US20080202966A1 - Modular container - Google Patents
Modular container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080202966A1 US20080202966A1 US11/711,929 US71192907A US2008202966A1 US 20080202966 A1 US20080202966 A1 US 20080202966A1 US 71192907 A US71192907 A US 71192907A US 2008202966 A1 US2008202966 A1 US 2008202966A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- body portion
- containers
- lobe
- fit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003796 beauty Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052573 porcelain Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0201—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side
- B65D21/0204—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side and joined together by interconnecting formations forming part of the container, e.g. dove-tail, snap connections, hook elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/50—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for living organisms, articles or materials sensitive to changes of environment or atmospheric conditions, e.g. land animals, birds, fish, water plants, non-aquatic plants, flower bulbs, cut flowers or foliage
- B65D85/505—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for living organisms, articles or materials sensitive to changes of environment or atmospheric conditions, e.g. land animals, birds, fish, water plants, non-aquatic plants, flower bulbs, cut flowers or foliage for cut flowers
Definitions
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing a number of interconnected containers.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 5A , 5 B show a container in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 shows an audio accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a connector accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 shows another connector accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 shows a wall bracket accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 shows a bookend accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 shows an accessory for connecting containers of the present invention so that one appears to “float” above another.
- FIG. 14 shows a lid accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 shows a candleholder accessory for use with containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 shows an accessory for locking together adjacent containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of containers having generally rectangular body portions.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of containers having generally rectangular body portions.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Container 10 has a generally cylindrical body portion 12 .
- the convoluted outer wall of the body portion has alternating lobes 14 and recesses 16 spaced around the perimeter.
- the body portion is hollow and open at the top.
- the bottom of the body portion is sealed with a base portion 18 .
- the base portion may be formed as an integral part of container 10 or may be a separate component attached to the body portion 12 .
- the body portion 12 may be fabricated as an extrusion of aluminum or other suitable material.
- the outer wall may be plated, anodized or painted in a variety of colors and finishes.
- the body portion may also be fabricated of glass or plastic to create transparent or translucent containers.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of container 10 showing base portion 18 .
- This provides a base for supporting the container and also seals the bottom of the container so that it may be filled with water to maintain the freshness of cut flowers.
- base portion 18 may be formed as an integral part of container 10 or may be a separate component in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion 12 . In the latter case, base portion 18 may be made of an elastomeric material to fit within the bottom opening of the body portion. A suitable adhesive may be used to further ensure a watertight seal.
- Base portion 18 may include a plurality of raised feet 20 to provide more stable support of the container on uneven surfaces.
- a drain 22 may be incorporated into the base portion so that liquid contents of the container may be conveniently drained without having to invert the container.
- the drain 22 may be a simple stopper inserted into an aperture in the base portion.
- the drain may comprise a valve fitting, such as a quarter-turn valve.
- the valve may be configured with a knurled circumference or may have a groove so that it may be operated with a coin or other suitable implement.
- FIG. 4 shows a container 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the top and bottom of body portion 32 are cut at an angle so that the container sits on a slant for a different decorative effect.
- Base portion 38 is configured with an extension 39 to prevent the container from tipping over. Additional containers may be connected to container 30 in the manner described above. The base portions of such additional containers would not require a supporting extension.
- FIGS. 7A , 7 B illustrate an accessory lighting module 50 for use with the containers described above.
- the body 58 of the module is configured to fit within one of the lobes of a container.
- One or more batteries (not shown) are housed within body 58 .
- a plurality of stalks 52 each tipped with a light source 54 , such as a light-emitting diode (LED), extend from the module. The stalks may be bent into any desired configuration to direct light wherever desired, such as at portions of a floral display placed in the container.
- a switch 56 is provided to turn light sources 54 on and off and, optionally, to adjust the intensity of the light sources. Instead of a mechanical switch, a magnetically actuated Hall-effect switch may be used.
- multi-color LEDs may be used to provide light of any desired hue.
- the plurality of stalks 52 may be replaced with a single translucent rod, which may be illuminated from below to provide a “pillar” of light.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an accessory sound module 60 for use with the containers described above.
- the sound module is configured to fit within a lobe of a container and comprises a battery housing 62 and a speaker 64 .
- the sound module also includes a digital memory and sound processor circuitry (not shown) within the battery housing for generating a soundtrack appropriate for items displayed in or around the container.
- the soundtrack may comprise, for example, recorded sounds of chirping birds, flowing water, etc.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an accessory that can be used to connect a pair of containers of the above-described embodiments at a greater distance than by interlocking the lobes and recesses of the containers.
- Connector 70 comprises a bridge portion 72 connecting a pair of lobes 74 that are configured to fit within the recesses of the containers.
- Connector 70 may have the same finish as the containers or may have a contrasting finish. In the latter case, at least the bridge portion 72 may be formed of or decorated to resemble wood, stone, leather or glass to provide a pleasing contrast with containers having a metallic or painted finish.
- FIG. 10 illustrates another connector accessory 80 .
- the bridge portion 82 of the connector is configured as a picture frame for holding a photograph or small work of art.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a wall bracket accessory 90 .
- the bracket has a lobe portion 92 configured to fit within a recess of a container.
- a lip 94 on the bottom of the lobe supports the container on the bracket.
- the bracket may be attached to a wall or other vertical surface by conventional means.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a bookend accessory 100 , which comprises a thin flat plate 102 and a post 104 .
- the post is configured to fit within a recess of a container.
- Plate 102 rests under the books adjacent to the bookend and, by the weight of the books thereon, holds the bookend in place.
- FIG. 13 illustrates an accessory for connecting a pair of adjacent containers so that one appears to “float” above the other.
- a support 110 which may be simply a length of acrylic rod, is inserted into a recess of container 112 .
- a lobe of a second container is then inserted into the same recess so that the bottom of the second container rests on top of support 110 .
- the second container thus appears to “float” above container 112 .
- This effect is enhanced by making support 110 from a transparent material.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an accessory cover or lid 120 for a container 122 .
- the lid may be made of an elastomeric material similar to or the same as that used to make the base portion of the container.
- the lid may be made of a rigid material, such as porcelain, wood, etc., for a more decorative effect.
- a tab portion 121 may be provided to assist in removing the lid from the container. It will be appreciated that similar lids may be provided for each of the alternative container shapes described below.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a candleholder accessory 130 , which is similar to the lid 120 described above, but which includes a holder 132 to receive a candle.
- Holder 132 may be sized appropriately for a taper, votive or pillar candle.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an accessory 140 for locking together adjacent containers 142 and 144 .
- Accessory 140 is a plug made of an elastomeric material that is dimensioned to fit snugly within a recess of a container 142 and to also bear against a lobe of an adjacent container 144 so that the containers are locked together by the resiliency of the plug.
- plug 140 may be inserted to lock the containers together.
- plugs may be inserted from both the top and bottom.
- four such plugs may be used with a pair of containers (at the top and bottom on both sides of the coupled lobes and recesses) for an even more secure arrangement.
- a container may be used with both a bookend accessory and a lighting accessory so that the lighting accessory may be used to illuminate the books retained by the bookend.
- a pair of containers may be used with a picture frame connector accessory and a lighting accessory, whereby a photograph within the frame may be illuminated by the lighting accessory.
- a sound accessory could be used to provide sounds associated with the subject of the photograph.
- FIG. 17 illustrates containers 150 that have generally rectangular body portions.
- the outside perimeters of containers 150 have vertically oriented interconnecting lobes and recesses similar to those of the cylindrical containers.
- FIG. 19 illustrates how containers of different shapes, here both cylindrical and rectangular, may be combined in an arrangement.
- FIG. 20 illustrates containers 170 that have a generally wedge or pie-shaped body portion. As shown, each of the containers is configured as a one-eighth sector of a circle so that eight such containers may be interconnected to form a complete circle.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Botany (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Evolutionary Biology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A modular container stores and/or displays various objects, such as, for example, cut flowers. The container comprises a body portion having a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter. The lobes and recesses are configured so that two or more of the containers may be interconnected. Various container configurations and accessories may be provided to create a wide variety of useful and decorative container arrangements.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to the field of containers and, more particularly, to modular interlocking containers.
- 2. Background
- Containers of all shapes and sizes are used in homes and offices to display and/or store various items. For one example, cut flowers are commonly displayed for both their visual beauty and pleasing aroma. Flowers are typically displayed in vases or other containers that are primarily utilitarian. Furthermore, the size of the vase places a constraint on the size of the floral display. Vases and other special purpose containers are also used to hold items such as desk accessories, bathroom accessories, etc. Even such special purpose containers usually have a fixed capacity. A need, therefore, exists for a modular container that can be arranged in groupings of various capacities and that has a unique decorative appearance.
- The present invention provides a modular container for various objects, such as, for example, cut flowers. In one embodiment, the container comprises a generally cylindrical body portion having a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter. The lobes and recesses are configured so that two or more of the containers may be interconnected. In other embodiments, the container may have a rectangular or wedge shaped body portion. Various container configurations and accessories may be provided to create a wide variety of useful and decorative container arrangements.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing a number of interconnected containers. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the container shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 shows a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 5A , 5B show a container in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 7A , 7B show a lighting accessory for use with the containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows an audio accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a connector accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 shows another connector accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 shows a wall bracket accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 shows a bookend accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 shows an accessory for connecting containers of the present invention so that one appears to “float” above another. -
FIG. 14 shows a lid accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 shows a candleholder accessory for use with containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 shows an accessory for locking together adjacent containers of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of containers having generally rectangular body portions. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of containers having generally rectangular body portions. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of containers having generally rectangular body portions combined with a container having generally cylindrical body portion. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of containers having generally wedge-shaped body portions. - In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of acontainer 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.Container 10 has a generallycylindrical body portion 12. The convoluted outer wall of the body portion has alternatinglobes 14 and recesses 16 spaced around the perimeter. The body portion is hollow and open at the top. The bottom of the body portion is sealed with abase portion 18. The base portion may be formed as an integral part ofcontainer 10 or may be a separate component attached to thebody portion 12. - In one embodiment, the
body portion 12 may be fabricated as an extrusion of aluminum or other suitable material. The outer wall may be plated, anodized or painted in a variety of colors and finishes. The body portion may also be fabricated of glass or plastic to create transparent or translucent containers. -
FIG. 2 shows how a plurality ofcontainers 10 may be interconnected for larger displays.Recesses 16 are configured to receive alobe 14 of an adjacent container. The lobes and recesses are dimensioned with sufficient clearance for adjacent containers to be easily slid together longitudinally. However, the lobes are captured within the recesses so that the containers will not separate laterally. In the illustrated embodiment, the lobes and recesses have a generally circular cross-section; however, other interlocking geometries could be employed, if desired. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view ofcontainer 10 showingbase portion 18. This provides a base for supporting the container and also seals the bottom of the container so that it may be filled with water to maintain the freshness of cut flowers. As mentioned above,base portion 18 may be formed as an integral part ofcontainer 10 or may be a separate component in sealing engagement with the bottom of thebody portion 12. In the latter case,base portion 18 may be made of an elastomeric material to fit within the bottom opening of the body portion. A suitable adhesive may be used to further ensure a watertight seal. -
Base portion 18 may include a plurality of raisedfeet 20 to provide more stable support of the container on uneven surfaces. Adrain 22 may be incorporated into the base portion so that liquid contents of the container may be conveniently drained without having to invert the container. Thedrain 22 may be a simple stopper inserted into an aperture in the base portion. To better protect against leakage, the drain may comprise a valve fitting, such as a quarter-turn valve. For ease of manual operation, the valve may be configured with a knurled circumference or may have a groove so that it may be operated with a coin or other suitable implement. -
FIG. 4 shows a container 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the top and bottom ofbody portion 32 are cut at an angle so that the container sits on a slant for a different decorative effect.Base portion 38 is configured with anextension 39 to prevent the container from tipping over. Additional containers may be connected to container 30 in the manner described above. The base portions of such additional containers would not require a supporting extension. -
FIGS. 5A , 5B show acontainer 40 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the top ofbody portion 42 is cut at an angle as in the previously described embodiment; however, the bottom is cut perpendicular to the body portion. A plurality of containers may be arranged with stepped heights as shown inFIG. 5A or with a continuously sloping top surface as shown inFIG. 5B . -
FIG. 6 shows acontainer 45 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the one just described; however, the top ofbody portion 47 is chamfered, i.e., the tops of all of thelobes 49 slope downwardly from the central opening. - The containers of the present invention may be used to store and/or display a wide variety of objects. The particular example of cut flowers has already been mentioned, but this has been used merely to describe one of the many uses of the invention. Among the many other uses for the containers, they may be employed as candleholders. The containers may also be used with utilitarian items, such as pens, pencils and other desk accessories and supplies. As another example, the containers may be used to hold toothbrushes and other bathroom accessories and supplies. Larger versions of the container may be used to store and display larger items, such as umbrellas.
- The containers of the present invention may be marketed as empty containers or may be packaged with items specially designed to be stored and/or displayed therein. For example, a container may be marketed with desk accessories specially configured to fit within the interiors of the lobes of the container. Such a “desk set” could be further packaged with containers and related accessories for use as bookends, paperweights, etc.
- Various accessories may be utilized with the containers of the present invention to expand their utility and decorative versatility. Some examples of such accessories are described below.
-
FIGS. 7A , 7B illustrate anaccessory lighting module 50 for use with the containers described above. Thebody 58 of the module is configured to fit within one of the lobes of a container. One or more batteries (not shown) are housed withinbody 58. A plurality ofstalks 52, each tipped with alight source 54, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), extend from the module. The stalks may be bent into any desired configuration to direct light wherever desired, such as at portions of a floral display placed in the container. Aswitch 56 is provided to turnlight sources 54 on and off and, optionally, to adjust the intensity of the light sources. Instead of a mechanical switch, a magnetically actuated Hall-effect switch may be used. - Various lighting effects may be implemented in the accessory lighting module. For example, multi-color LEDs may be used to provide light of any desired hue. The plurality of
stalks 52 may be replaced with a single translucent rod, which may be illuminated from below to provide a “pillar” of light. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an accessory sound module 60 for use with the containers described above. The sound module is configured to fit within a lobe of a container and comprises abattery housing 62 and aspeaker 64. The sound module also includes a digital memory and sound processor circuitry (not shown) within the battery housing for generating a soundtrack appropriate for items displayed in or around the container. In the case of a floral display, the soundtrack may comprise, for example, recorded sounds of chirping birds, flowing water, etc. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an accessory that can be used to connect a pair of containers of the above-described embodiments at a greater distance than by interlocking the lobes and recesses of the containers.Connector 70 comprises abridge portion 72 connecting a pair oflobes 74 that are configured to fit within the recesses of the containers.Connector 70 may have the same finish as the containers or may have a contrasting finish. In the latter case, at least thebridge portion 72 may be formed of or decorated to resemble wood, stone, leather or glass to provide a pleasing contrast with containers having a metallic or painted finish. -
FIG. 10 illustrates anotherconnector accessory 80. In this case, thebridge portion 82 of the connector is configured as a picture frame for holding a photograph or small work of art. -
FIG. 11 illustrates awall bracket accessory 90. The bracket has alobe portion 92 configured to fit within a recess of a container. Alip 94 on the bottom of the lobe supports the container on the bracket. The bracket may be attached to a wall or other vertical surface by conventional means. -
FIG. 12 illustrates abookend accessory 100, which comprises a thinflat plate 102 and apost 104. The post is configured to fit within a recess of a container.Plate 102 rests under the books adjacent to the bookend and, by the weight of the books thereon, holds the bookend in place. -
FIG. 13 illustrates an accessory for connecting a pair of adjacent containers so that one appears to “float” above the other. Asupport 110, which may be simply a length of acrylic rod, is inserted into a recess ofcontainer 112. A lobe of a second container is then inserted into the same recess so that the bottom of the second container rests on top ofsupport 110. The second container thus appears to “float” abovecontainer 112. This effect is enhanced by makingsupport 110 from a transparent material. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an accessory cover orlid 120 for acontainer 122. The lid may be made of an elastomeric material similar to or the same as that used to make the base portion of the container. Alternatively, the lid may be made of a rigid material, such as porcelain, wood, etc., for a more decorative effect. Atab portion 121 may be provided to assist in removing the lid from the container. It will be appreciated that similar lids may be provided for each of the alternative container shapes described below. -
