Personal accessory container with a holder that pivots to present an object when opened

Abstract

A container includes a base and a rotatably connected housing. The housing defines an aperture and a cradle is rotatably mounted therein. The cradle supports an object on its top and the cradle is pivotable between a presentation position and a storage position. An actuatable member is movable to open or close the aperture. Rotation of the base relative to the housing in a first direction drives the actuatable member toward an open position and pivots the cradle toward the presentation position, and rotation in a second direction drives the actuatable member toward a closed position and pivots the cradle toward the storage position. A rod pin on the cradle extends through a C-shaped slot of an internal mechanism that rotates with the base to a passage on the housing. Rotation between the base and housing causes the rod pin to be driven through the passage to different ends of the C-shaped slot, thereby pivoting the cradle.

Description

Background Technology (1) Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to containers for personal ornaments, such as jewelry boxes. More specifically, this invention relates to a container that utilizes one or more mechanical devices to present and store objects.

[0003] (2) Description of related technologies

[0004] Items such as rings, bracelets, brooches, jewelry, pendants, watches, and necklaces are typically housed in accompanying boxes designed to store and display personal ornaments in an attractive manner. Traditional personal ornament boxes often feature a clamshell design with hinges connecting a first and second section. The hinges are usually equipped with mechanisms for biasing the first and second sections together in a closed configuration and for biasing them apart in an open configuration. Generally, the closed configuration is used for storing personal ornaments, while the open configuration is used for displaying them.

[0005] The act of switching between opening and closing a personal decorative box is often a key part of showcasing a personal decorative item, yet traditional personal decorative boxes are not configured to emphasize this action. In short, their contents are rarely noticed during presentation.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 10,315,836 (hereinafter referred to as the "836 Patent"), entitled "METHODS, Us, and APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING AND STORING OBJECTS" and issued on June 11, 2019, is a prior art design of the inventors of this application. The 836 Patent discloses a container for storing objects such as personal ornaments on a movable tray. The container is movable between a storage position and a presentation position. In the storage position, the tray is lowered within the container, and an actuating member of the container is closed. In the presentation position, the tray is raised relative to the storage position, and an actuating member of the container is opened to expose the tray and the object mounted thereon.

[0007] While the design of the '836 patent is effective, the inventors have found that the raising and lowering of the holder disclosed in the '836 patent requires a certain container height to facilitate this vertical movement. However, in some cases, it would be advantageous to make the personal jewelry box less tall than required by the '836 patent, while still providing an attractive mechanical presentation of the object stored within. One example of a potentially advantageous situation is a surprise proposal. The person planning the proposal might wish to carry the engagement ring in a container concealed in a jacket pocket until the occasion arises. A flatter container is easier and more comfortable to store in a pocket. Furthermore, different consumer preferences can be better catered to by having a variety of jewelry containers with different designs. Therefore, there is a need for a personal jewelry box with a presentation mechanism different from that disclosed in the '836 patent. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for presenting and storing an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base and a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the base such that the housing is rotatable relative to the base about a central axis, and the second end defines an aperture about the central axis opposite to the base. A cradle is rotatably mounted within the housing and has a top side including means for detachably attaching an object to the top side of the cradle. The cradle is pivotable between a presenting position and a storing position, in which the top side of the cradle faces the aperture, and in the storing position, the top side of the cradle does not face the aperture. An actuable member is adjacent to the aperture and movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the actuable member at least partially closes the aperture, and in the open position, the actuable member does not close at least a portion of the aperture. Rotation of the base relative to the housing in a first direction drives the actuated member toward the open position and pivots the cradle toward the present position, and rotation of the base relative to the housing in a second direction drives the actuated member toward the closed position and pivots the cradle toward the storage position.

[0009] An exemplary advantage of the exemplary embodiment of the container is that the pivoting motion of the cradle not only enhances the presentation of the items stored therein, but also helps to give the container a reduced vertical height, which may be particularly advantageous in situations such as a surprise proposal or other gift, where the container is concealed in a person's pocket until needed.

[0010] These contents and other advantages and embodiments of the invention will undoubtedly become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in the various figures and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent preferred embodiments thereof:

[0012] Figure 1 According to an exemplary embodiment, a device is shown that is a container for presenting and storing objects, wherein an actuable component of the container is in a closed position.

[0013] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, the following is displayed: Figure 1 The device in which the actuable component is in the open position.

[0014] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, the display forms Figure 1 An exploded view of the equipment's components.

[0015] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A side view of the device.

[0016] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, it is shown that in parallel with Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the device taken from the plane shown in plane AA, where the cradle is pivoted to the present position.

[0017] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment, it is shown that in parallel with Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the device taken from the plane shown in plane AA, where the cradle is pivoted to the closed position.

[0018] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of the double-hole side of a cradle including two pin holes is shown.

[0019] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, it is shown Figure 1 The internal structure of the equipment.

[0020] Figure 9 According to an exemplary embodiment, a curved channel member for defining a channel is shown.

[0021] Figure 10 According to an exemplary embodiment, a flat cross-sectional view is shown that compares a first section through a C-groove passing through a cylinder and a second section through a channel, showing the relative positions of the lever pin in the C-groove and the channel when the cradle is in the storage position.

[0022] Figure 11According to an exemplary embodiment, a flat cross-sectional view is shown that compares a first section through the C-groove 72 passing through the cylinder and a second section through the channel, showing the relative position of the lever pin in the C-groove and the channel when the cradle is in the presented position.

[0023] Figure 12 According to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable component is in the fully closed position and the cradle is in the stored position.

[0024] Figure 13 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage abutting the internal mechanism when the actuable member is in the fully closed position and the cradle is in the stored position.

[0025] Figure 14 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the position of the lever pin in the C-groove controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the fully closed position and the cradle is in the stored position.

[0026] Figure 15 According to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable member is in a partially open position and the cradle is held in a stored position.

[0027] Figure 16 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage abutting the internal mechanism while the actuable member is in the partially open position and the cradle is held in the storage position.

[0028] Figure 17 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the position of the lever pin in the C-groove controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the partially open position and the cradle is held in the stored position.

[0029] Figure 18 According to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable member is in a partially open position and the cradle rotates between a storage position and a presentation position.

[0030] Figure 19 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage abutting the internal mechanism while the actuable member is in a partially open position and the cradle rotates between a storage position and a presentation position.

[0031] Figure 20 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the position of the lever pin in the C-groove controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the partially open position and the cradle rotates between the storage position and the presentation position.

[0032] Figure 21According to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable member is in the open position and the cradle is in the presented position.

[0033] Figure 22 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of the passage abutting the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable member is in the open position and the cradle is in the presented position.

[0034] Figure 23 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the position of the lever pin in the C-groove controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the open position and the cradle is in the presented position.

[0035] Figure 24 According to an exemplary embodiment, a first perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face upward in the presented position.

[0036] Figure 25 According to an exemplary embodiment, a second perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face upward in the presented position.

[0037] Figure 26 According to an exemplary embodiment, a third perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face upward in the presented position.

[0038] Figure 27 According to an exemplary embodiment, a first perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face laterally in a storage position.

[0039] Figure 28 According to an exemplary embodiment, a second perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face laterally in the storage position.

[0040] Figure 29 According to an exemplary embodiment, a third perspective view of a rocker arm lever pin is shown, which is driven by a channel surrounding a pivot pin, such that the rocker arm is rotated to face laterally in the storage position.

[0041] Figure 30 According to an exemplary embodiment, a first perspective view of the housing is shown, which shows the lower side of the housing.

[0042] Figure 31 According to an exemplary embodiment, a second perspective view of the housing is shown, which shows the top side of the housing.

[0043] Figure 32 According to an exemplary embodiment, a first side of a perforated blade containing protrusions is shown.

[0044] Figure 33 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage abutting the internal mechanism while the actuable member is in the fully open position and the cradle is both pivoted and raised to the present position.

[0045] Figure 34 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the relative positions of the pivot pin and lever pin controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the fully open position and the cradle is both pivoted and raised to the present position.

[0046] Figure 35 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage abutting the internal mechanism while the actuable member is in a partially open position and the cradle pivots and moves vertically between a present position and a storage position.

[0047] Figure 36 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the relative positions of the pivot pin and lever pin controlled by the channel while the actuable member is in the partially open position and the cradle pivots and moves vertically between the present position and the storage position.

[0048] Figure 37 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of the passage abutting the internal mechanism is shown when the actuable member is in a partially closed position and the cradle pivots to the storage position while moving vertically.

[0049] Figure 38 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, illustrating the relative positions of the pivot pin and lever pin controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the partially closed position and the cradle pivots to the storage position while moving vertically.

[0050] Figure 39 According to an exemplary embodiment, a side view is shown of the passage of the internal mechanism when the actuable member is in the fully closed position and the cradle is pivoted to the storage position and moved away from the hole.

[0051] Figure 40 According to an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged side view is shown, which illustrates the relative positions of the pivot pin and lever pin controlled by the channel when the actuable member is in the fully closed position and the cradle pivots to the storage position and moves away from the hole. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1A device 10 is shown, which is a container for presenting and storing objects 12 (such as personal ornaments), wherein, according to an exemplary embodiment, an actuable member 14 is in a closed position. The device 10 includes a base 16 and a housing 18, wherein a bottom end 20 of the housing 18 is rotatably connected to the base 16, such that the base 16 and the housing 18 are rotatable relative to each other. The container 10 of this embodiment is substantially cylindrical, and the central axis 22 of the cylinder is also the axis of rotation of the base 16 and the housing 18. The housing 18 also includes a top side 24 defining an aperture 26 surrounding the central axis 22, and an actuable member 14 comprising a plurality of blades 28 overlapping each other to form a variable aperture that closes the aperture 26 in the closed position.

[0053] Figure 2 show Figure 1 The device 10 has an actuable member 14 in the open position. As shown, in the open position, the perforated blade 28 retracts due to relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18, causing the blade 28 to move without closing the orifice 26. Figure 2 In the open position shown, container 10 is open, and an object 12, such as a ring or other jewelry or personal adornment, is presented through hole 26 via a visible cradle 30. In this embodiment, the cradle 30 includes a compartment formed by a slit 32 that enters a flexible foam material forming the top side 34 of the cradle 30. The object 12 to be presented is inserted into the slit 32 and held in place by the friction of the flexible foam material of the cradle 30.

[0054] Figure 3 The formation is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of device 10. These components include a base 16, ball bearings 36, an internal mechanism 38 having a cylinder 40 and an upper annular member 42, a rocker arm 30, two rocker arm pivot pins 44, a rocker arm rod pin 46, a channel member 48, a plurality of eight variable aperture blades 28 forming an actuating member 14, and a housing 18.

[0055] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 The figure shows a side view of device 10. As shown, housing 18 is located on top of base 16. In this embodiment, base 16 includes a small notch 35 surrounding the upper part of base 16. This is primarily for aesthetic purposes. It helps to visually break the connection between the wooden housing 18 and the aluminum base 16. Furthermore, the notch 35 provides some "tolerance" because the wooden housing 18 can be hand-sanded and may therefore rarely have the exact same diameter as base 16. The small notch 35 allows for a tiny difference in diameter between housing 18 and base 16, which appears to be negligible.

[0056] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram illustrates how the cradle 30 pivots between a presenting position and a stored position, wherein in the presenting position, the top side 34 of the cradle 30 pivots toward the hole 26, and in the stored position, the top side 34 of the cradle 30 does not pivot toward the hole 26. Specifically, Figure 5 Shown in parallel Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of device 10 taken from the plane shown in plane AA, wherein the cradle 30 is pivoted to the present position, and Figure 6 Shown in parallel Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of device 10 taken from the plane shown in plane AA, wherein the cradle 30 is pivoted to the closed position.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, in the presented position, the rocker arm 30 rotates so that the top side 34 of the rocker arm 30 and the ring 12 attached thereto are presented to the user through the hole 26. Figure 5 The position of the cradle shown is the same as Figure 2 The opening positions of the actuating member 14 shown correspond to and occur simultaneously. Alternatively, when the actuating member 14 is in the position shown... Figure 1 When in the closed position as shown, the rocker arm 30 rotates 90 degrees into the position as indicated. Figure 6 The storage location is shown. In this way, the ring 12 is held within the internal volume of the device 10 and does not obstruct the movement of the aperture blade 28 to close the aperture 26.

[0058] Figure 7 A perspective view of the double-hole side 52 of the rocker arm 30, including two pin holes 54 and 56, is shown. The pivot hole 54 is provided on the double-hole side 52 and the single-hole side 58 of the rocker arm 30 (see [reference]). Figure 3 The cradle 30 has only one bore side 58 with a pivot hole 54, and a pivot pin 44 is inserted into the pivot hole 54 on either side of 52 or 58, thereby forming a cradle rotation axis 60 through a line formed by the pivot pin 44. Furthermore, at least one side of the cradle 30, 52 or 58, has a pin hole 56 for receiving a rod pin 46. The rod pin 46 extends parallel to the pivot pin 44 but deviates from the rotation axis 60, such that a lateral force applied to the rod pin 46 acts to cause the cradle 30 to pivot about the cradle rotation axis 60.

[0059] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, it is shown Figure 1 The internal mechanism 38 of the device. The internal mechanism 38 includes a cylinder 40 having a bottom end 62 for fixing to the inner race 64 of the ball bearing 36 (see...). Figure 3The cylinder 40 comprises a top 68, which includes an annular member 42 that flares radially outward from the top 68 around a central axis 22. The cylinder 40 has two pivot holes 70 for receiving and rotatably securing pivot pins 44 of the cradle 30. The cylinder 40 also includes a C-groove 72, which is arcuate and traverses a portion of the circle surrounding the pivot holes 70 on at least one side of the internal mechanism 38. The pivot pins 44 of the cradle 30 enter the pivot holes 70 on the cylinder 40, and the rod pins 46 of the cradle 30 on the same side pass through the C-groove 72.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, pivot pin 44 is shorter than rod pin 46. The length of pivot pin 44 allows it to pass through pivot hole 70 on cylinder 40 of internal mechanism 38, but the outwardly extending end 74 of pivot pin 44 (see...) Figure 7 At most, it is flush with the outer wall of cylinder 40. In this embodiment, pivot pin 44 does not extend beyond the outer wall of cylinder 40. Instead, rod pin 46 is longer than pivot pin 44, such that the outwardly extending end 76 of rod pin 46 passes through C-groove 72 and extends outward beyond the outer wall of cylinder 40 for engaging channel 78, which will be described below.

