U.S. patent application number 11/288012 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for covered containers and related dispensing systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Consolidated Container Company LP. Invention is credited to Dale Herold.
Application Number | 20070029325 11/288012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37716733 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070029325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herold; Dale |
February 8, 2007 |
Covered containers and related dispensing systems
Abstract
A container according to various embodiments of the invention
includes a bottle, and a cap that is adapted to be attached
adjacent the bottle (e.g., over the bottle's finish) to form an
integrated container that is substantially in the form of a can.
The integrated container may, for example, have dimensions that are
substantially the same as the dimensions of a standard beverage
can, such as a 12-ounce, 8.3-ounce, or 24-ounce beverage can. The
container may be adapted, for example, to receive a beverage, food
items, or toiletries. In addition, a method for dispensing the
container from a standard beverage can dispenser is provided. In
one embodiment, the method includes the steps of filling the bottle
with a product, securing the cap adjacent to the bottle after
filling the bottle with a product, and dispensing the resulting
container from a standard can dispenser, such as a coin-operated
automated vending machine.
Inventors: |
Herold; Dale; (Marietta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dale Herold
914 Bevington Way
Marietta
GA
30068
US
|
Assignee: |
Consolidated Container Company
LP
|
Family ID: |
37716733 |
Appl. No.: |
11/288012 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60631536 |
Nov 28, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 ;
220/259.1; 220/380; 220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/00 20130101;
B65D 41/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 ;
220/737; 220/380; 220/259.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; B65D 43/18 20060101 B65D043/18; B65D 43/03 20060101
B65D043/03; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: (A) a base portion that comprises: (1) a
substantially tubular body portion, (2) a neck-type outlet, and (3)
a shoulder portion extending between an upper portion of said body
portion and said neck-type outlet; and (B) a cap portion defining
an internal cavity, said internal cavity being dimensioned to
receive said neck-type outlet, wherein: said container is adapted
for assembly into an assembled configuration in which: (1) said cap
portion is removably secured adjacent said base portion; (2) said
neck-type outlet is disposed within said internal cavity of said
cap portion; and (3) said cap portion covers, and restricts access
to, both said outlet and at least a portion of said shoulder
portion.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein said body portion has a
substantially uniform, substantially circular cross-section.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein, when said container is in
said assembled configuration: said shoulder portion is disposed
within said internal cavity; and said cap portion covers, and
restricts access to, both said neck-type outlet and said shoulder
portion.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein: said cap portion comprises a
first substantially vertical wall; said base portion comprises a
second substantially vertical wall; and said first vertical wall is
substantially vertically flush with said second vertical wall when
said container is in said assembled configuration and in an upright
position.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein: said cap portion further
comprises a fastening portion that is disposed within said internal
cavity of said cap portion; said fastening portion extends
downwardly from an upper interior surface of said cap portion; and
said fastening portion is adapted to facilitate fastening said cap
portion adjacent said base portion when said container is in said
assembled configuration.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein: a lower portion of said first
vertical wall has a substantially circular horizontal cross section
when said container is in said assembled configuration and said
container is in an upright position; an upper portion of said
second vertical wall has a substantially circular horizontal cross
section when said container is in said assembled configuration and
said container is in said upright position; and said lower portion
of said first vertical wall is dimensioned to fit substantially
horizontally flush with said upper portion of said second vertical
wall when said container is in said assembled configuration and
said container is in said upright position.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein: said cap portion further
comprises a fastening portion that is disposed within said internal
cavity of said cap portion; said fastening portion extends
downwardly from an upper interior surface of said cap portion; and
said fastening portion is adapted to facilitate fastening said cap
portion adjacent said base portion when said container is in said
assembled configuration.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein: said fastening portion
comprises a first threaded portion; said neck-type outlet comprises
a second threaded portion; and said first threaded portion is
adapted to be rotated into a threadedly mating relationship with
said second threaded portion, and to thereby removably secure said
cap portion adjacent said base portion.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein: said first threaded portion
is an internally threaded portion; said second threaded portion
comprises an externally threaded portion; said first threaded
portion is adapted to gradually engage said second threaded portion
when said first threaded portion is rotated in a first direction
relative to said second threaded portion; and said first threaded
portion is adapted to gradually disengage from said second threaded
portion when said first threaded portion is rotated in a second
direction relative to said second threaded portion, said second
direction being opposite to said first direction.
