US20160068304A1 - Container arrangement - Google Patents
Container arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160068304A1 US20160068304A1 US14/479,933 US201414479933A US2016068304A1 US 20160068304 A1 US20160068304 A1 US 20160068304A1 US 201414479933 A US201414479933 A US 201414479933A US 2016068304 A1 US2016068304 A1 US 2016068304A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- containers
- connection band
- connection
- container assembly
- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0224—Auxiliary removable stacking elements other than covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0201—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side
- B65D21/0204—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side and joined together by interconnecting formations forming part of the container, e.g. dove-tail, snap connections, hook elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0217—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
Definitions
- the present invention is generally directed to container arrangements and to multi-container constructions that enhance the utility, versatility, ease of use and aesthetic presentation of the containers.
- Kitchen cabinets are stacked with these types of containers.
- a food preparer oftentimes must select from among many dozens of containers to find the desired spices, flavorings or ingredient containers.
- these containers can be rendered in a more modularized form, and permitted to be stacked and bound together, particularly as it relates to certain food items, in a manner which would enhance and render easier the handling of these items in our daily lives.
- a container assembly that includes a first container having a body with an opening at the top side of the first container and a connection extension at the bottom side of the first container; a second container having a body with a respective opening at the top side of the second container and a respective connection extension at the bottom side of the second container; and a connection band having a top side and a bottom side, and at each side, a connector mechanism for releasably holding at least one of said first and second containers and the connection band being further configured to enable releasably holding said containers in a bottom to bottom configuration.
- the connection band has an outer peripheral circumscribing vertical wall surrounding an interior space which contains flanges that engages the connection extensions of the containers.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of an embodiment of the invention showing a dual container arrangement, in a bottom-to-bottom configuration.
- FIG. 2 shows one of the containers of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 shows a connection band for the container arrangement of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 a is a vertical cross-section of the connection band of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section through FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 a shows a detail of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 a shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape.
- FIG. 5 b shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape.
- FIG. 5 c shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape.
- FIG. 5 d shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape.
- FIG. 5 e shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 c show different connection bands, each configured for holding multiple containers of a particular style, on each side of the connection band.
- FIG. 6 b shows a container style for the connection band of FIG. 6 a.
- FIG. 6 d is a cross-section through lines 6 d - 6 d in FIG. 6 c.
- FIGS. 6 e and 6 f show another type of connection band that is invisibly mounted.
- FIG. 7 shows plural containers assembled together with the connection band of FIG. 6 c.
- FIG. 8 (comprising FIGS. 8 a , 8 b ) shows two (of four) container/bottle shapes that can be mounted to the connection band shape in FIG. 5 b using the structure of FIG. 6 c.
- FIG. 9 shows a labeling scheme for the container arrangements of the present invention.
- FIGS. 10 a through 10 c show different cap configurations for the modular containers of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a dual-container arrangement 1 , which comprises an upright modular container 10 with an opening (not shown) that is closed by a cap 12 , which cap 12 has a flat resting surface 13 .
- the body 15 of the container 10 is generally cylindrical, with a tapered neck 16 .
- the identical container designated 10 ′ with its own cap 12 ′ and cap resting surface 13 ′ is shown in FIG. 1 , in upside down orientation.
- the two containers 10 and 10 ′ are physically secured to each other via the connection band 30 , in a manner that allows holding the dual container package 1 , by grasping only the upside oriented container 10 .
- the container package 1 can rest on the surface 13 , so that the container 10 ′ stands upright.
- each of the bottles/containers 10 or 10 ′ has its own coupling extension 14 comprising a recessed extension 14 a, which defines a C-shaped recess that is further defined by a surrounding lip 14 b, that has a radially distal peripheral surface that is inclined radially inwardly, as shown at 14 c, to facilitate pushing into the connection band 30 .
- the cylindrical connection band 30 is ring shaped with a peripheral wall 32 that bends inwardly at the top and bottom edges to form an upper flange 33 and a bottom flange 34 .
- the thicknesses 33 a of either one of these flanges 33 , 34 is sized to fit snugly in the recessed channel 14 a of the bottles 10 and 10 ′.
- connection band 30 is intended to be a modular piece which accommodates bottles of many different cross-sectional shapes and contour features. At the same time, the connection band can be provided with many different optional features and selected by a user from kit of such connection bands as more fully described below.
- connection band can have a diameter and outer shape that substantially matches the corresponding structure and outer shape of the container as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the outer surface of the connection band is flush/even with the outer surfaces of the container, which makes it appear as though there is only a single container with openings at opposed ends.
- FIG. 3 a provides further detail, including showing the lips 33 and 34 , the surrounding peripheral wall 32 and the size of the thickness of the lips “d” (indicated by spaced arrows). Additionally, if desired, the lip 14 of the container 10 may have an undercut 19 (shown in dotted lines) and the connection band may have projections 21 a, 21 b at the top and bottom, respectively, that register with the cutout 19 to provide a fixed rotation orientation between the connection band and the containers 10 , 10 ′.
- the bottles, caps, and the waistband style connection rings or bands can be made of the same or similar material for ease of recycling and also to keep the assembly dishwasher and microwave safe.
- the invention can be realized by constructing it using extrusion blow-molding processes to manufacture the bottles.
- HDPE, rubber, silicon, metal and other materials are suitable for the purposes of construction of the present invention.
- Injection molding, thermal forming and other manufacturing processes are also suitable for this purpose.
- the waistband coupling hardware can also have identifying insignia 35 printed on it, as indicated in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through FIG. 1 , with FIG. 4 a showing a detail of the connection band.
- FIG. 4 a also illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the connection band 30 has a longitudinally directed upper and lower extensions 36 a, 36 b, which define an interior diameter that closely matches the outer diameter of the containers, providing a sturdier hold on the containers as well as a slightly different aesthetic appearance.
- connection band 530 is circular and the snap holding flanges/lips can be provided in several quarterly sections 37 a, 37 b, 37 c and 37 d.
- connection band 532 is oval-shaped to fit similarly shaped bottles, or several bottles/containers that can be interconnected and mounted at each side of the connection band.
- connection band 534 is square shaped
- FIG. 5 d shows the band 536 to be rectangular with rounded corners
- FIG. 5 e the shape of the band 538 is similar to FIG. 5 b , but with an inwardly indented center. Regardless, any shape, even non-geometric shapes, can be provided, including, for example, polygonal shapes, etc.
- providing the holding flange in sections enables configuring the container in the form of an extension that has threads formed on it and the bottle is threaded into the connection band.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 c show connection bands of two styles, a circular connection band 40 ( FIG. 6 a ) and a rectangular connection band 50 ( FIG. 6 c ) that can accommodate at each side of the connector band, several containers.
- FIG. 6 a four containers 610 ( FIG. 6 b ), each of which represents a one-quarter section of a circle or cylinder, can be accommodated in each side of the connection band 40 .
- the container 610 ( FIG. 6 b ) has first and second flat sides 612 , 614 at right angles to one another and an arcuate peripheral side 16 that matches the curvature of the connection band 40 ( FIG. 6 a ).
- the container 610 has a lid 613 which is hinged at 613 a and can be opened by grasping the knob 613 b.
- At the bottom of the container 610 are three downwardly depending and undercut snaps 618 a and 618 b and 618 c, which are similar to the extension 14 in FIG. 2 (except for being discontinuous, i.e., in three sections).
- snaps 618 a, 618 b and 618 c are made to snap into and be tightly held by the corresponding flanges 44 a, 44 b and 44 c in the connection band 40 ( FIG. 6 a ).
- the containers 610 can be snap fitted into any one of the four quadrant locations in the connection ring 40 , obtaining a four-container arrangement that can accommodate therein different spices; for example: cinnamon, thyme, etc.
- the second quadrant of the band 40 has flanges 41 a, 41 b, 41 c
- the third quadrant has flanges 42 a, 42 b, 42 c
- the fourth quadrant has catching flanges 43 a, 43 b and 43 c.
- On the flat walls 612 and 614 can be provided snap connectors, so that the four containers 610 can be snap fitted to each other, as described more fully further on.
- connection band 50 ( FIG. 6 c ) similarly has four quadrants defining locations for four rectangularly shaped containers ( FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 6 d is a cross-section through FIG. 6 c , along the lines 6 d - 6 d.
- the flanges in the first quadrant are formed by sub-flanges 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d.
- the second quadrant has catching flanges 52 a, 52 b, 52 c and 52 d.
- the flanges 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 53 d are in the third quadrant and the flanges 54 a, 54 b, 54 c and 54 d are in the fourth quadrant.
- FIG. 6 d which is a cross-section on lines 6 d - 6 d ( FIG. 6 c ) (which FIG. 6 d is drawn exaggerated in the height dimension) shows the connection band 50 having a central dividing base wall 55 on which rests a wall 57 that supports the flanges 51 b and 54 b, another upright wall 58 which supports the flanges 53 c and left and right side walls 56 a and 56 b, which support, respectively, the flanges 52 d and 53 c.
- the structure below the wall 55 is the mirror image of the structure above.
- the connection band 50 can thus support four rectangular containers 710 a, 710 b, 710 c and 710 d, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- connection band can optionally support at each side only a single container which has the same outer periphery as the connection band 50 , if desired. Still further, and as shown in FIG. 7 , two containers can be fitted to the bottom side of the same connection band 50 , while four containers are mounted to the top side thereof.
- the invention provides a great deal of versatility in providing, for example, two containers at one side and four on the other side, etc.
- the invention provides a modular container arranging construction optionally in a kit form that provides differently shaped containers and differently shaped connection rings that can be assembled by the user to suit their own preferences and needs.
- Manufacturers can sell arrangements of spices in a single container arrangement and when the contents of one container become exhausted, it can be replaced with a fresh, full container.
- the containers can be see-through, indicating the level of fullness of each product, or may have a vertical window 17 for this purpose.
- connection band 60 is formed as a disk 60 with a web 61 at the center and an annular section 63 with a top flange 63 a and a bottom flange 63 b.
- the entire connection band 60 is invisibly located in a space between two containers, as shown.
- the containers have a peripherally downwardly depending skirt 661 , whereby, viewed from the outside, the connection band 60 is entirely concealed between the two containers.
- connection ring can be provided generally in the shape of the connection ring shown in FIG. 5 b , to accommodate either a single or dual or quad containers.
- FIGS. 8 a and 8 b Two one-quarter containers 810 a, 810 b are depicted in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b , respectively.
- the container 810 a has a lid 822
- the container 810 b has a lid 824 .
- the container 810 a has a projecting catch 812 and a catch receiver 814 .
- the container 810 has a facing projection that fits inside the catch receiver 814 and a recess 816 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates another feature of the invention, whereby these standardized containers include labels that accommodate the fact that they are intended to be connected back to back.
- the container 910 a has a first label 912 a that has the designation “COFFEE” facing upright, and a second label 914 a with the words “COFFEE” written upside down.
- the label 912 a may also be located on the opposed side.
- Another container 910 b has the label 912 a with word “SUGAR” on the front face and another label 914 b, in an opposite orientation.
- SUGAR word
- the caps can be provided in different shapes and configuration. For example, they can be provided to be flush with an outer circumferential shape matching that of the containers. They can be made somewhat wider, to assure good stability, even when the bottom container is substantially empty, while the upper container is still full and the center of gravity is located higher.
- the caps can also be the hinge style caps for the multi containers of FIG. 6 a , whereby the hinge is located at the straight edge of the container, so it can be easily opened.
- caps can be provided with different configurations, depending on the type of ingredient, whether a total opening is needed, or only an opening that provides holes for granular materials such a sugar, salt, spices and the like.
- FIGS. 10 a - 10 c depict various caps or tops that can be provided for these containers.
- the cap 1210 has a skirt 1211 that can be hermetically fixed to the underlying container with a center top wall 1212 that defines an arcuate opening 1216 and a plurality of circular openings 1214 .
- the tab 1218 enables the lid 1212 to be rotated and thereby cover the openings 514 and the arcuate large opening 1216 .
- the cap 1220 has a similar skirt 1222 that enables it to be tightly applied to a top opening of the containers of the present invention with a series of circular openings 1224 , a large opening 1226 and hingedly closeable top closures 1228 and 1230 .
- the cap 1240 also has a skirt 1242 that enables its attachment to the container.
- An opening 1246 is provided at one corner region and that opening 1246 can be closed by hingedly connected and complementarily shaped top 1248 .
- the common denominator of all of the caps is that they define a flat resting surface, whereby the container may rest upside down, stablely supporting the container combination.
- the advantages of the invention are many.
- four spice containers can be accommodated on one side and the opposed side may comprise just a single container, or optionally several containers.
- the containers themselves may have snap connections at their straight walls, so they can be connected to one another.
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Abstract
A container assembly that includes a first container having a body with an opening at the top side of the first container and a connection extension at the bottom side of the first container; a second container having a body with a respective opening at the top side of the second container and a respective connection extension at the bottom side of the second container; and a connection band having a top side and a bottom side, and at each side, a connector mechanism for releasably holding at least one of said first and second containers and the connection band being further configured to enable releasably holding said containers in a bottom to bottom configuration. Preferably, the connection band has an outer peripheral circumscribing vertical wall surrounding an interior space which contains flanges that engages the connection extensions of the containers.
Description
- The present invention is generally directed to container arrangements and to multi-container constructions that enhance the utility, versatility, ease of use and aesthetic presentation of the containers.
- Our lives revolve around containers, particularly when it comes to the foods that we eat. Virtually all ingredients that end up as the food that we consume, whether it be flour, salt, sugar, spices, garnishments, appetizers, sliced fruits, vegetables, etc. are invariably packaged in one form or another in containers. Foods are shipped in containers and containers play a key role in people's kitchens, where these various food and ingredients containers need to be stored and organized for easy retrieval and use in food preparation and consumption.
- Kitchen cabinets are stacked with these types of containers. A food preparer oftentimes must select from among many dozens of containers to find the desired spices, flavorings or ingredient containers. There would be an advantage if these containers can be rendered in a more modularized form, and permitted to be stacked and bound together, particularly as it relates to certain food items, in a manner which would enhance and render easier the handling of these items in our daily lives.
- In the prior art, there is no standardization and container storing and stacking is usually done ad hoc, with individual cans or containers being mounted one on top of each other, in purely personal ways without thought having been given to ease the burden of selecting and using these containers.
- Representative of the prior art are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,841; 6,971,521; 7,571,829; and 5,422,129. In the U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,841 patent, two individual cans are united via a connection ring that essentially bonds the cans to one another. The connection ring is not configured to allow easy assembly and disassembly of the cans. In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,521 patent, the cans are stacked one atop another, rather than in a back to back configuration. In other words, cans are not available for selective use of one or the other of the cans. Similar remarks apply to the other mentioned patent documents. The contents of said patents are incorporated by reference herein, including to the extent needed to elucidate the present invention.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide modularized containers that can be joined with each other.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a selection of containers that are part of a large kit of containers that can be detachably interconnected with one another.
- It is a still further object of the invention to provide dual containers that can be simultaneously held and used, by being joined bottom-to-bottom, so that both containers can be held at once and used selectively, simply by flipping the orientation of the dual container package.
- It is also an object of the invention to provide these standardized containers in stacks that can hold more than two containers, for example, three, four, and even eight containers.
- It is still a further object of the invention to provide a kit of these containers together with universally usable and modular container connectors, i.e., connection bands, that allow instant joining or unjoining of the containers in an easy and versatile manner.
- The foregoing and other features of the present invention can be realized by a container assembly that includes a first container having a body with an opening at the top side of the first container and a connection extension at the bottom side of the first container; a second container having a body with a respective opening at the top side of the second container and a respective connection extension at the bottom side of the second container; and a connection band having a top side and a bottom side, and at each side, a connector mechanism for releasably holding at least one of said first and second containers and the connection band being further configured to enable releasably holding said containers in a bottom to bottom configuration. Preferably, the connection band has an outer peripheral circumscribing vertical wall surrounding an interior space which contains flanges that engages the connection extensions of the containers.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective of an embodiment of the invention showing a dual container arrangement, in a bottom-to-bottom configuration. -
FIG. 2 shows one of the containers ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 shows a connection band for the container arrangement ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 a is a vertical cross-section of the connection band ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section throughFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 a shows a detail ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5 a shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape. -
FIG. 5 b shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape. -
FIG. 5 c shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape. -
FIG. 5 d shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape. -
FIG. 5 e shows a shaped connection band for a different container shape. -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 c show different connection bands, each configured for holding multiple containers of a particular style, on each side of the connection band. -
FIG. 6 b shows a container style for the connection band ofFIG. 6 a. -
FIG. 6 d is a cross-section throughlines 6 d-6 d inFIG. 6 c. -
FIGS. 6 e and 6 f show another type of connection band that is invisibly mounted. -
FIG. 7 shows plural containers assembled together with the connection band ofFIG. 6 c. -
FIG. 8 (comprisingFIGS. 8 a, 8 b) shows two (of four) container/bottle shapes that can be mounted to the connection band shape inFIG. 5 b using the structure ofFIG. 6 c. -
FIG. 9 shows a labeling scheme for the container arrangements of the present invention. -
FIGS. 10 a through 10 c show different cap configurations for the modular containers of the present invention. - With reference to the drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates a dual-container arrangement 1, which comprises an uprightmodular container 10 with an opening (not shown) that is closed by acap 12, whichcap 12 has aflat resting surface 13. Thebody 15 of thecontainer 10 is generally cylindrical, with atapered neck 16. - The identical container designated 10′ with its
own cap 12′ andcap resting surface 13′ is shown inFIG. 1 , in upside down orientation. The twocontainers connection band 30, in a manner that allows holding thedual container package 1, by grasping only the upside orientedcontainer 10. Alternatively, thecontainer package 1 can rest on thesurface 13, so that thecontainer 10′ stands upright. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , each of the bottles/containers own coupling extension 14 comprising arecessed extension 14 a, which defines a C-shaped recess that is further defined by a surroundinglip 14 b, that has a radially distal peripheral surface that is inclined radially inwardly, as shown at 14 c, to facilitate pushing into theconnection band 30. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thecylindrical connection band 30 is ring shaped with aperipheral wall 32 that bends inwardly at the top and bottom edges to form anupper flange 33 and abottom flange 34. Thethicknesses 33 a of either one of theseflanges recessed channel 14 a of thebottles - The material of the
lip 14 of the bottle is preferably resilient, whereby, with modest hand force, simply placing thecontainer 10 and pressing on theconnection ring 30 will deform thelip 14 and provide an immediate and tightly holding mechanical snap coupling. By turning theconnection ring 30 upside down, thesecond container 10′ can be similarly connected, producing or obtaining thedual container 1 ofFIG. 1 , that allows the containers to be snapped together or separated from each other quite readily. Theconnection band 30 is intended to be a modular piece which accommodates bottles of many different cross-sectional shapes and contour features. At the same time, the connection band can be provided with many different optional features and selected by a user from kit of such connection bands as more fully described below. - For example, the connection band can have a diameter and outer shape that substantially matches the corresponding structure and outer shape of the container as shown in
FIG. 1 . In such embodiments, the outer surface of the connection band is flush/even with the outer surfaces of the container, which makes it appear as though there is only a single container with openings at opposed ends. - The cross-sectional
FIG. 3 a provides further detail, including showing thelips peripheral wall 32 and the size of the thickness of the lips “d” (indicated by spaced arrows). Additionally, if desired, thelip 14 of thecontainer 10 may have an undercut 19 (shown in dotted lines) and the connection band may haveprojections cutout 19 to provide a fixed rotation orientation between the connection band and thecontainers - In general, the bottles, caps, and the waistband style connection rings or bands can be made of the same or similar material for ease of recycling and also to keep the assembly dishwasher and microwave safe. The invention can be realized by constructing it using extrusion blow-molding processes to manufacture the bottles. HDPE, rubber, silicon, metal and other materials are suitable for the purposes of construction of the present invention. Injection molding, thermal forming and other manufacturing processes are also suitable for this purpose. The waistband coupling hardware can also have identifying
insignia 35 printed on it, as indicated inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view throughFIG. 1 , withFIG. 4 a showing a detail of the connection band.FIG. 4 a also illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein theconnection band 30 has a longitudinally directed upper andlower extensions - The invention lends itself to many variations. Thus, referring to
FIG. 5 a, theconnection band 530 is circular and the snap holding flanges/lips can be provided in severalquarterly sections FIG. 5 b, theconnection band 532 is oval-shaped to fit similarly shaped bottles, or several bottles/containers that can be interconnected and mounted at each side of the connection band. - In
FIG. 5 c, theconnection band 534 is square shaped, whileFIG. 5 d shows theband 536 to be rectangular with rounded corners. InFIG. 5 e, the shape of theband 538 is similar toFIG. 5 b, but with an inwardly indented center. Regardless, any shape, even non-geometric shapes, can be provided, including, for example, polygonal shapes, etc. - In
FIG. 5 a, providing the holding flange in sections enables configuring the container in the form of an extension that has threads formed on it and the bottle is threaded into the connection band. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 6 a and 6 c, which show connection bands of two styles, a circular connection band 40 (FIG. 6 a) and a rectangular connection band 50 (FIG. 6 c) that can accommodate at each side of the connector band, several containers. For example, inFIG. 6 a, four containers 610 (FIG. 6 b), each of which represents a one-quarter section of a circle or cylinder, can be accommodated in each side of theconnection band 40. - More specifically, the container 610 (
FIG. 6 b) has first and secondflat sides peripheral side 16 that matches the curvature of the connection band 40 (FIG. 6 a). Thecontainer 610 has alid 613 which is hinged at 613 a and can be opened by grasping theknob 613 b. At the bottom of thecontainer 610 are three downwardly depending and undercutsnaps extension 14 inFIG. 2 (except for being discontinuous, i.e., in three sections). Thesesnaps flanges FIG. 6 a). Indeed, thecontainers 610 can be snap fitted into any one of the four quadrant locations in theconnection ring 40, obtaining a four-container arrangement that can accommodate therein different spices; for example: cinnamon, thyme, etc. For completeness, it is noted that the second quadrant of theband 40 hasflanges flanges flanges flat walls containers 610 can be snap fitted to each other, as described more fully further on. - The connection band 50 (
FIG. 6 c) similarly has four quadrants defining locations for four rectangularly shaped containers (FIG. 7 ).FIG. 6 d is a cross-section throughFIG. 6 c, along thelines 6 d-6 d. InFIG. 6 c, the flanges in the first quadrant are formed by sub-flanges 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d. The second quadrant has catchingflanges flanges flanges -
FIG. 6 d, which is a cross-section onlines 6 d-6 d (FIG. 6 c) (whichFIG. 6 d is drawn exaggerated in the height dimension) shows theconnection band 50 having a centraldividing base wall 55 on which rests awall 57 that supports theflanges upright wall 58 which supports theflanges 53 c and left andright side walls flanges wall 55 is the mirror image of the structure above. Theconnection band 50 can thus support fourrectangular containers FIG. 7 . - Note that the same connection band can optionally support at each side only a single container which has the same outer periphery as the
connection band 50, if desired. Still further, and as shown inFIG. 7 , two containers can be fitted to the bottom side of thesame connection band 50, while four containers are mounted to the top side thereof. Thus, the invention provides a great deal of versatility in providing, for example, two containers at one side and four on the other side, etc. - In effect, the invention provides a modular container arranging construction optionally in a kit form that provides differently shaped containers and differently shaped connection rings that can be assembled by the user to suit their own preferences and needs. Manufacturers can sell arrangements of spices in a single container arrangement and when the contents of one container become exhausted, it can be replaced with a fresh, full container. The containers can be see-through, indicating the level of fullness of each product, or may have a
vertical window 17 for this purpose. - Turning to
FIGS. 6 e and 6 f, in another embodiment, theconnection band 60 is formed as adisk 60 with aweb 61 at the center and anannular section 63 with atop flange 63 a and abottom flange 63 b. Theentire connection band 60 is invisibly located in a space between two containers, as shown. Theseflanges containers inter-engage extensions 614 defining a channel 614 a and aresilient snap 614 b where theprotrusion 614 b is snagged or held under theflange FIG. 6 e. Here, the containers have a peripherally downwardly dependingskirt 661, whereby, viewed from the outside, theconnection band 60 is entirely concealed between the two containers. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , the four container arrangement at the top is designated byreference numeral 710, as previously described, whereas the two larger sized containers set 720, comprising thecontainers FIG. 5 b, to accommodate either a single or dual or quad containers. - Two one-
quarter containers FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, respectively. Thecontainer 810 a has alid 822, while thecontainer 810 b has alid 824. Thecontainer 810 a has a projectingcatch 812 and acatch receiver 814. Complementarily, the container 810 has a facing projection that fits inside thecatch receiver 814 and arecess 816. When these twocontainers containers projection 812 andrecess 816 are located. -
FIG. 9 illustrates another feature of the invention, whereby these standardized containers include labels that accommodate the fact that they are intended to be connected back to back. For example, thecontainer 910 a has afirst label 912 a that has the designation “COFFEE” facing upright, and asecond label 914 a with the words “COFFEE” written upside down. Thelabel 912 a may also be located on the opposed side. Anothercontainer 910 b has thelabel 912 a with word “SUGAR” on the front face and anotherlabel 914 b, in an opposite orientation. Thus, regardless of whether the dual container is held in one orientation or the other, one can instantly read the labels to discern the contents. - The caps can be provided in different shapes and configuration. For example, they can be provided to be flush with an outer circumferential shape matching that of the containers. They can be made somewhat wider, to assure good stability, even when the bottom container is substantially empty, while the upper container is still full and the center of gravity is located higher. The caps can also be the hinge style caps for the multi containers of
FIG. 6 a, whereby the hinge is located at the straight edge of the container, so it can be easily opened. Also, caps can be provided with different configurations, depending on the type of ingredient, whether a total opening is needed, or only an opening that provides holes for granular materials such a sugar, salt, spices and the like. -
FIGS. 10 a-10 c depict various caps or tops that can be provided for these containers. Referring toFIG. 10 a, thecap 1210 has askirt 1211 that can be hermetically fixed to the underlying container with acenter top wall 1212 that defines anarcuate opening 1216 and a plurality ofcircular openings 1214. Thetab 1218 enables thelid 1212 to be rotated and thereby cover the openings 514 and the arcuatelarge opening 1216. - In
FIG. 10 b, the cap 1220 has a similar skirt 1222 that enables it to be tightly applied to a top opening of the containers of the present invention with a series ofcircular openings 1224, alarge opening 1226 and hingedly closeabletop closures - In
FIG. 10 c, thecap 1240 also has askirt 1242 that enables its attachment to the container. Anopening 1246 is provided at one corner region and that opening 1246 can be closed by hingedly connected and complementarily shapedtop 1248. The common denominator of all of the caps is that they define a flat resting surface, whereby the container may rest upside down, stablely supporting the container combination. - The advantages of the invention are many. Thus, four spice containers can be accommodated on one side and the opposed side may comprise just a single container, or optionally several containers. One selects from a kit of different containers to construct the total container assembly. The containers themselves may have snap connections at their straight walls, so they can be connected to one another.
- Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. A container assembly, comprising:
a first container having a body with an opening at the top side of the first container and a connection extension at the bottom side of the first container;
a second container having a body with a respective opening at the top side of the second container and a respective connection extension at the bottom side of the second container; and
a connection band having a top side and a bottom side, and at each side, a connector mechanism for releasably holding at least one of said first and second containers and the connection band being further configured to enable releasably holding said containers in a bottom to bottom configuration.
2. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein the connection band has an outer peripheral circumscribing vertical wall surrounding an interior space.
3. The container assembly of claim 2 , the connection band including a top flange adjacent a top edge of said peripheral wall and a bottom flange located adjacent a bottom edge of the peripheral wall.
4. The container assembly of claim 3 , wherein the shape of the peripheral wall of the connection band matches the shape of a respective outer wall associated with the first and second containers.
5. The container assembly of claim 3 , wherein the connector extension is annularly shaped and defines a recess shaped to snappily engage either the top flange or the bottom flange of the connection band in a releasable manner which enables separating the first and second containers from the connection band by a hand force.
6. The container assembly of claim 3 , wherein each of the top and bottom sides of the connection band is configured to hold more than one container thereat.
7. The container assembly of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the connection extensions on the containers and the flanges on the connection band is constructed of a resilient deformable material, to enable creating a snap fit arrangement between the containers and the connection band.
8. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein said connection band has an outer peripheral shape that is one of circular, square, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners and a bow shape.
9. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein within each of the top side and bottoms sides of the connection band is configured to receive at least two of said containers.
10. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein within each of the top side and bottoms sides of the connection band is configured to receive at least four of said containers.
11. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second containers has a respective open top with a cap fittable to the open top.
12. The container assembly of claim 11 , wherein the cap is replaceable.
13. The container assembly of claim 11 , wherein the cap has a flat surface that enables resting a dual container arrangement on the flat surface.
14. The container assembly of claim 11 , wherein the cap is configured to seal the open top of the containers.
15. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first and second containers have respective facing side walls and further including container-to-container snap arrangements on the facing side walls to enable the facing walls to be releasably connected to each other.
16. The container assembly of claim 15 , wherein the connector-to-connector snap arrangements include a facing pair of a projection and a recess.
17. The container assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second connectors are threadily connectable to the connection band.
18. The connector assembly of claim 1 , including a window in the first and second containers to show an ingredient level in each container.
19. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the connection band is disk shaped and invisibly mounted between the first and second containers.
20. A container kit configured to enable assembling a plurality of containers, the kit comprising:
a plurality of containers; and at least one connection band for connecting at least one container to one side of the connection band and at least one second container to an opposed side of the connection band, the containers are releasably mounted to each other in a bottom to bottom configuration, via the connection band.
21. The container kit of claim 20 , comprising:
at least two, differently shaped connection bands and at least two containers matingly and releasably connected to a first one of the connection bands; and at least two containers matingly connected to a second one of said connection bands.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/479,933 US20160068304A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2014-09-08 | Container arrangement |
PCT/US2015/039188 WO2016039840A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2015-07-06 | Container arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/479,933 US20160068304A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2014-09-08 | Container arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160068304A1 true US20160068304A1 (en) | 2016-03-10 |
Family
ID=55436834
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/479,933 Abandoned US20160068304A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2014-09-08 | Container arrangement |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160068304A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016039840A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190100355A1 (en) * | 2017-09-25 | 2019-04-04 | Alyse N. Merritt | Dispensing devices |
WO2019241826A1 (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2019-12-26 | JSHealth Products Pty Ltd | Dual containment device |
WO2023012790A1 (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2023-02-09 | Yudiva Inc. | Dual bottle |
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US2326414A (en) * | 1940-01-12 | 1943-08-10 | James F Thompson | Storage container |
US3485416A (en) * | 1967-12-01 | 1969-12-23 | Seymour F Fohrman | Combination salt and pepper shaker |
US4593818A (en) * | 1985-04-29 | 1986-06-10 | Schenkman Roger B | Can stacker |
US4603784A (en) * | 1985-12-31 | 1986-08-05 | Chang Wei C | Nursing bottle system |
US4930636A (en) * | 1989-07-19 | 1990-06-05 | Meadows Marcia A | Stackable container assembly |
US5279841A (en) * | 1991-12-02 | 1994-01-18 | Yu Chine Min | Dual container connecting ring and the combination thereof |
US20070084863A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | W.C. Bradley Company | Stackable spice container assembly having a removable accessory |
US20110290815A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2011-12-01 | Spillip Pty Ltd | Device for sealing a container |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2110237A (en) * | 1936-03-06 | 1938-03-08 | Swift & Co | Sediment tester |
US3465905A (en) * | 1967-06-22 | 1969-09-09 | Martin Schottanes | Multiple vacuum bottle container |
US6092717A (en) * | 1998-10-20 | 2000-07-25 | Sonoco Development Inc. | Tubular container with independently openable compartments |
US7404486B2 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2008-07-29 | Matthew Charles Smithers | Modular beverage can interlocking device |
-
2014
- 2014-09-08 US US14/479,933 patent/US20160068304A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2015
- 2015-07-06 WO PCT/US2015/039188 patent/WO2016039840A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2326414A (en) * | 1940-01-12 | 1943-08-10 | James F Thompson | Storage container |
US3485416A (en) * | 1967-12-01 | 1969-12-23 | Seymour F Fohrman | Combination salt and pepper shaker |
US4593818A (en) * | 1985-04-29 | 1986-06-10 | Schenkman Roger B | Can stacker |
US4603784A (en) * | 1985-12-31 | 1986-08-05 | Chang Wei C | Nursing bottle system |
US4930636A (en) * | 1989-07-19 | 1990-06-05 | Meadows Marcia A | Stackable container assembly |
US5279841A (en) * | 1991-12-02 | 1994-01-18 | Yu Chine Min | Dual container connecting ring and the combination thereof |
US20070084863A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | W.C. Bradley Company | Stackable spice container assembly having a removable accessory |
US20110290815A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2011-12-01 | Spillip Pty Ltd | Device for sealing a container |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190100355A1 (en) * | 2017-09-25 | 2019-04-04 | Alyse N. Merritt | Dispensing devices |
WO2019241826A1 (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2019-12-26 | JSHealth Products Pty Ltd | Dual containment device |
WO2023012790A1 (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2023-02-09 | Yudiva Inc. | Dual bottle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2016039840A1 (en) | 2016-03-17 |
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