KITS AND METHODS OF ADAPTING A RECEPTACLE

Abstract

A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The kit comprises at least one wall covering member an inner side sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark thereon, at least one safety catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top, at least one plaything member, and attachment means for attaching the at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle, on top of the at least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods of adapting containers.

In the US, more than 100 million tones of packaging waste is produced every year, most of which is disposed of in landfill sites. Packaging waste is a significant part of the total waste produced. Because of its large volume, packaging waste tends to be very visible. Approximately 70% of primary packaging is used for food and drink which is often discarded in a dirty state and contaminated by residues of the original contents.

An example of a market which produces a substantial amount of packaging waste is the infant formula market. For example, in the US alone, about 70 million infant formula cans are sold every year.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The kit comprises at least one wall covering member an inner side sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark thereon, at least one safety catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top, at least one plaything member, and attachment means for attaching the at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle, on top of the at least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.

Optionally, the at least one wall covering member comprises a flexible container with an opening, the flexible container being sized and shaped to be slideably received over the lateral wall and to cover the bottom.

More optionally, the at least one catch member attaches the flexible container to the empty receptacle, covering at least the outer surface thereof.

More optionally, the flexible container is at least double as long as the lateral wall as to cover both the inner and the outer surface thereof.

Optionally, the at least one safety catch member is formed with a recess on its inner surface.

More optionally, the recess is set to clasp a projection in the inner space of the empty receptacle.

Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a plurality of magnetic articles configured for being magnetically attached to metallic material of the empty receptacle, on top of the at least one wall covering member in relation to the at least one playacting related mark.

Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, the lid being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least one opening to facilitate the passage of the plurality of plaything objects therethrough.

Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, the lid being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least one active button, a presentation unit, and a controller for instructing the presentation unit in response to a user clicking on the active button.

Optionally, the at least one plaything member comprises a female clutch element and a male clutch element to concatenate the empty receptacle to a plurality of empty receptacles each attached to a respective plaything member with respective female and male clutch elements.

More optionally, the at least one plaything member having a plurality of wheels to actuate the empty receptacle in a plaything wherein the plurality of empty receptacles are concatenated.

Optionally, the at least one wall covering member further an adhesive layer for attaching the at least one wall covering member to the lateral wall.

Optionally, the attachment means are integrated into the at least one plaything member.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything. The method comprises emptying a receptacle containing nourishment from its content, encircling the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall so that an outer surface thereof faces the outside, the outer surface having at least one playacting related mark thereon, clutching at least one safety catch member onto an edge of the side wall around the open top, and attaching at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle on top of the at least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an article for containing nourishment and for playacting. The article comprises a receptacle which contains nourishment and having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall, a lid for detachably covering the open top, and a plurality of positioning instructions placed on the lateral side to instruct the covering of the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member having at least one playacting related mark thereon.

Optionally, the lid has a catch strip adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall to around the open top and a covering surface encircled by the catch strip; wherein the catch strip and the covering surface are detachably connected to one another by a seam.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a block of a construction toy. The kit comprises at least one wall covering member an inner side sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark thereon and at least one concatenation unit having attachment means for being attached to the empty receptacle and to at least other empty receptacle.

Optionally, the at least one concatenation unit is adapted to be connected to the at least other empty receptacle via a connection to a plurality of other concatenation units which are connected to the at least other empty receptacle.

More optionally, the at least other empty receptacle comprises a plurality of other empty receptacles.

More optionally, the at least one concatenation unit has a plurality of wheels.

Optionally, the kit further comprises at least one safety catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top.

Optionally, the at least one concatenation unit having a plurality of flexible clamps each sized and shaped to detachable hold the lateral walls of a cylindrical receptacle.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for to purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle, such as a cylindrical can, to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of an empty receptacle which has been adapted to use as a plaything using the exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of an annular strip having a section AA and a blow up of section AA when the strip is attached on top of the edges of a lateral wall of an exemplary empty receptacle, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2C-2G are schematic illustrations of an exemplary safety catch member, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2H-2L are schematic illustrations of an additional exemplary safety catch member, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything using attachable plaything members and a plaything adapted using the exemplary kit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of another exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything using attachable plaything members and a plaything adapted using the another exemplary kit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything by attaching a designated lid thereto and an empty receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 6B, according to some to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6C-6F are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything when the opening of the empty receptacle is on the side by attaching a designated lid thereto and an empty receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 6C, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6G-6I, which are schematic illustrations of another exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle as a plaything to use while the opening of the empty receptacle is set to the side, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid and respective plaything objects of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything and an empty receptacle adapted using a kit having the functional of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7C-7D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a toilet paper dispenser, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7E-7G are schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a trash can, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary active functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8D-8F are schematic illustrations of exemplary active functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a shape projector, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a functional lid which includes an erasable surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a schematic illustration of a functional lid which includes a drumhead, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 10B-10C are schematic illustrations of a functional lid that includes an emulated stove that is adapted to receive a pan, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 10D-10I are schematic illustrations of two functional lids which are placed to cover the top and the bottom of an empty container, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a schematic illustration of a concatenation unit that allows attaching two empty receptacles to one another according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a schematic illustration of a number of concatenation units, each as depicted in FIG. 11A, which connects three empty receptacles to one another according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction toy, a construction toy block created using the exemplary kit depicted in FIG. 12A, and a plaything that comprises a plurality of construction toy blocks as depicted in FIG. 12B, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12D is a set of schematic illustrations of an exemplary concatenation unit having a female clutching element and a male clutching element so as to be connected to two other concatenation units, for example as depicted in - according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12E is a schematic illustration of another exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction toy, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods of adapting containers.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided methods and kits for adapting a receptacle, such as a cylindrical can of infant formula or another food product, to use as plaything, such as a game of skill and/or a developmental plaything. The kit allows reusing the receptacle, after the emptying thereof, as more than a container without deforming and/or processing it. For example, the kit includes one or more wall covering members, such as stickers or bags, which are sized and shaped to to encircle at least the outer side of the lateral wall. These wall covering members have playacting related mark(s) thereon, for example images, prints, embossments and/or the like. Optionally, the kit further includes a safety catch member that fits onto an edge of the side wall, around the open top of the empty receptacle. The kit includes one or more plaything members with attachment means for the attachment thereof to the empty receptacle and/or the placing thereof to cover the open top of the empty receptacle. Additionally or alternatively, the kit includes a lid with one or more openings and a plurality of plaything objects for passing via these openings.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided kits and methods of adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of a construction toy, wherein a plurality of blocks construct a plaything, a model, and/or building. The kit includes wall covering member(s), for example as outlined above and described below, and one or more concatenation units with attachment means for being attached to an empty receptacle and to a plurality of other concatenation units. For example, the concatenation unit is a wagon base element having a base that is set to be attached to the lateral wall of the receptacle and female and male clutching elements

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle, such as a cylindrical can, to use as a plaything, such as a developmental toy for infants, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Reference is also made FIG. 1B, which is a schematic illustration of an empty receptacle which has been adapted to use as a plaything using the exemplary kit 100. The kit 100 is optionally adapted to the size and/or shape of a particular empty receptacle. For example, the kit 100 may be adapted for a barrel shaped receptacle, a cylindrical receptacle, a box shaped receptacle, and/or the like.

The kit 100 comprises one or more wall covering members 101 for covering the side walls of the empty receptacle. Optionally, the wall covering member(s) 101 include an adhesive layer for facilitating the attachment of its inner side to the lateral wall of the empty receptacle. Optionally, the wall covering member(s) 101 include one of more clipping means to attach the inner side of the wall covering member(s) 101 to the lateral wall of the empty receptacle. The wall covering members 101 are set so that their inner side is sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall of the empty receptacle. Optionally, the wall covering members 101 have an outer side with one or more playacting related marks, for example as locations for attaching plaything members, board game like course for attaching pawns, instructions for ornamental elements and/or the like. The wall covering members 101 is optionally made of paper, fabrics, polymeric composite or any other material that allows forming a flexible sheet like member. Optionally, the kit is provided in a bag.

