TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for the storage, insulation, and dispensing of beverages from bladder type containers such as plastic bags comprising a dispensing tap.
BACKGROUND
The use of pliable bags or bladder type containers is common for the use of beverages which are sold in retail environments, as well as for the use with hydration such as used in backpacks designed for use for hiking, running, and other outdoor recreation.
For instance, wine is commonly sold in retail settings wherein the wine is contained in a plastic bladder which is placed in a box, wherein the box provides benefits for shipping, stacking, as well as providing surfaces for branding. While the benefits of the box are multiple, users commonly remove the bag from within the box for purposes of portability. However, handling and transporting of a plastic bladder is cumbersome and may result in the dropping of the bladder and risking rupturing the bladder. Furthermore, the bladder offers little insulative value at detriment to the storage of the contents of the bladder and potentially the enjoyment of those seeking to enjoy the beverage.
Accordingly, there is an identified need for an apparatus and system for transporting, storing, insulating, and dispensing beverages contained within a pliable bladder.
SUMMARY
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a carrying apparatus for transporting a beverage containing bladder wherein the carrying apparatus provides handles or alternate means for carrying the bladder while maintaining control of the bladder to prevent accidental droppage and potential rupture of the bladder. For instance, a carrying apparatus resembling a tote back with a top aspect which is configured to open and seal closed provides a secure manner with which a user can transport a bladder containing a beverage. As used herein, a “bladder” refers to a bag-like apparatus configured to hold a liquid therein which typically comprises a pliable outer surface, and typically comprises a dispensing tap. Examples of taps include those found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,377 to Roos (“the '377 patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,981 to Roos (“the '981 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,119 to Erb (“the '119 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,157 to Erb (“the '157 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,925 to Erb (“the '925 Patent”), and U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,743 to Bellmore (“Bellmore”)—each of the forementioned references are incorporated in their entirety by reference for all purposes.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to allow the use of an existing tap interconnected to a bladder. The present disclosure provides a port wherethrough the existing tap interconnected to a bladder can be pulled through from the internal aspect of the carrying apparatus, secured, and removed as desired without damage to the tap or carrying apparatus. A bladder as discussed herein may have a tap interconnected directly to the bladder, or alternatively may comprise a hose having a first end interconnected with the bladder, and a tap interconnected with the second end of the hose. Furthermore, embodiments comprising a bladder configured to be refilled through an alternate opening in the bladder, such as found in U.S. Pat. No. 11,279,536 to Ehyai, et al. (“Ehyai”); U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,196 to Lojkutz et al. (“Lojkutz”); U.S. Pat. No. 10,051,946 to Lyon et al. (“Lyon”); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,220,334 to Dodgen (“Dodgen”)—each of the forementioned references are incorporated in their entirety by reference for all purposes.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a cover for the tap of a bladder. The cover for the tap of the bladder serves multiple purposes. One purpose of the cover is to provide protection to prevent the soiling of the tap when in close contact with the ground such as when used in a picnic setting. A further purpose of the cover is to prevent the leakage of the tap when transporting the carrying apparatus when carrying a beverage therein. For instance, when transporting a bladder which contains red wine, the cover prevents any wine that may leak through from coming in contact with surfaces such as textiles to prevent staining. Further still, in one or more embodiments a cover comprises a cup shape wherein a user can remove the cover for use as a cup for drinking therefrom.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to allow the interconnection of the cover to an external aspect of the carrying apparatus to prevent the soiling of the cover when disconnected from the carrying apparatus. While the cover can be placed within the internal volume of the carrying apparatus, it may be desired and more convenient to interconnect the cover to the external aspect of the carrying apparatus. The interconnection of the cover to the external aspect can be achieved through any of a number of interconnection strategies including, but not limited to, magnets, a hooked connection, the use of carabiners, snap rings, snap hooks, or other interconnection strategies. Certain existing technologies provide a flexible flap of fabric as a means to cover a tap. Such technologies require the tap to be pulled out after uncovering, pushing the tap back into the internal volume after use, and offer little leak protection. It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a cap, referred to as a recess cover in one or more embodiments, which provides increased leak protection, and does not require a user to pull the tap outward or push it inward for use or storage.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a compartment within the carrying apparatus wherein desired objects such as keys, cooling packs, and other objects can be placed within the carrying apparatus without impeding or risking damage to the bladder held therein.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for transporting a beverage in a manner which is scalable in relation to the volume of beverage transported, or remaining. The structure of one or more embodiments of an apparatus of the present disclosure is constructed of a flexible sheet material wherein the apparatus is collapsible. When a bladder is placed within the apparatus, as the beverage contained within a bladder is depleted, the apparatus is collapsible around the bladder. When the beverage is completely depleted, the apparatus, with the bladder held therein, can be packed away in a flattened configuration. This is advantageous for use in recreation such as on camping trips, overnight rafting trips, and the like wherein space and volume is limited and is at a premium.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for transporting a bladder is configured to comprise a low center of mass, which is below one-half of the height of the apparatus. A lower center of gravity mitigates the possibility of tipping and allows for the use of the apparatus both on level surfaces, such as a table, and on uneven surface, such as the ground.
