EP4046529A1

EP4046529A1 - Replaceable container topper

Info

Publication number: EP4046529A1
Application number: EP22157149.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Po-Chun Huang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-22
Filing date: 2022-02-16
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: CN114955227A; CA3145524A1; MX2022002233A; BR102022000038A2; US20220267062A1; GB2604043A; GB202202349D0; JP2022128412A; AU2022200627A1; CA3145524C; KR20220120443A

Abstract

A replaceable container topper is disclosed. It is mainly combined with the cover of any container (clamshell cover or separate cover). The cover is configured with a first joint structure, and the topper is configured with a matching second joint structure at a corresponding position, so that the topper and the cover can be combined firmly and stably, and can also be separated easily and quickly; the topper can have various structural and functional designs with no limit to its shape and structure, including working as: any of a fixed or movable handle, a soft long suspender or short band, a decorator of any style, a small electronic device or mechanical device. Through various designs of the topper, the container as a whole can have unique and personalized styles to not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide additional practical functions, such as telling the time, playing music, emitting light, positioning and tracking, or even to provide value for collection.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a multifarious and multifunctional container topper, and more particularly to a replaceable container topper with multiple practical functions.

Description of Related Art

Common containers seen in the market (bottles, jars, etc.) are normally provided with covers to seal the bottle and to extend the shelf life of the product contained. However, although such covers provide a functional design to prevent leakage, they usually have a dull appearance with no special shape and design. As a result, in daily usage or when going out with their containers, many users find it difficult to differentiate their own containers with those of others. In the case when different users happen to bring containers produced by the same manufacturer, it is particularly easy to cause confusions. Moreover, such containers do not offer a good-looking and unique appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable container topper. Through various designs in terms of shape, function, and style, the replaceable container topper can offer a unique and personalized style for the container as a whole. It can not only enhance the overall aesthetics, but also offer a variety of designs to replace the conventional dull and monotonous appearance.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable container topper combined with small electronic devices to offer additional practical functions for the container, such as telling the time, playing music, emitting light, positioning and tracking.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable container topper combined with small mechanical devices to make the container more lively and to offer diversified functions, such as working as a collectible music box or a surprise box to make life more interesting and enjoyable.
To accomplish the above objects, the present invention offers a replaceable container topper that is configured on the cover of the container. The cover is configured with a first joint structure. The topper is configured with a second joint structure at a corresponding position. Through the interaction between the first joint structure and second joint structure, the topper can be firmly and stably combined with the cover, and can also be easily and quickly detached from the cover.
In one embodiment, the combination between the first joint structure and the second joint structure is realized through any of matching male and female hooks, slot and tenon, male and female threads or magnets attracting each other.
In one embodiment, with no limit to its shape and structure, the topper can have various functional configurations, including working as: any of a fixed or movable handle, a soft long suspender or short band, a decorator of any style, a small electronic device or mechanical device.
In one embodiment, the small electronic device has such electronic components as chip, sound playing unit or display screen, to function as: any of a clock, an alarm, a music player, a lighter, a positioning and tracking device.
In one embodiment, the small mechanical device can be a music cassette of a music box, or an elastic doll inside a surprise box.
In one embodiment, the material of the topper can be any of silicone, plastics, rubber, glass, metal, precious metal, jade, wood, glaze, ceramics, leather, or cloth, or any combination of more than one material.
In one embodiment, the container can be any of a bottle, a jar, or a cup, with no limit to its shape and style.
In one embodiment, the cover structure of the container can be of clamshell type or separate type.
In one embodiment, the external periphery wall of the container can be configured with any graphic design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1(A) is an exploded perspective view of the topper and the container cover in one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 1 (B) is a combined perspective view of the topper and the container cover in one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 (A) is an exploded perspective view of the topper and the container cover in another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 (B) is a combined perspective view of the topper and the container cover in another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 (A) is an exploded perspective view of the topper and the container cover of a different style in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 (B) is a combined perspective view of the topper and the container cover of a different style in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 (A) is an exploded perspective view of the topper and the container cover of a further different style in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 (B) (C) is an exploded perspective view of the topper and the container cover of a further different style in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 (A) (B) is a schematic view of the topper structure I in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 (A) (B) is a schematic view of the topper structure II in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the topper structure III in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the topper structure IV in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the topper structure V in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 10 (A) (B) is an implementation view of the topper and container in a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1 (A) (B), the present invention provides a replaceable container topper. The topper (1) is mainly configured on the cover (3) of any container (2). The cover (3) is configured with a first joint structure (31). As depicted in the figure, relative slots are configured. The topper (1) is configured with a matching second joint structure (11). As depicted in the figure, relative hooks are configured. Through interaction between the first joint structure (31) and the second joint structure (11), the topper (1) can be firmly and stably combined with the cover (3), to an extent that they cannot be separated without operation. When the user simultaneously pushes the relative hooks inside, the hooks are released from the slot and the topper can be easily and quickly separated from the cover.
Referring to Fig. 1 (A) (B) and Fig. 2 (A) (B) at the same time, the above-mentioned container (2) can be any of a bottle, a jar or a cup, with no limit to its shape or style; the cover (3) of the container (2) is attached to the opening position of the container (2) in any form. The present invention includes covers of two different types: clamshell type and separate type. In the clamshell type, the cover (3) basically has a main body (32) to join with the container (2) and a clamshell portion (33). The main body (32) and the clamshell portion (33) are riveted to each other at the same side; a separated cover (3) only has a joining portion (34) to join with the container (2), and when opened, it is separated from the container (2).
Referring to Fig. 3 (A) (B), said first joint structure (31) and second joint structure (11) are combined through slot and hook, wherein the hook is designed to point to the center, so that the periphery wall of the cover can be streamlined.
As mentioned above, the cover (3) and the topper (1) of the container (2) are respectively configured with slots and hooks for combination. However, the present embodiment can use any structural form for combination. For example, the slots can be changed to clasps shaped similar to the hooks; alternatively, as depicted in Fig. 4(A), the surface of the cover (3) is formed with a first joint structure (31) with slots, and the bottom surface of the topper (1) is formed with a second joint structure (11) with tenons. After inserting the tenons into the slots, the topper can be rotated and it can be firmly combined with the cover, and can also be separated easily from the cover. Moreover, the first joint structure (31) and the second joint structure (11) can also be any structural form known to those skilled in the art, including: any of matching male and female threads, as shown in Fig. 4(B) and (C), or magnets attracting each other (or magnets and metal plates).
Now referring to Figs. 5 to 9, different structural designs of the topper (1) are disclosed; wherein, as shown in Fig. 5(A) and (B), the topper (1) can have a fixed or movable handle; as shown in Fig. 6 (A) and (B), the topper (1) can have a soft long suspender or short band; when the topper (1) has a handle, a long suspender or a short band, it can provide convenience when the user travels. As shown in Fig. 7, the topper (1) can have a decoration of any design to demonstrate personal style, taste, quality, and enhance aesthetics. As shown in Fig. 8, the topper (1) is configured with a hidden small electronic device (4). The small electronic device (4) can include electronic components such as a chip, a sound playing unit or a display screen, so as to further function as any of a clock, an alarm, a music player, a lighter, a positioning and tracking device. In particular, a topper (1) with a clock or an alarm can allow the user to know the time and to preset a timing and reminding function; a topper (1) with a music player can allow the user to play required or favorite music, or any sound; a topper (1) with a lighter can provide the user with continuous illumination to function like a torch, or provide flash lights as an alarm to avoid collision when traveling outside during the night; in particular, when the topper (1) has a positioning and tracking device, the users can avoid taking containers of other by mistake or losing their own containers. Moreover, when the container can be tracked, it is particularly useful to protect the safety of children and elders. The container (2) can have more practical functions and more value. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the topper (1) can be configured with a built-in small mechanical device (5). The small mechanical device (5) can be a music cassette or an elastic doll to form a music box or a surprise box, to make the container more lively and to add a value for collection.
The material of said topper (1) can be any of silicone, plastics, rubber, glass, metal, precious metal or jade, to provide diversified functional options for users, and to meet diversified personal requirements.
Now further referring to Fig. 10, the topper (1) of the present invention can have decorations, and the periphery wall of the container (2) can have matching graphic designs. The topper (1) can be designed as the head of a character (for example, a virtual character or a pop star) for decoration. In the present embodiment, a helmet is used as an example. The periphery wall of the container (2) can be decorated with matching graphic designs of clothing (6) by means of printing or adhesion; thus, the container (2), the cover (3) and the topper (1) can form a consistent design including head and body and becomes more lively and interesting; moreover, the helmet depicted in the figure can adopt a movable design to work as a handle, so as to provide convenience when traveling outside.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

A replaceable container topper, configured on the cover of a container, said cover configured with a first joint structure, said topper configured with a matching second joint structure at a corresponding position, through interaction between said first joint structure and said second joint structure, said topper can be firmly and stably combined with said cover and can also be detached easily and quickly from said cover.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein combination between said first joint structure and second joint structure is realized through any of matching male and female hooks, slot and tenon, male and female threads, or magnets attracting each other.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein said topper can have various functional designs with no limit to its shape and structure, including working as: any of a fixed or movable handle, a soft long suspender or short band, a decorator of any style, a small electronic device or mechanical device.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 3, wherein said small electronic device has such electronic components as chip, sound playing unit or display screen, to function as: any of a clock, an alarm, a music player, a lighter, a positioning and tracking device.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 3, wherein said small mechanical device can be a music cassette of a music box, or an elastic doll inside a surprise box.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein the material of said topper can be any of silicone, plastics, rubber, glass, metal, precious metal, jade, wood, glaze, ceramics, leather, or cloth, or any combination of more than one material.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein said container can be any of a bottle, a jar, or a cup, with no limit to its shape and style.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein the cover structure of said container can be of clamshell type or separate type.
The replaceable container topper defined in Claim 1, wherein the external periphery wall of said container can be configured with any graphic design.