US20220388718A1

US20220388718A1 - Container with removable sidewall

Info

Publication number: US20220388718A1
Application number: US17/833,111
Authority: US
Inventors: Randy Williams; Amy P. Youdelis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-04
Filing date: 2022-06-06
Publication date: 2022-12-08

Abstract

Described herein is a container with a removable sidewall configured to generally extend the height of a bottom portion of the container, wherein the removable sidewall is removed as the contents of the container are used. Accordingly, a user of the device is provided easier access to the bottom of the container. The container includes an upper portion and a lower portion secured in a removable coupling and including a lid. The lid is configured for securing to both a top of the upper portion and an upper portion of the lower portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/196,808 filed 4 Jun. 2021 to the above-named inventors of which the disclosure is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a container assembly having a portion of the container that is removable to allow a user to better reach a bottom portion of the container. More particularly, the invention relates to a container generally adapted for use with spreadable food items that includes an upper portion that is generally capable of removal from a lower portion to allow for easier access to container contents remaining in the lower portion.

BACKGROUND

Traditional containers, such as plastic or glass jars, are ubiquitous in their use for storing food items. Generally, these containers are comprised of a bottom portion, a plurality of sidewalls defining a shape of the container, and an upper portion typically secured with a lid. In a typical configuration of this type, as the contents of the container are utilized, it becomes more and more difficult to remove these contents.
In an effort to adapt containers for ease of use and to enable a user to better access container contents, some solutions have been attempted. One solution is container that is flexible or deformable to allow container contents to expressed for removal. Although useful, this container type is not applicable for food types and items. An additional solution is to utilize smaller containers, often indicated for single use, that allow a user better access to all positions within a container interior. This single serve container type, while also being useful, is not desired as it is often considered wasteful and not desired in situations when larger amounts are needed.
Within the prior art, there exist containers that are generally configured with multiple compartments that allow for mixing of the contents when needed or for consumption. On such reference is U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,378 entitled “Multi-Container Packages for Dispensing Liquid and Dry Food”. This '378 reference provides a food container with at least a pair of distinct containers assembled together and capable of separation and reassembly for mixing the contents for consumption of the food/beverage. Generally, this container is provided in a sealed assembly wherein the pair of containers, typically shown as an upper container and a lower container, are comprised of distinct ingredients that are later reassembled. Although generally applicable to other forms of containers, this container assembly is based upon a need for convenience as opposed to a need for access. Therefore, these exists a need for an improved container, such as a container for spreadable food items, that allows a user better access to all areas of the container, including the lower most portion of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present disclosure is most generally referred to as a container with a removable sidewall portion. The device or container, as it may also be referred herein, is generally comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion in an assembly. The device can alternately be described as a container or container system that allows for the separation of the container sidewalls to generally shorten the height of the container.
The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a container with a removable upper portion to provide a convenient way to reach the bottom portion of the container. The invention is generally described as a container with a removable sidewall portion to allow a user to better access a bottom portion of the container.
The invention can be alternately described as a container having a removable portion to alter the height of the container to access the contents within a bottom portion.
The device has particular applicability for containing or holding spreadable food items, such as, but not limited to, peanut butter, jellies, jams, dressings, and other similar spreadable materials both edible and non-edible. In the preferred assembly of the device, the device is particularly useful as a disposable container as its features are applicable for bulk production and assembly. Alternately, the device and its features can be applicable for use in permanent assemblies for various containers, such as reusable storage containers.
The device comprises a housing generally forming the dimensions of the device and forming an interior space for the placement of materials/contents. The housing generally providing a continuous sidewall of the device and separable into an upper portion and a lower portion through a coupling. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion are generally sided to define distinct portions that are capable of attachment together with the coupling to form a unitary container and separable from the coupling into their distinct parts to allow for better access to the interior contents.
The lower portion is comprised of an upper lower portion and a bottom. The bottom generally representing the lowermost point of the lower portion and sealing an interior space of the lower portion and cohesive assembled device in a closed end. The bottom may be shaped with a curved portion and generally is configured to provide a planar or flattened surface for supporting the device on a surface or for stacking. The upper lower portion generally representing an open end of the lower portion and providing access to the interior space of the lower portion.
The upper lower portion having a lower coupling surface. The lower coupling surface configured for fitment and securing with a corresponding surface in the form of an upper coupling surface on a lower upper portion of the upper portion for the coupling of the upper and lower portions.
The upper portion comprising a top and the lower upper portion. The top generally representing the highest point of the cohesive device and representing the opening to the interior space for access to contents. Accordingly, the top may be secured with a lid. To receive the lid, the top has lid coupling surface. The lid coupling surface selected to be similar or compatible with the lower coupling surface, wherein the lid may also be secured and received on both on the lid coupling surface and when the upper portion is removed the lower portion on the lower coupling surface. The lower upper portion generally representing an open end of the upper portion and providing access to the interior space of the lower portion. The lower upper portion including the upper coupling surface, wherein the lower coupling surface and the upper coupling surface are configured for a secure fitment.
In the preferred assembly of the device, the device coupling of the upper coupling surface and the lower coupling surface is a threaded connection, wherein the upper portion is generally threaded onto the lower portion to form a cohesive device that has a first height. This cohesive and assembled upper portion and lower portion may be preassembled and the contents added to the container device. As the contents are consumed and removed from the interior space of the device, the contents will generally be removed from the upper portion first. After the removal of the contents from the upper portion, the user may utilize the coupling and the features of the upper portion and lower portion to remove the upper portion generally reducing the first height to a second height with the second height corresponding to a height of the lower portion. The contents remaining in the lower portion are more easily accessed after removal of the upper portion and the uncoupling of the coupling. After removal of the upper portion from the lower portion the lower coupling surface is configured for receipt of the lid.
When utilized in a packaged food item, the device may be provided with a label. This label is generally and preferably provided with a sectioned or perforation generally configured for placement and alignment with the coupling of the assembled device. Accordingly, as the contents from the container device are used, the user may wish to remove the label through the perforation to allow for separation of the upper portion from the lower portion and better access to the lower portion.
The coupling of the device may be accomplished through alternate securing means as opposed to the preferred threaded connection. Accordingly, the upper coupling surface, the lower coupling surface, and the lid coupling may be provided in press-fit assemblies, snap-fit assemblies, or other similar robust and reusable securing means.
The coupling of the device should be seamless on an interior surface of the interior space to allow for use for food contents.
The device upper portion may alternately be described as a generally hollow and tubular body configured for the coupling on the lower portion, wherein the upper portion generally extends the height of the container relative to the height of the lower portion and is removable to allow a user to easier access the contents of the lower portion. Accordingly, an alternate description of the device, the upper portion may be viewed as a removable extension to the height of the lower portion, wherein this extension can be removed from the lower portion as the contents are utilized.
In the preferred assembly of the device, the device upper portion and lower portion are provided in a cylindrical or tubular shape to enable the threaded or screw fit assembly and general convention for the use of a jar for these types of food items. If an alternate connection is utilized, such as a snap or press fit assembly, the device could be provided in multiple shapes and dimensions.
The device can alternately and generally be described as a container having separable upper portion to form a container to be utilized when the contents within the container are no longer at quantity exceeding the height of the bottom portion of the container.
The device can be described as having two compartments.
The device is preferably provided with a resealable lid capable of receipt on both the upper portion and the lower portion for sealing the container device.
The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the container device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the container device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the container device with a label, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the container device with a label, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.
Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.
References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.
As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.
Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.
As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.
Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
The invention is generally described as a container with a removable sidewall portion to allow a user to better access a bottom portion of the container.
The invention can be alternately described as a container having a removable portion to alter the height of the container to access the contents within a bottom portion.
Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 shows the container with removable sidewall according to the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as device 10. The device 10 is an improved container that allows a user of the device 10 better access to the contents of a given container. The device 10 has particular applicability for containing or holding spreadable food items, such as, but not limited to, peanut butter, jellies, jams, dressings, and other similar spreadable materials both edible and non-edible. In the preferred assembly of the device 10, the device 10 is particularly useful as a disposable container as its features are applicable for bulk production and assembly. Alternately, the device 10 and its features can be applicable for use in permanent assemblies for various containers, such as reusable storage containers.
The device 10 is comprised of a housing 100. The housing 100 generally forming the dimensions of the device 10 and forming an interior space for the placement of materials/contents. The housing 100 generally providing a continuous sidewall of the device 100 and separable into an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 102 through a coupling 200. Each of the upper portion 101 and the lower portion 102 are generally sided to define distinct portions that are capable of attachment together with the coupling 200 to form a unitary container and separable from the coupling 200 into their distinct parts 101, 102 to allow for better access to the interior contents.
The lower portion 102 is comprised of an upper lower portion 120 and a bottom 121. The bottom 121 generally representing the lowermost point of the lower portion 102 and sealing an interior space of the lower portion 102 and cohesive assembled device 10 in a closed end. The bottom 121 may be shaped with a curved portion and generally is configured to provide a planar or flattened surface for supporting the device 10 on a surface or for stacking. The upper lower portion 120 generally representing an open end of the lower portion 102 and providing access to the interior space of the lower portion 102.
The upper lower portion 120 having a lower coupling surface 122. The lower coupling surface 122 configured for fitment and securing with a corresponding surface in the form of an upper coupling surface 112 on a lower upper portion 110 of the upper portion 101 for the coupling 200 of the upper and lower portions 101, 102.
The upper portion 101 is comprised of a top 111 and the lower upper portion 110. The top 111 generally representing the highest point of the cohesive device 10 and representing the opening to the interior space for access to contents. Accordingly, the top 111 may be secured with a lid 103. To receive the lid 103, the top 111 has lid coupling surface 113. The lid coupling surface 113 selected to be similar or compatible with the lower coupling surface 122, wherein the lid 103 may also be secured and received on both on the lid coupling surface 113 and when the upper portion 101 is removed the lower portion 102 on the lower coupling surface 122. The lower upper portion 110 generally representing an open end of the upper portion 101 and providing access to the interior space of the lower portion 102. The lower upper portion 110 including the upper coupling surface 112, wherein the lower coupling surface 122 and the upper coupling surface 112 are configured for a secure fitment.
In the preferred assembly of the device 10, the device 10 coupling 200 of the upper coupling surface 112 and the lower coupling surface 122 is a threaded connection, wherein the upper portion 101 is generally threaded onto the lower portion 102 to form a cohesive device 10 that has a first height. This cohesive and assembled upper portion 101 and lower portion 102 may be preassembled and the contents added to the container device 10. As the contents are consumed and removed from the interior space of the device 10, the contents will generally be removed from the upper portion 101 first. After the removal of the contents from the upper portion 101, the user may utilize the coupling 200 and the features of the upper portion 101 and lower portion 102 to remove the upper portion 101 generally reducing the first height to a second height with the second height corresponding to a height of the lower portion 102. The contents remaining in the lower portion 102 are more easily accessed after removal of the upper portion 101 and the uncoupling of the coupling 200. After removal of the upper portion 101 from the lower portion 102 the lower coupling surface 122 is configured for receipt of the lid 103.
When utilized in a packaged food item, the device 10 may be provided with a label 300. This label 300 is generally and preferably provided with a sectioned or perforation 301 generally configured for placement and alignment with the coupling 200 of the assembled device 10. Accordingly, as the contents from the container device 10 are used, the user may wish to remove the label 300 through the perforation 301 to allow for separation of the upper portion 101 from the lower portion 102 and better access to the lower portion 102.
The coupling 200 of the device 10 may be accomplished through alternate securing means as opposed to the preferred threaded connection. Accordingly, the upper coupling surface 112, the lower coupling surface 122, and the lid coupling 113 may be provided in press-fit assemblies, snap-fit assemblies, or other similar robust and reusable securing means.
The coupling 200 of the device 10 should be seamless on an interior surface of the interior space to allow for use for food contents.
The device 10 upper portion 101 may alternately be described as a generally hollow and tubular body configured for the coupling 200 on the lower portion 102, wherein the upper portion 101 generally extends the height of the container 10 relative to the height of the lower portion 102 and is removable to allow a user to easier access the contents of the lower portion 102. Accordingly, an alternate description of the device 10, the upper portion 101 may be viewed as a removable extension to the height of the lower portion 102, wherein this extension can be removed from the lower portion 102 as the contents are utilized.
In the preferred assembly of the device 10, the device 10 upper portion 101 and lower portion 102 are provided in a cylindrical or tubular shape to enable the threaded or screw fit assembly and general convention for the use of a jar for these types of food items. If an alternate connection is utilized, such as a snap or press fit assembly, the device 10 could be provided in multiple shapes and dimensions.
While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

1. A container assembly, the assembly comprising:

a housing, the housing generally defining the shape of the container and defining an interior space, the housing comprising:

a lower portion, the lower portion having a bottom;

a coupling;

an upper portion, the upper portion removably coupled to lower portion through the coupling; and

a lid, wherein the lid is capable of being secured on the upper portion or the lower portion when the upper portion is removed from the lower portion.

2. A container assembly as in claim 1, wherein the housing is cylindrical.

3. A container assembly as in claim 2, wherein the coupling is a threaded connection.

4. A container assembly as in claim 1, wherein the assembly includes a label.

5. A container assembly as in claim 4, wherein the label includes a perforation, the perforation configured to be aligned with the coupling of the assembled device.

6. A container assembly as in claim 3, wherein the assembly is comprised of materials that can be designated as disposable.

7. A container assembly, the container assembly comprising:

a housing, the housing defining an interior space and the dimensions of the container assembly, the housing comprising:

a lower portion, the lower portion having a bottom and an upper lower portion opposite the bottom;

an upper portion, the upper portion having a top and a lower upper portion opposite the top;

a coupling, the coupling removably securing the lower upper portion and the upper lower portion of the upper portion and the lower portion of the housing; and

a lid, wherein the lid is capable of being secured on the top of the upper portion or the upper lower portion of the lower portion when the upper portion is removed from the lower portion.

8. A container assembly as in claim 7, wherein the housing is cylindrical.

9. A container assembly as in claim 8, wherein the coupling is a threaded connection.

10. A container assembly as in claim 7, wherein the assembly includes a label.

11. A container assembly as in claim 10, wherein the label includes a perforation, the perforation configured to be aligned with the coupling of the assembled device.

12. A container assembly as in claim 9, wherein the assembly is comprised of materials that can be designated as disposable.

13. A container assembly for spreadable food items, the container assembly comprising:

a lower portion, the lower portion having a bottom being a closed end and an upper lower portion opposite the bottom, the upper lower portion including a lower coupling surface;

an upper portion, the upper portion having a top and a lower upper portion opposite the top, the top having a lid coupling surface and the lower upper portion including an upper coupling surface;

a coupling, the coupling removably securing the lower coupling surface and the upper coupling surface; and

a lid, wherein the lid is capable of being secured on the top of the upper portion or the lower coupling surface.

14. A container assembly as in claim 13, wherein the housing is cylindrical.

15. A container assembly as in claim 14, wherein the coupling is a threaded connection.

16. A container assembly as in claim 15, wherein the assembly includes a label.

17. A container assembly as in claim 16, wherein the label includes a perforation, the perforation configured to be aligned with the coupling of the assembled device.

18. A container assembly as in claim 13, wherein the assembly is comprised of materials that can be designated as disposable.