Variable-length, multi-sectioned container

Abstract

A variable-length, multi-sectioned container, wherein a larger composite container may be shortened by the removal of a section or lengthened by the addition of a section is provided. The present invention provides solutions to the messy dispensing and wasted space normally associated with larger containers used when buying in bulk quantities, or otherwise. The closures of the removable section(s) are selected to be complementary with the closures of both the lid and the container, respectively.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container comprising: 
 a lid having a first closure;    a hollow middle section having a first edge and a second edge, wherein said first edge carries a second closure that mates with said first closure of said lid and wherein said second edge carries a first closure corresponding to said first closure of said lid; and    a hollow bottom section having a floor and a second closure corresponding to said second closure of said middle section and mating with said first closures of said lid and said middle section,    wherein said middle section and said bottom section form a juncture when said second closure of said bottom section is mated with said first closure of said middle section.    
     
     
         2 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , said container further comprising sealing means covering said juncture.  
     
     
         3 . The container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said sealing means is perforated.  
     
     
         4 . The container as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said sealing means is perforated at said juncture.  
     
     
         5 . The container as recited in  claim 2 , said sealing means further comprises a band of inelastic material.  
     
     
         6 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first closures of said lid and said middle section are interior threads and said second closures of said middle section and said bottom section are exterior threads.  
     
     
         7 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first closures of said lid and said middle section and said second closures of said middle section and said bottom section are selected from the group consisting of snap-tight fit, pressure fitting, child-proof seal, and slide fasteners.  
     
     
         8 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said container is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, polymer foam, woven textile, and wood.  
     
     
         9 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said container is cylindrical.  
     
     
         10 . An extender for a container having a hollow bottom section with a second closure, said extender comprising: 
 a hollow body having a first edge and a second edge, wherein said first edge carries a first closure that mates with said second closure of said bottom section, and wherein said first edge carries a second closure corresponding to said second closure of said bottom section,    wherein said extender and said bottom section of said container form a juncture when said second closure of said bottom section is mated with said first closure of said extender.    
     
     
         11 . The extender as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said container further comprises a lid with first closure, wherein said lid and said extender form a juncture when said second closure of said extender is mated with said first closure of said lid.  
     
     
         12 . The extender as recited in  claim 10 , said extender further comprising: 
 sealing means covering said juncture.    
     
     
         13 . The extender as recited in  claim 12 , said sealing means further comprises a band of inelastic material.  
     
     
         14 . The extender as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said sealing means is perforated at said juncture.  
     
     
         15 . The extender as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said first closures of said lid and said extender are interior threads and said second closures of said extender and said bottom section are exterior threads.  
     
     
         16 . The extender as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said first closures of said lid and said extender and said second closures of said extender and said bottom section are selected from the group consisting of snap-tight fit, pressure fitting, child-proof seal, and slide fasteners.  
     
     
         17 . The extender as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said extender is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, woven textile, and wood.  
     
     
         18 . The extender as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said extender is dimensioned to have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of said container.  
     
     
         19 . The extender as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said extender is cylindrical.  
     
     
         20 . A process for reducing the height of a container having a lid with a first closure; a hollow middle section with a first edge and a second edge, wherein said first edge carries a second closure that mates with said first closure of said lid and wherein said second edge carries a first closure corresponding to said first closure of said lid; and a hollow bottom section with a floor and a second closure corresponding to said second closure of said middle section and mating with said first closures of said lid and said middle section, wherein said middle section and said bottom section form a juncture when said second closure of said bottom section is mated with said first closure of said middle section; said process comprising the steps of: 
 removing said lid;    releasing said sealing means;    disjoining said middle section from said bottom section; and    replacing said lid by mating said first closure of said lid with said second closure of said bottom section.