Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Method and Apparatus for Interconnectable Building Block Containers
Capable of
Storing Items
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
interconnectable building
block containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to
interconnectable
building block containers capable of initially storing consumable items such
as food and
subsequently storing consumable or non-consumable items.
[0003] Inter-lockable food containers designed for use as building block toys
are known.
Some such containers include a side of a first container having a male pin
which can form a
dovetail joint with a side of a second container having a female tail. Some
such containers
have bottoms that include a shallow square mortise hole which can loosely form
a joint with
a stubby square tenon on the top of another container.
[0004] Also known is a container with a threaded male cap designed for
dispensing a liquid
and for use as a building block toy wherein the male cap of a first container
wall can be
inserted into a central female receptacle of another container wall.
[0005] Additionally, containers are known designed with a cap and for use as a
building
block toy wherein a male tongue and a female groove located along the entire
length of each
side wall of a first container can be interlocked to a female groove and male
tongue located
along the entire length of each side wall of another container.
[0006] Also known is a LEGO container designed to hold candy and for use as a
building
block toy wherein a male connector of a first LEGO container block may be
press-fitted
into an open square female cavity on an opposite side of another LEGO
container block.
[0007] Finally, also known in the art are LEGO(K. flat snap-cap containers
designed to hold
liquid and for use as building block toys wherein a male connector of a first
LEGO
container block may be press-fitted into an open square female cavity on an
opposite side of
a second LEGO container block wherein the bottom side of the first LEGO
block has a
central recess for the container cap of another LEGO container block.
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[0008] As illustrated above, methods and apparatus are known for reversibly
interconnecting
a plurality of food containers as building block toys wherein the reversible
interconnection
requires an integral male connector and an integral female connector wherein
the integral
male connector of a first food container is connected to the integral female
connector of a
second food container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the invention, a container capable of
initially storing a
consumable item and subsequently storing a consumable or non-consumable item
is
provided. This container includes: a plurality of side walls; a bottom wall
coupled to the
plurality of side walls; a cavity between the inwardly facing surfaces of the
plurality of side
walls and the bottom wall, the consumable item or the non-consumable item
located in the
cavity; a top wall coupled to the plurality of side walls, the top wall
including a cavity
aperture; a seal covering the cavity aperture; a cover covering the seal; at
least one connector
located on each of the outwardly facing surfaces of the plurality of side
walls, the bottom
wall, and the top wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of
preferred
embodiments of the invention, can be better understood when read in
conjunction with the
appended figures. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in some of the
figures, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that
the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown depicted.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary interconnectable container
in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the container of FIG. 1 with a closed
cover and intact
seal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
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[0013] FIG. 2B depicts a top view of the container of FIG. 1 with an open
cover and intact
seal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2C depicts a top view of the container of FIG. 1 with an open
cover and
removed seal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2D depicts a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the pair of connected connectors
depicted in Fig.
3B taken along lines 3A-3A of Fig. 3B;
[0017] FIG. 3B is an enlarged side view of a pair of connected connectors in
accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interconnection of six of the
containers depicted in
FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one method of using a container in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary interconnectable container
system in
accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Fig. 7A depicts a perspective view of a container for use with the
container system
depicted in Fig. 6 in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] Fig. 7B depicts a side view of the container depicted in Fig. 7A in
accordance with
one alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Fig. 7C depicts a cross-sectional view of the container depicted in
Figs. 7A and 7B
taken along lines 7C-7C of Fig. 7B in accordance with one alternate embodiment
of the
present invention;
[0024] Fig. 7D depicts a top view of the container depicted in Fig. 7A through
7C in
accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figs. 8A and 8B depict top and bottom views, respectively, of an
unassembled frame
for use with the container system depicted in Fig. 6 in accordance with one
alternate
embodiment of the present invention;
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[0026] Fig. 8C depicts a cross-sectional view of the unassembled frame
depicted in Figs. 8A
and 8B taken along lines 8C-8C of Fig. 8A;
[0027] Fig. 8D depicts an enlarged view of the frame top hinged section of the
unassembled
frame of Figs. 8A through 8C;
[0028] Fig. 9A depicts a perspective view of an assembled frame without a
container for use
with the container system depicted in Fig. 6 in accordance with one alternate
embodiment of
the present invention;
[0029] Fig. 9B depicts a top view of the assembled frame depicted in Fig. 9A
without a
container in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] Fig. 9C depicts a side view of the assembled frame depicted in Fig. 9A
through 9C
without a container in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] Fig. 9D depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembled frame depicted
in Figs. 9A
through 9C taken along lines 9D-9D of Fig. 9C in accordance with one alternate
embodiment
of the present invention;
[0032] Fig. 10A depicts a top view of a connector of the frame depicted in
Figs. 9A through
9D in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Fig. 10B depicts cutaway views of a first container system coupled atop
a second
container system;
[0034] Fig. 10C depicts a cross-sectional side view of two connectors mated
with each other
in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Fig. 10D depicts an angled view of a connector of the frame depicted in
Figs. 9A
through 9D in accordance with one alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] Fig. 11A depicts a perspective view of the frame depicted in Figs. 6
and 8A through
9D with an alternate plug connector in accordance with an alternate embodiment
of the
present invention;
[0037] Fig. 11B depicts a side view of the frame depicted in Fig. 11A in
accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the present invention; and
[0038] Fig. 11C depicts an enlarged, cutaway view of three connectors of the
frame depicted
in Figs. 11A and 11B in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Certain terminology may be used in the following description for
convenience only
and is not limiting. The words "lower" and "upper" and "top" and "bottom"
designate
directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology
includes the words
above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
[0040] Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also
contemplate aspects of
the invention described by the plural of that term. As used in this
specification and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural
references unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., "a wall" may include a plurality of
walls. Thus, for
example, a reference to "a method" includes one or more methods, and/or steps
of the type
described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in
the art upon
reading this disclosure.
[0041] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this
invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred
methods, constructs and materials are now described. Where there are
discrepancies in
terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference,
the terms used
in this application shall have the definitions given herein.
[0042] Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is a perspective view of an
exemplary
interconnectable container 100. In the depicted embodiment, container 100 may
contain a
consumable product including, without limitation, a liquid, a semi-liquid, and
a solid food.
In the depicted exemplary embodiment, container 100 is shaped as a cube having
six walls,
however, other shapes and wall quantities may be substituted without departing
from the
scope of the present invention. That is, the exemplary embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 1 -4
is not intended to limit the scope of any characteristic of a container of the
present
invention
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with respect to its particular shape, size, dimension, wall thickness or any
other
characteristic, instrumentality, or method of use.
[0043] More specifically, container 100, as depicted in FIG. 1, includes four
identical side
walls 1 (la and lb are shown), top wall 8, and a bottom wall 18 (See FIG. 2D).
In the
depicted embodiment, all of the aforementioned walls are moisture impermeable
to allow
container 100 to store or house a liquid or semi-liquid consumable product.
However,
alternate embodiments are envisioned in which such walls are not moisture-
impermeable. In
some such embodiments, a liner or the like located internal to container 100
may be utilized
to allow container 100 to store or house a liquid or semi-liquid consumable
product.
