WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 1 SECURE CONTAINER WITH PRESSURE RESPONSIVE 5 CONDUIT FOR CLOSURE DISRUPTION by Inventors William S. Perell David Z. Dytchkowsky 10 This application claims the benefit of provisional application Serial Number 60/790,722, filed April 11, 2006. 15 TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to secure containers, and more particularly to such containers with internal pressure responsive conduits for releasing catches to open the container. 20 BACKGROUND Heretofore products have been presented on store shelves in a sturdy clam type secure package. These clam packages commonly had opposing hard plastic shells, which 25 were typically hinged. The shells came together to enclose a product, and were edge secured to form a protected chamber for the enclosed product. These clam type packages were difficult to open in order to discourage product tampering and theft. The purchaser 30 needed a sharp instrument, or scissors, or heavy shears to cut through the hard shells and gain access to the product. These earlier packages were destroyed by the cutting during opening, and were unavailable for future storage of the product by the purchaser. 35 WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 2 SUMMARY It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a secure product container which may be opened fast without edged tools such as blades, scissors, shears 5 etc. A pliant, shape-change conduit is provided within the container proximate the shell closure. The closure is disrupted by the shape-change within the conduit. It is another object of this invention to provide 10 such a secure product container which is easy to open employing modest user force. A multiple cycle pressure system provides a disrupting pressure which builds-up within the conduit. The user squeezes a small hand operated bulb causing inflation of the conduit. The 15 conduit expands and changes in shape causing the closure between the shells to disrupt. It is a further object of this invention to provide such a secure product container which does not create 20 sharp edges in the hard shell material during opening. Cutting hard plastic with a sharp edge tool can create even sharper residual or secondary edges in the plastic along both sides of the cut. The present secure container does not require an edged tool, and therefore no 25 secondary edges are created. After opening, the present secure container has the same safe, smooth edges as before when the container was closed. It is a further object of this invention to provide 30 such a secure product container with functions as a post purchase storage box. The present container is not cut or otherwise disabled during the opening, and remains pristine and available for post-purchase storage. The container may be closed and reused. The original 35 manufacturer's container must be sturdy enough to withstand shipping, handling, long-term storage, and on- WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 3 the-shelf security; and are highly suitable for user storage. The containers are typically attractively presented with model numbers, voltages etc suitably displayed, and brief instruction labels. 5 Briefly, these and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a security container having opposed closure shells. The shells have a closed state in which the closure shells are captured 10 along a closure shell interface to enclose a product, and an accessible state in which the closure shells are uncaptured and the product is accessible. A product chamber is provided within the closure shells. A closure capture between the closure shells has a secured 15 condition in which the closure shells are captured together in the closed state, and a released condition in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in the accessible state. A capture release device pressure is responsive for releasing the closure capture from the 20 secured condition into the released condition when pressurized. The release device permits the closure capture to be secured from the released condition into the secured condition when depressurized. A pressure system in fluid communication with the release device 25 pressurizes the release device to release the closure capture and uncapture the closure shells. The pressure system depressurizes the release device to permit securing of the closure capture and capturing of the closure shells. 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages of the present secure container and the operation of the release conduit will become apparent from the following detailed description 35 and drawing (not drawn to scale) in which: WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 4 FIG. 1A is a perspective view of open product container 10 and pressure system 14, showing capture release device 12; FIG. 1B is a perspective view of closed product 5 container 10 showing closure interface 12C; FIG. 2A is a side view in section of open product container 20 with hinge bond 20H; FIG. 2B is a side view in section of closed product container 20 with closure capture 26; 10 FIG. 3A is a sectional view of one-way valve 14V of FIG. 1A, showing return slot 34S for slowly leaking the pressure off capture release device 12; FIG. 3B is a sectional view of one-way valve 14V of FIG. 1A, showing return clearance 34R; 15 FIG. 4 is a plan view of open product