REUSABLE CONTAINER WITH A REMOVABLE DIVIDER

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of reusable containers. In particular, the present invention is directed to a reusable container with a removable divider.

BACKGROUND

The increasing concern for environmental sustainability and the need to reduce single-use plastics have prompted a shift towards reusable containers in various sectors, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Despite this shift, there are significant technical challenges that need to be addressed to make reusable containers both practical and effective for everyday use. One of the main challenges is maintaining the structural integrity and thermal insulation of containers that are exposed to extreme temperatures. Many existing reusable containers lack the ability to keep food at desired temperatures without becoming too hot or cold to handle. Additionally, consumers often require containers that can separate different types of food to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination. Existing solutions frequently involve fixed compartments that lack flexibility, making them less versatile for various food types and quantities.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect, a reusable container is described. The container includes a ridge extending along an upper edge of the container, an inner layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer define a vacuum-insulated space. The container also includes a removable divider made of a material selected from a group consisting of silicone, plastic, and rubber. The removable divider comprises a floor and a plurality of vertical walls attached to the floor. The floor of the removable divider is configured to rest on a bottom surface of the inner layer of the container to create a plurality of separate compartments.

In another aspect, the reusable container may include a vacuum-insulated space positioned between the bottom surface of the inner layer and a top surface of the outer layer, configured to provide a thermal insulation. Both the inner layer and the outer layer may comprise a plurality of reinforced side walls. The plurality of reinforced side walls may form a tapered structure with an angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. Each reinforced side wall of the plurality of reinforced side walls may be constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, plastic composite, wood, stainless steel, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, and rubber. Each reinforced side wall of the plurality of reinforced side walls may be powder coated. The outer layer may further comprise a base with an anti-slip feature configured to prevent the container from sliding on surfaces.

In yet another aspect, the reusable container may further comprise a lid having a flange along the perimeter of the lid. The ridge may comprise a rim extending outward along upper edges of the container, wherein the rim includes a groove configured to receive and secure the flange of the lid. The lid may be constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of silicone, plastic, plastic composite, stainless steel, and rubber.

In yet another aspect, the reusable container may further comprise a tracking means associated with the container, wherein the tracking means is a QR code, RFID chip, a bar code, or an NFC chip. The tracking means may be adhered to at least a surface of the container using an industrial glue. Alternatively, the tracking means may be directly embedded into the outer layer of the container.

According to further aspects, the container may be rectangular shaped, and the removable divider may further comprise a T-shaped structure formed by a first vertical wall of the plurality of vertical walls and a second vertical wall of the plurality of vertical walls. The height of the plurality of vertical walls may be less than the depth of the inner layer of the container.

These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a reusable container with a removable divider, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a reusable container with a removable divider having a T-shaped structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a reusable container with a removable divider having a T-shaped structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a reusable container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations, and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a reusable container. In one embodiment, said reusable container may be designed for retail food orders that are made “to go.” In another embodiment, said reusable container may be designed to replace single-use containers. Said reusable container may include a container, a lid, a divider, and a tracking mean associated with the container.

The reusable container may include double-walled, vacuum-sealed, and/or heat-insulated structures. The reusable container may be designed in a rectangular shape. In some cases, said double-walled and vacuum-sealed structure may provide a thermal insulation, allowing users to, for example, at least in part, hold the said container with hot or cold food inside without experiencing heat or cold transfer to their hands. In some cases, the reusable container may include a plurality of side walls, reinforced to prevent the plurality of side walls from collapsing.

Reusable container may include a lid made of silicone or other similar material as described herein, providing a secure closure for the said container. Reusable container includes a divider, wherein the said divider, also made of silicon, may be designed to be, for example, and without limitation, dropped into the said container prior to serving of the food. Said divider is characterized by a floor and a plurality of vertical walls attached to the floor, allowing foods to be kept separate within the said container. Said divider is removable for washing and drying.

