Self-Righting Container

Abstract

An open self-righting container comprising a convex shell with an outer truncated non-spherical Gomboc-like surface, an interior cavity, a rest surface at a stable equilibrium point of the shell, and an opening opposite the rest surface where the interior cavity may include a meltable fuel fitted with a wick.

1 . An open self-righting container comprising:
 a convex shell with an outer truncated non-spherical Gomboc-like surface, an interior cavity, a rest surface at a stable equilibrium point of the shell, and an opening opposite the rest surface.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the shell is made from a material chosen from the group consisting of glass, resin, polymer, metal, ceramic and rock. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the shell is made from a clear, opaque, translucent, refracting or reflecting material. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the rest surface of the container is generally planar. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the rest surface of the container is concave. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the rest surface of the container is convex. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the interior cavity is filled in whole or in part with liquids, powders, particulates or other matter. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the interior cavity is filled in whole or in part with a meltable solid fuel. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 8  in which the meltable solid fuel is wax. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 8  including a wick embedded in and extending from the meltable solid fuel. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 8  wherein the meltable solid fuel includes an active material chosen from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers and aroma-therapy compositions. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 8  wherein a weight having a density greater than that of the meltable solid fuel is positioned within the container adjacent the rest surface. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 1  in which the shell has a base at its rest surface and the thickness of the base is greater than the thickness of the shell to provide increased mass at the rest surface of the shell. 
     
     
         14 . An open self-righting container comprising:
 a convex shell with an outer truncated non-spherical Gomboc-like surface, an interior cavity, a rest surface at a stable equilibrium point of the shell, an opening opposite the rest surface;   a meltable solid fuel in whole or in part filling the interior cavity; and   a wick embedded in and extending from the meltable solid fuel.   
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14  in which the shell is made from a material chosen from the group consisting of glass, resin, polymer, metal, ceramic and rock. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 14  in which the shell is made from a clear, opaque, translucent, refracting or reflecting material. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 14  in which the configuration of the rest surface is chosen from the group consisting of flat, concave and convex. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the meltable solid fuel includes an active material selected from the group consisting of: fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers and aroma-therapy compositions.