MULTI-CAVITY NAIL POLISH CONTAINER

Abstract

A multi-cavity container includes two or more cavities in which a first container portion containing a first cavity is juxtaposed with a second container portion containing a second cavity which is physically separated from the first cavity, such that an image is created by the juxtaposition.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fluid containers in general, and to nail polish containers in particular.

BACKGROUND

Current methods of toenail and fingernail grooming often require or are enhanced through the application of more than one type or color of nail covering. Because of this, people grooming nails often need to have at hand more than one nail polish container.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a multi-cavity container includes two or more cavities in which a first container portion containing a first cavity is juxtaposed with a second container portion containing a second cavity which is physically separated from the first cavity, such that an image is created by the juxtaposition.

In another embodiment, a method of forming a multi-cavity container includes providing a first bottle having a first cavity, providing a second bottle having a second cavity, and juxtaposing the first bottle with the second bottle such that an image is created by the juxtaposition.

In another embodiment, a nail polish container comprises a first cavity, a single flat bottom surface, and a first applicator comprising a lid, a brush, and a brush handle connecting the lid to the brush. The first applicator is provided in the first cavity at a canted angle of 5 and 60 degrees with respect to a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface, and a first imaginary straight line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the first applicator is provided in the first cavity at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 4A, 4C, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 18 are schematic side views of containers according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2, 3, 10, 14, 15, 19 and 20 are perspective views of containers according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4B, 6, 7 and 8 are top view of containers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a top see-through view of the container of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-cavity container comprising two or more cavities in which a first container portion (e.g., a first bottle or a portion of a first bottle) containing a first cavity is juxtaposed in close proximity with a second container portion (e.g., a second bottle or a second portion of the first bottle) containing a second cavity which is physically separated from the first cavity, such that an image is created by the juxtaposition. In one embodiment, the image may be of a shape of a known object (e.g., a heart, yin and yang, a cartoon character, a flower, a human face, etc.).

The multi-cavity container may comprise any container which may hold liquid or solid materials in the first and second cavities. For example, the cavities may hold different nail polish color or compositions, and the multi-cavity container comprises a nail polish container. However, other liquid or solid materials which may be poured or dispensed from the container opening via a lid, pouring spout or applicator may be provided in the first and second cavities.

In one embodiment, the material in the first cavity has a first color (e.g., one color nail polish), and the material in the second cavity has a second color (e.g., different color nail polish). Preferably, there is a physical boundary between the first and second cavities such that the material (e.g., fluid) from the first cavity cannot flow into the second cavity and vice-versa unless the material from the first cavity is intentionally poured into the second cavity by the user through respective openings in the multi-cavity container.

In one embodiment, different nail polish colors may be marketed in side-by-side displays where two or more colors from a product line are juxtaposed to emphasize color harmony or contrast using the multi-cavity container. For example, a purple polish could make a striking appearance when displayed next to a lavender polish. Alternatively, a bright orange polish may be displayed next to a blue polish to take advantage of the fact that these colors are opposites on the color wheel. In another configuration, orange nail polish may be displayed next to black polish during the Halloween season. Such displays overcome the limitations of prior art nail polish containers in which the best that can be accomplished is placing individual bottles of polish next to one another.

Further, it may be desirable to be able to market clear undercoating and colored polish, or the two colors used for a French manicure in the multi-cavity container that comprises a single marketed unit.

Finally, some prior art nail polish containers have been constructed such that the user may tilt the container at a slight angle with respect to vertical so that the polish may be easily removed from the container and applied to the nails. This was accomplished by the provision of a second flat surface on the bottom of the container. The container's mass distribution was such that the container would sit at a balance on either the main bottom surface or on the second canted bottom surface. However, the prior art container constructed in this manner is still prone to movement between the two bottom surfaces because the total bottom area is reduced and these bottles are less stable and are prone to tipping over.

In contrast, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-cavity container contains a single flat bottom surface regardless of whether the multi-cavity container comprises a single unitary bottle with plural cavities or plural different juxtaposed bottles with separate cavities. However, the material applicators (e.g., nail polish applicators) are provided in the respective cavities at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the plane of the flat bottom surface (i.e., between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface). Therefore, the applicator is tilted at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the bottom of the container when the container is resting on a flat, horizontal surface. This allows the user to more easily remove the material (e.g., nail polish) from the container using the tilted applicator without titling or tipping the container itself from its flat bottom surface.

In one embodiment, a plurality of containers (e.g., bottles) with respective cavities are juxtaposed in a side-by-side adjacent fashion. In one embodiment, these bottles may be symmetrical about a vertical axis. In one embodiment, the plurality of containers complete an image as viewed from the front and/or are juxtaposed in a front-back linear array fashion, which may form at least a portion of an image when viewed from the front. In one embodiment, the bottles are connected in the multi-cavity container via a connecting structure. In one embodiment, the bottles have lids which accentuate the image formed by the juxtaposition. The bottles may have individual lids or have a combined lid structure which seals the plurality of juxtaposed (i.e., assembled) bottles in a single device (i.e., in the multi-cavity container).

I. Nail Polish “Broken Heart” Multi-Cavity Container

In one embodiment, the multi-cavity container is a multi-cavity bottle. In the preferred embodiment, the multi-cavity bottle is formed as an assembly of a plurality of symmetric bottles. These bottles may be free-standing alone after juxtaposition into the multi-cavity bottle, or these bottles may be joined with a connecting structure. The bottles may have a lid-applicator for taking a liquid material from inside the bottles and applying it in a use.

In one embodiment, the liquid comprises nail polish. Different cavities of the plurality of bottles may contain different colors or types (e.g., compositions) of nail polish. In another embodiment, the liquid comprises lip gloss and different cavities contain different types (e.g., colors or compositions) of liquid lip gloss. In another embodiment, the liquid comprises paint and different cavities contain different types (e.g., colors or compositions) of paint. In yet another embodiment, the liquid comprises perfume and different cavities contain different types (e.g., colors or scents) of perfume.

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment multi-cavity container which comprises a nail polish bottle 10 containing two cavities 12 and 14 Each cavity 12 and 14 is filled with a different color nail polish (e.g., black and red, respectively). A cavity separator 16 separates the cavities 12 and 14 from each other such that the nail polish in one cavity 12 cannot flow into the other cavity 14 and vice-versa. The cavity separator 16 is preferably a physical barrier. In one embodiment, the cavity separator 16 may be an internal wall of the bottle 10 if the bottle 10 is a unitary structure. Alternatively, the cavity separator 16 may comprise adjacent exterior walls of two separate but juxtaposed bottles which form the multi-cavity container (i.e., nail polish bottle 10). The nail polish bottle 10 has a single flat bottom surface 20.

Each cavity 12 and 14 preferably contains its own separate lid and brush applicator 22 and 24. Each applicator 22 and 24 includes the lid, a brush and a brush handle connecting the lid to the brush, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4C. The lids of the lid and brush applicators 22 and 24 and openings 32 and 34 of the multiple cavities 12 and 14, respectively, are canted (i.e., tilted) at a non-zero angle (e.g., 5 to 60 degrees) with respect to the vertical direction which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface of the bottle 10. The stylized bottle 10 shape and cavity separator 16 allow for enhanced visual appearance (e.g., a mended broken heart image) formed by the juxtaposition of the cavities 12 and 14 and the cavity separator 16. The bottle 10 of this embodiment may be a single unitary bottle with two cavities 12 and 14, or separate juxtaposed bottles with respective cavities 12 and 14 as will be described in the embodiment below.

II. Splitting Geometries for Joining Bottles with or without Symmetry

Several embodiments provide methods by which the cavity separator (i.e., a dividing line) 16 between the two separate symmetric bottles may be formed. In contrast, when symmetry is not desired, then the dividing line can be placed anywhere.

A. Alternating Angled Bias

In this embodiment, the dividing line 16 between the symmetric elements alternates about the line of symmetry to create a jagged appearance, yet allowing for the two pieces to be fully symmetrical such that two identical pieces will nest together.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a foam model of two separate bottles 10A and 10B which are identical to each other when placed with the same side facing the viewer. The foam represents a glass bottle with a respective cavity 12 and 14 described above.

The two separate bottles 10A and 10B are respective halves of the bottle 10 shown in FIG. 1. The foam model has been formed using the alternating diagonal bias method for the cut line (i.e., dividing line) 16 between the two models of bottles 10A and 10B. Each bottle 10A and 10B has a respective foot type structure 26A and 26B with a respective flat bottom surface 20A and 20B.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of the foam model of the two separate bottles 10A and 10B of FIG. 2 which are placed with opposite sides facing the viewer (i.e., bottle 10B of FIG. 2 is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the vertical axis compared to the photograph in FIG. 2) to form the bottle 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a foot type structure 26 is formed by the juxtaposition of the respective foot type structures 26A and 26B. The foot type structure 26 has the flat bottom surface 20 formed by juxtaposition of the surfaces 20A and 20B so that the two halves 10A and 10B of the glass bottle 10 are able to stand up-right independently. The cut line 16 is formed with an alternating angular bias.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the angle of the alternating angular bias along the cavity separator (i.e., cut line) 16. FIG. 4B is a top see-through view of the bottle 10 of FIG. 4A. The front surface of the bottle 10 in which the bottle 10 forms the image (e.g., heart image) is at least partially in the x-y plane. The vertical direction is the y-direction of the bottle, and the thickness (i.e., depth) direction extending from the front to the back surface of the bottle is the z-direction. Thus, the side surface of the bottle 10 is at least partially in the x-z plane. At positions 0, 1 and 5, the bias from the perpendicular is zero degrees. At positions 2 and 4, the angular bias about as 45 degrees angling from left to right. At position 3, the angular bias is about 45 degrees angling from right to left. A continuous gradient in angle is formed between the positions.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the multi-cavity container 10 contains a single flat bottom surface 20 regardless of whether the multi-cavity container comprises a single unitary bottle with plural cavities or plural different juxtaposed bottles with separate cavities. Each cavity 12 and 14 includes a respective lid and brush applicator 22 and 24. Each applicator 22 and 24 includes the respective lid (e.g., screw-on cap) 42 and 44, a respective brush 52 and 54, and a respective brush handle 62, 64 connecting the respective lid to the respective brush. Each applicator (e.g., nail polish applicator) 22 and 24 is provided in the respective cavity 12 and 14 at a canted angle, such as an angle between 30 and 85 degrees, such as 45 to 80 degrees, with respect to the plane C-C′ of the flat bottom surface 20 (i.e., between 5 and 60 degrees, such as 10 to 45 degrees, with respect to the vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface 20). In other words, the imaginary line A-A′ extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical handle 62 of applicator 22 is provided in the respective cavity 12 at a canted angle α, such as an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the plane C-C′ of the flat bottom surface 20 (i.e., between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface 20). Likewise, imaginary line B-B′ extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical handle 64 of applicator 24 is provided in the respective cavity 14 at a canted angle β, such as an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the plane C-C′ of the flat bottom surface 20 (i.e., between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface 20). Therefore, each applicator 22 and 24 is tilted at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface 20 of the container 10 when the container 10 is resting on a flat, horizontal surface. This allows the user to more easily remove the nail polish from the container 10 using the tilted applicator 22 or 24 without titling or tipping the container 10 itself from its flat bottom surface 20.

FIG. 5 illustrates the two halves of the bottle 10 which comprises the symmetric bottles 10A and 10B. The bottles 10A and 10B are shown with shading of portions which are recessed along the thickness direction (i.e., z-direction) from the front surface (i.e., the x-y plane). A perspective view of different container shape illustrating similar features is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The front surface of the first bottle 10A in the x-y plane includes at least one front side protruding portion 71 and at least one front side recessed portion 73. The back surface of the first bottle 10A which is recessed along the z-direction from the front surface in the x-y plane includes at least one backside protruding portion 75 and at least one backside recessed portion 77 (shown in dashed lines). The at least one backside recessed portion 77 in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side protruding portion 71 in the front surface along the thickness direction (i.e., z-direction). The at least one backside protruding portion 75 in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side recessed portion 73 in the front surface along the thickness direction (i.e., z-direction).

The front surface of the second bottle 10B in the x-y plane includes at least one front side protruding portion 81 and at least one front side recessed portion 83. The back surface of the second bottle 10B which is recessed along the z-direction from the front surface in the x-y plane includes at least one backside protruding portion 85 and at least one backside recessed portion 87. The at least one backside recessed portion 87 in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side protruding portion 81 in the front surface along the thickness direction (i.e., z-direction). The at least one backside protruding portion 85 in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side recessed portion 83 in the front surface along the thickness direction (i.e., z-direction).

When the first bottle 10A and the second bottle 10B are juxtaposed together to form the multi-cavity container (e.g., bottle 10) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the respective protruding portions of one bottle fit into the recessed portions of the other bottle in a dovetail (i.e., interlocking) fashion. Specifically, the least one front side protruding portion 71 of the first bottle 10A fits into the at least one front side recessed portion 83 of the second bottle 10B. The at least one backside protruding portion 75 of the first bottle 10A fits into the at least one backside recessed portion 87 of the second bottle 10B. The least one front side protruding portion 81 of the second bottle 10B fits into the at least one front side recessed portion 73 of the first bottle 10A. The at least one backside protruding portion 85 of the second bottle 10B fits into the at least one backside recessed portion 77 of the first bottle 10A.

B. Constant Angled Bias

In an alternative embodiment, two bottles 10A and 10B are juxtaposed (i.e., joined) together into an assembled multi-cavity bottle 10 with a constant angular bias from the perpendicular to the front surface in the x-y plane of the bottles 10A and 10B. A zero degree bias of the cut line (i.e., cavity separator 16) joining the bottles 10A and 10B would be most simple but may allow for visible light to be seen between the bottles 10A and 10B. A non-zero degree bias, such as a 30 to 60 degree bias, for example a 45 degree bias would prevent light from being visible in the joint (i.e., along the cut line/cavity separator 16) between the bottles even if there is a small gap left with the joining structure between the bottles 10A and 10B.

FIG. 6 is top view of the multi-cavity bottle 10 with a constant angular bias. In this embodiment, the cut line (i.e., cavity separator 16) is a straight line in top view along the x-z plane, but may zig-zag across the front surface of the pair of bottles in the x-y plane (as in the case for broken-heart bottles shown in FIGS. 1 to 5). Thus, no hard edge is formed between the bottles 10A and 10B. The cut line along the front surface of the pair of bottles in the x-y plane may have other non-straight line shapes besides a zig-zap shape, such as an “S” shaped curved line such that the bottle 10A and 10B form sides of a yin and yang images. Alternatively, the cut line (i.e., the cavity separator 16) may go straight down directly as a straight line along the front surface of the pair of bottles in the x-y plane, as shown in FIGS. 9-11.

C. Jogged Straight Cut

In another embodiment, two bottles 10A and 10B joining together into an assembled multi-cavity bottle 10 may include with a jogged straight cut line (i.e., cavity separator 16) along the desired line of symmetry. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the multi-cavity bottle 10 with a jogged straight cut line 16. In this embodiment, the cut line (i.e., cavity separator 16) is a straight jogged straight cut line in the x-z plane. While a single jog is shown in FIG. 7, multiple jogged portions may be included. Alternatively, the jogged joint may also be formed as a hybrid where the central cut portion is at a constant or changing angular bias.

III. Connecting Structure

In embodiments in which the multi-cavity container (e.g., multi-cavity bottle) 10 is formed by juxtaposing two separate bottles 10A and 10B, any suitable connecting structures may be used to connect the bottles 10A and 10B together.

In a preferred embodiment, two nail polish bottles 10A and 10B are nested together through joining at a symmetrical mid-line 16. The bottles 10A and 10B are dovetailed together and stand next to each other without any additional connecting structures.

In other embodiments, the plurality of containers (e.g., bottles 10A and 10B) may be joined together by a snap connector, a male-female type friction connectors in which the longer portion contains the male connector and the shorter portion contains the female connector, puzzle piece type connector containing interlocking tabs, a hook and eye assembly which is either large or as small as Velcro®, or a magnetic connector.

FIG. 8 illustrates two separate bottles 10A and 10B connected by magnets of a magnetic connector in addition to the male-female type connector. The placement of male-female or north-south connector halves of magnets 92, 94 is shown where these are placed about the central axis of symmetry and allow for each bottle 10A and 10B element to be identical. Alternatively, the plurality of containers (e.g., bottles 10A and 10B) may be glued together

In an alternative embodiment, the multi-cavity container 10 is formed a single (unitary) piece with multiple cavities 12 and 14, creating the image of separate containers, but is actually made from a single piece of material, such as glass or plastic. For example, the multi-cavity container 10 may comprise a glass bottle that is cast or blown or otherwise shaped to have two separate cavities 12 and 14 with respective separate openings 32 and 34.

IV. Types of Shapes

The multicavity container may have any suitable shape.

A. Symmetric Shapes

In some embodiments, the multi-cavity container 10 may take the form of a plurality of bottles with bilateral or radial symmetry. In one embodiment, two symmetric bottle 10 halves 10A and 10B may be the symmetrical halves of a heart or cardioid shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Alternatively, the symmetric bottle halves may by the symmetrical halves of a yin-yang shape.

Alternatively, the symmetric bottle halves may be the symmetrical halves of a symmetrical character image, such as a cartoon character image, for example a Mickey Mouse or a Minnie Mouse image. The Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse logos and images are trademarks and copyrighted material of the Disney Corporation. No trademark or copyright rights are asserted in these logos and images. These logos and images are used as examples of well-known images which have bilateral symmetry.

The upper portion of FIG. 9 illustrates symmetrical portions of the containers 10A, 10B, 10C of an image are shown. Different colored materials may be joined in combinations as desired, as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 9 to form the multi-cavity containers 10. Alternatively, a plurality of bottles pieces may be the radially symmetrical portions of a flower, starfish or snowflake or other image.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of containers (e.g., bottles) 10A to 10G in N-part radial symmetry. In FIG. 10, N=7. However, any other number of containers, such as 2 to 20 containers may be used. An optional center container 10H portion of the multi-cavity container is also shown.

B. Asymmetric Shapes with Symmetry Only about the Joint

Sets of asymmetrical shapes may be joined together where in the sets of shapes share symmetry only necessarily at the joint of the left and right pieces, or where the plurality of pieces join in the case of general radial symmetry or the joining of multiple pieces. In this manner three bottles may be joined to form an image such as a tri-color flag image. Three side-by-side bottles may create the colors of many country flags. The bottles could share dimensional symmetry, or they may only share symmetry at the point of the joint with adjacent bottles. Five or six wedge-shaped bottles may create the image of a flower with petals. A center bottle may create the flower center.

In one illustrative example of this embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a Mickey Mouse half of a bottle 10A may be joined with a Minnie Mouse half of a bottle 10D shown in the lower portion of FIG. 11 to form a hybrid multi-cavity bottle 10. Alternatively, two Mickey Mouse bottles (10A, 10C and/or 10C) or two Minnie Mouse bottles (10D and 10E) can form the multi-cavity bottle 10 shown in the upper portion of FIG. 11. In general, FIG. 11 shows non-symmetrical bottles joined about a joining (i.e., cut) line which shares symmetry between the bottles. Many types may be joined together about this common joining line.

V. Linear Array Stacking

In one embodiment of the invention, three or more bottles may be stacked in a linear array to form the multi-cavity container 10.

A. Flat Bottles

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 12, bottles 10A to 10E which are joined may be flat in that they do not have significant alteration beyond a flat geometry on front and back surfaces. These bottles may then be joined with the joining structure, such as a snap type joining structure 96 to create a linear array of bottles 10A to 10E. Specifically, in FIG. 12 the linear array 10 of bottles 10A to 10E is formed from the bottles 10A to 10E that have mating front and back surfaces. The joining structure 96 may be placed between these front and back surfaces.

In an alternative embodiment, the front and back surfaces of each bottle 10A to 10E may have convex and concave shapes such that they still form in a linear array. In this alternative embodiment, the shape of the bottles 10A to 10E may be a commonly recognized shape such as a flower petal or Mickey Mouse logo shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 the bottle shape is complex representing an image such as a flower. However, the front and back surfaces of the bottle are flat and compatible with joining in a linear array, such as the array shown in FIG. 12.

B. Bottles with Protrusions

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bottles of the linear array may have protrusions on the front and back surfaces which nest together to aid in the joining of the shapes, similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 5.

When protrusions are present a cut-out or recess may be placed in either another type of bottle or in another area of a given bottle. The protrusions may be of a type-A and type-B arrangement. In this case, the pairs of type-A and type-B can join into sets which can then stack as A-B-A-B. In FIG. 14, the alternating type-A and type-B foam models of bottles 10A and 10B are shown. These bottles may be stacked as a single pair or in a longer chain of A-B-A-B bottles to form the linear array 10. The front view of the linear array (i.e., chain) shows a portion of the extending area of the bottle immediately behind it, allowing the viewer to quickly identify the set of two bottles.

In another embodiment, the protrusions are symmetrical about a vertical axis. In this case, two identical bottles join face to face with one of the two bottles reversed. FIG. 15 a foam model of bottles shows a protruding portion of a bottle and the associated recessed portion (e.g., cut-out) of the bottle are symmetrical about the vertical axis (i.e., the y-axis). Thus, pairs of symmetric protrusions and recessed portions may be joined together, and a single bottle type may be used to create the interlocking feature, as described above with respect to FIG. 5.

C. Bottles which Create a New Image when Stacked

A further alternative embodiment includes a plurality of bottles stacked back to front which may form a complete image wherein each bottle in the stack-up does not have the complete cross section of the image when viewed from the front facing side. In this embodiment protrusions may be used to fill in the recess (e.g., gap) created in the adjacent bottle or bottles. Alternatively, that may be left as a gap. When the bottles are viewed from a front view the full image is visible, though the color visible will be based on the projection from that front view allowing for the viewer to see one color for the front pieces and another color for those which fill in the image.

In FIG. 16, the flower shaped bottle 10A on the left is not a stack of bottles; it is a single bottle 10A with a leaf-shaped lid 42. The flower on the right is a front to back stack-up of a first bottle 10A and second bottle 10B where the second bottle 10B may protrude forward from behind the first bottle 10A, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15.

In FIG. 17, the butterfly shaped bottle 10A on the left is not a stack of bottles; it is a single bottle with a flower-shaped lid 42. The butterfly on the right is a stack-up of a first bottle 10A and a second bottle 10B where the second bottle 10B may protrude forward from behind the first bottle 10A, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15.

VI. Glass Interior Forming a Shape

A. Logo Interior Inside Exterior Shape

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer shape of one bottle (e.g., 10A) or assemblage 10 of bottles is one image, such as a heart shape. The hollow portion 12H of the inside of the bottle is formed such that it forms a second image, such as a logo such as the Mickey Mouse logo for example, as shown on the left of FIG. 18. A familiar shape (such as a heart) contains the solid color area (e.g., red area) represents a solid material 10S of the bottle, such as transparent glass. The clear area represents a hollow cavity 12H and shows the color of the material inside the bottle. A company logo type image is formed in the hollow portion of the bottle.

B. Shape Interior Inside Logo Exterior

In another embodiment of the invention, the outer shape formed by the assemblage of bottles 10 is a logo, such as the Mickey Mouse logo, while the hollow portion 12H on the inside of bottles forms a recognizable shape, such as a heart, as shown on the right of FIG. 18.