Optionally, the kit 100 further includes a safety catch member 102 that is adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall of the empty receptacle around the open top of the empty receptacle. The placing of the safety catch member 102 onto the edge of the side wall prevents form a player, such as a child or an infant from touching the edge of the side wall which may be relativity sharp edge and/or not adapted to infant plaything standards. The safety catch member 102 optionally includes one or more strips having an inner recess that is shaped to clutch onto the edge of the side wall of the empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B which are schematic illustrations of an annular strip 211 having a section AA and a blow up of section AA when the strip 211 is attached on top of the edges of a lateral wall 212 of an exemplary empty receptacle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Another example of a safety catch member 222 is depicted in the set of schematic illustrations depicted in FIG. 2C-2G. In this embodiment, the safety catch member 222 optionally includes an annular strip (comprised of one or segments) which is set to be placed inside a cylindrical shaped receptacle and having an inner recess that is shaped to clutch onto an inner projection 223 of the side wall of the empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIGS. 2F and 2G which are schematic illustrations of an annular strip 222 having a section AA and a blow up of section AA when the strip 222 is attached on top of the edges of a lateral wall 221 of an exemplary empty receptacle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Reference is also made to FIGS. 2H-2L which are schematic illustrations of a safety catch ring mechanism that includes bottom and upper rings 232, 231. In use, as shown in FIG. 21, the bottom ring 232 is placed below a rim 233 of an exemplary empty receptacle and the upper ring 231 is placed above the rim 233. The bottom and upper rings are designed to be screwed and/or otherwise firmly attached to one another. For example, in the example depicted in FIGS. 2H-2L an insertion portion 235 of the upper ring 231 is screwed to a recess 234 formed in the lower ring 232. As shown at FIG. 2K, the rings 231, 232 of the safety catch ring mechanism have flanges 236, 237 that place the recess 234 and the insertion 235 in a certain distance from the lateral wall of the exemplary empty receptacle, for example 0.5 centimeter, 1 cm, 2 cm and/or any intermediate or larger distance. This allows using the safety catch ring mechanism to cover rims with different lengths, for example 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm and/or any intermediate or larger distance. In such a manner, the safety catch ring mechanism may be used for different empty receptacles that have different diameters and/or rims.

The kit 100 further includes one or more plaything members 103 which are attached to the lateral wall and/or open top of the empty receptacle and/or designed to be placed inside the empty receptacle. The plaything members 103 are sized and shaped to facilitate an interaction with the empty receptacle, for example sized to be placed therein, shaped to be attached to the external surface of the empty receptacle, sized to cover the top opening of the empty receptacle and/or the like.

Optionally, the kit 100 further includes attachment means for attaching the plaything member(s) 103 to the empty receptacle either on top of the wall covering member(s) or to cover the open top. The attachment means are optionally part of the plaything member(s) 103. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1B, the plaything members 103 are animal/human like parts each includes with attachment means that allows the attachment thereof to the lateral walls. Optionally, the plaything member(s) 103 are stuffed cloths. The attachment means optionally includes magnetic element(s), such as magnetic stripes, dots, and/or antidotes, that facilitate the attachment of the plaything members 103 to a metallic material of the empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIG. 1B. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means optionally includes fastener elements, such as Velcro straps, foam tapes and/or any other any other attachment solutions.

