INSERT FOR A BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a nestable beverage can comprising a voluminous body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the top portion comprising a single opening into the voluminous body; a pull tab and semi-weakened surface covering the single opening, wherein the semi-weakened surface covering the opening remains attached to the top portion in an open position; a connection member positioned at the top of the can for connecting the can to an additional can; and a receiving ring shaped to couple with the connection member, the receiving ring shaped to attach to the base of the can.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/946,979 entitled “NESTABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF,” filed Dec. 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inserts for a nestable and/or stackable beverage container and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an insert for improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and significantly lower cost of packaging.

Description of the Related Art

Beverage containers (e.g., a can of a carbonated beverage, as shown in FIG. 1) are sometimes available for purchase either individually, in a small pack of four or six, in a larger pack of twelve, eighteen or twenty-four or even “economy” packs of thirty, thirty-six or more. Usually such packaging comes in the form of plastic wrapping the containers together, or in the case of larger packs or economy packs, the containers are arranged on a cardboard tray, and subsequently wrapped in a plastic film. When containers or cans are packaged in groups of six, six pack rings are typically used. Six pack rings are a set of connected plastic rings that are used to hold the containers together. The environmental concerns of using these plastic six pack rings, including dangers to marine wildlife, are well-known. Marine wildlife entangled in the rings may face disabling or life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, packaging methods that require the use of a plastic film or wrap may be hazardous to the environment when disposed of and may generally be cost-dependent on oil. Apart from initially binding the containers together for packaging purposes, the plastic film serves no other purpose than added cost and waste.

From usability perspective, when the containers are packaged in bulk with a plastic wrap one problem is that once the package is open the remaining containers are not easy to carry around without falling over or falling out of the package. This creates the possibly of spilling the contents of the containers should they fall and hit the ground during transport. That is, once the integrity of the plastic wrap is broken, the force keeping the containers in place is disrupted. In addition, if one of the containers is emptied, it is not convenient to merely place the empty container back in the original packaging. Rather, a user would need to either dispose of the empty container immediately or carry it around until disposal is convenient. When the user is in an inconvenient location such as the beach, that may not always be easy.

FIG. 1 depicts a can as known in the prior art. A can generally comprises a substantially cylindrical body, having a sidewall 10, a bottom portion 44, and a top 20. The top 20 generally comprises a single opening 40 into the voluminous body of the can, which may be sealed by any number of known sealing means. A form of sealing means is the stay tab or pull tab 30, the operation of which is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,752 (hereinafter, “the '752 patent”). The pull tab 30 works in conjunction with a surface 42 that is semi-weakened, in that it seals the can when undisturbed; however, upon lifting of the pull tab 30, the surface 42 pivots about a point or edge along the opening 40. As described in the '752 patent, one key feature of the pull tab 30 opening means is that both the pull tab 30 and the surface 42 remain connected to the top 20 of the soda can in an open position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inserts for a nestable and/or stackable beverage container and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an insert for improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and significantly lower cost of packaging.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a nestable beverage can may comprise a voluminous body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the top portion comprising a single opening into the voluminous body; a pull tab and semi-weakened surface covering the single opening, wherein the semi-weakened surface covering the opening remains attached to the top portion in an open position; a connection member positioned at the top of the can for connecting the can to an additional can; and a receiving ring shaped to couple with the connection member, the receiving ring shaped to attach to the base of the can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a traditional soda can as known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the nestable beverage container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A depicts a top view of the nestable beverage container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B depicts a bottom view of the nestable beverage container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a carrier for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a tray for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a system of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts a bottom perspective view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20A depicts a perspective view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20B depicts a side view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 depicts a nestable beverage container with an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22A depicts a perspective view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22B depicts a side view of an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 23 depicts a nestable beverage container with an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to nested beverage containers and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and lower cost of packaging.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B depict cross-sectional, top and bottom views of the nestable beverage container depicted in FIG. 2, respectively. A nestable beverage container 100 generally comprises a top portion 110, a bottom portion 120 and a voluminous body 130. The voluminous body 130 is generally defined by the top portion 110, the bottom portion 120 and a side wall 132.

The nestable beverage container 100 may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage container 100 comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, combinations thereof or the like.

The top portion 110 generally comprises an opening 112 into the voluminous body 130. In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening 112 is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body 130 and any contents of the nestable beverage container 110.

Generally, the top portion 110 also comprises a sealing means 114. The sealing means 114 may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body 130. In some embodiments, the sealing means 114 comprises a threaded surface and an inversely threaded cap for removably sealing the opening 112 of the nestable beverage container 100. In another embodiment, the sealing means 114 comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening 112, for example, as found on a typical soda can as shown in FIG. 1. In further embodiments, the sealing means 114 may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening 112 by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such type of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products.

In yet another embodiment, the sealing means 114 may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening 112. In yet further embodiments, the sealing means 114 may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants.

In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion 110 further comprises a connection means 116 for allowing the nestable beverage container 100 to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In many of such embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means 114. In another embodiment, the connection means 116 may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior surface of the sealing means 114. For example, where the sealing means 114 comprises a threaded cap as described above, the connection means 116 may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior of the threaded cap. In yet further embodiments, the connection means 116 may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of the nestable beverage container 100, for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments.

In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the connection means 116 may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion 110 to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container.

The bottom portion 120 may generally comprise a receiving means 122 shaped to conform to the connection means 116 of an adjacently nested beverage container. In many embodiments, the receiving means 122 is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means 116, as positioned on the top portion 110. For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means 116 comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion 110, the receiving means 122 may comprise an inverse threaded surface 124 for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means 116, as well as an inversely tapered side wall as shown in the Figure. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means 116 disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means 122 may be structurally inverse thereto.

In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described hereinbelow, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis C-C passing through the center of top portion 110, the bottom portion 120, and the voluminous body 130. In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center.

FIG. 5 depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The system 500 generally comprises at least a first nestable beverage container 100 and a second nestable beverage container 200. In certain embodiments, however, a third nestable beverage container 300 up to n nested beverage containers, wherein n is any number feasible within the context of embodiments of the present invention, may be provided within the system 500.

Each of the nestable beverage containers within the system 500 generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described hereinabove. To create system 500, however, once each of the nestable beverage containers is provided, e.g., the first nestable beverage container 100 and the second nestable beverage container 200, the connection means 216 of the second beverage container 200 is securely engaged with the receiving means 122 of the first beverage container 100. As shown, the connection means 216 comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the second nestable beverage container 200, and the receiving means 122 comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means 216.

Similarly, in system 500, where a third nestable beverage container 300 is provided, the connection means 316 of the third beverage container 300 is securely engaged with the receiving means 222 of the second beverage container 200. As shown, the connection means 316 comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the third nestable beverage container 300, and the receiving means 222 comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means 316.

In many embodiments, system 500 may comprise nestable beverage containers, similarly structured with the exception of the sealing means on each nestable beverage container. For example, in some embodiments, system 500 may comprise a first nestable beverage container 100 comprising a sealing means 114 comprising a threaded cap, as described hereinabove. In the same embodiment, however, the second nestable beverage container 200 may comprise a sealing means 214 comprising a peelable tab over the opening thereof, as well as having a threaded exterior surface for receiving a threaded cap, despite no cap necessarily being provided thereon.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the user of the system 500 may be able to consume the contents of the first nestable beverage container 100, separate the first nestable beverage container 100 from the system 500, and from the connection means 216 of the second nestable beverage container 200. The first nestable beverage container 100 may then be securely engaged using the connection means 116 with the receiving means 322 of the third nestable beverage container 300. In addition, the user may optionally remove the threaded cap of the sealing means 114. The user may then remove the peelable tab of the sealing means 214 and replace it with the threaded cap. Generally, in such an embodiment, the third nestable beverage container 300 will also comprise a sealing means comprising a peelable tab. As such, the user will be able to have a resealable threaded cap on whichever of the nestable beverage containers is the topmost container within the system 500.

Optionally, with embodiments of the present invention, when a plurality of nestable beverage containers are engaged within a system 500, each of the side walls of the respective nestable beverage containers align to form a substantially continuous side wall 532. It should be appreciated, however, where certain embodiments of the present invention may not comprise nestable beverage containers having constant diameter or shaped side walls, the alignment of adjacent sidewalls may only comprise the alignment of the bottom portion of a first nestable beverage container 100 with the sidewall of a second nestable beverage container, such that it may not be readily identifiable upon an initial glance where a first nestable beverage container ends and the second nestable beverage container begins.

Although FIGS. 2-5 depict a nestable beverage container in the general form of a bottle, FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a nestable beverage container in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 depicts a nestable beverage container 600 substantially in the shape of a traditional soda can, such as the one shown in FIG. 1. However, similar to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the nestable beverage container 600 comprises a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body 630, wherein the voluminous body 630 is defined by the top portion, the bottom portion and a side wall 632.

The top portion generally comprises an opening 612 into the voluminous body 630, a sealing means 614, and a connection means 616 positioned beneath the sealing means 614. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing means 614 comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening 612. However, any of the aforementioned sealing means may be suitable for the exemplary embodiment as well. As shown, the connection means 616 comprises a threaded surface on the exterior of the nestable beverage container 600. Similarly, however, any of the aforementioned connection means may be suitable for the exemplary embodiment.

The receiving means 622 of the nestable beverage container 600 may comprise any suitable structure to adapt to the connection means 616, for example, an inversely threaded surface 624 to receive and securely engage the connection means of an adjacent nestable beverage container.

FIG. 7 depicts a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The system 700 generally comprises at least a first nestable beverage container 600 and a second nestable beverage container 800. In certain embodiments, however, up to n nested beverage containers, wherein n is any number feasible within the context of embodiments of the present invention, may be provided within the system 700.

Each of the nestable beverage containers within the system 700 generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described hereinabove. To create system 700, however, once each of the nestable beverage containers is provided, e.g., the first nestable beverage container 600 and the second nestable beverage container 800, the connection means 816 of the second beverage container 800 is securely engaged with the receiving means 622 of the first beverage container 600. As shown, the connection means 816 comprises a threaded surface on an exterior surface of the second nestable beverage container 800, and the receiving means 622 comprises a corresponding inverse threaded surface for receiving the connection means 816.

In many embodiments, it may be desirable to affix a non-beverage item to the bottom and/or top of a beverage container. For example, it may be desirable to package food with a beverage. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to affix a can of peanuts to a beer can. In another embodiment, it may be desirable to affix a can of popcorn (popped or unpopped) to a can of soda. In yet another embodiment, it may be desirable to affix a container of ice or ice pack to the bottle and/or top of any beverage container. In a further embodiment, it may be desirable to affix crackers to a can of soup.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the second nestable beverage container 800, as shown in FIG. 7, may be utilized as a non-beverage container for storing food or other articles. Depending on the nature of the food or other articles, the size and shape of the second nestable container may vary to fit a particular application. In some embodiments, the height of the second nestable container may be shorter than the first nestable beverage container. In another embodiment, the second nestable container may be any variation of shape provided it comprises a means for connecting to the receiving means of the first nestable beverage container. For example, in some embodiments, where an ice pack is desired to be affixed to a beer can, the ice pack may be provided in the shape of an insulated holder (commonly known as a coozie), having a connection means positioned on a surface thereof positioned against the bottom of the first nestable beverage container (e.g., the beer can).

In other embodiments, depending on the nature of the non-beverage product being stored, the second nestable container may comprise a different sealing means than the first nestable container. For example, where a beer and peanuts are being stored together, the beer can may comprise a pull tab-type sealing means, as described in FIG. 1, whereas the peanut can may comprise a peelable tab sealing means. Such peelable tab may comprise a piece of foil or similar material shaped to fit over an entire opening of the second nestable container, and removably affixed thereon by adhesive or similar cohesive agent. A tab of foil, or similar material, extends from the top of the piece of foil near an outer edge thereof, and upon pulling the tab, the piece of foil can be removed. Such a peelable tab is commonly used on food products, pharmaceutical products, etc., to ensure security of the products contained therein.

FIG. 8 depicts a carrier for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the carrier 850 generally comprises a support portion 860 having at least one aperture 862 therethrough, and an optional handle portion, for example, handle 870. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 870 may comprise a perpendicular projection from the top of the support portion 860.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system of nestable containers, as shown in FIG. 7, may be carried via the carrier 850. In such an embodiment, the connection means of the second container may be placed through the aperture 862 before engaging the receiving means of the first container. In doing so, the carrier 850 effectively becomes locked between the two containers.

The carrier may be provided with anywhere from one to any number of apertures 862 in the support portion 860. In one commercial embodiment, the carrier may be provided with any of three, six, nine, twelve or fifteen apertures 862, permitting the overall system to provide six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four or thirty containers therein, which are traditionally the quantity by which soda and/or beer is sold.

The carrier may be made from any of plastic, metal, cardboard, organic materials, combinations thereof or the like. In many embodiments, the carrier is manufactured from cardboard or reinforced/corrugated cardboard, capable of supporting the quantity of containers thereon. In some embodiments, the support platform 860 may comprise a first material, and the handle portion 870 another material. For example, the support platform 860 may comprise a cardboard material, while the handle comprises a rope, such as a hemp rope. In many of such embodiments, all of the carrier materials may be biodegradable or otherwise environmentally friendly.

FIG. 9 depicts a tray for packaging a system of nested beverage containers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention As shown in the Figure, the tray 900 may generally comprise a tray platform 910 and at least one connection means 920. The connection means 920 may comprise any of the types of connection means discussed herein, for adapting to a receiving means of a nestable container (not shown). In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, any number of connection means 920 may be provided on a single tray 900. Optionally, the tray may further comprise a flat and/or recessed portion 930 for placing miscellaneous items thereon.

In many embodiments, the tray may be utilized to temporarily carry a nestable container as well as additional items. For example, at a baseball game, a patron may desire to grab a couple sodas and some food. By utilizing a tray, as disclosed herein, the patron may be able to secure the sodas provided in a nestable container as described herein, while placing the food on the flat portion 930 of the tray 900. By having the nestable containers affixed therein, the patron may be able to prevent spills, dropped cups/cans/bottles, and the like, when walking or moving with the tray 900.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a system of nestable beverage containers 1100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention and FIG. 11 depicts cross-sectional view of a nestable beverage container 1102 depicted in FIG. 10. A nestable beverage container 1100 generally comprises a top portion 1110, a bottom portion 1120 and a voluminous body 1130. The voluminous body 1130 is generally defined by the top portion 1110, the bottom portion 1120 and a side wall 1132. The system of beverage containers 1100 may comprise a top bottle 1101, a central bottle 1102, a bottom bottle 1103, the central bottle 1102 generally disposed between the top bottle 1101 and a bottom bottle 1103. While three bottles are depicted, more or less bottles may be included in the system 1100, for example, two, four, six, or eight bottles may be included. The system may generally include a single top bottle 1101 and a single bottom bottle 1103. In some embodiments the system 1100a number of central bottles 1102 nested between the top bottle 1101 and the bottom bottle 1103. In some embodiments, the shapes and sizes of the bottles may vary to achieve a uniform storage capacity within the voluminous body 1130 of each bottle. For example, bottles with receiving means 1122 may be longer and/or wider than bottles without receiving means 1122 to make up for the lost storage space caused by the receiving means 1122. In some embodiments, a system 1100 may comprise bottles 1101, 1102, 1103 that are shaped similarly or the same, wherein the storage volume of each bottles 1101, 1102, 1103 may be different.

The nestable beverage containers 1101, 1102, 1103 may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage containers 1101, 1102, 1103 comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, combinations thereof or the like.

The top portion 1110 generally comprises an opening 1112 into the voluminous body 1130. In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening 1112 is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body 1130 and any contents of the nestable beverage container 1102.

Generally, the top portion 1110 also comprises a sealing means 1114. The sealing means 1114 may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body 1130. In some embodiments, the sealing means 1114 comprises a threaded surface and an inversely threaded cap for removably sealing the opening 1112 of the nestable beverage container 1102. In some embodiments, the sealing means 1114 may comprise a twist off or pry off cap, or the like. In another embodiment, the sealing means 1114 comprises a tab and semi-weakened surface covering the opening 1112. In further embodiments, the sealing means 1114 may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening 1112 by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such type of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products.

In yet another embodiment, the sealing means 1114 may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening 1112. In yet further embodiments, the sealing means 1114 may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants.

In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion 1110 further comprises a connection means 1116 for allowing the nestable beverage container 1102 to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In exemplary embodiments, the connection means 1116 may comprise a threaded surface on an exterior of the neck of a beverage bottle. The neck may be substantially elongated, for example, the neck may comprise the neck of a beer bottle. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means 1114. In another embodiment, the connection means 1116 may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior surface of the sealing means 1114. For example, where the sealing means 1114 comprises a threaded cap as described above, the connection means 1116 may comprise a threaded surface on the exterior of the threaded cap. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may be disposed substantially lower on the container 1102 than the sealing means 1114. In yet further embodiments, the connection means 116 may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of the nestable beverage container 1102, for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means 1116 may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments.

In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the connection means 1116 may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion 1110 to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container.

The bottom portion 1120 may generally comprise a receiving means 1122 shaped to conform to the connection means 1116 of an adjacently nested beverage container. In many embodiments, the receiving means 1122 is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means 1116, as positioned on the top portion 1110. For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means 1116 comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion 1110, the receiving means 1122 may comprise an inverse threaded surface 1124 for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means 1116, as well as an inversely tapered side wall as shown in the Figures. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means 1116 disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means 1122 may be structurally inverse thereto.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a system 1100 may comprise bottles 1101, 1102, 1103 that comprise different elements. For example, the system 1110 may comprise a top bottle 1101 that comprises a receiving means 1122 but does not comprise a connection means. The top bottle 1101 may not comprise a connection means because additional bottles may be intended to be placed underneath, not on top of, the top bottle 1101. The lack of a connection means in the top bottle 1101 may remove protrusions from the surface 1132 of the top bottle 1101, whereby the grip on the bottle is improved and the risk of dropping the top bottle 1101 or system 1110 is reduced.

