MXPA97000902A - Articulated container with transpare area - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container comprising: a first base member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge, a second base member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge; interconnects the first and second base members, such that the first base member can move with respect to the second base member between a closed position and an open position, the peripheral edges of the first and second base members engage and the first and second base members define a hollow internal space for receiving an object that is to be placed therein in the closed position of the first base member, and the peripheral edges of the first and second base members are decoupled, except at the joint, and they separate at least partially from each other in the open position of the first base member, an outer flange extending from the peripheral edge of one of the first and second base members to a remaining of the first and second base members in the closed position of the first base member, an inner flange extending from the peripheral edge of the remainder of the first and second base members and at least partially overlaps an inner side of the outer flange of the base member in the closed position of the first base member, and at least one member defining channels in the base member juxtaposed and internally separated from the outer flange to define a channel with the outer flange between at least the planar member and an inner surface of the outer flange receiving the internal flange in the closed position of the first member ba

Description

ARTICULATED CONTAINER WITH TRANSPARENT AREA Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a container for the storage of an object. More particularly, it refers to a container for a medicament.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION "Containers useful for storing or containing solid medicaments for use in the home or at a stationary location typically include either a cardboard container or a plastic bottle." However, for convenience purposes, it is preferred that some medications, In particular, over-the-counter medications, such as cold remedies, pain relievers, vitamins, and the like, are stored in containers that are easily portable in the user's pocket or bag.

When the user of this medicine carries the container in your pocket or bag, however, the container is subject to an increased risk of damage from impact, and to increased stress from frequent use and handling, both of which act to break the container or to force more easily the container to open, subjecting the contents of the container to contamination or loss. Portable containers, such as a metal box used for throat lozenges, are known in the art. However, many prior art containers are opened too easily under the stresses of portable use, due to weak building materials, 5 or insufficient closing mechanisms. Other portable containers of the prior art have the opposite problem, that is, they are difficult to open, particularly for the elderly or for those with conditions that adversely affect manual dexterity. Attempts to improve the closures of some prior art containers, such as by utilizing safety cap features, make it too difficult for the user of a counter or prescription drug to open the portable container. In addition, most portable containers do not allow the user of the medicament to see the contents of the container without opening the container. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a portable medicament container that is of a size that fits easily into a pocket or a bag, and that sufficiently supports the greatest risk of damage and stress arising from the portable use, without opening inadvertently, but still easy to open when the user applies a manual force In addition, there is a need for a container that also includes a feature where the contents c of the container can easily be seen through the container. a portion of the container, without requiring the user to open the container The present invention provides a portable medicament container having a better positive closure, strong enough to withstand the stress of portable use, but which is easily opened by the user. In addition, the present invention provides a portable container that also includes a transparent area that allows ^ the user see a portion of the contents of the container without opening the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a container for storing and displaying an object. The container comprises a first base member, a second base member, and a hinge. The first base member has a surface • "external, an internal surface, a peripheral edge, and a transparent area." The transparent area is located in such a way that an object can be seen to be placed inside the container, through the transparent area, when the container is in the closed position The second base member has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge The joint interconnects the first and second base members, such that the first base member can move with respect to the second base member between a closed position and an open position. The closed position defines a hollow internal space to receive an object that will be placed in it. In the closed position, the peripheral edges of the first and second base members 5 are coupled. The open position comprises a position wherein the first and second base members are uncoupled, except at the joint, and at least partially detached from each other. The first and second base members can be locked in a releasable manner in the closed 0 position. In an alternative embodiment, the invention includes a container for storing an object. The container comprises a first base member, a second base member, and a hinge. The first base member has an outer surface 5, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the first base member comprises a '- external tab that is coextensive with l? superticie ex 'ina of the first base member, and extends from the peripheral edge of the first base member. The second base member 0 has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the second base member comprises an internal flange which is coextensive with the inner surface of the second base member, and extends from the peripheral edge of the second base member. The joint 5 interconnects the first and second base members, such that the first base member can move with respect to the second base member between a closed position and an open position. The closed position defines a hollow internal space to receive an object that is going to be placed in it. The closed position, the outer flange and the internal flange overlap. The open position defines a position where the first and second base members are decoupled, except at the joint, and at least partially detached from each other. The first and second base members can be locked in a releasable manner in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, embodiments which are currently preferred are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings, equal numerals are used to indicate like elements through the different views. Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away in parts, of a container according to the present invention, in the closed position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the present invention, in the open position. Figure 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a view, partially in front elevation and partially in cross section, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the length of line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the container in the open position, taken along line 7-7 of Figure 2. Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Modes The following description uses certain terminology for convenience only, and is not limiting.

The words "right", "left", "lower", and "upper" designate the directions in the orientation of Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inward" and "outward" refer to the directions towards and away from, respectively, for example, the geometric center of the container and the parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derived from them, and words of a similar meaning. Referring now to the drawings in detail, preferred embodiments of a container, generally designated 10, are shown in Figures 1 to 9 in accordance with the present invention. The container 10 includes a first base member 12, a second base member 14, and a hinge 16. The first base member includes a transparent area 18. Although the drawings show the first base member 12 as an upper lid for the container 10, and the second base member 14 as a bottom for the container 10, it should be understood, based on this description, that the first and second base members 12, 14 can be inverted without departing from the scope of the invention. The container 10, in its closed position, as shown in Figure 1, can have any of a variety of geometric configurations in a plan view, including, square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, triangular, ovoid, and the like. Preferably, the container 10 has an overall configuration generally square or generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, wherein the container has six surfaces attached at generally right angles to one another, preferably with rounded edges and corners, as shown. More preferably, the container 10 is generally rectangular on each surface. The first base member 12, the second base member 14, and the joint 16, can be made of any suitable packaging material, including metal, plastic, cardboard, and the like. However, preferably the first base member 12, the second base member 14, and the link 16, are made of a thermoplastic or thermoplastic moldable polymeric material, including, for example, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylate, polyacetate, and copolymers and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the first base member 12, the second base member 14, and the link 16, are made in a recyclable thermoplastic manner, such as a polyolefin, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The currently preferred material is polypropylene. Preferably, the first and second base members 12, 14 are opaque, except for the transparent area 18. The opacity may be provided in any suitable manner, including the use of opaque materials, or incorporating a suitable colorant or pigment into the material of plastic that forms the container. It is currently preferred to mix a white pigment of titanium dioxide in the plastic material. Of course, other types and vehicles can be used for pigments or dyes, and other colors. The transparent area 18 preferably is a member ? ~ transparent 18 'which is separated from the first and second base members 12, 14, and secured to an area 18, such as the open transparent area 18 of the first base member 12. The transparent area 18 is located in such a way that it is can 'viewing an object, such as the object 19 shown in Figure 1, to be placed inside the container, through the 5, transparent area 18, when the container is in the closed position. Preferably, only one object can be seen 19 - through the transparent member 18 ', which is preferably dimensioned and configured in a configuration substantially similar to the object 19, although the transparent member 18' may be of a size and shape such that more than one object can be seen through of it, if desired. The transparent member 18 ', or the window, is preferably also made of a transparent, meltable thermoplastic material.

"Transparent" as used herein also includes the term "translucent." However, it is preferred that the material be sufficiently light transmitting, such that someone viewing an object through the transparent member 18 'can discern the nature of the object 19. The transparent member 18' is preferably also colorless.; however, color may also be provided to the transparent member 18 'by coating or mixing the material forming the transparent member 18', with a dye and / or pigment, by any suitable method. More preferably, the window 18 'is made from a recyclable moldable polyolefin, such as, for example, as polymers and copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene. The currently preferred material for window 18 'is transparent polypropylene. The transparent member 18 'can be secured to the open transparent area 18 by any suitable method. Preferably, the transparent member 18 'is - / soldered centrifugally to the first base member 12. Alternatively, the transparent member 18 'is preferably molded into the first base member 12. The member Transparent 18 'may also be formed to be integral with the first base member 12, such as by co-molding techniques. It will be understood, from this description, that other suitable methods can also be employed to secure the transparent member 18 'to the first base member 12, including, for example, adhesives sensitive to heat or pressure. The transparent member 18 'and the open area 18 are preferably formed inside the first base member, such that the transparent member sits within the area 18. As shown in Figure 3, the transparent area 18 can be molded to include a edge 18a configured to mate with a corresponding edge 18a 'on the transparent member 18'. The edges 18a, 18a 'are then secured together as described above. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first base member 12 and the second base member 14 are configured such that, when the container 10 is in the closed position, the peripheral edge 22 of the first base member 12, and the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14, are coupled. In tion, in the closed position, a hollow internal space 21 is defined to receive an object, and preferably a number of objects, such as the object 19 shown in Figure 1. The hinge 16 interconnects the peripheral edge 22 of the first member base 12, and the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 1, such that the second base member 14 can move with respect to the first base member 12 between a closed position as shown in Figure 1, and an open position as is shown in Figure 2. In the open position, the first and second base members 12, 14 are decoupled, except at the joint 16, and at least partially separated from each other. The joint 16 may be of any suitable type, and may interconnect the first and second base members 12, 14 in any position along their respective peripheral edges 22, 20. In a generally rectangular preferably 10 container, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the articulation 18 is preferably located on the side 23 of the container 10 opposite the side 24 of the container 10, which includes any suitable locking assembly, as described below. Preferably, the container 10 is molded as a single integral piece that includes the first and second base members 12, 14, and the joint 16, in which case, the joint 16 and the first and second base members 12, 14 are formed all integrally of the same material. It will be understood, based on this description, that the joint 16 can be formed separately, either from the same or from a material different from the first base member 12 or from the second base member 14, without departing from the scope of the invention. When the joint 16 is integrally molded with the first and second base members 12, 14, the joint 16 preferably has a thickness measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the joint 16, which is thinner than the thickness of the first and second base members 12, 14 measured transversely across the peripheral edges 22, 20 of those members 12, 14. The hinge 16 is preferably thinner to provide flexibility over the length of the hinge 16. As shown in Figure 2 , the length of the articulation 16, measured along the longitudinal axis of the articulation 16, is preferably less than the length of the container 10, measured in the same direction, in order to prevent portions of the articulation from extending. beyond the length of the container 10, such that the articulation 16 is not trapped on the objects or otherwise damaged. In the open position, the »Articulation 16 bends in such a way that there remains a space 17 ,. between the first and second base members, as shown in ! Figure 4. The peripheral edge 20 of the first base member 12, and the peripheral edge 22 of the second base member 14, can be locked in a releasable manner in the closed position. A locking assembly 17 releasably locks the peripheral edges 20, 22 of the first and second base members 12, 14, such that, when objects 19 are stored inside the container 10, the objects 19 can be secured inside the container. container 10. Other suitable locking configurations may be used in view of the present disclosure, including, for example, providing the first or second base members 12, 14 portions of security, an instantaneous adjustment device, a latch, a hook, and similar locking or insurance devices. Preferably, the peripheral edges 20, 24 can be locked in a releasable manner by the inclusion of interlocking tabs and an instantaneous adjustment structure, as described below, which can be incorporated into the molded structure of the first and second base members 12, 14. Preferably, the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14 includes an internal flange 25 extending from the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14. The inner flange 25 is preferably molded as part of the second base member 14 , such that the inner surface 26 of the inner flange 25 is coextensive with the inner surface 28 of the second base member 14. The outer surface 30 of the inner flange 25 preferably lies in a plane perpendicular to the peripheral edge 20 of the second. base member 14. In addition, it is preferred that the inner flange 25 extend around the entire periphery of the second base member 14, as shown in Figure 2. If the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14 includes an internal flange 25, it is also preferred that the peripheral edge 22 of the first base member 12 include an external flange 32, which is preferably configured in such a manner so that, when the container 10 is in the closed position, the inner flange 25 and the outer flange 32 fit securely with each other, and overlap as shown in Figure 9. The outer flange 32 is preferably molded as part of the first base member 12, such that the outer surface 34 of the outer flange 32 is coextensive with the outer surface 36 of the first base member 12. Preferably, the outer surface 38 of the outer flange 32 is in a plane perpendicular to the peripheral edge 22 of the first base member 12. The outer flange 32, like the flange , preferably extends around the entire periphery of the first base member 12, as shown in FIG.

Figure 2. The internal tab 25 and the external tab 32 operate • joints to assist the container 10 to be able to lock in a releasable manner more securely in the closed position. The outer and inner flanges 25, 32 are preferably configured in such a way that, when the container 10 is / - in the closed position, the tabs .25, 32 overlap. To ensure a secure overlap between the inner flange 32 and the inner flange 25 when the container 10 is closed, the height of the inner flange 25, measured transversally from the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14 to the edge 40 of the inner flange 25, is preferably substantially the same as the height of the inner flange 32 measured transversally from the peripheral edge 22 of first base member 12 to the edge 42 of the inner flange 32. Although the drawings show the outer flange 32 • located on the first base member 12, and the inner flange 25 located on the second base member 14, the internal and external tabs 25, 32 can be on any of the base members 12, 14, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The inner flange 25 and the outer flange 32 are preferably made to instantly adjust to each other, by including a projection 44 and a notch 46, each located on one of any of the internal or external notches 25, 32. Although the drawings show that the projection 44 is located on the inner surface 38 of the external flange 32 on the first base member, and the notch is located on the outer surface 30 of the inner flange 25 on the second base member, the orientation , • * - opposite would be equally effective. The notch 46 is preferably configured to receive the projection 44 when the container 10 is in the closed position. As such, the notch and the projection 44 should be located in such a way that they are aligned with each other on the flanges 25, 32. The notch 46 and the projection 44 can have any configuration in a raised view, including circular, square, rectangular, triangular, and similar. From Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 5-9, the projection 44 has a generally rectangular shape raised. The notch 46, as shown in Figures 2 and 5-9, preferably has a recessed rectangular shape. The notch 46 and the projection 44 are preferably molded as part of the corresponding first or second base members 12, 14, on which it is located; however, they can be separate pieces joined by an adhesive or by other similar methods. The locking ability of the flanges 25, 32 can also be enhanced by the inclusion of at least one flat member 48 disposed inwardly from at least a portion 50 of the inner surface 52 of the first base member. The longitudinal plane of the flat member 48 is also preferably parallel to at least a portion 50 of the inner surface 52 of the first base member 12, which is part of the side 24 of the container 10 opposite the joint 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 6. In this case, generally parallel includes a slight angle of inclination between the flat member 48 and the portion 50 of the inner surface 52 of the first base member 12 of about 10 °. The flat member 48 can have any suitable shape. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the planar member preferably is configured in such a way as to complement the configuration of the external flange 32. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the flat member 48 has a corresponding curved delineation. closely to the curved delineation of the outer flange 32 proximate to the locking assembly 17. Preferably, there is more than one coextensive flat member 48, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, and the flat members 48 are molded as an integral part of the first base member 12. As shown in Figure 6, the flat members 48 are disposed inwardly in the container 10, such that the channel 54 is formed between each of the flat members 48 and the inner surface 38 of the external flange 32, for receiving the internal flange 25 when the container 10 is in the closed position. The channel 54 is preferably of a thickness, measured between the inner surface 38 of the outer flange 32, and the outer surface 56 of the flat members 48, corresponding to the thickness of the inner flange, measured transversely across the edge 40. of the inner flange 25. The channel 54 preferably also has a depth corresponding to the height of the inner flange 25. The flat members 48 function to more securely lock the base members 12, 14 together, by providing a positive support additional to the overlapping tabs 25, 32 when the container 10 is placed in the closed position. The flat members 48 also help to keep the inner flange 25 in place against the outer flange 32, when the container 10 is closed. In addition, if a projection 44 and a notch 46 are used in conjunction with the flat members 48, the flat members 48 help to guide smoothly and precisely the inner flange 25 into the channel 54, such that the projection 44 and the notch 46 easily adjust to each other when the container 10 is closed. Once closed, the flat members help to support the projection 44 and the notch 46 in their locked position, to prevent the container 10 opens too easily. Projection 44 and notch 46 are preferably located in a space 58 between two planar members 48, such that each planar member 48 stabilizes and supports notch 46 and projection 44 from either side. As shown in Figure 6, if the notch 46 and the projection 44 are used in conjunction with the flat members 48, the outer surfaces 46 of the flat members 48 are preferably also slightly inclined, so that the edge 40 the inner flange 25 is more easily guided by passing the projection 44 into the channel 54. The container 10, in the closed position, can be made easier to open, by making a portion 60 of the external surface 36 of the first base member 12 , and a portion 62 of the outer surface 64 of the second base member 14, textured, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7. It will be understood, based on this description, that the texturing of any portion of the outer surface of the base member 12 or 14, would also facilitate the opening of container 10. As an alternative, or preferably in addition to providing a textured outer surface portion to one or both of the member s base, a portion 66 of the external surface 36, 64 of one of the first or second base members 12, 14, can be recessed inward, such that a portion 68 of the peripheral edge of the non-recessed external surface of the another base member extends relatively outward, compared to recessed portion 66, providing a draper 68. The draper facilitates opening the container. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 7, and 9, the textured portion 62 of the second base member 14 is recessed to create a recessed portion or depression 66 on the outer surface 64 of the second base member 14. A corresponding textured portion 60 of the external surface 36 of the first base member 12 is not recessed. A portion 68 of the peripheral edge 22 of the first base member 12 extends outwardly, beyond the peripheral edge 20 of the recessed textured portion 62 of the outer surface 64 of the second base member 14, in the area of the depression 66. The extended peripheral edge portion 68 facilitates the opening of the container 10, by providing a place for the application of manual force to open the container. It will be understood, based on this description, that the recessed portion 66 may be in any of the first and second base members 12, 14, and that there may be more than one recessed portion, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the container 10 can be made to store an object, such as the object 19 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the container 10 f includes a first base member 12 having a peripheral edge 0 that includes an outer flange 32 as described above, a second base member 14 having a peripheral edge 20 that includes an inner flange 25, as described above, and a hinge 16. In this embodiment, the first base member 12 may not include a 5 transparent area 18. However, it is preferred that a transparent area 18 or transparent member 18 is provided. as described above, to the container 10, so that the objects stored inside the container can be seen through the container 10. In this embodiment, the first and second base members 12, 14 are interchangeable, and can be made of any of the materials and in any of the configurations described above. In the closed position, the tabs 25, 32 overlap. The objects 19 to be stored in any mode of the container 10 of the present invention are preferably medicaments, although many other objects, such as, for example, and without any other objects, can also be stored and / or exhibited in the container 10. limitation, vitamins, sweets, and other food items, cosmetics, jewelry, children's toys, coins and the like. Typical preferred medications to store and / or exhibit in the container , may be in the form of a tablet, caplet, capsule, or lozenge. Preferably, the drug is a lozenge or an antacid. These medications are also preferably sealed securely in an air-tight package inside 'of the container, such as, for example, the blister pack 70 shown in Figure 1. Blister pack 70 preferably includes a transparent or at least translucent covering portion, such that each individual medicament is visible through the package. It is particularly preferred that the medicaments or objects 19, and any internal packing, be placed inside the container 10, such that the transparent area 18, or the transparent member 18 ', which is preferably configured to be substantially the same shape and overall size of the object 19, is aligned with the object 19, to display the object 19. In this way, consumers or users of the container 10 can see at least a portion of its contents when viewing through the transparent area 18. Other optional features may be included in a container 10 made in accordance with the present invention, including a recessed portion 72 of any of the external surfaces 36, 64 of the first or second base members 12, 14 which may be used to offset any provided label, or for other aesthetic purpose. In addition, the flanges 25, 32, and the peripheral edges 20, 22 of the first and second base members 12, 14, can be provided with different delineated configurations to facilitate the opening of the container 10, to improve the overall appearance of the container 10. , and / or to direct attention to the locking assembly for the container 10. For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 7, the outer flange 32 and the peripheral edge 22 of the first base member 12 are configured to curve down on the portion of the first base member proximate to the locking element. In Figure 1, the curvature is centered approximately around the textured portion 60 of the first base member 12. The inner flange 25 and the peripheral edge 20 of the second base member 14 are also curved downward, to provide a shape corresponding to the second member base in the area proximate the textured portion 62 of the second base member 14. The curvature provided to the flanges 25, 32 and the base members 12, 14, functions to direct the user's attention towards the locking assembly of the container 10, and also provides an additional surface area for the inclusion of components of the shown locking assembly, including flat members 48, projection 44, and notch 46. The container 10 may also be molded to include features and indications (not shown) such as the marking of the product, instructions for using the enclosed medications, manufacturers' information, or the nature of the ciclable, if any, of the components of. container base 10. Other safety packing can be provided (not shown), such as the shrink wrap or similar film, around the outside of the container 10, to protect the objects 19 from forcing or aging. It will be appreciated by the experts in this field that changes could be made to the modalities described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Accordingly, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, but is intended to cover the modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. CLAIMS 5 1. A container for storing and displaying an object, the container comprising: a. a first base member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a peripheral edge, and a * transparent area located in such a way that an object to be placed inside the container can be seen, through the transparent area, when the container is in a closed position; b. a second base member having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge 5; and c. a joint interconnecting the first - * and second base members, such that the first base member can move with respect to the second base member between a closed position and an open position, the closed position defining a hollow internal space for receiving an object to be placed therein, and wherein the peripheral edges of the first and second base members are coupled, the open position comprising a position wherein the first and second base members are decoupled, 5 except in the articulation, and they are separated at least partially from one another, the first and second base members being able to lock in a releasable manner in the closed position. The container according to claim 1, wherein the transparent area is a transparent member separated from the first base member, and secured to an open area of the first base member. The container according to claim 2, wherein the transparent member is centrifugally welded to the first base member. The container according to claim 2, wherein the transparent member is molded inserted into the first base member. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container, in the closed position, has a generally rectangular parallelepiped configuration, having six adjoining surfaces, the surfaces generally being at right angles to each other. The container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the first base member includes an outer flange coextensive with the outer surface of the first base member, extending from the peripheral edge of the first base member, and the peripheral edge. of the second base member includes an internal flange coextensive with the inner surface of the second base member, extending from the peripheral edge of the second base member, wherein the external and internal flanges are configured in such a way that, when the container is in the closed position, the external and internal tabs overlap. 7. A container for storing an object, the container comprising: a. a first base member having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge comprising an outer flange coextensive with the outer surface of the first base member, extending from the peripheral edge of the first base member; b. a second base member having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge comprising an internal flange coextensive with the inner surface of the second base member, extending from the peripheral edge of the second base member; and c. a joint interconnecting the first and second base members, such that the first base member can move with respect to the first base member between a closed position and an open position, the closed position defining a hollow internal space for receiving a object to be placed therein, and wherein the outer flange and the inner flange overlap, the open position defining a position where the first and second base members are decoupled, except at the joint, and at least separate partially one from the other, the first and second base members being able to lock in a releasable manner in the closed position. The container according to claim 7, wherein the first base member further comprises a transparent area.