U.S. patent application number 11/454128 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tanian Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Andrew Laszlo Konecnik.
Application Number | 20070023429 11/454128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37693168 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070023429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konecnik; Andrew Laszlo |
February 1, 2007 |
Container
Abstract
A container for a consumable product, wherein the container has
a first side surface having one or more protrusions, and a second
side surface having one or more indentations, wherein said
protrusions correspond with said indentations such that like
containers are able to be interconnected by insertion of
protrusions of one container in indentations of another
container.
Inventors: |
Konecnik; Andrew Laszlo;
(Thurgoona, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Tanian Pty Ltd.
Thurgoona
AU
|
Family ID: |
37693168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/454128 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60691777 |
Jun 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/361
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/023.86 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 17, 2005 |
AU |
2005-903244 |
Claims
1. A container for a consumable product, wherein the container has
a first side surface having one or more protrusions, and a second
side surface having one or more indentations, wherein said
protrusions correspond with said indentations such that like
containers are able to be interconnected by insertion of
protrusions of one container in indentations of another
container.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the consumable
product is a drinking liquid.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second side
surface is opposite the first side surface.
4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein a storage volume of
the container is defined between the first and second side
surfaces.
5. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side surfaces are
generally flat, the protrusions extend outwardly from the first
side surface, and the indentations are indented inwardly from the
second side surface.
6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protrusions and
indentations are arranged to allow a first container to be
interconnected with a second container either with both containers
in a parallel orientation or with the containers in mutually
perpendicular orientations.
7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protrusions and
indentations are arranged in rows and columns on the first and
second side surfaces, respectively.
8. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rows and columns
have equal spacing.
9. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is
dimensioned such that like containers placed in adjacent
side-by-side relationship with respective first side surfaces
facing in a common direction maintain even spacing of the
protrusions across the interface between the containers.
10. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is
generally cubic.
11. A container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the container is in
the general shape of a rectangular cube, and the first and second
side surfaces correspond with the sides of the rectangular cube
having the greatest surface areas.
12. A container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and
second side surfaces have a length twice their width.
13. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the protrusions are
arranged in four rows along the length of the first side surface
and in two columns along the width of the first side, and the
indentations are correspondingly arranged on the second side
surface.
14. A container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the container has
an opening in one end surface thereof.
15. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the end surface
corresponds with one of the sides of the rectangular cube having a
smallest surface area.
16. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening is
threaded for engagement with a threaded closure.
17. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening is
flush with the end surface.
18. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening extends
in a neck extending outwardly of the end surface, the neck being
externally threaded for receiving an internally threaded cap.
19. A container as claimed in claim 18, wherein an opposite end
surface of the container is recessed to accommodate the capped
opening of a second like container when the two containers are
placed in end-to-end relationship.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a container, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to a bottle for containing a
drink.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bottled drinks are commonly sold in plastic bottles, for
example, over the counter at bars, at restaurants and cafes, and
from refrigerators in milk bars, convenience stores and
supermarkets. Plastic bottles used for containing drinks serve not
only the fundamental function of containing the drinking liquid,
but also the function of distinguishing between products. It is
desirable for drinks to be sold in bottles which are distinguished
from other bottles used for other bottled drink products so as to
have potential for attracting purchasers.
[0003] The applicant has identified that bottled drinks are
typically sold in relatively generically shaped bottles which fail
to "stand out" in a crowded marketplace, and that it would be
advantageous for bottled drinks to be provided in distinctively
shaped containers which are attractive to consumers and which are
easily recognisable. More particularly, the applicant has
identified that it would be advantageous for bottled drinks to be
supplied in bottles which are collectible so that, after
consumption of the drink the consumer is encouraged to retain the
bottle rather than discarding same as waste. One way for this to be
achieved is by providing the bottles in a form which enables them
to be used with other like bottles and, particularly in the case of
bottled drinks for children, which enables them to be used with
other like bottles so as to provide entertainment/education.
[0004] Examples of the invention seek to provide improved
containers of consumable products which provide a secondary purpose
after consumption of the product, such that the consumer is
encouraged to retain and collect the containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a container for a consumable product, wherein the
container has a first side surface having one or more protrusions,
and a second side surface having one or more indentations, wherein
said protrusions correspond with said indentations such that like
containers are able to be interconnected by insertion of
protrusions of one container in indentations of another
container.
