US20040000550A1 - Container and holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable container is provided for fastening to another item during use of the container. The container has a first end which is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap. Another cap has a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end of the container with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed. Male and female latching portions are located on the container. A holder has either male or female latching portions thereon configured to engage the latching portions on the container. The latching portions are arranged on opposing sides of a linear holder, or on an exterior side of a circular holder. The caps are shaped to nest with each other so the containers can be stacked.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to portable containers and a system for holding a plurality of such containers.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Small household and shop items such as screws, washers and paper clips are often held in glass jars, which can break. Further, the lids on these jars have to be unscrewed in order to gain access to the small parts held in the containers. Plastic containers can be sued, but even then the lids have to be removed to gain access. There is thus a need for a container that allows easy access to the contents of the container while securely retaining the contents during use of the container.[0002]
• Storing these household and shop containers is also a problem. The glass containers are subject to breaking if they are stacked and the stack falls over. Plastic containers may stack, but it becomes difficult to see what is inside the containers, and even then the containers are not always adapted to stack well or stack easily. There is thus a need for a container that can be stacked or stored easily.[0003]
• If several containers are needed, a user may grab as many as they can hold, but that risks dropping one or more containers. There is thus a need for a way to easily store and carry a plurality of containers. There is also a need for a way to temporarily fasten a plurality of containers together for ease of transportation and for stability while moving a plurality of containers.[0004]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• There is thus advantageously provided a portable container for fastening to another item during use of the container. The container preferably has a tubular body with a first end that is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap. A first cap has a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed. A first latch portion is connected to the container and forms an opening configured to releasably engage a second, projecting latch portion during use of the container.[0005]
• The container advantageously has a second, projecting latch portion on the first cap. Moreover, the second end is preferably, but optionally, closed. A second cap can be placed over the end, whether the end is closed or open. The first cap is advantageously rotatably engaged with the body adjacent the first end, preferably by using a single turn thread. The tubular body is preferably sufficiently transparent to see into the container, and further a portion of the body is visible when the first cap is placed on the container.[0006]
• A second container is preferably provided having at least one of a first and second latch portion thereon and engaging one of the first and second latch portions on the first container. The second container also has a flexible cap with a slit therein which opens upon squeezing the flexible cap. The latch portions of the first container releasably engage the latch portions of the second container. Preferably, the first latch portion is connected to a second, projecting latch portion on a holder. Alternatively, one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder. The holder preferably has a handle attached to the holder.[0007]
• The invention also includes a container having a hollow body with an opening covered by a cap that has a flexible surface with a slit therein that opens when the flexible surface is deformed by moving opposing ends of the slit toward each other. At least one male and one female releasable latch portion are on the container.[0008]
• Preferably, that container has the latch portions on the cap, and the cap can is deformed to open the slit. The of claim 11, wherein the container advantageously comprises a tube with a closed end and the cap covers an opposing, open end of the tube, with the latch portions integrally molded with the cap. Advantageously, the cap is convexly curved and the closed end is curved toward an interior of the container. Again, it is desirable to have the container be sufficiently transparent to see inside the container.[0009]
