Patent Publication Number: US-10781013-B2

Title: Storage system having stackable and engageable vessels

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to storage systems, and more particularly, to a storage system having stackable and engageable vessels. 
     It is often desirable to transport, provide and store multiple vessels as a set that can be easily separated for use, and reconnected after use to keep the vessels together as a unit. An example of this is a set of beverages having multiple flavors such as cola, lemon-lime soda and root beer. Another example is a set of hair products that are intended to be used with one another such as shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner. Yet other examples include alcohol and mixers for cocktails; baking materials such as flour and/or cake mixes; and infant formula mixes. 
     Transporting, providing and storing discrete materials including liquids, fluids, solids and semi-solids in a set usually requires multiple unattached vessels. For example, a beverage kit to make cranberry orange spritzer requires three separate containers: cranberry juice; orange juice; and seltzer. Unfortunately, however, having three separate containers increases the likelihood that one or more of the members will be misplaced. Also, it is more cumbersome to handle separate vessels versus one larger item. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for an improved storage system that includes multiple vessels configured to be joined together. It is desirable that the vessels can be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as desired, and that the engagement structures don&#39;t interfere with normal usage of the vessels. It is also desirable that the storage system can accommodate as few or as many vessels as desired without modification. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A storage system includes a plurality of vessels each sized and shaped to engage with an adjoining vessel in a top-to-bottom orientation. In a preferred embodiment the lip of each vessel includes a plurality of radially positioned flanges, and the bottom of each vessel includes a plurality of radially positioned locking lugs that correspond and engage with the flanges. The lip is sized and shaped to be inserted into the depression of an upwardly adjoining vessel, with the flanges and locking lugs engaged upon rotating one vessel relative to the other. In this manner a series of vessels can be engaged one to another in a stackable orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a storage system; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a storage system; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a vessel without a cap; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a vessel; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of a storage system in a stacking and interlocking orientation; 
         FIG. 6  depicts three capped vessels positioned separately; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a vessel without a cap; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the bottom of a vessel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     The following structure numbers shall apply to the following structures among the various FIGS.:
           10 —storage system;     20 —vessel;     22 —upper vessel;     23 —middle vessel;     24 —lower vessel;     26 —upper portion;     27 —upper tapering;     28 —lower portion;     29 —lower tapering;     30 —cap;     35 —interior cavity;     40 —lip;     41 —threads;     42 —flange;     44 —interflange region;     50 —depression;     52 —locking lug; and     54 —interlug region.       

     Broadly, the present invention pertains to containers, and, more particularly, to a storage system includes a plurality of vessels each sized and shaped to engage with an adjoining vessel in a top-to-bottom orientation. 
     As used herein, “materials” shall refer to a broad range of substance having various forms including liquids, fluids, solids and semi-solids. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , storage system  10  includes a plurality of vessels  20 . This figure depicts three vessels, upper vessel  22 , middle vessel  23  and lower vessel  24 , but it should be understood that vessels  20  could be added or subtracted to yield a storage system having as few as two vessels, and as many as desired, although approximately 20 is the preferred upper limit. Each vessel may be identically sized and shaped and includes upper portion  26  and lower portion  28  (see  FIG. 5 ). Upper portion  26  includes a plurality of outwardly projecting flanges  42  positioned radially around the lip with a plurality of interflange regions  44  separating each flange  42  one from the other. Flanges  42  and interflange regions  44  are depicted most clearly in  FIGS. 3 and 7 . Lip  40  defines a plurality of threads  41  for engaging cap  30 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , lower portion  28  of each vessel defines depression  50 , which is sized and shaped to receive lip  40 , cap  30  and flanges  42  of adjoining vessel. Said another way, the upper portion of the immediately lower vessel fits within the lower portion of the upper vessel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 8 , depression  50  on bottom portion of vessel includes a plurality of inwardly projecting locking lugs  52  positioned radially. A plurality of interlug regions  54  separate each locking lug  52  one from the other. As shown best in  FIG. 5 , upper portion  26  defines upper tapering  27 , which is substantially parallel with lower tapering  29  of lower portion  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , vessels  20  are fully independent and can be used in the normal manner. Alternatively, two or more vessels can be engaged in a stacking orientation by engaging flange  42  to locking lug  52  via rotation. Vessels are disengaged by rotating one vessel relative to another, so flanges and locking lugs are unlocked and freely pass through interlug region  54  and interflange region  44  respectively. 
     Interior cavity  35  of vessel  20  preferably has a volume of approximately 15 ml to 2 L, with a volume of approximately 220 ml to 500 ml being preferred. The volume of each vessel need not be identical. 
     Conventional manufacturing methods such as injection molding, blow molding, stretch molding and extrusion are suitable for producing the vessels of the present invention. Preferably the vessels include conventional thread patterns and employ commercially available caps. Vessels are preferably constructed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but could also be constructed of high-density Polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), other plastics, as well as glass, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. By way of example, material, sizes, volumes and mechanisms can differ. Terms such as “substantially” and the like shall mean within reasonable bounds when considering limitations such as machines, materials, manufacturing methods, and people. By way of example, a “substantially smooth” surface means there are no intentional bumps or irregularities. All ranges set forth herein include the endpoints as well as all increments there between, even if not specifically stated. By way of example 1 to 2 inches includes 1 inch, 1.000001 inches and so forth. Finally, unless otherwise stated or contrary to common sense, “approximate” and the like shall mean +/−10%.