U.S. patent application number 09/847934 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for non-spill container.
Invention is credited to Thai, Douglas.
Application Number | 20010035413 09/847934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46257726 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thai, Douglas |
November 1, 2001 |
Non-spill container
Abstract
A container has a cup-like lower body that receives liquid
therein, the lower body having a bottom wall and an open upper
mouth. The container also has an inverted cup-like upper body
having a top wall and an open lower mouth, and an opening provided
in the top wall. The upper body is removably connected to the lower
body with the open mouths thereof in communication with each other
to form an interior chamber. The container also includes a lid
pivotably coupled to the top wall and covering the opening, and a
stopper inserted through the opening.
Inventors: |
Thai, Douglas; (Walnut,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond Sun
Law Offices of Raymond Sun
12420 Woodhall Way
Tustin
CA
92782
US
|
Family ID: |
46257726 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847934 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09847934 |
May 3, 2001 |
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09696986 |
Oct 26, 2000 |
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09696986 |
Oct 26, 2000 |
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09562609 |
May 1, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/213 ; 446/15;
446/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/088 20130101;
A63H 33/28 20130101; B65D 47/268 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/213 ;
446/267; 446/15 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/28; B65D
051/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container, comprising: a cup-like lower body that receives
liquid therein and having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth; an
inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an open lower
mouth, the top wall having a generally V-shaped configuration, with
an opening extending across the top wall, the upper body being
removably connected to the lower body with the open mouths thereof
in communication with each other to form an interior chamber; and a
lid pivotably coupled to the top wall and covering the opening.
2. The container of claim 1, further including a tube extending
from the opening into the interior chamber.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid pivots between a
closed position with the lid covering the opening, and an opened
position with the opening exposed.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid has two side walls
that are pivotably coupled to the top wall, and a rounded top wall
that connects the two side walls.
5. The container of claim 3, wherein the lid has an inner channel,
and the top wall further includes a ridge provided thereon and
received inside the inner channel when the lid is in the closed
position.
6. The container of claim 2, wherein the tube has a Figure-8
cross-section throughout its length.
7. The container of claim 2, wherein the tube has an upper portion
and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion has an oval
cross-section and the lower portion has a Figure-8
cross-section.
8. A container, comprising: a cup-like lower body that receives
liquid therein and having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth; an
inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an open lower
mouth, the top wall having a recess, and an opening provided in the
recess, the upper body being removably connected to the lower body
with the open mouths thereof in communication with each other to
form an interior chamber; and a lid pivotably coupled to the top
wall and covering the opening.
9. The container of claim 8, further including a tube extending
from the opening into the interior chamber.
10. The container of claim 8, wherein the lid pivots between a
closed position with the lid covering the opening, and an opened
position with the opening exposed.
11. The container of claim 8, wherein the lid has a top plate with
an underside, and a protrusion extending from the underside of the
top plate, the protrusion having the same configuration as the
recess to be fitted inside the recess.
12. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid has a pin extending
from the underside thereof, and the top wall further includes a pin
slot provided thereon and receiving the pin therein when the lid is
in the closed position.
13. The container of claim 8, wherein the recess is a second
recess, and wherein the top wall further includes a first recess,
with the second recess extending from the first recess, and with
the first recess having the same configuration as the lid to
receive the lid.
14. The container of claim 9, wherein the tube has a Figure-8
cross-section throughout its length.
15. The container of claim 9, wherein the tube has an upper portion
and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion has an oval
cross-section and the lower portion has a Figure-8
cross-section.
16. The container of claim 8, wherein the recess has a Figure-8
configuration.
17. The container of claim 8, wherein the recess has a circular
configuration.
18. A bubble wand, comprising: a shaft having a first end and a
second end; two loops provided at the first end of the shaft, each
loop having a plurality of ridges provided thereon; and a handle
coupled to the second end of the shaft.
19. The wand of claim 18, further including a support section
coupled between the second end of the shaft and the handle, the
support section having an extension and a lining.
20. The wand of claim 19, wherein the extension has a Figure-8
configuration.
21. The wand of claim 19, wherein the lining has a Figure-8
configuration.
22. The wand of claim 18, wherein the shaft has a groove provided
therein.
23. The wand of claim 19, wherein the extension has an oval
configuration.
24. The wand of claim 19, wherein the lining has an oval
configuration.
25. A funnel for use in a container, comprising a tubular section
having a Figure-8 cross-section extending throughout its
length.
26. A funnel for use in a container, comprising: a tubular section
having an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion
having an oval cross-section and the lower portion having a
Figure-8 cross-section.
Description
RELATED CASES
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No.
09/696,986, entitled "Non-Spill Container", filed Oct. 26, 2000,
which is in turn a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No.
09/562,609, entitled "Non-Spill Container", filed May 1, 2000,
whose disclosures are incorporated by this reference as though
fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to liquid containers, and in
particular, to a non-spill container.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Bubble producing toys and devices are very popular with
children. A wide variety of such bubble producing toys are now
available in the market. Despite this widespread variety, the most
basic form of a bubble producing toy is a wand that has a handle at
one end and a loop at a second end. The loop is dipped into a
bubble solution (which is usually soap) so that a film of the
bubble solution extends across the area of the loop. The child can
then blow at the loop to create bubbles.
[0006] The use of this wand and its loop requires that the loop be
continuously dipped into the bubble solution to create more
bubbles. Therefore, the container for the bubble solution must
provide sufficiently convenient access to the user for continuous
dipping of the wand and its loop.
[0007] Another important characteristic that the bubble solution
container must have is that it should guard against spills. Since
most bubble solution is made from soap, spills can be very messy. A
number of spill-proof or non-spill containers have been provided to
guard against spills of liquids stored therein. An example of a
non-spill container is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,975 to
Patterson, which provides a top member that is releasably mounted
to a bottom member. A tube extends through an opening in the top
member. The volume of the bottom member is provided to be smaller
than the volume of the top member so that the liquid contained in
the bottom member is prevented from entering the tube when the
container is tipped. Unfortunately, the container in U.S. Pat. No.
5,105,975 is not completely spill-proof, and leakage is still
possible.
[0008] In light of the above, there still remains a need for a
container that effectively prevents the liquid stored therein from
being spilled, yet provides convenient access to the liquid stored
therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a container that effectively prevents the liquid stored
therein from being spilled.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
container that provides convenient continuous access to the liquid
stored therein.
[0011] The objects of the present invention may be achieved by
providing a container having a cup-like lower body that receives
liquid therein, and having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth.
The container also has an inverted cup-like upper body having a top
wall and an open lower mouth, and an opening provided in the top
wall. The upper body is removably connected to the lower body with
the open mouths thereof in communication with each other to form an
interior chamber. The container also includes a lid pivotably
coupled to the top wall and covering the opening, and a stopper
inserted through the opening.
[0012] Thus, the pivotable lid covers the opening, and retains the
stopper securely in place so as to prevent liquid from exiting
through the opening. The stopper can be easily and conveniently
removed from the opening to allow the user with quick and
convenient access to the liquid stored in the interior of the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-spill container
according to one embodiment of the present invention shown with the
lid in the closed position.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1
shown with the lid in the opened position.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5A is an enlarged exploded view of the lid of the
container of FIGS. 1-4.
[0018] FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional view of the circled region
in FIG. 5A.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of
the container of FIGS. 1-4 shown with the lid in the opened
position.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a perspective sectional view of another
embodiment of the upper portion of the container of FIGS. 1-4.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the container of FIGS. 1-4 with
the lid opened.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the container of FIGS. 1-4 with
the lid covering the opening.
[0023] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one stopper that may be
used with the container of FIGS. 1-4.
[0024] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of another stopper that may be
used with the container of FIGS. 1-4.
