INTERLOCKING REUSABLE SPILL-PROOF CONTAINERS
20230211921 · 2023-07-06
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D21/083
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D21/0228
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D41/023
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D21/08
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D41/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A kit made up of a plurality of interlocking spill-proof containers including a first container and a second container. The first container includes a petri having a body with a top opening, at least one cavity, a bottom and at least one magnet, a jacket that at least partially envelops the body, and a cap configured for placement over the petr. The second container includes a petri having a body with a top opening, at least one cavity, a bottom and at least one magnet, a jacket that at least partially envelops the body, a cap configured for placement over the petri, and at least one center section disposed between the petri and the cap. The first and second containers are releasably attached to each other via the magnets contained by the first and second containers.
Claims
1. A kit comprising a plurality of interlocking spill-proof containers including a first container and a second container, the first spill-proof container comprising: a petri comprising: a body having a top opening, at least one cavity, a bottom and at least one magnet; and a jacket that at least partially envelops the body; and a cap configured for placement over the petri, the second spill-proof container comprising: a petri comprising: a body having a top opening, at least one cavity, a bottom and at least one magnet; and a jacket that at least partially envelops the body; a cap configured for placement over the petri; and at least one center section disposed between the petri and the cap, wherein the first and second containers are releasably attached to each other via the magnets contained by the first and second containers.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the jacket and cap of the first and second containers each have a plurality of exterior walls that form a hexagon shape.
3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the petri and cap of the first container are interchangeable with the petri and cap of the second container to form modified containers.
4. The kit of claim 1, further comprising the third spill-proof container comprising: a petri comprising: a body having a top opening, at least one cavity, a bottom and at least one magnet; and a jacket that at least partially envelops the body; a cap configured for placement over the petri; and at least one center section disposed between the petri and the cap, wherein the first, second and third containers are releasably attached to one other via the magnets contained by the first, second and third containers.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the petri, cap and center sections of the first, second and third containers are interchangeable with one another to form modified containers.
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein in each cap has a top surface that includes a recess sized to receive a label.
7. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a third spill-proof container comprising: a center section having a plurality of embedded magnets, a first well defined by a first bottom and a first opening equipped with a first attachment mechanism, and a second well defined by a second bottom and a second opening equipped with a second attachment mechanism, wherein the first bottom and the second bottom are proximate to each other; a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end having a means for releasably attaching to the first attachment mechanism and a first member such that when the first portion is attached to the center section via the first attachment mechanism, the first member creates a fluid-impermeable seal with the first opening, the second end having a third well with a third bottom and a third opening equipped with a third attachment mechanism; a second portion having a third end and a fourth end, the third end having a means for releasably attaching to the second attachment mechanism and a second member such that when the second portion is attached to the center section via the second attachment mechanism, the second member creates a fluid-impermeable seal with the second opening, the fourth end having a fourth well with a fourth bottom and a fourth opening equipped with a fourth attachment mechanism; a first cap having a means for releasably attaching with the third attachment mechanism and a means for creating a fluid-impermeable seal with the third opening when attached thereto; and a second cap having a means for releasably attaching with the fourth attachment mechanism and a means for creating a fluid-impermeable seal with the fourth opening when attached thereto, wherein the first, second and third containers are releasably attached to one other via the magnets contained by the first, second and third containers.
8. The kit of claim 8, wherein the caps, petri and center sections of the first, second and third containers are interchangeable with one another to form modified containers.
9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the petris of the first and second containers differ in size.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.
[0049]
[0050]
[0051]
[0052]
[0053]
[0054]
[0055]
[0056]
[0057]
[0058]
[0059]
[0060] The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete, and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0061]
[0062] Referring to
[0063] The jacket 110 has a floor 150 which sits beneath the bottom 126, a top hole 128, and a plurality of edges that extend between the floor 150 and the top hole 128. The top hole 128 is level with the top opening 114, which both sit just beneath the first attachment mechanism 116A. Here the first attachment mechanism 116A is equipped with male threads to interface with corresponding female threads, but other methods of attachment are suitable for use with the first attachment mechanism 116A.
