Patent Publication Number: US-2017355489-A1

Title: Containers Having Magnets

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Containers for storing food-stuffs and other objects are a common household item. Containers have been developed which include recesses to facilitate stacking. These containers, however, more often than not fail to remain in a fixed position, especially when empty. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure is a container comprising an opening and a bottom wall opposite the opening, and at least one side wall perpendicular to the opening and bottom wall, wherein the opening, bottom wall, and side wall define an interior space of the container, and wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one magnet. In some embodiments, the opening has a first size and the bottom wall has a second size. In some embodiments, the opening and bottom wall are circular. In some embodiments, the and bottom wall are rectangular. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one magnet of the bottom wall is removable. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet of the bottom wall is in a holder on an interior or exterior surface of the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet of the bottom wall is provided within a track or other holding means on an interior or exterior surface of the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet is embedded within the bottom wall. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom wall comprises at least four magnets. In some embodiments, the side wall comprises at least one magnet. In some embodiments, the container further comprises a lid having a magnet. In some embodiments, each wall comprises at least one magnet. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure is a container comprising an opening and a bottom wall opposite the opening, and at least one side wall perpendicular to the opening and bottom wall, wherein the opening, bottom wall, and side wall define an interior space of the container, and wherein the bottom wall comprises a portion that is magnetic. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises at least about 2.5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the magnetic comprises at least about 5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises at least about 10% of the surface area of the total surface area of the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion is embedded within the bottom wall of the container. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion is a portion of the bottom wall that has magnetic properties. In some embodiments, the entire bottom wall is comprised of a magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties. 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises a magnet provided within a track mounted on a surface of the bottom wall and the magnet may be moved or otherwise manipulated (or removed) from the track. In some embodiments, the magnet is removable. In some embodiments, the side wall comprises at least one magnet. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure is a container comprising an opening and a bottom wall opposite the opening, and at least one side wall perpendicular to the opening and bottom wall, wherein the opening, bottom wall, and side wall define an interior space of the container, and wherein the at least one side wall comprises a portion that is magnetic. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises at least about 2.5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the side wall comprising the magnetic portion. In some embodiments, the magnetic comprises at least about 5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the side wall comprising the magnetic portion. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises at least about 10% of the surface area of the total surface area of the side wall comprising the magnetic portion. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure is a kit comprising a container having means for holding one or more magnets, a removable lid having means for holding one or more magnets, and at least two magnets. In some embodiments, the holding means is located on an exterior or interior surface of a side wall of the container or an interior or exterior surface of a bottom wall of the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises at least one holding means for each container wall, and wherein the kit further comprises at least one magnet for engagement within each holding means. In some embodiments, the kit comprises multiple containers, each having a removable lid (e.g. two containers, two lids, and four magnets). In some embodiments, the kit comprises indicia, such as colored indicia, to assist in aligning containers and/or lids. 
     Given the need in the art, Applicants have developed an improved container and system. Indeed, Applicants have developed containers comprising one or more magnets, and that such contains, when arranged near or stacked upon appropriately configured containers also containing magnets, allows for the containers to remain in a desired position, arrangement, or stacked configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a container having a lid with a magnet embedded within the lid or mounted on an interior or exterior surface of the lid. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a container having magnets embedded within or mounted on an interior or exterior surface of various container walls. 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C  illustrate various magnet configurations. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  provide side views of a container having a lid attached and illustrating the positioning of a magnet. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a magnet embedded within a container wall or lid. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate the stacking of container walls or lids relative to each other. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the positioning of a magnet on an exterior surface of a bottom wall of a container. 
         FIG. 8A  is a bottom view of circular container having a magnet embedded within a bottom wall. 
         FIG. 8B  is a bottom view of rectangular container having a magnet embedded within a bottom wall. 
         FIG. 8C  is a side view of a container having a magnet embedded within a bottom wall. 
         FIG. 8D  is a side view of a container lid having a magnet embedded therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to containers comprising one or more magnets such that the containers, when placed adjacent to one another, may be magnetically coupled together. 
     Any containers known in the art may be adapted for use as described herein. Containers suitable for use herein may be made out of any material, including but not limited to plastic (polymers, copolymers, polymer blends, copolymer blends), silicones, composites, fiberglass, metal, Pyrex®, wood, and glass etc. In addition, in other embodiments, the containers may be coated with a non-stick material, to make cleaning easy. In still other embodiments, the containers may be food grade safe. In still other embodiments, the containers may be made out of materials able to withstand high temperatures such as those found in ovens and/or stove tops. 
     In some embodiments, the container itself, or a portion thereof, is comprised of a magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties. In yet other embodiments, the containers may be coated with a magnetic material on at least one wall of the container (interior or exterior surface of the container wall). 
     The containers of the present disclosure may comprise any size, shape, or volume, as known in the art. The containers may be rectangular (including square), circular, or have any shape. The containers may have any number of walls (e.g. a single wall continuous wall for a circular container, four walls for a rectangular container, or three walls). Moreover, the container may have an opening that is one size and/or shape and an opposing bottom wall that has a different size and/or shape. Any pre-existing containers may be used with the present invention and those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to adapt them accordingly. 
     In some embodiments, the containers comprise lids which engage a top-most portion of the container and which, together with the container, form a sealed or airtight inner compartment within the container. The lids may be fully or partially detachable from the containers. The lids may be constructed from the same or different materials as compared with the containers themselves. In some embodiments, the lids are made of a sufficient strength such that containers comprising food or other objects may be stacked on top of each other, such as without deflection of the container lid. 
     In some embodiments, the containers and/or lids comprise one or more magnets. The magnets may be located on any side or wall of the container (interior or exterior), including a bottom side. 
     Any suitable magnets can be used with the disclosures presented herein, including neodymium magnets, ceramic magnets, rare earth magnets, and magnets prepared from alloys (e.g. Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt (Alnicos), Strontium-Iron (Ferrites), Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Neo magnets) and Samarium-Cobalt. (The Samarium-Cobalt and Neodymium-Iron-Boron families). The magnets themselves may have any size, shape, including curved or arcuate shapes (where curved and arcuate shaped magnets could be used in conjunction with circular or otherwise curved containers), or strength. The skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate magnet for the intended purpose. 
     The magnets utilized may be custom designed or off-the-shelf magnets. In some embodiments, the magnets are designed to have a particular shape, such as a shape which conforms to a size of a wall, side, or lid. For example, for a circular lid having a diameter of about 3 inches, a circular or “o”-shaped magnet having a diameter of between about 1.5 inches and about 2.75 inches may be placed within the container lid (and, a similarly shaped and sized magnet may be placed in an opposing bottom wall, as described herein, assuming that the opening/lid have the same size and/or shape as the bottom wall). In general, any magnet may be designed to conform to the perimeter of any wall, side, or lid, and such a customized magnet may be embedded within the wall, side, or lid or may be placed on a surface of the wall, side or lid (internal or external surface). 
     The skilled artisan will be able to select appropriate magnets for incorporation into the container walls and lids. For example, it may be desirable to choose magnets having a certain strength such that (i) adjacent containers may stay at least partially coupled to each other, while (ii) allowing the containers to be separated from each other without requiring too much force. 
     The magnets may be embedded within a wall of the container or within the container lid (see, for example,  FIG. 5  which provides a container wall  70  where a magnet  71  is embedded within that wall). For example, a side wall of a container may comprise one or more magnets embedded within the material of the container and in a fixed position or movable position. For example, the bottom wall may comprise one magnet. Alternatively, the bottom wall may comprise two magnets. In some embodiments, the bottom wall may comprise at least three magnets. In other embodiments, the bottom way may comprise at least four magnets. 
     For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a circular container  101  having a single magnet  102  embedded in a bottom all thereof. Likewise,  FIG. 8B  illustrates a rectangular container  104  having a single magnet  105  embedded in a bottom all thereof.  FIG. 8C  illustrates a side view of a container having a bottom wall  106  and a magnet  103  embedded therein.  FIG. 8D  illustrates a lid  108  which may releasably engage a top of a container, the lid  108  comprising a magnet  109  embedded therein. Of course, the skilled artisan will appreciate that while  FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate containers or lids having a single magnet embedded therein, any number of magnets may be incorporated. 
     Alternatively, the magnets may be temporarily or permanently attached to an interior or exterior surface of a side of the container or an interior or exterior surface of a container lid. For example, a side wall of the container may contain a housing which may hold a magnet in place. Alternatively, magnets may be placed in a track along a wall of the container or lid, such that the magnets may slide along the surface of the container wall or lid within the track (or other suitable structure) and placed into different positions. Any number of magnets may be placed in any individual track or holder, as described herein. In other embodiments, the magnets are removable and/or interchangeable. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a container  3  having a detachable lid  1 . Embedded within the lid  3  is a magnet  2 , positioned within a center portion of the lid. While the magnet of  FIG. 1  is depicted as embedded within the material of the lid, the magnet may be external to the lid surface, such as in a track or other housing.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a container having a first wall  10  having a first magnet  11 ; a second wall  20  and a second magnet  21 ; a third wall  30  and a third magnet  31 ; a fourth wall  40  (here, a bottom wall) and a fourth magnet  41 ; and a fifth wall  50  and a fifth magnet  51 . Of course, the containers of  FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B  may have any size and shape and any internal volume. Moreover, while  FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B  depict that only a single magnet is included within or on the surface of any wall (interior or exterior surface) or lid, a plurality of magnets having any polarity or strength may be included within or on a surface of any wall or lid. Moreover, while the while  FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B  depict a fixed magnet, these embodiments may be altered to comprise magnets that are removable and/or positionable within a hold means, e.g. a house, track, slideable track, or other suitable structures for engaging the magnet. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate embodiments comprising a plurality of magnets within or on the surface (interior or exterior) of any container lid or wall. For example, wall  10  may comprise magnets  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 , with one magnet positioned at each corner of the wall  10 . These magnets may have any polarity. For example, each of magnets  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15  may have a single polarity. In other embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 3B , magnets  16  and  19  have a first polarity (a “north” pole exposed outward towards the container surface) while magnets  17  and  18  have a second polarity (a “south” pole exposed outward towards the container surface). The polarities may be of any configuration.  FIG. 3C  provides yet another embodiment where a single magnet has first and second poles. 
     The lids and walls of the containers may have any number of magnets and the magnets may have any spatial relation relative to each other. For example, a lid or container wall may contain a single magnet centered within the lid or wall. Alternatively, a lid or container may contain four magnets, one at each corner. If a particular lid or container wall comprises more than one magnet, each of the magnets in that lid or container wall may have the same or different polarities. 
     In some embodiments, each wall of the container and the container lid comprises at least one magnet having a particular polarity. For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a first container lid  81  of a first container  86  may comprise a first magnet  83  having a first polarity while a bottom wall  85  of a second container  84  may comprise a magnet having a second polarity, where the first and second polarities are opposite of each other. When two containers  84  and  86  having the same or similar structures and configuration are stacked on top of each other, a first polarity of a first magnet  83  in a first container lid  81  of a first container  86  is magnetically attracted to a second magnet  87  located in a bottom wall  85  of a second container  84 , wherein the second magnet  87  has a polarity opposite to that of magnet  83 . In this way, the containers  84  and  86 , when stacked on top of each other, remain in a stacked configuration, even if external forces are applied to either of the first and or second containers. 
     While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6B  provides for vertical stacking, containers having magnets in side walls can equally be arranged proximally to each other (e.g. within the same plane) and remain in magnetic communication with each other. For example, a first side wall of a container may comprise a first magnet having a first polarity while a second side wall of the same container may comprise a magnet having a second polarity, again where the first and second polarities are opposite each other. Likewise, a third and fourth wall of the container could also comprise additional magnets, again having opposite polarities from each other. In this way, when adjacent containers of similar configuration (i.e. comprising magnets or magnetic materials) are placed proximal to each other, the containers may become at least a partially magnetically coupled together, provided that magnets are aligned having opposing polarities. Alternatively, and as shown in  FIG. 6A , a side wall of a first container may comprise a first arrangement of four magnets while a side wall of a second container may comprise a second arrangement of four magnets (the second arrangement being the opposite of the first arrangement), such that the opposing container side walls may magnetically couple to one another. 
     In some embodiments, the magnets are provided on a surface of a container wall  65 , such as depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In these particular embodiments, the magnets  62  and  63  are mounted on a container surface  65  and protrude about the same distance as the distance in which a container lid  61  overhangs the side walls of a container  60 , such that when containers are arranged proximally to each other, the magnets may remain in magnetic communication with other other. For example, if a container lid extends 5 mm past the edge of a container, having a magnet protrude about the same distance could be helpful in ensuring that containers placed proximally to each other would become magnetically coupled together (and this is especially true when weaker magnets are used). This same concept may be applied to curved container surfaces, with a respectively contoured magnet, such that adjacent containers having curved or arcuate surfaces remain at least partially magnetically coupled to each other. 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 7 , a magnet  93  is mounted to an exterior surface of a bottom wall  92  of a container  90 . In this embodiment, the container  90  is depicted as having extensions  91  so that the magnet  93  is not placed in direct contact with an external object. In some embodiments, a container is modified to incorporate extensions  91  (e.g. by incorporating rubber “feet,” or other objects on the bottom surface of the container). In this embodiment, magnet  93  may be attached to the exterior surface of the bottom wall or may be positioned in an external holder as described herein. 
     As noted herein, in some embodiments the magnet(s) are located within a track or other slideable engagement system along a surface (interior or exterior) or within the walls or lids of the containers. In these embodiments, the magnets may be arranged in any manner to facilitate magnetic coupling between containers. This is especially helpful for the coupling together of containers that are of varying sizes and shapes. For example, if a container having a 4″ wall height is to be coupled to a second container having a 2″ wall height, the magnets on both containers may be arranged within their respective tracks to facilitate the magnetic coupling of these differently sized containers. The tracks or slideable engagement systems may be mounted on an external or internal wall of the containers and/or lid. Likewise, the tracks or slideable engagement systems may be embedded within the walls of the container or within the lid itself, and a mechanism may be provided for a user to manipulate the magnet within the track or slideable engagement system. In addition, the tracks may have any size or shape. 
     As also noted herein, in some embodiments the magnet(s) are removable and/or interchangeable to facilitate washing and cleaning of the magnets, containers, and/or lids. In some embodiments, the removable nature of the magnets allows them to be replaced with stronger or weaker magnets on an as needed basis. In other embodiments, the removable nature of the magnets allows for different polarity configurations to be achieved. For example, a flat magnet having an upper half that has a “north” polarity and a lower half having a “south” polarity may be arranged such that either the “north” or “south” polarity halves are facing outward from the interior space of the container. 
     In some embodiments, a magnetic material is embedded within at least a portion of the material of the container or in a particular section of the material of the container. For example, a bottom wall or side wall may contain an area (“magnetic portion”) that comprises a magnetic material embedded therein. In some embodiments, the magnetic portion of a wall comprises at least about 2.5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the wall. In other embodiments, the magnetic portion of a wall comprises at least about 5% of the surface area of the total surface area of the wall. In other embodiments, the magnetic portion of a wall comprises at least about 10% of the surface area of the total surface area of the wall. In some embodiments, a magnet is embedded within the bottom wall (i.e. within the material of the bottom wall), and the embedded magnet is positioned in a center of the bottom wall of the container. 
     In some embodiments, a kit is provided comprising a container having four walls, a bottom wall, and a removable lid, where each opposing wall comprises one or more magnets having opposing magnetic polarities; and where the bottom wall and the lid each comprise one or more magnets where the bottom wall magnet(s) and the lid magnet(s) have magnets with opposite polarities. 
     In some embodiments, a kit is provided comprising a circular container and a removable lid, where the bottom wall of the circular container comprises a magnet embedded within the material of the bottom wall, and wherein the magnet is positioned substantially in the center of the bottom wall; and where the removable lid comprises a magnet embedded within the material of the bottom wall, and wherein the magnet is positioned substantially in the center of the removable lid. In some embodiments, the magnet in the bottom wall has a first polarity, and wherein the magnet in the removal lid has a second polarity. For example, a kit may comprise the container depicted in  FIG. 8C  and the lid depicted in  FIG. 8D . 
     In some embodiments, a kit is provided comprising (a) a container having tracks positioned along a surface of each wall of the container, the track suitable for holding a magnet therein; (b) a container lid able to be coupled to the container to provide a sealed inner container space, the container lid comprising a track positioned along a surface of the lid, the track suitable for holding a magnet therein; and (c) magnets for insertion within each of the tracks, the magnets each having a “north” polarity and a “south” polarity. In some embodiments, at least six magnets are provided within each kit. In other embodiments, the kit further comprises instructions for proper arrangement of the magnets within the tracks. In yet other embodiments, the containers themselves provide instructions or provide other identifying indicia for positioning of the magnets within the tracks. In some embodiments, the magnets, containers, lids, walls, etc. are color coded to assist with the placement of containers. In some embodiments, the kit all provides mounts including magnets which may be positioned within a cabinet such that containers containing magnets may be kept in alignment with the mounts when set in a cabinet or on a shelf. 
     In some embodiments, each container in a kit has the same number of side walls and each wall of the container has same number of embedded magnets or holding means. In some embodiments, a kit comprises two or more differently sized containers, each container having about the same shape, but having a different interior volume. In this particular embodiment, magnets in bottoms walls and lids are preferably placed in the center of the bottom wall or the lid such that the differently sized containers may be stacked or placed adjacent to each other and remain in magnetic communication with each other. 
     While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.