Container with integrally formed recoil device

Abstract

A container is disclosed that includes an elongated, substantially hollow body having at least one opening, and a recoil mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and recoil into the body. The container also includes a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to one of extend the item outward from an opening in the body, or, retract the item inward into the body. The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed with the body, and an advance mechanism that causes the plunger to extend or retract in response to the direction of a rotating force.

1 . A container comprising:
 a substantially hollow body;   a housing coupled with an interior surface of the substantially hollow body and shaped to engage a household item;   a recoil mechanism attached to the interior surface of the substantially hollow body and coupled with a first end of a lanyard that extends from and recoils into the body; and   an attachment mechanism coupled to a second end of the lanyard and configured to securely connect the substantially hollow body with an object.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the household item is selected from a group consisting of lip balm, cosmetic products, food products, coins, keys, pocket knives, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, sunscreen, self-defense spray, compass, and flashlights. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is a hook. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is a hook and loop strap. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a flip-top cap integrally formed with the substantially hollow body, the cap comprising a ridge extending outward from the cap to enable one-finger operation, the cap configured to cover an opening of the substantially hollow body. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising an advance mechanism formed on an exterior surface of the substantially hollow body and mechanically coupled with a plunger such that a rotating force causes the plunger to one of extend or retract in response to the direction of the rotating force. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially hollow body further comprises a partition separating a first chamber and a second chamber. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the housing is integrally formed on an interior surface in the first chamber of the substantially hollow body. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the recoilable spool is coupled with an interior surface of the second chamber of the substantially hollow body. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 9 , further comprising a threaded shaft coupled with the substantially hollow body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the body from the partition towards the opening, the threaded shaft configured to engage a threaded opening in a plunger, rotate with an advance mechanism, and slide the plunger along the longitudinal axis in response to a rotating force. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the partition forms a barrier between the first and second chamber, and the first chamber forms a reservoir for one of liquids, gels, or creams. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11 , further comprising a pump action top attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a draw tube that extends into the first chamber such that a pumping action causes the disbursement of one of liquids, gels, or creams. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 11 , further comprising a roller-ball top attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a roller-ball applicator for the disbursement of one of liquids, gels, or creams. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 11 , further comprising an aerosol spray top attachable to the substantially hollow body and having a dip tube that extends into the first chamber such that a depression force on an actuator causes an aerosol mist of liquid particles. 
   
   
       15 . A container comprising:
 an elongated, substantially hollow body having at least one opening;   a recoil mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and recoil into the body;   the body configured to contain an item; and   a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to extend the item outward from an opening in the body and retract the item inward into the body.   
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15 , further comprising a flip-top cap integrally formed with the body, the cap comprising a ridge extending outward from the cap to enable one-finger operation, the cap configured to cover the at least one opening. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 15 , further comprising an advance mechanism formed on an exterior surface of the body and mechanically coupled with the plunger such that a rotating force causes the plunger to one of extend or retract in response to the direction of the rotating force. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 17 , further comprising a threaded shaft coupled with the body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the body from a partition towards the opening, the threaded shaft configured to engage a threaded opening in the plunger, rotate with the advance mechanism, and slide the plunger along the longitudinal axis in response to the rotating force. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the body further comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, and a partition disposed between the first and second chambers. 
   
   
       20 . A container comprising:
 a substantially hollow body;   a partition forming a liquid barrier between a first chamber and a second chamber inside the substantially hollow body, the first chamber forming a reservoir;   a housing coupled with an interior surface of the first chamber and shaped to engage a household item;   a recoilable spool attached to an interior surface of the second chamber and coupled with a first end of a lanyard that extends from and recoils into the body; and   an attachment mechanism coupled to a second end of the lanyard and configured to securely connect the substantially hollow body with an object.