The central bottle 1102 may comprise a connection means 1116 adapted to attach, and/or couple with, a receiving means 1122 of a top bottle 1101 or another central bottle. The central bottle 1102 may comprise a receiving means 1122 adapted to couple with a connection means 1116 of a bottom bottle 1103 or another central bottle. The central bottle 1102 may comprise a sealing means 1114, such as a cap, that may remain in place when the central bottle 1102 is nested within the top bottle 1101, in another central bottle, or the like.

In some embodiments, the system 1100 may comprise additional central bottles 1102. The central bottle 1102 may be may be nested within the top bottle 1101 or another central bottle. In some embodiments, a bottom bottle 1103 may comprise a connection means 1116 but not a receiving means. The bottom bottle 1103 may not comprise a receiving means because additional bottles may be intended to be placed above, not below the bottom bottle 1103. The lack of a receiving means in the bottom bottle 1103 may remove protrusions from the surface 1132 of the bottom bottle 1103, whereby the grip on the bottle is improved and the risk of dropping the bottom bottle 1103 or system 1110 is reduced. The bottom bottle 1103 may comprise a sealing means 1114, such as a cap, that may remain in place when the bottom bottle 1103 is nested within the top bottle 1101, a central bottle 1102, or the like.

In some embodiments, bottom portion 1120 of a bottle 1102 (i.e. a nested or lower portion), may comprise an external sealing means 1114, such as a cap disposed on the neck portion of the bottle 1102 while the bottle 1102 is in the nested position and nested in the bottom portion 1120 of an additional bottle, for example, the top bottle 1101. The sealing means 1114, such as a cap, may be securely engaged with a neck of the bottle 1102 when the connection means 1116 is securely engaged with a second receiving means 1122 on a bottom portion of a second nestable beverage bottle. As such, a cap may remain in place on a lower bottle when it is stacked under/nested within an upper bottle, and the upper bottle may comprise a void or area adapted to receive the cap.

In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described hereinbelow, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis passing through the center of top portion 1110, the bottom portion 1120, and the voluminous body 1130. In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center. Although a system 1100 of bottles is depicted in FIG. 10, it is contemplated that alternative containers may be used. For example, instead of bottles 1101, 1102, 1103, cans of the same or similar components, i.e., a sealing means and/or connection means may be used. In some embodiments, the cans may be adapted to be opened with a tab, or the like, or may comprise an aluminum can adapted to be opened with a can opener, or the like.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers 1200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Nestable beverage containers 1200 generally comprise a top portion, a bottom portion and a voluminous body, as described supra with respect to other embodiments shown in at least FIGS. 6 and 7. A voluminous body may generally defined by the top portion, the bottom portion and a side wall. The system of beverage containers 1200 may comprise a top container 1220, a central container 1230, a bottom container 1240, the central container 1230 generally disposed between the top container 1220 and a bottom container 1240. While three containers are depicted, more or less containers may be included in the system 1200, for example, two, four, six, or eight containers may be included. In some embodiments, the containers may generally comprise cans, buckets, cylindrical containers, square containers, or the like.

The system may generally include a single top container 1220 and a single bottom container 1240. In some embodiments the system 1200 a number of central containers 1230 nested between the top container 1220 and the bottom container 1240 may be any number suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, or the like. In some embodiments, the shapes and sizes of the containers may vary to achieve a uniform storage capacity within the voluminous body of each container. For example, containers with receiving means 1222 may be longer and/or wider than containers without receiving means, such as the bottom container 1240, to make up for lost storage space due to the presence of the receiving means 1222. In some embodiments, a system 1200 may comprise containers 1220, 1230, 1240 that are shaped similarly or the same, wherein the storage volume of each containers 1220, 1230, 1240 may be the same or different to accommodate any changes in volume caused by the receiving means 1222, or the like. In some embodiments, the containers 1220, 1230, and 1240 may comprise substantially the same shape, different shapes, combinations thereof, or the like.

The nestable beverage containers 1220, 1230, 1240 may comprise any materials suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the nestable beverage containers 1220, 1230, 1240 comprises at least one of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, glass, plastic, combinations thereof or the like. A top portion 1216 may generally comprises an opening 1212 into the voluminous body 1250. In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the opening 1212 is the only means for accessing an interior of the voluminous body 1250 and any contents of the nestable beverage container 1230.

Generally, the top portion 1216 also comprises a sealing means 1214. In some embodiments, the sealing means 1214 may comprise a pull tab and a semi-weakened surface for sealing the opening, the semi-weakened surface capable of being opened by the pull tab, or the like. The sealing means 1214 may comprise any structure suitable to control access to an interior of the voluminous body 1250. In further embodiments, the sealing means 1214 may comprise a peelable tab, wherein the peelable tab is removably affixed over the opening 1212 by an adhesive or similar type of cohesion agent. Such types of peelable tabs are commonly utilized as security or tampering devices on various food and beverage products.

In yet another embodiment, the sealing means 1214 may comprise a snap-locking cap about a correlating annular tab surrounding the opening 1212. In yet further embodiments, the sealing means 1214 may comprise a closeable cap, for example, as found on sports drinks, whereby the concept of a threaded cap and surface combination is further complimented by a controllable opening in the cap itself. In such embodiments, the closeable cap may also comprise a dust cap, protecting the portion of the cap from undesirable contaminants. In some embodiments, the containers 1200 may comprise jars, or the like, with lids that may be screwed on, snapped on, or otherwise attached to cover an opening in the jar, or the like.

In many embodiments of the present invention, the top portion 1216 further comprises a connection means 1236 for allowing the nestable beverage container 1230 to be nested within an adjacent nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means 1236 comprises a threaded surface on an exterior of the nestable beverage container. In some embodiments, the connection means 1236 may comprise one or more protruding structures or tabs adapted to couple with the receiving means 1222. The receiving means 1222 may also be adapted to receive and couple with the connection means 1236.

In exemplary embodiments, a connection means 1236 may comprise a threaded surface on an exterior of the neck of a beverage container. In some embodiments, the threaded surface may extend down from a position just beneath the sealing means 1214. In another embodiment, the connection means 1236 may comprise protrusions disposed on an outer portion of the top portion 1216, or the like. In yet further embodiments, the connection means 1236 may comprise an annular projection from the exterior surface of a nestable beverage container, for engaging a snap-fit type structure in an adjacent nestable beverage container.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection means 1236 may comprise an annular ring having at least one tab projecting outward from the nestable beverage container. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be adapted to fit within an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs may be provided in such embodiments, or the like.

In yet further embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection means 1236 may comprise a specific structural design (e.g., tapering neck, hour-glass shape, etc.) of the outer surface of the top portion 1216 to create a friction-type fit with an adjacent nestable beverage container.

A bottom portion 1218 may generally comprise a receiving means 1222 shaped to conform to the connection means 1236 of an adjacently nested beverage container. In some embodiments, not all containers in the system 1200 may be identical. For example, some containers may comprise a connection means 1236 and a receiving means 1222 (such as the central container 1230), some containers may comprise a connection means 1236 and not a receiving means (such as the bottom container 1240), and some containers may comprise a receiving means 1222 and not a connection means (such as the top container 1220). A variation in can types is also contemplated in all embodiments disclosed by and within the present disclosure.

In many embodiments, the receiving means 1222 is substantially an inverse structure of the connection means 1236, as positioned on the top portion 1216. For example, in some embodiments, where the connection means 1236 comprises a threaded exterior surface on a tapered side wall of the top portion 1216, the receiving means 1222 may comprise an inverse threaded surface 1224 for receiving the threaded surface of the connection means 1236, as well as an inversely tapered side wall. It should be appreciated, for embodiments of the present invention, for each type of connection means 1236 disclosed herein, and variations thereof, the receiving means 1222 may be structurally inverse thereto and/or may be adapted to otherwise couple with each other through mechanical methods. In some embodiments, when assembled the system 1200 may produce a single continuous side wall 1232, or the like.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a system 1200 may comprise containers 1220, 1230, 1240 that comprise different elements. For example, the system 1210 may comprise a top container 1220 that comprises a receiving means 1222 but does not comprise a connection means. The top container 1220 may not comprise a connection means because additional containers may be intended to be placed underneath, not on top of, the top container 1220. The lack of a connection means in the top container 1220 may remove protrusions from the surface 1232 of the top container 1220, whereby the grip on the container is improved and the risk of dropping the top container 1220 or system 1210 is reduced. In some embodiments, each container may comprise the same or different sealing means 1214, combinations thereof, or the like.

The central container 1230 may comprise a connection means 1236 adapted to attach, and/or couple with, a receiving means 1222 of a top container 1220 or another central container. The central container 1230 may comprise a receiving means 1222 adapted to couple with a connection means 1236 of a bottom container 1240 or another central container. The central container 1230 may comprise a sealing means 1214, such as a cap, that may remain in place when the central container 1230 is nested within the top container 1220, in another central container, or the like.

In some embodiments, the system 1200 may comprise additional central containers 1230. The central container 1230 may be may be nested within the top container 1220 or another central container. In some embodiments, a bottom container 1240 may comprise a connection means 1236 but not a receiving means. The bottom container 1240 may not comprise a receiving means because additional containers may be intended to be placed above, not below the bottom container 1240. The bottom container 1240 may comprise a sealing means 1214, such as a weakened portion and pull tab combination, that may remain in place when the bottom container 1240 is nested within the top container 1220, a central container 1230, or the like.

In some embodiments, bottom portion 1218 of a container 1230 (i.e. a nested or lower portion), may comprise an external sealing means 1214, such as a cap disposed on the top portion of the container 1230 while the container 1230 is in the nested position and nested in the bottom portion 1218 of an additional container, for example, the top container 1220. The sealing means 1214, such as a cap, may be securely engaged with a neck of the container 1230 when the connection means 1236 is securely engaged with a second receiving means 1222 on a bottom portion of a second nestable beverage container. As such, a cap may remain in place on a lower container when it is stacked under/nested within an upper container, and the upper container may comprise a void or area adapted to receive the cap.

In many embodiments, to allow for ease of alignment with adjacent nestable beverage containers, as described herein, many of the components of the nestable beverage containers may be symmetrical about a central axis passing through the center of top portion 1216, the bottom portion 1218, and the voluminous body 1250. In certain embodiments, however, it is understood it may not be practical to have each and every component symmetrical thereon, for example, where the nestable beverage container is similar to a traditional soda can, the single opening thereof is positioned off-center. Although a system 1200 of containers is depicted in FIG. 12, it is contemplated that alternative containers may be used. For example, instead of containers 1220, 1230, 1240, bottles of the same or similar components, i.e., a sealing means and/or connection means may be used. In some embodiments, the cans may be adapted to be opened with a tab, or the like, or may comprise a can with no openings, the can adapted to be opened with a can opener, or the like.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of nestable beverage container system 1300 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The beverage containers system 1300 may comprise two or more containers 1301, 1303 adapted to couple with each other. In the example depicted in FIG. 13, two bottles 1301, 1303 are depicted, however any number of bottles and/or other containers suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated. In the example depicted in FIG. 13, a top bottle 1301 and a bottom bottle 1303 may combine to form a nestable beverage container system 1300 that may hold a volume of liquid typical in standard bottles. For example, a standard beer bottle may hold 12 fluid ounces. In some embodiments, the nestalbe beverage container system 1300 may combine to hold 12 fluid ounces, or the like. For example, the top bottle 1301 may hold 6 ounces and the bottom bottle 1303 may hold 6 ounces of liquid, or the like. In another embodiment, the top bottle 1301 may hold 4 ounces and the bottom bottle 1303 may hold 8 ounces, or the like, that may be substantially equivalent to the 12 ounces, or the amount a standard container holds.

