Lockable storage device and method of use

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for providing lockable storage devices, such as locked pill holders for tissue and temporary storage of medicaments. The devices and methods of use of the present invention provide secure storage and also facilitate rapid access to the contents of those devices by users familiar with the operation of the storage devices. Features of the present invention provide increased integrity over known storage devices.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 500,195, filed May 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Devices and methods are provided for lockable storage, particularly suitable for organizing and storing pills or other items where instantaneous storage and uncomplicated access is desired. BACKGROUND

[0003] Storage containers can have various sizes and shapes. Some of these known devices include a medication organizer in which a user can remove prescription or over-the-counter medications from their packaging and sort the pills by dosage. Some of these devices include seven separate compartments to store a week’s medication divided into daily doses. Other medication organizers can include 14 separate compartments, allowing a week’s medication to be stored divided into morning and evening doses. Other configurations exist. Of course, such storage containers need not be limited to storing medication, but can be used to store other items such as earrings, candy, and other miscellaneous items of appropriate size.

[0004] To prevent the storage container from being accidentally opened, it is desirable to provide a closure system that locks in place. The desire to maintain the security of the storage container is balanced against the desire to provide a way to unlock the container without undue force or complicated steps, so that it can be performed by a person with arthritis or whose flexibility is otherwise limited.

[0005] While medication organizers are known and readily available, existing systems suffer from various drawbacks. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005 / 0218031 discloses a pill organizer having compartments for holding medication divided into seven day doses, where the compartments include a hinged lid. Such a device lacks a secure closing system and can be opened in undesirable circumstances. For example, such a device, when placed in a wallet or carried bag while traveling, can be opened due to forces applied to the underside of the tip of the lid, causing the medication to spill out.

[0006] Other known storage systems include sliding lids. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0297580 discloses a storage system having a slidable lid. The device disclosed in that application includes a configuration that can cause a user to be pinched when returning the open lid to the closed position. Further, when the lid of such a system is opened, the lid can be subject to dislocations if exposed to a tilting force, which can affect the operability of the lid.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide lockable storage devices and methods of use that provide secure containment of items, also allowing a user with limited dexterity to open the device and access the items therein.

[0008] There is also a need in the art to provide lockable storage devices and methods of use that prevent accidental opening, such as accidental opening due to a force applied to the underside of the tip portion of the closure cap.

[0009] There is also a need in the art to provide lockable storage devices and methods of use that reduce the likelihood of injury to a user when operating the device due to crushing or other mechanical interference.

[0010] There is also a need in the art to provide lockable storage devices and methods of use that reduce the likelihood of inoperability due to a tilting force acting on the open cap. SUMMARY

[0011] According to the principles of the present invention, lockable storage devices and methods of use are provided that overcome the shortcomings of previously known storage systems. In particular, devices constructed according to the present invention provide secure containment of items while allowing a user with limited dexterity to access. Devices constructed according to the present invention further prevent accidental opening, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to a user and reducing the likelihood of inoperability due to a tilting force acting on the open cap.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a lockable container for holding pills includes a housing defining a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses including a guide. The embodiments further include a plurality of caps, each of the plurality of caps configured to lock a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses in a closed position, each cap including a slidable base and a cantilevered arm extending from a top surface of the slidable base, wherein a free end of each cantilevered arm includes a protrusion extending therefrom, the cap is configured to be slidably coupled to the corresponding guide, and the slidable base includes a receptacle. In these embodiments, the cantilevered arm is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to an application of an opening force, such that the protrusion moves into the receptacle to unlock the cap and allow the slidable base to slide relative to the corresponding recess, thereby opening the corresponding recess.

[0013] In some of these embodiments, each of the plurality of covers further comprises a bottom surface comprising a stop member, and each bottom surface can further comprise a lower extension defining a corresponding receiving portion. Further, each lower extension can comprise a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the corresponding cover is in the closed position. In some embodiments, each protrusion is configured to engage the housing when the corresponding cantilever is in the first position. The housing of some embodiments further comprises a crossbar configured to prevent the cover from sliding along the corresponding guide when the cantilever is in the first position, and in some of these embodiments, the cantilever is configured to slide under the crossbar when the cantilever is in the second position to allow the cover to be unlocked, thereby opening the corresponding recess. In some embodiments, the engagement between the protrusion and the housing occurs with an audible sound when the cover transitions to the closed position to indicate that the cover is locked. And in some embodiments, each slidable base comprises a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the corresponding cover is in the closed position.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, a lockable container comprises a housing defining a recess comprising a guide, a cover configured to lock the recess in a closed position, the cover comprising a slidable base and a cantilever extending from a top surface of the slidable base, wherein a free end of the cantilever comprises a protrusion extending therefrom, the cover being configured to be coupled to the guide in a slidable manner, and the slidable base comprising a receiving portion, wherein the cantilever is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to the application of an opening force, such that the protrusion moves into the receiving portion to unlock the cover and allow the slidable base to slide relative to the recess, thereby opening the recess.

[0015] In some of these embodiments, the cover further comprises a bottom surface comprising a stop member, and the protrusion can be configured to engage the housing when the cantilever is in the first position, and / or the housing can further comprise a crossbar configured to prevent the cover from sliding along the guide when the cantilever is in the first position. In some of these latter embodiments, the cantilever is configured to slide under the crossbar when the cantilever is in the second position to allow the cover to be unlocked, thereby opening the recess. In some embodiments, the engagement between the protrusion and the housing occurs with an audible sound when the cover transitions to the closed position to indicate that the cover is locked. In some embodiments, the bottom surface further comprises a lower extension defining the receiving portion. And in some embodiments, the lower extension comprises a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the cover is in the closed position.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of operating the apparatus. In some embodiments, there is provided a device such as one of the above-described apparatuses. Assembly of the device is achieved by coupling each cover to its corresponding guide, and sliding the cover onto the recess until the cantilever moves to the first position.

[0017] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of using the apparatus. There is provided an apparatus such as the above-described apparatus. A user desiring access to the recess can open the cover by applying a force to the cantilever sufficient to move the cantilever from the first position to the second position. The user then applies a sliding force to the cover oriented towards the free end of the cantilever sufficient to slide the cover relative to the guide, thereby providing access to the corresponding recess.

[0018] One of skill in the art will understand that these and other advantages can be obtained from the application disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The above objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other objects, features and advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the application. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to denote like parts throughout the various views. The embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4A is a top view of an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D are cross-sectional views of a locking recess, an unlocking recess and an opening recess, respectively, of an exemplary lockable storage device of Figure 4A

[0025] Figure 5 is a front view of an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application; ​

[0026] Figures 6A to 6G are, respectively, perspective, top, side, front, side, perspective, and bottom views of an exemplary lid for a lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application;

[0027] Figure 7 is a flowchart for assembling a lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application; and

[0028] Figure 8 is a flowchart for using a lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present application relates to devices, systems, and methods for providing lockable storage, and is applicable to the momentary storage and organization of loose items. More specifically, the systems and methods of the present application enable medications to be moved from their original containers and stored in one or more groups based on dosage. Applications of the present system and methods include the organization of a plurality of different medications into daily groupings that include a desired dosage of each of the different medications. Such a design provides a convenient way to transport medications in a secure, lockable container that is highly resistant to accidental opening when jostled in a purse or backpack.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 , an exemplary lockable storage device according to the principles of the present application is described. The storage device 100 is exemplarily provided with seven separate storage compartments, in order to organize and separately hold medications or other items for ease of daily access. The storage device 100 includes a housing 102 that defines portions of the storage compartments. Specifically, the storage compartments include recesses defined by the housing 102, and the recesses can be accessed by opening slidable lids 104. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the storage device 100 includes lids 104a-104g, each of which corresponds to a separate storage compartment. Each lid 104 includes a cantilevered arm 106 that can be manipulated by a user in the course of opening the corresponding storage compartment, as explained in greater detail below.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lids 104 include cantilevered arm markings 108 on the cantilevered arms 106. For example, the lid 104e includes a cantilevered arm marking 108e on the cantilevered arm 106e that includes text and an arrow graphic that provide instructions for unlocking and opening the lid 104e. Other optional markings on the storage device 100 include lid markings 110 that can indicate the contents of the corresponding storage container or can convey other information, such as the date on which the storage container was opened and the contents were accessed. Referring to Figure 1 The latter example is described by way of the lid markings 110a-110g, which correspond to the seven days of a week.

