Patent Application
20200277105
The present application relates generally to containers, and more particularly, to a collapsible multi-compartment container system with detachable and re-attachable compartments and methods and systems of using the same.
Containers (or vessels) of many types, sizes and forms for receiving and storing food and liquid goods are known. Many containers have multiple compartments which allow the separation of different foods and/or liquids into different compartments within a single container.
Multi-compartment containers are often designed with compartments that are easily detachable from one another. For example, in many multi-compartment containers, the compartments are connected by a weakened portion with a perforated or bendable line that allows a user easily to separate a compartment from the others. Other multi-compartment containers include an underlying structure and a number of smaller compartments that fit within the structure; typically, the compartments can be removed from the underlying structure and then placed back in their original positions.
Existing containers, such as those described above, tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For example, the inclusion of a weakened portion in the connecting section between compartments often results in a low structural rigidity in the connecting section, which can cause several problems. For example, compartments in such a container sometimes separate when in storage, when being transported, when being held by a user, or at other times. Also, after a compartment has been detached along the weakened portion, the compartment cannot be re-attached.
Another problem associated with existing containers is the lack of a collapsible function. As a result, existing containers cannot be efficiently stored and/or transported when empty.
Another problem associated with existing container systems is that some container systems include smaller compartments within a larger unit. In these container systems, the compartment volumes are fixed. A user is therefore limited to using the existing compartments and volumes.
There is a need for a collapsible multi-compartment container having compartments that are detachable from one another and re-attachable to one another, and are connected by connecting sections that are convenient and easy to use and have a structural rigidity that is sufficient to prevent unwanted separation of the compartments from one another (for example, when only one or a subset of the compartments are supported by a user's hand). There is also a need for a container system in which compartments are interchangeable, providing a user the ability to optimize his or her control over portion sizes by mixing and matching compartments of different volume capacities.
In accordance with an embodiment, a multi-compartment container includes detachable compartments and a collapsibility function. The compartments are connected by connecting sections having a high structural rigidity. The compartments are adapted to maintain different temperatures, so that some compartments may hold heated foods or liquids while other compartments may hold cold foods or liquids. The collapsibility function facilitates easy storage and carrying.
In accordance with an embodiment, a multi-compartment container system includes a plurality of compartments. Each compartment includes a cup portion comprising a volume adapted to hold a food or liquid, and a frame portion joined to the cup portion. The frame portion surrounds a top portion and/or edge of the cup portion, and includes a connector element disposed on a side of the frame that enables attachment to another compartment, and one or more first mating elements that enable the attachment of a lid or cover. The compartment also includes a lid having one or more second mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more first mating elements of the frame to form a seal, and a chamber adapted to hold a utensil. The connector element of the frame is joined to an adjacent connector element of an adjacent frame of an adjacent compartment.
In various embodiments, the volume capacity of the compartments of a container system may vary. The volume capacity of the compartments is not fixed to the design and allows a user greater flexibility in portion control.
In one embodiment, the cup portion further includes a first section and a second section. The cup portion is adapted to move between an expanded state in which no part of the second section is inside the first section and a collapsed state in which at least a portion of the second section is inside the first section.
In another embodiment, the cup portion further includes a flexible section adapted to move between an extended condition and a compressed condition. The cup portion is in the expanded state when the flexible section is in the extended condition, and the cup portion is in the collapsed state when the flexible section is in the compressed condition.
In another embodiment, the cup portion further includes a flexible section adapted to move between an extended condition and a bent condition. The cup portion is in the expanded state when the flexible section is in the extended condition, and the cup portion is in the collapsed state when the flexible section is in the bent condition.
In another embodiment, the frame includes a top surface, and the cup portion includes a top section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are separated by a first distance when the cup portion is in the expanded state, and the top surface and the bottom surface are separated by a second distance when the cup portion is in the collapsed state, wherein the second distance is less than one-half the first distance.
In another embodiment, at least one of the cup portion, the frame portion, and the lid comprises silicone. For example, one or more components of a compartment, or one or more components of a container system, may be made from 100% food-grade silicone. Advantageously, silicone has natural insulating properties. Other materials may be used, such as, without limitation, metal, plastic, rubber, etc.
In another embodiment, at least one of the cup portion, the frame portion, and the lid comprises glass microspheres.
In another embodiment, the connector element includes a cavity and the adjacent connector element comprises a projecting element adapted to fit into the cavity.
In another embodiment, the cavity includes a first region having a first width and a second region having a second width smaller than the first width. The projecting element includes a sliding portion having a third width smaller than the first width and larger than the second width. The sliding portion is adapted to fit into and slide within the first region, and the sliding portion is blocked by and cannot slide within the second region.
In another embodiment, the connector element further includes a blocking element disposed in the second region that reduces a width of the cavity. The projecting element further includes a notch. At least a portion of the blocking element fits into the notch.
In another embodiment, the first mating element includes a projecting element and the second mating element includes a groove adapted to receive the projecting element.
In another embodiment, the utensil is a spork, a fork, a spoon, a knife, a straw, or chopsticks.
In another embodiment, the lid further includes a cover adapted to cover the chamber and enclose the utensil.
In another embodiment, a multi-compartment container system includes a first compartment that includes a first cup portion comprising a first volume adapted to hold a first food or first liquid and a first frame portion joined to the first cup portion. The first frame portion surrounds a first top edge of the first cup portion, and includes a first connector element disposed on a first side of the first frame, and one or more first mating elements. The container system also includes a first lid which has one or more second mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more first mating elements of the first frame to form a first seal, and a first chamber adapted to hold a first utensil. The container system also includes a second compartment connected to the first compartment. The second compartment includes a second cup portion comprising a second volume adapted to hold a second food or second liquid, and a second frame portion joined to the second cup portion. The second frame portion surrounds a second top edge of the second cup portion. The second frame portion includes a second connector element disposed on a second side of the second frame and connected to the first connector element of the first frame of the first compartment. The second frame also includes one or more third mating elements. The container system also includes a second lid having one or more fourth mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more third mating elements of the second frame to form a second seal, and a second chamber adapted to hold a second utensil.
In another embodiment, the first cup portion further includes a first section and a second section, and the first cup portion is adapted to move between an expanded state in which no part of the second section is inside the first section and a collapsed state in which at least a portion of the second section is inside the first section.
In another embodiment, at least one of the first cup portion, the first frame portion, and the first lid includes silicone.
In another embodiment, at least one of the first cup portion, the first frame portion, and the first lid includes glass microspheres.
In another embodiment, the first connector element includes a cavity and the second connector element comprises a projecting element adapted to fit into the cavity.
Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.
Moreover, although the embodiments of the multi-compartment container and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation therein between, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the multi-compartment container, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.
In one embodiment, a compartment has a width of 4 inches and a length of 6 inches. In other embodiments, any width and any length may be used. For example, in other embodiments, a compartment may have a length between 4 and 8 inches and a width between 3 and 6 inches.
In accordance with an embodiment, the frame portion of each compartment of a container system includes at least one first connector element that is adapted to be connected to a second connector element of another compartment. In the illustrative embodiment of
In one embodiment connector element 535 extends along an entire length of a side of frame 520-A. Similarly, connector element 545 extends along an entire length of a side of frame 520-B. Advantageously, because each connector element extends along the entire side of the frame of a respective compartment, the joint between the two connector elements is particularly strong.
In another embodiment, a connector element may extend along the entire periphery of a frame of a compartment (for example, along the entire length of each of four sides of the frame). In another embodiment, the length of a connector element is smaller than the length of a side of a frame; thus, the connector element does not extend the entire length of the side of the frame.
While a connector system that uses a connector and a cavity is illustrated in
While in the illustrative embodiment, each compartment 110-A, 110-B has a connector element on only one side, in other embodiments, a compartment may have connector elements on more than one side.
In other embodiments, a first compartment of a multi-compartment container may be connected to only one second compartment, or may be connected to more than one second compartments. For example, the first compartment may be connected to a second compartment arranged on a first side of the first compartment, and connected to a third compartment arranged on a second side of the first compartment.
Referring again to
In accordance with an embodiment, the frame of a compartment is detachably attached to the cup. Thus, in ordinary operation, the frame is attached to the cup; however, the frame may be detached in order to clean the various components or for another reason. This feature is illustrated by
In various embodiments, a compartment may include one frame, or may include a plurality of frames. In the illustrative embodiment shown in
In accordance with an embodiment, a cup of a compartment includes a top section, a middle section and a bottom section. The middle section has a bendable, foldable, or stretchable surface adapted to deform and allow the bottom section to telescope into, or be inserted into, the top section. The compartment has an expanded state, in which the top section, middle section, and bottom section of the cup are extended, and a collapsed state, in which all or a portion of the bottom section and the middle section are collapsed into the top section.
In the illustrative embodiment of
The collapsibility feature of the cup portion of a compartment may be implemented in a different manner. For example, in one embodiment, a compartment includes a flexible section which can move between an extended condition and a compressed condition. The compartment is in an expanded state when the flexible section is in the extended condition and in a collapsed state when the flexible section is in the compressed state.
In accordance with an embodiment, a compartment of a multi-compartment container system includes a lid that provides an airtight seal.
In another embodiment, a projecting ridge may run along the entire upper surface of the frame of a compartment, forming a single peripheral projection that may engage with a corresponding groove in the lid to form an airtight seal.
In another embodiment, a lid may include a strip of rubber, secured to the underside of the lid, which aligns to the top of the frame when the lid is attached to the frame.
While in the illustrative embodiment, frame 1420 includes a plurality of projections and lid 1480 includes corresponding grooves which are adapted to mate with the projections to form a seal, in other embodiments, the frame and the lid may include other types of mating elements adapted to mate together to form an airtight seal. For example, without limitation, a latch may be used, or threads may be used on the frame and lid to allow the lid to be rotated onto the frame.
Lid 1480 also includes an enclosed chamber 1660 adapted to hold one or more utensils. In the illustrative embodiment, chamber 1660 holds a spork; however, in other embodiments, chamber 1660 may hold a fork, a spoon, a knife, chopsticks, a straw, or another type of utensil. For example, in one embodiment, the chamber may hold a fork, a knife, and a spoon. In one embodiment, chamber 1660 contains a connector (such as a clasp, a clip, a cavity, etc.) that allows the utensil to be secured into chamber 1660. Chamber 1660 is enclosed by a cover 1668 (which may be a door, for example) attached to the lid by hinges 1642. In other embodiments, a chamber in the lid may be enclosed by another type of mechanism, such as a lid, a cover that screws on and off, a sliding panel, etc. Cover 1660 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In another embodiment, the chamber in the underside of the lid is adapted to hold a food or liquid.
In accordance with an embodiment, one or more components of a multi-compartment container (including the cup, the frame, the lid, etc.) are formed of a material that includes glass microspheres. The glass microspheres may be, for example, hollow glass microspheres. For example, in one embodiment, one or more components are manufactured using injection molding. During the manufacturing system and process, hollow glass microspheres are included in the injection molded components and extruded profiles.
Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a component of a multi-compartment container includes a material that includes a plurality of hollow glass microspheres.
Glass microspheres are free flowing powders consisting of, for example, thin walled hollow glass microspheres. They have a high strength to density ratio, and are both lightweight and strong enough to survive processing. The microspheres offer the least surface area per volume of any shape, which allows microspheres to help reduce resin demand in a variety of applications—for lower raw materials cost. Lightweight glass microspheres advantageously occupy up to twenty times more space than an equal weight of typical mineral filler.
In another embodiment, a resin system is used, which can decrease thermal conductivity, depending on the grade and amount of microspheres used. The microspheres advantageously exhibit low thermal conductivity and are therefore useful in a thermal insulating syntactic.
In one embodiment, 3M Glass Bubbles®, manufactured by 3M® of St. Paul, Minn., may be used. Other types of glass microspheres may be used.
