Container with slide cover

Abstract

A container for holding food products includes a container body defining a container cavity and a first cover positionable on the container body. The first cover includes a first opening and a second opening communicating with the container cavity. The second cover is engageable with an upper surface of the first cover. The second cover is movable relative to the first cover to expose the first opening in a first dispensing position and to expose the second opening in a second dispensing position. In one embodiment, the second cover is movable in a first direction relative to the first cover to expose the first opening and the second cover is movable in a second direction relative to the second cover to expose the second opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 343,258, filed May 18, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395010, filed August 4, 2022. Both related applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of packaging, and more particularly, to a package having a removable cover for accessing or dispensing edible products stored therein. [Background technology]

[0003] Edible products, including confectioneries such as chewing gum and hard candies, are available to consumers in a variety of different formats. For example, chewing gum is available as stick gum, slab gum, pellet gum, extruded gum, etc. There are also various types of packaging, including certain types of packaging that are primarily used for particular formats of such edible products.

[0004] The packaging of edible products is important not only for the storage of the edible product, but also for its marketing. In packages that contain more than one type of edible product, it is desirable to allow a user to easily remove a desired number and type of edible product pieces from the package. Furthermore, it may be desirable to keep different types of edible products separate within the package even after some of the edible products have been removed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, a container for holding food products includes a container body defining a container cavity and a first cover positionable on the container body. The first cover includes a first opening and a second opening in communication with the container cavity. The second cover is engageable with an upper surface of the first cover. The second cover is movable relative to the first cover to expose the first opening in a first dispensing position and to expose the second opening in a second dispensing position.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover is movable in a first direction relative to the first cover to expose the first opening, and the second cover is movable in a second direction relative to the second cover to expose the second opening.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the first opening is diametrically opposed to the second opening around the first cover.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover is positionable relative to the first cover in a neutral position, and in the neutral position the second cover seals the first opening and the second opening.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, at least one of the first cover and the second cover further comprises at least one stopper extending toward the other of the first cover and the second cover, the at least one stopper configured to limit unintended movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the other of the first cover and the second cover further includes a lip extending therefrom, the lip being engageable with at least one stop to limit unintended movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover further comprises at least one wall extending from the lower surface, wherein a configuration of the at least one wall is identical to that of the first opening, and wherein the at least one wall is substantially aligned with the first opening when the second cover is in a neutral position.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the at least one wall abuts an upper surface of the first cover.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment comprising a partition disposed within the container cavity to form a first compartment and a second compartment, the first opening is coupled to the first compartment and the second opening is coupled to the second compartment.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover is slidable relative to the first cover along a path of movement oriented perpendicular to the partition.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, at least one of the first cover and the second cover further comprises an indicator representative of a parameter of a food product acceptable within the first compartment.

[0017] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the container cavity further comprises a third compartment and the container body further comprises a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments including a guide structure disposed on the upper surface of the first cover, the second cover is engagable with the guide structure.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the guide structure defines at least one end position along a path of movement of the second cover relative to the first cover.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the guide structure further comprises a first guide and a second guide oriented parallel to the first guide, at least one of the first guide and the second guide having a foot disposed at an end thereof, the foot defining at least one terminal position along a travel path of the second cover.

[0021] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover further comprises a lip extending therefrom, the lip being slidably engagable with the foot.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the second cover is slidably engageable with the guide structure.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the guide structure further includes a first guide and a second guide oriented parallel to the first guide, and the second cover further includes a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion extending from a lower surface of the second cover, the first guide protrusion being slidably engageable with the first guide, and the second guide protrusion being slidably engageable with the second guide.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, at least one of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion includes an inward portion such that a channel is formed between the second cover and the inward portion, and at least one of the first guide and the second guide further includes an outward flange, the outward flange being disposed within the channel.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a container for holding food products includes a container body defining a container cavity having at least a first compartment and a second compartment formed therein. A guide structure extends from the container body, and a cover is movably coupled to the container body via the guide structure. The cover is movable to a first dispensing position to access the first compartment and to a second dispensing position to access the second compartment.

[0026] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features discussed above, in a further embodiment, the container body includes a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

[0027] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the cover further comprises a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being aligned with the first opening in the first dispensing position and the second notch being aligned with the second opening in the second dispensing position.

[0028] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the container cavity further comprises a third compartment, and the container body includes a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

[0029] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the container body includes at least one sidewall, and at least one of the first opening and the second opening is formed in the at least one sidewall.

[0030] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the cover includes a first portion and a second portion disposed at an angle relative to the first portion, the second portion selectively sealing at least one of the first opening and the second opening formed in the at least one side wall.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the guide structure is located on at least one sidewall.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, the guide structure is located on a surface of the container body or on a surface of the cover that is different from the at least one sidewall.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment comprising an inner cover positionable on the container body, a first cover includes a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

[0034] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, in a further embodiment, a portion of the guide structure is disposed on the inner cover. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any manner.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered likewise.

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the base of the container of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Diagram 3]2 is a perspective view of an inner cover of the container of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a cover in a dispensing position relative to an inner cover of a container according to one embodiment.

[0040] [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a cover in a neutral position relative to an inner cover of a container according to one embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the interface between the cover and the inner cover of a container according to one embodiment.

[0042] [Figure 7A] 1A-1C are side views of a container having a cover in a neutral position, a first dispensing position, and a second dispensing position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1A-1C are side views of a container having a cover in a neutral position, a first dispensing position, and a second dispensing position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] 1A-1C are side views of a container having a cover in a neutral position, a first dispensing position, and a second dispensing position, according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container having a cover in a first dispensing position according to one embodiment.

[0044] [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container having a cover in a second dispensing position according to one embodiment.

[0045] [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an end view of the interface between a cover and a guide structure of a container according to one embodiment.

[0046] [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container body according to one embodiment.

[0047] [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container body according to one embodiment.

[0048] [Figure 10C] FIG. 15 is an end view of a container having a container body as shown in either FIG. 10A or FIG. 10B according to a final embodiment.

[0049] [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment.

[0050] [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a top view of the inner cover of the container of FIG. 11A according to one embodiment.

[0051] [Figure 11C] 11A and 11B include top views of the container of FIG. 11A with the cover in a neutral position and in various dispensing positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein, by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the drawings.

[0053] 1-8B, an exemplary container 20 is shown. As shown, the container 20 includes a tray or container body 22, a first or inner cover 40 that is securable to the container body 22, and a second or outer cover 24 that is movable relative to the container body 22 and the first cover 40. The container body 22 includes an open end 26, a closed bottom 28, and one or more side walls 30 that extend from the bottom 28 to define a hollow container cavity 32 of the container body 22. Although only two side walls are visible in FIG. 1, it should be understood that any suitable number of side walls, such as four side walls (FIG. 2), are within the scope of the present disclosure. When the first cover 40 is removed, the cavity 32 is openable to the surrounding environment at the open end 26 via the opening 33. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the bottom 28 has a generally planar configuration for placing the package on a flat surface, such as a countertop. Although the container body 22 is shown as being generally square in shape with curved or rounded corners, it should be understood that container bodies 22 having other shapes, such as, for example, circular, triangular, or rectangular bases, are contemplated herein.

[0054] A plurality of consumable products, such as gum, candy, chocolate, and other foodstuffs or confections, may be disposed within the container cavity 32 of the container body 22. The plurality of consumable products within the container cavity 32 may be substantially identical or may be different. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one partition 34 is disposed within the hollow cavity 32 of the container body 22 to separate the container cavity 32 into a plurality of separate compartments. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1-8B, the partition 34 extends from an inner surface of the bottom 28 of the container body 22 between a first sidewall 30a and an opposing second sidewall 30b (see FIG. 2). As a result, the first compartment 36a is disposed adjacent a first side of the partition 34, and the second compartment 36b is disposed adjacent a second opposing side of the partition 34. The partition 34 may be disposed in the center of the container cavity 32 such that the first compartment 36a and the second compartment 36b are substantially equal in size. However, in other embodiments, the compartments 36a, 36b may vary in size.

[0055] Additionally, in other embodiments, the container cavity 32 may be separated into multiple compartments by multiple partitions. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 11A-11B, the container body 22 includes a first partition 34a and a second partition 34b separated from one another such that the container cavity 32 has three separate compartments 36a, 36b, and 36c. It should be understood that a container cavity 32 having any number of partitions 34 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] In embodiments including multiple compartments, consumable products may be disposed in some or all of the compartments. As best shown in FIG. 2, a first consumable product 38a, e.g., having a first flavor, may be disposed in a first compartment 36a, and a second consumable product 38b, e.g., having a second flavor, may be disposed in a second compartment 36b. In such embodiments, the consumable products 38a, 38b in the multiple compartments may be the same type of consumable product, or alternatively, may be different types of consumable products. In one embodiment, the flavors of the consumable products in the multiple compartments may be substantially the same, such as a first flavor of the first consumable product 38a and a second flavor of the second consumable product 38b. However, the intensity of the flavor of the product in one of the compartments may be different, e.g., stronger, than the intensity of the flavor of the product in another of the multiple compartments.

[0057] As mentioned above, the container 20 includes a second cover 24 movably mounted to the container body 22 for selectively providing access to at least a portion of the hollow container cavity 32. In embodiments in which the container cavity 32 includes multiple compartments, such as compartments 36a and 36b, the cover 24 may be movable to individually and selectively provide access to each of the multiple compartments 36a, 36b, as described in more detail below.

[0058] A first or inner cover 40, best shown in FIG. 3, is secured to the container body 22 in an overlapping arrangement with the first open end 26 of the container body 22. The size and shape of the inner cover 40 may be generally complementary to the open end 26 of the container body 22. In one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 5, a ridge or connector 42 may protrude or extend from a first surface 44 of the inner cover 40 toward the container body 22. The connector 42 may be disposed around substantially the entire periphery of the inner cover 40 and is configured to contact a surface of at least one sidewall 30 of the container body 22. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, an exterior of the connector 42 is configured to abut an interior surface of the at least one sidewall 30 to form a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection between the inner cover 40 and the container body 22. In such an embodiment, the connector 42 may include at least one gap or gap 46 formed therein, such as, for example, a pair of gaps 46, that can receive the divider 34 when the inner cover 40 is coupled to the container body 22. The first cover 40 may be integral with the container body 22, or may be otherwise permanently secured to the container body 22, or may be removably secured to the container body 22 as shown in the exemplary embodiment in the figures.

[0059] 1-8B, the first cover 40 has at least one opening formed therein, and in embodiments in which the container body 22 has multiple separate compartments, the first cover 40 has one or more openings associated with each of the multiple compartments 36a, 36b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the inner cover 40 includes a first opening 48a associated with and vertically aligned with the first compartment 36a and a second opening 48b associated with and vertically aligned with the second compartment 36b.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner cover 40 has an indicator 50 positioned at or near at least one of the openings 48a, 48b to indicate to a user one or more parameters of the product placed in the corresponding compartment of the cavity 32. For example, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, words indicating the flavor of the product in each compartment 36a, 36b may be positioned adjacent to each opening 48a, 48b and formed on the second upper surface 52 of the inner cover 40 (see FIG. 3). However, it should be understood that other types of indicators, such as, for example, symbols, colors, or other markings, positioned in any suitable location are contemplated herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the indicator need not be limited to the cover 40, but may alternatively or additionally be positioned in any suitable location, including on the container body 22 and the outer cover 24.

[0061] The first opening 48a is disposed proximate to the first sidewall 30a of the container body 22 and the second opening 48b is disposed proximate to the second sidewall 30b of the container body 22 such that the openings 48a, 48b are diametrically opposed to one another, although embodiments are contemplated herein in which the first opening 48a and the second opening 48b are aligned axially or otherwise relative to the sidewall 30. It should further be understood that the size and shape of at least one opening 48a, 48b is selected based on the product located within the adjacent compartments 36a, 36b of the hollow cavity 32, and the product is configured to pass through the openings 48a, 48b. The first opening 48a and the second opening 48b are shown as being substantially identical in size and shape. However, embodiments are contemplated herein in which the configuration of the openings 48a, 48b varies.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-8B, the upper surface 52 of the inner cover 40 includes a guide structure 54 configured to cooperate with the second cover 24, also referred to herein as the outer cover, to define a path of movement of the cover 24 relative to the container body 22. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the guide structure 54 includes a first guide 56 and a second guide 58 that are spaced apart and oriented generally parallel to one another and in some embodiments perpendicular to the partition 34. In one embodiment, the guide structure 54 is generally H-shaped. Additionally, feet 60 may be disposed at one or both ends of the first guide 56 and the second guide 58, respectively. These feet 60 are configured to face inwardly toward the opposing guides 56, 58 and can function as stops to define at least one end position along the path of movement of the cover 24 relative to the container body 22, as described in more detail below. It should be understood that the guide structure 54 shown and described herein is intended as an example only, and that guide structures having other suitable configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Further, it should be understood that in other embodiments, all or at least a portion of the guide structure 54 may be attached to another component of the container 20. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the guide structure 54 is located on at least one surface of the container body 22. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a portion of the guide structure, such as one or more guides 56, or the first guide structure 54, is disposed on the exterior surface of the first sidewall 30a. Similarly, a portion of the guide structure, such as one or more guides 58, or the second guide structure 54b, is disposed on the exterior surface of the second sidewall 30b. As shown, the first and second guide structures 54a, 54b are substantially identical. However, embodiments in which the configuration of the multiple guide structures 54 varies are also contemplated herein.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of the first or lower surface 62 of the cover 24 is shown in more detail. As shown, the lower surface 62 of the second cover 24 has a lip 64 formed around at least a portion of its periphery and extending toward the inner cover 40. In one embodiment, at least one wall 66 having substantially the same configuration as the adjacent openings 48a, 48b formed in the inner cover 40 may extend from the lower surface 62 of the second cover 24 toward the inner cover 40. When the cover 24 is centered with respect to the container body 22 and substantially aligned with the inner cover 40, also referred to herein as the neutral position, the wall 66 extending from the cover 24 is aligned perpendicularly with the boundaries of the respective openings 48a, 48b. In some embodiments, the at least one wall 66 may abut or be substantially adjacent the upper surface 52 of the inner cover 40 such that a minimum axial space is formed between the wall 66 and the inner cover 40 adjacent the openings 48a, 48b. Although the at least one wall 66 is illustrated and described herein as extending from the lower surface 62 of the outer cover 24, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the at least one wall 66 may extend from any suitable surface of the outer cover 24 that faces and is aligned with the opening 48.

[0065] In one embodiment, a surface of the outer cover 24, such as the lower surface 62, further includes at least one guide protrusion arranged to engage the guide structure 54. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cover 24 includes a first guide protrusion 70 and a second guide protrusion 72 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4). A surface of each of the first guide protrusion 70 and the second guide protrusion 72 is slidably engageable with a surface of each of the first guide 56 and the second guide 58 of the inner cover 40, respectively. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, an inner surface of each guide protrusion 70, 72 is disposed in contact with an outer surface of the respective guide 56, 58. However, in other embodiments, an outer surface of each guide protrusion 70, 72 may be disposed in contact with an inner surface of the respective guide 56, 58.

[0066] 6, an example of an interface between the guides 56, 58 and the guide projections 70, 72 is shown in more detail. It should be understood that the clearances shown between components in the figure are exaggerated for clarity. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first guide 56 and the second guide 58 each have an outward flange 74 at its distal end or the like. Similarly, the first and second guide projections 70, 72 each have an inward portion 76 that forms an undercut channel 78 between the inner surface 62 of the cover 24 and the inward portion 76. As shown, the outward flange 74 is receivable within the channel 78. For example, the outward flange 74 can snap, slide, or otherwise move into the channel 78 and engage with the channel 78 to form an interference fit while still allowing sliding movement between the guide projections 70, 72 and the guides 56, 58.

[0067] It should be understood that the interface between the guide structure 54 and the second cover 24 shown and described herein is intended as an example only, and any suitable interface is contemplated herein. For example, in one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 10C, the guide structure 54 can include a single guide having a T-shaped flange that engages with the inwardly facing portions 76 of both the first and second guide projections 70, 72. In other embodiments, the first and second guide projections 70, 72 can have outwardly facing portions, and the first guide 56 and the second guide 58 can have inwardly facing flanges that are respectively engaged with the outwardly facing portions. Alternatively, one of the second cover 24 and the guide structure 54 can include at least one groove, and the other of the second cover 24 and the guide structure 54 can have at least one projection that is receivable within the at least one groove. Any configuration that allows the second cover 24 to move in a controlled manner relative to the first cover 40 or container body 22 to access the first and second openings 48a, 48b is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] 7A-8B, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the path of movement defined by the engagement between the guide structure 54 and the guide projections 70, 72 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the partition 34 as shown. However, embodiments in which the path of movement has another direction relative to the partition 34, such as an embodiment in which the path of movement of the outer cover 24 is parallel to the partition 34, are also contemplated herein. The second cover 24 is movable, e.g., slidable or translatable, relative to the guide structure 54 of the inner cover 40 between a neutral position (FIG. 7A), a first dispensing position (FIGS. 7B and 8A), and a second dispensing position (FIGS. 7C and 8B). From the neutral position in which both the first opening 48a and the second opening 48b are closed, the cover 24 is movable in a first direction D1 to the first dispensing position to expose at least one opening associated with the first compartment 36a of the container body 22. The cover 24 may be movable in the first direction D1 until the lip 64 of the cover 24 abuts the foot 60 located at the adjacent end of the guide structure 54, preventing the second cover 24 from over-sliding or sliding off the first cover 40 and the container body 22 in the direction D1.

[0069] Similarly, the cover 24 is movable in a second direction D2 from a neutral position to a second dispensing position in which at least one opening 48b associated with the second compartment 36b of the container body 22 is exposed. The cover 24 may be movable in the second direction D2 until a lip 64 of the cover 24 abuts a foot 60 disposed on an adjacent end of the guide structure 54, preventing the second cover 24 from over-sliding or sliding off the first cover 40 and body 22 in the direction D2.

[0070] Further, in one embodiment, at least one stopper protrudes from one of the inner cover 40 and the outer cover 24 toward the other of the inner cover 40 and the outer cover 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the at least one stopper is disposed on the upper surface 52 of the inner cover 40 and along the path of movement of the cover 24. The at least one stopper is disposed adjacent a side of the inner cover 40, such as near at least one opening. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a first stopper 80a is disposed near the first opening 48a and a second stopper 80b is disposed near the second opening 48b. The stops 80a, 80b extend upward from the second surface such that the stops 80a, 80b engage or contact the lip 64 of the cover 24. Thus, the stops 80a, 80b are configured to restrict unintended movement of the cover 24 from the neutral position. However, the contour of the stops 80a, 80b is selected to allow the lip 64 to cross the stops 80a, 80b when a minimal force is applied to the cover 24 along the path of travel. The minimal force may correlate to a force typically applied to the cover by a user. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the height of the stops relative to the inner cover 40 decreases along the path of travel from adjacent sides of the inner cover 40 toward the center of the inner cover 40 such that the stops 80a, 80b have a sloping or downwardly curved configuration. In one embodiment, the stops 80a, 80b can have a double-sided configuration in which both ends of the stops 80a, 80b are sloping toward a flat central position.

[0071] 10A and 10B, in one embodiment, at least one opening is formed in a portion of the container body 22. As shown, a first opening 48a and a second opening 48b may be formed in the first sidewall 30a (see FIG. 10A) in alignment with the respective sections 36a, 36b of the container cavity 32. However, in other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 10B, the first opening 48a may be formed in the first sidewall 30a and the second opening 48b may be formed in the second opposite sidewall 30b. Although the first sidewall 30a and the second sidewall 30b are shown as being disposed opposite one another, embodiments in which the first sidewall and the second sidewall are disposed directly adjacent one another are also contemplated herein. It should be understood that in embodiments in which one or more openings are formed in the sidewall of the container body 22, the first end 26 of the container body 22 may, but need not be, open as previously described. Additionally, the guide structure 54 may be located at the first end 26, the inner cover 40, or alternatively, at the sidewall in which the opening is formed.

[0072] In the case where the openings 48a, 48b are formed in one or more side walls 30 of the container body 22, the inner cover 40 may be substantially identical in size to the first open end 26 of the container body 22 as described above, such that the inner cover 40 seals the first open end 26. Additionally, the second cover 24, best shown in FIG. 10C, may include a first portion in an overlapping arrangement with the inner cover 40 and a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first portion in an overlapping arrangement with the one or more side walls 30 that include at least one opening. In an embodiment in which the openings 48 are formed in opposing side walls 30a, 30b of the container body 22, as shown in FIG. 10C, the second portion includes a first flange 92a and a second flange 92b disposed on either side of the first portion 90. The axial length of the one or more flanges 92a, 92b may be equal to the axial length of the container, or alternatively, may be less than the axial length of the container. In such embodiments, the inner cover 40 may include a guide structure 54 configured to cooperate with the second cover 24, as previously described.

[0073] In embodiments in which the multiple openings 48a, 48b are formed in a single sidewall 30 of the container body 22, the container 20 may, but need not, include an inner cover 40. Whether or not the container 20 includes an inner cover 40, the cover 24 may be positioned only adjacent to the sidewall 30 that includes the openings 48a, 48b. Although the openings 48a, 48b are described as being formed in the sidewall 30 extending between the first end 26 and the second end 28 of the container body 22, it should be understood that the surfaces forming the first end 26, the second end 28, and the sidewall 30 of the container body 22 may vary based on the orientation of the container body 22. Thus, it should be understood that the first end 26 of the container body 22 in the first configuration may be the sidewall 30 in the second configuration, and thus the cover 24 and / or the inner cover 40 may be positioned adjacent to either the first end 26, the second end 28, and / or the sidewall 30.

[0074] 11A-11C, as previously described, the container body 22 includes a first partition 34a and a second partition 34b such that the container cavity 32 has three separate compartments 36a, 36b, and 36c. As a result, the inner cover 40 connectable to the first end of the container body 22 has a corresponding first opening 48a associated with the first compartment 36a, a second opening 48b associated with the second compartment 36b, and a third opening 48c associated with the third compartment 36c. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the body of the second cover 24 includes one or more notches or cutouts 100 formed therein. The cover 24 is movable between a plurality of positions such that at least one cutout 100 is disposed in alignment with one of the plurality of openings 48a, 48b, 48c. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cover includes three notches 100a, 100b, 100c. The first notch 100a and the third notch 100c may be located adjacent a first side of the cover 24 near the first and third openings 48a, 48c, respectively, and the second notch 100b may be located on a second side of the cover 24 near the second opening 48b.

[0075] As best shown in FIG. 11C, the cover 24 is movable relative to the container body 22 and the inner cover 40 between a neutral position and a plurality of dispensing positions via engagement with the guide structure 54. In the neutral position, each of the plurality of openings 48a, 48b, 48c is sealed by the cover 24. The cover 24 is movable, e.g., slidable, in a first direction to a first dispensing position in which the first notch 100a is aligned with the first opening 48a. In the first dispensing position, the second opening 48b and the third opening 48c remain sealed by the cover 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cover 24 is movable in a second opposite direction from the neutral position to a second dispensing position in which the second notch 100b is aligned with the second opening 48b. In the second dispensing position, the first opening 48a and the third opening 48c remain sealed by the cover 24. As shown, the cover 24 is further movable in the second direction to a third dispensing position where the third notch 100c is aligned with the third opening 48c. In the third dispensing position, the first opening 48a and the second opening 48b remain sealed by the cover 24. It should be understood that the configurations of the cover 24 described herein are intended as examples only, and that any suitable configuration that is movable to selectively access a single compartment of the container body 22 at a time is contemplated herein.

[0076] The container 20 shown and described herein allows for removal of edible product from a compartment of the container 20 while limiting the movement of edible product from another compartment of the base. Additionally, one or more components of the container 20 may be formed from a rigid plastic for ease of manufacture and durability.

[0077] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing this application.

[0078] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but the present disclosure is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A container for holding food products, said container comprising: a container body defining a container cavity; a first cover positionable on the container body, the first cover including a first opening and a second opening communicating with the container cavity; a second cover engageable with an upper surface of the first cover, the second cover movable relative to the first cover to expose the first opening in a first dispensing position and to expose the second opening in a second dispensing position.

2. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second cover is movable in a first direction relative to the first cover to expose the first opening, and the second cover is movable in a second direction relative to the second cover to expose the second opening.

3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

4. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first opening is diametrically opposed to the second opening around the first cover.

5. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the second cover is positionable relative to the first cover in a neutral position, in which the second cover seals the first opening and the second opening.

6. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover further comprises at least one stopper extending toward the other of the first cover and the second cover, the at least one stopper configured to limit unintended movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

7. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the other of the first cover and the second cover further comprises a lip extending therefrom, the lip being engageable with the at least one stopper to limit the unintended movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

8. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the second cover further comprises at least one wall extending from a lower surface, the configuration of the at least one wall being identical to the first opening, and the at least one wall being substantially aligned with the first opening when the second cover is in the neutral position.

9. The container of claim 8 , wherein the at least one wall abuts the upper surface of the first cover.

10. 10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a partition disposed within the container cavity to form a first compartment and a second compartment, the first opening being coupled to the first compartment and the second opening being coupled to the second compartment.

11. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the second cover is slidable relative to the first cover along a path of movement oriented perpendicular to the partition.

12. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover further includes an indicator representative of a parameter of a food product acceptable within the first compartment.

13. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the container cavity further comprises a third compartment, and the container body further comprises a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

14. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a guide structure disposed on an upper surface of the first cover, the second cover being engagable with the guide structure.

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the guide structure defines at least one end position along a path of movement of the second cover relative to the first cover.

16. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the guide structure further comprises a first guide and a second guide oriented parallel to the first guide, at least one of the first guide and the second guide having a foot disposed at an end thereof, the foot defining the at least one terminal position along the path of travel of the second cover.

17. 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the second cover further comprises a lip extending therefrom, the lip being slidably engagable with the foot.

18. The container of claim 14 , wherein the second cover is slidably engagable with the guide structure.

19. 19. The container of claim 18, wherein the guide structure further comprises a first guide and a second guide oriented parallel to the first guide, and the second cover further comprises a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion extending from a lower surface of the second cover, the first guide protrusion being slidably engagable with the first guide and the second guide protrusion being slidably engagable with the second guide.

20. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion includes an inward portion such that a channel is formed between the second cover and the inward portion, and at least one of the first guide and the second guide further includes an outward flange, the outward flange being disposed within the channel.

21. 1. A container for holding food products, said container comprising: a container body defining a container cavity having at least a first compartment and a second compartment formed therein; A guide structure extending from the container body; a cover movably coupled to the container body via the guide structure, the cover being movable to a first dispensing position to access the first compartment and to a second dispensing position to access the second compartment.

22. 22. The container of claim 21, wherein the container body includes a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

23. 23. The container of claim 22, wherein the cover further comprises a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being aligned with the first opening in the first dispensing position and the second notch being aligned with the second opening in the second dispensing position.

24. 23. The container of claim 22, wherein the container cavity further includes a third compartment, and the container body includes a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

25. 23. The container of claim 22, wherein the container body includes at least one sidewall, and at least one of the first opening and the second opening is formed in the at least one sidewall.

26. 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the cover includes a first portion and a second portion disposed at an angle relative to the first portion, the second portion selectively sealing the at least one of the first opening and the second opening formed in the at least one side wall.

27. 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the guide structure is located on the at least one side wall.

28. 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the guide structure is located on a surface of the container body or the cover that is different from the at least one side wall.

29. 22. The container of claim 21, further comprising an inner cover positionable on the container body, the first cover including a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

30. 30. The container of claim 29, wherein a portion of the guide structure is disposed on the inner cover.

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