Container and holder

Abstract

A portable container is provided for fastening to another item during use of the container. The container has a first end which is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap. Another cap has a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end of the container with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed. Male and female latching portions are located on the container. A holder has either male or female latching portions thereon configured to engage the latching portions on the container. The latching portions are arranged on opposing sides of a linear holder, or on an exterior side of a circular holder. The caps are shaped to nest with each other so the containers can be stacked.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to portable containers and a system for holding a plurality of such containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Small household and shop items such as screws, washers and paper clips are often held in glass jars, which can break. Further, the lids on these jars have to be unscrewed in order to gain access to the small parts held in the containers. Plastic containers can be sued, but even then the lids have to be removed to gain access. There is thus a need for a container that allows easy access to the contents of the container while securely retaining the contents during use of the container.

[0003] Storing these household and shop containers is also a problem. The glass containers are subject to breaking if they are stacked and the stack falls over. Plastic containers may stack, but it becomes difficult to see what is inside the containers, and even then the containers are not always adapted to stack well or stack easily. There is thus a need for a container that can be stacked or stored easily.

[0004] If several containers are needed, a user may grab as many as they can hold, but that risks dropping one or more containers. There is thus a need for a way to easily store and carry a plurality of containers. There is also a need for a way to temporarily fasten a plurality of containers together for ease of transportation and for stability while moving a plurality of containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is thus advantageously provided a portable container for fastening to another item during use of the container. The container preferably has a tubular body with a first end that is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap. A first cap has a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed. A first latch portion is connected to the container and forms an opening configured to releasably engage a second, projecting latch portion during use of the container.

[0006] The container advantageously has a second, projecting latch portion on the first cap. Moreover, the second end is preferably, but optionally, closed. A second cap can be placed over the end, whether the end is closed or open. The first cap is advantageously rotatably engaged with the body adjacent the first end, preferably by using a single turn thread. The tubular body is preferably sufficiently transparent to see into the container, and further a portion of the body is visible when the first cap is placed on the container.

[0007] A second container is preferably provided having at least one of a first and second latch portion thereon and engaging one of the first and second latch portions on the first container. The second container also has a flexible cap with a slit therein which opens upon squeezing the flexible cap. The latch portions of the first container releasably engage the latch portions of the second container. Preferably, the first latch portion is connected to a second, projecting latch portion on a holder. Alternatively, one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder. The holder preferably has a handle attached to the holder.

[0008] The invention also includes a container having a hollow body with an opening covered by a cap that has a flexible surface with a slit therein that opens when the flexible surface is deformed by moving opposing ends of the slit toward each other. At least one male and one female releasable latch portion are on the container.

[0009] Preferably, that container has the latch portions on the cap, and the cap can is deformed to open the slit. The of claim 11, wherein the container advantageously comprises a tube with a closed end and the cap covers an opposing, open end of the tube, with the latch portions integrally molded with the cap. Advantageously, the cap is convexly curved and the closed end is curved toward an interior of the container. Again, it is desirable to have the container be sufficiently transparent to see inside the container.

[0010] There is also preferably provided a holder having a third latch portion engaging one of the latch portions on the container and supporting the container. Advantageously, the holder has a handle. The holder can be linear with a plurality of latch portions on opposing sides of the holder. The holder can have a plurality of containers each having a latch portion thereon and each mating to one of the latch portions on the holder. There can be an even number of latch portions on each side of the holder. The holder can also have a plurality of latch portions arranged in a circle. The holder can have a handle that is movable between an extended and recessed position.

[0011] This invention also includes a system for holding containers. The system includes a first plurality of containers each having an opening covered by a deformable surface with slits therein that form an opening when the ends of the slit are moved toward each other. Male and female latching portions are provided on each of a second plurality of the containers.

[0012] Preferably, but optionally, the system includes a holder with a plurality of male or female latching portions thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female. Preferably, all are male or all are female. The holder advantageously has the same number of latching portions on each of two opposing sides of the holder, such as six latching portions. A handle can be connected to the holder. The holder can have the latching portions linear, in a straight line, in a curved line, or in it can have the plurality of latching portions arranged in a circle.

[0013] Preferably, the a plurality of the containers comprise cylindrical tubes with one closed end and a cap on that closed end. It is desirable to have the two caps are spaced apart to expose the body of the container, and to have the body is sufficiently visible to see into the container.

[0014] Moreover, the above containers preferably have a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion. The protrusion preferably comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap. A protrusion having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape, about 0.25 inches wide at the juncture with the cap, is believed suitable for small, hand held containers The protrusion advantageously comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of this invention;

[0017] FIGS. 2a-2b are perspective views of a plurality of containers connected to a linear handle;

[0018] FIGS. 3a-3b are perspective views of a plurality of containers connected to a linear handle;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top plan view 1 the container of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view 1 the container of FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a right side plan view 1 the container of FIG. 4;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a left side plan view 1 the container of FIG. 4;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 5 taken along lines 9-9;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a linear holder without a handle;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a linear holder with movable insert holders;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an insert holder shown in FIG. 11;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a linear holder with an insert holder;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the holder insert of FIG. 13;

[0030] FIG. 15 is bottom plan view of the holder and insert of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 9, a portable container 20 have a tubular body 21 with opposing ends 23a, 23b. A first cap 22 with a slit 24 therein is placed over the end of the body 21, and a second cap 26 is preferably, but optionally placed over the opposing end of the body 21. By squeezing opposing ends of the slit toward each other, the slit 24 opens and allows access to the contents of the container 20. If the container 20 is tipped with the slit 24 downward, then gravity will urge the contents of the container to pass through the open slit 24. If the body 21 is flexible enough, the body can flex along with the cap 22 when the slit 24 is squeezed to form an opening.

[0032] One of the caps 22, 26 has a first part 28 of a releasable latch mechanism placed thereon, with a second part 30 of the latch mechanism located on a holder 32. Advantageously the first part 28 comprises a male fitting and the second part 30 comprises a female fitting with the fittings sized and shaped to releasably engage and hold the container 20 to the holder 32.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the container 20 is a hollow body having an opening covered by a flexible surface and having a slit that opens when the flexible surface is deformed to move the opposing ends of the slit 24 toward each other. Preferably, but optionally, the container 20 is a tubular container, having a body 21 that is advantageously made of a material that can be seen through, but could be opaque. Preferably, but optionally, the body 21 is of transparent or translucent plastic such as PVC, polycarbonate, or other plastic material. Other materials can be used.

[0034] The materials are preferably selected to allow the body 21 to be sufficiently thin and sufficiently flexible to allow the portions of the body 21 adjacent the ends 23a, 23b to be manually squeezed toward the interior of the container 21. If the body is too stiff, the cap 22 must be more flexible and that reduces the ability of the slit to retain the contents of the container when the slit is closed. The body 21 can be of various lengths and diameters. Preferably though, the body 21 is small enough to be held by the hands of an average person, and preferably can be held by a single hand gripping the body 21. Cylindrical tubes are preferred for bodies 21, but other cross sectional shapes can be used, including square, triangular, polygon cross sectional shapes, and non-symmetric cross-sectional shapes.

[0035] Advantageously, but optionally, one end 23a, 23b of the body is either closed or blocked by a cap. The depicted embodiments have end 23b closed. The closed end 23b allows the contents of the container 20 to be securely held in the container. A plug or other obstruction fastened to the walls of the tubular body 21 can close the container. The bottom 23b could be open and just covered by the cap 26, but the stronger support for the contents formed by having an end connected to the body 21 is preferred. Preferably bottom end 23b is closed by molding an end integrally with the tubular body 21 of a single piece of plastic. If molded, the end 23b is preferably, but optionally, curved or dished toward the interior of the container 20 as seen in FIG. 9, in which the cylindrical walls curve inward toward axis 36 and slightly back along the exterior walls of the body 21 to form a concave surface. The curvature strengthens the bottom end 23b. Other strengthening mechanisms cold be used, such as ribs, stiffeners, etc. The body 21 thus preferably comprises a tubular extrusion having a closed end 23b, which closed end is preferably extends toward the interior of the container 20 and body 21. The other end 23a is open.

[0036] The caps 22, 26 are preferably, but optionally made of an elastomer or plastic such as PVC, vinyl, silicon, or rubber or synthetic rubber. Other materials can be used, provided they are sufficiently flexible to deform and open the slit 24 an amount sufficient for the intended use of the container 20. The caps 22, 26 have an interior shape that preferably, but optionally conforms to the shape of the body 21 adjacent to the cap. A cup-shaped cap is preferred having cylindrical sides with a surface 34a, 34b that covers the ends 23a, 23b of the body 21 and container 20. The surface 34a or top 34a on the first cap 22 preferably, but optionally curves or dishes slightly away from the interior of the container 20 and body 21.

[0037] The slit 24 is shown as being formed in the top surface 34a of cap 22. The slit 24 preferably extends along a line through the center of the body 21, preferably through a longitudinal axis 36. The slit 24 preferably extends across the entire length of the top surface 34a, from one side to the directly opposing side of the side of the cap 22. The slit could be shorter, or located elsewhere. By hand-squeezing the cap 22 and abutting portion of body 21, the slit 24 opens and allows access to the interior of the container. Other shapes of slits, such as crossed slits, or multiple intersecting slits could be used, but a single slit is preferred.

[0038] The slit 24 preferably opens to an area equal to about 20-40% of the cross sectional area of the end 23a covered by cap 422, and advantageously can open to about 50% and preferably up to about 70% of that cross sectional area. Of course a slight squeeze will open the slit to form an opening much smaller than the above areas. The size of the opening will vary with the intended use of the container. The walls of the cap 22 forming the slit 24 are preferably close together so the end surface 34a is stronger and can exclude small particles from entering the container. The ends of the slit 24 may be punched out to form circles in order to relieve stresses that may cause the slit to tear further through the cap 22. A slit 24 formed by a knife blade is preferred.

[0039] The cap 22 will be referred to as the top cap because it is on the top or upper end of the container 20 as shown in FIG. 1. But the orientation is relative, and can change. The cap 22 preferably has an interior that conforms to the shape of the engaging portion of body 21. The cap 22 is preferably, but optionally, removably fastened to the body 21. That allows the container 20 to be easily filled with whatever contents the user desires. Partial or full threads 38 on the body and cap can threadably engage to allow the cap to screw onto the body 21 over end 23a. The threads may be continuous, or segmented as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] Other releasably connections can be used including a rotatable bayonet mount, rotatable interlocking tabs and flanges, or other rotatably engaging mechanisms. Even a frictional fit between a smooth sided body 21 and cap 22 would be sufficient. Preferably though, the cap 22 has some sort of retaining mechanism positively engaging the body 21 and holding the cap 22 onto the body 21 so that the weight of the contents of the container 20 pushing against the cap 22 when the cap is orientated toward the ground, will not cause the cap 22 to disengage and spill the contents of the container.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 9, the cap 22 preferably, but optionally, has an increased thickness where the cap abuts the end of the body 21. Further, areas of increased thickness result from the formation of exterior protrusions such as ribs 40 formed on the exterior of the top cap 22. The ribs 40 are shown as being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 36, but could have various orientations, including circumferential, around the periphery of the cap, or inclined at various angles to the longitudinal axis. Six ribs 40 are shown on the top cap 22 (FIG. 5), interspersed between the latching portions 23, 30, but fewer or more ribs could be used.

[0042] The ribs 40 advantageously serve several uses. They prevent the container 20 from rolling when the container is laid on its side with the longitudinal axis 36 parallel to a surface. The number of ribs and their spacing will vary with the size of the ribs and the amount of rocking to be permitted. If only one rib is provided, the container 40 can roll almost 360 degrees before stopping. Preferably there is a rib 40 every 90 degrees around the circumference of the container 20, and advantageously there is a rib 40 spaced every 30 degrees. It is possible to use place ribs 40 on both caps 22, 26 to achieve these spacings since a rib on only one cap will stop the container from rolling. That assumes the rib extends sufficiently far from the cap 22, 26 to stop rolling. For containers about 4 inches in diameter, the ribs extend from about {fraction (1/16)} to about ¼ inch, and preferably extend about {fraction (1/16)} to ⅛ inch.

[0043] Conceptually, the protrusions advantageously extend a distance sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion. Advantageously, there are a plurality of protrusions spaced about the periphery of the container 10 to limit the amount of rocking that can occur between the protrusions. The larger the diameter of the container 20, the closer together the protrusions will be to prevent any rocking. It is desirable to stop all rocking, but usually acceptable to allow 5-10 degrees of rocking.

[0044] The protrusions, such as ribs 40, can extend from cap 22, cap 26, body 21, or combinations thereof. The protrusion preferably, but optionally comprise longitudinal ribs on the cap. Protrusions having shapes other than longitudinal ribs can be used, such as variously shaped projections or ribs at various angles. The ribs 40 are also shown as having a curved, semi-circular, cross-sectional shape, but that can also vary.

[0045] The ribs 40 also provide a gripping surface to pick up and manipulate the container, and to unscrew the cap 22. Other gripping devices and surfaces could also be used. Alternatively, the ribs 40, and even all gripping surfaces, can be omitted if desired in order to present a smooth surface on the cap 22. Preferably, the ribs 40 are sufficiently flexible, or allow spaces between the ribs 40 that are sufficiently flexible, to allow the cap 22 to be manually squeezed to open the slit 24 an amount sufficient for the desired use of the container 20.

[0046] The body 21 preferably, but optionally has a circumferential flange 42 (FIG. 1) on the exterior fo the body, and located so the end of the open end of the cap 22 rests toward, or adjacent to the rim flange 42. The flange 42 can be used to help strengthen the open end of the body 21. The flange 42 can also provide a localized area of stiffness so that the deformation of the body 21 when the container is squeezed to open the slit 24 is localized between the flange 42 and the open end 23a of the body. Preferably, the flange is molded integrally with the body 21. The body 21 preferably has a smooth and substantially straight interior along the length of the body extending along the length of the longitudinal axis 36.

[0047] The second cap 26 will be referred to as the bottom cap 26 as it is shown on the bottom in the figures. But again, the orientation of the container can vary. The cap 26 preferably, but optionally has ribs 40 thereon as cap 22, but has eight ribs instead of six. But the number and spacing of the ribs can vary, and again other gripping surfaces could be provided, or omitted, as desired. Advantageously, but optionally, the bottom cap 26 has a portion 34b extending over the end 23b of body 21, and covers that end. Further, the surface 34b preferably, but optionally conforms to the shape of the bottom portion of the body 21 covering the end 23b. Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, the bottom surface 34b of cap 26 curves or dished toward the interior of the body 21 and container 20. It is possible, but not preferred, to have end 34b open, with cap 26 extending straight (flat) across that open end 34b to close it.

[0048] A flat, annular rim portion 44 (FIGS. 6 and 9) is preferably formed on the cap 26 as the side walls of the cap bend to form the bottom 34b and follow the bottom 23b. The rim portion 40 forms a sufficient base to allow the container 20 to rest securely on a surface. The wider, annular rim portion 44 need not be formed, but is preferred. The rim portion 44 is shown as continuous, but could be intermittent. The cap 26 preferably, but optionally, provides a more slip-resistant surface. Moreover, by making the top and bottom caps 22, 26 have the same or generally the same appearance, an aesthetically pleasing shape and appearance can be achieved.

[0049] The bottom cap 26 is preferably permanently fastened to the body 21. The cap 26 can be held by adhesives. Alternatively, the bottom cap 26 can be removable and held by friction, or by providing mating engaging surfaces on the body 21 and cap 26 as described for the top cap 22.

[0050] As seen in FIG. 9, exterior ribs 45 are preferably, but optionally formed on the exterior of the body 21 and extend around the periphery of the body 21. The ribs 45 provide localized stiffening of the body 21 and container 20.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2-15, the cap 26 preferably has a latching portion 28, 30, at least one of which is configured to engage and releasably fasten to a mating portion on holder 32. The holder 32 can take various shapes, but has at least one engaging portion to releasably mate with the portion on the cap or caps 22, 26. The top cap 22 preferably has a male projection 28 engaging a female receptacle 30 on the holder. Alternatively, the cap 22 can have a female receptacle 32 to receive a male projection 28 on the holder 32. The two latch portions 28, 30 releasably engage to form a latch mechanism.

[0052] The latch portions 28 (or 30) can be on only the top cap 22, only the bottom cap 26, on the container 21, or on any combination thereof. Preferably there is at least one latch portion 28, 30 on at least one cap, but the latch portions can be omitted entirely and a rib located where the latch portions are located on the cap. Advantageously, there are two latch portions, one male and one female, located on diametrically opposing sides of at least cap 22, and optionally also on body 21 and bottom cap 26. More than two such latching portions 28, 30 can be placed on a cap 22, 26 or body 21. Various combinations of the latch portions 28, 30 can be placed on cap 22, cap 26, body 21 and holder 32.

[0053] The male latch portion 28 can take the form of various projecting surfaces, but preferably comprises a rectangular strip 46 offset from the cap 22 by a smaller flange 48 (FIGS. 5-6 and 12). One end of the strip 46 is preferably rounded to make it easier to engage receiving projection 30.

[0054] The female latch portion 30 is configured to releasably engage the latching portion 28. The female latch portion 30 can comprise a loop, a recess, or a mating surface that releasably engages the male latch portion 28. The depicted latch portion 30 comprise a recess configured to receiveably engage projection 28. Preferably, it comprises a rectangular recess formed by a U-shaped bracket 50 extending outward from the exterior of cap 22. A slot 52 (FIG. 6) is formed in the bracket 50 to allow passage of the flange 48. One end of the bracket 50 is closed (FIG. 5) so when the strip 48 is inserted into the recess formed by bracket 50, the strip 48 abuts the closed end.

[0055] Basically, the depicted latch portions 28, 30 comprise a projecting surface 46 engaging a mating surface 60, with the latch portions 28, 30 configured to restrain motion so the engaged surfaces can disengage only by motion along designated directions. Preferably, motion along only one direction engages and disengages the latching portions 28, 30.

[0056] The latch parts 28, 30 could take other forms and shapes in which a projection 28 is releasably engaged in a recess or opening 30, including hook and loop, hooks and eyelets, and other releasable connections. The latch parts 28, 30 are preferably located on the cap 22, 26, and are preferably integrally molded with the caps as they are formed. Less preferably, but optionally, the latch parts 28, 30 could be fastened to the body 21 by screws, bands encircling the body 21 and fastened to the latch portion 28, 30, or integrally molded with the body 21.

[0057] The holder 32 can take various forms. FIGS. 2 and 10-11 show a linear holder 32 in which a linear strip of material has a plurality of latch portions 28, 30, or both, located thereon. Advantageously, but optionally, the holder 32 has only male latch portions 28, or only female latch portions 30. Alternatively, the holder 32 may have a plurality of male or female latching portions 28, 30 thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female. In this instance, substantially all means over 80%, and preferably over 90%.

[0058] A handle 54 (FIGS. 2a, 2b) can be connected to or integrally formed with the holder 32. The handle is optional, but desirable. Advantageously, the holder 32 is an integrally molded strip of plastic having sufficient dimensions and strength to hold the number of containers and the contents thereof, as are provided for the number of latch parts 28, 30 located on the holder. Preferably the handle 54 is integrally molded with the holder 32. The handle 54 preferably extends away from the holder 32, but could take the form of appropriately sized and located holes in the holder 32 that allow a person's fingers to engage the holes, akin to the openings formed in six-packs of soda or beer, or the spaces formed between the holder and the engaged containers 20.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the holder 32 can be a linear strip of material to which are fastened the latch portions 28, 30, or both. FIG. 10 shows three male latch portions 28 to engage a mating latch portion 30 located on a container 20. Holes, preferably recessed, are provided to allow the holder 32 to be screwed to a support, such as a wall or cupboard. One or more containers 20 can be fastened to the holder 32 by engaging the mating portion of the latch portions 28, 30 located on the container.

[0060] FIG. 12 shows a male projection 28 extending from a segmented holder 32. Screw holes are provided on opposing sides of the projection 28 to allow the holder 32 to be screwed to a wall. A removable backing 58 is also shows that upon removal exposes an adhesive on the back of the holder 32 to allow the holder to be glued to a support. The male projections 28 could comprise female portions 30. Again, a container 20 can be fastened to the holder 32 by engaging the mating portion of the latch portions 28, 30 located on the container.

[0061] FIGS. 11-15 show a bracket 59 having a C shaped cross-section with flanges 60 extending toward each other engage edges of one or more holders 32 to allow the holders to translate along at least a portion of a length of the bracket 59. Screw holes may optionally be provided in one ore more of the holders 32 or bracket 59, and are preferably provided in the bracket 59 to allow the bracket to be fastened to a support. A container 20 can be fastened to each of the holders 32 by engaging the mating portion of the latch portions 28, 30 located on the container. By sliding the holder 32 along the length of the bracket 59, different sizes of containers 20 can be held and moved to vary the number or location of containers 20 that are held. The slidable holders 32 preferably have a single latch portion 28, 30 on the holder to allow for increased adjustability, but could have more than one latch portion 28, 30 on one or more holders held by the bracket 59.

[0062] The holder 32 need not be linear, but could have diverse shapes. FIGS. 3a, 3b show a circular holder. A linear holder 32 can be bent to form a curved holder, or bent into a circle and fastened to form a ring. Alternatively, a circular holder could be integrally molded of a single piece of material, such as plastic or various moldable or extrudable elastomers. Likewise, a linear bracket 59 could be bent and fastened to form a ring, or a bracket 59 could be formed into a cylindrical shape by other ways. Curved surfaces having larger spacing between latching portions 23, 30 on the convex surface, and smaller spacings between latching portions on the concave surface, could also be used. An opening could be provided to allow individual holders 32 to be inserted into the bracket 59. The latch portions 28, 30 or both, are preferably on the exterior facing surfaces of the ring-shaped holder 32. A fixedly mounted or integrally molded handle 54 can be provided with the cylindrical shaped holder 32. Advantageously, the handle 54 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 36 of containers releasably connected to the holder 32.

[0063] In a further embodiment of FIGS. 3a-3b, the handle 54 can be movable to a recessed position for storage. The handle 54 is formed on the end of a shaft 62 that slides in a hole in a surface extending between portions of the holder 32. The shaft has enlarged portions or projections that prevent it from passing through the hole in the surface 64 so that the shaft may slide to a recessed position (FIG. 3a) but be extended to an engaged, carrying position (FIG. 3b). Alternatively, the handle 54 can be hinged to fold and extend, or the handle 54 can be flexible to allow folding to a compact position and then extend to a carrying position.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 9, the containers 20 have top and bottom caps 22, 26 that are preferably shaped so the top cap 22 nests with the bottom cap 26 of a different container 20. That allows stacking of the containers, and stabilizes stacked containers. Shapes other than the circular convex and circular concave shape of the caps can be used. Moreover, by using a suitable material to form the caps 22, 26, the nested caps can increase the frictional contact between them to further resist slipping.

[0065] By using holders 32 with regularly spaced latch portions 28, 30, a plurality of containers 20 can be fastened to a single holder for easy transport. Moreover, by placing the latch portions 28, 30 on opposing sides of a linear holder 32, a compact arrangement of containers is provided. An individual container 20 can be readily removed and opened by squeezing the cap to dispense the desired amount of the contents of the selected container, and then reconnected to the holder with little effort. As seen in the figures, a six-pack of household and shop containers can be provided. A four-pack, eight pack, or other numbers can be achieved.

[0066] Further, by providing both male and female latch portions 28, 30 on the same container 20, a series of containers can be connected together. Thus, for example, a container 20 can be attached to each of the six containers shown connected to handle 54 for a total of 12 containers 20. Any number of containers can be connected subject only to the strength of the handle 54, or the strength of the containers 20 and the associated latch portions 28, 30. If latch portions are placed on both the top and bottom caps 22, 26, and/or on body 21, a larger weight can be carried. Different sized containers can also be connected this way.

[0067] Moreover, by connecting top caps 22 of adjacent containers the holder 32 can support a plurality of containers in generally the same plane. But by connecting a latch portion 28, 30 located on a top cap 22, to a mating latch portion 28, 30 located on a bottom cap 26, a three dimensional arrangement of connected containers can be achieved. If the containers 20 have the same or substantially similar lengths, or lengths that are multiples of each other, the stepped connections can form an inclined assembly of containers.

[0068] Moreover, a stable stack of vertically nested containers can be achieved. By arranging the containers 20 on opposing sides of a linear holder 32, a first handle 54 of one set of containers can be nested between containers 20 held by a second handle 54 that is vertically aligned with the first handle. Advantageously the handle 54 on the linear holder 32 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 36, preferably in the middle of the holder 32. The tops of the containers connected to the vertically lower handle 54 will nest with the bottoms of the containers connected to the vertically higher handle 54. This allows vertically stacking of nested containers.

[0069] In use, the cap 22 is removed to allow items to be inserted into the container 20. If the cap 22 is permanently fastened to the body 21, then the contents must be inserted through the slit 24, or through a removable bottom cap 26 and open end 23b. Preferably, but optionally, the filled container is releasably connected to a holder 32 by using mating latch portions 28, 30 formed on or connected to the cap 22, cap 26, body 21, or combinations thereof. Preferably, but optionally, the filled container is releasably connected to another container by using mating latch portions 28, 30 formed on connected to the cap 22, cap 26, body 21 or combinations thereof on both a first and second container. Additional containers can be joined together in this manner. The individual containers 20 can be vertically stacked by nesting an outwardly curved, convex top cap 22 of one container with an inwardly curved, concave bottom cap of an abutting container. The same nesting can be achieved with groups of containers 20 held by holders 32 in corresponding positions. Preferably those positions are symmetric about a linear plane (FIGS. 2a-2b), or about a longitudinal axis (FIGS. 3a-3b).

[0070] A user can preferably, but optionally see the contents of a particular container through the body 21 between the caps 22, 26. The latch portions 28, 30 can be disengaged, and the cap 22 or 26 containing the slit 24 squeezed to open the slit and dispense the desired amount of the contents. After use, the container 20 can be reattached to another container 20 or to a holder 32 by re-engaging the mating portions latch 28, 30 of a container or holder 32.

[0071] The end of the container 20 opposite the slit 24 is preferably, but optionally closed by a structure secured to the body 21, and further covered by a cap such as cap 26. The cap 26 preferably, but optionally has a flat annular surface to form a secure support for the container 20 on a flat surface, and to define an boundary for an interlocking, and nesting curved surface.

[0072] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention, including various ways of connecting the containers and forming the caps on the containers. Further, the various features of this invention can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments but is to be defined by the following claims when read in the broadest reasonable manner to preserve the validity of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable container for fastening to another item during use of the container, comprising:

a tubular body having a first end which is open and sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly deformed and a second, opposing end that is either closed or covered by a cap;

a first cap having a flexible portion extending over the at least one open end with a slit in the cap that opens when the open end of the body and the cap are manually deformed;

a first latch portion connected to the container and forming an opening configured to releasably engage a second, projecting latch portion during use of the container.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a second, projecting latch portion on the first cap.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end is closed.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein there is a second cap over the closed end.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the first cap is rotatably engaged with the body adjacent the first end.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the tubular body is sufficiently transparent to see into the container and wherein a portion of the body is visible when the first cap is placed on the container.

7. The container of claim 2, further comprising a second container having at least one of a first and second latch portion thereon and engaging one of the first and second latch portions on the first container, the second container having a flexible cap with a slit therein which opens upon squeezing the flexible cap.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the first latch portion is connected to a second, projecting latch portion on a holder.

9. The container of claim 2, wherein one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder.

10. The container of claim 2, wherein one of the first and second latch portions is connected to a mating latch portion on a holder having a handle attached to the holder.

11. A portable container, comprising:

a hollow body having an opening covered by a cap having a flexible surface with a slit therein that opens when the flexible surface is deformed by moving opposing ends of the slit toward each other; and

at least one male and one female releasable latch portion on the container.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the latch portions are on the cap, and the cap is deformed to open the slit.

13. The container of claim 11, wherein the container comprises a tube with a closed end and the cap covers an opposing, open end of the tube, with the latch portions integrally molded with the cap.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the cap is convexly curved and the closed end is curved toward an interior of the container.

15. The container of claim 11, wherein the container is sufficiently transparent to see inside the container.

16. The container of claim 11, further comprising a holder having a third latch portion engaging one of the latch portions on the container and supporting the container.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the holder has a handle.

18. The container of claim 16, wherein the holder is linear with a plurality of latch portions on opposing sides of the holder.

19. The container of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of containers each having a latch portion thereon and each mating to one of the latch portions on the holder.

20. The container of claim 18, wherein there are an even number of latch portions on each side of the holder.

21. The container of claim 16, wherein the holder has a plurality of latch portions arranged in a circle.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the holder has a handle is movable between an extended and recessed position.

23. A system for holding containers, comprising:

a first plurality of containers each having an opening covered by a deformable surface with slits therein that form an opening when the ends of the slit are moved toward each other; and

male and female latching portions on each of a second plurality of said containers.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising:

a holder having a plurality of male or female latching portions thereon, substantially all of which are either all male or all female.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the holder has the same number of latching portions on each of two opposing sides of the holder.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein there are six latching portions, and a handle connected to the holder.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the latching portions on the holder are male.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein the latching portions on the holder are female.

29. The system of claim 24, wherein the holder has a plurality of latching portions arranged in a circle.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the holder has a handle.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein a plurality of the containers comprise cylindrical tubes with one closed end and a cap on that closed end.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein the two caps are spaced apart to expose the body of the container, and the body is sufficiently visible to see into the container.

33. The container of claim 1, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

34. The container of claim 33, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

35. The container of claim 11, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

36. The container of claim 35, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.

37. The container of claim 23, further comprising a protrusion extending from a side of the container an amount sufficient to inhibit rolling of the container over the protrusion.

38. The container of claim 37, wherein the protrusion comprises a longitudinal rib on the cap.