GB2281285A - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container has a body divided into a plurality of separable generally horizontally disposed stackable sections 2 each of which is formed with one or more pockets 6 able to receive and retain one or more suitably dimensioned objects. Each separable section 2 is adapted to support and/or be supported by another such section 2 and the edges of the individual sections 2 are contoured to simulate on assembly a recognizable article or item such as an apple. <IMAGE>

Description

CONTAINER ~ This invention relates to containers and more especially but not exclusively to children toys in the form of dismountable, aesthetically appealing containers, which include a multiplicity of discrete compartments for receiving and retaining suitably dimensioned objects. In one particular arrangement, the invention concerns a toy having the external shape of a fruit (e.g. an apple) which can be disassembled into several layers each including one or more discrete pockets or compartments, and a plurality of insect and/or grub-like figures which can be positioned selectively within the pockets or compartments.

The invention also has application to similarly compartmentalised containers for use by children and adults alike to receive and retain a variety of objects and items including, for example, jewellery, cosmetics, spices and herbs.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided a container having a body divided into a plurality of separable generally horizontally disposed stackable sections each of which is formed with one or more pockets able to receive and retain one or more suitably dimensioned objects, each separable section being adapted to support and/or be supported by another such section and the edges of the individual sections being contoured to define on assembly a recognisable article or item.

The lowermost section may define a base for the container. Alternatively a separable base may be provided on which the lowermost section can seat. A cover may be provided for the uppermost separable section of the container. Each section may be formed with a generally central throughhole to enable the individual sections to be positioned about the periphery of a post upstanding from the base. Additionally or alternatively the surfaces of the individual sections may be contoured to assist correct stacking of the sections on the base. Throughholes may extend through the periphery of one or more of the sections and into pockets of a respective section. The pockets may be disposed symmetrically or randomly about each section.

The exterior of the container may be coloured and the container may be produced from plastics or from wood.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevational view of a container in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a section taken through the container illustrated in Figure 1 with individual separable sections of the container spaced one from another; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the container illustrated in Figure 1; and Figures 4 and 5 are plan views of two of the several separable generally horizontal sections of the container illustrated Figure 1.

The container illustrated in the drawings takes the form of a child's toy which includes a body 1 in the shape of an apple. The body 1 is divided along substantially horizontal planes into a plurality of individual and separable stackable sections 2 and a base 3. The upper section supports a cover 4. Upstanding from the base 3 is a central post 5 about which the sections 2 and cover 4 locate via throughholes positioned generally centrally within each section 2 and the cover 4.

Other means of enabling the individual sections to be stacked can be employed. Thus, the section surfaces may undulate or include discrete projections to enable individual sections to be stacked one on another.

As will be seen more clearly from Figures 2, 4 and 5 each separable section 2 is formed with one or more randomly positioned pockets 6 capable of receiving and retaining suitably dimensioned objects. The peripheries of the sections 2, the base 3 and the cover 4 are so shaped that when assembled the stacked sections, base and cover define the contour of an apple.

Throughholes 7 are provided in the sides of several of the sections 2 and extend into selected pockets 6.

When using the toy described, small objects such as miniature animals, people, bugs or insects can selectively be placed in one or more of the pockets 6 are then hidden from view as the sections are stacked one on another.

These objects can then be re-discovered by a child simply by removing one or more of the sections to expose the objects retained within the pockets of the exposed section.

If a child wishes, smaller objects can be positioned within the throughholes 7. The toy has the added advantage that -it provides, particularly for younger children, a toy which can readily be assembled to improve co-ordination skills.

Containers in accordance with the invention have many applications and uses other than that described, these including containers for retaining items such as jewellery, cosmetics, herbs and spices.

Whilst the body of the container illustrated has the appearance of an apple, it will of course be appreciated that other body shapes can be adopted. Also, the individual sections may be coloured to provide a plain or patterned appearance to the container when assembled.

The container may be produced from, for example, plastics or wood. Other suitable materials may be employed. The size and finish of the container can be selected in relation to the use to which it is to be put.

Thus, sets or series of larger and smaller containers may be provided together with a wide variety of creature-like figures to be used with the containers. Generally, the container will be of a size and weight to enable it to be lifted and transported by hand.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of containers in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. A container having a body divided into a plurality of separable generally horizontally disposed stackable sections each of which is formed with one or more pockets able to receive and retain one or more suitably dimensioned objects, each separable section being adapted to support and/or be supported by another such section and the edges of the individual sections being contoured to define on assembly a recognisable article or item.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the lowermost section defines a base for the container.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a separable base is provided on which the lowermost section can seat.

4. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein a cover is provided for the uppermost separable section of the container.

5. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each section is formed with a generally central throughhole to enable the individual sections to be positioned about the periphery of a post upstanding from the base.

6. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the surfaces of the individual sections are contoured to assist correct stacking of the sections on the base.

7. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein throughholes extend through the periphery of one or more of the sections and into pockets of a respective section.

8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pockets are disposed symmetrically or randomly about each section.

9. A container substantially as herein described and as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.