U.S. patent application number 16/245799 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-02 for container having multiple separate internal reservoirs.
The applicant listed for this patent is ZHEJIANG KAIDA STATIONERY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Li Yeping.
Application Number | 20200207536 16/245799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71122585 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200207536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeping; Li |
July 2, 2020 |
CONTAINER HAVING MULTIPLE SEPARATE INTERNAL RESERVOIRS
Abstract
A multi-reservoir container comprising a first reservoir,
wherein the first reservoir includes a body having an interior
cavity and a first dispensing aperture in communication with the
interior cavity of the first reservoir; and a second reservoir
removably disposed within a portion of the interior cavity of the
first reservoir, wherein the second reservoir includes a body
having an interior cavity; a first cap formed around the body that
engages the first dispensing aperture in a sealable manner; a
second dispensing aperture in communication with the interior
cavity of the second reservoir; and a second cap that engages the
second dispensing aperture in a sealable manner.
Inventors: |
Yeping; Li; (Hangzhou,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZHEJIANG KAIDA STATIONERY CO., LTD. |
Hangzhou |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
71122585 |
Appl. No.: |
16/245799 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62785496 |
Dec 27, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0223 20130101;
B65D 81/3216 20130101; B65D 2251/0078 20130101; B65D 2251/0015
20130101; B65D 41/0407 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04; B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02 |
Claims
1.-6 (canceled)
7. A multi-reservoir container, comprising: (a) a first reservoir,
wherein the first reservoir includes a body having an interior
cavity and a first dispensing aperture in communication with the
interior cavity of the first reservoir; and (b) a second reservoir
removably disposed within a portion of the interior cavity of the
first reservoir, wherein the second reservoir includes: (i) a body
having an interior cavity; (ii) a first cap formed around the body
that engages the first dispensing aperture in a sealable manner;
(iii) a second dispensing aperture in communication with the
interior cavity of the second reservoir, wherein the second
dispensing aperture includes a hollow threaded stem; and (iv) a
second cap, wherein the second cap is hollow and includes threads
that mechanically engage the hollow threaded stem in an adjustable
manner such that when the second cap is tightened, a seal is
formed, and when the second cap is loosened, but not entirely
removed from the hollow threaded stem, material may be dispensed
from an aperture formed in the second cap.
8. The multi-reservoir container of claim 7, further comprising a
first dispensable material contained within the first reservoir and
a second dispensable material contained in the second reservoir,
wherein the first material is different than the second
material.
9. The multi-reservoir container of claim 7, wherein the shape of
the body is quasi-elliptical.
10. The multi-reservoir container of claim 7, wherein the shape of
the body is quasi-elliptical and includes at least one contoured
region formed therein.
11. The multi-reservoir container of claim 7, wherein the body of
the first reservoir further includes a hollow threaded stem in
communication with the interior cavity of the first reservoir, and
wherein the first cap includes threads that mechanically engage the
hollow threaded stem on the body of the first reservoir to form a
seal therewith.
12-14. (canceled)
15. A multi-reservoir container, comprising: (a) a first reservoir,
wherein the first reservoir includes: (i) a body having an exterior
surface and an interior cavity; (ii) a hollow stem located on the
exterior surface of the body, wherein the hollow stem is in
communication with the interior cavity of the first reservoir; (b)
a second reservoir removably disposed within a portion of the
interior cavity of the first reservoir, wherein the second
reservoir includes: (i) a body having an exterior surface, an
interior cavity, a lower portion, and an upper portion; (ii) a
first cap located on the upper portion of the body, wherein the
first cap further includes a lower portion and an upper portion,
wherein the lower portion engages the hollow stem located on the
first reservoir in a sealable manner, wherein the upper portion
further includes a hollow stem in communication with the interior
cavity of the second reservoir, and wherein the hollow stem in
communication with the interior cavity of the second reservoir is
threaded; and (c) a second cap, wherein the second cap includes
threads that mechanically engage the threads on the hollow threaded
stem in communication with the interior cavity of the second
reservoir in an adjustable manner such that when the second cap is
tightened, a seal is formed, and when the second cap is loosened,
but not entirely removed from the hollow threaded stem, material
may be dispensed from an aperture formed in the second cap.
16. The multi-reservoir container of claim 15, further comprising a
first dispensable material contained within the first reservoir and
a second dispensable material contained in the second reservoir,
wherein the first material is different than the second
material.
17. The multi-reservoir container of claim 15, wherein the shape of
the body is quasi-elliptical.
18. The multi-reservoir container of claim 15, wherein the hollow
stem located on the exterior surface of the body of the first
reservoir is threaded, and wherein the first cap includes threads
that mechanically engage the threads on the hollow stem on the body
of the first reservoir to form a seal therewith.
19-20.(canceled)
Description
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/785,496 filed on Dec.
27, 2018 and entitled "Container Having Multiple Separate Internal
Reservoirs," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety and made part of the present U.S.
utility patent application for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to packages and
containers for use with commercial products such as adhesives,
paint, and the like and more specifically to a container that
includes multiple internal reservoirs that are separated from one
another in a manner that allows the container to store at least two
fluid or viscous materials that differ from one another in their
chemical and physical properties.
[0003] Most containers used for commercial products such as
adhesives or paint include only a single internal reservoir for
holding the contents of a container. When a multi-part adhesive
system or other type of system requiring the sequential mixing of
multiple materials having different chemical and physical
properties (e.g., a resin and its curing agent) are sold
commercially, a separate container is typically required for each
material to prevent premature or unwanted mixing of the materials.
The necessity of multiple, separate containers for such products
add expense and complexity to the packaging process and is often
inconvenient for the users of such products with regard to
transporting and using the products. While certain containers for
storing multiple different materials do exist, these containers are
often expensive to manufacture and lack the aesthetic qualities
that consumers expect with regard to containers traditionally used
for do-it-yourself products (e.g., adhesives) and products for use
with toys and stationery (e.g., paints, liquid glitter, etc.).
Thus, there is an ongoing industrial and commercial need for a
simplistic container that includes multiple, separate, internal
reservoirs for storing at least two fluid or viscous materials that
differ from one another in their chemical and physical properties
and that meets the aesthetic and practical expectations of the
typical consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following provides a summary of certain exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not an
extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical
aspects or elements of the present invention or to delineate its
scope. However, it is to be understood that the use of indefinite
articles in the language used to describe and claim the present
invention is not intended in any way to limit the described system.
Rather the use of "a" or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more".
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
first multi-reservoir container is provided. This multi-reservoir
container comprises a first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir
includes a body having an interior cavity and a first dispensing
aperture in communication (e.g. fluid communication) with the
interior cavity of the first reservoir; and a second reservoir
removably disposed within a portion of the interior cavity of the
first reservoir, wherein the second reservoir includes a body
having an interior cavity and a cap that engages the first
dispensing aperture in a sealable manner, and wherein the cap
further includes a sealable second dispensing aperture in
communication (e.g. fluid communication) with the interior cavity
of the second reservoir.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a second multi-reservoir container is provided. This
multi-reservoir container comprises a first reservoir, wherein the
first reservoir includes a body having an interior cavity and a
first dispensing aperture in communication (e.g. fluid
communication) with the interior cavity of the first reservoir; and
a second reservoir removably disposed within a portion of the
interior cavity of the first reservoir, wherein the second
reservoir includes a body having an interior cavity; a first cap
formed around the body that engages the first dispensing aperture
in a sealable manner; a second dispensing aperture in communication
(e.g. fluid communication) with the interior cavity of the second
reservoir; and a second cap that engages the second dispensing
aperture in a sealable manner.
[0007] In yet another aspect of this invention, a third
multi-reservoir container is provided. This multi-reservoir
container comprises a first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir
includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity;
a hollow stem located on the exterior surface of the body, wherein
the hollow stem is in communication (e.g. fluid communication) with
the interior cavity of the first reservoir; a second reservoir
removably disposed within a portion of the interior cavity of the
first reservoir, wherein the second reservoir includes a body
having an exterior surface, an interior cavity, a lower portion,
and an upper portion; a first cap located on the upper portion of
the body, wherein the first cap further includes a lower portion
and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion engages the hollow
stem located on the first reservoir in a sealable manner, and
wherein the upper portion further includes a hollow stem in
communication (e.g. fluid communication) with the interior cavity
of the second reservoir; and a second cap, wherein the second cap
engages the hollow stem located on the second reservoir in a
sealable manner.
[0008] Additional features and aspects of the present invention
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading and understanding the following detailed description of the
exemplary embodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled
artisan, further embodiments of the invention are possible without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as
illustrative and not restrictive in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or
more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the
general description given above and detailed description given
below, serve to explain the principles of the invention, and
wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional front view of a multi-reservoir
container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in an
assembled state;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a front view of the multi-reservoir container of
FIG. 1A, wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in an
exploded state;
[0012] FIG. 1C is a front view of the multi-reservoir container of
FIG. 1A, wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in a fully
assembled state;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-reservoir container
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in an exploded
state;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-reservoir container
in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in an exploded
state; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-reservoir container
in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the multi-reservoir container is shown in an exploded
state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now
described with reference to the Figures. Although the following
detailed description contains many specifics for purposes of
illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that many variations and alterations to the following details are
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following
embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of
generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed
invention.
[0017] As previously described, the present invention provides a
multi-reservoir container for use in storing materials that have
different physical and chemical properties while preventing
unwanted mixing or cross-contamination of the materials stored in
the separated reservoirs. Essentially, the present invention
provides a "bottle within a bottle" configuration that meets the
expectations of the typical consumer with regard to ease of use,
aesthetics, and basic functionality. Various embodiments of the
multi-reservoir container of this invention are described in
greater detail below. The described embodiments are provided for
purpose of example and are not intended to be exhaustive in
nature.
[0018] FIG. 1A provides a cross-sectional front view of a
multi-reservoir container in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention, wherein multi-reservoir container 100 is
shown in an assembled state; FIG. 1B is a front view of
multi-reservoir container 100 shown in an exploded state; and FIG.
1C is a front view of multi-reservoir container 100 shown in a
fully assembled state. As shown in these Figures, multi-reservoir
container 100 includes primary reservoir 110, which further
includes body 112 having exemplary dimensions of 30
cm.sup.2.times.10 cm. Body 112 includes an interior cavity for
holding/storing a first dispensable material therein and hollow
stem 114, which in the embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded
and serves as a dispensing aperture. Body 112, which may be
quasi-elliptical in shape, is adapted to receive a portion of
secondary reservoir 120 therein (see FIG. 1A). Secondary reservoir
120 (having exemplary dimensions of 6 cm.sup.2.times.8 cm) includes
cylindrical body 122, which further includes an interior cavity for
holding/storing a second dispensable material therein, and hollow
stem 126, which in the embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded
and which serves as a dispensing aperture. Secondary reservoir 120
also includes first sealing cap 124, which in this exemplary
embodiment is threaded on its interior surface (not shown in the
Figures) for engaging the threads on hollow stem 114 and forming a
seal therewith when tightened. Second sealing cap 130 includes base
132, tapered middle section 134, and tapered upper section 136,
which in some embodiments further includes dispensing tip 138,
through which the material in secondary reservoir 120 may be
dispensed. Although not shown in the Figures, second sealing cap
130 is threaded on its interior surface for engaging the threads on
hollow stem 126 and forming a seal therewith when tightened. In
certain embodiments, second sealing cap 130 engages hollow threaded
stem 126 in a rotational mechanical relationship that permits
material to be dispensed through dispensing tip 138 when second
sealing cap 130 is loosened, but not entirely removed from hollow
threaded stem 126. In certain variants of this embodiment, body 112
is non-transparent (e.g., through coloration, painting, or the
placement of a label) and secondary reservoir 120 is seated within
primary reservoir 110 toward the rear portion of the assembly in a
manner that makes secondary reservoir not visible through body 112.
This relationship between the two reservoirs is intended to enhance
the aesthetics of the entire assembly/construction.
[0019] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a multi-reservoir
container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein multi-reservoir container 200 is shown in an
exploded state. As shown in these Figures, multi-reservoir
container 200 is very similar to multi-reservoir container 100 and
includes primary reservoir 210, which further includes body 212
having exemplary dimensions of 30 cm.sup.2.times.10 cm. Body 212
includes an interior cavity for holding/storing a first dispensable
material therein and hollow stem 214, which in the embodiment shown
in the Figures is threaded and serves as a dispensing aperture.
Body 212, which may be flattened or quasi-elliptical in shape and
which includes multiple contoured regions 216, is adapted to
receive a portion of secondary reservoir 220 therein (in a manner
similar to what is shown in FIG. 1A). Secondary reservoir 220
(having exemplary dimensions of 4.5 cm.sup.2.times.6 cm) includes
cylindrical body 222, which further includes an interior cavity for
holding/storing a second dispensable material therein, and hollow
stem 226, which in the embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded
and which serves as a dispensing aperture. Secondary reservoir 220
also includes first sealing cap 224, which in this exemplary
embodiment is threaded on its interior surface (not shown in the
Figures) for engaging the threads on hollow stem 214 and forming a
seal therewith when tightened. Second sealing cap 230 includes base
232, tapered middle section 234, and tapered upper section 236,
which in some embodiments further includes dispensing tip 238,
through which the material in secondary reservoir 220 may be
dispensed. Although not shown in the Figure, second sealing cap 230
is threaded on its interior surface for engaging the threads on
hollow stem 226 and forming a seal therewith when tightened. In
certain embodiments, second sealing cap 230 engages hollow threaded
stem 226 in a rotational mechanical relationship that permits
material to be dispensed through dispensing tip 238 when second
sealing cap 230 is loosened, but not entirely removed from hollow
threaded stem 226. In certain variants of this embodiment, body 212
is non-transparent (e.g., through coloration, painting, or the
placement of a label) and secondary reservoir 220 is seated within
primary reservoir 210 toward the rear portion of the assembly in a
manner that makes secondary reservoir not visible through body 212.
This relationship between the two reservoirs is intended to enhance
the aesthetics of the entire assembly/construction.
[0020] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a multi-reservoir
container in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, wherein multi-reservoir container 300 is shown in an
exploded state. As shown in these Figures, multi-reservoir
container 300 includes primary reservoir 310 (having exemplary
dimensions of 40 cm.sup.2.times.6 cm), which further includes body
312. Body 312 includes an interior cavity for holding/storing a
first dispensable material therein and hollow stem 314, which in
the embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded and serves as a
dispensing aperture. Body 312, which may be quasi-elliptical in
shape, is adapted to receive a portion of secondary reservoir 320
therein (in a manner similar to what is shown in FIG. 1A).
Secondary reservoir 320 (having exemplary dimensions of 6
cm.sup.2.times.3 cm) includes cylindrical body 322, which further
includes an interior cavity for holding/storing a second
dispensable material therein, and hollow stem 326, which in the
embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded and which serves as a
dispensing aperture. Secondary reservoir 320 also includes first
sealing cap 324, which in this exemplary embodiment is threaded on
its interior surface (not shown in the Figure) for engaging the
threads on hollow stem 314 and forming a seal therewith when
tightened. Second sealing cap 330 includes base 332 (which is a
plug-like structure for forming a seal with hollow stem 326), lid
324, and pull ring 326, which is used to remove second sealing cap
330 from hollow stem 326 when desired.
[0021] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a multi-reservoir
container in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present
invention, wherein multi-reservoir container 400 is shown in an
exploded state. As shown in these Figures, multi-reservoir
container 400 includes cylindrical primary reservoir 410 (having
exemplary dimensions of 20 cm.sup.2.times.8 cm), which further
includes body 412. Body 412 includes an interior cavity for
holding/storing a first dispensable material therein and hollow
stem 414, which in the embodiment shown in the Figures is threaded
and serves as a dispensing aperture. Secondary reservoir 420
(having exemplary dimensions of 12 cm.sup.2.times.3 cm) includes
cylindrical body 422, which further includes an interior cavity for
holding/storing a second dispensable material therein and sealing
cap 424, which further includes hinged lid 426, which when in the
open position permits material to be dispensed through dispensing
slot 428. Although not visible in the Figure, sealing cap 424
includes threads on its interior surface for engaging the threads
on hollow stem 414 and forming a seal therewith when tightened.
[0022] In all embodiments of this invention, the relative sizes,
dimensions, and shapes of the two reservoirs may be changed or
altered based on specific design considerations or on intended uses
for the invention. For example, different shapes and configurations
of the two reservoirs may differ based on their use with chemical
reagents, cosmetics, food products, adhesives, paint, or other
materials. For example, the outer diameter of the secondary
reservoir may be 10-90% of the inner diameter of the primary
reservoir. Likewise, the length of the secondary reservoir may be
10-90% the length (or height) of the primary reservoir. The primary
reservoir may be made of the same material as the secondary
reservoir or the materials may differ. For example, both the
primary and secondary reservoirs may be manufactured using
polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC); polypropylene (PP); or
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blow/injection molding methods.
The primary reservoir may also be made using materials such as
glass, ceramic and metal using blow/injection molding, firing, and
fusion casting methods. The body of the primary reservoir may be
rigid or non-rigid and the body of the secondary reservoir may be
rigid or non-rigid. The two reservoirs may be the same color or
opacity, or they may differ. The exterior surfaces of both
reservoirs may include printed, embossed, or molded information
such as logos, trademarks, material composition, or other
information.
[0023] In most or all embodiments of the present invention, the
multi-reservoir container is used by loosening the first cap from
the stem of the primary reservoir, removing the secondary reservoir
from the primary reservoir, dispensing the contents of the primary
reservoir, removing the second cap (or plug) from the secondary
reservoir (or opening the hinged lid on the second cap) and
dispensing the contents of the secondary reservoir. The caps may be
screw caps or they may be attached to the various stems using a
snap-fit construction, weak adhesive(s), or by other means known to
those having ordinary skill in the art.
[0024] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the
embodiments have been described in certain detail, it is not the
intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
any of the specific details, representative devices and methods,
and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,
departures may be made from such details without departing from the
spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *