US20060249471A1 - Container with cap retainer - Google Patents

Container with cap retainer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060249471A1
US20060249471A1 US10/577,205 US57720506A US2006249471A1 US 20060249471 A1 US20060249471 A1 US 20060249471A1 US 57720506 A US57720506 A US 57720506A US 2006249471 A1 US2006249471 A1 US 2006249471A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cap
container
combination according
slot
contact surfaces
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
Application number
US10/577,205
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vaso Leposavic
Natalia Leposavic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA 2442519 external-priority patent/CA2442519A1/fr
Priority claimed from CA 2450477 external-priority patent/CA2450477A1/fr
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20060249471A1 publication Critical patent/US20060249471A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members
    • 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
    • B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
    • B65D23/12—Means for the attachment of smaller articles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging

Definitions

  • This invention relates to containers having reusable caps.
  • Particular embodiments of the invention provide containers having cap retainers on their walls and/or bases. After the containers are opened, the caps may be stored in the cap retainers and later reused to seal the containers.
  • FIG. 1A depicts a prior art beverage container 10 .
  • Container 10 comprises a container wall 12 and a base 13 .
  • Container 10 also comprises a rim 14 , which defines a container opening 16 . Opening 16 may be used to insert contents into and dispense contents from container 10 .
  • rim 14 and opening 16 are circularly shaped.
  • container 10 will comprise a cap 18 as shown in more detail in FIGS. 1B and 1C .
  • FIGS. 1B and 1C depict a reusable cap 18 for sealing and resealing container 10 .
  • Cap 18 comprises a top portion 20 having an exterior surface 20 A and an interior surface 20 B and a side portion 22 having an exterior surface 22 A and an interior surface 22 B.
  • Side portion 22 of cap 18 comprises a cap rim 23 , which defines a cap opening 25 .
  • container 10 is sealed by extending rim 14 of container 10 into cap opening 25 and rotating container 10 and cap 18 relative to one another, such that one or more threads 24 located on rim 14 of container 10 engage corresponding thread(s) 26 on cap 18 .
  • cap 18 is coupled to container 10 in this manner, the contents of container 10 are prevented from escaping.
  • a cap When a cap is uncoupled from its container, the cap is separated from the container and may become lost, dirty or otherwise contaminated. In addition, it is often inconvenient to have to hold the cap in one hand while using the other hand to hold the container and dispense the container's contents. For example, in the case of a beverage container, after removing the cap from the container it is necessary to use at least one hand to drink from the container opening. If a person needs to use their other hand for another activity (e.g. riding a bicycle, driving a car, holding onto a handbag or the like), then the person typically must put the cap down as both their hands are in use. Often, putting the cap down is done absent mindedly, which may cause the cap to become lost. Sometimes, there is no hygienic place to put the cap down and the cap can become dirty or otherwise contaminated. In addition, some of the container contents may be present on the cap and may dirt, stain or age the material onto which the cap is placed.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,299 discloses a baby bottle formed with a truncated conical cap which includes an annular groover adjacent to its top wall.
  • a bottom of the baby bottle incorporates a truncated conical cavity directed coaxially into the bottle for receiving the cap.
  • the walls of the cavity are formed with a plurality of projections for projecting into the annular groove in the cap.
  • the Manfredonia bottle is unhygienic because when the cap is received in the stored position, its rim and its interior surfaces are still exposed to contamination. In addition, a person must grasp the interior surfaces of the cap to insert and/or remove the cap from the cavity.
  • Another drawback with the Mandfredonia technique involves the difficulty of fabricating the bottle and cap using conventional molding techniques.
  • One particular aspect of the invention provides a container having a container opening and a reusable cap for sealing the container opening.
  • the container comprises a cap retainer for storing the cap in a storage configuration when the cap is not being used to seal the opening.
  • the cap retainer comprises a slot defined by a pair of sidewalls.
  • the slot has at least one open end.
  • Each of the sidewalls provides a contact surface which engages the cap for securing the cap in its storage configuration within the slot.
  • the slot may be formed in a side wall or in the base of a container.
  • the cap may be slidable in a direction of a longitudinal dimension of the slot from the at least one open end of the slot to its storage configuration.
  • the contact surfaces of the sidewalls may engage an exterior surface of a side portion of the cap.
  • the cap may be secured in its storage configuration by frictional forces between the contact surfaces and the exterior surface of the side portion of the cap.
  • the cap may be additionally or alternatively secured in its storage configuration by pressure associated with elastic deformation of the cap or the sidewalls.
  • Each of the sidewalls may comprise at least one sidewall point, where the sidewall extends transversely into the slot.
  • the transverse dimension of the slot is narrower in a region of the at least one sidewall point when compared to the transverse dimension of the slot in a region of the contact surfaces.
  • the at least one sidewall point may be located between the at least one open end of the slot and the contact surface of the sidewall.
  • the at least one sidewall point for a first of the sidewalls and the at least one sidewall point for a second of the sidewalls may be located directly, transversely across the slot from one another.
  • the sidewalls may each comprise a pair of sidewall points and the contact surface of each sidewall may be located between its pair of sidewall points.
  • the sidewalls may each comprise a plurality of sidewall points and a plurality of contact surfaces and each contact surface may be located between a pair of sidewall points.
  • the contact surfaces may be curved to correspond to a shape of the side portion of the cap.
