U.S. patent application number 16/791122 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for stackable container system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Runway Blue, LLC. Invention is credited to David O. MEYERS, Kim L. SORENSEN, Steven M. SORENSEN.
Application Number | 20200178713 16/791122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384222 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200178713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SORENSEN; Steven M. ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
STACKABLE CONTAINER SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a stackable container
system. The stackable container system can comprise a beverage
container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller
containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller
containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any
of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller
containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of
each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage
container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of
any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage
ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to
store other edible and inedible ingredients.
Inventors: |
SORENSEN; Steven M.;
(Alpine, UT) ; SORENSEN; Kim L.; (Alpine, UT)
; MEYERS; David O.; (Layton, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Runway Blue, LLC |
Alpine |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50384222 |
Appl. No.: |
16/791122 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15979198 |
May 14, 2018 |
10561261 |
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16791122 |
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15149095 |
May 7, 2016 |
10165877 |
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15979198 |
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13633864 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
9492024 |
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15149095 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2272 20130101;
B65D 81/3205 20130101; B65D 21/022 20130101; B65D 25/04 20130101;
A47G 19/23 20130101; B65D 47/065 20130101; B65D 21/0228 20130101;
B65D 41/04 20130101; A47G 19/2205 20130101; F04C 2270/0421
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 47/06 20060101 B65D047/06; B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04; A47G 19/23 20060101
A47G019/23; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32 |
Claims
1. A stackable beverage container system comprising: a beverage
container; a beverage container lid; a plurality of smaller
containers; and a plurality of smaller container lids; wherein the
smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to
allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the
smaller containers, and wherein the bottom of the beverage
container and the bottom of each smaller container is also
configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to
be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container
lids.
2. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
bottom of the beverage container and the smaller containers and the
top of the smaller container lids are configured with a bayonet
mount for interlocking the smaller container lids with the beverage
container and the smaller containers.
3. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
top of the smaller container lids are configured to thread, snap,
twist, or slide into a corresponding structure formed within the
bottom of the beverage container and the smaller containers.
4. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
smaller containers are sealable with the smaller container lids
independently from the beverage container.
5. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein at
least one of the smaller containers is configured to receive a
divider to form multiple compartments within the smaller
container.
6. The stackable beverage container system of claim 5, wherein each
of the smaller containers is configured to receive the divider.
7. The stackable beverage container system of claim 5, wherein each
of the at least one of the smaller containers is configured with a
lip along an interior wall on top of which the divider rests when
inserted into the smaller container.
8. The stackable beverage container system of claim 7, wherein the
lip is positioned above an interior bottom surface of the smaller
container such that when the divider is inserted into the smaller
container, a compartment is formed between the bottom of the
divider and the interior bottom surface.
9. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
beverage container is a baby bottle.
10. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
beverage container lid includes a flip top for sealing an opening
in the beverage container lid and a handle for carrying the
stackable beverage container system.
11. The stackable beverage container system of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of smaller containers comprises two smaller containers,
and the plurality of smaller container lids comprises two smaller
container lids.
12. A stackable beverage container system comprising: a beverage
container; a beverage container lid; a plurality of smaller
containers; a plurality of smaller container lids; and a divider
sized to be inserted into at least one of the plurality of smaller
containers when a smaller container lid is attached to the smaller
container; wherein the smaller containers and smaller container
lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to
be used on any of the smaller containers, and wherein the bottom of
the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is
also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller
container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller
container lids.
13. The stackable beverage container system of claim 12, wherein
the bottom of the beverage container and the smaller containers and
the top of the smaller container lids are configured with a bayonet
mount for interlocking the smaller container lids with the beverage
container and the smaller containers.
14. The stackable beverage container system of claim 13, wherein a
male portion of the bayonet mount is configured on the beverage
container and the smaller containers, and a female portion of the
bayonet mount is configured on the smaller container lids.
15. The stackable beverage container system of claim 13, wherein
the smaller containers are sealable with the smaller container lids
independently from the beverage container.
16. The stackable beverage container system of claim 12, wherein
each of the smaller containers is configured to receive the
divider.
17. The stackable beverage container system of claim 12, wherein
each of the at least one of the smaller containers is configured
with a lip along an interior wall on top of which the divider rests
when inserted into the smaller container.
18. The stackable beverage container system of claim 17, wherein
the lip is positioned above an interior bottom surface of the
smaller container such that when the divider is inserted into the
smaller container, a compartment is formed between the bottom of
the divider and the interior bottom surface.
19. A stackable container system comprising: a container; a
container lid; at least one smaller container; and at least one
smaller container lid; wherein the bottom of the container is
configured to allow the container to be interlocked with the top of
any of the at least one smaller container lid when the smaller
container lid is secured to one of the at least one smaller
container.
20. The stackable container system of claim 19, wherein the at
least one smaller container comprises one smaller container, and
the at least one smaller container lid comprises one smaller
container lid, the smaller container being sealable by the smaller
container lid when the smaller container lid is not interlocked
with the container, the stackable container system further
comprising: a divider that is configured to be inserted into the
smaller container when the smaller container lid is secured to the
smaller container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/979,198, filed May 14, 2018, which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/149,095 filed May 7, 2016,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/633,864, filed on Oct. 2, 2012. Each of these applications is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Background
[0002] Beverage bottles or containers have become widely used. Such
containers are often used to mix ingredients. For example, many
people use these containers to mix nutritional powders into water
or another liquid for consumption in conjunction with exercise.
[0003] It is often desirable to delay the mixing of the ingredients
until an appropriate time. However, because such containers are
often used on-the-go, it can be difficult to maintain the
ingredients separate until the desired time. For example, some may
use multiple containers to store the ingredients of a protein shake
until after a workout is finished. Similarly, one or more separate
containers may also be used to store supplements, such as vitamins
or other pills, which are not mixed in the container.
[0004] Keeping track of multiple containers can be burdensome. To
address this, some beverage containers have been developed that are
configured to allow one or more additional containers to be
attached to the beverage container. The additional containers can
be used to store ingredients to be mixed in the beverage container
at a later time, or to separately store other contents such as
pills
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention is directed to a stackable container
system. The stackable container system can be used to store
ingredients for a beverage, or ingredients or substances for other
edible or inedible mixes or purposes.
[0006] In one embodiment, a stackable container system of the
present invention comprises a beverage container, a beverage
container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality
of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller
container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container
lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the
beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also
configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to
be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container
lids.
[0007] In another embodiment, a stackable container system of the
present invention comprises a beverage container, a beverage
container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, a plurality of
smaller container lids, and a divider that is sized to be inserted
into at least one of the plurality of smaller containers when a
smaller container lid is attached to the smaller container. The
smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to
allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the
smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the
bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the
beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the
top of any of the smaller container lids.
[0008] In another embodiment, the stackable a container system of
the present invention comprises a container, a container lid, a
plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller
container lids. The bottom of the container is configured to allow
the container to be interlocked with the top of any of the at least
one smaller container lid when the smaller container lid is secured
to one of the at least one smaller container.
[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
features of the present invention will become more fully apparent
from the following description and appended claims, or may be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates two views of a stackable container system
according to one or more embodiments of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the stackable
container system of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of two smaller
containers with smaller container lids according to one or more
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to a stackable container
system. The stackable container system can be used to store
ingredients for a beverage, or ingredients or substances for other
edible or inedible mixes or purposes.
[0016] In one embodiment, a stackable container system of the
present invention comprises a beverage container, a beverage
container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality
of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller
container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container
lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the
beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also
configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to
be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container
lids.
[0017] In another embodiment, a stackable container system of the
present invention comprises a beverage container, a beverage
container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, a plurality of
smaller container lids, and a divider that is sized to be inserted
into at least one of the plurality of smaller containers when a
smaller container lid is attached to the smaller container. The
smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to
allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the
smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the
bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the
beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the
top of any of the smaller container lids.
[0018] In another embodiment, the stackable a container system of
the present invention comprises a container, a container lid, a
plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller
container lids. The bottom of the container is configured to allow
the container to be interlocked with the top of any of the at least
one smaller container lid when the smaller container lid is secured
to one of the at least one smaller container.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates two views of a stackable container system
100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As
shown, stackable container system 100 includes a beverage container
101 with a beverage container lid 102, and two smaller containers
103 that each includes a lid 104.
[0020] Although stackable container system 100 is shown having two
smaller containers with lids, in some embodiments, a stackable
container system can have one or more smaller containers with lids
that interconnect with beverage container 101. Further, the
stackable container system of the present invention is not limited
to any particular type of beverage container and beverage container
lid such as those shown in FIG. 1. For example, a beverage
container and beverage container lid in some embodiments of the
stackable container system can be a baby bottle and nipple or
another type of bottle and lid for containing and/or dispensing any
type of beverage or pourable substance.
[0021] Each of lids 104 can be attached to either of smaller
containers 103 (e.g. via threads (either on the inside or outside
of smaller containers 103) as shown in FIG. 2 or other means as
known in the art). The top of each of lids 104 is also configured
to allow lid 104 to be attached to the bottom of beverage container
101 or either of smaller containers 103. In this manner, with lids
104 secured to smaller containers 103, smaller containers 103 and
beverage container 101 can be interconnected to form a stack as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] Because each container (beverage container 101 and smaller
containers 103) includes a separate lid (beverage container lid 102
and lids 104), each container is independently sealable. In other
words, stackable container system 100 comprises three containers
that can each be sealed and used independently of the other
containers, while still being interconnectable to form a single
stackable container system.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of stackable container
system 100. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2
also illustrates that stackable container system 100 can include a
divider 201. Divider 201 can be configured to be inserted into one
or more of smaller containers 103. The stackable container system
of the present invention can include a single divider 201 (which
may be inserted into one or more of the smaller containers), or
more than one divider 201 (which may each be inserted into any of
the smaller containers or which may each be configured to be
inserted into a single specific smaller container).
[0024] Divider 201 is shown as having a base and three
compartments. Accordingly, divider 201 provides three separate
compartments for storing ingredients, pills, or other items as
desired. Of course, a divider having fewer or more than three
compartments could also be provided.
[0025] In some embodiments, each smaller container 103 that is
configured to store divider 201 can include means for supporting
divider 201. In some embodiments, this means can include a lip that
extends around the inside wall of smaller container 103 on top of
which divider 201 rests. One benefit of configuring smaller
container 103 with a lip or other means for supporting divider 201
is that a space can be maintained within smaller container 103 and
below divider 201 when divider 201 is inserted into smaller
container 103. In other words, when a divider 201 providing three
compartments is used, four separate compartments can be formed
within smaller container 103 (one below divider 201 and three above
(or within) divider 201).
[0026] Divider 201 can be configured to have a different depth than
is shown in FIG. 2. In other words, the distance between the base
and the top of divider 201 can be greater than or less than the
distance shown in FIG. 2. Also, in some embodiments, divider 201
can be configured without a base in which case divider 201 can be
placed in contact with the inside bottom surface of container 103
such that the inside bottom surface acts as a base for divider
201.
[0027] FIG. 2 also illustrates that lids 104 can be interconnected
with the bottom of beverage container 101 or the bottom of a
smaller container 103 using a bayonet mount. Although a bayonet
mount is shown in FIG. 2, any type of connection can be used to
secure lids 104 to the bottom of smaller containers 103 or beverage
container 101 including by threading, snapping, twisting, sliding,
or screwing lids 104 onto the bottom of the containers 101,
103.
[0028] In FIG. 2, a female side 202a of the bayonet mount is shown
as being formed within the top surface of lids 104. As shown in
FIG. 3, a corresponding male portion 202b of the bayonet mount can
be formed within the bottom of smaller containers 103. A similar
male portion can also be formed within the bottom of beverage
container 101. Male portion 202b can be twisted into female portion
202a to lock a lid to the bottom of a container.
[0029] In some embodiments, the female and male portions 202a, 202b
of the bayonet mount can be universal thus allowing any lid 104 to
be connected to the bottom of any of beverage container 101 and
smaller containers 103. Further, the male and female portions could
be equally formed on the top of lids 104 and the bottom of the
containers respectively. However, one benefit of forming the male
portion on the bottom of the containers is that it can allow a less
rigid material to be used for lids 104.
[0030] The stackable container system of the present invention can
be used to store ingredients separately until the user desires to
mix the ingredients. For example, a user can put ingredients for a
protein shake in smaller containers 103 (with or without using
divider 201). Once the user desires to mix the protein shake, he
can remove smaller containers 103 to add their contents to beverage
container 101, add liquid if necessary to beverage container 101,
and mix the contents within beverage container 101.
[0031] The stackable container system can also be used to store
ingredients for and later mix the ingredients for any type of
beverage or pourable substance such as, for example, baby formula,
ingredients for salad dressing, ingredients for pancake batter,
nutritional drink mixes, ingredients for inedible substances (e.g.
paints), etc. Accordingly, the stackable container system should
not be limited to any particular use (including to uses for mixing
edible substances), but should extend to a stackable container
system for storing and/or mixing ingredients whether the
ingredients are for a beverage or other edible mix or for an
inedible mix.
[0032] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *