Container insert for lifting contents

Abstract

A container insert for elevating liftable contents includes a shaft. A base is attached to the bottom end of the shaft. A movable platform is slidingly disposed on the shaft. The platform is configured to support liftable contents in the container and to slide from the bottom end of the shaft towards the top end of the shaft and stopping at one of a plurality of discrete points along the length of the shaft without retreating towards the bottom end. The shaft includes a plurality of engagement details (e.g., indentations) defining the plurality of discrete points. In an embodiment, latches are operably coupled to the platform and configured to pivot from an engaged position to a released position under the influence of weight and or buoyancy as the insert is inverted and returned to an upright position. The latches which engage the engagement details in the engaged position prevent the platform from retreating towards the bottom end when the latch is in the engaged position. In another embodiment the container insert includes a shaft with engagement projections, such as a plurality of resilient fingers defining the plurality of discrete points. Each finger is configured to pivot from an angled engagement position to a bent release position with the finger urged against the shaft, and the fingers are configured to prevent the platform from retreating towards the bottom end when the latch is in the engaged position. A central opening of the platform is configured to urge the engaged finger against the shaft and allow the urged finger to pass through the central opening when the insert is inverted due to weight of the platform.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 60 / 927,536, filed May 3, 2007, and U.S. provisional application 60 / 934,411 filed Jun. 13, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to containers, and more particularly, to a container insert for lifting contents.BACKGROUND[0003]Quantities of many small items are frequently packaged in containers that have an open top and a removable closure means, such as a cap or lid. By way of example and not limitation, such containers are typically used to store food items, pharmaceuticals and health supplements. Food items such as olives and pickles are frequently immersed in liquid brine contained in jars with removable caps. Medicinal pills and capsules are often stored in jars with removable caps. While such containers are convenient, inexpensive and effective for storing a wide array of items...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]An object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a container insert with a shaft and movable platform for lifting contents and means for preventing retreating motion of the platform at discrete points along the length of the shaft, while also providing means for allowing advancing motion when the insert is inverted.

Problems solved by technology

While such containers are convenient, inexpensive and effective for storing a wide array of items, they impede retrieval of contained items as the quantity of items is depleted.

However, as the contained olives are removed, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove additional olives by hand without tipping the jar or using a utensil.

The problem arises because fingers cannot reach deep into the jar in a manner that enables grasping.

Using a utensil is inconvenient and often a last resort.

Even with a utensil, it may be difficult to scoop or stab and retrieve a floating or rolling olive.

Tipping the jar often results in a regrettable mess.

Likewise, it becomes increasingly difficult to retrieve softgel capsules from a container as the capsules are consumed.

Eventually, the capsules on the bottom are out of reach and may even be stuck to the bottom of the container.

Overturning and vigorously shaking the container may be insufficient to free the bottom capsules.

Of course, the difficulty in retrieving small items from a container with an opening small enough to prevent easy entry of a hand is not unique to food and pharmaceuticals.

Such difficulty exists with any small items stored in containers that have openings too small to receive a hand.

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