• There is also preferably provided a holder having a third latch portion engaging one of the latch portions on the container and supporting the container. Advantageously, the holder has a handle. The holder can be linear with a plurality of latch portions on opposing sides of the holder. The holder can have a plurality of containers each having a latch portion thereon and each mating to one of the latch portions on the holder. There can be an even number of latch portions on each side of the holder. The holder can also have a plurality of latch portions arranged in a circle. The holder can have a handle that is movable between an extended and recessed position.[0010]
• This invention also includes a system for holding containers. The system includes a first plurality of containers each having an opening covered by a deformable surface with slits therein that form an opening when the ends of the slit are moved toward each other. Male and female latching portions are provided on each of a second plurality of the containers.[0011]
• Preferably, but optionally, the system includes a holder with a plurality of male or female latching portions thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female. Preferably, all are male or all are female. The holder advantageously has the same number of latching portions on each of two opposing sides of the holder, such as six latching portions. A handle can be connected to the holder. The holder can have the latching portions linear, in a straight line, in a curved line, or in it can have the plurality of latching portions arranged in a circle.[0012]
• Preferably, the a plurality of the containers comprise cylindrical tubes with one closed end and a cap on that closed end. It is desirable to have the two caps are spaced apart to expose the body of the container, and to have the body is sufficiently visible to see into the container.[0013]
• Moreover, the above containers preferably have a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion. The protrusion preferably comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap. A protrusion having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape, about 0.25 inches wide at the juncture with the cap, is believed suitable for small, hand held containers The protrusion advantageously comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.[0014]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and wherein:[0015]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of this invention;[0016]
• FIGS. 2[0017]a-2bare perspective views of a plurality of containers connected to a linear handle;
• FIGS. 3[0018]a-3bare perspective views of a plurality of containers connected to a linear handle;
• FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1;[0019]
• FIG. 5 is a top plan view[0020]1 the container of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view[0021]1 the container of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 7 is a right side plan view[0022]1 the container of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 8 is a left side plan view[0023]1 the container of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 5 taken along lines[0024]9-9;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a linear holder without a handle;[0025]
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a linear holder with movable insert holders;[0026]
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an insert holder shown in FIG. 11;[0027]
• FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a linear holder with an insert holder;[0028]
• FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the holder insert of FIG. 13;[0029]
• FIG. 15 is bottom plan view of the holder and insert of FIG. 13.[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring to FIGS.[0031]1-3 and9, aportable container20 have atubular body21 with opposing ends23a,23b. Afirst cap22 with aslit24 therein is placed over the end of thebody21, and asecond cap26 is preferably, but optionally placed over the opposing end of thebody21. By squeezing opposing ends of the slit toward each other, theslit24 opens and allows access to the contents of thecontainer20. If thecontainer20 is tipped with theslit24 downward, then gravity will urge the contents of the container to pass through theopen slit24. If thebody21 is flexible enough, the body can flex along with thecap22 when theslit24 is squeezed to form an opening.
• One of the[0032]caps22,26 has afirst part28 of a releasable latch mechanism placed thereon, with asecond part30 of the latch mechanism located on aholder32. Advantageously thefirst part28 comprises a male fitting and thesecond part30 comprises a female fitting with the fittings sized and shaped to releasably engage and hold thecontainer20 to theholder32.
• Referring to FIGS.[0033]1-9, thecontainer20 is a hollow body having an opening covered by a flexible surface and having a slit that opens when the flexible surface is deformed to move the opposing ends of theslit24 toward each other. Preferably, but optionally, thecontainer20 is a tubular container, having abody21 that is advantageously made of a material that can be seen through, but could be opaque. Preferably, but optionally, thebody21 is of transparent or translucent plastic such as PVC, polycarbonate, or other plastic material. Other materials can be used.
• The materials are preferably selected to allow the[0034]body21 to be sufficiently thin and sufficiently flexible to allow the portions of thebody21 adjacent theends23a,23bto be manually squeezed toward the interior of thecontainer21. If the body is too stiff, thecap22 must be more flexible and that reduces the ability of the slit to retain the contents of the container when the slit is closed. Thebody21 can be of various lengths and diameters. Preferably though, thebody21 is small enough to be held by the hands of an average person, and preferably can be held by a single hand gripping thebody21. Cylindrical tubes are preferred forbodies21, but other cross sectional shapes can be used, including square, triangular, polygon cross sectional shapes, and non-symmetric cross-sectional shapes.
• Advantageously, but optionally, one[0035]end23a,23bof the body is either closed or blocked by a cap. The depicted embodiments have end23bclosed. The closed end23ballows the contents of thecontainer20 to be securely held in the container. A plug or other obstruction fastened to the walls of thetubular body21 can close the container. The bottom23bcould be open and just covered by thecap26, but the stronger support for the contents formed by having an end connected to thebody21 is preferred. Preferably bottom end23bis closed by molding an end integrally with thetubular body21 of a single piece of plastic. If molded, the end23bis preferably, but optionally, curved or dished toward the interior of thecontainer20 as seen in FIG. 9, in which the cylindrical walls curve inward towardaxis36 and slightly back along the exterior walls of thebody21 to form a concave surface. The curvature strengthens the bottom end23b. Other strengthening mechanisms cold be used, such as ribs, stiffeners, etc. Thebody21 thus preferably comprises a tubular extrusion having a closed end23b, which closed end is preferably extends toward the interior of thecontainer20 andbody21. Theother end23ais open.
• The[0036]caps22,26 are preferably, but optionally made of an elastomer or plastic such as PVC, vinyl, silicon, or rubber or synthetic rubber. Other materials can be used, provided they are sufficiently flexible to deform and open theslit24 an amount sufficient for the intended use of thecontainer20. Thecaps22,26 have an interior shape that preferably, but optionally conforms to the shape of thebody21 adjacent to the cap. A cup-shaped cap is preferred having cylindrical sides with asurface34a,34bthat covers theends23a,23bof thebody21 andcontainer20. Thesurface34aor top34aon thefirst cap22 preferably, but optionally curves or dishes slightly away from the interior of thecontainer20 andbody21.
• The[0037]slit24 is shown as being formed in thetop surface34aofcap22. Theslit24 preferably extends along a line through the center of thebody21, preferably through alongitudinal axis36. Theslit24 preferably extends across the entire length of thetop surface34a, from one side to the directly opposing side of the side of thecap22. The slit could be shorter, or located elsewhere. By hand-squeezing thecap22 and abutting portion ofbody21, theslit24 opens and allows access to the interior of the container. Other shapes of slits, such as crossed slits, or multiple intersecting slits could be used, but a single slit is preferred.
• The[0038]slit24 preferably opens to an area equal to about 20-40% of the cross sectional area of theend23acovered bycap422, and advantageously can open to about 50% and preferably up to about 70% of that cross sectional area. Of course a slight squeeze will open the slit to form an opening much smaller than the above areas. The size of the opening will vary with the intended use of the container. The walls of thecap22 forming theslit24 are preferably close together so theend surface34ais stronger and can exclude small particles from entering the container. The ends of theslit24 may be punched out to form circles in order to relieve stresses that may cause the slit to tear further through thecap22. A slit24 formed by a knife blade is preferred.
• The[0039]cap22 will be referred to as the top cap because it is on the top or upper end of thecontainer20 as shown in FIG. 1. But the orientation is relative, and can change. Thecap22 preferably has an interior that conforms to the shape of the engaging portion ofbody21. Thecap22 is preferably, but optionally, removably fastened to thebody21. That allows thecontainer20 to be easily filled with whatever contents the user desires. Partial orfull threads38 on the body and cap can threadably engage to allow the cap to screw onto thebody21 overend23a. The threads may be continuous, or segmented as shown in FIG. 1.
• Other releasably connections can be used including a rotatable bayonet mount, rotatable interlocking tabs and flanges, or other rotatably engaging mechanisms. Even a frictional fit between a smooth[0040]sided body21 andcap22 would be sufficient. Preferably though, thecap22 has some sort of retaining mechanism positively engaging thebody21 and holding thecap22 onto thebody21 so that the weight of the contents of thecontainer20 pushing against thecap22 when the cap is orientated toward the ground, will not cause thecap22 to disengage and spill the contents of the container.
• Referring to FIG. 9, the[0041]cap22 preferably, but optionally, has an increased thickness where the cap abuts the end of thebody21. Further, areas of increased thickness result from the formation of exterior protrusions such asribs40 formed on the exterior of thetop cap22. Theribs40 are shown as being generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis36, but could have various orientations, including circumferential, around the periphery of the cap, or inclined at various angles to the longitudinal axis. Sixribs40 are shown on the top cap22 (FIG. 5), interspersed between the latchingportions23,30, but fewer or more ribs could be used.
• The[0042]ribs40 advantageously serve several uses. They prevent thecontainer20 from rolling when the container is laid on its side with thelongitudinal axis36 parallel to a surface. The number of ribs and their spacing will vary with the size of the ribs and the amount of rocking to be permitted. If only one rib is provided, thecontainer40 can roll almost 360 degrees before stopping. Preferably there is arib40 every 90 degrees around the circumference of thecontainer20, and advantageously there is arib40 spaced every 30 degrees. It is possible to useplace ribs40 on bothcaps22,26 to achieve these spacings since a rib on only one cap will stop the container from rolling. That assumes the rib extends sufficiently far from thecap22,26 to stop rolling. For containers about 4 inches in diameter, the ribs extend from about {fraction (1/16)} to about ¼ inch, and preferably extend about {fraction (1/16)} to ⅛ inch.
• Conceptually, the protrusions advantageously extend a distance sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion. Advantageously, there are a plurality of protrusions spaced about the periphery of the container[0043]10 to limit the amount of rocking that can occur between the protrusions. The larger the diameter of thecontainer20, the closer together the protrusions will be to prevent any rocking. It is desirable to stop all rocking, but usually acceptable to allow 5-10 degrees of rocking.
• The protrusions, such as[0044]ribs40, can extend fromcap22,cap26,body21, or combinations thereof. The protrusion preferably, but optionally comprise longitudinal ribs on the cap. Protrusions having shapes other than longitudinal ribs can be used, such as variously shaped projections or ribs at various angles. Theribs40 are also shown as having a curved, semi-circular, cross-sectional shape, but that can also vary.
• The[0045]ribs40 also provide a gripping surface to pick up and manipulate the container, and to unscrew thecap22. Other gripping devices and surfaces could also be used. Alternatively, theribs40, and even all gripping surfaces, can be omitted if desired in order to present a smooth surface on thecap22. Preferably, theribs40 are sufficiently flexible, or allow spaces between theribs40 that are sufficiently flexible, to allow thecap22 to be manually squeezed to open theslit24 an amount sufficient for the desired use of thecontainer20.
• The[0046]body21 preferably, but optionally has a circumferential flange42 (FIG. 1) on the exterior fo the body, and located so the end of the open end of thecap22 rests toward, or adjacent to therim flange42. Theflange42 can be used to help strengthen the open end of thebody21. Theflange42 can also provide a localized area of stiffness so that the deformation of thebody21 when the container is squeezed to open theslit24 is localized between theflange42 and theopen end23aof the body. Preferably, the flange is molded integrally with thebody21. Thebody21 preferably has a smooth and substantially straight interior along the length of the body extending along the length of thelongitudinal axis36.
• The[0047]second cap26 will be referred to as thebottom cap26 as it is shown on the bottom in the figures. But again, the orientation of the container can vary. Thecap26 preferably, but optionally hasribs40 thereon ascap22, but has eight ribs instead of six. But the number and spacing of the ribs can vary, and again other gripping surfaces could be provided, or omitted, as desired. Advantageously, but optionally, thebottom cap26 has a portion34bextending over the end23bofbody21, and covers that end. Further, the surface34bpreferably, but optionally conforms to the shape of the bottom portion of thebody21 covering the end23b. Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, the bottom surface34bofcap26 curves or dished toward the interior of thebody21 andcontainer20. It is possible, but not preferred, to have end34bopen, withcap26 extending straight (flat) across that open end34bto close it.
• A flat, annular rim portion[0048]44 (FIGS. 6 and 9) is preferably formed on thecap26 as the side walls of the cap bend to form the bottom34band follow the bottom23b. Therim portion40 forms a sufficient base to allow thecontainer20 to rest securely on a surface. The wider,annular rim portion44 need not be formed, but is preferred. Therim portion44 is shown as continuous, but could be intermittent. Thecap26 preferably, but optionally, provides a more slip-resistant surface. Moreover, by making the top and bottom caps22,26 have the same or generally the same appearance, an aesthetically pleasing shape and appearance can be achieved.
• The[0049]bottom cap26 is preferably permanently fastened to thebody21. Thecap26 can be held by adhesives. Alternatively, thebottom cap26 can be removable and held by friction, or by providing mating engaging surfaces on thebody21 andcap26 as described for thetop cap22.
• As seen in FIG. 9,[0050]exterior ribs45 are preferably, but optionally formed on the exterior of thebody21 and extend around the periphery of thebody21. Theribs45 provide localized stiffening of thebody21 andcontainer20.
• Referring to FIGS.[0051]2-15, thecap26 preferably has a latchingportion28,30, at least one of which is configured to engage and releasably fasten to a mating portion onholder32. Theholder32 can take various shapes, but has at least one engaging portion to releasably mate with the portion on the cap or caps22,26. Thetop cap22 preferably has amale projection28 engaging afemale receptacle30 on the holder. Alternatively, thecap22 can have afemale receptacle32 to receive amale projection28 on theholder32. The twolatch portions28,30 releasably engage to form a latch mechanism.
• The latch portions[0052]28 (or30) can be on only thetop cap22, only thebottom cap26, on thecontainer21, or on any combination thereof. Preferably there is at least onelatch portion28,30 on at least one cap, but the latch portions can be omitted entirely and a rib located where the latch portions are located on the cap. Advantageously, there are two latch portions, one male and one female, located on diametrically opposing sides of at leastcap22, and optionally also onbody21 andbottom cap26. More than twosuch latching portions28,30 can be placed on acap22,26 orbody21. Various combinations of thelatch portions28,30 can be placed oncap22,cap26,body21 andholder32.
• The[0053]male latch portion28 can take the form of various projecting surfaces, but preferably comprises arectangular strip46 offset from thecap22 by a smaller flange48 (FIGS.5-6 and12). One end of thestrip46 is preferably rounded to make it easier to engage receivingprojection30.
• The[0054]female latch portion30 is configured to releasably engage the latchingportion28. Thefemale latch portion30 can comprise a loop, a recess, or a mating surface that releasably engages themale latch portion28. The depictedlatch portion30 comprise a recess configured to receiveably engageprojection28. Preferably, it comprises a rectangular recess formed by aU-shaped bracket50 extending outward from the exterior ofcap22. A slot52 (FIG. 6) is formed in thebracket50 to allow passage of theflange48. One end of thebracket50 is closed (FIG. 5) so when thestrip48 is inserted into the recess formed bybracket50, thestrip48 abuts the closed end.
• Basically, the depicted[0055]latch portions28,30 comprise a projectingsurface46 engaging amating surface60, with thelatch portions28,30 configured to restrain motion so the engaged surfaces can disengage only by motion along designated directions. Preferably, motion along only one direction engages and disengages the latchingportions28,30.
• The[0056]latch parts28,30 could take other forms and shapes in which aprojection28 is releasably engaged in a recess oropening30, including hook and loop, hooks and eyelets, and other releasable connections. Thelatch parts28,30 are preferably located on thecap22,26, and are preferably integrally molded with the caps as they are formed. Less preferably, but optionally, thelatch parts28,30 could be fastened to thebody21 by screws, bands encircling thebody21 and fastened to thelatch portion28,30, or integrally molded with thebody21.
• The[0057]holder32 can take various forms. FIGS. 2 and 10-11 show alinear holder32 in which a linear strip of material has a plurality oflatch portions28,30, or both, located thereon. Advantageously, but optionally, theholder32 has onlymale latch portions28, or onlyfemale latch portions30. Alternatively, theholder32 may have a plurality of male orfemale latching portions28,30 thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female. In this instance, substantially all means over 80%, and preferably over 90%.
• A handle[0058]54 (FIGS. 2a,2b) can be connected to or integrally formed with theholder32. The handle is optional, but desirable. Advantageously, theholder32 is an integrally molded strip of plastic having sufficient dimensions and strength to hold the number of containers and the contents thereof, as are provided for the number oflatch parts28,30 located on the holder. Preferably thehandle54 is integrally molded with theholder32. Thehandle54 preferably extends away from theholder32, but could take the form of appropriately sized and located holes in theholder32 that allow a person's fingers to engage the holes, akin to the openings formed in six-packs of soda or beer, or the spaces formed between the holder and the engagedcontainers20.
• Referring to FIGS.[0059]10-12, theholder32 can be a linear strip of material to which are fastened thelatch portions28,30, or both. FIG. 10 shows threemale latch portions28 to engage amating latch portion30 located on acontainer20. Holes, preferably recessed, are provided to allow theholder32 to be screwed to a support, such as a wall or cupboard. One ormore containers20 can be fastened to theholder32 by engaging the mating portion of thelatch portions28,30 located on the container.
• FIG. 12 shows a[0060]male projection28 extending from asegmented holder32. Screw holes are provided on opposing sides of theprojection28 to allow theholder32 to be screwed to a wall. Aremovable backing58 is also shows that upon removal exposes an adhesive on the back of theholder32 to allow the holder to be glued to a support. Themale projections28 could comprisefemale portions30. Again, acontainer20 can be fastened to theholder32 by engaging the mating portion of thelatch portions28,30 located on the container.
• FIGS.[0061]11-15 show abracket59 having a C shaped cross-section withflanges60 extending toward each other engage edges of one ormore holders32 to allow the holders to translate along at least a portion of a length of thebracket59. Screw holes may optionally be provided in one ore more of theholders32 orbracket59, and are preferably provided in thebracket59 to allow the bracket to be fastened to a support. Acontainer20 can be fastened to each of theholders32 by engaging the mating portion of thelatch portions28,30 located on the container. By sliding theholder32 along the length of thebracket59, different sizes ofcontainers20 can be held and moved to vary the number or location ofcontainers20 that are held. Theslidable holders32 preferably have asingle latch portion28,30 on the holder to allow for increased adjustability, but could have more than onelatch portion28,30 on one or more holders held by thebracket59.
• The[0062]holder32 need not be linear, but could have diverse shapes. FIGS. 3a,3bshow a circular holder. Alinear holder32 can be bent to form a curved holder, or bent into a circle and fastened to form a ring. Alternatively, a circular holder could be integrally molded of a single piece of material, such as plastic or various moldable or extrudable elastomers. Likewise, alinear bracket59 could be bent and fastened to form a ring, or abracket59 could be formed into a cylindrical shape by other ways. Curved surfaces having larger spacing between latchingportions23,30 on the convex surface, and smaller spacings between latching portions on the concave surface, could also be used. An opening could be provided to allowindividual holders32 to be inserted into thebracket59. Thelatch portions28,30 or both, are preferably on the exterior facing surfaces of the ring-shapedholder32. A fixedly mounted or integrally moldedhandle54 can be provided with the cylindrical shapedholder32. Advantageously, thehandle54 extends parallel to thelongitudinal axis36 of containers releasably connected to theholder32.
• In a further embodiment of FIGS. 3[0063]a-3b, thehandle54 can be movable to a recessed position for storage. Thehandle54 is formed on the end of ashaft62 that slides in a hole in a surface extending between portions of theholder32. The shaft has enlarged portions or projections that prevent it from passing through the hole in thesurface64 so that the shaft may slide to a recessed position (FIG. 3a) but be extended to an engaged, carrying position (FIG. 3b). Alternatively, thehandle54 can be hinged to fold and extend, or thehandle54 can be flexible to allow folding to a compact position and then extend to a carrying position.
• Referring to FIGS.[0064]2-3 and9, thecontainers20 have top and bottom caps22,26 that are preferably shaped so thetop cap22 nests with thebottom cap26 of adifferent container20. That allows stacking of the containers, and stabilizes stacked containers. Shapes other than the circular convex and circular concave shape of the caps can be used. Moreover, by using a suitable material to form thecaps22,26, the nested caps can increase the frictional contact between them to further resist slipping.
• By using[0065]holders32 with regularly spacedlatch portions28,30, a plurality ofcontainers20 can be fastened to a single holder for easy transport. Moreover, by placing thelatch portions28,30 on opposing sides of alinear holder32, a compact arrangement of containers is provided. Anindividual container20 can be readily removed and opened by squeezing the cap to dispense the desired amount of the contents of the selected container, and then reconnected to the holder with little effort. As seen in the figures, a six-pack of household and shop containers can be provided. A four-pack, eight pack, or other numbers can be achieved.
• Further, by providing both male and[0066]female latch portions28,30 on thesame container20, a series of containers can be connected together. Thus, for example, acontainer20 can be attached to each of the six containers shown connected to handle54 for a total of 12containers20. Any number of containers can be connected subject only to the strength of thehandle54, or the strength of thecontainers20 and the associatedlatch portions28,30. If latch portions are placed on both the top and bottom caps22,26, and/or onbody21, a larger weight can be carried. Different sized containers can also be connected this way.
• Moreover, by connecting[0067]top caps22 of adjacent containers theholder32 can support a plurality of containers in generally the same plane. But by connecting alatch portion28,30 located on atop cap22, to amating latch portion28,30 located on abottom cap26, a three dimensional arrangement of connected containers can be achieved. If thecontainers20 have the same or substantially similar lengths, or lengths that are multiples of each other, the stepped connections can form an inclined assembly of containers.
• Moreover, a stable stack of vertically nested containers can be achieved. By arranging the[0068]containers20 on opposing sides of alinear holder32, afirst handle54 of one set of containers can be nested betweencontainers20 held by asecond handle54 that is vertically aligned with the first handle. Advantageously thehandle54 on thelinear holder32 extends parallel to thelongitudinal axis36, preferably in the middle of theholder32. The tops of the containers connected to the verticallylower handle54 will nest with the bottoms of the containers connected to the verticallyhigher handle54. This allows vertically stacking of nested containers.
• In use, the[0069]cap22 is removed to allow items to be inserted into thecontainer20. If thecap22 is permanently fastened to thebody21, then the contents must be inserted through theslit24, or through aremovable bottom cap26 and open end23b. Preferably, but optionally, the filled container is releasably connected to aholder32 by usingmating latch portions28,30 formed on or connected to thecap22,cap26,body21, or combinations thereof. Preferably, but optionally, the filled container is releasably connected to another container by usingmating latch portions28,30 formed on connected to thecap22,cap26,body21 or combinations thereof on both a first and second container. Additional containers can be joined together in this manner. Theindividual containers20 can be vertically stacked by nesting an outwardly curved, convextop cap22 of one container with an inwardly curved, concave bottom cap of an abutting container. The same nesting can be achieved with groups ofcontainers20 held byholders32 in corresponding positions. Preferably those positions are symmetric about a linear plane (FIGS. 2a-2b), or about a longitudinal axis (FIGS. 3a-3b).
• A user can preferably, but optionally see the contents of a particular container through the[0070]body21 between thecaps22,26. Thelatch portions28,30 can be disengaged, and thecap22 or26 containing theslit24 squeezed to open the slit and dispense the desired amount of the contents. After use, thecontainer20 can be reattached to anothercontainer20 or to aholder32 by re-engaging the mating portions latch28,30 of a container orholder32.
• The end of the[0071]container20 opposite theslit24 is preferably, but optionally closed by a structure secured to thebody21, and further covered by a cap such ascap26. Thecap26 preferably, but optionally has a flat annular surface to form a secure support for thecontainer20 on a flat surface, and to define an boundary for an interlocking, and nesting curved surface.
• The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention, including various ways of connecting the containers and forming the caps on the containers. Further, the various features of this invention can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments but is to be defined by the following claims when read in the broadest reasonable manner to preserve the validity of the claims.[0072]

Claims (38)

What is claimed is:

1. A portable container for fastening to another item during use of the container, comprising:

a tubular body having a first end which is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap;

a first cap having a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed;

a first latch portion connected to the container and forming an opening configured to releasably engage a second, projecting latch portion during use of the container.

2. The container ofclaim 1, further comprising a second, projecting latch portion on the first cap.

3. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the second end is closed.

4. The container ofclaim 3, wherein there is a second cap over the closed end.

5. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the first cap is rotatably engaged with the body adjacent the first end.

6. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the tubular body is sufficiently transparent to see into the container and wherein a portion of the body is visible when the first cap is placed on the container.

7. The container ofclaim 2, further comprising a second container having at least one of a first and second latch portion thereon and engaging one of the first and second latch portions on the first container, the second container having a flexible cap with a slit therein which opens upon squeezing the flexible cap.

8. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the first latch portion is connected to a second, projecting latch portion on a holder.

9. The container ofclaim 2, wherein one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder.

10. The container ofclaim 2, wherein one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder having a handle attached to the holder.

11. A portable container, comprising:

a hollow body having an opening covered by a cap having a flexible surface with a slit therein that opens when the flexible surface is deformed by moving opposing ends of the slit toward each other; and

at least one male and one female releasable latch portion on the container.

12. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the latch portions are on the cap, and the cap is deformed to open the slit.

13. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the container comprises a tube with a closed end and the cap covers an opposing, open end of the tube, with the latch portions integrally molded with the cap.

14. The container ofclaim 13, wherein the cap is convexly curved and the closed end is curved toward an interior of the container.

15. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the container is sufficiently transparent to see inside the container.

16. The container ofclaim 11, further comprising a holder having a third latch portion engaging one of the latch portions on the container and supporting the container.

17. The container ofclaim 16, wherein the holder has a handle.

18. The container ofclaim 16, wherein the holder is linear with a plurality of latch portions on opposing sides of the holder.

19. The container ofclaim 18, further comprising a plurality of containers each having a latch portion thereon and each mating to one of the latch portions on the holder.

20. The container ofclaim 18, wherein there are an even number of latch portions on each side of the holder.

21. The container ofclaim 16, wherein the holder has a plurality of latch portions arranged in a circle.

22. The container ofclaim 21, wherein the holder has a handle is movable between an extended and recessed position.

23. A system for holding containers, comprising:

a first plurality of containers each having an opening covered by a deformable surface with slits therein that form an opening when the ends of the slit are moved toward each other; and

male and female latching portions on each of a second plurality of said containers.

24. The system ofclaim 23, further comprising:

a holder having a plurality of male or female latching portions thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female.

25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the holder has the same number of latching portions on each of two opposing sides of the holder.

26. The system ofclaim 25, wherein there are six latching portions, and a handle connected to the holder.

27. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the latching portions on the holder are male.

28. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the latching portions on the holder are female.

29. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the holder has a plurality of latching portions arranged in a circle.

30. The system ofclaim 29, wherein the holder has a handle.

31. The system ofclaim 29, wherein a plurality of the containers comprise cylindrical tubes with one closed end and a cap on that closed end.

32. The system ofclaim 29, wherein the two caps are spaced apart to expose the body of the container, and the body is sufficiently visible to see into the container.

33. The container ofclaim 1, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

34. The container ofclaim 33, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

35. The container ofclaim 11, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

36. The container ofclaim 35, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

37. The container ofclaim 23, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

38. The container ofclaim 37, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

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