US20160052673A1

US20160052673A1 - Leak-proof, Interlocking, Stackable, Food, Spice & Liquid Travel Containers with Travel Case

Info

Publication number: US20160052673A1
Application number: US14/828,871
Authority: US
Inventors: William Earl Morgan; Linda Lee Morgan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-19
Filing date: 2015-08-18
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly includes a lid and a plurality of containers. Let us consider a primary container and a secondary container from the plurality of containers, wherein the primary container is positioned above the secondary container. The lid is utilized to cover an opening of the primary container. A first threading of the primary container engages with a second threading of the lid such that the lid is securely attached to the primary container. When the primary container is interlocked to the secondary container, an opening of the secondary container is concealed by a base section of the primary container. In doing so, a base engagement threading of the primary container engages with a first threading of the secondary container. A carrying case is utilized to store and secure the containers which can have multiple configurations. A cool pack container is used when transporting perishable items.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/039,288 filed on Aug. 19, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to travel accessories. More specifically, the present invention introduces leak-proof, interlocking, stackable storage containers for travel purposes. In addition to the storage containers, the present invention also introduces a carrying case for the storage containers and a cold storage case to use along with the carrying case when the storage containers are used to store perishable items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a set of leak-proof and interlocking travel storage containers which can be used for carrying spices, liquids or any other comparable item. The present invention enables travelers who prefer to prepare meals, while on the road, hiking, biking, camping or staying at a facility with kitchen availability, to take herbs, spices, liquids and condiments with them in a lightweight, well organized group of leak-proof containers contained within a light-weight, leak resistant carrying case.
In its preferred embodiment, each case carries multiple interlocking containers of varying heights and can be organized to hold from 3 full-sized containers, to 21 small containers with options to carry an assortment of 4 different sized containers, all of which fit precisely into the carrying case and the insulated cold storage case.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be offered to the target market of outdoor, sports and travel enthusiasts or any other market requiring similar storage needs. The present invention may also be offered to a target audience of timeshare owners/renters, travelers staying at suites with kitchens, auto travelers, R.V. travelers, motor cyclists, tailgaters for sporting events and concerts, boating enthusiasts, camping enthusiasts, hiking enthusiasts, children having sleepovers with friends, persons traveling with special dietary food needs, among others. The present invention is intended to target any individual or groups as users, with a primary focus on adults and adolescents. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention may be sold all together with all of the container units in one offering, as well as sold separately based on the individual's preferences.
Currently, existing inventions only serve small, specialized markets that do not include the much broader market reached by this proposed product. The present invention is far more flexible in its ability to carry diversified liquids, foods & spices as well as products requiring refrigeration. It can take on several shapes for packing, quantity and carrying needs. It is dishwasher safe, freezer safe, FDA approved and BPA free. It offers a “Starter Kit” to allow customers maximum flexibility for their first purchase. In addition, it offers the purchase of additional cylinder configurations for customizing the starter kit and/or building an additional kit based on customer needs. It also provides for the purchase of additional or replacement carrying cases, “ColdPaks”, measuring spoons, conversion charts and swizzle sticks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lid being attached to the primary container.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lid being attached to the primary container.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the primary container.

FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the specialty container.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the plurality of containers.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the lid.

FIG. 6 is a front cross sectional view of the secondary container.

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the second pour plate.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the first pour plate.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carrying case.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carrying case, wherein the plurality of containers is positioned within the carrying case.

FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the plurality of containers being positioned within the carrying case in different configurations.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the plurality of containers being stacked in different configurations.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention introduces a plurality of storage containers that is leak-proof and can be used for travel purposes. Furthermore, the present invention also introduces a carrying case such that the plurality of storage containers can be carried efficiently in a secure and organized manner. By utilizing the present invention, the user is allowed to carry small quantities of items that can be, but is not limited to, spices, condiments, oils, liquids and powders.
The present invention comprises a lid 1 and a plurality of containers 7. The plurality of containers is interlocked to each other such that they are in a locked and stackable configuration. For user convenience, the plurality of containers 7 is transparent in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each of the plurality of containers 7 comprises a body portion 12, a base section 13, an opening 14, a neck portion 15, a rim 16, a first threading 17, and a base engagement threading 18. The size of each of the plurality of containers 7 varies according to the size of the body portion 12. However, the remaining components of each of the plurality of containers 7 are identical to one another. The identical components allows the user to stack a primary container 8 of the plurality of containers 7 over a secondary container 9 of the plurality of containers 7. When stacking the primary container 8 over the secondary container 9, the first threading 17 of the secondary container 9 is engaged to the base engagement threading 18 of the primary container 8. The first threading 17 is helically positioned along the neck portion 15 which is adjacently connected to the body portion 12 opposite the base section 13. On the other hand, the base engagement threading 18 is helically positioned along the base section 13 which is adjacently connected to the body portion 12. The positioning of the first threading 17 and the base engagement threading 18 allows the user to conveniently stack the primary container 8 onto the secondary container 9 conveniently such that the opening 14 of the secondary container 9 is concealed by the base section 13 of the primary container 8. As shown in FIG. 6, the rim 16 which delineates the opening 14, is perimetrically connected to the neck portion 15 opposite the body portion 12. Therefore, when the first threading 17 engages to the base engagement threading 18 the opening 14 of the secondary container 9 is completely concealed. As shown in FIG. 4, a similar method is utilized when stacking the secondary container 9 onto a third container 11 of the plurality of containers 7. More specifically, the first threading 17 of the third container 11 is engaged to the base engagement threading 18 of the secondary container 9 such that the secondary container 9 is stacked atop of the third container 11.
The lid 1 is utilized to conceal a topmost container of the plurality of containers 7. As seen in FIG. 5, the lid 1 comprises an inner lateral surface 2 and a second threading 3. When attaching the lid 1 to the topmost container as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3A the second threading 3 is utilized. As an example, if the lid 1 is attached to the primary container 8, the first threading 17 is engaged with the second threading 3. In order to do so, the second threading 3 is helically positioned along the inner lateral surface 2. As illustrated, the lid 1 further comprises an outer lateral surface 4 and a plurality of gripping sections 5. The outer lateral surface 4 is positioned around the lid 1 opposite the inner lateral surface 2. The plurality of gripping sections 5 is perimetrically spread along the outer lateral surface 4. Therefore, the plurality of gripping sections 5 aids the user to establish a firm connection with the lid 1 when fastening the lid 1 and unfastening the lid 1. Even though a plurality of gripping sections 5 is utilized in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a comparable method such as knurling can be used in different embodiments of the present invention.
In order to store multiple items in a specialty container 10 of the plurality of containers 7, the specialty container 10 comprises a divider 19. FIG. 3B illustrates the divider 19 being positioned within the specialty container 10. The shape of the divider 19 and the number of divided sections can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. As an example, the divider 19 in the preferred embodiment includes three compartments. In another embodiment, a different number of compartments can also be utilized. The divider 19 is positioned within the body portion 12 of the specialty container 10 between the neck portion 15 of the specialty container 10 and the base section 13 of the specialty container 10. The positioning of the divider 19 ensures that the content within the three compartments are separated from one another at all times. The specialty container 10 further comprises a secondary pour plate 20. The secondary pour plate 20 is utilized to provide easy access to each of the compartments of the divider 19. As shown in FIG. 7A, the secondary pour plate 20 comprises a plurality of slots 21 which is used to establish a connection with the divider 19. In particular, the divider 19 is positioned into each of the plurality of slots 21. Therefore, the secondary pour plate 20 remains stationary with the divider 19.
Each of the plurality of containers 7 can further comprise a first pour plate 22 as seen in FIG. 3. As an example, the specialty container 10 will have the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20. Similar to the secondary pour plate 20, the first pour plate 22 also aids the user in selecting different quantities from within the specialty container 10. In order to do so, the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20 each comprise an at least one pour hole 26. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary pour plate 20 has three pour holes and the first pour plate 22 has a single pour hole. Both the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20 are mounted within the opening 14 of the specialty container 10. The at least one pour hole 26 of the first pour plate 22 is aligned with the at least one pour hole 26 of the secondary pour plate 20 when pouring content from within the specialty container 10. In order to do so, the first pour plate 22 is rotatably mounted onto the secondary pour plate 20. A screw or similar attachment mechanism can be used to attach the first pour plate 22 to the secondary pour plate 20. Therefore, the user can conveniently remove the screw and the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20 in order to clean the specialty container 10. The first pour plate 22 comprises a plurality of protrusions 25 such that the user can conveniently control the rotational motion of the first pour plate 22 about the secondary pour plate 20. As seen in FIG. 7B, the plurality of protrusions 25 is positioned on the first pour plate 22 opposite the secondary pour plate 20 and act as handles extending from the first pour plate 22. Depending on the content stored within the specialty container 10, the user may prefer to extract different quantities. The first pour plate 22 is designed such that the at least one pour hole 26 of the first pour plate 22 is a primary pour hole 23 if larger quantities are needed. On the other hand, if smaller quantities are needed, the at least one pour hole 26 of the first pour plate 22 is designed to be a strip of holes 24 such that the content within the specialty container 10 can be removed by shaking. In other embodiments of the present invention multiple strips of holes can be utilized instead of the strip of holes 24.
Each of the plurality of containers 7 are designed to be leak-proof. In order to guarantee the leak-proof aspect and also to establish a secure connection between the lid 1 and the rim 16, the rim 16 is tapered away from the opening 14. The lid 1 also comprises a seal 6 to correspond to the rim 16. The seal 6 of the lid 1 is positioned within the inner lateral surface 2. As a result, when the first threading 17 engages with the second threading 3, the seal 6 of the lid 1 simultaneously engages with the rim 16. The seal 6 of the lid 1 is tapered towards the opening 14 of the primary container 8. Since the rim 16 is tapered away from the opening 14, when the seal 6 of the lid 1 engages the rim 16, the seal 6 of the lid 1 lies flush against the rim 16 of the primary container 8.
Similar to securing the attachment point between the lid 1 and the primary container 8, the attachment point between the primary container 8 and the secondary container 9 also needs to be secured. In order to do so, each of the plurality of containers 7 further comprises a seal 27. The seal 27 for each of the plurality of containers 7 is positioned within the base section 13. Therefore, the seal 27 of the primary container 8 engages to the rim 16 of the secondary container 9. When the third container 11 is also utilized, the seal 27 of the secondary container 9 engages with the rim 16 of the third container 11. The seal 27 of each of the plurality of containers 7 is tapered away from the body portion 12. Therefore, the seal 27 of the secondary container 9 lies flush against the rim 16 of the third container 11.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the present invention further comprises a carrying case 28 which is utilized to store the plurality of containers 7. The carrying case 28 comprises a plurality of adjustable straps 29 and a handle 30. The handle 30, which extends from a body 31 of the carrying case 28, is utilized for holding purposes when moving the carrying case 28 from one location to the other. The plurality of adjustable straps 29 is utilized to reshape the carrying case 28 into different shapes. In order to do so, each of the plurality of adjustable straps 29 are positioned around the body 31. The plurality of containers 7 is positioned within the carrying case 28 when transporting the plurality of containers 7.
As previously mentioned, the size of the body portion 12 of each of the plurality of containers 7 can vary from one to another. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of containers 7 can be separated into four categories according to the height of each of the plurality of containers 7. Namely, a first set of containers 32, a second set of containers 33, a third set of containers 34, a fourth set of containers 35, and a fifth set of containers 36. The first set of containers 32 are related to the second set of containers 33 such that a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers 32 and a height for each of the second set of containers 33 is 1:2. The first set of containers 32 relate to the third set of containers 34 such that a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers 32 and a height for each of the third set of containers 34 is 1:3. On the other hand, the first set of containers 32 is related to the fourth set of containers 35 such that a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers 32 and a height for each of the fourth set of containers 35 is 1:4. Moreover, a ratio between the height for each of the first set of containers 32 and a height for each of fifth set of containers 36 being 1:5. The different height ratios allows the user to stack the plurality of containers in 13 or more different configurations in the preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen in FIG. 11. However, the number of possible configurations can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. The ability to stack differently sized containers in multiple configurations allows the user to carry different quantities of any required item. As an example, if the user intends to carry many items in small quantities, each of the first set of containers 32 can be stacked on top of the other. If the user intends on carrying a large quantity of a particular item and smaller quantities of other items, the first set of containers 32 can be stacked on a single container of the fourth set of containers 35. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first set of containers 32 has a height of 1⅞ inches. The second set of containers 33 has a height of 3¾ inches. The third set of containers 34 has a height of 5⅝ inches. The fourth set of containers 35 has a height of 7½ inches. The fifth set of containers 36 has a height of 9⅜ inches. Moreover, the first set of containers 32, the second set of containers 33, the third set of containers 34, the fourth set of containers 34, and the fifth set of containers 35 have a diameter of the 2¼ inches. Additionally, the sidewalls of each of the plurality of containers 7 is 1/16 inches in thickness in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the height, the diameter, and the wall thickness of each of the plurality of containers 7 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention.
The carrying case 28 is sufficiently sized and designed such that the plurality of containers 7 can comfortably fit within the carrying case 28 in all configurations. Therefore, the plurality of containers 7 can be stacked in different shapes and heights as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 giving the user maximum flexibility on the quantity and the type of content that needs to be transported. The plurality of adjustable straps 29 allows the user to stack the plurality of containers 7 of different sizes and shapes. Since the plurality of adjustable straps 29 is positioned around the body 31, the plurality of containers 7 can be secured regardless of the shape obtained by the plurality of containers 7. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of containers 7 can be stacked in 12 different configurations. The effective design of the carrying case 28 allows the user to securely store all different configurations within the carrying case 28. The carrying case 28 can further comprise an additional compartment which is attached to the body 31. The additional compartment may be used to carry material which can be, but is not limited to, spoons, swizzle sticks, and additional lids for the plurality of containers.
The present invention can also be used for transporting perishable items when the perishable items are placed within the plurality of containers 7. In order to do so, the present invention comprises a cool pack container. When in use, the plurality of containers 7 with the perishable items are initially placed in the carrying case 28. Next, the carrying case 28 is positioned within the cool pack container. The cool pack container is constructed of a flexible, durable, insulated, and leak-resistant material. Moreover, a leak-resistant zipper or comparable mechanism is used to prevent any spillage when positioning or removing the plurality of containers 7. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cool pack container maintains the temperature utilizing a freezer gel pack that is approximated sized to be similar to a longest side of the cool pack container and is placed in an inner pocket of the cool pack container. Furthermore, the cool pack container is designed similar to the shape of the carrying case 28 such that minimum space is required when using the carrying case 28 along with the cool pack container.
When utilizing the present invention, the following process flow can be followed. If the primary container 8, the secondary container 9, and the third container 11 are utilized, the first threading 17 of the third container 11 is engaged with the base engagement threading 18 of the secondary container 9. Next, the first threading 17 of the secondary container 9 is engaged with the base engagement threading 18 of the primary container 8. However, the order in which each of the plurality of containers 7 is attached together can vary according to user preference. In order to conceal the opening 14 of the topmost container, which is the primary container 8 in this instance, the first threading 17 is engaged with the second threading 3 of the lid 1. When the divider 19 is utilized with both the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20, the user rotates the first pour plate 22 about the secondary pour plate 20 to remove content from the specialty container 10. In doing so, the user ensures that the at least one pour hole 26 of the first pour plate 22 aligns with the at least one pour hole 26 of the secondary pour plate 20. If the first pour plate 22 utilizes the strip of holes 24, the at least one pour hole 26 of the secondary pour plate 20 is aligned with the strip of holes 24. The resultant position of the first pour plate 22, allows the user to conveniently extract content from within the specialty container 10. On the other hand, when the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 22 are not used, the user ensures that at least one pour hole 26 of the first pour plate 22 and the secondary pour plate 20 do not align with each other to avoid spilling of the content within the specialty container 10. Next, the carrying case 28 is used if the user intends on transporting the plurality of containers 7. The body 31 of the carrying case 28, which is flexible, and the plurality of adjustable straps 29 allows the user to store the plurality of containers 7 in multiple configurations.
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

What is claimed is:

1. An interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly comprises:

a lid;

a plurality of containers comprises a primary container and a secondary container;

each of the plurality of containers comprises a body portion, a base section, an opening, a neck portion, a rim, a first threading, and a base engagement threading;

the lid comprises an inner lateral surface and a second threading;

the base section being adjacently connected to the body portion;

the neck portion being adjacently connected to the body portion opposite the base section;

the rim being perimetrically connected to the neck portion opposite the body portion;

the opening being delineated by the rim;

the first threading being helically positioned along the neck portion;

the second threading being helically positioned along the inner lateral surface;

the base engagement threading being helically positioned along the base section;

the first threading of the primary container engaging the second threading; and

the first threading of the secondary container engaging the base engagement threading of the primary container.

2. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the lid further comprises an outer lateral surface and a plurality of gripping sections;

the outer lateral surface being positioned around the lid opposite the inner lateral surface; and

the plurality of gripping sections being perimetrically spread along the outer lateral surface.

3. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of containers comprises an specialty container;

the specialty container comprises a divider; and

the divider being positioned within the body portion of the specialty container between the neck portion of the specialty container and the base section of the specialty container.

4. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the specialty container further comprises a secondary pour plate;

the secondary pour plate comprises a plurality of slots; and

the divider being positioned into each of the plurality of slots.

5. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of containers further comprises a first pour plate and a secondary pour plate;

the first pour plate and the secondary pour plate each comprise an at least one pour hole;

the first pour plate being rotatably mounted onto the secondary pour plate; and

the first pour plate and the secondary pour plate being positioned within the opening.

6. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one pour hole of the first pour plate being aligned with the at least one pour hole of the second pour plate.

7. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one pour hole of the first pour plate being a primary pour hole.

8. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one pour hole of the first pour plate being a strip of holes.

9. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the first pour plate further comprises a plurality of protrusions; and

the plurality of protrusions being positioned on the first pour plate opposite the secondary pour plate.

10. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a carrying case;

the carrying case comprises a plurality of adjustable straps and a handle;

the handle being extended from a body of the carrying case;

each of the plurality of adjustable straps being positioned around the body; and

the plurality of containers being positioned within the carrying case.

11. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a cool pack container; and

the carrying case being positioned within the cool pack container.

12. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rim is tapered away from the opening.

13. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of containers further comprises a third container; and

the first threading of the third container engaging the base engagement threading of the secondary container.

14. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the lid further comprises a seal;

the seal being positioned within the inner lateral surface; and

the seal engaging the rim.

15. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the seal is tapered towards the opening of the primary container.

16. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of containers further comprises a seal;

the seal being positioned within the base section; and

the seal of the primary container engaging the rim of the secondary container.

17. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 15 comprises:

the plurality of containers further comprises a third container; and

the seal of the secondary container engaging the rim of the third container.

18. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the seal is tapered away from the body portion.

19. The interlocking, leak-proof storage container assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of containers comprises a first set of containers, a second set of containers, a third set of containers, and a fourth set of containers;

a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers and a height for each of the second set of containers being 1:2;

a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers and a height for each of the third set of containers being 1:3;

a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers and a height for each of the fourth set of containers being 1:4; and

a ratio between a height for each of the first set of containers and a height for each of the fifth set of containers being 1:5.