Method and Apparatus for Interconnectable Building Block Containers Capable of Storing Items

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for removably or irremovably interconnectable building block containers such as those capable of initially storing consumable items such as food and drink. After consumption of the food or drink, the cavity containing same may be cleaned and/or refilled with consumable or non-consumable items. The building block containers are utilized as building block toys and may be manufactured or otherwise designed to be collectable. In one aspect, the container connectors are nearly identical such that any one connector may mate with any other connector. In another aspect, the connectors are nearly identical but the orientations of each connector vary to allow mating to occur when the connectors are properly oriented. In another aspect, the container is a cube juice box with connectors on all four corners of all six sides of the container. A frame for holding a juice container may also be utilized.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A container system capable of initially storing a first consumable item and subsequently storing a second consumable or non-consumable item comprising:
 a container, said container including a plurality of sides; a bottom coupled to the plurality of sides; a cavity between the inwardly facing surfaces of the plurality of sides and the bottom, said first consumable item or said second consumable or non-consumable item located in said cavity; a top coupled to said plurality of sides; and   a frame for enclosing said container, said frame including a plurality of frame sides, a frame bottom coupled to said frame sides, and a frame top coupled to at least one of said frame sides, at least one connector located on each outwardly facing surface of said frame sides, frame bottom, and frame top.   
     
     
         2 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said container top is a seal. 
     
     
         3 . A container system according to  claim 1 , said at least one connector further comprising:
 a floor;   a channel adjacent a first portion of a circumference of said floor;   a protrusion adjacent a second portion of a circumference of said floor; and   a plurality of bristles extending from said floor.   
     
     
         4 . A container system according to  claim 3 , wherein said channel and said protrusion are substantially semicircular. 
     
     
         5 . A container system according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one wall of at least one of the group consisting of said channel, said protrusion, and combinations thereof is tapered. 
     
     
         6 . A container system according to  claim 3 , wherein said connector includes eight of said bristles. 
     
     
         7 . A container system according to  claim 3 , wherein said floor is substantially circular and is recessed below an exterior surface of said frame. 
     
     
         8 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said first consumable item is one of the group consisting of a liquid, a semi-liquid, a solid food, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said first consumable item is prepackaged in said container prior to assembly of said container in said frame. 
     
     
         10 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said container includes at least one of the group consisting of indicia, artwork, a label, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A container system according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a tab. 
 
     
     
         12 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one frame side includes at least one opening. 
     
     
         13 . A container system according to  claim 10 , wherein said at least one opening is at least one substantially centralized, substantially square opening. 
     
     
         14 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame top is coupled to at least one of said frame sides via a hinged section. 
     
     
         15 . A container system according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of ribs. 
     
     
         16 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame top includes a frame recess. 
     
     
         17 . A container system according to  claim 14 , wherein said frame recess is a substantially centralized, substantially square recess. 
     
     
         18 . A container system according to  claim 1 , wherein four of said at least one connector are located on each outwardly facing surface of said frame sides, frame bottom, and frame top. 
     
     
         19 . A container capable of initially storing a consumable item and subsequently storing a consumable or non-consumable item comprising:
 a plurality of side walls, said plurality of side walls including a plurality of inwardly facing surfaces;   a bottom wall coupled to said plurality of side walls;   a cavity between said inwardly facing surfaces and said bottom wall, said consumable item or said non-consumable item located in said cavity;   a top wall coupled to said plurality of side walls, said top wall including a cavity aperture;   a seal covering the cavity aperture;   a cover coupled to said top wall or said side wall, said cover covering said seal; and   at least one connector located on each of the outwardly facing surfaces of the plurality of side walls, the bottom wall, and the top wall.