WO2024073248A1

WO2024073248A1 - Double-ended openable container

Info

Publication number: WO2024073248A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/074204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lauren SILK
Original assignee: Silk Packaging Concepts Llc
Priority date: 2022-09-26
Filing date: 2023-09-14
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

A double-ended openable container includes an unsealable breakaway section whereby a bottom member may be separated and removed from a lower rim of the container allowing a user to access hard-to-reach portions of the container interior volume to use all the contents and reduce waste and conserve water when cleaning and recycling the container.

Description

DOUBLE-ENDED OPENABLE CONTAINER

SPECIFICATION

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Be it known that I, Lauren Silk, a citizen of the United States, have invented new and useful improvements in a double-ended openable container as described in this specification.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application for letters patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/410,014, filed on 26 SEP 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of double-ended openable containers are known in the prior art. Most appear to have been devised to enable dual storage of complementary foods or substances, allowing a user to open either end to access a separate compartment to retrieve the separate and distinct food item or substance. Such containers are seen, for example, for storing yogurts and grains, candies of various flavors, chips, fruit and nuts, and, as far as inedible substances are concerned, substances such as glue or bonding agents requiring mixture to chemically react.

What is needed, however, is a container that enables a user at least single-use access to the entirety of the contents, even in hard-to-reach areas interior to the container i

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) such as at the bottom of the container and around the lower rim of the interior of the container. What is needed is a double-ended openable container that has a removable bottom member devised specifically to enable access to the interior of the container at the bottom, whereby a user may access the remaining contents that are otherwise hard or impossible to retrieve for consumption. What is needed is a double-ended openable container that allows a user to access residual portions of the contents to prevent unnecessary waste.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers generally, and particularly to a double- ended openable container devised specifically to enable a user to open a bottom end of the container after most of the contents have been consumed, to access residual contents proximal to the bottom of the container that are difficult to access and would typically be discarded with the container.

The present invention, therefore, contemplates means by which the bottom end of the container can be manufactured of similar materials as the rest of the container (whether plastic, glass, or other polymer or substance) and then separated from the container when desired, while preventing inadvertent removal of the bottom until the user opts to remove the bottom when the container is to be discarded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant double-ended container set forth herein has been devised to enable consumers access to the entire contents of containers to reduce waste and enable complete consumption of the contents.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) Typically, edible contents such as spreads and condiments are stored in containers with screwcaps or resealable lids. In normal use, the lid is removed, and the contents are accessed for use usually by extension of an implement therein, such as a spoon or knife, for application of the contents to foodstuffs and substrates. Between uses, the lid reseals the container to preserve the contents. However, such containers seen in the art inhibit access to the very last portions of the contents, located at the bottom of the container, farthest from the opening or mouth of the container. Most users, therefore, discard the container as empty when some usable portion remains.

Where the container is recyclable, users will typically rinse the container out to remove the remnant portions of the contents rendered inaccessible by the container. This results in waste - of the contents and, in the aggregate, the water used to remove the contents that would be consumed, were said contents accessible for use, rather than discarded. Further, washing a container by a single opening often requires excess water since the container is frequently filled and shook to remove hard-to-reach contents near the bottom of the container, often multiple times.

The present invention, therefore, contemplates a double-ended container wherein access to all interior portions of the container are afforded a consumer. In an example embodiment contemplated herein, the container includes a screwcap lid or other refastenable, resealable lid as seen in the art. This lid is used by consumers to access the contents in the normal fashion seen in the art, such as by extending a knife or spoon or other implement into the container to transfer the contents to foods or other substrates, as case may be. However, in the instant invention, the bottom of the container includes a bottom member that is devised to be removable for at least single-use access to the

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) interior of the container most proximal to the bottom of the container whereby the entirety of the contents can be consumed.

In the present invention contemplated herein, therefore, the bottom member may be rendered of the same material as the container, such as, for example, glass, plastic, polymer, tin, metal, or such other substance as may comprise containers generally seen in the art. In some embodiments contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure, embodiments may be rendered of cardboard or paper products. Where these cardboard or card stock containers are used for perishable contents, such as foods, polyurethane coatings may render the container sealed on an interior surface thereof.

Likewise, the bottom member may be rendered of a different material, whereby removal of the bottom from engagement with the container is more easily effectuated. In at least one example embodiment contemplated herein, the bottom member is seated into the bottom of the container, engaged to the lower rim of the container, and secured thereto by means of a polymeric or plastic or silicone or other seal disposed circumferentially or perimetrically bounding the bottom member and lower rim of the container. This seal is configured to be removable, for example, when a tab or other member is grasped and pulled, whereby the seal is caused to rupture circumferentially or perimetrically surrounding the bottom to release the bottom member from secure and sealed engagement with the lower rim of the container. The bottom member may then be completely removed, and the contents of the container accessed from the open bottom end. Contents may also be removed from direct contact with the bottom member. Thereafter, the container is more easily cleaned for disposal or recycling because, firstly,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) there are less contents to wash away, and secondly, because the interior of the container is accessible from both ends, which facilitates efficient washing and minimizes water use.

In at least one example embodiment contemplated herein, the seal may be produced in such a way as to lessen inadvertent puncturing from the inside when a user uses a knife, for example, or other implement to scrape around the interior of the lower rim of the container. The seal may, therefore, comprise an inverted T-shaped, or flared, or triangular transverse section, or other transverse section wherein a narrowest portion of the seal is disposed conjunct the interior of the container and a widest portion of the seal is disposed exteriorly presented bounding the bottom member. The seal may include perforations rendering the bottom member more easily removable only once the seal has been removed to expose the perforations to stresses applied in rotating the bottom member, for example, against the container, whereby the bottom member is selectively and readily removable once the bottom member has been removed.

A tab or other member may be releasably enclosed upon the bottom member in such a manner that a user may upend a portion of the tab or other member and then, when pulling on the tab or other member now exposed, cause the seal to rupture or break when a release member readily unwinds around the bottom of the container. A portion of the release member may include a distal portion that is connected to the bottom member whereby, once the seal has been circumferentially or perimetrically broken around the bottom member, the distal portion yet remains attached to the bottom member itself, separate from the container, whereby the bottom member may be removed by means of the release member without a user having to contact the bottom member directly.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) Additional means of effectuating manipulation of the bottom member without direct contact are contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure. For example, an example embodiment is contemplated wherein the tab or other member is devised akin to a type of handle member deployable at least from a first position to a second position. In such embodiments, this handle member may deploy to enable a user to twist or rotate the bottom member against the force of the seal, whereby the seal is ruptured rotationally. In such embodiments, once rotated a radial distance sufficient to rupture or break or release the seal, the user may simply pull the bottom member from the container by means of the same handle member used to effectuate the rotation sufficiently to cause separation of the bottom member from the container. The user may likewise wield the bottom member by means of the handle member without otherwise directly contacting the bottom member with the hands.

The present invention, therefore, enables the bottom member of the container to be effectively joined to the container in like fashion as containers seen in the art. The bottom member may, therefore, comprise the same materials as the container proper. The bottom member may be made of glass, for example, or other rigid material, and sealed to the lower rim of the container by action of the seal circumferentially or perimetrically fitting or nesting the bottom member to or into the container’s lower rim.

In another example embodiment contemplated herein, it is contemplated that the seal may be broken by deformation of the bottom member itself. In such embodiments, the bottom member may be made of plastic or coated cardstock (such as cardstock coated with polyurethane) for example, or foil, or another polymer, silicone, substrate, material, or other deformable and plastic substance, whereby the tab member may be

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) deployed to pull the bottom member away from engagement with the container. In such embodiments, pulling of the tab tears the bottom member away from engagement with the container, rupturing the circumferential or perimetric seal bounding the bottom. In like manner, then, a user may access the interior and garner all the contents of the container prior to disposal. It should be noted that the general shape of the container is not considered limiting as to this disclosure. Tubular, square-tubular, cuboidal, spheroidal, and other shapes capable of enclosing a volume are contemplated as part of this disclosure. Additionally, the said container may not be restricted to storing foodstuffs and like; containers for other products or materials which may beneficially be additionally accessed from the container from an open bottom are also contemplated as within the general disclosure herein set forth.

Thus, has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present double- ended openable container so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

For better understanding of the double-ended openable container, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURES

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) Figure 1 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with a release member partially removed from a seal.

Figure 2 is a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with the release member removed from the seal.

Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with the release member removed from the seal.

Figure 4 is a bottom elevation view of the release showing a medial protrusion disposed upon a longitudinal axis of an interior surface of the release member.

Figure 5 is a detail elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with the release member partially removed from the seal whereby a breakaway section is more clearly shown.

Figure 6 is a detail elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with the release member removed from the seal whereby the breakaway section is more clearly shown.

Figure 7 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of a double-ended openable container with the bottom member forcibly separated from the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The instant double-ended openable container 10 has been devised to enable consumers at least single-use access to the very bottom, hard-to-reach areas interior to a container such as a jar or tin or other container containing, for example, peanut butter, chocolate spread, cookie butter, mustard, jelly, or other spread, preserve, condiment, or substance for which a consumer typically applies an implement, such as a knife or spoon

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) or, for some substances, such as paint of glue, for example, a brush or other applicator or implement, to access.

The container 10 employs a removable bottom member 20 that is sealed into or attached to or at an open bottom 22 of the container 10 in such a way as to enable perforation, rupture, break, or release of the seal whereby the bottom member 20 is removable to grant access to an interior volume or side of the bottom member 20 and other areas interior to the container 10 proximal to the bottom 22 which are typically hard to reach from the mouth of the container 10.

The accompanying drawings are set forth herein to illustrate example embodiments only and are not meant to be limiting. The accompanying drawings should be interpreted by persons of ordinary skill in the pertinent art inclusively and expansively as illustrating, in broad strokes, the general metes and bounds of the concept contemplated by this invention. Additional and alternative structures capable of performing the same general intent set forth herein should be considered as within scope of this disclosure; the expression of one structure is not intended to mutually exclude other or additional structures or features, which may be functionally equivalent thereto or rendered effective thereby. Terms set forth herein, therefore, should be read as exemplary and not definitive. The container as depicted is not intended to be limited in shape: cylindrical, square, rectangular, and other polygonal shapes common to containers in general are considered as within scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , then, an example embodiment of container 10 is shown in in front elevation view with screwcap lid 20 removed. Screwcap lid 20 is releasably and threadably attachable at container 10 mouth 22 in the normal fashion evinced in the

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) container arts. Container 10 also includes lower rim 24 at open bottom 26 and removable bottom member 100 connected thereto. Removable bottom member 100 is releasably attached at lower rim 24 by means of breakaway section 50 disposed interior to seal 200. Breakaway section 50 is disposed circumferentially or perimetrically interior to seal 200. In this example embodiment, release member 30 seats interior to seal 200, effectively establishing a seal at the join between container 10 and bottom member 100 and exposes breakaway section 50 when said release member 30 is removed. Release member 30 is shown partially removed, with tab or end 32 removed from seating portion 52 disposed inset in container 10 exterior surface 28.

Breakaway section 50 is devised to be puncturable, rupturable, breakable, or otherwise releasable when release member 30 is removed and bottom member 100 is, in this example embodiment, rotationally forced against container 10, whereby bottom member 100 is completely removable from engagement with lower rim 24 and interior portion of container 10 is rendered accessible from the open bottom 26 as well as mouth 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates a raised elevation view of an example embodiment of container 10. Releasable member 30 is not shown, exposing unsealed breakaway section 50 for view. Breakaway section 50 includes seating portions 52 wherein ends or tabs 32 of release member 30 nestle inset flush with exterior surface 28 of container 10. In this example embodiment, ends or tabs 32 of release member 30 may be manipulated and up ended to protrude from seating portions 52 and thereby enable release member 30 to be pulled and disengaged from seal 200, thereby exposing breakaway section 50 such that the bottom member 100 may be forcibly ruptured from container 10 lower rim 24. io

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) Ends or tabs 52 remain flush with container and bottom member exterior surfaces 28,

108 until upended for removal. Thus, ends or tabs 52 may be employed to rupture seal

102 by pulling release member 30 from position around bottom member 100, as shown in FIG. 5. Once release member 30 is circumferentially separated from engagement with container 10, bottom member 100 is unsealed and removable when breakaway section 50 is ruptured or otherwise is disengaged from interconnection at interstice 58, as will be described further herein below.

Additional embodiments are contemplated herein, including for example, an embodiment where bottom member 100 is discoid and sealed into lower rim 24, with lower rim 24 disposed in edgewise contact with bottom member 100 (that is, bottom member 100 is in entirety at least a part of the base of container 10 and is laterally sealed into lower rim 24). In such an embodiment, bottom member 100 serves as the base of container 10 and breakaway section 50 is disposed circumferentially surrounding bottom member 100 whereby releasable member 30 is removable downwardly from the lowermost portions of container 10. Seal may be rupturable, and bottom member 100 may be separable from the lower rim 24 as a section or portion of the base of container 10 when release member 30 is disengaged and bottom member 100 is unsealed and released from engagement in container 10 base.

Additional and other shaped bottom members 100 and containers 10 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure. It should be noted that bottom member 100 may be rendered of any substance - in an example embodiment where container 10 is rendered of glass, for example, bottom member 100 may also be rendered of glass. Breakaway section 50 may be rendered of polymeric or synthetic material; upper and n

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) lower portions 54, 56 of breakaway section thereby fused to, joined with, or otherwise disposed surrounding or upon edges of lower rim 24 and bottom member 100. Breakaway section 50 may be rupturable by snapping polymeric, synthetic, or plastic teeth or perforations or other fragile interconnecting members 60 once releasable member 30 is removed to rupture seal 200 and expose breakaway section 50 whereby bottom member 100 may be separated from container 10 by application of manual force.

Where container 10 is rendered of plastic or polymer, so bottom member 100 may be rendered of plastic or polymer. Bottom member 100 may also be rendered of an unlike material distinct the material of which the container 10 is rendered. Breakaway section 50 may be rendered of silicone or polymer or plastic or other non-toxic perforable or rupturable material which is breakable or separable without splintering or fracturing when release member 30 is removed.

FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of an example embodiment of container 10 with bottom member 100 attached and release member 30 removed. Breakaway section 50 is shown circumferentially bounding bottom member 100 in conjunction with lower rim 24. Release member 30 is not shown in seal 200 whereby perforations or teeth or other interconnecting members 60 are visible. In this example embodiment, breakaway section 50 includes polymeric upper portion 54 (attached to or engaged with lower rim 24) and polymeric lower portion 56 (attached to or engaged with upper rim of bottom member 100). Upper and lower sections 54, 56 of breakaway section 50 are inset from container 10 and bottom member 100 exterior surfaces 28, 108 whereby release member 30 engages flush with exterior surfaces 28, 108 when installed to seal 200. Interstice 58 between upper and lower sections 54, 56 is further inset from upper and lower sections

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 54, 56 whereby release member 30 seats medial protrusion 34 interior to interstice 58 and lateral portions 36 seat over upper and lower portions 54, 56 flush with exterior surfaces 28, 108 of container 10 and bottom member 100 rspectively. See, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 5.

FIG 4 shows an elevation view of an example embodiment of interior surface 38 of releasable member 30 removed from seal 200. Releasable member 30 includes ends or tabs 32, in this example embodiment deflected off longitudinal axis 40, which seat into seating portions 52 of breakaway section 50 to seal breakaway section 50. Ends or tabs 32 may be manipulated and up ended for grasping by a user whereby removal of the releasable member 30 is effectible manually. Along longitudinal axis 40 of release member 30 runs medial protrusion 34, configured to seat and seal into interstice 58 between upper and lower sections 54, 56 of breakaway section 50. Lateral portions 36 of release member 30 cover upper and lower sections 54, 56 of breakaway section and seat release member 30 flush with exterior surfaces 28, 108 of container 10 and bottom member 100 until manually upended to effectuate removal of release member 30 in the manner already described.

FIG. 5 shows a lower elevation detail view of an example embodiment of seal 200 with release member 30 partially removed to expose breakaway section 50 thereunder. Tab or end 32 has been removed from seating portion 52 and pulled to rupture seal 200 and unseal medial protrusion 34 from interstice 58 between upper and lower sections 54, 56 of breakaway section 50. Pulling release member 30 entirely from seal 200 unseals breakaway section 50 and exposes breakaway section 50 for forcible separation whereby bottom member 100 is removable from container 10. Breakaway section 50 is disposed

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) inset from exterior surfaces 28, 108 of container 10 and bottom member 100 whereby release member 30 seats flush into breakaway section 50 to seal the join between container 10 and bottom section 100. Removal of release member 30 is effective when end or tab 32 is upended from seating portion 52 for manual grasping whereby a user may manually remove release member 30 from engagement sealing breakaway section 50.

FIG. 6 shows a lower elevation detail view of an example embodiment of seal 200 with release member 30 fully removed to expose breakaway section 50 thereunder. Breakaway section 50 is inset from exterior surfaces 28,108 of container 10 and bottom member 100, and interstice 58 is inset further therein to enable sealable engagement with release member 30 when release member 30 is installed. Teeth, perforations, or other interconnecting members 60 hold bottom member 100 to container 10 lower rim 24 but are easily broken by a user forcing bottom member 100 rotationally against container 10 whereby interconnecting members 60 snap or break without fragmenting or splintering and upper and lower sections 54, 56 of breakaway section 50 are severable whereby bottom member 100 is entirely removable from connection with container 10. A user is thus able to easily access the interior of container 10 and bottom member 100 in otherwise hard-to-reach interior portions of container 10 and bottom member 100 when limited to accessing the interior volume of container 100 only from mouth 22.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment with bottom member 100 severed from container 10. Perforations, teeth, or other interconnecting members 60 in breakaway section 50 have been broken, severing upper section 54 from lower section 56 and the bottom member 100 is removable from container 10 by a user desiring to

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) access the hard-to-reach interior of container 10 to capture any remaining contents within the cavity of bottom member 100. The entirety of the contents (not shown) stored in container 10 is therefore accessible and the entirety of the contents is usable, reducing waste of the contents while also making cleaning of container 10 and bottom member 100 easier, conserving water during recycling of container 10 and bottom member 100.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A non-partitioned, double-ended openable container comprising: an attachable lid; a removable bottom member; a seal disposed sealing the bottom member to the container; and a release member operationally coupled to the container and the bottom member; wherein movement of the release member from at least a first position to a second position ruptures the seal and exposes the bottom member for removal from the container.

2. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 1 wherein the release member comprises: an elongate body; and at least one tab member disposed at one end of the body; wherein the release member is separable from engagement with the container and the bottom member when the tab member is pulled to extract the elongate body and rupture the seal.

3. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 2 wherein the seal further comprises a forcibly separable breakaway section wherein the release

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) member exposes the breakaway section when the release member is moved from the first position to the second position.

4. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 3 wherein the breakaway section comprises: an upper section attached at the lower rim of the container; a lower section attaching the bottom member to the upper section; an interstice between the upper section and the lower section; and a plurality of interconnecting members or perforations disposed in the interstice; wherein forcible contrary movement of the bottom member relative to the container ruptures the interstice enabling separation of the upper section and the lower section.

5. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 4 wherein the release member further comprises a medial protrusion disposed up on an interior surface of the release member, said medial protrusion disposed along a longitudinal axis of the release member, wherein the medial protrusion seals interior to the interstice disposed within the breakaway section.

6. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 5 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of different materials.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )

7. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 5 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of the same material.

8. The non-partitioned, double-edged openable container of claim 7 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of glass.

9. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 7 wherein the container and bottom member are made of a polymeric substance.

10. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 8 wherein the breakaway section is made of a polymeric or synthetic material.

11. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 9 wherein the container is molded or extruded and the bottom member is disposed in perforated connection with the container.

12. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 5 wherein the seal comprises: an interstice scored perimetrically between the container and the bottom member; and the release member; wherein the elongate body resides interior to the channel until the tab member is pulled to rupture the seal and expose the bottom member for removal.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)

13. A non-partitioned, double-ended openable container comprising: an attachable lid; an open-bottomed body; a removable bottom member coupled endwise to the open-bottomed body by means of a breakaway section disposed between the open- bottomed body and the bottom member; a seal disposed overlying the breakaway section and sealing the bottom member to the open-bottomed body, said seal comprising: an interstice; and a release member having at least one tab member and an elongate body, said elongate body disposed interior to the interstice; wherein movement of the release member from at least a first position to a second position ruptures the seal and exposes the bottom member for removal from the container by rotational action effectuated to break the perforations.

14. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 13 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of different materials.

15. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 13 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of the same material.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)

16. The non-partitioned, double-edged openable container of claim 15 wherein the container and the bottom member are made of glass.

17. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 15 wherein the container and bottom member are made of a polymeric substance.

18. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 16 wherein the breakaway section is made of a polymeric or synthetic material.

19. The non-partitioned, double-ended openable container of claim 17 wherein the container is molded or extruded and the bottom member is disposed in perforated connection with the container.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)