Patent Publication Number: US-2021179320-A1

Title: Insert for a beverage container and methods thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/946,979 entitled “NESTABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF,” filed Dec. 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inserts for a nestable and/or stackable beverage container and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an insert for improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and significantly lower cost of packaging. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Beverage containers (e.g., a can of a carbonated beverage, as shown in  FIG. 1 ) are sometimes available for purchase either individually, in a small pack of four or six, in a larger pack of twelve, eighteen or twenty-four or even “economy” packs of thirty, thirty-six or more. Usually such packaging comes in the form of plastic wrapping the containers together, or in the case of larger packs or economy packs, the containers are arranged on a cardboard tray, and subsequently wrapped in a plastic film. When containers or cans are packaged in groups of six, six pack rings are typically used. Six pack rings are a set of connected plastic rings that are used to hold the containers together. The environmental concerns of using these plastic six pack rings, including dangers to marine wildlife, are well-known. Marine wildlife entangled in the rings may face disabling or life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, packaging methods that require the use of a plastic film or wrap may be hazardous to the environment when disposed of and may generally be cost-dependent on oil. Apart from initially binding the containers together for packaging purposes, the plastic film serves no other purpose than added cost and waste. 
     From usability perspective, when the containers are packaged in bulk with a plastic wrap one problem is that once the package is open the remaining containers are not easy to carry around without falling over or falling out of the package. This creates the possibly of spilling the contents of the containers should they fall and hit the ground during transport. That is, once the integrity of the plastic wrap is broken, the force keeping the containers in place is disrupted. In addition, if one of the containers is emptied, it is not convenient to merely place the empty container back in the original packaging. Rather, a user would need to either dispose of the empty container immediately or carry it around until disposal is convenient. When the user is in an inconvenient location such as the beach, that may not always be easy. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a can as known in the prior art. A can generally comprises a substantially cylindrical body, having a sidewall  10 , a bottom portion  44 , and a top  20 . The top  20  generally comprises a single opening  40  into the voluminous body of the can, which may be sealed by any number of known sealing means. A form of sealing means is the stay tab or pull tab  30 , the operation of which is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,752 (hereinafter, “the &#39;752 patent”). The pull tab  30  works in conjunction with a surface  42  that is semi-weakened, in that it seals the can when undisturbed; however, upon lifting of the pull tab  30 , the surface  42  pivots about a point or edge along the opening  40 . As described in the &#39;752 patent, one key feature of the pull tab  30  opening means is that both the pull tab  30  and the surface  42  remain connected to the top  20  of the soda can in an open position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inserts for a nestable and/or stackable beverage container and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an insert for improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and significantly lower cost of packaging. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a nestable beverage can may comprise a voluminous body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the top portion comprising a single opening into the voluminous body; a pull tab and semi-weakened surface covering the single opening, wherein the semi-weakened surface covering the opening remains attached to the top portion in an open position; a connection member positioned at the top of the can for connecting the can to an additional can; and a receiving ring shaped to couple with the connection member, the receiving ring shaped to attach to the base of the can. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a traditional soda can as known in the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the nestable beverage container of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a top view of the nestable beverage container of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a bottom view of the nestable beverage container of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a carrier for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a tray for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a side view of a system of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a bottom perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a bottom perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20A  depicts a perspective view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20B  depicts a side view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  depicts a nestable beverage container with an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22A  depicts a perspective view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22B  depicts a side view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 23  depicts a nestable beverage container with an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to nested beverage containers and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and lower cost of packaging. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and  FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B  depict cross-sectional, top and bottom views of the nestable beverage container depicted in  FIG. 2 , respectively. A nestable beverage container  100  generally comprises a top portion  110 , a bottom portion  120  and a voluminous body  130 . The voluminous body  130  is generally defined by the top portion  110 , the bottom portion  120  and a side wall  132 . 
     The nestable beverage container  100  may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage container  100  comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, combinations thereof or the like. 
     The top portion  110  generally comprises an opening  112  into the voluminous body  130 . In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening  112  is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body  130  and any contents of the nestable beverage container  110 . 
     Generally, the top portion  110  also comprises a sealing means  114 . The sealing means  114  may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body  130 . In some embodiments, the sealing means  114  comprises a threaded surface and an inversely threaded cap for removably sealing the opening  112  of the nestable beverage container  100 . In another embodiment, the sealing means  114  comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening  112 , for example, as found on a typical soda can as shown in  FIG. 1 . In further embodiments, the sealing means  114  may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening  112  by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such type of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sealing means  114  may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening  112 . In yet further embodiments, the sealing means  114  may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants. 
     In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion  110  further comprises a connection means  116  for allowing the nestable beverage container  100  to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In many of such embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means  114 . In another embodiment, the connection means  116  may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior surface of the sealing means  114 . For example, where the sealing means  114  comprises a threaded cap as described above, the connection means  116  may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior of the threaded cap. In yet further embodiments, the connection means  116  may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of the nestable beverage container  100 , for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments. 
     In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the connection means  116  may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion  110  to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     The bottom portion  120  may generally comprise a receiving means  122  shaped to conform to the connection means  116  of an adjacently nested beverage container. In many embodiments, the receiving means  122  is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means  116 , as positioned on the top portion  110 . For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means  116  comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion  110 , the receiving means  122  may comprise an inverse threaded surface  124  for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means  116 , as well as an inversely tapered side wall as shown in the Figure. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means  116  disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means  122  may be structurally inverse thereto. 
     In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described hereinbelow, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis C-C passing through the center of top portion  110 , the bottom portion  120 , and the voluminous body  130 . In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The system  500  generally comprises at least a first nestable beverage container  100  and a second nestable beverage container  200 . In certain embodiments, however, a third nestable beverage container  300  up to n nested beverage containers, wherein n is any number feasible within the context of embodiments of the present invention, may be provided within the system  500 . 
     Each of the nestable beverage containers within the system  500  generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described hereinabove. To create system  500 , however, once each of the nestable beverage containers is provided, e.g., the first nestable beverage container  100  and the second nestable beverage container  200 , the connection means  216  of the second beverage container  200  is securely engaged with the receiving means  122  of the first beverage container  100 . As shown, the connection means  216  comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the second nestable beverage container  200 , and the receiving means  122  comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means  216 . 
     Similarly, in system  500 , where a third nestable beverage container  300  is provided, the connection means  316  of the third beverage container  300  is securely engaged with the receiving means  222  of the second beverage container  200 . As shown, the connection means  316  comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the third nestable beverage container  300 , and the receiving means  222  comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means  316 . 
     In many embodiments, system  500  may comprise nestable beverage containers, similarly structured with the exception of the sealing means on each nestable beverage container. For example, in some embodiments, system  500  may comprise a first nestable beverage container  100  comprising a sealing means  114  comprising a threaded cap, as described hereinabove. In the same embodiment, however, the second nestable beverage container  200  may comprise a sealing means  214  comprising a peelable tab over the opening thereof, as well as having a threaded exterior surface for receiving a threaded cap, despite no cap necessarily being provided thereon. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, the user of the system  500  may be able to consume the contents of the first nestable beverage container  100 , separate the first nestable beverage container  100  from the system  500 , and from the connection means  216  of the second nestable beverage container  200 . The first nestable beverage container  100  may then be securely engaged using the connection means  116  with the receiving means  322  of the third nestable beverage container  300 . In addition, the user may optionally remove the threaded cap of the sealing means  114 . The user may then remove the peelable tab of the sealing means  214  and replace it with the threaded cap. Generally, in such an embodiment, the third nestable beverage container  300  will also comprise a sealing means comprising a peelable tab. As such, the user will be able to have a resealable threaded cap on whichever of the nestable beverage containers is the topmost container within the system  500 . 
     Optionally, with embodiments of the present invention, when a plurality of nestable beverage containers are engaged within a system  500 , each of the side walls of the respective nestable beverage containers align to form a substantially continuous side wall  532 . It should be appreciated, however, where certain embodiments of the present invention may not comprise nestable beverage containers having constant diameter or shaped side walls, the alignment of adjacent sidewalls may only comprise the alignment of the bottom portion of a first nestable beverage container  100  with the sidewall of a second nestable beverage container, such that it may not be readily identifiable upon an initial glance where a first nestable beverage container ends and the second nestable beverage container begins. 
     Although  FIGS. 2-5  depict a nestable beverage container in the general form of a bottle,  FIG. 6  depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6  depicts a nestable beverage container  600  substantially in the shape of a traditional soda can, such as the one shown in  FIG. 1 . However, similar to the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 , the nestable beverage container  600  comprises a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body  630 , wherein the voluminous body  630  is defined by the top portion, the bottom portion and a side wall  632 . 
     The top portion generally comprises an opening  612  into the voluminous body  630 , a sealing means  614 , and a connection means  616  positioned beneath the sealing means  614 . In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing means  614  comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening  612 . However, any of the aforementioned sealing means may be suitable for the exemplary embodiment as well. As shown, the connection means  616  comprises a threaded surface on the exterior of the nestable beverage container  600 . Similarly, however, any of the aforementioned connection means may be suitable for the exemplary embodiment. 
     The receiving means  622  of the nestable beverage container  600  may comprise any suitable structure to adapt to the connection means  616 , for example, an inversely threaded surface  624  to receive and securely engage the connection means of an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The system  700  generally comprises at least a first nestable beverage container  600  and a second nestable beverage container  800 . In certain embodiments, however, up to n nested beverage containers, wherein n is any number feasible within the context of embodiments of the present invention, may be provided within the system  700 . 
     Each of the nestable beverage containers within the system  700  generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described hereinabove. To create system  700 , however, once each of the nestable beverage containers is provided, e.g., the first nestable beverage container  600  and the second nestable beverage container  800 , the connection means  816  of the second beverage container  800  is securely engaged with the receiving means  622  of the first beverage container  600 . As shown, the connection means  816  comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the second nestable beverage container  800 , and the receiving means  622  comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means  816 . 
     In many embodiments, it may be desirable to affix a non-beverage item to the bottom and/or top of a beverage container. For example, it may be desirable to package food with a beverage. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to affix a can of peanuts to a beer can. In another embodiment, it may be desirable to affix a can of popcorn (popped or unpopped) to a can of soda. In yet another embodiment, it may be desirable to affix a container of ice or ice pack to the bottle and/or top of any beverage container. In a further embodiment, it may be desirable to affix crackers to a can of soup. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the second nestable beverage container  800 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be utilized as a non-beverage container for storing food or other articles. Depending on the nature of the food or other articles, the size and shape of the second nestable container may vary to fit a particular application. In some embodiments, the height of the second nestable container may be shorter than the first nestable beverage container. In another embodiment, the second nestable container may be any variation of shape provided it comprises a means for connecting to the receiving means of the first nestable beverage container. For example, in some embodiments, where an ice pack is desired to be affixed to a beer can, the ice pack may be provided in the shape of an insulated holder (commonly known as a coozie), having a connection means positioned on a surface thereof positioned against the bottom of the first nestable beverage container (e.g., the beer can). 
     In other embodiments, depending on the nature of the non-beverage product being stored, the second nestable container may comprise a different sealing means than the first nestable container. For example, where a beer and peanuts are being stored together, the beer can may comprise a pull tab-type sealing means, as described in  FIG. 1 , whereas the peanut can may comprise a peelable tab sealing means. Such peelable tab may comprise a piece of foil or similar material shaped to fit over an entire opening of the second nestable container, and removably affixed thereon by adhesive or similar cohesive agent. A tab of foil, or similar material, extends from the top of the piece of foil near an outer edge thereof, and upon pulling the tab, the piece of foil can be removed. Such a peelable tab is commonly used on food products, pharmaceutical products, etc., to ensure security of the products contained therein. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a carrier for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the carrier  850  generally comprises a support portion  860  having at least one aperture  862  therethrough, and an optional handle portion, for example, handle  870 . In an alternative embodiment, the handle  870  may comprise a perpendicular projection from the top of the support portion  860 . 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system of nestable containers, as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be carried via the carrier  850 . In such an embodiment, the connection means of the second container may be placed through the aperture  862  before engaging the receiving means of the first container. In doing so, the carrier  850  effectively becomes locked between the two containers. 
     The carrier may be provided with anywhere from one to any number of apertures  862  in the support portion  860 . In one commercial embodiment, the carrier may be provided with any of three, six, nine, twelve or fifteen apertures  862 , permitting the overall system to provide six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four or thirty containers therein, which are traditionally the quantity by which soda and/or beer is sold. 
     The carrier may be made from any of plastic, metal, cardboard, organic materials, combinations thereof or the like. In many embodiments, the carrier is manufactured from cardboard or reinforced/corrugated cardboard, capable of supporting the quantity of containers thereon. In some embodiments, the support platform  860  may comprise a first material, and the handle portion  870  another material. For example, the support platform  860  may comprise a cardboard material, while the handle comprises a rope, such as a hemp rope. In many of such embodiments, all of the carrier materials may be biodegradable or otherwise environmentally friendly. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a tray for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention As shown in the Figure, the tray  900  may generally comprise a tray platform  910  and at least one connection means  920 . The connection means  920  may comprise any of the types of connection means discussed herein, for adapting to a receiving means of a nestable container (not shown). In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, any number of connection means  920  may be provided on a single tray  900 . Optionally, the tray may further comprise a flat and/or recessed portion  930  for placing miscellaneous items thereon. 
     In many embodiments, the tray may be utilized to temporarily carry a nestable container as well as additional items. For example, at a baseball game, a patron may desire to grab a couple sodas and some food. By utilizing a tray, as disclosed herein, the patron may be able to secure the sodas provided in a nestable container as described herein, while placing the food on the flat portion  930  of the tray  900 . By having the nestable containers affixed therein, the patron may be able to prevent spills, dropped cups/cans/bottles, and the like, when walking or moving with the tray  900 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a side view of a system of nestable beverage containers  1100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention and  FIG. 11  depicts cross-sectional view of a nestable beverage container  1102  depicted in  FIG. 10 . A nestable beverage container  1100  generally comprises a top portion  1110 , a bottom portion  1120  and a voluminous body  1130 . The voluminous body  1130  is generally defined by the top portion  1110 , the bottom portion  1120  and a side wall  1132 . The system of beverage containers  1100  may comprise a top bottle  1101 , a central bottle  1102 , a bottom bottle  1103 , the central bottle  1102  generally disposed between the top bottle  1101  and a bottom bottle  1103 . While three bottles are depicted, more or less bottles may be included in the system  1100 , for example, two, four, six, or eight bottles may be included. The system may generally include a single top bottle  1101  and a single bottom bottle  1103 . In some embodiments the system  1100   a  number of central bottles  1102  nested between the top bottle  1101  and the bottom bottle  1103 . In some embodiments, the shapes and sizes of the bottles may vary to achieve a uniform storage capacity within the voluminous body  1130  of each bottle. For example, bottles with receiving means  1122  may be longer and/or wider than bottles without receiving means  1122  to make up for the lost storage space caused by the receiving means  1122 . In some embodiments, a system  1100  may comprise bottles  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103  that are shaped similarly or the same, wherein the storage volume of each bottles  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103  may be different. 
     The nestable beverage containers  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103  may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage containers  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103  comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, combinations thereof or the like. 
     The top portion  1110  generally comprises an opening  1112  into the voluminous body  1130 . In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening  1112  is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body  1130  and any contents of the nestable beverage container  1102 . 
     Generally, the top portion  1110  also comprises a sealing means  1114 . The sealing means  1114  may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body  1130 . In some embodiments, the sealing means  1114  comprises a threaded surface and an inversely threaded cap for removably sealing the opening  1112  of the nestable beverage container  1102 . In some embodiments, the sealing means  1114  may comprise a twist off or pry off cap, or the like. In another embodiment, the sealing means  1114  comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening  1112 . In further embodiments, the sealing means  1114  may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening  1112  by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such type of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sealing means  1114  may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening  1112 . In yet further embodiments, the sealing means  1114  may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants. 
     In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion  1110  further comprises a connection means  1116  for allowing the nestable beverage container  1102  to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In exemplary embodiments, the connection means  1116  may comprise a threaded surface on an exterior of the neck of a beverage bottle. The neck may be substantially elongated, for example, the neck may comprise the neck of a beer bottle. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means  1114 . In another embodiment, the connection means  1116  may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior surface of the sealing means  1114 . For example, where the sealing means  1114  comprises a threaded cap as described above, the connection means  1116  may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior of the threaded cap. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may be disposed substantially lower on the container  1102  than the sealing means  1114 . In yet further embodiments, the connection means  116  may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of the nestable beverage container  1102 , for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means  1116  may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments. 
