FERROFLUID CONTAINER SYSTEM

Description

PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/636,509 filed on Apr. 19, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the shipping and storage of ferrofluids. Ferrofluid is a liquid that is attracted to a magnetic field.

Heretofore the only way to store a ferrofluid container, such as a ferrofluid display bottle, for an extended period of time, such as for twenty-one days or more, has been by maintaining the bottle in a right side up orientation. This orientation requirement is needed because if the bottle is upside down or tilted in the wrong way, the ferrofluid in the bottle will come to rest in the cap area which can contain non-glass sealing surfaces or air bubbles. This contact with non-glass or air can quickly cause ferrofluid solidification. Due to this orientation restriction, it can be particularly difficult to store and distribute ferrofluid containers and/or display bottles using ecommerce fulfillment centers since the orientation of packages is often difficult if not impossible to control, and packages are typically stored in the orientation that will maximize shipping and storage efficiency.

In the past the problem of ferrofluid solidification has been solved by self-storing and self-fulfilling customer orders. This has the advantage of keeping control of ferrofluid orientation during storage. However, this has the disadvantage of requiring storage space and labor to fulfill the orders, which can be expensive and time consuming. Another disadvantage of self-storing and self-fulfilling orders is that it limits the fulfillment center locations and increases the cost to fulfill orders as opposed to using a third party fulfillment partner which would allow the ferrofluid to be distributed to multiple fulfillment centers in multiple states in preparation for an order which reduces the cost of shipping, especially expedited shipping, dramatically.

Another way the problem of ferrofluid solidification has been solved in the past is by printing orientation labels on the package. This has the advantage of controlling case orientation when the directions are followed. However, directions are rarely followed, especially by third party fulfillment partners. For example, when products are distributed in a fulfillment network the directions on the package are often either disregarded or not acknowledged by robotics. This results in unknown numbers of defects riddled throughout the network which can increase the likelihood of a product recall or refund.

There is therefore a need for a ferrofluid container system with improved storage and/or shipping stability. There is further a need for a way to contain, store, and/or ship a ferrofluid without the need to maintain, oversee, and/or control the positional orientation of a ferrofluid container.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies these needs. In one aspect of the invention, a ferrofluid container system with improved storage stability is provided.

In another aspect of the invention, a ferrofluid container system with improved shipping ability and stability is provided.

In another aspect of the invention, a way to contain, store, and/or ship a ferrofluid without the need to maintain, oversee, and/or control the positional orientation of a ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system allows a ferrofluid container to be stored and/or shipped in any configuration with improved ferrofluid stability.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet positioned during storage and shipping and of sufficient strength to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region without staining the ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a glass ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet positioned during storage and shipping and of sufficient strength to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region without staining the ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, and wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container, and wherein an insulator is positioned between the permanent magnet and the ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container, wherein an insulator is positioned between the permanent magnet and the ferrofluid container, wherein the insulator covers the permanent magnet.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container, wherein an insulator is positioned between the permanent magnet and the ferrofluid container, wherein the insulator is separate from the permanent magnet.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container, and wherein the ferrofluid container and the permanent magnet are contained within a shipping block provided to limit movement and/or protect the ferrofluid container.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position to attract ferrofluid away from the closure region during shipping and storage, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned exterior to the ferrofluid container, wherein the ferrofluid container and the permanent magnet are contained within a shipping block provided to limit movement and/or protect the ferrofluid container, wherein the shipping block comprises a solid foam block.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position on the side of the ferrofluid container during shipping and storage.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container with a closure region and a storage and shipping stabilizing system, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system comprises a biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ferrofluid attracting member which comprises a magnetic field generator in the form of a permanent magnet position on the bottom or side opposite to the closure region of the ferrofluid container during shipping and storage.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of improving the storing and/or shipping a ferrofluid container comprises providing a ferrofluid container system including any of the features described herein.

In another aspect of the invention, a ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container comprising a container body having an interior space, an opening into the interior space, a closure member adapted to selectively close the opening, and a ferrofluid contained within the interior space; and a storage and shipping stabilizing system comprising a ferrofluid attracting member located exterior to the container body and positioned to draw the ferrofluid in the interior space away from the opening, wherein the storage and shipping stabilizing system is effective in maintaining the stability of the ferrofluid in the interior space of the container body during shipping and storage regardless of the orientation of the container body.

In another aspect of the invention, a ferrofluid container system comprises a ferrofluid container comprising a container body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, wherein the top wall, bottom wall, and sidewall define an interior space that contains a ferrofluid, and wherein the top wall includes a closure region having an opening into the interior space and a closure member adapted to selectively close the opening; a magnetic field generator located exterior to the container body, the magnetic field generator adapted to generate a magnetic field that extends into the interior space, the magnetic field generator being positioned in proximity to the sidewall, bottom wall, or a portion of the top wall away from the closure region; and a protective carrier adapted to contain and maintain the positioning of the container body and the magnetic field generator, wherein the magnetic field is sufficiently strong to attract the ferrofluid in the interior space.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of shipping a ferrofluid container comprises providing a ferrofluid container comprising a container body having an interior space, an opening into the interior space, a closure member adapted to selectively close the opening, and a ferrofluid contained within the interior space; packaging the ferrofluid container and a ferrofluid attracting member together, wherein the ferrofluid attracting member is exterior to the ferrofluid container and positioned to draw the ferrofluid in the interior space away from the opening, and shipping the packaged ferrofluid container and ferrofluid attracting member from a first point to a second point, wherein the ferrofluid attracting member is effective in maintaining the stability of the ferrofluid in the interior space of the container body during shipping regardless of the orientation of the packaged ferrofluid container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic bottom view of a magnetic field generator of the ferrofluid container system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator of a version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic illustration of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generator of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a schematic illustration of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generator of FIG. 5A in relation to a ferrofluid container;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a ferrofluid container system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to ferrofluid container system for containment, shipping, and/or storage of a ferrofluid. In particular, the invention relates to a ferrofluid container system that allows ferrofluid to be stored and/or shipped with improved stability. Although the invention is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for ferrofluids and ferrofluid displays, the present invention can be useful in other instances. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples and embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a ferrofluid container system 100 according to the invention. The ferrofluid container system 100 comprises a ferrofluid container 105, such as a ferrofluid display bottle, having a container body 110. The container body 110 has a top region 115 having a top wall 120, a bottom region 125 having a bottom wall 130, and a sidewall 135 extending from the top wall 120 to the bottom wall 130. Together the top wall 120, bottom wall 130, and sidewall 135 define an interior space 140 of the container body 110. The interior space 140 is designed to contain a volume of ferrofluid 145, typically within a clear mineral water. The interior surface 150 of at least the sidewall 135 and bottom wall 130 are made of a material, such as glass, that does not harm or react with the ferrofluid 145 contained within the interior space 140. In one version, the walls of the container body are made of glass or other transparent material, such as polycarbonate or coated polycarbonate, to allow the ferrofluid 145 to be visible within the container body 110. Alternatively, the ferrofluid 145 can be stored and/or shipped in a non-transparent container body 110.

By ferrofluid it is meant any substance that is liquid in its use, storage, and/or shipping condition, such as by being liquid at room temperature, and that is attracted to a magnetic field, such as the poles of a magnet. Ferrofluids include colloidal liquids made of nanoscale ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid, such as an organic solvent or water, and magnetorheological fluids made of micrometer-scale particles. The particles will typically be coated with a material such as a surfactant or other substance to help prevent the particles from clumping. The terms top, bottom, and side are used for relative reference to one another and/or in reference to a container-filling position and are not intended to suggest any particular or necessary orientation. In the particular version shown, the sidewall 145 has a generally rectangular cross sectional shape. However, in other versions, the sidewall 145 can take on any other rounded or polygonal shape or a combination thereof. Also in the version shown, there is a clear and noticeable transition from the top wall 120 to the sidewall 135 and from the bottom wall 130 to the sidewall 135. In other versions, the transition can be more gentle and less noticeable. Accordingly, by top wall it is meant the portion of the container wall that includes the top five to twenty percent of the height of the container, and by bottom wall it is meant the portion of the container wall that includes the bottom five to twenty percent of the height of the container.

The top region 115 of the container body 110 of the ferrofluid container 105 includes an opening 155 that extends through the top wall 120. A closure member 160, such as a cap or lid, is provided to selectively close the opening 155. When the closure member 160 is removed, the opening 155 provides access to the interior space 140 so that ferrofluid 145 can be filled or removed from the interior space 140. During storage and/or shipping, the closure member 160 is securely fastened to the container body 110, such as by threads or friction fit, to prevent the escape of ferrofluid 145 from the ferrofluid container 105. The closure region 165 of the container body 110 poses a threat to the storage and/or shipping stability of ferrofluid 145 within the interior space 140. For example, when the ferrofluid 145 contacts non-glass surfaces in or near the opening 155 and/or closure member 160, such as rubber or plastic, the ferrofluid 145 can start to solidify, particularly when the exposure is for a significant period of time, such as for a few days or weeks. Air also can present a risk to ferrofluid stability. Typically, the ferrofluid 145 will be contained within mineral water so as to limit the exposure to air and to allow for manipulation of the ferrofluids in a ferrofluid display device. However, in the closure region, small air bubbles or pockets can be present that can come into contact with ferrofluid 145 when the ferrofluid 145 is in the closure region 165. This exposure can lead to or contribute to the solidification of the ferrofluid 145. Accordingly, care must be taken to prevent or limit the ferrofluid 145 from residing in the closure region 165. Conventionally, this is done by maintaining the container body 110 in an upright orientation so gravity helps to prevent the ferrofluid 145 from entering into the closure region 165. By closure region it is meant the region within about 10 mm or within about 20 mm of the opening 155 and/or any non-glass or the like surfaces associated with the opening 155 or the closure member 160.

As can be seen in the version of FIG. 1, the ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention includes a storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 designed to prevent or help reduce the risk of ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140 of the container body 110 from entering the closure region 165 for a long enough period of time that the ferrofluid 145 may start to solidify. The storage and shipping stabilizing system operates independent of the orientation of the container body 110. In this manner, even if the container body 110 is positioned on its side or with the top region 115 oriented downwardly, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 will operate to lessen the propensity of the ferrofluid 145 from entering the closure region 165 than would be the case in the absence of the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170.

In one version, such as shown in FIG. 1, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 comprises a ferrofluid attracting member 175 to which the ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140 is attracted. For example, the ferrofluid attracting member 175 can be a magnetic field generator 180 that generates a sufficiently strong magnetic field to attract ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140. The ferrofluid attracting member 175 is positioned so as to draw the ferrofluid 145 in the interior space away from the closure region 165. For example, the ferrofluid attracting member 175 can be positioned in proximity to the sidewall 135, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom wall 130, and/or a portion of the top wall 120 that is spaced from the closure region 165.

In the version shown in FIG. 1, the ferrofluid attracting member 175 of the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 comprises a magnetic field generator 180 that is positioned and of sufficient strength to bias the ferrofluid in the interior space 140 of the container body 110 away from the closure region 165 by magnetic attraction. For example, in the version shown, the magnetic field generator 180 generates an attraction magnetic field that draws the ferrofluid 145 toward the magnetic field generator 180. By positioning the magnetic field generator 180 away from the closure region 165, such as in proximity to the sidewall 135, the bottom wall 130, and/or a portion of the top wall 120 that is spaced from the closure region 165, the ferrofluid is drawn away from the closure region 165. In one version, such as shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic field generator 180 is in the form of a magnet 185, such as a permanent magnet which exhibits magnetism without the needing an external source such as electricity. The magnet 185 is positioned relative to the interior space so that the magnet 185 draws the ferrofluid 145 to the portion of the interior surface 150 in proximity to the magnet 185, as shown in FIG. 1. Examples of magnets 185 are disc magnets, ring magnets, bar magnets, horseshoe magnets. In the particular version of FIG. 1, the magnet 185 is a disc magnet. By disc magnet it is meant that the magnet 185 is round or circular in shape with a diameter or similar cross-sectional dimension that exceeds its thickness. The disc magnet has a flat surface that provides a large pole area that helps provide a strong magnetic field, particularly at its edge.

In the version of FIG. 1, the magnetic field generator 180, such as the magnet 185, is positioned exterior to the container body 110 of the ferrofluid container 105. For example, the magnet 185 can be positioned on or near an outer surface 190 of the container body 110, as shown in FIG. 1. In one version, the magnet 185 can be permanently or fixedly attached to the outer surface 190. In another version, the magnet 185 can be held in position on or near the outer surface 190 in a non-fixed manner so that the container body 110 can be easily separated from the magnet 185 when the container body 110 is not being shipped or stored. In either case, with the magnet 185 positioned exterior to the container body 110, the strength of the magnetic field generated must be strong enough to penetrate the wall thickness 195 of wall of the container body 110 so that the attractive force can act on the ferrofluid 145 on the other side of the wall.

As can be understood, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 with the magnetic field generator 180, such as the magnet 185, can provide improved stability when the ferrofluid container is being stored and shipped. By storing and shipping it is meant any portion of the process of transporting a ferrofluid container 105 from one point, such as a manufacturer, seller, warehouse, fulfillment center, and the like to one or more second points, such as a buyer, customer, importer, warehouse, fulfillment center, and the like, including any intermediate points along the path from manufacturer to end user. During the storing and shipping process, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 eliminates or reduces the need to maintain the orientation of the ferrofluid container 105 upright or other orientation that keeps the ferrofluid from solidifying or otherwise destabilizing. Instead, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 acts on the ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140 to draw it away from the closure region 160 regardless of the orientation of the ferrofluid container 105.

FIG. 2 shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. In the version of FIG. 2, the ferrofluid container system 100 also comprises a protective carrier 200 that allows the ferrofluid container 105 and the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 to be packaged, shipped, and/or stored together. For example, the protective carrier 200 is adapted to hold the ferrofluid container 105 and the ferrofluid attracting member 170, such as the magnet 185 in the version of FIG. 2, in a manner that offers protection against breakage and reduces jostling during the shipping process. In the version of FIG. 2, the protective carrier 200 comprises a foam block 205. The foam block 205 is a lightweight solid made of foam or the like material, such as foams made of polystyrene, polyethylene, crosslinked polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, silicone, and/or the like. The foam block 205 can be any desired shaped and can be made of one or more pieces of material. The foam block 205 has a first or ferrofluid container cavity 210 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the container body 110 and a second or magnet cavity 215 sized and sized to receive at least a portion of the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180. The foam block 205 thus maintains the relative positioning of the container body 110 and the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180. The magnet cavity 215 is positioned relative to the ferrofluid container cavity 210 so that when the magnet 185 is positioned in the magnet cavity 215 and when the ferrofluid container 105 is positioned within the ferrofluid container cavity 210, the magnet 185 is in a position to draw ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140 of the container body 110 away from the closure region 160. The container body cavity 210 and the magnet cavity 215 can be connected to one another or be separated from one another. In one version, the ferrofluid container cavity 210 and/or the magnet cavity 215 can be sufficiently deep to be able to contain a majority of the ferrofluid container 105 and/or magnet 185, respectively. In another version, the ferrofluid container cavity 210 and/or the magnet cavity 185 can be sufficiently deep to contain about one-half the thickness of the ferrofluid container 105 and/or the magnet 185, respectively, and then a corresponding mirror image second foam block can be placed atop the first foam block to sandwich the ferrofluid container 105 and/or the magnet 185 therebetween. Alternatively, the foam block can be replaced by another type of shipping protector, such as a paperboard product like cardboard and/or a corrugated structure, that includes structural components for maintaining the positioning of the ferrofluid container 105 and the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180. The cavities or other structural holders can allow for easy removal of the container body 110 and/or the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180. By being removeable, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can have other uses. For example, the magnet 185 can be used to manipulate the ferrofluid 145 into a desired position and/or the magnet 185 can have separate use, such as being used as a refrigerator magnet or the like.

FIG. 3A shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 3 is similar to the version of FIG. 2, but in the version of FIG. 3A, the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170 comprises a magnet 185 and an insulator 305. The insulator 305 comprises non-magnetic field generating material. By positioning the insulator 305 between the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 the strength of the magnetic field within the interior space 140 of the container body 110 can be reduced. If the magnetic field is undesirably strong, the ferrofluid 145 can be drawn toward the magnet 185 with enough force that it can cause staining of the interior surface 150 in the area near the magnet 185. Accordingly, when a magnet 185 is used that has a strong magnetic force, the strength of the magnetic field can be lessened or otherwise controlled by providing the insulator 305. The insulator 305 thus provides a distance between the magnet 185 and the interior space 140 that can be selected so that the magnetic field is of the desired strength. In the version of FIG. 3A, the insulator 305 is provided by a magnet cover insulator 310 that at least partially surrounds the magnet 185 and at least covers the edge of the magnet 185 that is closest in proximity to the container body 310. A bottom view of the magnet 185 and magnet cover insulator 310 is shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 4 is similar to the version of FIG. 3A, but in the version of FIG. 4 the insulator 305 is provided by a strip 405 of the foam block 205. The strip 405 of foam can be one piece with the rest of the foam block 205 or can be a separate foam strip inserted between the ferrofluid container cavity 210 and the magnet cavity 215.

The thickness of the insulator 305, such as the thickness of the magnet cover 310 and/or the strip 405 of foam can be selected to provide a desired magnetic field strength within the interior space 140 of the container body 110. The thickness of the insulator 305 will depend on several factors, such as the strength of the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180, the wall thickness 195 and wall material, and the nature or makeup of the ferrofluid 145 that is being contained. FIG. 5A shows an example of a magnet 185 that can be used with the ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. The magnet 185 in the version of FIG. 5A is disk shaped, and the magnetic field 505 that is generated by the magnet is shown by the arrows. FIG. 5B shows examples of magnetic field strength zones for the magnetic field 505 generated by the magnet 185. Zone 1 510 is the region with the strongest magnetic force, Zone 2 515 is an intermediate strength region, and Zone 3 520 is a region of weaker magnetic strength. In this version, Zone 1 510 represents a region where a magnetic force is too strong and would result in the ferrofluid 145 staining the interior surface 150. Zone 3 520 represents a region where there is an attractive force for the ferrofluid 145 but the force is not strong enough to ideally keep the or hold the ferrofluid 145 in position against the interior surface 150 under certain shipping conditions, such as drops or excessive jostling. Zone 2 represents the region where the magnetic force is sufficiently strong to hold the ferrofluid 145 against the interior surface 150 at the desired position in proximity to the magnet 185 and sufficiently weak to not cause staining of the interior surface 150. FIG. 5C shows the magnetic field strength zones schematically positioned over the container body 310. As can be seen, by proper selection of the thickness of the insulator 305 the magnet 185 can be positioned so that the region where the ferrofluid 145 is desired to be held against the interior surface 150 is within zone 2 515. A particular example of the magnet 185 that can be used with the ferrofluid container system 100 is a 12×5 mm or 12×10 mm Grade N35 to N52 disk magnet. In one version, as shown, the orientation of the magnetic poles 525, and thus the magnetic field that is applied to the interior space 140 of the container body 110, are parallel to the bottle. This allows the ferrofluid 145 to be held close to the magnet 185 but does not create a strong direct magnetic force towards the side wall of the glass and a force that can be readily controlled by selection of the insulator 305 if needed. For example, using a N35 12×5 mm disk magnet with a container bottle 310 having a glass wall thickness 190 of about 4 mm, in order to position zone 2 515 in the desirable location, the insulator 305 can be from about 2 mm to about 6 mm thick, or from about 3 mm to about 5 mm thick, or about 4 mm thick. If the magnet 185 is stronger, then the insulator 305 can be thicker. If the magnet 185 is weaker, then the insulator 305 can be thinner or not present. Adjustments can also be made based on the thickness of the glass and other factors. As shown in the figures, the magnetic field strength can be divided into 3 zones. Zone 1 (too strong), zone 2 (optimal strength), zone 3 (too weak). While the system will function in all three zones, the target zone in zone 2. 8-14 mm was used for the drop testing and stain testing.

FIGS. 6 shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. In the version of FIG. 6, the ferrofluid container system 100 comprises a protective carrier 200 that is adapted to hold the ferrofluid container 105 and the storage and shipping stabilizing system 170, such as the magnet 185 in the version of FIG. 2, in a manner that offers protection against breakage and reduces jostling during the shipping process, as discussed above. In addition, the ferrofluid container system 100 comprises a shipping box 605. The shipping box 605 can be made of cardboard or another other type of packaging material. The shipping box 605 includes a shipping box interior 610 that is sized and shaped to hold and correspond to the size and shape of the protective carrier 200, such as the one or more foam blocks 205. In the particular version of FIG. 6, the shipping box 605 is designed to contain a foam block in accordance with the version of FIG. 2. The shipping box 605 can be the same or separate from a packaging box.

FIG. 7 shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. The version of the ferrofluid container system 100 of FIG. 7 is similar to the version of FIG. 6 but with the foam block 205 being in accordance with the version of FIG. 4 with the strip 405 of foam serving as an insulator 305 as discussed above.

FIG. 8 shows another version of a ferrofluid container system 100 of the invention. The version of the ferrofluid container system 100 of FIG. 8 is similar to the version of FIG. 3A the foam block 205 positioned within a shipping box 605. As discussed above in connection with FIG. 3A, in this version, the insulator 305 is provide in the form of a magnet cover 310. FIG. 8 also shows another version of the magnet cover 310. In this version, the magnet cover 310 includes a handle portion 805. A user can grasp the handle portion 805 to remove and/or manipulate the magnet 185 if desired. The magnet cover 310 with the handle portion 805 can be advantageous over a magnet 185 lacking a handle portion 805 in several ways. For example, the handle portion 805 offers a larger gripping surface to facilitate removal from the package and/or for other uses, and it increased the overall size of the component that includes the magnet 185 thus making the component less easy to misplace. In addition, by making the second cavity 215 appropriately and correspondingly sized and shaped, the larger size of the handle portion 805 can provide additional stability to the orientation of the magnet 185 during shipping.

As discussed above, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can be positioned at any location where the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can draw the ferrofluid 145 in the interior space 140 of the container body 110 away from the closure region 160. For example, as shown in the versions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4, 6, 7, and 8, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can be positioned on or in proximity to the sidewall 135 of the container body 110, and particularly at about the midpoint of the height of the sidewall 135. This position presents a generally balanced magnetic field across the height of the container body 110 with the magnetic field strength being about the same at the top region 115 and at the bottom region 120. In another version, such as shown in FIG. 9, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 is positioned in proximity to the bottom wall 130. This positioning can be desirable under certain situations, such as when it is believed the container body 110 may spend a significant period of time or jostling in an upside down orientation. In another version, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can be positioned at a different location, such as in one of the corners. In another version, a plurality of magnets 185 or other magnetic field generators 180 can be provided at different locations around the container body 110. For example, a pair of magnets 185 or other magnetic field generators 180 can be positioned on both sides of a corner of the container body 110 to help retain the ferrofluid 145 within that corner during shipping and storage.

Though described above as being particularly useful for maintaining ferrofluid stability during shipping and storage, the ferrofluid container system 100 can also be used for maintaining stability of the ferrofluid following shipping as the ferrofluid container 105 is being stored at the end user. In this way, the end user does not have to be required to store the package in an upright orientation. Instead, the magnet 185 or other magnetic field generator 180 can maintain the stability in any stored orientation. In addition, particularly for ferrofluid display devices where the ferrofluid is retained within the interior space 140 during use, following use of the ferrofluid display device, the container body 110 can be returned to the ferrofluid container system 100 so that post-use storage does not cause destabilization of the ferrofluid 145 if not properly oriented, thereby allowing the ferrofluid display device to be used again.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the versions shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number, and all directional limitations, such as up and down and the like, can be switched, reversed, or changed as long as doing so is not prohibited by the language herein with regard to a particular version of the invention. Like numerals represent like parts from figure to figure. When the same reference number has been used in multiple figures, the discussion associated with that reference number in one figure is intended to be applicable to the additional figure(s) in which it is used, so long as doing so is not prohibited by explicit language with reference to one of the figures. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step and the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps or the exclusion of any other essential elements, limitations, or steps, respectively. Throughout the specification, any discussion of a combination of elements, limitations, or steps should be understood to include (i) each element, limitation, or step of the combination alone, (ii) each element, limitation, or step of the combination with any one or more other element, limitation, or step of the combination, (iii) an inclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may comprise one or more additional elements, limitations, or steps), and/or (iv) an exclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps or an exclusion of essential additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may consist of or consist essentially of the disclosed combination or parts of the combination). All numerical values, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure or prosecution, include either the exact value or approximations in the vicinity of the stated numerical values, such as for example about +/−ten percent or as would be recognized by a person or ordinary skill in the art in the disclosed context. The same is true for the use of the terms such as about, substantially, and the like. Also, for any numerical ranges given, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure, during prosecution, or by being explicitly set forth in a claim, the ranges include either the exact range or approximations in the vicinity of the values at one or both of the ends of the range. When multiple ranges are provided, the disclosed ranges are intended to include any combinations of ends of the ranges with one another and to include zero and infinity as possible ends of the ranges. Therefore, any appended or later filed claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.