Not applicable
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to a powder, or particulate container device that can be locked into position, in various stages, so as to prevent the opening, mixing and accidental spilling of powders or particulates.
The present invention is distinguished from the following prior art pieces in many ways.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,095 is directed to a powder holder device that requires a pivoted access door. The present invention does not require such a door.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,768 describes a rotatable divider in a solids materials holder comprising: i) a duct defining a volume, and ii) an exterior rim configured to be manipulated by a user. The present invention does not require such a duct to define volume as well as a rim to configure said volume.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,670,865 discloses a docking station being connected to said housing and also requires the use of a multifunctional, interactive, wireless device. The present invention requires neither a docking station nor multifunctional, interactive, wireless device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,199 discloses two snap hinges that communicate the two-piece cap with the base. The present invention does not require such hinges to hold cap onto base or a two-piece cap. The present invention only uses one cap that attaches to the base.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,164,301 claims both an upper and lower “cover” that act as an opening lock. The present invention does not require a two-part cap to function properly.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,571,811 claims a portable cabinet with a base and central tubular support column. The present invention does not utilize such a portable cabinet with openings for at least one drawer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,667 includes a lid with an annular sidewall to dispense items within. The present invention allows for dispensing of materials via the top of the lid, which flips open. The present invention has a lid that can only be secured in one predetermined position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,816 has two flap lids on “living hinges,” while the present invention has only has one lid. The present invention has a lid that can only be secured in one predetermined position along tracks of varying sizes. The '816 invention claims an upper cover over the first container and a lower cover over the second. Whereas the present invention has one compartment throughout the height of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,627 has a lid that snaps atop the container. The present invention has a lid that can only be secured in one predetermined position along tracks of varying sizes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,667 does not utilize a compartment lock as is such with the present invention. This novel feature prevents the contamination of materials that are housed within the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,735 does not disclose individual compartments. The invention of '735 claims a lid closure adapted to dispense a material into a container comprising a first lid part and a second lid part with pockets. The present invention only has one lid closure that allows the user to access substance inside the device. The present invention also has a lid that snaps into the base of the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,720 has a dispensing orifice on the side of the invention. The present invention has a dispensing orifice is on the top of the invention via the flip-top lid. The invention of '720 also claims a top and bottom shell that are mated and have a center pin that connects both shells. The present invention has a lid that rotates on a track and does not have a center pin that goes all the way through.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,502 is distinguished from the present invention as the present invention has a rotatable compartment with individual side orifices used to dispense soluble materials upon activation. The present invention does not utilize such an axis of rotation or even contain a removable cap that contains the materials within the said compartments. The present invention does not use, not require, a bottom orifice for dispensing materials. All materials on the present invention are either loaded or dispensed from the top orifice. The present invention also utilizes a solid lid absent of any orifices for dispensing soluble materials. The present invention also utilizes a removable cap used to secure soluble materials.
US20060213926 is distinguished from the present invention, as the present invention utilizes a ball that allows the lid to rotate about the axis. In the '926 application, each individual compartment has its own separate outlet for dispensing soluble materials.
US20090127263 does not allow the lid to rotate. US Pat. Application '263 also requires an air space between adjacent wall portions unlike the present invention.
The present invention is a new, and novel, design for containment of particulate matter or potentially fluids.
In several embodiments of the present invention, there are tracks on outside of the base container to engage or disengage lid. In several embodiments of the present invention the lid can only be put on or taken off in one predetermined location (where the indicators meet). In several embodiments of the present invention, once the flip top lid is closed, it engages the inside of base container and locks lid in place, preventing the lid from rotating. When lid is opened, the entire cap can rotate 360°. In several embodiments of the present invention, a funnel can be screwed onto base of container for convenience. In several embodiments, the lid cap utilizes a magnetic latching system.
The present invention generally relates to organizing and transporting medication or supplements in pill or powder form. Americans are constantly being sold meal plans and supplementary products, for which timing and portions are crucial for results. The present invention will allow users to carry multiple medications, vitamins, or supplements in a compact, portable container. The user can flip the top open, rotate the lid along the track, and pour out supplements from segregated compartments during various parts of the day.
A Forbes article titled “Nutritional Supplements Flexing Muscles As Growth Industry” mentions that the supplement industry (Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements, or VMS) produced about $32 billion in revenue in 2012. This is projected to double to $60 billion by 2021 according to the Nutritional Business Journal. See https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidlariviere/2013/04/18/nutritional-supplements-flexing-their-muscles-as-growth-industry/#281f783c8845. There are currently not many convenient methods of carrying and portioning such supplements. The current options are few still not sleek enough for the ideal daily carry. The present invention intends to simplify the problem for users and allow them to carry the required supplements in a convenient, compact, and portable device. In some embodiments, the present invention adds more carrying space in a gym bag for multiple powders.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention allows users to easily carry portioned, or segregated, substances for removal and consumption at various times throughout the day. In some embodiments, the compartments are numbered in ascending order to assist the user in prioritizing throughout the day. In several embodiments, the device comes in a clear, plastic container to allow user to verify contents of each compartment. In several embodiments, the container is of a nonopaque material.
In several embodiments the present invention is a materials containment canister comprising: a lower cap; said lower cap further comprising a lower cap upper thread, a frustoconical side slant cone, and a spout attached to the bottom edge of said frustoconical side slant cone; a body; said body is substantially hollow with multiple chambers running the length of the interior of said body and being separated by a multi walled divider; said body is comprised with a lower body thread capable of engaging said lower cap upper thread; said body is comprised with an upper body track; said upper body track has an upper cap interface; an upper cap; said upper cap has an upper body track interface capable of interfacing with said upper cap interface; said upper cap has a top face with and orifice; said top face is attached to a base; said base is further attached to a handle and a lid with a lower wedge; wherein said lower wedge is capable of sealably engaging said orifice. In several embodiments, said base has a first magnetic attachment on the upper face of said base; said lid has a second magnetic on the upper face of said lid of opposing polarity to said first attachment; wherein said first and second magnetic attachments are capable of magnetically engaging each other therein maintaining said lid in mechanical communication with said base. In several embodiments said upper cap is rotatable about said upper body track when said lid is disengaged from said orifice. In several embodiments, said upper cap is locked about said upper body track when said lid is engaged with said orifice. In several embodiments, said body is further constructed with grips. In several embodiments, said body is further constructed with indentions on the upper surface that correspond with the locations of one of said multiple chambers in the interior of said body. In several embodiments said body is further constructed with an indentation on said lid that corresponds with the location of said orifice. In several embodiments, said body is threadably attached to said lower cap. In several embodiments, the upper cap can only be removed from said body when the indentions on the upper lip and the cap are in proper alignment.
In several embodiments, the present invention is a method for using a materials containment canister comprising the steps of: providing a materials containment canister comprising; a lower cap; said lower cap further comprising a lower cap upper thread, a frustoconical side slant cone, and a spout attached to the edge of said frustoconical side slant cone; a body; said body is substantially hollow with multiple chambers running the length of the interior of said body and being separated by a multiple-walled divider; said body is comprised with a lower body thread capable of engaging said lower cap upper thread; said body is comprised with an upper body track; said upper body track has an upper cap interface; an upper cap; said upper cap has an upper body track interface capable of interfacing with said upper cap interface; said upper cap has a top face with and orifice; said top face is attached to a base; said base is further attached to a handle and a lid with a lower wedge; wherein said lower wedge is capable of sealably engaging said orifice; and sealing said orifice with said lower wedge. In several embodiments, the invention further comprises: said base has a first magnetic attachment on the upper face of said base; said lid has a second magnetic on the upper face of said lid of opposing polarity to said first attachment; magnetically engaging said first and second magnetic attachments with each other therein maintaining said lid in mechanical communication with said base. In several embodiments, the method further comprises the step of: rotating said upper cap about said upper body track when said lid is disengaged from said orifice. In several embodiments, the method further comprised the step of: locking said upper cap about said upper body track when said lid is engaged with said orifice. In several embodiments, the method further comprises the step of:
constructing said body with grips. In several embodiments, the method further comprises the step of constructing said body with indentions on the upper surface that correspond with the locations of one of said multiple chambers in the interior of said body. In several embodiments, the method further comprises the step of constructing said body with an indentation on said lid that corresponds with the location of said orifice. In several embodiments, the method further comprises the step of threadably attaching said body to said lower cap.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:
One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary and novel particulate and/or powder storage and dispensing canister and method of use of the same.
In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.
Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and arrangements of specific units in the drawings can vary.
While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. Specifically, defined terms: As utilized herein, “frustoconical” means any substantially funnel shape with a top portion of greater width than the lower portion.
Certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown, all in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
As shown is bottom cap 50. In several embodiments of the present invention bottom cap 50 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. As shown bottom cap 50 is releasable attached to main body 150. In several embodiments, this attachment occurs through threading 25 (see
In several embodiments, body 150 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. In many embodiments, body 150 is substantially cylindrical in exterior shape and can have gripping indentions 130, as shown. In several embodiments, main body 150 may be formed with different shapes. Body 130, may also be formed in various heights to allow for more or less materials. Body's 130, interior walls may also include more or less walls thus constructing various internal orifices.
Further illustrated is that body 150 may be constructed with identification indentions 165 use to help users ascertain which internal containment enclosure 310a-e is aligned with the lid 250 when in use. Body 150 can also have secondary indentations 160 utilized to align body 150 with top cap 200 in certain uses of the present invention. Where the two triangles on the device 160 and 210 meet, the entire cap can be attached. Once turned, there are extrusions on the inner cap that keep hold within the track 146. These extrusions will allow 210 to rotate freely about the axis without the possibility of being removed at any other position other than the one stated above.
In several embodiments, there are three different sized extrusions that allow the cap 200 to only be put on where the arrows align. If a user attempts to put the cap 200 on from any other angle, it won't work due to specific and variant extrusion size.