In exemplary embodiments, the nestable beverage container system 1300 may comprise an opening 1312 into the individual containers 1301, 1303, a sealing means 1314 for sealing the opening 1312, a sidewall 1332 defining a volume of the containers, and a connection means 1316 for coupling with a receiving means 1322 of an adjacent nested bottle. Examples of the opening 1312, sealing means 1314, sidewall 1332, connection means 1316, and receiving means 1322 are described herein with respect to the other figures. For example, the connection means 1316 and receiving means 1322 may comprise inversely threaded portions adapted to couple with each other to join adjacent bottles 1301, 1303. The sealing means 1314 may be a cap, or the like, and may not comprise a threaded portion, wherein the receiving means 1322 of an adjacent bottle comprises a cavity adapted to accept and receive the cap, or the like. As shown in the example in FIG. 14, in exemplary embodiments, each bottle in the system 1300 need not be identical. For example, the top bottle 1301 may comprise a receiving means 1322 but not a connection means 1316. The bottom bottle 1301 may comprise a connection means 1316 but not a receiving means 1322. In exemplary embodiments, two smaller bottles 1301, 1303 may be coupled together to form a single standard sized bottle, or the like.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers 1400 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The beverage containers system 1400 may comprise two or more containers 1401, 1403 adapted to couple with each other. In the example depicted in FIG. 14, two cans 1401, 1403 are depicted, however any number of cans and/or other containers suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated. In the example depicted in FIG. 14, a top can 1401 and a bottom can 1403 may combine to form a nestable beverage container system 1400 that may hold a volume of liquid typical in standard cans. For example, a standard beer can may hold 12 fluid ounces. In some embodiments, the nestalbe beverage container system 1400 may combine to hold 12 fluid ounces, or the like. For example, the top can 1401 may hold 6 ounces and the bottom can 1403 may hold 6 ounces of liquid, or the like. In another embodiment, the top can 1401 may hold 4 ounces and the bottom can 1403 may hold 8 ounces, or the like, that may be substantially equivalent to the 12 ounces, or the amount a standard container holds. The top can 1401 and bottom can 1403 may couple together to form a visually seamless sidewall, wherein a parts of an image 1410, such as a label, picture, text, logo, or the like may be printed across both cans 1401, 1403 to form the single complete image 1410 when the cans 1401, 1403 are combined.

In exemplary embodiments, the nestable beverage container system 1400 may comprise an opening 1412 into the individual containers 1401, 1403, a sealing means 1414 for sealing the opening 1412, a sidewall 1432 defining a volume of the containers, and a connection means 1416 for coupling with a receiving means 1422 of an adjacent nested can. Examples of the opening 1412, sealing means 1414, sidewall 1432, connection means 1416, and receiving means 1422 are described herein with respect to the other figures. For example, the connection means 1416 and receiving means 1422 may comprise inversely threaded portions adapted to couple with each other to join adjacent cans 1401, 1403. The sealing means 1414 may be a weakened portion and a tab adapted to open the weakened portion, or the like, wherein the receiving means 1422 of an adjacent can comprises a cavity adapted to accept and receive the tab, or the like. As shown in the example in FIG. 14, in exemplary embodiments, each can in the system 1400 need not be identical. For example, the top can 1401 may comprise a receiving means 1422 but not a connection means 1416. The bottom can 1401 may comprise a connection means 1416 but not a receiving means 1422. In exemplary embodiments, two smaller cans 1401, 1403 may be coupled together to form a single standard sized can, or the like.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of nestable beverage containers 1500 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The examples shown in FIG. 15 are substantially identical to the example cans depicted in FIG. 14, with the exception that no opening is present, and the top can 1502 and the bottom can 1504 comprise a substantially flat top surface 1550, 1552 and no opening. Cans of this type would need to be opened with a can opener, or the like. The cans 1550, 1552 connect in the same way as described with respect to FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container 1600 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In exemplary embodiments, a top portion 1610 may be substantially equivalent to the examples of cans described herein with the exception of the connection means 1620. For example, the top portion 1610 may comprise a weakened portion and a pull tab, a peelable tab covering an opening, or no opening at all. In embodiments where the container 1600 does not contain an opening on the top portion 1610, a can opener or similar device may be used to open the container 1600. In some embodiments, the container 1600 may also comprise an upper rim 1650 or flange extending upwardly from the side wall 1632 of the container 1600. An upper rim 1650 may extend from the side wall 1632, the top portion 1610, and/or the like. The upper rim 1650 may be positioned at a perpendicular angle to the top portion 1610 or at any angle generally between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to a plan formed by the top portion 1610 of the container 1600, or the like.

In some embodiments, the upper rim 1650 may comprise a generally rounded shape, and may be adapted to fit within and/or be nested within an adjacent container. The side wall 1632 may be equivalent to a side wall of a standard can or the side wall in accordance with embodiments described herein supra. The upper rim 1650 may be generally annular or circular and rise above a top surface at the center of the top portion 1610 of the can. The upper rim 1650 in standard cans may be adapted to contain a portion of liquid that overflows or spills onto the top portion 1610 of the can within the upper rim 1650.

In some exemplary embodiments, the upper rim 1650 may comprise one or more connection means 1620 adapted to attach the container 1600 to an adjacent nestable can, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection means 1620 may comprise protrusions or tabs that protrude, angle, and/or bend outwardly or inwardly from an outermost surface of an upper rim 1650 or flange of a container 1600 away from or toward a central axis running vertically through the center of the can, or the like. Although three connection means 1620 are depicted in FIG. 16, any number of connection means 1620 suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure adapted to couple a container 1600 with a second container are contemplated.

A connection means 1620 may be formed generally to couple with a receiving means (see FIG. 17) of a second adjacent container, thereby allowing the container 1600 to be nested within the adjacent beverage container. In some embodiments, a connection means 1620 may comprise one or more projections from the exterior surface of the top portion 1610 or upper rim 1650. In some embodiments, the projections of the connection means 1620 may protrude at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees from a vertical plane defined by the outer surface of the upper rim 1650. The connection means 1620 may protrude outwardly or inwardly toward the center of the container 1600. In some embodiments, the protrusion may comprise a hook-like structure, a snapping structure, or a downward facing tab configured to couple with a receiving means of a second container, or the like.

In some embodiments, the connection means 1620 or at least one tab or projection may be adapted to fit within a receiving means of an adjacent container. A receiving means may comprise an inverse receptive pattern with an adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, when the tab is inserted into the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container, with a short rotation (e.g., quarter turn, half turn, etc.) the tab may be positioned securely within the receptive pattern on the adjacent nestable beverage container. Generally, a plurality of tabs are provided in such types of embodiments. An exemplary receiving means is depicted in FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom perspective view of the nestable beverage container 1600 shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the components described with respect to FIG. 16, the container 1600 may also comprise a receiving means 1752. The number and location of the receiving means 1762 may formed in an equal number and corresponding location to the connection means 1620 on the top portion 1610. In the example shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the connection means 1620 may be a protrusion from the upper rim 1620 and the receiving means 1752 may be formed in an inverse receptive pattern allowing the connection means 1620, or the like, to slide in a groove 1720 formed in a lower rim 1750 of the container 1600. The lower rim 1750 may be generally annular in shape and may extend downwardly away from the side wall 1632. The connection means 1620 may fit in the lower rim 1750 or may be a separate component affixed to the lower rim, for example, with adhesive, by friction fit, and/or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, a can 1600 may comprise one or more connection means 1620 which may comprise protrusions on an upper rim 1650 of the container 1600. The protrusions on the upper rim 1650 of the container 1600 may comprise any number suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure. For the example, the container may comprise three connection means 1620 comprising protrusions. The connection means 1620 may be adapted to fit within a receiving means 1752 of an adjacent container. The receiving means 1752 may comprise a channel, or the like, adapted to receive the connection means 1620 and allow the connection means 1620 to slide within the receiving means 1752 until it reaches the top of a lower rim 1750 positioned on the lower portion 1718 of the can. In some embodiments, the lower rim 1750 may be integral with the side wall 1632 of the container 1600, or the like.

In some embodiments, after the connection means 1620 is positioned within the receiving means 1752 and reaches the top of the lower rim 1750, the container 1600 may then be slid within a track 1725 positioned on the top of the interior portion of the lower rim 1750, or the like. In some embodiments, the connection means 1620 or protrusions may fit within the track 1725 to secure adjacent containers together. The connection means 1620 may slide within the track 1725 of an adjacent can when the user turns the can until the connection means 1620 or protrusion contacts a stop 1754, or the like, thereby preventing the can from turning further. The stop 1754 may comprise a protrusion or bump, or may simply comprise the end of the track 1725. In some embodiments, the track 1725 may be an indentation, groove, or the like, sized to fit the connection means 1620 or protrusion, on the interior surface of the lower rim 1750, or the like. The number of tracks 1725 may generally correspond to the number of connection means 1620 of a container 1600, or the like.

In some embodiments, when a connection means 1620 is positioned within a track 1725 of an adjacent container, the containers are prevented from dislodging or disconnecting until the user turns the can in such a manner that reverses the connection means 1620 back out of the track 1725 and out of the receiving means 1752, by turning the can in an direction opposite the stops 1754, or the like. A stop 1754 may prevent the cans from being turned past a certain point. For example, the stop 1754 may allow the nested containers to turn up until a ¼ turn, a ⅓ turn, a ½ turn, or the like.

In operation, the user may align the connection means 1620 of a lower can with the receiving means 1752 of an upper can, slide the connection means 1620 of the lower can into the receiving means 1752 of the upper can until the connection means 1620 reaches the top of the lower rim 1750 of the upper can, turn the cans such that the connection means 1620 or protrusion slides within the track 1725 of the upper can until the connection means 1620 comes into contact with a stop 1754, or the like, stopping the rotation of the cans, thereby securing the lower can and the upper can together, wherein the upper rim 1650 of the lower can is nested, or the like, within the lower rim 1750 of the upper can, or the like. To separate the cans, the process may be reversed. The cans may be turn such that the connection means 1620 of the lower can may be reversed out of the track 1725 of the upper can, away from the stop 1754, then the connection means 1620 of the lower can may be slid downwardly through the receiving means 1752 of the upper can, away from the upper can, until the upper can and the lower can, or the like, are separated. In the examples depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, the connection means 1620 and the receiving means 1752 are generally integral with the container 1600, however the connection means 1620 and/or receiving means 1752 may comprise separate pieces that may be connected to a standard can, container, or the like. FIGS. 18 and 19 depict examples wherein the connection means 1620 and/or receiving means 1752 are separate portions that may be attached to a standard can, container, and/or the like.

FIG. 18 depicts a top perspective view of a nestable beverage container 1800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 19 depicts a bottom perspective view of the nestable beverage container 1800 shown in FIG. 18 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The example container 1800 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 comprise a connection means 1820 comprises similar components to the cans described supra, and descriptions of common elements (side wall, top portion, bottom portion, sealing means, etc.) may be found supra and are not repeated here for purposes of brevity and clarity. It should be appreciated that any element of any example in any embodiment of the present disclosure can be used with any other element of any example in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a container 1800 may comprise a separate upper connector 1852 and bottom connector 1854. The upper connector 1852 may comprise a connection means 1820 such as threading, protrusions, snaps, or any other example connection means consistent with the present disclosure. The lower connector 1854 may comprise a receiving means 1824 adapted to couple with the connection means 1820 and may comprise threading, slots, channels, or any mechanism adapted to couple with the connection means 1820 consistent with the present disclosure. In the example depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper connector 1852 may be adapted to connect, or be secured to an upper rim 1850 of a standard container, such as a can, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, the lower connector 1854 may be adapted to connect, or be secured to and lower rim of a standard container, such as a can, or the like. An upper connector 1852 and/or a lower connector 1854 may comprise pieces separate from the can or container and/or be adapted to fit and or connect to a standard can. The upper connector 1852 and/or lower connector 1854 may be adapted to fit and/or form around an exterior surface of upper lip 1850 and/or lower lip of a standard can, or may fit within the interior surface of the lower lip and/or upper lip of a standard can. The connectors 1852, 1854 may be adapted to attach to the top and bottom of a standard container/or the like via friction fit, snap, protrusions, tracks, locking connectors, adhesive, and/or any method consistent with the present disclosure. The upper connector 1852 may comprise a connection means 1820 adapted to couple with the receiving means 1824 of a lower connector 1854 of an adjacent can, or the like. For example, a connection means 1820 on a first can may comprise a threading and a receiving means 1824 on an adjacent can may comprise an inverse threading such that the cans, or the like, may be coupled with each other. The connection means 1820 and receiving means 1824 may comprise any mechanism for connecting two cans consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20A and 20B depict views of a receiving ring 2000 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the receiving ring 2000 may be inserted and attached to a lower portion of a can. The receiving ring 2000 may comprise a substantially round ring with an opening in the center. The shape of the receiving ring 2000 may be adapted to fit within a cavity on the base of the can. The receiving ring 2000 may comprise a threaded portion 2004, or the like, adapted to receive the upper portion of a nestable beverage container. For example, a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a threaded portion present on the upper portion of the can, or the like, formed to couple with the threaded portion 2004 of the receiving ring 2000, or the like. The threaded portion on the upper portion of a can may be adapted to couple with the threaded portion 2004 of the receiving ring 2000 positioned on the lower portion of a can. A threaded portion is just one example of a connection between two cans. It is contemplated by and within the present disclosure that the ring 2000 may comprise a connection type disclosed herein or consistent with the present disclosure, or the like. For example, instead of a threaded portion, the ring 2000 may comprise recesses for receiving tabs, such as those depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, or other suitable connecting members and methods.

The receiving ring 2000 may be attached to the can during the manufacturing process of the can and may function in the same way other embodiments of the present disclosure function after the receiving ring 2000 is attached to the can. In some implementations, the receiving ring may be attached to the can after the can is manufactured. The receiving ring 2000 may be attached to the can with an adhesive, it may be friction fit within the lower portion of the can within the lowermost rim. The receiving ring 2000 may be tapered or shaped to fit the contours of the underside of the can to ensure a secure connection with the can.

FIG. 21 depicts a nestable beverage container with a receiving ring 2000 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the dotted lines indicate where the receiving ring 2000 may fit within the lower portion of the base of the can. The receiving ring 2000 may be attached to the bottom of the can during the manufacturing process of making the nestable beverage containers. The receiving ring 2000 may be adapted to receive an upper connection member positioned on the top of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Unlike other embodiments, in the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 20-21 depict a receiving ring 2000 that is separate from the can but may be installed during the manufacturing process and/or added to standard cans, or the like. In any embodiments, the connection means may comprise the receiving ring 2000, and may be attached with adhesive, friction fit, or otherwise attached to the can. Although the term “ring” is used herein, it is contemplated that the receiving ring 200 may comprise a different shape, a half shape, quarter shape, and/or the like or any shape adapted to fit on the bottom surface of a can for making a connection to another can.

FIGS. 22A and 22B depict views of a receiving ring 2200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the receiving ring 2200 may be inserted and attached to a lower portion of a can. The receiving ring 2200 may comprise a substantially round ring with an opening in the center. The shape of the receiving ring 2200 may be adapted to fit within a cavity on the base of the can. The receiving ring 2200 may comprise a protruding portion 2204, or the like, adapted to receive the upper portion of a nestable beverage container. For example, a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a protruding portion present on the upper portion of the can, or the like. The protruding portion on the upper portion of a can may be adapted to couple with a protruding portion 2204 of the receiving ring 2200 positioned on the lower portion of another can. A protruding portion is just one example of a connection between two cans. It is contemplated by and within the present disclosure that the ring 2200 may comprise a connection type consistent with the present disclosure. For example, instead of a protruding portion, the ring 2200 may comprise recesses for receiving tabs, such as those depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, or the like

The receiving ring 2200 may be attached to the can during the manufacturing process of the can and may function in the same way other embodiments of the present disclosure function after the receiving ring 2200 is attached to the can. In some implementations, the receiving ring may be attached to the can after the can is manufactured. The receiving ring 2200 may be attached to the can with an adhesive, it may be friction fit within the lower portion of the can within the lowermost rim. The receiving ring 2200 may be tapered or shaped to fit the contours of the underside of the can to ensure a secure connection with the can.

FIG. 21 depicts a nestable beverage container 2300 with a receiving ring 2200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the dotted lines indicate where the receiving ring 2200 may fit within the lower portion of the base of the can. The receiving ring 2200 may be attached to the bottom of the can during the manufacturing process of making the nestable beverage containers. The receiving ring 2200 may be adapted to receive an upper connection member positioned on the top of a nestable beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Unlike other embodiments, in the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 22-23 depict a receiving ring 2200 that is separate from the can but may be installed during the manufacturing process and/or added to standard cans, or the like. In any embodiments, the connection means may comprise the receiving ring 2200, and may be attached with adhesive, friction fit, or otherwise attached to the can. Although the term “ring” is used herein, it is contemplated that the receiving ring 2200 may comprise a different shape, a half shape, quarter shape, and/or the like or any shape adapted to fit on the bottom surface of a can for making a connection to another can.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, although numerous embodiments having various features have been described herein, combinations of such various features in other combinations not discussed herein are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nestable beverage can comprising:

a voluminous body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the top portion comprising a single opening into the voluminous body;

a pull tab and semi-weakened surface covering the single opening, wherein the semi-weakened surface covering the opening remains attached to the top portion in an open position;

a connection member positioned at the top of the can for connecting the can to an additional can; and

a receiving ring shaped to couple with the connection member, the receiving ring shaped to attach to the base of the can.

2. The nestable beverage can of claim 1, wherein the receiving ring is attached to the base of the can with an adhesive.

3. The nestable beverage can of claim 1, wherein the receiving ring is friction-fit to the base of the can.

4. The nestable beverage can of claim 1, wherein the receiving ring comprises a threaded portion.

5. The nestable beverage can of claim 1, wherein the receiving ring comprises recesses for receiving tabs for connecting ton an additional can.