Connector element 1845 is a projecting element that functions as a sliding component. Connector element 1845 includes a first portion 1847 having a first, lower level, and a second portion 1848 having a second, raised level different from the first, lower level. First, lower portion 1847 extends along the entire side of compartment 1810. Second, raised portion 1848 also extends along the entire side of compartment 1810. Second, raised portion 1848 includes a notch 1849 at both ends. Notch 1849 does not have the second, raised level, but instead has the first, lower level.
Raised portion 1848 therefore has a first region (the region between the notches) having a first width. Raised portion 1848 also has one or more second regions disposed where a notch is present; each second region has a width smaller than the first width.
Projecting element 2047 includes an internal blocking element 2048 which projects into the slot at a selected location. In the illustrative embodiment, blocking element 2048 is disposed at or near a central point of slot 2046. Blocking element 2048 reduces the width of slot 2046. In other embodiments, a blocking element may be disposed at other locations within a slot of a connector element. In other embodiments, a connector element may include more than one blocking element.
Therefore, connector element 2045 includes slot 2046 which includes a first region in which blocking element 2048 is not present and which has a first internal width, and a second region in which blocking element 2048 is present and which has a second, narrower internal width that is smaller than the first internal width.
Referring now to
In the illustrative embodiment, a third compartment similar to compartment 1810 may be connected to compartment 2010 on the opposite side of blocking element 2048, using a method similar to that used to connect compartment 1810, to form a collapsible multi-compartment container system.
In one embodiment, the compartments of a multi-compartment container system are connected by frames (connecting sections) having a high structural rigidity.
In another embodiment, the compartments are adapted to maintain different temperatures, so that some compartments may hold heated foods or liquids while other compartments may hold cold foods or liquids. One or more components of the compartments and container systems described herein may be formed of silicone. For example, one or more components may be made from 100% food-grade silicone. Silicone has natural insulating properties. Other materials may be used, such as, for example, without limitation, metal, plastic, rubber, etc.
In one embodiment, a compartment of a container system is leak-proof.
In another embodiment, one or more components of a container system are formed from food-grade silicone. In another embodiment, one or more components of a container system are formed from BPA-free materials.
In another embodiment, components of a container system are formed from freezer-safe, dishwasher safe, and microwave-safe materials.
In another embodiment, the structure of a multi-compartment container system advantageously provides low-carbon profile and environmental friendliness, no toxicity, flexibility, and is resistant to high and low temperatures.
In various embodiments, a multi-compartment container system may have any number of compartments, and the compartments may have different sizes. For example, a container system may have 2, 3, 4, or more compartments. A container system may have greater than 4 compartments. For example, a compartment may hold between 1-4 cups. In other embodiments, a compartment may have a volume of less than one cup. For example, a compartment may have a volume of one-half (½) cup, three-fourths (¾) of one cup, one-third (⅓) of one cup, etc. In other embodiments, a compartment may hold greater or smaller quantities than those disclosed herein.
For example, a multi-compartment container system may have 4 compartments that hold 1 cup each.
For example, a multi-compartment container system may have 3 compartments, including 2 compartments that hold 1 cup and 1 compartment that holds 2 cups.
For example, a multi-compartment container system may have 2 compartments that hold 2 cups each.
Other sizes, dimensions, and arrangements not disclosed herein may be used.
Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a multi-compartment container system includes a plurality of compartments. Each compartment includes a cup portion comprising a volume adapted to hold a food or liquid, and a frame portion joined to the cup portion. The frame portion surrounds a top edge of the cup portion, and includes a connector element disposed on a side of the frame and one or more first mating elements. The compartment also includes a lid having one or more second mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more first mating elements of the frame to form a seal, and a chamber adapted to hold a utensil. The connector element of the frame is joined to an adjacent connector element of an adjacent frame of an adjacent compartment.
In one embodiment, the cup portion includes a first section and a second section. The cup portion is adapted to move between an expanded state in which no part of the second section is inside the first section and a collapsed state in which at least a portion of the second section is inside the first section.
