PORTABLE DISGUISABLE CONTAINER

Abstract

A container capable of housing an orthodontic retainer or the like, or any number of small enough items capable of being housed therein, comprising a top lid portion formed with first engaging surfaces, a bottom base portion formed with second engaging surfaces, said lid and base portions defining an opening of a size and shape to accommodate the passage therethrough of said item, said lid and base portions forming means for closing said opening, and said lid and base portions further defining the appearance of a drinking glass coaster or other recognizable product when said opening is closed, wherein said small items may include one or more of earrings, rings, athletic or other types of mouth guards, Invisalign products, dentures, and retainers.

Claims

1. A container capable of housing an orthodontic retainer or the like, or any number of small enough items capable of being housed therein, comprising: a top lid portion formed with first engaging surfaces, a bottom base portion formed with second engaging surfaces, said lid and base portions defining an opening of a size and shape to accommodate the passage therethrough of said item, said lid and base portions forming means for closing said opening, and said lid and base portions further defining the appearance of a drinking glass coaster or other recognizable product when said opening is closed.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said small items may include one or more of earrings, rings, athletic or other types of mouth guards, Invisalign products, dentures, and retainers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective type of view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded type of view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3 a perspective type of view of the bottom of said first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective type of view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 5 is an exploded type of view of said second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded type of view of said second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] What have been depicted as first and second embodiments of the present invention (FIGS. 1-6) can also be described as coaster (FIGS. 1-3) and mobile or travel (FIGS. 4-6) versions.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, coaster assembly 10 is comprised of an upper or top member 12 and lower member 14. Upper and lower members 12 and 14 are formed so as to be able to cooperatively mate with one another. Upper member 12 is formed with a substantially flat top circular top portion 16, which is integral with a substantially cylindrical depending portion 18 of a diameter X. Cylindrical portion 18 itself is formed with an opening 20 that extends only partially around a predetermined extent of portion 18. Opening 20 is further defined by edges 24, 26 and 28 that are integral with one another, with edges 26 and 28 being spaced from one another.

[0036] Lower member 14 is formed with a substantially flat bottom circular bottom portion 30, which is integral with a substantially cylindrical upstanding portion 32 of a diameter Y. Like in top member 12, cylindrical portion 32 is formed with an opening 34 that extends only partially around a predetermined extent of portion 32. Opening 34 is further defined by edges 36, 38 and 40, with edges 38 and 40 being spaced from one another. The distance between edges 38 and 40, on one hand, and 26 and 28, on the other, are preferably the same or substantially similar.

[0037] It is to be noted that diameter Y is slightly smaller than diameter X, which facilitates the mating joinder of the top and lower members 12 and 14, such that cylindrical portion 32 is able to rotate within and with respect to cylindrical portion 18, in a nesting configuration. By rotating upper and lower members 12 and 14 when assembled, the user is able to align the openings 20 and 34 to create an access door 42 through which the user is able to place and remove articles such as an orthodontic retainer. Once placed inside by inserting it through door 42, the user thereafter rotates the top and lower members 12 and 14 with respect to one another, thereby closing access door 42 and keeping the retainer safe and hidden from view.

[0038] What is to be described as an optional circular decal 44 of a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of top portion 16 can be either permanently or removably attached to the surface of top portion 16. When assembled and when decal 44 is attached to top portion 16, assembly 10 resembles and becomes disguised as a drinking glass coaster of pleasing appearance. With the retainer hidden inside, assembly 10 provides the retainer-wearing user with a perfect beautiful coaster that will be draw from others praise rather than scorn or disgust. Decal 44, in a removable and replaceable configuration, provides the user with an unlimited ability to enjoy a retainer assembly 10 of many different appearances. For example, a mandala-bearing decal 44 will give the user and those viewing the decal a visual spiritual (Sanskrit) experience. Other opportunities exist for the decal to carry logos of sports teams, products and services, and other trademarks that may have the potential to create licensing revenue.

[0039] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide means for removably locking the upper and lower members 12 and 14 together, so that the retainer that has been inserted will not fall out. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide locking tabs (not shown) that will removably lock access door 42 in open and closed positions.

[0040] Another feature of the present invention not illustrated in the drawings and not present in the prior art, but within the scope of the invention, is the provision of one or more discreet relatively unseen slits or small openings that will facilitate the free circulation of air. This addresses the problem of the user's saliva accumulating and causing unpleasant odors.

[0041] While there is nothing to prevent retainer container 10 from being enjoyed as a mobile container, the present invention provides another embodiment that is specifically designed to be a mobile or portable embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a mobile or portable assembly 50 is shown comprised of three given elements and one optional element. Assembly 50 is comprised of an upper member 52, an intermediary member 54, a lower member 56, and an optional decal 58. Upper, intermediary and lower members 52, 54 and 56 are formed so as to be able to be cooperatively joined in novel mobile assembly 50, as will be explained. Upper member 52 is formed with a substantially flat top circular top portion 60, which is integral with a substantially cylindrical depending portion 62 of a diameter A. Cylindrical portion 62 itself is formed with an opening 64 that extends only partially around a predetermined extent of portion 62. Opening 64 is further defined by edges 66, 68 and 70 that are integral with one another, with edges 68 and 70 being spaced from one another.

[0042] Upper member 52 is further formed with an arcuate groove that is defined by an arcuate wall 72 that extends from top portion 60 in the same direction as cylindrical portion 62 and is substantially parallel with cylindrical portion 62. Wall 72 begins and ends with edges 68 and 70 so that opening 64 is not interrupted by wall 72.

[0043] Lower member 56, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, may be identical to and interchangeable with upper member 52, in order to reduce the cost of manufacturing mobile assembly 50. In any event, lower member 56 is formed with a substantially flat bottom circular bottom portion 74, which is integral with a substantially cylindrical upstanding portion 76 of a diameter B. Like in top or upper member 52, a cylindrical portion 76 is formed with an opening 78 that extends only partially around a predetermined extent of portion 76. Opening 78 is further defined by edges 80, 82 and 84, with edges 82 and 84 being spaced from one another. The distance between edges 82 and 84, on one hand, and 68 and 70, on the other, are preferably the same or substantially similar.

[0044] It is to be noted that in mobile assembly 50 diameter A and diameter B are substantially identical, although it is within the scope of the present invention that these diameters may vary in magnitude. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, when upper and lower members 52 and 56 are brought together, openings 64 and 78 are able to be aligned to at least partially define a door through which the user is able to insert and remove an orthodontic retainer.

[0045] Like upper member 52, lower member 56 is formed with an arcuate groove that is at least partially defined by an upstanding wall 81 that extends from bottom portion 74 in the same direction as cylindrical portion 76, and is substantially parallel with cylindrical portion 76. Wall 81 begins and ends with edges 82 and 84 so that opening 78 is not interrupted by wall 76.

[0046] Mobile assembly 50 differs from what is referred to as coaster assembly 10 by its inclusion of intermediary member 54. Intermediary member 54 comprises a substantially cylindrical band wall 86 of a diameter C, with an upper edge 88 and a lower edge 90 that are integral with wall 86. Wall 86 is further formed with terminal edges 92 and 94 that are spaced from one another so as to at least partially define a gap 96.

[0047] When the elements of mobile assembly 50 are assembled together, upper and lower edges 88 and 90 band wall 86 are able to be inserted into grooves 80 of upper and lower members 22 and 56, since the diameter C of the band wall 86 is substantially the same as the diameters of grooves 80. When assembled, the openings 64 and 78 as well as the gap 96 are able to cooperatively align and define either an open or a closed access door, controlled by the user who is able to rotate the upper, intermediary and lower members 52, 54 and 56 by hand. This door permits the user to place and remove articles such as an orthodontic retainer. Once placed the retainer is inserted through door, the user thereafter rotates the upper and lower members 52 and 56 with respect to one another, thereby closing the access door, keeping the retainer safe and hidden from view.

[0048] Like decal 44, an optional circular decal 58 can be either permanently or removably attached to the surface of top portion 60. And as has been described for decal 44, when assembled and when decal 58 is attached, mobile assembly 50 resembles and becomes disguised as a drinking glass coaster of pleasing appearance. With the retainer hidden inside, assembly 50 provides the retainer-wearing user with a perfect beautiful coaster that will be draw from others praise rather than scorn or disgust. As has been described for decal 44, there will be opportunities for decal 58 to carry logos of sports teams, products and services, and other trademarks that may have the potential to create licensing revenue.

[0049] Finally, in FIG. 3 the reader sees four (4) rubber nubs 100 that have been attached to the bottom of coaster assembly 10. These nubs will prevent slipping between the assembly and the surface upon which it is rested. While rubber is the preferred material for nubs 100, the present invention contemplates any suitable material to accomplish this purpose.

Hypothetical StoryVersion 2:

[0050] In a Version 2 of our hypothetical illustrative story, we are back at the dinner table in the Ginsburg home. This time there are smiles on the faces of all except Uncle Jake, who has drunk a bit too much wine and is repeating to himself old uninteresting stories. Cousin Seth is busy playing a video game. There is a big pile of lasagna on Lucy's butter plate. She's about to dig in. And next to her butter plate there is a very attractive drinking glass coaster that carries a Mandala design. Lucy's glass of water sits atop this coaster, but its design has drawn the attention of many, including Aunt Mildred, who compliment her on its appearance and ask where they might buy one. Lucy explains that she and a couple of classmates are putting together a company that will own the patent rights not only to this coaster that she has developed, but to a family of portable containers that are capable of being disguised as any number of other objects that will not betray the container's contents. She explains that her invention is capable of being made using their school 3D printer. Lucy smiles to herself, since no one knows that this beautiful coaster contains her orthodontic retainer. The appearance of Lucy's coaster container has successfully disguised its contents, and no one is bothering Uncle Jake who has fallen asleep at the table.

[0051] While the present invention has been described using two representative examples of embodiments, other embodiments and examples are able to illustrate the novelty and benefits afforded by this invention, without departing from its proper and lawful scope. And it must be emphasized that the attractive appearance of the coaster and mobile versions of the present invention permit their use as disguised drinking glass coasters with and without anything stored therein.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0052] 10 coaster assembly [0053] 12 upper member [0054] 14 lower member [0055] 16 circular top portion [0056] 18 cylindrical depending portion [0057] 20 opening [0058] 22 lower member [0059] 24 edge [0060] 26 edge [0061] 28 edge [0062] 30 bottom portion [0063] 32 upstanding portion [0064] 34 opening [0065] 36 edge [0066] 38 edge [0067] 40 edge [0068] 42 access door [0069] 44 decal [0070] 50 portable mobile assembly [0071] 52 upper member [0072] 54 intermediary member [0073] 56 lower member [0074] 58 decal [0075] 60 circular flat top portion [0076] 62 depending portion [0077] 64 opening [0078] 66 edge [0079] 68 edge [0080] 70 edge [0081] 72 arcuate wall [0082] 74 circular bottom portion [0083] 76 upstanding portion [0084] 78 opening [0085] 80 edge [0086] 81 wall (defining groove) [0087] 82 edge [0088] 84 edge [0089] 86 cylindrical band [0090] 88 upper edge of band [0091] 90 lower edge of band [0092] 92 terminal edge of band [0093] 94 terminal edge of band [0094] 96 gap [0095] 100 nubs