Storage Container with Sealable Opening in Base

Abstract

A storage container or storage vessel is provided that includes an opening at its bottom or base. A lid element is provided at the bottom or base of the container/vessel that is movably mounted relative to an opening into the enclosed volume of the container/vessel. A clamping mechanism is associated with the body and lid of the container/vessel so as to releasably lock/secure the lid relative to the body. The body of the container/vessel features an aesthetically and/or artistically desirable shape or design that enhances the appeal and uniqueness of the container/vessel. The lid element of the container/vessel functions as the base of the container/vessel, thereby allowing the entirety of the body of the container/vessel (or such percentage as may be selected in a specific embodiment) to be incorporated into the aesthetically/artistically pleasing body design. A child-proof securement mechanism may be provided between the container and the lid element.

Claims

1. A storage container comprising: a. a body having an external face, the body consisting of a single wall defining an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface of the wall bounding an internal volume dimensioned to store one or more items, the external surface of the single wall being outwardly directed relative to the internal volume of the body for the entirety of the external face of the body; b. a neck extending from the body and defining an opening; c. a closure element defining a planar base surface configured and dimensioned to occlude and seal the opening of the neck; and wherein the closure element functions as a base for the body when in an occluding position relative to the opening of the neck; wherein the external surface of the body defines an aesthetic or artistic configuration, wherein the wall forms a region opposite the opening of the neck that is larger than the opening of the neck and that has an outwardly projecting geometry that is rounded or irregularly shaped; wherein no access to the internal volume of the body is permitted unless the planar closure element is moved away from its occluding position; and wherein the closure element is secured relative to the opening of the neck in a two-step securement process.

2. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a gasket or seal separate from the closure element and positioned in proximity to the opening of the neck.

3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein in combination, the body, the neck and the closure element provide an air-tight seal.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the body is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, metal, stone, ceramic, porcelain and combinations thereof.

5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the closure element is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, metal, stone, ceramic, porcelain, cork and combinations thereof.

6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the opening of the neck defines a geometry selected from the group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a rectangle, a square, a polygon and combinations thereof.

7. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the closure element defines a perimeter, and wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one region that extends outward relative to the perimeter of the closure element when the closure element is in the occluding position.

8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the closure element defines a base plane when in the occluding position relative to the neck.

9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the base plane defined by the closure element is the only exposed, substantially planar surface associated with the body and the closure element when the closure element is in the occluding position.

10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the aesthetic or artistic configuration defined by the body includes at least one of a facial feature, an animal feature and a plant feature.

11. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the aesthetic or artistic configuration defined by the body is asymmetric.

12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the neck includes a rim surrounding the opening and wherein the only planar surface defined by the neck is the rim.

13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the neck defines a rim surrounding the opening and wherein an annular gasket or seal is positioned adjacent the rim.

14. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a lighting mechanism associated with the body.

15. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the aesthetic or artistic configuration defined by the body includes a set of features that include an upper aesthetic feature and a lower aesthetic feature, and wherein the upper aesthetic feature is spaced further from the base of the body as compared to the lower aesthetic feature.

16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the upper aesthetic feature is a pair of eyes associated with a face, and wherein the lower aesthetic feature is a mouth associated with the face.

17. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the upper aesthetic feature is a mushroom, and wherein the lower aesthetic feature is a stem for the mushroom.

18. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the two step securement process includes a first step entailing applying a compressive force between the closure element and the body, and a second steps entailing applying a rotational force between the closure element and the body.

19. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the closure element is secured relative to the opening of the neck with a child-proof securement mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed storage containers, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a view showing three (3) exemplary storage containers according to the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a view showing a further exemplary storage container according to the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a view showing a further exemplary storage container with the closure element rotated into an open/non-sealing orientation according to the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a further view showing the exemplary storage container of FIG. 2 according to the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a view of one of the storage containers depicted in FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a view of the storage container of FIG. 5 with the closure element rotated into an open/unsealed orientation according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a view of a further exemplary storage container according to the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a view of the exemplary storage container of FIG. 7 in a partially open configuration according to the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a view of the exemplary storage container of FIGS. 7 and 8 in a more substantially open configuration according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a further view of the exemplary storage container of FIGS. 7-9 according to the present disclosure;

[0039] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views of a further exemplary storage container according to the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 13 is a view of a further exemplary storage container according to the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 14A is a view of a further exemplary storage container that includes a cap member detachably secured to the neck of the container according to the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 14B is a further view of the storage container of FIG. 14A with the cap removed;

[0043] FIG. 14C is a view of the cap removed from the storage container of FIG. 14A;

[0044] FIG. 15A is a view of a further exemplary storage container that includes a cap member detachably secured to the neck of the container according to the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 15B is a further view of the storage container of FIG. 15A with the cap removed;

[0046] FIG. 15C is a view of the cap removed from the storage container of FIG. 15A;

[0047] FIG. 16A is a view of a further exemplary storage container that includes a cap member detachably secured to the neck of the container according to the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 16B is a further view of the storage container of FIG. 16A with the cap removed;

[0049] FIG. 16C is a view of the cap removed from the storage container of FIG. 16A;

[0050] FIG. 17A is a view of a further exemplary storage container that includes a cap member detachably secured to the neck of the container according to the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 17B is a further view of the storage container of FIG. 17A with the cap removed; and

[0052] FIG. 17C is a view of the cap removed from the storage container of FIG. 17A.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, a storage container or storage vessel is provided that includes an opening at its bottom or base. A lid or closure element is provided at the bottom or base of the container/vessel that is movably mounted relative to an opening into the enclosed volume of the container/vessel. A clamping mechanism may be associated with the body and lid/closure element of the container/vessel so as to releasably lock/secure the lid/closure element relative to the body. The body of the container/vessel features an aesthetically and/or artistically desirable shape or design that enhances the appeal and uniqueness of the container/vessel. The lid/closure element of the container/vessel functions as the base of the container/vessel, thereby allowing the entirety of the body of the container/vessel (or such percentage as may be selected in a specific embodiment) to be incorporated into the aesthetically/artistically pleasing body design.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 1, a view of three exemplary storage containers 10a, 10b, 10c are provided according to the present disclosure. The storage containers 10a, 10b, 10c include a body 12a, 12b, 12c and closure element 14a, 14b, 14c, respectively. A neck 13a, 13b, 13c extends from body 12a, 12b, 12c, respectively. The closure elements are shown in their closed/occluding position relative to an opening (not visible) defined at the lower end of the body 12a, 12b, 12c. An internal volume for receipt of items/material is defined within body 12a, 12b, 12c. A clamping mechanism 16a, 16b, 16c is associated with each of the storage containers 10a, 10b, 10c. A ring 15a, 15b, 15c associated with clamping mechanism 16a, 16b, 16c is mounted with respect to neck 13a, 13b, 13c in spaced relation relative to body 12a, 12b, 12c, respectively. In the depicted embodiments, the clamping mechanism takes the form of a conventional wire bail mechanism, as is known in the art. Positioning of the ring 15a, 15b, 15c on neck 13a, 13b, 13c in spaced relation relative to body 12a, 12b, 12c allows the clamping mechanism 16a, 16b, 16c to operate without obstruction by or physical contact with body 12a, 12b, 12c. A further view of storage container 10c in the closed/sealed configuration is provided in FIG. 5.

[0055] Of note, the closure element 14a, 14b, 14c advantageously functions as the base of each of the depicted storage elements 10a, 10b, 10c. Due to the planar aspect of the closure element, the exterior surface of the body 12a, 12b, 12c is free to take on a aesthetically/artistically pleasing design without a requirement that (i) the closure element be received/accommodated by the body in a conventional manner, and/or (ii) a planar surface be defined by the body independent of its interaction with a closure element to function as the base for the storage container. Thus, the exterior surface in the depicted embodiments takes the form of a monkey's face, although alternative aesthetically/artistically desirable designs may, of course, be implemented according to the present disclosure.

[0056] As is apparent by comparing storage containers 10a, 10b with storage container 10c, the material of construction and/or coloring/tinting of the bodies and/or closure elements may be varied in the fabrication of the disclosed storage containers. Thus, storage containers 10a, 10b feature a dark glass material of construction, whereas storage container 10c features a cloudy glass material of construction. Alternative materials of construction may be employed, as described above, and with the various materials, varying surface effects, tinting, coloring, finishes, etc., may be employed to achieve a desired look and feel.

[0057] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 4, views of an alternative storage container 50 is provided according to the present disclosure. The overall design and operation of storage container 50 is the same as storage containers 10a, 10b, 10c. However, the aesthetic/artistic design of storage container 50 features a dove (as compared to the monkeys shown in FIG. 1) and the material of construction is a clear glass.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 3, a view of an alternative storage container 100 is provided according to the present disclosure. Like storage containers 10a, 10b, 10c shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface of body 102 of storage container 100 features an aesthetic/artistic design that takes the form of a monkey. Unlike the storage containers shown in FIG. 1, storage container 100 has a surface effect that is metallic/reflective. The metallic/reflective effect may be achieved in various ways, e.g., by fabricating the body 102 and/or closure element 104 (in whole or in part) from a metallic material, gilding the manufactured components with a metallic material or painting the manufactured components with a metallic/reflective paint or other surface application.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, clamping mechanism 106 includes a ring 105 mounted with respect to a neck 103 that extends from body 102, clamping mechanism 106 has been released and closure element 104 has been rotated away from opening 108. Closure element 104 remains hingedly connected to body 102 by way of ring 105 of clamping mechanism 106. A gasket/seal 110 is positioned relative to the periphery of closure element 104 and if/when the closure element 104 is moved into engagement with the neck 103 of body 102, the gasket/seal 110 will provide sealing functionality relative to opening 108.

[0060] Like FIG. 3, the view of FIG. 6 shows storage container 10c in an open/unsealed configuration. Lid 14c is shown rotated away from opening 18c.

[0061] Turning to FIGS. 7-10, views of a further storage container 200 are provided according to the present disclosure. Storage container 200 includes a body 202 (that defines an internal volume for receipt of items/materials), a closure element 204 and a clamping mechanism 206. A neck 203 extends from body 202, and ring 205 associated with clamping mechanism 206 is mounted relative to neck 203. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, closure element 204 may be moved into sealing engagement with body 202, and clamped in the closed/occluded orientation by clamping mechanism 206. The closure element 204 may also be released and rotated out of sealing engagement with body 202, as shown in FIG. 8 (partial rotation) and FIG. 9 (more substantial rotation), to expose opening 208which communicates with the internal volume defined within body 202. Sealing gasket 210 is associated with closure element 204. The outer surface of body 202 of storage container 200 features an aesthetic/artistic feature that provides a mushroom appearance. The material of construction and texture effect of storage container 200 are substantially clear glass. The features/functions of storage container 200 are analogous to those of the previously discussed storage containers. As with each of the storage containers discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the closure element is substantially planar in geometry and functions as the base of the storage container when the closure element is in the closed/occluded orientation.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a further exemplary storage container 250 is provided. Storage container 250 includes body 252, closure element 254 and clamping mechanism 256. A neck 253 extends from body 252, and ring 255 associated with clamping mechanism 256 is mounted relative to neck 253. The exterior surface of body 252 includes an aesthetic/artistic feature that corresponds to a bear with a hat and substantially clear/untinted glass. In the open configuration shown in FIG. 12, opening 208 into the interior volume defined by body 252 is visible, as is sealing gasket 260 associated with closure element 254.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 13, a further exemplary storage container 300 is provided according to the present disclosure. Storage container 300 includes a body 302 that defines an outer surface with an aesthetic/artistic feature corresponding to a rubber duck. The body 302 is fabricated from a plastic or rubber material, and defines an internal volume that communicates with an opening (not visible) at the base of the body 302. A closure element 304 is shown in sealing/occluding engagement with the opening of body 302 and is detachably secured in such orientation by clamping mechanism 306. A neck 303 extends from body 302, and ring 305 associated with clamping mechanism 306 is mounted relative to neck 303. With the exception of the aesthetic/artistic effect associated with the outer surface of body 302, the design and function of storage container 300 is as described with reference to the preceding storage containers shown in FIGS. 1-12.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 14A-14C, a further exemplary storage container 400 according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. Storage container 400 includes a body 402 and a closure element or cap 404 that may be detachably secured relative to the body 402. As with the previously disclosed embodiments, body 402 defines an internal volume for receipt of items/material. A neck 403 extends from body 402 and features an outwardly directed, helical screw thread 405. Screw thread 405 is adapted to threadingly engage with an internal thread 407 defined within cap 404 (see FIG. 14C). Items/material may be introduced to the internal volume of body 402 through an opening formed at the base of neck 403. Once the items/material are introduced to (or removed from) body 402, the opening at the base of neck 403 may be closed by screwing cap 402 thereon. The outer face of cap 404 includes optional knurling 409 that facilitates a user's interaction therewith.

[0065] Cap 404 defines a planar surface at its base which advantageously functions as the base of storage container 400 when it is secured relative to the neck 403 thereof. Due to the planar aspect of the cap's base surface, the exterior surface of body 402 is free to take on an aesthetically/artistically pleasing design without a requirement that (i) the cap be received/accommodated at the top of the body in a conventional manner, and/or (ii) a planar surface be defined by the body independent of its interaction with a cap to function as the base for the storage container. Thus, the exterior surface in the depicted embodiment takes the form of a monkey's face, although alternative aesthetically/artistically desirable designs may, of course, be implemented according to the present disclosure. In addition, as with the previously described embodiments, storage container 400 may be fabricated from various materials of construction, and the coloring/tinting of the body 402 and/or cap 404 may be varied in the fabrication of the disclosed storage containers. Thus, for example, storage container 400 may feature a dark glass material of construction, a cloudy glass material of construction, or a combination thereof. Alternative materials of construction may be employed, as described above, and with the various materials, varying surface effects, tinting, coloring, finishes, etc., may be employed to achieve a desired look and feel.