Reusable container may include a tracking means, such as, without limitation, a QR code, bar code, RFID chip, NFC chip, and the like, configured to enable tracking of the container for reuse. Reusable container may be constructed from materials including, without limitation, stainless steel and silicone; however, it should be noted that, reusable container as described herein may be made from other exemplary materials, including but not limited to wood, plastic, glass, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, rubber, and any type of recycled rigid material. Exemplary embodiments illustrating aspects of the present disclosure are described below in the context of several specific examples.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of a reusable container 100 is illustrated. Reusable container 100 includes a container 102 with a ridge 104 extending along an upper edge of the container 102. As described herein, a “container” is a receptacle capable of holding substances. As a non-limiting example, container 102 may any receptacle or enclosure for holding food or liquids. In one or more embodiments, container 102 may be used in storage, packaging, and/or transportation (including shipping) of substances.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, as described herein, a “ridge” is a raised or protruding edge along the top (i.e., upper edge) of container 102. In some cases, ridge 104 may include a continuous raised edge that extends around the entire perimeter of container's 102 upper edge. Ridge 104 may have a rounded or beveled profile between container's 102 side walls, or in other cases, side walls to the container's base. In some cases, ridge 104 may include a flat or slightly angled top surface.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, container 102 includes an inner layer 106 and an outer layer 108. As used herein, an “inner layer” is an interior surface or component of container 102 that comes into direct contact with the substance. An “outer layer,” for the purpose of this disclosure, is an exterior surface or component of container 102 that comes into direct contact with the external environment. In an embodiment, inner layer 106 may form the interior of container 102, while the outer layer 108 may form the exterior.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, both the inner layer and the outer layer of the container may include a plurality of side walls 110. As used in this disclosure, a “side wall” is a vertical or near-vertical surface of container 102 that extend from a base to the upper edge or ridge 104. Ridge 103 is positioned along upper edges of plurality of side walls 110. Plurality of side walls may provide support for contained substance and define, in some cases, the shape of container 102. In some cases, container 102 may be configured in round, oval, triangular, or polygonal shapes. In an embodiment, plurality of side walls 110 is reinforced. “Reinforced,” for the purpose of this disclosure, refers to the strengthening or supporting of the side walls to increase their rigidity or resistance to deformation.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in a non-limiting embodiment, plurality of reinforced side walls may form a tapered structure with an angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. As a non-limiting example, at 0 degrees, container 102 may have straight, vertical sides. As the angle increases, container 102 may have a sloped appearance. The said taper angle may be on, for example, and without limitation, the lower end of the range, between 5 to 30 degrees. Such tapered structure may allow for easier removal of substances and stacking of empty containers (with divider removed).