10. The container of claim 7, wherein said fastening portion is
adapted to form a snap-fit connection with said neck-type
outlet.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container are substantially the same as the external dimensions of
a standard 12-ounce beverage can.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, said container is substantially in
the form of a cylinder having a diameter of between about 2 and 3
inches, and a height of between about 4 and 6 inches.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container is substantially in the form of a cylinder having a
diameter of about 2.6 inches, and a height of between about 4 and 6
inches.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container is substantially in the form of a cylinder having a
diameter of between about 2 and 3 inches, and a height of about
4.83 inches.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, said container is substantially in
the form of a cylinder having a diameter of between about 2.6
inches, and a height of about 4.83 inches.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, said container is adapted to be
dispensed from an automated beverage can dispenser that is
configured to dispense standard 12-ounce beverage cans.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, said container is adapted to be
dispensed from an automated, coin-operated beverage can dispenser
that is configured to dispense standard 12-ounce beverage cans.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container are substantially the same as the external dimensions of
a standard 8.3 ounce beverage can.
19. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container is substantially in the form of a cylinder having a
diameter of about 2.09 inches, and a height of about 5.3
inches.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container are substantially the same as the external dimensions of
a standard 24 ounce beverage can.
21. The container of claim 1, wherein: when said container is in
said assembled configuration, the external dimensions of said
container is substantially in the form of a cylinder having a
diameter of about 2.87 inches, and a height of about 7.63
inches.
22. The container of claim 1, wherein: said body portion defines at
least two substantially curved recesses having a first radius of
curvature; said body portion comprises at least two substantially
arcuate portions having a second radius of curvature; said first
radius of curvature is different from said second radius of
curvature; and said substantially curved recesses are disposed in
an alternating arrangement with said substantially arcuate
portions.
23. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
body portion defines a plurality of vertical ribs positioned
circumferentially around said body portion, wherein each rib has a
substantially arcuate cross-section.
24. A container according to claim 1, wherein said body portion
defines a recessed portion, said recessed portion comprising an
extended smooth surface on which a label may be applied.
25. A method of distributing a product, said method comprising the
steps of: (A) providing a plurality of containers, each of which
comprises: (1) a base portion that comprises: (a) a substantially
tubular body portion, (b) a neck-type outlet, and (c) a shoulder
portion extending between an upper portion of said body portion and
said neck-type outlet; and (2) a cap portion defining an internal
cavity, wherein: said container is adapted for assembly into an
assembled configuration in which: (1) said cap portion is removably
secured adjacent said base portion; (2) said neck-type outlet is
disposed within said internal cavity of said cap portion; and (3)
said cap portion covers, and restricts access to, both said
neck-type outlet and at least a portion of said shoulder portion;
(B) filling each of said containers with said product; (C)
assembling each of said containers into said assembled
configuration; and (D) after said step of assembling said
containers into said assembled configuration, dispensing said
assembled containers from an automated dispenser.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said body portion is
substantially cylindrical.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein said automated dispenser is a
refrigerated dispenser.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein said product is a beverage.
29. The method of claim 25, wherein said product is a food
item.
30. The method of claim 25, wherein said product is a toiletry
item.
31. The method of claim 25, wherein, for each particular one of
said containers: said particular container is configured so that
when said particular container is in said assembled configuration,
the external dimensions of said particular container are
substantially the same as the external dimensions of a standard
12-ounce beverage can.
32. The method of claim 25, wherein, for each particular one of
said containers: said particular container is configured so that,
when said particular container is in said assembled configuration,
said particular container is substantially in the form of a
cylinder having a diameter of about 2.6 inches, and a height of
about 4.83 inches.
33. A container comprising: a bottle, said bottle comprising a
finish; and a cap that is adapted to be attached adjacent said
bottle to form an integrated container that is substantially in the
form of a can.
34. The container of claim 33, wherein said bottle comprises a
shoulder portion adjacent said finish.
35. The container of claim 34, wherein: said cap defines an
internal cavity; and said container is adapted so that when said
cap is attached adjacent said bottle to form said integrated
container, said finish is disposed within said internal cavity.
36. The container of claim 35, wherein: said container is adapted
so that when said cap is attached adjacent said bottle to form said
integrated container, said shoulder portion is disposed within said
internal cavity.
37. The container of claim 33, wherein: said container is adapted
so that when said cap is attached adjacent said bottle to form said
integrated container, the external dimensions of said integrated
container are substantially the same as the external dimensions of
a standard 12-ounce beverage can.