     In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the connection means  1116  may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion  1110  to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     The bottom portion  1120  may generally comprise a receiving means  1122  shaped to conform to the connection means  1116  of an adjacently nested beverage container. In many embodiments, the receiving means  1122  is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means  1116 , as positioned on the top portion  1110 . For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means  1116  comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion  1110 , the receiving means  1122  may comprise an inverse threaded surface  1124  for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means  1116 , as well as an inversely tapered side wall as shown in the Figures. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means  1116  disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means  1122  may be structurally inverse thereto. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a system  1100  may comprise bottles  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103  that comprise different elements. For example, the system  1110  may comprise a top bottle  1101  that comprises a receiving means  1122  but does not comprise a connection means. The top bottle  1101  may not comprise a connection means because additional bottles may be intended to be placed underneath, not on top of, the top bottle  1101 . The lack of a connection means in the top bottle  1101  may remove protrusions from the surface  1132  of the top bottle  1101 , whereby the grip on the bottle is improved and the risk of dropping the top bottle  1101  or system  1110  is reduced. 
     The central bottle  1102  may comprise a connection means  1116  adapted to attach, and/or couple with, a receiving means  1122  of a top bottle  1101  or another central bottle. The central bottle  1102  may comprise a receiving means  1122  adapted to couple with a connection means  1116  of a bottom bottle  1103  or another central bottle. The central bottle  1102  may comprise a sealing means  1114 , such as a cap, that may remain in place when the central bottle  1102  is nested within the top bottle  1101 , in another central bottle, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the system  1100  may comprise additional central bottles  1102 . The central bottle  1102  may be may be nested within the top bottle  1101  or another central bottle. In some embodiments, a bottom bottle  1103  may comprise a connection means  1116  but not a receiving means. The bottom bottle  1103  may not comprise a receiving means because additional bottles may be intended to be placed above, not below the bottom bottle  1103 . The lack of a receiving means in the bottom bottle  1103  may remove protrusions from the surface  1132  of the bottom bottle  1103 , whereby the grip on the bottle is improved and the risk of dropping the bottom bottle  1103  or system  1110  is reduced. The bottom bottle  1103  may comprise a sealing means  1114 , such as a cap, that may remain in place when the bottom bottle  1103  is nested within the top bottle  1101 , a central bottle  1102 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments, bottom portion  1120  of a bottle  1102  (i.e. a nested or lower portion), may comprise an external sealing means  1114 , such as a cap disposed on the neck portion of the bottle  1102  while the bottle  1102  is in the nested position and nested in the bottom portion  1120  of an additional bottle, for example, the top bottle  1101 . The sealing means  1114 , such as a cap, may be securely engaged with a neck of the bottle  1102  when the connection means  1116  is securely engaged with a second receiving means  1122  on a bottom portion of a second nestable beverage bottle. As such, a cap may remain in place on a lower bottle when it is stacked under/nested within an upper bottle, and the upper bottle may comprise a void or area adapted to receive the cap. 
     In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described hereinbelow, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis passing through the center of top portion  1110 , the bottom portion  1120 , and the voluminous body  1130 . In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center. Although a system  1100  of bottles is depicted in  FIG. 10 , it is contemplated that alternative containers may be used. For example, instead of bottles  1101 ,  1102 ,  1103 , cans of the same or similar components, i.e., a sealing means and/or connection means may be used. In some embodiments, the cans may be adapted to be opened with a tab, or the like, or may comprise an aluminum can adapted to be opened with a can opener, or the like. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers  1200  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Nestable beverage containers  1200  generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described supra with respect to other embodiments shown in at least  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A voluminous body may generally defined by the top portion, the bottom portion and a side wall. The system of beverage containers  1200  may comprise a top container  1220 , a central container  1230 , a bottom container  1240 , the central container  1230  generally disposed between the top container  1220  and a bottom container  1240 . While three containers are depicted, more or less containers may be included in the system  1200 , for example, two, four, six, or eight containers may be included. In some embodiments, the containers may generally comprise cans, buckets, cylindrical containers, square containers, or the like. 
     The system may generally include a single top container  1220  and a single bottom container  1240 . In some embodiments the system  1200  a number of central containers  1230  nested between the top container  1220  and the bottom container  1240  may be any number suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, or the like. In some embodiments, the shapes and sizes of the containers may vary to achieve a uniform storage capacity within the voluminous body of each container. For example, containers with receiving means  1222  may be longer and/or wider than containers without receiving means, such as the bottom container  1240 , to make up for lost storage space due to the presence of the receiving means  1222 . In some embodiments, a system  1200  may comprise containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  that are shaped similarly or the same, wherein the storage volume of each containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  may be the same or different to accommodate any changes in volume caused by the receiving means  1222 , or the like. In some embodiments, the containers  1220 ,  1230 , and  1240  may comprise substantially the same shape, different shapes, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     The nestable beverage containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, plastic, combinations thereof or the like. A top portion  1216  may generally comprises an opening  1212  into the voluminous body  1250 . In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening  1212  is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body  1250  and any contents of the nestable beverage container  1230 . 
     Generally, the top portion  1216  also comprises a sealing means  1214 . In some embodiments, the sealing means  1214  may comprise a pull tab and a semi-weakened surface for sealing the opening, the semi-weakened surface capable of being opened by the pull tab, or the like. The sealing means  1214  may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body  1250 . In further embodiments, the sealing means  1214  may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening  1212  by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such types of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sealing means  1214  may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening  1212 . In yet further embodiments, the sealing means  1214  may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants. In some embodiments, the containers  1200  may comprise jars, or the like, with lids that may be screwed on, snapped on, or otherwise attached to cover an opening in the jar, or the like. 
     In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion  1216  further comprises a connection means  1236  for allowing the nestable beverage container  1230  to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means  1236  comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means  1236  may comprise one or more protruding structures or tabs adapted to couple with the receiving means  1222 . The receiving means  1222  may also be adapted to receive and couple with the connection means  1236 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, a connection means  1236  may comprise a threaded surface on an exterior of the neck of a beverage container. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means  1214 . In another embodiment, the connection means  1236  may comprise protrusions disposed on an outer portion of the top portion  1216 , or the like. In yet further embodiments, the connection means  1236  may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of a nestable beverage container, for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means  1236  may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs may be provided in such embodiments, or the like. 
     In yet further embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection means  1236  may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion  1216  to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container. 
     A bottom portion  1218  may generally comprise a receiving means  1222  shaped to conform to the connection means  1236  of an adjacently nested beverage container. In some embodiments, not all containers in the system  1200  may be identical. For example, some containers may comprise a connection means  1236  and a receiving means  1222  (such as the central container  1230 ), some containers may comprise a connection means  1236  and not a receiving means (such as the bottom container  1240 ), and some containers may comprise a receiving means  1222  and not a connection means (such as the top container  1220 ). A variation in can types is also contemplated in all embodiments disclosed by and within the present disclosure. 
     In many embodiments, the receiving means  1222  is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means  1236 , as positioned on the top portion  1216 . For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means  1236  comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion  1216 , the receiving means  1222  may comprise an inverse threaded surface  1224  for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means  1236 , as well as an inversely tapered side wall. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means  1236  disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means  1222  may be structurally inverse thereto and/or may be adapted to otherwise couple with each other through mechanical methods. In some embodiments, when assembled the system  1200  may produce a single continuous side wall  1232 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a system  1200  may comprise containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  that comprise different elements. For example, the system  1210  may comprise a top container  1220  that comprises a receiving means  1222  but does not comprise a connection means. The top container  1220  may not comprise a connection means because additional containers may be intended to be placed underneath, not on top of, the top container  1220 . The lack of a connection means in the top container  1220  may remove protrusions from the surface  1232  of the top container  1220 , whereby the grip on the container is improved and the risk of dropping the top container  1220  or system  1210  is reduced. In some embodiments, each container may comprise the same or different sealing means  1214 , combinations thereof, or the like. 
     The central container  1230  may comprise a connection means  1236  adapted to attach, and/or couple with, a receiving means  1222  of a top container  1220  or another central container. The central container  1230  may comprise a receiving means  1222  adapted to couple with a connection means  1236  of a bottom container  1240  or another central container. The central container  1230  may comprise a sealing means  1214 , such as a cap, that may remain in place when the central container  1230  is nested within the top container  1220 , in another central container, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the system  1200  may comprise additional central containers  1230 . The central container  1230  may be may be nested within the top container  1220  or another central container. In some embodiments, a bottom container  1240  may comprise a connection means  1236  but not a receiving means. The bottom container  1240  may not comprise a receiving means because additional containers may be intended to be placed above, not below the bottom container  1240 . The bottom container  1240  may comprise a sealing means  1214 , such as a weakened portion and pull tab combination, that may remain in place when the bottom container  1240  is nested within the top container  1220 , a central container  1230 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments, bottom portion  1218  of a container  1230  (i.e. a nested or lower portion), may comprise an external sealing means  1214 , such as a cap disposed on the top portion of the container  1230  while the container  1230  is in the nested position and nested in the bottom portion  1218  of an additional container, for example, the top container  1220 . The sealing means  1214 , such as a cap, may be securely engaged with a neck of the container  1230  when the connection means  1236  is securely engaged with a second receiving means  1222  on a bottom portion of a second nestable beverage container. As such, a cap may remain in place on a lower container when it is stacked under/nested within an upper container, and the upper container may comprise a void or area adapted to receive the cap. 
     In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described herein, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis passing through the center of top portion  1216 , the bottom portion  1218 , and the voluminous body  1250 . In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center. Although a system  1200  of containers is depicted in  FIG. 12 , it is contemplated that alternative containers may be used. For example, instead of containers  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240 , bottles of the same or similar components, i.e., a sealing means and/or connection means may be used. In some embodiments, the cans may be adapted to be opened with a tab, or the like, or may comprise a can with no openings, the can adapted to be opened with a can opener, or the like. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a side view of nestable beverage container system  1300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The beverage containers system  1300  may comprise two or more containers  1301 ,  1303  adapted to couple with each other. In the example depicted in  FIG. 13 , two bottles  1301 ,  1303  are depicted, however any number of bottles and/or other containers suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated. In the example depicted in  FIG. 13 , a top bottle  1301  and a bottom bottle  1303  may combine to form a nestable beverage container system  1300  that may hold a volume of liquid typical in standard bottles. For example, a standard beer bottle may hold 12 fluid ounces. In some embodiments, the nestalbe beverage container system  1300  may combine to hold 12 fluid ounces, or the like. For example, the top bottle  1301  may hold 6 ounces and the bottom bottle  1303  may hold 6 ounces of liquid, or the like. In another embodiment, the top bottle  1301  may hold 4 ounces and the bottom bottle  1303  may hold 8 ounces, or the like, that may be substantially equivalent to the 12 ounces, or the amount a standard container holds. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the nestable beverage container system  1300  may comprise an opening  1312  into the individual containers  1301 ,  1303 , a sealing means  1314  for sealing the opening  1312 , a sidewall  1332  defining a volume of the containers, and a connection means  1316  for coupling with a receiving means  1322  of an adjacent nested bottle. Examples of the opening  1312 , sealing means  1314 , sidewall  1332 , connection means  1316 , and receiving means  1322  are described herein with respect to the other figures. For example, the connection means  1316  and receiving means  1322  may comprise inversely threaded portions adapted to couple with each other to join adjacent bottles  1301 ,  1303 . The sealing means  1314  may be a cap, or the like, and may not comprise a threaded portion, wherein the receiving means  1322  of an adjacent bottle comprises a cavity adapted to accept and receive the cap, or the like. As shown in the example in  FIG. 14 , in exemplary embodiments, each bottle in the system  1300  need not be identical. For example, the top bottle  1301  may comprise a receiving means  1322  but not a connection means  1316 . The bottom bottle  1301  may comprise a connection means  1316  but not a receiving means  1322 . In exemplary embodiments, two smaller bottles  1301 ,  1303  may be coupled together to form a single standard sized bottle, or the like. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers  1400  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The beverage containers system  1400  may comprise two or more containers  1401 ,  1403  adapted to couple with each other. In the example depicted in  FIG. 14 , two cans  1401 ,  1403  are depicted, however any number of cans and/or other containers suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated. In the example depicted in  FIG. 14 , a top can  1401  and a bottom can  1403  may combine to form a nestable beverage container system  1400  that may hold a volume of liquid typical in standard cans. For example, a standard beer can may hold 12 fluid ounces. In some embodiments, the nestalbe beverage container system  1400  may combine to hold 12 fluid ounces, or the like. For example, the top can  1401  may hold 6 ounces and the bottom can  1403  may hold 6 ounces of liquid, or the like. In another embodiment, the top can  1401  may hold 4 ounces and the bottom can  1403  may hold 8 ounces, or the like, that may be substantially equivalent to the 12 ounces, or the amount a standard container holds. The top can  1401  and bottom can  1403  may couple together to form a visually seamless sidewall, wherein a parts of an image  1410 , such as a label, picture, text, logo, or the like may be printed across both cans  1401 ,  1403  to form the single complete image  1410  when the cans  1401 ,  1403  are combined. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the nestable beverage container system  1400  may comprise an opening  1412  into the individual containers  1401 ,  1403 , a sealing means  1414  for sealing the opening  1412 , a sidewall  1432  defining a volume of the containers, and a connection means  1416  for coupling with a receiving means  1422  of an adjacent nested can. Examples of the opening  1412 , sealing means  1414 , sidewall  1432 , connection means  1416 , and receiving means  1422  are described herein with respect to the other figures. For example, the connection means  1416  and receiving means  1422  may comprise inversely threaded portions adapted to couple with each other to join adjacent cans  1401 ,  1403 . The sealing means  1414  may be a weakened portion and a tab adapted to open the weakened portion, or the like, wherein the receiving means  1422  of an adjacent can comprises a cavity adapted to accept and receive the tab, or the like. As shown in the example in  FIG. 14 , in exemplary embodiments, each can in the system  1400  need not be identical. For example, the top can  1401  may comprise a receiving means  1422  but not a connection means  1416 . The bottom can  1401  may comprise a connection means  1416  but not a receiving means  1422 . In exemplary embodiments, two smaller cans  1401 ,  1403  may be coupled together to form a single standard sized can, or the like. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers  1500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The examples shown in  FIG. 15  are substantially identical to the example cans depicted in  FIG. 14 , with the exception that no opening is present, and the top can  1502  and the bottom can  1504  comprise a substantially flat top surface  1550 ,  1552  and no opening. Cans of this type would need to be opened with a can opener, or the like. The cans  1550 ,  1552  connect in the same way as described with respect to  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container  1600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In exemplary embodiments, a top portion  1610  may be substantially equivalent to the examples of cans described herein with the exception of the connection means  1620 . For example, the top portion  1610  may comprise a weakened portion and a pull tab, a peelable tab covering an opening, or no opening at all. In embodiments where the container  1600  does not contain an opening on the top portion  1610 , a can opener or similar device may be used to open the container  1600 . In some embodiments, the container  1600  may also comprise an upper rim  1650  or flange extending upwardly from the side wall  1632  of the container  1600 . An upper rim  1650  may extend from the side wall  1632 , the top portion  1610 , and/or the like. The upper rim  1650  may be positioned at a perpendicular angle to the top portion  1610  or at any angle generally between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to a plan formed by the top portion  1610  of the container  1600 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the upper rim  1650  may comprise a generally rounded shape, and may be adapted to fit within and/or be nested within an adjacent container. The side wall  1632  may be equivalent to a side wall of a standard can or the side wall in accordance with embodiments described herein supra. The upper rim  1650  may be generally annular or circular and rise above a top surface at the center of the top portion  1610  of the can. The upper rim  1650  in standard cans may be adapted to contain a portion of liquid that overflows or spills onto the top portion  1610  of the can within the upper rim  1650 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the upper rim  1650  may comprise one or more connection means  1620  adapted to attach the container  1600  to an adjacent nestable can, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection means  1620  may comprise protrusions or tabs that protrude, angle, and/or bend outwardly or inwardly from an outermost surface of an upper rim  1650  or flange of a container  1600  away from or toward a central axis running vertically through the center of the can, or the like. Although three connection means  1620  are depicted in  FIG. 16 , any number of connection means  1620  suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure adapted to couple a container  1600  with a second container are contemplated. 
     A connection means  1620  may be formed generally to couple with a receiving means (see  FIG. 17 ) of a second adjacent container, thereby allowing the container  1600  to be nested within the adjacent beverage container. In some embodiments, a connection means  1620  may comprise one or more projections from the exterior surface of the top portion  1610  or upper rim  1650 . In some embodiments, the projections of the connection means  1620  may protrude at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees from a vertical plane defined by the outer surface of the upper rim  1650 . The connection means  1620  may protrude outwardly or inwardly toward the center of the container  1600 . In some embodiments, the protrusion may comprise a hook-like structure, a snapping structure, or a downward facing tab configured to couple with a receiving means of a second container, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the connection means  1620  or at least one tab or projection may be adapted to fit within a receiving means of an adjacent container. A receiving means may comprise an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments. An exemplary receiving means is depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a bottom perspective view of the nestable beverage container  1600  shown in  FIG. 16  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the components described with respect to  FIG. 16 , the container  1600  may also comprise a receiving means  1752 . The number and location of the receiving means  1762  may formed in an equal number and corresponding location to the connection means  1620  on the top portion  1610 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the connection means  1620  may be a protrusion from the upper rim  1620  and the receiving means  1752  may be formed in an inverse receptive pattern allowing the connection means  1620 , or the like, to slide in a groove  1720  formed in a lower rim  1750  of the container  1600 . The lower rim  1750  may be generally annular in shape and may extend downwardly away from the side wall  1632 . The connection means  1620  may fit in the lower rim  1750  or may be a separate component affixed to the lower rim, for example, with adhesive, by friction fit, and/or the like. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a can  1600  may comprise one or more connection means  1620  which may comprise protrusions on an upper rim  1650  of the container  1600 . The protrusions on the upper rim  1650  of the container  1600  may comprise any number suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure. For the example, the container may comprise three connection means  1620  comprising protrusions. The connection means  1620  may be adapted to fit within a receiving means  1752  of an adjacent container. The receiving means  1752  may comprise a channel, or the like, adapted to receive the connection means  1620  and allow the connection means  1620  to slide within the receiving means  1752  until it reaches the top of a lower rim  1750  positioned on the lower portion  1718  of the can. In some embodiments, the lower rim  1750  may be integral with the side wall  1632  of the container  1600 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments, after the connection means  1620  is positioned within the receiving means  1752  and reaches the top of the lower rim  1750 , the container  1600  may then be slid within a track  1725  positioned on the top of the interior portion of the lower rim  1750 , or the like. In some embodiments, the connection means  1620  or protrusions may fit within the track  1725  to secure adjacent containers together. The connection means  1620  may slide within the track  1725  of an adjacent can when the user turns the can until the connection means  1620  or protrusion contacts a stop  1754 , or the like, thereby preventing the can from turning further. The stop  1754  may comprise a protrusion or bump, or may simply comprise the end of the track  1725 . In some embodiments, the track  1725  may be an indentation, groove, or the like, sized to fit the connection means  1620  or protrusion, on the interior surface of the lower rim  1750 , or the like. The number of tracks  1725  may generally correspond to the number of connection means  1620  of a container  1600 , or the like. 
     In some embodiments, when a connection means  1620  is positioned within a track  1725  of an adjacent container, the containers are prevented from dislodging or disconnecting until the user turns the can in such a manner that reverses the connection means  1620  back out of the track  1725  and out of the receiving means  1752 , by turning the can in an direction opposite the stops  1754 , or the like. A stop  1754  may prevent the cans from being turned past a certain point. For example, the stop  1754  may allow the nested containers to turn up until a ¼ turn, a ⅓ turn, a ½ turn, or the like. 
     In operation, the user may align the connection means  1620  of a lower can with the receiving means  1752  of an upper can, slide the connection means  1620  of the lower can into the receiving means  1752  of the upper can until the connection means  1620  reaches the top of the lower rim  1750  of the upper can, turn the cans such that the connection means  1620  or protrusion slides within the track  1725  of the upper can until the connection means  1620  comes into contact with a stop  1754 , or the like, stopping the rotation of the cans, thereby securing the lower can and the upper can together, wherein the upper rim  1650  of the lower can is nested, or the like, within the lower rim  1750  of the upper can, or the like. To separate the cans, the process may be reversed. The cans may be turn such that the connection means  1620  of the lower can may be reversed out of the track  1725  of the upper can, away from the stop  1754 , then the connection means  1620  of the lower can may be slid downwardly through the receiving means  1752  of the upper can, away from the upper can, until the upper can and the lower can, or the like, are separated. In the examples depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the connection means  1620  and the receiving means  1752  are generally integral with the container  1600 , however the connection means  1620  and/or receiving means  1752  may comprise separate pieces that may be connected to a standard can, container, or the like.  FIGS. 18 and 19  depict examples wherein the connection means  1620  and/or receiving means  1752  are separate portions that may be attached to a standard can, container, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container  1800  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 19  depicts a bottom perspective view of the nestable beverage container  1800  shown in  FIG. 18  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The example container  1800  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  comprise a connection means  1820  comprises similar components to the cans described supra, and descriptions of common elements (side wall, top portion, bottom portion, sealing means, etc.) may be found supra and are not repeated here for purposes of brevity and clarity. It should be appreciated that any element of any example in any embodiment of the present disclosure can be used with any other element of any example in any embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, a container  1800  may comprise a separate upper connector  1852  and bottom connector  1854 . The upper connector  1852  may comprise a connection means  1820  such as threading, protrusions, snaps, or any other example connection means consistent with the present disclosure. The lower connector  1854  may comprise a receiving means  1824  adapted to couple with the connection means  1820  and may comprise threading, slots, channels, or any mechanism adapted to couple with the connection means  1820  consistent with the present disclosure. In the example depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the upper connector  1852  may be adapted to connect, or be secured to an upper rim  1850  of a standard container, such as a can, or the like. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the lower connector  1854  may be adapted to connect, or be secured to and lower rim of a standard container, such as a can, or the like. An upper connector  1852  and/or a lower connector  1854  may comprise pieces separate from the can or container and/or be adapted to fit and or connect to a standard can. The upper connector  1852  and/or lower connector  1854  may be adapted to fit and/or form around an exterior surface of upper lip  1850  and/or lower lip of a standard can, or may fit within the interior surface of the lower lip and/or upper lip of a standard can. The connectors  1852 ,  1854  may be adapted to attach to the top and bottom of a standard container/or the like via friction fit, snap, protrusions, tracks, locking connectors, adhesive, and/or any method consistent with the present disclosure. The upper connector  1852  may comprise a connection means  1820  adapted to couple with the receiving means  1824  of a lower connector  1854  of an adjacent can, or the like. For example, a connection means  1820  on a first can may comprise a threading and a receiving means  1824  on an adjacent can may comprise an inverse threading such that the cans, or the like, may be coupled with each other. The connection means  1820  and receiving means  1824  may comprise any mechanism for connecting two cans consistent with the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  depict views of a receiving ring  2000  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the receiving ring  2000  may be inserted and attached to a lower portion of a can. The receiving ring  2000  may comprise a substantially round ring with an opening in the center. The shape of the receiving ring  2000  may be adapted to fit within a cavity on the base of the can. The receiving ring  2000  may comprise a threaded portion  2004 , or the like, adapted to receive the upper portion of a nestable beverage container. For example, a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a threaded portion present on the upper portion of the can, or the like, formed to couple with the threaded portion  2004  of the receiving ring  2000 , or the like. The threaded portion on the upper portion of a can may be adapted to couple with the threaded portion  2004  of the receiving ring  2000  positioned on the lower portion of a can. A threaded portion is just one example of a connection between two cans. It is contemplated by and within the present disclosure that the ring  2000  may comprise a connection type disclosed herein or consistent with the present disclosure, or the like. For example, instead of a threaded portion, the ring  2000  may comprise recesses for receiving tabs, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , or other suitable connecting members and methods. 
     The receiving ring  2000  may be attached to the can during the manufacturing process of the can and may function in the same way other embodiments of the present disclosure function after the receiving ring  2000  is attached to the can. In some implementations, the receiving ring may be attached to the can after the can is manufactured. The receiving ring  2000  may be attached to the can with an adhesive, it may be friction fit within the lower portion of the can within the lowermost rim. The receiving ring  2000  may be tapered or shaped to fit the contours of the underside of the can to ensure a secure connection with the can. 
       FIG. 21  depicts a nestable beverage container with a receiving ring  2000  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the dotted lines indicate where the receiving ring  2000  may fit within the lower portion of the base of the can. The receiving ring  2000  may be attached to the bottom of the can during the manufacturing process of making the nestable beverage containers. The receiving ring  2000  may be adapted to receive an upper connection member positioned on the top of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Unlike other embodiments, in the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 20-21  depict a receiving ring  2000  that is separate from the can but may be installed during the manufacturing process and/or added to standard cans, or the like. In any embodiments, the connection means may comprise the receiving ring  2000 , and may be attached with adhesive, friction fit, or otherwise attached to the can. Although the term “ring” is used herein, it is contemplated that the receiving ring  200  may comprise a different shape, a half shape, quarter shape, and/or the like or any shape adapted to fit on the bottom surface of a can for making a connection to another can. 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  depict views of a receiving ring  2200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the receiving ring  2200  may be inserted and attached to a lower portion of a can. The receiving ring  2200  may comprise a substantially round ring with an opening in the center. The shape of the receiving ring  2200  may be adapted to fit within a cavity on the base of the can. The receiving ring  2200  may comprise a protruding portion  2204 , or the like, adapted to receive the upper portion of a nestable beverage container. For example, a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a protruding portion present on the upper portion of the can, or the like. The protruding portion on the upper portion of a can may be adapted to couple with a protruding portion  2204  of the receiving ring  2200  positioned on the lower portion of another can. A protruding portion is just one example of a connection between two cans. It is contemplated by and within the present disclosure that the ring  2200  may comprise a connection type consistent with the present disclosure. For example, instead of a protruding portion, the ring  2200  may comprise recesses for receiving tabs, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , or the like 
     The receiving ring  2200  may be attached to the can during the manufacturing process of the can and may function in the same way other embodiments of the present disclosure function after the receiving ring  2200  is attached to the can. In some implementations, the receiving ring may be attached to the can after the can is manufactured. The receiving ring  2200  may be attached to the can with an adhesive, it may be friction fit within the lower portion of the can within the lowermost rim. The receiving ring  2200  may be tapered or shaped to fit the contours of the underside of the can to ensure a secure connection with the can. 
       FIG. 21  depicts a nestable beverage container  2300  with a receiving ring  2200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the dotted lines indicate where the receiving ring  2200  may fit within the lower portion of the base of the can. The receiving ring  2200  may be attached to the bottom of the can during the manufacturing process of making the nestable beverage containers. The receiving ring  2200  may be adapted to receive an upper connection member positioned on the top of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Unlike other embodiments, in the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 22-23  depict a receiving ring  2200  that is separate from the can but may be installed during the manufacturing process and/or added to standard cans, or the like. In any embodiments, the connection means may comprise the receiving ring  2200 , and may be attached with adhesive, friction fit, or otherwise attached to the can. Although the term “ring” is used herein, it is contemplated that the receiving ring  2200  may comprise a different shape, a half shape, quarter shape, and/or the like or any shape adapted to fit on the bottom surface of a can for making a connection to another can. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, although numerous embodiments having various features have been described herein, combinations of such various features in other combinations not discussed herein are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.