U.S. patent application number 11/188351 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for spill-proof container for children.
Invention is credited to Mitchell E. JR. Sheppard, Hubert D. White, Thurston Josh White.
Application Number | 20060016817 11/188351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35656034 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060016817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheppard; Mitchell E. JR. ;
et al. |
January 26, 2006 |
Spill-proof container for children
Abstract
A spill-proof snack container (10), particularly suitable for a
child, for food eaten by hand, comprising a one-piece hollow bowl
(11) having a hollow interior covered by a separate attachable
snap-on upper cover (34). Upper cover (34) is located on open top
(13) of vertically disposed hollow tube (32). Interior is
inaccessible when upper cover (34) is in place over hollow tube
(32). Hollow tube (32) is centrally located through top wall (20)
of hollow bowl (11) and terminates with an inward curved edge at
lower panel aperture (28) preventing spillage when container (10)
is tilted or tipped over. Hollow bowl (11) of clear plastic
provides visual access to food inside bowl (11). A portion of
hollow tube (32) extends upwardly and terminates above top wall
(20) of bowl (11). Container (10) includes a separate bottom cover
(30) for bowl (11) that is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
Container (10) is useable by adults when hollow tube (32) is sized
for access by an adult hand.
Inventors: |
Sheppard; Mitchell E. JR.;
(Brandon, MS) ; White; Hubert D.; (Mendenhall,
MS) ; White; Thurston Josh; (Mendenhall, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MITCHELL E. SHEPPARD, JR.
1003 STONEHENDGE DRIVE
BRANDON
MS
39042
US
|
Family ID: |
35656034 |
Appl. No.: |
11/188351 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60591187 |
Jul 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00611 20130101; B65D
43/0204 20130101; B65D 1/36 20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101;
A47G 19/00 20130101; B65D 43/16 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101;
B65D 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/506 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/36 20060101
B65D001/36 |
Claims
1. A spill-proof container for holding food to be eaten by hand by
children and adults, comprising: a one-piece hollow bowl for
holding food consisting of a top wall, a side wall, an open top,
and a vertically disposed hollow tube centrally located through
said top wall and rotational threads located at bottom of said side
wall; a fitting over the aperture at the open top of the vertically
disposed hollow tube for closing said vertically disposed hollow
tube using a separate attachable snap-on upper cover; bottom of
side wall of said one-piece hollow bowl threaded for closing said
one-piece hollow bowl with a separate bottom cover threaded for
rotationally attachment; a vertically disposed hollow tube that is
cast as a part of the one-piece hollow bowl; and a vertically
disposed hollow tube that is an integrated part of the one-piece
hollow bowl the diameter of which is large enough to accommodate
the hand and lower arm of a child.
2. The spill-proof container of claim 1, wherein diameter of said
vertically disposed hollow tube varies only to accommodate snap-on
upper cover at open top of said hollow tube.
3. The spill-proof container of claim 1, wherein said vertically
disposed hollow tube is inwardly curved at lower panel
aperture.
4. The spill-proof container of claim 1, wherein said separate
attachable snap-on upper cover provides a means for preventing
spillage from said container.
5. A method of spill-proofing a container filled with dry food and
allowing said dry food to be reached without spilling said food by
providing: a one-piece hollow bowl consisting of a top wall, a side
wall, an open top, and a vertically disposed hollow tube centrally
located through said top wall and rotational threads located at
bottom of said side wall; a separate attachable snap-on upper cover
at open top of said vertically disposed hollow tube; a separate
bottom cover threaded to rotationally attach to threaded bottom of
side wall to close said one-piece hollow bowl; a vertically
disposed hollow tube as part of said one-piece hollow bowl cast
with a diameter to accommodate the hand and lower arm of a child.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/591187 filed 2004, Jul. 26.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owners have no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to spill-proof containers,
specifically to spill-proof containers to hold snack food for
children.
[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0006] A multitude of containers hold foods for human consumption.
Few spill-proof containers for snack foods are available for use by
children. Snacks for children are important; to pacify them not
only when in high chairs, but also when confined in car seats, on
airplanes, and in many other public places where it is very
advantageous that food not be spilled.
[0007] Prior art demonstrates some containers for food and drink
that are relatively complex; one having multiple parts, one
requiring assembly, one with slits forming a circle of tongues, and
one with upwardly projecting annular lip seals. Another is
comprised of two Tupperware bowls and two lids of different sizes
fitted together and requiring disassembly for cleaning. Prior art
does not demonstrate a spill-proof container having a one-piece
hollow bowl containing a vertically disposed hollow tube.
[0008] The following is a further description of various known
methods of providing containers for snack food for children that
are spill proof and the disadvantages of each:
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,904 to Iverson, describes a spill-proof
container and closure. The closure incorporates a plurality of
overlapping arcuate flaps of a resilient and flexible nature.
Through the use of the overlapping arcuate flaps a container
embodying the closure may be relatively tightly sealed to prevent
spillage. The closure in Iverson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,904 is
intended for use with the container and for a variety of other
purposes.
[0010] Some disadvantages of Iverson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,904 are
that overlapping flaps limit storage capacity and flaps may cause
abrasions to user's hand.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,668 to Lottick describes a non-spillable
drinking container which is manufactured in parts requiring
assembly and is frustro-conical in shape to provide stackability
and reduced manufacturing costs. The drinking container in Lottick,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,668 utilizes a perforated expandable diaphragm
mounted or formed over a base plate. A drinking tube is attachable
to the expandable diaphragm and a sealable top is mountable over
the tube. Drinking is accomplished by pulling upwardly on the tube
to expand the diaphragm opening the perforations therein, allowing
fluid flow through the perforations and up the straw to the mouth
of the drinker.
[0012] Lottick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,668 is a container designed for
drinks and cannot be used for snack food.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,174 to Williams describes a spill-proof
bowl, particularly suitable for a child, for a dry, granular food
to be eaten by hand, comprising a bowl having a hollow interior
therein substantially covered over by a cover located on an open
end of the bowl for substantially closing off the hollow interior.
A tubular portion, centrally located in the cover, terminates with
an inwardly curved edge at its lower extremity in a relatively
small, open end. The tubular portion forms an open closure spaced
in the hollow interior below the midpoint between the cover and the
base. This provides visual and selective access to the food located
in the hollow interior of the bowl when open. The tubular portion
of the bowl in Williams U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,174 extends upwardly
and terminates in an open, upper end space above the cover. A
tubular passage extends downwardly through the tubular portion and
communicates with the hollow interior of the bowl by means of the
open closure. A cap spaced above the bowl cover is removable and
located on the open, upper end, completely closing off the open
closure and egress and access to the food. The diameter of the
tubular passage of the bowl is slightly greater than the lateral
dimension of the human hand for whom it was designed.
[0014] Some disadvantages of Williams U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,174 are
the usage of Tupperware opaque products not designed for this
purpose; the requirement to have a lid on top of the tubular
passage of the main bowl container plus a cover over the entire
bowl; and size limitations brought about by Tupperware usage.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,717 to Bussard et al describes a
container used for nibbling snack food, including a receptacle and
a top cover made of flexible material. The cover has crossing slits
forming a circle of tongues which flex downward by a person's
fingers reaching inside to pick up the food. The tongues form a
self-closing dispensing opening through the cover.
[0016] A disadvantage of Bussard et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,717 is
that container is not designed for specific use by children,
therefore, the circle of tongues add little to a spill-proof
container's design.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,731 to Mengeu et al describes a cap and
dispensing fitment combination for a container. The cap has an end
wall and a skirt extending axially from the periphery of the end
wall; the cap being adapted to engage the neck of the container.
The end wall of the cap has an annular flange that extends axially
and radially outward. The flange terminates in a free end surface
that facilitates securing the dispensing fitment to the cap. The
dispensing fitment comprises an end wall having an opening, the
annular flange engages into the opening. The dispensing fitment has
a sidewall extending axially from the periphery of the end wall and
is adapted to engage the container when the fitment combination is
placed on the container and to retain the dispensing fitment on the
container even as the cap is removed from the container.
[0018] A disadvantage of Mengeu et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,731 is
the complicated closing mechanism which would be difficult for a
child to operate.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,085 to Brun, Jr. describes a blow molded
plastic container including an injection molded annular neck
portion which is sealed by injection molding to an annular wall
portion of an injection molded top end wall having a part-spherical
center portion. The center portion has five circumferentially
spaced and upwardly projecting annular lip seals, two of which
surround openings within the top end wall. An injection molded
rotatable closure snap-fits onto the neck portion and has a mating
part-spherical center portion that engages the lip seals. The
closure has one opening that is selectively and progressively
alignable with the annular lip seals in response to indexing the
closure in one direction.
[0020] A disadvantage of Brun, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,085 is the
need to close the lip seals after every use in order for the
container to be spill-proof.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,384 to Voloshin describes a spill-proof
container having an upper panel that is stationary and a lower
panel enabled for rotational motion relative to the upper panel.
Each panel has an aperture. The lower panel provides a device for
manual actuation of its rotational motion. Voloshin U.S. Pat. No.
6,176,384 enables one to reach inside the container when the lower
aperture is positioned by the rotative motion adjacent to the upper
aperture. The lower panel aperture is provided with a flexible
surface which is split by radial slits into flexible fingers. The
flexible fingers are capable of bending into the container when a
hand reaches inside the container for food, and then returning to
their initial planar position, automatically closing the container
when the hand is removed.
[0022] A disadvantage of Voloshin U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,384 is the
closing mechanism which would be difficult for a child to
operate.
Disadvantages of Prior Art
[0023] Thus, heretofore known methods and devices for spill-proof
snack food containers suffer from a number of disadvantages as set
forth along with reasons the present invention is superior:
[0024] (a) some existing spill-proof snack food containers require
overlapping flaps to prevent spillage of food which limit storage
container capacity; the present invention provides access to food
without need for overlapping flaps;
[0025] (b) some existing spill-proof snack food containers require
assembly of various parts prior to usage of container; the present
invention does not require parts to be assembled by the user;
[0026] (c) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
designed with dispensing openings, such as tongues or flexible
fingers, that are not satisfactory in inhibiting spillage when used
by a child; the present invention does not require a complex
dispensing opening to prevent spillage;
[0027] (d) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
designed to be stackable for easier shipping and display instead of
being designed for ease of use; the present invention design does
not focus on ease of shipping and display;
[0028] (e) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
assembled from purchased opaque Tupperware bowls without usage of a
specifically designed mold; the present invention does not rely on
the purchase of products from another company for assembly;
[0029] (f) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
available in only one color of plastic; the present invention is
not limited to the use of only one color;
[0030] (g) some existing spill-proof snack food containers do not
allow for usage of alternative types of plastic for manufacture;
the present invention is not limited to only one type of plastic
for manufacture;
[0031] (h) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
manufactured in multiple pieces or sections then assembled with the
addition of covers or lids; the present invention does not require
an excess of multiple pieces to be manufactured and assembled;
[0032] (i) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
manufactured and assembled in a manner that makes it difficult to
determine how to place food in the container; the present invention
does not require instructions for use;
[0033] (j) some existing spill-proof snack food containers are
opaque making visual inspection of food difficult; the present
invention does not require opaque materials;
[0034] (k) some existing spill-proof snack food containers provide
small storage areas that limit usability; the present invention has
a large storage space.
[0035] Prior art does not demonstrate that the container may be a
one-piece hollow bowl containing a vertically disposed hollow
tube.
[0036] Prior art does not demonstrate a one-piece hollow bowl
suitable for use by small children which prevents food placed in a
container from being spilled from container when the container is
tilted or inverted.
[0037] Prior art does not demonstrate a one-piece hollow bowl
suitable for use by small children and which can be easily
cleaned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0038] In accordance with the present invention a Spill-proof
Container for Children comprises a snack container that is a
one-piece hollow bowl with a hollow tube, an attached cover for the
tube, and a cover for the bottom of the bowl.
[0039] Such container which in its preferred embodiment consists of
a spill-proof one-piece hollow bowl that is open on both ends,
containing a vertically disposed centralized hollow tubular portion
located in a top wall that creates an opening through the top
wall.
[0040] Such one-piece hollow bowl with the lower portion of the
vertically disposed centralized hollow tube protruding into the
inner section of the bowl; and the tubular portion protruding above
the top portion of the bowl;
[0041] Such vertically disposed hollow tube with a diameter large
enough to accommodate passage of a hand and forearm of a child; and
the diameter of the vertical disposed hollow tube large enough to
allow child easy access by reaching through the hollow tube from
above.
[0042] Such container, which in its preferred embodiment, consists
of a spill-proof one-piece hollow bowl with separate cover for the
bottom of the bowl that can be removed and replaced by rotational
action independent of an upper removable cover.
[0043] Such bottom cover that when removed allows easy access to
fill and easily clean the food storage compartment of the bowl.
[0044] Such bottom cover that when replaced secures contents of the
snack bowl, after food is added to the bowl, so that if bowl is
dropped, tilted, or tipped over, food will not spill from the
container.
[0045] Such container, which in its preferred embodiment, consists
of a spill-proof one-piece hollow bowl with a separate attachable
snap-on upper cover for hollow tube.
[0046] Such upper cover that permits easy removal to access food
located within the one-piece hollow bowl; and that opens upwardly
from the top opening of the vertically disposed hollow tube.
[0047] Such upper cover has a diameter at least equal to the
diameter of the vertically disposed hollow tube.
Objects and Advantages
[0048] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
Spill-proof Container for Children previously described, several
objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0049] (a) to provide spill-proof food containers of one-piece bowl
design for ease of access to food, without the requirement for
overlapping flaps inhibiting access to food;
[0050] (b) to provide spill-proof food containers of a simple
no-assembly design with bowl, an attached top cover, and screw-on
cover on the bottom, instead of a design requiring assembly of
various parts prior to usage of container;
[0051] (c) to provide spill-proof food containers of non-complex
design including an opening that prohibits spillage while allowing
easy access to food by children, instead of a design requiring
complex less-satisfactory openings such as tongues or flexible
fingers.
[0052] (d) to provide spill-proof food containers designed for ease
of use, without focus of design on ease of shipping and
display;
[0053] (e) to provide spill-proof food containers utilizing a
specifically designed mold for manufacture, instead of relying on
the purchase of another company's products, such as Tupperware
bowls, to assemble container;
[0054] (f) to provide spill-proof food containers in a variety of
colors, without the limitation of colored plastics as an
alternative;
[0055] (g) to provide spill-proof food containers that can be
manufactured from alternative types of plastic allowing the choice
of the most cost-effective plastic to be used; instead of limiting
manufacture to one type of plastic only;
[0056] (h) to provide spill-proof food containers of a molded
one-piece bowl with a vertically disposed hollow tube and a
separate attachable snap-on upper cover and separate attachable
bowl bottom cover, a simple design resulting in a less expensive
manufacturing process and no assembly; instead of requiring
multiple pieces to be manufactured and assembled;
[0057] (i) to provide spill-proof food containers designed so that
bowl can be easily filled by removing a cover from the bottom of
the bowl; instead of complex designs that cannot be easily filled
because how to fill the container is not readily apparent;
[0058] (j) to provide spill-proof food containers designed to use
clear plastics so that visual inspection of food is easy; instead
of using opaque materials;
[0059] (k) to provide spill-proof food containers with a food
storage space of a size that reduces the need for constant
refilling; instead of a small food storage area.
[0060] A principle object of the present invention is to provide a
spill-proof snack container having advantages, such as usage of a
one-piece hollow bowl, which has not been taught by the prior art.
Usage of a top wall as a part of the one-piece hollow bowl
eliminates the need for a separate removable lid to be located on
top of the snack container. Another objective is to provide a
spill-proof snack container that facilitates easy access to the
contents of the spill-proof snack container by removing only the
separate attachable snap-on upper cover which is the cover for the
vertically disposed hollow tube and which does not require removal
of the separate bottom cover of the container.
Further Objects and Advantages
[0061] Further objects and advantages of the Spill-Proof Container
for Children are to provide a spill-proof snack container having a
hollow interior therein between its interior surfaces to permit
easy access to the container by hand, while preventing spillage of
the contents of the container if the container is dropped, tilted,
or inverted. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a suitable method and apparatus for use by children
which prevents food, including popcorn, candy, and dry cereal, from
being spilled when tilted or inverted.
[0062] A further objective is to provide a cover for a snack
container with a snap-action resilient engagement with the
container to minimize exposure to dryness or moisture of the fresh
air and secure freshness of the contents of the container.
[0063] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
suitable method and apparatus, for use by children, which allows
clear visual access to the container for easy content removal.
Accordingly, a vertically disposed hollow tube is provided that
extends below the top wall and ends inside the one-piece hollow
bowl far enough above the separate bottom cover to provide visual
and physical access into the interior of the one-piece hollow bowl,
allowing user to have selective access to the contents of the
spill-proof snack container while preventing spillage when the
snack container is dropped, upset, or tilted.
[0064] A further object is to provide a suitable method and
apparatus, using the one-piece hollow bowl, for use by small
children that is simple to use and that is easily cleaned.
[0065] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing detailed
description of the Spill-Proof Container for Children and the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0066] The invention may be more fully understood by reference to
the following description of the preferred embodiment in
conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0067] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the Spill-proof Container for
Children showing attachable snap-on upper cover in an open
position.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the Spill-proof Container for
Children showing attachable snap-on upper cover in a closed
position and separate bottom cover detached.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Spill-proof Container
for Children showing attachable snap-on upper cover in a closed
position and separate bottom cover in a closed position.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0070] 10 Spill-Proof Snack Container [0071] 11 One-Piece Hollow
Bowl [0072] 12 Side Wall [0073] 13 Open Top of Hollow Tube [0074]
20 Top Wall [0075] 27 Upper Hollow Tube Aperture [0076] 28 Lower
Panel Aperture [0077] 30 Separate Bottom Cover [0078] 32 Vertically
Disposed Hollow Tube [0079] 34 Separate Attachable Snap-On Upper
Cover [0080] 35 Revolving Threads [0081] 40 Handle
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0082] It is an object of the Spill-Proof Container for Children to
provide one or more of the following desirable features not
heretofore known or used.
Description--FIGS. 1, 2, 3--Preferred Embodiment
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment of a
spill-proof snack container 10, the present invention demonstrates
a storage container for eating accessible food. Spill-proof snack
container 10 includes a one-piece hollow bowl 11 having top wall 20
and a vertically disposed hollow tube 32. Spill-proof snack
container 10 includes a circular open top 13 (FIG. 1) located at
top of vertically disposed hollow tube 32. Handle 40 is disposed on
side wall 12 located at approximately the midpoint of side wall
12.
[0084] Thickness of plastic for one-piece hollow bowl 11 portion of
the preferred embodiment, as described in the following, need be
only of sufficient thickness for rigidity and normal handling by
adults and children. Volume of hollow interior of one-piece hollow
bowl 11 would approximate the same volume formed by exterior
surfaces of spill-proof snack container 10.
Description--FIG. 1--Preferred Embodiment
[0085] In FIG. 1, a separate attachable snap-on upper cover 34 is
located adjacent to open top 13 of vertically disposed hollow tube
32 and is secured to one-piece hollow bowl 11 near a top wall 20 of
bowl 11. Upper cover 34 is produced by means of a blow molding
process using thermoplastic.
Description--FIG. 2--Preferred Embodiment
[0086] In FIG. 2, separate attachable snap-on upper cover 34 is
positioned to allow covering of vertically disposed hollow tube 32
showing upper cover 34 in a closed position. Hollow tube 32 is
cylindrically shaped and centrally located within bowl 11. Diameter
of hollow tube 32 is unvarying except at top where diameter is
slightly less to accommodate upper cover 34.
[0087] Hollow tube 32 is formed integrally with one-piece hollow
bowl 11 by blow molding process using soft, hollow thermoplastic.