[0032] In some embodiments, indicia are provided on the housing 102. The housing indicia 112 can include warnings, information related to the contents of the storage containers, graphics, Braille, or other tactile or textured surface conditions. In some preferred embodiments, the cap indicia 110 correspond to the housing indicia 112, thereby designating a specified order in which the caps are placed relative to the housing 102. This order can correspond to the days of the week (as depicted in Figure 1 some preferred embodiments) or other desired order. In some embodiments, the caps 104 are interchangeable and can be provided with different cap indicia 110 and / or colors, such that a user can select her own desired order of the caps 104 relative to the housing 102.

[0033] It will be appreciated that other configurations of storage devices in accordance with the principles of the present application can be provided. For example, storage devices having more or fewer storage containers than the storage device 100 can be provided, including storage devices comprising only a single storage container or 14 or more storage containers.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2 The storage device 100 is further described. In contrast to Figure 1 the cap 104e has been moved to a position in which the storage container is open, thereby exposing the recess 114e. In this regard, the cap 104e is in slidable engagement with a guide 116e, which in some embodiments is a groove, rail, or track, and this interaction between the guide 116e and the cap 104e facilitates maintaining the proper alignment of the cap 104e as it transitions between the open and closed configurations. In addition, the cantilever 106e includes a protrusion 118e that is configured to engage with a crossbar 120 of the housing 102 when the cap 104e is in the closed position.

[0035] Referring to Figure 3 The storage device 100 is further described, depicting the cap 104e separated from the housing 102. It will be appreciated that the cap 104e is sized to be received within an opening 122e of the housing 102. Other attributes of the cap 104e include a receptacle 124e that is sized and positioned to accommodate the protrusion 118e when sufficient force is applied to the cantilever 106e to deflect the cantilever 106e downward. A bottom surface of the receptacle 124e is defined by a lower extension 126e that extends downward from a bottom of the cap 104e. To accommodate the lower extension 126e, the opening 122e includes a notch 128e.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the interaction of the lower extension 126e and the notch 128e provides an additional interaction area between the lid 104e and the housing 102 when the lid 104e is coupled to the housing 102. Advantageously, if the lid 104e is bumped or jostled, the interaction between the lower extension 126e and the housing 102 via the notch 128e provides additional support and reduces the likelihood of adversely affecting the operability of the storage device 100 due to misalignment of the lid 104e.

[0037] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D Additional features of the storage device 100 are described. Referring to Figure 4A A top view of the storage device 100 is described, with the lid 104g in an open position. When the lid 104 is in a closed position, the front surface 130 of the lid 104 and the front surface 132 of the lower extension 126 extend beyond the opening 122. It has been found that extending the front surface 130 or the front surface 132 beyond the opening 122 is more advantageous than other sliding lid designs, as this reduces the likelihood of pinching a user’s finger when closing the lid. Other designs that level the front surface of the lid with the front of the opening to accommodate the lid have resulted in unintentionally and undesirably pinching a user’s finger when the lid is closed. In the design of the storage device 100, this issue is overcome by providing an offset between the user’s finger and the opening 122 when the lid 104 is moved to a fully closed position.

[0038] Another feature is the contour 134 of the lid 104g. It will be appreciated that the configuration and shape of each lid 104 can vary. For example, the lid 104g is associated with a storage container that has rounded corners than the corners associated with the lids 104b to 104g. Accordingly, the lid 104g includes a contour 134 that corresponds with the inner surface of the recess 114g to provide a tighter fit when closed.

[0039] Additional features of the storage device 100 are described with reference to cross sections of the storage device 100 taken along sections A-A, B-B and C-C, which correspond to the storage container with the lid 104 closed and locked, the lid 104 closed and unlocked, and the lid 104 open, respectively.

[0040] The position of the cantilever 106 affects whether the cover 104 is locked or unlocked. The cantilever 106 is connected to the slidable base 136 of the cover 104 at a hinge 138. In some embodiments, the cover 104 is formed from a single piece of plastic or other polymer. In other embodiments, the cantilever 106 is attached to the cover 104 at a rotatable connection. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 104 is biased to an open position, wherein the free end 140 of the cantilever 106 is positioned away from the slidable base 136. In embodiments where the cover 104 is made of a single piece of plastic, the cantilever 106 may be molded such that the cantilever 106 remains open in a rest position. In embodiments where the cantilever 106 is attached to the slidable base 136 at a rotatable connection, the cantilever 106 may be biased to an open position by a spring or other means that can apply a separating force between the cantilever 106 and the slidable base 136.

