Container with feedback

Abstract

A container with feedback is provided. The container may include a cap including a first feedback feature and a housing including a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature. The first and second feedback features may provide feedback when engaged. The cap may also include a first set of indicia and the housing may include a second set of indicia.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 323,008, filed March 23, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to containers, and more particularly, to containers configured to provide feedback. [Background technology]

[0003] Nutritional supplements and / or medicines are taken on a daily basis by a variety of users. Children, in particular, can have difficulty remembering to take their daily nutritional supplements and / or medicines and may forget to do so. Conventional containers are easily forgotten by users, such as children, and are typically used simply to store items such as nutritional supplements and / or medicines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include the following.

[0005] A container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cap having a first feedback feature and a housing having a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature, the first feedback feature and the second feedback feature providing feedback when engaged.

[0006] In any of the aspects of the invention, the cap comprises a first body having a first cavity, the first cavity having an inner surface defining a first perimeter, and the first feedback feature comprises at least one recess in the inner surface.

[0007] In any of the aspects of the invention, the housing comprises a second body having a second cavity, the second body having an outer surface defining a second perimeter, and the second feedback feature comprises at least one protrusion provided on the outer surface, the at least one protrusion being capable of being received by the at least one recess.

[0008] In any of the aspects of the invention, the at least one recess comprises a plurality of recesses disposed along the first perimeter.

[0009] In any of the embodiments of the invention, the plurality of recesses comprises at least seven recesses.

[0010] In any of the embodiments of the invention, the first body and the second body are each cylindrical.

[0011] In any of the aspects of the invention, each of the at least one recess comprises a corrugation having peaks and valleys, with the at least one peak being received within the peak.

[0012] In any of the aspects of the invention, the first feedback function further comprises a recessed ring, with each corrugation being connected to an adjacent corrugation via the recessed ring.

[0013] In any of the embodiments of the present invention, each of the at least one recess comprises a circular recess.

[0014] In any of the aspects of the invention, the cap and housing are configured to receive a force that moves the protrusion from a first one of the at least one recesses to an adjacent one.

[0015] In any of the aspects of the invention, the feedback includes at least one of tactile feedback or audible feedback.

[0016] In any of the aspects of the invention, the feedback includes tactile feedback and audible feedback.

[0017] In any of the aspects of the invention, the cap has an outer surface and a first set of markers on the outer surface, the first set of markers aligning with at least one recess, and the housing has an outer surface and a second set of markers on the outer surface, the second markers aligning with the second feedback feature.

[0018] A container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cap having a first feedback feature, the cap comprising a first body having an inner surface and a first perimeter, the first feedback feature comprising a plurality of circular recesses disposed on the inner surface along the first perimeter, and a housing comprising a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature, the housing comprising a second body having an outer surface and a second perimeter, the second feedback feature comprising a protrusion disposed on the outer surface along the second perimeter, the first feedback feature and the second feedback feature providing feedback when the protrusion engages one of the plurality of circular recesses.

[0019] In any of the aspects of the invention, the cap and housing are configured to receive a rotational force that moves the protrusion from a first circular recess to an adjacent circular recess.

[0020] In any of the embodiments of the invention, the plurality of circular recesses comprises seven circular recesses.

[0021] In any of the aspects of the invention, the cap comprises a cap protrusion and the housing comprises a lip configured to receive the cap protrusion, and the cap and housing are secured to one another when the cap protrusion is received by the lip.

[0022] A method of tracking according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: storing one or more contents in a container comprising a cap and a housing, the cap comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first feedback feature disposed on the inner surface, and a first set of markers on the outer surface, the first feedback feature comprising at least one recess, each of the at least one recess aligned with a respective marker of the first set of markers; the housing comprising a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature and a second marker, the second feedback feature configured to engage with the second feedback feature and a second marker; The cap feature includes a protrusion configured to engage one of the at least one recesses, the protrusion aligning with a second marker, the second marker aligning with one of the first set of markers; and subjecting the cap to a force that rotates the cap relative to the housing, the rotation of the cap moving the protrusion from engagement with one of the at least one recesses into engagement with an adjacent one of the at least one recesses and moving the second marker from alignment with the one of the first set of markers to the adjacent marker of the first set of markers.

[0023] In any of the embodiments of the invention, engagement of a protrusion of at least one recess with an adjacent recess provides feedback.

[0024] In any of the aspects of the invention, the feedback includes at least one of tactile feedback or audible feedback.

[0025] Any aspect in combination with any one or more other aspects.

[0026] Any one or more of the features disclosed herein.

[0027] Any one or more of the features substantially as disclosed herein.

[0028] Any one or more of the features substantially as disclosed herein in combination with any one or more other features substantially as disclosed herein.

[0029] Any one of the aspects / features / embodiments in combination with any one or more other aspects / features / embodiments.

[0030] Use of any one or more of the aspects or features disclosed herein.

[0031] It should be understood that any feature described in this specification may be claimed in combination with any other feature described in this specification, regardless of whether the features are from the same described embodiment.

[0032] The details of one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, content, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0033] The expressions "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that function both conjunctively and disjunctively. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" means A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A, B, and C. When each of the above expressions A, B, and C refers to elements such as X, Y, and Z, or classes of elements such as X1-Xn, Y1-Ym, and Z1-Zo, the phrases are intended to refer to single elements selected from X, Y, and Z, combinations of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2), and combinations of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Zo).

[0034] The word "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the words "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. Also, it should be noted that the words "comprising," "including," and "having" may be used interchangeably.

[0035] The above is a simplified summary of the present disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive or exhaustive summary of the present disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is not intended to identify key or essential elements of the present disclosure or to define the scope of the present disclosure, but to present selected concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below. As will be understood, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present disclosure are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above and described in detail below.

[0036] Numerous additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the description of the embodiments provided below.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification to illustrate several examples of the present invention. The drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings merely illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the present disclosure can be made and used, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to only the examples shown and described. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of various aspects, embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the drawings to which reference is now made. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cap and housing separated in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are a top view and a side cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 3A along line BB, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are a top view and a side cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 4A along CC in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] Figure 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 1 along AA according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the container of detail A of Figure 5A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5C is a side cross-sectional view of the container of detail B of Figure 5A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cap and housing separated in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are top and side cross-sectional views of a cap in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively, along EE and EE, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are a top view and a side cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 9A along line FF, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10A is a side cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 6 along DD according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10B is a side cross-sectional view of the container of detail C of Figure 10A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cap and housing separated in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Fig. 13A is a side cross-sectional view of the container of Fig. 11 along line GG according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13B is a side cross-sectional view of the container of detail D of Fig. 13A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are front and rear views of the container of FIG. 11, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than those specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example or embodiment, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different order and / or added, combined, or entirely omitted (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary to implement the disclosed techniques according to different embodiments of the present disclosure). In addition, while certain aspects of the present disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit for simplicity, it should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a computing device and / or a medical device.

[0040] Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the terms and phrases used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Furthermore, the present disclosure may use examples to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. Unless expressly stated, the use or enumeration of one or more examples (which may be expressed by "for example", "for example", "eg", "such as" or similar language) is not intended to limit, and does not limit, the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Turning first to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a container 100 is shown. The container 100 is configured to provide feedback when the cap 102 of the container 100 is moved relative to the housing 104 of the container 100. In particular, the feedback is provided when the cap 102 receives a force that moves the cap 102 vertically and rotationally relative to the housing 104. The feedback may be, for example, tactile, audible, and / or visual feedback. Such feedback may be useful, for example, to provide feedback to a user, such as a child, to assist the child in remembering to return to the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 (when the cap 102 and housing 104 are coupled) is cylindrical, and both the first end 106 and the second end 108 of the container 100 are closed. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the container 100 may be any shape and / or size. For example, the container 100 may be spherical, rectangular, or elliptical.

[0042] Turning to FIG. 2, the container 100 is shown with the cap 102 and housing 104 separated. The cap 102 and housing 104 may be formed from any material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, steel, aluminum, any resilient material, any flexible material, etc. In some embodiments, the cap 102 and housing 104 are formed from the same material. In other embodiments, the cap 102 and housing 104 are formed from different materials. The cap 102 includes a first feedback feature 110 and the housing 104 includes a second feedback feature 112 configured to engage with the first feedback feature 110. Feedback is provided when the first feedback feature 110 and the second feedback feature 112 are engaged. It will be appreciated that the cap 102 and / or housing 104 may include additional feedback features. Additionally, the cap 102 and / or housing 104 may provide more than one type of feedback. For example, the first feedback feature 110 and the second feedback feature 112 may provide tactile and / or audible feedback. In the same example, the cap 102 and / or the housing 104 may include a third feedback feature configured to provide visual feedback (e.g., a changing indicia, a marker on the cap 102 that rotates relative to the housing 104, etc.).

[0043] 3A-3B, a top view of the cap 102 and a side cross-sectional side view of the cap 102 taken along line BB in FIG. 3A are shown, respectively. The cap 102 comprises a first body 114 having a first cavity 116. While the first body 114 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that the first body 114 may be any shape. The first cavity 116 includes an inner surface 118 and a first periphery. The first cavity 116 also has a first portion 120 having a first diameter 122 and a second portion 124 having a second diameter 126. The first diameter 122 is smaller than the second diameter 126. The first portion 120 (in combination with the housing 104) forms a volume for containing and / or housing an item. The second portion 124 is sized to receive the receiver portion 140 of the housing 104.

[0044] The first feedback feature 110 comprises at least one recess 128 disposed in the inner surface 118 and the second portion 124. More specifically, the at least one recess 128 may comprise a plurality of recesses 128 disposed along the first circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one recess 128 comprises seven recesses. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the at least one recess 128 comprises more or less than seven recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the seven recesses are equidistantly spaced around the first circumference. In other embodiments, the seven recesses (or any number of recesses) may not be equidistantly spaced around the first circumference and may be spaced anywhere on the cap 102. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each recess of the at least one recess 128 comprises a corrugation 130 having an apex 132, and the first feedback feature 110 further comprises a recess ring 134 having a third diameter 136. The third diameter 136 is larger than the second diameter 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 102 includes seven corrugations, each corrugation connected to an adjacent corrugation via a recessed ring 134. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cap 102 may include fewer or more than seven corrugations. As described in more detail below, at least one recess 128 (e.g., a corrugation) is configured to receive a protrusion 142 of the housing 104, and the movement of the protrusion 142 from a first recess (e.g., a first corrugation) to an adjacent recess (e.g., an adjacent corrugation) provides feedback to the user. In an embodiment in which the at least one recess 128 comprises seven recesses, the seven recesses may relate to the seven days of a week.

[0045] The cap 102 may also include at least one cap ridge 138 disposed on the inner surface 118 (visible in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A-5C) and configured to be received by a groove 144 (visible in FIG. 2, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5A-5C) of the housing 104. The cap 102 may be secured to the housing 104 when the at least one cap ridge 138 is received in the groove 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one cap ridge 138 includes three cap ridges, however, in other embodiments, the at least one cap ridge 138 may include more or less than three cap ridges. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cap 102 and housing 104 may be secured to one another using other forms of fastening. For example, as described in more detail below in connection with the container 200, the cap 102 and housing 104 may be secured to one another using a gasket and a press fit. In other examples, the cap 102 and housing 104 may be secured to one another using a press fit, a snap fit, or the like.

[0046] 4A-4B, a top view of the housing 104 and a side cross-sectional side view of the housing 104 taken along line CC in FIG. 4A are shown, respectively. The housing 104 comprises a second body 146 having a second cavity 148. While the second body 146 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that the second body 146 may be any shape. The second cavity 148 defines a fourth diameter 150 that is substantially equal to the first diameter 122. In other examples, the fourth diameter 150 may be smaller or larger than the first diameter 122. The second cavity 148 and the first cavity 116 are configured to house and / or contain items such as, for example, nutritional supplements, medicines, and the like.

[0047] The second body 146 includes a receiver portion 140 configured to be received by the second portion 124 of the cap 102. The second body 146 also includes an outer surface 152 defining a second perimeter, and at least one protrusion 142 (also visible in FIGS. 2, 5A, and 5B) disposed on the outer surface 152. The at least one protrusion 142 is also disposed on the receiver portion 140. As previously described, the at least one protrusion 142 can be received by the at least one recess 128. The receiver portion 140 also includes a groove 144 configured to receive the at least one cap protrusion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 146 includes a central protrusion 154 and a raised portion 156 at a bottom 158 of the second body 146. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second body 146 may not include the central protrusion 154 and / or the raised portion 156, the second body 146 may have a flat surface at the bottom 158, or may have a surface of any shape.

[0048] 5A-5C, there is shown a side cross-sectional side view of container 100, detail A of the side cross-sectional side view of container 100, and detail B of the side cross-sectional side view of container 100, respectively, taken from line AA shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, FIG. 5B shows at least one protrusion 142 received by at least one recess 128, and FIG. 5C shows at least one cap protrusion 138 received by a groove 144 of housing 104.

[0049] The cap 102 and the housing 104 are configured to receive a force that moves the at least one peak 142 from a first one of the at least one recesses 128 to an adjacent one. More specifically, in an embodiment in which the at least one recess 128 comprises a corrugation 130, the at least one peak 142 is received by the crest 132 of the corrugation 130. To move the at least one peak 142 from the crest 132 of the first corrugation 130 to the crest 132 of the second adjacent corrugation 130, the cap 102 is moved vertically away from the housing 104 along an axis 160 (which may be a central axis, for example) until the at least one peak 142 is at least located at or past the recess ring 134. The cap 102 is then rotated about the axis 160 and moved vertically toward the housing 104 along the axis 160 until the at least one peak 142 is aligned with any portion of the second adjacent corrugation 130. The at least one ridge 142 follows or is guided by the contour of the second adjacent corrugation 130 until the at least one ridge 142 is located within the crest 132 of the second adjacent corrugation 130. Such movement of the cap 102 and housing 104 provides feedback to a user, such as a child. The feedback may help the child remember to return to the container 100 for their nutritional supplements and / or medicines daily or as needed. Additionally, in embodiments where the at least one recess 128 comprises seven corrugations 130, each corrugation 130 may be associated with a day of the week. In some embodiments, visual feedback, such as a day of the week, may be displayed near each corrugation 130, and an arrow, indicator, or marker may be displayed on the at least one ridge 142 such that each rotation of the cap 102 relative to the housing 104 moves the indicator to another day.

[0050] Turning to FIG. 6, an isometric view of a container 200 according to at least one embodiment is shown. The container 200 is generally similar to the container 100 described above. The container 200 is configured to provide feedback when the cap 202 of the container 200 is rotated relative to the housing 204 of the container 200. In particular, the feedback is provided when the cap 202 receives a force that causes the cap 202 to move rotationally relative to the housing 204. The feedback may be, for example, tactile, audible, and / or visual feedback. As previously described, such feedback may be useful, for example, to provide feedback to a user, such as a child, to assist the child in remembering to return to the container 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 200 (when the cap 202 and housing 204 are coupled) is cylindrical, and both the first end 206 and the second end 208 of the container 200 are closed. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the container 200 may be any shape and / or size. For example, the container 200 may be spherical, rectangular, or elliptical.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 7 , the container 200 is shown with the cap 202 and housing 204 separated. The cap 202 and housing 204 may be formed from any material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, steel, aluminum, any resilient material, any flexible material, etc. In some embodiments, the cap 202 and housing 204 are formed from the same material. In other embodiments, the cap 202 and housing 204 are formed from different materials. The cap 202 includes a first feedback feature 210 and the housing 204 includes a second feedback feature 212 configured to engage with the first feedback feature 210. Feedback is provided when the first feedback feature 210 and the second feedback feature 212 are engaged. It will be appreciated that the cap 202 and / or housing 204 may include additional feedback features. Additionally, the cap 202 and / or housing 204 may provide more than one type of feedback. For example, the first feedback feature 210 and the second feedback feature 212 may provide tactile and / or audible feedback. In the same example, the cap 202 and / or the housing 204 may include a third feedback feature configured to provide visual feedback (e.g., a changing indicia, a marker on the cap 202 that rotates relative to the housing 204, etc.).

[0052] 8A-8B, a top view of the cap 202 and a side cross-sectional side view of the cap 202 taken along line EE of FIG. 8A are shown, respectively. The cap 202 comprises a first body 214 having a first cavity 216. While the first body 214 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that the first body 214 may be any shape. The first cavity 216 includes an inner surface 218 and a first perimeter. The first cavity 216 also has a first portion 220 having a first diameter 222 and a second portion 224 having a second diameter 226. The first diameter 222 is smaller than the second diameter 226. The first portion 220 (in combination with the housing 204) forms a volume for containing and / or housing an item. The second portion 224 is sized to receive the receiver portion 240 of the housing 204.

[0053] The first feedback feature 210 comprises at least one recess 228 disposed in the inner surface 218 and the second portion 224. More specifically, the at least one recess 228 may comprise a plurality of recesses 228 disposed along the first circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one recess 228 comprises seven recesses. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the at least one recess 228 comprises more or less than seven recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the seven recesses are equidistantly spaced around the first circumference. In other embodiments, the seven recesses (or any number of recesses) may not be equidistantly spaced around the first circumference and may be spaced anywhere on the cap 202. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each recess of the at least one recess 228 comprises a circular recess 230. In other embodiments, each recess may comprise a recess of any size or shape, such as an oval, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. It will be appreciated that each recess may be of a different size and / or shape than the other recesses of the at least one recess 228.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 202 includes seven circular recesses 230. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cap 202 may include fewer or more than seven circular recesses 230. As described in more detail below, at least one recess 228 (e.g., circular recess 230) is configured to receive a protrusion 242 of the housing 204, and movement of the protrusion 242 from a first recess (e.g., first circular recess 230) to an adjacent recess (e.g., adjacent circular recess 230) provides feedback to the user. In an embodiment in which the at least one recess 228 comprises seven recesses, the seven recesses may relate to the seven days of a week.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the cap 202 may include a rim 232 having a countersunk or conical hole 234 at the opening 236 of the first cavity 216. The rim 232 may be configured to seat against, for example, a gasket or O-ring 238 (visible in FIG. 10B ) to form a seal between the housing 204 and the cap 202. In some embodiments, the cap 202 and housing 204 may be secured together with a press fit (and the gasket or O-ring 238 may form a seal between the housing 204 and the cap 202). It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cap 202 and housing 204 may be secured together using other forms of fastening. For example, the cap 202 may include at least one cap protrusion (as described with respect to the container 100) disposed on the inner surface 218 and configured to be received by a groove in the housing 204. The cap 202 may be secured to the housing 204 when at least one cap protrusion is received by the groove.

[0056] 9A-9B, a top view of the housing 204 and a side cross-sectional side view of the housing 204 taken along line FF in FIG. 9A are shown, respectively. The housing 204 comprises a second body 246 having a second cavity 248. While the second body 246 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that the second body 246 may be any shape. The second cavity 248 defines a third diameter 250 that is substantially equal to the first diameter 222. In other examples, the third diameter 250 may be smaller or larger than the first diameter 222. The second cavity 248 and the first cavity 216 are configured to house and / or contain items such as, for example, nutritional supplements, medicines, and the like.

[0057] The second body 246 includes a receiver portion 240 configured to be received by the second portion 224 of the cap 202. The second body 246 also includes an outer surface 252 defining a second perimeter, and at least one protrusion 242 (also visible in FIGS. 2, 5A, and 5B) provided on the outer surface 252. The at least one protrusion 242 is also provided on the receiver portion 240. As previously described, the at least one protrusion 242 can be received by the at least one recess 228. The receiver portion 240 also includes a groove 262 configured to receive the gasket or O-ring 238. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 246 includes a raised portion 256 at a bottom 258 of the second body 246. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second body 246 may not include the raised portion 256, the second body 246 may have a flat surface at the bottom 258, or may have a surface of any shape. In still other embodiments, the second body 246 may include convex and / or raised portion 256.

[0058] 10A-10B, which respectively show a side cross-sectional side view of container 200 taken from line DD shown in FIG 6, and detail C of the side cross-sectional side view of container 200. More specifically, FIG 10B shows at least one recess 228 and lip 232 positioned against a gasket or O-ring 238.

[0059] The cap 202 and the housing 204 are configured to receive a force that moves the at least one protrusion 242 from a first one of the at least one recesses 228 to an adjacent one. More specifically, in an embodiment in which the at least one recess 228 comprises a circular recess 230 (or a recess of any shape), the at least one protrusion 242 is received by the circular recess 230. To move the at least one protrusion 242 from the first circular recess 230 to the second adjacent circular recess 230, the cap 202 is rotated about the axis 260 until the at least one protrusion 242 is received in the second adjacent circular recess 230. A user rotating the cap 202 may receive tactile feedback when the at least one protrusion 242 is received in the second adjacent circular recess 230. For example, the user may feel resistance when rotating the cap 202 between the circular recesses 230 and may feel no resistance when at least one protrusion 242 is received in a second adjacent circular recess 230. In some examples, the user may receive audible feedback when at least one protrusion 242 is received in a second adjacent circular recess 230. For example, a "click" may be heard when at least one protrusion 242 is received in a second adjacent circular recess 230. As previously described, such movement of the cap 202 and housing 204 provides feedback to a user, such as a child. This feedback may help a child remember to return to the container 200 for their nutritional supplements and / or medicines each day or as needed. Additionally, in an embodiment in which the at least one recess 228 comprises seven circular recesses 230, each circular recess 230 may be associated with a day of the week. In some embodiments, visual feedback, such as, for example, the day of the week, may be displayed near each circular recess 230, and an arrow, indicator, or marker may be displayed on at least one protrusion 242 such that each time the cap 202 is rotated relative to the housing 204, the indicator is moved to a different day.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 11, an isometric view of container 300 is shown. Container 300 is similar to containers 100, 200 described above, except that container 300 does not include a first or second feedback feature. In the illustrated embodiment, container 300 (when cap 302 and housing 304 are coupled) is cylindrical, and both first end 306 and second end 308 of container 300 are closed. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, container 300 may be any shape and / or size. For example, container 300 may be spherical, rectangular, or elliptical.

[0061] 12, the container 300 is shown with the cap 302 and the housing 304 separated. The cap 302 and the housing 304 may be formed from any material, including but not limited to plastic, metal, steel, aluminum, any resilient material, any flexible material, etc. In some embodiments, the cap 302 and the housing 304 are formed from the same material. In other embodiments, the cap 302 and the housing 304 are formed from different materials.

[0062] The cap 302 comprises a first body 314 having a first cavity 316. While the first body 314 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that the first body 314 may be any shape. The first cavity 316 (in combination with the housing 304) forms a volume for containing and / or housing an item.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the cap 302 may include a lip 332 at the opening 336 of the first cavity 316. The lip 332 may be configured to seat against, for example, a lip 362 of the housing 304. In some embodiments, an O-ring, gasket, or the like may be disposed on the lip 362 to form a seal between the housing 304 and the cap 302. In some embodiments, the cap 302 and housing 304 may be secured together with a press fit (and a gasket, O-ring, or the like may form a seal between the housing 304 and the cap 302). It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cap 302 and housing 304 may be secured together using other forms of fastening. For example, the cap 302 may include at least one cap protrusion (as described with respect to the container 100) disposed on an inner surface of the cap 302 and configured to be received by a groove in the housing 304. The cap 302 may be secured to the housing 304 when at least one cap protrusion is received by the groove. In another example, the lip 332 may rest against a gasket or O-ring (as described with respect to the container 200) that is received by a groove in the housing 304.

[0064] The housing 304 includes a second body 346 having a second cavity 348. The second body 346 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, although it will be appreciated that the second body 346 may be any shape. The second cavity 348 and the first cavity 316 are configured to house and / or contain an item, such as, for example, a nutritional supplement, a medicine, or the like. The second body 346 includes a receiver portion 340 configured to be received by the first cavity 316 of the cap 302.

[0065] 13A-13B, there is shown a side cross-sectional side view of the container 300 taken from line GG shown in FIG. 1, and detail D of the side cross-sectional side view of the container 300, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 346 includes a flat surface 356 at a bottom 358 of the second body 346. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second body 346 may include a convex portion, a raised portion, or have a surface of any shape. FIG. 13B particularly shows the edge 332 that sits against the lip 362 of the housing 304, thereby closing the container 300.

[0066] 14A-14B, front and rear elevation views, respectively, of the container 300 are shown. The container 300 may include a first set of indicia 310a disposed on an outer surface 350 of the cap 302 and a second set of indicia 310b disposed on an outer surface 352 of the housing 304. The second indicia 310b may be aligned with one of the first set of indicia 310a. The first set of indicia 310a and / or the second indicia 310b may be, for example, laser engraved, printed, painted, or machined into the outer surfaces 352, 350. In some embodiments, the first set of indicia 310a and / or the second indicia 310b may be raised from or etched into the outer surfaces 352, 350. In other embodiments, the first set of markers 310a and / or the second set of markers 310b may simply be provided on the outer surface 352, 350 (e.g., the first set of markers 310a and / or the second set of markers 310b may be smooth).

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of markers 310a comprises seven markers related to the days of the week (e.g., "M" for Monday, "T" for Tuesday, "W" (not visible) for Wednesday, "T" (not visible) for Thursday, "F" for Friday, "S" for Saturday, and "S" for Sunday), and the second marker 310b comprises a circle. It will be appreciated that the first set of markers 310a may correspond to any metric, such as, for example, months, hours, days, weeks, years, etc. Similarly, the second marker 310b may comprise any shape, numbering, or letter. As previously described, the second marker 310b may be aligned with one of the markers 310a of the first set. Such alignment may be used to track the first marker of the set of first markers 310a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second marker 310b is aligned with "M." This may mean, for example, that the user has not yet used Monday's contents of the container 300. Once the user has used the contents of the container 300, the user may then rotate the cap 302 so that the second indicium 310b is aligned with, for example, a "T."

[0068] It will be appreciated that any of the containers 100, 200, 300 may include a set of first indicia 310a and / or a set of second indicia 310b. In embodiments in which feedback is provided, such as the containers 100, 200, the set of first indicia 310a may be aligned with at least one recess 128, 228 and the second indicia 310b may be aligned with a protrusion 142, 242. For example, in an embodiment in which the at least one recess 128, 228 is comprised of seven recesses and the set of first indicia 310a includes seven letters corresponding to the days of the week, each of the seven recesses may be associated with a corresponding letter. Thus, when the cap 102, 202 and / or the housing 104, 204 is rotated, the second indicia 310b is moved from one of the seven letters to the adjacent letter and the protrusion 142, 242 is moved from one of the seven recesses to the adjacent recess to provide feedback. In this way, the container 100, 200 provides a first feedback (tactile, kinesthetic, and / or audible) and a second visual feedback, which may be useful for reminding a user whether or not they have used the contents of the container 100, 200 for the day. For example, the first and second feedback may help a child remember to take their daily dose of supplements, probiotics, medicines, etc.

[0069] It will be appreciated that containers 100, 200, 300 may include any of the features of any container. For example, housing 304 of container 100 may include a flat bottom surface as shown with respect to container 300. In another example, cap 302 and housing 304 of container 200 may include cap ridges and grooves, respectively, as described with respect to container 100.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 15, a flow chart illustrating a method 1500 of using a container, such as container 100, 200, 300, is provided.

[0071] The method 1500 includes storing one or more contents in a container (step 1504). The container may be the same as or similar to the container 100, 200, 300. The container may include a cap, such as cap 102, 202, including a first feedback feature, such as first feedback feature 110, 210, and a housing, such as housing 104, 204, including a second feedback feature 112, 212. The second feedback feature may be configured to engage with the first feedback feature to provide feedback when the first and second feedback features are engaged. The cap may also include a set of first indicia, such as set of first indicia 310a, disposed on an outer surface of the cap. In some embodiments, each of the at least one recess aligns with a respective indicia of the set of first indicia. The housing may include a second indicia, such as second indicia 310b, which may align with the second feedback feature.

[0072] The method 1500 also includes receiving a force on the cap that rotates the cap relative to the housing (step 1508). The rotation of the cap may move the second feedback feature from engagement with one of the at least one recess to engagement with an adjacent one of the at least one recess, and simultaneously move the second mark from alignment with one mark of the first set of marks to an adjacent mark of the first set of marks.

[0073] It will be appreciated that steps 1504 and / or 1508 may be repeated. For example, step 1508 may be repeated each time contents are removed from the container. In such an example, the first set of indicia may comprise a set of letters corresponding to days of the week, and the second indicia may be a circle. When step 1508 is performed, the circle may move from one letter (indicating one day of the week) to another letter (indicating another day of the week). In this manner, method 1500 may be used, for example, to track the usage of contents stored in the container, and in some cases, feedback provided by the container may provide a reminder or an audible or physical indication to the user that helps the user use the contents stored in the container as needed.

[0074] This disclosure encompasses embodiments of method 1500 that include more or fewer steps than those described above, and / or one or more steps different from those described above.

[0075] The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to one or more of the forms disclosed herein. In the above detailed description, for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together into one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations of the disclosure may be combined into alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, aspects of the invention lie in less than all features of a single above-disclosed aspect, embodiment, and / or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as an independent preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

[0076] Moreover, while the above includes a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, as well as certain variations and modifications, upon understanding the present disclosure, other variations, combinations, and modifications may be within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., within the skill and knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended to be entitled to include alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and is not intended to subject the public to patentable subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100 containers 102 Cap 104 Storage unit 106 First end 108 Second End 110 First feedback function unit 112 Second feedback function unit 114 First Body 116 First Cavity 118 Inner surface 120 First Part 122 First Diameter 124 Second Part 126 Second Diameter 128 Recess 130 waveform 132 Top 134 Recessed ring 136 Third Diameter 138 Cap protrusion 140 Receiving part 142 Convex 144 Groove 146 Second Body 148 Second Cavity 150 4th diameter 152 Outer surface 154 Central convex part 156 Raised area 158 Bottom 160 Axis 200 containers 202 Cap 204 Storage unit 206 First End 208 Second End 210 First feedback function unit 212 Second feedback function unit 214 First Body 216 First Cavity 218 Inner surface 220 First Part 222 First Diameter 224 Second Part 226 Second Diameter 228 Recess 230 Circular recess 232 Edge 234 holes 236 Aperture 238 Gasket or O-ring 240 Receiving part 242 Convex 246 Second Body 248 Second Cavity 250 Third Diameter 252 Outer surface 256 Raised area 258 Bottom 260 Axis 262 Groove 300 containers 302 Cap 304 Storage unit 306 First end 308 Second End 310a First sign 310b Second sign 314 First Body 316 First Cavity 332 Edge 336 Aperture 340 Receiving part 346 Second Body 348 Second Cavity 350 Outer surface 352 Outer surface 356 Surface 358 bottom 362 リップ

Claims

1. a cap having a first feedback feature; a housing including a second feedback feature configured to engage the first feedback feature; Equipped with The first feedback feature and the second feedback feature provide feedback when engaged.

2. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first body having a first cavity, the first cavity having an inner surface defining a first perimeter, and the first feedback feature comprises at least one recess in the inner surface.

3. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a second body having a second cavity, the second body having an outer surface defining a second perimeter, and the second feedback feature comprises at least one protrusion provided on the outer surface, the at least one protrusion being receivable by the at least one recess.

4. The container of claim 2 , wherein the at least one recess comprises a plurality of recesses disposed along the first perimeter.

5. The container of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of recesses comprises at least seven recesses.

6. The container of claim 1 , wherein the first body and the second body are each cylindrical.

7. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one recess comprises a corrugation having peaks and valleys, the at least one peak being received within the peaks.

8. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the first feedback feature further comprises a recessed ring, each corrugation being connected to an adjacent corrugation through the recessed ring.

9. The container of claim 2 , wherein each of the at least one recess comprises a circular recess.

10. The container of claim 3 , wherein the cap and the housing are configured to receive a force urging the protrusion from a first one of the at least one recesses to an adjacent one.

11. The container of claim 1 , wherein the feedback comprises at least one of tactile feedback or audible feedback.

12. The container of claim 1 , wherein the feedback comprises tactile and audible feedback.

13. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the cap comprises an outer surface and a first set of markings disposed on the outer surface, the first set of markings aligning with the at least one recess, and the housing comprises an outer surface and a second set of markings disposed on the outer surface, the second set of markings aligning with the second feedback feature.

14. a cap comprising a first feedback feature, the cap comprising a first body having an inner surface and a first perimeter, the first feedback feature comprising a plurality of circular recesses disposed in the inner surface along the first perimeter; a housing including a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature, the housing including a second body having an outer surface and a second perimeter, the second feedback feature including a protrusion disposed on the outer surface along the second perimeter; Equipped with The first feedback feature and the second feedback feature provide feedback when the protrusion engages one of the plurality of circular recesses.

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the cap and the housing are configured to receive a rotational force that moves the protrusion from a first circular recess to an adjacent circular recess.

16. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plurality of circular recesses comprises seven circular recesses.

17. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the cap comprises a cap protrusion and the housing comprises a lip configured to receive the cap protrusion, and the cap and housing are secured to one another when the cap protrusion is received by the lip.

18. A method of tracking, comprising: storing one or more contents in a container comprising a cap and a housing, the cap comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first feedback feature disposed on the inner surface, and a first set of indicia on the outer surface, the first feedback feature comprising at least one recess, each of the at least one recess aligned with a respective indicia of the first set of indicia, the housing comprising a second feedback feature configured to engage with the first feedback feature and a second indicia, the second feedback feature comprising a protrusion configured to engage with one of the at least one recess, the protrusion aligning with the second indicia, and the second indicia aligning with one indicia of the first set of indicia; and applying a force to the cap that rotates the cap relative to the housing, the rotation of the cap moving the protrusion from engagement with one of the at least one recess to engagement with an adjacent recess of the at least one recess and moving the second marker from alignment with one marker of the first set of markers to an adjacent marker of the first set of markers.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein engagement of the protrusion with the neighboring recess of the at least one recess provides feedback.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the feedback comprises at least one of tactile feedback or audible feedback.

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