FIG. 15 illustrates acandleholder accessory 130, which is similar to thelid 120 described above, but which includes aholder 132 to receive a candle.Holder 132 may be sized appropriately for a taper, votive or pillar candle. -
FIG. 16 illustrates anaccessory 140 for locking togetheradjacent containers Accessory 140 is a plug made of an elastomeric material that is dimensioned to fit snugly within a recess of acontainer 142 and to also bear against a lobe of anadjacent container 144 so that the containers are locked together by the resiliency of the plug. Once a pair of connecting containers have been arranged as desired, plug 140 may be inserted to lock the containers together. For a more secure arrangement, plugs may be inserted from both the top and bottom. Furthermore, four such plugs may be used with a pair of containers (at the top and bottom on both sides of the coupled lobes and recesses) for an even more secure arrangement. - The various accessories described above may be utilized in various combinations. For example, a container may be used with both a bookend accessory and a lighting accessory so that the lighting accessory may be used to illuminate the books retained by the bookend. In a similar fashion, a pair of containers may be used with a picture frame connector accessory and a lighting accessory, whereby a photograph within the frame may be illuminated by the lighting accessory. Furthermore, a sound accessory could be used to provide sounds associated with the subject of the photograph.
- For marketing purposes, containers of the present invention may be sold in sets comprising containers of the same or different lengths and the same or different finishes. Such sets may also include one or more accessory modules for lighting or sound effects as described above.
- The above-described containers all have a generally cylindrical body portion; however, other embodiments of the invention may use different interconnecting shapes.
FIG. 17 illustratescontainers 150 that have generally rectangular body portions. The outside perimeters ofcontainers 150 have vertically oriented interconnecting lobes and recesses similar to those of the cylindrical containers. -
FIG. 18 illustratescontainers 160 that also have generally rectangular body portion, but that have horizontally oriented interconnecting lobes and recesses. -
FIG. 19 illustrates how containers of different shapes, here both cylindrical and rectangular, may be combined in an arrangement. -
FIG. 20 illustratescontainers 170 that have a generally wedge or pie-shaped body portion. As shown, each of the containers is configured as a one-eighth sector of a circle so that eight such containers may be interconnected to form a complete circle. - It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.
Claims (33)
1. A container comprising:
a body portion having a top, a bottom and a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter, the recesses configured to receive and interlockingly engage a lobe of an adjacent container;
a base portion disposed at the bottom of the body portion.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises an extruded length of material.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion is formed of an elastomeric material.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the body portion defines a plane perpendicular to an axis of the body portion.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the body portion defines a plane at an acute angle to an axis of the body portion.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the body portion defines a plane at an acute angle to an axis of the body portion.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the body portion is chamfered.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion includes a means for draining liquid contents of the container.
9. The container of claim 1 further comprising a lighting module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
10. The container of claim 9 wherein the lighting module comprises a power source, a light source and a switch electrically coupled between the power source and light source.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein the lighting module further comprises means for varying an intensity of the light source.
12. The container of claim 1 further comprising a sound module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
13. The container of claim 1 further comprising a connector accessory comprising a bridge portion and a pair of lobe portions, each of the lobe portions disposed at opposing ends of the bridge portion, each of the lobe portions configured to fit within recesses of the container.
14. The container of claim 13 wherein the bridge portion comprises a picture frame.
15. The container of claim 1 further comprising a bracket accessory comprising a mounting portion for attachment to a surface and a lobe portion configured to fit within a recess of the container.
16. The container of claim 1 further comprising a bookend accessory comprising a generally thin, flat base portion and a lobe portion configured to fit within a recess of the container.
17. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally cylindrical.
18. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally rectangular.
19. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally wedge-shaped.
20. The container of claim 1 further comprising a lid portion releaseably engaging the top of the body portion.
21. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion is a separate component from the body portion and is in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion.
22. A set of at least two containers, each of the containers comprising:
a body portion having a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter, the recesses configured to receive and interlockingly engage a lobe of another container of the set;
a base portion disposed at a bottom of the body portion.
23. The set of claim 22 wherein the containers are of at least two different lengths.
24. The set of claim 22 further comprising a lighting module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
25. The set of claim 22 further comprising a sound module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
26. The set of claim 21 further comprising a connector accessory comprising a bridge portion and a pair of lobe portions, each of the lobe portions disposed at opposing ends of the bridge portion, each of the lobe portions configured to fit within recesses of the containers.
27. The set of claim 26 wherein the bridge portion comprises a picture frame.
28. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally cylindrical.
29. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally rectangular.
30. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally wedge-shaped.
31. The set of claim 22 further comprising a support dimensioned to fit within a recess of a first container and support a lobe of a second adjacent container such that the second container is elevated above the first container.
32. The set of claim 22 further comprising a plug dimensioned to fit within a recess of a first container and bear against a lobe of a second adjacent container, thereby resisting longitudinal separation of the first and second containers.
33. The set of claim 22 wherein the base portion of at least one of the containers is a separate component from the body portion and is in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/711,929 US20080202966A1 (en) | 2007-02-27 | 2007-02-27 | Modular container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/711,929 US20080202966A1 (en) | 2007-02-27 | 2007-02-27 | Modular container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080202966A1 true US20080202966A1 (en) | 2008-08-28 |
Family
ID=39714668
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/711,929 Abandoned US20080202966A1 (en) | 2007-02-27 | 2007-02-27 | Modular container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080202966A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090220471A1 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2009-09-03 | Cornelis Gielen | Solution for the biological cleaning of toothbrushes and corresponding device |
US20100308043A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2010-12-09 | Krones Ag | Bodies, packages of bodies, and a device and method for packaging bodies |
WO2011022578A3 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2011-09-29 | Hendrickson B Everett | Modular interlocking containers |
EP2463209A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-06-13 | Nestec S.A. | Secondary packaging comprising multiple primary packaging sizes |
WO2012097251A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | A set of containers with closures |
US8985366B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-24 | Intenze Products, Inc. | Interlocking disposable tattoo ink container for tattooing, cosmetic tattooing and micro-pigmentation applications |
US9221209B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2015-12-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for the manufacture of a container |
US9346200B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2016-05-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Closure for a container |
US9994368B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2018-06-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Closure for a container |
WO2019015864A1 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2019-01-24 | Fayet Celestin | Container having a plurality of chambers |
Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US986395A (en) * | 1909-07-28 | 1911-03-07 | Gertrude M King | Plant and flower pot. |
US2219870A (en) * | 1938-01-28 | 1940-10-29 | Nelson L Jacobus | Means for promoting plant growth |
US3177617A (en) * | 1962-07-27 | 1965-04-13 | Arnold A Koistinen | Floral holder |
US3683549A (en) * | 1970-03-17 | 1972-08-15 | Gerhard Simmon | Flowerpot |
US3828472A (en) * | 1971-07-16 | 1974-08-13 | J Vermeulen | Flower arranging element |
US4003491A (en) * | 1974-06-10 | 1977-01-18 | Wells Robert A | System of interconnecting containers |
US4065877A (en) * | 1976-11-12 | 1978-01-03 | Kelley Albert W | Container system for plant husbandry |
US4144664A (en) * | 1977-11-17 | 1979-03-20 | Peter De Korte | Weatherproof changeable display device |
US4461118A (en) * | 1981-09-04 | 1984-07-24 | Jilma Fertig | Flower arranging vase |
US4561208A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1985-12-31 | Schultz John R | Modular planter system |
US4788792A (en) * | 1987-04-17 | 1988-12-06 | Womick Michael S | Container apparatus |
US4966298A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1990-10-30 | Holdt J W Von | Locking container connector system |
US5240752A (en) * | 1992-05-11 | 1993-08-31 | Avedis Baghsarian | Decorative container |
US5305902A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1994-04-26 | Afp Imaging Corporation | Method and apparatus for interconnecting vessels |
US5446995A (en) * | 1994-09-21 | 1995-09-05 | Huber; Keith R. | Modular drainage system for containers |
US5511342A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1996-04-30 | Abruzzovasi Srl | Flower-pots forming a modular structure |
US5990790A (en) * | 1998-08-20 | 1999-11-23 | Lusareta; Donald W. | Interchangeable base for beverage container holder |
US6129209A (en) * | 1999-03-01 | 2000-10-10 | Tchira; Steven | Floral multi-compartment sleeve |
US6266921B1 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2001-07-31 | Lannen Tehtaat Oyj | Cell and cell tray for growing seedlings |
US6276549B1 (en) * | 1997-02-07 | 2001-08-21 | Mirta Mabel Fasci | Modular container that can be interconnected, for multiple uses |
US6364501B1 (en) * | 1999-12-02 | 2002-04-02 | Hung-Te Tai | Illuminative vase-type scented ornamental decoration structure |
US6763959B2 (en) * | 2002-06-15 | 2004-07-20 | Carl Kenneth Tedder | Stackable cooler shelving system |
US6935070B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2005-08-30 | Steven W. Ramirez | Apparatus for displaying culinary, horticultural or floral items |
US20050231948A1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2005-10-20 | Pohlert Rudy G | Lighting apparatus with adjustable lenses or filters |
-
2007
- 2007-02-27 US US11/711,929 patent/US20080202966A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US986395A (en) * | 1909-07-28 | 1911-03-07 | Gertrude M King | Plant and flower pot. |
US2219870A (en) * | 1938-01-28 | 1940-10-29 | Nelson L Jacobus | Means for promoting plant growth |
US3177617A (en) * | 1962-07-27 | 1965-04-13 | Arnold A Koistinen | Floral holder |
US3683549A (en) * | 1970-03-17 | 1972-08-15 | Gerhard Simmon | Flowerpot |
US3828472A (en) * | 1971-07-16 | 1974-08-13 | J Vermeulen | Flower arranging element |
US4003491A (en) * | 1974-06-10 | 1977-01-18 | Wells Robert A | System of interconnecting containers |
US4065877A (en) * | 1976-11-12 | 1978-01-03 | Kelley Albert W | Container system for plant husbandry |
US4144664A (en) * | 1977-11-17 | 1979-03-20 | Peter De Korte | Weatherproof changeable display device |
US4461118A (en) * | 1981-09-04 | 1984-07-24 | Jilma Fertig | Flower arranging vase |
US4561208A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1985-12-31 | Schultz John R | Modular planter system |
US4788792A (en) * | 1987-04-17 | 1988-12-06 | Womick Michael S | Container apparatus |
US4966298A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1990-10-30 | Holdt J W Von | Locking container connector system |
US5240752A (en) * | 1992-05-11 | 1993-08-31 | Avedis Baghsarian | Decorative container |
US5305902A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1994-04-26 | Afp Imaging Corporation | Method and apparatus for interconnecting vessels |
US5511342A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1996-04-30 | Abruzzovasi Srl | Flower-pots forming a modular structure |
US5446995A (en) * | 1994-09-21 | 1995-09-05 | Huber; Keith R. | Modular drainage system for containers |
US6276549B1 (en) * | 1997-02-07 | 2001-08-21 | Mirta Mabel Fasci | Modular container that can be interconnected, for multiple uses |