Reference is now also made to FIG. 3, which is a flowchart 300 of a method of adapting a receptacle to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method is based, as shown at 301, on one or more wall covering members which are sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall of the receptacle and having an outer surface with one or more playacting related mark thereon, such as instructions for locating plaything members, playacting images and/or game instructions or playing encouraging elements. As shown at 302, the receptacle is emptied. As shown at 303, the lateral wall is encircled using the wall covering members so that the outer surface with the playacting related marks faces the outside. Now, as shown at 304, one or more safety catch members, such as the strip depicted in FIG. 2A, are clasped onto an edge of the side wall around the open top of the empty receptacle. Then, as shown at 305, one or more plaything members are attached to the empty receptacle, optionally on top of the covering member(s) and/or to cover the open top of the receptacle.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall covering member 101, such as a sticker, of the kit 100 is a flexible container with an opening, such as a bag having playacting related marks printed thereon. Optionally, the flexible container is sized and shaped to be slideably received over the lateral wall of the empty receptacle and to cover its bottom. For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit 200 for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything and a plaything adapted using the exemplary kit 200, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The safety catch member 102 and the plaything member(s) 103 are optionally as described above; however, a flexible container 201 is used instead of the adhesive wall covering members 101 which are described above. Optionally, the flexible container 201 is sized and shaped as a sleeve with one opening a length that is at least twice as long as the distance from bottom to top of the lateral wall. This allows sliding the receptacle in the flexible container 201 until the bottom of the receptacle is placed on top of the closed side of the sleeve and folding the top portion of the flexible container 201 into the empty receptacle so that both the outer and inner sides of the lateral edge are covered by the flexible container 201. Optionally, the open top of the flexible container 201 is formed with a channel 202 to facilitate the threading of a closing thread 203 therethrough. Any other closing mechanism may be used to seal the open top. Another example is described in FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are schematic illustrations of a similar exemplary kit 500 for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything and a plaything adapted using the exemplary kit 500, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Optionally, the safety catch member 102 attaches the flexible container 201 to the empty receptacle, covering at least the outer surface thereof. In such an embodiment, the safety catch member 102 is adapted to clutch over the flexible container 201, fixating the location thereof.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plaything member of the kit is a functional lid that defines the ability of a player to place objects, such as other plaything members in the receptacle. Optionally, the lid plaything member flexible is sized and shaped to cover detachably the receptacle. The lid is optionally sized and shaped to cover detachably the receptacle when the safety catch member 102 is mounted on top of its lateral edge. For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit 600 for adapting an empty receptacle, such as 599, to use as a plaything by attaching a designated lid 601 thereto and an empty receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit 600, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The safety catch member 102 and the wall covering member 101 are optionally as described above; however, the plaything members of the kit 600 is the designated lid 601 and optionally a plurality of plaything objects 603 which are designed to be placed in the receptacle via a designated hole 604 in the lid-611. Optionally, the plaything objects 603 are similar to one another, for example all are plaything animals, plaything vehicles, and/or plaything cutlery. This is optionally coordinated with images depicted on the wall covering member 101. In such a manner, the kit 600 may have a theme. Optionally, the lid is a set to receive the bottom of another empty receptacle. In such a manner, a plurality of empty receptacle may be stacked one on top of the other.

Another example is depicted in FIGS. 6C-6E, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle as a plaything to use while the opening of the empty receptacle is set to the side by attaching a designated lid thereto and an empty receptacle adapted using the exemplary kit 600, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The designated lid, for example as depicted in FIG. 6D, is designed to stabilize the empty receptacle in place, preventing it from rolling. For example 611 is an element used as stabilizing leg for the container 612. Another example is provided in FIGS. 6F-6H, which are schematic illustrations of another exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle as a plaything to use while the opening of the empty receptacle is set to the side, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Another example for a functional lid is depicted in FIG. 7A which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary functional lid 701 and respective plaything objects 702 of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything and to FIG. 7B which is a schematic illustration of a plaything adapted using a kit having the functional lid depicted in FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the functional lid 701 has a plurality of openings each adapted to facilitate the passage of only one of the plaything objects 702 therethrough.

Optionally, the plurality of plaything objects are set as noise making units which are set to be placed in the empty receptacle so as to make noise when in the empty receptacle is shaken.

Optionally, the plurality of plaything objects are texture experience elements which are set to be attached to the empty receptacle, for example using attachment means as described above. Each texture experience element has a unique texture to stimulate the sense of touch of an infant.

Another example is depicted in FIGS. 7C-7D which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a toilet paper dispenser, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 7C a toilet paper 621 may be placed in the container 622 while a lid 623 with a functional opening for extracting toilet paper covers the container. A safety catch member 624 may be used, for example as described above.

Another example is depicted in FIGS. 7E-7G which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary functional lid of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a trash can, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 7G a container 632 is covered with a trash can lid 633 adapted to receive a movable cover. A safety catch member 635 may be used, for example as described above.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8C, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary active functional lids 600 of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a plaything, according to some embodiments of the present invention. These active lids, which are optionally powered by batteries, include active buttons, a presentation unit, such as a speaker, one or more lights and/or a display, and a controller that controls the presentation unit according to a user clicking on the active buttons. The active lids allow an infant to interact therewith and play sounds and/or present light patterns or images in response to the interaction. For example, the lid depicted in FIG. 8A includes a rotational in/out button 741, a display 742, a display activating button 743, and various switches 744. The lid depicted in FIG. 8B includes switches which change sounds. The lid depicted in FIG. 8C includes a simulated telephone keypad which induce different sounds and an earpiece. The functional lid may optionally provide other interactions to the infant. Another example is depicted in FIGS. 8D-8E, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary active functional lids of a kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a shape projector, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this example an active cover that includes a projector is placed to cover the opening of the empty receptacle in a similar manner to the above. Further another example, as depicted in FIG. 9, the functional lid optionally includes an erasable surface 751 which allows a user to draw thereon an erasable drawing 752, optionally using a designated drawing device which is connected thereto. In another example, depicted in FIG. 10A, the functional lid optionally includes a stretched drumhead 761 and a set of drumsticks 762 which are connected thereto using strings 763.

In another example, depicted in FIGS. 10B-10C, the functional lid optionally includes an emulated stove 641 that is adapted to receive a pan 642. A safety catch member 643 may be used, for example as described above.

In another example, depicted in FIGS. 10D-10I, two functional lids 651, 652 are placed to cover the top and the bottom of an empty container 653. A safety catch member 654 may be used, for example as described above. A safety catch member 655 may be used, for example as described above. The functional lids 651, 652 convert the empty container 653 to a crawling encouraging device that rolls to encourage a baby who tries to reach it to crawl. In this example on functional lid 651 includes a rattler and the other includes a mirror 652. Clearly other play covers may be used.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plaything member of the kit is a concatenation unit which is set to attach a plurality of empty receptacles, forming a plaything that comprises a plurality of concatenated units and/or functioning as blocks in a construction toy. Optionally, the concatenation unit is sized and shaped to be detachably attached to a number of receptacles, optionally two, such as a cylindrical shaped receptacle. For example FIG. 11A depicts a concatenation unit that allows attaching two empty receptacles to one another. This exemplary concatenation unit has two opposing flexible and curved strips each sets to detachable hold the rounded surface of another empty receptacle. Optionally a number of concatenation units may be attached to the same empty receptacle, for example as depicted in FIG. 11B. In such a manner, an empty receptacle may be attached to one empty receptacle from one side and to another empty receptacle from another side.

Such receptacles which have been adapted to function as plaything blocks can be assembled and connected to construct objects such as decorative walls, a building, and/or the like. Optionally, the constructed plaything can be taken apart again, and the blocks which are made of empty receptacles may be rearranged.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plaything member of the kit is a concatenation unit which is set to be attached both to an empty receptacle and to one or more other concatenation units which are attached to other empty receptacle(s), forming a plaything that comprises a plurality of concatenated units and/or functioning as blocks in a construction toy. Optionally, the concatenation unit is sized and shaped to be detachably attached to a certain receptacle, such as a cylindrical shaped receptacle. Such receptacles which have been adapted to function as plaything blocks can be assembled and connected to construct objects such as vehicles, for example a train wherein each receptacle is a wagon, a building, for example a skyscraper wherein each receptacle is a storey, and even an animal, wherein each receptacle is part of a limb and/or the like. Optionally, the constructed plaything can be taken apart again, and the blocks which are made of empty receptacles may be rearranged.

For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12C, which are, respectively, schematic illustrations of an exemplary kit 800 for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction toy by attaching a concatenation unit 801, which is shaped as a wagon base, thereto, a construction toy block created using the exemplary kit 800, and a train plaything that comprises a plurality of blocks as depicted in FIG. 12B, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, the kit 800 further comprises a designated lid to the open top of the receptacle. The safety catch member 102 and the wall covering member 101 are optionally as described above; however, the kit 800 further includes the concatenation unit 801. As depicted in FIG. 12A and further illustrated in FIG. 12D, the concatenation unit 801 includes a female clutching element 802 and a male clutching element 803 so as to be connected to two other concatenation units 801, for example as depicted in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12E is another exemplary kit for adapting an empty receptacle to use as a block of construction toy where a designated lid covers the opening of the empty receptacle. It should be noted that other construction toy blocks may be formed from empty receptacles, for example a snake, a building or a dragon. Optionally, each kit has a wall covering member 101 with different plaything marks thereon. In such a manner, the user has an incentive to collect different kits to enrich her construction toy. For example, some kits have different wall covering members with images of different wagons and the other kits have different wall covering members with images of locomotives. In another example, some kits have different wall covering members with images of dragon body and the other kits have different wall covering members with images of dragon's head or of tail's. In another example, some kits have different wall covering members with images of different floors of a skyscraper.

Optionally, a number of concatenation units are set to be connected to a single receptacle, for example to its bottom and top. In such an embodiment, the concatenation unit optionally has a first side that is set to be connected either to the top or to the bottom of a single receptacle and a second side that is set to be connected to a second side of another concatenation unit that is connected either to the top or to the bottom of another receptacle. In such an embodiment, a single receptacle has one concatenation unit attached to its top and another to its bottom so as to concatenate with other receptacles. Such an adapted receptacle is used as a block that is fastened to other receptacles to create a construction toy.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant devices and methods will be developed and the scope of the term a concatenation unit and a plaything member, a wall covering member, and attachment means is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein to interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything, comprising: at least one wall covering member sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark thereon;at least one safety catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top;at least one plaything member; andattachment means for attaching said at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle, on top of said at least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one wall covering member comprises a flexible container with an opening, said flexible container being sized and shaped to be slideably received over the lateral wall and to cover the bottom.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein said at least one catch member attaches said flexible container to the empty receptacle, covering at least the outer surface thereof.

4. The kit of claim 2, wherein said flexible container is at least double as long as the lateral wall said as to cover both the inner and the outer surface thereof.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one safety catch member is formed with a recess on its inner surface.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein said recess is set to clasp a projection in the inner space of said empty receptacle.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said safety catch member comprises first and second rings, said first ring having a recess and said second ring having an insertion portion which set to fit in said recess, said second ring is sized so that said insertion portion fits in said recess when an annular flange of at least one of said first and second rings covers said edge.

8. (canceled)

9. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member comprises a lid being sized and shaped to at least one of: to dispense toilet paper from a toilet paper roll placed in said empty receptacle when said lid covers the open top:to support a movable cover when said lid covers the open top; andto cover the open top and having at least one opening to facilitate the passage of a plurality of plaything objects therethrough.

10. (canceled)

11. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member comprises a plurality of magnetic articles configured for being magnetically attached to metallic material of said empty receptacle, on top of said at least one wall covering member in relation to said at least one playacting related mark.

12. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, said lid being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least one.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein said lid prevents from said empty receptacle to roll when said empty receptacle is laid with said top open to the side.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member comprises a lid and a plurality of plaything objects, said lid being sized and shaped to cover the open top and having at least one active button, a presentation unit, and a controller for instructing said presentation unit in response to a user clicking on said active button.

15. The kit of claim 1, wherein said at least one plaything member comprises a female clutch element and a male clutch element to concatenate said empty receptacle to a plurality of empty receptacles each attached to a respective plaything member with respective female and male clutch elements.

16. The kit of claim 13, wherein said at least one plaything member having a plurality of wheels to actuate said empty receptacle in a plaything wherein said plurality of empty receptacles are concatenated.

17-18. (canceled)

19. A method of adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a plaything, comprising: emptying a receptacle containing nourishment from its content;encircling the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member sized and shaped to cover the lateral wall so that an outer surface thereof faces the outside, said outer surface having at least one playacting related mark thereon;clutching at least one safety catch member onto an edge of the side wall around the open top; andattaching at least one plaything member to the empty receptacle on top of said at least one wall covering member or to cover the open top.

20. An article for containing nourishment and for playacting, comprising: a receptacle which contains nourishment and having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall;a lid for detachably covering said open top; anda plurality of positioning instructions placed on said lateral side to instruct the covering of the lateral wall with at least one wall covering member having at least one playacting related mark thereon.

21. The article of claim 20, wherein said lid has a catch strip adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top and a covering surface encircled by said catch strip; wherein said catch strip and said covering surface are detachably connected to one another by a seam.

22. A kit for adapting an empty receptacle having an open top, a bottom and a lateral wall to use as a block of a construction toy, comprising: at least one wall covering member an inner side sized and shaped to encircle the lateral wall and an outer side having at least one playacting related mark thereon; andat least one concatenation unit having attachment means for being attached to the empty receptacle and to at least other empty receptacle.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein said at least one concatenation unit is adapted to be connected to said at least other empty receptacle via a connection to a plurality of other concatenation units which are connected to said at least other empty receptacle.

24-25. (canceled)

26. The kit of claim 22, further comprising at least one safety catch member adapted to fit onto an edge of the side wall around the open top.

27. The kit of claim 22, wherein said at least one concatenation unit having a plurality of flexible clamps each sized and shaped to detachable hold the lateral walls of a cylindrical receptacle.