permitting aroma sampling of a sample contained within. A removable plug is shaped to fit within the recessed area of the lid. The container body and lid, with removable plug fit within the lid, form an airtight chamber within. A botanical sample may be visualized through the lens.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/701,961 filed May 1, 2015, entitled “Container for Providing Aromatic Sampling and Visualization of Contents” which is currently pending, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and made part of this specification. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Display containers are known in the prior art. Customers commonly wish to visualize contents contained within a display container, and on some occasions, visualize contents under magnification. Further, prospective purchasers frequently wish to test the aroma of contained contents for suitability, freshness, or other features. For example, customers wishing to purchase tea may wish to inspect leaves and sample the aroma. Further, purchasers of legally available cannabis commonly wish to inspect the botanical product in detail and sample aroma. Such display containers that permit adequate storage, preservation, and presentation of botanical samples, such as cannabis, are not adequately described or available. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Aspects of the present invention disclose and describe a container for displaying, visualizing, and aroma sampling botanical materials—such as tea, cannabis, and the like. Aspects of the present invention further disclose a container permitting stabilization and magnification of a portion of a sample material—such as a botanical sample. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an embodiment container body of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an embodiment container body of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of an embodiment container body of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken through line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of an embodiment lid of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken through line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment lid of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of an embodiment container body and embodiment tether. 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment square container body. 
           [0016]      FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment square container body. 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment round container body. 
           [0018]      FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment round container body. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment rectangle container body. 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment rectangle container body. 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment oval cross-section container body. 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment oval cross-section container body. 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a first embodiment hexagonal container body. 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment hexagonal container body. 
           [0025]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a second embodiment hexagonal container body. 
           [0026]      FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment hexagonal container body. 
           [0027]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an embodiment diamond container body. 
           [0028]      FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment diamond container body. 
           [0029]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an embodiment oval container body. 
           [0030]      FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment oval container body. 
           [0031]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an embodiment triangle container body. 
           [0032]      FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment triangle container body. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , container  5  comprises, a container body  10  having an interior surface  15  and exterior surface  20 . Container body  10  is shaped to define an open top  25 , a bottom  30 , a front  35 , a back  40 , a first side  42 , a second side  44 , and a plurality of feet  45 . Container body  10  is further shaped to define a perimetrical ridge  50  surrounding said open top  25 . A portion of the container body  10  is shaped to define mounting projection  55  to hold a subject sample such as a botanical sample. 
         [0034]    Lid  60  has an interior lid surface  65  ( FIG. 7 ) and exterior lid surface  70 . Lid  60  is shaped to define a perimeter  75 , and optionally further shaped to define at least one projection  80  disposed on a portion of said exterior surface  70  of said lid  60 . One or more projection  80  functions as a card holder to provide information on the sample within container body. Optionally, projection  80  is omitted and informational material is presented within container body—such as a portion of container body  10  shaped to define a card holder within container body  10 . Lid  60  is further shaped to define a viewing opening  85 . Lid  60  is further shaped to define a recessed area  90 , and further shaped to define a plurality of scent openings  95  within said recessed area  90 . In one example embodiment, scent openings are about 0.125 inches in diameter and arranged in two rows. Removable plug  105  shaped to fit within recessed area  90  forming an airtight seal. In one embodiment, the recessed area and removable plug are omitted, and scent holes are located flush on the surface of lid  60 , and optionally scent hole patency is adjustable. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIG. 7 , Lens  100  disposed to cover said viewing opening  85 . Lens  100  may be affixed to lid  60  by snap fit, or friction fit or adhesively. Lens  100  covers viewing opening  85 . Lens  100  forms an airtight seal between lens  100  and said lid  60 . In a preferred embodiment, lens  100  is adhesively affixed within viewing opening  85 . In one embodiment, lens  100  is a plano-convex lens such as Lens #90-1235 manufactured by J.P. Manufacturing. A variety of lenses may be used such as a 1×, 2×, or 3× magnifier. In an alternative embodiment, the lens is not a magnifier. 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , Lid  60  is fitted on the perimetrical ridge  50  of said container body  10  forming an airtight chamber  110 , wherein said plug  105  forms an airtight seal between plug  105  and recessed area  90  of said lid  60  completely sealing chamber  110 . In one embodiment, plug  105  is comprised of soft material such as soft rubber or silicone. Lid  60  is further illustrated by  FIG. 9 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of container body  10  showing interior surface  15 . It should be noted that in one embodiment, corners  115  between container body  10  front  35 , a back  40 , a first side  42 , a second side  44 , are rounded, yet in an alternative embodiment corners may be relatively sharp. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of container body  10  showing exterior surface  20 . In one embodiment, bottom  30  is flat, in another embodiment, container body  10  bottom may be convex or concave. In a preferred embodiment, bottom  30  is flat and feet  45  allow container body  10  to be set on a flat resting surface where bottom  30  is not in contact with the flat surface. Mounting recess  66  allows an optional tether  120  to be affixed to the apparatus ( FIGS. 10-11 ). In one embodiment, illustrated by  FIGS. 10-11 , tether  120  terminates in eyelet  122 . Eyelet  122  is affixed to container  5  by screw  125  which passes through eyelet  122  and tapped into recess  66  thereby holding eyelet  122  and tether  120  in place. Tether  120  allows apparatus  5  to be carried by tether. Apparatus  5  may be rested on a flat surface with tether  120  in place because feet  45  provide sufficient clearance between the eyelet and the flat resting surface. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view illustrating feet  45  and perimetrical ridge  50 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken through line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 , illustrating a section of mounting spike  55  and recess  66  within.  FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of lid  60  demonstrating exterior lid surface  70  and projection  80 .  FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken through line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . Lens  100  is shown within viewing opening  85 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  100  is countersunk within viewing opening  85 . In an alternative, lens  100  may be domed above viewing opening  85 . Lens  100  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  85  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  85 . In one embodiment, lens  100  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. 
         [0041]    In use, a botanical sample, such as a sample of cannabis, is selected and placed within container body  10 . A portion of the sample may be mounted on mounting projection  55 . In one example, the end of mounting projection  55  is relatively sharp and capable of piercing a botanical sample—such as a botanical sample of cannabis. The sample is held on projection  55  due to frictional contact with the sample and aided by the sticky nature of the resin. Lid  60  engages perimetrical ridge  50  container body  10  fastening lid  60  and container body  10  together to form chamber  110 . Plug  105  is inserted within recessed area  90  to seal the plurality of scent openings  95  to make chamber  110  airtight. An identification card, bearing information about the botanical product, may be secured by two projections  80 . Turning to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an optional, tether  120  may be affixed as described above. In one embodiment, such a tether may be a lanyard worn about the neck. In another embodiment, tether  125  may be retractable. Tether  125  may be affixed by other means—screw  125  and eyelet  122  providing only an example. The above example of use applies to container bodies of all shapes described herein, which may or may not include mounting projection  55 . If the container does not include a mounting projection, the botanical sample would rest on the internal surface of the container. 
         [0042]    Container body  10  and lid  60 , and any container body and lid described herein, may be formed by injection molding and comprised of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Alternatively, container body  10  and lid  60  may be comprised of Styrene Acrylonitrile resin (SAN) or polycarbonate plastic. Container body  10  and lid  60  may be comprised of any moldable material. Container body  10  and lid  60  may be transparent, translucent or opaque—depending on the specimen to be contained within. 
         [0043]    Container  5 , and other containers and container bodies described herein, may be used for a variety of purposes. For example the inventive apparatus may be used as an entomological storage display. In an alternative, mounting projection  55  may be outfitted with one or more pins, clips, fasteners, prong holder, or adhesive contacts to prepare and display specimens. Further, the present invention is of use for storage, presentation and display of many other items where magnification of the sample or product is desired. For example, projection  55  may be modified to hold other collectable collectible items such as coins, stamps, or jewelry. It these embodiments, lid  60  will be optional shaped without a recessed area or scent holes, or shaped to provide an opening for ventilation. In one embodiment, lid  60  provides user-adjustable ventilation. 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  illustrates a container body  1210  shaped to define a square having a bottom surface  1230  (illustrated by  FIG. 13 ). Lens  1299  is shown within viewing opening  1285 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  1299  is countersunk within viewing opening  1285 . In an alternative, lens  1299  may be domed above viewing opening  1285 . Lens  1299  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  1285  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  1285 . In one embodiment, lens  1299  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  1260  fits snugly on container body  1210  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  1211 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  1290  to seal the plurality of scent openings  1295  to make chamber  1211  airtight. 
         [0045]      FIG. 14  illustrates a round embodiment container body  1410  having a bottom surface  1430  (illustrated by  FIG. 15 ). Lens  1499  is shown within viewing opening  1485 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  1499  is countersunk within viewing opening  1485 . In an alternative, lens  1499  may be domed above viewing opening  1485 . Lens  1499  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  1485  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  1485 . In one embodiment, lens  1499  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  1460  fits snugly on container body  1410  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  1411 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  1490  to seal the plurality of scent openings  1495  to make chamber  1410  airtight. 
         [0046]      FIG. 16  illustrates a substantially rectangularly shaped embodiment container body  1610  having a bottom surface  1630  (illustrated by  FIG. 17 ). Lens  1699  is shown within viewing opening  1685 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  1699  is countersunk within viewing opening  1685 . In an alternative, lens  1699  may be domed above viewing opening  1685 . Lens  1699  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  1685  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  1685 . In one embodiment, lens  1699  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  1660  fits snugly on container body  1610  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  1611 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  1690  to seal the plurality of scent openings  1695  to make chamber  1611  airtight. 
         [0047]      FIG. 18  illustrates an oval cross-section shaped embodiment container body  1810  having a bottom surface  1830  (illustrated by  FIG. 19 ). Lens  1899  is shown within viewing opening  1885 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  1899  is countersunk within viewing opening  1885 . In an alternative, lens  1899  may be domed above viewing opening  1885 . Lens  1899  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  1885  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  1885 . In one embodiment, lens  1899  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  1860  fits snugly on container body  1810  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  1811 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  1890  to seal the plurality of scent openings  1895  to make chamber  1811  airtight. 
         [0048]      FIG. 20  illustrates a first substantially hexagonally-shaped embodiment container body  2010  having a bottom surface  2030  (illustrated by  FIG. 21 ). Lens  2099  is shown within viewing opening  2085 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  2099  is countersunk within viewing opening  2085 . In an alternative, lens  2099  may be domed above viewing opening  2085 . Lens  2099  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  2085  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  2085 . In one embodiment, lens  2099  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  2060  fits snugly on container body  2010  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  2011 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  2090  to seal the plurality of scent openings  2095  to make chamber  2011  airtight. 
         [0049]      FIG. 22  illustrates a second substantially hexagonally-shaped embodiment container body  2210  having a bottom surface  2230  (illustrated by  FIG. 23 ). Lens  2299  is shown within viewing opening  2285 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  2299  is countersunk within viewing opening  2285 . In an alternative, lens  2299  may be domed above viewing opening  2285 . Lens  2299  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  2285  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  2285 . In one embodiment, lens  2299  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  2260  fits snugly on container body  2210  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  2211 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  2290  to seal the plurality of scent openings  2295  to make chamber  2211  airtight. 
         [0050]      FIG. 24  illustrates diamond-shaped embodiment container body  2410  having a bottom surface  2430  (illustrated by  FIG. 25 ). Lens  2499  is shown within viewing opening  2485 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  2499  is countersunk within viewing opening  2485 . In an alternative, lens  2499  may be domed above viewing opening  2485 . Lens  2499  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  2485  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  2485 . In one embodiment, lens  2499  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  2460  fits snugly on container body  2410  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  2411 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  2490  to seal the plurality of scent openings  2495  to make chamber  2411  airtight. 
         [0051]      FIG. 26  illustrates an oval shaped embodiment container body  2610  having a bottom surface  2630  (illustrated by  FIG. 27 ). Lens  2699  is shown within viewing opening  2685 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  2699  is countersunk within viewing opening  2685 . In an alternative, lens  2699  may be domed above viewing opening  2685 . Lens  2699  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  2685  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  2685 . In one embodiment, lens  2699  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  2660  fits snugly on container body  2610  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  2611 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  2690  to seal the plurality of scent openings  2695  to make chamber  2611  airtight. 
         [0052]      FIG. 28  illustrates a first substantially triangle embodiment container body  2810  having a bottom surface  2830  (illustrated by FIG,  29 ). Lens  2899  is shown within viewing opening  2885 . In one preferred embodiment, lens  2899  is countersunk within viewing opening  2885 . In an alternative, lens  2899  may be domed above viewing opening  2885 . Lens  2899  may be mounted on or within viewing opening  2885  in any fashion permitting visualization through viewing opening  2885 . In one embodiment, lens  2899  may be replaced with a window which provides viewing but lacks magnification power. Lid  2860  fits snugly on container body  2810  forming an airtight seal, defining chamber  2811 . Plug  105 , illustrated by  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , is inserted within recessed area  2890  to seal the plurality of scent openings  2895  to make chamber  2811  airtight. 
         [0053]    For illustrative purposes, mounting projection  55 , described above, has not been shown in  FIGS. 12-28 , however, in one embodiment, any container body described herein may be shaped to define mounting projection  55  to hold a subject sample such as a botanical sample. 
         [0054]    All lenses described in this patent application may be disposed to cover said viewing opening. Lenses may be affixed to lid  60  by snap fit, or friction fit or adhesively. Lenses forms an airtight seal between lenses and lids of various embodiments. Lenses described herein may be plano-convex lens such as Lens #90-1235 manufactured by J.P. Manufacturing. A variety of lenses may be used such as a 1×, 2×, or 3× magnifier. In an alternative embodiment, the lens is not a magnifier. 
         [0055]    Any of the container bodies described herein may be shaped to define feet  45  as described. Any lid described herein may be shaped to define a card holder. 
         [0056]    Tether  120  may be optionally incorporated with any embodiment container as described above. 
         [0057]    All container bodies described herein a have an interior surface and exterior surface. All container bodies are shaped to define an open top and a bottom. All container bodies described herein are shaped to define a perimetrical ridge surrounding the open top. Further, all container bodies may be further shaped to define a mounting projection disposed on the interior of said bottom of the container bodies. In some embodiments, a container body may not be shaped to define a mounting projection, and is simply flat. 
         [0058]    All lids described herein have an interior surface and exterior surface, wherein the lids are shaped to define a perimeter, wherein lids are shaped to define a viewing opening. All lids described herein are further shaped to define a recessed area and shaped to define a plurality of scent openings within the recessed area. 
         [0059]    A removable soft plug may be used with all lids described herein, and shaped to fit within the recessed area forming an airtight seal. 
         [0060]    For any given container body shape, the perimeter of the lid will correspond to the perimetrical ridge of the container body, such that the lid is fitted on the perimetrical ridge of said container body forming a chamber. The plug forms an airtight seal between said plug and said lid completely sealing a chamber of any shaped described herein. 
         [0061]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications and variations can be easily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet, are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. Further, it should be noted that several inventive embodiments and features are disclosed together for convenience; unless specified otherwise, all embodiment inventive options disclosed herein may be used independently from each other or cooperatively together. Use of distinct reference characters is for illustrative purposes only, and the illustrated embodiment or feature may be used either cooperatively with or distinctly from any other embodiment or feature unless specified otherwise.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1