U.S. patent application number 16/892609 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-31 for modular stacking container system.
The applicant listed for this patent is humangear, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott D. COOK, Kevin J. KILPATRICK, Christopher A. MIKSOVSKY, Steven R. TAKAYAMA.
Application Number | 20200407112 16/892609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005005903 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200407112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIKSOVSKY; Christopher A. ;
et al. |
December 31, 2020 |
MODULAR STACKING CONTAINER SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular, stackable, interlocking container system including a
number of stackable containers having the same diameter. Each
container includes a jar and a lid. The jars and lids both have
ribs spaced 180 degrees apart on side surfaces to serve as
alignment and tightening indicators. The lids and jars also have a
detent feature for interlocking containers together with both
tactile and feedback to the user. The container system also has a
handle that can interlock with a lid of any of the containers in
the system.
Inventors: |
MIKSOVSKY; Christopher A.;
(San Francisco, CA) ; TAKAYAMA; Steven R.;
(Atherton, CA) ; KILPATRICK; Kevin J.; (Mountain
View, CA) ; COOK; Scott D.; (Oakland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
humangear, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005005903 |
Appl. No.: |
16/892609 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62866327 |
Jun 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0231 20130101;
B65D 21/022 20130101; B65D 53/02 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 25/2826 20130101; B65D 2543/00972 20130101; B65D
2543/00527 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 25/28 20060101 B65D025/28; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02; B65D 53/02 20060101 B65D053/02 |
Claims
1. A modular, stackable, interlocking container system, comprising:
at least one container comprising a jar and a lid, wherein a first
pair of ribs is spaced 180 degrees apart on a side surface of the
jar and a second pair of ribs is spaced 180 degrees apart on a side
surface of the lid, wherein the first pair of ribs and the second
pair of ribs are aligned when the lid is fully interlocked with the
jar; and a handle configured to engage and interlock with the
container.
2. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises: a disk-shaped base; and a
horizontal grabbing portion; a first upright portion connecting the
horizontal grabbing portion and the base; and a second upright
portion connecting the horizontal grabbing portion and the base,
wherein the second upright portion includes a hook and loop,
wherein the hook can be inserted into the loop to close the handle
and wherein the hook can be unhooked from the loop to open the
handle.
3. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, comprising at least two containers wherein each of the
at least two containers has a same diameter.
4. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, wherein the at least one container comprises an
integrated o-ring seal.
5. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, wherein the jar and the lid can be fully interlocked by
rotating the lid 180 degrees relative to the jar.
6. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, comprising at least two containers, wherein each lid
comprises a raised oval on its top surface and each jar comprises
two C-shaped features into which the raised oval can register when
the lid is rotated relative to the jar when the jar is over the
lid.
7. The modular, stackable, interlocking container system as recited
in claim 1, wherein each C-shaped feature comprises a ramp along
which the raised oval can slide.
8. A stackable container system, comprising: at least two
containers, wherein each container comprises a jar and a lid,
wherein each lid comprises a raised oval on its top surface and
each jar comprises two C-shaped features into which the raised oval
can register when the lid is rotated relative to the jar when the
jar is over the lid; and a handle configured to engage and
interlock with the container.
9. The stackable container system, wherein the handle is configured
to serve as a clip.
Description
CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/866,327, filed on Jun. 25, 2019, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers. More
particularly, the invention relates to a modular stacking container
system that may be suitable for transport.
[0003] Containers are used to store a variety of items, including
food, liquid, money, craft supplies, trinkets, knick knacks, etc.
Sometimes it can be useful to have several individual containers to
keep things separated. For example, one container can be used to
store a drink while another container can be used to store
food.
[0004] Although having separate individual containers can work,
sometimes there is a need to carry separate containers together.
There are continuing efforts to develop new container systems that
provide not only improved function and convenience but are also
suitable for transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The invention, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular stacking container
system in accordance with an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a container and a
handle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2B is an exploded bottom perspective view of the
container and handle shown in FIG. 2A.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a container in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of
the container shown in FIG. 3A.
[0011] FIG. 3C is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the jar
of the container shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0012] FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the embodiment of the lid of
the container shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0013] FIG. 3E is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
the container shown in FIG. 3A.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a container in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
handle shown in FIG. 4A with the hook released from the hole.
[0016] FIG. 4C is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the
handle shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0017] FIG. 4D is a side cross-sectional view of the handle
interlocked with a lid in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present invention relates generally to a stackable
container system.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-4D, embodiments of a modular,
stackable, interlocking container system will be described herein.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular stacking
container system 100. The modular stacking container system 100
includes at least two stackable containers 110 and a handle 120 for
carrying the container system 100. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1
includes four containers 110. The containers 110 are suitable for
storing a variety of items, such as dry goods, snacks, liquids,
vitamins, coins, hardware, knick-knacks, etc. The containers 110
can be stacked vertically for convenient storage and transport, as
described in more detail below.
[0020] Within each container system 100, the containers 110 can be
of varying sizes (i.e., heights), as shown in FIG. 1. The
containers 110 can be stacked in any order as each container 110 is
capable of being stacked on top of and secured to another container
110. However, within each container system 100, the containers 110
all have the same diameter to allow stacking and interlocking of
the containers 110. It will be understood that the handle 120 also
has the same diameter as the container 110, and is provided to
facilitate transport of the container system 100.
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of a
container 110 and a handle 120. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each
container 110 includes a jar 112 and a lid 114, which can include
an integrated o-ring seal 116 to allow secure storage of liquids
within the container 110. It will be understood that only one
container 110 with a handle 120 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but
that additional containers 110 can be stacked in a vertical
fashion. The containers 110 within a system 100 can have varying
heights, but will all have the same diameter. FIGS. 3A and 3B are
perspective views of a container 110.
[0022] The lid 114 is secured to the jar portion 112 of the
container 110 by screwing the lid 114 onto the jar portion 112 via
corresponding threaded portions on both the lid 114 and the jar
portion 112. As will be described in more detail below, according
to an embodiment, the top of each lid 114 interfaces with grooves
on the jar portion 112 of the container 100 in a bayonet-style
fitting. A simple half-twist locks a lid 114 to ajar portion
112.
[0023] Each container system 100 has a handle 120 that can connect
to the uppermost lid 114 in the container system 100 to allow a
user to conveniently hold the container system 100. The handle 120
can also serve as a "carabiner" or clip so that the handle 120 (and
container system 100) can be clipped onto a backpack or a purse
loop. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the handle 120 includes two
uprights 122, 123 and a horizontal gripping area 124 to form the
arched portion of the handle. The uprights 122, 123 extend upwards
from a disk-shaped base 126. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of
the uprights 122 of the handle 120 features a break and a
hook/recess snap feature that allow the handle 120 to be bent apart
at that spot. This upright 122 features a split with a hook 127 and
hole 128 feature. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a thumb
pad 135 between the hook 127 and the horizontal gripping area 124.
The handle 120 may be pushed inwards (toward the center of the
handle 120), using a thumb or other object, at this thumb pad 125
to release the hook 127 from the hole 128. The handle 120 may then
be bent up and away from the base 126, creating a gap through which
a user can slide a loop of material (e.g. a fixed loop on a
backpack, purse, etc.). Once something is passed through the gap,
the user presses down on the horizontal gripping area 124 to
re-connect the hook 127 into the loop. The hook feature 127 is
oriented with the hook 127 facing upwards. This means that when the
hook 127 is connected into the opening 128, the weight of the
containers 110 and their contents serve the press the hook 127 into
position and inhibits accidental opening.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the lid 114 and the jar 112 each
have two shallow, vertical ribs 118, 119 that are spaced 180
degrees apart on the side surface, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. The
ribs 118, 119 serve several functions. The ribs 118, 119 aid in the
user having increased grip or purchase on the lid 114 as well as
the jar 112. The ribs 118, 119 also serve as a visual indicator of
alignment of the lid 114 with the jar 112. The ribs 118, 119 are a
visual reference of where threads on the lid 114 and jar 112 begin.
The lid 114 starts threading onto the jar 112 when the ribs 118,
119 are aligned. Thus, the user knows that the most efficient way
to secure the lid 114 to the jar 112 is to align the ribs 118, 119
and then rotate the lid 114 clockwise relative to the jar 112.
[0025] According to an embodiment, when the lid 114 is rotated 180
degrees, it is fully interlocked with the jar 112 and the ribs 118,
119 are again aligned. Thus, the ribs 118, 119 also serve as a
tightening indicator. When the lid 114 is fully tightened onto ajar
112, the ribs 118 of the lid 114 will align with the ribs 119 of
the jar 112. Thus, a user can get a quickly visual check that the
lid 114 is fully tightened and the container 110 is sealed. There
is a hard stop at the end of the tightening action, so the user
cannot over-tighten the lid 114 past the ribs-aligned position. The
uprights 122, 123 of the handle 120 also serve as alignment and
tightening indicators, similar to the ribs 118, 119. In this
embodiment, where a half-twist or 180 degree turn fully interlocks
the lid 114 and the jar 112, the lid 114 and jar 112 each have two
separate "threads." Other configurations are possible. For example,
a 120 degree rotation to fully interlock the lid and the jar would
require three "threads" a rotation of 360 degrees to fully
interlock the lid and jar would require only one thread.
[0026] The lid 114 also has a detent feature 115 that, along with
corresponding features 117 on the bottom surface of the jar 112,
serves to let the user know that the lid 114 is fully rotated into
place on the jar 112 and interlocked with the jar 112. As described
above, the lid 114 is aligned with the jar 112 using the ribs 118,
119 as visual guidance and then rotated 180 degrees to interlock
the lid 114 with the jar 112, with a bayonet fitting. Namely, the
top of each lid 114 has a raised oval feature 115, which could
include an embossed logo, for example. The bottom surface of each
jar 112 has two embossed "C"-shaped forms 117. Similarly, the
bottom surface of the handle 120 also has two embossed "C"-shaped
forms 117. When securing a lid 114 to a jar 112, the user rotates
the lid 114 relative to the jar 112 until the lid 114 can be
pressed flat against the jar 112 (there is about a 45-degree area
where this can happen, otherwise the bayonet features get in the
way). Once the lid 114 is flat against the jar 112, the raised oval
feature 114 will be roughly perpendicular to the two C-shaped lobes
117 on the bottom surface of the jar 112. As the user rotates, the
raised oval feature 115 eventually collides with the C-shaped lobes
117. The C-shaped lobes 117 are ramped such that when the raised
oval feature 115 hits them, the ramps push the raised oval feature
115 inwards (or, away from the container base). In other words,
when the raised oval feature 115 of the lid 114 hits the C-lobes
117, the lid 114 is deflected away from the container base (the lid
114 basically dishes like a contact lens). As the user continues to
rotate the lid 114, eventually the raised oval feature 115 passes
over the C-shaped lobes 117 and then comes to rest in a recess
between the C-shaped lobes 117 sized to accommodate the raised oval
feature 115. In this way, the users gets both tactile feedback (the
friction as the raised oval feature 115 hits the C-shaped lobes 117
and while the lid 114 is being momentarily deformed), and audible
feedback in the form of a "click" when the raised oval feature 115
comes to reset in its final position in the recess between the
C-shaped lobes 117.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the jar 112 has a curved base.
This curved bottom on the exterior of the jar 112 allows the jar
112 to be pushed into a pocket more easily. On the interior of the
jar 112, the curve makes for a more-easily-cleanable container (as
opposed to a jar having a sharp internal corner).
[0028] According to an embodiment, the void between the handle 120
and the lid 114 to which the handle 120 is secured can be used to
fit items, such as utensils (i.e., fork and spoon). Other items,
such as condiment packets, salt and pepper packets, keys, money,
etc., can also be stored in this space. According to an embodiment,
a separate utility tray can fit within this space. This tray can be
fitted with bayonet features. A tray having holes could be used as
a shaker for condiments or a colander. In some embodiment, a light
can be provided on the tray.
[0029] Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it should be appreciated that the invention
may be implemented in many other forms without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. In view of all of the foregoing,
it should be apparent that the present embodiments are illustrative
and not restrictive and the invention is not limited to the details
given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents
of the appended claims.
* * * * *