THERMALLY INSULATED MICRO CONTAINER, DEVICE, AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

A double-walled-vacuum-insulated container that has multiple vacuum chambers that are in fluid communication and is used for storing small items such as, but not limited to, cosmetics such as lip balm, lip stick.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described herein generally relate to vacuum insulated containers.

BACKGROUND

Double-walled vacuum-insulated containers may prevent liquids from becoming warm over time. This is achieved due to the thermal insulation properties of a vacuum space.

Just as people don't want their drinks to become warm, people also do not want their lip balm to become warm, because the lip balm will melt. Some people in warm and dry climates use lip balm to keep their lips from becoming chap. Most lip balms melt at temperatures of about 90° F. and above. It is common that people have their lip balm melt in their car, pocket, or anywhere that the cosmetic device is exposed to a heating source such as sunlight. When a lip balm has melted and the user opens the lip balm container unknowingly, it usually spills and becomes a liquid mess that spreads everywhere. Not only is the liquid lip balm difficult to clean, but when it resolidifies into a wax, it becomes even more difficult to clean. A solution to the known but unsolved problem is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of one variation of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates one variation of a portion of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates one variation of a portion of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one variation of a portion of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one variation of a portion of a thermally insulated micro container consistent with this disclosure.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

The solution to the unsolved problem of frequently melting or softening of lip balms and cosmetics is a container that has great thermal insulation properties for containing lip balms and various other cosmetics. The container should be small, cheap, and aesthetically pleasing to appeal to customers.

In market research customers often lose their lip balm. A solution to this known but unsolved problem may include a keychain feature on the said invention preventing the customer from misplacing the lip balm and lip balm container.

This invention is different than the existing products under similar classification because the existing products are meant to keep consumable liquids cold, do not have a thermally insulated cap, do not have keychain attachments, and are often too large to fit in a pocket or purse.

The present invention relates generally to thermally insulated micro containers including a first and second double-walled vacuum housings. The first and second double-walled vacuum housings may be mechanically connected to one another to house a lip balm or similar item and provide vacuum insulation to prevent freezing or melting of the lip balm or item within the thermally insulated micro container. An o-ring may be disposed at least partially between the first and second double-walled vacuum housings to facilitate sealing of the vacuum insulated container.

Each of the first or second double-walled vacuum housings may be made of any material including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other metal, plastic, ceramic, or the like. In some embodiments, the first or second double-walled vacuum housings may include decorative or functional coatings or images thereon or may include further insulating coatings thereon. One example of a functional coating that may be used to further insulate the internal cavity may be a rubber such as silicon that is applied to the exterior container in a thin layer. Alternatively, the apparatus may also include a separate rubber sleeve that the vacuum insulated container is inserted into.

According to some embodiments, either of the first or second double-walled vacuum housings may include a through-hole and key-ring combination, clip, carabiner, or attachment feature to facilitate attaching the thermally insulated micro container to a key chain, purse, clothing, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, a thermally insulated micro container 100 may include a vacuum insulated cavity 101 to prevent freezing or melting of the lip balm or item within the thermally insulated micro container 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a thermally insulated micro container may include a first double walled vacuum housing 104 and a second double-walled vacuum housing 107. The first double walled vacuum housing 104 may define a first cavity 210 therein and the second double-walled vacuum housing 107 may define a second cavity 212 therein. The first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212 may, together, form a cavity constructed and arranged to receive a lip balm 106 therein. The first housing 104 may include a first threading 103 constructed arranged to mechanically mate with a second threading 108 on the second housing 107. At least one o-ring 105 may be disposed between the first housing 104 and the second housing 107 to facilitate sealing of the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212 to form a primary cavity. At least one attachment device 102 such as, but not limited to, a carabiner, chain, looped string, or the like may be affixed to the first housing 104 via a connection through-hole 116.

Referring to FIG. 3, The first double-walled vacuum housing may define a first cavity 210 therein and may include a dual-wall construction defining a first vacuum cavity 200. The second double-walled vacuum housing may define a second cavity 212 therein and may include a dual wall construction defining a first vacuum cavity 200. The first housing may include a first internal threading 252 on a lip 202 constructed arranged to mechanically mate with a second external threading 204 on the second lip 207 of second housing. At least one o-ring 214 may be disposed between the first housing and the second housing to facilitate sealing of the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212 to form a primary cavity. The first vacuum cavity 200 and the second vacuum cavity 205 may be constructed and arranged to provide a thermally insulating micro container for storing lip balm or similar objects therein.