[0041] Figure 4B Depicting the cut through cover 104b Figure 4A The cross-section AA, cover 104b is closed and locked above recess 114b. Cantilever 106b is in a rest position, in which cantilever 106b is biased to open. (See reference...) Figure 4B As described in detail D, the protrusion 118b at the free end 140b of the cantilever 106b contacts the crossbar 120. It will be understood that if an attempt is made to slide the cover 104b toward the open position without first moving the cantilever 106b, a portion of the free end 140b is positioned to interfere with the crossbar 120. Therefore, the cover 104b is partially in the locked position due to this interference. It should also be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the protrusion 118b is positioned above the receiving portion 124b and the cantilever 106b is sufficiently biased to be in the open position such that the protrusion 118b exerts a force on the crossbar 120 when the cover 104b is in the locked position.

[0042] Figure 4C Depicting the cut through cover 104e Figure 4A The cover 104e is closed and unlocked above the recess 114e in the cross section BB. Here, the cantilever 106e moves from the biased open position to the closed position due to the application of a force that guides the free end 140e of the cantilever 106e toward the slidable base 136e. In this embodiment and configuration, the protrusion 118e is disposed in the receiving portion 124e and the free end 140e has been sufficiently moved so as not to interfere with the crossbar 120 and to prevent the cover 104e from sliding open. It will be understood that when a force is applied to the cantilever 106e, the guide 116e provides support for the slidable base 136e of the cover 104e to prevent the cover 104e from moving into the recess 114e.

[0043] like Figure 4CAs described in detail E, it will also be understood that in this embodiment, the protrusion 118e is positioned rearward from the front surface 132e. Therefore, the likelihood that mechanical interference with an object in front of the storage device 100 will unintentionally hinder the movement of the protrusion 118e into the receiving portion 124b is reduced. It will also be understood that in this preferred embodiment, the protrusion 118e is not forced into contact with the lower extension 126e when the cover 104e is unlocked and the cantilever 106e is in the closed position. By avoiding contact between the protrusion 118e and the lower extension 126e when the cover 104e is unlocked, the risk that the protrusion 118e will be damaged due to repeated compressive forces is reduced.

[0044] Figure 4D Depicting the 104g cut through the cap Figure 4A The cross-section CC, cover 104g opens and unlocks, corresponding to the recessed portion 114g opening. For example... Figure 4D As described in detail F, the stop member 142g is located on the cover 104g. It will be understood that although the stop member 142g is located on the bottom surface 144g of the cover 104g in this embodiment, in other embodiments, the stop member 142g may be located at other locations on the cover 104g, such as on the cantilever 106g or at another location on the top surface of the cover 104g.

[0045] As the cover 104g moves along the guide 116g from the closed position to the open position, the stop member 142g contacts the housing 102 to limit further travel of the cover 104g along the guide 116g. In a preferred embodiment, each cover 104 includes one or more stop members 142.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 The storage device 100 is further described. Figure 5 A front view depicting an embodiment of the storage device 100 is shown. (See reference...) Figure 5 As described in detail G, in a representative storage container where the lid 104 is positioned in the opening 122 and in the closed and locked position, the protrusion 118 contacts the crossbar 120. Additionally, the opening 122 and the notch 128 are configured such that a limited gap exists on the one hand between the lower extension 126 and the sliding base 136, and on the other hand between the lower extension 126 and the housing 102. This configuration allows the lower extension 126 to contact the housing 102 when the lid 104 is not in the fully closed position and is exposed to tilting forces, thereby providing additional stability to prevent misalignment of the lid 104.

[0047] For reference Figure 5Further stability between the lid 104 and the housing 102 is achieved by providing the slidable base 136 of the lid 104 with optional side rails 146 configured to slidably couple with the guide 116, as described in detail with respect to FIG. 6. The slidable base 136 can also include optional extensions 148, wherein the opening 122 widens at the guide 116 to accommodate the extensions 148. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that further stability between the lid 104 and the housing 102 is provided by these features.

[0048] With respect to Figures 6A to 6G Further description of features of the exemplary lid 104 are described, Figures 6A to 6G Pictorial, top, side, front, side, pictorial, and bottom views of the lid 104 are depicted, respectively. In this embodiment, the lid 104 includes lid indicia 110 that identify a day of the week and correspond to housing indicia 112 (not shown) designated to be placed at a particular storage receptacle.

[0049] The cantilever 106 includes cantilever indicia 108, which in this example correspond to instructions to open a corresponding recess. In this embodiment, a protrusion 118 having a hook shape is provided at a free end 140 of the cantilever 106. At the opposite of the free end 140, the cantilever is attached to the slidable base 136 via a hinge 138, which in this embodiment is a flexible plastic that joins the cantilever 106 to the slidable base 136, wherein the hinge 138 is configured to place the cantilever 106 in an open position without the application of an external force. Thus, the cantilever 106 is configured to return to the open position after removal of an external force applied to the cantilever. As a result of the application of a downward force to the cantilever, the cantilever 106 can be displaced downwardly toward the slidable base 136, and this displacement can continue until the lower side of the cantilever 106 contacts the upper surface of the slidable base 136. This contact between the cantilever 106 and the slidable base 136 prevents the protrusion 118 from continuing to be displaced sufficiently to contact the lower extension 126. Thus, in the closed position, the protrusion 118 is positioned in the receiving portion 124.

[0050] Each side rail 146 is provided on one of the sides of the slidable base 136 and includes an extension 148. Each side rail 146 is configured to slidably engage with the housing 102 via the guide 116. The extension 148 extends below the bottom surface 144 of the lid 104. Preferably, the side rails 146 of the lid 104 are parallel to each other.

[0051] The cover 104 also includes two stop members 142, each of which extends below a bottom surface 144 of the cover 104. In this embodiment, the stop members 142 include a flat surface configured to contact the housing 102 and an angled surface configured to facilitate attachment of the cover 104 to the housing 102, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0052] In embodiments that omit the lower extension 126, the receiving portion 124 is open to the corresponding recess. While this can provide the convenience of keeping the receiving portion 124 away from dust or debris that can impede the path of the protrusion 118 into the receiving portion 124, such embodiments can allow dust or debris to enter the recess and contaminate the contents of the recess.

[0053] The lower extension 126 advantageously provides a physical barrier between the opening of the receiving portion 124 and the recess of the storage container. Further, it should be appreciated that if dust or debris enters the receiving portion 124, these can be easily removed due to the channel-shaped receiving portion 124 defined by the lower extension, which facilitates easy cleaning by simply tilting the front of the cover 104 downward. Additionally, the lower extension 126 includes an angled surface that reduces potential interference between the cover 104 and the housing 102 when the cover is closed. It should be appreciated that the bottom of the receiving portion 124, as well as at least portions of the two sides of the receiving portion 124, are defined by the lower extension 126.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the front surface 132 of the lower extension 126 provides a smooth transition to the front surface 130 of the slidable base 136, so as to provide an ergonomic surface for the user to push when closing the cover 104. As Figures 6A to 6G One example of such a smooth transition includes a protruding curved surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0055] The protruding curved surface of the cover 104 also provides ease of use of the device. It should be appreciated that in embodiments of the storage device 100 having multiple storage containers, a user can determine that all of the covers 104 are in the locked position by sliding the user’s fingers along the front surface of each cover in a single movement that begins at one end of the storage device 100 and ends at the other end.

[0056] In preferred embodiments, the housing 102 and the cover 104 are constructed of plastic or other polymeric material. The storage device 100 can be constructed with transparent, translucent, or opaque materials, based on the desire of the user (or other person) to visually perceive the contents of the recess 114.

[0057] Reference is now made to Figure 7A method 200 of assembling a storage device according to the present application is described. Assembly of a storage device according to the present application can be desirable by a manufacturer or user of the storage device. For example, in embodiments having interchangeable covers, a user can wish to remove one cover and replace it with another cover having a different color or indicia. Likewise, a manufacturer can wish to assemble the housing and cover of a storage device according to the present application prior to sale to a user.

[0058] The method 200 begins with one or more covers 104 separate from the housing 102. At step 210, the cover 104 is positioned at the front of the housing 102 such that the rear of the cover 104 can be moved into the opening 122 of the housing 102. The cover 104 and the housing 102 preferably share an orientation such that the front surface of the housing 102 faces substantially the same direction as the front surface 130 of the cover 104.

[0059] At step 220, the rear surface of the cover 104 is inserted into the opening 122. The cover 104 is coupled to the guide 116. More preferably, the optional side rails 146 and extensions 148 are coupled to the guide 116. Once the cross-section of the cover 104 is within the opening 122, the cover 104 is further inserted into the opening 122.

[0060] Once the cover 104 is coupled to the guide 116, at step 230 the cover 104 is slidably inserted into the housing 102, such as by applying a force on the front surface 130 or the front surface 132. Additional force can be applied to continue inserting the cover 104 into the housing 102 when the optional stop member 142 contacts the housing 102. In this regard, the angled surface on the stop member 142 will facilitate smoother insertion of the cover 104 into the housing. It will be appreciated that once inserted beyond the stop member 142, once the stop member 142 contacts the housing 102, the flat surface on the front of the stop member 142 will prevent opening of the cover 104. In this regard, the stop member 142 facilitates one-way assembly of the cover 104 relative to the housing 102, as the stop member facilitates insertion of the cover 104 during assembly, but prevents removal of the cover 104 during normal operation of the storage device 100.

[0061] When the lower extension 126 is inserted into the notch 128, stability of the cover 104 is increased, and the interaction between the lower extension 126 and the notch 128 reduces the likelihood that the cover 104 will shift in the event of exposure to a tilting force, such as in the event of an accidental bump of the cover 104 during closing.

[0062] Assembly continues at step 240 as the lid 104 continues to be inserted into the opening 122 until the storage container is closed, such as when the recess 114 is closed by the lid 104. Notably, as the cantilever 106 is disposed in the open (locked) position in the at rest state, the cantilever 106 is pushed into the closed (unlocked) position as the lid 104 is inserted into the opening 122. Once the cantilever 106 has passed through the opening 122, the cantilever 106 can return to its unbiased open position. In preferred embodiments, the natural bias to return the cantilever 106 to its open position is sufficient to cause the protrusion 118 to contact the crossbar 120 with sufficient force to create a noise. This noise can present an audible cue to the manufacturer or user that the lid 104 is in the locked configuration.

[0063] Insertion of a lid 104 into the housing 102, step 250, considers whether further assembly of one or more additional lids 104 is desired. If so, the method returns to step 210. If no additional lid assembly is needed, the method proceeds to the end step 260.

[0064] Referring to Figure 8 A method 300 of using the storage device 100 is described. At step 310, a user chooses whether or not to open the lid 104, such as to provide access to the recess 114. If the user does not desire to open the lid, the method 300 proceeds to step 320, where the user can choose whether or not to close the lid 104. If the user does not desire to close the lid at step 320, the method 300 proceeds to the end step 330.

[0065] Returning to step 310, if the user does desire to open the lid, the method 300 proceeds to step 340, where the user applies a downward force to the cantilever 106. As the downward force is applied to the cantilever 106, the protrusion 118 loses contact with the crossbar 120. Continued application of the downward force to the cantilever 106 causes the protrusion 118 to continue to move downward and into the receptacle 124. In some preferred embodiments, the downward movement of the cantilever 106 stops when the bottom surface of the cantilever 106 contacts the upper surface of the slidable base 136, which preferably occurs before contact between the protrusion 118 and the lower extension 126 or other component.

[0066] At step 350, a forward force is applied to the lid 104 sufficient to slide the lid 104 forward on the guide 116 relative to the housing 102. In the preferred embodiment, the forward force is applied once the cantilevered arm 106 has been sufficiently deflected downward such that the protrusion 118 does not impede forward movement of the lid 104. Once the free end 140 of the cantilevered arm 106 has moved forward into the opening 122, interference between the crossbar 120 and the upper surface of the cantilevered arm 106 can prevent the cantilevered arm 106 from returning to its unbiased, open position. Thus, the user can cease applying a downward force to the cantilevered arm 106 without returning the cantilevered arm 106 to the open position and locking the storage container.

[0067] At step 350, once the protrusion 118 has been advanced forward beyond the crossbar 120, the user can have limited access to the recessed portion 114 and can add or remove pills or other items from the recessed portion 114. Advantageously, due to the position of the lower extension 126 relative to the notch 128, it will be appreciated that the stability of the lid 104 is increased and the likelihood that the lid 104 will shift in the event of exposure to a tilting force, such as in the event of an accidental impact to the lid 104, is reduced.

[0068] It will be appreciated that increased access to the recessed portion 114 can be desired, which is achieved by further advancing the lid 10 forward along the guide 116 relative to the housing 102. In the preferred operating condition (e.g., when accessing the recessed portion 114 but not attempting to remove or replace the lid 104), the lid 104 can be slidably moved along the guide 116 until the stop member 142 contacts the housing 102, thereby arresting further opening movement of the lid 104.

[0069] At step 360, the user can access the recessed portion 114, which can occur at any time once the lid 104 has been sufficiently opened according to step 350. It will be appreciated that the lid 104 can be desired to be opened to different extents depending on the user’s intent. For example, when adding pills or other items to the recessed portion 114, the user can find it desirable to fully open the lid 104 to the point where the stop member 142 contacts the housing 102. On the other hand, a user desiring to remove items from the recessed portion 114 can find it more desirable to only partially open the lid 104 to a point sufficient to enable access to the contents of the recessed portion 114 by rotating the storage device 100 backward and pouring the contents of the recessed portion 114 into the user’s hand.

[0070] Once the user has provided access to the interior of the storage container, the user can choose whether to close the lid. Step 320 provides the user with a question of whether the user wishes to close the lid of the storage device. If the user does not wish to do so, the method proceeds to an end step 330. Conversely, if the user wishes to close the lid 104 at step 320, the method 330 proceeds to step 370.

[0071] At step 370, the user applies a rearward force to the cover 104. In preferred embodiments, the rearward force can be applied by the user's fingers to the front surface 130 of the cover 104 or the front surface 132 of the lower extension 126.

[0072] At step 380, the rearward force is applied to the cover 104 sufficient to cause the cover 104 to slide along the guide 116 through the opening 122. In some methods, the user can desire to position the cantilever 106 in the closed position, such as by pinching the cantilever 106 and the slidable base 136 together, prior to or at the same time as applying the rearward force, in order to reduce the amount of rearward force required to close the cover 104. In the absence of such action, the interaction between the crossbar 120 and the cantilever 106 causes the cantilever 106 to transition from the rest, open position toward the closed position as the cover 104 slides along the guide 116 into the housing 102.

[0073] The proximity of the lower extension 126 to the housing 102 when the lower extension 126 is moved into the notch 128 preferably results in contact between those structures in the event of exposure to a force other than a rearward direction, such as a tilting force caused by an impact to the cover 104. Advantageously, due to this position of the lower extension 126 within the notch 128, the stability of the cover 104 is increased and the likelihood that the cover 104 will dislodge in the event of exposure to a tilting force is reduced.

[0074] At step 390, the cover 104 is continued to be pushed along the guide 116 into the housing 102 until the cover 104 is closed, with the storage device preferably being locked in the event that the cantilever 106 returns to its open configuration. In preferred methods, the final application of force to move the cover 104 to the closed position covering the recess 114 is achieved by applying a force to the front surface 130 of the cover 104 or the front surface 132 of the lower extension 126. In these preferred methods, and where the cantilever 106 is biased to provide sufficient force to return to the open position, once the cantilever 106 is inserted beyond the crossbar 120, the cantilever 106 springs to its rest position and its upward motion is stopped due to contact between the protrusion 118 and the crossbar 120. In preferred embodiments, this sudden contact causes a noise which provides an audible cue to the user that the storage device 100 is locked and the cover 104 is in the fully closed position.

[0075] Once the cover is closed, the user can decide whether to open the same cover or another cover. If so, the method proceeds to step 340. If not, the method proceeds to the end step 330.

[0076] It should be understood that the implementations described herein are illustrative and the scope of the application is not limited to only the specific implementations described; many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. For example, in various implementations of the disclosure, functions can be separated or combined, or described with different terminology, in the blocks. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements can fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lockable container for holding pills, the lockable container comprising: a housing defining a plurality of recesses, each recess of the plurality of recesses including a guide; a plurality of covers, each cover of the plurality of covers configured to lock a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses in a closed position, each cover including a slidable base and a cantilever extending from a top surface of the slidable base, wherein a free end of each cantilever includes a protrusion extending from the free end, the cover configured to be slidably coupled to the corresponding guide, and the slidable base including a receptacle, wherein each cover further includes a bottom surface and a lower extension extending below the bottom surface, the lower extension defining at least a portion of the receptacle, and wherein the cantilever is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to application of an opening force, such that the protrusion moves into the receptacle to unlock the cover and allow the slidable base to slide relative to the corresponding recess, thereby opening the corresponding recess.

2. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, The bottom surface of each cover includes a stop member.

3. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, Each protrusion is configured to engage the housing when the corresponding cantilever is in the first position.

4. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, The housing further includes a crossbar configured to prevent the cover from sliding along the corresponding guide when the cantilever is in the first position.

5. The lockable container of claim 4, wherein, The cantilever is configured to slide below the crossbar when the cantilever is in the second position to allow the cover to be unlocked to open the corresponding recess.

6. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, Engagement between the protrusion and the housing when the cover transitions to the closed position causes an audible sound to indicate that the cover is locked.

7. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, Each lower extension includes a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the corresponding cover is in the closed position.

8. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein, Each slidable base includes a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the corresponding cover is in the closed position.

9. A lockable container, the lockable container comprising: a housing defining a recess, the recess including a guide; a cover configured to lock the recess in a closed position, the cover including a slidable base and a cantilever extending from a top surface of the slidable base, wherein a free end of the cantilever includes a protrusion extending from the free end, the cover further configured to be slidably coupled to the guide, and the slidable base including a receptacle, wherein the cover further includes a bottom surface and a lower extension extending below the bottom surface, the lower extension defining at least a portion of the receptacle, and wherein the cantilever is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to application of an opening force, such that the protrusion moves into the receptacle to unlock the cover and allow the slidable base to slide relative to the recess, thereby opening the recess.

10. The lockable container of claim 9, wherein, The bottom surface includes a stop member.

11. The lockable container of claim 9, wherein, The protrusion is configured to engage the housing when the cantilever is in the first position. The protrusion is configured to engage the housing when the cantilever is in the first position.

12. The lockable container of claim 9, wherein, The housing further includes a crossbar configured to prevent the cover from sliding along the guide when the cantilever is in the first position.

13. The lockable container of claim 12, wherein, The cantilever is configured to slide beneath the crossbar when the cantilever is in the second position to allow the cover to be unlocked to open the recess.

14. The lockable container of claim 9, wherein, The engagement between the protrusion and the housing when the cover is transitioning to the closed position causes an audible sound to indicate that the cover is locked.

15. The lockable container of claim 9, wherein, The lower extension includes a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the cover is in the closed position.

16. A method of operating a lockable container, the method comprising: accessing the lockable container including a housing and a cover, wherein the housing defines a recess and an opening, the recess including a guide, wherein the cover is configured to lock the recess in a closed position, the cover including a slidable base and a cantilever extending from a top surface of the slidable base, the slidable base including a receiver, wherein a free end of the cantilever includes a protrusion extending from the free end, the cover further configured to be slidably coupled to the guide, wherein the cover further includes a bottom surface and a lower extension extending beneath the bottom surface, the lower extension defining at least a portion of the receiver, wherein the opening includes a notch sized to accommodate the lower extension, and wherein the cantilever is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to application of an opening force such that the protrusion moves into the receiver to unlock the cover and allow the slidable base to slide relative to the recess; applying the opening force when the cover is in the closed position; sliding the slidable base in the guide; moving the lower extension at least partially through the notch; and displacing the cover sufficiently from the closed position to access the recess.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The cover further includes a stop member and the method further includes contacting the stop member with the housing.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying a rearward force to the cover to displace the cover toward the closed position.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The cover includes a front surface that extends beyond the housing when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein applying a rearward force to the cover to displace the cover toward the closed position includes applying the rearward force to the front surface of the cover.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising moving the cover to the closed position and causing the protrusion to contact the housing and emit an audible cue.

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