Container

Abstract

The present device describes an adjustable container for providing a storage container whose volume may be adjusted to suit the size and amount of items held therein. The inventive device includes a base with a perimeter side wall extending around the base outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the base. The base and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the base. A removable lid is provided including a second divider or wall extending into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into a selectively at least a first area and a second area.

Claims

1. An adjustable internal volume container for storing a consumable, the container comprising: said container including a base and a lid; said base includes a base divider and said lid includes a lid divider; wherein said lid frictionally and rotationally secured to said base; wherein said lid divider rotatable relative to said base divider to selectively define an internal volume between said base and said lid including at least a first area and a second area; wherein rotation of said lid relative to said base decreases said at least first area of said internal volume between said base divider and said lid divider; and further wherein said at least first area is sequentially decreased as the consumable is consumed.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said lid and said base are adapted to form a substantially airtight adjustable said at least first area to adapt to the size and amount of the consumable therein.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said base includes a base perimeter side wall extending around a base outer perimeter to define said internal volume, said perimeter side wall has a height defined between a terminal edge of said base perimeter side wall and said base outer perimeter; and further wherein a center of said base and said base perimeter side wall includes said base divider therebetween.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein said base divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said base to said base perimeter wall.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein said base divider is arcuate in shape.

6. The container of claim 4, wherein said base divider is straight in shape.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein said lid divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said lid to a lid perimeter wall of said lid.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein said lid divider is arcuate in shape.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein said lid divider is straight in shape.

10. The container of claim 4, wherein said base includes a base divider indicator for indicating a location of said base divider.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein said lid includes a lid divider indicator for indicating a location of said lid divider.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic, a cardboard, and a metal.

13. An adjustable internal volume container for storing a consumable, the container comprising: said container including a base having a base divider and a lid having a lid divider; wherein said base includes a base perimeter side wall extending around a base outer perimeter to define said internal volume, said base perimeter side wall has a height defined between a terminal edge of said base perimeter side wall and said base outer perimeter; and wherein said base divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said base to said base perimeter side wall and includes a height generally equal to said height of said base perimeter side wall; wherein said lid divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said lid to a lid perimeter of said lid and includes a height generally equal to said height of said base perimeter side wall; wherein said lid frictionally and rotationally secured to said base; wherein said lid divider rotatable relative to said base divider to selectively define an internal volume between said base and said lid including at least a first area and a second area; and further wherein rotation of said lid relative to said base decreases said at least first area of said internal volume between said base divider and said lid divider.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein said lid and said base are adapted to form a substantially airtight adjustable said at least first area to adapt to the size and amount of the consumable therein.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein said base divider and said lid divider are arcuate in shape.

16. The container of claim 13, wherein said base divider and said lid divider are straight in shape.

17. A method for adjusting an internal volume of a container for storing a consumable, the method comprising: providing said container including a base having a base divider and a lid having a lid divider; wherein said base includes a base perimeter side wall extending around a base outer perimeter to define said internal volume, said base perimeter side wall has a height defined between a terminal edge of said base perimeter side wall and said base outer perimeter; and wherein said base divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said base to said base perimeter side wall and includes a height generally equal to said height of said base perimeter side wall; wherein said lid divider is a radial divider extending from a center of said lid to a lid perimeter of said lid and includes a height generally equal to said height of said base perimeter side wall; wherein said lid frictionally and rotationally secured to said base; rotating said lid relative to said base wherein said lid divider rotates relative to said base divider to selectively define an internal volume between said base divider and said lid divider including at least a first area and a second area; and sequentially rotating said lid relative to said base for decreasing said at least a first area between said lid divider and said base divider of said internal volume to conform to the consumable therebetween.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said base divider and said lid divider are arcuate in shape.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said base divider and said lid divider are straight in shape.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said base includes a base divider indicator for indicating a location of said base divider and said lid includes a lid divider indicator for indicating a location of said lid divider.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views. The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adjustable container base according to the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adjustable container lid according to the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an adjustable container base according to the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an adjustable container lid according to the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a mating engagement in a first position of a container base and a container lid in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a mating engagement in a second position of the container base and the container lid in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0042] 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.

[0043] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, an adjustable container embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 100 will be described. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable container 100 generally comprises a base 120 with a perimeter side wall 160 extending around a bottom 130 outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall 160 has a height defined between the terminal edge 190 of the perimeter side wall 160 and the bottom 130 of the base 120. A removable lid 220 (FIG. 2) is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. In closer detail, the base 120 is generally cylindrical and has a generally circular planar bottom surface 130. The base 120 also has a circular side wall 160 extending around the bottom surface 130. Together, the side wall 160 and bottom surface 130 of the base 120 define a base outer perimeter. The perimeter side wall 160 is upwardly extending from bottom surface 130 of the base 120 around the base outer perimeter. The perimeter side wall 160 defines the interior space of the base 120. The interior space is designed for containing items in it. The perimeter side wall 160 includes an inner or interior surface 162 and an outer or exterior surface 164, and the terminal edge 190 therearound. The terminal edge 190 of the perimeter side wall 160 defines an opening into the interior space.