Materials for side walls 1, top wall 8, and bottom wall 18 may include, but
arc not limited to,
one or more of the following materials: paper, cardboard, plastic including,
without
limitation, BPA-free and recycled plastic material, metal (e.g., aluminum
foil), wax coated
plant fiber, ceramic, and glass. In the depicted embodiment, side walls 1, top
wall 8, and a
bottom wall 18 have a thickness of approximately one to two millimeters;
however, other
thicknesses may be substituted.
[0044] Side walls 1 and bottom wall 18 are substantially square and each
include (4)
identical connectors 10 that protrude from each corner thereof. Top wall 8 is
also
substantially square and includes four (4) identical connectors 10 protruding
from each
corner. Although side walls 1, top wall 8, and bottom wall 18 are each shown
with (4)
connectors, alternate connector quantities may be substituted without
departing from the
scope hereof. Further, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which one or
more of the
aforementioned walls have a different quantity of connectors than the
remaining walls.
[0045] As best seen in FIGS. 2A through 2D, top wall 8 is identical to side
walls 1 and
bottom wall 18 with the exception that it includes cavity aperture 24, cover
2, fastener
receptacle 11, and seal 12. Substantially rectangular cavity aperture 24
allows a user to
remove the contents of cavity 16 and/or clean cavity 16. In the depicted
embodiment, this
may be done when cover 2 is open and seal 12 has been removed as discussed in
greater
detail below.
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[0046] As best seen in FIG. 2A, cover 2 is connected to top wall edge 17 via
cover connector
6. FIG. 2A depicts a top view of container 100 in which cover 2 is fully
closed and its
upwardly facing surface 2 is slightly raised relative to with upwardly facing
surface 28 of top
wall 8. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which upwardly facing
surface 2
is substantially flush with upwardly facing surface 28 of top wall 8. Top
cover 2 may protect
seal 12 and/or cavity 16 when the container is not in use. Alternatively or
additionally, top
cover 2 allows top wall 8 of a used container to be fully closed to allow
container 100 to
function as a substantially cubic building block. Also, the re-closure ability
of cover 2 allows
a child to store items within cavity 16 (possibly after cavity 16 has been
cleaned of any initial
consumable item). However, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned
in which
cover 2 is omitted. In one such embodiment, the entire top wall 8 is removable
and functions
as a cover, thereby omitting the need for an independent cover 2. In one such
alternate
embodiment, there is no cover (e.g., removable seal 12 or the like may be
utilized to retain
the consumable item in cavity 16 prior to consumption). Further, although
cover 2 depicted
in FIGS. 1-4 does not include a connector 10, covers including connectors are
also
envisioned.
[0047] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 ¨ 4, cover connector 6
is a hinge,
however, any other connectors that allow cover 2 to open and close may be
substituted
without departing from the scope hereof. Cover connector 6, when in the form
of a hinge,
allows top cover 2 to pivot between a fully open position (in which it is
located adjacent and
substantially flush against side wall la to allow cavity 16 to be more easily
emptied, filled,
and/or cleaned) or a fully closed position in which cover 2 is slightly raised
relative to
upwardly facing surface 28 of top wall 8 and fastener 7 is mated with fastener
receptacle 11
as discussed below.
[0048] In the depicted embodiment, cover 2 includes a fastener 7 for retaining
cover 2 in a
fully closed or nearly fully closed position. Fastener 7 may be any type of
protrusion or the
like capable of mating with fastener receptacle 11, the latter of which is
recessed in top wall
8. That is, fastener 7 may be pushed into fastener receptacle 11, after which
it is held therein
via the pressure exerted on fastener 7 by the interior walls of fastener
receptacle 11 until
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pressure is applied in an opposite, unlocking direction to remove fastener 7
from fastener
receptacle 11 (e.g., pressure may be applied via a fingernail or the like). In
one embodiment,
groove 30 (FIG. 1) is provided at the distal end of cover 2 to facilitate
application of pressure
in an unlocking direction. Groove 30 is any indent or other mechanism located
on the side
.. and/or top of cover 2 capable of insertion of a fingernail or the like to
facilitate application of
an upward pressure upon cover 2. Although a snapping type fastener is utilized
in the
depicted embodiment, other fasteners may be substituted without departing from
the scope
hereof. It should also be noted that in alternate embodiments, the portion of
top wall 8 upon
which cover 2 rests may be vertically recessed to allow the upwardly facing
surface of cover
2 to be substantially flush with upwardly facing surface 28 of top wall 8 when
cover 2 is in a
closed position.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2B, container 100 is depicted with a fully open
cover 2 and
intact seal 12. In FIG. 2B, cover 2 has been disconnected from top wall 8 via
release of
fastener 7 from fastener receptacle 11 and has been rotated or otherwise
repositioned such
that the upwardly facing surface of cover 2 (FIG. 2A) abuts the outwardly
facing surface 14
of side wall la (FIG. 1).
[0050] FIG. 2B also depicts removable seal 12 in an intact position. In this
position, seal 12
may maintain the freshness of the consumable product within container 100
and/or assist in
containing the consumable product within container 100. In some embodiments,
seal 12
operates as a moisture-impermeable barrier to contain a liquid or semi-liquid
consumable
product within container 100 and/or cavity 16. In the depicted embodiment,
seal 12 is a thin
metal foil, however, other types of seals may be substituted without departing
from the scope
hereof including, without limitation, cardboard, plastic, non-foil metal, and
waxed-paper
seals.
.. [0051] Further, in the depicted embodiment, seal 12 is secured to the
upwardly facing
surface of the portions of top wall 8 that surround seal aperture 24 via an
adhesive or the like
applied to the downwardly facing edges of seal 12 prior to placement of seal
12 atop top wall
8. However, other methods of securing seal 12 to container 100 may be
substituted
including, without limitation, seals that insert into cavity 16 and are
retained therein via the
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pressure exerted on seal 12 by the interior walls of cavity 16. In one
embodiment of the
present invention, seal 12 also functions to retain a straw or the like in an
upright position
during consumption of a consumable liquid by the user. In such embodiments,
seal 12 may
include puncture indicia 15 (e.g., a dashed line) to indicate a preferred
location for
puncturing seal 12. In one embodiment, this preferred location may be thinner
than the
surrounding portion of seal 12; however, this is not required to implement the
present
invention. Furthermore, puncture indicia 15 is not necessary to implement the
present
invention as seal 12 may be formed to allow puncturing via a straw or the like
in any desired
location. In embodiments incorporating a straw, a straw such as straw 9 may be
pre-
packaged with a container by affixing it to any external surface of container
100 via a
removable adhesive or the like. That is, once the straw is removed for use,
the means for
holding the straw to the container 100 may be completely removed via soap and
water or
other easy method of cleaning.
[0052] Optionally, all or a portion of the straw may be compressed to allow it
to more easily
fit upon container 100.In some embodiments, seal 12 includes tab 13 to
facilitate removal of
seal 12. In one form, tab 13 is made of the same material as seal 12 and it
extends therefrom.
During manufacturing, tab 13 may be folded atop seal 12 and under cover 2
prior to the
closing of cover 2 to prevent tab 13 from being visible prior to use of
container 100. That is,
when cover 2 is opened for the first time, tab 13 will unfold to the position
shown in Fig. 2B.
The user may then easily grasp tab 13, which when pulled, may easily remove
seal 12 in its
entirety. When container 100 houses a semi-liquid or solid consumable product,
a user may
wish to completely remove seal 12 prior to consuming the product to more
easily access the
food therein with a food utensil. Conversely, when the consumable product is a
liquid, the
user may wish to wait to remove seal 12 until after the product has been
consumed to avoid
spillage or the like. In either scenario, removal of seal 12 facilitates
cleaning of container
100.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 2C, container 100 is depicted with a fully open
cover 2 and
seal 12 removed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As
discussed
above, full opening of top cover 2 and removal of seal 12 facilitate
consumption of semi-
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solid or solid foods, cleaning of cavity 16, and or re-filling cavity 16 with
a consumable or
non-consumable item. As seen in FIG. 2C, cavity 16 is the area located within
top wall 8,
side walls 1, and bottom wall 18. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the
capacity of container 100 and/or cavity 16 is such that container 100 stores
approximately
6.75 fluid ounces, however, other sizes may be substituted without departing
from the scope
hereof.
[0054] Any one or more of side walls 1, top wall 8, and a bottom wall 18 may
include
ornamental, educational, or other indicia 26 to increase the aesthetic appeal
of container 100.
Such indicia may include, but is not limited to, animals, numbers and letters,
pictures,
trademarks, characters, copyrighted materials, and descriptive information
regarding the
contents of the container. Further, any one or more of such walls may be
colored. Or such
walls may be decorated to promote health and nutrition The coloring and
indicia of the
walls may vary from container to container to allow a user of a plurality of
containers 100 to
collect specific ones of containers 100. Containers 100 may also include wrap-
around labels
or the like, optionally with branding, product, nutritional, and/or ingredient
information.
Indicia 26 and/or product branding may be omitted from any one or more of side
walls 1, top
wall 8, and/or bottom wall 18 without departing from the scope hereof.
[0055] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict enlarged front and side views, respectively, of
an exemplary
connector 10a mated to an exemplary connector 10b. Both connectors 10a and 10b
include a
four by four array of bristles 19a and 19b extending from one an exemplary
container
outwardly facing surface 20a and 20b, respectively. However, varying bristle
quantities may
be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0056] As also seen in FIG. 3A, bristles 19a are arranged in an alternating
pattern in which
the spacing between each bristle 19a is such that a mating bristle 19b may fit
between a
plurality of bristles 19a. That is, each of connectors 10 include bristles 19a
arranged in a
substantially identical pattern, which allows each connector 10 to mate with
every other
connector 10 such that the containers 100 may be interconnected, or "built"
together, in any
number of ways. In this manner, containers 110 function as toy blocks that may
be arranged
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and interconnected as desired by the user without the need for the ability to
match a female
component to a male component.
[0057] Fig. 3B depicts a side view of two mated connectors 10, which details
the resulting
alternating pattern of bristles that results when two connectors 10 are mated.
Each bristle 19a
holds adjacent bristles 19b in an interlocked position via friction or
pressure. It should be
noted that connectors 10a and 10b are substantially identical, which allows
containers 100 to
be more easily connected with any one or more other containers 100. That is, a
user of the
containers is not limited to matching a male connector to a female connector
since all
connectors 10 are compatible with all other connectors 10 in the depicted
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0058] Also, although the depicted connectors 10 each include sixteen (16)
bristles 19
arranged in an alternating pattern, alternate quantities and/or bristle
patterns may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof. Similarly, although the
bristles 19 of
FIG. 3B are depicted as parallel, other embodiments of the invention are
envisioned in which
bristles 19 are not parallel. Further, the distribution of bristles 19 may
occur in a random or
organized manner. Also, bristle ends 21 may be rounded or pointed to
facilitate sliding
together, or interconnecting, of opposing bristles. Further, although Figs. 3A
and 3B depict a
connector that includes substantially cylindrical bristles with rounded tips
19, connectors
may be substituted having any one or more of the following characteristics: a
greater or
lesser quantity of bristles; longer or shorter bristles relative to the
depicted base thickness;
thicker or thinner bristles relative to the base thickness; bristles having
varying degrees of
flexibility; bristles having varying diameters; bristles having round, square,
and/or polygonal
shafts or a combination thereof; a combination of parallel and non-parallel
bristles; wedge-
shaped bristles, varying base anchoring including individually anchored
bristles as depicted
in Fig. 3B, bristles anchored in bundles, and combinations thereof In
addition, some bristles
may be coated with a friction-modifying substance.
[0059] Although the depicted embodiment includes nearly identical bristle-type
connectors
10, varying types of identical or non-identical connectors may be substituted
without
departing from the scope hereof including, without limitation, Velcro
connectors, magnetic
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connectors, male and female mating connectors, pin and tail connectors, tongue
and groove
connectors, mortise and tenon connectors, and reversible adhesive connectors.
[0060] As best seen in FIGS. 2A ¨ 2D, in the exemplary embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 1-4,
each of connectors 10 are substantially flat and have relatively short
bristles 19. In the
depicted exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the length of bristles
19 is 5
millimeters; however, varying lengths may be substituted without departing
from the scope
of the present invention.
[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, connectors 10 are located at the corners
of side walls
1, top wall 8, and bottom wall 18 to increase the durability of container 100.
That is, the
corner and edge surfaces of a hollow cube provide better support than the
middle wall
surfaces due to the support received from the interconnection of each of such
surfaces with
the adjacent sides of the cube. This positioning of connectors 10 reduces the
potential
flexion of the middle wall surfaces of side walls 1, top wall 8, and bottom
wall 18, thereby
minimizing the potential of wall deformation during interconnection of a
plurality of
containers 100 as discussed in greater detail with respect to Fig. 4 below.
However, alternate
connector locations may be substituted without departing from the scope of the
present
invention.
[0062] Turning now to FIG. 4, depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary
object which
may be built by interconnecting six containers 100a ¨ 100f. With regards to
FIG. 4, each of
the connectors 10 have been mated such that a side of a first container mates
squarely with
the side of a second container. However, as discussed above, since all
connectors of the
depicted embodiment are nearly identical, many other objects can be created
utilizing a
plurality of containers 100. In one embodiment, it is envisioned that a
plurality of containers
100 including letter indicia 26 or the like may be connected in a manner that
allows the user
to spell words or perform other educational activities.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, containers 100 are juice
boxes or other
beverage boxes for use by children. In such an embodiment, containers 100 may
be
connected as shown in FIG. 4 (i.e., to form a substantially rectangular
object) to facilitate
packaging, packing, display, and shipment of the containers prior to sale to
an end user.
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[0064] Referring lastly to FIG. 5, depicted is a flowchart of one method 500
of practicing the
present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
First, at 40,
the user optionally opens the container. This step may not be required in some
embodiments
of the present invention in which the consumable product is accessible without
opening of
the container such as is the case with container system 600 as depicted in
Figs. 6 through
10D. That is, when utilizing a container system such as container system 600,
the user skips
step 40 and merely inserts a straw through access aperture 826 and top 704 as
discussed in
greater detail below with regards to Fig. 8B. Next, at 42, a user consumes the
consumable
product contained in at least one container. This step optionally includes
removing the seal
and/or opening the cover.
[0065] Thereafter, at 44, a user may clean the container; however, this is not
required to
implement the present invention. This cleaning step may also include removing
the seal,
opening the cover, and locking the cover in a closed position after cleaning
is complete. If a
user skips the cleaning step, the user may still lock the cover in place to
create an intact
building block with no partially open covers. However, embodiments of the
invention are
envisioned in which one or more sides of the container include one or more
exposed cavities
after the consumable item is consumed (i.e., cavities that are not encased
with a movable
cover).
[0066] Next, at 46, a user may optionally place one or more consumable or non-
consumable
items in the cavity for enjoyment or storage. This step may also include
opening and/or
resealing of the cover. Then, at 48, a user may removably or irremovably
connect an empty
or filled first container with one or more empty or filled second containers
to create an object
(i.e., the second filled container may be one initially filled with a
consumable item or one
that was filled by the user after removal of the consumable item and/or
cleaning of the
cavity).
[0067] After process 500 is complete, in embodiments of the present invention
in which the
connectors are removably connected, a user may change or disassemble the
object and the
user may re-use the containers to create one or more new objects.
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[0068] Turning next to FIG. 6, depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary
interconnectable container system 600 in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of the
present invention. Similar to container 100, container system 600 may contain
a consumable
product including, without limitation, a liquid, a semi-liquid, and a solid
food. In the
depicted exemplary alternate embodiment, container system 600 includes a frame
604 that
encloses a product container 602. In the depicted embodiment, product
container 602 is not
able to be removed from frame 604, however, alternate embodiments are
envisioned in which
container 602 may be removed from frame 604. Alternate embodiments are also
envisioned
in which container 602 is disposable, and new containers may be inserted in
frame 604 or in
an empty container 602 (the container 602 still contained in frame 604).
[0069] In some embodiments of the invention, container 602 contains a
drinkable
consumable product. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which
container
602 includes an alternate product or no product at all. For the latter, if
container 602 is
empty, components thereof may be eliminated including, without limitation, top
704.
[0070] For embodiments including a drinkable consumable product, a straw such
as straw
606 may be pre-packaged with container system 600 by affixing it to any
external surface of
container system 600 via a removable adhesive or the like. That is, once the
straw is
removed for use, the means for holding the straw to the container system 600
may be
completely removed via soap and water or other easy method of cleaning.
[0071] Also, in the depicted embodiment, straw 606 is located between two
opposing corners
of container system 600 such as corners 912a and 912b. Such positioning allows
the straw to
be longer and affixed to the top of container system 600 without extending
beyond the
borders thereof. Optionally, all or a portion of the straw may be compressed
to allow it to
more easily fit upon container system 600 without extending beyond the borders
thereof (or
minimizing the extent to which the straw extends beyond the borders thereof).
However,
alternate embodiments are envisioned in which straw 606 extends beyond the
borders of
frame 604.
[0072] Referring now to Figs. 7A through 7D, depicted are perspective, side,
cross-sectional,
and top views of a container 602 for use with container system 600 of Fig. 6
in accordance
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with one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view of Fig.
7C is taken
along lines 7C-7C of Fig. 7B.
[0073] Container 602 includes top 704, bottom 706, and four substantially
identical sides
702, and it is substantially a cube with the exception of rounded side and
bottom edges 710
and 711, respectively, and each of sides 702 is angled slightly inward such
that the bottom
portion of container 602 has a slightly smaller cross-section than the top
portion thereof
Each of the sides 702 is approximately 2.342 inches square, bottom 706 is
approximately
2.303 inches square, and flanged top 704 is approximately 2.59 inches square,
with the
exception of the indented and rounded corners 712 as discussed in greater
detail below.
However, other shapes and sizes may be substituted without departing from the
scope hereof
[0074] In the depicted embodiment, sides 702, top 704, and bottom 706 are
moisture
impermeable to allow container 602 to store or house a liquid or semi-liquid
consumable
product. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which such walls are
not
moisture-impermeable. Materials for sides 702 and bottom 706 may include, but
are not
limited to, one or more of the following materials: paper, cardboard, plastic
including,
without limitation, BPA-free and recycled plastic material, metal (e.g.,
aluminum foil), wax
coated plant fiber, ceramic, and glass. In the depicted embodiment, both
container 602 and
frame 604 are made of polypropylene plastic to allow them to be easily
recycled as a whole,
however, alternate materials may be substituted. Further, container 602 and
frame 604 may
be made of different materials without departing from the scope hereof
[0075] As best seen in Figs. 7A through Fig. 7C, each container side 702 is
substantially
square with the exception of flange 708 and rounded, indented container side
and bottom
edges 710 and 711, respectively. That is, the left and right edges 710 and
bottom edge 711 of
each container side 702 is rounded, and has a radius R3 of approximately 0.175
inches.
Edges 710 and 711 are also indented relative to the outermost faces 716 of
sides 702. The
width W1 of the indented portion of each edge 710 is approximately 0.453
inches, and the
depth D1 of the indentation is approximately 0.06 inches relative to face 716.
However,
alternate radii, widths, and depths may be substituted without departing from
the scope
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hereof. Or, corners may be formed without rounding and/or an indent without
departing
from the scope hereof.
[0076] As best seen in Fig. 7C, flange 708 extends outwardly from top ends 713
of sides 702
substantially perpendicular to sides 702. The thickness T1 of flange 708 is
approximately
0.04 inches which is substantially equivalent to the thickness of sides 702.
The shape of the
perimeter of flange 708 is substantially identical to the shape of the
perimeter of top 704 as
best seen in the top view of shape Fig. 7D. More specifically, the shape of
the perimeter of
flange 708 and top 704 is substantially square with the exception of indented
and rounded
corners 712. In the depicted embodiment, corners 712 have a radius R1 of 0.085
inches, and
.. the sides are indented to a width W2 of approximately 0.595 inches.
Additionally, the
indentations are a distance D2 of approximately 0.06 inches from the perimeter
of sides 702.
However, alternate radii, distances, and lengths may be substituted without
departing from
the scope hereof.
[0077] As best seen in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7C, cavity 718 is the
area located
within top 704, sides 702, and bottom 706. In some embodiments of the present
invention,
the capacity of container 602 and/or cavity 718 is such that container 602
stores
approximately six (6) fluid ounces, however, other sizes may be substituted
without
departing from the scope hereof.
[0078] Top 704 is also substantially square and has a perimeter that
substantially matches the
perimeter of flange 708 as discussed above. Removable top 704 is depicted in
Figs. 7A
through 7D in an intact position. In this position, top 704 may maintain the
freshness of the
consumable product within container 602 and/or assist in containing the
consumable product
within container 602. In some embodiments, top 704 operates as a moisture-
impermeable
barrier to contain a liquid or semi-liquid consumable product within container
602 and/or
.. cavity 718.
[0079] In the depicted embodiment, top 704 is a heat sealed foil laminate.
That is, after
cavity 718 is filled with a consumable (or non-consumable) product, top 704 is
heat sealed to
upwardly facing surface 720 of flange 708. However, other materials for top
704 may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof including, without
limitation, thin metal
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seals other than foil laminate, cardboard, plastic, non-foil metal, and waxed-
paper seals.
Also, other methods of securing top 704 to container 602 may be substituted
including,
without limitation, application of an adhesive to the upwardly facing surface
720 of flange
708 prior to placement of top 704.
[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, top 704 also functions to
retain a straw
or the like in an upright position during consumption of a consumable liquid
by the user. In
such embodiments, top 704 may include puncture indicia 726 and/or one or more
perforated
lines 728 to indicate a preferred location for puncturing top 704 with a straw
or the like. In
the depicted embodiment, perforated line 728 is in the form of a circle that
surrounds
puncture indicia 726, the latter of which is in the form of a plus sign.
Additionally, each set
of perforated lines 728 and indicia 726 are located at the same distance
inward from each of
the four corners 712. However, other types, quantities, and locations of
puncture indicia
and/or perforated lines may be substituted without departing from the scope
hereof. Also,
puncture indicia and/or perforated lines are not required to implement the
present invention.
.. [0081] In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted
in Figs. 6 through
10D, top 704 includes tab 722 to facilitate removal of top 704. In one form,
tab 722 is made
of the same material as top 704 and it is simply an extended piece thereof.
During
manufacturing, tab 722 may be folded rearward atop top 704 such that it lies
thereupon as
depicted in the perspective view of Fig. 7A and top view of Fig. 7D. After
container 602 is
inserted in frame 604 as described in greater detail below, frame top 904 acts
as a cover that
obscures tab 722 until frame top 904 is opened by the user. This prevents tab
722 from being
visible prior to use of container system 600. That is, when frame top 904 is
opened for the
first time, tab 722 will first be visible to the user. The user may then
easily grasp tab 722,
which when pulled, may easily remove top 704 in its entirety. When container
system 600
houses a semi-liquid or solid consumable product, a user may wish to
completely remove top
704 prior to consuming the product to more easily access the food therein with
a food utensil.
Conversely, when the consumable product is a liquid, the user may wish to wait
to remove
top 704 until after the product has been consumed to avoid spillage or the
like. In either
scenario, removal of top 704 facilitates cleaning of container 100.
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[0082] Any one or more of sides 702 and bottom 706 may include ornamental,
educational,
or other indicia 732 to increase the aesthetic appeal of the container system.
Such indicia is
described in greater detail above with regards to Figs. 1 through 5. Further,
any one or more
of such walls may be colored, or such walls may be decorated to promote health
and nutrition
as also described above. The coloring and indicia of the walls may vary from
container
system to container system to allow a user of a plurality of container systems
600 to collect
specific ones of the container systems 600.
[0083] In the depicted embodiment, the indicia 732 and/or other artwork is
applied to
container 602 in the form of an adhesive-backed label 730. In the depicted
embodiment,
label 730 is the full size of outermost face 716, but smaller labels may be
substituted. In the
depicted embodiment of the present invention, although label 730 does not
extend throughout
the entire surface of side 702, it extends throughout the visible portion of
such sides. That is,
once container 602 is inserted into frame 604 as discussed in greater detail
below, the
portions of container 602 that are not covered by label 730 are obscured by
frame 604 and
are therefore not visible to the user of container system 600. In the depicted
embodiment,
frame 604 also obscures the edges of label 730 thereby giving the appearance
that the indicia
is part of container 602 rather than a label or the like attached thereto.
Such label or the like
may be permanent or removable, without departing from the scope hereof.
However, indicia
732 and/or labels 730 may also be omitted from one or more of sides 702 and/or
bottom 706
without departing from the scope hereof. Also, indicia may be included in
other forms
including, without limitation, direct printing of the indicia on container
602.
[0084] Referring now to Figs. 9A through 9D, depicted are perspective, top,
side, and cross-
sectional views of frame 604 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present
invention. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 9D is taken along lines 9D-9D of
Fig. 9C.
[0085] Assembled frame 900 includes frame sides 902, frame top 904, and frame
bottom
906. Sides 902b and 902d are substantially square with the exception of
rounded edges 916
on all four sides thereof and substantially centralized, substantially square
openings 914.
Each of the sides 902b and 902d is approximately 2.732 inches square (See Fig.
8A,
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dimension D4). However, other shapes and sizes may be substituted without
departing from
the scope hereof.
[0086] In the depicted embodiment, rounded edges 916 have a radius R5 of
approximately
0.215 inches, however, alternate radii may be substituted without departing
from the scope
hereof.
[0087] Substantially centralized, substantially square openings 914 also have
rounded
corners 920, however, non-rounded corners may also be utilized. In the
depicted
embodiment, rounded corners 920 have a radius R6 of approximately .084 inches,
however,
alternate radii may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
Openings 914
allow the user to view a container inserted into frame 604 therethrough such
as container 602
as discussed herein.
[0088] Each frame side 902, frame top 904, and frame bottom 906 includes (4)
substantially
identical connectors 1002 having varying orientations that protrude from each
corner thereof,
however, alternate quantities may be substituted and/or connectors may be
omitted from one
or more of frame side 902, frame top 904, and frame bottom 906 without
departing from the
scope hereof. Connectors 1002 are discussed in greater detail below with
respect to Figs.
10A through 10D.
[0089] Sides 902a and 902c and bottom 906 are substantially square with the
exception of
substantially centralized, substantially square openings 914 as best seen in
the unassembled
top and bottom views of Figs. 8A and 8B, respectively. Each of the sides 902a
and 902c, and
frame bottom 906, is approximately 2.332 inches square (See Fig. 8A, dimension
D3).
However, other shapes and sizes may be substituted without departing from the
scope hereof.
Frame side 902c also includes frame tab 922 that is received by frame
receptacle 926 of top
904 to lock frame tab 922 in place until pressure is applied to lift 925 by
the user to facilitate
locking and unlocking of top 904 to side 902c.
[0090] As depicted in Figs. 8A and 8B, prior to assembly, frame 900 is
manufactured as one
relatively flat unassembled frame 800, wherein frame bottom 906 is coupled to
frame sides
902a, b, c, and d via hinged sections 802, the latter of which allow the frame
to be folded to
the form shown in Figs. 9A through 9D. That is, hinged sections 802 are
manufactured
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and/or designed for motion during the assembly process only as is known in the
art, after
which frame 604 and the corresponding hinged sections 802 remain substantially
locked in
place in the form shown in Figs. 9A through 9D.
[0091] Similarly, side 902a is coupled to top 904 via a hinged section 803,
the latter of which
is best seen in the cross-sectional and detailed views of Figs. 8A, 8C and 8D.
In contrast to
hinged sections 802, hinged section 803 is a "living" hinge that is
manufactured and/or
designed for continuous use by the user of container system 600. Specifically,
hinged section
803 allows the user to rotate frame top 904 upward such that the user may
access the interior
of container 602.
.. [0092] As seen in Fig. 8D, hinged section 803 has a width W3 of
approximately .04 inches, a
depth D5 of approximately .008 inches and transition frame top 904 to frame
side 902a with a
radius R2 of .029 inches. However, alternate dimensions may be substituted
without
departing from the scope hereof. Each hinged section 802 and 803 extends
substantially
throughout the length of the corresponding frame top 904, frame side 902,
and/or frame
bottom 906 to which it is connected with the exception of rounded edges 916.
However,
alternate lengths may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0093] Unassembled frame 800 includes eight (8) substantially linear ribs 810.
More
specifically, in the depicted embodiment, sides 902a, b, c, and d each include
a pair of ribs
810, and each one of the pair of ribs 810 extends vertically between the
locations of the left
and right pairs of connectors 1002, except that the connectors 1002 are
located on the
external surface of frame 800 (as best seen in Fig. 8B) and the ribs are
located on the interior
surface of frame 800 (as depicted in Fig. 8A). Also in the depicted
embodiment, each ridge
810 extends from the bottommost center point of the location of lower
connector 1002
upwards to the midpoint of the location of upper connector 1002. However,
alternate
.. quantities and locations for ribs 810 may be substituted without departing
from the scope
hereof. In the depicted embodiment, ribs 810 are located such that they form a
tight fit with
container 602 when it is inserted into an assembled frame 900. That is, ribs
810 abut the
sides of face 716 and rest against the indented edges 710 and 711 to hold
container 602
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securely within frame 604. Ribs 810 also add strength to sides 902 to allow
such sides to be
constructed with less weight and thinner than a comparable side without ribs
810.
[0094] When frame 900 is assembled, hinged sections 802 and 803 are folded
such that the
cube shape depicted in Fig. 9A is obtained. Frame 900 is held in its cube
shape via fasteners
806, which include female fastener sections 806a and male fastener sections
806b. Female
and male faster sections 806a and 806b are merely snapped together to
removably or
irremovably retain the shape of frame 900.
[0095] In the depicted embodiment, prior to the completion of assembly of
frame 604, any
desired labels 730 are applied to container 602, and container 602 is inserted
into frame 604.
Thereafter, frame top 904 is snapped together with frame sides 902, and
container 602 is
irremovably trapped within frame 604 to form interconnectable connection
system 600.
However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which container 602 is able
to be
removed from frame 604.
[0096] In the depicted embodiment, frame 604 is made of polypropylene plastic
and
injection molding. However, other materials and methods of manufacturing frame
604 may
be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. Also, other methods of
assembling
frame 900 may be substituted including, without limitation, blow molding, 3D
printing, or
the like.
[0097] Frame top 904 is also substantially square as best seen in the
unassembled top and
bottom views of Figs. 8A and 8B, respectively. Frame top is approximately
2.332 inches
square (See Fig. 8A, D3). However, other shapes and sizes may be substituted
without
departing from the scope hereof. Frame top 904 does not include a
substantially centralized,
substantially square opening 914, however, frame top 904 includes a
substantially
centralized, substantially square recess 908 that is approximately equivalent
in size to
openings 914. The edges of recess 908 also include rounded edges 920.
[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, frame top 904 also
functions to retain a
straw or the like in an upright position during consumption of a consumable
liquid by the
user. In such embodiments, frame top 904 may include access aperture 826 to
indicate a
preferred location to pass a straw or the like through top 904 such that it
may puncture
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container 602 as discussed in greater detail above. In the depicted
embodiment, access
aperture 826 is circular, however, other types, quantities, and locations of
access apertures
may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. Also, an access
aperture is not
required to implement the present invention as the user may also have the
ability, for
example, to open top 904.
[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
Figs. 6 through
10D, frame top 904 includes frame lift 925 to facilitate opening and closing
of frame top 904.
In one form, frame lift 925 is made of the same material as frame top 904 and
it is simply an
extended piece thereof. In the depicted embodiment, frame lift 925 has a width
approximately equal to the width of opening 914, however, other widths may be
substituted.
[00100] Side 902c also includes frame tab 922, which may be any type of
protrusion or the
like capable of mating with frame tab receptacle 926, the latter of which is
located below or
underneath frame lift 925. That is, frame tab 922 may be pushed into frame tab
receptacle
926 via the closing of top 904 and application of pressure thereto, after
which it is held
therein via the pressure exerted on frame tab 922 by the interior walls of
frame tab receptacle
926 until pressure is applied in an opposite, unlocking direction to remove
frame tab 922
from frame tab receptacle 926 (e.g., pressure may be applied via a fingernail
or the like).
Although a snapping type frame tab is utilized in the depicted embodiment,
other tabs may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[00101] As best seen in Figs. 8C and 8D, frame top 904 is connected to frame
side 902a
via hinged section 803 as described in greater detail herein. Hinged section
803 allows frame
top 904 to pivot to any point located between a fully open position and a
fully closed position
(i.e., one in which frame tab 922 is coupled to frame tab receptacle 926).
Opening of top 904
via frame lift 925 or the like allows a user to access container 602, for
example, to remove
container top 704 or the like. Once, container top 704 is removed, a user may
access the
contents of cavity 718 for storage, cleaning, or the like.
[00102] Fig. 9A depicts a perspective view of container system 600 in which
frame top
904 is fully closed. This figure is for illustration purposes only as, in the
depicted
embodiment, container 602 is inserted into frame 604 before frame 604 is fully
assembled
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and female and male faster sections 806a and 806b are connected to each other.
In a closed
position, frame top 904 protects top 704 of container 602 when container
system 600 is not in
use. Alternatively or additionally, frame top 904, when closed, allows
container system 600
to function as a substantially cubic building block. Also, the re-closure
ability of frame top
904 allows a child to store items within cavity 718 (possibly after cavity 718
has been
cleaned of any initial consumable item). However, embodiments of the present
invention are
envisioned in which frame top 904 or portions thereof are omitted. In one such
embodiment,
frame top 904 is substantially identical to frame sides 902 or frame bottom
906 of frame 900
such that a substantially square aperture is centrally located therein.
Further, although frame
top 904 includes connectors 1002, frame tops 904 without connectors are also
envisioned.
[00103] Although a substantially cube-shaped container system having six
surfaces (i.e.,
four sides, one top, and one bottom) is depicted in Figs. 6 through 10D, other
shapes and
surface quantities may be substituted without departing from the scope of the
present
invention. That is, the exemplary alternate embodiment depicted in Figs. 1 ¨ 4
and Figs. 6
through 10D are not intended to limit the scope of any characteristic of a
container or
container system of the present invention with respect to its particular
shape, size, dimension,
wall thickness or any other characteristic, instrumentality, or method of use.
[00104] Although sides 902, frame top 904, and frame bottom 906 are each shown
with
four (4) connectors, alternate connector quantities may be substituted without
departing from
the scope hereof. Further, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which one
or more of the
aforementioned members have a different quantity of connectors than the
remaining
members.
[00105] Turning now to Fig. 10A, depicted is a top view, respectively, of
connector 1002
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted
embodiment,
substantially circular connectors 1002 are formed via molding during the
molding of frame
604 such that connectors 1002 form an integral part thereof. However,
alternate
embodiments are envisioned in which connectors are formed separate from frame
604 and
later attached thereto.
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[00106] As best seen in the top and angled views of Figs. 10A and 10D,
connector 1002 is
molded such that each connector includes a connector floor 1012, a plurality
of bristles 1006,
a protrusion 1010, and a channel 1022.
[00107] Connector floor 1012 is substantially circular with the exception
of a
semicircular indentation caused by the adjacent channel 1022. That is,
innermost wall 1023
of channel 1022 is located at a slightly closer proximity to the centerpoint
of floor 1012 than
inner wall 1013 of protrusion 1010, thereby causing semicircular indentation
1025. In the
depicted embodiment, floor 1012 is recessed below the exterior surface of
frame 604 at a
depth D7 of approximately 0.05 inches, but alternate depths and shapes may be
substituted
without departing from the scope hereof.
[00108] Channel 1022 is substantially semicircular, extends around half of the
perimeter
of floor 1012, and is recessed below floor 1012. Semicircular channel 1022 is
shaped such
that it mates with semicircular protrusions 1010 of mating connectors as best
seen in the
cross-sectional view of Fig. 10C. In the depicted embodiment, channel 1022 has
a thickness
T3 of approximately 0.047 inches at its base and exterior wall 1017a of
channel 1022 tapers
outward as it extends upward such that the thickness T5 at the top of channel
1022 is
approximately 0.08 inches. However, alternate thicknesses and tapering may be
substituted
without departing from the scope hereof.
[00109] A modified array of bristles 1006 extends outward from floor 1012.
Bristles 1006
have a length L1 of approximately 0.08 inches, however, alternate lengths may
be substituted
without departing from the scope hereof. A plurality of bristles 1006 are
arranged in a
substantially centralized modified three by three array. The array is modified
in that corner
bristle located adjacent and internal to the approximate midpoint of channel
1022 is omitted
(i.e., the array includes eight bristles, not nine). In the depicted
embodiment, bristles 1006
have a radius R4 of approximately .02 inches and the centers of bristles 1006
arc offset from
the centers of adjacent bristles 1006 by a distance D6 of 0.057 inches,
however, other bristle
quantities, radii, and distances may be substituted without departing from the
scope hereof.
[00110] Semicircular protrusion 1010 also extends from floor 1012, and
has a height H1 of
approximately 0.125 inches, which causes protrusion 1010 to extend beyond
outwardly
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facing surface 1009 of frame 604 by a height H2 of approximately .075 inches.
Protrusion is
substantially semicircular and extends around approximately half of the
perimeter of floor
1012. Protrusion has a thickness T2 of approximately 0.045 inches at its base
and exterior
wall 1011 of protrusion 1010 tapers inward as it extends upward such that the
thickness T4 at
the top of protrusion 1010 is approximately 0.03 inches. However, alternate
thicknesses and
tapering may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[00111] In the depicted embodiment, each side of frame 604 includes four
connectors
1002, however, each connector is oriented in a different manner. More
specifically, each
connector 1002 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the connector
located to its
adjacent, counterclockwise side. This is best illustrated in Fig. 9B.
Connector 1002b is
rotated 90 degrees clockwise related to the connector located to its adjacent,
counterclockwise side, namely, connector 1002a. Similarly, connector 1002d is
rotated 90
degrees clockwise related to the connector located to its adjacent,
counterclockwise side,
namely, connector 1002c. The varying orientations allow each side of frame 604
to be
connected with any other side of frame 604 regardless of the orientation of
the latter. That is,
top left connector 1002a is oriented to be substantially inverse to top right
connector 1002b,
and bottom left connector 1002c is oriented to be substantially inverse to
connector 1002d
such that when two sides are mated to each other, connector 1002a mates with
connector
1002b, and connector 1002c mates with connector 1002d. However, alternatively,
top left
connector 1002a is capable of mating with any of the other connectors 1002a
through 1002d
of a mating container system (i.e., depending on the orientation of the
container system, one
connector can mate with any of the other connectors), thereby allowing the
blocks to be
connected to each other regardless of orientation. In this manner, each of the
connectors is
able to mate with any one of the other connectors depending on the orientation
of the mating
container system.
[00112] As best seen in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10C which depicts two
mating
connectors, bristles 1006a of a first connector 1006a mate with inversely
situated bristles
1006b of a second connector 1006b to which it is being mated. Also,
semicircular protrusion
1010a mates with semicircular channel 1022b. The inverse arrangement of
bristles 1006 also
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positions the bristles on the mating connectors such that each bristle 1006a
on a first
connector 1002a fits between, or adjacent to, one or more bristles 1006b on
the second
connector 1002b (to which the first connector is being mated).
[00113] Additionally, semicircular protrusion 1010a of the first connector
1002a combines
with the inversely oriented semicircular protrusion 1010b of the second
connector 1002b to
form a substantially circular protrusion. The creation of the substantially
circular protrusion
by the two mated semicircular protrusions 1010 lock the connectors 1002 in
place and
maximize the potential for, and facilitate, correct alignment by preventing
angular rotation
thereof. That is, each semicircular protrusion 1010 prevents rotational
movement of the
mating semicircular protrusion 1010 since the ends of each abut each other and
form a
relatively tight fit that eliminates any space for movement therebetween.
Also, semicircular
channel 1022 also acts to minimize or prevent dislodgement or rotational
movement of the
semicircular protrusion 1010 positioned therein.
[00114] The inverse arrangement of the connectors 1002 allows each connector
1002 to
mate with every other connector 1002 such that the container systems 600 may
be
interconnected, or "built" together, in any number of ways. In this manner,
container
systems 600 function as toy blocks that may be arranged and interconnected as
desired by the
user without the need for the ability to match a female component to a male
component.
[00115] Also, although the depicted connectors 1002 each include one
protrusion 1010
and eight (8) bristles 1006 positioned in an inverse arrangement, alternate
quantities and/or
patterns for the protrusions and/or the bristles may be substituted without
departing from the
scope hereof. Similarly, although bristles 1006 of Figs. 10A and 10B are
depicted as
parallel, other embodiments of the invention are envisioned in which bristles
1006 are not
parallel. Further, the distribution of bristles 1006 may occur in a random or
organized
manner. Also, bristle tips 1016 may be rounded or pointed to facilitate
sliding together, or
interconnecting, of opposing bristles. Further, although Figs. 10A, 10B, and
10D depict a
connector that includes substantially cylindrical bristles with rounded
bristle tips 1016,
connectors may be substituted having any one or more of the following
characteristics: a
greater or lesser quantity of bristles; longer or shorter bristles relative to
the depicted base
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thickness; thicker or thinner bristles relative to the base thickness;
bristles having varying
degrees of flexibility; bristles having varying diameters; bristles having
round, square, and/or
polygonal shafts or a combination thereof; a combination of parallel and non-
parallel bristles;
wedge-shaped bristles, varying base anchoring, bristles anchored in bundles,
and
.. combinations thereof. In addition, some bristles may be coated with a
friction-modifying
substance.
[00116] Although the embodiment depicted in Figs. 6 through 10D includes
bristle-type
connectors 1002, connectors without bristles may be substituted without
departing from the
scope hereof including, without limitation, Velcro connectors, magnetic
connectors, male
and female mating connectors, pin and tail connectors, tongue and groove
connectors,
mortise and tenon connectors, and reversible adhesive connectors.
[00117] Container system 600 may be utilized in the same manner as discussed
above for
container 100. For example, they may be assembled to form an object such as
that shown in
FIG. 4. It is envisioned that a plurality of container systems 600 including
labels 730 or the
like may be connected in a manner that allows the user to spell words or
perform other
educational activities. Also, container systems 600 may be in the form of
juice boxes or
other beverage boxes for use by children. In such an embodiment, container
systems 600
may be connected as shown in FIG. 4 (i.e., to form a substantially rectangular
object) to
facilitate packaging, packing, display, and shipment of the containers prior
to sale to an end
user. Container systems 600 may also be utilized in lieu of container 100 to
practice method
500 as depicted in Fig. 5 and as described in greater detail above.
[00118] Turning next to Figs. 11A, 11B, and 11C, depicted are perspective,
side, and
enlarged views of the exemplary interconnectable container system depicted in
Figs. 6
through IOD with an alternate plug connector in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of
the present invention. That is, all of the components of frame 1104 are
identical to the
corresponding components of frame 604, as described in greater detail above,
with the
exception of connector 1102.
[00119] In the depicted embodiment, plug connectors 1102 are formed via
molding during
the molding of frame 1104 such that connectors 1102 form an integral part
thereof.
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However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the plug portion of the
connector is
formed separate from frame 1104 and later attached thereto and/or the socket
portion of the
connector is created after manufacturing of frame 1104 (e.g., via drilling or
the like).
[00120] As best seen in the enlarged view of Fig. 11C, each connector 1102
includes one
plug 1140 and one socket 1142, however, alternate quantities may be
substituted without
departing from the scope hereof. Alternate connectors are envisioned in which
either the
plug 1140 or the socket 1142 are omitted (i.e., some connectors include a plug
only and the
mating connectors include a socket only).
[00121] Plug 1140 is substantially cylindrical with a hollow core 1148, and it
extends
from the outwardly facing surface 1109 of frame 1104. Although the depicted
plug 1140 is
substantially cylindrical in the depicted embodiment, tapered plugs are also
envisioned in
which outwardly facing surface 1146 of plug 1140 tapers slightly inward as it
extends away
from outwardly facing surface 1109 of frame 1104 to facilitate engagement of
plug 1140
with a socket 1142 of a mating connector. Also, alternate embodiments are
envisioned in
which plug 1140 is solid (i.e., it does not include a hollow core 1148).
Furthermore, alternate
non-cylindrical shapes may be substituted for plug 1140 without departing from
the scope
hereof.
[00122] In the depicted embodiment, distal end 1152 of plug 1140 is tapered on
its outer
edge such that the outermost circumference is slightly smaller than the
circumference of the
body of plug 1140. Such tapering facilitates alignment of plug 1140 with a
mating socket
1142 during coupling of a pair of connectors. However, non-tapered edges may
be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[00123] In the depicted embodiment, plug 1140 includes four (4) substantially
semicircular protrusions 1144 arranged in an equidistant manner around the
longitudinal
midpoint of outwardly facing surface 1146 of plug 1140, however, these
protrusions may be
omitted or included in varying quantities and/or shapes without departing from
the scope
hereof.
[00124] Socket 1142 is a substantially cylindrical recess recessed below
outwardly facing
surface 1109 having a depth that is approximately equivalent to the height of
plug 1140. In
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the depicted embodiment, edge 1150 of socket 1142 (i.e., the edge located
adjacent to
outwardly facing surface 1109 is tapered such that the outermost circumference
is slightly
larger than the innermost circumference of the body of socket 1142. This
tapering provides a
wider area in which to land plug 1140 within socket 1142. However, non-tapered
edges may
be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[00125] In the depicted embodiment, each side of frame 1104 includes four
connectors
1102, however, each connector is oriented in a different manner. More
specifically, each
connector 1102 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the connector
located to its
adjacent, counterclockwise side. This is best illustrated in Fig. 11B.
Connector 1102b is
rotated 90 degrees clockwise related to the connector located to its adjacent,
counterclockwise side, namely, connector 1102a. Similarly, connector 1102d is
rotated 90
degrees clockwise related to the connector located to its adjacent,
counterclockwise side,
namely, connector 1102c. The varying orientations allow each side of frame
1104 to be
connected with any other side of frame 1104 regardless of the orientation of
the latter. That
is, top left connector 1102a is oriented to be substantially inverse to top
right connector
1102b, and bottom left connector 1102c is oriented to be substantially inverse
to 1102d such
that when two sides are mated to each other, connector 1102a mates with
connector 1102b,
and connector 1102c mates with connector 1102d. However, alternatively, top
left connector
1102a is capable of mating with any of the other connectors 1102a through
1102d of a
mating container system (i.e., depending on the orientation of the container
system, one
connector can mate with any of the other connectors), thereby allowing the
blocks to be
connected to each other regardless of orientation. In this manner, each of the
connectors is
able to mate with any one of the other connectors depending on the orientation
of the mating
container system.
[00126] A first connector 1102a mates with a second connector 1102b by simply
inserting
plug 1140 of connector 1102a into socket 1142 of connector 1102b while
simultaneously
inserting plug 1140 of connector 1102b into socket 1142 of connector 1102a.
Insertion
occurs until distal ends 1152 of plugs 1140 contact the respective floors 1154
of socket 1142.
After insertion, protrusions 1144 help to retain the connectors in a mated
position via friction.
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[00127] In an alternate embodiment, plug 1140 may have a height slightly
greater than the
depth of socket 1142, and socket 1142 may include a substantially circular
channel recessed
below floor 1154. The depth of the channel may be approximately equivalent to
the
difference between the height of plug 1140 and the depth of socket 1142. The
width of the
.. channel may be approximately equivalent to the width of the wall of plug
1140. In such an
embodiment, distal end 1152 of plug 1140 may enter the channel within socket
1142 to
provide additional coupling of the two connectors. Such fit between the plug
1140 and the
channel could be a friction fit or non-friction fit without departing from the
scope hereof.
[00128] The inverse arrangement of the connectors 1102 allows each connector
1102 to
mate with every other connector 1102 such that container systems utilizing
frames such as
frame 1104 may be interconnected, or "built" together, in any number of ways.
That is,
container systems utilizing frames such as frame 1104 may be utilized in the
same manner as
discussed above for container 100 and container systems 600. For example, they
may be
assembled to farm an object such as that shown in FIG. 4. It is envisioned
that a plurality of
such container systems including containers with labels such as labels 730 or
the like may be
connected in a manner that allows the user to spell words or perform other
educational
activities. Or, such container systems may be connected as shown in FIG. 4
(i.e., to form a
substantially rectangular object) to facilitate packaging, packing, display,
and shipment of the
containers prior to sale to an end user. Container systems utilizing frames
such as frame
1104 may also be utilized in lieu of container 100 or container system 600 to
practice method
500 as depicted in Fig. 5 and as described in greater detail above.
[00129] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could
be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. It
is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments
disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and
scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
