BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a container that is adapted for use with liquids.
A typical container for liquids is configured for use with only a single liquid. As a result, a typical container has a single opening for containing that liquid. Such limitations require another separate container to be used for another liquid. For instance, some drinks require two different types of liquid that are to be combined, or a user may simply want another liquid. Such limitations also commonly require a multiple use portion of a liquid to be stored in a single container. As a result, the liquid may become a little less fresh after each use.
In light of the shortcomings of the known art, there is a need for a container that is adapted to be used for multiple liquids (which also includes multiple use portions of the same liquid). There is a need for such a container that is adapted to be securely used or transported as a single container. A need also exists to be able to securely use or transport as a single container, while also allowing for the ability to separate the container into independent container portions to facilitate independent use.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may satisfy at least one of the aforementioned needs. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise a container that is adapted for use to contain multiple liquids. In an exemplary embodiment, a container may comprise at least a first container portion and a second container portion. Each container portion is adapted to contain a respective portion of liquid, wherein the liquid in each portion may be the same or a different liquid. In an exemplary embodiment, the first container portion and the second container portion are adapted to be connected together to form a unitary assembly. An exemplary embodiment may also allow for the first container portion to be separated from the second container portion to facilitate independent use of each portion.
An exemplary embodiment may also include features to enhance a secure unitary assembly. For example, the container portions may each comprise at least one magnet to facilitate connection and separation of the container portions. As another example, one container portion may comprise at least one recessed portion that is adapted to respectively receive at least one flange of another container portion to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly. In yet another exemplary embodiment, one container portion may comprise at least one recessed portion and at least one flange that are adapted to respectively engage with at least one recessed portion and at least one flange of another container portion to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly. For a further example, each container portion may define at least one wavy edge that defines the respective shapes of at least one recessed portion and at least one flange.
In another example, one container portion may comprise at least one depressed portion that is adapted to respectively receive at least one raised portion of another container portion to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly. In yet another exemplary embodiment, one container portion may comprise at least one depressed portion and at least one raised portion that are adapted to respectively engage with at least one depressed portion and at least one raised portion of another container portion to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly. For a further example, each container portion may define at least one wavy edge that defines the respective shapes of at least one depressed portion and at least one raised portion.
In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned above, other benefits will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a container assembly of the present invention, wherein the container assembly is shown as a unitary assembly.
FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a first side elevation view of the container assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of the container assembly of 1. Figure
FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the container assembly is shown separated into a first container portion and a second container portion.
FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the container assembly is shown separated into a first container portion and a second container portion.
FIG. 8 is a first side elevation view of the first container portion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a first side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a second side elevation view of the first container portion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a second side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 12 is a third side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 13 is a third side elevation view of the first container potion of FIG. 6.
FIG. 14 is a first perspective view of a second embodiment of a container assembly of the present invention, wherein the container assembly is shown as a unitary assembly.
FIG. 15 is a second perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the container assembly of FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is a first side elevation view of the container assembly of FIG. 14.
FIG. 18 is a second side elevation view of the container assembly of FIG. 14.
FIG. 19 is a first perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 14, wherein the container assembly is shown separated into a first container portion and a second container portion.
FIG. 20 is a second perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 14, wherein the container assembly is shown separated into a first container portion and a second container portion.
FIG. 21 is a first side elevation view of the first container portion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 is a first side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23 is a second side elevation view of the first container portion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 24 is a second side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 25 is a third side elevation view of the second container portion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 26 is a third side elevation view of the first container portion of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a container that is adapted for use with multiple liquids, which may include multiple portions of the same liquid. While exemplary embodiments are adapted for use with multiple liquids, exemplary embodiments may also be suitable for containing other materials and substances (e.g., dry powder mixes for drink preparation, coffee and tea grounds, tea bags, spices, etc.). Thus, unless otherwise expressly set forth, there is no intent to limit the claimed invention to use for any particular liquids or other materials or substances. Accordingly, for ease of description, additional references herein to the possible contents of a container may refer only to liquids.
FIGS. 1-7 show a first exemplary embodiment of a container 10 of the present invention. This exemplary embodiment of container 10 comprises at least a first container portion 20 and a second container portion 40. Each container portion is adapted to contain liquid, which may be the same or different liquid adapted to be contained in each container portion.
Such as shown in FIGS. 1-5, first container portion 20 is adapted to be connected to second container portion 40 to form a unitary assembly (i.e., container 10 in assembled form). In this exemplary embodiment, the unitary assembly may have a substantially cylindrical profile shape 12 such as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Other exemplary embodiments may form a unitary assembly having a different profile shape (e.g., hexagonal, oval, square, rectangular, etc.). Furthermore, utilizing the features described herein, other exemplary embodiments may comprise at least one other container portion that is adapted to be connected to the other container portions to form a unitary assembly. For example, an exemplary embodiment may comprise three or more container portions that are adapted to be interconnected together to form a unitary assembly. An exemplary embodiment of a unitary assembly may facilitate secure use or transportation as a single container, which is adapted to contain multiple liquids.
FIGS. 1-8, 10, and 13 show an exemplary embodiment of a first container portion 20, individually and as part of the unitary assembly. In this embodiment, first container portion 20 comprises a face portion 22 and a body portion 24. Body portion 24 extends around face portion 22 such that face portion 22 and body portion 24 form an opening 26 adapted to contain liquid. Body portion 24 comprises a spout 28 that is in fluid communication with opening 26, which is adapted to allow for liquid to be received in or dispensed from the opening 26.
Body portion 24 further comprises at least one recessed portion adapted to facilitate a formation of a unitary assembly. In this embodiment, body portion 24 further comprises a recessed portion 30 and a recessed portion 32 on an exterior surface 34 of body portion 24. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 6-8, 10, and 13, recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 are respectively connected to opposing edges 22a and 22b of face portion 22, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 40. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 are directly aligned (i.e., horizontally across from each other) and also have substantially the same shape. In other exemplary embodiments, a recessed portion may be positioned elsewhere along an edge of face portion 22, or on another edge of face portion 22 or any other portion of body portion 24, and have any suitable shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 40. In addition, recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, recessed portion 30 and/or recessed portion 32 may be the result of a change in the shape of exterior surface 34 and/or may include a reduction in thickness of the wall of body portion 24 that is associated with exterior surface 34.
FIGS. 1-7, 9, 11, and 12 show an exemplary embodiment of a second container portion 40, individually and as part of the unitary assembly. Second container portion 40 comprises a face portion 42 and a body portion 44. Body portion 44 extends around face portion 42 such that face portion 42 and body portion 44 form an opening 46 adapted to contain liquid. Body portion 44 comprises a spout 48 that is in fluid communication with opening 46, which is adapted to allow for liquid to be received in or dispensed from the opening 46.
Body portion 44 further comprises at least one flange adapted to facilitate a formation of a unitary assembly. In this embodiment, body portion 44 further comprises a flange 50 and a flange 52 on an exterior surface 54 of body portion 44. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 11, and 12, flange 50 and flange 52 extend outwardly away from opening 46 and face portion 42, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 20. This example of flange 50 and flange 52 of this embodiment, respectively, extend from opposing edges 42a and 42b of face portion 42 and away from opening 46. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, flange 50 and flange 52 are directly aligned (i.e., horizontally across from each other) and also have substantially the same shape. In other exemplary embodiments, a flange may be positioned elsewhere along an edge of face portion 42, or on another edge of face portion 42 or any other portion of body portion 44, and have any suitable shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 20. In addition, flange 50 and flange 52 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, flange 50 and flange 52 may be an extension of the wall of body portion 44 that is associated with exterior surface 54, wherein the respective thickness of each flange may be the same or different than the thickness of the aforementioned wall. In this example, such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, flange 50 and flange 52 may respectively decrease in thickness relative to the aforementioned wall in order to facilitate a desired formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 20. In other exemplary embodiments, a flange may have a different shape or thickness and may extend outwardly away from opening 46 in a different manner.
First container portion 20 is adapted to be connected to second container portion 40 in order to form a unitary assembly of container 10. In an exemplary embodiment of a unitary assembly, face portion 22 of first container portion 20 is adjacent to face portion 42 of second container portion 40. In achieving this position, recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 of first container portion 20, respectively, receive flange 50 and flange 52 of second container portion 40. The resulting unitary assembly allows secured use or transportation as a single container 10, which has multiple independent container portions. In an exemplary embodiment, first container portion 20 is also adapted to be disconnected from second container portion 40, which may allow for independent use of either container portion as desired.
In an exemplary embodiment, the respective face portions 22 and 42 may comprise features to further facilitate face portion 22 of first container portion 20 being adjacent to face portion 42 of second container portion 40 in a unitary assembly. For example, FIGS. 6-13 show an embodiment in which both face portion 22 and face portion 42 are substantially planar. However, other exemplary embodiments may comprise face portions that are not substantially planar, that are mismatched, and/or that are adapted to have a different degree of being adjacent in a unitary assembly, etc.
In an exemplary embodiment, the respective face portions 22 and 42 may also each comprise at least one magnet to promote a more secure unitary assembly, which is also adapted to be disconnected as desired. In this example, face portion 22 of first container portion 20 comprises a magnet 22c and a magnet 22d, such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and face portion 42 of second container portion 40 comprises a magnet 42c and a magnet 42d, such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. In this embodiment of a unitary assembly, magnet 22c is magnetically connected to magnet 42c, and magnet 22d is magnetically connected to magnet 42d. As desired, the magnets may be disconnected to enable independent use of either container portion. The magnets of this embodiment are aligned along a center line of the respective face portion. However, other exemplary embodiments may comprise at least one magnet in a different place on a face portion or on another suitable portion of a container portion that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with another container portion.
Based on the above principles, an exemplary embodiment may comprise at least one additional flange and/or at least one additional recessed portion on each container portion, which may facilitate a more secure unitary assembly. Container 10 is one example wherein each container portion comprises at least one additional flange and/or at least one additional recessed portion. Other exemplary embodiments having different shaped or positioned recessed portions and/or flanges may also benefit from at least one additional flange and/or at least one additional recessed portion on each container portion.
For instance, such as shown in FIGS. 6-8, 10, and 13, first container portion 20 further comprises a flange 36 and a flange 38. On the other hand, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12, second container portion 40 further comprises a recessed portion 56 and a recessed portion 58. However, other exemplary embodiments may have a different number of additional flange(s) and/or recessed portion(s).
In the example of container 10, flange 36 and flange 38 may be similar to flange 50 and flange 52 of second container portion 40. However, in other exemplary embodiments, an additional flange may not be similar to a flange on another container portion. In particular, with respect to container 10, body portion 24 further comprises flange 36 and flange 38 on an exterior surface 34 of body portion 24. In this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 6-8, 10, and 13, flange 36 and flange 38 extend outwardly away from opening 26 and face portion 22, and are adapted to further facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 40. More specifically, flange 36 and flange 38 of this embodiment, respectively, extend from opposing edges 22a and 22b of face portion 22 and away from opening 26. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, flange 36 and flange 38 are directly aligned (i.e., horizontally) and also have substantially the same shape. In other exemplary embodiments, a flange may be positioned elsewhere along an edge of face portion 22, or on another edge of face portion 22 or any other portion of body portion 24, and have any suitable shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 40. In addition, flange 36 and flange 38 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, flange 36 and flange 38 may be an extension of the wall of body portion 24 that is associated with exterior surface 34, wherein the respective thickness of each flange may be the same or different than the thickness of the aforementioned wall. In this example, such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, flange 36 and flange 38 may respectively decrease in thickness relative to the aforementioned wall in order to facilitate the desired formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 40. In other exemplary embodiments, a flange may have a different shape or thickness and may extend outwardly away from opening 26 in a different manner.
On the other hand, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 may be similar to recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 of first container portion 20. However, in other exemplary embodiments, an additional recessed portion may not be similar to a recessed portion on another container portion. In this example of container 10, body portion 44 further comprises recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 on an exterior surface 54 of body portion 44. In this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 911, and 12, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 are respectively connected to opposing edges 42a and 42b of face portion 42, and are adapted to further facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 20. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 are directly aligned (i.e., horizontally) and also have substantially the same shape. In other exemplary embodiments, a recessed portion may be positioned elsewhere along an edge of face portion 42, or on another edge of face portion 42 or any other portion of body portion 44, and have any suitable shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 20. In addition, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, recessed portion 56 and/or recessed portion 58 may be the result of a change in the shape of exterior surface 54 and/or may include a reduction in thickness of the wall of body portion 44 that is associated with exterior surface 54.
In this exemplary embodiment, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 may be adapted to receive flange 36 and flange 38 similar to the manner in which recessed portion 30 and recessed portion 32 are adapted to receive flange 50 and flange 52 of second container portion 40. However, in other exemplary embodiments, an additional recessed portion may be adapted to receive an additional flange in any other suitable manner. In the example of container 10, recessed portion 56 and recessed portion 58 of second container portion 40 are adapted to respectively receive flange 36 and flange 38 of first container portion 20 in order to form a unitary assembly. The additional flange(s) and recessed portion(s) may allow more secure use or transportation as a single container 10, which has multiple independent container portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional flange(s) and recessed portion(s) may also still allow for first container portion 20 to be disconnected from second container portion 40, such as for independent use of either container portion as desired.
FIG. 8 further shows an example in which recessed portion 30 and flange 36 of first container portion 20 are situated on a common edge 22a of face portion 22. Also shown in the example of FIG. 8, recessed portion 32 and flange 38 of first container portion 20 are situated on a common edge 22b of face portion 22. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, recessed portion 56 and flange 50 of second container portion 40 are situated on a common edge 42a of face portion 42, and recessed portion 58 and flange 52 of second container portion 40 are situated on a common edge 42b of face portion 42. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration may facilitate a desired and secure formation of a unitary assembly wherein the opposing face portions are adjacent.
It is also possible for a recessed portion and a flange of a container portion to be situated on different (e.g., opposing) edges of a face portion, or otherwise on different portions of a body portion. For instance, regarding the example of first container portion 20, recessed portion 30 is situated on a different (e.g., opposite) edge 22a of face portion 22 relative to flange 38, which is situated on edge 22b of face portion 22, and recessed portion 32 is situated on a different edge 22b of face portion 22 relative to flange 36, which is situated on edge 22a of face portion 22. As another example, recessed portion 56 of second container portion 40 is situated on a different (e.g., opposite) edge 42a of face portion 42 relative to flange 52, which is situated on edge 42b of face portion 42, and recessed portion 58 of second container portion 40 is situated on a different edge 42b of face portion 42 relative to flange 50, which is situated on edge 42a of face portion 42. Again, in this exemplary embodiment, such a configuration may facilitate a desired and secure formation of a unitary assembly wherein the opposing face portions are adjacent.
Applying similar principles as the aforementioned embodiments, it is further possible to have multiple recessed portions and/or multiple flanges along an edge of a face portion, or otherwise on another particular portion of a body portion. One example may comprise multiple alternating recessed portions and flanges along an edge of a face portion. For another example, an embodiment may comprise a flange situated between two recessed portions along an edge of a face portion. Another exemplary embodiment may comprise a recessed portion situated between two flanges along an edge of a face portion. Yet another example may comprise only multiple recessed portions or multiple flanges along an edge of a face portion. Other combinations and configurations of a recessed portion and a flange are possible. In any such embodiments, a recessed portion of one container portion is adapted to respectively receive a flange of the other container portion in order to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly, such has been previously described.
