U.S. patent application number 12/463688 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for tube assembly for holding drinkware.
Invention is credited to Richard HARRISON, Angela SPARLING, Brad SPARLING.
Application Number | 20090308771 12/463688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41338184 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090308771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SPARLING; Brad ; et
al. |
December 17, 2009 |
TUBE ASSEMBLY FOR HOLDING DRINKWARE
Abstract
There is provided a tube assembly for holding and securing one
or more items wherein the items have a top end and a bottom end.
The tube assembly includes a tube having a top end, a bottom end
and a wall defining a hollow cavity within the tube. A top cap is
configured for releasably engaging and sealing the top end of the
tube. The top cap includes a slot configured for receiving coins or
other objects. The tube assembly also includes a bottom cap
configured for releasably engaging and sealing the bottom end of
the tube. Within the cavity are located a first spacer comprising a
first space for receiving the top end of the item, and a second
spacer comprising a second space for receiving the bottom end of
the item.
Inventors: |
SPARLING; Brad; (London,
CA) ; HARRISON; Richard; (London, CA) ;
SPARLING; Angela; (London, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BENNETT JONES LLP
3400 ONE FIRST CANADIAN PLACE, PO BOX 130
TORONTO
ON
M5X 1A4
CA
|
Family ID: |
41338184 |
Appl. No.: |
12/463688 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61053860 |
May 16, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/427 ;
206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 59/04 20130101;
B65D 59/02 20130101; B65D 81/113 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/427 ;
206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/00 20060101
B65D075/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A tube assembly for holding and securing one or more items
wherein each of the items have a top end and a bottom end, the tube
assembly comprising: a) a tube having a top end, a bottom end and a
wall defining a hollow cavity within the tube; b) a top cap
configured for releasably engaging and sealing the top end of the
tube, and comprising a slot configured for receiving coins or other
objects; c) a bottom cap configured for releasably engaging and
sealing the bottom end of the tube; d) a first spacer configured to
fit within the cavity and comprising a first space for receiving
the top end of the item; and e) a second spacer configured to fit
within the cavity and comprising a second space for receiving the
bottom end of the item.
2. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
coaster configured to fit within the cavity.
3. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube
comprises a rigid material.
4. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and
second spacers comprise a material that secures the items in place
within the cavity.
5. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the items
comprise drinkware, glassware and similar objects.
6. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the items are
bottles.
7. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second spacers each comprise the first space on one side
of the spacer and the second space on the second opposite side of
the spacer.
8. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 7, comprising two or more
items and comprising one more spacer than the number of items in
the assembly, wherein each item is separated from other items by a
spacer disposed between the items.
9. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top end of
the items have different sizes and shapes than the bottom end of
the items.
10. The tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of
any visible surface of the tube, the items, the top cap, the bottom
cap and the spacers are printed, embossed or other display visual
matter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging devices, and more
particularly, to a tube assembly for holding and securing
drinkware, glassware, cups and other similar objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fragile objects such as drinkware, glassware, bottles,
breakable valuables, and the like, have unique packaging needs. A
set of drinkware (such as drinking glasses), for example, is often
packaged in a box that includes separators to create individual
compartments for each drinkware item for ensuring that the
drinkware items do not contact or collide with each other, thus
causing damage, while the drinkware are being moved. In these
boxes, the drinkware are often stored in a side-by-side
configuration rather than being stacked on top of each other. This
type of packaging is used by distributors to store drinkware,
department stores to display and sell drinkware, and consumers to
buy and transport drinkware, amongst other uses.
[0003] This method of packaging drinkware and other glassware has
several limitations. One limitation is related to the configuration
of the drinkware or glassware. Generally, the items are not stacked
on top of each other, which is not always the most efficient use of
space. Transporting a small number of items packaged in this way
can be cumbersome. Another limitation is related to the
disposability of the box in which the drinkware or glassware are
packaged. The packaging box is often thrown out once the items are
removed. When the drinkware or glassware have to be moved again, a
new box must be obtained and ad-hoc separators created to keep the
items from contacting or colliding with each other. This is both
inefficient and harmful to the environment. Oftentimes, a person
will retain the box and store it in a location where it is not
visible because the box is not aesthetically pleasing. Storing
empty boxes in a house or in a warehouse for potential future use
takes up valuable storage space.
[0004] Solutions are known in the art for storing glassware such as
bottles in rigid containers. Examples of such containers may
contain a bottle of a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage, and
may also act as a commemorative keepsake after the beverage is
consumed. For example, a bottle of whiskey may be purchased and
stored in a rigid container that has aesthetic drawings or
photographs on the outside visible surface of the container. After
the beverage is fully consumed, however, the container is no longer
useful for storing the bottle and takes up valuable storage space
on a counter, in a drawer or in other locations. An owner of such a
commemorative container may even dispose of the container because
it no longer serves any useful purpose.
[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in
packaging that is useful for storing and securing drinkware,
glassware and the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
tube assembly for holding and securing one or more items wherein
each of the items have a top end and a bottom end, the tube
assembly comprising: a) a tube having a top end, a bottom end and a
wall defining a hollow cavity within the tube; b) a top cap
configured for releasably engaging and sealing the top end of the
tube, and comprising a slot configured for receiving coins or other
objects; c) a bottom cap configured for releasably engaging and
sealing the bottom end of the tube; d) a first spacer configured to
fit within the cavity and comprising a first space for receiving
the top end of the item; and e) a second spacer configured to fit
within the cavity and comprising a second space for receiving the
bottom end of the item.
[0007] The items held ands secured within the tube assembly include
drinkware, glassware and similar objects, but the present invention
is not limited to breakables such as glassware or ceramics, and may
include items that are not breakable. Glasses and cups will be used
as generic terms throughout the document to refer to several items
that may be carried securely in the tube assembly of the present
invention.
[0008] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings
which show, by way of example, embodiments of the present invention
and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of several components
of a tube assembly according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3(a) shows a top view of the top cap for the tube
assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. 3(b) shows a top view of the bottom cap
for the tube assembly of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4(a) shows a bottom view of a spacer for the tube
assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. 4(b) shows a cross sectional view of a
spacer for the tube assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. 4(c) shows a top view
of a spacer for the tube assembly of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6(a) shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6(b)
shows a top view of the top cap for the tube assembly of FIG.
6(a);
[0016] FIG. 7(a) shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7(b) shows a top view of the top cap for the tube assembly of
FIG. 7(a);
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly
according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which shows in perspective
view some of the components of the tube assembly 100 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly 100
comprises a generally cylindrical tube 102 having an internal
cavity 101, a top cap 104, a bottom cap 106 and a glass 110. The
top cap 104 and bottom cap 106 are shaped and sized to fit snugly
within respective ends of the tube 102. The tube assembly 100 may
also have spacers (not shown) for securing the drinking end 109 and
the support end 111 of the glass 110 within the cavity 101 of the
tube 102. The tube assembly 100 may also include a coaster (not
shown) and other items (such as a hockey puck or a baseball).
[0020] Any or all the components of the tube assembly 100 may
comprise a material that is suitable for embossing a logo or design
onto. For example, the glass 110, the top cap 104, the tube 102,
the bottom cap 106 and the coaster (not shown) may all include a
logo or design of a sports team, player or a company on any of
their surfaces. Such a configuration allows the tube assembly 100
to serve as a souvenir in addition to protecting and holding the
glass 110.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the top cap 104 includes a slot 105 that
is sized and shaped to allow an object to be inserted through the
slot 105 and deposited into the cavity 101 when the top cap 104 is
disposed on an end of the tube 102. For example, slot 105 may be
sized and shaped for allowing coins to be inserted therein thus
allowing the tube 102 to serve as a coin bank when the glass 110 is
not in the cavity 101 of the tube 102. Top cap 102 and bottom cap
104 are held in the respective ends of the tube 102 by pressing the
top cap 104 against the top ridge 103 of the tube 102, and by
pressing the bottom cap 106 against the bottom ridge 107 of the
tube 102.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows in cross-sectional view a tube assembly 200
according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where
the top of the tube assembly 200 is indicated by the direction of
arrow 260. The tube assembly 200 comprises a tube 202 having a
cavity 201, a top cap 204, and a bottom cap 206. Top cap 204 and
bottom cap 206 are sized and shaped to fit snugly in respective
ends of the tube 202. As shown in FIG. 2, a glass 210 is secured
within the tube 202. The glass 210 has an open, drinking end 209
and a closed, support end 211. The top cap 204 and the bottom cap
206 are held in the respective ends of the tube 202 which prevents
the glass 210 from falling out of the tube 202 while the tube
assembly 200 is transported or moved. Also shown in FIG. 2 are
spacers 222 and 232 that are sized and shaped to fit within the
cavity 210 so as to hold and secure the glass 210 in place between
the top cap 204 and the bottom cap 206. The spacers 222 and 232
each have a support space 221 and 231 respectively for receiving
the support end 211 of a glass 210. As shown, the support end 211
of the glass 210 is resting on the support space 231 of the spacer
232. The spacers 222 and 232 each also include a drinking space 223
and 233 respectively for receiving the drinking end of a glass 210.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the drinking end 209 of
the glass 210 is inserted into the drinking space 223 of the spacer
222.
[0023] Optionally, a coaster 240 may also be included as part of
the tube assembly 200. The coaster 240 is sized and shaped to fit
within the cavity 201 and is held in place between the top cap 204
and the spacer 222. A user may remove the top cap 204, the coaster
240, the spacer 222 and the glass 210 and rest the glass 210 on the
coaster 240 to protect the surface on which the glass 210 is
resting while the user is enjoying a beverage.
[0024] As with the embodiment of the tube assembly 100 shown in
FIG. 1, any of the visible surfaces of the components of the tube
assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 may be embossed, printed or otherwise
provided with a logo or design.
[0025] Reference is next made to FIG. 3(a) which a top view of the
top cap 204. The top cap 204 includes an edge 303 that is
configured to releasably engage with the inside of one end of the
tube 202. The top cap 204 generally comprises a flexible material
that allows the top cap 204 to interferingly engage with and seal
one end of the tube 202 when a small amount of force is exerted on
the top cap 204.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the top cap 204 includes a slot 305
that is sized and shaped for receiving coins, bottle caps, or other
objects, and allowing these objects to be deposited into the cavity
201. An individual may wish to collect coins or other objects in
the cavity 201 of the tube 202 when the glass 210 is removed. In
another aspect, the top cap 204, the coaster 240 and the spacer 222
all have openings that align with the slot 305 allowing the coins,
bottle caps, or other objects to be deposited into the cavity 201
even when the tube assembly 200 is assembled.
[0027] FIG. 3(b) illustrates a top view of the bottom cap 206 of
the tube assembly 200. The bottom cap 206 includes an edge 307 that
is configured to releasably engage with the inside of the other end
of the tube 202 for sealing this other end of the tube 202 in a
similar manner to the top cap 104. Bottom cap 206 does not include
a slot or other opening as does top cap 204.
[0028] Reference is next made to FIG. 4(b) which illustrates a
cross-sectional view of a spacer 222 for the tube assembly 200. The
spacer 222 includes a support space 221 and a drinking space 223.
The support space 221 is configured to support a glass 210 that is
inserted into the tube 202. The drinking space 223 is configured to
receive the drinking end 211 of the glass 210 as shown in FIG. 2.
The spacer 222 generally comprises a material such as styrofoam
that will not damage the glass 210 while the tube assembly 200 is
being moved.
[0029] FIG. 4(a) illustrates the drinking space 223 of the spacer
222 (a bottom view of the spacer 222 as defined by the arrow 260).
The spacer 222 includes a hole 402 for allowing air to pass through
the spacer while it is being pressed into or taken out of the tube
202. FIG. 4(c) illustrates the support space 221 of the spacer 222
(a bottom view of the spacer 222 as defined by arrow 260). As
shown, the support space 221 is smaller in diameter than the
drinking space 223. Such a configuration is useful for securing
glassware in the shape of the glass 210. It will be appreciated,
however, that the spacer 222 may secure any configuration of
glassware, bottles or other dishes. For example, in another aspect,
the drinking space is smaller in diameter than the support space
for securing glassware such as a beer bottle. In another aspect,
the drinking space and the support space are of the same
diameter.
[0030] Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which illustrates the
expandability of the basic structure of the tube assembly 200. The
tube assembly 500 comprises a tube 502 having a cavity 501, a top
cap 504, a bottom cap 506, glasses 510, 514, and 518, spacers 522,
532, 542, and 552, and coasters 540a, 540b and 540c (not all
shown). The spacers 522, 532, 542 and 552 each include support
spaces 521, 531, 541 and 551 respectively. As shown, the glasses
510, 514 and 518 are each resting in the support spaces 531, 541
and 551 respectively. As well, the drinking space 523 of spacer 522
receives the drinking end 509 of glass 510; the drinking space 533
of spacer 532 receives the drinking end 513 of glass 514; and the
drinking space 543 of spacer 542 receives the drinking end 517 of
glass 518.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 5, there will generally be one more
spacer in any given tube assembly of the present invention than
there are glasses in the same tube assembly. In another aspect,
however, the bottom spacer (spacer 552 in FIG. 5) is not included.
Instead, the bottom cap 506 is molded of a material that receives
the support end 519 of glass 518.
[0032] In this aspect, coasters indicated individually by
references 540a, 540b and 540c are included (though not
individually shown) in the tube assembly 500 for each of the
glasses 510, 514 and 518. In other embodiments, coasters are not
included.
[0033] Top cap 504 also includes a slot (not shown) that is sized
and shaped for receiving coins or other objects in a similar manner
to the top cap 204. In this way, the tube assembly 500 is useful
for receiving and storing coins or other objects when the glasses
510, 514 and 518 are removed from the cavity 501 of the tube
502.
[0034] FIG. 6(a) illustrates a tube assembly 600 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly 600
includes a tube 602 having a cavity 601, a cup 610, a top cap 604,
spacers 622 and 632, a bottom cap 606 and a coaster 640. As shown,
the cup 610 has a handle 612 and is accommodated within the cavity
601 of the tube 602. For this example, the cross-sectional shape of
the tube 602 is oval rather than circular so as to accommodate the
handle 612 within the cavity 601. Spacer 622 has a drinking space
623 for receiving the drinking end 609 of the cup 610. Spacer 632
has a support space 631 for supporting the support end 611 of the
cup 610. In this aspect, the support space 621 and the drinking
space 623 of the spacer 622 are the same diameter, and thus, are
interchangeable. Likewise, the support space 631 and the drinking
space 633 of the spacer 632 are the same diameter and are also
interchangeable. In this aspect, spacers 622 and 632 may be
inserted into the tube 602 in any order, and without regard to the
drinking end 609 or the support end 611 of the cup 610.
[0035] FIG. 6(b) illustrates a top view of the top cap 604 of the
tube assembly 600 where the arrow 660 illustrates the top
direction. The top cap 604 is oval in shape and is sized so as to
be releasably engaged within a top end of the tube 602. The top cap
604 also includes a slot 605 that is configured for receiving coins
or other objects when the cup 610 is removed from the cavity 601 of
the tube 602. The top cap 604 includes an edge 608 to interferingly
engage with the inside of the top end of the tube 602. As shown,
the top cap 604 and cross-sectional shape of the tube 602 are oval
to accommodate the handle 612 of the cup 610, however, it will be
understood that the tube and other components of the tube
assemblies may be any suitable shape that allows the desired
drinkware, glassware and similar objects to be stored and secured
within the cavity of the tube.
[0036] FIG. 7(a) illustrates a tube assembly 700 according to a
further embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly 700
includes a tube 702 including a cavity 701, a cup 710, a top cap
704, spacers 722 and 732, and a coaster 740. As shown, the cup 710
includes a drinking end 709, a support end 711 and a handle 712.
The drinking end 709 is smaller in diameter than the support end
711 of the cup 710. As such, the drinking space 723 is smaller in
diameter than the support space 721 of the spacer 722. Similarly,
the drinking space 733 is smaller in diameter than the support
space 731 of the spacer 732. Tube assembly 700 also includes a
coaster 740 in one aspect.
[0037] It will be appreciated that other objects may be included
with or in place of the coaster 740 in any embodiment of the
present invention. For example, it may be desirable to include a
hockey puck (not shown) in the space occupied by the coaster 740 to
commemorate a hockey team, player or event. In another aspect, a
baseball ball, golf ball or other ball may be included in the glass
710 of the tube assembly 700 that commemorates a baseball team,
player or event.
[0038] FIG. 7(b) illustrates a top view of the top cap 704 of the
tube assembly 700, where the top direction is indicated by the
arrow 760. As can be seen, the cross-sectional shape of the tube
assembly 700 is square. The top cap 704 is similarly square-shaped
and includes a slot 705 for receiving coins or other objects when
the cup 710 is removed from the cavity 701 of the tube 702. As in
the other embodiments, the top cap 704 includes an edge 708 that is
configured to engage with and seal the top end of the tube 702. As
shown, the top cap 704 and the tube 702 are square in shape to
accommodate the handle 712 of the cup 710. It will be appreciated
that in other aspects, the tube 702 that contains the cup 710 could
be circular in shape, as in the tube assembly 100, or ovular in
shape, as in the tube assembly 600.
[0039] It will also be appreciated that each of the tube assemblies
of the present invention may be expanded to include any number of
glasses or cups in a way similar to the tube assembly 500 shown in
FIG. 5.
[0040] For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the
present invention in which the tube assembly 800 can hold four cups
indicated by references 810, 812, 814 and 816. The tube 802 of the
tube assembly 800 are square in cross-sectional shape similar to
the tube assembly 700, and therefore, the top cap 804 is also
square and similar in configuration to the top cap 704.
[0041] Referring next to another embodiment of the invention shown
in FIG. 9, the tube assembly 900 holds two cups indicated by
references 910 and 912 which are resting on spacers 932 and 942
respectively. The tube 902 of the tube assembly 900 is oval in
cross-sectional shape and thus similar to the tube assembly 600
shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), and therefore, the top cap 904 is
similar in configuration to the top cap 604.
[0042] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
tube assembly of the present invention may include any number of
glasses or cups. In addition, the present invention is not limited
to breakables such as glassware or ceramics, but may include cups,
glasses, dishes or other items that are made of non-breakable
material. Glasses and cups have been used as generic terms to refer
to several items that may be carried securely in the tube assembly
of the present invention.
[0043] It will also be appreciated that the tube assembly of the
present invention is not limited to any cross-sectional shape such
as circular, oval or square. For example, the tube may be shaped as
a maple leaf or a star. The glasses held in the tube may also be of
any shape, and may or may not correspond to the shape of the
tube.
[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of
the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *