PORTABLE CONTAINER AND DISPENSER

Abstract

A portable container and dispenser includes a container capable of holding a solid or a liquid and a detachable lid. The container includes a unitary body including a three-dimensional shape, an interior, hollow storage cavity, a first opening, a first lid docking station, and a grab handle. The first opening is disposed on the outer surface of the unitary body and provides access to the storage cavity. The first lid docking station is disposed adjacent to the first opening. The detachable lid is configured to be removably secured to the unitary body at the first lid docking station, which is configured to retainably accept the detachable lid.

Claims

1. A portable container and dispenser comprising: a container capable of holding a solid or a liquid, the container comprising: a three-dimensional unitary body comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein, when viewed from at least one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side, the three-dimensional unitary body is substantially L shaped; and wherein the three-dimensional unitary body comprises an upper substantially rectangular portion and a lower substantially rectangular portion, an interior, hollow storage cavity substantially formed from the inner surface of the three-dimensional unitary body, wherein the interior, hollow storage cavity is disposed substantially throughout the three-dimensional unitary body; a first opening disposed on the outer surface of the three-dimensional unitary body, wherein the first opening provides access to the interior, hollow storage cavity; a first lid docking station adjacent to the first opening; and a grab handle disposed on a front side of the upper substantially rectangular portion of the three-dimensional unitary body; and a detachable lid configured to be removably secured to the three-dimensional unitary body at the first lid docking station, the first lid docking station configured to retainably accept the detachable lid; wherein, when the detachable lid is attached to the three-dimensional unitary body, the detachable lid is configured to enclose the interior, hollow storage cavity.

2. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first lid docking station comprises a first external thread; and the detachable lid comprises a first internal thread complementary to the first external thread.

3. The portable container and dispenser of claim 2, wherein the first external thread and the first internal thread comprise continuous threads.

4. The portable container and dispenser of claim 2, further comprising a second lid docking station comprising a second external thread complementary to the first internal thread of the detachable lid.

5. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the portable container and dispenser is formed using blow molding.

6. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a lid retention tether, wherein the lid retention tether is configured to attach the detachable lid to the three-dimensional unitary body.

7. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional unitary body further comprises an integrated recess, wherein the integrated recess is not configured to provide access to the interior, hollow storage cavity.

8. The portable container and dispenser of claim 7, wherein the integrated recess comprises a diameter of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches.

9. The portable container and dispenser of claim 7, wherein the integrated recess comprises a depth of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 4.5 inches.

10. The portable container and dispenser of claim 7, wherein the integrated recess is further configured to receive a removable bowl insert.

11. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional unitary body further comprises a second opening.

12. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first opening is disposed on a top side of the upper substantially rectangular portion or a top side of the lower substantially rectangular portion of the three-dimensional unitary body.

13. The portable container and dispenser of claim 12, further comprising an integrated recess, wherein the first opening is disposed within the integrated recess.

14. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the interior, hollow storage cavity is configured to receive between approximately 1 gallon of solid or liquid and approximately 6 gallons of solid or liquid and wherein the three-dimensional unitary body further comprises: a height between approximately 10 inches and approximately 20 inches; a width between approximately 5 inches and approximately 10 inches; and a depth between approximately 10 inches and approximately 20 inches.

15. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first opening comprises a diameter of approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches.

16. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the grab handle comprises a width approximately equal to 1.25 inches, a depth approximately equal to 1 inch, and a height approximately equal to 6 inches.

17. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein, after the solid or liquid has been received in the storage cavity, the solid or liquid is provided to the first opening or a second opening by gravity; and wherein the portable container and dispenser is configured to provide the solid or liquid at a substantially static depth within the first or second opening when the storage cavity is sufficiently full.

18. The portable container and dispenser of claim 17, wherein the substantially static depth is at least approximately 2.25 inches.

19. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the portable container and dispenser is configured to comprise at least two alternative positions comprising: a use position wherein the bottom side of the three-dimensional unitary body is configured to be a lowermost surface of the three-dimensional unitary body; and a storage position wherein the rear side of the three-dimensional unitary body is configured to be the lowermost surface of the three-dimensional unitary body.

20. The portable container and dispenser of claim 1, the portable container and dispenser further comprises at least one stabilizing element disposed on at least one of the bottom side the three-dimensional unitary body, a rear side of the upper substantially rectangular portion of the three-dimensional unitary body, and a rear side of the lower substantially rectangular portion of the three-dimensional unitary body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a first side view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first side of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is another front view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 is another top view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 is another bottom view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is another first side view of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12 is another cross-section view of a first side of a portable container and dispenser in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Specific details disclosed herein are in every case a non-limiting embodiment representing concrete ways in which the concepts of the invention may be practiced. This serves to teach one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner consistent with those concepts. It will be seen that various changes and alternatives to the specific described embodiments and the details of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein described and in the specific embodiments herein detailed without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not as limiting.

[0029] The various directions such as upper, lower, bottom, top, back, front, perpendicular, vertical, horizontal, length and width and so forth used in the detailed description of embodiments are made only for easier explanation in conjunction with the drawings to express the concepts of the invention. The elements in embodiments may be oriented differently while performing the same function and accomplishing the same result as obtained with the embodiments herein detailed, and such terminologies are not to be understood as limiting the concepts which the embodiments exemplify.

[0030] As used herein, the use of the word a or an when used in conjunction with the term comprising (or the synonymous having or including) in the claims and/or the specification may mean one, but it is also consistent with the meaning of one or more, at least one, and one or more than one. In addition, as used herein, the phrase connected to means joined to or placed into communication with, either directly or through intermediate components.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable container and dispenser 10. Elements labeled in FIG. 1 that are not labelled in FIG. 7 may be present in FIG. 7 despite not being labeled. Elements labeled in FIG. 7 that are not labeled in FIG. 1 despite not being labeled. Hereinafter, where the specification refers to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 showing an element where one of FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 does not have the element label, the element will be disposed in the corresponding location shown in the figure with the element label. Hereinafter, the terms container and dispenser, whether used together or separately may refer to the portable container and dispenser 10. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to store and dispense solids or liquids. The solids may include food. The food may include dry food, including dog kibble. The liquids may include water.

[0032] In embodiments, the container 20 may be formed of a three-dimensional unitary body, which may be referred to hereinafter, as three-dimensional unitary body 20 and/or unitary body 20. The unitary body 20 may be configured to hold a solid or a liquid. The container 20 may be formed using any suitable method, including but not limited to blow molding, three-dimensional printing, injection molding, plastic extrusion, rotational molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, compression molding, or any other suitable method known now or in the future. In some embodiments, the container 20 may be initially formed as a unitary body 20. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the container 20 may be formed from multiple separate bodies that are permanently affixed to one another to form a unitary body 20.

[0033] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the unitary body 20 may have a three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape may include an outer surface 22. The three-dimensional shape may include an inner surface 24. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the three-dimensional shape may include a first lateral side 26. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the three-dimensional shape may include a second lateral side 28. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the three-dimensional shape may include a top side, which may include an upper plane 30 of the unitary body 20 and anything disposed above the upper plane, including a first opening 70, a second opening 72, a lip 74, a first external thread 94, and a second external thread 94. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the three-dimensional shape may include a bottom side, which may include a lower plane 32 of the unitary body 20 and anything disposed below the plane, including at least one stabilizing element 100. The three-dimensional shape may include any suitable shape. The three-dimensional unitary body 20, when viewed from at least one of the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28, may be substantially L shaped. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the unitary body 20 may include an upper substantially rectangular portion 34 and a lower substantially rectangular portion 36. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a first lateral side 38.

[0034] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a second lateral side 40. The upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a top side 42. The upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a bottom side 44, wherein the bottom side 44 comprises a plane disposed between the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 and the lower substantially rectangular portion 36. The upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a front side 46. The upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may include a rear side 48. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a first lateral side 50. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a second lateral side 52. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a top side 54, wherein the top side 54 comprises a plane disposed between the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 and the lower substantially rectangular portion 36. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a bottom side 56. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a front side 58. The lower substantially rectangular portion may include a rear side 60. The rear sides 48, 60 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 and the lower substantially rectangular portion 36, respectively, may be substantially coplanar.

[0035] In embodiments, the unitary body of container 20 may include a height 62, a width 64, and a depth 66. The height 62 may be one or more of: approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 18 inches, approximately 15 inches to approximately 17 inches, approximately 16 inches, and approximately 16.25 inches. The width 64 may be one or more of: approximately 5 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches, approximately 6 inches to approximately 9 inches, and approximately 8.5 inches. The depth 66 may be one or more of: approximately 12 inches to approximately 18 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 9 inches, approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 15 inches to approximately 16 inches, and approximately 15.75 inches.

[0036] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the container 20 includes a storage cavity 68. The storage cavity 68 may be an interior cavity. The storage cavity 68 may be hollow. The storage cavity 68 may be formed from the inner surface 24 of the unitary body 20. The storage cavity 68 may be disposed substantially throughout the three-dimensional shape of the unitary body 20. In embodiments, the storage cavity 68 may be configured to receive between approximately 1 gallon of solid or liquid and approximately 6 gallons of solid or liquid.

[0037] In embodiments, the container 20 includes a first opening 70. The first opening 70 may be disposed on the outer surface 22 of the unitary body 20. The first opening 70 may provide access to the storage cavity 68. The first opening 70 may be disposed on any suitable side of the unitary body 20. In embodiments, the container 20 includes a second opening 72. In embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first opening 70 is disposed on the top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 of the unitary body 20. In embodiments wherein the first opening 70 is disposed on the top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34, the top side 54 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 does not comprise an opening. In embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 7, the first opening 70 is disposed on the top side 54 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20. The second opening 72 may be disposed on any suitable side of the unitary body 20. In embodiments, the second opening 72 is disposed on the top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 of the unitary body 20. In embodiments, the second opening 72 is disposed on the top side 54 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20. In embodiments wherein the first opening 70 is disposed on the top side 54 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 36, the top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 does not comprise an opening. It should be noted that the figures and description referencing the first opening 70 and second opening 72 as being on the upper portion 34 and the lower portion 36 of container 20 respectively, are for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that, as discussed herein, the first opening 70 and/or second opening 72 may be disposed on any suitable side of the unitary body 20 of the container 20, as shown by both the first opening 70 and the second opening 72 sharing the same element label.

[0038] In embodiments, the first opening 70 may have any suitable cross section. The second opening 72 may have any suitable cross section. In embodiments, the first opening 70 may have a substantially circular cross section. The first opening 70 may have a diameter. The diameter may be one or more of: approximately 4 inches to approximately 24 inches and approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. In embodiments, the second opening 70 may have a substantially circular cross section. The second opening 72 may have a diameter. The diameter may be one or more of: approximately 4 inches to approximately 24 inches and approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches.

[0039] In embodiments, the first opening 70 may be substantially flush with the side (e.g., 26, 28, 30, 32, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) of the unitary body 20 on which it is disposed. The second opening 72 may be substantially flush with the side of the unitary body 20 on which it is disposed. The container 20 may include a lip 74 disposed about the first opening 70. In embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the container 20 may include a lip 74 disposed about the first opening 70. The container 20 may include a lip 74 disposed about the second opening 72.

[0040] In embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 7, and 12, the container 20 includes an integrated recess 76. The integrated recess 76 may have a substantially circular area when viewed from above. The integrated recess 76 may have a diameter of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the integrated recess 76 may have a depth 78, measured from the top side 54 of the lower substantially rectangular portion of the unitary body 20. The depth 78 may be approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 4.5 inches.

[0041] In embodiments, the integrated recess 76 may be configured to receive a removable bowl insert (not shown). The removable bowl insert may be included to facilitate cleaning of the container and dispenser 10, allow for further portability of solids or liquids provided from the container 20, and/or control portions of solids or liquids provided from the container 20. In embodiments, the first opening 70 is disposed within the integrated recess 76.

[0042] In embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 7, the container 20 includes a grab handle 80. The grab handle 80 may be disposed on the front side 46 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 of the unitary body 20. In embodiments, the grab handle 80 may include a width 82, a depth 84, and a length 86. The width 82 may be at least one of: approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 1.5 inches, and approximately equal to 1.25 inches. The depth 84 may be at least one of: 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches and approximately equal to 1 inch. The height 86 may be at least one of: approximately 3 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches, approximately 5 inches to approximately 7 inches, and approximately equal to 6 inches.

[0043] In embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the container 20 includes a first lid docking station 88. The first lid docking station 88 may be disposed adjacent to the first opening 70. The first lid docking station 88 may be disposed adjacent to the second opening 72. The first lid docking station 88 may be configured to retainably accept a detachable lid 92. In embodiments, the container 20 includes a second lid docking station 90. The second lid docking station 90 may be disposed adjacent to the first opening 70. The second lid docking station 90 may be disposed adjacent to the second opening 72. The first lid docking station 88 may be configured to retain the detachable lid 92. The second lid docking station 90 may be configured to retain the detachable lid 92. The first lid docking station 88 and the second lid docking station 90 may be configured to include substantially the same feature or features to allow the first lid docking station 88 and/or the second lid docking station 90 to retain the detachable lid 92. The first lid docking station 88 and/or the second lid docking station 90 may be configured to be disposed on a sealed side (e.g., 26, 28, 30, 32, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) of the unitary body 20.

[0044] The first lid docking station 88 may include a feature 94 capable of retainably attaching the detachable lid 92. The second lid docking 90 station may include a feature 94 capable of retainably attaching the detachable lid 92. The feature 94 may include any suitable feature, including but not limited to threads, snaps, locking lips, one or more magnet, a compression fit, one or more external fastener, a flip top, and seals. In embodiments, the first lid docking station 88 includes a first external thread 94. The detachable lid 92 may include a first internal thread 96. The first internal thread 96 of the detachable lid 92 may be complementary to the first external thread 94. The first external thread 94 may be a continuous thread. The first internal 96 thread may be a continuous thread. Continuous thread (CT) as used herein is defined as a type of finish where threads are wrapped around the neck of the container continuously. The second lid docking station 72 may include a second external thread 94. The second external thread 94 may be complementary to the first internal thread 96 of the detachable lid 92. The first external thread 94 may be disposed on the lip 74 disposed about the first opening 70. The first external thread 94 may be disposed on the lip 74 disposed about the second opening 72. The second external thread 94 may be disposed on the lip 74 disposed about the first opening 70. The second external thread 94 may be disposed on the lip 74 disposed about the second opening 72.

[0045] In embodiments, the portable container and dispenser 10 includes a detachable lid 92. The detachable lid 92 may be configured to be removably secured to the unitary body 20. The detachable lid 92 may be configured to be removably attached to the unitary body 20 at the first lid docking station 88. The detachable lid 92 may be configured to be removably attached to the unitary body 20 at the second lid docking station 90. In embodiments, the portable container and dispenser 10 further includes a second detachable lid (not pictured). The second detachable lid may further be configured to be removably secured to the unitary body 20.

[0046] In embodiments, when the detachable lid 92 is attached to the unitary body 20, the detachable lid 92 is configured to enclose the interior, hollow storage cavity 68. When the detachable lid 92 is attached to the unitary body 20, the lid 92 and the unitary body 20 may form a connection. The connection may be airtight, watertight, or sufficiently sealed to prevent the solid or liquid within the storage cavity 68 from escaping through the connection.

[0047] In embodiments, the detachable lid 92 includes grip features 102 configured to allow, facilitate, or otherwise assist in attachment, detachment, and combinations thereof of the detachable lid 92 to the container 20. The grip features 102 may include any suitable feature, including grip features, a textured surface, or grab elements.

[0048] In embodiments, the portable container and dispenser 10 may include a lid retention tether, not shown. The lid retention tether may be configured to connect the detachable lid 92 to the container 20. The lid retention tether may be configured to connect the lid 92 detachably or permanently to the container 20. The lid retention tether may be unitary with at least one of the detachable lid 92 and the container 20. The lid retention tether may be a unitary piece. The lid retention tether may be formed of multiple pieces. The lid retention tether may be configured to attach to the detachable lid 92 at a first point or end and attach to the grab handle 80 at a second point or end.

[0049] In embodiments, the detachable lid 92 includes coupling features 104 configured to allow, facilitate, or otherwise assist in attachment, detachment, and combinations thereof of the lid retention tether or other elements. The other elements may be storage elements, not pictured, configured to allow, facilitate, or otherwise assist in storage of the portable container and dispenser 10. The features 104 may be any suitable feature, such as hooks, clasps, and through holes.

[0050] In embodiments, the storage cavity 68 is configured to receive and store solid or liquid. The storage cavity 68 may be configured to receive the solid or liquid through the first opening 70 or the second opening 72 of the container 20. The storage cavity 68 may be configured to provide the solid or liquid to the first opening 70 or the second opening 72 by gravity. When the storage cavity 68 is sufficiently full, the portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to provide the solid or liquid to the first opening 70 or second opening 72. When the storage cavity 68 is insufficiently full, the portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to provide the solid or liquid to the first opening 70 or the second opening 72. The solid or liquid may be provided to the first opening 70 or second opening 72 at a substantially static depth, not pictured, within the first opening 70 or second opening 72. The substantially static depth may be at least approximately 2.25 inches.

[0051] In embodiments, the portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to be provided in at least two alternative positions. The at least two alternative positions may include a use position and a storage position. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured in the use position when the bottom side 56 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20 is configured to be a lowermost surface of the unitary body 20. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured in the storage position when the rear side 48 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 and the rear side 60 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20 are configured to be the lowermost surface of the unitary body 20.

[0052] In embodiments, the portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to be filled with solid or liquid when in the storage position. In such embodiments, the unitary body 20 may include the first opening 70 disposed on the top side 54 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36. In such embodiments, the top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 may be configured to not be provide access to the cavity 68. The top side 42 of the upper substantially rectangular portion may be closed with respect to the cavity 68 or may be configured to receive the detachable lid 92 or a second detachable lid when in the storage configuration. In embodiments, after the portable container and dispenser 10 has been filled with solid or liquid in the storage position, the portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to be converted to the use position. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to be converted to the use position by a user grabbing the grab handle 80 and rotating the portable container and dispenser 10. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to the storage position by a user grabbing the handle 80 and rotating the portable container and dispenser. The portable container and dispenser 10 may be configured to have the detachable lid 92 and/or the second detachable lid attached to the unitary body 20 when the portable container and dispenser 10 is converted from the storage position to the use position and/or from the use position to the storage position.

[0053] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the portable container and dispenser 10 may include at least one stabilizing element 100. The at least one stabilizing element 100 may include any suitable element, including but not limited to a stabilizing protrusion, a friction resistant element, a foot, a textured surface feature, or any combination thereof. The at least one stabilizing element 100 may be disposed on at least one side of the unitary body 20. The at least one stabilizing element may be disposed on the bottom side 56 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20. The at least one stabilizing element 100 may be disposed on the rear side 60 of the lower substantially rectangular portion 36 of the unitary body 20. The at least one stabilizing element 100 may be disposed on the rear side 48 of the upper substantially rectangular portion 34 of the unitary body 20.