Container device

Abstract

A container apparatus includes a container body and a container lid. The container body defines a first interior cavity. The container lid is attached to the container body and defines a second interior cavity. The container lid includes a protrusion extending within the second interior cavity to grind a solid material.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 16 / 598443, filed on October 10, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 16 / 923668, filed on July 8, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] This application relates to U.S. Application No. 29 / 740976, filed July 8, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] This application relates to U.S. Application No. 29 / 708953, filed on October 10, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0006] This application relates generally to containers, and more specifically, to containers and grinders. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A This is a top right front perspective view of a container device in a first operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the container device including a container body and a container lid, the container lid including a bottom member and a top member.

[0008] Figure 1B According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A Exploded top view of the container equipment from the right front perspective.

[0009] Figure 2A According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the main body of the container.

[0010] Figure 2B According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B The left rear perspective view of the main body of the container.

[0011] Figure 2C According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A front view of a portion of the container body.

[0012] Figure 2D According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and1B A top view of the container body.

[0013] Figure 2E According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A bottom view of the container body.

[0014] Figure 3A According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B Top right front perspective view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0015] Figure 3B According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A bottom left rear perspective view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0016] Figure 3C According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A top view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0017] Figure 3D According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A bottom view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0018] Figure 3E It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3C The line 3E-3E cut Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0019] Figure 3F It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3C The line cut off at 3F-3F Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0020] Figure 3G It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3C 3G-3G cut Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0021] Figure 3H It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3C The line 3H-3H cut Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the bottom component of the container lid.

[0022] Figure 4A According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B Top right front perspective view of the top component of the container lid.

[0023] Figure 4B According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A bottom left rear perspective view of the top component of the container lid.

[0024] Figure 4C According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A top view of the top component of the container lid.

[0025] Figure 4D According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A and 1B A bottom view of the top component of the container lid.

[0026] Figure 4E It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4C The line 4E-4E cut Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the top component of the container lid.

[0027] Figure 4F It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4C The line cut off at 4F-4F Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the top component of the container lid.

[0028] Figure 4G It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4C 4G-4G cut Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the top component of the container lid.

[0029] Figure 4H It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4C The line 4H-4H is cut off Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of the top component of the container lid.

[0030] Figure 5A-1 It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A The line 5A-5A in the middle is in the first operating state or constructed. Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container equipment.

[0031] Figure 5A-2 According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 5A-1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0032] Figure 5B It is in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment.

[0033] Figure 5C-1 It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5B The line 5C-5C in the middle is in the second operating state or constructed. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container equipment.

[0034] Figure 5C-2 According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 5C-1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0035] Figure 5D It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5C-1 The line 5D-5D intercepted is in the second operating state or constructed. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container equipment.

[0036] Figure 5E It is in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment.

[0037] Figure 5F It is in a fourth operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment.

[0038] Figure 5G-1 It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5F The 5G-5G line segment is in the fourth operating state or is constructed. Figure 5F A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container equipment.

[0039] Figure 5G-2 According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure Figure 5G-1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0040] Figure 5H It is according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5G-1 The line 5H-5H in the middle is intercepted in the fourth operating state or constructed. Figure 5F A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container equipment.

[0041] Figure 5I It is in a fifth operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment.

[0042] Figure 5J It is a fifth operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure and is in the process of loading solid material. Figure 1A and 1B Another top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment.

[0043] Figure 5K It is in a third operating state or configuration and in the process of grinding solid material according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B Top-down right front perspective view of the container equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] refer to Figure 1A and 1B In one embodiment, the container device is generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The container device 100 includes a container body 105 and a container lid 110. The container lid 110 includes a bottom member 115 and a top member 120.

[0045] Reference Figures 2A-2E In one embodiment, the container body 105 extends along a central axis 125 and defines an inner cavity 130. The container body 105 includes sidewalls 135, a neck 140, and a bottom wall 145. Figures 2A-2E As shown, the sidewall 135 is a truncated sphere or a truncated ellipsoid, i.e., a truncated sphere or a truncated ellipsoid. Alternatively, the sidewall 135 (or a portion thereof) may be or include another curved shape, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape (e.g., a truncated cone), another shape, or a combination thereof. The sidewall 135 defines axially opposed ends 150a and 150b. In some embodiments, the neck 140 is cylindrical. The neck 140 defines an outer diameter D1, axially opposed ends 155a and 155b, and a spout 160 through which access to the cavity 130 of the container body 105 is possible. End 155b of the neck 140 connects to the sidewall 135 at end 155a of the sidewall 135. An outer collar 165 extends around the neck 140. The outer collar 165 includes an outer ring 170 extending radially outward from the neck 140 and an outer alignment tab 175 extending radially outward from the outer ring 170.