With continued reference to FIG. 1, each reinforced side wall may be constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, wood, stainless steel, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, and rubber. In some cases, the reinforced side walls may be powder coated for additional durability and aesthetic appeal. As described herein, “powder coating” is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. As a non-limiting example, powder coating on side walls 110 of outer layer 108 may come in various colors such as black, glossy white, or the like to enhance overall visual appeal of container 102. Power coating may not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. Such coating may be applied electrostatically and cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a skin. In some embodiments, the powder may be thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, container 102 also includes a vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 defined by inner layer 106 and outer layer 108. As used in this disclosure, a “vacuum-sealed space” is a sealed region between inner layer 106 and outer layer 108 of container 102 from which air and other gases have been partially or completely removed. A “heat-insulated space” is an area specifically designed to reduce heat transfer between an inner layer and an outer layer of a space. This space can help maintain a desired temperature-either warmer or cooler than the surrounding environment by limiting heat exchange. In one embodiment, vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 may be substantially devoid of matter; thus, at least in part, reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of container 102.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some cases, vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 may be positioned between a bottom surface 116 of inner layer 106 and a top surface 118 of outer layer 108, for example, and without limitation, proximate to a base 120 of container 102, providing thermal insulation. However, in other cases, vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 may also be positioned between side walls 110 of inner layer 106 and outer layer 108. In one embodiment, vacuum-insulated space may be positioned both between bottom surface 116 and top surface 118, as well as between side walls 110 of inner layer 106 and outer layer 108.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, as described herein, a “base” is the bottom portion of container 102 that provides support and stability. In one embodiment, base 120 may form the lowermost part of outer layer 108; for example, and without limitation, base 120 may include a foundation upon which container 102 rests. In some cases, base 120 may be constructed in a material same or substantially similar to plurality of (reinforced) side walls 110, including but is not limited to plastic, plastic composite, wood, stainless steel, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, and rubber. In some cases, base 120 may be thicker or more reinforced than plurality of side walls 110. In some cases, base 120 may include a flat or slightly concave surface to improve stability.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, base 120 may include an anti-slip feature 122 configured to prevent the container from sliding on surfaces. As used herein, the term “anti-slip feature” is a component or characteristic of base 120 designed to increase friction between the container and the surface it rests on, thereby reducing the likelihood of sliding or movement. In some cases, anti-slip feature 122 may be implemented through various means, including but not limited to textured patterns, rubber pads, specialized coatings, or other materials with high friction properties.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, as a non-limiting example, base 120 may include a plurality of anti-slip features, each one of the pluralities of anti-slip features may include one or more raised edges or depressions which create a plurality of air gaps between base 120 and a surface container 102 rests on. In other embodiments, anti-slip feature 122 may additionally, or alternatively, include one or more bumps with textured or patterned surface, and a relatively thin thickness compared to base 120, providing anti-slip functionality without significantly altering container's 102 overall height. In some cases, the material of the anti-slip feature may differ from that of the container's outer layer. Such material may include, without limitation, specialized rubber, silicone, or other high-friction material specifically chosen for its non-slip properties.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 surrounding inner layer 106 on all sides may be configured to provide a thermal insulation by, for example, and at least in part, creating an effective barrier against heat transfer, whether from the bottom or sides of container 102. Such design may be particularly beneficial for maintaining the temperature of hot or cold foods for extended periods. Additionally, or alternatively, vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112 may include additional insulating materials or structures to further enhance the thermal insulation. As a non-limiting example, container 102 may include an intermediate layer (or additional layers) in between inner layer 106 and outer layer 108, or aerogel may be incorporated into the said vacuum-sealed or heat-insulated space 112.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, reusable container 100 includes a removable divider 124. As used herein, a “divider” is a component designed to partition the interior space of container 102 into multiple compartments. “Removable,” for the purpose of this disclosure, refers to the ability of the divider to be inserted and removed from container 102 without damaging the container. Removable divider 124 may be made of a material selected from a group consisting of silicone, plastic (e.g., PET, HOPE, vinyl, PVC, etc), and rubber. In some cases, material of removable divider 124 may be consistent with any material as described herein e.g., any kind of plastic, plastic composite, wood (such as bamboo), glass, powder coated or painted stainless steel, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, and any combination thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, removable divider 124 includes a floor 126 and a plurality of vertical walls 128 attached to the floor 126. As used in this disclosure, a “floor” is a bottom surface of removable divider 124. In some cases, floor 126 may be a flat surface that extends horizontally across the bottom surface 116 of inner layer 106, providing a base for plurality of vertical walls 128. As described herein, “vertical walls” are upward-extending surfaces attached to and vertically rising from floor 126. As a non-limiting example, each vertical wall of plurality of vertical walls may be orthogonal to floor 126 or adjacent walls. In some cases, each vertical wall of plurality of vertical walls may be parallel to each other.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, floor 126 of removable divider 124 is configured to rest on the bottom surface 116 of the inner layer of container 102 to create a plurality of separate compartments 130. In some cases, removable divider 124 may include a solid floor and 1-10 vertical walls attached to the solid floor. In some cases, each vertical wall of plurality of vertical walls 128 may include a constant height h of 41.64 to 41.66 mm. In some cases, height h of plurality of vertical walls may be less than the depth d of inner layer 106. In some cases, height d between bottom surface 116 and a top of ridge 104 is between 50 mm and 70 mm. In one embodiment, height d is approximately between 59.60 mm and 59.80 mm. In other cases, vertical walls 128 may vary in length and height. This may result in a creation of plurality of uneven compartments when removable divider 124 is inserted into container 102. In some cases, one or more vertical wall may extend fully from one side of floor to the other, while others may, for example, and without limitation, terminate at intermediate points, joining with other walls, or ending freely within an area of floor 126.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a “compartment,” for the purpose of this disclosure, is a separate section or space within container 102. In one embodiment, each compartment of plurality of separate compartments 130 may be designed to hold and isolate, for example, and without limitation, different substances e.g., food items from one another within the same container 102, preventing mixing of the different substances. Each compartment of plurality of separate compartments 130 may be defined by at least a portion of the floor, at least a vertical wall, and at least a (or a portion of) side wall 110. As a non-limiting example, each compartment of plurality of separate compartments 130 may be easily accessible when container 102 is opened. User may retrieve from each compartment of plurality of separate compartment, the stored substance using one or more retrieval means e.g., silverware such as spoons, forks, chopsticks, or the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some cases, removable divider 124 may include floor 126 and plurality of vertical walls 128 attached to floor 126, creating a plurality of compartments of varying sizes and shapes within container 102. In an embodiment, plurality of vertical walls 128 may be arranged in non-uniform patterns, resulting in asymmetrical compartments. Orientation of each vertical wall of plurality of vertical walls 128 may deviate from being strictly orthogonal to floor 126 or adjacent walls, for example, and without limitation, vertical walls 128 may be positioned at various angles (ranging from acute to obtuse) relative to the floor and to each other, creating compartments 130 with trapezoidal, triangular, or other polygonal shapes when viewed from above. It should be noted that the intersection points of vertical walls 128 with floor 126 may not necessarily form right angles.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, reusable container 100 may include a lid 132 having a flange 134 along the perimeter of the lid 132. As described herein, a “lid” is a removable cover designed to fit on top of the container 102, sealing its contents. Lid may be flexible. In some cases, lid 132 may be constructed from a material in consistent with the material of container 102 or removable divider 124 as described above such as, without limitation, silicone, plastic, or rubber. A “flange,” for the purpose of this disclosure, is a protruding edge configured to interact with a corresponding feature on container 102. As a non-limiting example, lid 132 may include a flat top surface that spans the opening of container 102. Flange 134 may extend around the entire circumference of lid 132, projecting outward and downward from the lid's edge. In some cases, flange 134 may have a thickness that tapers towards its outer edge. In other cases, flange may be a flexible lip which can conform a rim 136 of container's 102 outer layer 108.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, as used in this disclosure, a “rim” is an outwardly extending structural component located along the ridge 104 of container 102. In one embodiment, rim 136 may include a continuous loop around the upper edges of the container 102, extending outward from outer layer 108. Rim 136 may include, for example, and without limitation, a groove 138 configured to receive and secure flange 134 of lid 132. A “groove,” for the purpose of this disclosure, is a recessed channel located within rim 136. When lid 132 is placed on container 102, flange 134 may be precisely fit to groove 138 to create an airtight and leak-proof seal. Lid 132 may remain securely in place during use and transportation of reusable container 100. As a non-limiting example, groove may include a continuous channel that match the dimensions of lid's 132 flange 134, runs along the inner edge of rim 136.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, additionally, or alternatively, flange 134 may include a flexible gasket or O-ring made of silicone or rubber that compresses against rim 136 when lid 132 is closed. In some cases, lid 132 and/or rim 136 may incorporate, without limitation, one or more magnetic elements that attract each other, providing additional force (e.g., magnetic force) to keep the lid 132 securely in place. Further, lid 132 and/or rim 136 may include one or more securing means such as, without limitation, one or more locking clips hinged on to rim 136 or lid 132 that secure lid 132 to container 102. In some cases, rim 136 may be textured, for example, and without limitation, rim 136 may include micro-textures or patterns that increase friction between flange 134 and rim 136. The height of ridge 104 or the width of rim 136 may vary, depending on the specific design requirements. As a non-limiting example, ridge 104 may extend 2 mm to 8 mm or more above the top edge of plurality of side walls 110. In one embodiment, ridge 104 is 4.4 mm in height. In some embodiments, the difference between h and d is approximately 10 mm to 20 mm. In one embodiment, the difference between h and d is approximately 19.3 mm.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, reusable container 100 may include one or more tracking means 140. As described herein, a “tracking means” is a component or mechanism that enables the tracking and monitoring of integrated reusable container 100 throughout its lifecycle. In some cases, tracking as described herein may be essential for managing the reuse, return, and/or inventory control of reusable container 100. In an embodiment, tracking means 140 may include an QR code sticker made of durable vinyl material, affixed to an outer surface of container 102, for example, the bottom surface of base 120, using industrial-grade adhesive. Industrial glue may be chosen for its strong bonding properties, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions such as, without limitation, moisture, heat, or cold. Exemplary embodiments of industrial glues may include, without limitation, epoxy adhesive, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, UV-curable adhesives, hot melt adhesives. Among others

With continued reference to FIG. 1, as described herein, a “QR code” (or a Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode that may be scanned using a device equipped with a camera and OR code reader (e.g., a smartphone). A “barcode,” for the purpose of this disclosure, is a method of representing data in a visual machine-readable form. As a non-limiting example, data may include information related to object that carries the barcode e.g., reusable container 100. Barcodes may systematically represent data by, for example, and without limitation, varying the widths and spacings of a plurality of parallel lines. QR code and/or barcode may be scanned to provide, for instance, and without limitation, information about the container, e.g., current location, usage history, maintenance records, and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, QR code and/or barcode may be designed to withstand frequent handling and cleaning processes, ensuring it remains readable over reusable container's 100 lifespan

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in other embodiments, tracking means 140 may include other types of identification technologies such as, without limitation, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, Near-field-Communication (NFC) tags, or barcodes. Each of these tracking means may provide a different method for tracking reusable container 100 as described herein. RFID chips may use electromagnetic fields to automatically identify, and track tags attached to reusable container 100. As a non-limiting example, RFID chips may contain electronically stored information. In some cases, passive RFID chips may collect energy from nearby RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. In some cases, NFC tags may implement a set of communication protocols for communication between two devices e.g., reusable container 100 and an NFC reader over a distance of 4 cm (1.5 in) or less via a low-speed connection.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some cases, each layer (e.g., inner layer 106 and outer layer 108) or components (e.g., lid 132) of reusable container 100 may have a different tracking means. As a non-limiting example, an RFID chip may be embedded within the container material or attached to container surface, wherein the chip may store unique identification data that can be read by an RFID reader from a distance, allowing automated tracking, or in other cases, inventory management. Lid 132 may, additionally, or alternatively, include a QR code sticker or a bar code sticker adhered to the top surface of lid 132, wherein the QR code sticker or the bar code sticker may encode a URL, text, or other information related to manufacture of the container, pre-defined user data, or stored contents.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some cases, tracking means 140 may be directly embedded into outer layer 108 of container 102. In one embodiment, tracking means 140 may be implemented as a laser-etched QR code or barcode on outer layer 108 of container 102. In some cases, a high-precision laser may be used to etch, for example, and without limitation, tracking information directly onto the surface of outer layer 108, creating a permanent, tamper-resistant, high-contrast mark that is resistant to wear and tear throughout reusable container's 100 lifecycle and can be easily scanned by any standard QR code or barcode readers. In other cases, tracing means 140 may be located on one of the side wall of plurality of side walls 110.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a top view of an exemplary embodiment of reusable container apparatus 200 is illustrated. Reusable container apparatus 200 includes a container 202 having a ridge 204 extending along an upped edge of the container 202. Container 202 is rectangular shaped and include an inner layer 206 and an outer layer (not labeled for clarity), wherein the inner layer 206 and the outer layer define a vacuum-insulated space to provide a thermal insulation. Reusable container apparatus 200 includes a removable divider 208 made of a material selected from a group consisting of silicone, plastic, and rubber, wherein the removable divider 208 includes floor 210 and at least two vertical walls 212a-b attached to the floor 210, wherein floor 210 is configured to rest on a bottom surface of inner layer 206. In some cases, vacuum-insulated space may be disposed, for example, and without limitation, underneath floor 210, between the bottom surface of inner layer 206 and the top surface of outer layer, and/or between plurality of side walls 214a-d of inner layer 206.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, removable divider 208 may include a T-shaped structure formed by at least two vertical walls 212a-b. As described herein, a “T-shaped structure” is a configuration of removable divider 208 within reusable container apparatus 200 characterized by a vertical wall arrangement that forms a shape resembling letter “T” when viewed from above. Removable divider 208 includes a first vertical wall 212a extends from at least a side wall (e.g., first side wall 214a) of inner layer 206 to an opposite side wall (e.g., third side wall 214c), and a second vertical wall 212b extends from the first vertical wall 212a to an adjacent side wall (e.g., second side wall 215b). In some cases, first vertical wall 212a may extend longitudinally across reusable container apparatus 200 and second vertical wall 212b may extending, for example, and without limitation, perpendicularly from a midpoint 216 of first vertical wall 212a (or any other point along first vertical wall 212a), thereby creating at least three separate compartments 218a-c within reusable container apparatus 200, each one of the separate compartments 218a-c may be configured to store one or more substances separately.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, as a non-limiting example, first vertical wall 212a may run parallel to second side wall 214b and a fourth side wall 214d while second vertical wall 212b may intersect first vertical wall 212a at a right angle (parallel to first side wall 214a and third side wall 214c), forming the bottom of the “T,” or vice versa. As a non-limiting example, if the intersection is located at midpoint 216a, container 102 with removable divider 208 inserted may include a first compartment 218a defined by a first half of first vertical wall 212a, second vertical wall 212b, first side wall 214a, second side wall 214b, and floor 210, a second compartment 218b defined by a second half of first vertical wall 212a, second vertical wall 212b, second side wall 214b, third side wall 214c, and floor 210, and a third compartment 218c defined by first vertical wall 212a, first side wall 214a, third side wall 214c, fourth side wall 214d, and floor 210. In some cases, first compartment 218a and second compartment 218b may have an identical volume. In some cases, third compartment 218c may have a larger volume compared to first and second compartments 218a-b. Additionally, or alternatively, at least two vertical walls 212a-b may be removable attached to floor 210, for example, and without limitation, when removed, reusable container apparatus 200 may include a single compartment with a volume substantially equals to the internal volume of inner layer 206.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, in some cases, floor 210 may include a width W of 111.6 mm and a length L of 161.6 mm. In some embodiments, the dimension of floor 210 is designed to accommodate an opening of reusable container apparatus 200, where ridge 204 may have a length of 205 mm and width of 155 mm. In some cases, first vertical wall 212 a may include a length l₁ of 137.59-143.80 mm and second vertical wall 212 b may include a length l₂ of 95.79-96.90 mm. Both inner layer 206 and outer layer may be constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, plastic composite, any kind of wood (bamboo particularly), glass, powder coated or painted stainless steel, tin, aluminum, porcelain, stone, ceramic, clay, rubber, and any combination thereof. In some cases, reusable container apparatus 200 may include a lid (not shown) having a flange along the perimeter of the lid as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Reusable container apparatus 200 may include a rim 220 extending outward along upper edges of container 202, wherein the rim 220 may include a groove configured to receive and secure flange of said lid. In some cases, lid may be constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of silicone, plastic, and rubber.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable container 300 is illustrated. Reusable container 300 is depicted in a rectangular form with both an inner layer 302 and an outer layer 304 visible. In some cases, outer layer 304 may provide a structural support while inner layer 302 may form a primary substance storage area. Reusable container 300 includes a removable divider 306 inserted within the container, creating a plurality of compartments 308a-c for separating, for example, and without limitation, different types of food or any other substances. In one embodiment, removable divider 306 may include a T-shaped structure as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Removable divider 306 includes a solid floor (not shown) rest on the bottom surface of inner layer 302 while plurality of vertical walls 310a-b extend upwardly, intersecting to form plurality of compartments 308a-c. Additionally, outer layer 304 may include a rim 312 extending outward along upper edges of reusable container 300 which may facilitate the secure attachment of a lid (not shown). As a non-limiting example, rim 312 may include a groove 314 configured to receive and secure a flange of the lid, providing an airtight and leak-proof seal when the lid is placed on reusable container 300.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable container 400 is illustrated. As a non-limiting example, a bottom surface 404 of reusable container 400 is depicted in a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, bottom surface 404 of reusable containers 400 may be in the shape of a square or a circle. In one embodiment, a unique machine-readable image 408 such as a barcode, a QR code, or Universal Product Code (UPC), a unique identification number may be displayed on bottom surface 404 in order to track a location and/or coordinates of reusable container 400. As a non-limiting example, machine-readable image 408 may be a standardized barcode that is internationally recognized and commonly used across industries for universal identification. For instance, the standardized barcode may be numeric-only barcodes, alphanumeric barcodes, binary or barcodes with embedded data for the purpose of displaying the location of reusable container 400 on an electronic device. In other embodiments, machine-readable image 408 may be a proprietary or custom barcode that is uniquely generated by a business entity or an organization for specific use. In one embodiment, bottom surface 404 is approximately 110 mm in length and 88 mm in width. In another embodiment, bottom surface 404 further comprises a curvature 412 wrapped around bottom surface 404 such that curvature 412 connects bottom surface 404 and main body 416 of reusable container 400 to form a continuous peripheral of an exterior of reusable container 400. In some embodiments, bottom surface 404 may be made of a same material as main body 416 such as plastic, plastic composite, stainless steel, glass, or composite material ensuring consistency in durability and design. In other embodiments, bottom surface 404 may further include a non-slip pad made with small rubber or silicone feet on the corners of the surface and/or textured surface with slightly raised pattern. Further, in some embodiments, reusable container 400 comprises a lid 420 that may be made of the same material as main body 416 such as plastic, plastic composite, stainless steel, glass, silicone, rubber, or composite material with flexibility for a tight seal. Lid 420 may be configured with different types of locking mechanisms, including but not limited to, snap-on, latch-locks, twist-on to help prevent accidental openings. As a non-limiting example, lid 420 comprises a gasket around an edge of lid 420, which provides an airtight seal to prevent leaks and maintaining freshness of the food stored inside reusable container 400.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Additionally, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and/or described as being performed in a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to adapt such variations according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

It is also noted that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, and without limitation, the materials used for the container and its components may be varied according to specific requirements or preferences. The specific dimensions and shapes of the container and removable divider thereof may be adjusted to suit different applications or to accommodate various type of substances. Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions, and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.