  • the curved contact surfaces may exert pressure on the cap such that the side portion of the cap is deformed to conform to the shape of the curved contact surfaces.
  • the cap retainer may comprise a wall which extends transversely between the sidewalls at one end of the slot.
  • the transversely extending wall may comprise an additional contact surface which engages the cap for securing the cap in its storage configuration.
  • the contact surfaces of the sidewalls and the contact surface of the transversely extending wall may be curved to correspond to a shape of the side portion of the cap.
  • the sidewalls may comprise an outwardly opening tapering angle in a range of 0-5°.
  • the cap may comprise a lip which projects radially outwardly from its side portion and each of the sidewalls may comprise a corresponding groove for receiving the cap when the cap is in its storage configuration.
  • the sidewalls may extend inwardly from a container wall and a base of the slot may be depressed relative to the container wall.
  • the sidewalls may extend outwardly from a container wall and a base of the slot may be level with the container wall.
  • At least one of the contact surfaces of the sidewalls and the exterior surface of the side portion of the cap may be coated with a layer of an elastomeric material.
  • the cap may be secured in its storage configuration by frictional forces between the layer of elastomeric material and the contact surfaces or between the layer of elastomeric material and the exterior surface of the side portion of the cap.
  • the cap may be secured in its storage configuration by pressure associated with elastic deformation of the elastomeric material.
  • the container having a container opening and a reusable cap for sealing the container opening.
  • the container comprises a cap retainer for storing the cap in a storage configuration when the cap is not being used to seal the opening.
  • the cap retainer comprises a circularly shaped depressed region for receiving the cap.
  • the depressed region is located between a plurality of lobes which are angularly spaced apart around a circumference thereof.
  • Each of the lobes comprises a contact surface which engages the cap for securing the cap in its storage configuration.
  • the container comprises channels between each of the lobes for permitting finger access to remove the cap from its storage configuration.
  • Each of the contact surfaces may comprise an outwardly opening tapering angle in a range of 0-5°.
  • the container having a container opening and a reusable cap for sealing the container opening.
  • the container comprises a cap retainer for storing the cap in a storage configuration when the cap is not being used to seal the opening.
  • the cap retainer comprises a circularly symmetric depressed region for receiving the cap.
  • a side portion of the cap comprises one or more radially extending projections, each projection spanning an arcuate segment of a circumference of the side portion of the cap. Each of the radially extending projections engages a corresponding contact surface of the circularly symmetric depressed region for securing the cap in its storage configuration.
  • a container comprising an opening, a reusable cap engageable with the opening and a cap retainer.
  • the cap retainer comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls defining a slot having at least one open end.
  • the slot comprises a cap receiving area and a narrowed throat located between the cap receiving area and the at least one open end.
  • the narrowed throat has a transverse dimension smaller than a transverse dimension of the cap and smaller than a transverse dimension of the cap receiving area.
  • Each of the sidewalls also comprises a contact surface which engages the cap when the cap is located in the cap receiving area for securing the cap therein.
  • FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a prior art beverage container
  • FIGS. 1B and 1C are respectively isometric and cross-sectional views of a prior art cap for the container of FIG. 1A ;
  • FIGS. 2A-2C are respectively a side elevation view, a partially sectioned side view (along axis A-A) and a cross-sectional view (along axis B-B) of a container according to an embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of the cap retainer of the container of FIGS. 2A-2C ;
  • FIGS. 3A-3C are respectively a side elevation view, a partially sectioned side view (along axis C-C) and a cross-sectional view (along axis D-D) of a container according to another particular embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIG. 3D is a side elevation view of the cap retainer of the container of FIGS. 3A-3C ;
  • FIGS. 4A-4C are respectively a side elevation view, a partially sectioned side view (along axis E-E) and a cross-sectional view (along axis F-F) of a container according to another embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIG. 4D is a side elevation view of the cap retainer of the container of FIGS. 4A-4C ;
  • FIGS. 5A-5C are respectively a side elevation view, a partially sectioned side view (along axis G-G) and a cross-sectional view (along axis H-H) of a container according to another embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIGS. 6A-6B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along axis I-I) and a cross-sectional view (along axis J-J) of a container according to another embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIGS. 7A-7B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along axis K-K) and a cross-sectional view (along axis L-L) of a container according to another embodiment of the invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIGS. 8A-8B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along axis M-M) and a bottom view of container according to another embodiment of the present invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along line N-N) and a cross-sectional view (along line O-O) of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer;
  • FIGS. 9C and 9D are respectively a cross-sectional view (along line P-P) and a bottom view of the cap for the container of FIGS. 9A and 9B ;
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along line Q-Q) and a bottom view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer; and
  • FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively a partially sectioned side view (along line R-R) and a bottom view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention with its cap stored in its cap retainer.
  • Some embodiments of the invention provide containers having removable caps and cap retainers.
  • the caps may be removed from the container openings, stored in the cap retainers and later reused to seal the containers.
  • Some embodiments of the invention provide containers for storing beverages or other edible fluids, commonly referred to as “bottles”.
  • the cap retainers allow the caps to be stored in a hygienic manner that minimizes the opportunities of contamination of the caps before they are used to reseal the containers.
  • a cap retainer comprises one or more contact surfaces which contact corresponding surface(s) of the cap to secure the cap in the cap retainer.
  • the contact surfaces may be part of a recessed region formed in the container wall or the container base. Alternatively, the contact surfaces may project outwardly from the container walls and/or the container base.
  • the cap may be secured in the cap retainer by frictional forces acting between the contact surface(s) of the cap retainer and the corresponding surfaces of the cap.
  • the contact surface(s) of the cap retainer and/or the corresponding surface(s) of the cap are made of elastically deformable material and/or are covered in a layer of elastomeric material.
  • the cap may be additionally secured in the cap retainer by pressure exerted between the contact surface(s) and the cap as a result of elastic deformation of the cap, the cap retainer and/or the elastomeric material.
  • FIGS. 2A-2D depict a container 100 having a cap 103 and a cap retainer 110 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Container 100 is a bottle for holding a beverage.
  • Container 100 comprises a container wall 101 , a base 105 and a generally circular rim 102 which defines container opening 102 A.
  • Cap 103 may be substantially similar to prior art cap 18 described above.
  • Cap 103 may be coupled to rim 102 to seal opening 102 A.
  • cap 103 is threadably coupleable to rim 102 .
  • cap 103 is shown in its storage configuration, wherein cap 103 is retained in cap retainer 110 .
  • Cap retainer 110 comprises an elongated slot 110 A formed between a pair of sidewalls 114 , 115 . At one of its ends, slot 110 A comprises a wall 113 which extends transversely between sidewalls 114 , 115 and at its opposing end 111 , slot 110 A is open. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen best in FIGS. 2B and 2C , slot 110 A and its base 116 are recessed into container wall 101 . In alternative embodiments, sidewalls 114 , 115 and lower wall 113 may extend outwardly from container wall 101 , such that base 116 of slot 110 A is level with container wall 101 .
  • sidewalls 114 , 115 and transverse wall 113 have a shape shown best in FIG. 2D .
  • the transverse dimension of slot 110 A is relatively wide (i.e. sidewalls 114 , 115 are relatively widely spaced apart from one another).
  • the transverse dimension of slot 110 A narrows.
  • sidewall portions 114 A, 115 A are generally planar angled surfaces. Sidewall portions 114 A, 115 A may also be curved.
  • the transverse dimension of slot 110 A is narrowest at sidewall points 114 B, 115 B. In some embodiments, sidewall points 114 B, 115 B may extend inwardly by a distance in a range of 0-5% of the diameter of cap 103 .
  • Sidewall portions 114 C, 115 C extend below sidewall points 114 B, 115 B toward transverse wall 113 , the transverse dimension of slot 110 A increases again.
  • Sidewall portions 114 C, 115 C and portion 113 A of transverse wall 113 are shaped to provide a curved cap retaining bay 117 .
  • the contact surfaces of cap retaining bay 117 may be shaped correspond generally to exterior surface 146 of side portion 146 A of cap 103 .
  • the contact surfaces of cap retaining bay 117 may exert pressure on cap 103 , such that side portion 146 A of cap 103 is deformed to conform to the shape of the curved surfaces of cap retaining bay 117 .
  • Putting cap 103 into its storage configuration in cap retainer 110 first involves placing cap 103 into slot 110 A at its open upper end 111 . Preferably, a portion of cap 103 abuts against base 116 of slot 110 A. Cap 103 may then be slid along the longitudinal dimension of slot 110 A until it passes sidewall points 114 B, 115 B (i.e. the narrowest portion of slot 110 A) and fits into retaining bay 117 .
  • Sliding cap 103 past sidewall points 114 B, 115 B preferably involves some deformation of cap 103 and/or sidewalls 114 , 115 , such that when cap 103 is slid into retaining bay 117 , the person placing cap 103 into cap retainer 110 hears and/or feels a “click” as cap 103 and/or sidewalls 114 , 115 expand back toward their nominal (i.e. undeformed) configuration.
  • cap 103 When cap 103 is received in retaining bay 117 , it is in its storage configuration.
  • Surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A of retaining bay 117 represent the contact surfaces of cap retainer 110 , which contact the exterior surface 146 of side portion 146 A of cap 103 .
  • Cap 103 is secured in place in its storage configuration by frictional forces acting between contact surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A of cap retainer 110 and the exterior surface 146 of side portion 146 A of cap 103 .
  • there is still some deformation of side portion 146 A of cap 103 and/or contact surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A of cap retainer 110 Preferably, when cap 103 is in its storage configuration, there is still some deformation of side portion 146 A of cap 103 and/or contact surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A of cap retainer 110 .
  • Such elastic deformation causes pressure to be exerted between contact surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A of cap retainer 110 and the exterior surface 146 of side portion 146 A of cap 103 . This pressure tends to hold cap 103 in place in cap retainer 110 .
  • cap 103 is inserted and stored into cap retainer 110 in an orientation wherein cap rim 118 ( FIGS. 2B, 2C ) abuts against base 116 of slot 110 A and the exterior surface 145 of top portion 145 A of cap 103 is facing outwardly.
  • This orientation of cap 103 in cap retainer 110 promotes hygiene by minimizing the exposure of the cap opening and the interior surfaces of cap 103 to contamination.
  • a person may insert and remove cap 103 from cap retainer 110 without handling the interior surfaces of cap 103 .
  • cap 103 in cap retainer 110 also helps to prevent cap 103 from being permanently warped or broken because of excessive deformation.
  • Removal of cap 103 from cap retainer 110 may be accomplished in a manner opposite to that of insertion, wherein cap 103 is forced toward open end 111 of slot 110 A and is subsequently removed from slot 110 A. Alternatively, cap 103 may be pulled directly outwardly from slot 110 A without having to slide cap 103 toward open end 111 .
  • Sidewalls 114 , 115 and/or transverse wall 113 may optionally be provided with a non-zero tapering angle P ( FIG. 2C ), such that the transverse dimension of slot 110 A gets wider as sidewalls 114 , 115 and/or transverse wall 113 extend away from base 116 of slot 110 A.
  • tapering angle ⁇ is measured from a plane orthogonal to base 116 of slot 110 A.
  • tapering angle ⁇ may be selected on the basis of the elastic deformation properties and friction properties of the materials used for cap 103 and cap retainer 110 , such that cap 103 is adequately secured in cap retainer 110 without permanently warping or breaking cap 103 . In some embodiments, tapering angle ⁇ is in the range of 0-5°.
  • Tapering angle ⁇ may be significantly increased by coating the exterior surface 146 of side portion 146 A of cap 103 and/or contact surfaces 114 C, 115 C, 113 A with elastomeric material that increases the friction therebetween. This provides additional freedom for design and fabrication of container 100 and cap 103 .
  • FIGS. 3A-3D show a container 200 and cap 203 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • container 200 and cap 203 are similar to container 100 and cap 103 of FIGS. 2A-2D .
  • Features of container 200 and cap 203 that are similar to features of container 100 and cap 103 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “2” rather than “1”.
  • cap retainer 210 of container 200 comprises a slot 210 A having a pair of open ends 211 , 212 (i.e. transverse wall 113 is not present in cap retainer 210 of container 200 ).
  • Sidewalls 214 , 215 of cap retainer 210 also have different shapes than sidewalls 114 , 115 of cap retainer 110 . As shown best in FIG. 3D , sidewall portions 214 A, 215 A closest to open end 211 are shaped such that the transverse dimension of slot 210 A becomes narrower as sidewall portions 214 A, 215 A extend away from open end 211 .
  • sidewall portions 214 E, 215 E closest to open end 212 are shaped such that the transverse dimension of slot 210 A becomes narrower as sidewall portions 214 E, 215 E extend away from open end 212 .
  • sidewall portions 214 A, 215 A, 214 E, 215 E are planar angled surfaces, but sidewall portions 214 A, 215 A, 214 E, 215 E may also be curved.
  • Slot 210 A is narrowest at sidewall points 214 B, 215 B and at sidewall points 214 D, 215 D.
  • sidewall points 214 B, 215 B, 214 D, 215 D may extend inwardly by a distance in a range of 0-5% of the diameter of cap 203 .
  • sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C are shaped such that the dimension of slot 210 A increases again.
  • Sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C may be curved to correspond in shape to side portion 246 A of cap 203 .
  • sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C exert pressure on cap 203 , such that side portion 246 A of cap 203 is deformed to conform to the shape of the curved surfaces of sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C.
  • Cap 203 may be inserted and stored in cap retainer 210 from either open end 211 , 212 of slot 210 A.
  • a portion of cap 203 preferably abuts against base 216 of slot 210 A.
  • Cap 203 is then slid along the longitudinal dimension of slot 210 A until it passes sidewall points 214 B, 215 B (when inserted from open end 211 ) or until it passes sidewall points 214 D, 215 D (when inserted from open end 212 ).
  • Cap 203 is in its storage configuration when it reaches sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C.
  • Sliding cap 203 past sidewall points 214 B, 215 B or sidewall points 214 D, 215 D preferably involves some deformation of cap 203 and/or sidewalls 214 , 215 , such that when cap 203 reaches sidewall portions 214 C, 215 C, the person placing cap 203 into cap retainer 210 hears and/or feels a “click” as cap 203 and/or sidewalls 214 , 215 expand back toward their nominal (i.e. undeformed) configuration.
  • Surfaces 214 C, 215 C represent the contact surfaces of cap retainer 210 , which contact the exterior surface 246 of side portion 246 A of cap 203 .
  • cap 203 is secured in place in the storage configuration by frictional forces acting between contact surfaces 214 C, 215 C of sidewalls 214 , 215 and or the pressure associated with the elastic deformation of sidewalls 114 , 115 and/or cap 203 .
  • Removal of cap 203 from cap retainer 210 may be accomplished in a manner opposite that of insertion, wherein cap 203 is forced toward either open end 211 , 212 of slot 210 A and is subsequently removed from slot 210 A.
  • cap 203 may be pulled directly outwardly from slot 210 A without having to slide cap 203 toward open end 211 or open end 212 .
  • FIGS. 4A-4D show a container 300 and a cap 303 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • container 300 and cap 303 are similar to container 200 and cap 203 of FIGS. 3A-3D .
  • Features of container 300 and cap 303 that are similar to features of container 200 and cap 203 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “3” rather than “2”.
  • cap retainer 310 which comprise narrowing portions 314 A, 315 A (proximate to open end 311 ), narrowing portions 314 I, 315 I (proximate to open end 312 ), multiple sidewall points 314 B, 315 B; 314 D, 315 D; 314 F, 315 F; and 314 H, 315 H, and multiple curved contact surfaces 314 C, 315 C; 314 E, 315 E; and 314 G, 315 G, between which cap 303 may be retained.
  • cap retainer 310 provides a plurality of potential storage configurations for cap 303 .
  • cap retainer 310 is shown with three pairs of contact surfaces 314 C, 315 C; 314 E, 315 E; and 314 G, 315 G, but that cap retainer 310 may have larger number or smaller number of pairs of contact surfaces and a correspondingly larger or smaller number of storage configurations for cap 303 .
  • cap 303 may still be retained between another pair of contact surfaces (e.g. contact surfaces 314 E, 315 E).
  • cap 303 comprises an optional lip 320 which projects radially outwardly from side portion 346 A of cap 303 near cap rim 318 .
  • Sidewalls 314 , 315 comprise corresponding grooves 321 for receiving lip 320 when cap 303 is inserted into slot 310 A.
  • Lip 320 and corresponding grooves 321 help to retain cap 303 in cap retainer 310 .
  • lip 320 of cap 303 and grooves 321 of container 300 may allow for slot 310 A to have a relatively shallow shape.
  • cap retainer 310 of container 300 has a base 316 which is substantially planar from open end 311 through to open end 312 .
  • cap retainer 210 comprises a curved base portion 219 near open end 212 . Curved base portion 219 may make it easier to guide cap 203 into cap retainer 210 .
  • any of the slotted embodiments described herein may comprise curved base portions at one or both of their open ends.
  • Container 300 also differs from container 200 in that open end 312 of cap retainer 310 extends all the way to the bottom of wall 301 of container 300 (i.e. open end 312 opens onto base 305 of container 300 ).
  • any of the cap retaining slots described herein may have one of their open ends extend to the base of its corresponding container.
  • FIGS. 5A-5C depict a container 400 and its cap 403 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • container 400 and cap 403 are similar to the previously described containers and caps.
  • Features of container 400 and cap 403 that are similar to features of container 100 and cap 103 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “4” rather than “1”.
  • cap retainer 410 comprises sidewalls 414 , 415 , which extend outwardly from container wall 401 (i.e. rather than being depressed into container wall 401 ). Sidewalls 414 , 415 form a slot 410 A having a base 416 that is level with container wall 401 rather than being depressed in container wall 401 .
  • Sidewalls 414 , 415 extend substantially vertically along container wall 401 and are divided into upper portions 414 A, 415 A and lower portions 414 B, 415 B separated by gaps 426 , 427 .
  • Sidewalls 414 , 415 are straight; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that sidewalls 414 , 415 may be provided with shapes similar to those of sidewalls 114 , 115 , sidewalls 214 , 215 or sidewalls 314 , 315 having one or more sidewall point(s) and/or curved sidewall contact portion(s).
  • Slot 410 A comprises upper open end 411 and lower open end 412 .
  • slot 410 A may be provided with a transverse wall similar to transverse wall 113 , except that the transverse wall of slot 410 A would extend outwardly from container wall 401 .
  • Cap 403 comprises a radially outwardly extending lip 420 similar to lip 320 of cap 303 ( FIGS. 4A-4D ) and sidewalls 414 , 415 of slot 410 A comprise corresponding grooves 421 similar to grooves 321 of sidewalls 314 , 315 of slot 310 A ( FIGS. 4A-4D ).
  • lip 420 projects into grooves 421 , such that cap 403 is retained in cap retainer 410 .
  • lip 420 and corresponding grooves 421 are optional and that cap 404 may be retained in cap retainer by frictional forces between sidewalls 414 , 415 and exterior surface 446 of side portion 446 A of cap 403 and/or pressure associated with elastic deformation of sidewalls 414 , 415 and/or cap 403 .
  • the interior lower corners of sidewall portions 414 A, 415 A and the interior upper corners of sidewall portions 414 B, 415 B may act as contact surfaces which engage the exterior surface 446 of side portion 446 A to create friction and/or deformation.
  • container 400 comprises a plurality of outwardly extending sidewalls to provide an optional plurality of cap retainers 410 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 .
  • Cap retainers 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 are substantially similar to cap retainer 410 .
  • container 400 may provide any practical number of cap retainers.
  • FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a container 500 and its cap 503 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • cap retainer 510 is located on base 505 of container 500 (rather than on container wall 501 )
  • container 500 and cap 503 are similar in many other respects to the previously described containers and caps.
  • Features of container 500 and cap 503 that are similar to features of container 100 and cap 103 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “5” rather than “1”.
  • Container 500 differs from the embodiment previously described in that cap retainer 510 comprises a generally circularly symmetric depressed region 510 A (rather than an elongated slot), which is located in base 505 of container 500 30 (rather than in container wall 501 ).
  • Depressed region 510 A may be formed between a plurality of lobes 531 , which extend inwardly from a perimeter of base 505 .
  • lobes 531 comprise bottom surfaces which, together with perimeter region 507 of base 505 , allow container 510 to stand upright on a flat surface.
  • container 500 comprises three lobes 531 evenly spaced apart around the circularly symmetric shape of depressed region 510 A.
  • the number of lobes 531 may vary, provided that there are one or more lobes 531 .
  • lobes 531 are preferably evenly spaced about depressed region 510 A, this is not a requirement.
  • Cap 503 is inserted directly inwardly into depressed region 510 A. A person simply pushes cap 503 into depressed region 510 A between lobes 531 . Alternatively, if cap 503 is located on a surface, a person may place container 500 over cap 503 , such that cap 503 is aligned with depressed region 510 A and the surface pushes cap 503 into depressed region 510 A.
  • cap 503 When cap 503 is located in depressed region 510 A, cap 503 is in its storage configuration.
  • the innermost surfaces 531 A of lobes 531 define the circularly symmetric shape of depressed region 510 A, which may correspond to the shape of cap 503 .
  • the innermost surfaces 531 A of lobes 531 form contact surfaces, which engage outer surface 546 of side portion 546 A of cap 503 to retain cap 503 in its storage configuration.
  • Cap 503 is retained in its storage configuration by frictional forces existing between contact surfaces 531 A and outer surface 546 of side portion 546 A of cap 503 .
  • cap 503 may be maintained by the pressure associated with the elastic deformation of cap 503 and/or lobes 531 .
  • the contact surfaces 531 A of cap retainer 510 may exert pressure on cap 503 , such that side portion 546 A of cap 503 is deformed as shown in FIG. 6B .
  • the radius of side portion 546 A of cap 503 may contract in the region of contact surfaces 531 A and may expand in the regions of gaps 533 .
  • cap 503 is inserted into cap retainer 510 with its cap rim 518 facing into depressed region 510 A and the exterior surface 545 of its top portion 545 A facing downwardly.
  • This orientation of cap 503 in cap retainer 510 promotes hygiene by minimizing the exposure of the cap opening and the interior surfaces of cap 503 to contamination.
  • a person may insert and remove cap 503 from cap retainer 510 without handling the interior surfaces of cap 503 .
  • Another benefit with this orientation is that less force is required to deform cap 503 when inserting it into cap retainer 510 , as only the side portion 546 A of cap 503 needs to be deformed and the top portion 545 A of cap 503 need not be deformed.
  • cap 503 only the region of side portion 546 A closest to cap rim 518 need be deformed to insert cap 503 into cap retainer 510 .
  • the region of side portion 546 A closest to cap rim 518 is more easily deformable than the region of side portion closest to top portion 545 A. This orientation of cap 503 in cap retainer 510 also helps to prevent cap 503 from being permanently warped or broken because of excessive deformation.
  • Cap retainer 510 also comprises a number of channels 533 located between lobes 531 .
  • Channels 533 are preferably large enough such that a person may fit one or more fingers in channels 533 .
  • Channels 533 permit a person to use their fingers to access cap 503 when it is stored in cap retainer 510 to facilitate removal of cap 503 therefrom. The person simply grasps side portion 546 A of cap 503 and pulls it directly outwardly from depressed region 510 A.
  • lobes 531 each have a rounded surface 534 at the entrance to depressed region 510 A (see FIG. 6A ).
  • Surface 534 helps to facilitate easy insertion of cap 503 into cap retainer 510 .
  • the contact surfaces 531 A of lobes 531 are preferably provided with a tapering angle a (see FIG. 6A ), such that the dimension between contact surfaces 531 A narrows as contact surfaces 531 A extend deeper into recessed region 510 A. Tapering angle a is measured from a longitudinal axis of container 500 .
  • tapering angle ⁇ causes the most deformation to occur in the region of side portion 546 A closest to cap rim 518 . As discussed above, it is easier to deform the region of side portion 546 A closest to cap rim 518 than the region of side portion 546 A closest to top portion 545 A. Deforming this portion of cap 503 also helps to prevent cap 503 from being permanently warped or broken because of excessive deformation.
  • Tapering angle ⁇ 1 may be selected on the basis of the elastic deformation properties and friction properties of the materials used for cap 503 and cap retainer 510 , such that cap 503 is adequately secured in cap retainer 510 without permanently warping or breaking cap 503 . In some embodiments, tapering angle ⁇ is in the range of 0-5°.
  • FIGS. 7A-7B depict a container 600 and its cap 603 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Container 600 and cap 603 are similar in many respects to container 500 and cap 503 described above.
  • Features of container 600 and cap 603 that are similar to features of container 500 and cap 503 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “6” rather than “5”.
  • cap retainer 610 comprises five lobes 631 instead of the three lobes 531 of container 500 of FIGS. 6A-613 .
  • cap retainers 510 , 610 may generally comprise different numbers of lobes 531 , 631 . Although lobes 631 are preferably evenly spaced about depressed region 610 A, this is not a requirement.
  • Cap 603 is inserted and removed from cap retainer 610 in a manner similar to insertion and removal of cap 503 from cap retainer 510 .
  • Cap 603 is retained in cap retainer 610 by frictional forces between contact surfaces 631 A of lobes 631 and outer surface 646 of side portion 646 A of cap 603 and/or by pressure associated with the deformation of cap 603 and/or lobes 631 .
  • the contact surfaces 631 A of cap retainer 610 may exert pressure on cap 603 , such that side portion 646 A of cap 503 is deformed as shown in FIG. 7B .
  • the radius of side portion 646 A of cap 603 may contract in the region of contact surfaces 631 A and may expand in the regions of gaps 633 .
  • FIGS. 8A-8B depict a container 700 and its cap 703 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Container 700 and cap 703 are similar in many respects to container 600 and cap 603 described above.
  • Features of container 700 and cap 703 that are similar to features of container 600 and cap 603 are provided with similar reference numerals preceded by the digit “7” rather than “6”.
  • contact surfaces 731 A of lobes 731 of cap retainer 710 and/or outer surface 746 of side portion 746 A of cap 703 are coated with a layer 711 of elastomeric material.
  • Layer 711 of elastomeric material may increase the 30 friction between contact surfaces 731 A and outer surface 746 of side portion 746 A of cap 703 .
  • layer 711 of elastomeric material may itself deform when cap 703 is inserted between lobes 731 , such that the pressure created by the deformation of layer 711 may tend to secure cap 703 in cap retainer 710 .
  • container 700 is particularly well suited for caps and/or containers fabricated from substantially non-deformable materials.
  • caps and/or container contact surfaces which have been coated with elastomeric material.
  • Containers according to any of the above described embodiments of the invention may be designed to hold pressurized or non-pressurized contents.
  • Containers according to the various embodiments of the invention may be made of relatively rigid material(s) such as hard plastic, glass or metal, or semi-rigid, elastically deformable materials, such as elastically deformable plastic.
  • Suitable elastically deformable plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for example.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • Different parts of the containers may comprise different materials.
  • any of the containers in accordance with the invention may comprise container walls made of a rigid metal, while the cap retainer may be made of a different rigid or semi-rigid material or may be coated with a layer of elastomeric material.
  • the contact surfaces of any of the cap retainers described above and/or the corresponding surfaces of the caps may be provided with friction enhancing features, such as ridges, bumps or grooves which enhance the frictional forces therebetween.
  • friction enhancing features may be integrally formed with the contact surfaces of the cap retainers and/or the corresponding surfaces of the caps or may be subsequently added to the contact surfaces of the cap retainers and/or the corresponding surfaces of the caps.
  • the friction enhancing features may be formed from an elastomeric material.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
US10/577,205 2003-09-23 2004-09-22 Container with cap retainer Abandoned US20060249471A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2442519 2003-09-23
CA 2442519 CA2442519A1 (fr) 2003-09-23 2003-09-23 Bouteille a base avec porte-bouchon reutilisable
CA 2450477 CA2450477A1 (fr) 2003-11-18 2003-11-18 Bouteille a paroi retenant le bouchon reutilisable
CA2450477 2003-11-18
PCT/CA2004/001728 WO2005028330A1 (fr) 2003-09-23 2004-09-22 Conteneur a couvercle de retenue

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060249471A1 true US20060249471A1 (en) 2006-11-09

Family

ID=34378581

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/577,205 Abandoned US20060249471A1 (en) 2003-09-23 2004-09-22 Container with cap retainer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20060249471A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005028330A1 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011153231A1 (fr) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-08 Performance Vendors Llc Mélange et distribution automatisés de boissons en poudre
US8443993B1 (en) 2009-09-09 2013-05-21 Michael C. Desselle Bottle cap assembly with means to retain a detached cap portion
US20140061086A1 (en) * 2010-03-18 2014-03-06 Jong Soo Park Structure for detachable coupling of containers
WO2015200458A1 (fr) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-30 Obregon Francisco J Ensemble récipient
US9320567B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2016-04-26 Becton, Dickinson And Company Medical waste containers and lids therefore
US9656782B2 (en) 2010-03-18 2017-05-23 Jong Soo Park Structure for detachable coupling of containers
EP3816062A1 (fr) * 2019-11-01 2021-05-05 Dethapak Innovation B.V. Récipient avec bec verseur
US20230024962A1 (en) * 2021-07-24 2023-01-26 Chris Telman Beverage container and lid system and method
US11718440B2 (en) 2020-08-24 2023-08-08 Lecavalier Cellars LLC Wine bottle with cork retainer and re-use features
US12134496B2 (en) 2023-07-17 2024-11-05 Lecavalier Cellars LLC Wine bottle with cork retainer and re-use features

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8002129B1 (en) * 2008-11-06 2011-08-23 Reyes Franny D Liquor bottle device
WO2012038928A1 (fr) 2010-09-23 2012-03-29 9224-9838 Quebec Inc. Système de raccordement de récipients
DE102011114747A1 (de) * 2011-09-28 2013-03-28 Egon Hübel Vorrichtung zum Aufbewahren von Recyclinggut

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1451822A (en) * 1921-04-27 1923-04-17 Frank H Hebron Nursing bottle
US2374092A (en) * 1942-08-22 1945-04-17 Glaser Michael Multiple vessel combination
US3402844A (en) * 1967-04-25 1968-09-24 Wesley S.C. Chin Catsup bottle with cap-stand
US4640423A (en) * 1985-04-09 1987-02-03 Universal Symetrics Corporation Multiple variable container package
US4761379A (en) * 1984-08-09 1988-08-02 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological specimen collection device
US4798300A (en) * 1987-03-03 1989-01-17 Carling O'keefe Breweries Of Canada Limited Bottle with integral cap-removing recess
US4829618A (en) * 1988-08-25 1989-05-16 Mckee Carl B Coaster/opener for beverage containers
US5211299A (en) * 1992-04-06 1993-05-18 Manfredonia Keith J Baby bottle cap storage organization
US5244106A (en) * 1991-02-08 1993-09-14 Takacs Peter S Bottle incorporating cap holder
US5328043A (en) * 1991-11-21 1994-07-12 Sharon Ray Baby bottle with sealing disk holder
US5443172A (en) * 1994-09-21 1995-08-22 Gabriele; Joseph F. Non-slip closure grip for jar lids and the like
US6073757A (en) * 1998-06-02 2000-06-13 Allergan Combined bottle and lens case
US6131755A (en) * 1998-06-04 2000-10-17 Soyka, Jr.; Richard Joseph Bottle assembly

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000109075A (ja) * 1998-10-05 2000-04-18 Mitsuhisa Hirayama キャップホルダーを設けたプラスチックボトル
JP2001097389A (ja) * 1999-09-27 2001-04-10 Akira Igawa キャップ付き飲料容器
JP2001294259A (ja) * 2000-04-12 2001-10-23 Masahiro Tamura キャップホルダー付きボトル
JP2003081319A (ja) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-19 Kyoraku Co Ltd 蓋付き容器

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1451822A (en) * 1921-04-27 1923-04-17 Frank H Hebron Nursing bottle
US2374092A (en) * 1942-08-22 1945-04-17 Glaser Michael Multiple vessel combination
US3402844A (en) * 1967-04-25 1968-09-24 Wesley S.C. Chin Catsup bottle with cap-stand
US4761379A (en) * 1984-08-09 1988-08-02 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological specimen collection device
US4640423A (en) * 1985-04-09 1987-02-03 Universal Symetrics Corporation Multiple variable container package
US4798300A (en) * 1987-03-03 1989-01-17 Carling O'keefe Breweries Of Canada Limited Bottle with integral cap-removing recess
US4829618A (en) * 1988-08-25 1989-05-16 Mckee Carl B Coaster/opener for beverage containers
US5244106A (en) * 1991-02-08 1993-09-14 Takacs Peter S Bottle incorporating cap holder
US5328043A (en) * 1991-11-21 1994-07-12 Sharon Ray Baby bottle with sealing disk holder
US5211299A (en) * 1992-04-06 1993-05-18 Manfredonia Keith J Baby bottle cap storage organization
US5443172A (en) * 1994-09-21 1995-08-22 Gabriele; Joseph F. Non-slip closure grip for jar lids and the like
US6073757A (en) * 1998-06-02 2000-06-13 Allergan Combined bottle and lens case
US6131755A (en) * 1998-06-04 2000-10-17 Soyka, Jr.; Richard Joseph Bottle assembly

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8443993B1 (en) 2009-09-09 2013-05-21 Michael C. Desselle Bottle cap assembly with means to retain a detached cap portion
US8443994B1 (en) 2009-09-09 2013-05-21 Michael C. Desselle Tethered bottle cap assembly with means to retain a detached cap portion
US20140061086A1 (en) * 2010-03-18 2014-03-06 Jong Soo Park Structure for detachable coupling of containers
US9656782B2 (en) 2010-03-18 2017-05-23 Jong Soo Park Structure for detachable coupling of containers
WO2011153231A1 (fr) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-08 Performance Vendors Llc Mélange et distribution automatisés de boissons en poudre
US9561084B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2017-02-07 Becton, Dickinson And Company Medical waste containers and lids therefore
US9320567B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2016-04-26 Becton, Dickinson And Company Medical waste containers and lids therefore
US9775683B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2017-10-03 Becton, Dickinson And Company Medical waste containers and lids therefore
WO2015200458A1 (fr) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-30 Obregon Francisco J Ensemble récipient
EP3816062A1 (fr) * 2019-11-01 2021-05-05 Dethapak Innovation B.V. Récipient avec bec verseur
NL2024149B1 (en) * 2019-11-01 2021-07-19 Dethapak Innovation B V Container with pouring spout
US11718440B2 (en) 2020-08-24 2023-08-08 Lecavalier Cellars LLC Wine bottle with cork retainer and re-use features
US20230024962A1 (en) * 2021-07-24 2023-01-26 Chris Telman Beverage container and lid system and method
US12134496B2 (en) 2023-07-17 2024-11-05 Lecavalier Cellars LLC Wine bottle with cork retainer and re-use features

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005028330A1 (fr) 2005-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10800581B2 (en) Stopper for containers
US4387828A (en) Plastic container and lid
KR102016771B1 (ko) 음료수 글라스 및 음료수 글라스 조립체
RU2388672C2 (ru) Контейнер для напитков
US20060249471A1 (en) Container with cap retainer
US4230230A (en) Plastic overcap for bottle package
ES2252521T3 (es) Sistema de cierre para recipiente de boca ancha.
US4469235A (en) Closure with upwardly extending tabs
US8336732B1 (en) Container with an integral lid retained onto the top of the sidewall of the container by a living hinge, the container used to retain hot liquids, the container having a thermal barrier incorporated into the exterior surface of the container
US20140151389A1 (en) Container and closure
US20180118401A1 (en) Beverage glass and beverage glass assembly
JP2008526640A (ja) ねじ蓋クロージャ
KR102118504B1 (ko) 캔커버
AU2007299573C1 (en) Resealable flexible container lid with pivoting portions
US3473681A (en) Safety medicine bottle closure
US6343705B1 (en) Closure having back-angled lugs
JP5389550B2 (ja) 打栓式開閉容易キャップ
US10029821B2 (en) Retainable scoop and container
GB2318784A (en) Closure with integral dispensing device
KR20100017099A (ko) 파지가 용이한 병
US6899246B2 (en) Containment vessel
US20130125430A1 (en) Identification device and method for containers
US20050184113A1 (en) Container closure cap system and associated methods
CA2582571A1 (fr) Conteneur a couvercle de retenue
GB2137598A (en) Container closable by a snap-on lid

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION