US20180317682A1

US20180317682A1 - Configurable container and message device

Info

Publication number: US20180317682A1
Application number: US15/587,958
Authority: US
Inventors: Sang Quang Nguyen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-05
Filing date: 2017-05-05
Publication date: 2018-11-08

Abstract

A configurable container and message device is provided which is easily disassembled and reassembled. The device may include one or more sets of sections, such as an alpha section and a beta section and/or a delta section and a gamma section which may be assembled to form a beverage container that is vertically divisible into the respective sections. An alpha section may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall optionally coupled to an alpha base. The beta section may have a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall optionally coupled to a beta base. A first fastener may be disposed in the alpha section, and a second fastener may be disposed in the beta section. The alpha sidewall may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall and the alpha base may be removably coupled to the beta base by engaging the first fastener to the second fastener.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of liquid containers. More specifically, this patent specification relates to containers which may be configured to display messages and which may be disassembled and reassembled.

BACKGROUND

Currently available liquid and beverage containers are structurally and functionally limited, hindering users from cleaning thoroughly, air-drying quickly, and easily creating messages inside the containers.
Reusable drinking containers need to be washed thoroughly because they can harbor and grow bacteria after each use. Many people use conventional beverage containers to carry liquids and beverages. Some examples include milk or infant formula in baby plastic bottles, water in plastic or glass sports drink bottles, iced or hot coffee in insulated stainless steel tumblers, tea in ceramic mugs, and fruit beverages in cup containers made from other materials. The users need to wash these reusable drink containers thoroughly on a daily basis, in a dishwasher or with a cleaning brush or a scrub sponge soaking in hot or warm soapy water. The containers need to be thoroughly and regularly washed in order to keep the containers freshly clean and free of germs for safe drinking thereafter. Thorough cleaning of the containers are especially important to parents who feed their infants using baby milk bottles being sold on the market. These bottles usually have an enclosed cylindrical structure and must be washed everyday and with comprehensive cleaning between each use so that the parents can protect their infants from bacteria infections. The immune system of infants is not fully developed, and they are more susceptible to infections. Bacteria buildup can grow and proliferate inside the bottles when left unwashed at warm temperature after nursing. A number of parents even resort to using bleach or boiling their baby milk bottles weekly to sterilize the bottles.
Furthermore, the inner parts of drink containers need to be dried quickly and fully because damp surfaces inside the containers can trap moisture and grow mold and bacteria. After washing, common drink containers need to be completely air-dried on the inside, or wiped with a clean dry cloth or a drying wand, in order to prevent waterborne bacteria spreading along the damp surfaces inside the containers. Thorough cleaning and quick drying are necessary to keep drink containers freshly clean and to prevent any possible health hazards developing from waterborne bacteria, mold or fungal infestation. Some people reassemble and store drink containers at room temperature before all parts are fully dry, which lead to moisture being trapped inside these containers and mold growing on these moist parts. Scratches and cracks, which may result from repeated brushing or machine-washing over time, can also trap food particles coming from people drinking while eating food. When these structurally enclosed and worn containers cannot be cleaned thoroughly and then air-dried quickly enough, the environment fosters conditions whereby warm temperature, mold spores, food particles, and moisture all together will cause bacteria and mold to grow rapidly in worn and moist areas inside. By not letting the inner parts of drink containers quickly and fully dry the drink containers can become germ-ridden or harmful to drink from.
Currently available drink containers also suffer the drawback of being difficult to be used as gift message containers by users desiring to include internally personalized messages, because the enclosed cylindrical structure of these containers in like manner hinders the users from easily creating inner messages. Drink containers are not only used to carry liquids, but also to display messages or information. Many people send and receive gift items like glass message bottles and ceramic message cups for special occasions. These types of visual containers are often sent without liquid inside, but just a message written on a piece of paper being rolled up and inserted inside a glass bottle, or an imprinted image or some inscribed words being printed on the exterior or interior surfaces of a ceramic mug. The problem therein is that, it is structurally difficult and functionally limited as it is not user-friendly or ergonomic for people to create messages and images on the interior surfaces of these drink containers. It is not easy for users to inscribe, draw, etch, or imprint messages and images onto the inner surfaces of these tall cylindrical containers to conceal the personalized messages as surprise gifts to family members and friends.
Therefore a need exists for a set of novel liquid and beverage containers. There is also a need for novel liquid and beverage containers which are able to be disassembled to facilitate the ability of a user to clean the interior surfaces of the container. A further need exists, for novel liquid and beverage containers which are able to be disassembled, dried, and then easily reassembled. Finally, a need exists for novel liquid and beverage containers which enable users to inscribe, draw, etch, or otherwise imprint messages and images onto the inner surfaces of these containers for providing personalized messages as surprise gifts to family members and friends.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A configurable container and message device is provided which is easily disassembled and reassembled to facilitate the ability of a user to clean the interior surfaces of the container and to optionally display messages and other graphics. The device may include one or more sets of sections, such as an alpha section and a beta section and/or a delta section and a gamma section, which may be assembled to form a beverage container that is vertically divisible into the respective sections.
In some embodiments, the device may include an alpha section and a beta section. The alpha section may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall optionally coupled to an alpha base. The beta section may have a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall optionally coupled to a beta base. A first fastener may be disposed in the alpha section, and a second fastener may be disposed in the beta section. The alpha sidewall may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall and the alpha base may be removably coupled to the beta base by engaging the first fastener to the second fastener.
In some embodiments, the device may include a delta section and a gamma section. The delta section may include a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall optionally coupled to a delta base. The gamma section may have a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall optionally coupled to a gamma base. A first fastener may be disposed in the delta section, and a second fastener may be disposed in the gamma section. The delta sidewall may be removably coupled to the gamma sidewall and the delta base may be removably coupled to the gamma base by engaging the first fastener of the delta section to the second fastener of the gamma section. Preferably, an alpha section coupled to a beta section may be received within a delta section that is coupled to a gamma section.
In further embodiments, the device may include a beverage container having a container cavity shaped to receive the alpha section and beta section when the first fastener of the alpha section is engaged to the second fastener of the beta section, and when the alpha section, beta section, and beverage container are receivable in the delta section and gamma section when the first fastener of the delta section is engaged to the second fastener of the gamma section.
In still further embodiments, the alpha section and the beta section may comprise one or more sets of threading which may enable an upper lid and/or a lower lid to be removably coupled to the alpha section and the beta section when the alpha section and the beta section are coupled together.
In still further embodiments, the delta section and the gamma section may comprise one or more sets of threading which may enable an upper lid and/or a lower lid to be removably coupled to the delta section and the gamma section when the delta section and the gamma section are coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1—FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of an example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2—FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of another example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3—FIG. 3 shows a perspective exploded view of a further example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4—FIG. 4 depicts a perspective exploded view of still another example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5—FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of yet another example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6—FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of yet a further example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7—FIG. 7 depicts a perspective exploded view of still another further example of a configurable container and message device according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “front”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. For example, the alpha section is on the “left” of the beta section while the beta section is on the “right” of the alpha section as oriented in FIG. 1. Similarly, as referred to FIG. 1, the alpha sidewall is “vertical” relatively to the alpha base while the alpha base is “horizontal” relatively to the alpha sidewall. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Similarly, the terms “alpha”, “beta”, “delta”, and “gamma” are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention. As another example, the alpha element may be designated as the delta element, and the beta element may be likewise designated as the gamma element without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
New liquid and beverage containers are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configurable container and message device (“the device”) 100 according to various embodiments. In this and in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21. An alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12 that may be coupled to an alpha base 13. A beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22 that may be coupled to a beta base 23. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 may be disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 and the alpha base 13 may be removably coupled to the beta base 23 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding a volume of liquid.
The device 100 may comprise two more sections, such as a alpha section 11, beta section 21, a delta section 41, and a gamma section 51. Two or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, may be assembled to form a container suitable for holding or containing liquids. Preferably, each section 11, 21, 41, 51, may be shaped or configured as generally semicylinder shaped or half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In alternative embodiments, a section 11, 21, 41, 51, may be generally shaped as a of a third, a fourth, or a fifth of cylinder cut longitudinally.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 which may be assembled with a beta section 21 to form an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding or containing liquids. An alpha section 11 may comprise an alpha sidewall 12 which may optionally be coupled to an alpha base 13. Generally, an alpha sidewall 12 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, an alpha sidewall 12 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the alpha sidewall 12 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, an alpha sidewall 12 may be configured with any other shape that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, an alpha base 13 may be coupled to the lower portions of the alpha sidewall 12. In some embodiments, an alpha base 13 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the semicylinder alpha sidewall 12. In other embodiments, an alpha base 13 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The alpha section 11 may comprise two alpha vertical edges 14 which may be continuous with an alpha base edge 15. The two alpha vertical edges 14 and alpha base edge 15 may form the points of contact between the alpha section 11 and the one or more other sections 21, 41, 51, such as a beta section 21, to which the alpha section 11 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the alpha vertical edges 14 and alpha base edge 15 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the alpha vertical edges 14 and/or alpha base edge 15 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
In some embodiments, a beta section 21 may comprise a beta sidewall 22 which may optionally be coupled to a beta base 23. Generally, a beta sidewall 22 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, a beta sidewall 22 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the beta sidewall 22 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, a beta sidewall 22 may be configured with any other shape, and preferably with a shape that is complementary to the shape of an alpha sidewall 12, that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, a beta base 23 may be coupled to the lower portions of the beta sidewall 22. In some embodiments, a beta base 23 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the beta sidewall 22. In other embodiments, a beta base 23 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The beta section 21 may comprise two beta vertical edges 24 which may be continuous with a beta base edge 25. The beta vertical edges 24 and beta base edge 25 may form the points of contact between the beta section 21 and the one or more other sections 11, 41, 51, such as an alpha section 11, to which the beta section 21 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the beta vertical edges 24 and beta base edge 25 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the beta vertical edges 24 and beta base edge 25 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
The alpha section 11 may comprise an alpha interior surface 16 formed by portions of the alpha sidewall 12 and the alpha base 13 which may form and bound the interior cavity 20 when the alpha section 11 is engaged to a beta section 21. Likewise, the beta section 21 may comprise a beta interior surface 26 formed by portions of the beta sidewall 22 and the beta base 23 which may form and bound the interior cavity 20 when the beta section 21 is engaged to an alpha section 11. The alpha section 11 may comprise an alpha exterior surface 17 formed by portions of the alpha sidewall 12 and the alpha base 13 which may be external to the interior cavity 20 when the alpha section 11 is engaged to a beta section 21. Likewise, the beta section 21 may comprise a beta exterior surface 27 formed by portions of the beta sidewall 22 and the beta base 23 which may be external to the interior cavity 20 when the beta section 21 is engaged to an alpha section 11.
The alpha section 11 may comprise an alpha upper terminus 18 and an alpha lower terminus 19. The alpha upper terminus 18 may form the upper portion of the alpha section 11 where the alpha interior surface 16 and alpha exterior surface 17 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the alpha upper terminus 18. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the alpha lower terminus 19. Likewise, the beta section 21 may comprise a beta upper terminus 28 and a beta lower terminus 29. The beta upper terminus 28 may form the upper portion of the beta section 21 where the beta interior surface 26 and beta exterior surface 27 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the beta upper terminus 28. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the beta lower terminus 29.
The alpha section 11 and beta section 21 may be removably coupled together with one or more first fasteners 31 and second fasteners 32 to form an interior cavity 20 that is suitable for holding or containing liquids. In some embodiments, each alpha vertical edge 14 and the alpha base edge 15 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of first fasteners 31. Likewise, each beta vertical edge 24 and the beta base edge 25 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of second fasteners 32. Each first fastener 31 may be removably coupled or engaged to a second fastener 32 so that the engagement between the fasteners 31, 32, may allow each alpha vertical edge 14 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to a beta vertical edge 24 and the alpha base edge 15 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to the beta base edge 25.
In some embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be configured as slot and groove fasteners so that portions of one fastener may be inserted into another fastener. For example, a second fastener 32 may be configured as a male protrusion and a first fastener 31 may be configured as a female recess that is complementary in shape to the second fastener 32. The second fastener 32 may be press fit into the first fastener 31 so that the first fastener 31 and second fasteners 32 may be frictionally retained together. Groove type fasteners may be male type or protruding fasteners while slot type fasteners may be female type or recessed fasteners configured to receive all or portions of the groove type fasteners. Slot and groove fasteners may be configured in any shape and size. As shown in FIG. 1, example groove type second fasteners 32 may comprise a relatively short cuboid shape, a relatively longer cuboid shape, and an elongated cuboid shape which may extend approximately the entire length of an edge 24, 25. Similarly, example slot type first fasteners 31 may comprise a relatively short cuboid shaped recess, a relatively longer cuboid shaped recess, and an elongated cuboid shape recess which may extend approximately the entire length of an edge 14, 15. In alternative embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be configured as slot and groove fasteners having complementary cylindrical shapes, triangular prism shapes, or any other complementary shapes which may enable a first fastener 31 to be press fit, snap fit, or otherwise frictionally retained in a second fastener 32.
In some embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be configured as magnetic fasteners so that a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be engaged to each other via magnetism. For example, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may comprise a magnetic material so that the first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be magnetically adhered to each other. In some embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be or comprise a high-coercivity ferromagnetic compound type of magnetic material such as ferric oxide mixed with a plastic binder. In other embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be or comprise a magnetic material such as ferrite, manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, strontium ferrite, cobalt ferrite, barium ferrite, magnetic alloys such as alnico, comol, Hypernom® magnetic alloy, iron-silicon magnet alloys, ferritic stainless steels, Chromindur® (Cr—Co—Fe) alloys, Silmanal (Ag—Mn—Al) alloys, Platinax II (Pt—Co) alloy, Bismanol (manganese bismuthide), cobalt-platinum alloys, chromium-manganese antimonide, Ultramag (platinum-cobalt magnetic material), vectolite, magnadur, lodex, awaruite, wairauite, rare earth magnets such as samarium-cobalt, cesium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, other neodymium magnet materials, metallic oxides such as magnetite, ulvospinel, hematite, ilmenite, maghemite, jacobsite, iron sulfides such as pyrrhotite, greigite, troilite, metallic oxyhydroxides such as goethite, lepidocrocite, feroxyhyte, ferrimagnetic materials such as magnetite, pyrrhotite, cubic ferrites, hexagonal ferrites, ferromagnetic materials including metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, metal alloys containing iron, nickel, and/or cobalt, soft magnetic materials, hard magnetic materials, or any other suitable magnetic material, that is capable of magnetically adhering to another magnetic material through the principle of magnetism.
In alternative embodiments, a first fastener 31 and second fastener 32 may be removably coupled together by being configured as threaded type fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21. An alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12 that may be coupled to an alpha base 13. A beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22 that may be coupled to a beta base 23. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 and the alpha base 13 may be removably coupled to the beta base 23 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding a volume of liquid. The device 100 may further comprising an optional beverage container 70 which may include a container cavity 71 shaped to receive the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections when the first fastener 31 of the alpha section 11 is engaged to the second fastener 31 of the beta section 21.
A beverage container 70 may comprise any container or sleeve into which the device 100 may be received into. Example beverage containers include sports bottles, water bottles, other drink bottles, infant feeding bottles, beverage container sleeves, coffee mugs, beer mugs, or any other container or sleeve having a container cavity 71 into which the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may be inserted or received into. Preferably, the container cavity 71 of the beverage container 70 may be shaped or configured to frictionally engage to the exterior surfaces 17, 27, of the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections to facilitate the ability of the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections and beverage container 70 to be maintained in a nested spatial relationship. In some embodiments, the container cavity 71 may be configured with one or more removable couplings or fasteners, such as an annular snap fitting, press fitting, twist-to-lock fitting, or notches, to interlock with corresponding removable couplings or fasteners optionally formed underneath, beneath or at the lower side of the alpha base 13 and beta base 23 in order to retain the coupled sections 11, 21, in a sturdy manner without separating when a user turns the device 100 sideways or upside down. In other embodiments, a magnetic material may be applied to the surfaces and/or embedded inside the base and/or the sidewall of the beverage container and to the alpha sidewall 12 and/or alpha base 13 of the alpha section 11 and/or to the beta sidewall 22 and/or beta base 23 of the beta section 21 so that when the alpha section 11 and the beta section 21 are removably coupled together and received within the beverage container cavity 71, the coupled sections 11, 21, may be retained sturdily without separating when a user turns the device 100 sideway or upside down. Optionally, a beverage container 70 may comprise container threading 72 which may be used to removably couple a lid to the beverage container 70 with the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections received within the container cavity 71. In further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an upper lid 33 (FIG. 6) which may comprise threading 60 or other removable coupling method. The upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to the beverage container 70, such as proximate to the beverage container upper terminus 78 and/or to the alpha upper terminus 18 and to the beta upper terminus 28 when the alpha section 11 and the beta section 21 are received within the beverage container cavity 71 when a first fastener 31 of the alpha section 11 is engaged to a second fastener 32 of the beta section 21.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21. An alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12 that may be coupled to an alpha base 13. A beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22 that may be coupled to a beta base 23. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 and the alpha base 13 may be removably coupled to the beta base 23 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding a volume of liquid. The device 100 may further comprising an optional beverage container 70 which may include a container cavity 71 shaped to receive the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections when the first fastener 31 of the alpha section 11 is engaged to the second fastener 32 of the beta section 21.
The device 100 may also comprise a delta section 41 and a gamma section 51. The delta section 41 may have a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall 42 that may be coupled to a delta base 43. A gamma section 51 may include a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall 52 which may be coupled to a gamma base 53. One or more first fasteners 31 may also be disposed in the delta section 41, and one or more second fasteners 32 may also be disposed in the gamma section 51. The delta sidewall 42 may be removably coupled to the gamma sidewall 52 and the delta base 43 may be removably coupled to the gamma base 53 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding a volume of liquid and optionally other elements of the device 100.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a delta section 41 which may be assembled with a gamma section 51 to form an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding or containing liquids and/or for receiving an alpha section 11 and beta section 21 which are engaged to each other and, optionally, which are received in the container cavity 71 of a beverage container 70. A delta section 41 may comprise a delta sidewall 42 which may optionally be coupled to a delta base 43. Generally, a delta sidewall 42 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, a delta sidewall 42 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the delta sidewall 42 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, a delta sidewall 42 may be configured with any other shape that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, a delta base 43 may be coupled to the lower portions of the delta sidewall 42. In some embodiments, a delta base 43 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the delta sidewall 42. In other embodiments, a delta base 43 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The delta section 41 may comprise two delta vertical edges 44 which may be continuous with a delta base edge 45. The delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may form the points of contact between the delta section 41 and the one or more other sections 11, 21, 51, such as a gamma section 51, to which the delta section 41 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
In some embodiments, a gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma sidewall 52 which may optionally be coupled to a gamma base 53. Generally, a gamma sidewall 52 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, a gamma sidewall 52 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the gamma sidewall 52 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, a gamma sidewall 52 may be configured with any other shape, and preferably with a shape that is complementary to the shape of a delta section 41, that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, a gamma base 53 may be coupled to the lower portions of the gamma sidewall 52. In some embodiments, a gamma base 53 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the gamma sidewall 52. In other embodiments, a gamma base 53 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The gamma section 51 may comprise two gamma vertical edges 54 which may be continuous with a gamma base edge 55. The gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may form the points of contact between the gamma section 51 and the one or more other sections 11, 21, 41, such as a delta section 41, to which the gamma section 51 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
The delta section 41 may comprise a delta interior surface 46 formed by portions of the delta sidewall 42 and the delta base 43 which may form and bound the exterior cavity 50 when the delta section 41 is engaged to a gamma section 51. Likewise, the gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma interior surface 56 formed by portions of the gamma sidewall 52 and the gamma base 53 which may form and bound the exterior cavity 50 when the gamma section 51 is engaged to a delta section 41. The delta section 41 may comprise a delta exterior surface 47 formed by portions of the delta sidewall 42 and the delta base 43 which may be external to the exterior cavity 50 when the delta section 41 is engaged to a gamma section 51. Likewise, the gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma exterior surface 57 formed by portions of the gamma sidewall 52 and the gamma base 53 which may be external to the exterior cavity 50 when the gamma section 51 is engaged to a delta section 41.
The delta section 41 may comprise a delta upper terminus 48 and a delta lower terminus 49. The delta upper terminus 48 may form the upper portion of the delta section 41 where the delta interior surface 46 and delta exterior surface 47 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the delta upper terminus 48. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the delta lower terminus 49. The gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma upper terminus 58 and a gamma lower terminus 59. The gamma upper terminus 58 may form the upper portion of the gamma section 51 where the gamma interior surface 56 and gamma exterior surface 57 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the gamma upper terminus 58. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the gamma lower terminus 59.
The delta section 41 and gamma section 51 may be removably coupled together with one or more first fasteners 31 and second fasteners 32 to form an exterior cavity 50 that is suitable for holding or containing liquids and/or for receiving an alpha section 11 and beta section 21 which are engaged to each other and, optionally, which are received in the container cavity 71 of a beverage container 70. In some embodiments, each delta vertical edge 44 and the delta base edge 45 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of first fasteners 31. Likewise, each gamma vertical edge 54 and the gamma base edge 55 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of second fasteners 32. Each first fastener 31 may be removably coupled or engaged to a second fastener 32 so that the engagement between the fasteners 31, 32, may allow the delta vertical edges 44 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to the gamma vertical edges 54 and the delta base edge 45 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to the gamma base edge 55.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of still another example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 which may be removably coupled to a beta section 21 and which both may be received in a delta section 41 and a gamma section 51. The alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12 that may be coupled to an alpha base 13. The beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22 that may be coupled to a beta base 23. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 and the alpha base 13 may be removably coupled to the beta base 23 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding a volume of liquid. The delta section 41 may have a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall 42 that may be coupled to a delta base 43. The gamma section 51 may include a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall 52 which may be coupled to a gamma base 53. One or more first fasteners 31 may also be disposed in the delta section 41, and one or more second fasteners 32 may also be disposed in the gamma section 51. The delta sidewall 42 may be removably coupled to the gamma sidewall 52 and the delta base 43 may be removably coupled to the gamma base 53 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21 which may both hold volume of liquid.
In some embodiments, one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100 may be configured as a mug or other beverage container having one or more handles 35 which may be used by a user to move or otherwise manipulate the device 100. In further embodiments, the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections may each have a handle 35. In still further embodiments, the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections may each have a handle 35, so that when the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections are coupled together, the two handles 35 may be positioned proximate or in contact with each other to function as a single handle 35. In alternative embodiments, the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may each have a handle 35. In still further alternative embodiments, the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may each have a handle 35, so that when the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections are coupled together, the two handles 35 may be positioned proximate or in contact with each other to function as a single handle 35.
As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the first 31 and second 32 fasteners may be configured in any shape and size. For example, the first 31 and second 32 fasteners on the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may be relatively elongated, while the first 31 and second 32 fasteners on the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections may be relatively shorter. As a further example, the handles 35 may comprise one or more first 31 and second 32 fasteners which may be relatively smaller than the first 31 and second 32 fasteners of the vertical edges 14, 24, 44, 54, and base edges 15, 25, 45, 55.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a lower lid 34 which may be removably coupled to alpha 11 and beta 21 sections and/or to delta 41 and gamma 51 sections. In this example, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 which may be removably coupled to a beta section 21 and which both may be received in a delta section 41 and a gamma section 51. The alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12, and the beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 preferably by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 which may be open at both ends. The delta section 41 may have a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall 42, and the gamma section 51 may include a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall 52. One or more first fasteners 31 may also be disposed in the delta section 41, and one or more second fasteners 32 may also be disposed in the gamma section 51. The delta sidewall 42 may be removably coupled to the gamma sidewall 52 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21.
In the example of FIG. 5, the delta sidewall 42 may also comprise threading 60 such as lower threading 60B, and the gamma sidewall 52 may also comprise threading 60 such as lower threading 60B. Lower threading 60B may comprise any type of threading which may be positioned proximate to a lower terminus 19, 29, 49, 59, and which may be threadedly and removably coupled to threading 60 commonly found on containers and lids. The device 100 may also comprise a lower lid 34 which may comprise any suitable covering which may bound an exterior cavity 50 and/or interior cavity 20 thereby allowing the cavity(s) 20, 50, to hold or contain a volume of liquid and/or one or more elements of the device 100. A lower lid 34 may comprise threading 60 for removably coupling the lower lid 34 to the lower threading 60B, of two or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, such as to the lower threading 60B of the delta section 41 and gamma section 51. In this manner, by removably coupling the lower lid 34 to the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections or to the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections the lower lid 34 may facilitate the maintaining of the removable coupling or enable the removable coupling between one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100.
Also as perhaps best shown in FIG. 5, in embodiments of the device 100 comprising alpha 11, beta 21, delta 41, and gamma 51 sections, the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may be configured in any shape and size relative to the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections. For example, the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections may be smaller, shorter, and/or more narrow than the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections. As a further example, in some embodiments, the device 100 may be configured having alpha 11, beta 21, delta 41, and gamma 51 sections made in various sizes, such as giant size, large size, medium size, small size, mini size, etc., so that adults, children, and toddlers can easily maneuver and manipulate the device 100 via their respectively sized larger and smaller hands or palms.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of yet a further example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a lower lid 34 and an upper lid 33 which may each be removably coupled to alpha 11 and beta 21 sections and/or to delta 41 and gamma 51 sections. In this example, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 which may be removably coupled to a beta section 21 and which both may be coupled to an upper 33 and a lower lid 34. The alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12, and the beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 preferably by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 which may be open at both ends.
In the example of FIG. 6, the alpha sidewall 12 may also comprise threading 60 such as upper threading 60A, and the gamma sidewall 52 may also comprise threading 60 such as upper threading 60A, while the alpha sidewall 12 may further comprise threading 60 such as lower threading 60B, and the gamma sidewall 52 may further comprise threading 60 such as lower threading 60B. Similar to lower threading 60B, upper threading 60A may comprise any type of threading which may be positioned proximate to an upper terminus 19, 29, 49, 59, and which may be threadedly and removably coupled to threading 60 commonly found on containers and lids.
The device 100 may also comprise a lower lid 34 which may comprise any suitable covering which may bound an exterior cavity 50 and/or interior cavity 20 thereby allowing the cavity(s) 20, 50, to hold or contain a volume of liquid and/or one or more elements of the device 100. A lower lid 34 may comprise threading 60 for removably coupling the lower lid 34 to the lower threading 60B, of two or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, such as to the lower threading 60B of the alpha section 11 and beta section 21. In this manner, by removably coupling the lower lid 34 to the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections or to the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections the lower lid 34 may facilitate the maintaining of the removable coupling or enable the removable coupling between one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100.
The device 100 may also comprise an upper lid 33 which may comprise any suitable covering which may bound an exterior cavity 50, container cavity 71, and/or interior cavity 20 thereby allowing the cavity(s) 20, 50, 71, to hold or contain a volume of liquid and/or one or more elements of the device 100. An upper lid 33 may comprise threading 60 for removably coupling the upper lid 33 to the upper threading 60A, of two or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, such as to the upper threading 60A of the alpha section 11 and beta section 21. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to a beverage container 70 via threading 60. In this manner, by removably coupling the upper lid 33 to the alpha 11 and beta 21 sections or to the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections the upper lid 33 may facilitate the maintaining of the removable coupling or enable the removable coupling between one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, and/or beverage container 70 of the device 100.
In preferred embodiments, an upper lid 33 may comprise a beverage container covering which may enable a liquid in the interior 20 and/or exterior 50 cavity to be dispensed through the upper lid 33. Example upper lids 33 configured to dispense liquid may include infant bottle nipples or nozzles, sports and other drink nipples or nozzles, lids which may be used as a drinking vessel, or any other type of lid which may be configured to dispense a liquid while allowing all or portions of the lid to remain coupled to the device 100. In other embodiments, an upper lid 33 may be configured as a covering similar to a lower lid 34 so the upper lid 33 must be removed from the device 100 in order for a liquid or other objects such as ice cubes, fruit cuts, candies, small children toys, a sheet of paper, foil, a sheet of plastic or any other suitable media to be dispensed or removed from the interior 20 and/or exterior 50 cavity.
In further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a beverage container 70 (FIGS. 2 and 3) having a container cavity 71 shaped to receive the alpha section 11, beta section 21, and a lower lid 34 when a first fastener 31 of the alpha section 11 is engaged to a second fastener 32 of the beta section 11 and the lower lid 34 is removably coupled, preferably to the lower threading of, the alpha section 11 and, preferably to the lower threading of, the beta section 21.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of still another further example of a configurable container and message device 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha section 11 and a beta section 21. An alpha section 11 may have a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall 12 that may be coupled to an alpha base 13. A beta section 21 may include a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall 22 that may be coupled to a beta base 23. One or more first fasteners 31 may be disposed in the alpha section 11, and one or more second fasteners 32 disposed in the beta section 21. The alpha sidewall 12 may be removably coupled to the beta sidewall 22 and the alpha base 13 may be removably coupled to the beta base 23 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an interior cavity 20 suitable for holding a volume of liquid.
The device 100 may also comprise a delta section 41 and a gamma section 51. The delta section 41 may have a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall 42 that may be coupled to a delta base 43. A gamma section 51 may include a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall 52 which may be coupled to a gamma base 53. One or more first fasteners 31 may also be disposed in the delta section 41, and one or more second fasteners 32 may also be disposed in the gamma section 51. The delta sidewall 42 may be removably coupled to the gamma sidewall 52 and the delta base 43 may be removably coupled to the gamma base 53 by engaging the first fasteners 31 to the second fasteners 32 thereby forming an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding a volume of liquid and optionally other elements of the device 100.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may further comprising an optional beverage container 70 which may include a container cavity 71 shaped to receive the delta 41 and gamma 51 sections when the first fastener 31 of the delta section 41 is engaged to the second fastener 32 of the gamma section 51.
In further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an optional beverage container 70 which may include a container cavity 71 shaped to receive the delta section 41 and gamma section 51 when the first fastener 31 of the delta section 41 is engaged to the second fastener 32 of the gamma section 51, and the alpha section 11 and beta section 21 are receivable in the delta section 41 and gamma section 51 when the first fastener 31 of the alpha section 11 is engaged to the second fastener 32 of the beta section 21. In this manner an optional beverage container 70 may receive the four sections 11, 21, 41, 51, within the container cavity 71.
Preferably, the beverage container 70 may be configured as a mug or other beverage container having one or more handles 35 which may be used by a user to move or otherwise manipulate the device 100.
Preferably, the device 100 may also comprise an upper lid 33 which may comprise any suitable covering which may bound the beverage container upper terminus 78 and an exterior cavity 50 and/or interior cavity 20 thereby allowing the cavity(s) 20, 50, to hold or contain a volume of liquid and/or one or more elements of the device 100. In preferred embodiments, an upper lid 33 may comprise a beverage container covering which may enable a liquid in the interior 20 and/or exterior 50 cavity to be dispensed through the upper lid 33. Example upper lids 33 configured to dispense liquids may include lids to cover tea or coffee mugs, lids with holes or hollow cavities for a straw to pass through, lids which may be used as a drinking vessel, or any other type of lid which may be configured to dispense a liquid while allowing all or portions of the lid to remain coupled to the device 100. In other embodiments, an upper lid 33 may be configured as a covering similar to a lower lid 34 so that the upper lid 33 must be removed from the device 100 in order for a liquid or other objects such as ice cubes, fruit cuts, candies, small children toys, a sheet of paper, foil, a sheet of plastic or any other suitable media to be dispensed or removed from the interior 20 and/or exterior 50 cavity.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a delta section 41 which may be assembled with a gamma section 51 to form an exterior cavity 50 suitable for holding or containing liquids and/or for receiving an alpha section 11 and beta section 21 which are engaged to each other and, optionally, which are received in the container cavity 71 of a beverage container 70. A delta section 41 may comprise a delta sidewall 42 which may optionally be coupled to a delta base 43. Generally, a delta sidewall 42 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, a delta sidewall 42 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the delta sidewall 42 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, a delta sidewall 42 may be configured with any other shape that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, a delta base 43 may be coupled to the lower portions of the delta sidewall 42. In some embodiments, a delta base 43 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the delta sidewall 42. In other embodiments, a delta base 43 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The delta section 41 may comprise two delta vertical edges 44 which may be continuous with a delta base edge 45. The delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may form the points of contact between the delta section 41 and the one or more other sections 11, 21, 51, such as a gamma section 51, to which the delta section 41 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the delta vertical edges 44 and delta base edge 45 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
In some embodiments, a gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma sidewall 52 which may optionally be coupled to a gamma base 53. Generally, a gamma sidewall 52 may be substantially semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cylinder cut longitudinally. In other embodiments, a gamma sidewall 52 may be semicylinder shaped and shaped as half of a cone cut longitudinally so that the bottom portion of the gamma sidewall 52 may be larger or smaller than the top portion. In alternative embodiments, a gamma sidewall 52 may be configured with any other shape, and preferably with a shape that is complementary to the shape of a delta section 41, that may be cut substantially vertically.
Optionally, a gamma base 53 may be coupled to the lower portions of the gamma sidewall 52. In some embodiments, a gamma base 53 may be generally half circular in shape so as to bound the lower portions of the gamma sidewall 52. In other embodiments, a gamma base 53 may be generally third, fourth, or fifth circular in shape.
The gamma section 51 may comprise two gamma vertical edges 54 which may be continuous with a gamma base edge 55. The gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may form the points of contact between the gamma section 51 and the one or more other sections 11, 21, 41, such as a delta section 41, to which the gamma section 51 may be removably coupled to. While in some embodiments, the gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may be generally planar or linear in shape, in other embodiments, the gamma vertical edges 54 and gamma base edge 55 may be configured with any other shape such as a scalloped shape, zig-zag shape, wavy shape, or any other shape.
The delta section 41 may comprise a delta interior surface 46 formed by portions of the delta sidewall 42 and the delta base 43 which may form and bound the exterior cavity 50 when the delta section 41 is engaged to a gamma section 51. Likewise, the gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma interior surface 56 formed by portions of the gamma sidewall 52 and the gamma base 53 which may form and bound the exterior cavity 50 when the gamma section 51 is engaged to a delta section 41. The delta section 41 may comprise a delta exterior surface 47 formed by portions of the delta sidewall 42 and the delta base 43 which may be external to the exterior cavity 50 when the delta section 41 is engaged to a gamma section 51. Likewise, the gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma exterior surface 57 formed by portions of the gamma sidewall 52 and the gamma base 53 which may be external to the exterior cavity 50 when the gamma section 51 is engaged to a delta section 41.
The delta section 41 may comprise a delta upper terminus 48 and a delta lower terminus 49. The delta upper terminus 48 may form the upper portion of the delta section 41 where the delta interior surface 46 and delta exterior surface 47 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the delta upper terminus 48. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the delta lower terminus 49. The gamma section 51 may comprise a gamma upper terminus 58 and a gamma lower terminus 59. The gamma upper terminus 58 may form the upper portion of the gamma section 51 where the gamma interior surface 56 and gamma exterior surface 57 may meet. Optionally, an upper lid 33 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the gamma upper terminus 58. Optionally, a lower lid 34 may be removably coupled to or proximate to the gamma lower terminus 59.
The delta section 41 and gamma section 51 may be removably coupled together with one or more first fasteners 31 and second fasteners 32 to form an exterior cavity 50 that is suitable for holding or containing liquids and/or for receiving an alpha section 11 and beta section 21 which are engaged to each other and, optionally, which are received in the container cavity 71 of a beverage container 70. In some embodiments, each delta vertical edge 44 and the delta base edge 45 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of first fasteners 31. Likewise, each gamma vertical edge 54 and the gamma base edge 55 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, such as a plurality of second fasteners 32. Each first fastener 31 may be removably coupled or engaged to a second fastener 32 so that the engagement between the fasteners 31, 32, may allow the delta vertical edges 44 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to the gamma vertical edges 54 and the delta base edge 45 to be sealed in a leak proof manner to the gamma base edge 55.
In preferred embodiments, one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100 may be made from or comprise durable and rigid materials which may be substantially transparent or translucent. Example durable and rigid materials which may be substantially transparent or translucent include plastics such as food grade polycarbonate (PC), acrylic or polyacrylate made from Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), Poly Methyl Methacrylate, or a combination of both, polystyrene, and glass.
In further preferred embodiments, one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100 may be made from or comprise an insulating material which may prevent or reduce the temperature equilibrium between the environment that the device 100 occupies and between the items contained within the interior 20 and/or exterior 50 cavities of the device 100. An insulating material may comprise or be made from synthetic materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, cellulose, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, silicone, rubber, neoprene, Pyrogel, Polyisocyanurate, and natural materials such as hemp, cotton, straw, cellulose, or any other insulation material including combinations of materials. In still further embodiments, an insulating material may comprise vacuum pockets which may serve insulation purposes. In further alternative embodiments, an insulating material may comprise a smart material or materials having one or more properties that change in response to external stimuli like stress, temperature, moisture, acidity, or magnetic field influences such as shape memory materials, self-healing materials, temperature-responsive polymers, thermochromic liquid crystals and leucodyes, hydrochromic materials, color-changing synthetic materials, pH-sensitive polymers and halochromic materials, or magnetostrictive materials. In still further alternative embodiments, an insulating material may comprise or be made from edible materials such as chocolate, sugar, baked dough, agar, hydrocolloid, or any other suitable edible insulation materials including combinations of edible materials that can maintain their structural integrity for extended periods of time as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. Optionally, an insulating material may be applied to one or more interior surfaces 16, 26, 46, 56, and/or exterior surfaces 17, 27, 47, 57.
In further embodiments, one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100 may be made from or comprise durable and rigid materials which may be not be substantially transparent or translucent. Example durable and rigid materials which may be not be substantially transparent or translucent include steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, any other type of metal or metal alloy, any type of ceramic, earthenware, natural stone, synthetic stone, various types of hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Bisphenol A free polycarbonate (BPA-free polycarbonate), nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials. In still further embodiments, one or more sections 11, 21, 41, 51, of the device 100 may be made from or comprise food-grade materials such as nylon, polyurethane, vinyl, High-density polyethylene (HDPE), other types of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, silicone, stainless steel, or any other food-grade material.
Also in preferred embodiments, the device 100 may enable users to inscribe, draw, etch, or otherwise provide messages and images within the device 100 for providing personalized messages as surprise gifts to family members and friends. In some embodiments, a message, image, or other indicia may be inscribed, drawn, etched, or otherwise imprinted onto one or more interior surfaces 16, 26, 46, 56, and/or onto one or more exterior surfaces 17, 26, 46, 56. In further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an alpha 11, beta 21, delta 41, and gamma 51 section and a message, image, or other indicia may be inscribed, drawn, etched, or otherwise imprinted onto an object such as a sheet of paper, foil, sheet of plastic or any other suitable media, and the media may be assembled an maintained between the inner alpha 11 and beta 21 sections and the outer delta 41 and gamma 51 sections.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may enable users to combine and interchange alpha 11, beta 21, delta 41, and gamma 51 sections, and apply various patterns such as snow flakes, stars, hearts, circles, egg shapes, diamonds, prisms, flowers, animals, cartoon figures, toy characters, and various colored inserts, stickers, decals, etc., such as red, dark red, white, silver, blue, blue-gray, green, lime, black, brown, rose, pink, purple, orange, yellow, light yellow, gold, indigo, lavender, turquoise, light turquoise, rainbow, transparent, translucent, or opaque, onto one or more interior surfaces 16, 26, 46, 56, and/or onto one or more exterior surfaces 17, 27, 47, 57.
While some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100 such as the alpha section 11, beta section 21, optional delta section 41, optional gamma section 51, optional upper lid 33, optional lower lid 34, and/or any other element discussed herein may be made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device 100.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A configurable container and message device, the device comprising:

a. an alpha section having a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall, the alpha sidewall coupled to an alpha base;

b. a beta section having a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall, the beta sidewall coupled to a beta base;

c. a first fastener disposed in the alpha section; and

d. a second fastener disposed in the beta section; wherein the alpha sidewall is removably coupled to the beta sidewall and the alpha base is removably coupled to the beta base by engaging the first fastener to the second fastener.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured as slot and groove fasteners.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured as magnetic fasteners.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising an insulating material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the alpha section comprises threading and the beta section comprises threading, and wherein the device further comprises an upper lid which is removably coupled to the threading of the alpha section and the threading of the beta section.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a beverage container having a container cavity shaped to receive the alpha section and beta section when the first fastener of the alpha section is engaged to the second fastener of the beta section.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising an upper lid which is removably coupled to the beverage container and to the alpha upper terminus and to the beta upper terminus wherein the alpha section and the beta section are received within the beverage container cavity when the first fastener of the alpha section is engaged to the second fastener of the beta section.

8. The device of claim 6, further comprising an insulating material.

9. The device of claim 6, further comprising a handle.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a. a delta section having a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall, the delta sidewall coupled to a delta base;

b. a gamma section having a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall, the gamma sidewall coupled to a gamma base;

c. a first fastener disposed in the delta section; and

d. a second fastener disposed in the gamma section; wherein the delta sidewall is removably coupled to the gamma sidewall and the delta base is removably coupled to the gamma base by engaging the first fastener of the delta section to the second fastener of the gamma section.

11. The device of claim 9, further comprising a beverage container having a container cavity shaped to receive the alpha section and beta section when the first fastener of the alpha section is engaged to the second fastener of the beta section, and wherein the alpha section, beta section, and beverage container are receivable in the delta section and gamma section when the first fastener of the delta section is engaged to the second fastener of the gamma section.

12. A configurable container and message device, the device comprising:

a. an alpha section having a generally semicylinder shaped alpha sidewall, the alpha sidewall having lower threading;

b. a beta section having a generally semicylinder shaped beta sidewall, the beta sidewall having lower threading;

c. a first fastener disposed in the alpha section;

d. a second fastener disposed in the beta section; wherein the alpha sidewall is removably coupled to the beta sidewall by removably engaging the first fastener to the second fastener; and

e. a lower lid having threading for removably coupling the lower lid to the lower threading of the alpha section and to the lower threading of the beta section.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured as slot and groove fasteners.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured as magnetic fasteners.

15. The device of claim 12, further comprising an insulating material.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a beverage container having a container cavity shaped to receive the alpha section, beta section, and the lower lid when the first fastener of the alpha section is engaged to the second fastener of the beta section and the lower lid is removably coupled to the alpha section and to the beta section.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising an insulating material.

18. The device of claim 16, further comprising a handle.

19. The device of claim 11, further comprising:

a. a delta section having a generally semicylinder shaped delta sidewall, the delta sidewall having lower threading;

b. a gamma section having a generally semicylinder shaped gamma sidewall, the gamma sidewall having lower threading;

c. a first fastener disposed in the delta section; and

d. a second fastener disposed in the gamma section; wherein the delta sidewall is coupled to the gamma sidewall by removably engaging the first fastener to the second fastener; and

e. a lower lid having threading for removably coupling the lower lid to the lower threading of the delta section and to the lower threading of the gamma section.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the alpha section comprises upper threading and the beta section comprises upper threading, and wherein the device further comprises an upper lid which is removably coupled to the upper threading of the alpha section and the upper threading of the beta section.