Abstract:
There is provided a tube assembly for holding and securing one or more items wherein the items have a top end and a bottom end. The tube assembly includes a tube having a top end, a bottom end and a wall defining a hollow cavity within the tube. A top cap is configured for releasably engaging and sealing the top end of the tube. The top cap includes a slot configured for receiving coins or other objects. The tube assembly also includes a bottom cap configured for releasably engaging and sealing the bottom end of the tube. Within the cavity are located a first spacer comprising a first space for receiving the top end of the item, and a second spacer comprising a second space for receiving the bottom end of the item.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to packaging devices, and more particularly, to a tube assembly for holding and securing drinkware, glassware, cups and other similar objects. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Fragile objects such as drinkware, glassware, bottles, breakable valuables, and the like, have unique packaging needs. A set of drinkware (such as drinking glasses), for example, is often packaged in a box that includes separators to create individual compartments for each drinkware item for ensuring that the drinkware items do not contact or collide with each other, thus causing damage, while the drinkware are being moved. In these boxes, the drinkware are often stored in a side-by-side configuration rather than being stacked on top of each other. This type of packaging is used by distributors to store drinkware, department stores to display and sell drinkware, and consumers to buy and transport drinkware, amongst other uses. 
         [0003]    This method of packaging drinkware and other glassware has several limitations. One limitation is related to the configuration of the drinkware or glassware. Generally, the items are not stacked on top of each other, which is not always the most efficient use of space. Transporting a small number of items packaged in this way can be cumbersome. Another limitation is related to the disposability of the box in which the drinkware or glassware are packaged. The packaging box is often thrown out once the items are removed. When the drinkware or glassware have to be moved again, a new box must be obtained and ad-hoc separators created to keep the items from contacting or colliding with each other. This is both inefficient and harmful to the environment. Oftentimes, a person will retain the box and store it in a location where it is not visible because the box is not aesthetically pleasing. Storing empty boxes in a house or in a warehouse for potential future use takes up valuable storage space. 
         [0004]    Solutions are known in the art for storing glassware such as bottles in rigid containers. Examples of such containers may contain a bottle of a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage, and may also act as a commemorative keepsake after the beverage is consumed. For example, a bottle of whiskey may be purchased and stored in a rigid container that has aesthetic drawings or photographs on the outside visible surface of the container. After the beverage is fully consumed, however, the container is no longer useful for storing the bottle and takes up valuable storage space on a counter, in a drawer or in other locations. An owner of such a commemorative container may even dispose of the container because it no longer serves any useful purpose. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in packaging that is useful for storing and securing drinkware, glassware and the like. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tube assembly for holding and securing one or more items wherein each of the items have a top end and a bottom end, the tube assembly comprising: a) a tube having a top end, a bottom end and a wall defining a hollow cavity within the tube; b) a top cap configured for releasably engaging and sealing the top end of the tube, and comprising a slot configured for receiving coins or other objects; c) a bottom cap configured for releasably engaging and sealing the bottom end of the tube; d) a first spacer configured to fit within the cavity and comprising a first space for receiving the top end of the item; and e) a second spacer configured to fit within the cavity and comprising a second space for receiving the bottom end of the item. 
         [0007]    The items held ands secured within the tube assembly include drinkware, glassware and similar objects, but the present invention is not limited to breakables such as glassware or ceramics, and may include items that are not breakable. Glasses and cups will be used as generic terms throughout the document to refer to several items that may be carried securely in the tube assembly of the present invention. 
         [0008]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]    Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example, embodiments of the present invention and in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of several components of a tube assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3(   a ) shows a top view of the top cap for the tube assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  FIG. 3(   b ) shows a top view of the bottom cap for the tube assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4(   a ) shows a bottom view of a spacer for the tube assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  FIG. 4(   b ) shows a cross sectional view of a spacer for the tube assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  FIG. 4(   c ) shows a top view of a spacer for the tube assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6(   a ) shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 6(   b ) shows a top view of the top cap for the tube assembly of  FIG. 6(   a ); 
           [0016]      FIG. 7(   a ) shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 7(   b ) shows a top view of the top cap for the tube assembly of  FIG. 7(   a ); 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows a cross sectional view of a tube assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 1  which shows in perspective view some of the components of the tube assembly  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly  100  comprises a generally cylindrical tube  102  having an internal cavity  101 , a top cap  104 , a bottom cap  106  and a glass  110 . The top cap  104  and bottom cap  106  are shaped and sized to fit snugly within respective ends of the tube  102 . The tube assembly  100  may also have spacers (not shown) for securing the drinking end  109  and the support end  111  of the glass  110  within the cavity  101  of the tube  102 . The tube assembly  100  may also include a coaster (not shown) and other items (such as a hockey puck or a baseball). 
         [0020]    Any or all the components of the tube assembly  100  may comprise a material that is suitable for embossing a logo or design onto. For example, the glass  110 , the top cap  104 , the tube  102 , the bottom cap  106  and the coaster (not shown) may all include a logo or design of a sports team, player or a company on any of their surfaces. Such a configuration allows the tube assembly  100  to serve as a souvenir in addition to protecting and holding the glass  110 . 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the top cap  104  includes a slot  105  that is sized and shaped to allow an object to be inserted through the slot  105  and deposited into the cavity  101  when the top cap  104  is disposed on an end of the tube  102 . For example, slot  105  may be sized and shaped for allowing coins to be inserted therein thus allowing the tube  102  to serve as a coin bank when the glass  110  is not in the cavity  101  of the tube  102 . Top cap  102  and bottom cap  104  are held in the respective ends of the tube  102  by pressing the top cap  104  against the top ridge  103  of the tube  102 , and by pressing the bottom cap  106  against the bottom ridge  107  of the tube  102 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows in cross-sectional view a tube assembly  200  according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the top of the tube assembly  200  is indicated by the direction of arrow  260 . The tube assembly  200  comprises a tube  202  having a cavity  201 , a top cap  204 , and a bottom cap  206 . Top cap  204  and bottom cap  206  are sized and shaped to fit snugly in respective ends of the tube  202 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a glass  210  is secured within the tube  202 . The glass  210  has an open, drinking end  209  and a closed, support end  211 . The top cap  204  and the bottom cap  206  are held in the respective ends of the tube  202  which prevents the glass  210  from falling out of the tube  202  while the tube assembly  200  is transported or moved. Also shown in  FIG. 2  are spacers  222  and  232  that are sized and shaped to fit within the cavity  210  so as to hold and secure the glass  210  in place between the top cap  204  and the bottom cap  206 . The spacers  222  and  232  each have a support space  221  and  231  respectively for receiving the support end  211  of a glass  210 . As shown, the support end  211  of the glass  210  is resting on the support space  231  of the spacer  232 . The spacers  222  and  232  each also include a drinking space  223  and  233  respectively for receiving the drinking end of a glass  210 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the drinking end  209  of the glass  210  is inserted into the drinking space  223  of the spacer  222 . 
         [0023]    Optionally, a coaster  240  may also be included as part of the tube assembly  200 . The coaster  240  is sized and shaped to fit within the cavity  201  and is held in place between the top cap  204  and the spacer  222 . A user may remove the top cap  204 , the coaster  240 , the spacer  222  and the glass  210  and rest the glass  210  on the coaster  240  to protect the surface on which the glass  210  is resting while the user is enjoying a beverage. 
         [0024]    As with the embodiment of the tube assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , any of the visible surfaces of the components of the tube assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 2  may be embossed, printed or otherwise provided with a logo or design. 
         [0025]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 3(   a ) which a top view of the top cap  204 . The top cap  204  includes an edge  303  that is configured to releasably engage with the inside of one end of the tube  202 . The top cap  204  generally comprises a flexible material that allows the top cap  204  to interferingly engage with and seal one end of the tube  202  when a small amount of force is exerted on the top cap  204 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3(   a ), the top cap  204  includes a slot  305  that is sized and shaped for receiving coins, bottle caps, or other objects, and allowing these objects to be deposited into the cavity  201 . An individual may wish to collect coins or other objects in the cavity  201  of the tube  202  when the glass  210  is removed. In another aspect, the top cap  204 , the coaster  240  and the spacer  222  all have openings that align with the slot  305  allowing the coins, bottle caps, or other objects to be deposited into the cavity  201  even when the tube assembly  200  is assembled. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3(   b ) illustrates a top view of the bottom cap  206  of the tube assembly  200 . The bottom cap  206  includes an edge  307  that is configured to releasably engage with the inside of the other end of the tube  202  for sealing this other end of the tube  202  in a similar manner to the top cap  104 . Bottom cap  206  does not include a slot or other opening as does top cap  204 . 
         [0028]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 4(   b ) which illustrates a cross-sectional view of a spacer  222  for the tube assembly  200 . The spacer  222  includes a support space  221  and a drinking space  223 . The support space  221  is configured to support a glass  210  that is inserted into the tube  202 . The drinking space  223  is configured to receive the drinking end  211  of the glass  210  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The spacer  222  generally comprises a material such as styrofoam that will not damage the glass  210  while the tube assembly  200  is being moved. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4(   a ) illustrates the drinking space  223  of the spacer  222  (a bottom view of the spacer  222  as defined by the arrow  260 ). The spacer  222  includes a hole  402  for allowing air to pass through the spacer while it is being pressed into or taken out of the tube  202 .  FIG. 4(   c ) illustrates the support space  221  of the spacer  222  (a bottom view of the spacer  222  as defined by arrow  260 ). As shown, the support space  221  is smaller in diameter than the drinking space  223 . Such a configuration is useful for securing glassware in the shape of the glass  210 . It will be appreciated, however, that the spacer  222  may secure any configuration of glassware, bottles or other dishes. For example, in another aspect, the drinking space is smaller in diameter than the support space for securing glassware such as a beer bottle. In another aspect, the drinking space and the support space are of the same diameter. 
         [0030]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 5 , which illustrates the expandability of the basic structure of the tube assembly  200 . The tube assembly  500  comprises a tube  502  having a cavity  501 , a top cap  504 , a bottom cap  506 , glasses  510 ,  514 , and  518 , spacers  522 ,  532 ,  542 , and  552 , and coasters  540   a,    540   b  and  540   c  (not all shown). The spacers  522 ,  532 ,  542  and  552  each include support spaces  521 ,  531 ,  541  and  551  respectively. As shown, the glasses  510 ,  514  and  518  are each resting in the support spaces  531 ,  541  and  551  respectively. As well, the drinking space  523  of spacer  522  receives the drinking end  509  of glass  510 ; the drinking space  533  of spacer  532  receives the drinking end  513  of glass  514 ; and the drinking space  543  of spacer  542  receives the drinking end  517  of glass  518 . 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , there will generally be one more spacer in any given tube assembly of the present invention than there are glasses in the same tube assembly. In another aspect, however, the bottom spacer (spacer  552  in  FIG. 5 ) is not included. Instead, the bottom cap  506  is molded of a material that receives the support end  519  of glass  518 . 
         [0032]    In this aspect, coasters indicated individually by references  540   a,    540   b  and  540   c  are included (though not individually shown) in the tube assembly  500  for each of the glasses  510 ,  514  and  518 . In other embodiments, coasters are not included. 
         [0033]    Top cap  504  also includes a slot (not shown) that is sized and shaped for receiving coins or other objects in a similar manner to the top cap  204 . In this way, the tube assembly  500  is useful for receiving and storing coins or other objects when the glasses  510 ,  514  and  518  are removed from the cavity  501  of the tube  502 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6(   a ) illustrates a tube assembly  600  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly  600  includes a tube  602  having a cavity  601 , a cup  610 , a top cap  604 , spacers  622  and  632 , a bottom cap  606  and a coaster  640 . As shown, the cup  610  has a handle  612  and is accommodated within the cavity  601  of the tube  602 . For this example, the cross-sectional shape of the tube  602  is oval rather than circular so as to accommodate the handle  612  within the cavity  601 . Spacer  622  has a drinking space  623  for receiving the drinking end  609  of the cup  610 . Spacer  632  has a support space  631  for supporting the support end  611  of the cup  610 . In this aspect, the support space  621  and the drinking space  623  of the spacer  622  are the same diameter, and thus, are interchangeable. Likewise, the support space  631  and the drinking space  633  of the spacer  632  are the same diameter and are also interchangeable. In this aspect, spacers  622  and  632  may be inserted into the tube  602  in any order, and without regard to the drinking end  609  or the support end  611  of the cup  610 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6(   b ) illustrates a top view of the top cap  604  of the tube assembly  600  where the arrow  660  illustrates the top direction. The top cap  604  is oval in shape and is sized so as to be releasably engaged within a top end of the tube  602 . The top cap  604  also includes a slot  605  that is configured for receiving coins or other objects when the cup  610  is removed from the cavity  601  of the tube  602 . The top cap  604  includes an edge  608  to interferingly engage with the inside of the top end of the tube  602 . As shown, the top cap  604  and cross-sectional shape of the tube  602  are oval to accommodate the handle  612  of the cup  610 , however, it will be understood that the tube and other components of the tube assemblies may be any suitable shape that allows the desired drinkware, glassware and similar objects to be stored and secured within the cavity of the tube. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7(   a ) illustrates a tube assembly  700  according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The tube assembly  700  includes a tube  702  including a cavity  701 , a cup  710 , a top cap  704 , spacers  722  and  732 , and a coaster  740 . As shown, the cup  710  includes a drinking end  709 , a support end  711  and a handle  712 . The drinking end  709  is smaller in diameter than the support end  711  of the cup  710 . As such, the drinking space  723  is smaller in diameter than the support space  721  of the spacer  722 . Similarly, the drinking space  733  is smaller in diameter than the support space  731  of the spacer  732 . Tube assembly  700  also includes a coaster  740  in one aspect. 
         [0037]    It will be appreciated that other objects may be included with or in place of the coaster  740  in any embodiment of the present invention. For example, it may be desirable to include a hockey puck (not shown) in the space occupied by the coaster  740  to commemorate a hockey team, player or event. In another aspect, a baseball ball, golf ball or other ball may be included in the glass  710  of the tube assembly  700  that commemorates a baseball team, player or event. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7(   b ) illustrates a top view of the top cap  704  of the tube assembly  700 , where the top direction is indicated by the arrow  760 . As can be seen, the cross-sectional shape of the tube assembly  700  is square. The top cap  704  is similarly square-shaped and includes a slot  705  for receiving coins or other objects when the cup  710  is removed from the cavity  701  of the tube  702 . As in the other embodiments, the top cap  704  includes an edge  708  that is configured to engage with and seal the top end of the tube  702 . As shown, the top cap  704  and the tube  702  are square in shape to accommodate the handle  712  of the cup  710 . It will be appreciated that in other aspects, the tube  702  that contains the cup  710  could be circular in shape, as in the tube assembly  100 , or ovular in shape, as in the tube assembly  600 . 
         [0039]    It will also be appreciated that each of the tube assemblies of the present invention may be expanded to include any number of glasses or cups in a way similar to the tube assembly  500  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0040]    For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which the tube assembly  800  can hold four cups indicated by references  810 ,  812 ,  814  and  816 . The tube  802  of the tube assembly  800  are square in cross-sectional shape similar to the tube assembly  700 , and therefore, the top cap  804  is also square and similar in configuration to the top cap  704 . 
         [0041]    Referring next to another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 9 , the tube assembly  900  holds two cups indicated by references  910  and  912  which are resting on spacers  932  and  942  respectively. The tube  902  of the tube assembly  900  is oval in cross-sectional shape and thus similar to the tube assembly  600  shown in  FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ), and therefore, the top cap  904  is similar in configuration to the top cap  604 . 
         [0042]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tube assembly of the present invention may include any number of glasses or cups. In addition, the present invention is not limited to breakables such as glassware or ceramics, but may include cups, glasses, dishes or other items that are made of non-breakable material. Glasses and cups have been used as generic terms to refer to several items that may be carried securely in the tube assembly of the present invention. 
         [0043]    It will also be appreciated that the tube assembly of the present invention is not limited to any cross-sectional shape such as circular, oval or square. For example, the tube may be shaped as a maple leaf or a star. The glasses held in the tube may also be of any shape, and may or may not correspond to the shape of the tube. 
         [0044]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.