Spill-proof container with gimbal

Abstract

A container assembly comprises a first member defining an interior containment space and having an access opening thereto, a second member dimensioned to encompass said first member, and a third member that interconnects said first member and said second member. The first and third members are connected along a first axis such that the first member is rotatable about the first axis relative to the third member. The second and third members are connected along a second axis such that the third member is rotatable about the second axis relative to the second member. The first axis is generally orthogonal to the second axis.

1 . A container assembly, comprising: 
 (a) a first member defining an interior containment space and having an access opening thereto;    (b) a second member dimensioned to encompass said first member; and    (c) a third member that interconnects said first member and said second member;    (d) wherein said first and third members are connected along a first axis such that said first member is rotatable about said first axis relative to said third member;    (e) wherein said second and third members are connected along a second axis such that said third member is rotatable about said second axis relative to said second member; and    (f) wherein said first axis is generally orthogonal to said second axis.    
   
   
       2 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said second member is dimensioned to encompass said first member without obstructing said access opening of said first member when said first and second members are disposed in a particular orientation relative to one another.  
   
   
       3 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first member is weighted for biasing the first member in a generally fixed orientation relative to the force of gravity when an orientation of the second member is changed.  
   
   
       4 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising articles of food contained within the interior containment space of said first member.  
   
   
       5 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said second member comprises a bowl-shaped member.  
   
   
       6 . A container assembly comprising: 
 (a) a bowl;    (b) a support member at least encompassing said bowl; and    (c) a gimbal disposed between and interconnecting said support member and said bowl, said gimbal configured to suspend said bowl in an upright orientation regardless of the orientation of the support member.    
   
   
       7 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a base and coupling secured together in threaded engagement.  
   
   
       8 . The container assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said coupling defines opposed recesses and wherein pins of said gimbal concentric to a first axis extend within said opposed recesses of said coupling.  
   
   
       9 . The container assembly of  claim 8 , wherein a rim of said base bridges each said opposed recess of said coupling to retain said pins of said gimbal within said coupling.  
   
   
       10 . The container assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said gimbal defines opposed openings concentric to a second axis and wherein said bowl includes pins extending along said second axis within said opposed openings of said gimbal.  
   
   
       11 . The container assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said first axis and said second axis are generally orthogonally disposed relative to one another.  
   
   
       12 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said bowl is weighted for biasing said bowl in a generally fixed orientation relative to the force of gravity when an orientation of said support member changes.  
   
   
       13 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a base having a plurality of openings extending completely therethrough from an interior to an exterior thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a plurality of feet extending from an exterior surface thereof for support of said support member on a surface.  
   
   
       15 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said container assembly may be disassembled and reassembled by a user.  
   
   
       16 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said container assembly is fabricated from dishwasher safe materials.  
   
   
       17 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising a lid that is removably attachable to said support member.  
   
   
       18 . The container assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a bowl-shaped base and a coupling for attaching said gimbal to said base, and further comprising a lid that is removably attached to said coupling for covering of said bowl.  
   
   
       19 . The container assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said lid inhibits movement of said bowl relative to said support member when said lid is attached to said coupling.  
   
   
       20 . A container assembly, comprising: 
 (a) a first member defining an interior containment chamber and an access opening to said chamber;    (b) a second member dimensioned to substantially, but not completely, encompass said first member; and    (c) means for suspending said first member within said second member in a particular gravitational orientation independent of changes in gravitational orientation of said second member.