Selectably Lockable Case

Abstract

A lockable package can include a case and an insert. The case and insert can collectively include engagement and receiving mechanisms to provide the lockable package with a locking feature. When the engagement and receiving mechanisms are engaged, the insert can be substantially immobilized, and access to the items stored in or on the insert can thereby be limited. The case can include a lock deactivation feature for disabling the locking feature of the lockable package. The receiving or engagement mechanisms can be included on a slideable insert for moving the mechanisms in and out of a functioning position. If the mechanisms are out of position, then the receiving and engagement mechanisms can not engage, thereby preventing the insert from being locked into the case.

1 . A storing and dispensing system, comprising:
 a case and a slideable element;
 the slideable element comprising a first engagement mechanism; 
 the case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving the slideable element; 
 a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the slideable element is at least partially passed; 
 a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism; and, 
 an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer. 
 
   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement mechanism comprises an aperture. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a slideable spacer positioned within the channel and extending therefrom. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one of the sides includes a second engagement mechanism configured to engage the first engagement mechanism. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein one of the side further comprises a release proximate the second engagement mechanism. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the slideable element further comprises a spacer aperture. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the second engagement mechanism comprises a post. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the case further comprises a biasing element. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the biasing element is proximate the second engagement mechanism. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the package status indicator comprises a port formed in the case. 
   
   
       15 . A lockable case, comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism;   a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;   a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism;   an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; and   a release proximate the second engagement mechanism for selectively disengaging the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism.   
   
   
       16 . The case of  claim 15 , further comprising a slideable spacer positioned within the channel and extending therefrom. 
   
   
       17 . The case of  claim 15 , wherein the second engagement mechanism is formed at one of the sides. 
   
   
       18 . The case of  claim 15 , wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer. 
   
   
       19 . The case of  claim 15 , wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element. 
   
   
       20 . The case of  claim 15 , wherein the second engagement mechanism comprises a post. 
   
   
       21 . The case of  claim 15 , wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package. 
   
   
       22 . A method of deactivating a lockable case, comprising:
 providing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; 
 a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which a received slideable element is at least partially passed; 
 a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism; and 
 an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; and 
   moving the slideable spacer to a disengagement position, whereat at the first engagement mechanism is at least partially prevented from engaging the second engagement mechanism.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the slideable spacer further comprises a biasing element. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the package status indicator comprises a port formed in the case. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package. 
   
   
       28 . A method of selectively activating a lockable case, comprising:
 accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; 
   a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;   a second engagement mechanism positioned substantially within the void;   a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with the second engagement mechanism;   an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer;   accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and,   moving the slidable space a distance away from the second engagement mechanism, such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are not prevented from engaging when the slidable element is inserted into the case.   
   
   
       29 . A method of selectively deactivating a lockable case, comprising:
 accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; 
 a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed; 
 a second engagement mechanism positioned substantially within the void; 
 a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with the second engagement mechanism; 
 an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; 
 accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and, 
 moving the slidable spacer a distance sufficiently close to the second engagement mechanism that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are prevented from engaging when the slidable clement is inserted into the case. 
   
   
   
       30 . A method of selectively activating a lockable case, comprising:
 accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; 
   a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;   a channel configured to receive a slideable engagement mechanism;   an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable engagement mechanism;   accessing the slidable engagement mechanism through the access port; and,   positioning the slidable spacer such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are substantially aligned and the engagement mechanisms engage when the slidable element is inserted into the case.   
   
   
       31 . A method of selectively deactivating a lockable case, comprising:
 accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; 
 a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed; 
 a channel configured to receive a slideable engagement mechanism; 
 an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable engagement mechanism; 
 accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and, 
 positioning the slidable spacer such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are substantially misaligned and the engagement mechanisms are prevented from engaging when the slidable element is inserted into the case. 
   
   
   
       32 . A package for storing items, comprising:
 a case and a slideable card configured to hold at least one item;
 the slideable card comprising a locking aperture; 
   the case comprising:
 a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving the slideable card; 
 a case opening proximate the void through which the slideable card is at least partially passed; 
 a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer; 
 a slidable spacer positioned within said channel; and 
 an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer. 
   
   
   
       33 . The package of  claim 32 , wherein one of the sides includes a locking post configured to engage the locking aperture. 
   
   
       34 . The package of  claim 33 , wherein one of the sides further comprises a release proximate the locking post. 
   
   
       35 . The package of  claim 32 , wherein the locking post is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer. 
   
   
       36 . The package of  claim 35 , wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element. 
   
   
       37 . The package of  claim 33 , wherein the case further comprises a biasing element proximate the locking post. 
   
   
       38 . The package of  claim 32 , wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator.