US20200359757A1

US20200359757A1 - Container systems and devices for personal care supplies

Info

Publication number: US20200359757A1
Application number: US16/839,581
Authority: US
Inventors: Stuart Harvey Lee; Jochen Rainer Schaepers; Michael Anthony Bambino; Abigail Ruth Jetmundsen; Douglas Alan Stukenborg
Original assignee: Prime Studio Inc; Welly Health PBC
Current assignee: Prime Studio Inc; Welly Health PBC
Priority date: 2019-05-16
Filing date: 2020-04-03
Publication date: 2020-11-19

Abstract

A container system for carrying personal care supplies includes a container device. The container device includes a container base, a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the container base, and an internal storage chamber defined by the container base and the plurality of sidewalls. The system further includes a divider device carried in the internal storage chamber. The divider device includes a divider base configured to engage the plurality of sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the divider device relative to the container device. The divider device further includes a divider element. The divider element includes a base portion coupled to the divider base and a free end portion opposite the base portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/848,796, filed on May 16, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to container systems and devices, more specifically container systems and devices for carrying personal care supplies, such as first aid supplies and/or personal maintenance supplies.

BACKGROUND

Container systems and devices are used to carry various types of supplies, including first aid supplies (for example, bandages, gauze, medical tape, medical scissors, hydrocortisone ointments, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic pads, tweezers, oral medication, disposable gloves, cold packs, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and the like) and/or personal maintenance supplies (for example, nail clippers, nail files, moisturizing ointments, hand sanitizers, facial tissue, face wash, lip balm, and the like). However, such systems and devices are typically limited in their ability to provide internal organization (that is, for carried supplies) and external organization (that is, between adjacent container devices).

