Container system and method of forming container system

Abstract

The invention relates to a container system and a method of forming a container system. The container system includes one or more lenticular lenses on an outer surface of the container system. The disclosed container system provides visual characteristics that may appear to differ for an observer / user when the container system is moved or viewed from different angles. For example, when rotated or tilted relative to the observer, the container system that initially appears to be a first color may appear to be a second color. In another example, the container system appears to have a first design when rotated or tilted relative to an observer. The color and / or design may be provided by an insert that fits between an outer layer of the container system and an inner layer of the container system.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 556,752, filed February 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a container system and a method of forming a container system. Background Art

[0004] In some examples, it may be desirable for a container system to have visual characteristics that can be changed by movement of the container system or movement of the viewpoint. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As described herein, the present invention relates to a container system and method that includes one or more lenticular lenses located on an exterior surface of the container system. The disclosed system can provide a visual effect in which a visual characteristic can change (e.g., from a first color or design to a second color or design) when the container system is moved or viewed from different angles. The color and / or design can be provided by an insert / liner that fits between an exterior layer of the container system (including the lenticular lenses) and an interior layer of the container system.

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0008] Figure 1 Illustrated is a top perspective view of a container system constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, according to an example.

[0009] Figure 2 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a container system.

[0010] Figure 3 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 Side view of the container system.

[0011] Figure 4 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 Top view of the container system.

[0012] Figure 5The diagram shows an example Figure 1 Bottom view of the container system.

[0013] Figure 6 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A top perspective view of the liner of a containment system.

[0014] Figure 7 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A top perspective view of the inner container of the container system.

[0015] Figure 8 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a container system.

[0016] Figure 9 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A top cross-sectional view of a container system.

[0017] Figure 10A The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a container system including a biconvex lens.

[0018] Figure 10B The diagram shows an example Figure 1 Top perspective views of embodiments of a container system including lenticular and non-lenticular features of various shapes.

[0019] Figure 10C The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a container system including a biconvex lens and having a smaller aspect ratio.

[0020] Figure 11A The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of a container system in a first position showing a first visual effect.

[0021] Figure 11B The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of the container system in a second position showing a second visual effect.

[0022] Figure 12A The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of a container system in a first position showing a first visual effect.

[0023] Figure 12B The diagram shows an example Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of the container system in a second position showing a second visual effect.

[0024] Figure 13 The diagram shows an example Figure 1 2 is a view of an embodiment of a container system in which the lid and inner container are removed and the liner is partially removed from the outer container.

[0025] Figure 14 An example method for forming a container system according to an example is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 15 Illustrated is a top perspective view of another example container system constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Exploded top perspective view of a container system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification, and in which specific embodiments or examples are shown by way of illustration. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The examples may be embodied as methods, systems, or devices. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a restrictive manner, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0029] In some examples, a user may desire a container system (e.g., a cup for holding, transporting, and drinking beverages) with a particular design, image, or color. In some examples, a user may desire a container system with visual properties that change when the container system is moved or viewed from different angles. In some examples, such variable visual properties can be achieved by using one or more lenticular lenses as part of the container system.

[0030] Disclosed herein are example embodiments of a container system that includes one or more lenticular lenses located on an outer surface of the container system. The disclosed container system provides visual properties that can appear different to an observer / user when the container system is moved or viewed from different angles. For example, a container system that initially appears to be a first color can appear to be a second color when rotated or tilted relative to the observer. In another example, a container system that appears to have a first design (e.g., a pattern, image, logo, illustration) can appear to have a second design when rotated or tilted relative to the observer. The color and / or design can be provided by an insert / liner that fits between the outer layer of the container system (including the lenticular lenses) and the inner layer of the container system (configured to hold a liquid).

[0031] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 16 These and other examples are explained in more detail.

[0032] In some examples, the container system 10 includes an outer container 12 that defines / includes a closed bottom 56 (located at the bottom end 42 of the outer container) and an open / open top 68 (located at the top end 40 of the outer container). The outer container 12 includes / includes an at least partially (in some examples, completely) transparent wall 16 extending between an outer surface 20 of the outer container 12 and an inner surface 22 of the outer container 12. The outer container 12 defines / includes one or more lenticular lenses 28 on at least the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12.

[0033] In some examples, the container system 10 includes an inner container 14 configured to hold liquids and / or solids (e.g., food and / or beverages) within a defined interior volume 34. The inner container 14 defines an inner surface 26 for holding liquids, an open top 66 (located at the inner container top end 44), a closed bottom end 54 (located at the inner container bottom end 46), and an outer surface 24. The inner container 14 includes / defines an inner container wall 18 extending between the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 24. When the inner container 14 is inserted into the outer container 12, an inter-wall volume 52 is defined between the inner surface 22 of the outer container 12 and the outer surface 24 of the inner container 14. In some examples, the inner container 14 and the outer container 12 are removably connected. In some examples, the inner container 14 and the outer container 12 are permanently connected. In some examples, the inner container 14 and the outer container 12 are connected together by a press fit, a friction fit, a snap fit, threads, other connection types, welds that can be formed or manufactured together, ultrasonic welds, or other connection methods. In some examples, the assembled container system 10 is defined along a vertical axis X.

[0034] In some examples, a liner 30 defining visual properties is inserted into the intermural volume 52. The liner 30 can be flexible or rigid. In some examples, the liner 30 can be non-removable. In some examples, the liner 30 can be removable. The liner 30 can include a pattern or other color arrangement or other design that allows for changes in visual properties when viewed through the lenticular lens 28. When inserted into the intermural volume 52, the liner 30 is captured between the inner surface 22 of the outer container 12 and the outer surface 24 of the inner container 14. Movement of the container system 10 (or movement of an observer relative to the container system 10) creates a visual effect that can be viewed from the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12.

[0035] In some examples, the lenticular lenses 28 form a textured surface on the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12. In some examples, a majority (or all) of the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12 defines the lenticular lenses 28. In some examples, non-lenticular features 32 are present on the outer surface 20 through which all or a portion of the liner can be viewed in an unchanged form. In some examples, the visual characteristics of the liner 30 are defined by color. In some examples, the visual characteristics of the liner 30 are defined by an image, pattern, or other design. In some examples, the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12 includes lenticular lenses 28 oriented in at least two different directions. In some examples, the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12 includes lenticular lenses 28 having a curved configuration. In some examples, the outer container 12 includes a plurality of lenticular lenses 28 oriented parallel to each other. In some examples, the outer surface 20 of the outer container 12 includes a plurality of lenticular lenses 28, with a majority of the lenses 28 extending from a top end 40 of the outer container to a bottom end 42 of the outer container. In some examples, lenses 28a may be interrupted by other lenses 28b in a different orientation.In some examples, lenses 28 may be interrupted by non-lenticular features.

[0036] In some examples, the inner container 14 and / or the outer container 12 can be enclosed by a lid 33. In an example, the lid 33 can also have a lenticular lens 28 located on an outer / top surface 62 of the lid 33. In an example, the lid 33 includes a sealing surface 36 that seals against the inner container 14 and / or the outer container 12. In an example, the inner container 14 and / or the outer container 12 are configured to connect to connection features of the lid 33. In a specific example, an internal connection feature 38 (e.g., a threaded connection) of the lid 33 engages with the inner container 14. In an example, an external connection feature of the lid 33 can engage with the outer container 12. In some examples, a sealing member 60 (e.g., a gasket) provides a liquid seal against the inner container 14 and / or the outer container 12. In some examples, the lid 33 includes a lid opening 48 through which liquid can be consumed or through which a straw 50 can be inserted.

[0037] In the particular example shown, the container system 10a can include a single type of lenticular lenses 28 (e.g., extending parallel vertically, circumferentially, diagonally, or in another arrangement or consistent pattern). Figure 10A In the particular example shown, the container system 10b can include several types of biconvex lenses 28a and 28b (e.g., lenses 28a extending perpendicularly to each other and lenses 28b arranged in a curved shape). The example container system 10b also includes non-biconvex features 32 (the non-biconvex features interrupt one or more lenses 28a, 28b, and the liner can be seen through the non-biconvex features). See Figure 10BIn the particular example shown, the container system 10c can include at least one biconvex lens 28 and can have alternative aspect ratios. Figure 10C .

[0038] In the particular example shown, the container system 10d can include a single type of lenticular lens 28, and when oriented in (or viewed from) a first position, the container system 10d can display a first visual effect (color / design). Figure 11A In the particular example shown, the container system 10d can display a second visual effect (color / design) when oriented in (or viewed from) the second position. Figure 11B In the presence of non-lenticular features 32, the view of the liner may not change between the first position and the second position.

[0039] In the particular example shown, the container system 10e can include several types of lenticular lenses 28a and 28b, and when oriented in a first position (or viewed from a first position), the container system 10e can display a first visual effect (color / design). The first visual effect can be different between the lenticular lenses 28a and 28b. Figure 12A In the particular example shown, the container system 10e can display a second visual effect (color / design) when oriented in the second position (or viewed from the second position). The second visual effect can be different between the lenticular lenses 28a and 28b. Figure 12B .

[0040] In certain examples, the container system 10f can be configured such that the inner container 14 can be removed from the outer container 12 (e.g., by a user or during the manufacturing process). The example container system 10f can be configured such that the liner 30 can be removed from the outer container 12 (e.g., by a user or during the manufacturing process). Figure 13 .

[0041] Figure 14 An example method 140 for forming a container system 10 as described herein is shown. At operation 142, a liner defining (in some examples, removable) visual properties is positioned between an inner surface of an outer container and an outer surface of an inner container, wherein the inner surface defines a closed bottom and an open top. The outer container defines an at least partially transparent wall extending between the outer surface of the outer container and the inner surface of the outer container. The outer container defines a lenticular lens on at least the outer surface of the outer container. The inner container is configured to hold a liquid and defines an inner surface for holding the liquid. Insertion of the inner container within the outer container captures the liner between the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container.

[0042] In an example, the inner container is friction fit with the outer container to form the container system 10. In an example, the inner container is ultrasonically welded to the outer container to form the container system 10. In an example, the inner container and / or the outer container can be closed by a lid.

[0043] In some examples, at operation 144 , the movement of the container system 10 (and / or the movement of the observer relative to the container system 10 ) creates a visual effect that is visible from the exterior surface of the exterior container.

[0044] In an example, the lenticular lenses create a textured surface on the outer surface of the outer container. In an example, a majority of the outer surface of the outer container defines the lenticular lenses. In an example, the visual characteristics of the lining are defined by a color. In an example, the visual characteristics of the lining are defined by an image, design, or illustration. In an example, the outer surface of the outer container includes lenticular lenses oriented in at least two different directions. In an example, the outer surface of the outer container includes lenticular lenses having a curved configuration. In an example, the outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of lenticular lenses oriented parallel to each other. In an example, the outer surface of the outer container includes a non-lenticular feature that interrupts the lenticular lenses in at least one location. In an example, the outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of lenticular lenses, and a majority of the lenses extend from a top end portion of the outer container to a bottom end portion of the outer container.

[0045] In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the materials of construction of the container system 10 and its components described herein include materials that are compatible with the environment, beverages, and cleaning and disinfecting products. For example, the components of the container system 10 may include plastic or other polymers, glass, ceramic, metal, other materials, and / or combinations of materials.

[0046] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Another example container system 10g is shown that includes another example lenticular lens 28c. In some examples, the entire or substantially the entire outer surface of the container system 10g includes lenticular lenses 28c. In some examples, the lenticular lenses 28c are dome-shaped. In some examples, the lenticular lenses 28c are spherical or partially spherical. In some examples, the lenticular lenses 28c are arranged in alternating rows. In some examples, the first row of lenticular lenses 28c forms a circumferential ring around the container system 10g. In some examples, a pattern is formed by the second row of lenticular lenses 28c, wherein one lenticular lens in the second row is located in the space defined by two adjacent lenticular lenses in the first row. In some examples, the pattern formed by the first and second rows repeats along the length of the container system 10g. In some examples, the lid 33 includes the same lenticular lenses 28c. In some examples, the top surface 62 has the same pattern of rows as the outer container 12, wherein the rows form a ring around the lid opening 48.

[0047] For purposes of this application, for clarity, terms such as "upper," "lower," "upwardly," and "downwardly" are intended to refer to and be described with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, but examples practiced and included within the scope of the claims may include examples of systems and devices in different orientations.

[0048] Although the specific use of the technology has been described and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used in various environments according to many examples of the technology. The above discussion does not mean that the disclosed technology is only applicable to the implementation scheme in the environment shown and described above.

[0049] This disclosure describes certain aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein only some possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0050] It should be understood that the various aspects described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the technology to the specific aspects described. Therefore, additional configurations may be used to practice the technology herein and / or some aspects described may be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0051] Similarly, when operations of a process are disclosed, these operations are described to illustrate the present technology and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular sequence of operations. For example, the operations may be performed in a different order, two or more operations may be performed simultaneously, other operations may be performed, and the disclosed operations may be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Furthermore, each operation may be accomplished by one or more sub-operations. The disclosed process may be repeated.

[0052] Although specific aspects are described herein, the scope of the present technology is not limited to these specific aspects. Those skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, specific structures, actions, or operations are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the present technology is defined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A container system comprising: an outer container defining a closed bottom and an open top, the outer container defining an at least partially transparent wall extending between an outer surface of the outer container and an inner surface of the outer container, the outer container defining a lenticular lens on at least the outer surface of the outer container; a lining defining visual properties; and An inner container for holding a liquid, the inner container being closable by a lid, wherein the inner container defines an inner surface for holding the liquid and an outer surface, wherein insertion of the inner container within the outer container captures the liner between the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container, wherein movement of the container system creates a visual effect observable from the outer surface of the outer container.

2. The container system according to claim 1, wherein: The lenticular lenses create a textured surface on the outer surface of the outer container.

3. The container system according to claim 1, wherein: A majority of the outer surface of the outer container defines a lenticular lens.

4. The container system according to claim 1, wherein: The visual characteristic of the lining is defined by color.

5. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The visual characteristics of the lining are defined by an image.

6. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The inner container is friction-fitted with the outer container to form the container system.

7. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the outer container includes lenticular lenses oriented in at least two different directions.

8. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of lenticular lenses having a curved configuration.

9. The container system according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of lenticular lenses are dome-shaped.

10. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of lenticular lenses oriented parallel to each other.

11. The container system of claim 1 , wherein: The outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of biconvex lenses, wherein most of the lenses extend from a top end portion of the outer container to a bottom end portion of the outer container.

12. The container system of claim 1, wherein: The liner is removable.

13. A method of forming a container system, the method comprising: A liner defining a visual property is positioned between an inner surface of the outer container and an outer surface of the inner container, wherein the inner surface defines a closed bottom and an open top, wherein: the outer container defining an at least partially transparent wall extending between an outer surface of the outer container and the inner surface of the outer container, said outer container defining a lenticular lens on at least said outer surface of said outer container, The inner container is configured to contain a liquid, The inner container defines an inner surface for containing a liquid, and Insertion of the inner container within the outer container captures the liner between the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The movement of the container system creates a visual effect observable from the outer surface of the outer container.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein The lenticular lenses create a textured surface on the outer surface of the outer container.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: A majority of the outer surface of the outer container defines a lenticular lens.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The visual characteristic of the lining is defined by color.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein The visual characteristics of the lining are defined by an image.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein The inner container is friction-fitted with the outer container to form the container system.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein The outer surface of the outer container includes lenticular lenses oriented in at least two different directions.

21. The method according to claim 13, wherein The outer surface of the outer container includes a lenticular lens having a curved configuration.

22. The method according to claim 13, wherein The outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of lenticular lenses oriented parallel to each other.

23. The method according to claim 13, wherein The outer surface of the outer container includes a plurality of biconvex lenses, wherein most of the lenses extend from a top end portion of the outer container to a bottom end portion of the outer container.

24. The method according to claim 13, wherein The inner container can be closed by a lid.

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