It is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a system for transporting a beverage of choice in a manner which provides increased control, extended time at a desired temperature, and ease of transportation.
It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a system for the refilling, carrying, and dispensing of a beverage within a beverage container such as a bladder with a tap. In one or more embodiments a system includes an apparatus for refilling a bladder with a tap wherein the beverage is poured through the tap of the bladder to fill the bladder. The ability to refill a bladder allows the reuse of bladders, including those that are sold prefilled with beverages such as wine as sold in boxed wine. The ability to refill a bladder, which also provides the benefit of cleaning the bladder, allows the reuse of the bladder to reduce the amount of plastic entering the waste stream and reducing the impact of single-use plastics on waste streams.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the disclosures contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the disclosure are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1—A perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a carrying apparatus
FIG. 2—A perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a bladder with a tap
FIG. 3A—A front view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a carrying apparatus
FIG. 3B—A section view of the carrying apparatus shown in FIG. 3A
FIG. 4—A side view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a carrying apparatus
FIG. 5—An exploded perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a carrying apparatus
FIG. 6A—A front view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 6B—A side view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 6C—A perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 7A—A front view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess cover for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 7B—A side view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess cover for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 7C—A perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a recess cover for interconnection with a carrying apparatus
FIG. 8—A perspective exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a system for refilling a bladder with a tap
FIG. 9—A perspective exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a system for refilling a bladder with a tap
FIG. 10A—A perspective exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a first flange with a recess, and a recess cover
FIG. 10B—A side exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a flange with a recess, and a recess cover
FIG. 10C—A side assembled view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a flange with a recess, and a recess cover, wherein the recess cover is un an unlocked configuration
FIG. 10D—A side assembled view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a flange with a recess, and a recess cover, wherein the recess cover is un a locked configuration
FIG. 11A—A side assembled view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a first flange, and a second flange, with an outer shell disposed therebetween, and a recess cover interconnected to the first flange
FIG. 11B—A perspective exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a first flange, and a second flange, and a recess cover
FIG. 11C—A side exploded view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a first flange, and a second flange, and a recess cover
FIG. 12A—A side view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a flange in a collapsed configuration, wherein the sidewalls comprise a flexible structure
FIG. 12B—A side view of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a flange in an extended configuration, wherein the sidewalls comprise a flexible structure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 3B for example, comprise a carrying apparatus 1000 for the transport and dispensing of a beverage contained within a bladder 2000 wherein the bladder comprises a tap 2100 for dispensing located at a bottom aspect 2020 of the bladder. The carrying apparatus 1000 comprises a flexible outer shell 1050 comprising a flexible sheet material, wherein the carrying apparatus 1000 comprises a closed form with a top aspect 1010 optionally comprising an opening 1015 which is optionally resealable. In one or more embodiments the outer shell 1050 comprises an external surface 1055 impermeable by air and water (e.g. waterproof), however embodiments are not limited thereto. Flexible sheet materials comprising polymeric materials, textiles, textiles treated with a polymeric coating, rubbers, and other material compositions are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The outer shell 1050 comprises an external surface 1055, and an internal surface 1060, wherein the internal surface 1060 defines an internal volume 1070. While embodiments herein describe a carrying apparatus for a bladder 2000 for containing and dispensing a beverage, alternate embodiments configured to carry alternate types of beverage container or dispensers are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments the outer shell is constructed of a waterproof material wherein seams are connected and sealed through methods such as radio frequency welding, and/or seam taping (e.g. sealing seams with polyurethane based tape).