[0066] Turning to FIGS. 15A-15C, a further exemplary storage container 500 is provided according to the present disclosure. Storage container 500 includes a body 502 and a closure element or cap 504 that may be detachably secured relative to the body 502. As with the previously disclosed embodiments, body 502 defines an internal volume for receipt of items/material. A neck 503 extends from body 502 and features an outwardly directed, helical screw thread 505. However, unlike screw thread 405 associated with storage container 400 in FIGS. 14A-14C, screw thread 505 is discontinuous and includes vertically aligned gaps 511 that are adapted to interact with an inwardly directed tab 513 defined within internal thread 507 within cap 504 (see FIG. 15C). The presence of gaps 511 and tab 513 defines a child proof closure mechanism in that two distinct motions are required to attach/detach cap 504 from body 502. Specificallyand with reference to FIG. 15Aan upward/downward motion is required to move tab 513 relative to gaps 511 (see Arrow A) and a rotational motion is required to screw thread 505 relative to thread 507 (see Arrow B). In order to facilitate alignment of tab 513 with gaps 511, cooperative alignment markers 515A, 515B are provided on neck 503, cap 502, respectively. A two-action process for attaching/detaching cap 504 relative to body 502 is advantageous, e.g., for situations where the items/material stored within container 500 are not to be routinely available to children or the infirm, e.g., pharmaceuticals/drugs, money and the like.

[0067] As with the other storage containers disclosed herein, items/material may be introduced to the internal volume of body 502 through an opening formed at the base of neck 503. Once the items/material are introduced to (or removed from) body 502, the opening at the base of neck 503 may be closed by aligning the cooperative alignment markers 515A, 515B, applying a compressive force in the direction of Arrow A and then rotating the cap 504 relative to the body 502 (or vice versa) so as to attach/detach the cap and body. The outer face of cap 504 includes optional knurling 509 that facilitates a user's interaction therewith.

[0068] Cap 504 defines a planar surface at its base which advantageously functions as the base of storage container 500 when it is secured relative to the neck 503 thereof. Due to the planar aspect of the cap's base surface, the exterior surface of body 502 is free to take on an aesthetically/artistically pleasing design without a requirement that (i) the cap be received/accommodated at the top of the body in a conventional manner, and/or (ii) a planar surface be defined by the body independent of its interaction with a cap to function as the base for the storage container. Thus, the exterior surface in the depicted embodiment takes the form of a monkey's face, although alternative aesthetically/artistically desirable designs may, of course, be implemented according to the present disclosure. In addition, as with the previously described embodiments, storage container 500 may be fabricated from various materials of construction, and the coloring/tinting of the body 502 and/or cap 504 may be varied in the fabrication of the disclosed storage containers. Thus, for example, storage container 500 may feature a dark glass material of construction, a cloudy glass material of construction, or a combination thereof. Alternative materials of construction may be employed, as described above, and with the various materials, varying surface effects, tinting, coloring, finishes, etc., may be employed to achieve a desired look and feel.

[0069] Turning to FIGS. 16A-16C, a further exemplary storage container 600 is provided that includes a body 602 and a closure element or cap 604 that may be detachably secured relative to the body 602. As with the previously disclosed embodiments, body 602 defines an internal volume for receipt of items/material. A neck 603 extends from body 602 and features a plurality of circumferentially spaced, L-shaped protrusions 605. The discontinuities of L-shaped protrusions 605 are adapted to interact with circumferentially spaced, inwardly directed tabs 613 defined within cap 604 (see FIG. 15C). Thus, protrusions 605 and tabs 613 function as a bayonet locking mechanism whereby the tabs 613 must be aligned with the discontinuities defined by the L-shaped protrusions 605 for advancement relative thereto. Once advanced to a required degree through a compressive force in the direction of Arrow A in FIG. 16A, such that the tabs 613 are free to ride along the upper surface of the L-shaped protrusions 605, the cap 604 may be rotated relative to the neck 603 of body 602 (as shown by Arrow B in FIG. 16B) to attach/detach the cap/body. The discontinuities defined by the L-shaped protrusions and the requirement for two actions (i.e., compressive action/rotational action) to attach/detach the cap/body advantageously define a child proof closure mechanism. As noted above, a two-action process for attaching/detaching cap 604 relative to body 602 is advantageous, e.g., for situations where the items/material stored within container 600 are not to be routinely available to children or the infirm, e.g., pharmaceuticals/drugs, money and the like.

[0070] As with the other storage containers disclosed herein, items/material may be introduced to the internal volume of body 602 through an opening formed at the base of neck 603. Once the items/material are introduced to (or removed from) body 602, the opening at the base of neck 603 may be closed by aligning the discontinuities defined by the L-shaped protrusions 605 with the tabs 613, applying a compressive force in the direction of Arrow A and then rotating the cap 604 relative to the body 602 (or vice versa) so as to attach/detach the cap and body.

[0071] Cap 604 defines a planar surface at its base which advantageously functions as the base of storage container 600 when it is secured relative to the neck 603 thereof. Due to the planar aspect of the cap's base surface, the exterior surface of body 602 is free to take on an aesthetically/artistically pleasing design without a requirement that (i) the cap be received/accommodated at the top of the body in a conventional manner, and/or (ii) a planar surface be defined by the body independent of its interaction with a cap to function as the base for the storage container. Thus, the exterior surface in the depicted embodiment takes the form of a monkey's face, although alternative aesthetically/artistically desirable designs may, of course, be implemented according to the present disclosure. In addition, as with the previously described embodiments, storage container 600 may be fabricated from various materials of construction, and the coloring/tinting of the body 602 and/or cap 604 may be varied in the fabrication of the disclosed storage containers. Thus, for example, storage container 600 may feature a dark glass material of construction, a cloudy glass material of construction, or a combination thereof. Alternative materials of construction may be employed, as described above, and with the various materials, varying surface effects, tinting, coloring, finishes, etc., may be employed to achieve a desired look and feel.

[0072] With reference to FIGS. 17A-17C, a further exemplary storage container 700 is provided that includes a body 702 and a closure element 704 that may be detachably secured relative to the body 702. As with the previously disclosed embodiments, body 702 defines an internal volume for receipt of items/material. A neck 703 extends from body 702 and defines an opening at a base thereof that permits introduction/removal of items/material from the internal volume. Closure element 604 functions as a stopper such that it is secured relative to the neck 703 through frictional engagement. Thus, as shown in FIG. 17C, closure element 704 defines a frustoconical wall 713 that is adapted to frictionally engage the rim of neck 703 to detachably secure closure element 704 relative to body 702. As with the other storage containers disclosed herein, items/material may be introduced to the internal volume of body 702 through the opening formed at the base of neck 703. Once the items/material are introduced to (or removed from) body 702, the opening at the base of neck 703 may be closed by pressing the frustoconical wall 713 of closure element 704 into engagement therewith.

[0073] Closure element 704 defines a planar surface at its base which advantageously functions as the base of storage container 700 when it is secured relative to the neck 703 thereof. Due to the planar aspect of the cap's base surface, the exterior surface of body 702 is free to take on an aesthetically/artistically pleasing design without a requirement that (i) the closure element be received/accommodated at the top of the body in a conventional manner, and/or (ii) a planar surface be defined by the body independent of its interaction with a closure element to function as the base for the storage container. Thus, the exterior surface in the depicted embodiment takes the form of a monkey's face, although alternative aesthetically/artistically desirable designs may, of course, be implemented according to the present disclosure.

[0074] In addition, as with the previously described embodiments, storage container 700 may be fabricated from various materials of construction, and the coloring/tinting of the body 702 and/or closure element 704 may be varied in the fabrication of the disclosed storage containers. Thus, for example, storage container 700 may feature a dark glass material of construction, a cloudy glass material of construction, or a combination thereof. Alternative materials of construction may be employed, as described above, and with the various materials, varying surface effects, tinting, coloring, finishes, etc., may be employed to achieve a desired look and feel. In particular, closure element 704 may be fabricated from cork or like material.

[0075] Of note, each of the disclosed storage containers may include one or more of the following features/functions: [0076] The storage container may include a gasket or seal separate from the closure element/cap and positioned in proximity to the opening of the neck. [0077] The storage container may, in combination with the body, the neck and the closure element/cap, provide an air-tight seal. [0078] The storage container may include a body that is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, metal, stone, ceramic, porcelain and combinations thereof. [0079] The storage container may include a closure element/cap is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, metal, stone, ceramic, porcelain, cork and combinations thereof. [0080] The storage container may include a neck that defines a geometry selected from the group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a rectangle, a square, a polygon and combinations thereof.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited by or to such exemplary embodiments and/or exemplary implementations.