US20230023629A1

US20230023629A1 - Customizable Container

Info

Publication number: US20230023629A1
Application number: US17/578,675
Authority: US
Inventors: Kent Lucero
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-22
Filing date: 2022-01-19
Publication date: 2023-01-26

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel customizable bottle or container. The outer surface of the bottle or container has a plurality of ridges, recesses or other delineations positioned around the outer surface. Each adjacent pair of ridges, recesses or other delineations creates a distinct region. A plurality of flexible or removable bands is provided with the bottle or container that are slid on distinct regions positioned between the ridges, recesses or other delineations. The flexible bands come in various colors and designs and decorate the distinct areas to personalize the bottle or container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/224,609, which was filed on Jul. 22, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of consumer products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel beverage bottle or other consumer product container that provides a way to give people the ability to configure how their bottle, container or cup looks to make it more personal and unique. The bottle, container or receptacle is designed to have a plurality of ridges positioned around the outer surface of the container. A plurality of flexible bands is provided with the bottle, container or receptacle and can be slid on different regions of the container. The flexible bands decorate the area between the regions to personalize the bottle, container or receptacle. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, water bottles, container, beverage receptacles, shakers and tumblers are typical consumer and household items. People carry these with them virtually all the time whenever they are out of the home such as while commuting, going to the gym, in offices and many other environments. The water bottles, containers, shakers and tumblers have to some extent become a lifestyle choice and in some instances a symbol for people. Usually, the appearance of conventional water bottles, beverages containers, consumer good receptacles and shakers is generally static displaying only the image of the maker, ingredients and nutritional information. The print, logo, design and color of the water bottles remain unchanged and after some time of prolonged or repeated use of such water bottles, containers and shakers, the user can become bored with the look and feel of the bottle. This may lead to people to buy new bottles, containers and shakers. Buying new bottles, containers and shakers is expensive and also time-consuming and not good for the environment.
Usually, the existing methods of customizing a water bottle, shaker, tumbler, container and other receptacles is limited to customized text, or a picture or design which cannot be changed once imprinted on the exterior of the bottle or label adhered to the container. People cannot customize the bottle or shaker repeatedly on their own as their preferences or the environment changes. Therefore, people would like the option of having a new water bottle that can be customized multiple times by the user of the bottle on their own and depending on the situation of the individual.
People constantly need inspiration and motivation in their daily lives. Therefore, people look for motivational messages and quotes to surround them to get inspired and motivated to perform the next task. Their water bottles, containers and shakers being always accessible to them can be used for motivational and inspirational messages preferred by people. Conventional bottles and containers can display a static message which cannot be changed without physically altering the original packaging. People desire a bottle, shaker, container or tumbler on which the message or quote can be changed easily.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a beverage bottle, container, receptacle or cup that can be customized easily. There is also a long felt need in the art for a water bottle, consumer container, receptacle or shaker that be personalized and customized as per the preferences of the individual. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle, container or receptacle that is not boring and uninspiring. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle, container or receptacle that eliminates the need for buying new bottles or containers for a new look and feel. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage bottle, consumer goods container or other receptacle that can have changeable images, logos, products, shows, movies sports, and other combinations of images, graphics and text. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art of a bottle, container, receptacle or shaker that can display interchangeable inspiring messages, images, graphics and quotes. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a customizable bottle, container, receptacle or beverage cup that offers a way to give people total ability to change and reconfigure how their bottle or cup appears, to make it more personal and unique.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose bottle, container or drinking cup, with a plurality of spaced apart or distinct ridges, area or zones along the outer surface. A plurality of customizable bands are provided that are placed between the ridges or within the distinct areas or zones to decorate the area in between each pair of adjacent ridges or distinct zones. The bands are available in various colors, designs, materials or textures, and have inspirational messages to customize the look and feel of the bottle or container. The bottle may be double walled and insulated with stainless steel wrapped around a thin layer of silicon or any other construction suitable for holding consumer goods such as a beverage.
In this manner, the customizable bottle, container or receptacle of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a multipurpose bottle, container, receptacle or drinking cup that has several spaced ridges, or distinct zones or areas along its exterior surface. The bottle, container or receptacle has multiple customizable bands that can be placed between the ridges or within the distinct areas to give a customized look to the bottle or container. Further, the bottle or container may be insulated, have a double walled structure or may be of any other suitable design for providing insulation to the consumer goods contained within the container, such as a beverage or water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a customizable container, bottle, receptacle or vessel with customizable bands. The container has a plurality of spaced apart ridges, or distinct zones or areas along the outer surface of the container, each pair of adjacent ridges or areas can be separated by a textural region, such as a concave or raised region. The ridges or distinct areas are adjacent to the textural regions. A plurality of customizable bands are provided and each band is configured to snugly or securely fit onto the distinct region for providing a customized look to the container or receptacle. Each band is prevented from slipping off the region, area or the ridges adjacent the textural or concave region on which the band is disposed.
In yet another embodiment, a customizable container, bottle, receptacle or other vessel is disclosed. The container or bottle includes a shaped body having a bottom, a neck end and a cap. The bottle, container, receptacle or vessel may be double or single walled with a silicon or other layer for providing insulation to the contents, a plurality of ridges, distinct zones or regions formed around the exterior of the bottle or container between the bottom and the neck or top end, a plurality of shaped or textured regions formed around the exterior surface of the bottle or container wherein each region is positioned between a pair of boundaries such as ridges, lines, recesses or the like, a plurality of customizable and flexible bands or strips, with each band or strip configured to be placed around the exterior surface of the container for customizing the bottle or vessel.
In yet another embodiment, the outer surface of the container or bottle is made of a single color.
In yet another embodiment, each flexible band or strip has a hook fastener on one free end and a loop fastener on the opposite free end, such that the free ends are fastened using the hook and loop fastener to wrap the flexible band around the concave region.
In a further embodiment a band or strip can be used to add a gripping feature to the exterior of the container or bottle to assist the individual in gripping the bottle or container.
In a still further embodiment one or more hooks, loops, carabine clips or like can be added to the bands or strips in order to add decorations or other elements to the exterior of the container or bottle, such as a name tag or other identification plate.
In yet another embodiment, the concave region is not visually exposed when a flexible band circumferentially wraps a concave region and the ridges are always visually exposed from outside.
In yet another embodiment, the container or bottle has six ridges with five concave regions therebetween.
In yet another embodiment, the concave regions have a diameter less than the diameter of the bottle and the ridges have a larger diameter than the diameter of the bottle.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible and customizable bands have indicia related to products, shows, movies, sports, marketing themes, promotional offerings, inspirational quotes and various combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the bottle has a cap and has a planar surface between the neck end and the cap.
In yet another embodiment, the bottle or container can keep the container contents such as a beverage cold for up to twenty-four hours and hot for up to twelve hours.
In yet another embodiment, the bottle or container is made from 1/18 stainless steel wrapped by a layer of silicon.
In a further embodiment, a method for creating a personalized container, including the steps of initially providing a container or a bottle and then supplying a plurality of bands or strips with some of the bands or strips having previously printed indicia and some other strips or bands being blank. Next, at least one of the blank bands are imaged with information obtained from a database which is accessible by a smart device such as a smartphone. Then at least one of the pre-printed bands or strips and at least one of the customizable bands are applied to the container or bottle.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a customizable container along with the bands of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view showing the customizable bands disposed on the bottle on the concave regions for customizing the customizable and personalized beverage bottle/container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing a personalized water bottle customized using bands of two designs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible band used for customizing the beverage bottle/container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates one potential method of customizing a container of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a container, bottle or cup or holding a consumable item such as a beverage, soup or the like that can be easily customized. There is also a long felt need in the art for a container, bottle or shaker that be personalized and customized as per the preference of the user of the bottle or container. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a container or bottle that is not boring and uninspiring. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a container or bottle that eliminates the need for buying new bottles or containers for a new look and feel. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle or container that can have changeable images, logos, products, shows, movies, sports and combinations thereof. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle, vessel, receptacle, shaker or container that can display interchangeable inspiring messages, quotes and other indicia. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a customizable bottle, container or beverage cup that offers a way to give people total control over how their bottle, container or cup looks, to make it more personal and unique.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel customizable bottle or container provided with a combination of previously printed or imaged bands and blank customizable bands. The bottle or container may be a single or double walled shaped body, such as cylindrical, tubular, elliptical, square or any other shape. A plurality of spaced apart ridges or distinct zones is disposed along the outer surface of the container wherein each pair of adjacent ridges or zones is separated by a region for placement of the bands. The ridges may be raised relative to the distinct region, or may be recessed such as by grooves, or by delineation such as by lines or other indicia and each customizable band is configured to fit into the region for providing a customized look to the container. Each band is supported and prevented from slipping by the confines of the regions or with a removable or repositionable adhesive on each band. Alternatively, if the region is bounded by raised ridges, then the bands fit between the ridges and there may be a concave or scalloped region between the ridges.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a customizable bottle or container 100 along with the bands of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The customizable container or bottle 100 of the present invention is designed to provide a customized and personalized bottle or container that gives people total control of the appearance of the bottle or container 100. The container or bottle 100 is an insulating shaped bottle or container that maintains the temperature of the beverage or water stored in the bottle 100 for long periods of time. More specifically, the container or bottle 100 may be a single or double walled shaped container such as a tubular bottle having an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104. The inner surface 104 is made from 18/8 stainless steel and the outer surface 102 is also made from 18/8 stainless steel. A silicon or other insulating layer 106 is positioned between the outer surface 102 and the inner surface 104. The bottle 100 can keep drinks cold for twenty-four hours and hot for twelve hours. Further, the bottle or container 100 is BPA free and unbreakable.
The outer surface 102 is designed in a novel way to have a plurality of ridges, recesses, or other delineation 108 a, 108 b, 108 n running horizontally or around and across the Diameter “D” of the bottle or container 100 in a circular manner along the length of the bottle 100 from the bottom end 110 to the neck or top end 112. The bands 118 can be used to provide a gripping area 111 to facilitate handling of the bottle or container 100. In addition, the bands 118 can include hooks, loops or carabine claps 113 so that decorations 115 can be added to the bands 118.
The bottle 100 is planar from the neck end 112 to the cap 114. The cap 114 can be made from fully recyclable polypropylene. The ridges or recesses, or other delineations 108 a, 108 b, 108 n are equally spaced apart and a distinct region is positioned between each adjacent pair of ridges, recesses or other delineations. As exemplary, the distinct region 116 a is positioned between the first ridge or recess 108 a and the second ridge or recess 108 b. Accordingly, each pair of adjacent ridges, recesses or other delineations 108 a through 108 n are separated from one another by concave regions 116 a through 116 n-1.
The concave regions 116 a through 116 n-1 are of same height “H”, and the height can be in the range 0.5″-1.5″ depending on the length of the bottle or container 100. The diameter of the distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1 is D″ and is slightly less than the diameter “D” of the bottle or container 100. Thus, the ridges, recesses or other delineations 108 a through 108 n are spaced apart at a distance in the range 0.5″-1.5″ and can be equally spaced apart or may be spaced apart at different intervals. Alternatively, the distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1 can be of different heights or depths. The distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1 are designed to receive the customizable strip and flexible bands 118 for providing a customized appearance to the bottle or container 100. Each of the distinct regions receives one of a customizable band or a pre-printed or imaged band, such that a plurality of customizable and pre-printed bands are placed along the length of the bottle or container 100 to give a personalized look to the bottle or container 100. The customizable bands and pre-printed bands or strips 118, when placed in each distinct region, are supported by the ridges, recesses or other delineations positioned within the distinct region thereby preventing the band or strip 118 from falling or shifting as best shown in FIG. 2 .
The outer surface 102 is preferably of a single color and the bands 118 can be of multiple colors, with different indicia and designs. The bands 118 are flexible and are made from BPA free silicon rubber, paper, plastic or other suitable materials. The bands 118 are configured to fit over the distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1. Further, the bands or strips 118 can be any indicia or quotes or designs, thereby providing a customized look to the bottle or container 100. Each band or strip 118 when fit over a distinct region, is rotatable in a horizontal direction and can be stretched for removal from the bottle or container. The bands or strips 118 can be stretched easily like an elastic to easily apply and remove from the bottle or container 100.
The height of each band is dimensioned to cover the distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1 disposed on the bottle or container 100. The ridges, recesses or other delineations 108 a through 108 n-1 are distinct relative to the specific regions 116 a through 116 n-1 and therefore support the bands or strips 118 when disposed on the bottle or container 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view showing the pre-printed or imaged and customizable bands which are disposed on the bottle or container in the distinct regions for customizing the customizable and personalized bottle or container 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The bottle or container 100 as illustrated has one of pre-printed and or customizable bands 118 a through 118 n-1 mounted thereon. As shown, the band 118 a is mounted over the distinct region 116 a positioned between the first ridge or recess 108 a and the second ridge, recess or groove 108 b. Similarly, the other bands or strips are disposed on the other regions for fully customizing the bottle 100. The bands or strips can be positioned together to form a design, a motivational quote or inspirational messages, as per preferences of the user.
When the bands or strips 118 a through 118 n-1 are disposed on the regions 116 a through 116 n-1 respectively, then the diameter of the bands 118 a through 118 n-1 is substantially the same as the diameter D″ of the distinct regions 116 a through 116 n-1. The bands or strips are positioned on the bottle 100 from the cap 114 and are disposed on the desired distinct regions. It should be appreciated that there may be no limit on the print, design and color on each band, thereby allowing users to customize and personalize their bottles and containers as per their choice to make them more personal and unique. FIG. 2 also shows a loop 131 to which a name tag or other identification plate 133 can be added to further personalize the bottle or container.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing a personalized container or bottle, customized using bands or strips of at least two designs in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, in the present embodiment, the container or bottle 100 is personalized by alternatively using a band with hearts print 302 and a band with toy prints 304 onto the bottle or container. The bands or strips 302, 304 are disposed onto distinct regions such as concave regions of the bottle or containers 100, thereby personalizing the bottle or container as per preferences of a user. It should be noted that ridges, recesses, grooves or other delineations 108 a through 108 n are visually exposed, even when the bands or strips are disposed onto the bottle or container 100.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible band or strips used for customizing the bottle or container 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the flexible band 402 has two free ends, a first end 404 having a hook fastener 406, and a second end 408 having a loop fastener 410. The hook fastener 406 and the loop fastener 410 are attached together after wrapping a region of the bottle 100 to wrap the flexible band 402 diametrically around the bottle 100. The strips may alternatively have a removable, repositionable or light tack adhesive on the ends to allow the strips to be secure on the ends. This embodiment of the flexible band 402 eliminates the need to stretch the band 402 for disposing onto and customizing the bottle or container 100. A further embodiment in FIG. 4 shows a different sized band 420 with ends 422 having an adhesive coating, such as a removable, repositionable or low tac adhesive. In addition, the main body 424 may also be provided with adhesive so as to hold the band or strip in position. In this embodiment, different tactile areas 426 can be provided on the band so as to provide additional elements to the bottle or container.
FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of an exemplary method of customizing the bottle or container in accordance with the present invention. At step 510 a bottle or container is provided and then at step 520 a plurality of bands or strips are provided with at least some of the bands or strips having pre-printed indicia and others are blank so that a personalized or customized message can be applied. At step 530 at least one of the blank bands are customized with indica and at step 540 at least one or more of each of the pre-printed bands and customized bands are applied to the container or the bottle. At step 530, one or more of the bands may be changed out. The method also includes a smartphone 532 which has a downloaded app which can access a database 534 to retrieve indica to print the blank bands or strips.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “customizable beverage container”, “customizable water bottle”, “personalized beverage container”, “water bottle”, “bottle”, “beverage bottle”, and “container” are interchangeable and refer to the customizable beverage container 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the customizable beverage container bottle 100 and the customizable bands 118 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the customizable container 100 and the customizable bands 118 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands 118 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands 118 are important design parameters for user convenience, the customizable bottle or container 100 and the customizable bands or strips 118 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features, and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A customizable container comprising”

a container having a top, a bottom and an exterior surface;

a plurality of distinct regions disposed on the exterior surface of the container; and

a plurality of bands that are sized and configured within the plurality of distinct regions of the container, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is separated from one another by one of a ridge, a recess or other delineation.

2. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands comprise at least one pre-printed band and at least one blank band.

3. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is concave and has a ridge on each side of the concave.

4. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands are comprised of a rubber, a plastic or a paper.

5. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bands have one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive on each of its ends.

6. The customizable container as recited in claim 5, wherein the adhesive is one of a repositionable adhesive, a removable adhesive or a light tack adhesive.

7. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions are equal in size.

8. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein each the plurality of distinct regions has a different size.

9. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of distinct regions and the plurality of bands are disposed between the top and the bottom of the container.

10. The customizable container as recited in claim 1, wherein a hook, a carabine clip or a loop is connected to at least one of the plurality of bands to add a decoration, a tag or another personalization to the container.

11. A method for making a customizable container comprising the steps of:

providing a container having a top, a bottom and an exterior surface;

supplying a plurality of bands;

imaging at least one of the plurality of bands;

applying at least one of the plurality of bands to the exterior surface of the container; and

changing out at least the one of the plurality of bands.

12. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein the exterior surface of the container is comprised of a plurality of distinct regions each separated by one of a ridge, a groove or another form of delineation.

13. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11 comprising a further step of downloading a software application on a smart device after the step of providing a container.

14. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 13 comprising a further step of accessing a database with the smart device to obtain an indicia for imaging on the at least one of the plurality of bands.

15. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein the plurality of bands comprises at least one pre-printed band and at least one blank band for customizing.

16. The method for making a customizable container as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of bands comprises a select one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive.

17. The method for making a customizable bottle or container as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of distinct regions may be of an equal size or of a different size.

18. A customizable bottle comprising:

a bottle having a top, a bottom, exterior surface, and a single wall or double wall construction with an insulating layer, wherein the exterior surface is comprised of a plurality of distinct regions separated by ridges; and

a plurality of bands comprising at least one blank band and at least one pre-printed band, wherein each of the plurality of bands is sized and configured to fit within each of the plurality of distinct regions, and further wherein each of the plurality of bands is removable from the exterior surface of the bottle.

19. The customizable bottle as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of distinct regions is concave or scalloped.

20. The customizable bottle as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of bands comprises a select one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive for removably attaching the plurality of bands to the exterior surface of the bottle.