INTERLOCKING CONTAINER ASSEMBLED TO FORM USEFUL STRUCTURES

Abstract

An apparatus for containing and conducting flowable materials, including liquids, pourable solids, or gases, the apparatus having mateable dovetails on four sides, and mateable screw engagements at the top and bottom. The screw engagements are operative to maintain a sealed connection between successive containers, and contain barriers which are adapted to be removed, whereby the material may flow from one interconnected container to the next, in the manner of piping. A lateral connection may additionally be formed by mating portions at the leading and trailing ends of vertically connected containers. A perpendicular connection is formed by interlocking an engaged cap of a first container with a lateral interlocking portion of a like container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Commonly assigned application Ser. No. 11/839,256 discloses a reusable container embodying certain aspects of the present invention, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for flowable materials, mateably engageable laterally and vertically with like containers. Connections are provided whereby successive containers may be joined to create furniture, building structures, and other useful structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of landfilling solid consumable waste, and plastic containers in particular, are well known. A common alternative is to recycle containers, by collecting, sorting, and reprocessing the material, as by grinding, melting, and molding. There are numerous problems with recycling plastics, however. These include the need to carefully sort different types of plastic, the cost of transporting the material to a reprocessing site, the high energy required for melting and reprocessing the material, and the difficulties associated with separating biodegradeable plastics, or plastics containing dyes or additives.

These problems are avoided when a container is reused. A challenge remains, however, to find sufficient demand for containers in their existing form, so that large numbers of them may be reused. Various approaches have been proposed, including forming toy building blocks in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,498 to Garpow et al, and D349046 to Brown, barrier walls in U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0261063 A1 to Grosso, displays and furniture in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,295 to Stoner, and sheds in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,383 to Moore.

In Garpow and Brown, the utility of the containers are limited in that the containers may be joined by mating portions, but are easily separated. In Grosso and Moore, the lateral sides of the container contain portions which mate and interlock, thus enabling a wider variety of structures to be formed. In Grosso, however, there is no integral interlocking vertical connection. In Stoner, cans are threaded together vertically, but are not formed with lateral interconnections. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,549 to Fasci et al, vertical and lateral connections are made by snap fastening, but are thus relatively easily pulled apart, as compared to the interlocking connections of Grosso, Moore, or Stoner. In Moore, a vertical threaded connection is disclosed, as well as lateral interconnections on two sides of a container.

Thus, the prior art provides for lateral connections, and a limited set of vertical connections, but no other connection possibilities. As such, the range of items that can be fabricated in the prior art is too limited. Hence, while the containers disclosed in the cited references present some potential for reuse, there remains considerable demand for a more versatile, and thus more sought after container, as evidenced by the relatively small percentage of containers that are reused today. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a container with high vertical and lateral connection strength, and an alternative form of connection which increases the range of shapes and structures which may be created, thereby affording additional uses, whereby a much greater incidence of reuse is realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a container is provided for containing flowable materials, such as liquids, pourable solids, and gases. It is a goal of the invention to provide a container which is favored by consumers, whereby consumable producers are motivated to switch from non-reusable containers to containers in accordance with the invention, whereby the environmental benefits of reuse may be realized.

Accordingly, the container may be of any useable size, but embodiments sized in the range of popular consumer containers are advantageous. The container may be formed from a wide variety of materials, including paper, wood, pressed pulp, plastic, metal, or plasticised or plastic coated material. Plastic is a preferred material for drink containers, and thus the container of the present invention is advantageously made with plastic, for its acceptability from a consumer standpoint, for its physical properties with respect to manufacturing, and for its structural strength and durability.

The body of the container may have any of a variety of shapes with an internal volume. Advantageous shapes include those most commonly found for containers of consumer products, including elongated cylindrical or rectangular configurations. The latter has the additional advantage of imparting addition strength to an assemblage of containers.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at least two lateral mating and interlocking portions extend along the side of a container. Interlocking designs include dovetails, or any other shaped profile which engages in a like manner. Specifically, in accordance with the invention, an elongated engaging portion of one container slideably engages an elongated engaging portion of another container along the vertical axis of the container. Containers thus joined cannot be separated by applying a force perpendicular to the vertical axis without deformation or damage to the engaging portions. To facilitate repetitive interlocking on all four sides with a single container design, it is advantageous to have opposing sides that are either both male engaging, or both female engaging.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a spout is formed at a leading end of the container, terminating with a threaded engaging ring. A threaded cap may be applied to the engaging ring to seal the container. An inversion, or aperture is formed at the trailing end of the container, extending into the interior of the container, sized sufficiently large to rotatably receive a spout from the leading end of a second mating container. A threaded receiving ring is disposed at the terminal end of the inwardly extending aperture, operative to threadably engage the engaging ring at the leading end of the second container. In this manner, like containers may be attached end to end, or vertically, one to the other, in a secure manner. The shape of the spout may be any of a variety of shapes, including conical, semispherical, and tubular, or the spout may be eliminated, whereby the engaging ring is disposed proximate the leading end of the container, and the receiving ring is disposed proximate the trailing end of the container.

In another embodiment of the invention, an threaded cap attached to the leading end of the container is sized and shaped to slideably engage an elongated engaging portion of another container, along the vertical axis of the other container. Thus, a perpendicular connection is formable, whereby a much greater variety of structures may be created.

Structures are formed by connecting successive containers together, vertically, laterally, and perpendicularly, in order to achieve the desired configuration. Additional strength and thickness may be generated by combining multiple lateral layers.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an additional or alternative connection is formed on the lateral leading and terminating portions of the container. A portion of a coupling is formed partly within the trailing end of a first container, and a portion is formed partly within the leading end of a second container. When containers are positioned end to end, a structure results that is sized and shaped to receive a cap. When a cap is positioned over the two portions, successive containers are secured to each other, vertically, and are also prevented from rotating with respect to each other.

Further in accordance with the invention, an end wall may be provided at the terminal end of the inwardly extending aperture at the trailing end of the container. The wall is operative to retain flowable materials within the container. The wall may be provided with a weakened portion, whereby the wall may be easily pierced, split, pushed aside or removed, as by pushing with a finger, rod, or other object. In so doing, containers connected vertically as described above may be coupled to a supply of flowable material, using threaded connectors or adapters, and the connected containers thus used in the manner of piping to convey the flowable materials from a source to a destination. Further, end wall portions of the lateral couplings described above may also be provided with weakened portions, whereby the flowable material may be tapped at various points along the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts the container of FIG. 1, viewed from the side;

FIG. 3 depicts a perpendicular connection in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a dovetail cap in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section through the cap of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section through the container of FIG. 1, taken along line 6-6;

FIG. 7 details a portion of the cross section of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts the detail of FIG. 7, in perspective;

FIG. 9 depicts a series of containers in accordance with the invention, connected to form a seat;

FIG. 10 depicts a series of containers in accordance with the invention, connected to form a table;

FIG. 11 depicts the bottom of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 illustrates the bottom of the container of FIG. 1, in perspective;

FIG. 13 illustrates a series of the container of FIG. 1, connected longitudinally;

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative form of cap in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section of the cap of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative lateral connection of a series of containers in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, an exemplary container 10 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Container 10 has an inner chamber 12 operative to contain, and as described further below, transport flowable materials, such as liquids, pourable solids, and gases. It is a goal of the invention to provide a container which is favored by consumers, whereby consumable producers are motivated to switch from non-reusable containers to containers in accordance with the invention, whereby the environmental benefits of reuse may be realized.

Accordingly, the container may be of any useable size, but embodiments sized in the range of popular consumer containers would be advantageous. The container may be formed from a wide variety of materials, including paper, wood, pressed pulp, plastic, metal, or plasticised or plastic coated material. Plastic is a preferred material for drink containers, and thus the container of the present invention is advantageously made with plastic, both for its acceptability from a consumer standpoint, for its physical properties with respect to manufacturing, and for its structural strength and durability.

The body of the container may have any of a variety of shapes with an internal volume. Advantageous shapes include those most commonly found for containers of consumer products, including elongated cylindrical or rectangular configurations. The latter has the additional advantage of imparting addition strength to an assemblage of containers. A container in accordance with the invention may be advantageously formed in a triangular shape, as well as in shapes having more than four sides.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and with further reference to FIGS. 1-6, at least two lateral mating and interlocking portions 14,16 extend along the side of a container. Interlocking designs include dovetails 18, or any other shaped profile which engages in a like manner. Specifically, in accordance with the invention, an elongated interlocking portion of one container slideably engages an elongated interlocking portion of another container along the vertical axis of the container.

For male interlocking portions, a connecting member extends outwardly from the side of the container, and conversely, for female interlocking portions, a connecting member extends into the interior of the container. In each case, the extension has a narrow region close to the container side, and a wider portion further away from the container side.

Containers thus joined cannot be separated by applying a force perpendicular to the vertical axis without deformation or damage to the interlocking portions. To facilitate repetitive interlocking on all four sides with a single container design, it is advantageous to have two sides that are male engaging, such as interlocking portions 14,14a, and two sides that are female engaging, such as interlocking portions 16,16a. In the figures, opposite sides of the container have like interlocking portions. It is additionally possible to enable continuous lateral connections where two adjacent sides have male engaging portions, and the remaining two adjacent sides have female engaging portions. Where more limited lateral connections are acceptable, an engaging portion may be formed on one side of the container, however a male style and a female style container would be required. For containers with two engaging portions, it is advantageous to have one engaging portion be male, and the other female, in order that a single container style will suffice for lateral connections.

In the figures, interlocking portions 14,16 extend from a leading end 100 of container 10 to trailing end 102. It should be understood, however, that interlocking portions 14,16 may extend transversely, and thus perpendicular to an axis passing through the leading and trailing ends of the container, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, and with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a spout 24 is formed at leading end 100, terminating with a threaded engaging ring 26. A threaded cap 28 may be applied to engaging ring 26 to seal container 100. An aperture 30 is formed at trailing end 102, extending as an inwardly projecting inversion into the interior of the container, sized sufficiently large to rotatably receive a spout from the leading end of a second mating container. A threaded receiving ring 32 is disposed at the terminal end of the inwardly extending aperture, operative to threadably engage the engaging ring 26 at the leading end of a second container. It should be understood, however, that threaded engagement may be provided at any point along spout 24, with correspondingly positioned threads within aperture 30.

In this manner, like containers may be attached end to end, or vertically, one to the other, in a secure manner, as shown in FIG. 13. The spout may extend outwardly, having any of a variety of shapes, including conical, semispherical, and tubular, or the spout may be short, and integrated with the engaging ring 26, as shown by the containers in the illustrations, whereby the engaging ring 26 is disposed proximate leading end 100, and the receiving ring 32 is disposed proximate trailing end 102.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, cap 28 is sized and shaped to engage female lateral interlocking portions 16 or 16a. Flat portions 28a, 28b define a dimension therebetween sized to fit between the narrowest dimension indicated as 80, between dovetail extensions 82,84 of interlocking portions 16 or 16a, thus enabling insertion of the cap between dovetail extensions 82,84 at any point along the length of interlocking portion 16 or 16a. In one embodiment, a single flat portion 28a or 28b suffices for enabling insertion of the cap in this manner. In an alternative embodiment, flat portions 28a, 28b are one or more regions or areas of reduced diameter, similarly operative to enable insertion of the cap between dovetail extensions.

In addition, the side 86 of cap 28 has a tapered profile, wherein side 86 is narrowest proximate leading end 100, and widest distal to leading end 100. Accordingly, the diameter of cap 28 is widest distal to leading end 100, and narrower proximal to leading end 100. A profile thus formed, is operative to conform closely to and engage the inner surface of dovetail extensions 82,84 of interlocking portions 16,16a at the narrower diameter or wider diameter, and optimally at both diameters.

In a further embodiment, the outside dimensions of cap 28 and or side 86 is eccentric, whereby the diameter of cap 28 is not uniform, but rather gradually widens, achieving the widest diameter perpendicular to flat portions 28a,28b.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, and with particular reference to FIG. 3-3a, a perpendicular engagement between container 100, and a like container 100a having a cap 28 threaded onto engagement ring 26, is formed. Cap 28 is passed into mating engagement with interlocking portion 16 or 16a of like container 100, by passing the flattened portions 28a,28b of cap 28 between dovetail extensions 82,84. Once fully inserted, the container is rotated clockwise, simultaneously urging cap 28 to maintain threaded engagement with engaging ring 26, as well as forming a progressively tighter interlocking connection with dovetail extensions 82,84. As the container is further rotated, the wider portions of side 86 of cap 28 engage dovetail extensions 82,84 with progressively greater force as the wider diameter of cap 28 is engaged. When the side engaging container 100 has been turned 90 degrees, the widest portion of cap 28 is pressed against dovetail extensions 82,84, and the perpendicular connection is most secure.

FIG. 3 illustrates frictional engagement between cap 28 and dovetail extensions 82,84. FIG. 3a illustrates the greater surface engagement offered by side 86a of cap 28 presenting a profile which conforms closely to that of dovetail extensions 82,84. Engagement between cap 28 and dovetail extensions 82,84 thus occurs at numerous points, or continuously along side 86a. A connection thus established affords greater stability and strength. This aspect of the invention may be advantageously combined with the eccentric cap profile in accordance with the invention, described above, to create a stronger interlocking connection while requiring a lower initial engagement force.

It should be understood that, in accordance with the invention, it is not necessary that cap 28 has a gradually widening diameter, or a side 86 profile that closely conforms to that of dovetail extensions 82,84. A secure connection may be achieved with a partially conforming side 86 profile, and with a uniform cap 28 diameter, as can be seen if FIG. 3.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate an alternative form of cap 90 and container 94 which conforms to container 100, but is adapted to retain cap 90. In this embodiment, pull spout 96 lies flush with upper surface 98 of cap 90 when closed to seal the container. As may be seen in FIG. 15, pull spout 96 is raised for drinking directly from container 94, or for pouring. Other aspects of cap 28 as described above may be incorporated into cap 90, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative form of connection for containers in accordance with the invention. If the distance between dovetail extensions 82,84 correspond to the width of male interlocking portions 14,14a, two containers 100 may be connected with a single container 100, as shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 11, protrusions 88 are disposed on an engaging face of male interlocking portion 14. Protrusions 88 ensure that mating faces of interlocking portions 14 and 16 of connected containers frictionally engage, and do not slide out of engagement as a structure is assembled. While it is an objective to manufacture containers with great precision, offering an ideal frictional engagement and retention force, protrusions 88 reflect realities of manufacturing, and ensure adequate friction upon mating engagement of containers. In another embodiment of the invention, protrusions 88 engage mating recesses in corresponding locations in mating containers, acting as detents, and thus providing feedback for correct alignment during assembly, and similarly contributing to maintaining assembled containers in mating engagement during construction.

With reference to FIGS. 9-10 and 13, structures are formed by connecting successive containers together, vertically, laterally, and perpendicularly, in order to achieve the desired configuration. In FIG. 13, four containers 10,10a,10b,10c are shown, vertically connected, wherein container 10a is threaded into container 10 via engaging ring 26 and receiving ring 32. Similarly, container 10b is threaded into container 10a. When a container in accordance with the invention is taller than it is wide, the vertical, or end to end connection, may also be termed longitudinal.

Additional strength and thickness may be generated by combining multiple lateral layers, as shown in FIG. 9, in which containers are connected laterally as described above to form a seat 200. Examples include containers 10d, 10e, and 10f. If a vertical connection is desired, such connections are made first, while containers are not laterally interconnected and are thus free to rotate, after which lateral connections may be made. In FIG. 10, a perpendicular connection can be seen with respect to containers 10g and 10h, whereby legs 204 of table 202 are formed.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8 and 11-12, aperture 30 terminates in an end wall 56 which maintains the gas or liquid sealing ability of container 10 at the trailing end of the container. As described with respect to areas 48,50, end wall 56 may be similarly weakened, as by scoring 58, and thus be easily removed in order to enable the passage of liquid or gas from container to container when successive containers 10 are connected vertically, thus forming a pipe or conduit. Alternatives to scoring including partial perforation, a pull tab, a panel glued in place, and thinner material forming wall 56, provided that wall 56 may be easily removed, opened, or pierced without damaging the sealing properties of receiving ring 32 and sealing surface 32a, whereby liquid may flow into and through the container without leaking.

The threaded connection between engaging ring 26 and receiving ring 32 advantageously forms a gas or liquid tight seal between successive containers. In one embodiment, the seal is formed along the periphery of end wall 56 at 32a, although a seal may alternatively be formed below end wall 56 at 32b, closer to or at trailing end 102.

Accordingly, containers connected vertically as described above may be coupled to a supply of flowable material, using threaded connectors or adapters, and the connected containers thus used in the manner of piping to convey the flowable materials from a source to a destination.

Connected as described above, containers in accordance with the present invention may be used to form a variety of structures, including but not limited to furniture, sheds, animal shelters, emergency shelters, berms, dividers, walls, cabinets, bumpers, cushions, floating structures, and boxes.

Piping structures include, as examples, landscape or irrigation piping, solar heating structures, fluid or gas reservoirs, and potable or sanitation water conduits. Containers may be cut transversely to form a cup or receptacle, whose surface area may be increased through lateral connections. A combination of lateral and vertical connections, in combination with transverse cuts as described, can be used to collect liquids or gases and conduct them to a collection point, for example to collect rainwater, or to concentrate gas production from decomposing farm waste. It should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to the uses described above, but may be adapted to a variety of uses not described herein.

Due to the very low cost of containers in accordance with the invention, it is possible to construct structures which would otherwise be unfeasible in many communities, and thus may significantly improve a standard of living therein, thereby reducing human suffering. Containers may be collected in communities where they were initially used to contain a consumer product, and thereafter transported in bulk to communities where they may be used as described herein.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present invention and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the invention should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the invention. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention might occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container adapted to interlock vertically and laterally with like containers, the container comprising:

a first side including an outer surface, and a first connecting member extending outwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface;

a second side including an outer surface, and a second connecting member extending inwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface, adapted to slideably engage a first connecting member of a like container to create a lateral connection;

a leading end comprising a threadably sealable opening;

a trailing end adapted to threadably and sealably engage a leading end of a like container to create a vertical connection;

means for joining said first and second sides, and said leading and trailing ends, whereby an interior volume is formed, adapted to contain a flowable material; and

a cap threadably engageable with said threadably sealable opening, comprising an entry port sized to receive said threadably sealable opening, a periphery defining a side wall having a first diameter proximate said entry port, and a second diameter, greater than said first diameter, distal from said entry port;

wherein said cap is adapted to threadably engage a container, and interlockingly engage a second connecting member of a like container to create a perpendicular connection.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said second diameter includes at least one region of reduced diameter, whereby said cap is passable through said narrow portion proximate said outer surface of said second connecting member of a like container, whereafter the container together with said cap may be rotated to interlockingly engage said cap and container with the like container.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein said at least one region of reduced diameter is a flattened area.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein said second diameter is greater orthogonal to said at least one region of reduced diameter than said second diameter at a point adjacent to said at least one region of reduced diameter.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein said first diameter is greater orthogonal to said at least one region of reduced diameter than said first diameter at a point adjacent to said at least one region of reduced diameter.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein said cap defines a cap profile extending from said first diameter to said second diameter, and wherein said second connecting member defines a connecting profile extending from said narrow portion to said wide portion, and wherein said cap profile corresponds to said connecting profile.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein a first connecting member of a container and a second connecting member of a like container form a sliding dovetail joint.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container includes four sides, wherein two sides are formed as said first side, and the remaining two sides are formed as said second side.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein said first and second connecting members extend from said leading end to said trailing end.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of paper, wood, pressed pulp, plastic, metal, material containing plastic, plastic coated material.

11. The container of claim 1, further including a detent comprising a protrusion on one of said first and second connecting members, and a recess on the other of said first and second connecting members, whereby when said second connecting member slideably engages a first connecting member of a like container to create a lateral connection, said protrusion provides friction between said first and second connecting members, and when said connecting members are correctly aligned, said detent acts to maintain said alignment after said protrusion engages said recess.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein a series of containers are connected to form an apparatus selected from the group consisting of: furniture, sheds, animal shelters, emergency shelters, berms, dividers, walls, cabinets, bumpers, cushions, floating structures, and boxes

13. A container adapted to interlock vertically and laterally with like containers, the container comprising:

a first side including an outer surface, and a first connecting member extending outwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface;

a second side including an outer surface, and a second connecting member extending inwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface, adapted to slideably engage a first connecting member of a like container to create a lateral connection;

a leading end comprising a threadably sealable opening;

a trailing end adapted to threadably and sealably engage a leading end of a like container to create a vertical connection;

means for joining said first and second sides, and said leading and trailing ends, whereby an interior volume is formed, adapted to contain a flowable material;

an end wall in said trailing end adapted to be openable; and

a cap threadably engageable with said threadably sealable opening, comprising an entry port sized to receive said threadably sealable opening, a periphery defining a side wall having a first diameter proximate said entry port, and a second diameter, greater than said first diameter, distal from said entry port;

wherein said cap is adapted to threadably engage a container, and interlockingly engage a second connecting member of a like container to create a perpendicular connection; and

wherein a conduit may be formed by opening an end wall in a container, and creating a vertical connection with a like container.

14. The container of claim 13, further including a sealing surface adjacent to said end wall, operative to form a liquid and gas tight seal when a first container is threaded into a like container.

15. The container of claim 13, further including:

a spout disposed about said leading end; and

a threaded ring disposed about said spout.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein said trailing end further comprises an inversion projecting into the interior of the container and sized to permit passage and rotation of a spout of a like container.

17. The container of claim 13, wherein at least two conduits formed from at least two vertically connected like containers are connected laterally.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein said end wall is adapted to be openable using means selected from the group consisting of: scoring, partial perforation, adhered panel, plug, pull tab.

19. The container of claim 13, wherein a series of containers are connected to form an apparatus selected from the group consisting of: landscape piping, irrigation piping, solar heating structure, fluid reservoir, gas reservoir, potable water conduit, sanitation water conduit.

20. A container adapted to interlock vertically and laterally with like containers, the container comprising:

a first side including an outer surface, and a first connecting member extending outwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface;

a second side including an outer surface, and a second connecting member extending inwardly from said outer surface, and having a narrow portion proximate said outer surface relative to a wide portion distal to said outer surface, adapted to slideably engage a first connecting member of a like container to create a lateral connection;

a leading end comprising a threadably sealable opening;

a trailing end adapted to threadably and sealably engage a leading end of a like container to create a vertical connection;

means for joining said first and second sides, and said leading and trailing ends, whereby an interior volume is formed, adapted to contain a flowable material; and

a cap threadably engageable with said threadably sealable opening, comprising an entry port sized to receive said threadably sealable opening, a periphery defining a side wall having a first diameter proximate said entry port, and a second diameter, greater than said first diameter, distal from said entry port, and having at least one region of reduced diameter;

wherein said cap is adapted to threadably engage a container, and interlockingly engage a second connecting member of a like container to create a perpendicular connection; and

wherein said region of reduced diameter enables said cap to be passable through said narrow portion proximate said outer surface of said second connecting member of a like container; and

wherein said cap defines a cap profile extending from said first diameter to said second diameter, and wherein said second connecting member defines a connecting profile extending from said narrow portion to said wide portion, and wherein said cap profile corresponds to said connecting profile.