[0006] Preferably, the consumable product is a drink. More
preferably, the consumable product is a children's drink. Even more
preferably, the consumable product is drinking water.
[0007] Preferably, the second side surface is opposite the first
side surface. More preferably, a storage volume of the container is
defined between the first and second side surfaces. Preferably, the
side surfaces are generally flat, the protrusions extend outwardly
from the first side surface, and the indentations are indented
inwardly from the second side surface.
[0008] Preferably, the protrusions and indentations are arranged to
allow a first container to be interconnected with a second
container either with both containers in a parallel orientation or
with the containers in mutually perpendicular orientations.
[0009] Preferably, the protrusions and indentations are arranged in
rows and columns on the first and second side surfaces,
respectively. More preferably, the rows and columns have equal
spacing. Even more preferably, the container is dimensioned such
that like containers placed in adjacent side-by-side relationship
with respective first side surfaces facing in a common direction
maintain even spacing of the protrusions across the interface
between the containers.
[0010] Preferably, the container is generally cubic. More
preferably, the container is in the general shape of a rectangular
cube, and the first and second side surfaces correspond with the
sides of the rectangular cube having the greatest surface areas.
More preferably still, the first and second side surfaces have a
length twice their width. In one form, the protrusions are arranged
in four rows along the length of the first side surface and in two
columns along the width of the first side, and the indentations are
correspondingly arranged on the second side surface.
[0011] Preferably, the container has an opening in one end surface
thereof. More preferably, the end surface corresponds with one of
the sides of the rectangular cube having a smallest surface area.
Preferably, the opening is threaded for engagement with a threaded
closure.
[0012] In one form, the opening is flush with the end surface. This
allows the container to be placed in end-to-end relationship with a
second like container, while allowing an opposite end surface of
the container to be flat. In this form, the closure is in the form
of a threaded stopper.
[0013] In an alternative form, the opening extends in a neck
extending outwardly of the end surface, the neck being externally
threaded for receiving an internally threaded cap. In this form, an
opposite end surface of the container is recessed to accommodate
the capped opening of a second like container when the two
containers are placed in end-to-end relationship.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container for a
consumable product in accordance with a first example;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the container shown
in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a container of
indefinite length, similar to the container shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an end view of one end of the container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an end view of an opposite end of the container
shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a container for a
consumable product in accordance with a second example;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the container shown
in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a container of
indefinite length, similar to the container shown in FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a botton view of the container shown in FIG.
9;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 15 is an end view of one end of the container shown in
FIG. 9;
[0030] FIG. 16 is an end view of an opposite end of the container
shown in FIG. 9;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a top/end perspective view of one end of a
container for a consumable product in accordance with a third
example;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a top/end perspective view of an opposite end of
the container shown in FIG. 17;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a bottom/end perspective view of one end of the
container shown in FIG. 17; and
[0034] FIG. 20 is a bottom/end perspective view of an opposite end
of the container shown in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIGS. 1 to 8 show a container 10 for containing a consumable
product in accordance with the first example. In the particular
example shown, the container 10 is a bottle for containing a drink
product for distribution, sale and consumption of the drink
product. The drink product may be, for example, bottled water,
[0036] The container 10 has a first side surface 12 having one or
more protrusions 14, and a second side surface 16 having one or
more indentations 18. The protrusions 14 correspond with the
indentations 18 such that like containers are able to be
interconnected by insertion of the protrusions 14 of one container
in indentations 18 of another container. Accordingly, after
consumption of the drink from within the container 10, the
container 10 is able to be retained and collected, for example by
the consumer who may be a child, for use as a toy building
block.
[0037] Although it is foreseen that the container 10 would be
particularly suitable for containing drinking water for consumption
by children, particularly as the healthy aspect of drinking water
would tie in with the healthy connotation of constructive building
block toys, the container 10 could also be used for containing
other types of drinks and, more generally, other types of
consumable products.
[0038] In the example shown, the second side surface 16 is opposite
the first side surface 12, and a storage volume 20 of the container
10 for containing the consumable product is defined therebetween.
The side surfaces 12, 16 are generally flat such that like
containers 10 are able to be interconnected in a stacked
relationship, with the second side surface 16 of an upper container
flat against a first side surface of a lower container, when the
protrusions 14 of the lower container are pressed into the
indentations 18 of the upper container. The protrusions 14 extend
outwardly from the first side surface 12, and the indentations 18
are indented inwardly from the second side surface 16.
[0039] The protrusions 14 and indentations 18 are corresponding
sized, shaped and positioned such that when the protrusions 14 are
pressed into the indentations 18 they are held in the indentations
18 by way of interference fit. Resilience in the material from
which the containers are manufactured, for example plastic, enable
easy assembly, disassembly and reassembly of the containers, one
relative to the other.
[0040] As the protrusions 14 and indentations 18 are arranged in a
regular grid of rows 22 and columns 24, the rows 22 being spaced by
an equal distance "d" to the spacing between the columns 24, like
containers are able to be interconnected either with both
containers in a mutually parallel orientation or with the
containers in mutually perpendicular orientations. Also, containers
may be formed in different sizes, while still maintaining the same
spacing "d" between the rows and columns of protrusions and
indentations so as to maintain interconnectable compatibility
between the differently sized containers. For example, the
container may be longer or shorter than shown in FIG. 1, as
represented in FIG. 3 with the drawing of a container having
indefinite length.
[0041] Returning to FIG. 1, the container 10 is dimensioned with a
spacing 26 of "d"/2 between the protrusions 14 and the outside
edges of the container 10 such that like containers placed in
adjacent side-by-side relationship with respective first side
surfaces 12 facing in a common direction will maintain even spacing
of distance "d" between the protrusions 14 across the interface
between the containers. In this way, a third like container 10 is
able to be interconnected across the interface such that the
indentations 18 of the third container receive protrusions 14 of
more than one other container.
[0042] Although the container 10 is generally cubic, alternative
containers may be formed in other shapes within the scope of the
invention. Nevertheless, it is advantageous of the generally cubic
form of the container 10 depicted that like containers can be
located adjacent the container in face-to-face relationship on all
six sides of the container 10. Also, although the container 10
shown is in the general shape of a rectangular cube, it will be
understood that other containers may be provided in other cubic
shapes such as, for example, square cubes, L-shaped cubes etc.
[0043] In the present example, the first and second side surfaces
12, 16 correspond with the rectangular sides of the rectangular
cube having the greatest surface areas. The first 12 and second
side surfaces 16 have a length twice their width such that the
protrusions 14 are arranged in four rows 22 along the length of the
first side surface 12 and in two columns 24 along the width of the
first side surface 12. Similarly, the indentations 18 are arranged
in four rows 22 along the length of the second side surface 16 and
in two columns 24 along the width of the second side surface
12.
[0044] The container 10 has an opening 28 in one end surface 30
thereof. The end surface 30 corresponds with one of the sides of
the rectangular cube having a smallest surface area. The opening 28
is in communication with the storage volume 20 for filling and
dispensing the consumable product into and out of the container 10.
The opening 28 is threaded for engagement with a threaded closure
32. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the opening 28 is flush
with the end surface 30, thus allowing the container 10 to be
placed in end-to-end relationship with a second like container,
with an opposite end surface 34 of the container 10 being flat. In
this example, the closure 32 is in the form of a threaded stopper
which threads into the opening 28 to form a seal for containing the
consumable product within the volume 20.
[0045] The alternative examples provided, in particular the second
example shown in FIGS. 10 to 16 and the third example shown in
FIGS. 17 to 20, are similar to the first example (with like
features being indicated with like reference numerals) except that
in those alternative examples the opening 28 is in the form of a
neck 36 extending outwardly of the end surface 30. The neck 36 is
externally threaded for receiving an internally threaded cap 32. In
these examples, an opposite end surface 34 of the container 10 has
a recess 38 to accommodate the capped opening of a second like
container when the two containers are placed in end-to-end
relationship.
[0046] The container has been described above by way of examples
only, and modifications are possible within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *