Patent Publication Number: US-2013233871-A1

Title: Container sleeve with connection interface for attaching three-dimensional elements and method of making and using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The instant application is a U.S. non-provisional Application based on U.S. provisional application No. 61/608,966, filed Mar. 9, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference hereto in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a container sleeve for a container, e.g., a food or drink container, to which one or more three-dimensional parts/elements can be attached. A method of making and using the container sleeve is also disclosed as is a method of decorating the container with such parts/elements. 
     2. Discussion of Background Information 
     Food and drink containers are well known. Such devices are disclosed in, e.g. U.S. D465,973, U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,833, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,553, as well as the following list of US patents: U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,425, U.S. D575,103, U.S. D563,723, U.S. D554,433, U.S. D547,122, U.S. D546,625, U.S. D544,304, U.S. D543,416, U.S. D535,152, U.S. D534,770, U.S. D534,762, U.S. D527,576, U.S. D518,333, U.S. D491,020, U.S. D489,940, U.S. D483,613, U.S. D479,671, U.S. D479,437, U.S. D462,575, U.S. D458,082, and U.S. D457,395. The disclosure of each of these listed documents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though set forth in full. 
     An improved container, however, would include a sleeve and/or other external interface to allow a user to attached, e.g., removably attach, to the same (or decorate the same with) one or more elements or parts. The container can thereby assume or be converted into a toy or decoratable container. 
     It is submitted that there is a need for such a container and which is lacking in known devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a sleeve for a food or beverage container comprising a sleeve body sized and contained to receive therein a portion of the container. Plural connection elements are arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve body. At least one three-dimensional element is removably connectable to the sleeve body via at least one of the plural connection elements. 
     In embodiments, the container is one of: a cup, a can, a drink vessel, a mug; and a conventionally know container that can contain an edible drinking substance. 
     In embodiments, the container is one of: a food bowl, a soup bowl, a cereal bowl, and a conventionally know container that can contain an edible eating substance. 
     In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is attachable via a snap connection. 
     In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: a decorative element, a toy element, an object resembling a portion of a man-made structure, and an object resembling a portion of a living thing. 
     In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: a letter, a number, an inanimate object, and an object resembling an inanimate object. 
     In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: a head of an animal, a face of an animal, a body of an animal, and a portion of an animal. 
     In embodiments, the plural connection elements comprise one of: snap connectors, projections insertable into openings, and recesses receiving projections. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises open upper and lower ends. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises open upper and lower ends and the lower end is smaller in diameter than the upper end. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises an open upper end and a closed lower end. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body is structured and arranged to be removably mounted onto a container. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body is structured and arranged to be non-removably mounted onto a container. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises a generally flexible material. 
     In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises a synthetic resin material. 
     In embodiments, there is provided a container comprising a container sized to contain therein an edible substance and the sleeve as described above . 
     In embodiments, there is provided a method of decorating the container described above, wherein the method comprises attaching at least one three-dimensional element to the sleeve body. 
     According to one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a method of decorating a container, wherein the method comprises removably attaching at least one three-dimensional element to a sleeve body arranged on the container via at least one of a plural connection elements. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a container comprising a container body and a sleeve body. The sleeve body is sized and contained to receive therein a portion of the container and comprising plural connection elements arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve body. At least one three-dimensional element is removably connectable to the sleeve body via at least one of the plural connection elements. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a container comprising a container body and plural connection elements arranged on an outer surface of the container body. 
     In embodiments, the container may further comprise at least one of at least one three-dimensional element having at least one complementary connection element, the outer surface comprises a silicone material, and the plural connection elements are generally equally spaced projections. 
     Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1-3  show a non-limiting example of a conventional container that can be utilized with the sleeve according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 1  but with a sleeve installed thereon in accordance with the invention and to which one or more three-dimensional elements can be attached. The external attaching interfaces of the sleeve are not shown; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 1  before the sleeve of  FIG. 7  is installed thereon; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the sleeve installable on the container of  FIG. 6  when flattened into a planar sheet and shows one example of the external attaching interfaces that can be utilized; 
         FIG. 8  shows an enlarged portion of the sleeve of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a side cross-section view of section A-A in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side cross-section view of section B-B in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve installed on a container of the type shown in  FIG. 6 . Unlike the sleeve of  FIG. 4 , the sleeve of  FIG. 11  has a lower portion that extends under the container bottom; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 11  before the sleeve of  FIG. 13  is installed thereon; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the sleeve shown in  FIG. 11  before it is installed on the container of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 14 and 17  respectfully show rear and front views of an exemplary attachable element that can be removably attached to the sleeved containers shown in  FIG. 4  or  11 . In this embodiment, the attachable element resembles a lego-type element having receiving recesses sized and shaped to attachably engage with comparable external projections arranged on the sleeve of the container; 
         FIG. 15  shows a side cross-section view of section C-C in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows a side cross-section view of section D-D in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 18  shows a front view of an exemplary attachable element of the type shown in  FIG. 17  before it is attached to the sleeved container shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows one exemplary location (illustrated in cross-hatching) on the sleeved container where the exemplary attachable element of  FIG. 18  can be removably positioned; 
         FIG. 20  shows a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve and container and illustrates how the container can be slid into the upper open end of the sleeve during installation; 
         FIG. 21  shows a side view of the fully assembled container made up of the components shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  respectfully show front and side views of another exemplary attachable element that can be removably attached to the sleeved containers shown in  FIG. 4 ,  11  or  21 . In this embodiment, the attachable element resembles a lego-type element having receiving recesses sized and shaped to attachably engage with comparable external projections arranged on the sleeve of the container and also includes sheet layer having one or more symbols, letters, numbers, etc.; 
         FIG. 24  shows a side view of another exemplary sleeved container; 
         FIG. 25  shows the sleeved container of  FIG. 24  rotated 180 degrees so that one can visualize a designed projection-free space (identified as a broken line rectangle) on the sleeve. In exemplary embodiments, this designated space can be used to, e.g., print a logo or trademark; 
         FIG. 26  shows a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 27  shows a top cross-section view of section E-E in  FIG. 26  and illustrates how the sleeve bottom can have a central opening so as not to cover all of the bottom of the container when installed; 
         FIG. 28  shows a side cross-section view of section F-F in  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIGS. 29 and 30  respectfully show front and review views of another exemplary attachable element having the form of a pair of pair of glasses arranged over eyes; 
         FIGS. 31 and 32  respectfully show front and review views of another exemplary attachable element having the form of a nose; 
         FIGS. 33 and 34  respectfully show front and review views of another exemplary attachable element having the form of a curly mustache; 
         FIG. 35  shows an exemplary sleeved container in accordance with the invention decorated with the attachable elements shown in  FIGS. 29-34 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows a side view of a portion of another embodiment of a sleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, each attachment projection includes a central opening which renders the projections as hollow projections; 
         FIG. 37  shows a side view of a portion of still another embodiment of a sleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, each attachment projection is generally circular in shape instead of generally square as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 38  shows a side view of a portion of still another embodiment of a sleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, each attachment projection is generally triangular in shape; and 
         FIGS. 39-48  respectively show front and back views of other non-limiting attachment/attachable three-dimensional elements, i.e., a circular-shaped element, a rectangular donut-shaped element, a square-shaped element, a hand-shaped element, and a heart-shaped element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , it can be seen that a conventional container  10  having a dual wall construction and a cover  40  can be utilized in the invention. The cover  40  and the container  10  can be any size, shape or type and need not be similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Moreover, the container  10  can also be single wall or can be other than duel wall type shown in  FIG. 3 . Non-limiting examples of a container (including container sizes, shapes and configurations) which can be utilized in any of the herein disclosed embodiments include any of those discussed above in the Background section. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-10 , there is shown a first non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container  1  includes a container  10  of the type described above and a sleeve  20 . The sleeve  20  is sized and configured to slide onto the container  10  (or vice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container  10 . In this embodiment, the sleeve  20  as a tapered shape generally corresponding to the tapered shape of the container  10  and includes an open upper end and a smaller diameter open lower end. The sleeve  20  also includes a plurality of attachment elements  30  which are sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to the sleeve  20  one or more three-dimensional elements as will be described in detail below. In the example shown in  FIGS. 2-10 , the plurality of attachment elements  30  are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve  20 . The elements  30  are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other by the same amount. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements  30 . As is apparent from  FIGS. 8-10 , the sleeve  20  can be a one-piece member in which the elements  30  are integrally formed solid projections. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-10 , the sleeve  20  can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material, and can also be removably mounted to the container  10  or alternatively can be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably secured thereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve  20  may also be any combination of these features. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , there is shown another non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container  100  includes a container  10  of the type described above and a sleeve  120 . The sleeve  120  is sized and configured to slide onto the container  10  (or vice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container  10 . In this embodiment, the sleeve  120  as a tapered shape generally corresponding to the tapered shape of the container  10  and includes an open upper end and a closed or substantially closed lower end. The sleeve  120  also includes a plurality of attachment elements  130  which are sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to the sleeve  120  one or more three-dimensional elements as will be described in detail below. In the example shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , the plurality of attachment elements  130  are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve  120 . The elements  130  are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other by the same amount. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 13 , for example, represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements  130 . As is the previous embodiment, the sleeve  120  can be a one-piece member in which the elements  130  are integrally formed solid projections. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-13 , the sleeve  120  can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material, and can also be removably mounted to the container  10  or alternatively can be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably secured thereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve  120  may also be any combination of these features. 
       FIGS. 14-17  show one non-limiting example of a three-dimensional element  50  that can be attached to the sleeve in accordance with the invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 14-17 , the element  50  can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexible resin or silicone material, and can include one or more attachment elements  70 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 14-17 , the plurality of attachment elements  70  are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses sized and shaped to receive therein the projections, e.g., projections  30  and/or  130 . The elements  70  are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other by the same amount. As can be seen in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , each element  50  can be removably mounted to the container  100  via frictional engagement between the elements  70  and the elements  130 . This frictional engagement can be characterized as a lego-type connection. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , there is shown another non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container  1000  includes a container  1010  and a sleeve  1020 . The sleeve  1020  is sized and configured to slide onto the container  1010  (or vice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container  1010 . In this embodiment, the sleeve  1020  as a generally cylindrical shape generally corresponding to the shape of the container  1010  and includes an open upper end and a closed or substantially closed lower end. The sleeve  1020  also includes a plurality of attachment elements  1030  which are sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to the sleeve  1020  one or more three-dimensional elements as discussed and as will be described in detail below. In the example shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the plurality of attachment elements  1030  are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve  1020 . The elements  1030  are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other by the same amount. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 21 , for example, represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements  1030 . As is the previous embodiment, the sleeve  1020  can be a one-piece member in which the elements  1030  are integrally formed solid projections. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the sleeve  1020  can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material, and can also be removably mounted to the container  1010  or alternatively can be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably secured thereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve  1020  may also be any combination of these features. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show another non-limiting example of a three-dimensional element  50 ′ that can be attached to the sleeve in accordance with the invention. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the element  50 ′ can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexible resin or silicone material, and can include one or more attachment elements as well as, e.g., a number, a letter, or indicia  60 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the plurality of attachment elements are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses (similar to recesses  70  in  FIGS. 15-16 ) sized and shaped to receive therein the projections, e.g., projections  1030 . The indicia  60  can be, e.g., printed, on a layer of material arranged on or fixed to the element  50 ′. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 24-35 , there is shown another non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container  1000 ′ includes a container  1010 ′ and a sleeve  1020 ′. The sleeve  1020 ′ is sized and configured to slide onto the container  1010 ′ (or vice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container  1010 ′. In this embodiment, the sleeve  1020 ′ as a generally cylindrical shape generally corresponding to the shape of the container  1010 ′ and includes an open upper end and a substantially closed lower end. As is shown in  FIG. 27 , the lower end is sized to extend under the container  1010 ′, but has a centrally disposed through opening TO. The sleeve  1020 ′ also includes a plurality of attachment elements  1030 ′ which are sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to the sleeve  1020 ′ one or more three-dimensional elements (see  FIGS. 29-34 ). A designated area LS of the sleeve  1020 ′ can be made free of elements  1030 ′ in order to provide a convenient location for desired indicia, e.g., a printed logo. In the example shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the plurality of attachment elements  1030 ′ are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve  1020 ′. The elements  1030 ′ are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other by the same amount. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 26 , for example, represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements  1030 ′. As is the previous embodiment, the sleeve  1020 ′ can be a one-piece member in which the elements  1030 ′ are integrally formed solid projections. 
       FIGS. 29-34  show non-limiting examples of three-dimensional elements  50 ″ a ,  50 ″ b , and  50 ″ c  that can be attached to the sleeve as shown in  FIG. 35 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 29-34 , each element can be made of a synthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexible resin or silicone material, and has the form of facial features. Thus, for example, element  50 ″ a  has the form of a pair of glasses with eyes visible therein (on its front side) and includes one or more attachment elements  70 ″ (on its rear side). Element  50 ″ b  has the form of a nose (on its front side) and includes one or more attachment elements  70 ″ (on its rear side). Element  50 ″ c  has the form of a mustache (on its front side) and includes one or more attachment elements  70 ″ (on its rear side). In the example shown in  FIGS. 29-34 , attachment elements  70 ″ are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses sized and shaped to receive therein the projections, e.g., projections  1030 ′. As can be seen in  FIG. 35 , the elements of  FIGS. 29-34  can be removably mounted to the container  1000 ′ via frictional engagement between the elements  70 ″ and the elements  1030 ′ so as to decorate the container  1000 ′ in the non-limiting manner shown in  FIG. 35 . Other exemplary attachable elements are shown in  FIGS. 39-48 . At least the elements shown in  FIGS. 38 ,  39  and  43 - 48  can optionally include layer of material arranged on its front generally planar side such as, e.g., a sticker, and can have, e.g., any desired printing, marking, or color. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 36-38 , there are shown other non-limiting embodiments of the sleeve. In  FIG. 36 , the sleeve  1020 ″ includes plural attachment elements  1030 ″ having a generally polygonal shape and being partially hollowed out via a centrally disposed central blind opening or depression. In  FIG. 37 , the sleeve  1020 ″′ includes plural attachment elements  1030 ′″ having a generally circular shape and being otherwise solid in form. In  FIG. 38 , the sleeve  1020   IV  includes plural attachment elements  1030   IV  having a generally triangular shape and being otherwise solid in form. 
     Although various embodiments shows the sleeve having external projections that can connect to recesses formed in one or more attachment elements, the invention also contemplates that either the sleeve is integrally formed with the container or that the external attachment elements (instead of being formed on the sleeve) are formed on an outer surface of the container itself. These elements can be either projections of the type shown in the drawings or alternatively (or additionally) external recesses, depressions and/or blind openings. 
     Although various embodiments shows the sleeve having external projections that can connect to recesses formed in one or more attachment elements, the invention also contemplates a sleeve with external recesses, depressions and/or blind openings and with projections formed on the one or more attachable elements. 
     One or more of the herein disclosed embodiments can also include one or more features described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/364,886 filed on Feb. 2, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Further additional features can be utilized on the sleeve and/or container such one, more than one, or all of those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/608,956 filed on Mar. 9, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.