Referring to FIG. 4, a partial view of a thermally insulated micro container depicts a lip balm 206 disposed within a portion of the first double-walled vacuum housing 104, the first double-walled vacuum housing 104 having an attachment mechanism 250 for attaching to a second double-walled vacuum housing.

Referring to FIG. 5, an assembled view of a thermally insulated micro container is shown. The thermally insulated micro container may include a first double-walled vacuum housing 104 having a first rounded circumferential edge 504. The thermally insulated micro container may include a second double-walled vacuum housing 107 having a second rounded circumferential edge 506. The first double-walled vacuum housing 104 and second double-walled vacuum housing 107 may connect mechanically, by means of magnets, temporary adhesives, or the like, at interface 502. According to some embodiments, a thermally insulated micro container may include decorative imagery thereon or decorative imagery engraved on a surface of the first double-walled vacuum housing or second double-walled vacuum housing.

Referring to FIG. 6, the thermally insulated micro container as in FIG. 5 may be disassembled into a first double-walled vacuum housing 104 and a second double-walled vacuum housing 107, wherein either of the first double-walled vacuum housing 104 or second double walled vacuum housing 107 may include an attachment mechanism 250 functioning via mechanical attachment, magnetic attachment, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, a partial view of a thermally insulated micro container depicts a lip balm 206 disposed within a portion of the second double-walled vacuum housing 107 allowing access to the lip balm 206 and use of the lip balm 206 without having to remove the lip balm 206 completely from the thermally insulated micro container.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first inner shell 802 may be disposed within a first shell cavity 906 defined by a first outer shell 902. A second inner shell 808 may be disposed within a second shell cavity 904 defined by a second outer shell 908, such that a first vacuum cavity and a second vacuum cavity are formed within the thermally insulated micro container. The first inner shell 802 may include an upper portion 804 and a lower portion 810, the lower portion 810 engaging with the first shell cavity 906 defined by a first outer shell 902 to form the first vacuum cavity. The second inner shell 808 may include a lower portion 806 and an upper portion 812, the upper portion 812 engaging with the second shell cavity 904 defined by a second out shell 908 to form the second vacuum cavity. The first inner shell 802 and second inner shell 808 may mechanically connect at interface 502.

Referring to FIG. 10, the second double-walled vacuum housing 107 may define a second cavity 212 and a second vacuum cavity 205. The second double-walled vacuum housing 107 may further define an attachment means 209 incorporating internal threading 203 for receiving a threaded connection, such as external threading 201, as best seen in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first double-walled vacuum housing 104 may define a first cavity 210 and a first vacuum cavity 200. The first double-walled vacuum housing 104 may include an attachment means 250 incorporating external threading 201 for engaging a threaded connection, such as internal threading 203, as best seen in FIG. 10.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.

According to variation 1, a thermally insulated micro container may include a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first cavity and a first vacuum cavity and further defining at least one connection through-hole; a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second cavity and a second vacuum cavity; a first attachment mechanism on the first double walled vacuum housing; and a second attachment mechanism on the second double-walled vacuum housing being constructed and arranged to connect to the first attachment mechanism such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

Variation 2 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in variation 1, wherein the primary cavity is constructed and arranged to provide a thermally insulating micro cavity.

Variation 3 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 2, wherein the first attachment mechanism is at least one of a first internal threading or first external threading on a lip of the first double-walled vacuum housing.

Variation 4 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 3, wherein the second attachment mechanism is at least one of a second internal threading or second external threading on a lip of the second double-walled vacuum housing.

Variation 5 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 4, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another.

Variation 6 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 5, wherein at least one of the first attachment mechanism or second attachment mechanism includes at least one magnet such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to magnetically connect to one another.

Variation 7 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 6, further including at least one o-ring disposed between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing, the at least one o-ring being constructed and arranged to facilitate a seal between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

Variation 8 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 7, further including at least one attachment device affixed to the first double-walled vacuum housing via the connection through-hole.

Variation 9 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 1 through 8, wherein the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing include at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

According to variation 10, a thermally insulated micro container may include a first outer shell; a first inner shell defining a first cavity, the first inner shell being seated within the first outer shell to form a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first vacuum cavity and including a first attachment mechanism; a second outer shell; a second inner shell defining a second cavity, the second inner shell being seated within the second outer shell to form a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second vacuum cavity and including a second attachment mechanism; and wherein the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism are constructed and arranged to connect and join the first cavity and second cavity to form a primary cavity.

Variation 11 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in variations 10, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another.