In one or more embodiments the internal surface 1060 of the outer shell comprises an insulative layer 1080 configured to insulate beverages and other objects placed within the internal volume of the carrying apparatus. An insulative layer 1080 as referred to herein surrounds materials which slow the transference of heat energy between the internal volume and the surrounding environment around the carrying apparatus, thereby allowing a user to maintain the internal volume of the carrying apparatus at a desired temperature. Embodiments surrounding insulative layers 1080 comprising layers such as urethane foams, bubble-wrap, bubble-wrap faced with a foil, and other insulative layers are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments the outer shell 1050 comprises a flat bottom aspect 1020 configured to resting on a surface such as a table or a ground surface. The outer shell further comprises an opening 1015 proximal to a top aspect 1010 of the carrying apparatus wherethrough a bladder 2000 can be placed within the carrying apparatus 1000. While embodiments described herein surround a carrying apparatus 1000 with an open top aspect 1010, alternate embodiments comprising an open aspect on a side aspect, bottom aspect, or other locations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 for example, a carrying apparatus 1000 comprises a form which mitigates tipping by providing a form with a center of mass 1005 lower than half the height 1091 of the carrying apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the carrying apparatus comprises a wedge form or other tapering form with a flat bottom aspect 1020, and a top aspect 1010 comprising a width 1011 which is narrower than the width 1021 bottom aspect. While embodiments shown herein comprise a wedge-shaped carrying apparatus, alternate forms a carrying apparatus are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while it is an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a carrying apparatus which comprises a center of mass 1005 which is lower than half the height 1091 of the carrying apparatus, embodiments comprising a carrying apparatus with a center of mass 1005 at half the height 1091 or above half the height 1091 of the carrying apparatus are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments comprising a wedge-shaped outer shell, a sloped first side 1030 and a sloped second side 1040 interconnect with a flat bottom aspect, and the sides extend upward wherein they are configured to intersect with each other at a top aspect 1010 of the outer shell vertically above the bottom aspect 1020 of the outer shell. Embodiments as shown in FIG. 3A in which all sides of the carrying apparatus are sloped inward are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4-FIG. 5 for example, a carrying apparatus comprising an open aspect 1015 comprises a closure mechanism 3000 configured to close the open aspect. In one or more embodiments the closure mechanism 3000 comprises a zipper configured to close the open aspect by interconnecting the top aspect of the sloped first side and the sloped second side to each other. In one or more embodiments the closure mechanism comprises a waterproof seal (e.g. waterproof zipper). While embodiments described herein comprise a zipper, alternate embodiments comprising closure mechanisms such as hook-and-loop, button snaps, magnets, a fold-down closure mechanism, or other closure mechanisms are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 for instance, a carrying apparatus comprises at least one handle 3100 for use in carrying the carrying apparatus. Embodiments comprising a strap-like handle 3100 are shown herein, however alternate embodiments comprise alternate handle forms are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, a handle 3100 comprises an aperture extending through a first side and a second side of the carrying apparatus wherethrough a user can insert a portion of their hand to grasp the carrying apparatus for transport.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 for example, a recess cover comprises a first magnetic element (e.g. magnet 5100) on a bottom aspect 5020. The recess cover 5000 of one or more embodiments comprises a cylindrical shape (e.g. resembling a cup), but is not limited thereto. The magnet 5100 is configured to allow the interconnection of the recess cover 5000 to the outer shell 1050 of the carrying apparatus. The carrying apparatus comprises a magnetic element (e.g. magnetic material 5200) such as steel, cobalt, or nickel wherein the magnet 5100 of the recess cover is configured to interconnect with the magnetic material 5200. Alternative embodiments wherein a second magnet 5100′ is interconnected with the carrying apparatus rather than a magnetic material 5200, or wherein the bottom aspect 5020 of the recess cover comprises a magnetic material 5200 and the carrying apparatus comprises a magnet 5100 are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6C for example, a carrying apparatus 1000 comprises a recess 4000 located proximal to a bottom aspect 1020 of the carrying apparatus. The bottom 4020 of the recess comprises an aperture 4030 therethrough wherein the aperture 4030 extends inward into the internal volume 1070. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 6A for instance, the bottom 420 of the recess comprises a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The bottom 4020 of the recess further comprises slits 4050 which extend radially outward from the aperture 4030 wherein the slits define tabs 4040. The tabs 4040 are adapted for flexibly deflecting inward or outward. The slits 4050 and tabs 4040 enable a user to push the tap 2100 of a bladder 2000 therethrough wherein a bladder 2000 contained within the internal volume 1070 can be dispensed from the tap 2100 which extends from the internal volume 1070 out though the aperture 4030 of the recess.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B for instance, the recess 4000 is incorporated with a flange 4060 adapted for attaching to the outer shell 1050 (e.g. through fastening strategies such as sewing, chemical bonding, radio frequency welding, or mechanical interconnection such as with threaded fasteners or rivets). In one or more embodiments it may be desired that recess 4000 interconnects with the outer shell 1050 in a manner similar to a bulkhead fitting. In one or more embodiments the flange 4060 comprises a generally round shape such as a circle. In one or more embodiments the flange 4060 comprises a flat segment 4065 along the perimeter of the shape such as found with a chord of a circle. The flat segment 4065 of the flange is configured to be oriented downward toward the bottom aspect 1020 of the outer shell wherein the flat segment 4065 allows the interconnection of the flange 4060, and resultantly the recess 4000, closer to the bottom aspect 1020 of the outer shell, and thereby provides a better orientation for the dispensing of the beverage contained within the bladder 2000.
In one or more embodiments, shown in FIG. 6A-FIG. 7C for instance, a carrying apparatus further comprises a recess cover 5000 which is configured to interconnect with or proximally to the recess 4000 to cover the recess and protect the recess, any tap 2100 inserted within the recess, and the internal volume 1070 from debris, moisture, or insects from entering through the recess or coming in contact with the tap. In one or more embodiments, the recess cover 5000 is configured to interconnect with the sidewalls 4070 of the recess wherein sidewalls 4070 comprise threaded features 4075, and an outer surface 5070 of the recess cover comprises threaded features 5075 configured to intermesh with the threaded features 4075 of the recess. In one or more embodiments the recess cover 5000 comprises a hollow form with an open first end 5010 and a bottom aspect 5020, wherein the recess cover 5000 is adapted for containing a liquid therein. The recess cover 5000 is configured to receive and hold a liquid therein for use as a vessel for containing a beverage for drinking. In one or more embodiments, the recess cover further comprises a textured surface 5060 configured for providing a user increased grip. While embodiments described and illustrated herein surround a recess cover comprising male threads configured to interconnect with a recess comprising female threads, alternate embodiments comprising a recess cover with female threads configured to interconnect with male threads of a flange, wherein the sidewalls 4070 of the recess extend outward, are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments comprising a recess cover 5000 configured to interconnect with the recess 4000 and/or the flange 4060, wherein the recess cover 5000 is configured to be flush with the outer shell 1050 are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further still, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure optionally includes a living hinge, tether, or other method of attachment to retain the recess cover 5000 to the flange 4060 and or the recess 4000.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 8 for instance, comprise a system for the use of a bladder with a carrying apparatus for the transportation and dispensing of a beverage held within the bladder. In one or more embodiments the system comprises a refilling device 6000 adapted for refilling an existing bladder 2000 with a tap 2100, by filling the bladder through the tap. The top aspect 6010 is configured to interconnect with the spout 2150, and the bottom aspect 6020 is configured to interconnect with funnel 6300, wherein the funnel 6300. In one or more embodiments a clamping mechanism 6200 allows a user to further secure the system of the tap 2100, the refilling device 6000, and the funnel 6300 together. In one or more embodiments, a tap comprises an actuating mechanism 2200 such as a button, plunger, rotative element, or lever to open a valve to allow the controlled dispensing of the beverage within the bladder and through a spout. The tap typically defaults to a closed position through a sprung mechanism after dispensing and the actuating mechanism 2200 is released, and wherein the tap seals to prevent leakage. The refilling device comprises an actuator 6100 for holding down the actuating mechanism 2200. As shown, the refilling apparatus comprises an actuator 6100 comprising elastic bands configured to maintain the tap in an open configuration, however actuators 6100 are not limited thereto.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a funnel 6300 adapted for interconnecting with the spout 2150 of the tap wherein the funnel 6300 is interconnected to the spout 2150 and allows a user to manually actuate the spout 2150 to open the valve and allow the user to pour a beverage into the funnel 6300 and through the spout 2150. When the filling process is complete, the user releases the actuating mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the funnel 6300 is collapsible to allow convenient storage and transportation of the funnel.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a refilling device 6400 which is configured to interconnect to the tap 2100 wherein a protuberance 6430 is configured to extend into the spout 2150 and hold the valve of the tap 2100 in an open configuration. In one or more embodiments the actuating device 6400 comprises a first part 6401 and a second part 6402 as shown which is configured to clamp around the tap 2100. The funnel 6300 is configured to interconnect to the actuating device 6400 wherein a liquid or beverage poured into the funnel 6300 flows past the protuberance 6430 and through the valve, which is held in the open configuration, and into the bladder.
As shown in FIG. 10A-FIG. 10B for instance, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a flange 4060 wherein the flange comprises a recess 4000 wherein the sidewalls 4070 of the recess comprise one or more keyways 4080 which are configured to receive and interconnect with one or more keys 5080 of the recess cover. As shown, the keyways 4080 of one or more embodiments comprises channels, and the keys 5080 of the recess cover comprise protuberances which extend radially outward from an outer surface 5070 of the recess cover. Accordingly the recess cover 5000 is configured to interconnect with the flange 4060 in a bayonet style mounting. Furthermore, embodiments wherein the recess cover 5000 comprises keys and the flange 4060 comprises keyways are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As shown for instance in FIG. 10A-10D, the recess cover 5000 is interconnected to the flange 4060 by indexing the keys with the keyways as the recess cover 5000 is inserted into the recess, wherein the rotation of the recess cover 5000 in a first direction 5041 places the recess cover lock in a locked configuration (FIG. 10D). Further, the rotation of the recess cover 5000 in a second direction 5042 places the recess cover 5000 in an unlocked configuration (FIG. 10C), thus permitting the separation of the recess cover from the flange 4060.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a flange 4060 and recess cover 5000 configured to interconnect by way of a press-fit. For instance, if the sidewalls 4070 of the recess comprise a taper wherein the sidewalls taper inward toward the bottom 4020 of the recess, the recess cover 5000 is optionally comprises a form adapted to be press fit into the recess. While some particularities of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed regarding the interconnection of the recess cover 5000 to the recess 4000, attachment features of the recess cover 5000 to the recess 4000 are not limited thereto. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6A-FIG. 7C for instance, the recess cover 5000 optionally interconnects with the recess 4000 with one or more magnets. For instance, if the sidewalls of the recess 4070 comprise a first magnetic element (e.g. in place of threaded features 4075) and the first end 5010 of the recess cover comprise a second magnetic element (e.g. in place of threaded features 5075), the alignment of the recess cover 5000 with the recess 4000 would result in the interconnection of the recess cover 5000 with the recess through magnetic attraction. In one or more embodiments the recess comprises one or more magnets configured to interconnect with one or more magnetic elements of the recess cover. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments the recess cover comprises one or more magnets configured to interconnect with one or more magnetic elements of the recess.
As shown in FIG. 11A-FIG. 11C, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a first flange (e.g. outer flange 4060) configured to align with and interconnect with a second flange (e.g. inner flange 4061) through an aperture 1051 in the outer shell, wherein the outer shell is disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The inner flange 4061 of one or more embodiments comprises an aperture 4031 which is configured to align with the aperture 4030 of the outer flange 4060. The outer flange 4060, inner flange 4061, and outer shell 1050 are optionally interconnected through strategies including, but not limited to, sewing, chemical bonding, radio frequency welding, or mechanical interconnection such as with threaded fasteners or rivets.
As illustrated in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a flange 4060 comprising a recess 4000 wherein the recess comprises flexible sidewalls 4070 wherein the recess 4000 is adapted to be extended outward. Accordingly, the bottom 4020 of the recess is configured to extend into the internal volume 1070 (FIG. 3B) of the outer shell in a collapsed configuration (see FIG. 12A), and the bottom 4020 of the recess is configured to extend outward from the outer shell 1050 in an extended configuration (see FIG. 12B). In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B for instance, the sidewalls 4070 of the recess comprises a bellowed structure adapted for collapsing and extending.
While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the disclosures described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
Patent Application
20240245180
