U.S. patent application number 09/812467 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for segmented fluid containers.
Invention is credited to Jeoung Su, Kim.
Application Number | 20010045432 09/812467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27483425 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeoung Su, Kim |
November 29, 2001 |
Segmented fluid containers
Abstract
A segmented fluid container formed from (i) two or more
semi-cylindrical canister segments having hollow interiors, (ii)
which canister segments are capable of being joined longitudinally
(side-to-side) to form a unified construct having the generally
elongate cylindrical shape of a fluid canister, with (iii) each of
these segments being separately accessed-i.e.-having its own
separate end opening by which its contents are dispensed or
reached, and (iv) with non-permanent means being provided for
holding these segments together to form said fluid canister shape.
The invention described can be produced from glass, plastic, steel,
aluminum, or other materials suitable for the purposes of this
invention or, more generally, for the production of canisters
and/or canister segments of this type.
Inventors: |
Jeoung Su, Kim; (Taegu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven R. Scott
949 County Road 217
Jacksonville
FL
32234
US
|
Family ID: |
27483425 |
Appl. No.: |
09/812467 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.4 ;
220/23.83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3205 20130101;
B65D 21/0205 20130101; B65D 21/0204 20130101; B65D 71/46
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/23.4 ;
220/23.83 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/00; B65D
021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 22, 2000 |
KR |
20-2000-0014435 |
May 22, 2000 |
KR |
20-2000-0014436 |
May 22, 2000 |
KR |
20-2000-0014434 |
May 22, 2000 |
KR |
20-2000-0010376 |
Claims
1. A segmented fluid container, comprising: a) At least two
canister segments, each having side walls and two ends defining
respective hollow interiors, where each of said at least two
canister segments has means for accessing its interior, and said at
least two canister segments can be joined longitudinally to form a
unified construct; and b) non-permanent junctures joining said at
least two canister segments together to form said unified
construct.
2. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said at least two canister segments are semi-cylindrical.
3. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said at least two canister segments can be joined to form a unified
construct fitting a soft-drink dispensing apparatus.
4. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures include a wrap binding the at least
two canister segments together.
5. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures include a snap catch.
6. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures cooperate with an annular depression
around said unified construct created when said at least two
canister segments are joined to form said unified construct.
7. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures include interfacing elements formed in
the at least two canister segments.
8. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures include a rim member interfacing with
ends of said at least two canister segments.
9. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 8, wherein
said rim member is screw threaded.
10. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 4, wherein
said wrap binding has a pull-tab by which it may be removed.
11. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
said non-permanent junctures include elements joined by adhesive to
at least one of said at least two canister segments.
12. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 1, wherein
the means for accessing the interior of at least one of said at
least two canister segments is a beverage can pull-tab.
13. A segmented fluid container, as described in claim 4, wherein
said binding is formed from plastic.
14. A segmented fluid container, as descried in claim 7, further
including an intermediate member interfacing with each of said at
least two canister segments.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of fluid
containers and canisters, particularly metallic drink cans and
other fluid containers. More specifically, it relates to fluid
containers and canisters with interior divisions creating separate
sections so that two or more separate materials or fluids can be
conveniently contained therein and accessed therefrom. The manner
in which fluid containers and canisters, including non-fluid
containing cans and canisters having similar features, are
constructed and utilized is well known and understood in the
mechanical arts. However, there is a need and market for items of
this type that can be conveniently and simultaneously utilized for
more than a single material or fluid. Particularly, for containers
which do not merely possess interior divisions, but are comprised
of separate and separable fluid containing segments that can be
longitudinally joined to create the shape and dimensions of a
standard fluid container such as a soft-drink can. There are no
prior cans and canisters known to the applicant that are structured
for, and have features consistent with, their use in this
manner.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Among the goals and objects of this invention are the
provision of canister shaped constructs with separable segments,
each of which is adapted for the storage and dispensing of a
separate liquid or substance; the provision of such canister
segments for use as separate drink containers that can be utilized
hygienically by more than one individual; and the provision of
drink containing segments of this type that fit together so as to
form a unitary construct that can be loaded in, and dispensed by,
standard mechanized canned drink machines. However, the invention
described herein is not limited to such uses. It can also be
utilized for, among other things, perfume containers, animal food
cans, oil and chemical cans, and other types of canisters and cans.
These goals are preferably met by (i) the provision of two or more
semi-cylindrical canister segments having hollow interiors, (ii)
which canister segments are capable of being joined longitudinally
(side-to-side) to form a unified construct having the generally
elongate cylindrical shape of a fluid canister, with (iii) each of
these segments being separately accessed-i.e.-having its own
separate end opening by which its contents are dispensed or
reached, and (iv) with non-permanent means being provided for
holding these segments together to form said fluid canister shape.
The invention described can be produced from glass, plastic, steel,
aluminum, or other materials suitable for the purposes of this
invention or, more generally, for the production of canisters
and/or canister segments of this type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of
the invention where the two semi-cylindrical segments from which
the fluid canister shape is produced are joined by a wrap having a
vertical junction and pull-tab.
[0004] FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of the first embodiment
of the invention where the wrap joining the two semi-cylindrical
segments has a somewhat helical junction and pull-tab.
[0005] FIG. 1C provides repeats the perspective view of FIG. 1A
with the addition of cross-section line A-A.
[0006] FIG. 1D provides a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A
of FIG. 1C.
[0007] FIG. 1E provides a perspective view of a variation of the
first embodiment where the segments illustrated have a trough on
their exterior. These troughs form a single annular indented band
around the conjoined segments with this indented band forming a
unitary trough all the way around the circumference of the
construct in which the wrap can rest, belting the two segments
together.
[0008] FIG. 1F provides a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B
of FIG. 1E.
[0009] FIG. 1G provides a set of three perspective views in
sequence showing how the fluid canister shaped construct taught in
this invention is produced. Its component parts (as shown in the
top drawing) are joined and wrapped with a plastic band (as shown
in the middle drawing), and the ends of the plastic band are
thereafter heat sealed (or glued) to form the completed embodiment
shown in the bottom drawing.
[0010] FIG. 2A provides a perspective view of a second embodiment
of the invention where the two semi-cylindrical segments from which
the fluid canister shape is produced are joined by link(s)
adhesively joined to both segments, with each link being provided
with a pull-tab for its removal.
[0011] FIG. 2B provides a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A
of FIG. 2A.
[0012] FIG. 2C provides a perspective view of a first variation of
the second embodiment where each link incorporates a separable snap
junction by which the segments are joined together.
[0013] FIG. 2D provides an expanded perspective view of the
separable snap link illustrated in FIG. 2C.
[0014] FIG. 2E provides a cross-sectional view of the separable
snap junction illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D.
[0015] FIG. 2F provides a perspective view of a second variation of
the second embodiment, which variation combines features common to
both the first and the second embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2G provides a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C
of FIG. 2F
[0017] FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of a third embodiment of
the invention where the two semi-cylindrical segments from which
the fluid canister shape is produced are joined by integral
features that create an interference lock or fit between the
segments.
[0018] FIG. 3B provides a perspective view of the third embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1B where the two segments have been slid apart
and detached from each other.
[0019] FIG. 3C provides a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A
of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 3D provides a perspective view of a first variation of
the third embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 3E provides a perspective view of the first variation
of the third embodiment where the two segments have been slid apart
and detached from each other.
[0022] FIG. 3F provides a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B
of FIG. 3D.
[0023] FIG. 3G provides a cross-sectional view illustrating a
second variation of the third embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3H provides a cross-sectional view illustrating
differently shaped segments joined to form a construct with a
hexagonal cross-section utilized with the second variation of the
third embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 3I provides a cross-sectional view illustrating
differently shaped segments joined to form a construct with a
square cross-section utilized with the second variation of the
third embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3J provides a cross-sectional view illustrating a third
variation of the third embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 4A provides a perspective view of a fourth embodiment
of the invention where the two semi-cylindrical segments from which
the fluid canister shape is produced are joined by a detachable
bottom rim.
[0028] FIG. 4B provides a perspective view of the fourth embodiment
of the invention where the two segments have been detached from
each other and the bottom rim.
[0029] FIG. 4C provides a perspective view of a first variation of
the fourth embodiment illustrating its component parts.
[0030] FIG. 4E provides a side view of a second variation of the
fourth embodiment illustrating its component parts.
[0031] FIG. 4F provides a side view of a third variation of the
fourth embodiment illustrating its component parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIGS. 1A through 1G illustrate a first set of embodiments of
a fluid canister shaped construct 1 produced in accordance with the
teachings of this invention. As will be noted upon review of these
drawing figures, these embodiments feature a construct 1 divided
into separate longitudinal segments 2, each having its own pop-top
2A by which its interior contents may be accessed. Longitudinal
segments 2 (which may number more than the two shown in the drawing
figures) are held together by a plastic band 3. Band 3 is formed
with perforations 5 so as to form a linear strip terminating in a
generally longitudinal pull-tab 4. This linear strip may be thicker
than the plastic forming the remainder of plastic band 3 and
preferably incorporates or overlies a guide string 6. Pulling on
pull-tab 4 (and guide string 6) results in the detachment of the
linear strip and the severance of plastic band 3, releasing the two
longitudinal segments 2.
[0033] FIGS. 1E and 1F provide views of a variation of the first
embodiment. In this variation, the segments 2 illustrated have a
trough 11 on their exterior such that said troughs 11 form a single
annular indented band around the conjoined segments 2, plastic belt
band 12 rests in these troughs 11, belting the two segments
together. This configuration helps to prevent the two segments 2
from sliding relative to each other.
[0034] FIGS. 2A through 2G illustrate a second set of embodiments
of a fluid canister shaped construct 1 produced in accordance with
the teachings of this invention. The set of embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 2A through 2G share many features in common with the
embodiments previously discussed. However, they are distinguished
by the fact that their longitudinal segments 2 are joined by means
having horizontal rather than vertical pull-tabs for the release of
the longitudinal segments 2. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, segments 2 are not
held together by a single unitary band or wrap. Instead, they are
joined at their two adjoining outer edges by two separate links.
The two semi-cylindrical segments 2 from which the fluid canister
shape (construct 1) is produced are joined by adherent links 111
attached between the adjoining edges of segments 2 by adhesive 120.
Each such adherent link 111 is provided with an adherent link
pull-tab 111A for its removal.
[0035] FIGS. 2C through 2E provide views of a first variation of
the second embodiment featuring snap links (denoted generally by
arrow 222) forming a separable snap catch by which the segments 2
are joined together. Each snap link 222 is formed from two
elements. One element is a loop link with a loop base end 21
adhesively joined to one segment 2 and with a free loop end 21a at
its other end. This element is joined to the other element, which
has a link base 22 adhesively joined to an adjoining segment 2. To
close (or fasten snap link 222), free loop end 21a is fitted down
between ledges 22a over snap 22b, which has a raised sill and an
open interior 22c. The separation prevention cap 23 of link base 22
has a projection button 23a which can then be fitted through free
loop end 21a into the open interior 22c of snap 22b. The projection
button 23a is further provided with a thin retention sill 23b at
its upper edge. This process is reversed in freeing the two
segments 2.
[0036] FIGS. 2F and 2G provide perspective views of a second
variation of the second embodiment. This variation combines
features common to both the first and the second embodiment. It has
a single horizontal band 32 lying in a trough 31. The band 32 is
fastened by a single snap link 222 formed by a loop end 21a (with
its associated subparts) at one end of the band which links
together with a link base 22 (with its associated subparts) at the
other end of the band. (This arrangement is generally analogous to
the arrangement described with respect to FIGS. 1E and 1F,
supra).
[0037] FIGS. 3A through 3J illustrate a third set of embodiments.
The embodiments illustrated in these drawing figures feature
longitudinal segments 2 formed so that they can be held together by
integral features that, either alone or in conjunction with
additional elements, form an interference fit. FIGS. 3A through 3C
illustrate a basic format where each segment 2 has either a first
interlock member 311 or a second interlock member 312 at its edge.
These two members can be slid together to form a firm bond
preventing movement of the two segments except along their long
axes. A separate detent 313 with matching indent 314 is provided to
inhibit, but not completely prevent, movement along these axes.
Thus, the segments will hold together to form a single construct 1
under most conditions, but can be freed by the ultimate user in
accordance with the purposes of this invention.
[0038] The remaining drawing figures in this sequence illustrate
some possible variations. A first variation is illustrated in FIGS.
3D through 3F. In this variation, a first interference member 421
interlocks with a second interference member 422, inhibiting
movement except along the long axes of segments 2. A first
interference member indent 423 interacts with a second interference
member detent 424 to complete the bond. In the second set of
variations illustrated in FIGS. 3G through 3I, a center lock member
532 with indents 534 interlocks with the center lock member
interface 531 and interface detent 533 of each identical segment 2.
In the third variation illustrated in FIG. 3J, edge lock members
642 interlock with edge interfaces 641 on each segment 2. One
segment 2 is provided with a detent 313 and the other segment 2 is
provided with a matching indent 314.
[0039] FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate a fourth set of embodiments
in which end cap(s) and/or circumferential band(s) are used to join
the longitudinal segments 2 together. In FIGS. 4A and 4b a basic
embodiment is illustrated with a base end cap 20 having an inner
rim 20a and an outer wall 20b. FIG. 4C adds an upper
circumferential band 30, which may be formed from elastic
semi-rigid plastic material with a break (as shown), or of pliant
elastic material without a break. FIG. 4E adds a top band 50. FIG.
4F provides a screw on base cap 40 with internal female threads 40a
which interfaces with male threads 40b provided at the base of each
segment 2.
[0040] The foregoing figures and descriptions are, of course,
merely preferred embodiments and should be considered to be an
exemplary and illustrative rather exhaustive. The inventive concept
includes all of the foregoing embodiments as well as combinations
and sub-combinations of features derived therefrom. Indeed, almost
innumerable variations are possible without exceeding the scope and
spirit of the inventive concept described herein.
* * * * *