Reversible modular can interlocking device

Abstract

A reversible modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications or in building construction. The device generally comprises a plurality of thermoplastic reversible annular means for can retention, each sized and shaped for the releasable retention of either the top lipped portion of a beverage can, or the bottom non-lipped portion of a beverage can.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top plan cutaway view of one embodiment according to the present invention showing the reversible annular retention means of the device with registration tabs in a first position atop a can.

FIG. 2 is a top plan cutaway view of one embodiment according to the present invention showing the reversible annular retention means of the device in a second position atop a can.

FIG. 3 is cross sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of the FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is cross sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of the FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention showing fillets connecting the reversible annular retention means of the device shown without registration tabs.

FIG. 6 is cross sectional view, taken along line 7-7 of the FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of the present invention showing fillets connecting the reversible annular retention means of the device shown here without registration tabs.

FIG. 8 is cross sectional view, taken along line 21-21 of the FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is elevational view showing an embodiment with cans stacked position, taken along line 21-21 of the FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is detail cutaway view of, (FIG. 4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, a reversible modular beverage can interlocking device embodying a preferred embodiment of a device according to the current invention and designated generally by the reference numeral 10′. The device is described as being of a thermoplastic material such as injection molded polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, however this is not to be construed as limiting the material or process.

FIG. 1 is a top plan cutaway view showing the positioning of the unitary thermoplastic device atop a beverage can in a first position. Shown also are integrated registration tabs.

FIG. 2 is a top plan cutaway view showing the positioning of the unitary thermoplastic device atop a beverage can in a second position.

FIG. 3 is a is cross sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of (FIG. 1), showing the thermoplastic reversible annular retention means for holding plural cans 10′, in a first position, with an inner annular wall having a upper portion 8 encircling a lip of a beverage can, and a lower portion 14 and a narrowing portion 14b thereof seated below the lip of the beverage can; shown also are the registration tabs 12.

FIG. 4 is a is cross sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of (FIG. 2) reversing the position of 10′, showing the thermoplastic reversible annular retention means for holding plural cans 10′ in a second position, with an inner annular wall having a upper portion 8 now seated below a lip of a beverage can, and portion 14b now encircling the lip of the beverage can; shown also are the registration tabs 12.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention showing outer fillets 18, an inner fillets 20, connecting the reversible annular retention means of the device without registration tabs.

FIG. 6 is cross sectional view, taken along line 7-7 of the FIG. 5 of the current invention 10′, in a first position, showing the relationship of the inner annular wall portions 8,14 and 14b to a plurality of retained beverage cans.

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of the present invention showing fillets 18, 20 connecting the reversible annular retention means of the current invention 10′,

FIG. 8 is cross sectional view, taken along line 21-21 of the FIG. 7 showing the current invention in the second position showing the upper portion 8, of the inner annular wall in intimate contact with the area below the beverage can lip. This position supports the wall of the can for added stability, reducing lateral movement, maintains alignment of the inferior cans in coaxial agreement to superiorly placed cans, and prevents the inner annular wall of the current invention from slipping down the side wall of the inferiorly situated can.

FIG. 9 is side view showing an embodiment in the second position with cans modularly stacked, taken along line 21-21 of the FIG. 7; showing the mating surfaces of the top and bottom of the beverage cans when held in alignment by the plurality of the reversible annular retention means of the current invention.

FIG. 10 is detail cutaway view of, (FIG. 4) showing the portions of the upper and lower inner annular wall in greater detail, specifically the distinction between the upper portion 8, of the inner annular wall and the beveled support surface 8b adjacent to 8.

Claims

1. A modular can interlocking device comprising plural thermoplastic reversible annular means for holding plural cans having a first position and a second position, (1) each reversible annular means for holding plural cans having an annular inner wall defining an orifice through the annular device, the inner annular wall having a lower portion and an upper portion, (a) the reversible annular means for holding plural cans in said first position, said upper portion of the inner annular wall having a single indentation formed annularly, said indentation in the upper portion of the inner annular wall being sized to releasably secure an upper annular ring of a first can when the can lip is inserted into the indentation, and the lower portion of the inner annular wall of the annular device being sized and shaped to releasably secure and support the upper portion of said first can by means of intimate contact, and,(b) the reversible annular means for holding plural cans in said second position, said lower portion of the inner annular wall being sized and shaped to releasably secure the bottom non-lipped portion of a can by means of a snug friction-fit, and a narrowing portion of said lower inner annular wall of said annular device being sized to releasably secure an upper annular ring of a first can lip is inserted into said indentation, and said upper portion of the inner annular wall being sized to encircle and support that area below the lip of said can with additional support from a beveled support surface adjacent to said indentation, and,(2) the plural annular means for holding plural cans being arranged in a planar relationship with adjacent annular means for holding plural cans being connected by a fillet.

2. A modular can interlocking device comprising plural thermoplastic reversible annular means for holding plural cans having a first position and a second position, (1) each reversible annular means for holding plural cans having an annular inner wall defining an orifice through the annular device, the inner annular wall having a upper portion of lesser diameter and an lower portion of greater diameter, (a) the reversible annular means for holding plural cans in said first position, said upper portion of the inner annular wall having a single indentation formed annularly, said indentation in the upper portion of the inner annular wall being sized to releasably secure an upper annular ring of a first can when the can lip is inserted into the indentation, and the lower portion of the inner annular wall of the annular device being sized and shaped to releasably secure and support the upper portion of said first can by means of intimate contact, and,(b) the reversible annular means for holding plural cans in said second position, said lower portion of the inner annular wall being sized and shaped to releasably secure the bottom non-lipped portion of a can by means of a snug friction-fit, and a narrowing portion of said lower inner annular wall of said annular device being sized to releasably secure an upper annular ring of a first can lip is inserted into said indentation, and said upper portion of the inner annular wall being sized to encircle and support that area below the lip of said can with additional support from a beveled support surface adjacent to said indentation, and,(2) the plural annular means for holding plural cans being arranged in a planar relationship with adjacent annular means for holding plural cans being connected by a fillet.