Child-resistant containers

Abstract

At least one exemplary embodiment relates to a container. The container includes a base, a canister, and a lid, the canister configured to engage a portion of the base, and the lid movably coupled to the canister such that the lid is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The base has a bottom wall having a central portion, a peripheral portion, and an angled portion between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The base has a first sidewall extending from a periphery of the peripheral portion to surround a periphery of the bottom wall, and a second sidewall extending from an end of the peripheral portion opposite the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend perpendicular to the peripheral portion, thereby defining a first gap between the peripheral portion and the first and second sidewalls.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 060,227, filed November 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] At least one exemplary embodiment relates to a container.

[0004] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the container has a base, a canister configured to engage a portion of the base, and a lid configured to be removably coupled to the canister such that the lid is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The base has a bottom wall having a central portion, a peripheral portion, and an angled portion between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The base has a first sidewall extending from a periphery of the peripheral portion to near a periphery of the bottom wall, and a second sidewall extending from an end of the peripheral portion opposite the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend perpendicular to the peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion, the first and second sidewalls define a first gap.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister includes a base wall having a first side and a second side, a canister wall surrounding the periphery of the base wall, and a third sidewall extending from the second side of the base wall and spaced apart from and concentric with the canister wall. The canister wall has a first end extending beyond the base wall in a first direction and a second end extending beyond the base wall in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first side of the base wall and the first end of the canister wall define a first cavity, and the second side of the base wall and the second end of the canister wall define a second cavity. The third sidewall, a portion of the second side of the base wall, and the canister wall define a second gap. The second gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the first sidewall, and the first gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the canister wall.

[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid has a top wall and a peripheral wall extending around the periphery of the top wall. The top wall has a top surface and a bottom surface.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are perpendicular to the central portion.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the length of the first sidewall is greater than the length of the second sidewall.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the angled portion and the bottom surface of the bottom wall at least partially define a recess.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the base has a first protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first sidewall and the canister has a second protrusion extending from an outer surface of the third sidewall, the first protrusion configured to engage the second protrusion.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the upper portion of the canister wall decreases from the second end to the first end. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister wall has a third protrusion extending from an outer surface of the canister wall at the first end.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid has at least one protrusion extending from the inner surface of the peripheral wall. The at least one protrusion on the lid is configured to engage with a third protrusion on the canister. The lid defines at least one lid notch on at least a portion of the outer surface of the peripheral wall and the upper surface of the top wall. The at least one lid notch faces the at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the lid.

[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third protrusion is comprised of a plurality of protrusions having an opening defined between each of the plurality of protrusions.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second end of the canister wall defines at least one canister cutout, the at least one canister cutout being aligned with the at least one opening.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one canister notch is configured to align with the lid notch in the unlocked position.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the periphery of the second end of the canister wall defines a recess configured to contact an upper surface of the second side wall of the base such that the second side wall and the canister wall are flush when the canister and base are engaged.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a central portion of the upper surface of the top wall defines a recess.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position, and in the unlocked position, the lid is configured to be removable from the canister.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister is configured to engage with at least a portion of the base in a snap-fit ​​manner, and the canister is configured to engage with at least a portion of the lid in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0020] At least one exemplary embodiment relates to a method of using a container.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing a base, a canister, and a lid for a container. The base has a bottom wall having a central portion, a peripheral portion, and an angled portion between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The base has a first sidewall extending from a periphery of the peripheral portion to near the periphery of the bottom wall, and a second sidewall extending from an end of the peripheral portion opposite the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend perpendicular to the peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion, the first and second sidewalls define a first gap.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister has a base wall having a first side and a second side, a canister wall along the periphery of the base wall, and a third sidewall extending from the second side of the base wall and spaced apart from the canister wall. The canister wall has a first end extending beyond the base wall in a first direction and a second end extending beyond the base wall in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first side of the base wall and the first end of the canister wall define a first cavity, and the second side of the base wall and the second end of the canister wall define a second cavity. A portion of the second side of the base wall and the canister wall define a second gap.

[0023] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid has a top wall and a peripheral wall extending around the periphery of the top wall. The top wall has a top surface and a bottom surface.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes connecting the base to the canister such that the second gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the first sidewall and the first gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the canister wall. The method further includes connecting a lid to the canister. The lid is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. The method further includes rotating the lid from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby rendering the lid removable from the canister.

[0025] In at least one exemplary embodiment, connecting the base to the canister is configured to engage a first protrusion extending from an inner surface of a first side wall of the base with a second protrusion extending from an outer surface of a third side wall of the canister.

[0026] In at least one exemplary embodiment, connecting the lid to the canister is configured to engage a third protrusion extending from an outer surface of the canister wall and adjacent the first end of the canister wall with at least one protrusion extending from an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the lid.

[0027] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third protrusion defines at least one opening, the second end of the canister wall defines at least one canister cutout, and the lid defines at least one lid cutout on at least a portion of the outer surface of the peripheral wall and the upper surface of the top wall. The at least one canister cutout is aligned with the at least one opening. The at least one lid cutout faces the at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the lid.

[0028] In at least one exemplary embodiment, rotating the lid from the locked position to the unlocked position includes aligning a lid notch with a canister notch.

[0029] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes disengaging at least one protrusion of the lid from a third protrusion of the canister through the at least one opening such that the lid is removed from the canister and the first cavity is exposed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent from a consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly stated. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] [Figure 1A] 1 is a front perspective view of a container in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;

[0032] [Figure 1B] 2 is an exploded view of the canister, base, and lid of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 2] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the canister of the container of FIG. 1A taken along line II-II, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 3] 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister of FIG. 2 in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 4] FIG. 1C is a front view of the canister of FIGS. 1A-1B in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 5]1A-1B in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 6] 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 7] 1B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister and base of FIG. 1A taken along line II-II, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 8] 1A-1B in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0040] [Figure 9] 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 8 taken along line IX-IX, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 10A] 1B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister and lid of FIG. 1A in an unlocked position, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0042] [Figure 10B] 1B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister and lid of FIG. 1A in a locked position, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 11] 1B is a front view of the container of FIG. 1A in a locked position in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0044] [Figure 12] 1B is a front view of the container of FIG. 1A in an unlocked position in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0045] [Figure 13] 1A-1B in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0046] [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a container in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Although several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments, however, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to only the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0048] Accordingly, while exemplary embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0049] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it can be directly connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or that intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, like numbers refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] In this specification, terms such as first, second, and third may be used to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section described below may be a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use and operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Also, a device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees, oriented in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that as used herein, the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of the exemplary embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes shown should be expected. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions shown herein, but rather include deviations and variations in shape.

[0054] As used herein, when the words "about" and "substantially" are used in connection with numerical values, unless expressly defined otherwise, it is intended that the associated numerical values ​​include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Furthermore, when the terms "generally" or "substantially" are used in connection with geometric shapes, precision of the geometric shape is not required, but a margin of shape is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, whether a numerical value or shape is modified as "about," "generally," or "substantially," it will be understood that these numerical values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operating tolerances (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value or shape.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such in this specification.

[0056] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a container including a canister, a base, and a lid, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 1B is an exploded view of the canister, base, and lid of the container of Figure 1A, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0057] In at least one exemplary embodiment, container 100 contains or may contain at least one substance. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one substance is a consumer product. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one substance and / or consumer product comprises an oral product. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product is one or more pouches.

[0058] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product is an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. The oral product may be in the form of a loose material (e.g., a loose cellulosic material), a shaped material (e.g., a plug or twist), a pouched material, a tablet, a lozenge, a chew, a gum, a film, other oral products, or any combination thereof.

[0059] Oral products include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff, dry snuff, other smokeless tobacco, non-tobacco products for oral consumption, or combinations thereof.

[0060] When the oral product is an oral tobacco product, including a smokeless tobacco product, the smokeless tobacco product may include whole, shredded, cut, granulated, reconstituted, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, or otherwise processed tobacco. The tobacco may be present as leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts (e.g., nicotine), or any combination thereof.

[0061] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, and / or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier, such as a cellulosic material (e.g., white snus). The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fiber with reduced or removed nicotine content (so-called exhaled tobacco plant tissue or fiber)). In some exemplary embodiments, the exhaled tobacco plant tissue or fiber may be processed to remove at least 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the nicotine. For example, tobacco plant tissue may be washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

[0062] In other exemplary embodiments, the oral product may include cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and / or cannabis extract. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis material includes leaf and / or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and / or extracts from one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and / or Cannabis ruderalis. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis may be in fibrous form. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis may include cannabinoids, terpenes, and / or flavonoids. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis material may be cannabis-derived, such as cannabis-derived cannabinoids, cannabis-derived terpenes, and / or cannabis-derived flavonoids.

[0063] Oral products (e.g., oral tobacco products, oral non-tobacco products, or oral cannabis products) may have various moisture content ranges. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product is a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from 5% to 10% by weight. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product has a medium moisture content, for example, a moisture content ranging from 20% to 35% by weight. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product is a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from 40% to 55% by weight.

[0064] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the oral product may further comprise one or more of the following: an oral-stable polymer, an oral-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., synthetic and / or natural sweeteners), an enhancer, a soothing agent, a concentration enhancer, a plasticizer, an oral-soluble fiber, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical ingredient, a colorant, an amino acid, an organoleptic agent, an antioxidant, a food emulsifier, a pH adjuster, a botanical ingredient, a tooth whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a preservative, an excipient, a flavoring agent, a flavor-masking agent, a bitter receptor blocker, a receptor enhancer, other additives, or a combination thereof.

[0065] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the package may contain any product or substance, for example, the package may contain confectionery, food, medicine, or other products.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, container 100 includes a canister 105, a base 110, and a lid 115. Canister 105, base 110, and lid 115 may each have a circular or cylindrical shape. Base 110 and lid 115 may be removably coupled to opposite sides of canister 105, as described in connection with Figures 2-10. In at least one example embodiment, canister 105 and base 110 may form a canister assembly 120 of container 100.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the canister 105 of the container 100 of FIG. 1A taken along line II-II, according to at least one example embodiment.

[0068] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister 105 has a base wall 200 having a first side 205 and a second side 210 opposite the first side 205. The canister 105 also has a canister wall 215 that extends along the periphery of the base wall 200. The canister wall 215 may extend perpendicular to the base wall 200. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister wall 215 is cylindrical.

[0069] The canister wall 215 has a first end 220 extending beyond the base wall 200 in a first direction and a second end 225 extending beyond the base wall 200 in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the base wall first side 205 and the canister wall 215 extending in the first direction toward the canister wall first end 220 define a first cavity 230, and the base wall second side 210 and the canister wall 215 extending in the second direction toward the second end 225 define a second cavity 235. The first cavity 230 may have a first depth 255, and the second cavity 235 may have a second depth 260. In at least one exemplary embodiment, first depth 255 is greater than second depth 260. In at least one exemplary embodiment, first cavity 230 may be configured to hold a product, such as an oral pouch product. Second cavity 235 may be a disposal area configured to hold the oral pouch product after consumption by an adult consumer.

[0070] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister 105 has a sidewall 240 extending from the second side 210 of the base wall 200. The sidewall 240 may be perpendicular to the base wall 200. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 240 is cylindrical. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 240 may be spaced from the second end 225 of the canister wall 215. For example, the sidewall 240 may be concentric with the canister wall 215. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 240, at least a portion of the canister wall 215 adjacent the second end 225, and at least a portion of the second side 210 of the base wall 200 define a gap 245. The gap 245 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the base 110, as described below and shown in connection with FIGS. 5-7. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the gap 245 is cylindrical. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 may extend beyond the side wall 240 .

[0071] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 250 may extend outward from an outer surface of the canister wall 215 adjacent the first end 220 of the canister wall 215. For example, if the canister wall 215 is cylindrical, the protrusion 250 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the canister wall 215. The protrusion 250 may be configured to engage with at least a portion of the lid 115, as described below in connection with FIGS. 8-10 . The protrusion 250 may have a trapezoidal, circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal cross section. The protrusion 250 may have a chamfered or tapered edge to facilitate engagement with at least a portion of the lid 115.

[0072] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first end 220 of the canister wall 215 may taper from the outer surface toward the inner surface of the canister wall 215. For example, the thickness of the first end 220 of the canister wall 215 may be less than the thickness of the second end 225 and / or the middle portion 217 of the canister wall 215. In such an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 250 may extend from the tapered portion adjacent the first end 220 of the canister wall 215.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister 105 of FIG. 2, according to at least one example embodiment.

[0074] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 240 may have a protrusion 300 extending from an outer surface of the sidewall 240. For example, if the sidewall 240 is cylindrical, the protrusion 300 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the sidewall 240 into the gap 245. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 300 extends from an end of the sidewall 240. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 300 is continuous along the sidewall 240. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 300 may be discontinuous along the sidewall 240. For example, the protrusion 300 may have two or more protrusions 300. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 300 is configured to engage with at least a portion of the base 110, such as with a snap fit, as described below in connection with FIGS. 5-7. The protrusion 300 may have a trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal cross section. The protrusion 300 may have a chamfered or tapered edge to facilitate engagement with at least a portion of the base 110 .

[0075] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 may define a recess 305. The recess may extend circumferentially around the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 along the outer surface of the canister wall 215. For example, the recess 305 may be cylindrical. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the recess 305 is configured to receive at least a portion of the base 110 such that the base 110 is flush with the canister 105, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 7 .

[0076] FIG. 4 is a front view of the canister 105 of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0077] In at least one example embodiment, the protrusions 250 may be discontinuous along the canister wall 215. For example, the protrusions 250 may be comprised of two or more protrusions 250. In such an embodiment, the two or more protrusions 250 may define two or more openings 400 between each of the two or more protrusions 250. In at least one other example embodiment, the protrusions 250 may be continuous along the canister wall 215.

[0078] In at least one exemplary embodiment, each opening 400 may have a flange 410. The flange 410 may extend from an outer surface of the sidewall 240. For example, if the sidewall 240 is cylindrical, the flange 410 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the sidewall 240 and into the opening 400. The flange 410 may be trapezoidal, circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal in shape. The flange 410 may have a chamfered or tapered edge to facilitate engagement with at least a portion of the lid 115, as described below in connection with FIG. 10A .

[0079] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 defines one or more cutouts 405. For example, each cutout 405 may extend at least partially from the second end 225 toward the first end 220 of the canister wall 215. In at least one exemplary embodiment, each cutout 405 adjacent the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 is configured to align with a respective opening 400 adjacent the first end 220 of the canister wall 215. For example, the cutouts 405 may be configured to indicate the location of the opening 400 when the lid 115 is attached to the canister 105, as described below in connection with FIGS. 10-12 .

[0080] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of base 110 of Figures 1A-1B, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of base 110 of Figure 5 along line VI-VI, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0081] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-6 , base 110 has a bottom wall 500, a first sidewall 520, and a second sidewall 525. Bottom wall 500 has a central portion 502, a peripheral portion 515, and an angle portion 504 between central portion 502 and peripheral portion 515. In one embodiment, angle portion 504 and peripheral portion 515 are parallel but not coplanar, and angle portion 504 extends at an angle relative to central portion 502. In one embodiment, central portion 502 has a top surface 505 and a bottom surface 510. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, bottom surface 510 of central portion 502 is flat or planar (or substantially flat or planar). In at least one embodiment, peripheral portion 515 is flat or planar (or substantially flat or planar). In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of peripheral portion 515 and bottom surface 510 of central portion 502 define a recess 535 .

[0082] In at least one exemplary embodiment, peripheral portion 515 forms a periphery of bottom wall 500. Second sidewall 525 may extend from peripheral portion 515 at the periphery of bottom wall 500, or first sidewall 520 may extend from an end of peripheral portion 515 opposite second sidewall 525. For example, first sidewall 520 and second sidewall 525 may be perpendicular to central portion 502 and peripheral portion 515. First sidewall 520, peripheral portion 515, and second sidewall 525 may define gap 530. In at least one exemplary embodiment, first sidewall 520, second sidewall 525, and gap 530 are cylindrical. In at least one exemplary embodiment, gap 530 is configured to receive at least a portion of canister 105. For example, gap 530 may be configured to receive at least a portion of second end 225 of canister wall 215 of the canister, such as in a snap fit, as described below in connection with Figure 7. In at least one exemplary embodiment, first side wall 520 may have a length greater than a length of second side wall 525.

[0083] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 540 may extend inward from the inner surface of the first sidewall 520. For example, if the first sidewall 520 is cylindrical, the protrusion 540 may extend radially inward from the inner surface of the first sidewall 520. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 540 is continuous along the first sidewall 520. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 540 may be discontinuous along the first sidewall 520. For example, the protrusion 540 may be comprised of two or more protrusions 540. The protrusion 540 may have a trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sectional shape. The protrusion 540 may have a chamfered or tapered edge to facilitate engagement with at least a portion of the canister 105.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the canister 105 and base 110 of FIG. 1A taken along line II-II, according to at least one example embodiment.

[0085] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the base 110 is configured to be removably coupled to the canister 105. For example, the base 110 may be coupled to the canister 105 with a snap fit. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the gap 530 of the base 110 is configured to receive at least a portion of the second end 225 of the canister wall 215. At least a portion of the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 may be spaced apart from the peripheral portion 515 within the gap 530. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 may contact the peripheral portion 515 within the gap 530. In at least one exemplary embodiment, another portion of the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 may contact an end of the second sidewall 525 of the base 110. For example, the recess 305 of the canister 105 may receive the edge of the second side wall 525 of the base 110 so that the second side wall 525 of the base 110 and the outer surface of the canister wall 215 of the canister 105 are flush with each other.

[0086] In at least one exemplary embodiment, gap 245 of canister 105 is configured to receive at least a portion of base 110. For example, gap 245 may receive at least a portion of first sidewall 520 of base 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, protrusion 540 of base 110 is configured to engage protrusion 300 of canister 105 to secure base 110 to canister 105. For example, a chamfered or tapered edge of protrusion 540 may be configured to slide over a chamfered or tapered edge of protrusion 300, thereby engaging protrusion 540 and protrusion 300 and coupling base 110 to canister 105.

[0087] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the lid 115 of Figures 1A-1B according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 8 along line IX-IX according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0088] 8-9, the lid 115 has a top wall 800 and a peripheral wall 805. The top wall 800 has a top surface 810 and a bottom surface 815. The peripheral wall 805 extends from the bottom surface 815 of the top wall 800. For example, the peripheral wall 805 may be cylindrical and extend annularly around the circumference of the top wall 800. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the peripheral wall 805 may extend from an end of the top wall 800.

[0089] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the peripheral wall 805 has one or more protrusions 820 extending from at least a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 805. The one or more protrusions 820 may be equally spaced around the circumference of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 805. The one or more protrusions 820 may have a trapezoidal, circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sectional shape. The protrusions 820 may have chamfered or tapered edges to facilitate engagement with at least a portion of the canister 105.

[0090] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of peripheral wall 805 and / or the outer surface of top wall 800 defines one or more cutouts 825. Each cutout 825 is configured to align with a respective protrusion 820 on the opposite side of peripheral wall 805. Cutouts 825 may be trapezoidal, circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal in cross section.

[0091] 9, the cutouts 825 may extend from the top of the peripheral wall 805 to the end of the top wall 800. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, only a portion of the peripheral wall 805 defines each cutout 825 adjacent to each protrusion 820. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, only a portion of the upper surface 810 of the top wall 800 defines each cutout 825 adjacent to each protrusion 820.

[0092] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the upper surface 810 of the top wall 800 defines a recess 900. For example, the top wall 800 may include an angled portion 802 between a peripheral portion 804 and a central portion 806 of the top wall 800. In one embodiment, the angled portion 802 and the peripheral portion 804 are parallel but not coplanar, and the angled portion 802 extends at an angle relative to the central portion 806. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the recess 900 may be circular and disposed in at least the central portion 806 of the top wall 800. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the top wall 800 may be substantially flat or planar.

[0093] 10A and 10B are detailed cross-sectional views of the canister and lid of FIG. 1A in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0094] In at least one exemplary embodiment, lid 115 is configured to be removably coupled to canister 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, protrusion 820 may be configured to slide through at least one of openings 400 of canister 105 when canister 105 and lid 115 are in the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 10A . In at least one exemplary embodiment, protrusion 820 may be configured to engage flange 410. For example, with reference to FIG. 10A , by applying an upward force, a chamfered or tapered edge of protrusion 820 may be configured to slide over a chamfered or tapered edge of flange 410; in the absence of the upward force, protrusion 820 and flange 410 engage, preventing lid 115 from falling or being easily removed while protrusion 820 is aligned with opening 400 in the unlocked position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, lid 115 may be rotated from an unlocked position, shown in Figure 10A, to a locked position, shown in Figure 10B. In the locked position, protrusion 820 engages protrusion 250, securing lid 115 to canister 105.

[0095] In at least one exemplary embodiment, lid 115 may be coupled to canister 105 via a snap fit. For example, a chamfered or tapered edge of protrusion 820 may be configured to slide over a chamfered or tapered edge of protrusion 250 such that protrusion 820 and protrusion 250 engage, coupling lid 115 to canister 105 in a locked position.

[0096] Figure 11 is a front view of the container 100 of Figure 1A in a locked position, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 is a front view of the container 100 of Figure 1A in an unlocked position, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0097] In at least one embodiment, in the locked position, notch 825 of lid 115 is not aligned with notch 405 of canister 105, as shown, for example, in Figure 11. In the locked position, protrusion 820 of lid 115 engages protrusion 250 of canister 105, as shown in Figure 10B.

[0098] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid 115 may be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the notch 825 of the lid 115 is aligned with the notch 405, as shown in FIG. 12 . In the unlocked position, the protrusion 820 of the lid 115 is aligned with the opening 400 of the canister 105, as shown in FIG. 10A , and the lid 115 may be removed from the canister 105. For example, the protrusion 820 of the lid 115 is no longer engaged with the protrusion 250 of the canister 105, and the lid 115 may be removed from the canister 105 by sliding the protrusion 820 of the lid 115 over the flange 410 and / or through the opening 400 between the protrusions 250 of the canister 105.

[0099] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A , the lid 115 may be coupled to the canister 105 by aligning the notch 825 in the lid 115 with the notch 405 in the canister 105, thereby allowing the protrusion 820 in the lid 115 to slide over the flange 410 and / or pass through the opening 400 in the canister 105. In such an embodiment, the lid 115 may be placed on the canister 105 in an unlocked position (see FIG. 12 ) and rotated to the locked position (see FIG. 11 ). In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the lid 115 may be coupled to the canister 105 when the lid is in any position. For example, the lid 115 may be placed on the canister 105 with the notch 825 in the lid 115 misaligned with the notch 405 in the canister 105 (such as the locked position shown in FIG. 11 ). In such embodiments, protrusion 820 of lid 115 may be configured to move or slide over protrusion 250 on the canister and engage with protrusion 250 to secure lid 115 to canister 105, similar to a snap fit. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a person may rotate lid 115 from a locked position (see FIG. 11 ) to an unlocked position (see FIG. 12 ) by aligning notch 825 with notch 405. In such embodiments, lid 115 can be removed from canister 105 as described above.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the lid 115 of FIGS. 1A-1B in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0101] 13 is generally similar to the lid 115 of FIG. 8, except that, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid 115 may include one or more beads 1500 extending from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 805. Each of the one or more beads 1500 may be disposed between each of the protrusions 820. In at least one exemplary embodiment, if the peripheral wall 805 is cylindrical, the one or more beads 1500 may extend radially outward from at least a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 805. The one or more beads 1500 may be trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal in cross section.

[0102] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more beads 1500 may be configured to engage with the protrusions 250 of the canister 105. For example, the one or more beads 1500 and / or protrusions 820 of the lid 115 may engage with the protrusions 250 of the canister 105, such as by a snap fit. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more beads 1500 prevent the lid 115 from becoming dislodged or falling off the canister 105 when the lid 115 is in the unlocked position. For example, when the lid 115 is in the unlocked position (see FIG. 12 ), a person must pull or push the lid 115 upward, see FIG. 12 , to disengage the one or more beads 1500 of the lid 115 from the protrusions 250 of the canister 105 and remove the lid 115 from the canister 105.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a container in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0104] 14, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the method generally includes providing a base, canister, and lid for the container in steps S1400, connecting the base to the canister in S1405, connecting the lid to the canister in S1410, and rotating the lid from a locked position to an unlocked position in S1415. Each step is described in more detail below.

[0105] In S1400, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing a container base, a canister, and a lid. As described above in connection with FIGS. 2-4 , a canister 105 may be provided and may have a base wall 200 having a first side 205 and a second side 210, a canister wall 215, and a side wall 240. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the canister wall 215 may extend along a periphery of the base wall 200. The canister wall 215 may have a first end 220 extending beyond the base wall 200 in a first direction and a second end 225 extending beyond the base wall 200 in a second direction. In such an embodiment, the first side 2105 of the base wall 200 and the first end 220 of the canister wall 215 define a first cavity 230, and the second side 210 of the base wall 200 and the second end 225 of the canister wall 215 define a second cavity 235. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the side wall 240 extends from the second side 210 of the base wall 200 such that the side wall 240, a portion of the second side 210 of the base wall 200, and the canister wall 214 define a gap 245.

[0106] 5-7 , the base 110 may include a bottom wall 500 having a top surface 505 and a bottom surface 510, a first sidewall 520 extending from a periphery of the bottom wall 500, a peripheral portion 515 extending from the bottom of the first sidewall 520, and a second sidewall 525 extending from an end of the peripheral portion 515. The first sidewall 520 and the second sidewall 525 may extend perpendicular to the peripheral portion 515 such that the peripheral portion 515, the first sidewall 520, and the second sidewall 525 define a gap 530.

[0107] As described above in connection with Figures 8-10 and 13, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the lid 115 may be provided and may have a top wall 800 having a top surface 810 and a bottom surface 815, and a peripheral wall 805 extending from the periphery of the top wall 800.

[0108] In S1405, in at least one example embodiment, the method includes connecting the base 110 to the canister 105. The gap 245 of the canister 105 is configured to receive at least a portion of the first sidewall 520 of the base 110, and the gap 530 of the base 110 is configured to receive at least a portion of the canister wall 215 of the canister 105. In at least one example embodiment, connecting the base 110 to the canister 105 includes engaging a protrusion 540 extending from an inner surface of the first sidewall 520 of the base 110 with a protrusion 300 extending from an outer surface of the sidewall 240 of the canister 105.

[0109] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes, at S1410, connecting the lid 115 to the canister 105. The lid 115 may be configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, connecting the lid 115 to the canister 105 includes engaging a protrusion 250 extending from an outer surface of the canister wall 215 and adjacent a first end 220 of the canister wall 215 with one or more protrusions 820 extending from an inner surface of a peripheral wall 805 of the lid 115. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 250 of the canister 105 defines an opening 400, and the second end 225 of the canister wall defines a notch 405. The notch 405 may be aligned with the opening 400. In at least one exemplary embodiment, lid 115 defines a notch 825 that extends from the outer surface of peripheral wall 805 to at least a portion of top surface 810 of top wall 800. Notch 825 may be configured to align with one or more protrusions 820 on lid 115.

[0110] In S1415, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes rotating the lid 115 from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the lid 115 may be removed from the canister 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, rotating the lid 115 from the locked position to the unlocked position includes aligning the notches 825 of the lid 115 with the notches 405 of the canister 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method includes disengaging one or more protrusions 820 of the lid 115 from the protrusions 250 of the canister 105 via the openings 400, thereby allowing the lid 115 to be removed from the canister 105 and exposing the first cavity 230.

[0111] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A container comprising: A base, a canister, and a lid, the base has a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall; the bottom wall having a central portion, a peripheral portion, and an angle portion between the central portion and the peripheral portion; the first side wall extends from a periphery of the peripheral portion and surrounds a periphery of the bottom wall; the second sidewall extends from an end of the peripheral portion opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being perpendicular to the peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall define a first gap; the canister is configured to engage a portion of the base; the canister has a base wall, a canister wall, and a third side wall; the base wall has a first side and a second side; the canister wall has a first end extending beyond the base wall in a first direction along a periphery of the base wall, and a second end extending beyond the base wall in a second direction opposite the first direction; the first side of the base wall and the first end of the canister wall define a first cavity, and the second side of the base wall and the second end of the canister wall define a second cavity; the third sidewall extends from the second side of the base wall and is spaced apart from and concentric with the canister wall such that the third sidewall, a portion of the second side of the base wall, and the canister wall define a second gap; the second gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the first sidewall of the base; the first gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the canister wall; the lid is configured to be removably coupled to the canister such that the lid is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; The lid has a top wall and a peripheral wall, the upper wall has a top surface and a bottom surface; The peripheral wall extends around the periphery of the top wall.

2. 10. The container of claim 1, The container, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are perpendicular to the central portion.

3. 10. The container of claim 1, The container, wherein the length of the first side wall is greater than the length of the second side wall.

4. 10. The container of claim 1, The angled portion and a bottom surface of the bottom wall at least partially define a recess.

5. 10. The container of claim 1, the base has a first protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first sidewall; The canister has a second protrusion extending from an outer surface of the third side wall, the first protrusion configured to engage the second protrusion.

6. 10. The container of claim 1, a thickness of the upper portion of the canister wall decreases from the second end to the first end; The canister wall has a third projection extending from an outer surface of the canister wall at the first end.

7. 7. The container according to claim 6, the lid has at least one protrusion extending from an inner surface of the peripheral wall, the at least one protrusion of the lid configured to engage with the third protrusion of the canister; The lid defines at least one lid notch over at least a portion of the outer surface of the peripheral wall and the upper surface of the top wall, the at least one lid notch opposing at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the lid.

8. 8. The container according to claim 7, The container, wherein the third projection has a plurality of projections, with an opening defined between each of the plurality of projections.

9. 9. The container according to claim 8, The second end of the canister wall defines at least one canister notch, the at least one canister notch being aligned with at least one opening.

10. 10. The container according to claim 9, The container, wherein at least one of the canister notches is configured to align with the lid notch in the unlocked position.

11. 10. The container of claim 1, At least a portion of the periphery of the second end of the canister wall defines a recess; The recess is configured to contact an upper surface of the second side wall of the base such that the second side wall is flush with the canister wall when the canister and the base are engaged.

12. 10. The container of claim 1, A central portion of the upper surface of the top wall defines a recess.

13. 10. The container of claim 1, The container, wherein the lid is configured to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and wherein the lid is configured to be removed from the canister in the unlocked position.

14. 10. The container of claim 1, the canister is configured to engage at least a portion of the base with a snap fit; and The canister is configured to engage at least a portion of the lid with a snap fit.

15. 1. A method of using a container, comprising: providing a base, a canister, and a lid for said container; The base is The bottom wall and a first sidewall; and a second sidewall; the bottom wall having a central portion, a peripheral portion, and an angle portion between the central portion and the peripheral portion; the first side wall extends from the periphery of the peripheral portion to surround the periphery of the bottom wall; the second sidewall extends from an end of the peripheral portion opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending perpendicular to the peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall define a first gap; the canister has a base wall, a canister wall, and a third side wall; the base wall has a first side and a second side; the canister wall has a first end extending beyond the base wall in a first direction along a periphery of the base wall, and a second end extending beyond the base wall in a second direction opposite the first direction; the first side of the base wall and the first end of the canister wall define a first cavity, and the second side of the base wall and the second end of the canister wall define a second cavity; the third sidewall extends from a second side of the base wall and is spaced apart from a canister wall, the third sidewall, a portion of the second side of the base wall, and the canister wall defining a second gap; the lid has a top wall; the upper wall includes a top surface and a bottom surface; and a peripheral wall extending around the periphery of the upper wall; connecting the base to the canister such that the second gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the first sidewall and the first gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the canister wall; connecting the lid to the canister, the lid being configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position; rotating the lid from the locked position to the unlocked position so that the lid is removable from the canister.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, connecting the base to the canister includes engaging a first protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first side wall of the base with a second protrusion extending from an outer surface of the third side wall of the canister.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, Connecting the lid to the canister comprises: engaging a third protrusion extending from an outer surface of the canister wall adjacent the first end of the canister wall with at least one protrusion extending from an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the lid.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, the third protrusion defines at least one opening; the second end of the canister wall defines at least one canister cutout, the at least one canister cutout aligned with the at least one opening; the lid defines at least one lid notch over at least a portion of the outer surface of the peripheral wall and the upper surface of the top wall, the at least one lid notch opposing the at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the lid.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, The method, wherein rotating the lid from the locked position to the unlocked position includes aligning the lid notch with the canister notch.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, The method further includes disengaging at least one protrusion of the lid from a third protrusion of the canister through at least one opening, thereby removing the lid from the canister and exposing the first cavity.

Images