[0061] Figure 9 According to an exemplary embodiment, a curved channel member 48 for defining a channel 78 is shown. The outer surface 80 of the curved channel member is adhesively attached to the inner sidewall of the housing 18, thereby fixing the channel 78 in place relative to the housing 18. Since the channel member 48 is mounted on the housing 18 and the internal mechanism 38 is mounted on the base 16, the same relative movement occurs between the channel 78 and the internal mechanism 38 when relative movement about the central axis 22 occurs between the base 16 and the housing 18. The interaction between the lever pin 46 extending through the C-groove 72 of the internal mechanism 38 and the force applied to the lever pin 46 by the channel 78 controls and drives the cradle 30 in the storage position (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 ) and presentation location (see Figure 5 Rotation between ).

[0062] Figure 10 According to an exemplary embodiment, a flat cross-sectional view is shown comparing a first section 82 through the C-groove 72 of the cylinder 40 and a second section 84 through the channel 78, illustrating the relative position of the lever pin 46 in the C-groove 72 and the channel 78 when the cradle 30 is in the storage position. The following description... Figure 10 and Figure 11The diagram is flat, which means that the curvature of the cylinder 40 of the internal mechanism 38 and the channel 78 surrounding the central axis 22 are removed. Two sections 82 and 84 are cut toward the center of axis 22, and the cradle rotation axis 60 passes longitudinally through the center of pivot pin 44.

[0063] like Figure 10 As shown, channel 78 is formed by two parts: a first part 78a that is substantially flat (horizontal - 0 degrees) and a second part 78b that is angled upwards. The first part 78a of channel 78 is much longer than the second part 78b and is used to hold the rod pin 46 downwards, such that the rod pin 46 is positioned at the bottom end 86 of the C-groove 72. The relative positions of the C-groove 72 and channel 78 are as follows when the base 16 and housing 18 rotate relative to each other: Figure 10 As shown, the force applied to the lever pin 46 by the channel 78 is used to rotate the rocker arm 30, causing it to be in a position as shown. Figure 6 The storage location is shown.

[0064] Figure 11 According to an exemplary embodiment, a flat cross-sectional view is shown that compares a first section 82 through the C-groove 72 of the cylinder 40 and a second section 84 through the channel 78, showing the relative position of the lever pin 46 in the C-groove 72 and the channel 78 when the cradle 30 is in the presented position.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the second portion 78b of channel 78 is used to push the lever pin 46 upward, so that the lever pin 46 is located at the top end 88 of the C-groove 72. When the base 16 and housing 18 rotate relative to each other, the relative positions of the C-groove 72 and channel 78 are as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the force applied to the lever pin 46 by the channel 78 is used to rotate the rocker arm 30, causing it to be in a position as shown. Figure 5 The location shown is displayed.

[0066] As shown, channel 78 guides the rod pin 46 laterally between different ends 86, 88 of the C-slot 72 based on the relative movement between channel 78 and the C-slot 72 (i.e., the relative movement between housing 18 and base 16). In this embodiment, most of this relative movement does not actually cause a change in the angle of the rocker 30, because the rod pin 48 will remain within the first portion 78a of channel 78, thus remaining at the bottom end 86 of the C-slot 72. Only when the relative movement is nearing its end, and the perforated blade 28 is approaching the fully open position, does the second portion 78b of channel 78 come into play to move the rod pin 46 to the top end 88 of the C-slot, thereby rotating the rocker 30 to the presented position.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first portion 78a of the channel 78 is much longer than the second portion 78b, and the second portion 78b is only near the end of the channel 78. This configuration means that the cradle rotation only occurs when the variable aperture formed by the actuable member 14 is substantially open. In this way, the ring 12 or other objects mounted on the top side 34 of the cradle 30 generally do not affect or otherwise obstruct the opening and closing of the aperture blade 28.

[0068] Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 A top view of the internal mechanism 38, a side view of the channel 72 abutting the internal mechanism 38, and an enlarged side view are shown, illustrating the position of the lever pin 46, controlled by the channel 78, within the C-groove 72 when the actuating member 14 is in the fully closed position and the cradle 30 is in the stored position. Relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 positions the lever pin 46 within the first portion 72a of the channel, near the first end 90 of the channel 78. At this relative position between the channel and the cylinder, the lever pin is held at the bottom of the C-groove by the channel, thereby pivoting the cradle to the stored position. In this position, as further explained below, the actuating member moves the blades, causing the variable aperture to be in the fully closed position.

[0069] Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 A top view of the internal mechanism 38, a side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38, and an enlarged side view are shown, illustrating the position of the lever pin 46 within the C-groove 72 controlled by the channel 72 while the actuating member 14 is in the partially open position and the cradle 30 is held in the stored position. Relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 causes the lever pin 46 to remain positioned within the first portion of the channel 78a, i.e., the lever pin 46 moves to be adjacent to but not yet within the second portion 78b of the channel 78. At this relative position between the channel 78 and the cylinder 40, the lever pin 48 is still held at the bottom of the C-groove 72 by the channel 78, thereby pivoting the cradle 30 to the stored position. However, as described below, the actuating member 14 moves the blade 28 such that the variable aperture of the closing orifice 26 is almost fully opened.

[0070] Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20A top view of the internal mechanism 38, a side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38, and an enlarged side view are shown, illustrating the position of the lever pin 46 within the C-groove 72 controlled by the channel 78 while the actuating member 14 is in the partially open position and the cradle 30 rotates between the storage and presentation positions. The relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 positions the lever pin 46 in the second portion 78b of the channel 72, i.e., the upwardly angled portion 78b of the channel 72. Figure 20 As shown. At this relative position between channel 78 and cylinder 40, the rod pin 46 is pushed upwards (but not yet) towards (the top 88 of the C-groove 72) through the angled channel 78b. Figure 19 As shown, the cradle 30 thus pivots between the storage position and the presentation position. Similarly, in this relative position, the actuating member 14 has moved the blade 28, causing the variable aperture to open almost completely. A ring 12 or other object, which can be mounted on the top side of the cradle 30, neither obstructs nor is blocked by the aperture blade 28. Thus, the user can also see the aperture 26 to observe the rotation of the cradle 30, which enhances the presentation of the object 12.

[0071] Figure 21 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 A top view of the internal mechanism 38, a side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38, and an enlarged side view are shown, illustrating the position of the lever pin 46 within the C-groove 72 controlled by the channel 78 when the actuating member 14 is in the open position and the rocker arm 30 is in the presented position. The relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 causes the lever pin 46 to be positioned near the end of the second portion 78b of the channel 78. At this relative position between the channel 72 and the cylinder 40, the angled second portion 78b of the channel 78 pushes the lever pin 46 toward the top 88 of the C-groove 72. Figure 22 As shown, the rocker arm 30 is thus fully pivoted to the presenting position. In this relative position, the actuating member 14 also moves the blade 28, causing the variable aperture to fully open. The object 12 mounted on the top surface 34 of the rocker arm 30 is thus presented to the user through the aperture 26.

[0072] Figures 24 to 29 Various perspective views, according to an exemplary embodiment, show the interaction between the relative positions of the lever pin 46, channel 78, and pivot pin 44 of the rocker 30 in the presented and open positions. Figure 24-26 This shows how the display lever pin 46 pivots via the second channel section 78b, causing the cradle 30 to rotate to the presentation position, and Figure 27-30 This shows how the lever pin 46 pivots through the first channel portion 78a, causing the cradle 30 to rotate to the storage position.

[0073] Specifically, Figure 24 A first perspective view of the lever pin 46 of the rocker arm 30 is shown, which is driven via a second channel portion 78b to a position above the pivot pin 44, such that the rocker arm 30 is rotated upwards in the presented position when viewed from above. Figure 25 A second perspective view of the lever pin 46 of the cradle 30 is shown, which is driven via a second channel portion 78b to be positioned above the pivot pin 44, such that the cradle 30 is rotated upwards in the presenting position when viewed from below. As shown, the lever pin 46 is moved via the second channel portion 78b on the channel member 48 such that the lever pin 46 is vertically positioned above the pivot pin 44, causing the cradle 30 to rotate to the presenting position. In the presenting position, the top side 34 of the cradle 30, which includes a slit 32 for attaching an object 12 such as a ring, faces the center of the open variable aperture 26 formed by the aperture blades 28.

[0074] Figure 26 A third perspective view shows the lever pin 46 of the rocker arm 30, which is driven via channel 78 to a position above pivot pin 44, causing the rocker arm 30 to rotate upwards in the presented position. Figure 26 As shown, the lever pin 46 is located within the second angled portion 78b of the channel 78, such that the lever pin 46 is positioned above the pivot pin 44.

[0075] Figure 27 A perspective view of lever pin 46 is shown, which pivots around pivot pin 44 via channel 78, thereby rotating cradle 30 to a storage position. Figure 28 and Figure 29 An additional perspective view of the first channel portion 78a is shown, which moves the lever pin 46 relative to the pivot pin 44 to ensure that the cradle 30 pivots to the storage position.

[0076] Figure 30 A first perspective view of housing 18 is shown, showing the lower side 92 of housing 18. Similarly, Figure 31 A second perspective view of housing 18 is shown, showing the top side 94 of housing 18. For the sake of completeness, Figure 32 A first side 96 (though not shown) of the perforated blade 28 containing a protrusion 98 is shown; the flipped perforated blades 28 generally appear identical; however, the protrusion 98 is located on the other end 100 of the blade 28. Each perforated blade 28 serves as an actuable member 14 that moves between a closed position and an open position, in which the blade 28 at least partially closes the orifice 26, and in the open position, the blade 28 does not close at least a portion of the orifice 28. The plurality of perforated blades 28 together form a variable aperture that opens and closes according to the relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18.

[0077] In some embodiments, the operation of the variable aperture is similar to that described in prior U.S. Patent No. 10,315,836 (hereinafter referred to as the "836 Patent") entitled "METHODS, Us, AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING AND STORING OBJECTS," granted to the inventors on June 11, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. A brief description is provided below. Figure 8 As shown, the internal mechanism 38 includes an annular member 42 that surrounds a central axis 22 and extends from the end 68 of a cylinder opposite to the base 16. The annular member 42 surrounds a bore 26 and has a plurality of radial tracks 102. The actuating member 14 is formed of a plurality of perforated blades 28, each perforated blade 28 having first and second protrusions 98. The first protrusion 98 of each perforated blade 28 is rotatably connected to the housing 18 at a point adjacent to the bore (see [reference]). Figure 30 The connection point 104 on the lower side 92 of the middle housing 18) and the second protrusion 98 of each perforated blade 28 can translate within the radial track 102 of the plurality of radial tracks 104 on the annular member 42 (see Figure 8 (The track 102 of the annular element 42 in the middle). In this way, the plurality of perforated blades 28 define a variable aperture that has a variable aperture opening that is larger than any variable aperture opening created when the relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 drives the blades 28 into the open position.

[0078] When the base 16 rotates relative to the housing 18 in a first direction, the relative position of the actuating member 14 and the housing 18 drives the orifice blade 28 to gradually close the orifice 26. In other words, the variable aperture is closed. When the base 16 rotates relative to the housing 18 in a second direction, the relative position of the actuating member 14 and the housing 18 drives the orifice blade 28 to gradually close the orifice, i.e., the variable aperture is opened.

[0079] In some embodiments, multiple eight-hole blades 28 are used to provide a tighter variable aperture in the closed position and a good balance of beneficial opening / closing effects.

[0080] like Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the top side 24 of the housing 18 includes a chamfered edge 106 defining the bore 26. In some embodiments, the housing 18 and / or the base 16 are at least partially made of wood. In some embodiments, the housing 18 and / or the base 16 are at least partially made of aluminum. The housing 18 and the base 16 are each independently rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 22. This is achieved in some embodiments by connecting the base 16 and the internal mechanism 38 to the inner race 64 of the ball bearing 36, and further connecting the housing 18 to the outer race 66 of the ball bearing 36 (see [link]). Figure 3 These connections can be achieved using epoxy resin or other adhesives, thereby allowing the base 16 and the internal mechanism 38 to rotate relative to the housing 18.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, container 10 includes a base 16 and a housing 18 rotatably connected to each other. Housing 18 defines an aperture 26, and a rocker arm 30 is rotatably mounted therein. The top 34 of the rocker arm 30 supports an object 12, and the rocker arm 30 is pivotable between a presentable and a storage position. An actuable member 14 is movable to open or close the aperture 26. Rotation of the base 16 relative to housing 18 in a first direction drives the actuable member 14 toward the open position and pivots the rocker arm 30 toward the presentable position, and rotation in a second direction drives the actuable member 14 toward the closed position and pivots the rocker arm 30 toward the storage position. A rod pin 46 on the rocker arm 30 extends through a C-groove 72 of an internal mechanism 38 that rotates with the base 16 to a channel 78 on the housing. Rotation between the base 16 and housing 18 causes the channel 78 to drive the rod pin 46 to different ends 86, 88 of the C-groove 72, thereby pivoting the rocker arm 30.

[0082] Exemplary benefits of some embodiments include a container 10 that is thinner than the container provided in the aforementioned '836 patent. In particular, while the '836 patent only raises and lowers the tray between a presentation position and a storage position, the container 10 according to some embodiments disclosed herein allows the cradle 30 to pivot between the presentation and storage positions. This pivoting of the cradle 30, as disclosed herein, allows the housing 18 and internal mechanisms 38 to have a different vertical height than required for the up-and-down movement of the tray in the '836 patent. In this way, the container 10, as disclosed herein, which only pivots the cradle 30, can be particularly advantageous for situations such as a surprise proposal where the container 10 needs to be concealed in a pocket until the moment of the proposal.

[0083] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0084] For example, although the above description focuses on the container 10 that pivots only the cradle 30 between the presentation position and the storage position, other embodiments are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the lifting and lowering motion of the carriage of the '836 patent and the pivoting motion disclosed herein are simultaneously imparted to the cradle 30. Figures 33 to 38 An embodiment for achieving this effect is shown. Typically, the first portion 78a of channel 78 becomes angled upwards before reaching the second portion 78b of channel 78, which abruptly and directly changes the lever pin 46.

[0085] To help explain this concept, Figure 33 and Figure 34 A side view and an enlarged side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38 are shown, respectively, illustrating the relative positions of the pivot pin 44 and lever pin 46 controlled by the channel 78 when the actuating member 14 is in the fully open position and the cradle 30 is moved to the presented position. Figure 33 As shown, the rocker arm 30 pivots to the presentation position via the positions of the opposing pivot pins 44 and 46, and further rises upwards from this presentation position to near the aperture 26 via the first channel portion 78a. In this position, the actuable member 14 moves the blade 28, causing the variable aperture to fully open. A ring 12 or other object can be mounted on the top side 34 of the rocker arm 30, so that it neither obstructs nor is blocked by the aperture blade 28. Thus, the user can also see the rotation and vertical movement of the rocker arm 30 within the aperture 26, which enhances the presentation of the object 12.

[0086] Figure 35 and 36 A side view and an enlarged side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38 are shown, respectively, illustrating the relative positions of the pivot pin 44 and lever pin 46 controlled by the channel 78 while the actuating member 14 is in the partially open position and the cradle 30 pivots between the present and stored positions. Figure 35 As shown, when the relative movement between the base 16 and the housing 18 begins in the desired direction of the closing hole 26, the rocker arm 30 immediately pivots toward the storage position via the opposing pivot pins and rod pins 44, 46. In this position, the actuating member 14 has just begun to move the blade 28 from the open position, such that the variable aperture is only beginning to close.

[0087] Figure 37 and Figure 38 A side view and an enlarged side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38 are shown, respectively, illustrating the relative positions of the pivot pin 44 and lever pin 46 controlled by the channel 78 when the actuating member 14 is in the partially closed position and the cradle 30 is pivoted to the storage position. Figure 37 As shown, the cradle 30 is fully pivoted toward the storage position via the positions of the opposing pivot pins and lever pins 44, 46, and the cradle 30 also lowers the first portion 78a of the channel 78 to move further away from the aperture 26. In this position, the actuable member 14 partially closes the variable aperture blades.

[0088] at last, Figure 39 and Figure 40 A side view and an enlarged side view of the channel 78 abutting the internal mechanism 38 are shown, respectively, illustrating the relative positions of the pivot pin 44 and lever pin 46 controlled by the channel 78 when the actuating member 14 is in the fully closed position and the cradle 30 is pivoted to the storage position. Figure 39 As shown, the cradle is fully pivoted to the storage position by the opposing pivot pins and lever pins 44, 46, and the cradle 30 is also fully lowered to the first portion 78a of the channel 78 to have the maximum distance from the aperture 26. In this position, the actuable member 14 fully closes the variable aperture blade 28.

[0089] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the cradle 30 both pivots and translates near the hole 26. The presenting position rotates the cradle 30 so that its top side 34 (on which the object 12 mounting device is located) faces the hole 26, and further moves the cradle 30 closer to the hole 26. The storing position rotates the cradle 30 so that its top side 34 does not face the hole 26, and further moves the cradle 30 away from the hole 26.

[0090] While the aforementioned C-groove 72 and / or channel 78 are used to rotate the cradle 30 90 degrees between the present and storage positions, other embodiments have different angles. For example, in other embodiments, the storage position of the cradle 30 can be rotated 60 degrees or even 180 degrees from the present position.

[0091] Additional components, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), other lights, batteries, and switches, can also be added. For example, in some embodiments, container 10 includes a light that is turned on and off by a switch based on the relative rotation of the base and housing. For example, the light may be located within the internal volume 50 of container 10 or within the rocker arm 30 itself. In some embodiments, the switch is turned off when the lever pin 46 passes through the second portion 78b of channel 78 to complete the circuit between the light and the battery, thereby illuminating the rocker arm 30 and the object 12 thereon. In this way, the light is on so that the user can see the pivoting motion of the rocker arm 30, which would otherwise be off to conserve battery power, such as when container 10 is in storage.

[0092] Although the above example has shown a container 10 for holding a personal ornament 12 as an engagement ring, this is merely one application of the container 10. The size and dimensions of the container 10 can be adjusted as needed to accommodate any type of object 12 that will be stored therein and presented when the container 10 is opened. Examples of objects 12 that can be stored and presented using the container 10 disclosed herein include rings, bracelets, brooches, jewelry, pendants, watches, necklaces, etc. Furthermore, although the above embodiment has shown the container 10 as cylindrical, other embodiments are also possible, in which the container 10 has different shapes, such as square, octagonal, etc.

[0093] Although the actuable member 14 is described as being formed by a plurality of aperture blades 28 forming an overlapping variable aperture, other types of designs may also be used, such as non-overlapping blades 28 that do not overlap.

[0094] The function of a single component can be divided into multiple components, or the functions of multiple components can be combined into a single component. For example, although channel 78 is described above as being disposed on the curved member 48 attached to housing 18 using an adhesive, in other embodiments, channel 78 is formed in the inner wall 92 of housing 18. For example, channel 78 may be milled into the side of housing 18, or it may be formed during the manufacture of housing 18 using a plastic injection molding process.

[0095] Although the object 12 stored and presented using container 10 is described as being attached to the top side 34 of cradle 30 via slit 32, other attachment methods are possible. For example, a device for detachably attaching an object to the top side of cradle may include slits, recesses, snaps, pins, magnets, spring-loaded locks, miniature hooks, etc.

[0096] All combinations and arrangements of the above features and embodiments can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for presenting and storing objects, the device comprising: Base; A housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably connected to the base such that the housing can rotate relative to the base about a central axis, and the second end defines a hole about the central axis opposite to the base; A cradle, rotatably mounted within the housing and having a top side, the top side including means for removably attaching the object to the top side of the cradle, wherein the cradle is pivotable between a presenting position and a storage position, in which the top side of the cradle faces the hole, and in the storage position, the top side of the cradle does not face the hole; and An actuable member is adjacent to the hole and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the actuable member at least partially closes the hole, and in the open position the actuable member does not close at least a portion of the hole; The rotation of the base relative to the housing in a first direction drives the actuated member toward the open position and pivots the cradle toward the present position, and the rotation of the base relative to the housing in a second direction drives the actuated member toward the closed position and pivots the cradle toward the storage position.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an internal mechanism within the housing, the internal mechanism having a cylinder fixedly positioned relative to the base such that the cylinder, together with the base, is rotatable relative to the housing about the central axis.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The cradle includes a pivot pin extending from a first side, the pivot pin defining a cradle axis about which the cradle is rotatable; and The cradle also includes a lever pin that extends from the first side parallel to the pivot pin and exits from the cradle axis.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The cylinder has a pivot hole; The pivot pin of the cradle is rotatably secured within the pivot hole; The cylinder also has a C-shaped groove that defines an arc surrounding the pivot hole; and The rocker arm's pin extends into a C-groove and is movable along an arc defined by the C-groove.

5. The device according to claim 4, further comprising: The channel is fixed in place relative to the housing; The cradle's lever pin extends into the channel and can translate within the channel.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The channel is shaped such that: When the base rotates relative to the housing in a first direction, the rod pin is driven to the first end of the C-groove through the channel, thereby pivoting the rocker arm about the rocker arm axis to the presented position; and When the base rotates relative to the housing in a second direction, the rod pin is driven to the second end of the C-groove through the channel, thereby pivoting the cradle about the cradle axis to the closed position.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The channel has a predetermined length, and the lever pin passes through the predetermined length during the rotation of the base relative to the housing from the storage position to the presentation position in a first direction; The channel includes a first channel portion starting from a first end of the channel, the first channel portion holding the rod pin at a second end of the C-groove for a majority of the predetermined length, such that the rocker arm remains pivoted in the closed position when the rod pin is within the first channel portion; and The channel includes a second channel portion shorter than the first channel portion, the second channel portion being angled such that when the lever pin moves to the second end of the channel, it pushes the lever pin to the first end of the C-groove, thereby causing the rocker arm to pivot at one end of the base that rotates relative to the housing in a first direction to the presented position.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The channel is a curved member attached to the housing using an adhesive.

9. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The channel is formed on the inner wall of the housing.

10. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The internal mechanism includes an annular member surrounding the central axis and extending from the end of the cylinder opposite the base, the annular member surrounding the hole and having a plurality of radial tracks.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, The actuable component includes multiple perforated blades, each perforated blade having a first protrusion and a second protrusion.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The first protrusion of each of the said perforated blades is rotatably connected to the housing at a point adjacent to the perforation; and The second protrusion of each of the said perforated blades can translate within a radial track of a plurality of radial tracks on the annulus.

13. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein, The plurality of perforated blades define a variable aperture, which has a larger opening in the open position than in the closed position.

14. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: When the base rotates relative to the housing in a second direction, the relative position of the actuating member and the housing drives the orifice blades to gradually close the orifice; and When the base rotates relative to the housing in a first direction, the relative position of the actuating member and the housing drives the orifice blade to gradually close the orifice.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein, The plurality of perforated blades includes 8-perforated blades.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The second end of the housing also includes a chamfered edge defining the hole.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The shell and the base are respectively rotationally symmetrical about the central axis.

18. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The shell is at least partially made of wood.

19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The casing is at least partially made of aluminum.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The cradle is further configured to translate between a presentation position adjacent to the hole and a storage position away from the hole; The rotation of the base relative to the housing in the first direction further drives the rocker arm toward the hole; and The rotation of the base relative to the housing in the second direction further drives the actuable member away from the hole.

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