GB2518145A

GB2518145A - A mouth favour transport or storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2518145A
Application number: GB1315880.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Saajid Alad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-05
Filing date: 2013-09-05
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-05
Also published as: GB201315880D0; GB2518145B

Abstract

A device for transportation and storage of mouth favours, comprising a plurality of parts capable of defining an interior, wherein at least one part is displaceable to all access to interior, and said interior comprising a displaceable surface. The devices body consists of a bipartite clam-shell arrangement, with lock 6; the body parts describe a substantially flat basal section 2 and arcuate top section 1, forming two bowl like interior faces. The basal section can consist of a deformable material 4, such as silicon allowing for deformation of the basal section which assists in removing the used mouth favours from the interior. Mouth favours will usually consist of Chewing gum, bubble gum, sweets or confectionary.

Description

A MOUTH FAVOUR TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mouth favour transport or storage device, in particular a container; more particularly but not exclusively a transport or storage device for spent chewing gum intended for disposal.

Background

Many people chew gum out of choice or for health benefits. For example chewing gum is recommended for improved oral hygiene or may be used for an anti-smoking treatment, such as a nicotine impregnated gum.

However when disposing of gum there may not be a waste receptacle nearby and therefore an alternative location must be found. Ideally the gum may be placed in a tissue or piece of paper and stored on the user until a waste receptacle is available, however in many instances the gum is dropped on the floor or stuck in an inappropriate place such as under a table or bar top.

Due to the sticky nature of gum in particular it sticks to items and objects and can be difficult to remove. Many businesses and local authorities spend large sums of money on clearing streets, benches and other publicallyaccessible areas of gum that has become stuck. This uses large amounts of time and funds but is often deemed essential to improve or maintain appearance of an area.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese patent application CN 202 279 320 (CHEN) discloses a push type chewing gum box, which belongs to a food package box, and mainly resolves the problem that the taking of chewing gums is not hygienic due to the design of a chewing gum box.

The push type chewing gum box comprises a box cover and a box body. The box cover is connected to one side of the box body. A push plate is disposed in the box body. Two sides of the push plate are respectively provided with a sliding chute, and two sides of the inner wall of the box body are respectively provided with a boss. The boss cooperates with the sliding chute. The lower part of the push plate is provided with a check ring connected to the box body. When people wants to have a chewing gum, one can puèh the push plate of the push type chewing gum box with fingers, and a chewing gum can be pushed into mouth directly, preventing pollution. The push type chewing gum box is small in volume and convenient in carrying.

Chinese utility model CN 201 464 915 (LIN) relates to a new-style um packing box, which comprises a box body and a base. The box body has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the inside of a cavity of the box body is provided with a longitudinal clapboard; a sliding cover is arranged at one end, corresponding to each cavity, of the box body; one end, far away from the sliding cover, of the box body is fixedly connected with the baSe; the base has a hollow structure, the inside of a cavity of the* base is provided with a drawer, and paper scraps are arranged inside the drawer; and the surface of the box body is provided with a key chain and an electronic watch.

During use, gum can be placed in one cavity of the box body, and chewed gum can be placed in the other cavity of the box body; when the chewed gum is placed, the paper scrap in the drawer of the base can be taken out and the chewed gum is placed into the cavity after being wrapped by the paper scrap; the electronic watch on the surface of the box body provides convenience for people to master the time; and the key chain provides convenience for people to carry the box body. The new-style gum packing box has the advantages of simple structure, convenient use, reasonable construótion and the like, endows the gum packing box with new functions, and brings more convenience to people.

Granted United States patent US 8 006 860 (KLEIN) discloses a portable gum container, comprising a body having: a chewing gum holder; a sheet material dispenser for dispensing sheet material sized and shaped for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum; and a waste receptacle sized and shaped to contain said wrapped spent piece of chewing gum.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a mouth favour transport or storage device comprising: a body having a plurality of parts arranged in use to define an interior, wherein at least one part is displaceable to allow access for insertion of a used favour to the interior, and in which said interior comprises a displaceable surface to allow disposal of the favour.

In preferred embodiments the interior is capable of deformation. For example at least one of the parts includes deformable material at least in part The deformable material may comprise an elastomer such as silicone.

In other embodiments the displaceable surface comprises a displaceable sheet. The sheet may be disposed in use over a part of the body. For example in such embodiments the sheet is tear off and a pad of such sheets covers a part of a bipartite clam-shell arrangement for the body.

In most preferred embodiments the body is bipartite of a clam-shell arrangement.

The device may further comprise a lock mechanism for the parts.

Typically the mouth favour comprises chewing gum but may cothprise sweets or other item kept in contact with saliva in a mouth.

Consequently there is typically provided a device for gum comprising: closeable upper and lower parts that together form a sealed interior when closed; into which interior spent gum can S inserted, stored and/or transported, the upper and lower parts being openable to allow insertion, with at least some of the upper part and/or lower part having resiliently deformable materil so as to aid with expulsion of gum from the interior.

In this way the upper art and lower part can be displaced to access the interior into which spent gum can be placed. Consequently, when a waste receptacle is available the device can be emptied by flexing the upper part and/or lower part,. said part comprising the part upon which gum has been placed, in order to cause the gum to be displaced from the device, ideally without the user having to touch the spent gum.

Accordingly in all preferred embodiments any or all the parts of the body in contact with the gum in use, or forming the interior, are provided in a glossy or non-stick finish; to aid in displacement of the gum therefrom.

Preferably the inner faces of the upper part and lower part are smooth and preferably polished so as to allow the chewed gum to be readily emptied from the device and to be less likely to stick. For example the inner faces of the upper part and lower part may be lined with silicone.

In preferred embodiments the device includes at least one lanyard attachment point *as a transportation means, to allow the device to be attached to an independent item, such as a keyring, belt loop or bag, so that a user has a readily available location to store spent gum if a waste receptacle is not available. In other embodiments the transportation means comprises strapping such as a wrist strap, in yet further embodiments the transport means Ideally the upper part and lower part are substantially circular so that the device or body has no sharp edges that may dig into the user when the device is carried or held.

In preferred embodiments the upper part and lower part interior faces are concave at rest so as to define the interior provided for the spent gum when joined together.

Typically said concave faces include a substantially flat basal section and an arcuate top section so as to form two bowl like interior faces, capable of and predominantly or at rest defining a lozenge or disc shape interior.

In preferred embodiments at least part of the upper part and/or lower part is resiliently deformable so as to allow flexure to aid with removable of gum from the interior. In this way the concave upper part or lower part may be flexed to become convex so as to expel the um from the interior. For example a basal section of the lower part may be resiliently deformable, with a rigid top section. In this way the basal section can be readily deformed/stretched and inverted, whilst the top section is rigid maintaining shape of the device in a pock!t and ensuring no collapsing thereof. 35. .

In preferred embodiments only one of the upper part or tower part contains resiliently deformable material with the other part being rigidly formed1 therebi preventing folding or collapsing of the device which may allow spent gum to escape or become stuck to and in the body, for example by becoming stuck to both parts.

Advantageously at least the basal section of one of the parts is capable of deformation, comprising for example a silicone disc with a centrepoint on the part. In other embodiments the basal section of one part comprises a shallow silicone cup with a relatively rigid pop out centre, enabled by a resiliently deformable periphery or joint between the centre and periphery.

In some other embodiments the device may be provided with a displaceable and * disposable liner sheet to prevent gum sticking, so that the gum falls from the interior on the sheet when being emptied. For example a recyclable paper sheet may be.

provided. It may be envisaged that the sheet is advantageously suited to positioning the gum on or in and wrapping the gUm. Alternatively the sheet may provide a pouch into which the gum is accepted. In some embodiments a means of attachment may be provided for the sheet, or plurality of sheets, for example a hook or clip may enable the sheets to be secured within the interior.

In other embodiments the inner faces of the upper part and lower part may be coated with,a non stick material or solution, such as an oil based solid such as wax, or a moisture repellent based coating, liquid or gel.

Preferably the upper part and lower part are hingeably attached so that the upper part and lower, part may be disp'aced from one another in order to access the interior in which spent chewing gum can be stored, whilst allowing the upper part and lower part to remain connected to one another.

In other embqdiments the parts may be slidably engageable or mutually rotatable about a single peripheral axis or point, and/or click fit or snap shut.

In some embodiments the hinge may be formed from a flexibte material such as silicone so as to allow the upper part and lower part to be displaced. In this way the upper part, lower part and hinge may be moulded as one part not requiring a separate hinge wherein a living hinge is active between the parts.

Typically the hinge comprises a metal rod interposed between the parts.

Ideally the hinge is spthng or biased so that when the upper part and lower part are urged apart. Typically the upper part and lower part are held closed by a lock mechénism.

In some embodiments the hinge may also serQe as the lanyard attachment point.

For example the hinge may form or provide a loop, hoop or hole through which a keyring or lanyard can be accepted.

Preferably the device is moulded as one part from two materials, a solid material such as synthetic plastic and a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicone. Therefore manufacturing costs are reduced. For example the rigid material may be over moulded with the resiliently deformable material by a 2-shot injection moulding process to create a seamless bond between the rigid plastic and the flexible silicone ensuring the device is hygienic and easy to clean.

It may be envisaged that the device is made from a temperature stable material so as to capable of being heated, for!xample going through a dishwasher cycle in order to be cleaned and/or be capable of chilling, for examle for placement in a freezer to aid removal of the gum if it becomes stuck.

Typically the upper part and lower pad can be locked together by the lock* mechanism so as to secure the upper part, and lower part together and ensure spent gum is held securely within the interior whilst being carried.

Preferably the lock mechanism comprises an aperture on the lower pad for accepting a projection mounted at or adjacent the periphery of the upper part in order to enable the upper part and lower part to be locked together. Ideally the projection includes, comprises or provides a catch to hold the projection in the aperture securely when the parts are closed.

Advantageously therefore the projection comprises at least, in part a resiliently deformable section, for example living hinge, and hook, which hook is displaced over a latch in the aperture during closure and displaceable under urging from the catch in opening.

In some other embodiments the upper part and lower part may be joined by a clip, clasp or detent mechanism, for example peripheral to the parts and comprising a whole or partial ring, deformable material and at least one catch.

Ideally the device includes a recessed or otherwise target portidn at the lock mechanism so as to guide the user's fingers to the lock mechanism so that the device can be readily opened, even in low lighter darkness.

Preferably the upper part and lower part form a seal when closed. For example the top section may include an 0-ring, or the resiliently deformable material within the upper part and/or lower part may extend to the top section so that when closed the device is watertiht and escape of gum and associated liquids is prevented for hygiene purposes.

In preferred embodiments the device may be coloured, patterned, branded or decorated. For example the device may be provided in different colours, patterns, with a particular logo or image for advertising purposes of with a particular design so as to appeal to different users, for examplewith team colours or a natipnal or country flag. For example the device may be formed from coloured materials or may be printed. Alternatively or additionally the device may be etched, embossed or debossed with text and/or images.

It may be envisaged that the device may be used as a marketing product displaying details of a particular company or campaign.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show a Oross-section of a preferred embodiment of the device open with part deformed and a side view of the embodiment open without part deformed; Figure 2 shows an isometrid view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 closed; Figure 4 shows a front view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1; Figures 5 show reverse isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 open and closed; and Figures 6 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 closed.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the embodiment shown has an interior defined by two parts 1,2, hinged together at a hinge 3 so as to enable closure, said hinge covered and external to the interior, in order that the interior remains entire.

The hinge comprises a lanyard attachment point 9 and living hinge 10.

The parts are rigid plastics, with a basal section 12 and arcuate wall sides 11; creating internally ab approximately similar shape to the external surface.

The4 basal section of one part 2 includes a deformable section 4.

The surface is broken by a cutout or recess 8 to allow interaction with the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism comprises a relatively flexible stalk 5 and hçok 6, which together form a projection; wherein said projection is inserted in use into the aperture in the other part.

Within the aperture there is a catch 7, over and onto which the projection is deformed.

The hook is formed such that it may return over the catch under urging.

The invention has been described by way of examples only arid it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention, With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the ad, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A mouth favour transport or storage device comprising: a body comprising a plurality of pads capable of defining an interior, wherein at least one part is displaceable to allow access for insertion of a used favour to the interior, and said interior comprising a displaceable surface to allow disposal of the favour.
2. A device according to claim I wherein the interior is capable of deformation.
3. A device according to claim I or 2 wherein one of the parts includes deformable material centrally.
4. A device according to any of claims I to 3 wherein the displaceable surface comprises a displaceable sheet.
5. A device according to any of claims I to 4 wherein the body is bipartite of a clam-shell arrangement, with a lock mechanism for the parts.
6; A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein any or all the parts of the body in contact with the gum in use, and forming the interior, are provided in a glossy or non-stick finish; to aid in displacement of the gum therefrom.
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims includes at least one lanyard attachment point.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein interior faces are concave at rest.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the parts describe substantially flat basal sections and an arcuate top sectibns soas to form two -bowl like interiorfaces.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the basal section of one of the parts is capable of deformation, comprising for example a silicone disc with a centrepoint on the part.

*
11. A device according tO any of the preceding claims wherein the basal section of one part comprises a shallow silicone cup with a relatively rigid pop out centre, enabled by a resiliently deformable periphery or joint between the centre and periphery.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein a hinge between the parts is sprung or biased to close.
13. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein a lock mechanism for closure of the parts comprises an aperture on a lower part for accepting a projection mounted at or adjacent the periphery of an upper part.