In another embodiment, the cup portion further includes a flexible section adapted to move between an extended condition and a compressed condition. The cup portion is in the expanded state when the flexible section is in the extended condition, and the cup portion is in the collapsed state when the flexible section is in the compressed condition.
In another embodiment, the cup portion further includes a flexible section adapted to move between an extended condition and a bent condition. The cup portion is in the expanded state when the flexible section is in the extended condition, and the cup portion is in the collapsed state when the flexible section is in the bent condition.
In another embodiment, the frame includes a top surface, and the cup portion includes a top section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are separated by a first distance when the cup portion is in the expanded state, and the top surface and the bottom surface are separated by a second distance when the cup portion is in the collapsed state, wherein the second distance is less than one-half the first distance.
In another embodiment, at least one of the cup portion, the frame portion, and the lid comprises silicone.
In another embodiment, at least one of the cup portion, the frame portion, and the lid comprises glass microspheres.
In another embodiment, the connector element includes a cavity and the adjacent connector element comprises a projecting element adapted to fit into the cavity.
In another embodiment, the cavity includes a first region having a first width and a second region having a second width smaller than the first width. The projecting element includes a sliding portion having a third width smaller than the first width and larger than the second width. The sliding portion is adapted to fit into and slide within the first region, and the sliding portion is blocked by and cannot slide within the second region.
In another embodiment, the connector element further includes a blocking element disposed in the second region that reduces a width of the cavity. The projecting element further includes a notch. At least a portion of the blocking element fits into the notch.
In another embodiment, the first mating element includes a projecting element and the second mating element includes a groove adapted to receive the projecting element.
In another embodiment, the utensil is a spork, a fork, a spoon, a knife, a straw, or chopsticks.
In another embodiment, the lid further includes a cover adapted to cover the chamber and enclose the utensil.
In another embodiment, a multi-compartment container system includes a first compartment that includes a first cup portion comprising a first volume adapted to hold a first food or first liquid and a first frame portion joined to the first cup portion. The first frame portion surrounds a first top edge of the first cup portion, and includes a first connector element disposed on a first side of the first frame, and one or more first mating elements. The container system also includes a first lid which as one or more second mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more first mating elements of the first frame to form a first seal, and a first chamber adapted to hold a first utensil. The container system also includes a second compartment connected to the first compartment. The second compartment includes a second cup portion comprising a second volume adapted to hold a second food or second liquid, and a second frame portion joined to the second cup portion. The second frame portion surrounds a second top edge of the second cup portion. The second frame portion includes a second connector element disposed on a second side of the second frame and connected to the first connector element of the first frame of the first compartment. The second frame also includes one or more third mating elements. The container system also includes a second lid having one or more fourth mating elements adapted to engage with the one or more third mating elements of the second frame to form a second seal, and a second chamber adapted to hold a second utensil.
In another embodiment, the first cup portion further includes a first section and a second section. The first cup portion is adapted to move between an expanded state in which no part of the second section is inside the first section and a collapsed state in which at least a portion of the second section is inside the first section.
In another embodiment, at least one of the first cup portion, the first frame portion, and the first lid includes silicone.
In another embodiment, at least one of the first cup portion, the first frame portion, and the first lid includes glass microspheres.
In another embodiment, the first connector element includes a cavity and the second connector element comprises a projecting element adapted to fit into the cavity.
Advantageously, the compartments and container systems described herein provide a collapsible multi-compartment container having compartments that are detachable from one another and re-attachable to one another, and are connected by connecting sections that are convenient and easy to use and have a structural rigidity that is sufficient to prevent unwanted separation of the compartments from one another (for example, when only one or a subset of the compartments are supported by a user's hand). Advantageously, the compartments and container systems described herein also provide a container system in which compartments are interchangeable, providing a user the ability to optimize his or her control over portion sizes by mixing and matching compartments of different volume capacities.
Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. One skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments can be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
This Application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,937, filed Mar. 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62812937 | Mar 2019 | US |