[0064] The container 100 shown in
[0065] The cap 106 includes a top surface 146, which is equipped with a top recess 148 sized to receive a label 144. Preferably, the label 144 is removably attached to the cap 106 through magnets. Alternatively, the label 144 can be removably attached to the cap 106 through a limited friction fit with the top recess 148. In a variety of embodiments, the label 144 has a means for customizing said label such that a user may indicate the contents of the container 100. In some embodiments, this customization is permanent and in other embodiments the customization is reversable such that it can be customized and re-customized depending on the contents of the container 100. In some embodiments, the label 144 is removably attached to the cap 106 through the use of a hinge contained on the top surface 146.
[0066] The cap 106 is also equipped with a fourth attachment mechanism 136B, which is used to provide for the removable attachment to the center 104 via the second attachment mechanism 136A. In the embodiment shown here, the fourth attachment mechanism 136B is equipped with male threads to interface with corresponding female threads, but other methods of attachment are suitable for use with the fourth attachment mechanism 136B.
[0067] While
[0068] In various embodiments, the cavity 112 is sized such that a human finger can scrape out any fluids, solids, or semi-solids stored within the cavity 112. These embodiments are especially useful when high-viscosity liquids are contained within the container 100. Other embodiments exist where the cavity 112 is sized smaller than a human finger and is optionally coupled with a scraping tool such as a spatula. Preferably, the cavity 112 and the curved interior wall 140 have a smooth texture.
[0069]
[0070] Here, the actuator 154 has an inlet 154A for receiving fluid contained within the container 100, and an outlet 154B for dispensing said fluid. To operate the embodiment of the container 100 shown in
[0071] Once the actuator 154 is exposed, it must be raised above the pump section 152 by engaging the twist-and-rise mechanism 164. By twisting the twist-and-rise mechanism 164, the actuator 154 and the platform 160 are raised such that the actuator 154 can be depressed against the platform 160 to engage the pump 158, while the outlet 154B remains above the pump section 152, to allow for proper dispensing. A benefit of incorporating the twist-and-rise mechanism 164 is that the container 100 cannot be accidently bumped and pumped causing the accidental disposal of the contents of the container 100. Not shown here is a dipstick which is in fluid communication with the pump 158 to allow the pump 160 to access fluids stored within the cavity 112. In many embodiments that incorporate a dipstick, the dipstick rests snugly within the pump section 154 such that the pump 158 can be operated without any leaking occurring. Of note is that even if the dipstick does not extend to the bottom of the cavity 112, because the petri 102 is removable a user can still collect the remaining product contained within said cavity.
[0072] In alternate embodiments, the pump 158 contains a collar and a dipstick, all of which are supported on the platform 160. In some embodiments, the pump 158 further comprises one or more check valves to prevent accidental leakage. In these embodiments the check valve(s) are engaged when the actuator 154 is not exposed and is completely contained within the pump section 152. In other embodiments, the petri 102 (see
[0073]
[0074] The center portion 202 has a first well 214 which is formed by a first bottom 214A and culminates in a first opening 214B, which is equipped with a first attachment mechanism 214C that extends beyond the second opening 214B. The center portion 202 also has a second well 216 which is formed by a second bottom 216A and culminates in a first opening 216B, which is equipped with a second attachment mechanism 216C that extends beyond the second opening 216B. The first bottom 214A and the second bottom 216A are proximate to one another, but the first opening 214B and the second opening 216B are faced in directly opposite directions.
[0075] The first portion 204 has a first end 218 which is comprised of a first member 222 and a means for releasable attachment 220, and a second end 224 which is comprised of a third well 226. The third well 226 is formed by a third bottom 228 and culminates in a third opening 264 which is equipped with a third attachment mechanism 266 that extends beyond the third opening 264. In many embodiments, the first portion 204 also has a plurality of external walls beyond the first well 214, and a plurality of magnets embedded in between the first well 214 and the plurality of external walls, such that the magnets can generate a magnetic field beyond said plurality of external walls.
[0076] The second portion 206 has a third end 230 which is comprised of a third member 234 and a means for releasable attachment 232, and a fourth end 236 which is comprised of a fourth well 238. The fourth well 238 is formed by a fourth bottom 240 and culminates in a fourth opening 242 which is equipped with a fourth attachment mechanism 268 that extends beyond the fourth opening 242. In many embodiments, the second portion 206 also has a plurality of external walls beyond the fourth well 238, and a plurality of magnets embedded in between the fourth well 238 and said plurality of external walls, such that the magnets can generate a magnetic field beyond said plurality of external walls.
[0077] The first cap 208 has a means for releasable attachment 244 and a means for generating a fluid-impermeable seal 246. The means for releasable attachment 244 can be achieved in a variety of ways. Preferably, releasable attachment of the first cap 208 to either the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268 will be through the use of male and female screw threads such that the first cap 208 can be releasably screwed on or unscrewed from either the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268. Alternatively, the means for releasable attachment 244 can also operate through a limited friction fit between the first cap 208 and the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268.
[0078] The means for generating a fluid-impermeable seal 246 operates by creating a seal along the third opening 264 by firmly pressing a rigid member against the third opening 264. In some embodiments, this seal is supplemented through the use of an O-ring.
[0079] The first cap 208 includes a top surface, which is equipped with a recess sized to receive a label in accordance with the present disclosure. Preferably, the label is removably attached to the cap through magnets. Alternatively, the label can be removably attached to the cap through a limited friction fit with the recess. In a variety of embodiments, the label has a means for customizing said label such that a user may indicate the contents of the container 200. In some embodiments, this customization is permanent and in other embodiments the customization is reversable such that it can be customized and re-customized depending on the contents of the container 200. In some embodiments, the label is removably attached to the cap through the use of a hinge contained on the top surface.
[0080] The second cap 210 has a means for releasable attachment 248 and a means for generating a fluid-impermeable seal 250. The means for releasable attachment 248 can also be achieved in a variety of ways. Preferably, releasable attachment of the second cap 210 to either the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268 will be through the use of male and female screw threads such that the second cap 210 can be releasably screwed on or unscrewed from either the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268. Alternatively, the means for releasable attachment 248 can also operate through a limited friction fit between the second cap 210 and the third attachment mechanism 266 or the fourth attachment mechanism 268.
[0081] The means for generating a fluid-impermeable seal 246 operates by creating a seal along the fourth opening 242 by firmly pressing a rigid member against the fourth opening 242. In some embodiments, this seal is supplemented through the use of an O-ring.
[0082] The second cap 210 includes a top surface, which is equipped with a recess sized to receive a label. Preferably, the label is removably attached to the cap through magnets. Alternatively, the label can be removably attached to the cap through a limited friction fit with the recess. In a variety of embodiments, the label has a means for customizing said label such that a user may indicate the contents of the container 200. In some embodiments, this customization is permanent and in other embodiments the customization is reversable such that it can be customized and re-customized depending on the contents of the container 200. In some embodiments, the label is removably attached to the cap through the use of a hinge contained on the top surface.
[0083]
[0084] As in the embodiment shown by
[0085] Here, the actuator 252 has an inlet for receiving fluid contained within the container 200, and an outlet for dispensing said fluid. To operate the embodiment of the container 200 shown in
[0086] Once the actuator 252 is exposed, it must be raised above the pump section by engaging the twist-and-rise mechanism 262. By twisting the twist-and-rise mechanism 262, the actuator 252 and the platform are raised such that the actuator 252 can be depressed against the platform to engage the pump 256, while the outlet remains above the pump section 212, to allow for proper dispensing. Not shown here is a dipstick which is in fluid communication with the pump 256 to allow the pump 256 to access fluids stored within either first well 214 or the second well 216. In many embodiments that incorporate a dipstick, the dipstick rests snugly within the pump section such that the pump 256 can be operated without any leaking occurring. Of note is that even if the dipstick does not extend to the bottom of the first well 214 or the second well 216, because the center portion 202 is removable, a user can still collect the remaining product contained within said cavity.
[0087] In alternate embodiments, the pump 256 contains a collar and a dipstick, all of which are supported on the platform. In some embodiments, the pump 256 further comprises one or more check valves to prevent accidental leakage. In these embodiments the check valve(s) are engaged when the actuator 252 is not exposed and is completely contained within the pump section. In other embodiments, both the first well 214 and the second well 216 (see
[0088] In many embodiments, the pump section 212 also has a plurality of external walls beyond the pump housing, and a plurality of magnets embedded in between the pump housing and the plurality of external walls, such that the magnets can generate a magnetic field beyond said plurality of external walls.
[0089] In a variety of embodiments, containers in accordance with the present disclosure are capable of standing upright by balancing on a cap attached to the container. In other embodiments, to the extend any component with an attachment mechanism or means for attachment are sized to interface with each other, new combinations of components can be generated except where an attached dipstick would extend too far into a well or cavity.
[0090] Further, the present disclosure contemplates a broad range of container size, cavity size, and well size, including those that are less than 1 oz to sizes of about 1 oz to 3.4 oz, 8 oz to 12 oz, 16 oz to 32 oz and larger, as well as many sizes in between. Moreover, due to the inclusion of magnets in most of the components listed above, it is possible to attach a component while in use to a separate, closed container. This will assist with preventing spills.
[0091]
[0092] The container 400 is similar to the container 300 except that it has less number of sections. For example, as shown in
[0093] In exemplary embodiments, the various sections and caps of the container 300 and 400 may be interchangeable to form a variety of modified containers. For example, as shown in
[0094] In exemplary embodiments, since the petris or sections of the containers include embedded magnets, the two containers 300, 400 may be attached to one another for ease of storage and transport, and when the petris, sections and/or caps are interchanged, the magnets in the petris and sections allow the modified containers to be attached to one another regardless of the specific combination of petris, sections and caps.
[0095] In exemplary embodiments, a variety of containers, each with a different number of sections and/or petris, may be provided in kit form. For example, one or more of the containers may only include two sections (e.g., a cap and petri) while others may include more than two sections (e.g., a cap, petri and any number of center sections). This allows a user to mix and match components of each container as needed to create modified containers.
[0096] It is anticipated that one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein shall be used in conjunction with each other. As such, the present disclosure also contemplates kits of various embodiments of containers to assist users with a variety of travel needs with regard to toiletries, cosmetics, and similar solid, semi-solid, and fluid products.
[0097] Preferably, the containers described in accordance with the present disclosure shall have a geometry that when multiple containers are combined with pods through the embedded and integrated magnets, they shall form an interlocking pattern with little to no empty space therein. Such shapes include hexagons and triangles.
[0098] In a highly preferred embodiment, the containers in accordance with the present disclosure shall be constructed out of recycled ocean-bound plastic.
[0099] In various embodiments, the containers in accordance with the present invention will be filled with products selected from the group consisting of: shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, hair mask, scalp oil, scalp exfoliator, liquid eye makeup remover, micellar water, makeup remover wipes, solid face cleanser, liquid face cleanser, toner, serums, scrubs, peels, masks, solid sheet masks, liquid spot treatment, solid spot treatment dots, manuka honey, medicated creams, pomades, moisturizers, shaving cream, liquid body wash, solid body wash, liquid body exfoliator, liquid body scrub, solid body exfoliator, solid body scrub, body oils, body lotions, body moisturizers, body creams, solid perfumed, hand creams, hand moisturizers, hand sanitizers, cotton swabs, tissues, vitamins, supplements, and medications.
[0100] It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0101] Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.
[0102] It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layer and/or section. Thus, a “first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” and/or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer and/or section without departing from the teachings herein.
[0103] Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment and such variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0104] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0105] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.
[0106] As the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0107] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0108] In conclusion, herein is presented an interlocking reusable spill-proof container. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an interlocking reusable spill-proof travel bottle that can house a cosmetic or personal care product, or separately house multiple cosmetics or personal care products, depending on the embodiment. The disclosure is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure.