Ferrofluid Container System

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.

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.

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.

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.

shows a ferrofluid container systemaccording to the invention. The ferrofluid container systemcomprises a ferrofluid container, such as a ferrofluid display bottle, having a container body. The container bodyhas a top regionhaving a top wall, a bottom regionhaving a bottom wall, and a sidewallextending from the top wallto the bottom wall. Together the top wall, bottom wall, and sidewalldefine an interior spaceof the container body. The interior spaceis designed to contain a volume of ferrofluid, typically within a clear mineral water. The interior surfaceof at least the sidewalland bottom wallare made of a material, such as glass, that does not harm or react with the ferrofluidcontained within the interior space. 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 ferrofluidto be visible within the container body. Alternatively, the ferrofluidcan be stored and/or shipped in a non-transparent container body.

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 sidewallhas a generally rectangular cross sectional shape. However, in other versions, the sidewallcan 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 wallto the sidewalland from the bottom wallto the sidewall. 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 regionof the container bodyof the ferrofluid containerincludes an openingthat extends through the top wall. A closure member, such as a cap or lid, is provided to selectively close the opening. When the closure memberis removed, the openingprovides access to the interior spaceso that ferrofluidcan be filled or removed from the interior space. During storage and/or shipping, the closure memberis securely fastened to the container body, such as by threads or friction fit, to prevent the escape of ferrofluidfrom the ferrofluid container. The closure regionof the container bodyposes a threat to the storage and/or shipping stability of ferrofluidwithin the interior space. For example, when the ferrofluidcontacts non-glass surfaces in or near the openingand/or closure member, such as rubber or plastic, the ferrofluidcan 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 ferrofluidwill 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 ferrofluidwhen the ferrofluidis in the closure region. This exposure can lead to or contribute to the solidification of the ferrofluid. Accordingly, care must be taken to prevent or limit the ferrofluidfrom residing in the closure region. Conventionally, this is done by maintaining the container bodyin an upright orientation so gravity helps to prevent the ferrofluidfrom entering into the closure region. By closure region it is meant the region within about 10 mm or within about 20 mm of the openingand/or any non-glass or the like surfaces associated with the openingor the closure member.

As can be seen in the version of, the ferrofluid container systemof the invention includes a storage and shipping stabilizing systemdesigned to prevent or help reduce the risk of ferrofluidin the interior spaceof the container bodyfrom entering the closure regionfor a long enough period of time that the ferrofluidmay start to solidify. The storage and shipping stabilizing system operates independent of the orientation of the container body. In this manner, even if the container bodyis positioned on its side or with the top regionoriented downwardly, the storage and shipping stabilizing systemwill operate to lessen the propensity of the ferrofluidfrom entering the closure regionthan would be the case in the absence of the storage and shipping stabilizing system.

In one version, such as shown in, the storage and shipping stabilizing systemcomprises a ferrofluid attracting memberto which the ferrofluidin the interior spaceis attracted. For example, the ferrofluid attracting membercan be a magnetic field generatorthat generates a sufficiently strong magnetic field to attract ferrofluidin the interior space. The ferrofluid attracting memberis positioned so as to draw the ferrofluidin the interior space away from the closure region. For example, the ferrofluid attracting membercan be positioned in proximity to the sidewall, as shown in, the bottom wall, and/or a portion of the top wallthat is spaced from the closure region.

In the version shown in, the ferrofluid attracting memberof the storage and shipping stabilizing systemcomprises a magnetic field generatorthat is positioned and of sufficient strength to bias the ferrofluid in the interior spaceof the container bodyaway from the closure regionby magnetic attraction. For example, in the version shown, the magnetic field generatorgenerates an attraction magnetic field that draws the ferrofluidtoward the magnetic field generator. By positioning the magnetic field generatoraway from the closure region, such as in proximity to the sidewall, the bottom wall, and/or a portion of the top wallthat is spaced from the closure region, the ferrofluid is drawn away from the closure region. In one version, such as shown in, the magnetic field generatoris in the form of a magnet, such as a permanent magnet which exhibits magnetism without the needing an external source such as electricity. The magnetis positioned relative to the interior space so that the magnetdraws the ferrofluidto the portion of the interior surfacein proximity to the magnet, as shown in. Examples of magnetsare disc magnets, ring magnets, bar magnets, horseshoe magnets. In the particular version of, the magnetis a disc magnet. By disc magnet it is meant that the magnetis 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, the magnetic field generator, such as the magnet, is positioned exterior to the container bodyof the ferrofluid container. For example, the magnetcan be positioned on or near an outer surfaceof the container body, as shown in. In one version, the magnetcan be permanently or fixedly attached to the outer surface. In another version, the magnetcan be held in position on or near the outer surfacein a non-fixed manner so that the container bodycan be easily separated from the magnetwhen the container bodyis not being shipped or stored. In either case, with the magnetpositioned exterior to the container body, the strength of the magnetic field generated must be strong enough to penetrate the wall thicknessof wall of the container bodyso that the attractive force can act on the ferrofluidon the other side of the wall.

As can be understood, the storage and shipping stabilizing systemwith the magnetic field generator, such as the magnet, 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 containerfrom 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 systemeliminates or reduces the need to maintain the orientation of the ferrofluid containerupright or other orientation that keeps the ferrofluid from solidifying or otherwise destabilizing. Instead, the storage and shipping stabilizing systemacts on the ferrofluidin the interior spaceto draw it away from the closure regionregardless of the orientation of the ferrofluid container.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. In the version of, the ferrofluid container systemalso comprises a protective carrierthat allows the ferrofluid containerand the storage and shipping stabilizing systemto be packaged, shipped, and/or stored together. For example, the protective carrieris adapted to hold the ferrofluid containerand the ferrofluid attracting member, such as the magnetin the version of, in a manner that offers protection against breakage and reduces jostling during the shipping process. In the version of, the protective carriercomprises a foam block. The foam blockis 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 blockcan be any desired shaped and can be made of one or more pieces of material. The foam blockhas a first or ferrofluid container cavitysized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the container bodyand a second or magnet cavitysized and sized to receive at least a portion of the magnetor other magnetic field generator. The foam blockthus maintains the relative positioning of the container bodyand the magnetor other magnetic field generator. The magnet cavityis positioned relative to the ferrofluid container cavityso that when the magnetis positioned in the magnet cavityand when the ferrofluid containeris positioned within the ferrofluid container cavity, the magnetis in a position to draw ferrofluidin the interior spaceof the container bodyaway from the closure region. The container body cavityand the magnet cavitycan be connected to one another or be separated from one another. In one version, the ferrofluid container cavityand/or the magnet cavitycan be sufficiently deep to be able to contain a majority of the ferrofluid containerand/or magnet, respectively. In another version, the ferrofluid container cavityand/or the magnet cavitycan be sufficiently deep to contain about one-half the thickness of the ferrofluid containerand/or the magnet, respectively, and then a corresponding mirror image second foam block can be placed atop the first foam block to sandwich the ferrofluid containerand/or the magnettherebetween. 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 containerand the magnetor other magnetic field generator. The cavities or other structural holders can allow for easy removal of the container bodyand/or the magnetor other magnetic field generator. By being removeable, the magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan have other uses. For example, the magnetcan be used to manipulate the ferrofluidinto a desired position and/or the magnetcan have separate use, such as being used as a refrigerator magnet or the like.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. The version ofis similar to the version of, but in the version of, the storage and shipping stabilizing systemcomprises a magnetand an insulator. The insulatorcomprises non-magnetic field generating material. By positioning the insulatorbetween the magnetor other magnetic field generatorthe strength of the magnetic field within the interior spaceof the container bodycan be reduced. If the magnetic field is undesirably strong, the ferrofluidcan be drawn toward the magnetwith enough force that it can cause staining of the interior surfacein the area near the magnet. Accordingly, when a magnetis used that has a strong magnetic force, the strength of the magnetic field can be lessened or otherwise controlled by providing the insulator. The insulatorthus provides a distance between the magnetand the interior spacethat can be selected so that the magnetic field is of the desired strength. In the version of, the insulatoris provided by a magnet cover insulatorthat at least partially surrounds the magnetand at least covers the edge of the magnetthat is closest in proximity to the container body. A bottom view of the magnetand magnet cover insulatoris shown in.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. The version ofis similar to the version of, but in the version ofthe insulatoris provided by a stripof the foam block. The stripof foam can be one piece with the rest of the foam blockor can be a separate foam strip inserted between the ferrofluid container cavityand the magnet cavity.

The thickness of the insulator, such as the thickness of the magnet coverand/or the stripof foam can be selected to provide a desired magnetic field strength within the interior spaceof the container body. The thickness of the insulatorwill depend on several factors, such as the strength of the magnetor other magnetic field generator, the wall thicknessand wall material, and the nature or makeup of the ferrofluidthat is being contained.shows an example of a magnetthat can be used with the ferrofluid container systemof the invention. The magnetin the version ofis disk shaped, and the magnetic fieldthat is generated by the magnet is shown by the arrows.shows examples of magnetic field strength zones for the magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnet. Zone 1is the region with the strongest magnetic force, Zone 2is an intermediate strength region, and Zone 3is a region of weaker magnetic strength. In this version, Zone 1represents a region where a magnetic force is too strong and would result in the ferrofluidstaining the interior surface. Zone 3represents a region where there is an attractive force for the ferrofluidbut the force is not strong enough to ideally keep the or hold the ferrofluidin position against the interior surfaceunder certain shipping conditions, such as drops or excessive jostling. Zone 2 represents the region where the magnetic force is sufficiently strong to hold the ferrofluidagainst the interior surfaceat the desired position in proximity to the magnetand sufficiently weak to not cause staining of the interior surface.shows the magnetic field strength zones schematically positioned over the container body. As can be seen, by proper selection of the thickness of the insulatorthe magnetcan be positioned so that the region where the ferrofluidis desired to be held against the interior surfaceis within zone 2. A particular example of the magnetthat can be used with the ferrofluid container systemis 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, and thus the magnetic field that is applied to the interior spaceof the container body, are parallel to the bottle. This allows the ferrofluidto be held close to the magnetbut 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 insulatorif needed. For example, using a N35 12×5 mm disk magnet with a container bottlehaving a glass wall thicknessof about 4 mm, in order to position zone 2in the desirable location, the insulatorcan 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 magnetis stronger, then the insulatorcan be thicker. If the magnetis weaker, then the insulatorcan 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.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. In the version of, the ferrofluid container systemcomprises a protective carrierthat is adapted to hold the ferrofluid containerand the storage and shipping stabilizing system, such as the magnetin the version of, in a manner that offers protection against breakage and reduces jostling during the shipping process, as discussed above. In addition, the ferrofluid container systemcomprises a shipping box. The shipping boxcan be made of cardboard or another other type of packaging material. The shipping boxincludes a shipping box interiorthat is sized and shaped to hold and correspond to the size and shape of the protective carrier, such as the one or more foam blocks. In the particular version of, the shipping boxis designed to contain a foam block in accordance with the version of. The shipping boxcan be the same or separate from a packaging box.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. The version of the ferrofluid container systemofis similar to the version ofbut with the foam blockbeing in accordance with the version ofwith the stripof foam serving as an insulatoras discussed above.

shows another version of a ferrofluid container systemof the invention. The version of the ferrofluid container systemofis similar to the version ofthe foam blockpositioned within a shipping box. As discussed above in connection with, in this version, the insulatoris provide in the form of a magnet cover.also shows another version of the magnet cover. In this version, the magnet coverincludes a handle portion. A user can grasp the handle portionto remove and/or manipulate the magnetif desired. The magnet coverwith the handle portioncan be advantageous over a magnetlacking a handle portionin several ways. For example, the handle portionoffers 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 magnetthus making the component less easy to misplace. In addition, by making the second cavityappropriately and correspondingly sized and shaped, the larger size of the handle portioncan provide additional stability to the orientation of the magnetduring shipping.

As discussed above, the magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan be positioned at any location where the magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan draw the ferrofluidin the interior spaceof the container bodyaway from the closure region. For example, as shown in the versions of, the magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan be positioned on or in proximity to the sidewallof the container body, and particularly at about the midpoint of the height of the sidewall. This position presents a generally balanced magnetic field across the height of the container bodywith the magnetic field strength being about the same at the top regionand at the bottom region. In another version, such as shown in, the magnetor other magnetic field generatoris positioned in proximity to the bottom wall. This positioning can be desirable under certain situations, such as when it is believed the container bodymay spend a significant period of time or jostling in an upside down orientation. In another version, the magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan be positioned at a different location, such as in one of the corners. In another version, a plurality of magnetsor other magnetic field generatorscan be provided at different locations around the container body. For example, a pair of magnetsor other magnetic field generatorscan be positioned on both sides of a corner of the container bodyto help retain the ferrofluidwithin that corner during shipping and storage.

Though described above as being particularly useful for maintaining ferrofluid stability during shipping and storage, the ferrofluid container systemcan also be used for maintaining stability of the ferrofluid following shipping as the ferrofluid containeris 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 magnetor other magnetic field generatorcan maintain the stability in any stored orientation. In addition, particularly for ferrofluid display devices where the ferrofluid is retained within the interior spaceduring use, following use of the ferrofluid display device, the container bodycan be returned to the ferrofluid container systemso that post-use storage does not cause destabilization of the ferrofluidif 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.