In several embodiments, top cap 200 is constructed with lip complex 280. In several embodiments, complex 280 is constructed with magnetic attachment 270, lid 250, second magnetic attachment 275, handle 250 and handle attachment 285. As shown handle attachment 285 substantially attached and can rotate about base 281 of complex 280, such that handle 255 can rotate away from, or towards, top cap top 201. Cap top 200 can be of a variety of different geometric shapes as long as the physical requirements of the present invention are met. The rotation is about the axis as defined by attachment 285.
In many embodiments, attachment 285 forms a handle 255 which fits around base 281 in a manner known in the art and extending approximately one hundred and eighty degrees around base 281. Handle 255 is preferably constructed in such a manner as to support the weight of the canister invention 100 (even when filled) through lifting. Handle 255 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape.
Attached on top of base 281 is magnetic attachment 270. Magnetic attachment 270 can be of positive or negative alignment, but needs to be in opposite alignment to magnetic attachment 275. Also, attached to base 281, in a manner known in the art, is flip lid 250. Flip lid 250 is preferably designed to rotatably engage base 281 at attachment points 251 such that the portion of flip lid 250 distal to attachment 251 can rotate away or towards cap top 281.
In one embodiment, magnetic attachment 275 is on flip lid 250 and arranged such that it can releasably engage mechanical attachments 270, therein maintaining flip lid 250 in an open position relative to top cap 200. In several embodiments, once the flip top 250 is closed, it mechanically engages into the inside of the chamber wall of body 150 and locks lid cap 200 into place relative to body 150. This prevents the triangles 160 and 210 from aligning accidentally therein allowing lid cap 200 to potentially come off. In several embodiments, once the flip top 250 is closed, it digs into the inside of the chamber wall and locks it into place. In some embodiments, there is some thickness to 250 in the shape of the triangle to prevent the lid from turning unless 250 is flipped open. This prevents the arrows from aligning accidentally and the lid 200 potentially coming off.
Illustrated further is orifice 300 on top cap 200 which is designed to preferably align with one of containers 310a-e when in operation by a user such that materials from only one individual container could be removed or placed into one of said containers 310a-e. In several embodiments of the present invention the interior of containers 310a-e is substantially shaped as a wedge with extended depth.
Shown on lower cap 50 has the frustoconical side slant cone 30. Further shown is the outer edge 45 and the spout 40. Side ridge 55 and inner ridge 35 are also shown.
As shown the upper portions of said containers are of a greater diameter than the lower areas. In this embodiment, threads 27 and 25 are engaged such that bottom cap 50 is in mechanical communication with body 150. Shown is rotational track 227 of body 150 as it engages top cap 200. Shown in this embodiment, lower cap 450 has the frustoconical side slant cone 430. Further shown is the outer edge 445 and the spout 440. Side ridge 455 is also shown.
In this embodiment, lower cap 450 snaps in ridges 427 on lower end of body 550. In this embodiment spout 440 is then substantially adjacent to the bottom of body 550 when fully assembled.
In several embodiments, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. Bottom cap 50 is attached to the bottom portion of body 150 via threads 25 and 27. Top cap 200 is then attached to body 150 through alignment of triangles 160 and 210 notches 314, 312 and 313 followed by top cap 200 placement on track 146. After placement, triangles 160 and 210 are rotated such that they no longer align therein locking top cap 200 onto body 150.
In several embodiments bottom cap 50 can be unscrewed from body 150 so that they are no longer in attachment. After top cap 200 is removed from body 150 via a realigning of triangles 160 and 210, bottom cap 50 can be placed over the top of body 150 such that spout 45 aligns with one of any chambers 310a-e. Once alignment is in place, a user can pour a powder into any one of said chambers 310a-e.
In several embodiments of the present invention a user cannot rotate cap 200 when the wedge 350 is in sealable contact with defining walls 310. In order to rotate the cap 200, in many embodiments, wedge 350 need to be removed from contact with defining walls 310.
In several embodiments, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. Bottom cap 450 is attached to the bottom portion of body 550 via snapping into ridge 427. Top cap 1200 is then attached to body 550 through alignment of triangles 160 and 210 notches 314, 312 and 313 followed by top cap 200 placement on track 146. After placement, triangles 160 and 210 are rotated such that they no longer align therein locking top cap 1200 onto body 550.
In several embodiments bottom cap 450 can be snapped away from body 450 so that they are no longer in attachment. After top cap 1200 is removed from body 550 via a realigning of triangles 160 and 210, bottom cap 450 can be placed over the top of body 550 such that spout 440 aligns with one of any chambers 410a-e. Once alignment is in place, a user can pour a powder into any one of said chambers 410a-e.
In several embodiments of the present invention a user cannot rotate cap 1200 when the wedge 350 is in sealable contact with defining walls 310. In order to rotate the cap 1200, in many embodiments, wedge 350 need to be removed from contact with defining walls 410.
While preferred embodiments have been shown, and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modification.
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