Apparatus for a size adjustable container

Abstract

An apparatus allowing for the adjustment of the size and volumetric content of a container is presented. The container is constructed such that numerous component sections, in which foodstuff or the like can be stored, can be added or removed one to / from the other, respectively, as is desired. Each of the component sections has an annular threaded portion that is sized so as to allow the top or bottom of another like component section to be screw fitted onto the first. In this manner then, component sections can be screw fitted one on top of another thereby allowing for adjustment of the overall size and volumetric content of the container. One component section acts as a base, having a solid bottom, while another component acts as the top onto which a cap / lid can be screw fitted. Each component section can additionally be individually sealed by the addition of a solid bottom and / or of a foil or plastic cover to seal over the section's openings.

Description

PRIOR PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 921,773 filed Apr. 4, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for a size-adjustable container, and more particularly, to the construction of a container that is easily adjustable by size via one or more component pieces without removal of the contents.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Through-out the history of the food service industry, restaurant owners and other purveyors of foodstuffs have always been confronted with the problem of having adequate storage space for their consumables, especially in environments such as crowded cities where such space is at a premium. The problem becomes especially problematic when such limited storage space is filled by containers which are less than full. Many owners surreptitiously solve the problem by having their ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Accordingly, the present invention provides a size adjustable container that allows for a user to increase or decrease container volumetric capacity by the addition or removal of component sections of the container.

[0017]Accordingly, the present invention offers several objects and advantages in that it: allows the contents at the bottom of a container to be more easily accessible; acts as a space saver when contents are depleted; and allows for an increase in size when needed when adding contents to the container. In this manner then, one container now serves / acts as several different size containers by simply removing or adding sections.

Problems solved by technology

Through-out the history of the food service industry, restaurant owners and other purveyors of foodstuffs have always been confronted with the problem of having adequate storage space for their consumables, especially in environments such as crowded cities where such space is at a premium.

The problem becomes especially problematic when such limited storage space is filled by containers which are less than full.

This, however, is obviously less than an optimum solution and is potentially seriously problematic.

In result this can cause havoc with the available menu, a situation many owners find untenable and / or unacceptable.

These typical flexible containers, however, have several problems.

In addition, once the dispensers have ruptured the cover of the opening, there is really no effective seal formed between the dispenser and the container.

In addition, it is clear that in both instances the solutions are generally only utilizable for small quantities and are not easily manageable for large quantities of foodstuffs or goods, both in terms of use and storage.

Alternatively, in instances where more rigid containers are used that do allow for stacking, they do not allow for adjustment of capacity within the container.

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