SUMMARY

In a first example, a container system for carrying personal care supplies includes: a container device including: a container base; a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the container base; an internal storage chamber defined by the container base and the plurality of sidewalls; a divider device carried in the internal storage chamber, the divider device including: a divider base configured to engage the plurality of sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the divider device relative to the container device; a divider element including: a base portion coupled to the divider base; and a free end portion opposite the base portion.
In a second example, a container system according to the previous example wherein the divider element defines a height between the base portion and the free end portion, and a width of the divider element decreases along the height from the base portion to the free end portion.
In a third example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the divider element further includes: a first diagonal wall extending from the base portion to the free end portion; and a second diagonal wall opposite the first diagonal wall and extending from the base portion to the free end portion.
In a fourth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the plurality of sidewalls include a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and wherein the divider element further includes: a first end wall extending from the base portion to the free end portion, the first end wall being proximate to and spaced apart from the first sidewall; and a second end wall opposite the first end wall, the second sidewall extending from the base portion to the free end portion, and the second end wall being proximate to and spaced apart from the second sidewall.
In a fifth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the container device further includes a medial plane bisecting the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the container base, wherein the divider element further includes a longitudinal axis extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, and the longitudinal axis is disposed at an acute angle relative to the medial plane.
In a sixth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the base portion defines a base plane, the first diagonal wall is disposed at a first acute angle relative to the base plane, the second diagonal wall is disposed at a second acute angle relative to the base plane, and the second acute angle is different than the first acute angle.
In a seventh example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the divider element is a first divider element, and the divider device further includes a second divider element coupled to the divider base.
In an eighth example, a container system for carrying personal care supplies includes: a first container device including a first body having a first footprint, the first body including: a plurality of sidewalls defining a first internal storage chamber; a first external surface extending between the plurality of sidewalls of the first body and defining the first internal storage chamber with the plurality of sidewalls of the first body; a first attachment feature associated with the first external surface; a second container device including a second body having a second footprint, the second footprint being substantially equal to the first footprint, the second body including: a plurality of sidewalls defining a second internal storage chamber; a second external surface extending between the plurality of sidewalls of the second body and defining the second internal storage chamber with the plurality of sidewalls of the second body; and a second attachment feature associated with the second external surface, the second attachment feature configured to selectively couple with the first attachment feature by being received within the first attachment feature to selectively immobilize the second container device relative to the first container device in a plane substantially parallel to the first external surface and the second external surface, at least one of the first and second attachment features including chamfered edges such that, upon sufficient sliding force between the first and second attachment features, the second attachment feature decouples from the first attachment feature by moving out from the first attachment feature in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane.
In a ninth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the second attachment feature includes a protrusion extending from the second external surface, and the first attachment feature includes an indentation defined in the first external surface.
In a tenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the protrusion and the indentation include alphanumeric shapes.
In an eleventh example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the alphanumeric shapes include X shapes.
In a twelfth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the protrusion and the indentation include a common alphanumeric shape.
In a thirteenth example, a container system for carrying personal care supplies includes: a first container device including a first body having a first footprint, the first body including: a plurality of sidewalls defining a first internal storage chamber; a first external surface extending between the plurality of sidewalls of the first body and defining the first internal storage chamber with the plurality of sidewalls of the first body; a first attachment feature associated with the first external surface; a second container device including a second body having a second footprint, the second footprint being greater than the first footprint, the second body including: a plurality of sidewalls defining a second internal storage chamber; a second external surface extending between the plurality of sidewalls of the second body and defining the second internal storage chamber with the plurality of sidewalls of the second body; and a second attachment feature associated with the second external surface, the second attachment feature configured to selectively couple with the first attachment feature by being received within the first attachment feature to selectively immobilize the second container device relative to the first container device in a plane substantially parallel to the first external surface and the second external surface, at least one of the first and second attachment features including chamfered edges such that, upon sufficient sliding force between the first and second attachment features, the second attachment feature decouples from the first attachment feature by moving out from the first attachment feature in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane.
In a fourteenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the second attachment feature includes a protrusion extending from the second external surface, and the first attachment feature includes an indentation defined in the first external surface.
In a fifteenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion, and the second attachment feature further includes a second protrusion.
In a sixteenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion include shapes having apices.
In a seventeenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the indentation includes an X shape.
In an eighteenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the second footprint is substantially two times greater than the first footprint.
In a nineteenth example, a container system according to any of the previous examples wherein the second footprint is substantially four times greater than the first footprint.
In a twentieth example, a personal care supply system includes a container device, a carrier device, and a personal care supply package. The container device includes a container base; a plurality of container sidewalls coupled to the container base; and a container storage chamber defined by the container base and the plurality of container sidewalls. The carrier device is carried in the container storage chamber, and the carrier device includes a carrier base, a plurality of carrier sidewalls coupled to the carrier base, and a support wall coupled to the plurality of carrier sidewalls. The support wall is configured to engage the plurality of container sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the carrier device relative to the container device. The personal care supply package is carried in the container storage chamber by the carrier device, and the personal care supply package includes a main body and a plurality of support arms coupled to the main body. The plurality of support arms are movably supported by the support wall such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device.
In a twenty first example, a personal care supply system according to the previous example further comprising further comprising a plurality of personal care supply packages including the personal care supply package, each of the plurality of personal care supply packages including a main body and a plurality of support arms coupled to the main body, and the plurality of support arms are movably supported by the support wall such that each of the plurality of personal care supply packages is movably carried by the carrier device.
In a twenty second example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the plurality of support arms includes a first support arm and a second support arm extending in opposite directions from the main body.
In a twenty third example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the support wall extends around a perimeter of the plurality of carrier sidewalls.
In a twenty fourth example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the support wall couples to the plurality of carrier sidewalls opposite the carrier base.
In a twenty fifth example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the personal care supply package is reconfigurable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the plurality of support arms being movably supported by the support wall such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device.
In a twenty sixth example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples a personal care supply system includes a container device, a carrier device, and a personal care supply package. The container device includes a container base, a plurality of container sidewalls coupled to the container base, and a container storage chamber defined by the container base and the plurality of container sidewalls. The carrier device is carried in the container storage chamber, and the carrier device includes a lower carrier base, a plurality of carrier sidewalls coupled to the lower carrier base, a carrier storage chamber defined by the lower carrier base and the plurality of carrier sidewalls, and an upper carrier base coupled to the plurality of carrier sidewalls opposite the lower carrier base. The upper carrier base is configured to engage the plurality of container sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the carrier device relative to the container device. The personal care supply package is carried in the container storage chamber by the carrier device. The personal care supply package includes a first portion that is movably supported by the upper carrier base such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device, and a second portion coupled to the first portion and disposed in the carrier storage chamber.
In a twenty seventh example, a personal care supply system according to the previous example further comprising a plurality of personal care supply packages including the personal care supply package, each of the plurality of personal care supply packages comprising a first portion movably supported by the upper carrier base such that each personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device; and a second portion coupled to the first portion and disposed in the carrier storage chamber.
In a twenty eighth example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the upper carrier base extends around a perimeter of the plurality of carrier sidewalls.
In a twenty ninth example, a personal care supply system according to any of the previous examples wherein the personal care supply package is reconfigurable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the first portion being movably supported by the upper carrier base such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device.
In a thirtieth example, a personal care supply package includes a cover portion comprising a remedy chamber, and the remedy chamber removably carries a personal care supply item. The package further includes a spine portion and a fold. The fold couples the spine portion to the cover portion, and the fold facilitating folding the cover portion relative to the spine portion.
In a thirty first example, a personal care supply package according to the previous example wherein the cover portion folds relative to the spine portion from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the cover portion defining a support arm configured to engage and facilitate movable support of the personal care supply package by a carrier device.
In a thirty second example, a personal care supply package according to any of the previous examples wherein the cover portion is a first cover portion, the fold is a first fold, and the personal care supply package further comprises a second cover portion and a second fold coupling the spine portion to the second cover portion, the second fold facilitating folding the second cover portion relative to the spine portion.
In a thirty third example, a personal care supply package according to any of the previous examples wherein the remedy chamber is a first remedy chamber and the personal care supply item is a first personal care supply item, and the second cover portion comprises a second remedy chamber removably carrying a second personal care supply item.
In a thirty fourth example, a personal care supply package according to any of the previous examples wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion fold relative to the spine portion from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the first cover portion and the second cover portion defining a support arm configured to engage and facilitate movable support of the personal care supply package by a carrier device.
In a thirty fifth example, a personal care supply package according to any of the previous examples wherein the cover portion is a first cover portion, the remedy chamber is a first remedy chamber, the personal care supply item is a first personal care supply item, the fold is a first fold, and the personal care supply package further includes a second cover portion comprising a second remedy chamber removably carrying a second personal care supply item; and a second fold coupling the spine portion to the second cover portion; wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion fold relative to the spine portion from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the first cover portion and the second cover portion defining a first support arm and a second support arm configured to engage and facilitate movable support of the personal care supply package by a carrier device.
In a thirty sixth example, a personal care supply package includes a first cover portion comprising a remedy chamber, and the remedy chamber removably carries a personal care supply item; a second cover portion; a spine portion; a first fold movably coupling the first cover portion to the first spine portion; and a second fold movably coupling the second cover portion to the spine portion; wherein the first fold and the second fold facilitate reconfiguring the personal care supply package from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the unfolded configuration the second cover portion being disposed further apart from the remedy chamber than in the folded configuration to facilitate access to the personal care supply item.
In a thirty seventh example, a personal care supply package according to the previous example wherein the remedy chamber is a first remedy chamber and the personal care supply item is a first personal care supply item, the second cover portion comprises a second remedy chamber removably carrying a second personal care supply item, and in the unfolded configuration the first cover portion being disposed further apart from the second remedy chamber than in the folded configuration to facilitate access to the second personal care supply item.
In a thirty eighth example, a personal care supply package according to any of the previous examples wherein in the folded configuration the first cover portion and the second cover portion define a first support arm and a second support arm configured to engage and facilitate movable support of the personal care supply package by a carrier device.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary container system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; a first container device of the container system is illustrated as being attached to a second container device, a third container device, and a fourth container device of the container system.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the container system of FIG. 1A; the first container device is illustrated as being detached from the second container device, the third container device, and the fourth container device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary container system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; a first container device of the container system is illustrated as being detached from a second container device of the container system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary container system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; a first container device of the container system is illustrated as being detached from a second container device of the container system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary container system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; a first container device of the container system is illustrated as being detached from a second container device of the container system.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary container device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of the container device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates a bottom view of the container device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E illustrates a side view of the container device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5F illustrates another top perspective view of the container device of FIG. 5A; a cover of the container device is removed to illustrate an internal storage chamber of the container device.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary container device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the container device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a bottom view of the container device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E illustrates a side view of the container device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F illustrates another top perspective view of the container device of FIG. 6A; a cover of the container device is opened to illustrate an internal storage chamber of the container device.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary container device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the container device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the container device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the container device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E illustrates another top perspective view of the container device of FIG. 7A; a cover of the container device is opened to illustrate an internal storage chamber of the container device.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 8A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 9A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 10A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 11A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 11A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C illustrates a top view of the divider device of FIG. 12A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B illustrates a top perspective view of the divider device of FIG. 13A positioned in a container device.

FIG. 14A illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary divider device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a top perspective view of the divider device of FIG. 14A positioned in a container device.

FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary carrier device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary personal care supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and including the carrier device of FIG. 15A positioned in a container device and supporting personal care supplies.

FIG. 16A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 16B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the personal care supply package of FIG. 16A in the partially folded configuration.

FIG. 16C illustrates a bottom view of the personal care supply package of FIG. 16A in a flat or unfolded configuration.

FIG. 16D illustrates a side sectional view of the personal care supply package of FIG. 16C along line 16D-16D.

FIG. 16E illustrates a side sectional view of the personal care supply package of FIG. 16C along line 16E-16E.

FIG. 16F illustrates the personal care supply package of FIG. 16A in a folded configuration.

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of another exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a flat or unfolded configuration.

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of another exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a flat or unfolded configuration.

FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom view of another exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a flat or unfolded configuration.

FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of yet another exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a flat or unfolded configuration.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary personal care supply package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a folded configuration.

It should be understood that the drawings are intended facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings which show specific embodiments. Although specific embodiments are shown and described, it is to be understood that additional and/or alternative features are employed in other embodiments. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the claimed invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It should be understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural components, elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such components, elements, portions, or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (for example, cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the written description.
Generally, container systems and devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate carrying personal care supplies, such as first aid supplies (for example, bandages, gauze, medical tape, medical scissors, hydrocortisone ointments, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic pads, tweezers, oral medication, disposable gloves, cold packs, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and the like) and/or personal maintenance supplies (for example, nail clippers, nail files, moisturizing ointments, hand sanitizers, facial tissue, face wash, lip balm, and the like). More specifically, container systems and devices according to embodiments the present disclosure facilitate effectively organizing such devices relative to each other and/or effectively organizing personal care supplies within such devices.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary container system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The container system 100 includes several selectively attachable container devices. More specifically, the container system 100 includes a first container device 102, a second container device 104, a third container device 106, and a fourth container device 108. Each of the first container device 102, the second container device 104, the third container device 106, and the fourth container device 108 include attachment features (shown elsewhere) that facilitate selective attachment to one or more adjacent container devices 102, 104, 106, or 108. Generally, the attachment features are selectively couplable to immobilize the container devices relative to each other in a primary plane 110 of the container devices 102, 104, 106, and 108 (see FIG. 1A). Additionally and upon sufficient sliding force between the attachment features, the attachment features decouple from each other and move relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the primary plane 110. As described in further detail below, the attachment features may be, for example, interfitting protrusions and indentations of the container devices.
In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the container devices 102, 104, 106, and 108 may be selectively attached in a vertical, or “stacked”, arrangement. In such an arrangement, the container devices 102, 104, 106, and 108 are relatively immobilized in a horizontal plane and decouplable by relative movement in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the container devices 102, 104, 106, and 108 may be selectively attached in a horizontal, “side-by-side”, or “bookshelf” arrangement. In such an arrangement, the container devices 102, 104, 106, and 108 are relatively immobilized in a vertical plane and decouplable by relative movement in a horizontal direction.
In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first container device 102 is a “large” container device, the second container device 104 is a “medium” container device, and the third container device 106 and the fourth container device 108 are each a “small” container device. In some embodiments, the first container device 102 has a footprint that is substantially two times greater than the footprint of the second container device 104 (that is, two times±15 percent), and the first container device 102 has a footprint that is substantially four times greater than the footprint of each of the third container device 106 and the fourth container device 108 (that is, four times±15 percent). As used herein, the term “footprint” refers to the area of a container device 102, 104, 106, or 108 that is visible when the container device 102, 104, 106, or 108 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the primary plane 110. In other embodiments, as described in further detail below, container devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may have other sizes, and container systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include various container devices of different sizes and/or various container devices of the same sizes.
Container devices according to the present disclosure can be selectively attached in various other arrangements. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary container system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The container system 200 includes a first container device 202 that is selectively attachable to a second container device 204. The first container device 202 may be, for example, the small container device described above, and the second container device 204 may be, for example, the medium container device described above. As another example, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary container system 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The container system 300 includes a first container device 302 that is selectively attachable to a second container device 304. The first container device 302 and the second container device 304 may each be, for example, the medium container device described above. As yet another example, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary container system 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The container system 400 includes a first container device 402 that is selectively attachable to a second container device 404. The first container device 402 and the second container device 404 may each be, for example, the small container device described above.
FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate an exemplary container device 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The container device 500 may be, for example, the medium container device described above. Generally, the container device 500 may be formed of one or more of various materials, such as plastics, metals (as illustrated), and the like. The container device 500 may be formed using one or more of various manufacturing processes, such as cutting, bending, and welding for metals and molding for plastics.
The container device 500 includes a body 502 having a base 504 and a plurality of sidewalls 506 coupled to the base 504. The body 502 further includes a cover 508 that detachably couples to the plurality of sidewalls 506 opposite the base 504. The base 504 and the plurality of sidewalls 506 define an internal storage chamber 510 (see FIG. 5F) that carries personal care supplies (not shown), such as any of those described above, and the cover 508 selectively closes the internal storage chamber 510.
The container device 500 includes attachment features to facilitate selective attachment to and immobilization relative to one or more adjacent container devices in the primary plane 512. More specifically, the container device 500 includes a first attachment feature 514 that is associated with a first external surface 516 of the cover 508 and a second attachment feature 518 that is associated with a second external surface 520 of the base 504. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the first attachment feature 514 is an indentation 522 defined in the first external surface 516 and the second attachment feature 518 is a protrusion 524 extending from the second external surface 520. In some embodiments, the first external surface 516 and the second external surface 520 are substantially parallel to the primary plane 512 (that is, parallel±10 degrees). In some embodiments, the protrusion 524 and the indentation 522 include chamfered edges 526, 528 (for example, rounded edges, as illustrated, or diagonally-extending edges) that extend about one or more portions of the perimeters of the protrusion 524 and the indentation 522. The chamfered edges 526, 528 are formed such that upon sufficient sliding force between the indentation 522 (or protrusion 524) and the protrusion 524 (or indentation 522) of an adjacent container device 500, the indentation 522 (or protrusion 524) moves apart from the protrusion 524 (or indentation 522) of the adjacent container device 500 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the primary plane 512.
The first attachment feature 514 and the second attachment feature 518 may have any of a variety of shapes as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the primary plane 512. For example, the attachment features may have alphanumeric shapes (including letters in various languages, such as the illustrated X shape, and numbers), geometric shapes (including circles, ellipses, triangles, rectangles, and the like), or symbols (including punctuation symbols, mathematical symbols, currency symbols, silhouettes of objects, silhouettes of living organisms, and the like). The attachment features may be symmetric or non-symmetric. Symmetric attachment features may be symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the primary plane 512 or symmetric over one or more planes perpendicular to the primary plane 512. The attachment features can have a common shapes (for example, both a protrusion 524 and an indentation 522 may have X shapes with generally the same dimensions), or the attachment features may have different shapes. For example and as described in further detail below, one or more protrusions could each include a portion of the shape of the indentation that provide sufficient engagement with the indentation to facilitate immobilization between adjacent container devices.
In some embodiments, providing the indentation 522 or the protrusion 524 with X shapes may facilitate one or more advantages. For example, the X shape may facilitate recognizing that the container device 500 carries first aid supplies because it is similar to the common first aid “cross” or “plus sign” symbol. As another example, if the X shape is symmetric over two planes, as illustrated, the X shape advantageously permits selective attachment of adjacent container devices 500 in various orientations, specifically four orientations.
FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate an exemplary container device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The container device 600 may be, for example, the small container device described above. Generally, the container device 600 may be formed of one or more of various materials, such as plastics, metals (as illustrated), and the like. The container device 600 may be formed using one or more of various manufacturing processes, such as cutting, bending, and welding for metals and molding for plastics.
The container device 600 includes a body 602 having a base 604 and a plurality of sidewalls 606 coupled to the base 604. The body 602 further includes a cover 608 that detachably couples to the plurality of sidewalls 606 (more specifically, hingedly couples to the plurality of sidewalls 606) opposite the base 604. The base 604 and the plurality of sidewalls 606 define an internal storage chamber 610 (see FIG. 6F) that carries personal care supplies (not shown), such as any of those described above, and the cover 608 selectively closes the internal storage chamber 610.
The container device 600 includes attachment features to facilitate selective attachment to and immobilization relative to one or more adjacent container devices in the primary plane 612. More specifically, the container device 600 includes a first attachment feature 614 that is associated with a first external surface 616 of the cover 608 and a second attachment feature 618 that is associated with a second external surface 620 of the base 604. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the first attachment feature 614 is an indentation 622 defined in the first external surface 616 and the second attachment feature 618 includes a first protrusion 624 a and a second protrusion 624 b extending from the second external surface 620. In some embodiments, the protrusions 624 a, 624 b and the indentation 622 include chamfered edges 626, 628 (for example, rounded edges, as illustrated, or diagonally-extending edges) that extend about one or more portions of the perimeters of the protrusions 624 a, 624 b and the indentation 622. The chamfered edges 626, 628 are formed such that upon sufficient sliding force between the indentation 622 (or protrusions 624 a, 624 b) and the protrusions 624 a, 624 b (or indentation 622) of an adjacent container device 600, the indentation 622 (or protrusions 624 a, 624 b) moves apart from the protrusions 624 a, 624 b (or indentation 622) of the adjacent container device 600 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the primary plane 612.
The first attachment feature 614 and the second attachment feature 618 may have any of a variety of shapes as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the primary plane 612. For example, the attachment features may have alphanumeric shapes (including letters in various languages and numbers), geometric shapes (including circles, ellipses, triangles, rectangles, and the like), or symbols (including punctuation symbols, mathematical symbols, currency symbols, silhouettes of objects, silhouettes of living organisms, and the like). The attachment features may be symmetric or non-symmetric. Symmetric attachment features may be symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the primary plane 612 or symmetric over one or more planes perpendicular to the primary plane 612. The attachment features can have a common shape, or the attachment features may have different shapes. For example, the protrusions 624 a, 624 b could each include a portion of the shape of the indentation 622 that provides sufficient engagement with the indentation 622 to facilitate immobilization relative to an adjacent container device 600. More specifically, the indentation 622 is generally rectangular (even more specifically and as illustrated, rectangular with rounded corners and inwardly curved long sides) and the protrusions 624 a, 624 b are shapes having apices facing in opposite directions (even more specifically, chevron shapes as illustrated, arrow shapes, triangle shapes, or the like). In some embodiments and as illustrated, the protrusions 624 a, 624 b are sized and arranged such that they may be received in either of the indentation 622 of an adjacent container device 600 and the indentation 522 of an adjacent container device 500 (see FIG. 5A—specifically, near ends of two adjacent legs of the X shape) and facilitate selective attachment to and immobilization relative to either of an adjacent container device 600 and an adjacent container device 500.
FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate an exemplary container device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The container device 700 may be, for example, the large container device described above. Generally, the container device 700 may be formed of one or more of various materials, such as plastics, metals (as illustrated), and the like. The container device 700 may be formed using one or more of various manufacturing processes, such as cutting, bending, and welding for metals and molding for plastics.
The container device 700 includes a body 702 having a base 704 and a plurality of sidewalls 706 coupled to the base 704. The body 702 further includes a cover 708 that detachably couples to the plurality of sidewalls 706 (more specifically, hingedly couples to the plurality of sidewalls 706) opposite the base 704. The base 704 and the plurality of sidewalls 706 define an internal storage chamber 710 (see FIG. 7E) that carries personal care supplies (not shown), such as any of those described above, and the cover 708 selectively closes the internal storage chamber 710.
The container device 700 includes attachment features to facilitate selective attachment to and immobilization relative to one or more adjacent container devices in the primary plane 712. More specifically, the container device 700 includes a first attachment feature 714 that is associated with a first external surface 716 of the cover 708 and a second attachment feature 718 that is associated with a second external surface 720 of the base 704. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the first attachment feature 714 is an indentation 722 defined in the first external surface 716 and the second attachment feature 718 includes a first protrusion 724 a, a second protrusion 724 b, a third protrusion 724 c, and a fourth protrusion 724 d extending from the second external surface 720. In some embodiments, the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d and the indentation 722 include chamfered edges 726, 728 (for example, rounded edges, as illustrated, or diagonally-extending edges) that extend about one or more portions of the perimeters of the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d and the indentation 722. The chamfered edges 726, 728 are formed such that upon sufficient sliding force between the indentation 722 (or protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d) and the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d (or indentation 722) of an adjacent container device 700, the indentation 722 (or protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d) moves apart from the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d (or indentation 722) of the adjacent container device 700 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the primary plane 712.
The first attachment feature 714 and the second attachment feature 718 may have any of a variety of shapes as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the primary plane 712. For example, the attachment features may have alphanumeric shapes (including letters in various languages and numbers), geometric shapes (including circles, ellipses, triangles, rectangles, and the like), or symbols (including punctuation symbols, mathematical symbols, currency symbols, silhouettes of objects, silhouettes of living organisms, and the like). The attachment features may be symmetric or non-symmetric. Symmetric attachment features may be symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the primary plane 712 or symmetric over one or more planes perpendicular to the primary plane 712. The attachment features can have a common shape, or the attachment features may have different shapes. For example, the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d could each include a portion of the shape of the indentation 722 that provides sufficient engagement with the indentation 722 to facilitate immobilization relative to an adjacent container device 700. More specifically, the indentation 722 is generally rectangular (even more specifically and as illustrated, rectangular with rounded corners and inwardly curved short sides) and the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d have circle shapes. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the protrusions 724 a, 724 b, 724 c, and 724 d are arranged such that they may be received in the indentation 722 of an adjacent container device 700. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the indentation 722 is sized to receive, simultaneously or non-simultaneously, the protrusions 624 a, 624 b of an adjacent container device 600 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) and the protrusion 524 of an adjacent container device 500 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). In some embodiments, the indentation 722 is sized to simultaneously receive (1) the protrusions 624 a, 624 b of two adjacent container devices 600 and the protrusion 524 of an adjacent container device 500 (in any of several configurations, one of which is shown in FIG. 1A); (2) the protrusions 624 a, 624 b of four adjacent container devices 600; or (3) the protrusions 524 of two adjacent container devices 500. The container device 700 is thereby selectively attachable to and immobilizable relative to adjacent container device.
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary divider device 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8C illustrates the divider device 800 positioned in a container device 802, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 8C also illustrates the divider device 800 supporting personal care supplies 804, such as bandages. The divider device 800 facilitates separating, organizing, and in some cases positioning personal care supplies 804 in a generally upright arrangement in the internal storage chamber 806 of the container device 802, which may facilitate ease of access to any of various types of personal care supplies 804 in the container device 800.
Generally, the divider device 800 may be formed of one or more of various materials, such as plastics (as illustrated), metals, paper-based materials, and the like. The divider device 800 may be formed using one or more of various manufacturing processes, such as molding for plastics or metals and cutting and folding for paper-based materials. The divider device 800 may be a monolithic component, as illustrated, or a non-monolithic component.
The divider device 800 includes a divider base 808 that may be sized, as illustrated, to engage the plurality of sidewalls 810 a, 810 b, 810 c, and 810 d of the container device 802 to inhibit relative lateral motion of the divider device 800 relative to the container device 802. The divider base 808 couples to a divider element 812. The divider element 812 defines a first storage compartment 814 a and a second storage compartment 814 b within the container device 802 and facilitates separating, organizing, and positioning personal care supplies 804 within the storage compartments 814 a, 814 b. The divider element 812 includes a base portion 816 coupled to the divider base 808 and a free end portion 818 opposite the base portion 816. The free end portion 818 may have various shapes, such as a rounded shape as illustrated, a flat shape, or a sharp/hard edge shape. The divider element 812 further includes a first sidewall 820 a, a second sidewall 820 b, a first end wall 822 a, and a second end wall 822 b that extend from the base portion 816 to the free end portion 818.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider element 812 defines a height between the base portion 816 and the free end portion 818, and the width of the divider element 812 decreases along the height from the base portion 816 to the free end portion 818. Stated another way, one or more of the sidewalls 820 a, 820 b may be diagonal walls that extend from the base portion 816 to the free end portion 818. More specifically and as illustrated, the first sidewall 820 a is a first diagonal wall that extends from the base portion 816 to the free end portion 818 and the second sidewall 820 b is a second diagonal wall opposite the first diagonal wall that extends from the base portion 816 to the free end portion 818. The diagonal walls 820 a, 820 b may be disposed at a common angle or different angles relative to a plane 824 in which the divider base 808 is disposed. That is and referring specifically to FIG. 8A, the first diagonal wall 820 a is disposed at a first acute angle 826 a relative to the base plane 824 and the second diagonal wall 820 b is disposed at a second acute angle 826 b relative to the base plane 824. In some embodiments and as illustrated, and the first acute angle 826 a is substantially equal to the second acute angle 826 b (that is, equal±5 degrees). In some embodiments and as described in further detail below, the first acute angle 826 a is substantially different than the second acute angle 826 b.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider element 812 is sized and/or positioned to provide the storage compartments 814 a, 814 b with substantially equal volumes (that is, having equal volumes±10 percent). In some embodiments, the divider element 812 is sized and/or positioned to provide the storage compartments 814 a, 814 b with substantially different volumes.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider element 812 has a “parallel” arrangement relative to the divider base 808 and the container device 802. Stated another way, the container device 802 has a medial plane 828 that bisects its first sidewall 810 a, its second sidewall 810 b, and its base 830, the divider element 812 has a longitudinal axis 832 that extends between the first end wall 822 a and the second end wall 822 b, and the longitudinal axis 832 is substantially parallel to the medial plane 828 (that is, parallel±5 degrees). In some embodiments and as described in further detail below, the divider element 812 has a non-parallel arrangement relative to the divider base 808 and the container device 802.
In some embodiments, one or more of the end walls 822 a, 822 b of the divider element 812 may be spaced apart from the nearest sidewall of the container device by a distance sufficient to permit a user to place one or more fingers between the end wall and the sidewall, which may facilitate removing the divider device 800 from the container device 802. More specifically and as illustrated, the first end wall 822 a is proximate to and spaced apart from the first sidewall 810 a of the container device 802 and the second end wall 822 b is proximate to and spaced apart from a second sidewall 810 b of the container device 802.
In some embodiments, divider devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of divider elements. For example, FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate another exemplary divider device 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9C illustrates the divider device 900 positioned in a container device 902, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 9C also illustrates the divider device 900 supporting personal care supplies 904, such as bandages.
Generally, the divider device 900 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. The divider device 900 includes a divider base 908, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 900 also includes a first divider element 912 a, which may be the same as or similar to the divider element 812 described above, except that the first divider element 912 a may be disposed apart from the medial plane 928 of the container device 902. Additionally, the divider device 900 includes a second divider element 912 b that is offset on the other side of the medial plane 928. The divider elements 912 a, 912 b define a first storage compartment 914 a, a second storage compartment 914 b, and a third storage compartment 914 c within the container device 902.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b have different shapes. More specifically, the first divider element 912 a includes diagonal walls 920 a, 920 b that are disposed at a common angle relative to a plane 924 in which the divider base 908 is disposed, and the second divider element 912 b includes diagonal walls 920 c, 920 d that are disposed at different angles relative to the plane 924 in which the divider base 908 is disposed. In some embodiments, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b have the same shapes.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b have parallel arrangements relative to each other and/or the divider base 908 and the container device 902. In some embodiments, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b have non-parallel arrangements relative to each other and/or the divider base 908 and the container device 902.
In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b are sized and/or positioned to provide the storage compartments 914 a, 914 b, and 914 c with substantially different volumes. In some embodiments, the divider elements 912 a, 912 b are sized and/or positioned to provide the storage compartments 914 a, 914 b, and 914 c with substantially equal volumes (that is, having equal volumes±10 percent).
FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate another exemplary divider device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10C illustrates the divider device 1000 positioned in a container device 1002, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 10C also illustrates the divider device 1000 supporting personal care supplies 1004, such as ointment containers. Generally, the divider device 1000 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. The divider device 1000 includes a divider base 1008, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 1000 also includes a divider element 1012, which may be the same as or similar to the divider element 812 described above, except that the longitudinal axis 1030 of the divider element 1012 is disposed at an acute angle 1034 relative to the medial plane 1028 of the container device 1002 (illustratively, at an angle of substantially 75 degrees, or 75 degrees±10 percent). In some embodiments, such a configuration may facilitate securely carrying two tapering ointment containers within the container device 1002, as illustrated.
FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate another exemplary divider device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11C illustrates the divider device 1100 positioned in a container device 1102, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 11C also illustrates the divider device 1100 supporting personal care supplies 1104, such as bandages. Generally, the divider device 1100 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. The divider device 1100 includes a divider base 1108, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 1100 also includes a divider element 1112, which may be the same as or similar to the divider element 812 described above, except that the longitudinal axis 1130 of the divider element 1112 is disposed at a substantially right angle 1134 relative to the medial plane 1128 of the container device 1102 (that is, 90 degrees±10 percent). In addition, the divider element 1112 is positioned to provide the storage compartments 1114 a, 1114 b with substantially different volumes.
FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate another exemplary divider device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12C illustrates the divider device 1200 positioned in a container device 1202, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 11C also illustrates the divider device 1200 supporting personal care supplies 1204, such as a roll of medical tape. Generally, the divider device 1200 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. The divider device 1200 includes a divider base 1208, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 1200 also includes a divider element 1212, which includes a base portion 1216, an opposite free end portion 1218, and a single curved and continuous diagonal wall 1220. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the diameter of the diagonal wall 1220 decreases along the height of the divider element 1212 from the base portion 1216 to the free end portion 1218. Stated another way, the divider element 1212 has a generally frusto-conical shape.
FIG. 13A illustrates another exemplary divider device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13B illustrates the divider device 1300 positioned in a container device 1302, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. Generally, the divider device 1300 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. Illustratively, the divider device 1300 is formed of a cut and folded paper-based material. The divider device 1300 includes a divider base 1308, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 1300 also includes a first divider element 1312 a, a second divider element 1312 b, and a third divider element 1312 c. The divider elements 1312 a, 1312 b, and 1312 c define a first storage compartment 1314 a, a second storage compartment 1314 b, a third storage compartment 1314 c, and a fourth storage compartment 1314 d within the container device 1302. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider elements 1312 a, 1312 b, and 1312 c have parallel arrangements relative to each other. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the longitudinal axes 1330 a, 1330 b, and 1330 c of the divider elements 1312 a, 1312 b, and 1312 c are disposed at an acute angle 1334 relative to the medial plane 1328 of the container device 1302 (illustratively, at an angle of substantially 45 degrees, or 45 degrees±10 percent).
FIG. 14A illustrates another exemplary divider device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14B illustrates the divider device 1400 positioned in a container device 1402, which may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. Generally, the divider device 1400 may be formed of any of the materials and using any of the manufacturing processes described above for the divider device 800. Illustratively, the divider device 1400 is formed of a cut and folded paper-based material. The divider device 1400 includes a divider base 1408, which may be the same as or similar to the divider base 808 described above. The divider device 1400 also includes a first divider element 1412 a and a second divider element 1412 b. The divider elements 1412 a, 1412 b define a first storage compartment 1414 a and a second storage compartment 1414 b within the container device 1402. As illustrated, the divider elements 1412 a, 1412 b are arranged to provide the first storage compartment 1414 a and a second storage compartment 1414 b with different shapes. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the divider elements 1412 a, 1412 b intersect at their end walls 1422 and the longitudinal axes 1430 a, 1430 b of the divider elements 1412 a, 1412 b are disposed at a substantially right angle 1434 (that is, 90 degrees±10 percent) to provide the first storage compartment 1414 a with a square shape and the second storage compartment 1414 b with an L shape.
FIG. 15A illustrate an exemplary carrier device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary personal care supply system 1502 including the carrier device 1500 positioned in a container device 1504. The container device 1504 may be, for example, the container device 500, as illustrated, or any of the other container devices described above. FIG. 15B also illustrates the carrier device 1500 supporting personal care supply packages 1506. As described in further detail below, the personal care supply packages 1506 may be, for example, foldable blister packages carrying one or more personal care supplies in an appropriate configuration or form (for example, capsule, tablet, pill, or the like—shown elsewhere). The carrier device 1500 facilitates organizing and positioning personal care supply packages 1506 in a generally upright arrangement in the container device 1504, which may facilitate ease of access to the personal care supply packages 1506.
Generally, the carrier device 1500 may be formed of one or more of various materials, such as plastics (as illustrated), metals, paper-based materials, and the like. The carrier device 1500 may be formed using one or more of various manufacturing processes, such as molding for plastics or metals and cutting and folding for paper-based materials. The carrier device 1500 may be a monolithic component, as illustrated, or a non-monolithic component.
The carrier device 1500 includes a lower carrier base 1508 that is configured to engage or be disposed proximate the container base (not shown). The lower carrier base 1508 couples to a plurality of carrier sidewalls 1510. The lower carrier base 1508 and the carrier sidewalls 1510 together define a carrier storage chamber 1512. Opposite the lower carrier base 1508, the carrier sidewalls 1510 couple to an upper carrier base 1514, which may also be referred to as a support wall. Generally, the upper carrier base 1514 is sized and shaped to engage the container sidewalls 1516 to inhibit relative lateral motion of the carrier device 1500 relative to the container device 1504. Stated another way, the upper carrier base 1514 extends upwardly relative to the lower carrier base 1508 within the chamber 1512. More specifically and as illustrated, the upper carrier base 1514 extends around the upper perimeter of the carrier sidewalls 1510.
The upper carrier base 1514 also provides movable support for the personal care supply packages 1506 carried by the carrier device 1500. More specifically, the personal care supply packages 1506 may be movably suspended between opposite portions of the upper carrier base 1514. The personal care supply packages 1506 are also sized and shaped to facilitate this movable support. More specifically and as illustrated for only one of the personal care supply packages 1506 in FIG. 15B, the personal care supply packages 1506 include a main body 1518, and first and second support arms 1520, 1522 are coupled to the main body 1518. The first and second support arms 1520, 1522 extend laterally and in opposite directions from the main body 1518. The first and second support arms 1520, 1522 engage and are movably supported by the upper carrier base 1514, and the personal care supply packages 1506 are thereby movably carried by the carrier device 1500. Stated another way, the personal care supply packages 1506 include a first portion 1524 that is movably supported by the upper carrier base 1514, and the personal care supply packages 1506 are thereby movably carried by the carrier device 1500. The first portion 1524 couples to a second portion 1526 that is disposed therebelow and in the carrier storage chamber 1512.
As described briefly above, the personal care supply packages 1506 may be, for example, foldable blister packages. Stated another way, the personal care supply packages 1506 may be reconfigured from a folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 15B) to an unfolded configuration (shown elsewhere) and vice versa. Turning now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, one of the personal care supply packages 1506 is shown in a partially folded configuration (or a partially unfolded configuration). In FIGS. 16C-16E, the personal care supply package 1506 is shown in the unfolded configuration. In FIG. 16F, the personal care supply package 1506 is shown in the folded configuration.
The personal care supply package 1506 may be formed by a plurality of layers. For example and as shown most clearly FIG. 16C, the personal care supply package 1506 may include a first or front layer 1600 and a second or back layer 1602 (which, as illustrated, may have a hatching-like appearance). The first layer 1600 may be formed, for example, by one or more polymers, more specifically a thermoformed polymer. The first layer 1600 may define one or more remedy chambers 1604 that removably carry personal care supplies 1606. The second layer 1602 may be, for example, aluminum foil, paperboard, or formed by one or more polymers. The second layer 1602 may be frangible to permit removal of the personal care supplies 1606 from the remedy chambers 1604.
With further reference to FIGS. 16A-16F, the personal care supply package 1506 includes a spine portion 1608 that couples to one or more cover portions, and one or more of the cover portions include one or more remedy chambers 1604 for removably carrying personal care supplies 1606. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the spine portion 1608 couples to a first cover portion 1610 and a second cover portion 1612, and the cover portions 1610, 1612 both include three remedy chambers 1604 that each carry a personal care supply item 1606. In other embodiments, one or more of the cover portions may lack remedy chambers and personal care supplies.
The spine portion 1608 couples to one or more of the cover portions via one or more folds. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the spine portion 1608 couples to the first cover portion 1610 via a first fold 1614 and the second cover portion 1612 via a second fold 1616. The folds may be formed, for example, by omitting one or more of the layers of the package 1506, providing one or more of the layers of the package 1506 with a lower thickness than other areas of the package 1506, of the like. In either case, the first fold 1614 and the second fold 1616 facilitate folding the first cover portion 1610 and the second cover portion 1612 fold, respectively, relative to the spine portion 1608 from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration and vice versa. In the folded configuration, the first cover portion 1610 and the second cover portion 1612 define the support arms 1520, 1522 (see FIG. 16B) which, as described above, are configured to engage and facilitate movable support of the personal care supply package by the carrier device (shown elsewhere). In the unfolded configuration, the first cover portion 1610 and the second cover portion 1612 are disposed further apart than in the folded configuration to facilitate access to the remedy chambers 1604 and the personal care supplies 1606.
In some embodiments, cover portions of personal care supply packages may include multiple sections that are detachable from each other and the spine portion via perforations or folds. Each section may include one or more remedy chambers, and each remedy chamber may removably carry one or more personal care supplies. For example and as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16F, the first cover portion 1610 and the second cover portion 1612 each include three sections 1618 that are detachable from each other via two sets or “columns” of perforations 1620 (a “column” being understood as referring to an arrangement that is substantially perpendicular to the folds 1614, 1616). Each section 1618 includes a single remedy chamber 1604, and each remedy chamber 1604 removably carries a single personal care supply item 1606. Sections of cover portions of personal care supply packages may be provided with various other arrangements.
For example, FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a personal care supply package 1700 according to the present disclosure. The personal care supply package 1700 may be similar to the personal care supply package 1506, except that a first cover portion 1702 and a second cover portion 1704 each include six sections 1706 that are detachable from each other via three sets of perforations, more specifically two columns of perforations 1708 and one “row” of perforations 1710 (a “row” being understood as referring to an arrangement that is substantially parallel to the folds).
As another example, FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a personal care supply package 1800 according to the present disclosure. The personal care supply package 1800 may be similar to the personal care supply package 1506, except that a first cover portion 1802 and a second cover portion 1804 each include four sections 1806 that are detachable from each other via two sets of perforations, more specifically one column of perforations 1808 and one row of perforations 1810.
As another example, FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a personal care supply package 1900 according to the present disclosure. The personal care supply package 1900 may be similar to the personal care supply package 1506, except that a first cover portion 1902 and a second cover portion 1904 each include four sections 1906 that are detachable from each other via three sets of perforations, more specifically three columns of perforations 1908.
As yet another example, FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a personal care supply package 2000 according to the present disclosure. The personal care supply package 2000 may be similar to the personal care supply package 1506, except that a first cover portion 2002 and a second cover portion 2004 each include two sections 2006 that are detachable from each other via a single set of perforations, more specifically a column of perforations 2008. In addition, each remedy chamber 2010 carries two personal care supplies 2012.
In some embodiments, cover portions of personal care supply packages may lack sections that are detachable from each other and the spine portion via perforations or folds. In such embodiments, personal care supply packages may include various arrangements of remedy chambers and personal care supplies, including, for example, any of the arrangements described above.
In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-20, personal care supply packages may include first covers and second covers, and arrangements of remedy chambers and personal care supplies, that are mirror images of each other. Stated another way and referring specifically to FIG. 16F as an example, such an arrangement may position the remedy chambers in a “back-to-back” manner in the folded configuration of the personal care supply package. In other embodiments, personal care supply packages may include first covers and second covers, and arrangements of remedy chambers and personal care supplies, that are not mirror images of each other. As an example and referring to FIG. 21, a personal care supply package 2100 is illustrated in a folded configuration. The personal care supply package 2100 includes a spine portion 2102 that couples to a first cover portion 2104 and a second cover portion 2106 via a first fold 2108 and a second fold 2110, respectively. The first cover portion 2104 and the second cover portion 2106, and their arrangements of remedy chambers 2112 and personal care supplies 2114, are not mirror images of each other. More specifically, the first cover portion 2104 and the second cover portion 2106 include an arrangement that positions the remedy chambers 2112 in a “side-to-side” manner in the folded configuration of the personal care supply package 2100. In some embodiments, such arrangements facilitate providing personal care supply packages with a relatively low width in the folded configuration. In FIG. 21, the remedy chambers 2112 are illustrated as being positioned in a side-to-side manner in the plane of the page. Additionally or alternatively, remedy chambers may be positioned in a side-to-side manner in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the page.
Exemplary personal care supplies that may be carried by embodiments of personal care supply packages according to the present disclosure include medications, (such as cold/flu relief medications, fever relief medications, motion sickness relief medications, allergy relief medications, pain relief medications, antacid medications, anti-diarrheal medications, gas relief medications, and the like), dietary supplements, other vitamins, and the like.
Various other modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.

Claims

The following is claimed:

1. A container system for carrying personal care supplies, the container system comprising:

a container device comprising:

a container base;

a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the container base;

an internal storage chamber defined by the container base and the plurality of sidewalls;

a divider device carried in the internal storage chamber, the divider device comprising:

a divider base configured to engage the plurality of sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the divider device relative to the container device;

a divider element comprising:

a base portion coupled to the divider base; and

a free end portion opposite the base portion.

2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the divider element defines a height between the base portion and the free end portion, and a width of the divider element decreases along the height from the base portion to the free end portion.

3. The container system of claim 1, wherein the divider element further comprises:

a first diagonal wall extending from the base portion to the free end portion; and

a second diagonal wall opposite the first diagonal wall and extending from the base portion to the free end portion.

4. The container system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of sidewalls comprise a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and wherein the divider element further comprises:

a first end wall extending from the base portion to the free end portion, the first end wall being proximate to and spaced apart from the first sidewall; and

a second end wall opposite the first end wall, the second sidewall extending from the base portion to the free end portion, and the second end wall being proximate to and spaced apart from the second sidewall.

5. The container system of claim 4, wherein the container device further comprises a medial plane bisecting the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the container base, wherein the divider element further comprises a longitudinal axis extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, and the longitudinal axis is disposed at an acute angle relative to the medial plane.

6. The container system of claim 3, wherein the base portion defines a base plane, the first diagonal wall is disposed at a first acute angle relative to the base plane, the second diagonal wall is disposed at a second acute angle relative to the base plane, and the second acute angle is different than the first acute angle.

7. The container system of claim 1, wherein the divider element is a first divider element, and the divider device further comprises a second divider element coupled to the divider base.

8. The container system of claim 1, wherein the container device is a first container device, the plurality of sidewalls are a first plurality of sidewalls, and the internal storage chamber is a first internal storage chamber, the first container device further comprising

a first body comprising:

the first plurality of sidewalls and the first internal storage chamber;

a first external surface extending between the first plurality of sidewalls of the first body and defining the first internal storage chamber with the first plurality of sidewalls of the first body;

a first attachment feature associated with the first external surface;

and the system further comprising a second container device comprising a second body, the second body comprising:

a second plurality of sidewalls defining a second internal storage chamber;

a second external surface extending between the second plurality of sidewalls of the second body and defining the second internal storage chamber with the second plurality of sidewalls of the second body; and

a second attachment feature associated with the second external surface, the second attachment feature configured to selectively couple with the first attachment feature by being received within the first attachment feature to selectively immobilize the second container device relative to the first container device in a plane substantially parallel to the first external surface and the second external surface, at least one of the first and second attachment features including chamfered edges such that, upon sufficient sliding force between the first and second attachment features, the second attachment feature decouples from the first attachment feature by moving out from the first attachment feature in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane.

9. The container system of claim 8, wherein the second attachment feature comprises a protrusion extending from the second external surface, and the first attachment feature comprises an indentation defined in the first external surface.

10. The container system of claim 9, wherein the protrusion and the indentation comprise alphanumeric shapes.

11. The container system of claim 8, wherein the first body has a first footprint, the second body has a second footprint, the second footprint being substantially equal to the first footprint.

12. The container system of claim 8, wherein the first body has a first footprint, the second body has a second footprint, the second footprint being greater than the first footprint.

13. The container system of claim 12, wherein the second footprint is substantially two times greater than the first footprint.

14. The container system of claim 12, wherein the second footprint is substantially four times greater than the first footprint.

15. The container system of claim 8, wherein the second attachment feature comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second external surface, the first protrusion and the second protrusion comprising shapes having apices, and the first attachment feature comprises an indentation defined in the first external surface.

16. The container system of claim 1, wherein the container device is a first container device, the plurality of sidewalls are a first plurality of sidewalls, the internal storage chamber is a first internal storage chamber, and the container base is a first container base, the container system further comprising:

a second container device comprising:

a second container base;

a second plurality of sidewalls coupled to the second container base;

a second internal storage chamber defined by the second container base and the second plurality of sidewalls;

a carrier device carried in the second internal storage chamber, the carrier device comprising:

a carrier base;

a plurality of carrier sidewalls coupled to the carrier base;

a support wall coupled to the plurality of carrier sidewalls, the support wall configured to engage the second plurality of sidewalls to inhibit relative lateral motion of the carrier device relative to the second container device;

a personal care supply package carried in the second internal storage chamber by the carrier device, the personal care supply package comprising:

a main body; and

a plurality of support arms coupled to the main body, the plurality of support arms being movably supported by the support wall such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device.

17. The container system of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of personal care supply packages including the personal care supply package, each of the plurality of personal care supply packages comprising:

a main body; and

a plurality of support arms coupled to the main body, the plurality of support arms being movably supported by the support wall such that each of the plurality of personal care supply packages is movably carried by the carrier device.

18. The container system of claim 16, wherein the personal care supply package is reconfigurable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa, in the folded configuration the plurality of support arms being movably supported by the support wall such that the personal care supply package is movably carried by the carrier device.

19. The container system of claim 16, wherein the upper carrier base extends around a perimeter of the plurality of carrier sidewalls.

20. The container system of claim 16, wherein the personal care supply package further comprises:

a cover portion comprising a remedy chamber, the remedy chamber removably carrying a personal care supply item;

a spine portion; and

a fold coupling the spine portion to the cover portion, the fold facilitating folding the cover portion relative to the spine portion.