In an exemplary embodiment where a recessed portion and a flange are situated next to each other, the recessed portion and the flange may be spaced apart or adjoining. Referring to the exemplary embodiment of container 10, such as shown in FIG. 10, recessed portion 30 is adjoined to flange 36 to define a wavy edge 60 of body portion 24 of first container portion 20. In particular, this embodiment of wavy edge 60 defines the respective shapes of recessed portion 30 and flange 36. Wavy edge 60 may also help to promote a more stable unitary assembly by inhibiting shifting of first container portion 20 relative to second container portion 40. Similarly, such as shown in FIGS. 11-13, recessed portion 32 is adjoined to flange 38 to define a wavy edge 62 of body portion 24 of first container portion 20; recessed portion 56 is adjoined to flange 50 to define a wavy edge 70 of body portion 44 of second container portion 40; and recessed portion 58 is adjoined to flange 52 to define a wavy edge 72 of body portion 44 of second container portion 40. When an exemplary unitary assembly is formed as described above, wavy edge 60 is situated adjacent to wavy edge 70, and wavy edge 62 is situated adjacent to wavy edge 72, such as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. In such an exemplary embodiment, the net effect of the wavy edges in combination with the recessed portions and flanges may promote a particularly secure and stable unitary assembly. However, other exemplary embodiments may have a different configuration on at least one other edge or other body portion.
FIGS. 14-26 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a container 100 of the present invention. An exemplary embodiment of container 100 may have substantially similar features and advantages as the aforementioned container 10. For the sake of brevity, all of those similarities will not be repeated in the following description of container 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a primary distinction of container 100 relative to container 10 may relate to how the container portions are adapted to be connected together to form a unitary assembly.
An exemplary embodiment of container 100 is shown in FIGS. 14-18. In this exemplary embodiment, a first container portion 120 is adapted to be connected to a second container portion 140 to form a unitary assembly (i.e., container 100 in assembled form). This exemplary embodiment of a unitary assembly may also facilitate secure use or transportation as a single container, which is adapted to contain multiple liquids. Furthermore, first container portion 120 and second container portion 140 are adapted to be disconnected in order to facilitate independent use of either container portion.
FIGS. 14-21, 23, and 26 show an exemplary embodiment of a first container portion 120, individually and as part of the unitary assembly. In this embodiment, first container portion 120 comprises a face portion 122 and a body portion 124. Body portion 124 extends around face portion 122 such that face portion 122 and body portion 124 form an opening 126 adapted to contain liquid. Body portion 124 comprises a spout 128 that is in fluid communication with opening 126, which is adapted to allow for liquid to be received in or dispensed from the opening 126.
Body portion 124 further comprises at least one depressed portion on face portion 122 that is adapted to facilitate a formation of a unitary assembly. In this embodiment, body portion 124 further comprises depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d on face portion 122 of body portion 124. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 19-21, 23, and 26, depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d, respectively, extend between opposing corners 122a and 122b of face portion 122, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 140. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are each substantially concave, have substantially the same shape, and are generally parallel to each other. In other exemplary embodiments, a depressed portion may be positioned elsewhere on face portion 122, and have any suitable depressed shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 140. In addition, depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d may be the result of a curvature of a wall that forms face portion 122.
FIGS. 14-20, 22, 24, and 25 show an exemplary embodiment of a second container portion 140, individually and as part of the unitary assembly. In this embodiment, second container portion 140 comprises a face portion 142 and a body portion 144. Body portion 144 extends around face portion 142 such that face portion 142 and body portion 144 form an opening 146 adapted to contain liquid. Body portion 144 comprises a spout 148 that is in fluid communication with opening 146, which is adapted to allow for liquid to be received in or dispensed from the opening 146.
Body portion 144 further comprises at least one raised portion on face portion 142 that is adapted to facilitate a formation of a unitary assembly. In this embodiment, body portion 144 further comprises raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d on face portion 142 of body portion 144. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 22, 24, and 25, raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d, respectively, extend between opposing corners 142a and 142b of face portion 142, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 120. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d are each substantially convex, have substantially the same shape, and are generally parallel to each other. In other exemplary embodiments, a raised portion may be positioned elsewhere on face portion 142, and have any suitable raised shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 120. In addition, raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d may be the result of a curvature of a wall that forms face portion 142.
First container portion 120 is adapted to be connected to second container portion 140 in order to form a unitary assembly of container 100. In an exemplary embodiment of a unitary assembly, face portion 122 of first container portion 120 is adjacent to face portion 142 of second container portion 140. In achieving this position, depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d of first container portion 120, respectively, receive raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d of second container portion 140. The resulting unitary assembly allows secure use or transportation as a single container 100, which has multiple independent container portions. In an exemplary embodiment, first container portion 120 is also adapted to be disconnected from second container portion 140, which may allow for independent use of either container portion as desired.
In an exemplary embodiment, the respective face portions 122 and 142 may comprise features to further facilitate face portion 122 of first container portion 120 being adjacent to face portion 142 of second container portion 140 in a unitary assembly. For example, FIGS. 19-26 show an embodiment in which both face portion 122 and face portion 142 further comprise at least one substantially planar portion. In this exemplary embodiment, face portion 122 comprises substantially planar portions 122c and 122d, wherein depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d (and optionally raised portions) are situated between substantially planar portions 122c and 122d. Similarly, face portion 142 comprises substantially planar portions 142c and 142d, wherein raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d (and optionally depressed portions) are situated between substantially planar portions 142c and 142d. Some exemplary embodiments may not comprise a substantially planar portion on a face portion, and some exemplary embodiments may comprise a substantially planar portion in a different position relative to a depressed portion and/or a raised portion. Also, other exemplary embodiments may comprise face portions that are mismatched, and/or that are adapted to have a different degree of being adjacent in a unitary assembly, etc.
In an exemplary embodiment, the respective face portions 122 and 142 may also each comprise at least one magnet to promote a more secure unitary assembly, which is also adapted to be disconnected as desired. In this example, face portion 122 of first container portion 120 comprises a magnet 122e and a magnet 122f, such as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and face portion 142 of second container portion 140 comprises a magnet 142e and a magnet 142f, such as shown in FIGS. 19 and 22. In this embodiment of a unitary assembly, magnet 122e is magnetically connected to magnet 142e, and magnet 122f is magnetically connected to magnet 142f. As desired, the magnets may be disconnected to enable independent use of either container portion. The magnets of this embodiment are aligned along a center line of the respective face portion, and the magnets are in a respective substantially planar portion. However, other exemplary embodiments may comprise at least one magnet in a different place on a face portion or on another suitable portion of a container portion that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with another container portion.
Based on the above principles, an exemplary embodiment may comprise a different number, shape, or configuration of at least one depressed portion and/or at least one raised portion on each container portion, which may facilitate a more secure unitary assembly. For instance, such as shown in FIGS. 19-21, 23, and 26, first container portion 120 further comprises raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c on face portion 122. On the other hand, such as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 22, 24, and 25, second container portion 140 further comprises depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c on face portion 142. However, other exemplary embodiments may have a different number of additional raised portion(s) and/or depressed portion(s).
In the example of container 100, raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c may be similar to raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d of second container portion 140. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 19-21, 23, and 26, raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c, respectively, extend between opposing corners 122a and 122b of face portion 122, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 140. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c are each substantially convex, have substantially the same shape, and are generally parallel to each other. In other exemplary embodiments, a raised portion may be positioned elsewhere on face portion 122, and have any suitable raised shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with second container portion 140. In addition, raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c may be the result of a curvature of a wall that forms face portion 122. However, in other exemplary embodiments, a raised portion may not be similar to a raised portion on another container portion.
On the other hand, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c may be similar to depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d of first container portion 120. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 22, 24, and 25, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c, respectively, extend between opposing corners 142a and 142b of face portion 142, and are adapted to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 120. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c are each substantially concave, have substantially the same shape, and are generally parallel to each other. In other exemplary embodiments, a depressed portion may be positioned elsewhere on face portion 142, and have any suitable depressed shape, that facilitates the formation of a unitary assembly with first container portion 120. In addition, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c may be the result of a curvature of a wall that forms face portion 142, However, in other exemplary embodiments, a depressed portion may not be similar to a depressed portion on another container portion.
In this exemplary embodiment, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c may be adapted to receive raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c similar to the manner in which depressed portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are adapted to receive raised portions 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d of second container portion 140. However, in other exemplary embodiments, an additional depressed portion may be adapted to receive an additional raised portion in any other suitable manner. In the example of container 100, depressed portions 170a, 170b, and 170c of second container portion 140 are adapted to respectively receive raised portions 160a, 160b, and 160c of first container portion 120 in order to form a unitary assembly. The additional depressed portion(s) and raised portion(s) may allow more secure use or transportation as a single container 100, which has multiple independent container portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional depressed portion(s) and raised portion(s) may also still allow for first container portion 120 to be disconnected from second container portion 140, such as for independent use of either container portion as desired.
In the example of container 100, the depressed portions and raised portions are alternately situated relative to each other on each face portion. Applying similar principles as the aforementioned embodiments, other combinations and configurations of a depressed portion and a raised portion are possible. It is also possible to only have depressed portion(s) or raised portion(s) on a face portion. In any such embodiment, a depressed portion of one container portion is adapted to respectively receive a raised portion of the other container portion in order to facilitate the formation of a unitary assembly, such has been previously described.
In an exemplary embodiment comprising a depressed portion and a raised portion on a face portion, the depressed portion and the raised portion may be spaced apart or adjoining. Referring to the exemplary embodiment of container 100, such as shown in FIGS. 23-26, the depressed portions and the raised portions on each container portion may be adjoined to respectively define a wavy edge on a face portion. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 26, wavy edge 180 defines the respective shapes of depressed portion 130a, raised portion 160a, depressed portion 130b, raised portion 160b, depressed portion 130c, raised portion 160c, and depressed portion 130d, which are adjoined in such order. Similarly, such as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, wavy edge 190 defines the respective shapes of raised portion 150a, depressed portion 170a, raised portion 150b, depressed portion 170b, raised portion 150c, depressed portion 170c, and raised portion 150d, which are adjoined in such order. In this exemplary embodiment, wavy edge 180 is situated between substantially planar portions 122c and 122d, and wavy portion 190 is situated between substantially planar portions 142c and 142d. Wavy edge 180 and wavy edge 190 may also help to promote a more stable unitary assembly by inhibiting shifting of first container portion 120 relative to second container portion 140. When an exemplary unitary assembly is formed as described above, wavy edge 180 is situated adjacent to wavy edge 190, such as depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, 17, and 18. In such an exemplary embodiment, the net effect of the wavy edges in combination with the depressed portions and raised portions may promote a particularly secure and stable unitary assembly. However, other exemplary embodiments may have a different configuration on a face portion, and a wavy edge may be situated elsewhere on a face portion.
An exemplary embodiment comprising at least one depressed portion and/or at least one raised portion on a face portion may also offer further advantages. For example, such as when the container portions are in a separated state, the at least one depressed portion and/or the at least one raised portion may facilitate or enhance a user's grip on a face portion. Furthermore, such as in the example of container 100, any of corners 122a, 122b, 142a, and 142b may be rounded, chamfered, or otherwise angled, which may have manufacturing benefits and also allow for a user to more comfortably position a hand around such corner when gripping a container portion. However, other exemplary embodiments may have different configurations of depressed portions, raised portions, and/or corners (e.g., sharper angles, different placements, etc.).
Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain some of the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
Patent Application
20220324612