container 40 and pressure system 44, showing double sealing loops 420 and 421; FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view in section of expanding bladder 52B; 20 FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a tongue-in groove closure capture 66; and FIG. 7 is a side view in section of closure capture 76 showing resilient prongs 76P. 25 The first digit of each reference numeral in the above figures indicates the figure in which an element or feature is most prominently shown. The second digit indicates related elements or features, and a final letter (when used) indicates a sub-portion of an element 30 or feature. REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS The table below lists the reference numerals employed in the figures, and identifies the element 35 designated by each numeral.
WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 5 Secured Product Container 10 Active Closure Shell 10A Product chamber 10C Product 10G 5 Passive Closure Shell loP Shell Port 10S Capture release device 12 Closure Interface 12C Pressure System 14 10 Bleeder Valve 14B Pump Connector 14C One-way Intake Valve 141 Pressure Pump 14P One-way Valve 14V 15 Secured Product Container 20 Active Closure Shell 20A Closure Interface 20C Hinge Bond 20H 20 Passive Closure Shell 20P Hollow Conduit 22 Retainer Groove 22R Electric Pressure Pump 24P 25 Start Button 24E Closure Capture 26 Capture Lip 26A Capture Lip 26P Capture Catch 27A 30 Camming Face 27F Capture Catch 27P Return Clearance 34R Return Slot 34S 35 Secured Product Container 40 Active Closure Shell 40A Product Chamber 40C Passive Closure Shell 40P Shell Pressure Port 40S 40 Inner Conduit Seal 421 Outer Conduit Seal 420 Shell Vacuum Port 40V Pressure System 44 Accessory Compartment 44A 45 One-way Intake Valve 441 Hinged Cover 44H Pressure Pump 44P Shaped Recesses 44S One-way Valve 44V 50 Active Closure Shell 50A Passive Closure Shell 50P Bladder Release Device 52B WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 6 Release Conduit 62 Closure Capture 66 Perimeter Groove 66G Perimeter Tongue 66T 5 Closure Shell 70A Closure Shell 70P Release Conduit 72 Closure Capture 76 10 Resilient Prong 76P Holding Face 77A Hooking Face 77P GENERAL EMBODIMENT - (FIG.s 1AB) 15 Secure product container 10 has opposed closure shells 10P and 10A. The shells may be separated into an open accessible state (see FIG. 1A), in which the closure shells are uncaptured and product 10G is accessible. The closure shells may be placed together in a closed state 20 along closure interface 12C (see FIG. 1B), in which the closure shells are captured to enclose the product. Product chamber 10C within the closure shells displays and stores the product. The shells may be formed of the same material, or different materials, as required by the 25 application. A closure capture between the closure shells holds the shells in the closed state. Closure capture 26 has: a secured condition (see FIG. 2B) in which the closure shells are captured 30 together in the closed state, and a released condition (see FIG. 2A) in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in the accessible state. Capture release device 12 on active shell 10A is pressure 35 responsive for releasing the closure capture from the secured condition into the released condition when pressurized. When depressurized, the release device permits the closure capture to be secure from the released condition into the secured condition. Pressure 40 system 14 (shown in FIG. 1A) is in fluid communication WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 7 with the release device for pressurizing the release device to release the closure capture and uncapture the closure shells. The pressure system also depressurizes the release device to permit securing the closure capture 5 and capturing the closure shells. PRESSURE SYSTEM - (FIG. 1A) Pressure system 14 for providing the release pressure may be external to, and detachable from, the 10 opposed closure shells (as shown in FIG. 1A). Pump connector 14C provides fluid communication between pressure pump 14P and the capture release device. The pressure end of the pump connector, connects to and disconnects from shell port 10S on active shell 10A. One 15 way pressure valve 14V in the pump connector prevents return flow from the release device through the pump connector back to the pressure pump. The one-way valve defines a pump side and a pressure side within the pressure system, permitting the pressure on the pump side 20 to build-up in release device 12 through multiple pump cycles. A bleeder mechanism on the pressure side may be employed to "bleed-off" or depressurize the built-up pressure after the release of the closure capture. The bleeder mechanism may be bleeder valve 14B which is shut 25 during pressurization and open to the ambient after the release of the closure capture. Alternatively, the bleeder mechanism may be a return passage in the one-way valve for permitting the slow return or "leak" of pressure from the pressure side back to the pump side. 30 The return passage may be a space or opening such as slot 34S in the one-way valve (see FIG. 3A), or a generous clearance 34R within the valve (see FIG. 3B). The pressure pump may be a hand operated squeeze 35 bulb having an exhaust-pump cycle followed by an intake refill cycle, much like the squeeze bulb on a blood- WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 8 pressure cuff. During the exhaust-pump cycle, the one-way pressure valve permits forward flow from the squeeze bulb pump to the release device. During the intake-refill cycle, the one-way valve prevents return flow from the 5 release device back to the squeeze bulb pump. However, one-way intake valve 141 permits input flow from the ambient to refill the squeeze bulb. Each squeeze by the user causes an increase in the pressure build-up in the release device. One or more low effort pump cycles 10 pressurizes the release device sufficiently to release the capture closure. The squeeze bulb may have an internal structural bias which causes the bulb to re inflate during each intake-refill cycle in readiness for the next exhaust-pump cycle. 