38. The container of claim 33, wherein: when said cap is attached
adjacent said bottle to form said integrated container, said
container is substantially in the form of a cylinder having a
diameter of between about 2.6 inches, and a height of about 4.83
inches.
39. The container of claim 33, wherein said container further
comprises an external seal that: (A) extends circumferentially
around both a portion of said cap portion and at least a portion of
said base portion; and (B) covers an interface between said cap
portion and said base portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/631,536 entitled "Covered Container and Related
Dispensing Systems and Methods," filed on Nov. 28, 2004, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There has recently been a rise in popularity among
beverages, such as water (e.g., spring water), juice, tea, coffee,
health shakes, and milk, that have traditionally been distributed
in bottles rather than cans. Beverage bottles are often unsuitable
for distribution using standard dispensers, such as can dispensers.
Accordingly, there is currently a need to find an improved way to
conveniently distribute and dispense these beverages, as well as
other beverages, food items, and other items (e.g., medicine,
toiletries, etc.) on a wide scale.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A container according to a particular embodiment of the
invention comprises: (A) a base portion that comprises: a
substantially tubular (e.g., cylindrical) body portion, a neck-type
outlet, and a shoulder portion that extends between an upper
portion of the body portion and the neck-type outlet; and (B) a cap
portion that defines an internal cavity, the internal cavity being
dimensioned to receive the container's neck-type outlet. In various
embodiments, the container is adapted for assembly into an
assembled configuration in which: (A) the cap portion is removably
secured adjacent the base portion; (B) the neck-type outlet is
disposed within the internal cavity of the cap portion; and (C) the
cap portion covers, and restricts access to, both the outlet and at
least a portion of the shoulder portion. In a particular embodiment
of the invention, when the container is in the assembled
configuration, the container is substantially in the shape of a
standard can (e.g., a 12-ounce can). This may allow the container
to be dispensed from a standard automated 12-ounce can
dispenser.
[0004] A method of distributing a product according to various
embodiments of the invention comprises the step of: (A) providing a
plurality of containers, each of which comprises: (1) a base
portion that includes a substantially tubular body portion, a
neck-type outlet, and a shoulder portion extending between an upper
portion of the body portion and the neck-type outlet; and (2) a cap
portion that defines an internal cavity. In various embodiments,
the container is adapted for assembly into an assembled
configuration in which: (1) the container's cap portion is
removably secured adjacent the container's base portion; (2) the
container's neck-type outlet is disposed within the internal cavity
of the container's cap portion; and (3) the cap portion covers, and
restricts access to, both the neck-type outlet and at least a
portion of the container's shoulder portion. In particular
embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: (B) filling
each of the containers with a product; (C) assembling each of the
containers into the assembled configuration; and (D) after the step
of assembling the containers into the assembled configuration,
dispensing the assembled containers from an automated
dispenser.
[0005] A container according to further embodiments of the
invention comprises: (A) a bottle that comprises a finish; and (B)
a cap that is adapted to be attached adjacent the bottle to form an
integrated container that is substantially in the form of a can
(e.g., a standard 12-ounce can). In various embodiments, the
assembled container is adapted to be dispensed from a standard
automated 12-ounce can dispenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0007] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate front views of a container
according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a container according to
a further embodiment of the invention having its cap portion
removed.
[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the base portion shown
in FIG. 3A and a cross sectional front view of the cap portion
taken along section 3B-3B shown in FIG. 3A.
[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the container shown in
FIG. 3A having its cap portion secured in place adjacent the
container's base portion.
[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the base portion shown
in FIG. 4A and a cross-sectional front view of the cap portion
taken along section 4B-4B shown in FIG. 4A.
[0012] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a container base
portion according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of a container cap
portion according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6A is a top view of the container base portion shown in
FIG. 5A.
[0015] FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the container cap portion shown
in FIG. 5B.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of the container
outlet shown in FIG. 5A.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 5A
and 5B, with the container's cap portion shown attached adjacent
the container's base portion.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 5A
and 5B, with the container's cap portion shown partially unscrewed
adjacent the container's base portion.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a container according to
a particular embodiment of the invention in which the container's
cap portion is being used as a coaster for the container's base
portion.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a container
according to another embodiment of the invention in which the
container's cap portion is being used as a coaster for the
container's base portion.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a container
according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the
container's cap portion is being used as a coaster for the
container's base portion.
[0022] FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective view of a container
according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 13B and 13D illustrate front views of the container
shown in FIG. 13A.
[0024] FIG. 13C illustrates a top view of the container shown in
FIG. 13A.
[0025] FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of the container
shown in FIG. 13A.
[0026] FIG. 14B illustrates a front view of the container shown in
FIG. 13A.
[0027] FIG. 14C illustrates a perspective view of the cap portion
of the container shown in FIG. 13A.
[0028] FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of a container according
to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the dashed lines
illustrate the interface between the outlet portion and the cap
portion within the cap portion.
[0029] FIG. 15B illustrates a bottom view of the container shown in
FIG. 15A.
[0030] FIG. 16A illustrates a front view of a container according
to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the dashed lines
illustrate the interface between the outlet portion and the cap
portion within the cap portion and the concave surface defined by
the bottom surface.
[0031] FIG. 16B illustrates a side view of the container shown in
FIG. 16A.
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a container
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of a container according to
an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 19A illustrates a front view of a container according
to another embodiment of the invention in which the container
includes a label.
[0035] FIG. 19B illustrates a front view of a container according
to an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the
container includes a label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Various embodiments of the present invention now will be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions
are shown. Indeed, the present inventions may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Overview
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a container 100 according to one
embodiment of the invention includes a base portion 105 and a cap
portion 150. The cap portion 150 is adapted to be removably secured
adjacent to the base portion 105, as discussed in greater detail
below. For example, FIG. 1 shows the cap portion 150 removed from
the base portion 105, and FIG. 2 shows the cap portion 150
removably attached adjacent to the base portion 105.
[0038] In various embodiments of the invention, after the cap
portion 150 is secured in place adjacent to the base portion 105,
the cap portion 150 and base portion 105 cooperate to form a
substantially cylindrical container 100 that, in one embodiment,
has external dimensions that are substantially the same as those of
a standard-sized 12-ounce beverage can (e.g., a standard 355 ml
soda can). As a result, in one embodiment, the container 100 (e.g.,
after the container is filled) may be packaged and dispensed using
mechanisms already in place for distributing standard-sized
12-ounce beverage cans, such as, for example, a "fridgepack"
packaging arrangement or a beverage can vending machine. In
addition, various embodiments of the container 100 can be filled at
a bottle distributor. Although the container 100 may be
particularly suitable for use with beverages, various embodiments
of the container are adapted to be filled with other products such
as one or more food items, convenience items (e.g., baby wipes or
skin lotion), or other personal products. The containers can be
produced from any suitable material, including, but not limited to
glass, plastic, and/or aluminum.
Structure of the Container
Base Portion
[0039] In various embodiments of the invention, such as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 105 includes a
top portion 120, a bottom support surface 195, and a body portion
115 that extends between the top portion 120 and the bottom support
surface 195. The body portion 115 is substantially tubular and has
a substantially circular cross-section. However, the body portion
115 may have other shapes, for example, the body portion 115 may be
substantially tubular and have a substantially triangular or
rectangular cross-section. In addition, although the embodiments
described above preferably have a substantially uniform horizontal
cross-sectional area along the length of the body portion 115,
other various alternative embodiments, such as the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17 may have horizontal
cross-sectional areas that vary (e.g., in size or shape) along the
length of the body portion 115.
[0040] In various embodiments, the top portion 120 includes an
outlet portion 125 and a shoulder portion 110 that extends between
an upper edge of the body portion 115 and the outlet portion 125.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoulder portion 110
has a substantially hemispherical shape, and the outlet portion
125, which has a substantially tubular shape, extends in an axially
outward direction from the shoulder portion 110. The outlet portion
125 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a neck-type outlet that is
substantially tubular and has a circular horizontal cross-section.
However, the shoulder portion 110 and the outlet portion 125 can
have any of a variety of suitable shapes. For example, as discussed
below in greater detail, the shoulder portion 110 may have a
substantially conical shape, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4B, 5A, 7,
and 9-12, or the shoulder portion 110 may be a substantially flat,
planar surface, as shown in FIGS. 13A-D and 14A-C. The outlet
portion 125 may be, for example, (1) an externally threaded
neck-type outlet, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6A, 7, and
10-12, (2) a wide-mouthed neck-type outlet, (3) a punch type tab,
or (4) any other suitable outlet.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion
105 includes a bottom support surface 195 and defines a rounded
edge between the body portion 115 and the bottom support surface
195. The bottom support surface 195 in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is substantially flat. However, in alternative
embodiments, the transition between the body portion 115 and the
bottom support surface 195 may have other shapes and structures.
For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-5B, a lower
portion of the body portion 215 tapers in a radially inward
direction toward the bottom support surface 295. In addition, in
FIG. 4B, one embodiment of the bottom support surface 195 defines a
concave recess relative to the exterior of the container 100. In
another alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the
bottom support surface 495 comprises a plurality of ribs 471 that
extend in an axially outward direction from the body portion 415
and are positioned substantially equidistant from each other around
the perimeter of the lower portion of the body portion 415.
Cap Portion
[0042] In various embodiments of the invention, the cap portion 150
is adapted to be removably secured in place over the container's
outlet portion 125 and shoulder portion 110 and adjacent to the
base portion 105 (e.g., after the base portion 105 is filled). In
various embodiments of the invention, once the cap portion 150 is
removably secured into this position, the cap portion 150 covers,
or substantially covers, the outlet portion 125 and/or the shoulder
portion 110 (see FIG. 2). In various embodiments, the cap portion
150 is adapted to prevent dirt and other debris from coming into
contact with the container's outlet portion 125 and/or shoulder
portion 110 when the cap portion 150 is in place adjacent the
container's base portion 105.
[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wall 160 of the
cap portion 150 is substantially tubular and has a uniform (and/or
substantially uniform) circular horizontal cross-section along its
length. However, it should be understood that the wall 160 of the
cap portion 150 may take any appropriate alternative shape or
structure, such as having a substantially triangular or
substantially rectangular cross-section along its length. For
example, according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A,
4B, 5B, and 8-12, the profile of the wall 260 of the cap portion
250 includes an upper portion 261, a lower portion 262, and a
middle portion 263, and the middle portion tapers in a radially
inward direction from the lower portion 262 toward the upper
portion 261. In various embodiments, the profile of the lower
portion 262 substantially mirrors the profile of the base portion
205 immediately adjacent to the cap portion 250 when the cap
portion 250 is removably secured adjacent to the base portion 205,
which in some embodiments, allows for a flush relationship between
the base portion and the cap portion 250.
[0044] In various embodiments, the replaceable cap portion 250 has
a height that is approximately 20% of the height of the assembled
container 200. For example, in certain embodiments, the height of
the cap portion 250 is about 1 inch when the height of the
assembled container is about 5 inches. However, in various
embodiments of the invention, the cap portion 250 has a height that
is between about 2% and 50% of the assembled container's height
(e.g., about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% of the
assembled container's height).
[0045] In various embodiments of the invention, the wall 160 of the
cap portion 150 defines an internal cavity 165 that is adapted to
receive the outlet portion 125 and/or the shoulder portion 110 of
the base portion 105. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, the cap portion 150 defines an internal cavity 165 in which the
outlet portion 125 and the shoulder portion 110 are both received.
In various embodiments, the cap portion 150 includes other shapes
and structures for receiving the outlet portion 125, some of which
are described in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B,
and 6B.
[0046] In various embodiments of the invention, the cap portion 150
is adapted to be selectively removed and reattached adjacent the
container's base portion 105. The assembly of the cap portion 150
and the base portion 105 into an integrated container is discussed
below in more detail in the section below entitled "Assembled
Container". In other embodiments of the invention, the cap portion
150 is not adapted to be reattached adjacent the container's base
portion 105 after the cap portion 150 is detached from the base
portion 105.
Assembled Container
[0047] A particular embodiment of the invention, an example of
which is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, will now be discussed
in greater detail. In this embodiment, the container's cap portion
250 is adapted to be selectively removed and reattached adjacent
the container's base portion 205. In one embodiment, the
container's cap portion 250 further defines a top surface 270 and a
tubular internally threaded portion 255 having a substantially
uniform circular cross section. The internally threaded portion 255
extends in an axially inward direction from the top surface 270 and
is disposed within an internal cavity 265 of the cap portion 250
that is defined by the wall 260 and the top surface 270.
[0048] In this embodiment, the container's base portion 205
includes an externally threaded outlet portion 225 that is adapted
to mate with the cap portion's internally threaded portion 255. The
cap portion 250 is adapted to be removably secured adjacent to the
container's base portion 205 by placing the base portion's
externally threaded outlet portion 225 adjacent to the cap
portion's internally threaded portion 255 and then twisting the cap
portion 250 in a first direction until the cap portion 250 is
securely in place adjacent to the container's base portion 205. As
will be understood by one skilled in the art in light of this
disclosure, a user may detach the cap portion 250 by twisting the
cap portion 250 in a second direction that is opposite the first
direction referenced above. In this way, the cap portion 250 may be
selectively attached and reattached adjacent the container's base
portion 205.
[0049] Although the container's cap portion 250 is described as
being attached adjacent to the container's base portion 205 via
threading on the container's base portion 205 and cap portion 250,
the cap portion 250 may alternatively be removably and replaceably
attached adjacent the container's base portion 205 via any other
suitable mechanism, such as a snap-fit connection.
[0050] In various embodiments of the invention, such as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, after the container's cap
portion 250 is secured in place adjacent the container's body
portion 215, the cap portion 250 and body portion 215 cooperate to
form a substantially integrated (e.g., integrated), substantially
cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) container 200 and, in one
embodiment, has external dimensions that are substantially the same
as the external dimensions of a standard-sized 12-ounce beverage
can (e.g., a standard 355 ml soda can). As a result, in one
embodiment, the filled container may be packaged and dispensed
using mechanisms already in place for distributing standard-sized
beverage cans. For example, in various embodiments, the container
200 is adapted to be dispensed from a standard can dispenser that
is configured to dispense a plurality of cans, such as 12-ounce
beverage cans. In various embodiments, the standard can dispenser
may be automated, coin-operated, and/or refrigerated.
[0051] As another example, in various embodiments, the container
200 is adapted to be packaged in any of a variety of can packaging
arrangements, such as a "fridgepack" packaging arrangement.
Furthermore, in particular embodiments of the invention, the
container 200 is adapted to fit into (and preferably matingly
engage) a standard-sized cup holder.
[0052] In one embodiment, the assembled container 200 is
substantially in the form of a cylinder and has a base diameter
between about 2 inches and about 3 inches and a height between
about 4 and about 5 inches. In a particular embodiment, the base
diameter of the container 200 is about 2.6 inches and its height is
about 4.83 inches, which are the approximate external dimensions of
a particular standard-sized 12-ounce beverage can. In various
embodiments, when assembled, the container is substantially
cylindrical and has a base diameter between about 4 inches and
about 6 inches and a height between about 9 inches and about 11
inches. For example, in one embodiment, the container's base
diameter is about 4.5 inches and its height is about 9.2
inches.
[0053] In another embodiment (not shown), the assembled container
has external dimensions that are substantially the same as the
external dimensions of a standard-sized 8.3-ounce beverage can
(e.g., a standard 250 ml energy drink can, such as a Red Bull.TM.
can). For example, in one embodiment, the container may have a base
diameter of between about 2 inches and 3 inches and a height of
between about 5 inches and 6 inches. In a particular embodiment,
the container has a base diameter of about 2.09 inches and a height
of about 5.3 inches.
[0054] In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG.
18, the assembled container 700 may have external dimensions that
are substantially the same as the external dimensions of a
standard-sized 24-ounce beverage can (e.g., a standard 710 ml beer
can, which may, for example, have a base diameter of between about
2 inches and 4 inches and a height of between about 7 and 10
inches). In a particular example, the assembled container 700 may
have a base diameter of about 2.87 inches and a height of about
7.63 inches. In yet another example, the assembled container 700
may have a base diameter of about 2.6 inches, which is typical for
the base diameters of standard-sized 12-ounce beverage cans, and a
height of about 9.157 inches, which may provide the container 700
with 24-ounces of volume while retaining a footprint of a
standard-sized 12-ounce beverage can. In addition, in another
alternative embodiment, the assembled container 700 has a base
diameter of about 3 inches and a height of about 7.3 inches.
[0055] Furthermore, in a particular embodiment of the invention,
which is not shown, a sealing mechanism (such as a piece of rubber
or O-ring) is provided adjacent to the container's cap portion 150
(e.g., adjacent to an inner surface of the cap portion's
substantially circular internally threaded portion) for sealing the
container's externally threaded outlet portion 125. However, in
other embodiments, the container's outlet portion 125 may be sealed
through other means. For example, in various embodiments, the
container's outlet portion 125 may be sealed with a
tamper-resistant foil or plastic cover that is removably adhered
onto the outlet portion 125.
Labeling
[0056] In various embodiments of the invention, such as the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 11, 19A, and 19B, the container 200, 800
may be provided with an outer label 297, 897 adjacent to an outer
surface of the container's base portion 205, 805 and/or adjacent a
wall 260, 860 of the container's cap portion 250, 850. For example,
in one embodiment of the invention, this label 297, 897 may be, for
example, a heat-shrink label or a label that is affixed (e.g.,
using a fastener such as glue) adjacent to an appropriate outer
surface of the container 200, 800. Alternatively, the label 297,
897 may be printed directly on the container (or engraved into the
container) in any appropriate manner.
[0057] In various embodiments of the invention, such as those shown
in FIGS. 19A-B, at least a portion 898 of the container 800 may be
made of a substantially transparent material, allowing a user to
see a product (such as a beverage or food item, that is stored
within the container's base portion 805) through the container's
exterior surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the
transparent material is adapted to allow a user to visually assess
the current level of liquid or other product within the container,
for example, by viewing the liquid or product through the
transparent material. In a particular embodiment, such as the
embodiment shown in FIG. 19A, the container 800 includes a label
897 that covers a portion of the body portion 815, leaving the
remaining portion 898 of the body portion 815 uncovered to allow a
user to see contents of the container through the transparent
container material.
[0058] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an example of
which is shown in FIG. 19B, the label 897 includes a
non-transparent portion and a substantially transparent portion
899. The transparent portion further includes a plurality of
substantially non-transparent markings that are spaced apart to
allow a user to visually assess the current level of liquid or
product within the container through the transparent portion
899.
Tamper Resistance Feature
[0059] In various embodiments of the invention, the container 200
may include a tamper resistance feature that allows users to
determine whether the container has been previously opened. In one
embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, this tamper
resistance feature may be, for example, a length of perforated
label material that extends between the container's base portion
205 and cap portion 250. In other various embodiments, the tamper
resistance feature may be, for example, a length of perforated
material, other than the label, that extends between the
container's base portion 205 and cap portion 250 or a "child proof"
lock on the cap portion 250 and the outlet portion 225, such as
those known in the art. However, any other suitable tamper
resistance device may be used in alternative embodiments of the
invention.
Coaster Feature
[0060] In particular embodiments of the invention, such as the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 through 12, the container's cap
portion 250 defines one or more recesses that are adapted for
receiving the bottom support surface 295 of the container's base
portion 205. The one or more recesses allow the container's cap
portion 250 to be optionally used as a coaster for the container's
base portion 205. In one embodiment, the cap portion 250 is adapted
to substantially mate with the bottom support surface 295 of the
container's base portion 205. As shown in FIG. 5B, this may be
accomplished, for example, by dimensioning a recess 275 in the
container's cap portion 250 so that the recess 275 is substantially
the same size and/or shape as the bottom support surface 295 of the
container's base portion 205. In a particular embodiment of the
invention, both a recess 275 in the container's cap portion 250 and
the bottom support surface 295 of the container's base portion 205
have a substantially circular perimeter and have a diameter of
about 21/8 inches.
[0061] In a particular embodiment of the invention, such as the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B, the container's cap portion
250 includes a top surface 270. The top surface 270 defines an
upper recess 275 (see FIG. 5B), and an internal cavity 265 is
defined by the top surface 270 and the wall 260 of the cap portion
250 (see FIG. 6B). The upper recess 275 may be, for example, on an
opposite side of the top surface 270 from the internal cavity 265.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, both the upper recess
275 and at least a portion of the cap portion 250 adjacent the
internal cavity 265 are adapted to substantially mate with a bottom
support surface 295 of the container's base portion 205. As shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12, in various embodiments, the upper recess and
internal cavity allow the container's cap portion 250 to be used as
a coaster in two different orientations--one in which the upper
recess 275 is facing upwardly (see FIG. 11), and another in which
the internal cavity 265 is facing upwardly (see FIG. 12).
[0062] In one embodiment, a bottom portion of the container's body
portion 215 tapers in a radially inward direction toward the bottom
support surface 295, as shown in FIG. 3B. When the cap portion 250
is laid on a substantially horizontal surface with its upper recess
275 facing upwardly, the bottom support surface 295 of the
container's base portion 205 may substantially mate with the upper
recess 275 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. However, when the cap
portion 250 is laid on a substantially horizontal surface with the
internal cavity 265 facing upwardly (see FIG. 12), the cap portion
250 may substantially mate with both the bottom support surface 295
of the container's base portion 205 and a lower portion of the
container's body portion 215.
Integrated Dish Feature
[0063] In addition to the container's cap portion 250 being
configured for use as a coaster for the container's base portion
205, the container's cap portion 250 may also be adapted for use as
a dish that is adapted for storing food items or other products
distributed from the container 200. For example, the cap portion
250 may be adapted to hold at least one food item dispensed from
the container 200.
[0064] As noted above, in various embodiments of the invention, the
container's cap portion 250 defines a top surface 270 that defines
an upper recess 275, and the upper recess 275 may be substantially
the same size and/or shape as the bottom support surface 295. This
may allow a plurality of the containers 200 to be stably stacked on
top of each other by, for example, placing the bottom support
surface 295 of a first container 200 into the upper recess 275 that
is defined in the cap portion 250 of a second, like container 200
so that the bottom support surface 295 is within a substantially
mating relationship with the upper recess 275.
Exemplary Alternative Embodiments of the Invention
[0065] It should be understood that many different embodiments of
the invention are possible. For example, in various alternative
embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13D and
14A-14C, the container's top portion 320 defines a shoulder portion
310 that has a substantially flat upper surface, and the shoulder
portion 310 defines an opening that serves as an outlet portion
325. In one embodiment (not shown), the opening may be covered (or
substantially covered) by a punch type tab (such as those
associated with standard soft drink cans) before the container 300
is opened. In another embodiment (not shown), the opening is
covered by a wrapper, such as a foil wrapper. In various
embodiments of the invention, the container 300 includes a
removable (and preferably replaceable) cap portion 350 that is
adapted to substantially (and preferably entirely) cover the
container's flat upper surface 310.
[0066] In a particular embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
15A and 15B, the body portion 415 of the container 400 has a
substantially tubular shape with a substantially uniform circular
cross-section along the length of the body portion 415. In this
embodiment, the lower portion of the body portion 415 tapers in a
radially inward direction toward the bottom support surface 495,
and the bottom support surface 495 is defined by a plurality of
ribs 471 that extend in an axially outward direction from the lower
portion of the body portion 415 and that are spaced equidistantly
apart around the perimeter of the body portion 415. The shoulder
portion 410 may taper in a radially inward direction from the body
portion 415 toward the outlet portion 425, forming a substantially
conical shaped shoulder portion 410, and the outlet portion 425 may
have an externally threaded, substantially cylindrical shape.
[0067] In this embodiment, the exterior wall 460 of the cap portion
450 has a substantially circular horizontal cross-section and
includes a lower portion 461, an upper portion 462, and a middle
portion 463 that tapers in a radially inward direction from the
lower portion 461 toward the upper portion 462. Furthermore, the
cap portion 450 defines a top surface 470 that defines an upper
recess 475, and the upper recess 475 is substantially planar and
has a substantially circular perimeter that is larger than the
perimeter of the bottom support surface 495.
[0068] In various embodiments, the cap portion 450 further defines
a substantially cylindrical, internally threaded portion 455 that
is disposed within the internal cavity 465 of the cap portion 450
that is defined by the cap portion's exterior wall 460 and extends
from the top surface 470 into an internal cavity 465 defined by
said cap portion 450. The substantially cylindrical internally
threaded portion 455 may be adapted for mating with the external
threaded portion of the outlet portion 425.
[0069] In another alternative embodiment, an example of which is
shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the body portion 515 of the container
500 defines two substantially curved recesses 517 that have a first
radius of curvature and two substantially arcuate portions 519 that
have a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of
curvature that is greater than the second radius of curvature. The
two substantially curved recesses 517 are positioned on opposite
sides of the container 500 and intermediate the two substantially
arcuate portions 519. In various embodiments, the lower portion of
the body portion 515 tapers in a radially inward direction toward
the bottom support surface 595, and the bottom support surface 595
defines a concave recess relative to the exterior of the container
500.
[0070] In yet another alternative embodiment, which is shown in
FIG. 17, the container 600 has a substantially cylindrical shaped
body portion 615, and an upper portion of the body portion 615
defines a plurality of vertical ribs 617 that are positioned
circumferentially around the body portion 615 and adjacent to each
other. Each rib 617 may have a substantially arcuate cross-section
that is concave relative to the exterior of the container 600. The
circumference of the container 600 as measured around the ends of
the ribs 617 may be substantially the same as the circumference
around the remainder of the body portion 615, and the circumference
of the container 600 around the center of the ribs 617 may be less
than the circumference of the container 600 around the ends of the
ribs 617.
[0071] Although both the container's cap portion and the body
portion are described and shown in various embodiments above as
being substantially tubular and as having a substantially circular
cross-section, in various embodiments of the invention, either the
cap portion or the body portion (or both) may be in any other
appropriate shape.
CONCLUSION
[0072] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *