NZ713362B2 - Resealable container with collar and lid - Google Patents
Resealable container with collar and lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ713362B2 NZ713362B2 NZ720784A NZ72078414A NZ713362B2 NZ 713362 B2 NZ713362 B2 NZ 713362B2 NZ 720784 A NZ720784 A NZ 720784A NZ 72078414 A NZ72078414 A NZ 72078414A NZ 713362 B2 NZ713362 B2 NZ 713362B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- collar
- tub
- lid
- container
- sealing wall
- Prior art date
Links
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- -1 yrene Substances 0.000 description 2
- PYSRRFNXTXNWCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-(2-phenylethenyl)furan-2,5-dione Chemical compound O=C1OC(=O)C(C=CC=2C=CC=CC=2)=C1 PYSRRFNXTXNWCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 235000013382 Morus laevigata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940116540 PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS Drugs 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/163—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/22—Devices for holding in closed position, e.g. clips
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
- B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
- B65D51/228—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being removed from the container after the opening
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/246—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/32—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with brushes or rods for applying or stirring contents
Description
DESCRIPTION
RESEALABLE CONTAINER WITH COLLAR AND LID
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a container for holding a granular product or
powdered material, such as infant a. More specifically the sure is directed to a
container including a closure having a collar and lid for resealably securing the open end of
the container.
BACKGROUND ART
There are many products in ar or powdered form that are currently
packaged in containers. These products include, but are not limited to, infant formula, flour,
coffee, sugar, and nutritional supplements, for example protein supplements. Since many of
these products are stored, shipped, sold and dispensed from the same container, the
container should be designed to withstand the rigors to which it will be exposed, but must
be user friendly for the consumer.
Plastic containers are sometimes used to store and transport various granular
materials, especially in the industrial and food sectors. Some of these containers may include
a lid such that the container can be opened and . However, depending on the particle
size of the granular product, the product may leak from the plastic container, especially in
and around the area where the lid seals the ner. Accordingly, while many plastic
containers include resealable lids so that users may open the container multiple times to
extract product from the interior of the container, often times, these resealable lids are not
securely attached to the tub of the container such that the granular product does not leak
from the container.
Moreover, many containers that include a resealable closure often do not
provide complete closure of the container. For e, some containers known in the art
utilize a protrusion located about the neck of the container to engage an opening in the
closure, which secures the closure to the tub. However, when storing ulate material,
this type of closure may cause leakage of the particulate product during shipping or storage.
Leakage of ulate product or entry of inants may be exacerbated in outh
containers that hold particulate material. Additionally, many lids and other closures for c
containers have slight gaps between the lid and the tub portion of the container, which
allows for fine les or even small s, in the case of extreme climatic conditions such
as in al climates, to come into contact with the contents of the container.
Further, especially in the case of food products, the primary seal of the
container should be tamper evident so that the contents of the container cannot be accessed
before being purchased and consumed by the user. For example, other prior art closures
may be opened prior to the first opening by the user. When this occurs, the contents of the
container may be contaminated, which may cause the product to be unfit for consumption by
the user.
Additionally, even though securing the closure to a container via protrusions
located in the neck of the container to apertures located within the closure is generally
known, this type of engagement may not be secure enough to prevent rotation of the
closure about the neck of the container. Thus, when the closure rotates and/or shifts about
the opening of the container, the particulate material may leak from the container.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a closure that more completely seals to
the container in order to prevent the ts of the container from leaking or to prevent
insects and other contaminants from affecting the contents of the container. Additionally,
there exists a need for a closure that does not rotate about the opening of the ner and
that remains tamper evident prior to the first opening of the tub.
As such, the present disclosure provides a container having a tub and a closure
sing a lid and collar assembly, wherein the collar is securely attached to the tub such
that the contents of the tub will not leak and further, such that the collar cannot be removed
t indication to the user that it has been removed. Additionally the collar and lid form
several sealing areas when the lid is securely closed and after the primary seal has been
removed by the consumer thereby reducing the likelihood of external contaminants from
accessing the tub. er, the ner of the present sure es a closure
comprising a collar and a lid and at least one anti-rotation element that ably closes the
container such that the product in the container does not leak between and/or during
multiple uses and/or openings of the container and such that the collar and lid does not
rotate about the g of the tub.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In some embodiments herein, an improved container is provided. This
container generally comprises a tub having an interior portion formed by a base and at least
one wall. More particularly, the container may comprise a tub, an interior n formed by
a base, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls. In some embodiments the
container includes a closure adapted to be releasably sealed on the tub, wherein the e
includes a collar and a lid.
The tub may, in some embodiments, include an anti-rotation element, which
prevents the collar from ng and/or rotating around about the perimeter of the tub and
therefore adds stability to the seal between the collar and the tub. The collar may also
include an anti-rotation ment element that engages the anti-rotation element located
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on the tub, therefore preventing the collar from slipping around the perimeter of the tub,
and providing further structural stability to the tub, collar and lid assembly. Additionally,
since the anti-rotation element stabilizes the collar to which the lid is attached, the lid
remains in proper place on the tub even when the lid is opened and reseably closed multiple
times by the user.
In some embodiments, the collar includes an inner wall having apertures
therein designed to engage one or more collar mating protrusions extending from and
located around the neck of the tub. The collar mating protrusions on the tub may be
generally mentary in shape and size to the apertures located on the inner wall of the
collar. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the collar is designed to flex toward the
outer wall of the collar such that the collar can be snap-fitted onto the tub.
In some ments, the tub includes a circumferential channel defined by
the walls and base of the tub with the channel being adapted to receive a scoop so that the
ts of the container can be removed. In some embodiments, the container comprises a
scoop having a handle coupled to a cylindrical bowl. The radius of the cylindrical bowl may
be substantially equal to the radius of the container channel so that the bowl can be
received by the channel and allow for scooping of the container contents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GS
shows a front view of the tub.
shows a rear view of the tub.
shows a side view of the tub.
shows a top view of the tub including the opening of the tub.
shows an enlarge view of the neck of the tub ing the opening
flange, collar engaging protrusion, and anti-rotation t.
shows the tub with closure attached where the lid is in closed position
on the collar and the latch is not securely closed to the lid.
illustrates the container having a tub with a collar and lid attached
thereto wherein the latch is sealingly engaged in closed position with the lid.
shows a rear view of the container where the latch is ly attached
to the lid.
shows top view of the collar including the latch.
provides a view of the collar displaying the interior features of the
collar.
A shows the outer surfaces and features of the lid.
8 shows the inner surface and features of the lid.
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displays a schematic view of the engagement connection of the collar
and tub.
shows a cross section of the tub, collar, lid and sealable membrane
displaying the engagement connections between the lid walls and the tub and collar.
shows a cross section of the tub, collar, lid, and sealable membrane
displaying the engagement connections between the tub protrusion and collar aperture.
shows a cross section view of the tub, collar and lid including a
scooping utensil attached to the lid of the container.
displays the base of the tub.
shows multiple tubs vertically stacked.
displays a view of the container having the sealable membrane over
the g of the container and the lid in an open on on the tub.
is a cross section view of the container illustrating the circumferential
channel located in the base of the ner.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure,
one or more examples of which are set forth hereinbelow. Each e is provided by way
of explanation of the ner of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made
to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. For ce, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be
used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.
Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other
objects, features and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in or are apparent from
the following detailed ption. It is to be understood by one of ry skill in the art
that the present discussion is a description of ary embodiments only and is not
intended as ng the broader aspects of the present disclosure.
For the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are necessarily present in each
drawing. In addition, positional terms such as "upper," "lower, I! i! side," ”top, II II ,"
cal," ontal," etc. refer to the container when in the orientation shown in the
drawing. The skilled artisan will recognize that containers can assume different orientations
when in use.
Referring now to FIGs. 1-2, in some ments, the tub 10 is open on one side
opposite its bottom or base 18 and may be of any suitable shape know in the art, including
but not limited to, cylindrical, tapering, parallelepiped shaped, and waisted. An annular side
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wall W of the tub 10 extends about a vertical central axis Z defining an opening flange 30.
The opening flange 30 defines the opening 20 of the tub 10. The g flange 30 may be
on a shallow slop descending away from the opening 20 as can be seen in the non-restrictive
es show in and or may be in a horizontal plane coinciding with the plane
of the opening 20.
In some ments, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis 2 of
the tub 10 may be basically rectangular with rounded s. For example, as shown in
FIGs. 1, 2 and 3, this section various at along the central axis 2 to form a waist for
easier gripping of the container, but these variations may be limited to ensure the vertical
strength of the container is retained when stacked.
Without implying any restriction, the tub 10 may be made as a single thermally
olded plastic component. In some embodiments, the plastic component comprises a
highly effective oxygen barrier that is suitable for use with a granulated product, such as
powdered milk. In some embodiments, however, the tub 10 could comprise some other
material such as metal, paperboard, or a multilayer cartonboard.
In some embodiments, the container may include a base 18 and at least one
side wall. In an embodiment, referring to FIGs. 1-2, the ner 10 includes a front wall 12,
rear wall 14, first side wall 16a and second side wall 16b. The lower portion of the front wall
12, rear wall 14, first and second side walls 16a and 16b are coupled to a base 18. Generally,
the base 18 forms the bottom of the container. The inner surfaces of the front wall 12, rear
wall 14, first side wall 16a, second side wall 16b and base 18 form the interior space 22 of the
tub where granular product may be stored. See. FIGs.1-4. Further, the ar product may
be placed in the tub 10 and removed from the tub 10 through the g 20.
In some embodiments, the upper n of the tub 10 refers to the top half
or the top 50% of the front wall 12, rear wall 14, first side wall 16a, and second side wall 16b.
In some embodiments, the upper portion of the tub 10 refers to the top quarter or the top
% of the front wall 12, rear wall 14, first side wall 16a, and second side wall 16b. In still
some embodiments, the upper portion of the tub refers to the top 10% of the front wall 12,
rear wall 14, first side wall 16a, and second side wall 16b. Generally, the upper portion of the
tub 10 refers to the portion of the side wall W or, in embodiments, the front wall 12, rear wall
14, and side walls 16a and 16b side walls, which are positioned nearer the opening 20 of the
tub 10 and not the base 18 of the tub.
In some embodiments, the upper portion of the front wall 12, rear wall 14, first side
wall 16a and second side wall 16b of the tub 10 may comprise a neck 26. The neck 26 of the
tub 10 comprises the area of the front wall 12, rear wall 14, first side wall 16a, and second
side wall 16b where closure, Iid and/or collar attachment may be secured to the tub 10.
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In some embodiments, the rear wall 14 comprises a grip recess 24
approximately midway up the rear wall 14 of the container. This grip recess 24 may be
configured to facilitate the user’s hand for gripping and picking up the container. The grip
recess 24 may, in some embodiments, be oval and/or oblong in shape. See FIGs. 2-3. The
grip recess 24 may also comprise a variety of shapes including, but not limited to circular,
ellipsoidal, elliptical and/or rectangular. In still some embodiments, the grip recess 24 may
be positioned such that the user may grip and open the lid 50 of the container with one
hand. displays a rear view of the container illustrating the rear wall 14 having a grip
recess 24 thereon. Additionally, shows a side view of the container further illustrating
the grip recess 24 located in the rear wall 14.
Additionally, as shown in FIGs. 1-2, the tub may e a collar mating
sion 90. In some ments, the tub 10 may comprise an anti-rotation element 240.
Generally, the anti-rotation element 240 engages and/or ts at least one surface of the
collar 40 thereby ting the collar 40 from rotating around the upper ter of the
tub 10 or sliding around the neck 26 of the tub 10. In some ments, the anti-rotation
element 240 engages at least one surface of the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40.
In some embodiments the anti-rotation element 240 comprises an outward
projection located on the upper portion of the tub 1O situated at a location on the neck 26 of
the tub 10 where the collar 40 fits on the tub 10. In some embodiments, the tub 10
comprises a plurality of otation elements 240. For example, the tub 10 may comprise at
least two anti-rotation elements 240 situated on the upper portion of the front wall 12 of the
tub 10 about the neck 26 of the tub 10 and at least two anti-rotation elements 240 situated
on the upper portion of the rear wall 14 about the neck 26 of the tub 10. Still in other
embodiments, the tub 10 may se at least four anti-rotation elements 240, wherein the
anti-rotation elements are located on the neck 26 portion of the tub 10 on the front wall 12,
rear wall 14, first side wall 16a and second side wall 16b, respectively.
The anti-rotation elements 240 may e a variety of shapes including but
not limited to triangles, circles, ovals, rectangles, and ations thereof. Generally, the
anti-rotation element 240 is designed such that it has a collar engagement surface 242 which
engages a n of the collar 40 and prevents the collar 40 from slipping around the
perimeter of the tub 10.
Referring now to a top view of the tub 10 is shown. The front wall 12,
rear wall 14, first side wall 16a and second side wall 16b form the interior space 22 of the
tub. Further the tub 10 includes opening flange 30 which defines the perimeter of the
opening 20 of the container. In some embodiments, the opening flange 30 is substantially
WO 2015116331
parallel to the base 18 of the container. Still in some embodiments, the opening flange 30
may be substantially dicular to the neck 26 portion of the tub 10.
In some embodiments, the opening 22 of the tub 10 comprises an access ratio.
In certain embodiments, the access ratio is functionally sized such that the users hand fits
comfortably within the tub while still allowing the opening to be small enough to keep the
overall container as a reasonable size. For example, in embodiments where an infant formula
is stored in the container, the container should be sized such that it fits within a child's diaper
bag without taking up too much room in the bag. onally, the access ratio of the
opening of the tub is such that the user’s hand fits comfortably within the opening, allowing
the user to remove contents from the tub without the user’s hand touching the opening 22
or the inner walls of the tub, thereby contaminating the contents of the container.
Referring now to the tub 10 may comprise at least one collar mating
protrusion 90. In some embodiments, the tub 10 comprises a plurality of collar mating
protrusions 90. These collar mating protrusions 90 may be generally located on the upper
portion of the tub 10. r the collar mating protrusions 90 may be located about the
neck 26 of the upper portion of the tub 10. In some ments, the collar mating
protrusions 90 are complimentary in shape to the apertures 88 located on the inner g
wall 86 of the collar 40. The collar mating protrusions 90 may extend outwardly from the
neck 26 of the tub ’IO and include a collar mating surface 92.
Referring now to the tub 10 may include a closure comprising a collar
40 and lid 50. In embodiments where the collar 40 comprises a latch 60, the latch 60 may be
utilized to securely close the lid 50 to the tub 10. For example, in the latch 60 is shown
in an open position, while in the latch 60 in shown in a closed position. In a
portion of the latch 60 is releasably secured to the top surface of the lid 50 thereby ng
the lid 50 in a closed position on the tub 10. Additionally, shows the latch 60 in closed
position securely closing the lid 50 to the tub 10. Also shown, is the collar 40 may be
hingedly attached to the lid 50 via at least one hinge 80. further shows the rear wall
14, which includes a grip recess 24.
Referring now to the collar 40, shows a top view of the collar 40. In
some embodiments the collar 40 comprises a latch 60. The latch 60 may be ally
molded to the collar 40. In still other embodiments, the latch 60 may be attached to the
collar 40 by any suitable method known in the art. The latch 60 includes a lid engaging
flange 62 that engages an aperture, g, or other le structure in the lid 50 for
securing the latch 60 to the lid 50. The lid ng flange 62 may be any shape including,
but not limited to, circular, ellipsoidal, gular or triangular. In some embodiments, the
WO 2015116331
latch 60 may include a plurality of lid engaging flanges 62 to further secure the latch 60 to
the lid 50 thereby further ng the lid 40 to the tub 10.
The lid engaging flange 62 may further e a strengthening rib 63. As can
be seen in , in some embodiments the lid ng flange 62 may include a plurality
of strengthening ribs 63. The strengthening rib(s) 63 strengthens the lid engaging flange 62
such that the lid engaging flange 62 is not damaged when it is inserted in and removed from
the engagement recess 54 of the lid 50 by the user. ingly, the lid engaging flange 62
maintains its ural integrity to allow for multiple openings and closing of the container.
Additionally, the latch 60 includes a lid surface flange 64 that is
complementary in shape to the outer top surface 52 of the lid 50. The lid surface flange 64 is
designed to rest on the outer top e 52 of the lid 50. The latch 60 may further comprise
a lid sealing wall engagement surface 66, designed to engage and or rest against the outer
surface of the outer sealing wall 72 of the lid 50. In some embodiments, the features of the
latch 60 including the lid engaging flange 62, lid surface flange 64, and the lid sealing wall
engagement surface 66, are designed to be mentary to the overall size and shape of
the lid 50.
er, in some embodiments the lid engaging flange 62 may be
substantially perpendicular to the planar surface of the lid surface flange 64 of the latch 60.
Additionally, the lid engaging flange 62 may be substantially parallel with the walls of the tub
when the latch 60 is in closed position. As further displayed in , the lid engaging
flange 62 extends from the lid surface flange 64 of the latch 60 and is designed to engage
the lid 50 when the latch 60 is in closed position.
In some embodiments, the collar 40 is similar in shape to the outer surface of
the neck 26 of the tub 10. For example, in embodiments where the side wall W of the tub is
circular, the collar 40 include a complementary circular geometry. See. FIGs. 9A and 98.
r, in embodiments where the side wall W of the tub 10 is rectangular, the collar 40 will
be shaped in complementary rectangular n. More ically, in some embodiments,
the tub comprises four corner shaped areas. These corner shaped generally correspond to a
corner area of the tub, however the corner areas may comprise a variety of shapes. As such,
the term corner area is not meant to be limiting and merely describes an area of curvature
about the opening 20 of the tub 10. The collar 40 may be complementary to the overall
corner areas of the tub 10.
As shown in FIG. QB, the collar 40 may include, in some embodiments, at least
one strengthening member 400. In some embodiments the collar 40 may include a ity
of strengthening members 400. Generally, the strengthening member 400 provides strength
WO 2015116331
to the outer sealing wall 84 of the collar 40, such that the collar 40 does not crumple or break
during use or transport of the container.
In still some embodiments, the strengthening member 400 may include a tub
engagement surface 401. More specifically, as shown in , in some embodiments the
strengthening members 400 may be located generally in the corner areas of the collar 40
which correspond to the corner areas of the tub 10. The thening members 400 may be
located at a variety of ons about the inner side of the outer sealing wall 84 of the collar
In some embodiments the collar 40 may comprise an outer sealing wall 84 and
an inner sealing wall 86. As can be seen in , in some embodiments the collar 40
includes a lateral collar wall 85, which extends laterally from the outer sealing wall 84 of the
collar 40 towards the tub 10. In some embodiments, one end of the lateral sealing wall 85
attaches to the outer sealing wall 84 and the other end of the lateral sealing wall 85 es
to the inner sealing wall 86.
In some embodiments the inner side of the outer sealing wall 84 of the collar
40 may include at least one rib 450. In some embodiments, the inner side of the outer
sealing wall 84 may include a plurality of ribs 450. For example, as can be seen , a rib
450 may be d about the inner side of the outer sealing wall 84 generally in the area
where the latch 60 is attached to the collar 40. Placing a rib in this location of the collar 40,
strengthens the collar 40 and prevents degradation, including crumpling or breaking of the
collar 40, as the latch 60 is manipulated into an open and closed position multiple times by
the user. As such, in some ments, the collar 40 may e a plurality of ribs 450,
strategically placed and/or spaced about the collar 40, including the inner side of the collar
40 to prevent degradation or damage of the collar 40.
In some ments, the collar 40 may comprise a second wall 452 located
lly about the inner side of the outer sealing wall 84. In some embodiments the second
sealing wall 452 is located between the outer sealing wall 84 and the inner sealing wall 86. As
shown in , in some embodiments, one side of the second wall 452 engages the inner
side of the outer sealing wall 84, thereby providing additional strength to the outer sealing
wall 84 of the collar 40. Still, in some embodiments, the second wall 452 of the collar may
include a rib 450 located on the wall surface opposite the outer sealing wall 84. In some
embodiments, the second wall 452 may comprise a plurality of ribs 450 located thereon.
These ribs 450 may provide additional strength to the ure of the second wall 452,
thereby strengthening the not only the second wall 452 but also the outer g wall 84 of
the container and thus, strengthening the l structure of the collar 40.
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In some ments, one side of the second wall 452 of the collar engages
the outer sealing wall 84 of the collar 40, and at least a portion of the other side of the
second wall 452 may engage the outer surface of the tub 10. This engagement between the
second g wall 452 of the collar 40 and tub 10 may create an additional seal between
the tub and the collar, thereby strengthening the connection between the tub 10 and the
collar 40. This onal seal, may further prevent contaminants from entering the tub 10,
and may also assist in strengthening the neck 26 of the tub 10.
In still some embodiments, the inner wall 86 of the collar 40 may e an
engagement surface 500. This engagement surface 500 d on the inner wall 86 of the
container is designed to engage an anti-rotation element 240 located about the neck 26 of
the tub 10. See . In some embodiments, the inner wall 86 of the collar 40 may include
a plurality of engagement surfaces 500, each designed to engage at least one anti-rotation
element 240 located on the neck 26 of the tub 10. For example, as presented in the non-
limiting example shown in , the ment surface 500 of the collar 40 is triangular
in shape, which corresponds to a triangular shaped anti-rotation t 240 located on the
neck 26 of the tub 10. See. . Accordingly, in some embodiments the shape of the
engagement surface 500 of the collar is mentary to the shape of the anti-rotation
element 240 d on the tub 10. Further, while a triangle shape is shown in the figures
attached herein, any shape known in the art or suitable for use as an anti-rotation element
and corresponding engagement surface may be used. Non-limiting examples of shapes
include, triangles, circles, ovals, ellipses, rectangles, squares, and combinations and variations
thereof.
Additionally, the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 may include at least one
aperture 88. In some embodiments, the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 includes a
plurality of apertures 88. The apertures 88 may be comprised of any shape suitable in the
art, including but not limited to, circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, les, and any
combination thereof. Thus, while shows only oval shaped apertures 88, the inner
sealing wall 86 could se both oval and rectangle apertures 88. For example, the inner
sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 could include oval apertures that correspond to the front wall
12 and rectangle apertures that correspond to the rear wall 14 of the tub 10. Accordingly,
when the collar 40 is snapped onto the tub 10, it is only possible for the apertures 88 of the
collar 40 to mate with the tub 10 in one way. Generally, the apertures 88 of the inner sealing
wall 86 of the collar 40 are designed to engage at least one or a plurality of collar mating
sions 90 d on the neck 26 of the tub 10.
Additionally, the apertures 88 of the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 may
include a tub mating surface 89. In some embodiments the tub mating surface 89 of the
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apertures 88 may include the entire surface of the aperture 88. In other embodiments the
tub mating surface 89 may comprise at least one side of the aperture 88. For example, as
shown in FIGs. 11 and 13, the collar mating protrusion 90 does not engage the entire
perimeter of the aperture 88.
In embodiments where there are a plurality of apertures 88 there are a
plurality of tub mating es 89 that provide extra ural stability to the collar 40 when
it is attached to the tub 10. Furthermore, having a plurality of tub mating surfaces 89
strengthens the seal between the collar 40 and the tub 10, such that the collar 40 does not
move around the neck 26 of the tub 10.
In some embodiments, the collar 40 includes at least one hinge attachment 43.
In some embodiments, the collar 40 includes a plurality of hinge attachments 43. These
hinge attachments 43 mate with hinge attachments, shown in b by reference figure
80, d on the lid 50 to hingedly attached the lid 50 and collar 40, thus creating a closure
for the tub 10.
Referring now to FIGs. 10A and 10B, the lid 50 may include an outer top
surface 52. Additionally, the lid 50 may comprise at least one lid sealing wall 72. The lid 50
may further comprise a second lid g wall 74. In some ments, the lid may
comprise an inner sealing wall 76. The second lid sealing wall 74 may be located between
the lid sealing wall 72 and the inner sealing wall 76. Moreover, the lid sealing wall 72
comprises an outer surface substantially parallel with the plane of the front wall 12, rear wall
14, first side wall 16a, and second side wall 16b. The upper portion of the lid sealing wall 76
contacts the outer perimeter of the outer top surface 52 of the lid 50.
Additionally, the lid 50 comprises a latch engagement portion 51. Generally
the latch engagement portion 51 of the lid 50 is, in some embodiments, located on a portion
of the outer surface of the lid sealing wall 72 and a portion of the outer top surface 52 of the
lid 50. Generally this recess is complementary in shape and depth to the latch 60, more
specifically the recess may be complementary in shape to the lid e flange 64 and the lid
sealing wall engagement surface 66 of the latch 60. The recess may include a lid surface
ment recess 56 and an outer lid sealing wall recess 58. In this manner the lid surface
flange 64 of the latch 60 is complementary in shape to the lid surface engagement recess 56
and the outer lid sealing wall engagement surface 66 of the latch 60 is complementary in
shape to the lid sealing wall recess 58.
The latch engagement portion 51 including the lid recess is designed to
odate the ions of the latch 60, such that when the latch 60 is in closed
position the latch 60 remains flush with both the outer top e 52 and the outer surface
of the lid sealing wall 72 of the lid 50. Moreover, when the latch 60 is moved into a closed
WO 2015116331 2014/071354
position on the lid 50, the user will ence a e ion when the latch 60 is
ly engaged within the recess of the latch engagement portion 51 of the lid 50. This
tactile sensation signals that the latch 60 is securely engaged with the lid 50 of the container.
The latch engagement portion 51 may r include an engagement recess
54 for securely engaging the lid engaging flange 62 of the latch 60 thereby securing the
collar 40 and latch 60 to the lid 50 and further securely closing the lid 50 to the tub 10. In
some embodiments, the lid engaging flange 62 of the latch 60, may make an audible sound,
which can in certain embodiments be bed as a "click”, when it is inserted into the
engagement recess 54 located within the latch engagement portion 51 of the lid 50. This
clicking noise, which is audible to the user, indicates that the latch 60 has been secured to
the lid 50, and further indicates that the lid 50 has been securely sealed to the tub 10.
The lid 50 may comprise at least one lid hinge attachment 44. See B. In
some embodiments the lid 50 may comprise a ity of lid hinge attachments 44a and 44b.
The lid hinge attachments 44a and 44b are designed to be hingedly coupled with the collar
hinge attachments 43a and 43b thereby hingedly attaching the collar 40 and the lid 50.
When coupled, the lid hinge attachments 44 and the collar hinge attachments 43 comprise
the hinges 80. In some embodiments, where hinged members are not desirable the collar 40
may be attached to the lid 50 by any le method known in the art. Nonlimiting
examples for coupling the lid 50 to the collar 40 include utilizing heat, as in molding or
welding the collar 40 and lid 50 together, or utilizing a suitable adhesive. In some
embodiments, the collar 40 and lid 50 may be itted together. Moreover, when the lid
50 and collar 40 are hingedly attached they may be referred to generally as the closure.
As shown in B, the lid 50 may include a scoop attachment element 82
located on the inner top surface 78 of the lid 50. The scoop attachment element 82 may
include multiple flexible tabs 212 arranged to releasably secure the scoop 200 to the inner
top surface 78 of the lid 50. The flexible tabs 212 may be lly located on the inner top
surface 78 of the lid within the raised center portion 130. In some embodiments, a set of
three tabs 212 are arranged to secure the handle portion 202 of the scoop 200 and a set of
two tabs 212 are arranged to secure the bowl 204. Each tab 212 may contain a protrusion
214 that assists in securing scoop 200 to the lid 50 when the lid 50 is secured tub 10.
Since, in some embodiments, the collar 40 is snap-fitted onto the top of the
tub 10, the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40, is designed to flex laterally towards the
outer sealing wall 84 of the collar 40 to allow for the collar 40 to fit over the neck 26 of the
tub 10. The flexibility provided by the inner sealing wall 86 allows for the collar 40 to be
secured to the tub 10 without causing any ge or damage to the structure of the collar
40 and/or tub 10. Accordingly, in some ments, the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar
WO 6331
40 es increased resilience such that the collar 40 can be fitted over the tub 10 and
snapped into place.
When the collar 40 is snapped onto the tub 10, the inner sealing wall 86
lly flexes toward the outer sealing wall 84 of the collar 40 thereby allowing the tub
mating surface 89 of the collar 40 to engage the collar mating surfaces 92 of the collar
mating protrusions 90 located on the neck 26 of the tub 10. Once the collar 40 is d
into place the inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 flexes laterally back towards the tub 10
thereby securing the collar 40 to the tub 10. Moreover, given that the inner sealing wall 86
laterally flexes toward the tub, this further promotes a secure engagement between the tub
mating surface 89 of the collar 40 and the collar mating surface 92 of the tub 10. See. FIG.
Referring now to FIGs. 11-12, the seal created n the tub mating e
89 of the collar 40 and the collar mating surface 92 of the tub 10 is labeled C1. In
embodiments where the tub 10 includes a plurality of collar mating surfaces 92 and the collar
40 includes a plurality of tub mating surfaces 89, a plurality of seals C1 are created, which
secure the collar 40 to the tub 10. Having a plurality of seals C1 provides additional
structural stability to the neck 26 of the tub 10. For example, the interlocking nature
between the collar mating protrusion 90 and the re 88 of the collar 40 provides
structural strength to both the collar 40 and the tub 10. Since, in some embodiments, the
inner sealing wall 86 of the collar 40 is flush with the walls of the tub 10 when attached, the
inner sealing wall 86 provides strength and support to the neck of the tub 10, such that the
neck 26 is more resistant to crumpling as the lid 50 is continuously opened and .
Moreover, additional strength is provided to the collar 40 and the tub 10, when the collar
mating protrusion 90 engages the aperture 88 located on the inner sealing wall 86 of the
collar 40. See .
Further, as shown by FIGs. 12-13, one end of the outer sealing wall 84 of the
collar 40 meets the lateral collar wall 85 of the collar 40, while the other end of the outer
g wall 84 rests on the tub 10 thereby creating sealing region C2. Sealing region C2 is a
uous seal around the entire perimeter of the tub, located between the outer sealing
wall 84 of the collar 40 and the tub 10. Due to this continuous seal, sealing region C2
provides a first defense from preventing foreign contaminants from accessing the interior
contents of the container thereby promoting the preservation of the sanitary nature of the
contents of the container.
In some embodiments, a gasket 100 may be located on surface of the lateral
collar wall 85 that faces the lid 50, when the lid 50 is in closed position. In some
embodiments, the gasket 100 may cover the entire surface of the lateral collar wall 85 of the
WO 2015116331
collar 40. In other embodiments, the gasket 100 may cover only a portion of the surface of
the l collar wall 85 of the collar 40. In some embodiments, the gasket 100 is integrally
molded to the collar 40. In still other embodiments, the gasket 100 is formed separately from
the collar 40, and may be placed on the collar 40 prior to the collar 40 being snapped on to
the tub 10. While still in other embodiments, the gasket 100 may be formed separately from
the collar 40 and placed on the lateral collar wall 85 after the collar 40 has been secured to
the tub 10.
The gasket 100 may be comprised of any suitable material known in the art
including, but not limited to any thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). Non-limiting examples of
suitable TPEs that may be used herein e styrenic block mers, efin blends,
elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic
polyamides, and any suitable combinations and mixtures thereof.
The lid 50, when in closed on, forms a seal C3 between the outer sealing
wall 84 of the collar 40 and the lid sealing wall 72. This seal C3 is a continuous annular seal
about the perimeter of the collar 40 and the lid 50 and therefore prevents contaminants from
entering the container. Additionally, the second lid sealing wall 74 may form a continuous
r seal C4 with one e of the lateral collar wall 85. In some embodiments, the
second lid sealing wall 74 forms a continuous annular seal C4 with the gasket 100 located on
the l collar wall 85. In embodiments where the second lid sealing wall 74 forms a
continuous r seal C4 with the gasket 100, the gasket 100 may be ed to include a
sealing groove 102 which accommodates the end of the second lid sealing wall 74 distal from
the inner top surface 78 of the lid 50. In this embodiment, the second lid sealing wall 74
provides a tactile signal to the user that the lid 50 is securely closed when the distal end of
the lid g wall 74 is securely inserted into the sealing groove 102 of the gasket 100.
Additionally, the inner sealing wall 76 of the lid 50 may, in some embodiments,
create a sealing region C5 with the opening flange 30 of the tub 10. The seal C5 may form a
continuous annular seal between the inner sealing wall 76 of the lid 50 and the opening
flange 30 of the tub 10. The sealing region C5 provides a first defense from preventing the
contents of the tub 10 from spilling out of the tub 10 and onto the gasket 100, collar 40
and/or outer surroundings.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the container of the present disclosure is
designed with at least five seals C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5, respectively. It is possible to have
more than five seals depending on the number of apertures 88 and collar mating sions
90 that are located on the collar 40 and tub 10. The container of the present disclosure
including at least five seals provides enhanced strength to the overall structure of the
container. Moreover, in some embodiments four of the at least five seals, C2, C3, C4 and C5
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are continuous annular seals that may further enhance the overall sealability of the container.
For example, when in closed position, these seals effectively prevent foreign contaminants
from entering the interior space 22 of the tub 10. Accordingly, the ar product placed
in the tub 10 is kept fresh and more sanitary, as compared to granular products placed in
tubs that do not comprise the at least five seals described herein.
FIGs. 12-14 further display the sealable membrane 150 is shown covering the
opening 20 of the tub 10. The scoop 200 is shown in a fixed on in the lid 50 of the
container.
As shown in FIGs. 12-14, the lid 50 of the ner may further be shaped to
cooperate with the features of the base 18 to enable stacking of multiple containers. For
example in some embodiments, the lid 50 is shaped having a general convex surface. In
some embodiments, the outer top surface 52 of the lid 50 es a raised center n
130. See FIGs. 12-14.
Additionally, as shown in , the base 18 of the tub 10 may comprise a
recessed center portion 132 and an outer perimeter 134. The raised center portion 130 of
the lid 50 and the recessed center portion 132 of the base 18 are designed to be
complementary in l shape and size. For example, the raised center portion 130 of the
lid may generally have an ellipsoidal or oval shape having a certain width, length and height
that is complementary to the width, length and height of the recessed center portion 132 of
the base 18. Accordingly, the raised center portion 130 of the lid 50 may be placed inside
the recessed center portion 132 of the base 18, thereby allowing one container to be
ally stacked on top of another container, as shown in .
The raised center portion 130 of the lid 50 and the corresponding recessed
center portion 132 of the base 18 may comprise a variety of shapes including but not limited
to rectangular shapes, circular shapes, or ellipsoidal shapes. The height of the raised center
portion 130 of the lid 50, in some embodiments, is generally the same height as the recessed
center portion 132 of the base 18 thereby ng the outer perimeter 134 of the base to
securely rest on the perimeter of the outer top surface 52 of the lid 50 when one container is
stacked on top of another container. See .
The ner of the t disclosure may also comprise a sealable
ne 150. The sealable membrane allows for vacuum packaging of the contents in tub
and provides an anti-tamper inner liner. Referring to , in some embodiments, the
sealable membrane 150 is placed over the opening 20 of the tub 10. The sealable membrane
150 may be sealed to the opening flange 30 of the tub 10. In some ments, the
sealable membrane 150 is sealed and/or bonded around the entire perimeter of the tub 10
with a suitable adhesive. The adhesive used to seal the sealable membrane 150 to the tub 10
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may be any adhesive known and/or used in the art. In some embodiments, the sealable
membrane 150 may be bonded to the tub using heat.
One skilled in the art of food packaging will be familiar with such sealable
membranes. Specifically, adhesive or heat may be used to attach the sealable membrane 150
formed of food grade polyvinyl chloride, yrene, foil, or other suitable material to the
opening flange 30 to form an airtight seal. Since the sealable membrane 150 is secured to
the opening flange 30 via adhesive and/or bonded via a mechanical weld, removal of lid 50
will not disturb the sealable membrane 150 unless the sealable membrane 150 is cut or
As can be seen in , the sealable membrane 150 may comprise a tab
152. Once the lid 50 is in an open position, the tab 152 may be gripped by the user such
that the user can remove the sealable membrane 150 from the opening flange 30 of the tub
. Accordingly, the tab 152 of the sealable ne 150 extends laterally away from the
opening flange 30 of the tub 10. In some embodiments, the tab 152 is generally parallel to
the outer perimeter of the neck 26 of the tub 10. Still in other embodiments, the tab 152
may be folded back and lays on the surface of the le membrane 150 that seals the
opening 20 of the tub 10. See .
In some embodiments the tab 152 is positioned on the corner of the tub.
g the tab 152 in this position focuses and directs the initial peel force, which facilitates
ease of removing the le ne 150 from the tub 10. Thus, placing the tab 152
generally in a location that corresponds to the corner of the tub 10, allows for the sealable
membrane 150 to be completely removed. Accordingly, the user does not have to spend
additional time removing pieces of the sealable membrane 150 or potentially contaminating
or soiling the product of the tub 10 when removing the sealable ne 150.
When the lid 50 is in a closed position, the inner sealing wall 76 of the lid 50
may rest on the surface of the sealable membrane 150 along the opening flange 30 of the
tub 10. However, in some embodiments, the tab 152 of the sealable membrane 150 is
oned such that when the lid 50 is closed the sealable membrane 150 is not pinched
between the second lid sealing wall 74 and the collar 40 or the second lid sealing wall 74 and
the gasket 100. In this manner the integrity of the tab 152 of the sealable membrane 150 is
maintained. For example, if the sealable membrane 150 is crushed or sed by the
second lid sealing wall 74 of the lid 50 when the lid 50 is in closed position, then sealable
membrane 150, especially the tab 152 portion, may crumple, rip and/or tear. lf damage
occurs to the tab 152 of the le membrane 150, then the user may have ulty
removing the le membrane 150 from the tub 10. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
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the tab 152 is designed having a shape and length such that it will not be caught between
the second lid sealing wall 74 and the collar 40 and/or gasket 100.
In some embodiments, the sealable membrane 150 may comprise a l
accommodating recess 154 that extends into the opening 20 of the tub 10 when the sealable
membrane 150 is secured to the tub 10. For e, in some embodiments the utensil
accommodating recess 154 extends into the interior space 22 of the tub 10 below the
opening flange 30 of the tub 10. See FIGs. 14-17. In this manner, the accommodation recess
154 ensures that the sealable membrane 150 will not be pierced, torn or damaged in any way
when the scoop 200 is secured in the scoop element 82 located on the inner top surface 78
of the lid 50.
r, as shown in , in some embodiments, the container may
comprise a scoop 200. Scoop 200 may be a scoop molded from a suitable plastic material,
which may be blow molded, by ion or injection. Suitable plastics for forming the scoop
200 include, but are not limited to, various food grade polymers such as polystyrene,
polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride,
polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof.
In some ments the scoop 200 has a generally flat handle 202 attached
to or integrally formed with a scooping mechanism 204 having a radius R'. In some
ments, the ng mechanism 204 is closed at one end 208 and open at a second
end 210. In some embodiments the scooping mechanism comprises a cylindrical bowl. The
bowl 204 may be formed in many other shapes including, but not limited to square,
rectangular, oval, etc.
In some embodiments the scoop 200 is initially d with a shrinkable film.
Accordingly, providing the scoop 200 that is initially covered with a shrinkable film ensures
that the scoop remains hygienic until the container is opened by the user.
The scoop 200 may be releasably secured to the lid 50 of the tub 10 by a
scoop attachment element 82 located on the inner top surface 78 of the lid 50, as shown in
. The scoop attachment element 82 may include le flexible tabs 212 arranged
to releasably secure the scoop 200 to the inner top surface 78 of the lid 50. The flexible tabs
212 may be centrally located on the inner top e 78 of the lid within the raised center
portion 130.
Consequently, due to the scoop attachment element 82 the scoop 200 does
not become buried in the granulated material located in the tub 10 and thereby eliminates
the need for the user to dig through the contents in search of the scoop 200. This is
especially important when the container's contents are for human consumption and contact
with the hands is undesirable.
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In addition to allowing ners to be stacked, the recessed center portion
132 of the base 18 serves a second purpose. Referring now to , in some
embodiments, the recessed center portion 132 of the base 18 forms a circumferential
channel 230 at the bottom of the tub 10. lly, this channel 230 is formed between the
area where the front wall 12, rear wall 14, first side wall 16a and second side wall 16b meet
the base and the recessed center portion 132 of the base 18. The channel 230 is sized and
shaped to receive rical bowl 204 of scoop 200. The channel 230 may further include a
radius R. In particular, the radius R' of cylindrical bowl 204 is approximately equal to or
smaller than the radius of ure R of the inside surface of the circumferential channel 230.
The recessed center portion 132 of the base 18 and the wall of the tub 10
causes the granulated contents to gravitate into the channel 230 as the product is being
used up. Therefore, the bowl 204 fits into the channel 230 and allows the user to scoop out
substantially all the granulated contents in the container with little effort (such a
channel/bowl arrangement would also allow the ner to be utilized for liquid
containment and dispensing if desired). No matter what shape the channel 230 is, the bowl
204 should be sized and shaped to be received in channel 230. For example, a square-
shaped channel would require a bowl that would fit in the l. In particular, the bowl 204
should be shaped to facilitate ng the contents of the tub 10 out of channel 230 and,
therefore, is most often the same shape as the channel 230.
All nces cited in this specification, including without limitation, all papers,
publications, patents, patent applications, presentations, texts, reports, manuscripts,
brochures, books, internet postings, journal articles, periodicals, and the like, are hereby
incorporated by reference into this specification in their entireties. The discussion of the
references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by their authors and
no admission is made that any reference tutes prior art. ants e the right to
challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references.
Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described using specific
terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words
used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the present sure, which is set forth in the following claims. In
on, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be
interchanged in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims
should not be limited to the ption of the versions contained therein.
Claims (13)
1. A container comprising: a tub having an g flange defining the opening of the tub, at least one collar mating protrusion extending from and located about the upper portion of the tub, and an anti-rotation element; a collar having at least one aperture designed to engage the at least one protrusion of the tub thereby securing the collar to the tub, and comprising a gasket; a latch hingedly connected to the collar having a lid ng flange; and a lid hingedly attached to the collar having a latch engagement portion comprising an engagement recess, wherein the lid engaging flange of the latch securely engages the engagement recess of the lid when the container is closed, wherein the collar comprises an outer sealing wall having one end in contact with the tub to create a g area C2 between the collar and the tub; and wherein the lid r comprises an outer sealing wall, a second lid sealing wall, wherein one end of the outer sealing wall engages the collar thereby creating a seal C3 between the lid and collar, one end of the second lid sealing wall s at least one surface of the gasket thereby creating a seal C4 between the lid and gasket, characterized in that the lid r comprises an inner sealing wall and in that at least one end of the inner sealing wall engages the opening flange of the tub thereby creating a seal C5 between the lid and tub.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the tub comprises a plurality of collar mating protrusions and the collar comprises a plurality of apertures.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion r ses a collar mating surface and the at least one aperture of the collar further comprises a tub mating surface such that the engagement of the collar mating surface to the tub mating e securely attaches the collar to the tub.
4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a sealable membrane.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the sealable membrane further ses a tab to facilitate removal of the le membrane from the container.
6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a scoop.
7. The ner of claim 1, wherein the tub comprises a base having a recessed center portion, wherein the lid further comprises a raised center n complimentary to the recessed center n of the base, such that multiple containers may be stacked on top of one another.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the latch is integrally molded to the collar.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the latch engagement portion of the lid comprises a first recess located on the top surface of the lid and a second recess located on the outer sealing wall of the lid, wherein the first and second recess are designed to sealingly accommodate the latch.
10. The ner of claim 5, wherein the tab is designed such that it is not depressed between sealing region C4.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a scoop comprising a handle and a bowl, wherein the bowl has a radius R'.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid further ses a utensil attachment element wherein the utensil attachment element comprises at least one flexible tab extending from the raised center portion of the lid towards the interior of the container.
13. The ner of claim 11, wherein the base of the container comprises a ferential channel having a radius R and wherein the radius R' of the bowl is equal to or smaller than the radius R' of the circumferential channel such that the bowl of the scoop fits within the circumferential channel. WO 16331 z 30 9o 20\24o 242 g 90249 242 Z 90 }2 WO 16331 WO 16331
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/166,255 US9505534B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2014-01-28 | Resealable container with collar and lid |
US14/166,255 | 2014-01-28 | ||
PCT/US2014/071354 WO2015116331A1 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2014-12-19 | Resealable container with collar and lid |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ720784A NZ720784A (en) | 2020-09-25 |
NZ720784B2 NZ720784B2 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
NZ713362B2 true NZ713362B2 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
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