[0046] The outer ridge 180 also extends around the neck 140. The outer ridge 180 is positioned further away from the sidewall 135 than the outer collar 165. The outer ridge 180 includes axially opposing ridge surfaces 185a and 185b extending radially outward from the neck 140. Ridge surface 185b is perpendicular to the central axis 125 and is positioned closer to the sidewall 135 than ridge surface 185a. Ridge surface 185a is tapered (e.g., truncated cone) and is positioned further away from the sidewall 135 than ridge surface 185b. In some embodiments, ridge surfaces 185a and 185b are connected to each other. Alternatively, ridge surfaces 185a and 185b may each be connected to an intermediate surface (not shown) of the outer ridge 180. The outer ridge 180 defines circumferentially opposing ends 190a and 190b. The circumferentially opposing ends 190a and 190b are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by a gap 195 having a circumferential dimension A1. The bottom wall 145 is connected to the side wall 135 at the end 150b of the side wall 135. An outer indentation pattern 200 is formed in the bottom wall 145. The outer indentation pattern 200 includes a central indentation 205a and petal indentations 205b-g distributed (e.g., uniformly distributed) around the central indentation 205a.

[0047] Reference Figures 3A-3H In one embodiment, the bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 extends along a central axis 210 and defines axially opposed ends 215a and 215b. The bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 includes a sidewall 220, an end wall 225, a sidewall 230, and a bottom wall 235. The end 215b of the bottom member 115 includes the sidewall 220. In some embodiments, the sidewall 220 is cylindrical. The sidewall 220 defines an inner diameter D2 and axially opposed ends 240a and 240b. The inner diameter D2 of the sidewall 220 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the neck 140. An external gripping tab 245 extends radially outward from the sidewall 220. The external gripping tab 245 includes axially opposed surfaces 250a and 250b extending radially outward from the sidewall 220. Surface 250a is perpendicular to the central axis 210 and is positioned closer to the end 215a of the bottom member 115 than surface 250b. Surface 250b is tapered (e.g., truncated cone) and is positioned further away from the end 215a of the bottom member 115 than surface 250a. In some embodiments, surfaces 250a and 250b are abutted against each other. Alternatively, surfaces 250a and 250b may each abut the intermediate surface (not shown) of the outer gripping tab 245. The outer alignment tab 255 also extends radially outward from the sidewall 220. In some embodiments, the outer alignment tab 255 is located at the end 240a of the sidewall 220. The outer alignment tab 255 is circumferentially spaced (e.g., 180 degrees) from the outer gripping tab 245.

[0048] An inner ridge 260 extends around a sidewall 220. The inner ridge 260 includes axially opposing ridge surfaces 265a and 265b extending radially inward from the sidewall 220. Ridge surface 265a is perpendicular to the central axis 210 and is positioned closer to the end 215a of the bottom member 115 than ridge surface 265b. Ridge surface 265b is tapered (e.g., a truncated cone) and is positioned further away from the end 215a of the bottom member 115 than ridge surface 265a. In some embodiments, ridge surfaces 265a and 265b are abutted against each other. Alternatively, ridge surfaces 265a and 265b may each abut an intermediate surface (not shown) of the inner ridge 260.

[0049] The internal ridge 260 is circumferentially divided into ridge segments 270a-c. Ridge segment 270a is circumferentially aligned with the external grasping protrusion 245. Ridge segment 270a has a circumferential dimension A2. The circumferential dimension A2 of ridge segment 270a is smaller than the circumferential dimension A1 of the gap 195 (e.g., Figure 2C As shown, the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 195. Ridge segment 270b is circumferentially spaced from ridge segment 270a by a gap 275a of dimension A3, ridge segment 270c is circumferentially spaced from ridge segment 270b by a gap 275b of dimension A4, and ridge segment 270a is circumferentially spaced from ridge segment 270c by a gap 275c of dimension A5. In some embodiments, dimensions A3 and A5 are equal. In some embodiments, dimension A4 is smaller than dimensions A3 and A5, respectively.

[0050] End portion 215a of the bottom member 115 includes a sidewall 230. In some embodiments, the sidewall 230 is cylindrical. The sidewall 230 defines an outer diameter D3 and axially opposed ends 280a and 280b. The outer diameter D3 of the sidewall 230 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the sidewall 220. An end wall 225 extends radially between and connects to the sidewalls 220 and 230. A bottom wall 235 connects to the sidewall 230 at its end portion 280b, such that the sidewall 230 and bottom wall 235 together define an interior region 285. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 235 is positioned closer to the end portion 215b of the bottom member 115 than the end wall 225 (i.e., the bottom wall 235 is axially offset from the end wall 225). As a result, the combination of sidewall 220, endwall 225, sidewall 230 and bottomwall 235 defines the inner region 290 and the inner annular groove 295 adjacent to the inner region 290.

[0051] The outer ridge 300 extends around the sidewall 230. The outer ridge 300 includes features substantially identical to the corresponding features of the outer ridge 180, and these substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. The ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 300 is positioned closer to the end 215b of the bottom member 115 than the ridge surface 185a. The ridge surface 185a of the outer ridge 300 is positioned further away from the end 215b of the bottom member 115 than the ridge surface 185b.

[0052] The bottom member 115 includes protrusions, such as teeth 305a-u, located within the inner region 285. In some embodiments, teeth 305a-u are arranged in rows 310a-c (e.g., concentric rows). For example, teeth 305a-c may be arranged in row 310a, radially spaced by a dimension R1 from the central axis 210, teeth 305d-l may be arranged in row 310b, radially spaced by a dimension R2 from the central axis 210, and / or teeth 305m-u may be arranged in row 310c, radially spaced by a dimension R3 from the central axis 210. Dimension R3 is larger than dimension R2, which in turn is larger than dimension R1. Teeth 305a-u in rows 310a-c connect to the bottom wall 235 and extend axially therefrom. Alternatively, teeth 305m-u in row 310c connect to the sidewall 230 and extend radially inward therefrom. In some embodiments, teeth 305a-u each have a rhomboid cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each tooth 305a-u decreases from its proximal end to its distal end. In some embodiments, the teeth 305a-u are distributed (e.g., uniformly) around a central axis 210. For example, teeth 305a-c arranged in row 310a may be distributed (e.g., uniformly) around the central axis 210, teeth 305d-l in row 310b may be distributed (e.g., uniformly) around the central axis 210, and / or teeth 305m-u in row 310c may be distributed (e.g., uniformly) around the central axis 210.

[0053] Reference Figures 4A-4HIn one embodiment, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 extends along a central axis 315 and includes a sidewall 320 and a top wall 325. In some embodiments, the sidewall 320 is cylindrical. The sidewall 320 defines an inner diameter D4 and axially opposed ends 330a and 330b. The inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 320 is greater than the outer diameter D3 of the sidewall 230. An outer gripping tab 335 extends radially outward from the sidewall 320. The outer gripping tab 335 includes features substantially identical to corresponding features of the outer gripping tab 245, and the substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. An inner ridge 340 extends around the sidewall 320. The inner ridge 340 includes features substantially identical to corresponding features of the inner ridge 260, and the substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. The ridge segment 270a of the inner ridge 340 is circumferentially aligned with the outer gripping tab 335. The top wall 325 is connected to the side wall 320 at the end 330a of the side wall 320. As a result, the side wall 320 and the top wall 325 together define the interior region 345.

[0054] The top member 120 includes protrusions, such as teeth 350a-p, located within an inner region 345. In some embodiments, teeth 350a are arranged along a central axis 315, and teeth 350b-p are arranged in rows 355a and 355b (e.g., concentric rows). For example, teeth 350b-g may be arranged in row 355a, which is radially spaced from the central axis 315 by a dimension R4, and teeth 350h-p may be arranged in row 355b, which is radially spaced from the central axis 315 by a dimension R5. Dimension R5 is greater than dimension R4. Teeth 350a-p in rows 355a and 355b are connected to and extend axially from the top wall 325. In some embodiments, teeth 350a-p each have a rhomboid cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each tooth 350a-p decreases from its proximal end to its distal end. In some embodiments, teeth 350b-p are distributed (e.g., uniformly) around the central axis 315. For example, teeth 350b-g in row 355a may be distributed around the central axis 315 (e.g., uniformly), and / or teeth 350h-p in row 355b may be distributed around the central axis 315 (e.g., uniformly).

[0055] When the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, the inner region 345 of the top member 120 and the inner region 285 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 are combined herein also referred to as the cavity 360 (see Figure 5A-1Furthermore, when the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105, the bottom wall 235 prevents or at least reduces the flow of solid material from the interior cavity 130 of the container body 105 to the interior cavity 360 of the container lid 110, and is therefore referred to herein as a “barrier wall.” Although shown without any through openings, the bottom wall 235 (or “barrier wall”) may alternatively include one or more openings formed therethrough between the interior regions 285 and 290 of the bottom member 115.

[0056] Reference Figure 5A-1 and 5A-2 According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1A-4H The container device 100 is shown in a first operating state or configuration. In the first operating state or configuration, the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in a locked position, and the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in a locked position. In some embodiments, when the container device 100 is in the first operating state or configuration, the outer alignment tab 255 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is circumferentially aligned with the outer alignment tab 175 of the container body 105, and the outer gripping tab 335 of the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is circumferentially aligned with the outer gripping tab 245 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, as shown. Figure 1A , 5A-1 As shown in 5A-2. In some embodiments, when the bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 is attached to the container body 105, the end 155a of the neck 140 of the container body 105 extends within an internal annular groove 295 formed in the bottom member 115.

[0057] like Figure 5A-1 and 5A-2 As shown, when the bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the locked position, the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 260 of the bottom member 115 extend between the outer collar 165 and the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105 (ridge segments 270b and 270c in...). Figure 5A-1 and 5A-2 (Not visible in the image). More specifically, the bottom member 115 is attached to the container body 105 via an engagement between the ridge surface 265a of the inner ridge 260 and the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 180. The locked position of the bottom member 115 relative to the container body 105 is characterized in that the ridge segment 270a of the inner ridge 260 is not aligned with the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180, but instead is aligned with the outer ridge 180 itself. As a result, in the locked position, ridge segment 270a engages the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 180, except that ridge segments 270b and 270c engage the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 180.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 may be attached to the container body 105 by forcing the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 260 of the bottom member 115 axially against the ridge surface 185a of the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105, thereby deforming the neck 140 of the container body 105 and / or the sidewall 220 of the bottom member 115, thereby allowing the ridge segments 270a-c of the bottom member 115 to “cross” the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105 toward the outer collar 165.

[0059] like Figure 5A-1 and 5A-2 As shown, when the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the locked position, the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 340 of the top member 120 extend between the end wall 225 and the outer ridge 300 of the bottom member 115 (ridge segments 270b and 270c in...). Figure 5A-1 and 5A-2 (Not visible in the image). More specifically, the top member 120 is attached to the bottom member 115 via an engagement between the ridge surface 265a of the inner ridge 340 and the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 300. The locked position of the top member 120 relative to the bottom member 115 is characterized in that the ridge segment 270a of the inner ridge 340 is not aligned with the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 300, but instead is aligned with the outer ridge 300 itself. As a result, in the locked position, ridge segment 270a engages the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 300, except that ridge segments 270b and 270c engage the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 300.

[0060] In some embodiments, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 may be attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 by forcing the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 340 of the top member 120 axially against the ridge surface 185a of the outer ridge 300 of the bottom member 115, so as to deform the sidewall 230 of the bottom member 115 and / or the sidewall 320 of the top member 120, thereby allowing the ridge segments 270a-c of the top member 120 to “cross” the outer ridge 300 of the bottom member 115 toward the end wall 225.

[0061] Reference Figures 5B-5D According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1A-4H The container device 100 is shown in a second operating state or configuration. When starting from a first operating state or configuration, in order to achieve the second operating state or configuration, the container lid 110 (including the bottom member 115 and the top member 120) is rotated relative to the container body 105, as... Figure 5BAs indicated by the arrows. In some embodiments, when the container device 100 is in a second operating state or configuration, the outer gripping protrusion 335 of the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is circumferentially aligned with the outer gripping protrusion 245 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 and the outer alignment protrusion 175 of the container body 105, as shown by the arrows. Figure 5A-1 , 5A-2 As shown in Figure 5B. Furthermore, the outer alignment tab 255 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is circumferentially offset (e.g., 180 degrees) from the outer alignment tab 175 of the container body 105. Figure 5B , 5C-1 As shown in 5C-2, when the second operating state or configuration is obtained, the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the unlocked position, and the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the locked position.

[0062] like Figure 5C-1 and 5C-2 As shown, when the bottom member 115 of the container cap 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the unlocked position, the ridge segments 270b and 270c of the inner ridge 260 of the bottom member 115 extend between the outer collar 165 and the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105 (the ridge segments 270b and 270c extend between the inner ridge 260 and the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105). Figure 5C-1 and 5C-2 (Not visible in the image). More specifically, the bottom member 115 is attached to the container body 105 via an engagement between the ridge segments 270b and 270c of the inner ridge 260 and the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 180. The unlocked position of the bottom member 115 relative to the container body 105 is characterized in that the gap 195 between the ridge segments 270a of the inner ridge 260 and the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180 is aligned, as shown in the image. Figure 5C-1 , 5C-2 As is most clearly shown in 5D. Due to this alignment, when the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the unlocked position, an upward force can be applied to the external gripping tab 245 to move the ridge segment 270a upward through the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the external ridge 180 and to separate the bottom member 115 from the container body 105.

[0063] Reference Figure 5E According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1A-4H The container device 100 is shown in a third operating state or configuration. When starting from the second operating state or configuration, in order to achieve the third operating state or configuration, the container lid 110 is translated relative to the container body 105, and vice versa, as... Figure 5EAs indicated by the arrow in the diagram. When the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the unlocked position, applying an upward force to the outward gripping tab 245 initiates a relative translation between the container lid 110 and the container body 105, thereby causing the ridge segment 270a ( Figure 5E (Not visible in the middle) moves upward through the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180. When the third operating state or configuration is obtained, the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is separated from the container body 105, and the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the locked position.

[0064] Reference Figure 5F-5H According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1A-4H The container device 100 is shown in a fourth operating state or configuration. To achieve the fourth operating state or configuration, starting from the third operating state or configuration, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 rotates relative to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, as... Figure 5F As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. In some embodiments, when the container device 100 is in a fourth operating state or configuration, the outer gripping tab 335 of the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is circumferentially offset (e.g., 180 degrees) from the outer gripping tab 245 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5F , 5G-1 As shown in 5G-2. Figure 5G-1 , 5G-2 As shown in Figure 5H, when the fourth operating state or configuration is obtained, the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is separated from the container body 105, and the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the unlocked position.

[0065] like Figure 5G-1 and 5G-2 As shown, when the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the unlocked position, the ridge segments 270b and 270c of the inner ridge 340 of the top member 120 extend between the end wall 225 and the outer ridge 300 of the bottom member 115 (the ridge segments 270b and 270c extend between the end wall 225 and the outer ridge 300 of the bottom member 115). Figure 5G-1 and 5G-2 (Not visible in the image). More specifically, the top member 120 is attached to the bottom member 115 via an engagement between the ridge segments 270b and 270c of the inner ridge 340 and the ridge surface 185b of the outer ridge 300. The unlocked position of the top member 120 relative to the bottom member 115 is characterized in that the gap 195 between the ridge segments 270a of the inner ridge 340 and the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 300 is aligned, as shown in the image. Figure 5G-1 , 5G-2As is most clearly shown in Figure 5H. Due to this alignment, when the top member 120 is attached to the bottom member 115 in the unlocked position, an upward force can be applied to the outer gripping tab 335 to move the ridge segment 270a upward through the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 300 and to separate the top member 120 from the bottom member 115.

[0066] Refer again Figure 3C and 4D In some embodiments, dimension R3 is greater than dimension R5, dimension R5 is greater than dimension R2, dimension R2 is greater than dimension R4, and dimension R4 is greater than dimension R1. As a result, when the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, that is, when the container device 100 is in... Figure 1A , 5A-1 And the first operating state or configuration shown in 5A-2, Figures 5B-5D The second operating state or structure shown Figure 5E The third operating state or structure shown Figure 5F-5H In the fourth operating state or configuration shown: row 355b including teeth 350h-p is radially positioned between row 310b including teeth 305d-l and row 310c including teeth 305m-u; row 310b including teeth 305d-l is radially positioned between row 355a including teeth 350b-g and row 355b including teeth 350h-p; row 355a including teeth 350b-g is radially located between row 310a including teeth and row 310b including teeth 305d-l.

[0067] Reference Figure 5I According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1A-4H The container device 100 is shown in a fifth operating state or configuration. To achieve the fifth operating state or configuration, starting from the fourth operating state or configuration, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 translates relative to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, and vice versa, as... Figure 5I As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. When the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 in the unlocked position, the relative translation between the top member 120 and the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 can be initiated by applying an upward force to the outward gripping tab 335, so that the ridge 270a (in Figure 5I (Not visible in the middle) moves upward through the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the container lid 110 (in the middle) Figure 5I(Not visible in the text). When the fifth operating state or configuration is obtained, the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is separated from the container body 105, and the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is separated from the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110.

[0068] In some embodiments, the container device 100 may also be actuated to: a sixth operating state or configuration in which the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is separated from the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, and the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in a locked position; and a seventh operating state or configuration in which the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is separated from the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, and the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in an unlocked position.

[0069] During operation, unground solid material is stored in the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105. For example, the unground solid material may be or include food, herbs, spices, other cooking ingredients, tea, other organic or inorganic materials, or combinations thereof. When the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105, i.e., when the container device 100 is in operation... Figure 1A , 5A-1 And the first operating state or configuration shown in 5A-2, Figures 5B-5D In the second operating state or configuration shown, the sixth operating state or configuration described above, or the seventh operating state or configuration described above, the container lid 110 is operable to retain unground solid material in the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105. When the container lid 110 is separated from the container body 105, that is, when the container device 100 is in Figure 5E The third operating state or structure shown Figure 5F-5H The fourth operating state or structure shown Figure 5I In the fifth operating state or configuration shown, unground solid material can be removed from the inner cavity 130 through the mouth 160 in the neck 140 of the container body 105.

[0070] refer to Figure 5J and 5K And continue to refer to Figure 1A In one embodiment, as with 5A-5I, the container lid 110 is operable to abrade unground solid material. To abrade the unground solid material, the container device 100 is first placed... Figure 5I In the fifth operating state or configuration shown, unground solid material is removed from the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105 and placed into the inner region 285 of the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 (or the inner region 345 of the top member 120 of the container lid 110), as shown. Figure 5J As shown by the arrow in the image. Then, as... Figure 5KAs shown, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, that is, the container device 100 is in a position where... Figure 1A , 5A-1 And the first operating state or configuration shown in 5A-2, Figures 5B-5D The second operating state or configuration shown is as follows. Figure 5E The third operating state or structure shown Figure 5F-5H The fourth operating state or configuration is shown. As a result, solid material is trapped between the top member 120 and the bottom member 115, that is, within the cavity 360 defined by the combination of the inner region 285 of the bottom member 115 and the inner region 345 of the top member 120.

[0071] like Figure 5K As indicated by the arrows, the top member 120 and the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 then rotate relative to each other (e.g., back and forth) to grind or break the solid material into smaller particles. More specifically, the rotation (and vice versa) of the teeth 305m-u in the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110 relative to the teeth 350a-p in the top member 120 of the container lid 110 causes the teeth 305a-u and 350a-p to break the solid material into smaller particles. Once the solid material has been properly ground, the top member 120 of the container lid 110 separates from the bottom member 115 of the container lid 110, that is, the container device 100 is in a neutral position. Figure 5I The fifth operating state or configuration shown, the sixth operating state or configuration described above, or the seventh operating state or configuration described above. Subsequently, the ground solid material is removed from the container lid 110.

[0072] The operation of container device 100 allows a user to keep solid materials, such as food, herbs, spices, other cooking ingredients, tea, other organic or inorganic materials, or combinations thereof, in an unground or intact state until the solid material needs to be used in a ground or crushed state. In some embodiments, the operation of container device 100 allows a user to grind solid materials with container lid 110 when container lid 110 is detached from container body 105 or when container lid 110 is attached to container body 105. In some embodiments, during the operation of container device 100, when bottom member 115 is attached to container body 105, the bottom wall 235 (or “barrier wall”) of bottom member 115 of container lid 110 provides a barrier between the inner region 285 in which teeth 305a-u of bottom member 115 extend and the inner cavity 130 of container body 105. As described above, in some embodiments, bottom wall 235 has no through opening. As a result, when container device 100 is in Figure 1A , 5A-1 And the first operating state or configuration shown in 5A-2, Figures 5B-5DIn the second operating state or configuration shown, the sixth operating state or configuration described above, or the seventh operating state or configuration described above, the solid material in the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105 cannot communicate with the inner region 285 of the bottom member 115.

[0073] However, in other embodiments, the bottom wall 235 may include one or more through openings extending between the inner regions 285 and 290 of the bottom member 115. As a result, when the container device 100 is in... Figure 1A , 5A-1 And the first operating state or configuration shown in 5A-2, Figures 5B-5D In the second operating state or configuration shown, the sixth operating state or configuration described above, or the seventh operating state or configuration described above, the solid material in the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105 is in communication with the inner region 285 of the bottom member 115. This allows the user to transfer solid material from the inner cavity 130 of the container body 105 to the inner cavity 360 of the container lid 110 (i.e., the combined inner regions 285 and 345) before grinding or crushing the solid material with the teeth 305a-u and 350a-p. The top member 120 can then be separated from the bottom member 115, as described herein, to dispense the ground solid material from the container lid 110.

[0074] In some embodiments, the container lid 110 omits the bottom member 115, and the container device 100 is actuable to: an eighth operating state or configuration in which the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in a locked position; and a ninth operating state or configuration in which the top member 120 of the container lid 110 is attached to the container body 105 in an unlocked position. In at least one such embodiment, the teeth 350a-p of the top member 120 of the container lid 110 are omitted. The locked position of the top member 120 relative to the container body 105 is characterized in that: the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 340 of the top member 120 extend between the outer collar 165 and the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105; and the ridge segment 270a of the inner ridge 340 is not aligned with the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180, but instead is aligned with the outer ridge 180 itself. The unlocked position of the top member 120 relative to the container body 105 is characterized in that: the ridge segments 270a-c of the inner ridge 340 of the top member 120 extend between the outer collar 165 and the outer ridge 180 of the container body 105; and the ridge segment 270a of the inner ridge 340 is aligned with the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180. Due to this alignment, when the top member 120 of the container cap 110 is attached to the container body 105 in the unlocked position, an upward force can be applied to the outer gripping tab 335 to move the ridge segment 270a upward through the gap 195 between the circumferentially opposite ends 190a and 190b of the outer ridge 180, and to separate the top member 120 from the container body 105.

[0075] A container device is disclosed according to a first aspect. The container device according to the first aspect generally includes a container body defining a first inner cavity and a container lid defining a second inner cavity. The container lid includes a first member attached to the container body and a second member attached to the first member. The first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other between the first locked position and the first unlocked position. In the first locked position, the second member is not translatably movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member; in the first unlocked position, the second member is translatably movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members together define the second inner cavity, and the container lid also includes a plurality of protrusions extending within the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to abrade solid material located within the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion connected to the second member. In one or more embodiments, the first component and the container body are rotatably movable relative to each other between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. In the second locked position, the first component cannot be translated relative to the container body to separate the container cap from the container body. In the second unlocked position, the first component is translatably movable relative to the container body to separate the container cap from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when the container cap is separated from the container body, the first and second components are rotatably movable relative to each other to cause a plurality of protrusions to abrade solid material located in a second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, when the container cap is separated from the container body and the second component is separated from the first component, the solid material located in the first inner cavity is in communication with the second inner cavity.

[0076] According to a second aspect, a container device is also disclosed. The container device according to the second aspect generally includes a container body defining a first inner cavity and a container lid attached to the container body and defining a second inner cavity, the container lid including a plurality of protrusions and a barrier wall extending within the second inner cavity. The barrier wall prevents or at least reduces the transfer of solid material located in the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes a first member attached to the container body and a second member attached to the first member, the first and second members together defining the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the barrier wall is part of the first member attached to the container body. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to abrade the solid material located in the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion connected to the second member. In one or more embodiments, the first member is translatably movable relative to the container body to detach the container lid from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid is detached from the container body, the first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to abrade the solid material located in the second inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the second member is translatably movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid separates from the container body and the second component separates from the first component, the solid material in the first cavity can communicate with the second cavity. In one or more embodiments, the barrier wall has no through openings.

[0077] A container lid is also disclosed. The container lid typically includes a first member and a second member attached to the first member, the first and second members together defining an inner cavity. The first member may be attached to a container body defining another inner cavity. The first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, in which the second member is not translatably movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member, and in the first unlocked position, the second member is translatably movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, solid material can enter and exit the inner cavity when the second member is separated from the first member. In one or more embodiments, the container lid also includes a plurality of protrusions extending in the inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotatably movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to abrade solid material located in the inner cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion connected to the second member.

[0078] It should be understood that changes may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0079] In various embodiments, elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all embodiments. Furthermore, one or more elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted at least partially, and / or combined at least partially with one or more other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

[0080] Any spatial reference, such as “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “tilted,” “upward,” “downward,” “side to side,” “from left to right,” “from right to left,” “from top to bottom,” “from bottom to top,” “top,” “bottom,” “from bottom to top,” “from top to bottom,” etc., is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the specific orientation or location of the aforementioned structures.

[0081] In various embodiments, although different steps, processes, and procedures are described as performing different actions, one or more steps, processes, and / or procedures may also be executed simultaneously and / or sequentially in different orders. In various embodiments, steps, processes, and / or procedures may be combined into one or more steps, processes, and / or procedures.

[0082] In several embodiments, one or more operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, in some cases, some features of this disclosure may be employed without correspondingly using other features. Additionally, one or more of the above embodiments and / or variations may be combined, in whole or in part, with any one or more other above embodiments and / or variations.

[0083] Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that many other modifications, alterations, and / or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications, alterations, and / or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any device plus function clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Furthermore, the applicant expressly intends not to invoke 35 U.S.SC §112(f) to impose any limitation on any claim herein, unless the claim expressly uses the term “device” and the associated function.

Claims

1. A container device, comprising: The container body that defines the first inner cavity; as well as A container lid defining a second inner cavity, the container lid comprising: A first member attached to the container body includes a first outer ridge extending circumferentially along a length thereof, the first outer ridge defining circumferentially opposed third and fourth ends spaced apart from each other by a first gap having a first circumferential dimension; and A second component is attached to a first component, the second component including a first internal ridge, the first internal ridge extending circumferentially along the second component for a portion of its length, the first internal ridge being circumferentially divided into at least a first ridge segment and a second ridge segment spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the first ridge segment having a second circumferential dimension smaller than the first circumferential dimension of the first gap; The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other between the following positions: In a first locking position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member engages with the first outer ridge of the first member, impeding translational movement of the second member relative to the first member, thus preventing translational movement of the second member relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member; and In the first unlocked position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member is circumferentially aligned with the first gap of the first member, allowing the second member to translate relative to the first member, thereby enabling the second member to translate relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member.

2. The container device according to claim 1, wherein, The combination of the first and second components defines the second cavity; and The container lid also includes a plurality of protrusions extending within the second inner cavity.

3. The container device according to claim 2, wherein, The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions grind the solid material located in the second inner cavity.

4. The container device according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of protrusions includes: The first protrusion connected to the first member; and The second protrusion is connected to the second component.

5. The container device according to claim 2, wherein, The first component and the container body are rotatable relative to each other between the following positions: In the second locking position, the first component cannot be translated relative to the container body to separate the container lid from the container body; and In the second unlocking position, the first component can be translated relative to the container body to separate the container lid from the container body.

6. The container device according to claim 5, wherein, When the container lid is separated from the container body, the first and second components can rotate relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind the solid material located in the second inner cavity.

7. The container device according to claim 6, wherein, When the container lid is separated from the container body and the second component is separated from the first component, the solid material located in the first inner cavity can be transported to the second inner cavity.

8. A container device, comprising: The container body that defines the first inner cavity; as well as A container lid, attached to a container body and defining a second cavity, the container lid comprising: A first component attached to a container body, the first component including a first outer ridge extending circumferentially along a portion of the length of the first component, the first outer ridge defining circumferentially opposite third and fourth ends spaced apart from each other by a first gap having a first circumferential dimension; A second component is attached to the first component, the second component including a first internal ridge, the first internal ridge extending a portion of the length of the second component circumferentially, the first internal ridge being circumferentially divided into at least a first ridge segment and a second ridge segment spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the first ridge segment having a second circumferential dimension smaller than the first circumferential dimension of the first gap; Multiple protrusions extending within the second inner cavity; and A barrier wall that prevents or at least reduces the transport of solid material located in the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity. The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other between the following positions: In a first locking position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member engages with the first outer ridge of the first member, impeding translational movement of the second member relative to the first member, thus preventing translational movement of the second member relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member; and In the first unlocked position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member is circumferentially aligned with the first gap of the first member, allowing the second member to translate relative to the first member, thereby enabling the second member to translate relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member.

9. The container device according to claim 8, wherein, The first component and the second component together define the second cavity.

10. The container device according to claim 8, wherein, The barrier wall is part of a first component attached to the container body.

11. The container device according to claim 9, wherein, The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions grind the solid material located in the second inner cavity.

12. The container device according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of protrusions includes: The first protrusion connected to the first member; and The second protrusion is connected to the second component.

13. The container device according to claim 9, wherein, The first component is translatable relative to the container body to separate the container lid from the container body.

14. The container device according to claim 13, wherein, When the container lid is separated from the container body, the first and second components can rotate relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind the solid material located in the second inner cavity.

15. The container device according to claim 13, wherein, When the container lid is separated from the container body and the second component is separated from the first component, the solid material located in the first inner cavity can be transported to the second inner cavity.

16. The container device according to claim 8, wherein, The barrier wall has no through openings.

17. A container lid, comprising: A first component, the first component including a first outer ridge, the first outer ridge extending circumferentially along the length of the first component, the first outer ridge defining circumferentially opposite and spaced apart from each other by a first gap, the first gap having a first circumferential dimension; as well as A second component is attached to a first component, the second component including a first internal ridge, the first internal ridge extending circumferentially along the second component for a portion of its length, the first internal ridge being circumferentially divided into at least a first ridge segment and a second ridge segment spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the first ridge segment having a second circumferential dimension smaller than the first circumferential dimension of the first gap; The first component and the second component together define the inner cavity; The first component can be attached to the container body defining another inner cavity; and The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other between the following positions: In a first locking position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member engages with the first outer ridge of the first member, impeding translational movement of the second member relative to the first member, thus preventing translational movement of the second member relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member; and In the first unlocked position, the first ridge segment of the first inner ridge of the second member is circumferentially aligned with the first gap of the first member, allowing the second member to translate relative to the first member, thereby enabling the second member to translate relative to the first member to separate the second member from the first member.

18. The container lid according to claim 17, wherein, When the second component separates from the first component, solid material can enter and exit the cavity.

19. The container lid according to claim 17, wherein, The container lid also includes a plurality of protrusions extending within the inner cavity.

20. The container lid according to claim 19, wherein, The first and second components are rotatable relative to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions grind the solid material located in the cavity.

21. The container lid according to claim 19, wherein, The plurality of protrusions includes: The first protrusion connected to the first member; and The second protrusion is connected to the second component.

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