US20230078789A1

US20230078789A1 - Surface Attaching Container Device

Info

Publication number: US20230078789A1
Application number: US17/945,321
Authority: US
Inventors: James Ridgway
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surface attaching container device. The device utilizes a series of suction cups that are fastened to the body of the device to form a seal between the device and another surface. In this manner, the container device can be utilized in moving objects and within moving vehicles and is not limited in its function to stagnant locations. The body of the device is fitted with a removable lid, such that the device can act as storage when not in use as a serving container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/244,375, which was filed on Sep. 15, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surface-attaching container device. The device utilizes a series of suction cups that are fastened to the body of the device to form a seal between the device and another surface. In this manner, the container device can be utilized on moving objects and within moving vehicles, and is not limited in its function to stagnant locations. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals enjoy eating food snacks, such as chips, pretzels, nuts, etc. When hosting guests, it can be especially desirable and even expected to serve snacks to be hospitable. However, serving snacks can be very difficult and messy while traveling or while on or in a moving vehicle, such as an automobile, a boat, a plane, etc. Because of the movement of the vehicle, a container of food may slide or fall onto the floor and spill, especially if the container does not have a lid. This leaves not only an undesirable mess to clean up, but also leads to loss of the food and snacks, which can be very disappointing. Further, dropping food on the ground may lead to other undesirable consequences, such as the attraction of ants or other unwanted insects/animals, waste and ultimately an empty stomach. Without the ability to use a container in a moving vehicle, individuals may lose the ability to serve food entirely, unless they constantly monitor and hold the container the food is stored in. This process of course is very tedious and undesirably burdensome.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a surface-attaching container device that affords a user the ability to serve food while in a moving vehicle. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a surface-attaching container device that is lightweight, durable, and removable, such that it can be transported and deployed in different locations and in different vehicles. Likewise, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a surface-attaching container device that has antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-mildew features, and is machine washable, such that the device can be used multiple times and remain in an acceptable, sanitary state. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a surface-attaching container device that can be fitted with a lid for added storage benefits and protection.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a surface-attaching container device. The device is comprised of a body with a semi-continuous opening, at least one suction cup, and a lid. The body and lid are preferably made of a durable plastic material. The suction cups are preferably fastened on the bottom surface of the body. A semi-continuous opening is located on the top surface, while the perimeter of the semi-continuous opening is comprised of a grooved surface. A lid may be fitted on the grooved perimeter of the top surface, through a channel on the bottom surface of the lid. The lid encloses the device and prevents any food, objects or items within the body from being spilled.
In this manner, the surface-attaching container device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an effective solution to secure containers in moving vehicles by effectively forming a secure attachment to the moving vehicle via the at least one suction cup. Further, the surface attaching container device is comprised of a durable plastic, such that the device can withstand falls, impacts and other mishaps. Lastly, the surface attaching container device is lightweight and portable so that a user can transport and deploy the device to different locations and in different vehicles.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a surface-attaching container device that allows the device to form a secure attachment to the surface of a moving vehicle, such that the device does not slide or fall while in use. The body of the device creates a basin used to hold food or liquid and is preferably comprised of a lightweight and durable plastic material. The bottom surface of the device is fitted with a series of fasteners that attach to a series of suction cups. The suction cups, in turn, stick to the surface of a vehicle by creating a pocket of low-pressure air whereby the atmospheric pressure around the suction cups forces the attachment. A plastic lid is fitted with a channeled perimeter, such that the lid can be removably-secured to the perimeter of the top surface to fully or partially enclose the device and its contents.
Accordingly, the surface-attaching container device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to contain items in a moving vehicle, without the need to constantly monitor and/or hold the container in place. Because the device can form an attachment to the surface of the vehicle, the serving capabilities of the device are not reduced by the erratic movement of the vehicle. Therefore, the device is not limited in its function and may effectively contain food without a high risk of spilling.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the surface attaching container device of the present invention attached to a surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of the surface-attaching container device of the present invention resting on a surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the surface attaching container device of the present invention attached to another surface attaching container device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a surface-attaching container device. There exists a long felt need in the art for a device that can hold food and other objects without the risk of the device falling over and spilling the food. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a device that can be secured to the surface of a moving vehicle, such that the device can function as a container in the face of high speeds. Finally, there exists a long felt need in the art for a surface attaching container device that is comprised of a lightweight, durable material.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a surface-attaching container device. The body of the device is further comprised of a bottom surface and a semi-continuous opening as a top surface. In this manner, the body can hold a multitude of objects, such as but not limited to, food, keys, devices, waste, etc. In differing embodiments, the body may be one semi-continuous side surface forming a half-spherical bowl. At least one suction cup may be removably or fixedly-attached to the bottom surface of the body. The suction cup then allows the device to form a secure attachment to a surface of another vehicle and/or other moving surface, whereby once attached, the device will not slide, fall or move from the desired spot. The top surface of the device is fastened with a grooved perimeter that accepts the channel of a lid, such that the device can form an air-tight seal.
The body is preferably made from a plastic material. In different embodiments, the body and lid can be made of a durable, lightweight magnetic metal, such as but not limited to, aluminum or any other suitable magnetic metal as is known in the art. The body may be comprised of an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and/or anti-mildew coating to prevent the growth of unwanted substances being accumulated near the food. Some embodiments of the device may feature stacking grooves on the body, such that multiple devices may be stored together in a more efficient way. The body may also be configured in differing sizes, such that the device can be utilized to contain different sizes of foods and/or differing amounts of foods.
A lid may be removably-fastened to the body by fitting the channel on the perimeter of the lid with the groove on the perimeter of the top surface of the body. In this manner, a user can secure the contents of the device and prevent food from spilling, even during abrupt or erratic movements. The lid may be made up of the same durable plastic as the body. Further, the lid's airtight seal may also block moisture from penetrating the device. In this manner, the device can store food longer and keep it fresher by depriving harmful bacteria of the necessary oxygen to grow.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface attaching container device 100 of the present invention while attached to a surface 10. The body 110 of the device 100 is preferably bowl-like or container-like in shape (i.e., half-spherical, rectangular, square, etc.), or any other suitable shape as is known in the art, and is preferably manufactured of durable plastic, but can be made of a multitude of durable materials, such as but not limited to: acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. For example, one embodiment of the body 110 may be made of a double insulated stainless-steel layer to keep food at a consistent temperature, either hot or cold, and to prevent condensation from forming around the body 110. Furthermore, differing embodiments of the device may feature a body that is leak-resistant, microwave-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe and bisphenol-A-free. Other embodiments may feature indicia 122 in the form of measuring lines or other suitable indica as is known in the art, such that a user can utilize the device 100 while preparing recipes or appropriately proportioning food that is being served.
To enhance the appearance of the device 100, the side surface 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 122, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. Other embodiments may be comprised of a transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque body 110 material to display or hide a plurality of contents (i.e., food or other items or objects) of the device 100. Further, the top surface 130 of the body 110 forms a grooved 132 perimeter around the semi-continuous opening 131 of the top surface 130. In this manner, a user may attach a lid 150 (shown in FIG. 3 ) or other covering to the device 100 to prevent the contents from spilling out of the body, as necessary.
The body 110 is further comprised of at least one suction cup 142, that allows the device 100 to attach to a plurality of surfaces 10, including surfaces within a vehicle. The suction cup 142 may preferably attach to a multitude of surfaces of moving vehicles such as—but not limited to, boats, automobiles, recreational vehicles, golf carts, planes, trains, buses, etc. Additionally, the suction cups can also attach to nonmoving vehicles such as, but not limited to, tables, benches, countertops, coffee tables, ottomans, desks, cabinets, etc., or any other suitable moving or nonmoving surface as is known in the art. In differing embodiments, similar fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as but not limited to: hook and loops or magnets may be used instead of suction cups. The suction cup 142 may be removable or fixedly-attached to the device 100 via a series of screws, but may also be attached to the device in a similar manner that forms the attachment to a surface such as, but not limited to, hook and loops, clips, buttons, etc. In one embodiment, the suction cups 142 and the bottom surface 140 may be magnetic, such that the suction cup 142 magnetically-attaches to the bottom surface 140.
Generally, the suction cups 142 are secured to a surface 10 by pressing downward on the device 100, to squeeze out air from underneath the suction cups 142 to form a low-pressure region inside the suction cup 142. In this manner, the atmospheric pressure outside the suction cup 142 presses downward on the low-pressure area inside the suction cup 142 to create the attachment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the surface-attaching container device 100 of the present invention while resting on a surface 10. The suction cup 142 may be attached to the bottom surface 140 of the body 110 through at least one fastener 144. In different embodiments, the device 100 may utilize any suitable fastener 144 known in the art, such as but not limited to: a screw, bolt, hook and loops fasteners, buttons, magnets, etc., that can be used to fixedly or removably-secure the suction cup 142 to the bottom surface 140 of the body 110. In different embodiments, the suction cups 142 may be attached to different surfaces of the body 110, such as the side surface 120 or top surface 130. In this manner, the device 100 can form a secure attachment to a surface 10 in multiple orientations, such that a user may create a more secure attachment in a desired location. For example, a user may tuck the device 100 into a corner, whereby suction cups 142 fastened to the bottom surface 140 and the side surface 120 act to form a secure attachment to both surfaces 10 of the vehicle, (i.e., the two areas which comprise the vehicle's corner). In another embodiment, the suction cups 142 on the bottom surface 140 may be fixedly-attached, while the suction cups 142 on the side surface 120 and the top surface 130 may be removably-attached, or the opposite can be true as well.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface-attaching container device 100 of the present invention while attached to another surface-attaching container device 100. The device 100 may be enclosed with a removable lid 150 to keep the contents of the device 100 more secure. The grooved 132 perimeter (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the top surface 130 receives a channel 160 on the bottom surface of the lid 150, which allows the lid 150 to be tightly secured forming an air-tight seal with the body 110. As noted, the suction cups 142 allow the device 100 to adhere to a plurality of surfaces 10, which also includes the lid 150 of another device 100. In this manner, multiple devices 100 can be stored, stacked and secured on top of each other or presented in a stacked fashion, whereby a user can alternate different snacks throughout serving by keeping the unused snacks beneath the usable snacks.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “surface-attaching container device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the surface attaching container device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the surface-attaching container device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the surface attaching container device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the surface-attaching container device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the surface-attaching container device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the surface attaching container device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A surface attaching container device comprising:

a body comprising a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface with a semi-continuous opening;

at least one suction cup; and

a lid that attaches to the semi-continuous opening to secure a plurality of contents within the body.

2. The surface attaching container device of claim 1, wherein the at least one suction cup allows the surface attaching container device to attach to a surface.

3. The surface attaching container device of claim 2, wherein the surface is an interior surface of a vehicle.

4. A surface attaching container device comprising:

a body comprising a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface with a semi-continuous opening, wherein the semi-continuous opening comprises a groove around a perimeter;

at least one suction cup; and

a lid comprising a channel that attaches to the groove of the semi-continuous opening.

5. The surface attaching container device of claim 4, wherein the at least one suction cup is removably or fixedly attached to the body.

6. The surface attaching container device of claim 4, wherein the at least one suction cup comprises two suction cups with a first suction cup attached to a bottom surface and a second suction cup attached to the side surface.

7. A surface attaching container device comprising:

a bowl-like body comprising a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface with a semi-continuous opening, wherein the semi-continuous opening comprises a groove around a perimeter;

at least one suction cup secured to the bottom surface; and

8. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the bowl-like body is comprised of a plastic material.

9. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the bowl-like body is comprised of a double insulated stainless-steel material.

10. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the surface attaching container device is comprised of a leak resistant, microwave-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe and bisphenol-A-free bowl-like body.

11. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the bowl-like body is comprised of a plurality of indicia.

12. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the at least one suction cup allows the surface attaching container device to attach to a surface.

13. The surface attaching container device of claim 12, wherein the surface is an interior of a an automobile, a boat, a recreational vehicle, a golf cart, a plane, a train or a bus.

14. The surface attaching container device of claim 13, wherein the surface is a lid of a second surface attaching container device.

15. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the at least one suction cup is secured to the bottom surface via at least one fastener.

16. The surface attaching container device of claim 15, wherein the at least one fastener is a screw, a bolt, a hook and loop fastener, a button or a magnet.

17. The surface attaching container device of claim 15, wherein the at least one suction cup magnetically attaches to the body.

18. The surface attaching container device of claim 15, wherein the at least one suction cup is located on a bottom surface and a side surface of the body, and the lid.

19. The surface attaching container device of claim 18, wherein the at least one suction cup allows the surface attaching container device to attach to a plurality of surfaces simultaneously.

20. The surface attaching container device of claim 7, wherein the at least one suction cup is removably or fixedly attached to the bottom surface.