Receptacles – Sectional – Container formed of only two similar sections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-02-13
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Container formed of only two similar sections
C206S309000, C206S457000, C220S004230, C220S008000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186349
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a case. Specifically, the present device is a case with a cylindrical compartment which opens rotationally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many objects are preferably stored and shipped in cylindrical cases due to the shape of the object. For example, film reels are stored and shipped in cylindrical canisters having two cylindrical halves which assemble in a mating fashion with one half fitting into a flange on the opposite half. One drawback of these canisters is that the halves may be pried open and, thus, the canister does not secure the contents against theft or other tampering. Yet another drawback of these canisters is they cannot be opened with a single hand; one hand must hold each half of the canister to pull the halves apart.
Many other objects could be stored and shipped in cylindrical cases but are not because no practical case has been developed. For example, circular media, such as compact discs, digital video discs, phonograph records, and the like, are shipped and stored in square containers. Compact discs and digital video discs, in particular, are shipped and stored in square, hinged cases which open and close with a folding motion.
These hinged cases have several drawbacks. First, the hinges are easily broken, thereby rendering the case useless. Second, a user must use two hands to open the case. This can be very dangerous, especially while driving. Third, the case itself is not very compact because the case essentially doubles in size when it is opened. Fourth, to store the cases, either the cases must be retained in a holder or the discs themselves must be transferred from the cases to a holder because the individual cases cannot be connected together. Lastly, the hinged case may be costly because the case is typically composed of three pieces: a front, a back, and an insert which secures the disc by engaging the disc's central hole.
Yet other objects do not necessarily need to be stored or shipped in cylindrical cases but, because of security concerns, are preferably stored in cases which are difficult to pry open but still allow quick access to the contents. For example, gun cases are typically rectangular and open in a hinged fashion. However, many of these gun cases can be pried open. Moreover, these gun cases can be difficult to open quickly.
It can be seen that there is a need in the art for a cylindrical case which is easy to open with a single hand, is compact, connects to other cases for storage, provides security from tampering or opening, and can be applied to a variety of uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a case composed of at least two shells. The shells preferably have the same shape. The shells are open along their radial faces and each shell is slightly smaller than one of the adjacent shells so that the each shell may nest within an adjacent shell. The shells are coupled for relative rotation about an axis so that the shells are rotatable between a closed position, in which the shells cooperate to define an enclosed compartment, and an open position, in which said shells nest inside one another to thereby provide access to said compartment.
In a preferred embodiment, two semi-cylindrical shells are provided. The first shell has an axis and is open along its diametrical face. The second shell is slightly smaller than the first shell so that the second shell may nest within the first shell. Like the first shell, the second shell is open along its diametrical face. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second shells have substantially the same shape. For example, the shells could be semi-circular or teardrop shaped.
The second shell is coupled to the first shell for relative rotation around an axis. The second shell is rotatable between a closed position, in which the first and second shell cooperate to define an enclosed cylindrical compartment, and an open position, in which said second shell nests inside said first shell to provide access to the compartment through the open diametrical faces.
Preferably, the first shell includes means for locking the second shell in the closed position. The locking means could include a conventional key operated lock known in the art, a spring lock, a stop, or the like. The cylindrical case may also include means, such as a mating protrusions and slots, for connecting the cylindrical case to like cylindrical cases.
An object of the present invention is to provide a case which can be opened with a single hand. A further object of the invention is to provide a compact case which is shaped to contain circular or cylindrical objects. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a case which is more difficult for unauthorized persons to open than conventional boxes.
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Bee Incorporated
Merek Joe
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Shoap Allan N.
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