PRIORITY NOTICE

[0001] The present application is a provisional application and as such makes no claims of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to any U.S. Provisional Patent Applications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application makes no reference to any other related filed patent applications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

[0003] No part of this invention was a result of any federally sponsored research. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates in general tobottles comprising tactile-indicators for distinguishing the contents of such bottles and more specifically to a bottle comprising at least one tactile-indicator, wherein the at least one tactile-indicator may permit a user to distinguish the contents of the bottle from between shampoo and conditioner. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

[0006] Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Currently, visually impaired users (users) of shampoo and conditioner bottles have no suitable tactile means for distinguishing between the contents of shampoo and conditioner bottles. Some art teaches use of raised lettering as a tactile-indicator to indicate the contents of the bottle. Some art teaches use of raised braille lettering as the tactile-indicator to indicate the contents of the bottle. However, no known art teaches a combination of both raised letters in conjunction with a raised plurality of bumps, wherein the raised plurality of bumps may comprise a braille letter. Such a combination of both raised lettering and a plurality of raised bumps may be important because not all the users may be able to read braille. For example, some users may have temporary visual impairment, that may dissipate by the time the user would normally take to learn braille. Thus it would be desirable to have the tactile-indicator which comprised both raised letter geometric features and the plurality of raised bumps.

[0008] Additionally, no known art teaches recessed geometry for the tactile-indicator and user tactile senses may be detect recessed geometric features with equal aptitude of detecting raised geometric features. Thus it may be desirable to have the tactile-indicator which comprises recessed geometry.

[0009] There is a need in the art for a bottle which comprises at least one tactile-indicator wherein the tactile-indicator may comprise both a raised letter in combination with a plurality of raised bumps; as well as recessed geometry features in some embodiments; and using other geometry features, such as numbers, geometric shapes, symbols, patterns, logos, either alone or in combination, and the like in other embodiments.

[0010] It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present inventionde- scribes abottle with at least one tactile-indicator. The bottle may comprise: a closed-body, a removable-lid, and the at least one tactile indicator. The at least one tactile-indicator may permit a user to distinguish contents of the bottle from between shampoo or conditioner. The at least one tactile-indicator may comprise exterior-surface-geometry. The exterior-surface-geometry may resemble a raised or a recessed letter, such as the letter "S" or the letter "C." In other embodiments, the exterior-surface-geometry may also comprise a plurality of raised bumps. The plural- ity of raised bumps may resemble a braille letter. In some embodiments, the exterior- surface- geometry may resemble shapes and textures other than letters, such as numbers, geometric shapes, symbols, patterns, logos, and the like. The closed-body may be configured for storing liquids, such as shampoo or conditioner. The closed-body may further comprise a base and a mouth oppositely disposed of the base. The removable-lid may be configured for removably sealing the mouth. In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated into theclosed-bodyand/or into theremovable-lid.

[0012] It is an objective of the present inventionto provide a bottle comprising at least one tactile-indicator, wherein the at least one tactile-indicator functions to permit the user to distinguish the contents within the bottle by the user feeling (touching) the at least one tactile- indicator.

[0013] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the tactile-indicator wherein the tactile-indicator may comprise exterior- surface-geometry.

[0014] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the exterior- surface- geometry, wherein the exterior- surface-geometry may comprise a raised or a recessed letter.

[0015] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the exterior- surface- geometry, wherein the letter may resemble a "S" or a "C."

[0016] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the exterior- surface- geometry, wherein the exterior- surface-geometry may comprise a plurality of raised-bumps.

[0017] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the plurality of raised- bumps, wherein the plurality of raised-bumps may resemble a braille letter.

[0018] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the plurality of raised- bumps resembling the braille letter, wherein the braille letter resembled may be a "S" or a "C." [0019] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the exterior- surface- geometry, wherein the exterior- surface-geometry comprises both the raised letter and the plurality of raised bumps.

[0020] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the exterior- surface- geometry, wherein the exterior- surface-geometry may resemble numbers, geometric shapes, symbols, patterns, and/or logos.

[0021] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the bottle and the tactile- indicator as one single article of manufacture.

[0022] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the bottle and the tactile- indicator as two separate articles of manufacture, wherein the two articles may be attached to each other.

[0023] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the bottle and the tactile- indicator as two separate articles of manufacture, wherein the two articles may be attached to each other during manufacture and before delivery to the user.

[0024] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the bottle and the tactile- indicator as two separate articles of manufacture, wherein the two articles may be attached to each other after manufacture by the user.

[0025] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide the bottle and the tactile- indicator, wherein both may be manufactured from an efficient manufacturing method, such as various injection molding and/or extrusion methods.

[0026] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present inventionand how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 1(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a perspective view.

[0029] FIG. 1(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a top view.

[0030] FIG. 1(c) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a right-side view.

[0031] FIG. 1(d) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a front view.

[0032] FIG. 1(e) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a left- side view.

[0033] FIG. 1(f) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bottle with at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a bottom view. [0034] FIG. 1(g) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S," shown from a perspective view.

[0035] FIG. 1(h) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S, "shown from a top view.

[0036] FIG. l(i) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S, "shown from a right-side view.

[0037] FIG. l j) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S,"shown from a front view.

[0038] FIG. l(k) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S,"shown from a left-side view.

[0039] FIG. 1(1) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "S, "shown from a bottom view.

[0040] FIG. 2(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C,"shown from a perspective view.

[0041] FIG. 2(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C,"shown from a top view.

[0042] FIG. 2(c) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C,"shown from a right-side view.

[0043] FIG. 2(d) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C,"shown from a front view.

[0044] FIG. 2(e) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C,"shown from a left-side view. W

[0045] FIG. 2(f) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling a letter "C'shown from a bottom view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] A bottle with at least one tactile-indicatormay bedescribed and disclosed. The bottle may comprise: a closed-body, a removable-lid, and the at least one tactile indicator. The at least one tactile-indicator may permit a user to distinguish contents of the bottle from between shampoo or conditioner. The at least one tactile-indicator may comprise exterior- surface-geometry. The exterior-surface-geometry may resemble a raised or a recessed letter, such as the letter "S" or the letter "C." In other embodiments, the exterior-surface-geometry may also comprise a plurality of raised bumps. The plurality of raised bumps may resemble a braille letter. In some embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry may resemble shapes and textures other than letters, such as numbers, geometric shapes, symbols, patterns, logos, and the like.

[0047] The closed-body may be configured for storing liquids, such as shampoo or conditioner. The closed-body may further comprise a base and a mouth oppositely disposed of the base. The removable-lid may be configured for removably sealing the mouth. In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated into theclosed- bodyand/or into theremovable-lid.

[0048] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, wheredepictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.lt is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 1(a) through FIG. 1(f) may depict a bottle 100, wherein bottle 100 may comprise at least one tactile indicator. FIG. 1(g) through FIG. 1(1) may depict just the at least one tactile indicator, without showing bottle 100, wherein the at least one tactile indicator may com- priseexterior-surface-geometry that may resemble a raisedletter "S" 105. The at least one tactile- indicator may function to permit the user by touching the at least one tactile-indicator to distinguish contents of said bottle from between shampoo or conditioner.

[0050] FIG. 1(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of bottle lOOwith at least one tactile- indicator, shown from a perspective view. FIG. 1(b) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(a), shown from a top view. FIG. 1(c) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(a), shown from a right-side view. FIG. 1(d) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(a), shown from a front view. FIG. 1(e) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(a), shown from a left-side view. FIG. 1(f) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(a), shown from a bottom view.

[0051] With respect to FIG. 1(a) through FIG. l(f),bottle lOOmay comprise: a closed- bodylOl, a removable-lidl03, and the at least one tactile-indicator. Closed-bodylOl may be configured for storing liquids, such as shampoo. Closed-body 101 may be a vessel. Closed- body 101 may comprise a base 102 and a mouth oppositely disposed of basel02. Base 102 may comprise geometry such that bottle 100 may stand upright without tipping over when base 102 is place upon a generally flat surface. Removable-lidl03 may be configured for removably sealing the mouth.

[0052] In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated intoclosed-body 101, such that closed-body 101 and the at least one tactile indicator may be a single article of manufacture. In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated into removable-lid 103, such that removable-lid 103 and the at least one tactile indicator may be a single article of manufacture. For example, as depicted in FIG.

l(a)through FIG. 1(f), bottle 100 may comprise five tactile indicators, disposed as follows: two located on closed-body 101 and three located on removable-lid 103. However, in other embodiments there may a different number of tactile indicators preset, such as only one, either located on closed-body 101 or removable-lid 103.

[0053] In some embodiments, bottle 100 and the at least one tactile-indicator may be manufactured as two separate articles of manufacture. In such embodiments, the at least one tactile- indicator may comprise a means for attaching the at least one tactile-indicator to bottle 100, e.g.to either closed-body 101 and/or to removable-lid 103.Themeans for attaching may be selected from one or more of the group comprising: ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, and chemical adhesive, and the like. In some embodiments, mechanical means for attaching may be used, such as Velcro® (i.e. a plurality of hooks and complimentary loops), or other locking protrusions being received into complimentary receptacles.

[0054] Now turning specifically to the tactile-indicator depicted in the FIG. 1 series of figures. FIG. 1(g) depicts an exemplary embodiment of bottle 100, wherein the tactile-indicator resembles a raised letter "S" 105, shown from a perspective view. FIG. 1(h) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(g), shown from a top view. FIG. l(i) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(g), shown from a right-side view. FIG. l(j) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(g), shown from a front view. FIG. l(k) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(g), shown from a left-side view. FIG. 1(1) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1(g), shown from a bottom view.

[0055] In some embodiments, the tactile-indicatormay comprise exterior- surface-geometry configured to resemble the raised letter "S" 105. See FIG. 1(a) through FIG. 1(1). When theus- er feels (by touching) the exterior- surface-geometry of the tactile-indicator, the user may identify the tactile-indicator as raised letter "S"105. In such embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry resembling the recessed letter "S" may indicate that bottle 100 is to be associated with holding shampoo.

[0056] In some embodiments, the tactile-indicator further may comprise a plurality of raised- bumps 106. Plurality of raised-bumpsl06 may be located on the exterior-surface-geometry. In some embodiments, plurality of raised-bumps 106 may resemble a braille letter "S." In some embodiments, plurality of raised-bumps 106 may comprise three bumps, two bumps arranged vertically with respect to base 102 resting upon a flat horizontal surface, and wherein the third bump is above and to the right of the two vertical bumps.

[0057] In some embodiments (not depicted), the tactile-indicator may comprise exterior- surface-geometry configured to resemble a recessed letter "S." When the user feels (by touching) the exterior- surface-geometry of the tactile-indicator, the user may identify the tactile- indicator as the recessed letter "S." In such embodiments, the exterior-surface-geometry resembling the recessed letter "S" may indicate that bottle 100 is to be associated with holding shampoo.

[0058] Now turning to a discussion of the FIG. 2 series of figures. In the FIG. 2 series, rai- sedletter "S" 105 is replaced with a raisedletter "C" 205andplurality of raised-bumps 106is replaced with plurality of raised-bumps 206. To designate such changes, bottle 100 of the FIG. 1 series, is bottle 200 for the FIG. 2 series.

[0059] FIG. 2(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tactile-indicator resembling letter "C"205, shown from a perspective view. FIG. 2(b) depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2(a), shown from a top view. FIG. 2(c)depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2(a), shown from a right-side view. FIG. 2(d)depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2(a), shown from a front view. FIG. 2(e)depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2(a), shown from a left-side view. FIG. 2(f)depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2(a), shown from a bottom view.

[0060] Bottle 200may comprise: a closed-body 201, a removable-lid203, and the at least one tactile-indicator. Closed-body 201 may be configured for storing liquids, such as conditioner. Closed-body 201 may be a vessel. Closed-body 201 may comprise a base 202and a mouth oppositely disposed of base 202. Base 202 may comprise geometry such that bottle 200 may stand upright without tipping over when base 202 is place upon a generally flat surface. Removable-lid 203 may be configured for removably sealing the mouth. Closed-body 201, base 202, and removable-lid 203 may be structurally and functionally equivalent to closed-body 201, base 202, and removable-lid 203 of bottle 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated into closed-body 201, such that closed-body 201 and the at least one tactile indicator may be a single article of manufacture. In some embodiments, the at least one tactile-indicator may be integrally incorporated into removable-lid 203, such that removable-lid 203 and the at least one tactile indicator may be a single article of manufacture.

[0062] In some embodiments, bottle 200 and the at least one tactile-indicator may be manufactured as two separate articles of manufacture. In such embodiments, the at least one tactile- indicator may comprise a means for attaching the at least one tactile-indicator to bottle 200, e.g. to either closed-body 201 and/or to removable-lid 203. Themeans for attaching may be selected from one or more of the group comprising: ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, and chemical adhesive, and the like. In some embodiments, mechanical means for attaching may be used, such as Velcro® (i.e. a plurality of hooks and complimentary loops), or other locking protrusions being received into complimentary receptacles. [0063] In some embodiments, the tactile-indicatormay comprise exterior- surface-geometry configured to resemble the raised letter "C" 205. See FIG. 1(a) through FIG. 1(1). When the user feels (by touching) the exterior- surface-geometry of the tactile-indicator, the user may identify the tactile-indicator as raised letter "C"205. In such embodiments, the exterior- surface- geometry resembling the recessed letter "C" may indicate that bottle 200 is to be associated with holding conditioner.

[0064] In some embodiments, the tactile-indicator further may comprise a plurality of raised- bumps 206. Plurality of raised-bumps206 may be located on the exterior-surface-geometry. In some embodiments, plurality of raised-bumps 206 may resemble a braille letter "C." In some embodiments, plurality of raised-bumps 206 may comprise two bumps, arranged horizontally with respect to base 102 resting upon a flat horizontal surface.

[0065] In some embodiments (not depicted), the tactile-indicator may comprise exterior- surface-geometry configured to resemble a recessed letter "C." When the user feels (by touching) the exterior- surface-geometry of the tactile-indicator, the user may identify the tactile- indicator as the recessed letter "C." In such embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry resembling the recessed letter "C" may indicate that bottle 200 is to be associated with holding conditioner.

[0066] In some embodiments, the at least one tactile indicator may comprise exterior- surface-geometry. The tactile-indicator(s) may permit the user to distinguish between contents of the bottle by feeling (touching)the exterior-surface-geometry.

[0067] The exterior-surface-geometry may be configured to resemble a letter. In some embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry may be configured to resemble an English letter. In some embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry may be configured to resemble a braille letter. In some embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry may be configured to resemble both the braille letter and the English letter. In some embodiments, the exterior-surface-geometry may be configured to resemble a letter of an alphabet other than an English alphabet. In some embodiments, the exterior-surface-geometry may be configured to resemble the letter of the alphabet other than an English alphabet and the braille letter.

[0068] In some embodiments, the exterior- surface-geometry (of the tactile-indicator) may be configured to resemble various numbers (Arabic and/or Roman), geometric shapes, symbols, patterns, logos, either alone or combination, and the like. Such configurations may be recessed or raised or a combination of both. A purpose of such shapes and texturing of the exterior- surface-geometry may be permit the user to determine the contents of the bottle upon which the at least one tactile-indicator is associated. For example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such geometric shapes may be selected from the list comprising: circles, ovals, swirls, spirals, rectangles, squares, diamonds, triangles, polygons, tear drops, combinations of such shapes, and the like. For example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, a circle may be used in conjunction with the plurality of raised-bumps, or may be used in conjunction with the letter.

[0069] A significance of any given shape and texturing of the exterior- surface-geometry may be defined in product literature, wherein the product literature may include literature accompany the product (e.g. bottle) upon sale to the user, information disclosed in websites, videos, and the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the exterior- surface- geometry may comprise a recessed square and the significance of such a recessed square may be defined in product literature to distinguish the bottle as holding shampoo; whereas a bottle with exterior-surface-geometry of a raised circle may be defined in its product literature to distinguish the bottle as holding conditioner.

[0070] Regardless of the exterior- surface-geometry characteristics, in some embodiments, the at least one tactile indicator may comprise a means for attaching the exterior- surface- geometry to an exterior of the closed-body and/or to an exterior of the lid (e.g. the removable- lid). In some embodiments, the means for attaching may be accomplished by the tactile- indicator and the bottle being a single article of manufacture. The means for attaching may be accomplished by the tactile-indicator and the lid being a single article of manufacture.

[0071] In some embodiments, the means for attaching may be selected from one or more of the group comprising: ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like. In some embodiments where the bottle and the tactile-indicator may be two separate articles of manufacture, their attachment may be done during manufacturing and prior to deliver to the user. In some embodiments where the bottle and the tactile-indicator may be two separate articles of manufacture, their attachment may be done after manufacture by the user, e.g. by using an adhesive-backing.

[0072] In some embodiments, the bottle (e.g.100, 200 and others) and the at least one tactile indicator, whether integral or not, may be manufactured by various injection molding methods and/or extrusion methods, well known in the art. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such manufacturing methods may compriseinjection molding, extrusion blow molding, thermoforming, injection stretch blow molding, insert molding, and the like.

[0073] In some embodiments, the bottle (e.g.100, 200 and others) and the at least one tactile indicator, whether integral or not, may be manufactured from plastics suitable for injection molding and/or extrusion. In some embodiments, the bottle (e.g.100, 200 and others) and the at least one tactile indicator, whether integral or not, may be manufactured from one or more plastics selected from the group comprising: polyethylene (including high density (HDPE)), polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, rubber (including natural and/or synthetic), silicone elastomers, polycarbonate, nylon, and the like.

[0074] Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such restricted disclosure.

[0075] A bottle with tactile indicator has been described and disclosed. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0076] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.