[0044] The base 120 can include at least one divider, tab, or wall 170 extending from the side wall 160 and along at least a portion of the bottom surface 130 comprising a spoke or radial like element from the center 172 of the base 120 toward the periphery side wall 160 of the base 120. The at least one divider 170 can be curved or arcuate and can be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 130 and circular side wall 160. In one embodiment, the height of the first divider 170 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 160.

[0045] The removable lid 220 substantially covers the opening into the interior space of the base 120. The lid 220 can be slidingly and healingly received by the base 120. The lid 220 is generally circular and has an outer perimeter wall 260, including an inner or interior surface 262 and an outer or exterior surface 264. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface 262 of the lid frictionally mates with at least a portion of the outer surface 164 of the perimeter side wall 160.

[0046] The lid 220 can include a divider, tab, or wall 270 extending from a top surface 230 of the lid 220. The lid divider 270 can be curved or arcuate and can extend along at least a portion of the top surface 230. The divider 270 can be fixedly attached to the lid 220 top surface 230. In one embodiment, the height of the lid divider 270 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 160.

[0047] The removable lid 220 is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space of the base 120. It is to be appreciated that the lid 220 can include one or more second dividers or walls extending along at least a portion of the lid. The second divider(s) can extend into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid 220 can be rotated relative to the base 120 and sealed to the base 120 through a friction fit of overlapping sections of the interior surface 262 of the lid 220 and the exterior surface 164 of the base 120. Coordinated rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120 can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider 170 to the second divider 270. The at least first area can include the first contents or consumables therein, while the at least second area can include vacant space or second contents therein. As the first contents are consumed, the at least first area can be decreased and the at least second area increased by rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120.

[0048] The lid 220 and base 120 can be aligned, and rotated relative to one another, such that the base divider 170 and lid divider 270 define two areas within the container 100 when the lid 220 is attached to the base 120. Subsequent to attaching the lid 220 to the base 120, the lid 220 and base 120 can be rotated relative to one another. The resultant rotation enables the contents or consumables within the base 120 to be gathered and compressed into a space that substantially equals the volume of the contents therein. As the container 100 is used, and the contents consumed, each subsequent closing and rotation of the lid 220 to the base 120 can alter the volume of a first area and a second area. In one exemplary embodiment, the first area includes the contents within the container and the second area includes the vacant space. It is to be appreciated, as the contents are consumed, the volume of the first area decreases while the volume of the second area increases. The respective volumes of the first area and the second area are facilitated by the rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120 and the alignment of the lid divider 270 with the base divider 170.

[0049] The lid 220 can include an indicator 266 on the outer surface 264 showing the location of the lid divider 270. The base 120 can include an indicator 166 on the outer surface 164 showing the location of the base divider 170. The lid indicator 266 and base indicator 166 can be used to facilitate the lid 220 positioning relative to the base 120 and the subsequent rotation of the lid 220 about the base 120. Rotating the lid 220 relative to the base 120, and the associated rotation of the lid divider 270 relative to the base divider 170, gathers and compresses the contents or consumables therein. Rotation can continue until the contents are sufficiently compressed and further rotation is prohibited. It is to be appreciated that the dividers 170,270 can engage, for example, in a ratchet and pawl arrangement within the container to provide an anti-rotation mechanism to prohibit rotation in an undesired direction. Once rotation is prohibited, the volume of the first area will substantially equal the volume of the remaining contents or consumables within the container. The first area will thus comprise a progressively shrinking space wherein the remaining contents are surrounded by walls with minimal air therearound and prohibited movement, thereby prohibiting excess air to be exposed to the contents therein. The remaining contents are thus retained in a desirable orientation to facilitate consumption as the volume of the contents or consumables progressively decline.

[0050] Another embodiment of the container 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustable container 300 generally comprises a base 320 with a perimeter side wall 360 extending around a bottom 330 outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall 360 has a height defined between the terminal edge 390 of the perimeter side wall 360 and the bottom 330 of the base 320. A removable lid 420 (FIG. 4) is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. In closer detail, the base 320 is generally cylindrical and has a generally circular planar bottom surface 330. The base 320 also has a circular side wall 360 extending around the bottom surface 330. Together, the side wall 360 and bottom surface 330 of the base 320 define a base outer perimeter. The perimeter side wall 360 is upwardly extending from bottom surface 330 of the base 320 around the base outer perimeter. The perimeter side wall 360 defines the interior space of the base 320. The interior space is designed for containing items in it. The perimeter side wall 360 includes an inner or interior surface 362 and an outer or exterior surface 364, and the terminal edge 390 therearound. The terminal edge 390 of the perimeter side wall 360 defines an opening into the interior space.

[0051] The base 320 can include at least one divider, tab, or wall 370 extending from the side wall 360 and along at least a portion of the bottom surface 330 comprising a spoke or radial like element from the center 372 of the base 320 toward the periphery side wall 360 of the base 320. The at least one divider 370 can be straight and can be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 330 and circular side wall 360. In one embodiment, the height of the first divider 370 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 360.

[0052] The removable lid 420 substantially covers the opening into the interior space of the base 320. The lid 420 can be slidingly and healingly received by the base 320. The lid 420 is generally circular and has an outer perimeter wall 460, including an inner or interior surface 462 and an outer or exterior surface 464. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface 462 of the lid frictionally mates with at least a portion of the outer surface 364 of the perimeter side wall 360.

[0053] The lid 420 can include a divider, tab, or wall 470 extending from a top surface 430 of the lid 420. The lid divider 470 can be straight and can extend along at least a portion of the top surface 430. The divider 470 can be fixedly attached to the lid 420 top surface 430. In one embodiment, the height of the lid divider 470 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 360.

[0054] The removable lid 420 is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space of the base 320. It is to be appreciated that the lid 420 can include one or more second dividers or walls extending along at least a portion of the lid. The second divider(s) can extend into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid 420 can be rotated relative to the base 320 and sealed to the base 320 through a friction fit of overlapping sections of the interior surface 462 of the lid 420 and the exterior surface 364 of the base 320. Coordinated rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320 can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider 370 to the second divider 470. The at least first area can include the first contents or consumables therein, while the at least second area can include vacant space or second contents therein. As the first contents are consumed, the at least first area can be decreased and the at least second area increased by rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320.

[0055] The lid 420 and base 320 can be aligned, and rotated relative to one another, such that the base divider 370 and lid divider 470 define two areas within the container 300 when the lid 420 is attached to the base 320. Subsequent to attaching the lid 420 to the base 320, the lid 420 and base 320 can be rotated relative to one another. The resultant rotation enables the contents or consumables within the base 320 to be gathered and compressed into a space that substantially equals the volume of the contents therein. As the container 300 is used, and the contents consumed, each subsequent closing and rotation of the lid 420 to the base 320 can alter the volume of a first area and a second area. In one exemplary embodiment, the first area includes the contents within the container and the second area includes the vacant space. It is to be appreciated, as the contents are consumed, the volume of the first area decreases while the volume of the second area increases. The respective volumes of the first area and the second area are facilitated by the rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320 and the alignment of the lid divider 470 with the base divider 370.

[0056] The lid 420 can include an indicator 466 on the outer surface 464 showing the location of the lid divider 470. The base 320 can include an indicator 366 on the outer surface 364 showing the location of the base divider 370. The lid indicator 466 and base indicator 366 can be used to facilitate the lid 420 positioning relative to the base 320 and the subsequent rotation of the lid 420 about the base 320. Rotating the lid 420 relative to the base 320, and the associated rotation of the lid divider 470 relative to the base divider 370, gathers and compresses the contents therein. Rotation can continue until the contents are sufficiently compressed and further rotation is prohibited.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, wherein the lid 220 is shown in a first position in preparation for securing to the base 120. As illustrated, inner surface 262 frictionally secures to outer surface 164. Perimeter wall 260 includes a flexible portion 265 for flexing as the lid 220 is pressed down over the base 120. Outer surface 164 includes a rib 165 extending around the outer surface 164 of the perimeter wall 160. Rib 165 secures within the flexible portion 265 of perimeter wall 260 when the lid 220 is pressed down onto base 120 (refer to FIG. 6).

[0058] In another embodiment, the base includes a first divider and at least a second divider wherein the first divider and the at least second divider comprise spoke or radial like elements extending from the center of the base toward the periphery of the base. At least one of the first divider and the at least second divider rotatable wherein the interior space can be subdivided into at least two areas by spacing of at least one base divider relative to at least another base divider. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned embodiment can incorporate a lid with or without a divider.

[0059] In still another embodiment, the lid can include a first divider and at least a second divider wherein the first divider and the at least second divider comprise spoke or radial like elements extending from the center of the lid toward the periphery of the lid. At least one of the first divider and the at least second divider rotatable wherein the interior space can be subdivided into at least two areas by spacing of at least one lid divider relative to at least another lid divider. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned embodiment can incorporate a base with or without a divider.

[0060] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0061] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Exemplary embodiments can include a lid and base that are secured to one another through mating threads, pawl and ratchet, ring, and indent.

[0062] 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 “container”, “adjustable container”, and “adjustable volume container” are interchangeable and refer to the container 100,300 of the present invention.

[0063] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the container 100,300 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 container 100,300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the container 100,300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the container 100,300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the container 100,300 be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.