US6266921B1 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2001-07-31 | Lannen Tehtaat Oyj | Cell and cell tray for growing seedlings |
US5990790A (en) * | 1998-08-20 | 1999-11-23 | Lusareta; Donald W. | Interchangeable base for beverage container holder |
US6129209A (en) * | 1999-03-01 | 2000-10-10 | Tchira; Steven | Floral multi-compartment sleeve |
US6364501B1 (en) * | 1999-12-02 | 2002-04-02 | Hung-Te Tai | Illuminative vase-type scented ornamental decoration structure |
US20050231948A1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2005-10-20 | Pohlert Rudy G | Lighting apparatus with adjustable lenses or filters |
US6763959B2 (en) * | 2002-06-15 | 2004-07-20 | Carl Kenneth Tedder | Stackable cooler shelving system |
US6935070B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2005-08-30 | Steven W. Ramirez | Apparatus for displaying culinary, horticultural or floral items |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090220471A1 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2009-09-03 | Cornelis Gielen | Solution for the biological cleaning of toothbrushes and corresponding device |
US8348077B2 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2013-01-08 | Krones Ag | Bodies, packages of bodies, and a device and method for packaging bodies |
US20100308043A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2010-12-09 | Krones Ag | Bodies, packages of bodies, and a device and method for packaging bodies |
EP2258625A3 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2011-04-13 | Krones AG | Body having an external shaped structure, bundles composed of such bodies and device and method for composing such bundles |
WO2011022578A3 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2011-09-29 | Hendrickson B Everett | Modular interlocking containers |
EP2463209A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-06-13 | Nestec S.A. | Secondary packaging comprising multiple primary packaging sizes |
WO2012097251A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | A set of containers with closures |
CN103201180A (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2013-07-10 | 宝洁公司 | A set of containers with closures |
US9221209B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2015-12-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for the manufacture of a container |
US9346200B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2016-05-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Closure for a container |
US9994368B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2018-06-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Closure for a container |
US8985366B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-24 | Intenze Products, Inc. | Interlocking disposable tattoo ink container for tattooing, cosmetic tattooing and micro-pigmentation applications |
WO2019015864A1 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2019-01-24 | Fayet Celestin | Container having a plurality of chambers |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080202966A1 (en) | Modular container | |
USD556511S1 (en) | Drinking cup | |
US6039563A (en) | Stackable hexagonal candle holders | |
US5564665A (en) | Candle stick receptacle adapter | |
DK2757870T3 (en) | Watering device incorporating a light source (vandingsanordning, hvori der er inkorporeret en lyskilde) | |
US20040212987A1 (en) | Illuminant design device | |
CA2750362A1 (en) | Vase | |
USD493568S1 (en) | Lighting fixture support | |
US20040128879A1 (en) | Display apparatus | |
US9938059B1 (en) | Bottled beverage illumination device | |
USD508742S1 (en) | Tea light candle holder for a bottle | |
US6758666B1 (en) | Candle topper | |
US20150342159A1 (en) | Modular fish tank and display | |
CN215372150U (en) | Outdoor pavement ornament with illumination function | |
KR200335617Y1 (en) | Device for propping cosmetic container-tube | |
USD499507S1 (en) | Lighting fixture support | |
CN217584313U (en) | Lighting lamp | |
US901661A (en) | Fern-dish or display-receptacle. | |
JP7125584B2 (en) | Decorative case using lighting equipment and its function | |
KR101519605B1 (en) | A lighting lamp for decoration | |
CN213362398U (en) | Multifunctional candlestick | |
USD418928S (en) | Base for LED light bulb | |
USD412369S (en) | Cauldron-shaped votive candle holder | |
USD500165S1 (en) | Lighting fixture support | |
EP3791760B1 (en) | Cross for containing sacred utensil or wishing note |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IGGULDEN, JERRY, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FIELDS, DANIEL;FIELDS, KYLE;REEL/FRAME:018997/0533 Effective date: 20070223 Owner name: IGGULDEN, JERRY,CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FIELDS, DANIEL;FIELDS, KYLE;REEL/FRAME:018997/0533 Effective date: 20070223 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |