Customizable Container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel customizable bottle or container. The outer surface of the bottle or container has a plurality of ridges, recesses or other delineations positioned around the outer surface. Each adjacent pair of ridges, recesses or other delineations creates a distinct region. A plurality of flexible or removable bands is provided with the bottle or container that are slid on distinct regions positioned between the ridges, recesses or other delineations. The flexible bands come in various colors and designs and decorate the distinct areas to personalize the bottle or container.

Claims

1. A customizable container comprising” a container having a top, a bottom and an exterior surface; a plurality of distinct regions disposed on the exterior surface of the container; and a plurality of bands that are sized and configured within the plurality of distinct regions of the container, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is separated from one another by one of a ridge, a recess or other delineation.

2. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands comprise at least one pre-printed band and at least one blank band.

3. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is concave and has a ridge on each side of the concave.

4. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands are comprised of a rubber, a plastic or a paper.

5. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bands have one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive on each of its ends.

6. The customizable container as recited in claim 5, wherein the adhesive is one of a repositionable adhesive, a removable adhesive or a light tack adhesive.

7. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions are equal in size.

8. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each the plurality of distinct regions has a different size.

9. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of distinct regions and the plurality of bands are disposed between the top and the bottom of the container.

10. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein a hook, a carabine clip or a loop is connected to at least one of the plurality of bands to add a decoration, a tag or another personalization to the container.

11. A method for making a customizable container comprising the steps of: providing a container having a top, a bottom and an exterior surface; supplying a plurality of bands; imaging at least one of the plurality of bands; applying at least one of the plurality of bands to the exterior surface of the container; and changing out at least the one of the plurality of bands.

12. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein the exterior surface of the container is comprised of a plurality of distinct regions each separated by one of a ridge, a groove or another form of delineation.

13. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11 comprising a further step of downloading a software application on a smart device after the step of providing a container.

14. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 13 comprising a further step of accessing a database with the smart device to obtain an indicia for imaging on the at least one of the plurality of bands.

15. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein the plurality of bands comprises at least one pre-printed band and at least one blank band for customizing.

16. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of bands comprises a select one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive.

17. The method for making a customizable bottle or container as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of distinct regions may be of an equal size or of a different size.

18. A customizable bottle comprising: a bottle having a top, a bottom, exterior surface, and a single wall or double wall construction with an insulating layer, wherein the exterior surface is comprised of a plurality of distinct regions separated by ridges; and a plurality of bands comprising at least one blank band and at least one pre-printed band, wherein each of the plurality of bands is sized and configured to fit within each of the plurality of distinct regions, and further wherein each of the plurality of bands is removable from the exterior surface of the bottle.

19. The customizable bottle as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is concave or scalloped.

20. The customizable bottle as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of bands comprises a select one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive for removably attaching the plurality of bands to the exterior surface of the bottle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a customizable container along with the bands of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view showing the customizable bands disposed on the bottle on the concave regions for customizing the customizable and personalized beverage bottle/container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing a personalized water bottle customized using bands of two designs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible band used for customizing the beverage bottle/container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates one potential method of customizing a container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0032] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0033] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a container, bottle or cup or holding a consumable item such as a beverage, soup or the like that can be easily customized. There is also a long felt need in the art for a container, bottle or shaker that be personalized and customized as per the preference of the user of the bottle or container. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a container or bottle that is not boring and uninspiring. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a container or bottle that eliminates the need for buying new bottles or containers for a new look and feel. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle or container that can have changeable images, logos, products, shows, movies, sports and combinations thereof. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle, vessel, receptacle, shaker or container that can display interchangeable inspiring messages, quotes and other indicia. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a customizable bottle, container or beverage cup that offers a way to give people total control over how their bottle, container or cup looks, to make it more personal and unique.

[0034] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel customizable bottle or container provided with a combination of previously printed or imaged bands and blank customizable bands. The bottle or container may be a single or double walled shaped body, such as cylindrical, tubular, elliptical, square or any other shape. A plurality of spaced apart ridges or distinct zones is disposed along the outer surface of the container wherein each pair of adjacent ridges or zones is separated by a region for placement of the bands. The ridges may be raised relative to the distinct region, or may be recessed such as by grooves, or by delineation such as by lines or other indicia and each customizable band is configured to fit into the region for providing a customized look to the container. Each band is supported and prevented from slipping by the confines of the regions or with a removable or repositionable adhesive on each band. Alternatively, if the region is bounded by raised ridges, then the bands fit between the ridges and there may be a concave or scalloped region between the ridges.

[0035] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a customizable bottle or container 100 along with the bands of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The customizable container or bottle 100 of the present invention is designed to provide a customized and personalized bottle or container that gives people total control of the appearance of the bottle or container 100. The container or bottle 100 is an insulating shaped bottle or container that maintains the temperature of the beverage or water stored in the bottle 100 for long periods of time. More specifically, the container or bottle 100 may be a single or double walled shaped container such as a tubular bottle having an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104. The inner surface 104 is made from 18/8 stainless steel and the outer surface 102 is also made from 18/8 stainless steel. A silicon or other insulating layer 106 is positioned between the outer surface 102 and the inner surface 104. The bottle 100 can keep drinks cold for twenty-four hours and hot for twelve hours. Further, the bottle or container 100 is BPA free and unbreakable.

[0036] The outer surface 102 is designed in a novel way to have a plurality of ridges, recesses, or other delineation 108a, 108b, 108n running horizontally or around and across the Diameter “D” of the bottle or container 100 in a circular manner along the length of the bottle 100 from the bottom end 110 to the neck or top end 112. The bands 118 can be used to provide a gripping area 111 to facilitate handling of the bottle or container 100. In addition, the bands 118 can include hooks, loops or carabine claps 113 so that decorations 115 can be added to the bands 118.

[0037] The bottle 100 is planar from the neck end 112 to the cap 114. The cap 114 can be made from fully recyclable polypropylene. The ridges or recesses, or other delineations 108a, 108b, 108n are equally spaced apart and a distinct region is positioned between each adjacent pair of ridges, recesses or other delineations. As exemplary, the distinct region 116a is positioned between the first ridge or recess 108a and the second ridge or recess 108b. Accordingly, each pair of adjacent ridges, recesses or other delineations 108a through 108n are separated from one another by concave regions 116a through 116n-1.

[0038] The concave regions 116a through 116n-1 are of same height “H”, and the height can be in the range 0.5″-1.5″ depending on the length of the bottle or container 100. The diameter of the distinct regions 116a through 116n-1 is D″ and is slightly less than the diameter “D” of the bottle or container 100. Thus, the ridges, recesses or other delineations 108a through 108n are spaced apart at a distance in the range 0.5″-1.5″ and can be equally spaced apart or may be spaced apart at different intervals. Alternatively, the distinct regions 116a through 116n-1 can be of different heights or depths. The distinct regions 116a through 116n-1 are designed to receive the customizable strip and flexible bands 118 for providing a customized appearance to the bottle or container 100. Each of the distinct regions receives one of a customizable band or a pre-printed or imaged band, such that a plurality of customizable and pre-printed bands are placed along the length of the bottle or container 100 to give a personalized look to the bottle or container 100. The customizable bands and pre-printed bands or strips 118, when placed in each distinct region, are supported by the ridges, recesses or other delineations positioned within the distinct region thereby preventing the band or strip 118 from falling or shifting as best shown in FIG. 2.

[0039] The outer surface 102 is preferably of a single color and the bands 118 can be of multiple colors, with different indicia and designs. The bands 118 are flexible and are made from BPA free silicon rubber, paper, plastic or other suitable materials. The bands 118 are configured to fit over the distinct regions 116a through 116n-1. Further, the bands or strips 118 can be any indicia or quotes or designs, thereby providing a customized look to the bottle or container 100. Each band or strip 118 when fit over a distinct region, is rotatable in a horizontal direction and can be stretched for removal from the bottle or container. The bands or strips 118 can be stretched easily like an elastic to easily apply and remove from the bottle or container 100.

[0040] The height of each band is dimensioned to cover the distinct regions 116a through 116n-1 disposed on the bottle or container 100. The ridges, recesses or other delineations 108a through 108n-1 are distinct relative to the specific regions 116a through 116n-1 and therefore support the bands or strips 118 when disposed on the bottle or container 100.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view showing the pre-printed or imaged and customizable bands which are disposed on the bottle or container in the distinct regions for customizing the customizable and personalized bottle or container 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The bottle or container 100 as illustrated has one of pre-printed and or customizable bands 118a through 118n-1 mounted thereon. As shown, the band 118a is mounted over the distinct region 116a positioned between the first ridge or recess 108a and the second ridge, recess or groove 108b. Similarly, the other bands or strips are disposed on the other regions for fully customizing the bottle 100. The bands or strips can be positioned together to form a design, a motivational quote or inspirational messages, as per preferences of the user.

[0042] When the bands or strips 118a through 118n-1 are disposed on the regions 116a through 116n-1 respectively, then the diameter of the bands 118a through 118n-1 is substantially the same as the diameter D″ of the distinct regions 116a through 116n-1. The bands or strips are positioned on the bottle 100 from the cap 114 and are disposed on the desired distinct regions. It should be appreciated that there may be no limit on the print, design and color on each band, thereby allowing users to customize and personalize their bottles and containers as per their choice to make them more personal and unique. FIG. 2 also shows a loop 131 to which a name tag or other identification plate 133 can be added to further personalize the bottle or container.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing a personalized container or bottle, customized using bands or strips of at least two designs in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, in the present embodiment, the container or bottle 100 is personalized by alternatively using a band with hearts print 302 and a band with toy prints 304 onto the bottle or container. The bands or strips 302, 304 are disposed onto distinct regions such as concave regions of the bottle or containers 100, thereby personalizing the bottle or container as per preferences of a user. It should be noted that ridges, recesses, grooves or other delineations 108a through 108n are visually exposed, even when the bands or strips are disposed onto the bottle or container 100.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible band or strips used for customizing the bottle or container 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the flexible band 402 has two free ends, a first end 404 having a hook fastener 406, and a second end 408 having a loop fastener 410. The hook fastener 406 and the loop fastener 410 are attached together after wrapping a region of the bottle 100 to wrap the flexible band 402 diametrically around the bottle 100. The strips may alternatively have a removable, repositionable or light tack adhesive on the ends to allow the strips to be secure on the ends. This embodiment of the flexible band 402 eliminates the need to stretch the band 402 for disposing onto and customizing the bottle or container 100. A further embodiment in FIG. 4 shows a different sized band 420 with ends 422 having an adhesive coating, such as a removable, repositionable or low tac adhesive. In addition, the main body 424 may also be provided with adhesive so as to hold the band or strip in position. In this embodiment, different tactile areas 426 can be provided on the band so as to provide additional elements to the bottle or container.

[0045] FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of an exemplary method of customizing the bottle or container in accordance with the present invention. At step 510 a bottle or container is provided and then at step 520 a plurality of bands or strips are provided with at least some of the bands or strips having pre-printed indicia and others are blank so that a personalized or customized message can be applied. At step 530 at least one of the blank bands are customized with indica and at step 540 at least one or more of each of the pre-printed bands and customized bands are applied to the container or the bottle. At step 530, one or more of the bands may be changed out. The method also includes a smartphone 532 which has a downloaded app which can access a database 534 to retrieve indica to print the blank bands or strips.

[0046] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “customizable beverage container”, “customizable water bottle”, “personalized beverage container”, “water bottle”, “bottle”, “beverage bottle”, and “container” are interchangeable and refer to the customizable beverage container 100 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the customizable beverage container bottle 100 and the customizable bands 118 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the customizable container 100 and the customizable bands 118 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands 118 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands 118 are important design parameters for user convenience, the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands or strips 118 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features, and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0049] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.