That is, mold designed for plastic production of bowl 11 includes
vertically disposed hollow tube 32. Mold fits around outside of
softened thermoplastic used for bowl 11 and hollow tube 32. Tube 32
is heated. Forced air is blown into softened thermoplastic forcing
outside of tube 32 to conform to inside walls of mold. After
thermoplastic is cooled, mold is opened and newly molded one-piece
hollow bowl 11 with vertically disposed hollow tube 32 emerges.
[0088] Hollow tube 32, extends through top wall 20 and is
positioned to extend above top wall 20. Diameter is inwardly curved
at a lower panel aperture 28 to prevent spillage.
[0089] In FIG. 2, a lower portion of vertically disposed hollow
tube 32 extends downward through top wall 20. Tube 32 extends to a
distance below top wall 20 of bowl 11 and terminates above separate
bottom cover 30 of bowl 11. Diameter of bottom cover 30 is
substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, lateral
dimension of a hand and forearm of a child. Lower panel aperture 28
is situated above bottom cover 30 to allow a child to insert his or
her hand through lower panel aperture 28 to remove food contained
within bowl 11.
[0090] In FIG. 2, revolving threads 35 are created in the
manufacturing process at bottom of the side wall 12. Threads 35
accommodate placement of separate bottom cover 30.
Description--FIG. 3--Preferred Embodiment
[0091] In FIG. 3, a separate attachable snap-on upper cover 34 is
located on top 13 of vertically disposed hollow tube 32. Upper
cover 34 is secured to one-piece hollow bowl 11 near top wall 20 of
bowl 11. Handle 40 is disposed on side wall 12. Bottom cover 30 is
attached to bowl 11 by rotational turning pivot means.
Operation--FIG. 1
[0092] User of spill-proof snack container 10 inserts hand and
forearm through upper hollow tube aperture 27 lower panel aperture
28 to access food in bowl 11.
Operation--FIG. 2
[0093] Container 10 is inverted so that bowl 11 can be filled with
snack food or cleaned. Separate bottom cover 30 of bowl 11 is
replaced and container 10 is turned upright. Separate attachable
snap-on upper cover 34 is removed to access vertically disposed
hollow tube 32.
Operation--FIG. 3
[0094] Container 10 can be covered by snap-on upper cover 34 and
bottom cover 30 when not in use, when stored, and when moved.
Handle 40 can be used to carry or move container 10.
Scope of the Invention
[0095] The foregoing disclosure and description and operation of
the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various
changes in the method steps as well as in the details of the
illustrated apparatus may be made within the scope of the appended
claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0096] The preferred embodiment of the Spill-proof Container for
Children described and shown in the drawings is designed having
predominant effective application to use by children. The
configuration and dimensions of the spill-proof container can be
modified to serve as a snack container for use by all ages,
including adults, by appropriately converting diameter of
vertically disposed hollow tube to allow the adult size hand to
enter.
[0097] The container can be modified to more easily manipulate and
carry it by attaching more than one handle to side wall of
spill-proof snack container.
[0098] In another embodiment, the molded size of the spill-proof
snack container can be larger or smaller, different in color,
shape, thickness of plastic, or access point for the vertically
disposed hollow tube.
[0099] In another embodiment, the snap-on upper cover and the
bottom cover of the container can be different colors of plastic.
Covers can be designed with different shapes for displaying logos,
including company and brand logos, or for promoting various product
designs.
Conclusion and Ramifications
[0100] Spill-proof Container for Children will prevent any
substantially spillage of food when accidentally dropped, upset or
tilted, and, with separate attachable snap-on upper cover in the
closed position on open top of vertically disposed hollow tube, any
spillage as well as contamination of the food is absolutely
prevented.
[0101] Effective use of the spill-proof snack container includes
but is not limited to, snacks at parties or other gatherings, or in
vehicles, etc., where there is a reasonable likelihood of it being
knocked or otherwise tipped over.
[0102] The present invention has been highly effective in
preventing spills, it is not claimed there is no spillage of food
possible when the separate attachable snap-on upper cover is
removed. However, in the context the present invention is
spill-proof as its design prevents most, if not all, of the
contents from being spilled out when knocked over or dropped.
[0103] The description above contains many specificities, which
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention.
[0104] Thus the scope of the invention is to be interpreted by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *