Refillable jar assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to refillable jar systems that are easy to manufacture and recycle. An exemplary refillable jar system includes a base assembly and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly. The base assembly includes an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup removably arranged within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell.

Description

REFILLABLE JAR ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a PCT application claiming priority to U.S. provisional application no. 63 / 621 ,803, filed January 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Jars and related containers are used to provide a practical and convenient means of containing makeup, creams, powders, emulsions and other products for consumers. Once the contents of the container have been fully utilized or the consumer is otherwise ready to dispose of the container, recycling is the most environmentally friendly and preferred disposable option. However, jars currently in distribution for consumer products are often difficult to recycle, e.g. they may have a PET plastic or glass bottom jar portion, a screw-on lid with plastic components, an inner plastic component with an outer metal shroud, metal vacuumized plastic, two piece construction that is difficult to separate, or otherwise are constructed in a manner that makes recycling the container more arduous, causing consumers to default to disposing of the containers in the trash, with attendant negative environmental impact. Moreover, existing jars that are recyclable are not able to be refilled and reused. Consequently, there is a need for more easily recyclable containers that are refillable and methods of making the same.SUMMARY

[0003] Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

[0004] For example, a refillable jar system includes a base assembly and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly. The base assembly includes an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup removably arranged within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell. In embodiments, the replaceable cup is mechanically attached to the aluminum outer base shell. In such embodiments, the aluminum outer base shell may include a locking detent and the replaceable cup may include a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent, and the replaceable cup may further include an orientation groove arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove. In embodiments, the orientation groove extends vertically.

[0005] In embodiments, the replaceable cup includes an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell. In such embodiments, the upper flange may include a removal recess, and / or a gap may be defined between a lower edge of the upper flange and the upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell, and / or the aluminum outer base shell may include a hole extending through the aluminum outer base shell for accessing replaceable cup and detaching the replaceable cup from the aluminum outer base shell. In embodiments, the base assembly may further include a peelable seal provided on the upper flange of the replaceable cup for sealing an internal cavity of the replaceable cup.

[0006] In embodiments, the replaceable cup is made from aluminum or plastic. In embodiments, an outer thread is provided about an exterior surface of the aluminum outer base shell. In embodiments, the aluminum cap assembly further includes an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell. In such embodiments, an inner thread may be provided about the aluminum inner cap and being matable with the aluminum outer base shell, and / or the aluminum cap assembly may further include a liner provided on an inner surface of the aluminum inner cap for forming a seal with an edge of the replaceable cup when the aluminum cap assembly is arranged on the base assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a refillable jar system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the refillable jar system of FIG. 1 when assembled.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side cross-section of the refillable jar system along section A-A in FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a replaceable cup utilizable with the refillable jar system of FIGS. 1-3, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of a base assembly wherein the replaceable cup and the outer base shell are snap fit together.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] The present disclosure is related to jar and container systems and, more particularly, to the manufacture of readily recyclable refillable jar and container systems.

[0015] Currently, standard construction for jars for consumer products for household use, e.g. makeup jars for creams, powders and emulsion-type products, have a PET plastic or a glass bottom jar portion and a screw-on plastic lid, or a plastic lid with metal shroud. In order to recycle these commonly used jars, the consumer must unscrew the jar and can sometimes place the jar in a PET or glass bin in order for the jar to be recycled, but the lid remains difficult to recycle. Moreover, these existing products are not readily reusable, and are simply thrown away instead of being refilled, which is not good for the environment.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a refillable jar system 1200, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 is a side view of the refillable jar system 1200 (hereinafter, the "system 1200") of FIG. 1 when assembled, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-section of the system 1200 along section A-A in FIG. 2. In the illustrated example, the system 1200 when assembled is generally cylindrically shaped. However, the system 1200 may have other geometries without departing from the present disclosure.

[0017] The system 1200 includes a cap assembly 1202 (or lid assembly) and a base assembly 1204 (or jar assembly 1204), wherein the cap assembly 1202 is arrangeable on the base assembly 1204 (as shown in FIG. 2). The cap assembly 1202 may be fastened or secured to the base assembly 1204. However, it should be appreciated that the cap assembly 1202 may be detached from the base assembly 1204 to access an internal cavity 1206 of the system 1200, wherein a product (e.g., a lip balm) may be placed / stored in the internal cavity 1206 for use by the end user. Thus, as described below, the cap assembly 1202 attaches to the base assembly 1204 via an attachment means (e.g., mating threads). The attachment means permits a user to selective attach or detach the cap assembly 1202 from the baseassembly 1204. However, the attachment means are hidden from view when the cap assembly 1202 is assembled on the base assembly 1204, which provides the system 1200 an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the base assembly 1204 includes an outer base shell 1210 and a replaceable cup 1212 removably arranged within a cavity 1214 of the outer base shell 1210. While FIG. 1 illustrates the replaceable cup 1212 removed from the outer base shell 1210, FIG. 3 depicts the replaceable cup 1212 when assembled within the outer base shell 1210, and FIG. 4 depicts the replaceable cup 1212 by itself, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] In embodiments, the outer base shell 1210 is made from aluminum; however, the outer base shell 1210 may comprise other materials in other embodiments. In embodiments, the replaceable cup 1212 may comprise aluminum or plastic. In embodiments, the replaceable cup 1212 is made from a commonly recyclable molded plastic such as Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), or Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As shown in FIG. 1, an outer thread 1216 is provided about an exterior surface 1218 of the outer base shell 1210, wherein the outer thread 1216 wraps around at least a portion of the exterior surface 1218 and may be a continuous thread or, as shown, the outer thread 1216 may be (at least) a pair of separate thread leads 1216a, 1216b (also referred to as dual lead threads 1216a, 12a6b).

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap assembly 1202 includes an outer cap shell 1220 and an inner cap 1222 arranged within a cavity 1224 of the outer cap shell 1220. In embodiments, both the outer cap shell 1220 and the inner cap 1222 are made from aluminum, such that the outer cap shell 1220 is an aluminum outer cap, such that the inner cap 1222 is an aluminum inner cap, and such that the cap assembly 1202 is an aluminum cap assembly 1202. As shown, an inner thread 1226 is provided about the inner cap 1222. The inner thread 1226 is matable with the outer base shell 1210 and, more specifically, the inner thread 1226 is matable with the outer thread 1216 that is provided around the exterior surface 1218 of the outer base shell 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner thread 1226 extendsinward from an interior surface (obscured from view) of the inner cap 1222 and into an inner cavity (obscured from view) of the inner cap 1222, such that the inner thread 1226 may engage the exteriorly protruding outer thread 1216 that protrudes outwardly from the outer base shell 1210 when assembled. The inner thread 1226 wraps around at least a portion of an interior surface of the inner cap 1222 and may be a continuous thread or, as shown, the inner thread 1226 may be two or more separate thread leads corresponding with the thread leads of the outer thread 1216.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap assembly 1202 also includes a liner 1230 provided on an inner top surface (obscured from view) of the inner cap 1222 for forming a seal with an upper edge (or surface) 1232 of the replaceable cup 1212 when the cap assembly 1202 is arranged on the base assembly 1204. The inner top surface of the inner cap 1222 is opposite an outer top surface 1234 of the inner cap 1222 and is accessible from within an interior cavity 1236 of the inner cap 1222. In embodiments, the liner 1230 comprises a polyethylene foam. In other embodiments, the liner 1230 may comprise other materials, such as coated paper pulp liners, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam liners, etc.

[0022] In embodiments, a hot melt adhesive is utilized to adhere the liner 1230 to the inner cap 1222, for example, hot melt adhesive may be utilized to join an upper surface 1238 of the liner 1230 to the inner top surface of the inner cap 1222. Similarly, a hot melt adhesive may be utilized to adhere the inner cap 1222 to the outer cap shell 1220. For example, hot melt adhesive may be utilized to join the outer top surface 1234 of the inner cap 1222 to an inner top surface of the outer cap shell 1220, wherein the inner top surface of the outer cap shell 1220 is opposite an outer top surface 1240 of the outer cap shell 1220 and is accessible from within the cavity 1224 of the outer cap shell 1220.

[0023] The replaceable cup 1212 is removable from the outer base shell 1210. In this manner, after the product contained within the replaceable cup 1212 has been used up, that particular replaceable cup 1212 may be removed from the outer base shell 1210 and then a new replaceable cup 1212 (with a new batch of product) may be installed within the outer base shell 1210. Additionally or instead, the replaceablecup 1212 in which the product contained therein has been used up may be refilled with more product and reinstalled within the outer base shell 1210. In this manner, the system 1200 reduces the end cost for the consumer and lowers the carbon footprint for the distribution of the product by reducing the amount of material needed to be formed and recycled.

[0024] The replaceable cup 1212 is mechanically attached to (and within) the outer base shell 1210, such that the replaceable cup 1212 is removable from the outer base shell 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, replaceable cup 1212 is mechanically and removably attached to (and within) the outer base shell 1210 via a locking detent 1250 and a locking recess 1252 configured to receive the locking detent 1250. As shown, the locking detent 1250 is provided on the outer base shell 1210, and extends inward into the cavity 1214 from an inner surface 1254 of the outer base shell 1210 that at least partially defines the cavity 1214. Also as shown, the locking recess 1252 is formed in an outer surface 1256 of the replaceable cup 1212, and is sized to receive the locking detent 1250 such that the locking detent 1250 may be snap fit in the locking recess 1252 and thereby lock the replaceable cup 1212 within the outer base shell 1210 while allowing removal and replacement of the replaceable cup 1212 when sufficient pressure / force is applied to pull the replaceable cup 1212 from the outer base shell 1210. Thus, the locking detent 1250 and the locking recess 1252 are robust enough to hold the replaceable cup 1212 in place, but still be able to allow the replaceable cup 1212 to be removed by the end user of the system 1200, and also be durable enough to allow the outer base shell 1210 and / or the replaceable cup 1212 to be used over multiple uses.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking detents 1250 and the locking recesses 1252 corresponding therewith function to constrain movement of the replaceable cup 1212 relative to the outer base shell 1210. In particular, the locking detents 1250 and the locking recesses 1252 both axially and rotationally constrain the replaceable cup 1212 relative to the outer base shell 1210.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable cup 1212 further includes an orientation groove 1258 arranged to guide the locking detent 1250. Here, thelocking recess 1252 is positioned at an upper end 1260 of the orientation groove 1258. The orientation groove 1258 helps guide the locking detent 1250 into the locking recess 1252. In particular, the orientation groove 1258 provides a means for the user to ensure that the replaceable cup 1212 is positioned in the correct rotational orientation (i.e., with the locking detent 1250 aligning with the locking recess 1252) within the outer base shell 1210 during assembly, thereby facilitating assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation groove 1258 extends substantially vertically, but in other embodiments, the orientation groove 1258 may extend helically around the outer surface 1256 of the replaceable cup 1212 such that the replaceable cup 1212 is locked within the outer base shell 1210 by twisting / rotating the replaceable cup 1212 while pressing down on the replaceable cup 1212 relative to the outer base shell 1210.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1200 includes a pair of the locking detents 1250 and a pair of the locking recesses 1252 corresponding with the locking detents 1250. As previously mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer thread 1216 includes the pair of thread leads 1216a, 1216b and, in this embodiment, each of the locking detents 1250 is provided in between the pair of thread leads 1216a, 1216b. More specifically, a first of the locking detents 1250 is positioned in between the start of the first thread lead 1216a and the end of the second thread lead 1216b, and a second of the locking detents 1250 is positioned in between the start of the second thread lead 1216b and the end of the first thread lead 1216a. However, in other embodiments, the system 1200 may include more or less than a pair of corresponding locking detents 1250 and locking recesses 1252. For example, three or four locking detents 1250 could be provided, each with a corresponding locking recess 1252, and in such embodiments, the outer thread 1216 may be provided with a corresponding number of thread leads with the detents positioned in between the start and end of the separate thread leads.

[0028] The replaceable cup 1212 may further include an upper flange 1261 and, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge (or surface) 1232 of the replaceable cup 1212 defining at least a portion (i.e., the upper portion) of the upper flange 1261. When the replaceable cup 1212 is assembled within the outer baseshell 1210, the upper flange 1261 may abut the outer base shell 1210 and, in particular, a lower edge / surface 1262 of the upper flange 1261 may abut an upper edge / surface 1264 of the outer base shell 1210.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper flange 1261 includes a removal recess 1266 cut into an annular surface 1268 of the upper flange 1261. The removal recess 1266 provides a gripping surface for a user to grasp when removing the replaceable cup 1212. Also or instead, in some embodiment a cut-out is formed in the bottom edge 1262 of the upper flange 1261 such that a gap is formed between the bottom edge 1262 of the upper flange 1261 and the upper edge 1264 of the outer base shell 1210, wherein the user may utilize the gap between the upper flange 1261 and the outer base shell 1210 to grip the replaceable cup 1212 and then pull the replaceable cup 1212 from the outer base shell 1210. Also or instead, in some embodiments a hole is formed in a bottom surface 1270 of the outer base shell 1210, such that the hole extends through the bottom surface 1270 of the outer base shell 1210; and in these embodiments, the hole may provide access to the replaceable cup 1212 from outside the outer base shell 1210 (i.e., a user can access the replaceable cup 1212 through the hole in the outer base shell 1210), such that a user may press the replaceable cup 1212 and detach the replaceable cup from the outer base shell 1210 when attempting to remove the replaceable cup 1212 from the outer base shell 1210.

[0030] In other embodiments, the replaceable cup 1212 is mechanically and removably attached to (and within) the outer base shell 1210 via threads. For example, corresponding threads could be provided on the outer surface 1256 of the replaceable cup 1212 and the inner surface 1254 of the outer base shell 1210, such that the replaceable cup 1212 may be screwed into the outer base shell 1210. In such embodiments, the threads could be provided in a neck portion 1272 of the outer base shell 1210 and on the outer surface 1256 of the replaceable cup 1212 proximate to the upper flange 1261.

[0031] In embodiments, the system 1200 further includes a seal (not shown) provided on the sealable cup 1212 for sealing / preserving the contents disposed inthe internal cavity 1206 thereof. The seal may be adhered to the upper flange 1261, for example, on the upper edge / surface 1232 thereof, with a suitable adhesive that would permit a user to peel the seal off of the replaceable cup 1212 when desired (i.e., before use). In embodiments, the seal is heat sealed to the upper edge / surface 1232 of the upper flange 1261. Thus, the seal may be a peelable seal for sealing the internal cavity 1206 of the replaceable cup 1212. In other embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of the seal, a cap may be utilized to attach to the replaceable cup 1212 and thereby cover the internal cavity 1206 thereof, and in such embodiment, the cap may be attachable to the replaceable cup 1212 (e.g., attachable to the upper flange 1261 thereof) via snap or press fit connection and / or via a threaded connection.

[0032] In addition to including the neck portion 1272, the outer base shell 1210 includes a base portion 1274 that conforms in size and shape with the outer cap shell 1220. Thus, when the cap assembly 1202 is attached to the base assembly 1204, the outer base shell 1210 and the outer cap shell 1220 define the overall shape and appearance of the system 1200 to the user looking at the exterior of the system 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1200 (when assembled) defines a substantially cylindrical shape and, therefore, the base portion 1274 and the outer cap shell 1220 are also each cylindrical in shape and have substantially equal diameters.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the replaceable cup 1212 may include a base structure 1402 and a cup structure 1404, wherein the locking recess 1252 and the orientation groove 1258 are formed in the cup structure 1404. As shown in FIG. 3, the base structure 1402 rests on a bottom inner surface 1406 of the outer base shell 1210 and spaces the cup structure 1404 off the bottom inner surface 1406. When the replaceable cup 1212 is assembled within the outer base shell 1210, both the upper flange 1261 and the base structure 1402 contact corresponding portions of the outer base shell 1210, thereby solidifying the replaceable cup 1212 therein and base assembly 1204 with a feeling as if it were a monolithic structure when it is instead comprised of two separate and removable components. In the illustrated embodiment, the base structure 1402 is a circular ring that surrounds a circular indent 1408 formed on the bottom inner surface 1406 of the outer base shell 1210;however, the base structure 1402 may have other shapes and or constructions. For example, the base structure 1402 may comprise a plurality of legs that may be arranged in a substantially circular (or other geometric) pattern.

[0034] In embodiments, the base structure 1402 is configured to fully lock or assist in locking the replaceable cup 1212 within the outer base shell 1210. For example, the circular indent 1408 formed on the bottom inner surface 1406 may have locking recesses formed therein and the base structure 1402 may include protrusions that snap into the locking recesses of the circular indent 1408. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 5, an annular ring 1502 may be formed on the bottom inner surface 1406 of the outer base shell 1210 and extend upward therefrom, wherein the annular ring 1502 is sized to fit around (or within) the annular ring defined by the base structure 1402 of the replaceable cup 1212, with the annular ring 1502 of the outer base shell 1210 having one or more protrusions 1506 (or recesses) that snap / fit within corresponding recesses 1504 (or protrusions) formed in the base structure 1402 of the replaceable cup 1212. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess(es) 1504 formed in the base structure is a ring shaped groove extending around an outer facing circumferential surface of the base structure 1402, and the protrusion(s) 1506 is a correspondingly shaped ring shaped rib extending about an inner facing circumferential surface of the annular ring 1502, such that the ring shaped rib may be received within the ring shaped groove to fasten (i.e., snap fit) the replaceable cup 1212 to the base shell 1210. In such embodiments, the circular indent 1408 may be removed from the outer base shell 1210, such that an opening 1508 is defined in the bottom inner surface 1406 thereof, as shown in FIG. 5, with the edges of such opening 1508 curving inward into the cavity 1214 thereof and closely approximate the inner diameter of the base structure 1402, such that an edge 1510 of the opening 1508 formed in the bottom inner surface 1406 defines the annular ring 1502 that may be snapped into engagement with the base structure 1402 of the replaceable cup 1212. Alternatively, the replaceable cup 1212 may include a magnet that helps removably secure it to the outer base shell 1210. For example, magnets may be provided on the base structure 1402. In embodiments, a hole is provided through the circular indent 1408 (FIG. 3) of the bottom inner surface 1406 (FIG. 3), such that a user may insert their finger throughthat hole to press / push the replaceable cup 1212 and thereby disengage the locking features securing the replaceable cup 1212 within the outer base shell 1210 to thereby remove the replaceable cup 1212 from the outer base shell 1210.

[0035] Various surfaces of the system 1200 may have surface finishes. In embodiments, exterior surfaces of the system 1200 are anodized. For example, (at least) the external surfaces of the outer base shell 1210 (i.e., an annular side surface 1276 (FIG. 1) of the base portion 1274 and the bottom surface 1270 of the base portion 1274) and the outer cap shell 1220 (i.e., an annular side surface 1278 (FIG. 1) of the outer cap shell 1220 and the top surface 1240 thereof) are anodized, which provides an aesthetically pleasing and premium appearance. In other embodiments, other surface finishes may be utilized, for example, a vacuum metallization finish may be applied. In even other embodiments, a painted (or lacquered) finish could be applied, wherein such painted (or lacquered finish) could have an ultra violet (UV) hard coat finish.

[0036] The system 1200 is thus advantageous over traditional refillable jar and cap assemblies since the cap assembly 1202 and base assembly 1204 are fully recyclable and made of a durable material, whereas traditional refill jars assemblies have cap assemblies which cannot be easily recycled, and their bases are less durable and less scratch / scuff resistant than the base assemblies 1204 that may be anodized as described herein. Also, plastic outer bases used in the past for refillable jars are easily scuffed and scratched over time, and their beauty degrades over extended periods of use. Thus, the presently described base assemblies 1204 having anodized surfaces are of superior durability. Further, glass outer bases used in the past for refillable jars are heavy and susceptible to breakage when dropped, whereas the base assemblies 1204 described herein utilizing an anodized outer base shell 1210 are lighter and far less likely to be damaged when dropped. The reduced weight also helps reduced the carbon footprint of the system 1200 by reducing transportation costs.

[0037] Embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0038] A. A refillable jar system, comprising a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup removably arranged within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly.

[0039] B. A refillable jar system, comprising a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup mechanically attached within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell, wherein the replaceable cup comprises aluminum or plastic, the replaceable cup comprising an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly, the aluminum cap assembly comprising an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell.

[0040] C. A refillable jar system, comprising a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup mechanically attached within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell, the replaceable cup comprising aluminum or plastic, the aluminum outer base shell comprising a locking detent and the replaceable cup comprising a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent, the replaceable cup further comprising an orientation groove vertically arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove, the replaceable cup comprising an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell, wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly, the aluminum cap assembly comprising an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell.

[0041] Each of embodiments A through C may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1 : wherein the replaceable cup mechanically attached to the aluminum outer base shell. Element 2: wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a locking detent and the replaceable cup includes a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent. Element 3:wherein the replaceable cup further includes an orientation groove arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove. Element 4: wherein the orientation groove extends vertically. Element 5: wherein the replaceable cup includes an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell. Element 6: wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess. Element 7: wherein a gap is defined between a lower edge of the upper flange and the upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell. Element 8: wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a hole extending through the aluminum outer base shell for accessing replaceable cup and detaching the replaceable cup from the aluminum outer base shell. Element 9: wherein the base assembly further comprises peelable seal provided on the upper flange of the replaceable cup for sealing an internal cavity of the replaceable cup. Element 10: wherein the replaceable cup comprises aluminum or plastic. Element 11 : wherein an outer thread is provided about an exterior surface of the aluminum outer base shell. Element 12: wherein the aluminum cap assembly further comprises an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell. Element 13: wherein an inner thread is provided about the aluminum inner cap and being matable with the aluminum outer base shell. Element 14: wherein the aluminum cap assembly further comprises a liner provided on an inner surface of the aluminum inner cap for forming a seal with an edge of the replaceable cup when the aluminum cap assembly is arranged on the base assembly. Element 15: wherein the liner comprises a polyethylene foam, a coated paper pulp, or an EVA foam. Element 16: wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess. Element 17: wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a locking detent and the replaceable cup includes a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent. Element 18: wherein the replaceable cup further includes an orientation groove vertically arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove.

[0042] By way of non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A through C include: Element 1 with Element 2; Element 2 with Element 3; Element 3 with Element 4; Element 5 with Element 6; Element 5 with Element 7; Element 5with Element 8; Element 5 with Element 9; Element 11 with Element 13; Element 11 with Element 14; Element 13 with Element 15; and Element 17 with Element 18.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "contains", "containing", "includes", "including," "comprises", and / or "comprising," and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] Terms of orientation used herein are merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of "third" does not imply there must be a corresponding "first" or "second." Also, if used herein, the terms "coupled" or "coupled to" or "connected" or "connected to" or "attached" or "attached to" may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

[0045] While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scopeof the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A refillable jar system, comprising : a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup removably arranged within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly.

2. The refillable jar system of claim 1, wherein the replaceable cup mechanically attached to the aluminum outer base shell.

3. The refillable jar system of claim 2, wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a locking detent and the replaceable cup includes a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent.

4. The refillable jar system of claim 3, wherein the replaceable cup further includes an orientation groove arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove.

5. The refillable jar system of claim 4, wherein the orientation groove extends vertically.

6. The refillable jar system of claim 1, wherein the replaceable cup includes an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell.

7. The refillable jar system of claim 6, wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess.

8. The refillable jar system of claim 6, wherein a gap is defined between a lower edge of the upper flange and the upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell.

9. The refillable jar system of claim 6, wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a hole extending through the aluminum outer base shell for accessing replaceable cup and detaching the replaceable cup from the aluminum outer base shell.

10. The refillable jar system of claim 6, wherein the base assembly further comprises peelable seal provided on the upper flange of the replaceable cup for sealing an internal cavity of the replaceable cup.

11. The refillable jar system of claim 1, wherein the replaceable cup comprises aluminum or plastic.

12. The refillable jar system of claim 1, wherein an outer thread is provided about an exterior surface of the aluminum outer base shell.

13. The refillable jar system of claim 1, wherein the aluminum cap assembly further comprises an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell.

14. The refillable jar system of claim 12, wherein an inner thread is provided about the aluminum inner cap and being matable with the aluminum outer base shell.

15. The refillable jar system of claim 12, wherein the aluminum cap assembly further comprises a liner provided on an inner surface of the aluminum inner cap for forming a seal with an edge of the replaceable cup when the aluminum cap assembly is arranged on the base assembly.

16. The refillable jar system of claim 14, wherein the liner comprises a polyethylene foam, a coated paper pulp, or an EVA foam.

17. A refillable jar system, comprising:a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup mechanically attached within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell, wherein the replaceable cup comprises aluminum or plastic, the replaceable cup comprising an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly, the aluminum cap assembly comprising an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell.

18. The refillable jar system of claim 17, wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess.

19. The refillable jar system of claim 17, wherein the aluminum outer base shell includes a locking detent and the replaceable cup includes a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent, and wherein the replaceable cup further includes an orientation groove vertically arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove.

20. A refillable jar system, comprising : a base assembly comprising an aluminum outer base shell and a replaceable cup mechanically attached within a lower cavity of the aluminum outer base shell, the replaceable cup comprising aluminum or plastic, the aluminum outer base shell comprising a locking detent and the replaceable cup comprising a locking recess configured to receive the locking detent, the replaceable cup further comprising an orientation groove vertically arranged to guide the detent, wherein the locking recess is positioned at an upper end of the orientation groove, the replaceable cup comprising an upper flange configured to abut an upper edge of the aluminum outer base shell, wherein the upper flange includes a removal recess; and an aluminum cap assembly arrangeable on the base assembly, the aluminum cap assembly comprising an aluminum outer cap shell and an aluminum inner cap arranged within an upper cavity of the aluminum outer cap shell.

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