Pressure-sensitive flexible button lock and telescopic bag thereof

Abstract

The invention of the present disclosure may be a pressure sensitive locking mechanism comprising a body comprising a flexible portion and an anchoring portion. The locking mechanism may also include a tab disposed on the guard, where the tab may be orthogonal to the guard. In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured in a locked state and an unlocked state, where the tab may be configured to receive pressure, where application of the pressure may be configured to transition the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state, and withdrawal of the pressure may be configured to transition the lock from the unlocked state to the locked state. The locking mechanism may be integrated with the slidable container to achieve a reversible locking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of reversibly lockable devices. Specifically, a pressure-sensitive button locking mechanism and a sliding package thereof are provided. Background Art

[0002] For centuries, people around the world have stored their belongings in containers. Today, there are many containers available to people. These containers are made of various materials in different shapes and sizes. However, many of these containers may be insufficient for a variety of reasons. In particular, many people may seek to store belongings that are not easily accessible to minors. Therefore, containers with easily removable lids or drawers that open effortlessly may be insufficient.

[0003] Many such containers may be equipped with external locks, such as combination or key locks. Further, other containers may not include mounting points for such locks. Such locks may be cumbersome and may reduce available storage space. People may attempt to integrate traditional locking mechanisms into the interior of a container. However, traditional locking mechanisms may limit storage space and may not be easily fitted to pre-existing containers. For example, such containers may include dimensions or geometric features that are unfavorable for an internal locking mechanism for refitting.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a locking mechanism that can be easily fitted into a wide range of containers. It would further be desirable to provide a container utilizing a locking mechanism that is both unobtrusive and protects the container from child access. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention disclosed herein may be a pressure-sensitive locking mechanism, the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism comprising: a flexible portion, the flexible portion comprising a first flexible section, a first flexible bend, a second flexible section, a second flexible bend, a third flexible section, a third flexible bend, a fourth flexible section, a fourth flexible bend, and a fifth flexible section, wherein the first flexible section, the third flexible section, and the fifth flexible section are parallel, wherein the second flexible section and the fourth flexible section are parallel, and wherein the first flexible section, the first flexible bend, the second flexible section, the second flexible bend, the third flexible section, and the third flexible bend form an elbow. The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism may also include an anchoring portion, the anchoring portion comprising a first anchoring bend, a first anchoring section, a second anchoring bend, a second anchoring section, and an anchoring end, wherein the first anchoring section is orthogonal to the second anchoring section. In another embodiment, the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism comprises a guard arranged orthogonally to the first flexible section and a tab arranged on the guard, the tab further arranged orthogonally to the guard. The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism can be configured in a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the protrusion and the elbow can be configured to receive pressure via the protrusion, wherein the application of pressure can be configured to transition the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and wherein the withdrawal of pressure can be configured to transition the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0006] In an embodiment, the tab further includes a first tab edge and a second tab edge, wherein the first tab edge and the second tab edge are orthogonal to the guard; and a tab outer edge, the tab outer edge including a convex curvature relative to the guard, wherein a first tab corner joins the tab outer edge and the first tab edge, and a second tab corner joins the tab outer edge and the second tab edge, wherein the first tab corner and the second tab corner are rounded. The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism may also include: a first outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a second outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a central plane, the central plane disposed between the first outer edge and the second outer edge; a top conduit, the top conduit being defined by at least the first outer edge, the central plane, and the second outer edge; and a bottom conduit, the bottom conduit being defined by at least the first outer edge, the central plane, and the second outer edge, wherein the top conduit is antipodal to the bottom conduit.

[0007] A pressure-sensitive locking container may include a pressure-sensitive locking mechanism (e.g., any embodiment of the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism described herein) and a tray, the tray including a bottom surface, a bottom plate, a spacer, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a lock channel, and an aperture, wherein the bottom surface spans the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, wherein the spacer is arranged on top of the bottom surface, and the bottom plate is arranged on top of the spacer, wherein the lock channel is defined by at least the bottom surface, the spacer, and the bottom plate, and the lock channel is sized to receive at least the flexible portion and the anchoring portion, wherein the tray is configurable to be in a sheathed state and an unsheathed state, and wherein the aperture is sized to receive a tab. The pressure-sensitive locking container may further include a sleeve, the sleeve sized to receive the tray in the sheathed state, the sleeve including a sleeve window, wherein the sleeve window is sized to receive the tab, wherein in the sheathed state, the sleeve window covers the aperture, and wherein the tray may be configured to transition from the sheathed state to the unsheathed state in an unlocked state via removal of the sleeve. In an embodiment, the flexible portion may include a flexible width and the anchoring portion may include an anchoring width, wherein the anchoring width is greater than the flexible width.

[0008] The invention disclosed herein may be a pressure-sensitive locking container comprising two pressure-sensitive locking mechanisms (e.g., any embodiments of the pressure-sensitive locking mechanisms described herein) and a tray, the tray comprising a bottom surface, a bottom plate, a spacer, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first lock channel, a second lock channel, a first orifice, and a second orifice, wherein the bottom surface spans the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, wherein the spacer is arranged on the top of the bottom surface, and the bottom plate is arranged on the top of the spacer, wherein the lock channel is defined at least by the bottom surface, the spacer, and the bottom plate, and the size of the lock channel is determined to accommodate at least the flexible portion and the anchoring portion, wherein the tray can be configured to be in a sheathed state and an unsheathed state, and wherein the size of the first orifice and the second orifice is determined to accommodate these protrusions. In an embodiment, the pressure-sensitive locking container may further include a sleeve sized to receive the tray in a sheathed state, the sleeve may include a first sleeve window and a second sleeve window, wherein the first sleeve window and the second sleeve window are each sized to receive one of the protrusions, wherein, in the sheathed state, the first sleeve window covers the first orifice and the second sleeve window covers the second orifice, and wherein the tray is configured to transition from the sheathed state to the unsheathed state in the unlocked state by removing the sleeve.

[0009] Additional aspects related to the present disclosure are set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure.

[0010] It should be understood that both the foregoing and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure or its application in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description, explain and illustrate the principles of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock.

[0013] Figure 2A-2B Views of a lock in locked and unlocked states respectively.

[0014] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a lock.

[0015] Figure 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the lock.

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lock, for example along a first anchoring section.

[0017] Figure 6-Figure 7 An embodiment of a tray is shown.

[0018] Figure 8A-8B Illustrations of the tray and sleeve in the sheathed and unsheathed states, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which the same functional elements are represented by the same reference numerals. The aforementioned drawings illustrate specific aspects and implementations consistent with the principles of the present disclosure by way of illustration and not limitation. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes and / or substitutions of different elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0020] The invention of the present disclosure may be a lock 100, for example, a pressure-sensitive locking mechanism. The lock 100 may include a body 102, a tab 104, and a guard 106. The guard 106 may be configured to prevent the tab 104 from extending too far outside the aperture. For example, there may be a consistent outward force in the lock 100 to push the tab 104 outward, and the guard 106 may be adapted to prevent such a force from overextending the tab 104. The body 102 may surround various sections and bends that constitute portions of the lock 100 that are not directly interacted with by a user. The tab 104 may be a member configured to receive pressure from a user. For example, the tab 104 may be "pressed" by a user. In an embodiment, the tab 104 may be a planar member, typically located in the same plane as the body 102. The tab 104 and the body 102 may be separated by the guard 106. The guard 106 may be a planar member orthogonal to the body 102 and / or the tab 104. The guard 106 may be a flat component with rounded corners. However, the guard 106 may be any suitable shape or size.

[0021] The body 102 can be composed of two sets of components: a flexible portion 108; and an anchoring portion 128. The flexible portion 108 can be disposed proximal to the guard 106 and the tab 104. The flexible portion 108 can be configured to "bend" or otherwise move in response to pressure applied to the tab 104. However, in different embodiments, each component of the flexible portion 108 can bend to varying degrees. For example, when pressure is applied to the tab 104, components disposed closer to the tab 104 can be displaced more than components disposed further away from the tab 104. Thus, in some embodiments, some components of the flexible portion 108 may not move or may have negligible movement.

[0022] In an embodiment, the flexible portion 108 includes a first flexible section 110, a first flexible bend 112, a second flexible section 114, a second flexible bend 116, a third flexible section 118, a third flexible bend 120, a fourth flexible section 122, and a fourth flexible bend 124. In another embodiment, the flexible portion 108 may also include a fifth flexible section 126. The first flexible section 110 may be in contact with the guard 106 and the first flexible bend 112. In such an embodiment, the first flexible section 110 may be orthogonal to the guard 106. The first flexible bend 112 may be arranged at a ninety degree angle so that the second flexible section 114 is parallel to the guard 106 but orthogonal to the first flexible section 110. The second flexible section 114 may be in contact with the first flexible bend 112 and the second flexible bend 116. The second flexible bend 116 may be arranged at a ninety degree angle so that the third flexible section 118 is parallel to the first flexible section 110. In such an embodiment, the third flexible segment 118 may be arranged between the second flexible bend 116 and the third flexible bend 120. The third flexible bend 120 may be arranged at a ninety degree angle such that the fourth flexible segment 122 is parallel to the guard 106 and the second flexible segment 114. However, in such an embodiment, the fourth flexible segment 122 may be perpendicular to the third flexible segment 118 and the first flexible segment 110. The fourth flexible segment 122 may be arranged between the third flexible bend 120 and the fourth flexible bend 124. The fourth flexible bend 124 may be arranged at a ninety degree angle such that the fifth flexible segment 126 is parallel to the first flexible segment 110 and the third flexible segment 118.

[0023] In an embodiment, the anchoring portion 128 includes a first anchoring bend 130, a first anchoring section 132, a second anchoring bend 134, a second anchoring section 136, and an anchoring end 138. The first anchoring bend 130 may be arranged at a ninety-degree angle such that the first anchoring section 132 is parallel to the second flexible section 114 and the fourth flexible section 122. The first anchoring section 132 may be arranged between the first anchoring bend 130 and the second anchoring bend 134. The second anchoring bend 134 may be arranged at a ninety-degree angle such that the second anchoring section 136 is parallel to the fifth flexible section 126. The second anchoring section 136 may be arranged between the second anchoring bend 134 and the anchoring end 138. The anchoring end 138 may be an edge of the anchoring portion 128 arranged proximal to the guard 106. In such an embodiment, although the anchoring end 138 may be disposed proximate to the guard 106, the anchoring end 138 may not contact the guard 106. Each bend may be curved so that flexure of the lock 100 is more evenly distributed. For example, the curvature of the bend may allow for easier movement under compression. In alternative embodiments, the bends may include square corners or any suitable curvature, geometry, or angle.

[0024] Further, the body 102 may include a first outer edge 140 and a second outer edge 142. The first outer edge 140 and the second outer edge 142 may be edges of the body 102, each extending from the guard 106 to the anchoring end 138. In an embodiment, the flexible portion 108 may have a flexible width, which is generally measured across the flexible portion 108, between the first outer edge 140 and the second outer edge 142. Similarly, the anchoring portion 128 may have an anchoring width, which is generally measured across the anchoring portion 128, between the first outer edge 140 and the second outer edge 142. For example, the flexible width and the anchoring width may be measured as the shortest distance between the first outer edge 140 and the second outer edge 142 at any given cross-section of the body 102, such as a cross-section of the body 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the anchoring width may be greater than the flexible width. Therefore, the anchoring portion 128 having a larger width may be more rigid and inherently more stable than the flexible portion 108. In fact, the flexible portion 108 having a smaller width may be less rigid and inherently more pliable. Thus, the different widths of the flexible portion 108 and the anchoring portion 128 may be configured to achieve sufficient flexibility in the flexible portion 108 component and sufficient rigidity in the anchoring portion 128 component. In addition, the different widths of the flexible portion 108 and the anchoring portion 128 may be configured to reduce material requirements during manufacturing. For example, the flexible portion 108 having a reduced width may require less material, thereby allowing the lock 100 to be manufactured with less material at a lower cost and more efficiently.

[0025] The body 102 may include a top duct 144 and / or a bottom duct 146. The central plane 148 may be disposed between the top duct 144 and the bottom duct 146. Thus, the top duct 144 may be partially defined by the first outer edge 140, the central plane 148, and the second outer edge 142; and similarly, the bottom duct 146 may be partially defined by the first outer edge 140, the central plane 148, and the second outer edge 142. However, the top duct 144 may be disposed opposite or antipodal to the bottom duct 146. The top duct 144, the bottom duct 146, the first outer edge 140, the second outer edge 142, and the central plane 148 may extend from the guard 106 to the anchoring end 138. By incorporating the top duct 144 and the bottom duct 146 into the lock 100, the body 102 may have a reduced weight and also have an advantageous area to be received by a box or container (described in more detail below). Thus, the inclusion of the conduits 144 / 146 can allow the lock 100 to exhibit the necessary flexibility for actuating the tabs 104, the flexibility for moving the flexible portion 108, the rigidity for the stability of the anchoring portion 128, and the flexibility for the lock 100 to reversibly switch between the locked and unlocked states. The inclusion of the rim and conduits can help the lock 100 bend perpendicular to the applied force. For example, by including a thin central plane 148 and rims 140 / 142, such as Figure 5 As shown in , the lock 100 can exhibit both rigidity and flexibility so that the tab 104 can be actuated with an appropriate force. In such an example, the appropriate force can be the strength of an adult's thumb or index finger. In addition, the appropriate force and dexterity required to convert the lock 100 from a locked state to an unlocked state can be configured to be beyond the ability of a child. In addition, as Figure 5 As shown in , the inclusion of the rim and the tube enables the manufacture of a flexible and rigid lock 100 with a reduced amount of material. Therefore, the arrangement of the tube and the rim can further save cost and time during the manufacturing process.

[0026] The tab 104 may include a tab outer edge 150, a first tab edge 152, a second tab edge 154, a first tab corner 156, and / or a second tab corner 158. The tab outer edge 150 may be generally rounded so that the vertex of the curvature occurs at a midpoint between the first tab corner 156 and the second tab corner 158. Thus, the tab outer edge 150 may be formed with a curvature, such as a convex curvature relative to the guard 106. In such an embodiment, the tab outer edge 150 may include a curved portion that protrudes away from the guard 106. However, the tab outer edge 150 may be flat. In different embodiments, the tab outer edge 150 may include any suitable curvature. The tab outer edge 150 may include a curvature that is configured to enable a user to actuate the lock 100. In addition, the first tab corner 156 and / or the second tab corner 158 may be rounded. Thus, the tab edge 150, the first tab corner 156, and / or the second tab corner 158 can be sized to accommodate smooth movement into the box (e.g., an aperture and / or a sleeve window) when the cartridge sleeve is retracted (described in further detail below). In short, the rounded and curved nature of the tab edge 150, the first tab corner 156, and the second tab corner 158 can prevent the tab 104 from getting stuck on the sleeve window when the sleeve is retracted. For example, if the tab 104 is particularly jagged or pointed, the tab edge 150 can negatively engage with the sleeve window even when the tab 104 is actuated, resulting in the tab, sleeve, and tray being combined.

[0027] The tab 104 can further include a first tab edge 152 and a second tab edge 154. The first tab edge 152 can extend from the guard 106 to a first tab corner 156. Similarly, the second tab edge 154 can extend from the guard 106 to a second tab corner 158. Thus, the tab 104 can be defined and / or formed by the first tab edge 152, the first tab corner 156, the tab outer edge 150, the second tab corner 158, the second tab edge 154, and the guard 106.

[0028] In an embodiment, the tab 104 can be arranged orthogonal to the guard 106 and at the center of the guard 106. In addition, the first flexible section 110 can be arranged orthogonal to the guard 106 and at the center of the guard 106. For example, the tab 104 and / or the first flexible section 110 can contact the guard 106 at the center of mass of the guard. The plane of the tab 104 can be parallel to the central plane 148.

[0029] Herein, the first flexible section 110, the first flexible bend 112, the second flexible section 114, the second flexible bend 116, the third flexible section 118, and / or the third flexible bend 120 may be referred to as an "elbow". The size and configuration of the elbow and its components may be determined so that the outermost surface of the guard 106, the outermost surface of the anchoring end 138, and / or the outermost surface of the fourth flexible section 122 are aligned, as shown in FIG. The elbow may be recessed into the center of the lock 100. In addition, the size and configuration of the elbow may be determined so that the tab 104 is positioned closer to the anchoring end 138 than the fourth flexible bend 124. Thus, the elbow may be generally bent inwardly upon receiving pressure from the tab 104. However, there may be sufficient distance between the first anchoring section 132 and the second flexible section 114 to enable the elbow and / or the tab 104 to move sufficiently inwardly to unlock the lock 100. Thus, the fifth flexible section 126 may have a sufficient length to provide sufficient clearance between the elbow and the first anchoring section 132 .

[0030] The lock 100 and / or the elbow in particular may be configured to be in a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, as Figure 2A As shown, the tab 104 may protrude from the lock and the second flexible section 114 may be parallel to the first anchoring section 132. In this locked state, the tab 104 may receive minimal or no pressure from the user. Figure 2B As shown, the tab 104 can be at least partially disposed in the center of the lock 100. For example, the elbow and / or flexible portion 108 can include flexibility or pliability, wherein pressure can be applied to extend the tab 104 behind the outermost surface of the anchoring end 138. In such an example, the rigidity of the elbow and / or flexible portion 108 can be overcome by applying a reasonable pressure to the tab 104. In addition, the elbow and / or flexible portion 108 can include plasticity, wherein the lock 100 returns to a locked state after the pressure is discontinued.

[0031] The disclosed invention may include a tray 200. The tray 200 may include a bottom surface 204, one or more side walls 206 (e.g., a first side wall and a second side wall), a front wall 208, and / or a rear wall 210. In an embodiment, one or more apertures 202 may be disposed on any of the one or more side walls 206, the front wall 208, and / or the rear wall 210. As a non-limiting example, the apertures 202 may be disposed on both side walls 206. However, in another embodiment, the tray 200 may include a single aperture 202.

[0032] refer to Figure 6, the tray 200 may include a bottom surface 204, a bottom plate 224, a spacer 226, and a lock channel 228. The bottom surface 204 may be a planar member disposed between the bottoms of the side walls 206, the front wall 208, and the rear wall 210. The spacer 226 may be disposed on top of the bottom surface 204. In addition, the bottom plate 224 may be disposed on top of the spacer 226. The spacer 226 and the bottom plate 224 may also be flat planar members. The spacer 226 may include a cutout such that the lock channel 228 is formed between the bottom surface 204, the bottom plate 224, and the spacer 226. Thus, the lock channel 228 may be sized to receive the lock 100. Thus, the height of the spacer 226 may be related to the height of the first outer edge 140 and / or the second outer edge 142. The lock channel 228 and / or the spacer 226 may be sized such that the first anchoring section 132 contacts the spacer 226. In such an embodiment, the spacer 226 also acts as a backstop for the lock 100. Thus, a user can apply pressure to the tab 104 so that the tab 104, the elbow, and / or the flexible portion 108 enter deeper into the lock channel 228, wherein the spacer 226 prevents movement of the first anchoring section 132. To prevent horizontal movement of the lock 100, the lock channel 228 can be sized such that the fifth flexible section 126, the first anchoring section 132, and the second anchoring section 136 all contact the spacer 226. In such an embodiment, the fifth flexible section 126, the first anchoring section 132, and the second anchoring section 136 can contact the spacer 226 via the second outer edge 142.

[0033] The tray 200 may include more than one aperture 202. For example, a first aperture may be disposed on a first sidewall and a second aperture may be disposed on a second sidewall. The aperture 202 may be disposed at a distance from the bottom surface 204 such that when the lock 100 is disposed within the lock channel 228, the tab 104 extends through the aperture 202.

[0034] In embodiments where the tray 200 includes more than one aperture 202, the spacer 226 may include more than one cutout such that more than one lock channel 228 is formed by the bottom surface 204, the spacer 226, and the bottom plate 224. In embodiments, the locks 100 may be arranged in any orientation sufficient to achieve actuation of the locks 100 and removal of the sleeve 214. For example, two locks 100 may be arranged along opposing side walls 206, wherein the fifth flexible section 126 of each of the two locks 100 is closer to the front wall 208 than the second anchoring section 136. In such non-limiting examples, the two locks 100 may have a chirality such that the two locks 100 are mirror images. In alternative non-limiting examples, the second lock 100 may be flipped relative to the first lock 100 along the first axis and the second axis.

[0035] refer to Figure 8A-8B, the sleeve 214 can be reversibly disposed over the tray 200. The sleeve 214 can be a rectangular member having a cavity 216 that is sized to receive the tray 200. The sleeve 214 can include a front sleeve opening 218 and / or a rear sleeve opening 220. In addition, the sleeve 214 can include one or more sleeve windows 222, wherein the sleeve windows 222 can be positioned over the aperture 202 when the sleeve 214 is in the sheathed state. In the sheathed state, the sleeve 214 can surround the tray 200. In the unsheathed state, the sleeve 214 can be removed from the tray 200. Thus, in the sheathed state, one or more tabs 104 can extend through the one or more apertures 202 and the sleeve windows 222.

[0036] In an embodiment, the tray 200 can be converted from the sheathed state to the unsheathed state by compressing one or more tabs 104 and withdrawing the sleeve 214 from the tray 200. In such an embodiment, the user can compress the tabs 104 a distance where the tab outer edge 150 leaves the sleeve window 222. In effect, the tabs 104 extending through the sleeve window 222 can be used to lock the sleeve to the tray 200. Thus, by removing the tab 104 obstruction from the sleeve window 222, the tray 200 and sleeve 214 can be "unlocked."

[0037] The tray 200 may include two apertures 202 and two locks 100; and the sleeve 214 may include two sleeve windows 222. In such an embodiment, each of the two locks 100 may be disposed on an opposing side wall. In addition, each of the two locks 100 may be disposed on an opposing end of the tray 200 (e.g., the first lock 100 may be disposed on a side wall portion adjacent to the rear wall 210, and the second lock 100 may be disposed on a side wall portion adjacent to the front wall 208, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As a non-limiting example, a tray 200 with two locks 100 may require a user to use two hands and / or two fingers to depress both tabs 104 and remove the sleeve 214. In such an example, the tray 200 and sleeve 214 may be "child-proof," "child-resistant," or "tamper-resistant." However, such an embodiment may achieve compression of both tabs 104 by compression with one hand, for example, by grasping the underside of the tray 200 and compressing the first tab with the person's thumb and the second tab with the person's ring finger.

[0038] In an embodiment, the lock 100 may be made of plastic. For example, the plastic may have enough flexibility, rigidity and plasticity to enable conversion between a locked state and an unlocked state. However, the lock 100 may be made of any suitable material. The material of the lock 100, the tray 200 and / or the sleeve 214 may be environmentally friendly. For example, the use of plastic may be minimized. However, in one embodiment, the lock 100 may be made of plastic. The lock 100 may also be made of polylactic acid (PLA) or other suitable materials made of corn. The sleeve 214 may include a polypropylene layer. Therefore, the polypropylene layer may improve the rigidity and integrity of the sleeve 214. For example, the polypropylene layer may prevent children from tearing, ripping or chewing the sleeve 214. In another embodiment, the tray 200 may include a polypropylene layer. The sleeve 214, the tray 200 and / or the lock 100 may be manufactured so that they are compostable.

[0039] When the tab 104 is outside the sleeve 214, the tab 104 can return to the "locked state", but the tray 200 is actually "unlocked". For example, when the sleeve 214 is completely arranged on the tray 200, the lock 100 is in the locked position. In such an example, the actuation of the lock 100 via pressure can cause the lock 100 to switch to the unlocked position. In addition, the retraction of the sleeve 212 can maintain the lock 100 in the unlocked position because the sleeve 214 can maintain sufficient pressure on the lock 100 when the sleeve 214 is removed. However, once the sleeve 212 (214) has the tab 104, the lock 100 can return to the locked state, while the sleeve 214 and the tray 200 are separated.

[0040] Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pressure-sensitive locking mechanism, comprising: a flexible portion comprising a first flexible section, a first flexible bend, a second flexible section, a second flexible bend, a third flexible section, a third flexible bend, a fourth flexible section, a fourth flexible bend, and a fifth flexible section, The first flexible section, the third flexible section and the fifth flexible section are parallel. wherein the second flexible section is parallel to the fourth flexible section, and wherein the first flexible section, the first flexible bend, the second flexible section, the second flexible bend, the third flexible section and the third flexible bend form an elbow; an anchoring portion, the anchoring portion comprising a first anchoring bend, a first anchoring section, a second anchoring bend, a second anchoring section and an anchoring end, wherein the first anchoring section is orthogonal to the second anchoring section; a guard member, the guard member being arranged orthogonal to the first flexible section; a lug disposed on the guard, the lug being further disposed orthogonal to the guard; and The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism can be configured in a locked state and an unlocked state. wherein the protrusion and the elbow are configured to receive pressure via the protrusion, wherein the application of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and Wherein, the withdrawal of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state.

2. The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the tab further comprises: a first tab edge and a second tab edge, the first tab edge and the second tab edge being orthogonal to the guard; a tab outer edge, the tab outer edge comprising a convex curvature relative to the guard; a first tab corner joining the tab outer edge and the first tab edge; and a second lug corner, the second lug corner connecting the lug outer edge and the second lug edge, Wherein, the first tab corner and the second tab corner are rounded.

3. The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising: a first outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a second outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a central plane disposed between the first outer edge and the second outer edge; a top duct defined by at least the first outer edge, the central plane, and the second outer edge; and a bottom duct, the bottom duct being defined at least by the first outer edge, the central plane and the second outer edge, Wherein, the top pipe is opposite to the bottom pipe.

4. A pressure-sensitive locking container, comprising: A pressure-sensitive locking mechanism, the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism comprising: a flexible portion comprising a first flexible section, a first flexible bend, a second flexible section, a second flexible bend, a third flexible section, a third flexible bend, a fourth flexible section, a fourth flexible bend, and a fifth flexible section, The first flexible section, the third flexible section and the fifth flexible section are parallel. wherein the second flexible section and the fourth flexible section, and wherein the first flexible section, the first flexible bend, the second flexible section, the second flexible bend, the third flexible section and the third flexible bend form an elbow; an anchoring portion, the anchoring portion comprising a first anchoring bend, a first anchoring section, a second anchoring bend, a second anchoring section and an anchoring end, wherein the first anchoring section is orthogonal to the second anchoring section; a guard member, the guard member being arranged orthogonal to the first flexible section; a lug disposed on the guard, the lug being further disposed orthogonal to the guard; and The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism can be configured in a locked state and an unlocked state. wherein the tab and the elbow are configured to receive pressure via the tab, wherein application of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and wherein the withdrawal of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state; A tray comprising a bottom surface, a bottom plate, a spacer, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a lock channel, and an aperture, wherein the bottom surface spans the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, wherein the spacer is arranged on top of the bottom surface, and the bottom plate is arranged on top of the spacer, wherein the lock channel is defined by at least the bottom surface, the spacer, and the bottom plate, and wherein the lock channel is sized to receive at least the flexible portion and the anchoring portion, Wherein, the tray can be configured to be in a sheathed state and an unsheathed state, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the tab; and a sleeve sized to receive the tray in the sheathed state, the sleeve including a sleeve window, wherein the sleeve window is sized to receive the tab, wherein, in the sheathed state, the sleeve window covers the aperture, and Wherein, the tray is configured to be converted from the sheathed state to the unsheathed state by removing the sleeve in the unlocked state.

5. The pressure-sensitive locking container according to claim 4, wherein the tab further comprises: a first tab edge and a second tab edge, the first tab edge and the second tab edge being orthogonal to the guard; a tab outer edge, the tab outer edge comprising a convex curvature relative to the guard; a first tab corner joining the tab outer edge and the first tab edge; and a second lug corner, the second lug corner connecting the lug outer edge and the second lug edge, Wherein, the first tab corner and the second tab corner are rounded.

6. The pressure-sensitive locking container according to claim 4, further comprising: a first outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a second outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a central plane disposed between the first outer edge and the second outer edge; a top duct defined by at least the first outer edge, the central plane, and the second outer edge; and a bottom duct, the bottom duct being defined at least by the first outer edge, the central plane and the second outer edge, Wherein, the top pipe is opposite to the bottom pipe.

7. The pressure sensitive lock container of claim 4, the flexible portion comprising a flexible width, and the anchoring portion comprising an anchoring width, in, The anchoring width is greater than the flexible width.

8. A pressure-sensitive locking container, comprising: Two pressure sensitive locking mechanisms, each pressure sensitive locking mechanism comprising: a flexible portion comprising a first flexible section, a first flexible bend, a second flexible section, a second flexible bend, a third flexible section, a third flexible bend, a fourth flexible section, a fourth flexible bend, and a fifth flexible section, The first flexible section, the third flexible section and the fifth flexible section are parallel. wherein the second flexible section and the fourth flexible section, and wherein the first flexible section, the first flexible bend, the second flexible section, the second flexible bend, the third flexible section and the third flexible bend form an elbow; an anchoring portion, the anchoring portion comprising a first anchoring bend, a first anchoring section, a second anchoring bend, a second anchoring section and an anchoring end, wherein the first anchoring section is orthogonal to the second anchoring section; a guard member, the guard member being arranged orthogonal to the first flexible section; a lug disposed on the guard, the lug being further disposed orthogonal to the guard; and The pressure-sensitive locking mechanism can be configured in a locked state and an unlocked state. wherein the tab and the elbow are configured to receive pressure via the tab, wherein application of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and wherein the withdrawal of the pressure is configured to switch the pressure-sensitive locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state; A tray comprising a bottom surface, a bottom plate, a spacer, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a lock channel, a first aperture, and a second aperture, wherein the bottom surface spans the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, wherein the spacer is arranged on top of the bottom surface, and the bottom plate is arranged on top of the spacer, wherein the lock channel is defined by at least the bottom surface, the spacer, and the bottom plate, and wherein the lock channel is sized to receive at least the flexible portion and the anchoring portion, wherein the tray can be configured to be in a sheathed state and an unsheathed state, and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are sized to receive the tab; and a sleeve sized to receive the tray in the sheathed state, the sleeve comprising a first sleeve window and a second sleeve window, wherein each of the first sleeve window and the second sleeve window is sized to receive one of the tabs, wherein, in the sheathed state, the first sleeve window covers the first orifice, and the second sleeve window covers the second orifice, and Wherein, the tray is configured to be converted from the sheathed state to the unsheathed state by removing the sleeve in the unlocked state.

9. The pressure sensitive locking container of claim 8, each tab further comprising: a first tab edge and a second tab edge, the first tab edge and the second tab edge being orthogonal to the guard; a tab outer edge, the tab outer edge comprising a convex curvature relative to the guard; a first tab corner joining the tab outer edge and the first tab edge; and a second lug corner, the second lug corner connecting the lug outer edge and the second lug edge, Wherein, the first tab corner and the second tab corner are rounded.

10. The pressure sensitive locking container according to claim 8, further comprising: a first outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a second outer edge extending from the guard to the anchoring end; a central plane disposed between the first outer edge and the second outer edge; a top duct defined by at least the first outer edge, the central plane, and the second outer edge; and a bottom duct, the bottom duct being defined at least by the first outer edge, the central plane and the second outer edge, Wherein, the top pipe is opposite to the bottom pipe.

11. The pressure sensitive lock container of claim 8, the flexible portion comprising a flexible width, and the anchoring portion comprising an anchoring width, in, The anchoring width is greater than the flexible width.

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