VII. Lid Structure which Seals More than One Bottle in a Single Structure.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19, a single lid structure 100 is used to seal a plurality of bottle openings 32 and 34 in the assemblage of bottles (e.g., bottles 10A, 10B, etc. forming the multicavity container 10). The lid structure 100 may include a threaded retaining ring (i.e., cap with interior threads) 142 with an upper lip, and a gasketed piece 102 (e.g., a round gasket) or pieces (e.g., a solid material piece having openings in the shape of the bottle openings 32 and 34 and containing gaskets which surround the openings in the solid piece) which seal to the tops of the bottles. Threads 132 are located in the bottles 10A and 10B around the respective openings 32 and 34 which permit the cap 142 to be screwed on to the threads 132 with the gasketed piece 102 located between the cap 142 and the openings 32 and 34. Thus, a single lid structure 100 is used to seal two or more bottle openings 32 and 34.

Alternatively, a latching mechanism may be used instead of the screw-on cap. Alternatively, magnets may be used to hold the lid structure 100 instead of the screw-on cap. In a further alternative embodiment, the lid structures 100 for the bottles may form an image, such as the feathers of an arrow. Furthermore, the front surfaces of the bottles may align on one side with the lid structure. Since the two halves 10A and 10B of the bottle 10 are formed in a symmetric fashion, these align with the lid structure 100.

VIII. Spiral or Helix Engaged Bottles

In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the plurality of bottles 10A and 10B engage with each other in a spiral or helical nesting. Optionally, the radius of the bottles is non constant. However, the pieces of the helix are constant such that they the plurality can be threaded together.

IX. Materials and Methods of Construction

In one embodiment, two bottles 10A and 10B are formed independently, but may be marketed as a multi-cavity container 10 when juxtaposed together (e.g., attached to each other). Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4C, the half-portions (e.g., bottles 10A and 10B) contain a base piece 26 which allows the two half-portions to stand independently on a flat surface 20.

Alternatively, the multi-cavity bottle 10 may be constructed in a single piece with the plurality of cavities 12 and 14. This may be done with a glass or plastic material which is cast, blown, injection molded, etc. into the desired shape. This may also be done with a 3D printing or forming process.

Thus, in each of the above embodiments, the assemblage 10 of bottles 10A and 10B may be formed individually and joined using the methods described above. Alternatively, the bottle 10 may be formed of a single or reduced number of solid parts with multiple cavities 12 and 14 per part. For example, one glass casting may be performed with two cavities in the single piece of glass.

X. Combinations of the Embodiments

Any suitable combinations of the alternative embodiments described above may be used. Bottles of different symmetries may be joined together with different joining lines 16 with different joining structures. These bottles may form an image individually or together or with the image formed with the hollow portion of the bottle. Individual lids which form an image or a combination lid structure may be utilized.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A multi-cavity container comprising two or more cavities in which a first container portion containing a first cavity is juxtaposed with a second container portion containing a second cavity which is physically separated from the first cavity, such that an image is created by the juxtaposition.

2. The multi-cavity container of claim 1, wherein the image comprises a shape of a known object.

3. The multi-cavity container of claim 1, wherein the second cavity is physically separated from the first cavity by a physical boundary such that a material in the first cavity cannot flow into the second cavity.

4. The multi-cavity container of claim 1, further comprising: a first nail polish having a first color or first composition located in the first cavity; anda second nail polish having a second color different from the first color, or a second composition different from the first composition, located in the second cavity.

5. The multi-cavity container of claim 4, wherein the multi-cavity container contains a single flat bottom surface and first and second nail polish applicators located in the respective first and second cavities at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to a plane of the flat bottom surface, such that the first and second applicators are tilted at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface of the container when the container is resting on a flat, horizontal surface.

6. The multi-cavity container of claim 5, wherein: each of the first and the second applicators comprises a respective lid, a respective brush, and a respective brush handle connecting the respective lid to the respective brush;each of the first and the second applicators is provided in the respective first and second cavity at a canted angle between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface;a first imaginary straight line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the first applicator is provided in the first cavity at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface;a second imaginary straight line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the second applicator is provided in the second cavity at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface.

7. The multi-cavity container of claim 1, wherein the first container portion comprises a first portion of a first bottle and the second container portion comprises a second portion of the first bottle.

8. The multi-cavity container of claim 1, wherein the first container portion comprises a first bottle and the second container portion comprises a second bottle juxtaposed with the first bottle.

9. The multi-cavity container of claim 8, wherein the second bottle is juxtaposed with the first bottle in a side-by-side adjacent fashion.

10. The multi-cavity container of claim 9, wherein the first bottle and the second bottle are symmetrical about a vertical axis.

11. The multi-cavity container of claim 10, wherein: a thickness of the first and the second bottles extends in z-direction from a front surface located in an x-y plane;the front surface of the first bottle in the x-y plane includes at least one front side protruding portion and at least one front side recessed portion;a back surface of the first bottle is recessed along the z-direction from the front surface in the x-y plane, and includes at least one backside protruding portion and at least one backside recessed portion, such that the at least one backside recessed portion in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side protruding portion in the front surface along the z-direction, and the at least one backside protruding portion in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side recessed portion in the front surface along the z-direction;a front surface of the second bottle in the x-y plane includes at least one front side protruding portion and at least one front side recessed portion;a back surface of the second bottle is recessed along the z-direction from the front surface in the x-y plane, and includes at least one backside protruding portion and at least one backside recessed portion, such that the at least one backside recessed portion in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side protruding portion in the front surface along the z-direction, and the at least one backside protruding portion in the back surface is located behind the at least one front side recessed portion in the front surface along the z-direction; andwhen first bottle and the second bottle are juxtaposed together, the least one front side protruding portion of the first bottle fits into the at least one front side recessed portion of the second bottle, the at least one backside protruding portion of the first bottle fits into the at least one backside recessed portion of the second bottle, the least one front side protruding portion of the second bottle fits into the at least one front side recessed portion of the first bottle, and the at least one backside protruding portion of the second bottle fits into the at least one backside recessed portion of the first bottle.

12. The multi-cavity container of claim 11, wherein the image comprises an image of a heart.

13. The multi-cavity container of claim 8, wherein the second bottle is juxtaposed with the first bottle in a front to back linear array fashion, which forms at least a portion of the image when viewed from the front.

14. The multi-cavity container of claim 8, wherein the first and the second bottles are connected in the multi-cavity container by a connecting structure.

15. The multi-cavity container of claim 8, wherein the first and the second bottles have a single lid structure which seals openings of the first and the second bottles in the multi-cavity container.

16. The multi-cavity container of claim 8, wherein a dividing line between the first and the second bottles has an alternating angled bias, a constant angled bias, or jogged straight cut.

17. A method of forming a multi-cavity container, comprising: providing a first bottle having a first cavity;providing a second bottle having a second cavity; andjuxtaposing the first bottle with the second bottle such that an image is created by the juxtaposition.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the image comprises an image of a heart;a first nail polish having a first color or first composition is located in the first cavity; anda second nail polish having a second color different from the first color, or a second composition different from the first composition, is located in the second cavity;the juxtaposed first and the second bottles contain a single flat bottom surface and first and second nail polish applicators located in the respective first and second cavities at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the plane of the flat bottom surface, such that the first and second applicators are tilted at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface of the container when the container is resting on a flat, horizontal surface.

19. A nail polish container, comprising: a first cavity;a single flat bottom surface; anda first applicator comprising a lid, a brush, and a brush handle connecting the lid to the brush;wherein:the first applicator is provided in the first cavity at a canted angle of 5 and 60 degrees with respect to a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface; anda first imaginary straight line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the first applicator is provided in the first cavity at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface.

20. The nail polish container of claim 19, further comprising: a second cavity; anda second applicator comprising a lid, a brush, and a brush handle connecting the lid to the brush;wherein:the second applicator is provided in the second cavity at a canted angle of 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the vertical plane which is perpendicular to the flat bottom surface; anda second imaginary straight line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the second applicator is provided in the second cavity at an angle between 30 and 85 degrees with respect to the flat bottom surface.