WO2008024358A2

WO2008024358A2 - Container with sliding cover panel

Info

Publication number: WO2008024358A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/018501
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. Gelardi
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2006-08-21
Filing date: 2007-08-21
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: WO2008024358A3

Abstract

Disclosed are product containers, and more particularly, containers for storing a product in a sealed environment that have slide activated opening and closing features. The disclosed containers include a container body that defines an internal product storage compartment and an aperture through which product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed. The containers also include a door element and a sliding cover panel. The door element is connected to the container body and adapted for pivoting movement between a first position, wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein the aperture is at least partially exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed. The cover panel slidably connected to the container body and the door element such that linear movement of the cover articulates the door.

Description

CONTAINER WITH SLIDING COVER PANEL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to product containers, and more particularly to, containers for storing a product in a sealed environment, and still more particularly to containers for storing a product that have slide activated opening and closing features.

2. Background of the Related Art

[0002] The widespread use of smokeless tobacco products has become prevalent around the world. Most smokeless tobacco products are sold in circular cardboard and metal or molded plastic cans having a paper seal enclosing them. This particular form of tobacco is normally referred to as snuff or finecut moist smokeless tobacco. When a consumer desires to use the product, the paper seal is broken, the Hd is removed, and the desired amount of smokeless tobacco is removed from the can for enjoyment. The lid is then replaced until further use is desired.

[0003] Almost all commercially available smokeless tobacco cans, however, make using smokeless tobacco a cumbersome experience. The two-piece construction of almost all cans make opening of the container, removing a serving of chewing tobacco, and closing of the container a two-handed proposition. Holding a conventional can and lid in one hand while trying to remove a serving of tobacco with the other can be cumbersome and lead to spilling of the product.

[0004] Furthermore, the inexpensive construction of conventional smokeless tobacco cans and the repeated opening and closing of the package cause the lids to deform easily and become loose. Thus, once the paper seal is broken, the conventional cans and lids fail to provide the tight seal required to retain the flavor and freshness of the tobacco and are known to cause unwanted spills.

[0005] What is needed is an improved container for smokeless tobacco and other products that minimizes the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with conventional product containers. More specifically, there is a need for an improved container that is easier to use and retains the integrity of the product longer by providing a better seal than conventional cans.

SUMMARY OF THE EVVENTION

[0006] The subject invention is directed to a container for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes a main body portion and a cover. The main body portion of the container has an upper section and a lower section, which in combination define an internal product storage compartment. Preferably the upper section and the lower section of the main body portion of the container are molded or formed as separate elements, however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these sections can be integrally formed or molded.

[0007] The upper section of the main body portion of the container defines an aperture through which product housed within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed or dispensed. The cover is slidably connected to the main body portion of the container and is adapted for movement between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and an open position wherein at least a portion of the aperture is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

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STM 234333 vl [0008] The container can further include a door element which is hingedly connected to the upper section of the main body portion of the container, and is adapted for movement (i.e., capable of pivoting) between a first position wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein at least a portion of the aperture is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

[0009] In certain preferred embodiments, the door element is connected to the cover such that movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position causes the door to move from the first position to the second position and movement of the cover from the open position to closed position causes the door to move from the second position to the first position. Preferably, an actuation arm connects the door element and the cover and in certain constructions the actuation arm is thin and flexible.

[00010] It is presently envisioned that the upper section of the main body portion of the container and the door element can be integrally formed using an injection molding process. Alternatively, the upper section and the door element can be formed independently.

[00011] In certain embodiments, the cover includes a top section having opposed lateral flanges extending therefrom. Each flange is adapted for engaging the main body portion of the container, allowing the cover to slide with respect thereto. It is envisioned that the flanges can include a gripping mechanism that facilitate sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container. The cover can also include a finger recess or well that can also facilitates sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

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STM 234333 vi [00012] The subject disclosure is also directed to a container for storing a product that includes, inter alia, a main body portion, a door element, and a cover. The main body portion has an upper section and a lower section, which in combination define an internal product storage compartment. An aperture is defined in the upper section of the main body portion of the container through which product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

[00013] The door element is connected to the upper section of the main body portion of the container through a hinge, and is adapted for movement between a first position wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein at least a portion of the aperture is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

[00014] The cover is slidably connected to the main body portion of the container. The container further includes, a mechanism for articulating the door between the first position and the second position upon slidable movement of the cover. The mechanism for articulating the door extends between the door element and the cover and in certain embodiments, includes is a thin, flexible strip of material. In alternative embodiments, the mechanism includes a rigid structure having a living hinge extending between opposed lateral edges thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00015] So that those having ordinary skill in the art will better understand how to make and use the containers of the subject invention, embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein:

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STM 234333 vl [00016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the front of a container that is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[000171 Fig- 2 is a perspective view of the side of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover has been moved to a partially open position;

[00018] Fig. 3 is a perspective view taken from above and looking at the top of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover is in the open position and the hinged door has been lifted so as to expose the aperture formed in the main body of the container;

[00019] Fig. 4 is a perspective view taken from above of a further container embodiment;

[00020] Fig. 5 is a section view of the container of Fig. 4 taken along axis 6A-

6A;

[00021] Fig. 6 is a section view of the container of Fig. 4 taken along axis 6B-

6B;

[00022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 4 taken from above with the cover removed;

[00023] Fig. 8A is an exploded perspective view taken from above of the container of Fig. 5 (without the lower section of the container main body) with parts separated for ease of illustration;

[00024] Fig. 8B is an exploded perspective view taken from below of the container of Fig. 5 (without the lower section of the container main body) with parts separated for ease of illustration;

[00025] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the upper and lower sections of the container main body;

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STM 234333 Vl [00026] Fig. 10 is a perspective view taken from above of the door element of the container of Fig. 5;

[00027] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view in perspective of the container of Fig.

5 wherein the cover is in the closed position and the door is positioned over the aperture formed in the main body of the container;

[00028] Fig. 12 is a perspective view taken from above and looking at the top of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover is in the open position and the hinged door has been lifted so as to expose the aperture formed in the main body of the container; and

[00029] Fig. 13. is a cross-sectional view in perspective of the container of Fig.

12 taken along axis 13-13.

[00030] These and other aspects of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00031] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed container may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosed containers can be used to store a variety of products. More specifically, the disclosed containers can be used for the storage of products, such as for example, smokeless

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STM 234333 Vl tobacco, confectionary, cigarettes, and mints without departing from the inventive aspects of the present disclosure.

[00032] Referring now to Figs. 1 through 3, there is illustrated a container for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which has been constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and designated generally by reference numeral 100. Container 100 includes a main body portion 10 and a cover 50.

[00033] As best viewed in Figs. 2 and 3, the main body portion 10 of container

100 has an upper section 20 and a lower section 30, which in combination define an internal product storage compartment 40 (shown in Fig. 3). It will be readily appreciated that main body portion 10 of container 100 can be formed as a monolithic structure or can be formed using two or more parts/elements without departing from the inventive aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, the methods used to join the parts of the main body portion of the container, such as upper and lower sections, 20 and 30 respectively, can vary and include, for example, fasteners, interlocking structures, welding and/or adhesives.

[00034] As shown herein, upper section 20 and lower section 30 of main body portion 10 of container 100 are molded or formed as separate elements. Typically, the main body 10 of container 100 would be made from a polymeric material,, such as plastic, and can be formed using a process, such as injection molding.

[00035] An aperture 22 is provided in upper section 20 of the main body portion 10 of container 100 through which product (not shown) housed within internal product storage compartment 40 can be accessed or dispensed.

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STM 234333 vl [00036] The cover 50 is slidably connected to the main body portion 10 of container 100. Cover 50 includes a top section 52 that has opposed lateral flanges 54a/54b projecting therefrom. Each of the flanges 54a/54b extend along only a portion of the lateral edge of the top section 52 of the cover 50. In the embodiment disclosed herein, flanges 54a/54b have inwardly projecting ribs (not shown) formed on their free end. The inwardly projecting ribs are configured for receipt within corresponding longitudinal recesses 24a (near side) (opposite side recess 54b, not shown) formed in the main body portion 10 of container 100 and slidably secure the cover 50 to the main body portion 10 of container 100.

[00037] Each flange 54a/54b includes a series of outwardly projecting ribs 56 that facilitate gripping the cover 50 and sliding it with respect to the main body portion 10 of the container 100. The top section 52 of cover 50 can also includes a finger well (see item 258 Fig. 4) that can also facilitate sliding the cover 50 with respect to the main body portion 10 of the container 100. As shown ih Figs. 1-3, the top section 52 of cover 50 also includes a graphic/logo for the stored product.

[00038] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, container 100 also includes a door 60 which is connected to the upper section 20 of the main body portion 10 of container 100 through living hinge 62, and is adapted for movement (i.e., capable of pivoting) between a first position (Fig. 2) wherein the door 60 overlies the aperture 22 defined in the upper section 20 of the container 100, and a second position (Fig. 3) wherein at least a portion of the aperture 22 is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage 40 compartment can be accessed or dispensed.

[00039] The door 60 is connected to the cover 50 through an actuation arm or strip 70, such that movement of the cover 50 from a closed position (Fig. 1) to the

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STM 234333 vl open position (Fig. 3) causes the door 60 to move from the first position to the second position. Additionally, movement of the cover 50 from the open position to closed position causes the door 60 to move from the second position to the first position. It should be noted that in the embodiment disclosed herein, the upper section 20 of the main body portion 10 of the container 100 and the door 60 were formed in a single mold.

[00040] Actuation strip 70 is made from a thin, flexible material. For example, the strip can be simply formed with two pieces of tape. In such a construction, the adhesive sides of each piece of tape are placed in mating contact, but a portion of the first tape extends beyond the end of the second tape on one end of strip 70 and a portion of the second tape extends beyond the end of the first tape at the opposite end of strip 70. The exposed adhesive portions located at the ends of strip 70 can then be attached to the door and the cover respectively.

[00041] With reference to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the door 60 has a T-shaped recess 62 formed in its outer surface. This recess 62 allows the actuation strip 70 to be stowed therein when the cover 50 is in the closed position. The flexibility and thin profile of the actuation strip 70 allow it to roll and unroll under and between the cover 50 and the upper portion 20 of the container body and/or the door 70. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciated that the strip 70, rather than being a separate element, can be an integrally molded extension of either the door 70 or the cover 50.

[00042] In the closed position, the cover 50 urges the door 60 against the main body portion 10 of container 100 and over aperture 22. The interaction of the cover 50, door 60 and main body 10 provide a means to positive seal aperture 22 when the cover 50 is in the closed position. The aperture 22 formed in the upper section 20 of

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^■ STM 234333 vl the main body portion 10 of container 100 provides for access to only a portion of the total content contained within the internal product storage compartment 40. This prevents the accidental mass dumping of the full contents from the container.

[00043] Referring now to Figs. 4 through 13, there is illustrated a product container 200, which has been constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Like the previously disclosed embodiment, ■container 200 includes a main body portion 210 and a cover 250. Moreover, as best viewed in Figs. 8A, 8B and 9, the main body portion 210 of container 200 has an upper section 220 and a lower section 230, which in combination define an internal product storage compartment 240. An aperture 222 (See Fig. 8A & 8b) is provided in upper section 220 of the main body portion 210 of container 200 through which product housed within internal product storage compartment 240 can be accessed or dispensed.

[00044] Similar to the construction of container 100, cover 250 of container

200 is slidably connected to the container's main body portion 210. Cover 250 includes a top section 252 that has opposed lateral flanges 254a/254b projecting therefrom. Each of the flanges 254a/254b extend along only a portion of the lateral edge of the top section 252 of the cover 250. In the embodiment disclosed herein, flanges 254a/254b have inwardly projecting ribs 256 formed on their free end. The inwardly projecting ribs configured for receipt within corresponding longitudinal recesses 224a/224b formed in the main body portion 210 of container 200 and slidably secure the cover 250 to the main body portion 210 of container 200.

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STM 234333 vl [00045] Like cover 52, cover 252 can also include features that facilitate the opening and closing of the container, such as outwardly projecting ribs formed on the lateral flanges and/or a finger well formed in the top portion of the cover.

[00046] Container 200 also has a door 260 which is connected to the upper section 220 of the main body portion 210 of container 200. Door 260 is shown by itself in Fig. 10 for ease of illustration. Unlike door 60, which is connected to the upper section 22 through living hinge 62, door 260 is a separate structure and includes door plate 266 connected to mounting flange 268 through a first living hinge 262. As best shown in Fig. 8B, the mounting flange 268 of the door 260 has a rib 269 extending therefrom which is adapted to be received within a groove or recess 224 (see Fig. 8A) formed in the upper section 220 of the container main body 210. When the rib 269 is inserted within groove 224, the mounting flange 268 of the door 260 is restrained from movement in two directions.

[00047] The door plate 266 is adapted for movement (i.e., capable of pivoting) between a first position (Fig. 7) wherein the door plate 266 overlies the aperture 222 defined in the upper section 220 of the container 200, and a second position (Fig. 12) wherein at least a portion of the aperture 222 is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage 240 compartment can be accessed or dispensed.

[00048] An actuation arm 270 is connected to the door 260 through a second living hinge 264. The actuation arm 270 has an arm body 274 that is connected to a slide shoulder 276 through a third living hinge 272.

[00049] Container 200 further includes a sealing strip 280 which is placed over aperture 222 during storage of the product a"nd prior to sale. Sealing strip 280 helps to further protect the product during long term storage or shipment. Typically, prior to

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STM 234333 vl accessing the product for the first time, the sealing strip 280 is removed and discarded.

[00050] Figs. 11-13 illustrate the operation of container 200. In Fig. 11, the cover 250 and door element 260 are in the closed position and overlie the aperture 222 formed in the upper section 220 of the container main body 210 and prevent access to the product within the internal storage compartment 240. As the cover 260 is slid with respect to the main body portion 210 of the container, a rib 257 (see Fig. 11), formed on the underside of the cover 260, engages with an upstanding rib 277 protruding from the slide shoulder 276 of the actuation arm 270. Further movement of the cover 250 toward the open position causes the slide shoulder 276 of the actuation arm 270 to also move in the same direction. This movement of the actuation arm 270 forces the door plate 266 to pivot about the first living hinge 262. As shown in Fig. 13, further movement of the cover 250 drives the door plate 266 into an upright position and exposes sealing strip 280 or if the sealing strip is removed, uncovers aperture 222, allowing access to the product housed within the internal storage compartment 240.

[00051] It addition to the advantages noted above, the disclosed containers provide a novel experience for users when consuming products such as, for example, smokeless tobacco. Moreover, the construction and operation of the cover allows the graphic present on the top surface to be visible at all times during opening and closing of container.

[00052] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended thereby to the details of construction or design, the present invention contemplating and

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STM_234333_vl including any novel feature or novel combination of features which are herein disclosed.

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STM 23₄333 Vl

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A container for storing a product comprising: a main body portion that includes an upper section and a lower section which in combination define an internal product storage compartment, the upper section of the main body portion of the container defining an aperture through which product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed; and a cover slidably connected to the main body portion of the container and adapted for movement between a closed position wherein the cover overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and an open position wherein at least a portion of the aperture is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

2. A container as recited in claim 1, further comprising a door element which is engaged with the upper section of the main body portion of the container, and adapted for pivoting movement between a first position wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein at least a portion of the aperture is exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed.

3. A container as recited in claim 2, wherein the door element is connected to the cover such that movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position causes the door to move from the first position to the second position and movement of the cover from the open position to closed position causes the door to move from the second position to the first position.

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STM 234333 Vl

4. A container as recited in claim 2, wherein the upper section of the main body portion of the container and the door element are integral and formed using an injection molding process.

5. A container as recited in claim 3, wherein an actuation arm connects the door element and the cover.

6. A container as recited in claim 5, wherein the actuation arm is thin and flexible.

7. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover includes a top section having opposed lateral flanges extending therefrom, each flange being adapted for engaging the main body portion of the container and allowing the cover to slide with respect thereto.

8. A container as recited in claim 7, wherein each lateral flange includes gripping means for facilitating the sliding movement of the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

9. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover has a finger recess formed therein which facilitates sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

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STM_234333 vl

10. A container for storing a product comprising: a) a main body portion that includes an upper section and a lower section which in combination define an internal product storage compartment, the upper section of the main body portion of the container defining an aperture through which product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed; b) a door element connected to the upper section of the main body portion of the container, the door element including hinge and constructed such that at least a portion of the door element is adapted for movement between a first position wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein the aperture is at least partially exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed; c) a cover slidably connected to the main body portion of the container; and d) means for articulating the door between the first position and the second position upon slidable movement of the cover; the articulating means extending between the door element and the cover.

11. A container as recited in claim 10, wherein the upper section of the main body portion of the container and the door element are integral and formed using an injection molding process.

12. A container as recited in claim 10, wherein the means for articulating the door includes an actuation arm which connects the door element and the cover.

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STM_234333_vl

13. A container as recited in claim 12, wherein the actuation arm is thin and flexible.

14. A container as recited in claim 10, wherein the cover includes a top section having opposed lateral flanges extending therefrom, each flange being adapted for engaging the main body portion of the container and allowing the cover to slide with respect thereto.

15. A container as recited in claim 14, wherein each lateral flange includes gripping means for facilitating the sliding movement of the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

16. A container as recited in claim 11, wherein the cover has a finger recess formed therein which facilitates sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

17. A container for storing a product comprising: a) a container body that defines an internal product storage compartment and an aperture through which product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed; b) a door element connected to the container body and adapted for pivoting movement between a first position wherein the door element overlies the aperture defined in the upper section of the container, and a second position wherein the aperture is at least partially exposed and product contained within the internal product storage compartment can be accessed;

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STM 234333 Vl c) a cover slidably connected to the container body and the door element such that linear movement of the cover articulates the door between the first position and the second position.

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STM 234333 vl