IP Library Granted Patent US 10,507,969
Granted Patent B2
US 10,507,969 · App. 15/904,301 · Granted Dec 17, 2019

Modular container

Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang (San Diego, CA); Thomas E Birkert (West Hills, CA); Mark Gerard Tebbe (Ventura, CA)
Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
B65D85/07A45C11/24A61J17/008
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,507,969
App. No.
15/904,301
Granted
Dec 17, 2019
Kind
B2
Abstract

A low profile, modular container is described having two cylindrical compartments which connect together at a center portion. The ends of each compartment include a pair of pivoting jaws which are adapted to open to accommodate a pacifier within the body of each compartment.

Claims (28)

1. A modular container, comprising:

a first compartment having a first end and connected to a first pair of pivoting jaws at a second end;

a second compartment having a first end and connected to a second pair of pivoting jaws at a second end;

wherein the first end of the first compartment and the first end of the second compartment are adapted to connect together to create an elongated container having a pair of pivoting jaws at each end.

2. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein each pair of jaws is adapted to lock together.

3. The modular container of claim 2 , wherein a first jaw in each pair of pivoting jaws includes a projection which mates with a complementary aperture in a second jaw in each pair of pivoting jaws.

4. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein the first pair of pivoting jaws are connected to the first compartment pivot about a first set of hinges.

5. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein the second pair of pivoting jaws are connected to the second compartment about a second set of hinges.

6. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein each pair of jaws forms a clamshell opening.

7. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein each compartment is adapted to store a compressible pacifier.

8. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein each compartment includes an aperture to allow for evaporation of moisture from within the compartment.

9. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein the connection between the first end of the first compartment and the first end of the second compartment includes a friction fit.

10. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein each compartment has an oval cross section.

11. The modular container of claim 1 , wherein when the two pairs of jaws are closed, there are no external sharp edges on the modular container.

12. The modular container of claim 1 , further comprising a visual indicator spanning across an outer surface of the first compartment and the second compartment to visually assist in connecting the compartments together in its intended position.

13. A modular container for storing a pacifier, comprising:

a first compartment having a first end and connected to a first pair of lockable pivoting jaws at a second end;

a second compartment having a first end and connected to a second pair of lockable pivoting jaws at a second end;

wherein the first end of the first compartment and the first end of the second compartment are adapted to connect together to create an elongated container having a pair of pivoting jaws at each end.

14. The modular container of claim 13 , wherein each pair of jaws forms a clamshell opening.

15. The modular container of claim 13 , wherein each compartment is adapted to store a compressible pacifier.

16. The modular container of claim 13 , wherein a first jaw in each pair of jaws includes a projection which mates with a complementary aperture in a second jaw in each pair of pivoting jaws.

17. The modular container of claim 13 , wherein when the two pairs of jaws are closed, there are no external sharp edges on the pacifier.

18. A modular container for storing a pacifier, comprising:

a first compartment having an oval cross section and a first end and connected to a first pair of lockable pivoting jaws at a second end; and

a second compartment having an oval cross section and a first end and connected to a second pair of lockable pivoting jaws at a second end;

wherein the first end of the first compartment and the first end of the second compartment are adapted to connect together to create an elongated container having a pair of pivoting jaws at each end;

wherein when the two pairs of jaws are closed, there are no external sharp edges on the pacifier.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 4, 2025
From: MUNCHKIN, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 070740/0669 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 26, 2018
From: FANG, RUTH HSIN-JU; BIRKERT, THOMAS E.; TEBBE, MARK GERARD
To: MUNCHKIN, INC.
Reel/Frame 045042/0601 →