Patent Application
20150225138
Containers include mechanisms to access contents stored in the containers. These mechanisms can cause an opening to be formed in the container. In situations where the container is storing a liquid, the liquid can be poured from the opening. Additionally, when the container is a beverage container, an individual can drink the beverage directly from the opening in the container. In some cases, the opening formed in the container can be produced by using a tab attached to the container to puncture a portion of the container. In other instances, the opening can be formed by a device external to the container, such as a device including a sharp edge, a blade, and the like.
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features.
This disclosure is directed to a container having a cover to cover an opening in the container. In some cases, the opening can be formed by puncturing a portion of the beverage container. In these situations, the portion of the beverage container being punctured is often bent down into the beverage container and inaccessible to an individual using the beverage container. Thus, individuals are typically unable to use the punctured portion of the beverage container to reseal the opening in the beverage container. This scenario is often frustrating for an individual using the beverage container because the liquid contained in the beverage container can easily spill causing inconvenience and frustrations for the individual. Additionally, the contents of the beverage container can be contaminated with dust, insects, food, or other debris through the opening and, in some cases, the contents of the beverage container can lose their freshness after being exposed to air through the opening.
In embodiments described herein, a container can include a cover that covers an opening in the container. The cover can be attached to the container to rotate from a first position to a second position to be disposed over the opening in the container. When the cover is in the first position, the opening is at least substantially uncovered, and when the cover is in the second position, the opening is at least substantially covered. In some cases, the cover can be attached to the container, such that the cover can be readily removed from the container with minimal, if any, damage to the container. In other cases, the cover can be attached in a manner, such that the removal of the cover can cause damage to the container. The cover can also include grip features to facilitate the rotation of the cover to disposed over the opening.
By providing a cover that is rotatable to overlay an opening in the container, an individual using the container can avoid contents of the container spilling out of the container. Additionally, individuals can reuse the container after emptying the container. For example, an individual can dispose additional material, such as a fluid or solid object in an empty container through the opening and then cover the opening using the rotatable cover. Thus, individuals can have a more convenient experience with containers produced according to embodiments described herein because spilling content from the containers can be minimized or eliminated. Further, individuals can reduce costs by reusing containers produced according to embodiments described herein. Providing covers for openings of containers can also protect the contents of the container from bugs, debris, dust, or other contaminants. In situations when the container includes a food item, containers having covers according to embodiments described herein can preserve the freshness of the food item. Also, in the case of carbonated beverages, the carbonation of the beverage can be preserved by covering the opening of the container with a rotatable cover according to embodiments described herein.
In some situations, the body 106 and the top portion 108 can be formed from substantially similar materials. In other situations, the body 106 and the top portion 108 can be formed from different materials. In an illustrative example, the body 106, the top portion 108, or both can include a plastic material. In another illustrative example, the body 106, the top portion 108, or both can include a metal material.
Additionally, dimensions of the body 106 and the corresponding dimensions of the top portion can vary depending on the application for which the container 100 is being used. For example, the body 106 can have a length that is included in a range of about 4 cm to about 15 cm. In another example, the body 106 can have a length that is included in a range of about 15 cm to about 40 cm. In still other examples, the body 106 can have a length that is included in a range of about 25 cm to about 60 cm. In further examples, the body 106 can have a length that is included in range of about 50 cm to about 110 cm.
Further, the body 106 can have a width that is included in a range of about 4 cm to about 15 cm. In another example, the body 106 can have a width that is included in a range of about 15 cm to about 40 cm. In still other examples, the body 106 can have a width that is included in a range of about 25 cm to about 60 cm. In additional examples, the body 106 can have a width that is included in range of about 50 cm to about 110 cm.
Also, the body 106 can have a height that is included in a range of about 4 cm to about 15 cm. In another example, the body 106 can have a height that is included in a range of about 15 cm to about 40 cm. In still other examples, the body 106 can have a height that is included in a range of about 25 cm to about 60 cm. In further examples, the body 106 can have a height included in a range of about 50 cm to about 110 cm.
When the body 106 has a circular shape, the body 106 can have a diameter included in a range of about 4 cm to about 10 cm. In addition, the body 106 can have a diameter included in a range of about 8 cm to about 20 cm. In some embodiments, the body 106 can have a diameter included in a range of about 18 cm to about 50 cm. In still other embodiments, the body 106 can have a diameter included in a range of about 40 cm to about 100 cm.
The opening 104 can have dimensions of various magnitudes. For example, when the opening 104 has an ellipse shape, the opening 104 can have a major axis included in a range of about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm. In another example, the opening 104 can have a major axis included in a range of about 4 cm to about 15 cm. In still other examples, the opening 104 can have a major axis included in a range of about 12 cm to about 30 cm. Further, the when the opening 104 has an ellipse shape, the opening 104 can have minor axis included in a range of about 0.2 cm to about 4 cm. In other embodiments, the opening 104 can have a minor axis included in a range of about 3 cm to about 8 cm. Additionally, the opening 104 can have a minor axis included in a range of about 7 cm to about 20 cm.
In examples, when the opening 104 has a circular shape, the opening can have a diameter included in a range of about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm. Additionally, the opening 104 can have a diameter included in a range of about 3 cm to about 10 cm. Furthermore, the opening 104 can have a diameter included in a range of about 8 cm to about 25 cm.
In situations when the opening 104 has a square or rectangular shape, the opening 104 can have a width, a length, or both included in a range of about 0.5 cm to about 7 cm. In addition, the opening 104 can have a width, a length, or both included in a range of about 3 cm to about 15 cm. Further, the opening 104 can have a width, a length, or both included in a range of about 12 cm to about 30 cm.
In some embodiments, the cover 102 can have dimensions similar to those of the opening 104. For example, the cover 102 can have dimensions that are larger than those of the opening 104 such that when the cover 102 is slid over the opening 104, a portion of the cover 102 is disposed over the opening 104 and another portion of the cover 102 rests on the top portion 108. In other examples, the cover can have dimensions such that when the cover 102 is slid over the opening 104, the cover 102 is disposed within the opening 104 and forms at least a partial seal with the top portion 108. In illustrative embodiments, the cover 102 can have dimensions with values that are at least about 95% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104, at least about 99% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104, at least about 100% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104, at least about 101% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104, at least about 102% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104, or at least about 105% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the values of the dimensions of the cover 102 are included in a range of about 97% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104 to about 103% of the values of the dimensions of the opening 104.
The cover 102 can be coupled to the top portion via a coupling member 110 and an attachment member 112. In some embodiments, the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 can be formed from a unitary piece of material. In other situations, the cover 102 can be attached to the coupling member 110 using a mechanical process or a chemical process, such as welding. In various embodiments, the attachment member 112 can be a rivet that attaches the coupling member 110 to the top portion 108. In other scenarios, the attachment member 112 can be a weld. Additionally, the coupling member 110 can be removably attached to the attachment member 112. In one example, the coupling member 110 can include a forked region to clamp to the attachment member 112. In another example, the attachment member 112 can include a pin with a head, where the head holds the coupling member 110 against the top portion 108. In these instances, the pin can be removed from the top portion and the coupling member 110 can then be disengaged from the top portion 108.
The coupling member 110 can rotate around the attachment member 112. For example, the coupling member 110 can rotate around the attachment member 112 in a direction 114. The coupling member 110 can rotate around the attachment member 112 in the direction 114 until the cover 102 covers the opening 104. As the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 move in the direction 114, the portions of the cover 102, portions of the coupling member 110, or portions of both the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 can be in contact with the top portion 108. In other situations, as the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 move in the direction 114, the portions of the cover 102, portions of the coupling member 110, or portions of both the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 can move above the top portion 108 and not contact the top portion 108. Further, in some cases, when not in motion, at least a portion of the cover 102 and at least a portion of the coupling member 110 can rest on the top portion 108 and contact the top portion 108. In various embodiments, the cover 102 and the coupling member 110 can rest above the top portion 108 without contacting the top portion 108.
In some cases, a first side of the cover 102 that covers the opening 104 (i.e., the bottom side in
Although, the cover 102 illustrated in
The beverage container 200 includes a unitary body 206 having a top portion 208. The body 206 can form a cavity that holds contents of the beverage container. The opening 204 is formed in the top portion 208 and provides access to a beverage in the beverage container 200. The beverage container 200 can also include a tab 210. The tab 210 can be movable to cause a portion of the top portion 208 to bend into the cavity formed by the body 206 and form the opening 204. In an illustrative embodiment, the tab 210 can be bent in a forward direction to form the opening 204 and then bent in a backward position toward an originating location for the tab 210. In some instances, the tab 210 can be removed from the top portion 208 by bending the tab 210 a number of times sufficient to cause the connection between the tab 210 and the top portion 208 to fail. The tab 210 can be coupled to the top portion 208 via a suitable mechanism. For example, the tab 210 can be coupled to the top portion 208 via a rivet or a weld.
In some embodiments, the tab 210 can be formed from one or more materials that are the same or similar to one or more materials used to form the body 206. In other embodiments, the tab 210 can be from one or more materials that are different from one or more materials used to form the body 206. In an illustrative example, the tab 210 can include aluminum. In another illustrative example, the tab 210 can include an alloy of aluminum.
In some cases, the cover 202 can be coupled to the top portion 208 using a coupling member 212. In various embodiments, the coupling member 212 can be rotatably attached to the top portion 208. In a particular embodiment, the coupling member 212 can be rotatably attached to the top portion 208 via the tab 210. The coupling member 212 and the cover 202 can be formed from a unitary piece of material in some cases, while in others, the coupling member 212 and the cover 202 can be separate pieces. The coupling member 212 can rotate around an axis such that the cover 202 can move in a direction 214 to rest over the opening 204. After placing the cover 202 over the opening, the coupling member 212 can be moved further in the direction 214 or in a direction opposite the direction 214 to at least partially expose the opening 204. In some embodiments, while the coupling member 212 is being rotated, the tab 210 remains in a substantially fixed position. To illustrate, in some cases, the tab 210 does not move along the direction 214 as the coupling member 212 moves along the direction 214.
The beverage container 200 can have suitable dimensions similar to those described with respect to the container 100 of
This disclosure provides various example embodiments, as described and as illustrated in the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but can extend to other embodiments, as would be known or as would become known to those skilled in the art. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “this embodiment,” “these embodiments” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment, and the appearances of these phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/866,300, filed Oct. 3, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61886300 | Oct 2013 | US |