[0025] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of yet another stopper that
may be used with the container of FIGS. 1-4.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a non-spill container
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10
shown with the lid in the opened position.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 10.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 10.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of
the container of FIGS. 10-13.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 10 with
the lid opened.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 10 with
the lid covering the opening.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective sectional view of another
embodiment of the upper portion of the container of FIGS.
10-13.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of yet another
embodiment of the upper portion of the container of FIGS.
10-13.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The following detailed description is of the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the
invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the
appended claims.
[0036] The present invention is applicable to all containers that
hold or otherwise retain liquid. Such containers can be used to
hold any type of liquid, where the liquid needs to be dispensed
using a wand, a tong, or other dispensing device. Thus, the
container can be used to hold bubble solution for use with a bubble
producing toy, or it can be used to hold medicine, detergent or
other liquids.
[0037] The present invention provides different embodiments of
non-spill containers having an opening through which a stopper may
be inserted. A pivotable lid is positioned over the opening to
cover the opening, and to retain the stopper securely in place so
as to prevent the liquid from exiting through the opening. The
stopper can be easily and conveniently removed from the opening to
allow the user with quick and convenient access to the liquid
stored in the interior of the container.
[0038] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a non-spill container
20 according to the present invention. The container 20 has a lower
body 22 defining an interior chamber 24, and an upper body 26 that
is removably connected to the lower body 22. The lower body 22 is
cup-like in that it is generally cylindrical, has an open mouth and
has a bottom wall 28. The top 30 of the lower body 22 has an upper
annular flared rim 32 having external threads 34, with the upper
flared rim 32 defining the open mouth.
[0039] The upper body 26 is also generally cylindrical with an
inverted cup-like configuration, and has a lower annular flared rim
36 that has internal threads 38. The lower flared rim 36 has a
slightly larger diameter than the upper flared rim 32 so that the
lower flared rim 32 of the lower body 22 can be received inside the
upper flared rim 36 of the upper body 26. The top of the upper body
26 has a rounded surface 48, similar to a hemisphere. The upper
body 26 also has a top wall 40 that can have either a generally
concave or a V-shaped configuration, with an elongated opening 42
provided in the top wall 40. The V-shaped or concave configuration
of the top wall 40 has a first inclined surface (which can be
curved) 44 and a second inclined surface (which can be curved) 46.
The elongate opening 42 extends across both inclined surfaces 44
and 46, and as best shown in FIG. 4, is offset from the center of
the upper body 26. The elongate opening 42 is adapted to receive a
stopper 50, as explained in greater detail below. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the elongate opening 42 has a Figure-8
configuration, as best shown in FIG. 7. A raised ridge 45 is
provided along an upper extremity 47 of an inclined surface 44, and
is adapted to snap into an inner channel 49 provided at the
rear-most end 51 of a rounded top wall 58 of a lid 52, so as to
secure the lid 52 in the closed position. The upper extremity 53 of
the other inclined surface 46 acts as a stop surface for the
front-most end 55 of the rounded top wall 58 of the lid 52.
[0040] A lid 52 is pivotably secured to the upper body 26 and
positioned above the top wall 40 to cover the top wall 40 and the
elongate opening 42 (and its stopper 50, if inserted). The lid 52
has two side walls 54 that are connected by the rounded top wall
58. Ridges or bumps 56 can be provided on top of the rounded top
wall 58 to facilitate gripping or pushing action by the user. Each
side wall 54 has a rounded lower point 60. Pivot points 62 can be
provided on opposite sides of the upper body 26 adjacent the top
thereof. A small bearing point (not shown) is provided between each
pivot point 62 and the corresponding rounded lower point 60 to
allow the points 60 of the lid 52 to pivot about these pivot points
62 from a completely closed position, shown in FIG. 1, in which the
lid 52 completely encloses the top wall 40 and the stopper 50, to a
completely opened position, shown in FIG. 2, in which the lid 52 is
slid and seated over a portion of the rounded surface 48 to expose
the stopper 50. When the lid 52 is in the closed position, the lid
52 can be snapped into locking engagement with the upper body 26 by
snap-fitting the ridge 45 into the channel 49 of the lid 52. The
stop surface 53 contacts the front-most end 55 of the rounded top
wall 58 to define the limit to which the lid 52 can be pivoted.
[0041] A tube or funnel 70 extends from the opening 42 in the top
wall 40 into the interior of the upper body 26. The tube 70
functions as a guide for the stopper 50. The tube 70 has an upper
section 74 which has a larger dimension than a lower section 76.
The upper section 74 has a ledge surface 78 that is adapted to
engage or receive an extension 80 of the stopper 50. The upper
section 74 and lower section 76 of the tube 70 can have a generally
Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration that is adapted to receive
the generally Figure-8 cross-section of certain portions of the
stopper 50. Even though the tube 70 is illustrated as being
generally Figure-8 in cross-section, it is possible to provide the
cross-section of the tube 70 in any desired configuration. For
example, the cross-sectional configuration of the tube 70 can be
Figure-8 throughout the length of the tube 70 (as shown in FIGS. 6A
and 7). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the cross-sectional
configuration of the tube 70 can change, such as from a generally
oval cross-section at the top (see 70a) adjacent the opening 42,
and then gradually transition into a Figure-8 cross-section (see
70b) as the tube 70 extends into the interior of the container 20.
The tube 70 can also extend for any desired length into the
interior of the container 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and
4, the tube 70 can extend for a length that is about the same as
the length of the upper body 26, so that the lowermost end 72 of
the tube 70 extends to the region where the rims 32 and 36 are
located. Alternatively, the tube 70 can extend for a length that is
less than the length of the upper body 26, or for a length that is
greater than the length of the upper body 26 so that the lowermost
end 72 is positioned inside the interior chamber 24 of the lower
body 22.
[0042] The lower body 22 and the upper body 26 can be made from the
same material, or from different materials. Possible materials for
the lower body 22 and the upper body 26 can include plastic,
acrylic, metal, glass or certain fabrics. The tube 70 can be molded
or provided in one piece together with the upper body 26. The lid
52 can be made from a plastic or metal material, and then pivotably
secured to the pivot points 62.
[0043] The stopper 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 is a bubble producing
toy 50 (also referred to herein as a "wand"), and is illustrated in
greater detail in FIG. 9A. The wand 50 has a thin shaft 98 that is
generally rectangularly-shaped with a shallow groove 99 extending
along the shaft 98. A plurality of ring-like loops 82, 84 are
provided at a first end of the shaft 98. Each loop 82, 84 has a
serratted ring, such that ridges or bumps 86 are provided on the
outer surfaces of the loop 82, 84. The ridges 86 function to hold
the bubble solution against the loop 82, 84 to form a solution film
that is blown to form the bubbles. The loop 82, 84 can have any
desired shape, and any number of loops 82, 84 can be provided. The
groove 99 functions to guide bubble solution downwardly towards the
loops 82, 84 so as to further concentrate the bubble solution at
the loops 82, 84. The opposing (i.e., second) end of the shaft 98
has a support section 88 that includes a shoulder 90, a lining 92,
an enlarged gripping handle 94, and the extension 80. Specifically,
the shoulder 90 is generally triangular and is provided adjacent
the second end of the shaft 98. The lining 92 is provided above the
shoulder 90 and functions like a gasket to prevent the liquid
stored in the interior chamber 24 from passing therethrough. In the
embodiment of FIG. 9A, the shoulder 90 and lining 92 can have a
generally oval cross-sectional configuration. The lining 92 can be
made from rubber, plastic and certain fabrics. The extension 80 is
provided above the lining 92, and can be provided in a generally
Figure-8 configuration and extends radially outwardly. The handle
94 can be a thin plate that is positioned above the extension 80,
and has an angled lower edge 96 adjacent the extension 80.
[0044] Although the bubble producing toy 50 is illustrated as being
inserted through the opening 42 to act as a stopper, other stoppers
can also be used to seal the opening 42. For example, the stopper
can have the same configuration as the bubble producing toy 50
(i.e., including the shaft 98, the shoulder 90, the lining 92, the
enlarged gripping handle 94, and the extension 80), but with the
loops 82, 84 omitted. With the loops 82, 84 omitted, the shaft 98
can be provided as a hollow tube with the lower end opened, so that
the stopper can then be used as a bulb or syringe for drawing
medicine stored in the container 20.
[0045] FIG. 9B illustrates modifications that can be made to the
stopper 50 of FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the stopper 50a is the same as
the stopper 50, except that the shoulder 90a and the lining 92a
also have a Figure-8 configuration. Thus, depending on the actual
cross-sectional configuration of the tube 70, either stopper 50 or
50a can be used to optimize the convenience to the user (of
inserting and removing the stopper) and to prevent spillage of the
liquid. For example, the stopper 50a having a Figure-8 extension
80a and a Figure-8 lining 92a would be more effective in sealing
the entire tube 70 in FIGS. 1-8 since the entire tube 70 has a
Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration.
[0046] FIG. 9C illustrates further modifications that can be made
to the stopper 50 of FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9C, the stopper 50b is the
same as the stopper 50, except that the extension 80b, the shoulder
90b and the lining 92b have a circular configuration.
[0047] In operation, the lower body 22 and upper body 26 are
provided separately. Any liquid (e.g., bubble solution) can be
filled into the interior chamber 24, and then the upper body 26
connected to the lower body 22 by engaging the threads 34 and 38 of
the flared rims 32 and 36, respectively. The lid 52 is now pivoted
to the opened position shown in FIG. 2. The wand 50 is then
inserted through the opening 42 so that the loops 82, 84 and a
lower portion of the shaft 98 extend through the tube 70 and into
the interior chamber 24 of the lower body 22, with the shoulder 90
and the lining 92 retained inside the lower section 76 of the tube
70 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Preferably, the lining 92 will have the
same configuration as the cross-section of the lower section 76 of
the tube 70 (e.g., both the lining 92 and the lower section 76 are
Figure-8, or both are oval, for example). At this time, the
extension 80 will engage the ledge surface 78, which acts as a stop
surface to prevent the wand 50 from being inserted any further into
the opening 42. A portion of the handle 94 is retained inside the
upper section 74 of the tube 70 (see FIGS. 2-4). At this time, the
provision of the lining 92 inside the tube 70, coupled with the
extension 80 engaging and covering the ledge surface 78, will
prevent the liquid inside the container 20 from being leaked or
spilled via the tube 70 and the opening 42. The lid 52 can now be
pivoted to its closed position shown in FIG. 1, with the rounded
top wall 58 covering the wand 50, and more particularly, engaging
the top edge 100 of the handle 94 to keep the support section 88
securely positioned over the opening 42 as a further safeguard
against leakage through the opening 42.
[0048] Where the tube 70 is provided with a changing
cross-sectional configuration (e.g., from oval to Figure-8), the
oval portion of the tube 70 will facilitate easier insertion of the
loops 82, 84 and shaft 98, while the Figure-8 portion will provide
a more secure (e.g., narrow) fit of the stopper 50 inside the tube
70 to minimize the possibility of the stopper 50 coming loose. This
feature further minimizes spillage or leakage of liquid stored
inside the container 20.
[0049] To access the liquid stored inside the container 20, the
user merely flips (i.e., pivots) open the lid 52 to the opened
position shown in FIG. 2 by pushing on any bump 56. The user then
grips the handle 94, and lifts the wand 50. If the liquid is a
bubble solution, then the user can insert the wand 50 back through
the opening 42 to access more of the bubble solution to create more
bubbles. If the liquid is a medicine, the user can insert the
medicine stopper 50 back through the opening 42 to access more of
the medicine.
[0050] FIGS. 10-16 illustrate another embodiment of a non-spill
container 120 according to the present invention. The container 120
has a lower body 122 defining an interior chamber 124, and an upper
body 126 that is removably connected to the lower body 122. The
lower body 122 can have essentially the same structure as the lower
body 22 described above, having a bottom wall 128, and an open
mouth defined by an upper annular flared rim 132 that is provided
at the top 130 of the lower body 122. The upper annular flared rim
132 has external threads 134.
[0051] The upper body 126 is also generally cylindrical with an
inverted cup-like configuration, and has a lower annular flared rim
136 that has internal threads 138.
[0052] The lower flared rim 136 has a slightly larger diameter than
the upper flared rim 132 so that the lower flared rim 132 of the
lower body 122 can be received inside the upper flared rim 136 of
the upper body 126. The top of the upper body 126 has a slightly
curved or convex surface 148 that defines a top wall 140. A
generally circular first recess 137 extends from the top surface
148, and as best shown in FIGS. 1115, a second recess 144 extends
from the first recess 137 at a location that is offset from the
center of the upper body 126 (see FIG. 13). The second recess 144
has a surrounding curved wall that defines a generally Figure-8
configuration. The top opening that leads into the second recess
144 can also have a generally Figure-8 configuration. An elongate
opening 142 is provided at the bottom surface 178 of the second
recess 144, and is also offset from the center of the upper body
126. The elongate opening 142 is adapted to receive a stopper,
which can be any of the stoppers 50, 50a, 50b described above. The
elongate opening 142 can also have a Figure-8 configuration. A pin
slot 146 is provided in the surface of the first recess 137.
[0053] A lid 152 is pivotably secured to the upper body 126. The
lid 152 can be provided with a generally circular configuration
that is adapted to correspond to the configuration of the first
recess 137, so that the lid 152 can be fitted inside the first
recess 137 to provide a streamlined and flush top surface for the
top of the upper body 126 when the lid 152 is closed. The lid 152
is positioned above the second recess 144 to cover the elongate
opening 142 (and its stopper, if inserted). The lid 152 has a top
plate 154 with a protrusion 158 extending from the underside of the
top plate 154. The protrusion 158 is configured with the same
configuration as the second recess 144, but slightly smaller than
the inner configuration of the second recess 144, so as to allow
the lid 152 to be snugly secured to the second recess 144. A raised
bump 156 can be provided on top of the lid 152 to facilitate
gripping or pushing action by the user. A pin 159 is provided on
the underside of the top plate 154 adjacent to the protrusion 158
near an end 161 of the lid 152.
[0054] The opposing end 160 of the lid 152 is pivotably connected
(e.g., by a pivot pin 162) to a lateral side of the upper body 126
adjacent the top thereof. This pivoting connection allows the lid
152 to pivot about the pivot pin 162 from a completely closed
position, shown in FIG. 10, in which the lid 152 completely
encloses the second recess 144 and the stopper 50, 50a or 50b, to a
completely opened position, shown in FIG. 11, in which the lid 152
is flipped open to expose the stopper 50, 50a or 50b. When the lid
152 is closed, the pin 159 is seated in the pin slot 146, and with
the protrusion 158 snugly fitted inside the second recess 144, will
together function to secure the lid 152 to the top of the upper
body 126.
[0055] A tube or funnel 170 extends from the opening 142 in the
second recess 144 into the interior of the upper body 26. The tube
170 functions as a guide for the stopper 50. The tube 170 can have
a generally Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration. Even though the
tube 170 is illustrated as being generally Figure-8 in
cross-section, it is possible to provide the tube 170 in any
desired configuration. For example, the cross-sectional
configuration of the tube 170 can be Figure-8 throughout the length
of the tube 170 (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14). Alternatively, as
shown in FIG. 17, the cross-sectional configuration of the tube 170
can change, such as from a generally oval cross-section at the top
(see 170a) adjacent the opening 42, and then gradually transition
into a Figure-8 cross-section (see 170b) as the tube 170 extends
into the interior of the container 120. The tube 170 can extend for
any desired length into the interior of the container 120. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tube 170 can extend for a
length that is about the same as the length of the upper body 126,
so that the lowermost end 172 of the tube 170 extends to the region
where the rims 132 and 136 are located. Alternatively, the tube 170
can extend for a length that is less than the length of the upper
body 126, or for a length that is greater than the length of the
upper body 126 so that the lowermost end 172 is positioned inside
the interior chamber 124 of the lower body 122.
[0056] The lower body 122 and the upper body 126 can be made from
the same material, or from different materials. Possible materials
for the lower body 122 and the upper body 126 can include plastic,
acrylic, metal, glass or certain fabrics. The tube 170 and lid 152
can be molded or provided in one piece together with the upper body
126.
[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates a possible modification to the container
120. In FIG. 18, the second recess 144a can be provided in a
circular configuration (as opposed to the Figure-8 configuration of
the second recess 144 in FIGS. 11 and 14). As a result, the
protrusion 158a assumes a similar circular configuration to provide
a snug fit with the second recess 144a when the lid 152a is
closed.
[0058] In operation, the lower body 122 and upper body 126 are
provided separately. Any liquid (e.g., bubble solution) can be
filled into the interior chamber 124, and then the upper body 126
connected to the lower body 122 by engaging the threads 134 and 138
of the flared rims 132 and 136, respectively. The lid 152 is now
pivoted to the opened position shown in FIG. 11. The wand 50 (which
can be any of the stoppers 50a, 50b, 50c illustrated in FIGS.
9A-9C) is then inserted through the opening 142 so that the loops
82, 84 and a lower portion of the shaft 98 extend through the tube
170 and into the interior chamber 124 of the lower body 122, with
the shoulder 90 and the lining 92 retained inside the tube 170 (see
FIGS. 12 and 13). At this time, the extension 80 will engage the
bottom surface 178 of the second recess 144, which acts as a stop
surface to prevent the wand 50 from being inserted any further into
the opening 142. The handle 94 is retained inside the second recess
144. At this time, the provision of the lining 92 inside the tube
170, coupled with the extension 80 engaging and covering the bottom
surface 178, will prevent the liquid inside the container 120 from
being leaked or spilled via the tube 170 and the opening 142. The
lid 152 can now be pivoted to its closed position shown in FIG. 10,
with the top plate 154 seated inside the first recess 137, and the
pin 159 received inside the pin slot 146, so as to form a smooth
and flush top surface for the upper body 126. The top plate 154
covers the wand 50, and more particularly, engages the top edge 100
of the handle 94 to keep the support section 88 securely positioned
over the opening 142 as a further safeguard against leakage through
the opening 142.
[0059] Where the tube 170 is provided with a changing
cross-sectional configuration (e.g., from oval to Figure-8), the
oval portion of the tube 170 will facilitate easier insertion of
the loops 82, 84 and shaft 98, while the Figure-8 portion will
provide a more secure fit of the stopper 50 inside the tube 170 to
minimize the possibility of the stopper 50 coming loose. This
feature further minimizes spillage or leakage of liquid stored
inside the container 120.
[0060] To access the liquid stored inside the container 120, the
user merely flips (i.e., pivots) open the lid 152 to the opened
position shown in FIG. 11 by pushing on the bump 156. The user then
grips the handle 94, and lifts the wand 50. If the liquid is a
bubble solution, then the user can insert the wand 50 back through
the opening 142 to access more of the bubble solution to create
more bubbles. If the liquid is a medicine, the user can insert the
medicine stopper 50 back through the opening 142 to access more of
the medicine.
[0061] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and
alternatives utilized without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
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