15 CAPTURE RELEASE DEVICE - (FIG.s 2AB) The capture release device undergoes a shape-change displacement when changing from depressurized to pressurized. This displacement releases closure capture 20 26, from the depressurized secured condition (see FIG. 2B) to the pressurized released condition (see FIG. 2A). The shape-change release device may be a pliant, hollow conduit 22 extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of shell closure interface 20C. The shape 25 change displacement may involve a change in cross-section of the release conduit, such as from out-of-round when depressurized to round when pressurized. Enclosed volumes under pressure tend to assume a configurations such as spheres and circles, which maximize the volume-to-surface 30 ratio. A flexible, deformable tube which is flat or oval when relaxed under low pressure, becomes rigid and rounder when stressed under high pressure. A round conduit may shape-change by expanding in diameter. A curved tube may shape-change or displace into a 35 straighter tube. A straight tube may displace into a longer straight tube. The release conduit may WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 9 structurally biased toward out-of-round and mechanically return to out-of-round when depressurized. The bias maybe due to the mold or dye employed during manufacture, or may be due to internal molecular forces. 5 One of the opposed closure shells is active shell 20A and the other closure shell is passive shell 20P. The perimeter release conduit is installed on the active closure shell and pushes against the passive closure 10 shell during the shape-change displacement to release the closure capture. A retainer structure such as groove 22R on the active closure shell retains the perimeter release conduit in an engaging position relative to the passive closure shell during the shape-change displacement. 15 CLOSURE CAPTURE - (FIG.s 2AB) The opposed closure shells may detach into two uncoupled shells when in the accessible state (as shown in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, perimeter hinge bond 20H may 20 connect closure shells 20A and 20P, defining a hinged portion of the perimeter and a non-hinged portion. The hinge bond permits the opposed shells to pivot between the accessible state (see FIG. 2A) and the closed state (see FIG. 2B), while remaining a one-piece component. 25 Closure capture 26 extends along the non-hinged portion of the perimeter defining a non-hinged closure interface. The hinged closure shells are captured by the closure capture along the non-hinged closure interface. Hollow perimeter release conduit 22 extends along the non-hinged 30 closure interface. The closure capture may have an inside perimeter capture lip 26A with capture catch 27A on one closure shell, and an opposed outside perimeter capture lip 26P 35 with cooperating capture catch 27P on the other closure shell. The capture lips overlap with a slight overbite WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 10 and the cooperating catches engage when the closure shells are in the closed state. Camming face 27F guides overlapping capture lip 26A down over capture lip 26P as the opposed shells pivot into the closed state, to place 5 the cooperating catches 27A and 27P into engagement. As pliant release conduit 22 is pressurized, the cross-sectional shape changes from oval (see FIG. 2B) to round (see FIG. 2A). The change-in-shape pushes against 10 the passive shell and overcomes the capture constraint of the catches. The shells separate into a slightly open position, from which they may be pivoted into the accessible state. The release pressure may be bled-off as described in connection with pressure system 14. The 15 conduit may have internal memory forces which urge the conduit to return to the original depressurized oval shape. In the embodiment of FIG.s 2AB, the pressure system 20 is mounted internally within the opposed closure shells. Electric pressure pump 24P is permanently attached to active closure shell 20A, and is activated by start button 24E. The power source may be internal batteries or externally supplied electricity. 