CONTAINER CONNECTORS

Abstract

There is disclosed a connector system for connecting a plurality of containers together, for example drinks containers. The container system includes first and second-type connectors. Each of the connectors includes a ring defining an interior space, a platform extending from the ring into the interior space, an upstanding blade carried by the platform, and a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space. Each connector may further includes one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that the connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors.

Claims

1. A connector for a container, comprising: a ring or ring-like member which defines an interior space; a platform extending from the ring member into a part of the interior space; and a blade carried by, and upstanding from, the platform; wherein the connector further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the connector with another connector and subsequent relative rotation with the other connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the platform tapers inwardly from the ring member substantially towards a position at or near the centre of the interior space and wherein the blade carried by the platform extends from a position between the ring member and a position short of the centre of the interior space.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the blade carried by the platform is located substantially along the centre of the platform.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the platform is substantially planar and wedge-shaped.

5. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising one or more guide members for permitting the connection with another connector only in a predetermined relative orientation.

6. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a membrane covering the interior space around the platform.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the membrane is watertight.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the platform is frangible or similarly removable from the ring member.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the platform is removable through a region of weakness provided at or near a junction of the platform to the ring member.

10. The connector according to claim 1, attached to a drinks container.

11. A connector system for connecting a plurality of containers together, the container system comprising first and second connectors, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises: a ring or ring-like member defining an interior space; a platform extending from the ring into the interior space; an upstanding blade carried by the platform; a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space; wherein each of the first and second connectors further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that said connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors.

12. The connector system of claim 11, wherein the blade is an elongate member extending from a position at or near the perimeter of the ring towards the centre of the interior space.

13. The connector system of claim 10, wherein the first and second connectors make the positive mechanical connection only at a predetermined relative orientation of the connectors, whereby, at such orientation, the platforms of each connector do not interfere when the connectors are connected.

14. A method of combining first and second substances contained in respective containers, the containers comprising respective first and second connectors, each of which comprises: a ring or ring-like member defining an interior space; a platform extending from the ring into the interior space; an upstanding blade carried by the platform; a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space; wherein each of the first and second connectors further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that said connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors; wherein the method comprises: locating the first container and first connector against the second connector of the second container, applying mechanical force on one or both connectors against one another to achieve a near simultaneous piercing of respective membranes, and then applying a rotational force to cause tearing and gathering of the membranes in generally opposite orientations.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing one of said platforms from a container, said platform being connected to the ring member with a region of weakness.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing one of said platforms by peeling one of said membranes in the general direction of the platform.

17. A container comprising at least one connector according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container system including a first-type connector according to an example embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another container system including a first-type connector according to an example embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the first-type connector;

[0034] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 3A connector;

[0035] FIG. 4A is a plan view of a second-type connector according to an example embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 4A connector;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 container without the first-type connector; and

[0038] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second-type connector according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0039] Embodiments herein relate to connectors for connecting a plurality of containers together, for example one on top of the other, such that their contents may mix. Embodiments also relate to a connector system that provides first and second connectors, one of which may be connected to a first wall of a container and another of which may be connected to another wall of the container, such that two or more like containers may be connected end-on-end for mixing contents. As such, any number of such containers having such a connector system may be joined to one another. In the case of potable (drinkable) liquids, this enables a range of different flavoured drinks to be mixed to provide a cocktail.

[0040] However, example embodiments provide connectors appropriate for mixing any contained substance, including non-potable chemicals, powders and gases.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a first container assembly 10 comprised of a boxlike container 12 and a first-type connector 14 in accordance with an embodiment. A second-type connector (not shown) may be provided on a second container assembly for joining to the first container assembly 10 via mechanical engagement. In some embodiments, the first container assembly 10 may comprise both first and second-type connectors which may be provided on substantially opposite walls. For example, the first-type connector 14 is shown adhered to an upper wall of the container 12 and a second-type connector may be connected to a lower wall 29.

[0042] The first and second-type connectors may be substantially the same in general form, other than the means by which they mechanically connect, as will become clear. Accordingly, the following description will focus on the first-type connector 14 and it will be appreciated that the second-type connector will be identical save for the differences to be explained.

[0043] The container 12 may be formed of any suitable material, such as cardboard or plastic. The material may depend on the intended purpose and substance to be contained. The material, may be waterproof if its intended content is a liquid. The container 12 may be formed of a coated cardboard material, for example, formed of a planar blank and then assembled by folding to form the shown cuboid shape. With reference to FIG. 5, an aperture 100 may be provided in the container upper wall In some embodiments, another aperture may be provided in the container lower wall.

[0044] In the shown example, the first-type connector 14 is located onto or over the upper wall so that it generally positioned over or around the aperture. The connector 14 may be adhered to the upper wall by means of a surrounding flange 15 which may conform generally to the profile of the upper wall, although this is not necessary.

[0045] The connector 14 may comprise a ring or ring-like member 16 (hereafter ring) defining an interior space or aperture 30. The ring 16 may be substantially planar such that it sits generally parallel to the container upper wall. Upstanding from at or near the outer perimeter of the ring 16 is a circumferential wall 17 having an interior surface and an exterior surface. On the exterior surface is or are carried one or more protruding members 24A, 24B. As seen in FIG. 3A, which is a plan view of said first-type connector 14, three protruding members 24A—24C are provided in this example. Said protruding members 24A—24C are configured to provide a mechanical connection to a second-type connector by means of a push or snap-fit engagement, and also serve to guide the relative orientation at which the first and second-type connectors interconnect. One of said protruding members 24B carries a harpoon-shaped end 30.

[0046] A platform 18 is provided, extending inwardly from the ring 16, towards substantially the centre of the ring, i.e. the effective centre 50 of the interior aperture 30. The platform 18 may be generally planar in section, and may be generally wedge-shaped when viewed from above. The apex 52 of the platform 18 may terminate at or just short of the centre 50. The platform 18 may therefore occupy a sector of the interior aperture 30, the sector having an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Other angles are possible. The platform 18 carries on its upper surface an elongate blade 20 which upstands from said platform 18. The blade 20 extends between the outer region of the ring 16 to a position nearer the apex 52. In the shown example, the blade 20 extends along or parallel to a notional radius of the ring 16, and therefore may be situated along the centre-line A-A of the platform 18. Deviations from this arrangement are possible.

[0047] The above components of said connector 14 may be formed in any suitable material, for example plastics material, and may be produced by any suitable method, such as by extrusion. The connector 14 may be formed in one integral piece to simplify manufacture, and adhered to the container 12 using a suitable adhesive at an appropriate assembly stage.

[0048] A membrane 35 is attached such that it covers the space 30; the membrane 35 may be formed of a foil or flexible material 8 which tears or breaks by means of applied mechanical pressure. The membrane 35 may be a waterproof material. The membrane 35 is in the shown example adhered beneath the ring but it could alternatively be adhered over the aperture of the container. The membrane 35 acts as a seal to contain the contents within the container 12. In order to access the contents, the membrane 35 is broken, which may be by means of a user jabbing a straw or finger through the membrane 35, or by means of connecting a second-type connector to the first-type connector in order to mix two contained substances.

[0049] As an optional feature, a window 26 may be provided in one or more walls of the container 12 to make its contents visible.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the FIG. 1 connector 14 may be attached to a variety of container shapes. For example, FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment container assembly 40 which comprises a cylindrical container 42 and a connector 44, identical to that shown in FIG. 1, save for the fact that its seat 45 is circular instead of square.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a second-type connector 60 is shown in respective plan and cross-sectional views.

[0052] The second-type connector 60 is similar to the first-type connector 14 in that it comprises a ring 74 defining an interior aperture which is covered with a membrane 85. An upstanding wall 80 is connected to the ring 74. A wedge-shaped platform 70 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3 extends from the ring 74 towards the notional centre point 100 with its apex stopping just short thereof. An elongate blade 72 is carried by the platform 70. Further explanation of the structure and arrangement of said features is not considered necessary, given that they may be identical or substantially similar to those of the first-type connector 14.

[0053] In order for the first-type connector 14 to positively engage the second-type connector 60, a groove 82 is defined between the ring 74 and upstanding wall 80. The groove 82 is dimensioned and arranged to receive the upstanding wall 17 of the first-type connector in a close-fit manner. Further, the groove 82 may only receive said upstanding wall 17 when the two connectors 14,60 are in a predetermined orientation, which is dictated by an arrangement of spaced-apart overhangs 90A-C which define in-between spaces 84A-C. Said spaces 84A-C are dimensioned and arranged to receive the protruding members 24A-C of the first-type connector 14 only at said orientation. This is ensured by one of said in-between spaces 84B being larger than the others 84A, 84C. Said orientation ensures that the two platforms 18, 70 do not interfere when the first and second-type connectors 14, 60 interconnect, and permits them to rotate relative to one another, through a given angle.

[0054] On the inner surface of the upstanding wall 80 are further provided a plurality of spaced-apart bumps 86. The bumps 86 provide the snap-fit assembly, in that the first-type connector 14 is slightly wider and pressure is needed to force it under the bumps. Further provided on the upstanding wall 80, below the level of the bumps, are a series of spaced-apart teeth 87. The teeth 87 may have an asymmetric profile to provide a ratchet, permitting only one-way rotation of the first-type connector 14 relative to the second-type connector 60 due to the harpoon part 30 which acts as a pawl.

[0055] To connect the first and second-type connectors 14, 16, they are brought together such that the protruding members 24A-C pass through the spaces 84A-C. Applying pressure causes the protruding members 24A-C to locate under the bumps 86 in a snap-fit manner. When this occurs, the opposed blades 20, 72 pierce the membranes 85, 35 associated with the other connector. This happens substantially simultaneously. The amount of mixing may be minimal due to the relatively small hole produced, even if the containers are shaken. Accordingly, rotational force applied to one or both connectors 14, 16 (in opposite directions) permits relative movement in one direction due to the harpoon part 30 engaging the teeth 87. This rotation, and the arrangement of the blades, causes the membranes 35, 85 to be pulled open further and gathered towards the circumferential edges. This rapid opening allows efficient and quick mixing of the contained substances when shaken, and also keeps the slackened membranes 35, 85 away from the openings to avoid interference.

[0056] Applicable to any of the above described embodiments is provision of the platform 70 to be frangible or similarly arranged so that it can be detached from the ring 74, as shown by way of example in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, a region of weakness 110 is formed at the junction of the platform 70 and the ring 74. The purpose is to permit convenient and unobstructed access to the contained liquid when consumed. Thus, when two or more such containers are stacked and connected, one on top of the other, the top one will typically the one that the user drinks or pours from. The user has the option therefore of peeling back the membrane 85 and, with it, preferably with the same peeling action in generally the same direction as the platform, can pull or tear-off the platform 70. A peeling tab may be provided generally opposite the location of the platform to promote this. The region of weakness 110 may comprise, for example, an arcuate groove within the thickness of the material, preferably arranged, formed or shaped so as to ensure that the region of weakness does not weaken the platform and upstanding blade from breaking the membrane of a connected container.

[0057] As mentioned, a container may comprise both the first and second-type connectors 14, 60 on opposite faces to permit multiple containers to be stacked, one on top of the other, to permit three or more containers to mix their contents. However, it is also possible to provide just two containers for mixing their contents, one having the first-type connector 14 and the other having the second-type connector.

[0058] Other advantages of preferred embodiments include the ability to adhere or otherwise connect such connectors 14, 60 to any form of container having a hole or aperture. Although example embodiments assume that the membranes 35, 85 are adhered or otherwise connected to the connectors 14, 60, in other embodiments, the membranes may be adhered or otherwise connected over the hole or aperture of the container. In some embodiments, the membranes 35, 85 may be adhered or otherwise connected over the top of the connectors 14, 60, that is so that they overlie the blades 20, 72.