Container device

Abstract

Apparatus and method for sealing engagement of a first container lid with respect to a container body. When sealed engagement in this manner, the first portion of the first container lid is removable from and reattachable to the container body. A security band remains attached to the neck of the container body when the first portion of the container lid is removed from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when removed from the container body, the first portion of the container lid remains connected to the security band via a tether. The tether is substantially formed within the security band. The container body is adapted to be stacked on top of a second container lid such that the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid mates into the second three-dimensional profile of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the second container lid is identical to the first container lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 450,668, filed on August 16, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 465,262, filed on September 2, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 910,146, filed on August 16, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 806,332, filed on September 2, 2021 (“the ’332 application”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 784,376, filed on May 19, 2021 (“the ’376 application”), which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 771,082, filed on February 19, 2021 (“the ’082 application”), which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 740,976, filed on July 8, 2020, now issued as U.S. Design Patent No. D911,179, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 708,953, filed on October 10, 2019, now issued as U.S. Design Patent No. D911,843, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The ’376 application is also a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 598,443, filed on October 10, now issued as U.S. Patent No. 11,484,152 (“the ’443 application”), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and the ’082 application is also a continuation of the ’443 application.

[0003] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to containers, and more particularly to stackable containers including a container body and a container lid, wherein at least a portion of the container lid is removable from and reattachable to the container body. In some embodiments, the container lid includes a security band and a tether. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] [Figure 1] This is a top front left side perspective view of a first container device, including a container body and a container lid, in a first operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2A] This is a top front left side perspective view of the container body of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of the bottom, rear, and right side of the container body shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2C-1] This is a front view of a portion of the container body shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2C-2] This is a rear view of a portion of the container body shown in Figure 2C-1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2D] This is a top view of the container body of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2E] This is a bottom view of the container body shown in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2F] This is a cross-sectional view of the container body of Figure 1 along the line 2F-2F in Figure 2A, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3A] This is a top front left side perspective view of the container lid of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3B] This is a bottom view of the container lid of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3C-1] This is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of Figure 1 along the line 3C-1-3C-1 in Figure 3B, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3C-2] This is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of Figure 1 along the line 3C-2-3C-2 in Figure 3B, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3D] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container lid shown in Figure 3C-1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4A] This is a top front left side perspective view of the first container device of Figure 1 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4B]This is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of Figure 4A along the line 4B-4B in Figure 4A, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4C] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the first container device shown in Figure 4B, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4D] This is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of Figure 4A in a third operating state or configuration (similar to that shown in Figure 4B) according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4E] This is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of Figure 4A (similar to those shown in Figures 4B and 4D) in a fourth operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of Figure 4A together with a second container apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] This is a top front left side perspective view of a third container device, including a container body and a container lid, in a first operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7A] This is a top front left side perspective view of the container lid of Figure 6, including a tether, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7B] This is a bottom view of the container lid of Figure 6, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7C-1] This is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of Figure 6 along the line 7C-1-7C-1 in Figure 7B, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7C-2] This is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of Figure 6 along the line 7C-2-7C-2 in Figure 7B, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7D] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container lid shown in Figure 7C-1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7E] This is a front view of the container lid of Figure 6, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7F] This is a magnified view of a portion of the container lid identified in Figure 7E, showing a tether according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7G]It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the container cap identified in FIG. 7C-2, showing a tether according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8A] It is a top-front-left perspective view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8B] It is a cross-sectional view of the third container device of FIG. 8A taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8C] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the third container device of FIG. 8B according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9A] It is another top-front-left perspective view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9B] It is a front view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9C] It is a front view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9D] It is another front view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9E] It is a top-front-left perspective view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9F] It is a front view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9G] It is a cross-sectional view of the third container device in FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the third container device of FIG. 8A together with a fourth container device according to one or more embodiments. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the container device is collectively referred to by reference numeral 100. The container device 100 includes a container body 105 and a container lid 110.

[0006]

[0044] Referring to Figures 2A to 2F, in one embodiment, the container body 105 extends along a central axis 115 and defines an internal cavity 120. The container body 105 includes side walls 125, a neck 130, and a bottom wall 135. The side walls 125 are truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoidal in shape, i.e., truncated sphere or truncated ellipsoid (i.e., spherical but not a perfect sphere). In addition, or instead, the side walls 125 (or a part thereof) may be another curved shape, cylindrical shape, tapered shape (e.g., frustoconical shape), another shape, or a combination thereof, or may include them. The side walls 125 define axially opposed ends 140a and 140b. In one or more embodiments, the side walls 125 define a radius of curvature R1 (shown in Figure 2F) at least at end 140b. In addition, or instead, at least a portion of the end 140b of the side wall 125 may be frustoconical. Together, the end 140b of the side wall 125 and the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105 define a “three-dimensional profile,” which may be referred to herein as the “three-dimensional profile,” and this three-dimensional profile reflects another three-dimensional profile defined by the container lid 110, as will be described in more detail below. In one or more embodiments, the neck 130 is cylindrical. The neck 130 defines an outer diameter D1, axially opposed ends 145a and 145b, and a mouth 150 that provides access to the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105. The end 145b of the neck 130 connects to the side wall 125 at the end 145a of the side wall 125. The external collar 155 extends around the neck 130 and outward from there. Male threads 160a~b also extend around the neck 130. The male screws 160a and 160b are positioned relatively farther from the side wall 125 than the external collar 155.

[0007]

[0045] As shown in Figure 2C-1, the male thread 160a defines circumferentially opposing ends 160aa and 160ab. The ends 160aa and 160ab of the thread 160a are tapered. Furthermore, the male thread 160a extends spirally around the neck 130, and the circumferentially opposing ends 160aa and 160ab are axially separated from each other by a gap having an axial dimension A1. The end 160aa of the thread 160a extends relatively toward the end 145a of the neck 130 than the end 160ab of the thread 160a, and the end 160ab of the thread 160a extends relatively toward the end 145b of the neck 130 than the end 160aa of the thread 160a. The male thread 160b extends through the gap between the ends 160aa and 160ab of the thread 160a.

[0008]

[0046] As shown in Figure 2C-2, the male thread 160b defines circumferentially opposing ends 160ba and 160bb. The ends 160ba and 160bb of the thread 160b are tapered. Furthermore, the male thread 160b extends spirally around the neck 130, and the circumferentially opposing ends 160ba and 160bb are axially separated from each other by a gap having an axial dimension A2. In one or more embodiments, the axial dimensions A1 and A2 are the same. The end 160ba of the thread 160b extends relatively toward the end 145a of the neck 130 than the end 160bb of the thread 160b, and the end 160bb of the thread 160b extends relatively toward the end 145b of the neck 130 than the end 160ba of the thread 160b. The male thread 160a extends through the gap between the ends 160ba and 160bb of the thread 160b.

[0009]

[0047] As shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2D, a pair of circumferentially spaced gaps 165a to 165b are formed axially through the male threads 160a to 160b and outward along the neck 130. More specifically, gap 165a defines a circumferential dimension C1 and is formed outward along the neck 130 and axially through the middle portion of the male thread 160b between the ends 160aa and the opposing ends 160ba and 160bb of the male thread 160a. Similarly, gap 165b defines a circumferential dimension C2 and is formed outward along the neck 130 and axially through the middle portion of the male thread 160b between the opposing ends 160ba and 160bb and the end 160ab of the male thread 160a. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimensions C1 and C2 are the same.

[0010]

[0048] As shown in Figures 2C-2 and 2D, a pair of circumferentially spaced gaps 165c to 165d are formed axially through the male threads 160a to 160b and outward along the neck 130. More specifically, gap 165c defines a circumferential dimension C3 and is formed outward along the neck 130 and axially through the middle portion of the male thread 160a between the end 160ba of the male thread 160b and the opposing ends 160aa and 160ab. Similarly, gap 165d defines a circumferential dimension C4 and is formed outward along the neck 130 and axially through the middle portion of the male thread 160a between the opposing ends 160aa and 160ab and the end 160bb of the male thread 160b. In one or more embodiments, circumferential dimensions C3 and C4 are the same. In one or more embodiments, circumferential dimensions C1, C2, C3, and C4 are the same.

[0011]

[0049] As shown in Figure 2E, the bottom wall 135 is connected to the side wall 125 at its end 140b. An external indentation pattern 170 is formed on the bottom wall 135. The external indentation pattern 170 includes a central indentation 175a and petal indentations 175b-175g distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central indentation 175a.

[0012]

[0050] As shown in Figures 2D and 2F, the side wall 125 of the container body 105 defines a maximum outer diameter D2. In one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is above or within a threshold that makes it difficult to seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere (at least more so than in the arrangement of a conventional container lid and container body). This difficulty is addressed and overcome by various features / components of the container body 105 and the container lid 110, which are described in further detail below.

[0013]

[0051] For example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 1:2 or greater. In another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 1:2 or greater and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 1:2 or greater and 3:4 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 2:3 or greater. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 2:3 or greater and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less.

[0014]

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 is made of a suitable plastic / synthetic resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. In addition, or instead, the container body 105 may be made of polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacetal resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, other synthetic resins having sufficient resistance to chemicals, or any combination thereof, or may include them. In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 may be formed by a molding process, such as a biaxially oriented blow molding process, a direct blow molding process, an injection blow molding process, other molding processes, or any combination thereof.

[0015]

[0053] Referring to Figures 3A to 3D, in one embodiment, the container lid 110 extends along a central axis 180 and includes a side wall 185 and a top wall 190. In one or more embodiments, the side wall 185 is cylindrical. The side wall 185 defines an inner diameter D3 and axially opposed ends 195a and 195b. The inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130. Internal ridges, i.e., female threads 200a to 200b, extend circumferentially along the side wall 185. In one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is above or within a threshold that makes it difficult to seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere (at least more so than in the conventional container lid and container body arrangement). This difficulty is addressed and overcome by various features / components of the container body 105 and the container lid 110, which are described in more detail below.

[0016]

[0054] For example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater. In another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater and 3 / 4 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or greater. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less.

[0017]

[0055] As shown in Figures 3C-1 and 3C-2, the female thread 200a defines circumferentially opposing ends 200aa (visible in Figure 3C-1) and 200ab (visible in Figure 3C-2). The ends 200aa and 200bb of the thread 200a are tapered. The female thread 200a extends spirally along the side wall 185, with the circumferentially opposing ends 200aa and 200ab spaced apart from each other in the axial and circumferential directions. The end 200aa of the thread 200a extends relatively further toward the end 195a of the side wall 185 than the end 200ab of the thread 200a, and the end 200ab of the thread 200a extends relatively further toward the end 195b of the side wall 185 than the end 200aa of the thread 200a.

[0018]

[0056] Similarly, the female thread 200b defines circumferentially opposing ends 200ba (as seen in Figure 3C-2) and 200bb (as seen in Figure 3C-1). The ends 200ba and 200bb of the thread 200b are tapered. Furthermore, the female thread 200b extends spirally along the side wall 185, spacing the circumferentially opposing ends 200ba and 200bb apart from each other in the axial and circumferential directions. The end 200ba of the thread 200b extends relatively further toward the end 195a of the side wall 185 than the end 200bb of the thread 200b, and the end 200bb of the thread 200b extends relatively further toward the end 195b of the side wall 185 than the end 200ba of the thread 200b.

[0019]

[0057] As shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1, and 3C-2, circumferentially spaced gaps 205a to 205d are formed axially through the female threads 200a to 200b and radially within the side wall 185. More specifically, the gap 205a defines a circumferential dimension C5 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 185, as well as axially through the middle portion of the female thread 200b between the end 200aa of the female thread 200a and the opposing ends 200ba and 200bb.

[0020]

[0058] The gap 205b defines the circumferential dimension C6 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 185, and axially through the intermediate portion of the male thread 200b between the opposing ends 200ba and 200bb. Optionally, the gap 205b may also be formed axially through the end 200bb of the female thread 200b. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimensions C5 and C6 are the same.

[0021]

[0059] The gap 205c defines a circumferential dimension C7 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 185, as well as axially through the end 200ba of the female thread 200b and the intermediate portion of the female thread 200a between the opposing ends 200aa and 200ab. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C7 is the same as the circumferential dimension C5, the circumferential dimension C6, or both.

[0022]

[0060] The gap 205d defines the circumferential dimension C8 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 185, and axially through the intermediate portion of the male thread 200b between the opposing ends 200ba and 200bb. Optionally, the gap 205d may also be formed axially through the end 200ab of the female thread 200a. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C8 is the same as the circumferential dimension C5, circumferential dimension C6, circumferential dimension C7, or a combination thereof.

[0023]

[0061] As shown in Figures 3A, 3C-1, and 3C-2, the top wall 190 is connected to the side wall 185 at its end 195a. A security band 210 is removably connected to the side wall 185 at its end 195b. As a result, the side wall 185, the top wall 190, and the security band 210 together define an internal region 215. The top wall 190 includes a central portion 216a and an outer edge portion 216b. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the central portion 216a is planar. In one or more embodiments, the outer edge portion 216b extends circumferentially. The outer edge portion 216b connects the central portion 216a to the end 195a of the side wall 185. The central portion 216a and at least a portion of the outer edge portion 216b together define an external recess 218 of the container lid 110.

[0024]

[0062] Perforations 220a to 220b are formed radially through the container lid 110 in the circumferential boundary 225 between the security band 210 and the end 195b of the side wall 185, and a separable segment 230 is interposed between the perforations 220a to 220b, which removably connects the security band 210 to the end 195 of the side wall 185. Perforation 220a is linear. In contrast, perforation 220b is serrated, forming opposing inclined portions 235a to 235b within the security band 210 and the side wall 185, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the perforations 220a to 220b include 10 linear perforations 220a and 2 sawtooth perforations 220b, the 2 sawtooth perforations 220b facing each other circumferentially such that 5 linear perforations 220a extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 220b on one side of the container lid 110, and the other 5 linear perforations 220a extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 220b on the other side of the container lid 110.

[0025]

[0063] As shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1, and 3C-2, the internal ridges 240 extend radially inward from the security band 210, with gaps 245 interposed between them. In one or more embodiments, the container security band 210 includes 10 internal ridges 240 spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0026]

[0064] As shown in Figure 3D, the outer edge 216b of the upper wall 190 includes outer surfaces 250a to 250b. Outer surface 250a extends circumferentially, faces radially inward, and, in combination with the central portion 216a of the upper wall 190, defines the external recess 218 of the container lid 110. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a is curved. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a may define a radius of curvature R2 (shown in Figure 3D), which is the same as the radius of curvature R1. In addition, or instead, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a may be frustoconical. Combined, the central portion 216a of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 may be referred to herein as a "three-dimensional profile," which reflects the three-dimensional profile defined by the container body 105, as described in detail above.

[0027]

[0065] The outer surface 250b extends circumferentially and faces radially outward. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 250b is curved. The internal collar 255 extends inward from the outer edge 216b of the upper wall 190, opposite the outer surface 250a, and into the internal region 215. The internal collar 255 extends circumferentially and includes an inner surface 260a and an outer rounded projection 260b. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 260a is cylindrical. The internal ridge 265 extends inward from the outer edge 216b of the upper wall 190, opposite the outer surface 250b, and into the internal region 215. In addition, or instead, the internal ridge 265 may extend inward from the side wall 185 of the container lid 110. The internal ridge 265 extends circumferentially and, in combination with the internal collar 255, defines the internal annular groove 270 of the container lid 110 (i.e., the internal annular groove 270 extends between the internal collar 255 and the internal ridge 265).

[0028]

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the container lid 110 is made of the same resin material as the container body 105. Alternatively, the container lid 110 may be made of a different resin material than the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 110 is made of a suitable plastic / synthetic resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. In addition, or instead, the container lid 110 may be made of polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacetal resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, other synthetic resins having sufficient resistance to chemicals, or any combination thereof, or may include them. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 110 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, both the container lid 110 and the container body 105 are made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 110 may be formed by a molding process such as a biaxially oriented blow molding process, a direct blow molding process, an injection blow molding process, another molding process, or any combination thereof.

[0029]

[0067] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 to 3D, and then to Figures 4A to 4C, in one embodiment, the container lid 110 can be attached to the container body 105 by screwing it onto the neck 130 of the container body 105, as indicated by arrows 275a to 275b in Figures 4A and 4B during operation. In addition, or instead, the container lid 110 may be attached to the container body 105 using other attachment features, such as snap-on features, locking features, other attachment features, or any combination thereof. In any case, once attached in this manner, the container lid 110 is removable from and reattachable to the container body 105, as shown in Figures 4D and 4E (and as will be described in more detail below). More specifically, in order to attach (or reattach) the container lid 110 to the container body 105, the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received within the internal region 215 of the container lid 110 so that the female threads 200a-200b of the container lid 110 engage with the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105. Once engaged in this manner, the container lid 110 is rotated relative to the container body 105 so that the ends 200ab and 200bb of the female threads 200a-200b of the container lid 110 (shown in Figures 3C-1 and 3C-2) are received and engaged with the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105 (shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2). Once the ends 200ab and 200bb of the female threads 200a-200b of the container lid 110 are thus received and engaged under the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105, a continuous rotation of the container lid 110 relative to the container body 105 screws the container lid 110 into the container body 105 via a sliding engagement between the female threads 200a-200b of the container lid 110 and the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105. Although shown as screwing into the container body 105 in a clockwise direction, in one or more embodiments the threads of the container lid 110 and the threads of the container body 105 are instead helically formed in opposite directions so that the container lid 110 screws into the container body 105 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0030]

[0068] In some embodiments, the continuous screwing of the container lid 110 onto the container body 105 causes the end face defined by the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container 105 to engage with a portion of the container lid 110 defined by the internal annular groove 270 (e.g., sealingly). In addition, or alternatively, the continuous screwing of the container lid 110 onto the container body 105 causes the internal collar 255 to move toward the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, ultimately causing the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to be received within the internal annular groove 270 of the container lid 110, thereby causing one or both of the outer round projection 260b of the internal collar 255 and the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110 to engage with the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 (e.g., sealingly).

[0031]

[0069] More specifically, in one or more embodiments, when the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the internal annular groove 270 of the container lid 110, the internal collar 255 bends radially inward, thereby applying a radially outward rebound force at the end 145a relative to the inside of the neck 130, and this radially outward rebound force causes the outer round projection 260b of the internal collar 255 to engage with the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a (for example, in a sealing manner). In such embodiments, the engagement between the outer round projection 260b of the inner collar 255 and the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a facilitates sealing of the gas pressure within the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere, even when the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 1:2 or more, 1:2 or more and 7:8 or less, 1:2 or more and 3:4 or less, 2:3 or more, 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less, or 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less (optionally in combination with the engagement between the inner ridge 265 of the container lid 110 and the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a, as described below).

[0032]

[0070] In addition, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, when the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received within the internal annular groove 270 of the container lid 110, the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110 flexes radially outward, thereby applying a radially inward rebound force at the end 145a relative to the outside of the neck 130, and this radially inward rebound force causes the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110 to engage with the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a (e.g., sealingly). In such embodiments, the engagement between the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110 and the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a facilitates sealing of the gas pressure within the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere, even when the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or more, 1:2 or more and 7:8 or less, 1:2 or more and 3:4 or less, 2:3 or more, 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less, or 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less (optionally in combination with a sealing engagement between the outer round projection 260b of the internal collar 255 and the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a).

[0033]

[0071] The continuous screwing of the container lid 110 onto the container body 105 also moves the security band 210 toward the outer collar 155 of the container body 105, and ultimately causes the internal ridge 240 of the security band 210 to slide over the outer collar 155, thereby trapping the security band 210 of the container lid 110 between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105.

[0034]

[0072] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a fluid such as flavored wine is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere.

[0035]

[0073] Continuing with reference to Figures 4A to 4C, and then to Figures 4D and 4E, in one embodiment, the capture of the security band 210 between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 causes the internal ridge 140 of the security band 210 to contact the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 when the container lid 110 is subsequently twisted off the container body 105 (i.e., by rotating the container lid 110 in the opposite direction to direction 275b relative to the container body 105). As a result of such twisting off of the container lid 110 from the container body 105, the internal ridge 240 of the security band 210 contacts the outer collar 155 of the container body 105, applying tensile force to the separable segment 230 that separably connects the container lid 110 to the security band 210. Furthermore, as a result, the rotational friction between the internal ridge 240 and the external collar 155 of the security band 210 causes relative rotation between the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 and the security band 210, and this relative rotation causes the inclined portion 235a of the security band 210 to engage with the inclined portion 235b of the side wall 185 (the inclined portions 235a to 235b are shown in Figures 3A, 3C-1, 3C-2, and 4A). The continuous twisting of the container lid 110 from the container body 105 causes continuous relative rotation between the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 and the security band 210, causing the inclined portion 235b of the side wall 185 to slide along the inclined portion 235a of the security band 210, thereby axially separating the container lid 110 from the security band 210 by breaking the detachable segment 230 that detachably connects the container lid 110 to the security band 210, as shown by arrows 275c to 275d in Figure 4D. Once thus axially separated, the security band 210 remains axially trapped between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105, as shown in Figure 4D.

[0036]

[0074] Furthermore, when the container lid 110 is twisted off the container body 105, the end 145a of the neck 130 is released from the internal annular groove 270, and the end 145a of the neck 130 is released from either or both of the outer round projection 260b of the internal collar 255 and the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110. By releasing the end 145a of the neck 130 from either or both of the outer round projection 260b of the internal collar 255 and the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110, the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 can be released. More specifically, gas pressure can flow through gaps 205a to 205d (shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1, and 3C-2) formed along the container lid 110 between the internal collar 255 of the container lid 110 and the inside of the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, between the internal ridge 265 of the container lid 110 and the outside of the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, and through gaps 165a to 165d (shown in Figures 2C-1, 2C-2, and 2D) formed along the container body 105. The gas pressure eventually exits into the atmosphere adjacent to the end 195b of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 and the end 145b of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

[0037]

[0075] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere, and in some embodiments, when the container lid is removed from the container body 110, a person drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120, as shown in Figure 4D.

[0038]

[0076] As indicated by arrows 275e to 275f in Figure 4E, the container lid 110 can then be reattached and sealed-engaged to the container body 105, similar to what was described above in relation to Figures 4A to 4C, except that the security band 210 is no longer connected to the rest of the container lid 110 (and therefore does not slide over the outer collar 155, but instead remains axially trapped between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105). Therefore, the reattachment (and sealing-engagement) of the container lid 110 to the container body 105 will not be described in any further detail.

[0039]

[0077] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4D, when the container lid is removed from the container body 110, a person can drink the fluid from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150. In some embodiments, after drinking a portion of the fluid, a person reattaches the container lid 110 to the container body 105, as shown in Figure 4E, so that the remaining (undranked) fluid does not spill from the internal cavity 120, and in some embodiments, in the future, a person removes the container lid 110 from the container body 105 again and drinks the fluid again from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150.

[0040]

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 4C, and then to Figure 5, in one embodiment, container device 100 is stackable with another container device, and the other container device is substantially identical to container device 100 and is therefore given the same reference numeral except that it has the suffix "'". In addition, or instead, container device 100' includes features(plural) / components(plural) that are substantially identical to the corresponding features(plural) / components(plural) of container device 100', and these substantially identical features(plural) / components(plural) are given the same reference numeral except that they have the suffix "'".

[0041]

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, when stacked in this manner, a portion of the container body 105' of the container device 100' engages with a portion of the container lid 110 of the container device 100 in a fittable manner. More specifically, the bottom wall 135' of the container body 105' is fittablely received by the central portion 216a of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110. Furthermore, the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is fittablely received by the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110. For example, in an embodiment (or multiple embodiment) in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a radius of curvature R1', and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 defines a radius of curvature R2 (which is the same as the radius of curvature R1'), the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' engages with the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 in a fittable manner. For example, in these embodiments (or more embodiments) in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a frustoconical shape, and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 defines a frustoconical shape, the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' engages with the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the upper wall 190 of the container lid 110 in a fittable manner.

[0042]

[0080] Referring to Figure 6, the second embodiment of the container device is generally referred to by reference numeral 600. The second embodiment of the container device 600 includes a container body 105 and a container lid 610.

[0043]

[0081] The container body of the second embodiment of the container device 600 is substantially the same as the container body described with respect to the container device 100 in Figures 2A to 2F, and is identical in one or more embodiments. Therefore, reference to the container body or any of its elements of the second embodiment of the container device 600 is made in reference to the description of the container body 105 or any of its elements of the container device 100, as described above with respect to Figures 2A to 2F.

[0044]

[0082] Referring to Figures 7A to 7D, in one embodiment, the container lid 610 extends along the central axis 180 and includes side walls 685 and a top wall 690. In one or more embodiments, the side walls 685 are cylindrical. The side walls 685 define an inner diameter D4 and axially opposed ends 695a and 695b. The inner diameter D4 of the side walls 685 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 of the container body 105. Internal ridges, i.e., female threads 700a to 700b, extend circumferentially along the side walls 685. In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the side walls 685 has surface undulations, protrusions, ridges, or other such features that provide additional grip between the user or tool and the container lid 610.

[0045]

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is above or within a threshold that makes it difficult to seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere (at least more so than in conventional container lid and container body arrangements), and this difficulty is addressed and overcome by various features / components(s) of the container body 105 and container lid 610, which are described in further detail below.

[0046]

[0084] For example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater. In another example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or greater and 3:4 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or greater. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less. In yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less.

[0047]

[0085] As shown in Figures 7C-1 and 7C-2, the female thread 700a defines circumferentially opposing ends 700aa (visible in Figure 7C-1) and 700ab (visible in Figure 7C-2). The ends 700aa and 700ab of the thread 700a are tapered. Furthermore, the female thread 700a extends spirally along the side wall 685, and the circumferentially opposing ends 700aa and 700ab are spaced apart from each other in the axial and circumferential directions. The end 700aa of the thread 700a extends relatively further toward the end 695a of the side wall 685 than the end 700ab of the thread 700a, and the end 700ab of the thread 700a extends relatively further toward the end 695b of the side wall 685 than the end 700aa of the thread 700a.

[0048]

[0086] Similarly, the female thread 700b defines circumferentially opposing ends 700ba (visible in Figure 7C-2) and 700bb (visible in Figure 7C-1). The ends 700ba and 700bb of the thread 700b are tapered. Furthermore, the female thread 700b extends spirally along the side wall 685, spacing its circumferentially opposing ends 700ba and 700bb apart from each other in the axial and circumferential directions. The end 700ba of the thread 700b extends relatively further toward the end 695a of the side wall 685 than the end 700bb of the thread 700b, and the end 700bb of the thread 700b extends relatively further toward the end 695b of the side wall 685 than the end 700ba of the thread 700b.

[0049]

[0087] As shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1, and 7C-2, circumferentially spaced gaps 705a to 705d are formed axially through the female threads 700a to 700b and radially within the side wall 685. More specifically, the gap 705a defines the circumferential dimension C9 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 685, as well as axially through the middle portion of the female thread 700b between the end 700aa of the female thread 700a and the opposing ends 700ba and 700bb.

[0050]

[0088] The gap 705b defines the circumferential dimension C10 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 685, and axially through the intermediate portion of the male thread 700b between the opposing ends 700ba and 700bb. Optionally, the gap 705b may also be formed axially through the end 700bb of the female thread 700b. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimensions C9 and C10 are the same.

[0051]

[0089] The gap 705c defines the circumferential dimension C11 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 685, as well as axially through the end 700ba of the female thread 700b and the intermediate portion of the female thread 700a between the opposing ends 700aa and 700ab. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C11 is the same as the circumferential dimension C9, the circumferential dimension C10, or both.

[0052]

[0090] The gap 705d defines the circumferential dimension C12 and is formed radially and inward along the side wall 685, and axially through the intermediate portion of the male thread 700b between the opposing ends 700ba and 700bb. Optionally, the gap 705d may also be formed axially through the end 700ab of the female thread 700a. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C12 is the same as the circumferential dimension C9, circumferential dimension C10, circumferential dimension C11, or a combination thereof.

[0053]

[0091] As shown in Figures 7A, 7C-1, and 7C-2, the upper wall 690 is connected to the side wall 685 at its end 695a. A security band 710, having ends 711a and 711b, is partially or substantially removablely connected to the side wall 685 at its end 695b at its end 711a. The security band 710 remains permanently connected to the side wall 685 via a tether 780. As a result, the side wall 685, the upper wall 690, and the security band 710 together define an internal region 715. The upper wall 690 includes a central portion 716a and an outer edge portion 716b. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the central portion 716a is planar. In one or more embodiments, the outer edge portion 716b extends circumferentially. The outer edge portion 716b connects the central portion 716a to the end portion 695a of the side wall 685. At least a portion of the central portion 716a and the outer edge portion 716b together define the external recess 718 of the container lid 610.

[0054]

[0092] Perforations 720a to 720b are formed radially through the container lid 610 in the circumferential boundary 725 between the end 711a of the security band 710 and the end 695b of the side wall 685, and a separable segment 730 is interposed between the perforations 720a to 720b, so as to be removable, the end 711a of the security band 710 is connected to the end 695b of the side wall 685. Perforation 720a is linear. In contrast, perforation 720b is serrated, forming opposing inclined portions 735a to 735b within the security band 710 and the side wall 685, respectively.

[0055]

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the perforations 720a to 720b include 10 linear perforations 720a and 2 sawtooth perforations 720b, the 2 sawtooth perforations 720b facing each other circumferentially such that 6 linear perforations 720a extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 720b on one side of the container lid 610, and the other 4 linear perforations 720a and tether 780 extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 720b on the other side of the container lid 610.

[0056]

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the perforations 720a to 720b include 10 linear perforations 720a and 2 sawtooth perforations 720b, the two sawtooth perforations 720b facing each other circumferentially such that 5 linear perforations 720a extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 720b on one side of the container lid 610, and the other 5 linear perforations 720a and tether 780 extend circumferentially between 2 sawtooth perforations 720b on the other side of the container lid 610.

[0057]

[0095] As shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1, and 7C-2, the internal ridges 740 extend radially inward from the security band 710, with gaps 745 interposed between them. In one or more embodiments, the container security band 710 includes 15 internal ridges 740 spaced circumferentially. In one or more embodiments, the container security band 710 includes 10 internal ridges 740 spaced circumferentially.

[0058]

[0096] As shown in Figure 7D, the outer edge 716b of the upper wall 690 includes outer surfaces 750a to 750b. The outer surface 750a extends circumferentially, faces radially inward, and, in combination with the central portion 716a of the upper wall 690, defines the external recess 718 of the container lid 610. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a is curved. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a may define a radius of curvature R3 (shown in Figure 7D), which is the same as the radius of curvature R1. In addition, or instead, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a may be frustoconical. Combined, the central portion 716a of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 define a three-dimensional profile, which may be referred to herein as the "three-dimensional profile," and this three-dimensional profile reflects the three-dimensional profile defined by the container body 105, as described in detail above.

[0059]

[0097] The outer surface 750b extends circumferentially and faces radially outward. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 750b is curved. The internal collar 755 extends inward from the outer edge 716b of the upper wall 690, opposite the outer surface 750a, and into the internal region 715. The internal collar 755 extends circumferentially and includes an inner surface 760a and an outer rounded projection 760b. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 760a is cylindrical. The internal ridge 765 extends inward from the outer edge 716b of the upper wall 690, opposite the outer surface 750b, and into the internal region 715. In addition, or instead, the internal ridge 765 may extend inward from the side wall 685 of the container lid 610. The internal ridge 765 extends circumferentially and, in combination with the internal collar 755, defines the internal annular groove 770 of the container lid 610 (i.e., the internal annular groove 770 extends between the internal collar 755 and the internal ridge 765).

[0060]

[0098] As shown in Figures 7A, 7C-2, and 7E-7G, the tether 780 connects the security band 710 to the side wall 685 of the container lid 610. The tether 780 includes a first end 785 and a second end 790, which are formed axially within the security band 710 between ends 711a and 711b. The first end 785 of the tether connects to end 695b of the side wall 685. The second end 790 of the tether connects axially to the security band 710 between ends 711a and 711b such that the second end 790 is axially recessed within the security band 710. The second end 790 of the tether 780 connects to the security band 710 along the circumferential extension of the security band 710. The first end 785 and the second end 790 of the tether are spaced circumferentially around the security band 710 and / or around the container lid 610 so that the tether 780 extends along the periphery of the container lid 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 785 of the tether 780 is positioned circumferentially clockwise with respect to the second end 790 of the tether 780. Thus, when the container lid 610 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the security band 710 and the container body 105 in order to twist it loose (or twist it off) from the container body 105, as will be described in more detail below, the tether 780 does not prevent the container lid 610 from rotating with respect to the security band 710.

[0061]

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the threads of the container lid 610 and the container body 105 may be left-hand threads, such that the container lid 610 can be twisted and loosened from the container body 105 by rotating the container lid 610 clockwise. In the illustrated embodiment (or more embodiments), the first end 785 of the tether 780 is positioned counterclockwise in the circumferential direction relative to the second end 790 of the tether 780.

[0062]

[0100] The length of the tether 780 may vary depending on the requirements of the application. Depending on the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 and / or the axial height of the side wall 685, the length of the tether 780 may vary to allow the container lid 610 to be twisted loose and removed from the container body 105. In some embodiments, the tether 780 may extend circumferentially to less than 180 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, or less than 30 degrees. As will be described in more detail below, the length of the tether 780 is optimized to allow the container lid 610 to be removed from the container body 105 while remaining connected to the security band 710 via the tether 780.

[0063]

[0101] The tether 780 is defined by perforations 800a–800d in the security band 710. Perforations 800a–800d extend radially through the security band 710. Perforation 800a extends circumferentially along the circumferential boundary 725 between the end 711a of the security band 710 and the end 695b of the side wall 685, in series with perforation 720a (i.e., at the same axial height as perforation 720a). Perforation 800a extends circumferentially between the edge 786a of the first end 785 of the tether 780 that is circumferentially closest to the second end 790 of the tether 780, and the separable segment 730 that is circumferentially closest to the edge 786a in a counterclockwise direction.

[0064]

[0102] Perforation 800b extends laterally with respect to perforation 800a. Perforation 800b extends axially along the security band 710 between the circumferential boundary 725 and the edge 787a of the second end 790 of the tether 780. In the illustrated embodiment, perforations 800a and 800b form a substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether 780.

[0065]

[0103] The perforation 800c extends circumferentially along the security band 710 at the same axial height as the second end 790 of the tether. The perforation 800c extends circumferentially from the edge 787b of the second end 790 of the tether 780 until at least the perforation 800c is circumferentially aligned with the edge 786b of the first end 785 of the tether 780.

[0066]

[0104] Perforation 800d extends laterally relative to perforation 800c. Perforation 800d extends axially along the security band 710 between perforation 800c and the edge 786b of the first end 785 of the tether 780. Perforation 800d is spaced circumferentially away from perforation 800b. In the illustrated embodiment, perforations 800d and 800c form a substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether 780.

[0067]

[0105] As shown in Figures 7A, 7C-2, and 7E-7G, the width of the tether 780 is consistent from the first end 785 to the second end 790. In one or more embodiments, the tether 780 may taper from the first end 785 to the second end 790 such that the first end 785 is wider than the second end 790, or the tether 780 may taper from the second end 790 to the first end 785 such that the second end 790 is wider than the first end 785. In one or more embodiments, as described above, the length of the tether 780 may be shorter or longer depending on the application. The length of the tether 780 may be changed by increasing or decreasing the circumferential position or offset of the first end 785 and the second end 790 of the tether 780.

[0068]

[0106] As described above, the tether 780 is formed within the security band 710. The depth to which the tether 780 is axially recessed within the security band 710 is directly related to the width of the tether 780. The wider the tether 780, the further it extends axially with the security band 710. Therefore, the width of the tether 780 is also directly related to the axial height of the portion 795 of the security band 710 that remains between the perforation 800c and the end 711b of the security band 710. As will be described in more detail below, when the separable segment 730 is broken, the portion 795 of the security band 710 remains intact, and as a result, the security band 710 remains intact and remains on the container body 105 and under the outer collar 155 of the container body 105.

[0069]

[0107] The axial height of the security band 710, the width of the tether 780, and the axial height of portion 795 of the security band 710 are optimized such that the tether 780 has sufficient strength to support the container lid 610 and maintain the connection between the container lid 610 and the security band 710 without breaking when the detachable segment is broken and the container lid 610 is removed from the container body 105 while the security band 710 remains attached to the container body 105, and that portion 795 of the security band 710 has sufficient strength to keep the security band 710 intact and as a whole on the container body 105 without damage.

[0070]

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 is equal to the axial height of a portion 795 of the security band 710. In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 and the axial height of a portion 795 of the security band 710 are approximately half the axial height of the security band 710. In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 is approximately 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the axial height of the security band 710, such that the sum of the width of the tether 780 and the axial height of the portion 795 of the security band 710 is approximately 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25% of the axial height of the security band 710, respectively.

[0071]

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, there is no detachable segment 730 that connects the tether 780 directly to the end 695b of the side wall 685 or directly to a portion 795 of the security band 710. In one or more embodiments, there is a detachable segment 730 that connects the tether 780 directly to the end 695b of the side wall 685 and / or directly to a portion 795 of the security band 710, such that when the container lid 610 is opened for the first time, the detachable segment 730 breaks, causing the tether 780 to be peeled off or separated from the security band 710.

[0072]

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the edges 805a and 805b of the tether 780 located at the intersections of perforations 4a and 4b and perforations 4c and 4d, respectively, are rounded so that the tether 780 has no sharp edges / corners when the container lid 610 is opened and the tether 780 is exposed.

[0073]

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the first end 785 and the second end 790 of the tether 780 are circumferentially aligned when the separable segment 730 is not broken. In such embodiments, the tether 780 is folded in half so that it extends circumferentially clockwise or counterclockwise from the first end 785, then curves 180 degrees, and terminates at the second end 790 of the tether 780, at the same radial distance from the axis 180 but closer axially to the end 711b of the security band 710. In such embodiments, the tether 780 can be unfolded and straightened when the container lid 610 is twisted loose and the separable segment 730 is broken.

[0074]

[0112] As shown in Figure 7C-2, there is no internal ridge 740 within the circumferential cross-section where the tether 780 is located. There is no internal ridge 740 extending along a portion 795 of the security band 710. This allows the portion 795 of the security band 710 to have greater flexibility while the container lid 610 is twisted and loosened, applying tension to the tether 780, as will be described in more detail below. However, in one or more embodiments, there may be an internal ridge 740 or a modification thereof located on and extending along a portion 795 of the security band 710. The presence of an additional internal ridge 740 helps the retaining force of the security band 710 on the container body 105.

[0075]

[0113] The security band 710 may also be described as having a notch in which the tether 780 is located. The notch is rectangular and extends radially through the security band 710. The notch extends circumferentially around a portion of the security band 710 and axially from the end 711a through a portion of the axial height of the security band 710. The tether 780 is connected to the container lid 610 at one end of the notch, and the tether 780 is connected to the security band 710, more specifically to a portion 795 of the security band 710, at the other end of the notch.

[0076]

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the container lid 610 is made of the same resin material as the container body 105. Alternatively, the container lid 610 may be made of a different resin material than the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 610 is made of a suitable plastic / synthetic resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. In addition, or instead, the container lid 610 may be made of polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacetal resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, other synthetic resins having sufficient resistance to chemicals, or any combination thereof, or may include them. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 610 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, both the container lid 610 and the container body 105 are made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container lid 610 may be formed by a molding process such as a biaxially oriented blow molding process, a direct blow molding process, an injection blow molding process, another molding process, or any combination thereof.

[0077]

[0115] Referring to Figures 6 to 7G, the container lid 610 is shown in a first configuration in which the container lid 610 is attached to the security band 710 with the detachable segment 730 intact and the container lid 610 is not yet attached to the container body 105. Referring to Figures 8A to 9B, the container lid 610 is shown in a second configuration in which the container lid 610 is attached to the security band 710 with the detachable segment 730 intact and the container lid 610 is attached to the container body 105. In Figures 9C to 9G, the container lid 610 is shown in a third configuration in which the detachable segment 730 between the container lid 610 and the security band 710 is broken, allowing the container lid 610 to be removed from the container body 105 while remaining connected to the security band 710 via the tether 780.

[0078]

[0116] Continuing with reference to Figures 6 to 7G and then to Figures 8A to 8C, in one embodiment, the container lid 610 can be attached to the container body 105 by screwing it onto the neck 130 of the container body 105, as indicated by arrows 775a to 775b in Figures 8A and 8B during operation. In addition, or alternatively, the container lid 610 may be attached to the container body 105 using another attachment mechanism, such as snap-on features, locking features, other attachment features, or any combination thereof. In any case, once attached in this manner, the container lid 610 is removable from and reattachable to the container body 105, as shown in Figures 9A to 9G (and as will be described in more detail below). More specifically, in order to attach (or reattach) the container lid 610 to the container body 105, the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received within the internal region 715 of the container lid 610 so that the female threads 700a-700b of the container lid 610 engage with the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105. Once engaged in this manner, the container lid 610 is rotated relative to the container body 105 so that the ends 700ab and 700bb of the female threads 700a-700b of the container lid 610 (shown in Figures 7C-1 and 7C-2) are received below the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105 (shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2) and engage with the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a-160b. The ends 700ab and 700bb of the female threads 700a to 700b of the container lid 610 are thus received below the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105, and when engaged by the ends 160aa and 160ba of the male threads 160a to 160b, continuous rotation of the container lid 610 relative to the container body 105 screws the container lid 610 onto the container body 105 via the sliding engagement between the female threads 700a to 700b of the container lid 610 and the male threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105.Although it is shown that the container lid 610 is screwed onto the container body 105 in a clockwise direction, in one or more embodiments the threads of the container lid 610 and the threads of the container body 105 are instead formed spirally in opposite directions so that the container lid 610 is screwed onto the container body 105 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0079]

[0117] In some embodiments, the continuous screwing of the container lid 610 onto the container body 105 causes the end face defined by the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to engage with a portion of the container lid 610 defined by the internal annular groove 770 (e.g., sealingly). In addition, or alternatively, the continuous screwing of the container lid 610 onto the container body 105 causes the internal collar 755 to move toward the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, ultimately causing the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to be received within the internal annular groove 770 of the container lid 610, thereby causing one or both of the outer round projection 760b of the internal collar 755 and the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610 to engage with the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 (e.g., sealingly).

[0080]

[0118] More specifically, in one or more embodiments, when the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the internal annular groove 770 of the container lid 610, the internal collar 755 flexes radially inward, thereby applying a radially outward rebound force at the end 145a relative to the inside of the neck 130, and this radially outward rebound force causes the outer round projection 760b of the internal collar 755 to engage with the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a (for example, in a sealing manner). In such embodiments, the engagement between the outer round projection 760b of the inner collar 755 and the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a facilitates sealing of the gas pressure within the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere, even when the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is 1:2 or more, 1:2 or more and 7:8 or less, 1:2 or more and 3:4 or less, 2:3 or more, 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less, or 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less (optionally in combination with the engagement between the inner ridge 765 of the container lid 610 and the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a, as described below).

[0081]

[0119] In addition, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, when the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received within the internal annular groove 770 of the container lid 610, the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610 flexes radially outward, thereby applying a radially inward rebound force at the end 145a relative to the outside of the neck 130, and this radially inward rebound force causes the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610 to engage with the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a (e.g., sealingly). In such embodiments, the engagement between the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610 and the outside of the neck 130 at the end 145a facilitates sealing of the gas pressure within the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere, even when the third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is 1:2 or more, 1:2 or more and 7:8 or less, 1:2 or more and 3:4 or less, 2:3 or more, 2:3 or more and 7:8 or less, or 2:3 or more and 3:4 or less (optionally in combination with a sealing engagement between the outer round projection 760b of the internal collar 755 and the inside of the neck 130 at the end 145a).

[0082]

[0120] The continuous screwing of the container lid 610 onto the container body 105 also moves the security band 710 toward the outer collar 155 of the container body 105, and ultimately causes the internal ridge 740 of the security band 710 to slide over and pass over the outer collar 155, thereby trapping the security band 710 of the container lid 610 between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, the tether 780 is positioned entirely beneath the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 when the container lid 610 is in a second configuration. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the tether 780 extends across or over the outer collar 155 of the container body 105.

[0083]

[0121] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a fluid such as flavored wine is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere.

[0084]

[0122] Continuing with Figures 8A to 8C, and then with Figures 9A to 9G, the unscrewing of the container lid 610 from the container body 105 is shown. Figures 9A and 9B show the container lid 610 in its second configuration before being unscrew off the container body 105. The separable segment 730 is not broken, and the inclined portion 735a of the security band 710 is not yet engaged with the inclined portion 735b of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610. To begin unscrewing the container lid 610 from the container body 105, the container lid 610 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 775d.

[0085]

[0123] Figures 9C and 9D show the container lid 610 in a third configuration as it is twisted off the container body 105. The capture of the security band 710 between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 causes the internal ridge 740 of the security band 710 to contact the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 when the container lid 610 is subsequently twisted off the container body 105 (i.e., by rotating the container lid 610 in the opposite direction to direction 775b relative to the container body 105). As a result of such twisting off of the container lid 610 from the container body 105, the internal ridge 740 of the security band 710 contacts the outer collar 155 of the container body 105 and applies tensile force to the separable segment 730 that separably connects the container lid 610 to the security band 710.

[0086]

[0124] The rotational friction between the internal ridge 740 and the external collar 155 of the security band 710 causes relative rotation between the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 and the security band 710, and this relative rotation causes the inclined portion 735a of the security band 710 to engage with the inclined portion 735b of the side wall 685 (the inclined portions 735a to 735b are shown in Figures 7A, 7C-1, 7C-2, 8A, and 9B to 9D).

[0087]

[0125] The continuous twisting of the container lid 610 from the container body 105 causes continuous relative rotation between the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 and the security band 710. This continuous relative rotation causes the inclined portion 735b of the side wall 685 to slide along the inclined portion 735a of the security band 710, thereby axially separating the container lid 610 from the security band 710 by breaking the detachable segment 730 that detachably connects the container lid 610 to the security band 710, as shown by arrows 775c to 775d in Figures 9A to 9E. Once thus axially separated, the security band 710 remains axially trapped between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105, as shown in Figures 9E to 9F.

[0088]

[0126] As further shown in Figures 9C and 9D, when the container lid 610 is twisted off the container body 105, the relative rotation of the container lid 610 with respect to the security band 710 causes the tether 780 to bend, deform, or crush as the circumferential offset of the first end 785 and the second end 790 of the tether decreases (i.e., as the first end 785 of the tether 780 rotates toward the second end 790 of the tether 780). The tether 780 is sufficiently flexible without breaking in order to allow the container lid 610 to be twisted off the container body 105.

[0089]

[0127] In one or more embodiments, once the separable segment 730 is broken, the internal ridge 740 is no longer pressed against the external collar 155. At this point, only the tether 780 remains attached to the security band 710 and can act on the security band 710. Thus, without any other external force being applied, the security band 710 rotates relative to the container lid 610 so that the tether 780 returns to an unloaded, unbent state.

[0090]

[0128] Figure 9E shows the container lid 610 further twisted off the container body 105 and further axially separated from the security band 710. The container lid 610 remains connected to the security band 710 via the tether 780. As shown in Figure 9E, the tether 780 here extends substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the central axis 180 (shown in Figures 7A to 7C-2), substantially traversing the circumferentially extended portion of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 and the circumferentially extended portion of the security band 710. The length of the tether 780 is optimized to be long enough to allow the container lid 610 to be completely twisted off and removed from the container body 105. When the female threads 700a-700b of the container lid are completely disengaged from the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105, the container lid 610 is axially separated from the security band 710, causing the tether 780 to become substantially linear, extending in the direction of the central axis 180, and the first end 785 and the second end 790 of the tether 780 to be substantially aligned in the circumferential and axial directions.

[0091]

[0129] Figure 9F shows the container lid 610 completely detached from the neck 130 of the container body 105. When the female threads 700a-700b of the container lid are completely disengaged from the male threads 160a-160b of the container body 105, the container lid 610 can be detached from the neck 130 of the container body 105 or pivoted away from the neck. When the container lid 610 or a portion of it is detached from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the detached portion of the container lid 610 remains attached to the security band 710 via the tether 780, and the security band 710 remains attached to the container body 105 as it remains axially trapped between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the external collar 155 of the container body 105. As a result, when the container lid 610 or any part thereof is removed from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the container lid 610 remains attached to the container body 105 via the connection of the container lid 610 to the security band 710 via the tether 780, and the attachment of the security band 710 to the container body 105. Thus, when the container lid 610 is removed from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the container lid 610 hangs down along the side wall 125 of the container body 105. The length of the tether 780 prevents the container lid 610 from extending below the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105 (i.e., preventing the container lid 610 from touching the ground or any other surface on which the container 600 may be seated). This ensures that the container lid 610 is clean and hygienic when the container lid 610 is reattached to the container body 105 or when a user comes into contact with the container lid 610 when drinking from the container body 105.

[0092]

[0130] In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable for the container lid 610 to function as a coaster when removed from the container body 105. In such embodiments, the tether 780 may be longer so that the container lid 610 can be axially aligned below the container body 105 so that the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 is adapted to receive the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105.

[0093]

[0131] Furthermore, when the container lid 610 is twisted off the container body 105, the end 145a of the neck 130 is disengaged from the internal annular groove 770, and the end 145a of the neck 130 is released from either or both of the outer round projection 760b of the internal collar 755 and the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610. By releasing the end 145a of the neck 130 from either or both of the outer round projection 760b of the internal collar 755 and the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610, the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 can be released. More specifically, gas pressure can flow through gaps 705a to 705d (shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1, and 7C-2) formed along the container lid 610 between the internal collar 755 of the container lid 610 and the inside of the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, between the internal ridge 765 of the container lid 610 and the outside of the end 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, and through gaps 165a to 165d (shown in Figures 2C-1, 2C-2, and 2D) formed along the container body 105. The gas pressure eventually exits into the atmosphere adjacent to the end 695b of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 and the end 145b of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

[0094]

[0132] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere, and in some embodiments, when the container lid is removed from the container body 110, a person drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120, as shown in Figure 4D.

[0095]

[0133] As indicated by arrows 775e to 775f in Figure 9G, the container lid 610 can then be reattached and sealed-engaged to the container body 105, as described above in relation to Figures 8A to 8C, except that the security band 710 is connected only to the container lid 610 via the tether 780, since the separable segment 730 is broken and remains broken at this point. Thus, upon reattachment, the security band 710 does not slide over the outer collar 155, but instead remains axially trapped between the end 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer collar 155 of the container body 105. Since this is the only difference, the reattachment (and sealing-engagement) of the container lid 610 to the container body 105 will not be described in further detail.

[0096]

[0134] In some embodiments, a fluid such as a beverage to be consumed by a person is placed inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body, and in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing engagements described above seal the gas pressure inside the internal cavity 120 of the container body 110 from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4D, when the container lid is removed from the container body 110, a person can drink the fluid from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150. In some embodiments, after drinking a portion of the fluid, a person reattaches the container lid 110 to the container body 105, as shown in Figure 4E, so that the remaining (undranked) fluid does not spill from the internal cavity 120, and in some embodiments, in the future, a person removes the container lid 110 from the container body 105 again and drinks the fluid again from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150.

[0097]

[0135] Referring to Figures 6 to 9G, and then to Figure 10, in one embodiment, container device 600 is stackable with another container device, and the other container device is substantially identical to container device 600 and is therefore given the same reference numeral except that it has the suffix "'". In addition, or instead, container device 600' includes features(plural) / components(plural) that are substantially identical to the corresponding features(plural) / components(plural) of container device 600', and these substantially identical features(plural) / components(plural) are given the same reference numeral except that they have the suffix "'".

[0098]

[0136] As shown in Figure 10, when stacked in this manner, a portion of the container body 105' of the container device 600' engages with a portion of the container lid 610 of the container device 600 in a fittable manner. More specifically, the bottom wall 135' of the container body 105' is fittablely received by the central portion 716a of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610. Furthermore, the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is fittablely received by the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610. For example, in these embodiments (or more embodiments) in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a radius of curvature R1', and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 defines a radius of curvature R3 (which is the same as the radius of curvature R1'), the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' engages with the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 in a fittable manner. In another example, in these embodiments (or more), where the end 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a frustoconical shape, and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 defines a frustoconical shape, the end 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' engages with the outer surface 750a of the outer edge 716b of the upper wall 690 of the container lid 610 in a fittable manner.

[0099]

[0137] In some embodiments, one or more embodiments of this application are provided in whole or in part as described and illustrated in Application No. 332, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0100]

[0138] In some embodiments, one or more embodiments described and illustrated in Application No. 332 are combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated above and / or one or more of the other embodiments described and illustrated in Application No. 332.

[0101]

[0139] A first apparatus is disclosed. The first apparatus generally includes a container body comprising: a first side wall defining an internal cavity, a first outer diameter, and a second outer diameter, and a first side wall surrounding the internal cavity, the first side wall defining a second outer diameter of the container body which is the maximum outer diameter of the first side wall; a neck connected to the first side wall and extending from the first side wall, defining a first outer diameter of the container body; and a container lid attached to the neck of the container body and sealingly engaging with the neck of the container body, wherein the container lid is removable from and reattachable to the neck of the container body, the first side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid, and the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is 1:2 or greater. In one or more embodiments, the container lid defines an internal region, and the container lid comprises a second side wall surrounding the internal region and a top wall connected to the second side wall. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes an internal ridge extending inward and into the internal region, the internal ridge engaging with the outer surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes an internal collar extending from the top wall into the internal region, the internal collar engaging with the inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the internal collar includes an external rounded projection that engages with the inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes an internal ridge extending inward and into the internal region, the internal ridge engaging with the outer surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines a first three-dimensional profile at its end opposite to the neck, and the top wall of the container lid defines a second three-dimensional profile adapted to fit mateably receive the first three-dimensional profile of the container body. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the container body defines a first radius of curvature, and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container lid defines a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.

[0102]

[0140] A first method is also disclosed. The first method generally involves attaching a first container lid to the neck of a container body to seal-engage the first container lid with the neck of the container body, wherein the first container lid is removable from the neck of the container body and reattachable to the neck of the container body, the container body defines an internal cavity, a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the container body includes a first side wall surrounding the internal cavity, which defines a second outer diameter of the container body, which is the maximum outer diameter of the first side wall, and a neck connected to the first side wall, extending from the first side wall, which defines a first outer diameter of the container body, wherein the first side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid, and the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is 1:2 or greater. In one or more embodiments, the first container lid defines an internal region and includes a second side wall surrounding the internal region and a top wall connected to the second side wall. In one or more embodiments, sealing engagement of the first container lid to the neck of the container body includes engaging the internal ridge of the first container lid with the outer surface of the neck, the internal ridge extending inward and within the internal region. In one or more embodiments, sealing engagement of the first container lid to the neck of the container body includes engaging the internal collar of the first container lid with the inner surface of the neck, the internal collar extending from the top wall into the internal region. In one or more embodiments, sealing engagement of the internal collar of the first container lid with the inner surface of the neck includes engaging the outer rounded projection of the internal collar with the inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, sealing engagement of the first container lid to the neck of the container body further includes engaging the internal ridge of the first container lid with the outer surface of the neck, the internal ridge extending inward and within the internal region. In one or more embodiments, the first method further includes stacking the container body onto the second container lid such that the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid receptively receives the second three-dimensional profile of the container body, which is located at the end of the container body opposite the neck, and the second container lid is identical to the first container lid.In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container body defines a first radius of curvature, and at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid defines a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.

[0103]

[0141] A second apparatus is also disclosed. The second apparatus generally includes a container lid that is attached to a container body and fitted to the container body to seal-engage, comprising: a first side wall defining an internal region and an internal diameter, surrounding the internal region and defining the internal diameter of the container lid; a top wall connected to the first side wall; and an internal collar including an outer rounded projection extending from the top wall into the internal region and fitted to engage with the inner surface of the container body; and a container body, wherein the container lid is attached to the container body, sealed-engage, and then removable from and reattachable to the container body. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes an internal ridge extending inward and into the internal region, the internal ridge being fitted to engage with the outer surface of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines an internal cavity and an outer diameter, the container body includes a second side wall surrounding the internal cavity, which defines the outer diameter of the container body, and a neck connected to and extending from the second side wall, the container lid being fitted to seal against the neck of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the second side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid. In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the inner diameter of the container lid to the outer diameter of the container body is 1:2 or greater. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines a first three-dimensional profile at its end opposite to the neck, and the upper wall of the container lid defines a second three-dimensional profile fitted to receptively receive the first three-dimensional profile of the container body. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the container body defines a first radius of curvature, and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container lid defines a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.

[0104]

[0142] A second method is also disclosed. The second method generally involves attaching a first container lid to a container body to seal-engage the container body and the first container lid, wherein the first container lid defines an internal region and an internal diameter, and the first container lid includes a first side wall surrounding the internal region and defining the internal diameter of the first container lid, a top wall connected to the first side wall, and an internal collar extending from the top wall into the internal region and including an external rounded projection, wherein the first container lid is removable from the container body and reattachable to the container body, and sealing-engaging the first container lid to the container body includes engaging the inner surface of the container body with the external rounded projection. In one or more embodiments, sealing-engaging the first container lid to the container body further includes engaging an internal ridge of the first container lid with the outer surface of the neck, the internal ridge extending inward and into the internal region. In one or more embodiments, sealing engagement of the first container lid to the container body includes sealing engagement of the first container lid to the neck of the container body, wherein the container body includes an internal cavity and an outer diameter, the container body includes a second side wall that surrounds the internal cavity and defines the outer diameter of the container body, which is the maximum outer diameter of the second side wall, and a neck connected to and extending from the second side wall. In one or more embodiments, the second side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid. In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the inner diameter of the first container lid to the outer diameter of the container body is 1:2 or greater. In one or more embodiments, the second method further includes stacking the container body onto the second container lid such that the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid matesably receives the second three-dimensional profile of the container body located at the end of the container body opposite the neck, wherein the second container lid is identical to the first container lid. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container body defines a first radius of curvature, and at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid defines a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.

[0105]

[0143] It is understood that the above may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0106]

[0144] In one or more embodiments, elements and teachings of various exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, one or more elements and teachings of various exemplary embodiments may be omitted at least in part, or combined at least in part with one or more other elements and teachings of various exemplary embodiments.

[0107]

[0145] For example, arbitrary spatial references such as "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "between," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "angular," "upwards," "downwards," "side-to-side," "left-to-right," "left," "right," "right-to-left," "top-to-bottom," "bottom-to-top," "top," "bottom," "bottom-up," and "top-down" are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the specific orientation or position of the structures described above.

[0108]

[0146] In one or more embodiments, different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as separate operations, but one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, or one or more of the procedures may be performed simultaneously or sequentially in different orders. In one or more embodiments, a step, process, or procedure may be integrated into one or more steps, processes, or procedures. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the operational steps of each embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, in some cases, some features of this disclosure may be adopted without corresponding use of other features. Furthermore, one or more of the embodiments disclosed above and in application 332, or their variations, may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other embodiments described above and in application 332, or their variations.

[0109]

[0147] Although one or more embodiments are disclosed in detail above and in Application No. 332, the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and a person skilled in the art will readily understand that many other modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible in the embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and merits of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. In the claims, the means plus function clause is intended to encompass not only the structures and structural equivalents described herein as performing the enumerated functions, but also equivalent structures. Furthermore, the applicant’s explicit intention is not to invoke 35 U.S.C § 112(f) with respect to any limitation of the claims herein, except where the claims explicitly use the word “means” together with the relevant functions.

Claims

1. A container body that defines an internal cavity, a first outer diameter, and a second outer diameter, A first side wall surrounding the internal cavity, the first side wall defining the second outer diameter of the container body, which is the maximum outer diameter of the first side wall, A container body comprising: a neck connected to the first side wall, extending from the first side wall, and defining the first outer diameter of the container body; A container lid that is attached to the neck of the container body and engages with the neck of the container body in a sealing manner, A first part which is detachable from the neck of the container body and reattachable to the neck of the container body, A second side wall defining the first and second ends facing each other in the axial direction, and A first portion comprising an upper wall connected to the second side wall at the first end of the second side wall, A container lid comprising a second part comprising a security band and a tether connected thereto, the second part being connected to the first part of the container lid via the tether, The first side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid, An apparatus in which the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is 1:2 or greater.

2. The tether includes first and second ends, The first end of the tether is connected to the second side wall at the second end of the second side wall, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the tether is connected to the security band.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the tether is recessed in the axial direction within the security band.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second end of the tether is connected to the security band along the circumferentially extending portion of the security band.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second ends of the tether are spaced apart in the circumferential direction such that the tether extends along the circumference of the container lid.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tether extends along the circumference of the container lid for less than 180 degrees.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the tether is positioned circumferentially clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the tether with respect to the second end of the tether.

8. When the first portion of the container lid is removed from the neck of the container body, The first portion of the container lid remains connected to the second portion of the container lid via the tether. The second portion of the container lid remains attached to the container body. The first portion of the container lid is The connection of the first portion of the container lid to the second portion of the container lid via the tether, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the container lid is attached to the container body and is coupled to the container body via the attachment of the second portion of the container lid to the container body.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the container lid further includes one or more perforations extending radially through the security band and defining the tether.

10. The one or more perforations extending radially through the security band and defining the tether are First and second perforations, each extending in the circumferential direction, It includes third and fourth perforations, each extending in the axial direction, The first and third perforations form a first substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether, The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second and fourth perforations form a second substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether.

11. The first side wall further defines first and second ends that face each other in the axial direction, The neck of the container body is connected to the first side wall at the first end of the first side wall and extends from the first side wall. The container body further comprises a bottom wall that is connected to the first side wall at the second end of the first side wall opposite to the neck and extends from the first side wall, At least a portion of the second end of the first side wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the bottom wall, and thereby the adjacent portions of the first side wall and the bottom wall together define a first continuous three-dimensional profile of the container body. At least a portion of the first end of the second side wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the upper wall, so that the adjacent portions of the second side wall and the upper wall together define a second continuous three-dimensional profile of the container lid. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second continuous three-dimensional profile of the container lid is adapted to receptively receive the first continuous three-dimensional profile of the container body.

12. The process includes the step of attaching the first container lid to the neck of the container body to seal and engage the neck of the container body with the first container lid, The container body defines an internal cavity, a first outer diameter, and a second outer diameter, and the container body is A first side wall surrounding the internal cavity, the first side wall defining the second outer diameter of the container body, which is the maximum outer diameter of the first side wall, The container comprises a neck connected to the first side wall, extending from the first side wall, and defining the first outer diameter of the container body, The first container lid is A first portion that is detachable from the neck of the container body and reattachable to the neck of the container body, A second side wall defining the first and second ends facing each other in the axial direction, and A first portion comprising an upper wall connected to the second side wall at the first end of the second side wall, A second part comprising a security band and a tether connected thereto, the second part being connected via the tether to the first part of the first container lid, The first side wall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated ellipsoid, A method wherein the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is 1:2 or greater.

13. The first container lid defines the internal region enclosed by the second side wall, The sealing engagement of the first container lid with the neck of the container body is The engagement of the internal ridge of the first container lid, which extends inward and within the internal region, with the outer surface of the neck, The method according to claim 12, further comprising the engagement of an internal collar extending from the upper wall into the internal region of the first container lid with the inner surface of the neck.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the engagement of the inner collar of the first container lid with the inner surface of the neck includes the engagement of the outer round projection of the inner collar with the inner surface of the neck.

15. The process further includes the step of stacking the container body onto the second container lid such that the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid receptively receives the second three-dimensional profile located at the end of the container body opposite to the neck, The method according to claim 12, wherein the second container lid is identical to the first container lid.

16. At least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container body defines the first radius of curvature, The method according to claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid defines a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.

17. Female threads defining ends that are opposite each other in the circumferential direction and spaced apart in the axial direction extend circumferentially around the inner surface of the second side wall of the first container lid, The method according to claim 12, wherein a male screw, which defines ends that are opposite in the circumferential direction and spaced apart in the axial direction, extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the neck.

18. The step of attaching the first container lid to the neck of the container body is, A step of engaging the end of the female thread of the first container lid, which is furthest from the upper wall, with the end of the male thread of the neck, which is furthest from the first side wall, below the end of the male thread of the neck, which is furthest from the first side wall, The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of rotating the first container lid relative to the container body to screw the first container lid onto the container body.

19. The tether has first and second ends, The first end of the tether is connected to the second side wall at the second end of the second side wall, The method according to claim 12, wherein the second end of the tether is connected to the security band.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the second end of the tether is recessed in the axial direction within the security band.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the second end of the tether is connected to the security band along the circumferentially extending portion of the security band.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first and second ends of the tether are spaced apart in the circumferential direction such that the tether extends along the circumference of the first container lid.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the tether extends along the circumference of the first container lid for less than 180 degrees.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the first end of the tether is positioned circumferentially clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the tether with respect to the second end of the tether.

25. The step further includes removing the first portion of the first container lid from the neck of the container body, When the first portion of the first container lid is removed from the neck of the container body, The first portion of the first container lid remains connected to the second portion of the first container lid via the tether. The second portion of the first container lid remains attached to the container body. The first part of the first container lid is The connection of the first portion of the first container lid to the second portion of the first container lid via the tether, The method according to claim 12, wherein the second portion of the first container lid is attached to the container body and coupled to the container body via

26. The process further includes a step of reattaching the first portion of the first container lid to the neck of the container body, which includes a step of screwing the first container lid onto the container body by performing a relative rotation between the first portion of the first container lid and the container body, When the first portion of the first container lid is reattached to the neck of the container body, The first portion of the first container lid remains connected to the second portion of the first container lid via the tether. The second portion of the first container lid remains attached to the container body. The first portion of the first container lid is inserted into the container body via the screw-in mechanism of the first container lid, The connection of the first portion of the first container lid to the second portion of the first container lid via the tether, The method according to claim 25, wherein the second portion of the first container lid is attached to the container body and is coupled to the container body.

27. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second portion of the first container lid further includes one or more perforations extending radially through the security band and defining the tether.

28. The one or more perforations extending radially through the security band and defining the tether are First and second perforations, each extending in the circumferential direction, It includes third and fourth perforations, each extending in the axial direction, The first and third perforations form a first substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether, The method according to claim 27, wherein the second and fourth perforations form a second substantially L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether.

Images