25 PRODUCT CHAMBER SEAL - (FIG. 4) The closure capture may extend completely around the perimeter of closure shells 40A and 40P (see FIG. 4) defining a perimeter closure interface enclosing product 30 chamber 40C. The opposed closure shells are captured by the closure capture along the closure interface. A pliant perimeter release conduit may extend completely around the perimeter of the opposed closure shells providing a continuous loop dust gasket between the opposed closure 35 shells. The pliant conduit may be sufficiently resilient to form a hermetic-like seal barrier between the opposed WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 11 closure shells when in the closed state. The loop seal barrier may have two seals, outer seal conduit 420 and inner seal conduit 421, forming a double loop seal barrier. The seal conduits and other release conduits may 5 be suitable hollow, flexible lines, such as thin capillary type tubes. Pressure system 44 pressurizes the capillaries causing an expansion shape change for releasing the closure capture. The pressure system may be reversed in 10 operation, and/or connection for establishing the low pressure inside product chamber 40C (as shown in FIG. 4). Pressure one-way valve 44V may be removed from shell pressure port 40S and bulb intake valve 441 installed on shell vacuum port 40V. Pump 44P is then employed for 15 establishing the low pressure within the product chamber when the opposed closure shells are in the closed state. The low internal pressure pulls the closure shells into tighter closure and presses the seals into tighter sealing. Each squeeze cycle of the pump removes air from 20 the product chamber out to the ambient. A dust-proof, sealed, low pressure product chamber provides a highly suitable environment for delicate instruments such as camera, laptops, microscopes etc. The breaking of the seal may be accompanied by sound, such as cracking or 25 popping, which indicates that the seal has been separated and the shells may be separated. The squeeze bulb pump may be a small "thumb" pump stored in accessory compartment 44A. Shaped recesses 44S in the compartment hold the pressure system. 30 In a resealable embodiment, the product may be returned to the package and the shells pressed closed, for long-term reusable storage. The closing pressure deflates the capillary and the package closure is 35 restored. The diameter and length of the capillary tubes may be bigger and longer for stronger and larger packages WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 12 BLADDER EMBODIMENT - (FIG. 5) The shape-change release device may be bladder 52B which undergoes an expansion shape-change displacement when pressurized to push against shells 50A and 50P, 5 releasing the closure capture. The bladder then shrinks when depressurized to permit the securing of the closure capture. TONGUE AND GROOVE EMBODIMENT - (FIG. 6) 10 The closure capture may have a tongue-in-groove for sealing and securing the container. Perimeter groove 66G extends along the perimeter closure and retains pliant release conduit 62 (see FIG. 6). Perimeter tongue 66T frictionally engages the groove to establish the secured 15 condition when the shells are in the closed state. The tongue disengages from the groove in response to the shape-change of the pliant release conduit. The tongue and groove may be rippled to enhance the secure condition. 20 PRONG CLOSURE CAPTURE - (FIG. 7) The closure capture may be at least one discrete closure latch 76 (see FIG. 7), having a latched condition in which the closure shells 70A and 70P are captured 25 together in a closed state, and an unlatched condition in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in an accessible state. Resilient prong 76P with hooking face 77P extends from passive closure shell 70P. Holding face 77A formed on active closure shell 70A engages the 30 hooking face when the discrete latch is in the latched condition. Shape-change release conduit 72 is installed on the active closure shell and pushes against the resilient prong during the shape-change displacement. The release conduit expands toward the resilient prong and 35 displaces the prong, disengaging the hooking face from the holding face. The capture release conduit undergoes a WO 2008/138399 PCT/EP2007/054724 13 shape-change displacement when changing from depressurized to pressurized. The displacement releases the closure latch from the latched condition to the unlatched condition. 5 A plurality of discrete closure latches may be positioned around the perimeter of the opposed closure shells. A pair of opposed resilient prongs maybe are installed on the passive shell, pressing against a pair 10 of opposed capillary tubes are installed on the active shell. The shells are pressed together to lock the prongs and reseal the shells. The engagement between the hooking face and the holding face may exert a camming pull which draws the shells closer together along the edge seal. 15 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the objects of this invention have been achieved as described hereinbefore by providing a secure product 20 container which may be opened without edged tools. A shape-change conduit is provided within the container proximate the shell closure which disrupts the closure. The secure container which is easy to open employing a simple bulb pump. Secondary sharp edges are not created 25 during the opening of the container. The user may employ the product container as a post-purchase storage box. CONCLUSION Various changes may be made in the structure and 30 embodiments shown herein without departing from the concept of the invention. Further, features of embodiments shown in various figures may be employed in combination with embodiments shown in other figures. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined 35 by the terminology of the following claims and the legal equivalents thereof.