Variation 12 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 11, wherein at least one of the first attachment mechanism or second attachment mechanism includes at least one magnet such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to magnetically connect to one another.

Variation 13 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 12, further including at least one o-ring disposed between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing, the at least one o-ring being constructed and arranged to facilitate a seal between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

Variation 14 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 13, wherein the primary cavity is constructed and arranged to removable house a lip balm therein.

Variation 15 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 14, further including at least one connection through-hole defined by at least one of the first outer shell or second outer shell.

Variation 16 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 15, further including at least one attachment device affixed to the first double-walled vacuum housing via the connection through-hole.

Variation 17 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 16, wherein the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing include at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

Variation 18 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 17, further including at least one decorative image engraved on least one of the first double-walled vacuum housing or second double-walled vacuum housing.

Variation 19 may include a thermally insulated micro container as in any of variations 10 through 18, further including at least one decorative image printed on least one of the first double-walled vacuum housing or second double-walled vacuum housing.

According to variation 20, a thermally insulated micro container may include a first outer shell including at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic; a first inner shell including at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic and defining a first cavity, the first inner shell being seated within the first outer shell to form a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first vacuum cavity and including a first attachment mechanism; a second outer shell including at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic; a second inner shell including at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic and defining a second cavity, the second inner shell being seated within the second outer shell to form a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second vacuum cavity and including a second attachment mechanism; and wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism include complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another to join the first cavity and the second cavity in fluid communication with one another.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A thermally insulated micro container comprising: a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first cavity and a first vacuum cavity and further defining at least one connection through-hole;a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second cavity and a second vacuum cavity;a first attachment mechanism on the first double-walled vacuum housing; anda second attachment mechanism on the second double-walled vacuum housing being constructed and arranged to connect to the first attachment mechanism such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

2. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, wherein the primary cavity is a thermally insulating cavity.

3. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, wherein the first attachment mechanism is at least one of a first internal threading or first external threading on a lip of the first double-walled vacuum housing.

4. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 3, wherein the second attachment mechanism is at least one of a second internal threading or second external threading on a lip of the second double-walled vacuum housing.

5. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 4, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another.

6. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first attachment mechanism or second attachment mechanism comprises at least one magnet such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to magnetically connect to one another.

7. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, further comprising at least one o-ring disposed between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing, the at least one o-ring being constructed and arranged to facilitate a seal between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

8. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment device affixed to the first double-walled vacuum housing via the connection throughhole.

9. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 1, wherein the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing comprise at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

10. A thermally insulated micro container comprising: a first outer shell;a first inner shell defining a first cavity, the first inner shell being seated within the first outer shell to form a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first vacuum cavity and comprising a first attachment mechanism;a second outer shell;a second inner shell defining a second cavity, the second inner shell being seated within the second outer shell to form a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second vacuum cavity and comprising a second attachment mechanism; andwherein the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism are constructed and arranged to connect and join the first cavity and second cavity to form a primary cavity.

11. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another.

12. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first attachment mechanism or second attachment mechanism comprises at least one magnet such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to magnetically connect to one another.

13. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, further comprising at least one o-ring disposed between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing, the at least one o-ring being constructed and arranged to facilitate a seal between the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another to form a primary cavity.

14. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 13, wherein the primary cavity is constructed and arranged to removable house a lip balm therein.

15. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first outer shell or second outer shell define at least one connection through-hole.

16. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 15, further comprising at least one attachment device affixed to the first double-walled vacuum housing via the connection throughhole.

17. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, wherein the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing comprise at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

18. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, further comprising at least one decorative image engraved on least one of the first double-walled vacuum housing or second double-walled vacuum housing.

19. A thermally insulated micro container as in claim 10, further comprising at least one decorative image printed on least one of the first double-walled vacuum housing or second double-walled vacuum housing.

20. A thermally insulated micro container comprising: a first outer shell comprising at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic;a first inner shell comprising at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic and defining a first cavity, the first inner shell being seated within the first outer shell to form a first double-walled vacuum housing defining a first vacuum cavity and comprising a first attachment mechanism;a second outer shell comprising at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic;a second inner shell comprising at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic and defining a second cavity, the second inner shell being seated within the second outer shell to form a second double-walled vacuum housing defining a second vacuum cavity and comprising a second attachment mechanism;and wherein the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism comprise complimentary threading such that the first double-walled vacuum housing and the second double-walled vacuum housing are constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to one another to join the first cavity and the second cavity in fluid communication with one another.