U.S. patent application number 14/130331 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for kits and methods of adapting a receptacle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ECODU LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Nir Nagar. Invention is credited to Nir Nagar.
Application Number | 20140124392 14/130331 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46604391 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140124392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagar; Nir |
May 8, 2014 |
KITS AND METHODS OF ADAPTING A RECEPTACLE
Abstract
A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a
bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The kit comprises
at least one wall covering member an inner side sized and shaped to
encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one
playacting related mark thereon, at least one safety catch member
adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top,
at least one plaything member, and attachment means for attaching
the at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle, on top
of the at least one wall covering member or to cover the open
top.
Inventors: |
Nagar; Nir; (Yahud,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nagar; Nir |
Yahud |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
ECODU LIMITED
Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
46604391 |
Appl. No.: |
14/130331 |
Filed: |
July 4, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
July 4, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2012/050232 |
371 Date: |
December 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61504738 |
Jul 6, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/361 20130101;
A63H 33/00 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/36 20060101
B65D081/36 |
Claims
1. A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a
bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything, comprising: at
least one wall covering member sized and shaped to encircle the
lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting
related mark thereon; at least one safety catch member adapted to
fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top; at least one
plaything member; and attachment means for attaching said at least
one plaything member to the empty receptacle, on top of said at
least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one wall covering
member comprises a flexible container with an opening, said
flexible container being sized and shaped to be slideably received
over the lateral wall and to cover the bottom.
3. The kit of claim 2, wherein said at least one catch member
attaches said flexible container to the empty receptacle, covering
at least the outer surface thereof.
4. The kit of claim 2, wherein said flexible container is at least
double as long as the lateral wall said as to cover both the inner
and the outer surface thereof.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one safety catch
member is formed with a recess on its inner surface.
6. The kit of claim 5, wherein said recess is set to clasp a
projection in the inner space of said empty receptacle.
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said safety catch member comprises
first and second rings, said first ring having a recess and said
second ring having an insertion portion which set to fit in said
recess, said second ring is sized so that said insertion portion
fits in said recess when an annular flange of at least one of said
first and second rings covers said edge.
8. (canceled)
9. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member
comprises a lid being sized and shaped to at least one of: to
dispense toilet paper from a toilet paper roll placed in said empty
receptacle when said lid covers the open top: to support a movable
cover when said lid covers the open top; and to cover the open top
and having at least one opening to facilitate the passage of a
plurality of plaything objects therethrough.
10. (canceled)
11. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member
comprises a plurality of magnetic articles configured for being
magnetically attached to metallic material of said empty
receptacle, on top of said at least one wall covering member in
relation to said at least one playacting related mark.
12. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member
comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, said lid
being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least
one.
13. The kit of claim 12, wherein said lid prevents from said empty
receptacle to roll when said empty receptacle is laid with said top
open to the side.
14. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member
comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, said lid
being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least
one active button, a presentation unit, and a controller for
instructing said presentation unit in response to a user clicking
on said active button.
15. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member
comprises a female clutch element and a male clutch element to
concatenate said empty receptacle to a plurality of empty
receptacles each attached to a respective plaything member with
respective female and male clutch elements.
16. The kit of claim 13, wherein said at least one plaything member
having a plurality of wheels to actuate said empty receptacle in a
plaything wherein said plurality of empty receptacles are
concatenated.
17-18. (canceled)
19. A method of adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a
bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything, comprising:
emptying a receptacle containing nourishment from its content;
encircling the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member
sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall so that an outer surface
thereof faces the outside, said outer surface having at least one
playacting related mark thereon; clutching at least one safety
catch member onto an edge of the side wall around the open top; and
attaching at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle on
top of said at least one wall covering member or to cover the open
top.
20. An article for containing nourishment and for playacting,
comprising: a receptacle which contains nourishment and having an
open top, a bottom and a lateral wall; a lid for detachably
covering said open top; and a plurality of positioning instructions
placed on said lateral side to instruct the covering of the lateral
wall with at least one wall covering member having at least one
playacting related mark thereon.
21. The article of claim 20, wherein said lid has a catch strip
adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top
and a covering surface encircled by said catch strip; wherein said
catch strip and said covering surface are detachably connected to
one another by a seam.
22. A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a
bottom and a lateral wall to use as a block of a construction toy,
comprising: at least one wall covering member an inner side sized
and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at
least one playacting related mark thereon; and at least one
concatenation unit having attachment means for being attached to
the empty receptacle and to at least other empty receptacle.
23. The kit of claim 22, wherein said at least one concatenation
unit is adapted to be connected to said at least other empty
receptacle via a connection to a plurality of other concatenation
units which are connected to said at least other empty
receptacle.
24-25. (canceled)
26. The kit of claim 22, further comprising at least one safety
catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around
the open top.
27. The kit of claim 22, wherein said at least one concatenation
unit having a plurality of flexible clamps each sized and shaped to
detachable hold the lateral walls of a cylindrical receptacle.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to
devices and methods of adapting containers.
[0002] In the US, more than 100 million tones of packaging waste is
produced every year, most of which is disposed of in landfill
sites. Packaging waste is a significant part of the total waste
produced. Because of its large volume, packaging waste tends to be
very visible. Approximately 70% of primary packaging is used for
food and drink which is often discarded in a dirty state and
contaminated by residues of the original contents.
[0003] An example of a market which produces a substantial amount
of packaging waste is the infant formula market. For example, in
the US alone, about 70 million infant formula cans are sold every
year.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an
open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The
kit comprises at least one wall covering member an inner side sized
and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at
least one playacting related mark thereon, at least one safety
catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around
the open top, at least one plaything member, and attachment means
for attaching the at least one plaything member to the empty
receptacle, on top of the at least one wall covering member or to
cover the open top.
[0005] Optionally, the at least one wall covering member comprises
a flexible container with an opening, the flexible container being
sized and shaped to be slideably received over the lateral wall and
to cover the bottom.
[0006] More optionally, the at least one catch member attaches the
flexible container to the empty receptacle, covering at least the
outer surface thereof.
[0007] More optionally, the flexible container is at least double
as long as the lateral wall as to cover both the inner and the
outer surface thereof.
[0008] Optionally, the at least one safety catch member is formed
with a recess on its inner surface.
[0009] More optionally, the recess is set to clasp a projection in
the inner space of the empty receptacle.
[0010] Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a
plurality of magnetic articles configured for being magnetically
attached to metallic material of the empty receptacle, on top of
the at least one wall covering member in relation to the at least
one playacting related mark.
[0011] Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a
lid and a plurality of plaything objects, the lid being sized and
shaped to cover the open top and having at least one opening to
facilitate the passage of the plurality of plaything objects
therethrough.
[0012] Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a
lid and a plurality of plaything objects, the lid being sized and
shaped to cover the open top and having at least one active button,
a presentation unit, and a controller for instructing the
presentation unit in response to a user clicking on the active
button.
[0013] Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a
female clutch element and a male clutch element to concatenate the
empty receptacle to a plurality of empty receptacles each attached
to a respective plaything member with respective female and male
clutch elements.
[0014] More optionally, the at least one plaything member having a
plurality of wheels to actuate the empty receptacle in a plaything
wherein the plurality of empty receptacles are concatenated.
[0015] Optionally, the at least one wall covering member further an
adhesive layer for attaching the at least one wall covering member
to the lateral wall.
[0016] Optionally, the attachment means are integrated into the at
least one plaything member.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a method of adapting an empty receptacle having
an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The
method comprises emptying a receptacle containing nourishment from
its content, encircling the lateral wall with at least one wall
covering member sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall so that
an outer surface thereof faces the outside, the outer surface
having at least one playacting related mark thereon, clutching at
least one safety catch member onto an edge of the side wall around
the open top, and attaching at least one plaything member to the
empty receptacle on top of the at least one wall covering member or
to cover the open top.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an article for containing nourishment and for
playacting. The article comprises a receptacle which contains
nourishment and having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall, a
lid for detachably covering the open top, and a plurality of
positioning instructions placed on the lateral side to instruct the
covering of the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member
having at least one playacting related mark thereon.
[0019] Optionally, the lid has a catch strip adapted to fit onto an
edge of the side wall to around the open top and a covering surface
encircled by the catch strip; wherein the catch strip and the
covering surface are detachably connected to one another by a
seam.
[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an
open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a block of a
construction toy. The kit comprises at least one wall covering
member an inner side sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall
and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark
thereon and at least one concatenation unit having attachment means
for being attached to the empty receptacle and to at least other
empty receptacle.
[0021] Optionally, the at least one concatenation unit is adapted
to be connected to the at least other empty receptacle via a
connection to a plurality of other concatenation units which are
connected to the at least other empty receptacle.
[0022] More optionally, the at least other empty receptacle
comprises a plurality of other empty receptacles.
[0023] More optionally, the at least one concatenation unit has a
plurality of wheels.
[0024] Optionally, the kit further comprises at least one safety
catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around
the open top.
[0025] Optionally, the at least one concatenation unit having a
plurality of flexible clamps each sized and shaped to detachable
hold the lateral walls of a cylindrical receptacle.
[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials
are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to
be necessarily limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
to purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0028] In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an exemplary kit for
adapting an empty receptacle, such as a cylindrical can, to use as
a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of an empty receptacle
which has been adapted to use as a plaything using the exemplary
kit depicted in FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of an annular
strip having a section AA and a blow up of section AA when the
strip is attached on top of the edges of a lateral wall of an
exemplary empty receptacle, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 2C-2G are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
safety catch member, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0033] FIGS. 2H-2L are schematic illustrations of an additional
exemplary safety catch member, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of adapting an empty
receptacle to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything using
attachable plaything members and a plaything adapted using the
exemplary kit, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0036] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of another
exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a
plaything using attachable plaything members and a plaything
adapted using the another exemplary kit, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything by
attaching a designated lid thereto and an empty receptacle adapted
using the exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 6B, according to some to
embodiments of the present invention;
[0038] FIGS. 6C-6F are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit
for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything when the
opening of the empty receptacle is on the side by attaching a
designated lid thereto and an empty receptacle adapted using the
exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 6C, according to some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 6G-6I, which are schematic illustrations of another
exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle as a plaything to
use while the opening of the empty receptacle is set to the side,
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
functional lid and respective plaything objects of a kit for
adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything and an empty
receptacle adapted using a kit having the functional of FIG. 7A,
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 7C-7D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as
a toilet paper dispenser, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0042] FIGS. 7E-7G are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as
a trash can, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0043] FIGS. 8A-8C, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary
active functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to
use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0044] FIGS. 8D-8F are schematic illustrations of exemplary active
functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as
a shape projector, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a functional lid which
includes an erasable surface, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 10A is a schematic illustration of a functional lid
which includes a drumhead, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0047] FIGS. 10B-10C are schematic illustrations of a functional
lid that includes an emulated stove that is adapted to receive a
pan, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0048] FIGS. 10D-10I are schematic illustrations of two functional
lids which are placed to cover the top and the bottom of an empty
container, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 11A is a schematic illustration of a concatenation unit
that allows attaching two empty receptacles to one another
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 11B is a schematic illustration of a number of
concatenation units, each as depicted in FIG. 11A, which connects
three empty receptacles to one another according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0051] FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of
construction toy, a construction toy block created using the
exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 12A, and a plaything that comprises
a plurality of construction toy blocks as depicted in FIG. 12B,
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 12D is a set of schematic illustrations of an exemplary
concatenation unit having a female clutching element and a male
clutching element so as to be connected to two other concatenation
units, for example as depicted in - according to some embodiments
of the present invention; and
[0053] FIG. 12E is a schematic illustration of another exemplary
kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of
construction toy, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to
devices and methods of adapting containers.
[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there are provided methods and kits for adapting a receptacle, such
as a cylindrical can of infant formula or another food product, to
use as plaything, such as a game of skill and/or a developmental
plaything. The kit allows reusing the receptacle, after the
emptying thereof, as more than a container without deforming and/or
processing it. For example, the kit includes one or more wall
covering members, such as stickers or bags, which are sized and
shaped to to encircle at least the outer side of the lateral wall.
These wall covering members have playacting related mark(s)
thereon, for example images, prints, embossments and/or the like.
Optionally, the kit further includes a safety catch member that
fits onto an edge of the side wall, around the open top of the
empty receptacle. The kit includes one or more plaything members
with attachment means for the attachment thereof to the empty
receptacle and/or the placing thereof to cover the open top of the
empty receptacle. Additionally or alternatively, the kit includes a
lid with one or more openings and a plurality of plaything objects
for passing via these openings.
[0056] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there are provided kits and methods of adapting an empty receptacle
to use as a block of a construction toy, wherein a plurality of
blocks construct a plaything, a model, and/or building. The kit
includes wall covering member(s), for example as outlined above and
described below, and one or more concatenation units with
attachment means for being attached to an empty receptacle and to a
plurality of other concatenation units. For example, the
concatenation unit is a wagon base element having a base that is
set to be attached to the lateral wall of the receptacle and female
and male clutching elements
[0057] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0058] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a schematic
illustration of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle,
such as a cylindrical can, to use as a plaything, such as a
developmental toy for infants, according to some embodiments of the
present invention. Reference is also made FIG. 1B, which is a
schematic illustration of an empty receptacle which has been
adapted to use as a plaything using the exemplary kit 100. The kit
100 is optionally adapted to the size and/or shape of a particular
empty receptacle. For example, the kit 100 may be adapted for a
barrel shaped receptacle, a cylindrical receptacle, a box shaped
receptacle, and/or the like.
[0059] The kit 100 comprises one or more wall covering members 101
for covering the side walls of the empty receptacle. Optionally,
the wall covering member(s) 101 include an adhesive layer for
facilitating the attachment of its inner side to the lateral wall
of the empty receptacle. Optionally, the wall covering member(s)
101 include one of more clipping means to attach the inner side of
the wall covering member(s) 101 to the lateral wall of the empty
receptacle. The wall covering members 101 are set so that their
inner side is sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall of the
empty receptacle. Optionally, the wall covering members 101 have an
outer side with one or more playacting related marks, for example
as locations for attaching plaything members, board game like
course for attaching pawns, instructions for ornamental elements
and/or the like. The wall covering members 101 is optionally made
of paper, fabrics, polymeric composite or any other material that
allows forming a flexible sheet like member. Optionally, the kit is
provided in a bag.
[0060] Optionally, the kit 100 further includes a safety catch
member 102 that is adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall of
the empty receptacle around the open top of the empty receptacle.
The placing of the safety catch member 102 onto the edge of the
side wall prevents form a player, such as a child or an infant from
touching the edge of the side wall which may be relativity sharp
edge and/or not adapted to infant plaything standards. The safety
catch member 102 optionally includes one or more strips having an
inner recess that is shaped to clutch onto the edge of the side
wall of the empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIGS. 2A
and 2B which are schematic illustrations of an annular strip 211
having a section AA and a blow up of section AA when the strip 211
is attached on top of the edges of a lateral wall 212 of an
exemplary empty receptacle, according to some embodiments of the
present invention. Another example of a safety catch member 222 is
depicted in the set of schematic illustrations depicted in FIG.
2C-2G. In this embodiment, the safety catch member 222 optionally
includes an annular strip (comprised of one or segments) which is
set to be placed inside a cylindrical shaped receptacle and having
an inner recess that is shaped to clutch onto an inner projection
223 of the side wall of the empty receptacle, for example as
depicted in FIGS. 2F and 2G which are schematic illustrations of an
annular strip 222 having a section AA and a blow up of section AA
when the strip 222 is attached on top of the edges of a lateral
wall 221 of an exemplary empty receptacle, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. Reference is also made to
FIGS. 2H-2L which are schematic illustrations of a safety catch
ring mechanism that includes bottom and upper rings 232, 231. In
use, as shown in FIG. 21, the bottom ring 232 is placed below a rim
233 of an exemplary empty receptacle and the upper ring 231 is
placed above the rim 233. The bottom and upper rings are designed
to be screwed and/or otherwise firmly attached to one another. For
example, in the example depicted in FIGS. 2H-2L an insertion
portion 235 of the upper ring 231 is screwed to a recess 234 formed
in the lower ring 232. As shown at FIG. 2K, the rings 231, 232 of
the safety catch ring mechanism have flanges 236, 237 that place
the recess 234 and the insertion 235 in a certain distance from the
lateral wall of the exemplary empty receptacle, for example 0.5
centimeter, 1 cm, 2 cm and/or any intermediate or larger distance.
This allows using the safety catch ring mechanism to cover rims
with different lengths, for example 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm and/or any
intermediate or larger distance. In such a manner, the safety catch
ring mechanism may be used for different empty receptacles that
have different diameters and/or rims.
[0061] The kit 100 further includes one or more plaything members
103 which are attached to the lateral wall and/or open top of the
empty receptacle and/or designed to be placed inside the empty
receptacle. The plaything members 103 are sized and shaped to
facilitate an interaction with the empty receptacle, for example
sized to be placed therein, shaped to be attached to the external
surface of the empty receptacle, sized to cover the top opening of
the empty receptacle and/or the like.
[0062] Optionally, the kit 100 further includes attachment means
for attaching the plaything member(s) 103 to the empty receptacle
either on top of the wall covering member(s) or to cover the open
top. The attachment means are optionally part of the plaything
member(s) 103. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1B, the plaything
members 103 are animal/human like parts each includes with
attachment means that allows the attachment thereof to the lateral
walls. Optionally, the plaything member(s) 103 are stuffed cloths.
The attachment means optionally includes magnetic element(s), such
as magnetic stripes, dots, and/or antidotes, that facilitate the
attachment of the plaything members 103 to a metallic material of
the empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIG. 1B.
Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means optionally
includes fastener elements, such as Velcro straps, foam tapes
and/or any other any other attachment solutions.
[0063] Reference is now also made to FIG. 3, which is a flowchart
300 of a method of adapting a receptacle to use as a plaything,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method
is based, as shown at 301, on one or more wall covering members
which are sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall of the
receptacle and having an outer surface with one or more playacting
related mark thereon, such as instructions for locating plaything
members, playacting images and/or game instructions or playing
encouraging elements. As shown at 302, the receptacle is emptied.
As shown at 303, the lateral wall is encircled using the wall
covering members so that the outer surface with the playacting
related marks faces the outside. Now, as shown at 304, one or more
safety catch members, such as the strip depicted in FIG. 2A, are
clasped onto an edge of the side wall around the open top of the
empty receptacle. Then, as shown at 305, one or more plaything
members are attached to the empty receptacle, optionally on top of
the covering member(s) and/or to cover the open top of the
receptacle.
[0064] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
wall covering member 101, such as a sticker, of the kit 100 is a
flexible container with an opening, such as a bag having playacting
related marks printed thereon. Optionally, the flexible container
is sized and shaped to be slideably received over the lateral wall
of the empty receptacle and to cover its bottom. For example,
reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are schematic
illustrations of an exemplary kit 200 for adapting an empty
receptacle to use as a plaything and a plaything adapted using the
exemplary kit 200, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. The safety catch member 102 and the plaything member(s)
103 are optionally as described above; however, a flexible
container 201 is used instead of the adhesive wall covering members
101 which are described above. Optionally, the flexible container
201 is sized and shaped as a sleeve with one opening a length that
is at least twice as long as the distance from bottom to top of the
lateral wall. This allows sliding the receptacle in the flexible
container 201 until the bottom of the receptacle is placed on top
of the closed side of the sleeve and folding the top portion of the
flexible container 201 into the empty receptacle so that both the
outer and inner sides of the lateral edge are covered by the
flexible container 201. Optionally, the open top of the flexible
container 201 is formed with a channel 202 to facilitate the
threading of a closing thread 203 therethrough. Any other closing
mechanism may be used to seal the open top. Another example is
described in FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are schematic illustrations of
a similar exemplary kit 500 for adapting an empty receptacle to use
as a plaything and a plaything adapted using the exemplary kit 500,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0065] Optionally, the safety catch member 102 attaches the
flexible container 201 to the empty receptacle, covering at least
the outer surface thereof. In such an embodiment, the safety catch
member 102 is adapted to clutch over the flexible container 201,
fixating the location thereof.
[0066] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
plaything member of the kit is a functional lid that defines the
ability of a player to place objects, such as other plaything
members in the receptacle. Optionally, the lid plaything member
flexible is sized and shaped to cover detachably the receptacle.
The lid is optionally sized and shaped to cover detachably the
receptacle when the safety catch member 102 is mounted on top of
its lateral edge. For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 6A
and 6B, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit 600
for adapting an empty receptacle, such as 599, to use as a
plaything by attaching a designated lid 601 thereto and an empty
receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit 600, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The safety catch member 102
and the wall covering member 101 are optionally as described above;
however, the plaything members of the kit 600 is the designated lid
601 and optionally a plurality of plaything objects 603 which are
designed to be placed in the receptacle via a designated hole 604
in the lid-611. Optionally, the plaything objects 603 are similar
to one another, for example all are plaything animals, plaything
vehicles, and/or plaything cutlery. This is optionally coordinated
with images depicted on the wall covering member 101. In such a
manner, the kit 600 may have a theme. Optionally, the lid is a set
to receive the bottom of another empty receptacle. In such a
manner, a plurality of empty receptacle may be stacked one on top
of the other.
[0067] Another example is depicted in FIGS. 6C-6E, which are
schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty
receptacle as a plaything to use while the opening of the empty
receptacle is set to the side by attaching a designated lid thereto
and an empty receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit 600,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
designated lid, for example as depicted in FIG. 6D, is designed to
stabilize the empty receptacle in place, preventing it from
rolling. For example 611 is an element used as stabilizing leg for
the container 612. Another example is provided in FIGS. 6F-6H,
which are schematic illustrations of another exemplary kit for
adapting an empty receptacle as a plaything to use while the
opening of the empty receptacle is set to the side, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0068] Another example for a functional lid is depicted in FIG. 7A
which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary functional lid
701 and respective plaything objects 702 of a kit for adapting an
empty receptacle to use as a plaything and to FIG. 7B which is a
schematic illustration of a plaything adapted using a kit having
the functional lid depicted in FIG. 7A, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
functional lid 701 has a plurality of openings each adapted to
facilitate the passage of only one of the plaything objects 702
therethrough.
[0069] Optionally, the plurality of plaything objects are set as
noise making units which are set to be placed in the empty
receptacle so as to make noise when in the empty receptacle is
shaken.
[0070] Optionally, the plurality of plaything objects are texture
experience elements which are set to be attached to the empty
receptacle, for example using attachment means as described above.
Each texture experience element has a unique texture to stimulate
the sense of touch of an infant.
[0071] Another example is depicted in FIGS. 7C-7D which are
schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for
adapting an empty receptacle to use as a toilet paper dispenser,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted
in FIG. 7C a toilet paper 621 may be placed in the container 622
while a lid 623 with a functional opening for extracting toilet
paper covers the container. A safety catch member 624 may be used,
for example as described above.
[0072] Another example is depicted in FIGS. 7E-7G which are
schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for
adapting an empty receptacle to use as a trash can, according to
some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 7G a
container 632 is covered with a trash can lid 633 adapted to
receive a movable cover. A safety catch member 635 may be used, for
example as described above.
[0073] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8C, which are schematic
illustrations of exemplary active functional lids 600 of a kit for
adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything, according to
some embodiments of the present invention. These active lids, which
are optionally powered by batteries, include active buttons, a
presentation unit, such as a speaker, one or more lights and/or a
display, and a controller that controls the presentation unit
according to a user clicking on the active buttons. The active lids
allow an infant to interact therewith and play sounds and/or
present light patterns or images in response to the interaction.
For example, the lid depicted in FIG. 8A includes a rotational
in/out button 741, a display 742, a display activating button 743,
and various switches 744. The lid depicted in FIG. 8B includes
switches which change sounds. The lid depicted in FIG. 8C includes
a simulated telephone keypad which induce different sounds and an
earpiece. The functional lid may optionally provide other
interactions to the infant. Another example is depicted in FIGS.
8D-8E, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary active
functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as
a shape projector, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. In this example an active cover that includes a
projector is placed to cover the opening of the empty receptacle in
a similar manner to the above. Further another example, as depicted
in FIG. 9, the functional lid optionally includes an erasable
surface 751 which allows a user to draw thereon an erasable drawing
752, optionally using a designated drawing device which is
connected thereto. In another example, depicted in FIG. 10A, the
functional lid optionally includes a stretched drumhead 761 and a
set of drumsticks 762 which are connected thereto using strings
763.
[0074] In another example, depicted in FIGS. 10B-10C, the
functional lid optionally includes an emulated stove 641 that is
adapted to receive a pan 642. A safety catch member 643 may be
used, for example as described above.
[0075] In another example, depicted in FIGS. 10D-10I, two
functional lids 651, 652 are placed to cover the top and the bottom
of an empty container 653. A safety catch member 654 may be used,
for example as described above. A safety catch member 655 may be
used, for example as described above. The functional lids 651, 652
convert the empty container 653 to a crawling encouraging device
that rolls to encourage a baby who tries to reach it to crawl. In
this example on functional lid 651 includes a rattler and the other
includes a mirror 652. Clearly other play covers may be used.
[0076] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
plaything member of the kit is a concatenation unit which is set to
attach a plurality of empty receptacles, forming a plaything that
comprises a plurality of concatenated units and/or functioning as
blocks in a construction toy. Optionally, the concatenation unit is
sized and shaped to be detachably attached to a number of
receptacles, optionally two, such as a cylindrical shaped
receptacle. For example FIG. 11A depicts a concatenation unit that
allows attaching two empty receptacles to one another. This
exemplary concatenation unit has two opposing flexible and curved
strips each sets to detachable hold the rounded surface of another
empty receptacle. Optionally a number of concatenation units may be
attached to the same empty receptacle, for example as depicted in
FIG. 11B. In such a manner, an empty receptacle may be attached to
one empty receptacle from one side and to another empty receptacle
from another side.
[0077] Such receptacles which have been adapted to function as
plaything blocks can be assembled and connected to construct
objects such as decorative walls, a building, and/or the like.
Optionally, the constructed plaything can be taken apart again, and
the blocks which are made of empty receptacles may be
rearranged.
[0078] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
plaything member of the kit is a concatenation unit which is set to
be attached both to an empty receptacle and to one or more other
concatenation units which are attached to other empty
receptacle(s), forming a plaything that comprises a plurality of
concatenated units and/or functioning as blocks in a construction
toy. Optionally, the concatenation unit is sized and shaped to be
detachably attached to a certain receptacle, such as a cylindrical
shaped receptacle. Such receptacles which have been adapted to
function as plaything blocks can be assembled and connected to
construct objects such as vehicles, for example a train wherein
each receptacle is a wagon, a building, for example a skyscraper
wherein each receptacle is a storey, and even an animal, wherein
each receptacle is part of a limb and/or the like. Optionally, the
constructed plaything can be taken apart again, and the blocks
which are made of empty receptacles may be rearranged.
[0079] For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12C, which
are, respectively, schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit 800
for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction
toy by attaching a concatenation unit 801, which is shaped as a
wagon base, thereto, a construction toy block created using the
exemplary kit 800, and a train plaything that comprises a plurality
of blocks as depicted in FIG. 12B, according to some embodiments of
the present invention. Optionally, the kit 800 further comprises a
designated lid to the open top of the receptacle. The safety catch
member 102 and the wall covering member 101 are optionally as
described above; however, the kit 800 further includes the
concatenation unit 801. As depicted in FIG. 12A and further
illustrated in FIG. 12D, the concatenation unit 801 includes a
female clutching element 802 and a male clutching element 803 so as
to be connected to two other concatenation units 801, for example
as depicted in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12E is another exemplary kit for
adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction toy
where a designated lid covers the opening of the empty receptacle.
It should be noted that other construction toy blocks may be formed
from empty receptacles, for example a snake, a building or a
dragon. Optionally, each kit has a wall covering member 101 with
different plaything marks thereon. In such a manner, the user has
an incentive to collect different kits to enrich her construction
toy. For example, some kits have different wall covering members
with images of different wagons and the other kits have different
wall covering members with images of locomotives. In another
example, some kits have different wall covering members with images
of dragon body and the other kits have different wall covering
members with images of dragon's head or of tail's. In another
example, some kits have different wall covering members with images
of different floors of a skyscraper.
[0080] Optionally, a number of concatenation units are set to be
connected to a single receptacle, for example to its bottom and
top. In such an embodiment, the concatenation unit optionally has a
first side that is set to be connected either to the top or to the
bottom of a single receptacle and a second side that is set to be
connected to a second side of another concatenation unit that is
connected either to the top or to the bottom of another receptacle.
In such an embodiment, a single receptacle has one concatenation
unit attached to its top and another to its bottom so as to
concatenate with other receptacles. Such an adapted receptacle is
used as a block that is fastened to other receptacles to create a
construction toy.
[0081] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant devices and methods will be
developed and the scope of the term a concatenation unit and a
plaything member, a wall covering member, and attachment means is
intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
[0082] As used herein the term "about" refers to .+-.10%.
[0083] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to". This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0084] The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or
steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not
materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed
composition or method.
[0085] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0086] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the
incorporation of features from other embodiments.
[0087] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in
some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any
particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of
"optional" features unless such features conflict.
[0088] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0089] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein to interchangeably and are meant to include the first
and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0090] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0091] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0092] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
* * * * *