Lockable food box

Abstract

The invention relates to a lockable food box (1) comprising a main body (2) forming a conduit, a food container (3) removably mounted in the main body (2) so as to be surrounded by the conduit, a secondary body (4) forming a removable bottom for the main body (2), a tray (9) removably mounted on the food container (3) so as to form a support for utensils, in particular food utensils, a lid (12) removably and sealingly mounted on the main body (2) so as to close the main body (2), the food container (3) and the tray (9) between the main body (2) and the lid (12), the lockable food box (1) further comprising locking means (7) for locking the lid (12) onto the main body (2).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Lockable food container

[0001] The present invention relates to food containers known by the anglicism "lunch box", allowing the user to carry food as well as compartmentalized cutlery.

[0002] The present invention aims to create such a box which is modernized, secure to prevent theft, and heated to allow for keeping food warm or reheating it for the meal.

[0003] We know of box systems that allow for the storage and transport of food and cutlery and that include a closure, for example documents US20150335119 and US10189619.

[0004] However, these documents do not describe a "lunch box," that is, a food container suitable for carrying solid food and not just liquid, for eating in the same container thanks to a space cleared after opening the lid, and for compartmentalizing food and cutlery, while having an anti-theft closure thanks to locking means for the lid of the box.

[0005] These means also make it possible to prevent the modification of food by a third party, for example for poisoning or an attempt to drug the user, but also to protect a user under responsibility or guardianship who should only use his lockable food container 1 with the supervision of a person who would have the ability to unlock it.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks and to offer a lockable food container capable of combining the advantages of speed, simplicity and reliability in its implementation.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the invention relates to a lockable food container comprising a main body forming a conduit, a food container mounted removably in the main body so as to be surrounded by said conduit, a secondary body forming a removable base for the main body, a tray mounted removably on the food container so as to form a support for utensils, in particular food utensils, a lid mounted removably and airtight on the main body so as to close the main body, the food container and the tray between the main body and said lid, said lockable food container further comprising means for locking the lid onto the main body.

[0008] Preferably, the lid locking means comprise electronic elements including a printed circuit board and an electric actuator.

[0009] For example, the box also includes teletransmission means capable of being coupled to a software application to activate or deactivate the electronic lid locking means to which said teletransmission means are coupled.

[0010] Thus, thanks to this, the user locks their lunch box using the application, then places their food inside the lunch box, and can then leave their lunch box without fear of theft or tampering unwanted substances, and finally the user can remotely heat their food directly in the box when they are hungry thanks to the application.

[0011] Advantageously, a stepper motor is provided, configured to activate or deactivate the electronic locking means of the lid on command.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a first electrical accumulator is added, forming a rechargeable storage battery to electrically power the electronic elements of the lid locking means.

[0013] In one embodiment, an electronic heating element suitable for heating the food container and its contents is added to the box.

[0014] Advantageously, the electronic heating element is a flat element disposed in the bottom formed by the secondary body and under the food container.

[0015] The lockable food container may also include a second electrical accumulator forming a rechargeable storage battery to electrically power the electronic heating element.

[0016] Preferably, the means for locking the cover on the main body include mechanical locking means with a lock that can only be activated mechanically by a key or by a code to be entered manually, in addition to or in place of any electronic elements of the locking means.

[0017] The invention also relates to a lockable food container in which the lid is removably mounted on the main body by a pivot joint disposed both on said lid and complementarily on said main body.

[0018] The invention will be better understood upon a detailed study of some embodiments taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Fig 1] represents a lockable food box according to the invention in a first embodiment, in exploded view.

[0020] [Fig 2] represents the lockable food box in exploded view in the same first embodiment.

[0021] [Fig 3] represents the lockable food box according to the first embodiment and assembled.

[0022] [Fig 4] represents the box locking system of the first embodiment.

[0023] [Fig 5] represents a perspective view of the first embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0024] [Fig 6] represents a second embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0025] [Fig 7] represents a third embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0026] [Fig 8] represents a fourth embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0027] [Fig 9] represents a fifth embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0028] [Fig 10] represents a sixth embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0029] [Fig 11] represents a seventh embodiment of the lockable food box.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates the lockable food box 1 of the invention in exploded view according to a first embodiment.

[0031] In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the lockable food container 1 comprises a main body 2 forming a conduit, a food container 3 mounted removably in the main body 2 so as to be surrounded by said conduit, a secondary body 4 forming a removable base for the main body 2, a tray 9 mounted removably on the food container 3 so as to form a support for utensils, in particular food utensils, a lid 12 mounted removably and airtight on the main body 2 so as to close the main body 2, the food container 3 and the tray 9 between the main body 2 and said lid 12, said lockable food container 1 further comprising locking means 7 for the lid 12 on the main body 2.

[0032] This creates a food box 1 which can be locked, allowing the user to leave their lunch box safely without fear of theft or the addition of unwanted substances.

[0033] The seal under the tray 9 is ensured for example by means of a seal formed for example of a standard silicone ring 13.

[0034] Tray 9, for example, is made of molded plastic.

[0035] A locking insert 14, 18, for example laser-cut, and mounted on the cover 12, allows said cover 12 to be locked or unlocked relative to the main body 2.

[0036] As illustrated by Figures 1 illustrating the first embodiment, the lockable food box 1 may include locking means 7 for the lid 12 which include electronic elements comprising a printed circuit board 6 and an electric actuator 7 in this first embodiment.

[0037] These electronic elements may include an input port 15, for example a USB or USB-C port 15,23, allowing to power the electronic board 6 controlling the motor, or a battery 8A,8B.

[0038] Port 15 is preferably placed at the rear of box 1 for greater convenience, the rear being on the side of hinge 27 of lid 12 where applicable.

[0039] Thus, the lunch box, which is for example square in shape, includes a heating system so that you can heat your food, and a locking system to prevent theft.

[0040] The lunch box consists of the main body 2 in which all the electronics are integrated in one embodiment: batteries, resistors and electronic components for locking...

[0041] The lid 12 is for example at least partially made of machined bamboo, and the main body for example at least partially made of plastic produced by plastic injection from recycled or recyclable material.

[0042] All the technology of the lunch box is controlled from a mobile application.

[0043] As illustrated by Figures 2 and 5 showing the first embodiment, the electronic components can be integrated between the secondary body 4 and the food container 3.

[0044] Alternatively, the electronics can be housed entirely within cover 12, providing them with greater protection.

[0045] The main body 2 can be produced in various shapes and colors, and serves both to enhance the overall appearance and to structure the box 1.

[0046] The food container 3 may have a rim 16 allowing it to be held stably along the vertical axis by gravity in the main body 2, and to prevent it from tipping over, while allowing it to be grasped to be removed from said main body 2 for example for cleaning.

[0047] As illustrated by Figure 5, all the electronic components are located in the same place in order to reduce costs and improve the manufacture of box 1, and are for example under the rim 16 which also helps to protect the components, especially the electronic ones.

[0048] Tray 9 can take different forms, including one or more compartments forming cubbies for storing utensils, including cutlery for eating, while food container 3 is intended to receive the meal to be consumed.

[0049] The cutlery set 11 includes, for example, a fork, a spoon, a knife, chopsticks, made of wood, plastic or metal.

[0050] As illustrated by Figure 3 showing the first embodiment, teletransmission means suitable for being coupled to a software application to activate or deactivate the electronic locking means 7 of the cover 12 to which said teletransmission means are coupled.

[0051] The user can then use their electronic device, for example their computer or multifunction phone, to remotely lock or unlock their lockable food container 1, or to know its open, temperature or fill status.

[0052] As illustrated by Figure 4, a stepper motor 17 can be provided configured to activate or deactivate on command the electronic locking means 7 of the cover 12.

[0053] In this example, the motor 17 can drive in rotation, by its output shaft 20, a locking pin 19, which can be inserted into a groove 17 of the locking insert 14, 18, 24 to lock said insert 14, 18 in position, thus at the same time the cover 12, or which can be taken out of said groove 17 so as to unlock the cover 12 relative to the main body 2.

[0054] The stepper motor 17 works for example from a plastic part 19 as a locking pin which allows to lock and maintain pressure in order to make the lunch box airtight in the locked and closed position.

[0055] As illustrated by Figures 1 and 5 for the first embodiment, a first 8A electrical accumulator can be provided, forming a rechargeable storage battery to electrically power the electronic elements of the locking means 7 of the cover 12.

[0056] Also, as illustrated by Figures 1 and 5 and the first embodiment, the lockable food box 1 may provide an electronic heating element 5 suitable for heating the food container 3 and its contents.

[0057] Advantageously, the electronic heating element 5 is a flat element disposed in the bottom formed by the secondary body 4 and under the food container 3.

[0058] The lockable food container 1 can also accommodate a second electrical accumulator 8B forming a rechargeable storage battery to provide electrical power the electronic heating element 5, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 5.

[0059] These 8A,8B batteries are therefore dedicated, and can alternatively be grouped into a single battery, and are for example arranged in compartments 22 distributed around the inner perimeter of the main body 2.

[0060] As illustrated by Figures 6 to 11, the locking means 7 of the cover 12 on the main body 2 may include mechanical locking means with locks 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36 which can only be activated mechanically by a key or by a code to be entered manually, in addition to or in replacement of any electronic elements of the locking means 7.

[0061] These integrated mechanical elements make the whole thing dishwasher safe and simpler to manufacture.

[0062] As illustrated by Figure 6, which represents a second embodiment of the lockable food box 1, this may provide that the locking means 7 include a fingerprint reader which allows ultra-secure locking and very fast unlocking since the user only needs to place the finger to be recognized corresponding to the fingerprint registered on the touch surface provided.

[0063] As an alternative, any type of secure electronic locking can be provided, in particular allowing locking to be authorized only by a predefined user or several predefined users, for example through biometric identification coupled with the locking means.

[0064] For this second embodiment, the person skilled in the art must consider the creation of an emergency opening system if box 1 no longer has a battery.

[0065] As illustrated by Figure 7, which represents a third embodiment of the lockable food box 1, it can provide for opening by entering an electronic code on a physical or virtual keypad 26, which allows for high security of the locking and rapid unlocking.

[0066] As illustrated by Figure 8, which represents a fourth embodiment of the lockable food box 1, this may provide that the locking means 7 include a dial padlock, integrated with a three or four digit code 28, which makes it simple to remember and easy to enter, with a low manufacturing cost, and making the whole dishwasher washable.

[0067] The lockable food container 1 may provide compartments 29, 30 such that the food container forms one or more food compartments 29 for one or more types of food, while another compartment 30 is used to position the locking means such as a hook which can catch and retain the lid 12 when it is operated.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 9, which represents a fifth embodiment of the lockable food container 1, this embodiment may include a three- or four-digit combination lock 31, making it easy to remember and enter, with a low manufacturing cost, and allowing the entire assembly to be dishwasher-safe. However, unlocking is slower and more difficult than in the fourth embodiment.

[0069] As illustrated by Figure 10, which represents a sixth embodiment of the lockable food box 1, this may provide that the locking means 7 include a standard combination or key padlock 32 inserted into an opening 34 in a fixing wall 33. This allows for a very affordable cost, classic and simple use, therefore very quick unlocking, with a product that is entirely dishwasher washable, and offering more space for food in the absence of electronics.

[0070] As illustrated by Figure 11, which represents a seventh embodiment of the lockable food box 1, this may provide that the locking means 7 include a standard combination or key padlock 35 as in the sixth embodiment, with the additional possibility that said padlock 35 be retracted into a shoulder 37 of an outer wall 36 of the main body 2 so as to form a support so that the padlock 35 does not move too much.

[0071] The invention also relates to a lockable food container 1 in which the lid 12 is removably mounted on the main body 2 by means of a pivot joint 27 disposed both on said lid 12 and complementarily on said main body 2.

[0072] The pivot joint 27 is for example a hinge molded onto the cover 12, attached and / or fitted in such a way as to be able to pivot said cover 12.

[0073] Hinge 12, for example, is a flexible, single-material hinge, forming, for example, a single large piece of plastic.

[0074] This forms a lockable food container 1 of the lunch box type including a locking system to prevent any food theft or unwanted modification of the contents of the food container 3, and to provide heat to reheat the food at the desired time.

[0075] All these features are controlled from a mobile application via a remote computer server and an internet connection.

Claims

Demands

1. Lockable food container (1) comprising a main body (2) forming a conduit, a food container (3) removably mounted in the main body (2) so as to be surrounded by said conduit, a secondary body (4) forming a removable base for the main body (2), a tray (9) removably mounted on the food container (3) so as to form a support for utensils, in particular food utensils, a lid (12) removably and airtightly mounted on the main body (2) so as to close the main body (2), the food container (3) and the tray (9) between the main body (2) and said lid (12), said lockable food container (1) being characterized in that it further comprises locking means (7) for the lid (12) on the main body (2),the locking means (7) of the lid (12) comprising electronic elements including a printed circuit board (6) and an electric actuator (7), the lockable food container (1) further comprising teletransmission means capable of being coupled to a software application to activate or deactivate the electronic elements of the locking means (7) of the lid (12) to which said teletransmission means are coupled.

2. Lockable food container (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a stepper motor (17) configured to activate or deactivate on command the electronic elements of the locking means (7) of the lid (12).

3. Lockable food container (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a first electric accumulator (8A) forming a rechargeable storage battery to electrically power the electronic elements of the locking means (7) of the cover (12).

4. Lockable food container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an electronic heating element (5) suitable for heating the food container (3) and its contents.

5. Lockable food box (1) according to claim 4, wherein the electronic heating element (5) is a flat element disposed in the bottom formed by the secondary body (4) and under the food container (3).

6. Lockable food container (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, further comprising a second electric accumulator (8B) forming a rechargeable storage battery to electrically power the electronic heating element (5).

7. Lockable food container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking means (7) of the cover (12) on the main body (2) comprise mechanical locking means with a lock 8 (25,26,28,31,32,33,35,36) activatable only mechanically by a key or by a code to be entered manually, in addition to or in replacement of any electronic elements of the locking means (7).

8. Lockable food container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid (12) is removably mounted on the main body (2) by a pivot joint (27) disposed both on said lid (12) and complementarily on said main body (2).

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