Container

A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 300 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of packaging, and more particularly, packaging for granulated products, such as for example, a powder.

2. Description of Related Art

Currently, products in granular or powdered form, such as, for purposes of example without limitation, infant formula, flour, coffee, sugar, are packaged in containers. Scoops are provided within the package for measured dispensing of such contents. Consumers or users of such containers have found that the current packaging is difficult to handle with a single hand, and have found that it is difficult to open the container and to locate and remove the scoop from the packaging upon the first use without experiencing spillage. Once the lid of the container is removed and/or opened, the contents are often loosely caked or packed into parts of the interior of the lid or top of the container, which leads to spillage as the contents fall away from the lid or top. While some of the falling powder may fall back into the interior of the container, much of it is wasted and contaminated as it spills onto the surrounding workspace. Additionally, prior containers do not offer adequate sealing of the contents after the container has been opened for the first time. This leads to the undesirable and inadvertent leaking or escape of the contents from various poorly sealed areas of the container.

When the user wishes to withdraw a portion of the product from the container, she must first dig around in the interior of the container with her fingers to find the scoop. This search and locate process contaminates the contents and soils the hands of the user, which can lead to more unwanted spillage as the powder-coated fingers and hands are removed from the interior of the container. Once located, the scoop is withdrawn so that it can be used, and the scoop is also coated with the contents. The bowl of the scoop is also caked or packed with the contents. As the coating of powder and the packed bowl of powder loosen during the removal process, more contents are contaminated and wasted as the coating falls away from the hands, fingers, and scoop, and as any powder caked in the bowl loosens and falls.

Additional problems have been experienced with scoops that are positioned in a more convenient location, perhaps against an interior or exterior wall. These additional problems include difficulty in grasping the scoop, which may be tightly fastened with adhesive against the wall and/or with a mechanical retainer or fastener that leaves very little clearance between the scoop and surrounding structure of the container for grasping the scoop. These undesirable configurations typically will require more than one free hand for removal and grasping of the scoop.

Once the scoop is located and gripped by the user, it can be used to withdraw and dispense the desired amount of product. Typically, the scoop is then placed back into the container and the lid is replaced to close the container. The next time the product is to be withdrawn from the container, the process of searching for the buried and powder-coated scoop is repeated. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,974 discusses the problem of storage of the scoop outside of the granular or powdered product.

Users have also found that it is difficult to remove the last bit of powder from the nearly empty container because the shape of the container includes tight and closed spaces that are inaccessible to the scoop, and which has other areas having a shape that is different than the shape of the scoop. As a result, a user must resort to inverting the container to completely empty the contents, which creates another instance of spillage and wasted contents.

Manufacturers of such containers have also experienced a number of challenges in fabricating the containers when using various types of optionally preferred thermo-forming and polymeric manufacturing processes and materials. In many prior art attempts to manufacture such containers, various thermo-molding processes are used. Those skilled in the relevant arts have long known about the difficulty in producing various types of packaging containers using thermo-formed polymeric materials.

Such materials are subject to many variables that adversely and unexpectedly result in product components being produced that can vary beyond acceptable dimensional tolerance limits, which results in the need to scrap defective containers and components of such container, and the need to produce replacements. Also, polymeric materials can render mis-shaped component profiles due to unexpected shrinkage and warping, and other thermo-forming anomalies that leave entire production runs of containers and components for containers destined for the scrap heap.

These types of manufacturing problems are especially pronounced in containers formed from assemblies that incorporate more than one component, such as where a top or lid and a collar assembly are fastened to a bottom part of the container. Problems in assembling such components can result if one or both of the components are out of tolerance or otherwise mis-shaped. Even where it is sometimes possible to assemble improperly dimensioned or mis-shaped components, most polymeric container configurations have long been in need of improved strength and rigidity characteristics to overcome such anomalies and to render such containers more durable for use in a wider array of environments.

Still other users experience problems with prior art containers that are inadequate for use in circumstances where the ambient air pressure external to the container changes drastically so as to create a significant pressure differential between the sealed interior space of the container and the external, ambient atmosphere. This situation is most apparent in situations where a manufacturer produces containers that are filled and sealed at a factory located at an altitude at or near sea level.

When such sea-level pressure containers are shipped to consumers located at higher altitudes or elevations, the container packaging will have a higher internal pressure, which creates a pressure differential that can be significant. If the pressure differential is large enough, the container may become distended making it difficult to stack and store, and may even experience a breach, leading to contaminated and wasted product. The opposite situation can occur when containers that are filled and sealed at a higher altitude are shipped to lower altitude users. Upon opening, ambient air can rush into the interior space of the container and contaminate the contents.

When a container having a pressure differential is opened, the contents may again spill due to the very rapid pressure equalization ejecting a cloud of powdered or other type of product contents. Attempts to overcome these disadvantages have included thicker walled containers, which increases weight and material costs, as well as round and cylindrical containers that may have higher hoop stress strength, but which are less efficient and convenient to stack and store on a shelf.

What has long been needed in the field of art is a container that addresses the many issues surrounding prior art containers, and which most importantly offers new and innovative ways to prevent and/or minimize contamination, spillage, and waste of product contained in such containers. A container has been sought that better enables access to the last bit of powder in a nearly empty container without the need to invert the container. It is also advantageous to create a container that enables more convenient access to a scoop for dispensing the powder. A container package that can be easily manipulated by one hand while leaving the other hand free for opening and dispensing is particularly needed for a variety of applications. A container that is easy to handle, grip, and to transport in quantity and to stack and store on a shelf has also been needed for a long time.

Many attempts have still fallen far short of creating a more durable container that incorporates improved rigidity and strength characteristics that can expand the range of acceptable dimensional tolerances and that can adapt to and more readily accommodate unexpected mis-shaped container component profiles. The field of art continues to have a need for a container that can better withstand pressure differentials without compromise of the container, and which can minimize the inconvenience of spillage and wasted product due to a rapidly expelled cloud of product if the container is opened while subjected to a pressure differential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many of the problems of the prior art are addressed with the innovative sealable containers of the invention, which enable previously unavailable features including improved sealing capabilities, new ways to control spillage of powdered contents, new integrated dispensing scoops, and strengthened containers that can protect against spillage and damage to product due to adverse pressure differentials between the sealed product container and the external environment. In one preferred configuration of the invention, a sealable container includes walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space. The walls can preferably have an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines a sealing flange that includes an internal edge, which defines an opening to the interior space of the container. The sealable container also incorporates a collar having an interior surface which fits around the container near the upper portion, which together define a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar.

The preferred sealable container also includes a removable lid that is pivotally or hingedly attached to the collar and which has an interior surface that, when the lid is in a closed position, covers and seals the opening of the interior space of the container. The lid preferably has a sealing wall that depends from the surface of the lid and projects toward the sealing flange of the collar, and which is dimensioned or sized to remain inward of the sealing flange when the lid is closed. In variations of any of the embodiments of the invention, the sealing wall of the lid can be used alone and in place of contemplated integral or flexible gaskets, and may also be used in combination therewith.

Even more preferably, the container includes in certain optionally preferred embodiments either an integrally formed gasket carried from the collar and/or a separately formed flexible gasket, either of which are preferably dimensioned to removably rest against the sealing flange. The gasket can be carried from a surface of the container such as the interior surface of the collar, the interior surface of the walls, or the sealing wall of the lid, as well as combinations thereof and wherein more than one gasket may be preferred for use. When the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are arranged and dimensioned so that the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior, which prevents the contents of the container from spilling into the subcollar space.

In variations of these embodiments, the sealable container may also incorporate a modified collar that includes a raised seat or similar feature that carries the gasket or to which the gasket is affixed. As with other versions of the invention, the raised seat is configured so that that gasket projects inwardly to bias against and to extend beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange, which also serves to control spillage of the contents of the container. More preferably, the gasket can be arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange when the lid is in an open position.

In additionally preferred and optional embodiments of the invention, the sealable container can also include a removable seal that is substantially impervious to air, water, and even light if desired. The impervious seal preferably extends across the opening to seal the interior space and attaches to the sealing flange. In variations where the flexible gasket is included, the impervious seal preferably is situated underneath the gasket, and the flexible gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter flexes back to rest against the sealing flange.

In most embodiments of the inventive container, the lid is rotatably, hingedly, and/or pivotally connected to the container with a live or mechanical hinge mounted between the lid and the collar so that the lid can move between open and closed positions. In certain preferred configurations of the invention, the novel sealable container is arranged wherein its walls form the container to have an approximately cuboid shape. However, the present invention is susceptible for use in cylindrical, rectilinear, obloid, and many other types of container packaging and for use with all kinds of containerized substances including fluids as well as powdered and granular materials.

Some modifications of the embodiments of the invention also contemplate inclusion of a removable scoop and a scoop holder that can be attached to the interior surface of the lid for holding a scoop. The most typical scoops have a bowl that is carried from a handle. The scoop holder of the invention is formed with a first bowl cover bracket and has a retainer that immobilizes the handle. A first projection is also included that extends from the interior surface of the lid and which has a handle holding notch that holds the handle away from the interior surface in a grasping position so that it is easy for a user to grasp and remove the scoop from the scoop holder.

In still other variations of any of the embodiments of the inventive sealable container, the sealing wall of the lid can be further modified to funnel inwardly toward a lower edge, either by a curved inwardly directed tapering of a lower edge of the sealing wall, or by a inwardly slanted or inclining tapering thereof, or by a combination thereof.

The new and novel sealable container also contemplates further modified lid arrangements that are compatible for use with any of the embodiments, modifications, and variations of the invention. Such lid configurations are directed at improving control of powdered contents, and the improvements preferably or optionally include the lid having a substantially domed central section that is dimensioned to be smaller than the sealing wall of the lid. More preferably, the substantially domed central section is joined to the lid by either the sealing wall or an angled wall, or both, wherein the angled wall tapers from the domed central section down to the interior surface of the lid at a point that is proximate to the sealing wall. The novel capability and benefits of the substantially domed central section are evident upon righting a disoriented container in that the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct any powder contents that may have accumulated within or become packed against the interior surface of the lid, down into the interior space of the container, which prevents entry into the subcollar space and other forms of spillage off of the lid upon opening the container. Preferably, the angled tapered wall can have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between about 10 and 75 degrees, and more preferably between about 25 and 45 degrees, and even more preferably about 30 degrees.

Many variations of possible domed lid configurations according to the principles of the invention are contemplated and can include, for purposes of example without limitation, the substantially domed central section extending to the sealing wall to define an area between approximately 20 percent and approximately 80 percent smaller than the entire area defined by the removable lid. Still other variations of the domed lid can be used with any of the inventive embodiments and include the substantially domed central section to project upwardly with a height dimension that is between approximately 10 percent and approximately 60 percent of a cumulative lid height dimension. In one embodiment, the domed area is dimensioned to contain a volume sufficient for storing a scoop, as described later.

As before and as described elsewhere herein, the innovative sealable container embodiments can be further modified to have the walls joining each other and joining a bottom surface of the container to define junctions that have a unique and/or predetermined or a particular cross-sectional geometry. In these variations of any of the embodiments of the invention, a modified scoop is incorporated for removing contents from the interior space of the container. The modified scoop includes a bowl that has a rim which is substantially congruent to the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface of the container.

This arrangement enables a user to conveniently remove all of the contents of the container, whether powder or fluid, without the need to invert the container, which can result in unwanted spillage. These variations contemplate the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface to include any one of a number of geometries including, for purposes of example without limitation, a right angle, multiple angles such as multiple obtuse angles, and curvilinear geometries including a circular geometry having a particular radius. For each of these respective geometries, the rim of the scoop bowl includes a portion that is substantially congruent to the respective geometry, and/or which is flexible and/or deformable upon use to be made congruent thereto.

The sealable container of the present invention also can include many different strength and rigidity improving features that can include the walls of the container having the upper portion defining on the exterior surfaces a plurality of interiorly projecting indentations or recesses that are spaced apart by strengthening or stabilizing bridges. The indentations preferably include a downwardly facing top surface or upper lug ledge. The collar is also modified to include a plurality of spaced apart flex clips or engagement lugs that are formed with retainer faces or upwardly facing surfaces. The flex clips preferably depend downwardly into the subcollar space and are positioned or juxtaposed to align with the plurality of indentations when the collar is fitted over the upper portion of receptacle of the container.

This arrangement enables the upwardly facing surfaces to engage the downwardly facing top surfaces whereby the flex clips hold the collar to the upper end of the container. The flex clips may also preferably incorporate one or more stiffeners that increase the strength and rigidity of the flex clips to optimize engagement strength. The stiffeners also serve to improve an alignment capability established by the flex clips, which effectively center and align the collar about the upper portion of the container as the collar is fitted onto the upper portion of the walls of the container.

Additionally preferred variations of the flex clip and indentation modification include the upwardly facing surfaces being dimensioned to be smaller than the downwardly facing surfaces of the indentations so that the collar and container can absorb dimensional tolerance errors and enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container even if they are not sized exactly as may be desired for a perfect fit. Further preferable modifications to the various embodiments of the inventive sealable container include at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to be formed from a substantially flexible material.

Using a flexible material such a polymeric material like polypropylene and/or polyethylene will enable at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to flex to absorb dimensional tolerance errors and enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container. Either of these innovative adaptations are suitable for use with all of the variations of the embodiments of the invention and can, as a result, also accommodate shape errors and mismatch between at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the walls, even when unexpectedly or undesirably misshaped collars and/or receptacles are encountered during manufacture and assembly.

In yet another particularly preferred and optional modification to the various embodiments of the invention described herein, the sealable container employs a modified collar having a substantially J-shaped and/or U-shaped, upside-down cross-section. In this variation, the J or U shaped cross section includes an outward projecting long wall, a substantially rounded, stiffening top portion, and an inward short wall that cooperate to define the subcollar space.

The invention is susceptible to still further optionally preferred variations wherein the container is strengthened by incorporating the plurality of indentations and the plurality of spaced apart fins or flex clips to be positioned in an oppositely paired relationship. In the application of a substantially cuboid container shape, the opposite pairing is established across opposite facing walls of the container, using generally 2-6 fins or clips per side. However paired, a force vector coupling is established between each of the pairs. This increases rigidity and structural stability and strength of the sealable container, and tends to absorb any tolerance mismatches when the collar is fitted onto the upper portion. Additionally, this particular arrangement of flex clips and indentations enables an aligning capability between the collar and the upper portion of the walls, which can be useful during assembly of the inventive sealable containers. The flex clips can be further strengthen by including at least one stiffening rib on one of more of the flex clips.

Still other contemplated modifications are suitable for use with all of the modifications, variations, adaptations already described, which include the bottom surface including pressure control features that can prevent deformation of the container, and which can also be adapted to enable controlled deformation to relieve stress on the container due to internal pressure being higher than an external ambient atmospheric pressure, which can occur when a sealed container is subjected to pressure changes due to altitude changes and/or other types of crushing forces that may be experienced during manufacture, filling with product, and during use and transit.

In this adaptation of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the bottom surface includes a pressure control portion that is otherwise referred to as a central raised stiffener portion, which contrary to the plain meaning of the word stiffener, may also incorporate a flexible and/or collapsible pressure relief section. An outer planar portion that is substantially flat for resting on a surface surrounds the central raised stiffener portion. The central raised stiffener portion preferably projects or is directed towards the interior space in a plurality of steps having riser and tread portions, the riser portions generally project in a direction substantially upward relative to the outer planar portion and the tread portions are approximately parallel to the outer planar portion. The plurality of these riser and tread steps further contemplate multiple variations.

In one version, the steps are stiffened by thickening in a cross-section to resist deformation due to pressure changes relative to the pressure inside the sealed container. In another complementary version that can be used alone or in combination with the stiffened variation, an accordion or bellowed type arrangement of the steps or series of steps are included, which flex or deform in response to pressure changes external to the sealable container so as to lessen the net pressure differential between the interior of the sealable container and the ambient outside pressure.

In still other variations of the embodiments of the invention, a sealable container includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. Each of the walls has a substantially rectangular shape. The rectangular shape of each wall enables the container to be stored easily on a shelf or counter-top. The top wall and portions of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall form a lid. The lid is pivotally attached to the rear wall by a hinge. The lid can be opened by rotation thereof about the hinge. The front wall has at least one recess and the rear wall has at least one recess. The at least one recess of the front wall and the at least one recess of the rear wall are adjacent to the first side wall. The recesses provide a grip feature, which enables the user to manipulate the lid of the container with one hand when the container rests on a flat surface, e.g., a tabletop or a counter top. The container is preferably made of a polymeric material.

The container provided herein is suitable for holding granular material or powdered material, the container having a scoop furnished therewith. The scoop has a handle and a bowl. The interior of the container is characterized by having corners that are congruent with the bowl of the scoop furnished with the container. The congruency of the bowl of the scoop with the corners of the container enables the user to remove the last bit of powder remaining in the container. A flexible seal can be applied to the interior of the container to provide a substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal for the granular material or powdered material.

The lid is furnished with a scoop holder, whereby the scoop can be stored outside the bulk of the contents of the container to enable easy, clean access to the contents of the container. The container can be opened and closed with a single hand.

These variations, modifications, and alterations of the various preferred and optional embodiments may be used either alone or in combination with one another and with the features and elements already known in the prior art and also herein described, which can be better understood by those with relevant skills in the art with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS AND VARIATIONS

As used herein, the expression “top wall” means the side of the container exclusive of the bottom wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall of the container. The term “lid” means a hinged cover for a hollow receptacle and is intended to include either an independently formed and removable lid and other variations that can include the lid alone, the lid and collar assembly, and other variations wherein the lid and/or collar are formed from the top wall of the container plus the upper portion of the first side wall, the upper portion of the second side wall, the upper portion of the front wall, and the upper portion of the rear wall of the container. As used herein, the term “bracket” means a wall-anchored fixture adapted to support a load.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2, and5-9, a container10includes a top wall12, a bottom wall14with an interior bottom surface14a, a front wall16, a rear wall18, a first side wall20, a second side wall22. The front wall16comprises an interior major surface16a, an exterior major surface16b, an upper portion16d, and a lower portion16e. The rear wall18comprises an interior major surface18a, an exterior major surface18b, an upper portion18d, and a lower portion18e. The first side wall20comprises an interior major surface20a, an exterior major surface20b, an upper portion20d, and a lower portion20e. The second side wall22comprises an interior major surface22a, an exterior major surface22b, an upper portion22d, and a lower portion22e.

Although the container10and the later described variations and modifications thereto are illustrated in the various descriptions and figures to be substantially cuboid, a cuboid shape is depicted only because such a shape is sometimes found by those skilled in the relevant arts to be the more challenging type of container to describe, manufacture, and to use. However, the present invention is susceptible for use with all shapes and sizes of containers including cylindrical, obloid, rectilinear, and other shapes, and for use with containers adapted for fluids as well as for the powdered materials and/or product described most often herein. Furthermore, each of the optional and preferred embodiments of the invention contemplate interchangeability with all of the various features, components, modifications, and variations illustrated throughout the written description and pictorial illustrations.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1,2, and4, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an assembly of a lid and a collar of the container10, which are discussed here and in the context of other variations elsewhere herein, is formed from and/or includes a part of the top wall12and the upper portion16dof the front wall16, the upper portion18dof the rear wall18, the upper portion20dof the first side wall20, and the upper portion22dof the second side wall22. The lid and the collar variations contemplated here may be formed integrally with the walls, may be formed as an integral lid and collar assembly and/or combination, and may also be provided as a separate lid and a separate collar that can be joined with a hinge or another type of pivotally and/or removable device or connection to one or more portions of the walls. As will be described in more detail below, the lid and collar arrangements can be attached and assembled to the inventive containers in a variety of ways including clips, friction-fit configurations, and using other equally desirable and optional components and methods.

The lid is also described in more detail below in connection with the various embodiments of the invention and will hereinafter be referred to by the reference characters “L” and “D” (seeFIGS. 1,2,4, and29-31) to refer to the various embodiments and variations thereof. Focusing initially on the lid “L” of the version illustrated inFIGS. 1,2, and4, lid “L” has an interior surface, which will hereinafter be referred to by the reference character “Li”. The lid also has an exterior surface, which will hereinafter be designated by the reference character “Le”. A hinge24attaches the lid “L” to the rear wall18.

The front wall16has a recess26apositioned to facilitate gripping of the container10by the left thumb of the user. The rear wall18also has a recess26bpositioned to facilitate gripping of the container10by the fingers of the left hand of the user. The recess26acan further have an additional recess27ato indicate the precise location in the recess26afor the placement of the thumb of the user. The recess27ais smaller in area than the recess26a. The recess27ais preferably circular in shape, but other shapes are also acceptable. The recess26bcan further have an additional recess27bto indicate the precise location in the recess26bfor the placement of the desired finger of the user. The recess27bis smaller in area than the recess26b. The recess27bis preferably circular in shape, but other shapes are also acceptable. The recesses26aand26bare positioned adjacent to the first side wall20of the container10.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the recesses26a,27a,26b, and27bcan be positioned to facilitate gripping of the container10by the right thumb of the user and by the fingers of the right hand of the user. In this alternative embodiment, the recesses would be positioned adjacent to the second side wall22of the container10.

In still another alternative (not shown), the front wall16can have two recesses and the rear wall18can have two recesses, one recess on the front wall16and one recess on the rear wall18positioned to facilitate gripping of the container10by the left thumb and the fingers of the left hand of the user and one recess on the front wall16and one recess on the rear wall18positioned to facilitate gripping of the container10by the right thumb and the fingers of the right hand of the user. In this embodiment, pairs of recesses would be positioned adjacent to both the first side wall20and the second side wall22.

The hinge24prevents the lid “L” from descending when the product is being accessed by the user, which would cause a nearly empty container to tip over. The hinge24can be a living hinge or a conventional mechanical hinge. A living hinge is a thin flexible web of material that joins two rigid bodies together. In this case, the living hinge connects two segments of an object, i.e., the lid “L” and the rear wall18of the container10, to keep the segments together and allow the object to be opened and closed.

The material used to make a living hinge is preferably a very flexible polymeric material, such as, for example, polypropylene and polyethylene. Living hinges can be flexed numerous times without failure. Living hinges are described in more detail at http://www.efunda.com/designstandards/plastic_design/hinge.cfm, Nov. 6, 2006, pages 1-3 and at http://engr.bd.psu.edu/pkoch/plasticdesign/living_hinge.htm, Nov. 6, 2006, pages 1-8.

Conventional mechanical hinges include, but are not limited to, hinge assemblies comprising a first panel having two or more sockets mounted on an edge thereof and a second panel having two or more pins mounted on an edge thereof, the aforementioned pins mating with the aforementioned sockets to join the edge of the first panel to the edge of the second panel, the pins and the sockets allowing rotation of the first panel about the second panel. Conventional mechanical hinges are described in more detail in http://www.hardwaresource.com/index.asp, see “other hinges”, Dec. 26, 2006.

The hinge24is designed in such a manner that when the lid “L” of the container10is opened to enable the user to obtain access to the contents of the container10, the lid “L” will not fall forward to the closed position. Further, the lid “L” will not fall too far backward beyond the open position desired, which would cause a container10, when nearly empty, to tip over onto the rear wall18. Another type of equally suitable mechanical hinge can be seen with reference toFIGS. 16-21,24, and29-31, among other figures and description discussed elsewhere herein.

The top wall12, the bottom wall14, the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22enclose a hollow interior space “H” (FIGS. 5,9) into which a product can be inserted. While the hollow interior space “H” can hold any solid or liquid product, the particular product for which the container10is designed is typically a flowable solid material, such as, for example, a powdered product and/or a granular product. Representative examples of such a powdered product or granular product include, but are not limited to, infant formula, flour, coffee, and sugar.

Referring now toFIGS. 13,14,20,23, and26, a substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28is attached to the interior major surfaces16a,18a,20a,22aof the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively. Optionally, the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can also be impervious to light. A pull-tab28aon the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can be used to facilitate removal of the seal28by the user.

The substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can be formed from a sheet of material substantially impervious to oxygen, moisture, and light. A material suitable for use in preparing the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can be a sheet of foil, such as, for example, aluminum foil, or a foil made of some other metallic material, or a combination of a layer of materials that can include a metallic, a polymeric, and other material layers.

In one embodiment, the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28be applied at a position near the edges of the upper portion16dof the front wall16, the upper portion18dof the rear wall18, the upper portion20dof the first side wall20, and the upper portion22dof the second side wall22on the interior major surfaces16a,18a,20a,22a, of the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10. The substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can be removed by pulling the pull-tab28aof the seal28and removing the seal28from the positions of attachment to the interior major surfaces16a,18a,20a,22a, of the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10.

Referring now toFIGS. 13,15,30-31,35, and36, attached to the interior surface “Li” of the lid “L” (and an interior surface “Di” of later described lid “D”) is a scoop holder30. The scoop holder30comprises a first bracket30aand a second bracket30b. The scoop holder30is capable of retaining a scoop32in such a position so as to be separated from the product. The scoop32comprises a handle34attached to a bowl36wherein the handle may incorporate a stiffener34b(FIGS. 330,32-33). Other variations of equally preferred and optionally desirable scoops30are discussed below and can be seen with reference toFIGS. 30,32, and33, and in other places elsewhere herein.

The scoop32is positioned in the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bin such a manner that the user is induced to remove the scoop32by the handle34, rather than by the bowl36. Furthermore, the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bare positioned so that the scoop32is held by the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bin such a manner as to prevent the powdered product or granular product from entering the bowl36of the scoop32.

As discussed elsewhere, this feature is of particular benefit to users of the containers of the invention in view of the fact that such containers are subjected to unpredictable amounts of jostling, shaking, upside-down or inverted shipment by truck, car, and mail carrier, and impacts during manufacture, distribution, and daily use by consumers. Such a container is possibly subject to a higher level of abuse in environments involving children and child care, such as where a parent carries a powdered product in a container such as those described herein in an automobile and/or in a heavily-used diaper bag, both of which can experience the ravaging abuse of curious children at play.

The first bracket30aof the scoop holder30covers the opening in the bowl36of the scoop32, thereby preventing the product in the container from entering the bowl36of the scoop32, which could lead to scattering product outside of the container upon removal of the scoop32from the scoop holder30. The bowl36of the scoop32does not interfere with substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28when the scoop32is positioned in the scoop holder30.

The scoop holder30is positioned in such a manner that the handle34of the scoop32is prevented from contacting the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28positioned over the contents of the container, thereby protecting the integrity of the seal28. In addition, the scoop holder30prevents the handle34from being dislodged and maintains the position of the scoop32during shipping and storage.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 15, the scoop32can be inserted into the scoop holder30by sliding the bowl36of the scoop32into the opening30cbetween the first bracket30aand the second bracket30b. When inserted into the scoop holder30, the scoop32is retained by the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bby means of a friction fit.

The scoop32can be attached to the lid “L” by aligning the bowl36of the scoop32with the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bof the scoop holder30and sliding the bowl36of the scoop32against the first bracket30aand the second bracket30bof the scoop holder30, thereby generating a friction fit between the bowl36of the scoop32and the scoop holder30.

An optional, but desirable, feature of the lid “L” is a restraint38for preventing the handle34of the scoop32from rotating if the connection (i.e., the friction fit) between the scoop holder30and the bowl36of the scoop32loosens sufficiently to allow the bowl36of the scoop32to rotate in the scoop holder30, thereby allowing the handle34of the scoop32to contact the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28and possibly puncture the seal28.

As shown inFIGS. 13,15, and30-31, the aforementioned restraint38comprises a first projection40rising upwardly from the interior surface “Li” of the lid “L” and having a notch42at one end thereof for receiving an edge34aof the handle34of the scoop32. The aforementioned restraint38further comprises a second projection44positioned between the scoop holder30and the first projection40and rising upwardly from the interior surface “Li” of the lid “L”. The second projection44, which is of greater length than the first projection40, has a keeper46formed at one end thereof to prevent the handle34of the scoop32from moving downwardly toward the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28if the bowl36of the scoop32rotates in the scoop holder30.

The first projection40need not exhibit any level of flexibility, but the second projection44should be sufficiently flexible that it can be moved sufficiently by the handle34of the scoop32when the scoop32is being returned to the scoop holder30and the restraint38. As can be understood with continued reference toFIGS. 15,30, and31, the upwardly rising first projection40cooperates with the second projection and restraint44to releasably capture and hold the handle34of the scoop32at a distance above the interior surface “Li” of the lid “L” (and, the interior surface “Di” of the alternative lid “D”). In this way, the user can easily grasp the handle34because a grasping position is maintained to enable convenient removal by a user, which is illustrating inFIGS. 15,30, and31, among other places. The handle is maintained at a stand-off distance in the grasp position, which is established by the height of first projection40between the handle34and the interior surfaces “Li” and “Di”.

The bowl36of the scoop32has a rim36awith a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to be congruent with the junctions or corners50a,50b,50c, and50d, formed by the junctions between the front wall16and the first side wall20and the bottom wall14, the front wall16and the second side wall22and the bottom wall14, the rear wall18and the first side wall20and the bottom wall14, and the rear wall18and the second side wall22and the bottom wall14, respectively. The corners or junctions50a,50b,50c, and50dare shown inFIG. 9and are also evident from the exterior views ofFIGS. 1,2, and5-8. The shape of the corners50a,50b,50c, and50dand the shape of the rim36aof the bowl36of the scoop32enable the maximum quantity of product to be removed from the container10by the scoop32, without having to invert or to turn the container10over to pour out the product.

As shown inFIG. 9, the corners50a,50b,50c, and50dhave a particular cross-sectional geometry and are preferably rounded, and are more preferably formed with the radius of each corner50a,50b,50c, and50dbeing approximately equal to the radius of the rim36aof the bowl36of the scoop32. In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 32, corner50f), the corners can have other shapes, e.g., the corners50a,50b,50c, and50dand the corners or junctions between the bottom wall14and the walls16,18,20, and22can meet to form right angles. The rim36aof the bowl36can be formed with a portion of the rim having a right angle (see, e.g.,FIGS. 32 & 33) that is generally congruent to that of the contemplated right angles of the corners or junctions between the walls16,18,20, and22themselves and between the bottom wall14and the walls16,18,20, and22.

In still another embodiment (see exemplary scoop variation inFIG. 33), the corners50a,50b,50c, and50dcan have three sides, with two 120° angles forming each corner. In these alternative embodiments, the bowl36of the scoop32would have a shape and/or a rim portion36c(FIG. 33) that would be congruent with the shape of each corner50a,50b,50c, and50d. See also, for example, the analogous variation of a right angle scoop rim and wall junction illustrated inFIG. 32. In further optional or preferred arrangements, the walls16,18,20,22join the bottom wall14to also have the particular cross-section geometry and are also more preferably rounded, and are even more preferably formed with radius similar to that of each corner50a,50b,50c,50dto be approximately equal to the radius and/or to have a shape congruent to that of the bowl36of the scoop32. In any of these illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art may comprehend from the discussion elsewhere herein that the material used to form the container10and the scoop32and/or the bowl36of the scoop may be of a flexible polymeric material that can enable the rim36aof the bowl36to flex and/or to deform either a small or a more generous amount. In this way the cross-sectional geometry of the rim36acan, during use, be biased against the junctions or corners in a way whereby the rim36amore readily conforms to the particular cross-sectional geometry to maximize the ease of removal of the contents from the hollow interior space “H”. InFIGS. 32 and 33examples of congruently shaped bowls36are shown. InFIG. 32, the rim has a portion36barranged to have a right angle that can conform to and be congruent with a corner50fof a container having a similar right angled wall junction. InFIG. 33, the rim has a multi-angled rim36cwherein multiple obtuse angles are formed to be congruent with a similarly shaped wall junction (not shown, but similar in concept to wall junction50fofFIG. 32).

The shape of the bottom wall14of the container10and the shape of the top wall12of the container10can be designed to enable a plurality of containers10to be stacked, one upon another, such as, for example, on a shelf in a grocery store. It is preferred that the shape of the perimeter of the bottom wall14of the container10be substantially similar to the shape of the perimeter of the top wall12of the container10. The top wall12can be flat or contoured and the bottom wall14can be flat or contoured. Generally, if the top wall12is contoured, the bottom wall14must also be contoured in such a manner as to be substantially congruent with the top wall12, so that a plurality of containers10can be stacked one on top of another.

However, so long as the lid “L” is flat, the containers10will be stackable even if the bottom wall14of the container10is not flat, provided that the bottom wall14of the container10is designed so that the top wall12of the container10remains in a horizontal orientation relative to a horizontal shelf. InFIGS. 1,2,4,10-12, and inFIGS. 16,19,30-31, and34-36, it can be seen that the top wall12(or also top wall212) of the container10(or the container210) is convex in shape. Accordingly, for the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom wall14of the container10is preferably concave in shape, so that a plurality of containers10can be stacked one upon another.

The rectangular shape of the container10, in combination with the recesses26aand26bfor gripping, enables the user to hold the container10with one hand, while using the scoop32with the other hand. The shape of the container10enables ease of access to the product during the act of removing the product from the container10by means of the scoop32.

The shape of the container10enables the lid “L” to be securely fitted to the upper portions16d,18d,20d, and22d, of the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,4, and11, (and toFIGS. 16 and 19for illustrations of later discussed embodiments and variations thereto) a container-locking feature52associated with the lid “L” and the front wall16enables the lid “L” to be securely, and robustly fitted to the edges of the upper portions16d,18d,20d, and22d, of the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10over a range of the dimensional tolerances of the container10. The container-locking feature52comprises a latch54having a tab or flap56, a first edge58aand a second edge58b.

A first bridge60aand a second bridge60bproject from the first edge58aand the second edge58bof the latch54, respectively. The first bridge60acomprises a small stem62aat one end of which is a knob62b; the second bridge60bcomprises a small stem64aat one end of which is a knob64b. The knobs62band64band portions of the small stems62aand64afit into small recesses (not shown) in the exterior surface “Le” of the lid “L”, which small recesses are congruent with the bridges60aand60b, and are prevented from being removed from the recesses (not shown) by friction, until the latch54is opened for the first time. The function of the bridges60aand60bis to indicate any tampering with the latch54. Referring now toFIG. 11, the tab or flap56of the latch54is attached to the front wall16by a hinge68, typically a living hinge, which connects the tab or flap56to an element70projecting from the exterior major surface16bof the front wall16.

When the latch54is in a non-tampered state, the first bridge60aand the second bridge60bretain their integrity. Prior to being used, the tab or flap56is maintained in a closed position by gripping a keeper72, which is formed into a recessed portion74of the exterior major surface16bof the front wall16. When the latch54is opened by rotating the tab or flap56from its initial unopened position to a second position away from the keeper72, the pull force breaks the small stems62aand64a, thereby allowing the lid “L” of the container10to be lifted upwardly so that the lid “L” can rotated about the hinge24(seeFIG. 2) to enable the user to obtain access to the interior of the container10.

If the user finds that extremely little pulling force is required to break the small stems62aand64aof the bridges60aand60b, respectively, the consumer will suspect that tampering with the latch54has taken place. After the small stems62aand64aare broken, the knobs62band64bhelp to retain the remaining portions of the broken bridges60aand60bin the recesses in the exterior surface “Le” of the lid “L”. In order to close the lid “L” of the container10after a given use, the lid “L” is rotated downwardly so that the edges of the lid “L” come into contact with the edges of the upper portions16d,18d,20d, and22dof the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10, whereupon the tab or flap56of the latch54can grip the keeper72to maintain the container10in a closed position until the user desires to open the container10at a later time. Even more preferably, the latch54engages and disengages with a click that can be perceived both by tactile as well as auditory feedback, which give the user additional cues regarding the open or closed state of the lid “L” and the contained10.

As shown inFIGS. 1 & 16, a tamper-indicating seal76can be adhered to the front or another place on the container to present evidence of tampering, damage, or other circumstance. InFIG. 1, the tamper seal76is affixed to wall16and the lid “L” of the container10to provide a visual indication as to whether the container10has been opened prior to being sold. In one embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal76comprises a backing76aadhered to a layer of adhesive (not shown). The backing76acan be a sheet of tearable paper or tearable polymeric material. The adhesive can be a moderately to highly aggressive adhesive. The tamper seal76can be positioned in a number of equally effective locations, including for purposes of example without limitation, across the interface between the lids and walls as well as in appropriate locations across the contemplated assemblies of collars and lids.

It is preferred that a score line or a line of perforations be present in the backing76aof the tamper-indicating seal76at the line where the lid “L” meets the upper portion16dof the front wall16of the container10. An attempt the open the container10will result in tearing the backing76aalong the score line or the line of perforation, thereby indicating visually an unauthorized attempt to open or an actual opening of the container10.

The dimensions of the container10and the components thereof are not critical. However, for the purpose of illustration, typical dimensions of the various components can be as follows:

There are numerous methods of making the container10described herein. However, in order to facilitate mass production of containers having a variety of volumes, the container10can be assembled in a variety of equally suitable ways and by using any of a number of effective and optionally preferred mechanisms. For purposes of illustration without limitation, the exemplary configurations shown here contemplate friction-fit, clip, and similar types of lid-collar-container assembly devices. Such examples can be seen in the various figures including inFIGS. 4-8, and later in other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention depicted inFIGS. 16-28.

Referring now toFIGS. 4,5,6,7, and8, a tub-shaped receptacle80comprising the bottom wall14, the lower portion16eof the front wall16, the lower portion18eof the rear wall18, the lower portion20eof the first side wall20, and the lower portion22eof the second side wall22can be provided by a supplier. The lower portion16eof the front wall16, the lower portion18eof the rear wall18, the lower portion20eof the first side wall20, and the lower portion22eof the second side wall22typically comprise about from about 60% to about 90% of the height of the aforementioned front wall16, rear wall18first side wall20, and second side wall22, respectively.

An assembly82comprising a collar84and the lid “L” (alternatively referred to herein as “collar/lid assembly82”) can be provided by a supplier. The collar/lid assembly82comprises the top wall12, the upper portion16dof the front wall16, the upper portion18dof the rear wall18, the upper portion20dof the first side wall20, and the upper portion22dof the second side wall22. The upper portion16dof the front wall16, the upper portion18dof the rear wall18, the upper portion20dof the first side wall20, and the upper portion22dof the second side wall22typically comprise from about 10% to about 40% of the height of the front wall16, rear wall18first side wall20, and second side wall22, respectively.

The ratios for the lower portion16eof the front wall16, the lower portion18eof the rear wall18, the lower portion20eof the first side wall20, and the lower portion22eof the second side wall22and the ratios for the upper portion16dof the front wall16, the upper portion18dof the rear wall18, the upper portion20dof the first side wall20, and the upper portion22dof the second side wall22primarily depend upon the volume of the container10, which in turn depends upon the volume of the tub-shaped receptacle80. The size of the assembly82of the collar and lid essentially remains constant, but the volume of the tub-shaped receptacle80varies to provide containers of various volumes.

Various attachment methods for combining the collar and lid assembly with the receptacle are contemplated by the invention, and combinations and variations may be found to be equally suitable and can be interchanged as needed as can be better understood with reference toFIGS. 3-4,10-13, and16-36. Referring first toFIGS. 3-4and10-13, those skilled in the art will see that in one variation of the preferred embodiments of the invention, each corner84a,84b,84c, and84dof the collar84has at least one guide fin86a, and preferably two guide fins86a,86b, to properly align the collar84with the tub-shaped receptacle80. The tub-shaped receptacle80is made up of the bottom wall14and those portions of the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22that are not made up of the upper portions16d,18d,20d, and22dof the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, which upper portions16d,18d,20d, and22dmake up the collar84.

The collar84is joined to the tub-shaped receptacle80by aligning the guide fins86a,86bin each corner84a,84b,84c, and84dof the collar84with the corners80a,80b,80c, and80dlocated at a sealing flange or rim88of the tub-shaped receptacle80and press-fitting the collar84to the tub-shaped receptacle80. The sealing flange or rim88terminates in an internal edge89that defines an opening to the hollow interior space “H”.

The guide fins86a,86bin each corner84a,84b,84c, and84dof the collar84snugly fit into a groove90running around the exterior periphery of the tub-shaped receptacle80. After the collar84is joined to the tub-shaped receptacle80, the tamper-indicating seal76is applied to the front wall16and the lid “L” of the container10. The later described interlocking and lid, collar, receptacle combining features illustrated inFIGS. 16-29are also contemplated for use in the instant embodiments and modifications thereto. The instant described attachment features are similarly susceptible for use with the later described embodiments discussed below.

The position of the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28inside of the container10is a matter of choice. In one embodiment, the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28can be applied directly to the sealing flange or rim88, which is an attach surface running around the periphery of the tub-shaped receptacle80by means of an adhesive, typically a heat-sealable adhesive. SeeFIGS. 14,20,23, and26. In another embodiment, the seal28can be applied to the interior walls16a,18a,20a, and22aof the front wall16, the rear wall18, the first side wall20, and the second side wall22, respectively, of the container10at a position lower than the rim88running around the periphery of the tub-shaped receptacle80of the container10, such as, for example, at a point approximately midway or lower on the groove90that runs around the periphery of the tub-shaped receptacle80. This embodiment may call for custom attaching equipment, but may be desirable because movement of granular product into cracks and fissures between the tub-shaped receptacle80and the collar84can be reduced.

The use of a living hinge or a mechanical hinge for pivotally and/or hingedly joining the lid “L” to the collar84is also a matter of choice. Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment employing a mechanical hinge100(seeFIG. 3and alsoFIGS. 16-19,24, and29-31), pins can be molded into projections102a,102b, respectively, rising upwardly from the upper rear edge104of the collar84. These projections102a,102bcan be molded so as to be flush with the exterior surface of the collar84.FIG. 3shows the projection102ain greater detail. The projection102ahas a pin106aformed thereon by molding. The projection102balso has a pin formed thereon by molding.

While the pin on the projection102bis not shown, it is the mirror image of the pin106a. Sockets can be formed in the lid “L” to receive and retain the pins of the projections102a,102b.FIG. 3shows the socket108afor receiving the pin106a. While the socket for receiving the pin of the projection102bis not shown, it is the mirror image of the socket108a. The lid “L” can be molded in such a manner that the sockets are not visible from the exterior of the container10. In addition, the lid “L” can be molded in such a manner that recesses110a,110bare provided therein so that the pin-bearing projections102a,102bcan be flush with the exterior surface of the lid “L”.

In addition, the shape of the rear edge112of the lid “L” and the shape of the upper rear edge104of the collar84can be designed in such a manner that when the lid “L” is fully opened, the lid “L” will be supported by the upper rear edge104of the collar84at a specified angle, such as, for example, 120°, so that the user can obtain access to the contents of the container10without being restricted by the presence of the lid “L”. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 2, two projections, each projection bearing a pin, and two sockets can be used.

Any and all of the preceding preferred embodiments and the modifications and variations thereof may be incorporated in whole or in part to many additionally contemplated configurations of the container10. Similarly, the many next to be discussed adaptations, variations, and modifications, are contemplated for use with all of the preceding embodiments, alone, in part, and in combination. With continued reference toFIGS. 1-15, and referring now also toFIGS. 16 through 22, another configuration of a sealing container according to the invention is shown and identified generally by reference numeral210, which is also susceptible for use and to incorporate any or all of the previously described features, components, and modifications and variations of the invention.

As with other embodiments, the sealing container210includes a top wall212, a bottom wall214, a front wall216, a rear wall218, a first side wall220, and a second side wall222, which together define an interior space “I”. Similar to other embodiments of the invention, the walls are defined with interior and exterior surfaces and upper and lower portions. The front wall216includes an interior surface216a, an exterior surface216b, an upper portion216d, and a lower portion216e. The rear wall218has an interior surface218a, an exterior surface218b, an upper portion218d, and a lower portion218e. The first side wall220defines an interior surface220a, an exterior surface220b, an upper portion220d, and a lower portion220e. The second side wall222includes an interior surface222a, an exterior surface222b, an upper portion222d, and a lower portion222e.

With reference now also toFIGS. 29-31and34-36, it may be understood that a lid of the container210may be a separate component, part of an assembly, and may also include and be formed as a part of the top wall212and the upper portion216dof the front wall216, the upper portion218dof the rear wall218, the upper portion220dof the first side wall220, and the upper portion222dof the second side wall222.

An alternative configuration of the lid depicted here is referred to generally by reference character “D”. The lid “D” has an interior surface, which will hereinafter be referred to by the reference character “Di” (FIGS. 30-31). The lid also has an exterior surface, which will hereinafter be designated by the reference character “De”. The lid “D” may also be shaped to cooperate with the features of the bottom wall214to enable stacking of the containers210as described in earlier descriptions of the embodiments of the invention. As contemplated for use with this and the other previously and later described embodiments of the invention, the lid “D” is shown as a separate component that is hingedly, rotatably, and/or pivotally connect to the containers of the invention. Even more preferably, the lid “D” may be connected to the later described collar for incorporation into the variations of the embodiments of the invention.

An alternative hinge224may attach the lid “D” to the upper portion218dof the rear wall218. While any of the previously described hinges may be incorporated in the embodiment contemplated by sealing container210, the modified mechanical hinge224as shown in the various figures may be incorporated to replace or work in combination with any of the preceding hinges.

The modified variations of the sealing container210may also incorporate gripping features such as those previously described and as shown inFIGS. 16-19and21, wherein the front wall216has a recess226aarranged to enable grasping or gripping of the container210by a left thumb of the user. The rear wall218also has a recess226bpositioned to facilitate gripping of the container210by the fingers of the left hand of the user. The recess226acan further have an additional recess227ato indicate the precise location in the recess26afor the placement of the thumb of the user. The recess227ais smaller in area than the recess226a. The recess227ais preferably circular in shape, but other shapes are also acceptable. The recess226bcan further have an additional recess227bto indicate the precise location in the recess226bfor the placement of the desired finger of the user. The recess227bis smaller in area than the recess226b. The recess227bis preferably circular in shape, but other shapes are also acceptable. InFIGS. 16-19, the recesses226aand226bare positioned adjacent to the first side wall220of the container210. However, variations (not shown) will incorporate the recesses to be complemented by additional and/or replacement recesses proximate the opposite second side222.

With reference now also toFIGS. 13,20-21,23, and26, the substantially moisture-impervious, oxygen-impervious seal28having a pull tab28ais affixed to a position proximate to edges of the upper portions216d,218d,220d,222dof the walls216,218,220,222as explained in connection with previously described variations of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring now toFIGS. 30-33, attached to the interior surface “Di” of the lid “D” is the previously described scoop holder30and scoop32. A variation to earlier embodiments of the scoop32includes a stiffened handle34having a stiffener34bintegrally formed thereon. Additionally, the first bracket bowl cover30aof the holder30may be projected outward to a predetermined maximum dimension whereby multiple scoops32having different volumes of bowl36can be incorporated to maximize convenience when dispensing different volumes of the contents of the containers10,210.

In another preferred or optional variation to any of the preceding embodiments, and with reference toFIGS. 16-19,20-22, and26, the container210may be formed from a tub-shaped receptacle280similar in construction to earlier described embodiments but may also incorporate upper portions16d,18d,20d,22dof walls16,18,20,22having an upper end282. The upper end282defines a sealing flange284having an internal edge286that defines an opening to the interior space “I”.

In further preferred arrangements, the impervious seal28is seated around the upper end282to close and seal the opening and is removably affixed to the sealing flange284. To improve accuracy and convenience during assembly and placement of the impervious seal28on the sealing flange284, an optional snap bead288(FIGS. 23 & 26) may be formed on the upper end282below the sealing flange.

Such a snap bead288can be used as a shelf and/or seat that contacts the edges of the unattached impervious seal around the periphery of the container to keep the impervious seal28in place and centered so that it can be attached with adhesive, heat sealing, or another means.

In the past, many containers were improperly sealed due to incorrect placement of the seal before an adhesion step glues, melts, or otherwise affixes the impervious seal28to the sealing flange284. Additional variations of any of the embodiments of the invention may also include assembly improving features such as one or more engagement recesses or indentations290defined laterally separated by strengthening bridges292, a lower seat rib294, and an upper lug ledge or downwardly facing top surface296.

The spaced apart bridge292arrangement imparts improved strength and rigidity capabilities to the upper end282of the receptacle280, which, in turn, improves the crippling strength of the container and the rigidity of the upper end282when the collar300is fitted together with the receptacle280. Further preferred or optional variations to any of the preceding embodiments may include a modified collar300that can be best illustrated with specific reference toFIGS. 16-21,24,-28. The collar300may be formed with a substantially J-shaped and/or U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. With reference to the various figures, it can be seen that the exemplary collar300has an upside-down U-shape and/or J-shape.

The collar300includes an exteriorly or outwardly facing long wall302that extends upward to join a substantially rounded portion304that may have an increased thickness if needed for stiffening the collar300. The small relative radius of the J-shaped section shown in the illustrations enables excellent stress distribution and force load path communication by way of a higher cross-sectional moment of inertia, which results in a stiffened and stronger collar. The long wall302also forms a part of the upper portions216d,218d,220d,222dof the walls216,218,220,222.

The rounded portion304extends further and downwardly to form an interiorly or inwardly facing short wall306. More preferably, the rounded portion304will be formed to have a lip seat305that enables alignment and improved engagement of the outermost edge348of lid “D” when it is closed onto the collar300. See, for example,FIGS. 25-26.

The collar may also preferably incorporate engagement lugs or flex clips310that are laterally spaced apart to correspond to the lateral spacing of the indentations290. The flex clips310will incorporate an upwardly facing surface and/or a retainer face312and may also optionally include a stiffening rib314. During assembly, the collar300will be centered and aligned by the flex clips310and thus arranged to fit on, overcap, and/or be installed upon the upper end282of the tub-shaped receptacle280so that the flex clips310will bend outwardly slightly as the collar300descends over the upper end282.

Once the flex clips310are moved into a juxtaposition relationship with the indentations290, the flex clips310return to the nominal orientation and snap into position so that the retainer faces312contact the downwardly facing top surfaces296to interlock the collar300onto the receptacle280. In this way, the collar300is captured and in a friction-fit and flex clip310engaged relationship with the tub-shaped receptacle280. A bottom end303(FIG. 26) of the outwardly facing long wall302will generally come into contact with and rest against the lower seat rib294of the receptacle280, which in combination with the other features of the invention enables increased strength and rigidity.

The laterally spaced apart indentations290and bridges292establish a well-distributed load interface between the collar300and the receptacle280having good rigidity properties when subjected to nominal applications. Additionally, the laterally spaced apart bridges292have been found to greatly improve the crippling strength of the assembled collar310and receptacle280combination. These features combine with the capture and retain capability of the flex clips310to hold the collar300to the upper portion or upper end282of the container210and thereby laterally stabilize the collar300so that the collar300remains in a substantially fixed position relative to the container opening.

In additionally preferred and optional modifications to any of the embodiments of the invention, the plurality of indentations292and the plurality of spaced apart flex clips310are further positioned to be oppositely paired across the receptacle280to establish force load coupling between the pairs to increase rigidity and structural stability of the sealable containers10,210when the collar300is fitted onto the upper end or portion282. This opposite or confronted pairing establishes a series of coupled moment arm vectors having a distance equal to the diameter, width, and/or depth dimension of the container, which greatly improves load distribution across the container10,210and increase the structural stability thereof.

Furthermore, it has been found that these novel features have resulted in an unexpected configuration that overcomes otherwise unacceptable tolerance anomalies and part mismatch between the collar300and the upper portion or upper end282of the receptacle280, which greatly reduces rejected parts and which significantly lowers manufacturing costs. More specifically, it is optionally preferred to incorporate the upwardly facing surfaces or retainer lugs312to be dimensionally smaller than the downwardly facing surfaces or upper lug ledges296of the receptacle280.

In one aspect, this dimensional arrangement can enable the retainer lugs or upwardly facing surfaces312to move within the engagement recesses or indentations290and about the upper lug ledges or downwardly facing surfaces296. This can enable the combination of these components to absorb dimensional tolerance errors and enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container. Even more preferably, at least one of the collar300and the upper end or portion of the walls282are formed from a substantially flexible material such as a polymeric material like polyethylene or polypropylene to enable at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to flex.

Flexibility enables absorption of dimensional tolerance errors, which enables the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container. Also, this can enable at least one of the collar300and the upper portion or end282of the walls to flex to accommodate shape mismatch between at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the walls.

When assembled, the collar310and the upper end282of the receptacle280form a subcollar space320(FIG. 26). In other optionally preferred arrangements of the collar300, a raised seat325may be formed on the inwardly facing short wall306to establish a greater thickness of the short wall306for applications where other elements may be attached to the short wall. In one particularly preferred optional embodiment, a flexible, polymeric gasket or seal330may be affixed to the short wall306, and more preferably may be attached to the raised seat325. Even more preferably, the flexible gasket330may be either affixed by adhesive to the short wall306and/or the raised step325, or may be directly injection molded onto the short wall306and/or the raised step325.

In this particular example, the raised seat325may be also thermoformed as the collar310is formed or molded, or the raised seat325may be formed in a second and/or separate thermoforming step that may occur before the gasket330is attached. Additionally, the raised seat325may be formed in the step at the same time or nearly the same time the gasket335is attached. The flexible gasket preferably extends inwardly and interiorly with an internal edge332.

Preferably, the flexible gasket is dimensioned to project inwardly or interiorly and to removably rest against the sealing flange284as depicted inFIGS. 23 and 28. More preferably, the flexible gasket330projects slightly downwardly to be biased against the sealing flange284for an improved sealing configuration. Even more preferably, the flexible gasket330extends interiorly or inwardly to project the internal edge332beyond the internal edge286of the sealing flange284. With this arrangement, the subcollar space320is sealed from the interior space “I” to prevent contents of the interior space “I” from entering the subcollar space320. If such is not prevented, an inconvenience is presented wherein contents that have spilled into the subcollar space320may further spill outside the container210by moving through any interstice that may exist between the lower end of the outwardly facing long wall302and the lower seat rib294(FIG. 26).

With specific reference toFIGS. 20,23, and26, those skilled in the art may comprehend that the impervious seal28is removably sandwiched between the gasket330and the sealing flange284(and beneath the gasket330). When pull tab28ais grasped and the impervious seal28is removed to expose the contents of the container210, the flexible gasket330flexes away from its rest position against the sealing flange284to enable removal of the impervious seal28. As the impervious seal28is removed, the flexible gasket330returns to its rest position against the sealing flange284. This configuration permits a more robust hermetic, impervious seal28for distribution to the end user, who removes the seal28upon first use, yet still enjoys the benefits of the sealing wall and gasket330to prevent or minimize content leakage.

Many possible types of material are suitable for use in fabricating the gasket330. One illustrative example of a suitable material includes a thin polymeric material such as a thermo-plastic elastomer having a durometer strength of approximately 50 or other similar Shore A grade material so that the impervious seal28may be easily removed while the flexible gasket is still able to retain some shape memory so that it returns to a biased, sealing rest position against the sealing flange284. For optionally preferred applications, Shore A grade material such as a Santoprene and similar compounds have been found to be satisfactory and can be readily thermoformed or injection molded directly onto the inwardly facing short wall306and/or the raised seat325.

In other equally preferred and optional variations to any of the embodiments of the invention, the gasket330may be integrally formed as part of the collar300wherein the gasket330is a flap of flexible and thin material that is molded from and that extends from the interior surface of the collar300. In this contemplated modification to any of the embodiments, among other options, the raised seat325can be formed to project inwardly as the gasket330.

Other modifications to the preferred embodiments of the containers10,210may incorporate a modified removable lid such as lid “D” shown inFIGS. 30 through 36. The new variation contemplated by removable lid “D” preferably defines the interior surface “Di” to be sized to cover and seal the opening to the interior space “I” when the lid “D” is closed. The lid “D” incorporates a sealing wall340depending from its interior surface “Di” and that projects toward the sealing flange284and which is centered and aligned by including optionally preferred alignment and/or wall ribs341(FIGS. 30-31).

With this configuration, when the lid “D” is closed on the collar300to seal the container210, the gasket330, the sealing wall340, and the sealing flange284are dimensioned and positioned so that the sealing wall340depresses and biases the flexible gasket330against the internal edge286of the sealing flange284to seal the subcollar space320from the container interior “I”. The flexibility and shape memory and strength of the flexible gasket330must also withstand repeated opening and closing of the lid “D” and biasing and unbiasing of the gasket330by the moving sealing wall340, so that the flexible gasket remains biased and at rest against the sealing flange384. These optionally preferred variations of the position of the sealing wall340are contemplated as shown with the solid and dashed line representations of sealing wall340shown inFIG. 26.

In any of the possibly preferred positions of sealing wall340, the length and/or location of the downwardly projecting lower edge342is adjustable as preferred so that the lower edge342can, when lid “L” or “D” is in the closed position, terminate just above, bias against, and/or bias against and depress gasket300downward so that gasket330is in turn biased against sealing flange284. In further alternative variations to the preceding embodiments, the flexible gasket330may be attached to the sealing wall340instead of the raised seat325. In further variations, a second gasket (not shown) may be attached to the sealing wall340either alone and/or in addition to and to cooperate with the flexible gasket330that is attached to the raised seat325.

In still other modifications to any of the variations of the preferred embodiments, the sealing wall340may be implemented to function with or without the use of a gasket330and may include a funneled lower edge342such as those shown inFIGS. 27 and 28. InFIG. 27, the funneled lower edge342includes an inwardly curved and/or inwardly tapering sealing wall340a. InFIG. 28, the funneled lower edge342incorporates an inwardly slanted and/or tapering sealing wall340b. A combination of a slanted and/or curved and tapering wall340aand340bis also contemplated, which can be used either alone and/or in combination with the flexible and/or integral gasket330illustrated elsewhere herein. Particularly in embodiments not using the gasket330, the sealing wall340may be dimensioned so that when the lid “D” is closed, the sealing wall340remains inward of the sealing flange284.

In further preferred variations to the preceding embodiments, the lid “D” more preferably includes a substantially domed central section344that has dimensions less than the sealing wall340. The domed central section is joined to the lid either by the sealing wall, by an angled wall346, and by a combination thereof, wherein the angled wall346tapers from the domed central section down to the interior surface “Di” proximate to the sealing wall340(FIGS. 34-36). As with earlier discussed embodiments and modifications thereto, the modified lid “D” is configured with an overall shape that cooperates with the shape of the bottom wall14to enable easy stacking of the containers210. Proximate to the junction of the sealing wall340and the angled tapered wall346, a collar engagement member projects generally downward to a lip edge348that seats into and engages with lip seat305of the collar300, so that when the lid “D” is closed, a more rigid and tightly closed assembly of collar300and lid “D” is established.

In the adaptation wherein the substantially domed central section344is connected only by the sealing wall340, essentially the tapered angled wall346merges with the sealing wall340to have an angle relative to the vertical direction of approximately 90 degrees. The tapered angled wall346is in other variations arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 10 and approximately 75 degrees, and preferably between about 15 and 60 degrees, and more preferably between about 25 and 45 degrees, and even more preferably approximately 30 degrees. The substantially domed central section344extending to the sealing wall preferably is dimensioned to define an area between approximately 20 percent and approximately 80 percent smaller than an entire area defined by the removable lid. Further, the substantially domed central section344projects upwardly with a height dimension that is between approximately 10 percent and approximately 60 percent of a cumulative lid height dimension; ideally to house the scoop above the impervious seal28.

These variations of the substantially domed lid have been found to be of significance when the sealable container210is in use with powdered contents contained therein. When the container210is jostled about and inverted during transit, such as when being transported in the diaper bag of a parent or when being shipped from a warehouse to a retail location while being upside-down and inverted, the powdered contents may collect and become packed into a small mountain resting against portions of the interior surface “Di” of the lid “D”. When such a disoriented container is righted, the angled wall346and the sealing wall340cooperate to more readily and effectively disengage the collected and/or packed contents from the interior surface “Di” of the lid “D” so that the packed or collected contents fall freely down into the interior space “I” of the container210.

Many factors can contribute to creating an inconvenient accumulation of powder packed into the lid “L” or “D”. Those skilled in the relevant arts often characterize the flowability of a powdered material to be a function of many variables that include particle size and distribution, cohesivity, static charge, surface coating, ability to recover from packing or compaction, temperature, humidity, aeration, transportation experience, and container surface effects. Even with so many powder flowability characteristics confronted the manufacturer and the user of container according to the principles of the invention, it has been found that the new and novel angled and/or tapered wall346of the invention, alone and in combination with the other powder control features described herein, have established a new and previously unseen means of directing powdered contents back into the interior space “H” upon righting of the containers10,210.

The arrangement of the flexible gasket330biased at rest against the sealing flange284further cooperates to mostly if not entirely prevent the contents from entering the subcollar space320while directing the contents back into the interior space “I”. Additionally, the arrangement of the flexible gasket330and its internal edge332extending inwardly beyond the internal edge286of the sealing flange284also serves to better direct the contents away from the subcollar space320and into the interior space “I”. Also, the powder directing capabilities can be further implemented with any combination of the flexible and integral gaskets330, whether used alone and/or in combination with the straight, funneled, curved, and slanted sealing wall340variations described above.

In any of the embodiments of the invention where a powder control feature is implemented as described here, significant advantages are achieved by ensuring that powdered and granular contents are dropped into the interior space “H” and away from the interior surfaces “Li” and “Di” of lids “L” and “D”, and are prevented from entering the subcollar space320

As previously described in connection with earlier embodiment and variations thereof, a living hinge or a mechanical hinge can be used to hingedly and/or pivotally attach the lid “D” to the collar300. Referring toFIGS. 23 and 30, among others, it can be seen that the mechanical hinge adaptation can include the hinge224having a hinge separation or wheel base that is farther apart than earlier described embodiments, which can improve the strength thereof. Another possibly preferred mechanical hinge can include a pinned hinge having cooperative detentes and engagement ridges that enable a frictional ratcheting of the lid “D” between the open and closed positions, which prevents the lid “D” from falling closed while contents are being removed from the interior space320.

In another contemplated variation of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the receptacle280of the container210is further modified to incorporate a means to compensate for changing external pressures due to altitude changes of the sealed container210. Ordinarily, the container210is sealed with impervious seal28whereby the pressure in the interior space “I” remains unchanged. However, distribution of container210after filling with salable contents creates the probability that the filled containers210will experience widely varying pressure changes. Such changes may lead to breach or rupture of the impervious seal28. A stronger, pressure resistant seal28may be undesirable because the user may not have enough strength to open the impervious seal28.

Accordingly, as can be seen with reference toFIGS. 17-18, and37, the bottom surface214aof the bottom wall214of the receptacle280may incorporate a pressure control portion formed from a stepped or central raised stepped or stiffener portion350formed with an outer planar portion352adapted to enable the container210to rest in a level position on a flat surface such as a table or counter-top.

The pressure control portion is also referred to as the central raised stiffener portion350. Contrary to the plain meaning of the word “stiffener”, this phrase refers to features that may be incorporated and which include, for purposes of example without limitation, a flexible and/or collapsible pressure relief section.

Extending towards the interior space “I”, the central raised stepped or stiffener portion350includes a plurality of steps354having riser portions356and tread portions358. The riser portions356preferably project in a direction substantially upward relative to the outer planar portion352with the tread portions358being approximately parallel to the outer planar portion352.

More preferably, the steps354that are formed from the riser and tread portions356,358can form 3, 4, 5 or more or less steps that together can enable an incremental reduction in pressure by the incremental collapse of one or all of the steps so that pressure in the interior space “I” may be lowered to compensate for unequal pressure and to lessen any pressure between the interior space “I” and the external atmosphere. In this way, when a container such as containers10,210are filled with contents at a sea level factory, and the containers are shipped via aircraft or over high-altitude land routes, the impervious seal28of the containers10,210may remain intact despite varying external pressures. Alternatively, the steps354may be adapted to have a thickness and or a bellows and or an accordion cross-sectional structure similar to that shown inFIGS. 17-18andFIGS. 37,38a-b, and39a-b, and that establishes a material strength that prevents collapse and that resists deformation of the bottom wall214when exposed to such pressure differentials. Even more preferably, the steps354include a combination of steps that resist collapse and or deformation when exposed to a pressure differential as well as steps that are formed with a reduced cross-sectional thickness (FIGS. 38a-b) or with a type of flexible bellows or accordion or pleated section (FIGS. 39a-b) that exaggerates the undulations of or that is combined with the steps as shown inFIGS. 17-18, and37,38a-band39a-b. Although shown inFIGS. 39a-bto have a generally undulating bellows type of profile, and more triangular or pleated undulation arrangement may also be optionally incorporated.

Most preferably, the undulating bellows arrangement (FIGS. 39a-b) may retain the stackable capability by preserving the cooperative shapes between the lids “D” or “L” and the recess defined by the bottom wall14. This flexible and/or bellows adaptation of the steps354preferably retains the stackability clearance and spacing of earlier configurations by generally following the curvature of inclination line360(FIGS. 39a-b), which extends inwardly towards the interior space “I” or “H” so that any flexure or collapse of a portion of the steps354relieves some or all of the pressure differential without detriment to stackability. These stepped arrangements may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the arrangements ofFIGS. 17-18as well as the more flexible reduced thickness variation ofFIGS. 38a-b. With any of these alternative configurations, the steps354may be optionally or preferably adapted to collapse and or flex in response to the contemplated pressure differential in a way that accommodates and/or reduces any stress on the containers10,210due to pressure changes.

With the multiple stepped arrangement illustrated here, the collapse of one or more steps354will preferably not result in the central stepped portion350distending beyond the generally level outer planar portion352. Such pressure differentials may be experienced even without altitude changes. For example, and as discussed elsewhere herein, the containers of the invention may be subjected to external crushing pressures during shipment with a commercial carrier as well as during movement by a parent carrying the inventive in a diaper bag.

The materials of the components of the containers10and210are not critical. However, certain materials for the components of the container are preferred on account of, for example, such considerations as manufacturing considerations, economic considerations, and consumer considerations. The tub-shaped receptacle typically comprises a multiple-layer material, wherein the multiple-layer material comprises an inner layer, an outer layer and a regrind layer between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Such a multiple-layer material is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0161558, published Aug. 19, 2004. The assembly comprising the collar84and the lid “L” typically comprises a polymeric material, such as, for example, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene. The scoop typically comprises a polymeric material, such as, for example, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene.

OPERATION

In use, the container10or210is grasped with a single hand using the enhanced gripping recesses26a,26b,27a,27b,226a,226b,227a,227b. The containers10,210are then opened by actuation of the latch54and, if necessary for a new container, the impervious seal28is removed by grasping the pull tab28aand pulling the seal28away from the sealing flange284. Next, the user uses his or her free hand to retrieve the scoop32from the lid “L” or “D” of the containers10,210to scoop and dispense the contents. The user avoids the inconvenience of powder spilling from the scoop32because the bowl36was covered by bracket30a. Furthermore, any powdered contents that may have come to rest in the lid “L” or “D” prior to opening, was directed away from the subcollar space320and into the interior space “H” where it remains ready for dispensing. The container10and the scoop32together cooperate as a system that enables the user to conveniently use the scoop32to remove a predetermined volume or portion of the contents of the container.

After the scoop32has been used, the scoop32can be reattached to the scoop holder30on the lid “L” for all subsequent times the scoop is to be used. The lid is then closed, securing the powder therein. Accordingly, the granular or powdered product will not be spilled, wasted, or contaminated by contact with the hand of the user.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications that involve manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, and use of flowable substances such as powders and granular materials. The configurations of the inventive container can be modified to accommodate nearly any conceivable type of such materials, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the features and components of the novel container can be modified according to the principles of the invention as may be required to suit a particular type or quantity of flowable material, as well as a preferred mode of use, storage, manufacture, distribution, and/or sales environment.

Such modifications and alternative arrangements may be further preferred and/or optionally desired to establish compatibility with the wide variety of possible applications that are susceptible for use with the inventive and improved containers for containing flowable materials are described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, even though only few such embodiments, alternatives, variations, and modifications of the present invention are described and illustrated, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

OTHER VARIATIONS

Further variations of the invention are described below.

[A]. A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines an opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; a collar-mounted removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its interior surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position, the lid further having a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by an angled wall tapering from the domed central section down to the interior surface proximate to the sealing wall; and wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

[B] The sealable container according to [A] further comprising: a flexible gasket carried from the collar and dimensioned to be biased against the sealing flange; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned such that the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior and whereby the flexible gasket further cooperates with the angled wall and the sealing wall to direct the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

[C] The sealable container according to [B], wherein the gasket attaches to and depends from the interior surface of the collar, and has an internal edge extending inwardly beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange and wherein when the lid is in an open position, the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange to further cooperate in directing the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [C], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 90 degrees.

The sealable container according to [C], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 15 and approximately 75 degrees.

The sealable container according to [C], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 20 and approximately 60 degrees.

The sealable container according to [C], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 25 and approximately 45 degrees.

The sealable container according to [C], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of approximately 30 degrees.

[D] The sealable container according to [A], wherein the substantially domed central section extending to the sealing wall defines an area between approximately 20 percent and approximately 80 percent smaller than an area defined by the removable lid.

The sealable container according to [A], wherein the substantially domed central section projects upwardly with a height dimension that is between approximately 10 percent and approximately 60 percent of a cumulative lid height dimension.

The sealable container according to [A], further comprising: a scoop holder projecting from the interior surface of the lid and positioned proximately within the substantially domed central section, the scoop holder having brackets with a cover and a restraint; a scoop having a handle extending from a bowl and adapted to be removably retained in the scoop holder; and wherein when the scoop is retained in the scoop holder, the restraint captures the handle to prevent movement and the cover seals the bowl to prevent the contents from entering the bowl.

The sealable container according to [D], wherein the scoop holder incorporates a first projection extending from the interior surface and having a handle holding notch to hold the handle away from the interior surface in a grasping position.

[E] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines an opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar, the collar having an integral gasket projecting inwardly and in a direction to be biased against the sealing flange; a removable lid movable about the collar and having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its interior surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position, the lid further having a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by an angled wall tapering from the domed central section down to the interior surface proximate to the sealing wall, the angled wall having an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 75 degrees; and wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [E], wherein the integral gasket extends inwardly beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [E], further comprising a removable seal extending across the opening and attaching to the sealing flange beneath the integral gasket; and wherein the integral gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter returns to the biased position against the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [E], wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the collar to move between open and closed positions.

[F] The sealable container according to [E], wherein the sealing wall funnels inwardly toward a lower edge.

The sealable container according to [F], wherein the sealing wall funnels inwardly toward the lower edge with a geometry selected from the group that includes (a) curving inwardly toward the lower edge, (b) inclining inwardly towards the lower edge, and (c) curving and inclining inwardly towards the lower edge.

[G] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines an opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; a flexible gasket projecting generally inwardly from the interior surface of the collar to be biased against the sealing flange; a removable lid movable about the collar and having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its interior surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position, the lid further having a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by an angled wall tapering from the domed central section down to the interior surface proximate to the sealing wall, the substantially domed section incorporating a scoop holder having cover and restraint brackets adapted to releasably retain a scoop having a handle extending from a bowl, wherein the cover bracket seals the bowl and the restraint immobilizes the handle in a grasping position; and wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [G], wherein the walls meet to form junctions having a curvilinear profile and wherein the bowl of the scoop is formed with a rim having an edge that is congruent with the curvilinear profile.

The sealable container according to [G], wherein the walls meet to form junctions having an angled profile and wherein the bowl of the scoop is formed with a rim having an edge that substantially matches the angled profile.

The sealable container according to [G], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 25 and approximately 45 degrees.

[H] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines an opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; a collar-mounted removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its interior surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position, the lid further having a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by the sealing wall connecting the domed central section to the interior surface; and wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the sealing wall cooperates with the sealing flange to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [H], further comprising: a flexible gasket carried from the collar and dimensioned to be biased against the sealing flange; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned such that the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior and whereby the flexible gasket further cooperates with the sealing wall to direct the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [H], wherein the gasket attaches to and depends from the interior surface of the collar, and has an internal edge extending inwardly beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange and wherein when the lid is in an open position, the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange to further cooperate in directing the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

Another aspect of the invention follows.

[AA] A sealable container and scoop system, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that define an opening to the interior space, the walls joining each other and a bottom surface to define junctions having a particular cross-sectional geometry; a removable lid hingedly attached to the collar and having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening; and a scoop for removing contents from the interior space of the container, the scoop including a bowl with a rim substantially congruent to the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface of the container.

The sealable container and scoop system according to [AA], wherein the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface approximately form a right angle, and wherein the rim of the bowl includes a portion that is substantially congruent.

The sealable container and scoop system according to [AA], wherein the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface have a curvilinear profile, and wherein the rim of the bowl includes a portion that is substantially congruent.

The sealable container and scoop system according to [AA], wherein the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface approximately form a right angle, and wherein the rim of the bowl includes a portion that is substantially congruent.

A sealable container and scoop system, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and a generally cuboid interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that define an opening to the interior space, the walls joining each other and a bottom surface to define junctions having a particular cross-sectional geometry; a removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening; and a scoop for removing contents from the interior space of the container, the scoop including a bowl with a substantially flexible rim that when biased against the interior surface proximate to the junctions flexes to be congruent to the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions.

The sealable container and scoop system according to [AA], wherein the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface approximately form a circular section having a radius, and wherein the rim of the bowl includes a portion having a circular section that is approximately equal to the radius.

The sealable container and scoop system according to [AA], wherein the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and between the walls and the bottom surface approximately form a circular section having a radius, and wherein the rim of the bowl includes a substantially flexible portion having a circular section that when biased against the junctions flexes to have a profile approximately equal to the radius.

[BB] The sealable container according to [AA], further comprising: the upper portion near the upper end of the walls defining a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines the opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; a flexible gasket carried from the interior surface of the collar and dimensioned to rest against the sealing flange; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned whereby the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior.

[CC] The sealable container according to [BB], wherein the gasket projects inwardly and extends beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [CC], wherein the gasket attaches to and depends from a raised surface of the collar, and wherein when the lid is in an open position, the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [BB], further comprising a removable seal extending across the opening and attaching to the sealing flange beneath the flexible gasket; and wherein the flexible gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter flexes back to rest against the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [BB], wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the collar to move between open and closed positions.

The sealable container according to [BB], wherein the walls define a substantially cuboid shaped container.

[DD] The sealable container according to [AA], further comprising: the upper portion near the upper end of the walls defining a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines the opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and incorporating an integral gasket projecting inwardly from the interior surface to rest on the sealing flange, the collar defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the integral gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned whereby the sealing wall biases the integral gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior.

The sealable container according to [DD], wherein the gasket projects inwardly and extends beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [DD], wherein the gasket attaches to and depends from a raised surface of the collar, and wherein when the lid is in an open position, the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [DD], further comprising: a removable seal extending across the opening and attaching to the sealing flange beneath the integral gasket; and wherein the integral gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter flexes back to rest against the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [AA], further comprising: the upper portion near the upper end of the walls defining a sealing flange, the sealing flange having an internal edge that defines the opening to the interior space; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container near the upper portion and defining a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; a removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its interior surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position, the lid further having a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by an angled wall tapering from the domed central section down to the interior surface proximate to the sealing wall; and wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [EE], further comprising: a flexible gasket carried from the collar and dimensioned to be biased against the sealing flange; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned such that the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior and whereby the flexible gasket further cooperates with the angled wall and the sealing wall to direct the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [EE], wherein the gasket attaches to and depends from the interior surface of the collar, and has an internal edge extending inwardly beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange and wherein when the lid is in an open position, the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange to further cooperate in directing the packed contents into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [EE], wherein the tapered angled wall is arranged to have an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

[FF] The sealable container according to [EE], further comprising: a scoop holder projecting from the interior surface of the lid and positioned proximately within the substantially domed central section, the scoop holder having brackets with a cover and a restraint; a scoop having a handle extending from a bowl and adapted to be removably retained in the scoop holder; and wherein when the scoop is retained in the scoop holder, the restraint captures the handle to prevent movement and the cover seals the bowl to prevent the contents from entering the bowl.

The sealable container according to [FF], wherein the scoop holder incorporates a first projection extending from the interior surface and having a handle holding notch to hold the handle away from the interior surface in a grasping position.

The sealable container according to [EE], wherein the walls define a substantially cuboid shaped container.

Another aspect of the invention follows.

[AAA] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines an opening to the interior space, the upper portion defining on the exterior surfaces a plurality of indentations projecting interiorly and spaced apart by bridges, the indentations having a downwardly facing top surface; a collar having an interior surface adapted to fit around the container about the upper portion to define a subcollar space between the exterior surface of the container and the interior surface of the collar; and wherein the collar further includes a plurality of spaced apart flex clips formed with upwardly facing surfaces and depending downwardly into the subcollar space and juxtaposed to align with the plurality of indentations enabling the upwardly facing surfaces to engage the downwardly facing top surfaces whereby the flex clips hold the collar to the upper end of the container.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the upwardly facing surfaces are dimensioned to be smaller than the downwardly facing surfaces of the indentations to absorb dimensional tolerance errors and enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls are formed from a substantially flexible material to enable at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to flex to absorb dimensional tolerance errors and enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls are formed from a substantially flexible material to enable at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to flex to accommodate shape mismatch between at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the walls.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls are formed from a substantially flexible material to enable at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to flex and wherein the upwardly facing surfaces are dimensioned to be smaller than the downwardly facing surfaces of the indentations to absorb dimensional tolerance errors and to accommodate shape mismatch between at least one of the collar and the upper portion of the walls to enable the collar to fit around the upper portion of the container.

[BBB] The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the collar has a substantially J-shaped cross-section having an outward projecting long wall, a substantially rounded, stiffening top portion, and an inward short wall that cooperate to define the subcollar space.

[CCC] The sealable container according to [BBB], wherein the short wall cooperates with an internal edge of the upper portion that defines the opening to seal the interior space from the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [CCC], further comprising: a sealing flange formed in the upper portion and extending to the internal edge; and a flexible gasket projecting from the short wall and sized to rest against the sealing flange and cooperative therewith to seal the interior space from the subcollar space.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the walls further define the container to have a substantially cuboid shape, and wherein the plurality of indentations and the plurality of spaced apart flex clips are further positioned to be paired across opposite facing walls to establish force coupling between the pairs to increase rigidity and structural stability of the sealable container when the collar is fitted onto the upper portion.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the plurality of indentations and the plurality of spaced apart flex clips are further positioned to be paired with opposite facing indentations and clips of the plurality to establish an aligning capability between the collar and the upper portion of the walls.

The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein each of the plurality of flex clips incorporate at least one stiffening rib.

[DDD] The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the upper portion near the upper end of the walls defines a sealing flange having an internal edge that defines the opening to the interior space; a removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position; a flexible gasket dimensioned to removably rest against the sealing flange and carried from a surface of a group that includes (a) the interior surface of the collar, (b) the interior surface of the walls, and (c) the sealing wall of the lid; and wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the gasket, the sealing wall and the sealing flange are dimensioned such that the sealing wall biases the flexible gasket against the internal edge of the sealing flange to seal the subcollar space from the container interior.

The sealable container according to [DDD], wherein the gasket is carried from the interior surface of the collar in a direction to be biased against and to extend beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [DDD], wherein the gasket is arranged to remain biased against the sealing flange when the lid is in an open position.

The sealable container according to [DDD], further comprising a removable seal extending across the opening and attaching to the sealing flange beneath the flexible gasket; and wherein the flexible gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter flexes back to rest against the sealing flange.

[EEE] The sealable container according to [AAA], wherein the upper portion near the upper end of the walls defines a sealing flange having an internal edge that defines the opening to the interior space, and wherein the collar has an integral gasket projecting inwardly and in a direction to be biased against the sealing flange; and further comprising: a lid removably attached to the collar and having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening, the lid having a sealing wall depending from its surface and projecting toward the sealing flange and being dimensioned to remain inward of the sealing flange when in the closed position.

The sealable container according to [EEE], wherein the integral gasket is carried from the interior surface of the collar in a direction to be biased against and to extend beyond the internal edge of the sealing flange.

The sealable container according to [EEE], further comprising a removable seal extending across the opening and attaching to the sealing flange beneath the integral gasket; and wherein the integral gasket flexes to enable removal of the removable seal and thereafter flexes back to rest against the sealing flange.

[FFF] The sealable container according to [EEE], wherein the lid further incorporates a substantially domed central section of dimensions less than the sealing wall and joined to the lid by an angled wall tapering from the domed central section down to the interior surface proximate to the sealing wall.

The sealable container according to [FFF], wherein the angled wall has an angle relative to a vertical direction of between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 60 degrees.

The sealable container according to [FFF], wherein, upon righting a disoriented container having contents, the angled wall and the sealing wall cooperate to direct the contents packed against the interior surface of the lid down into the interior space of the container to substantially prevent entry into the subcollar space.

[JJJ] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion with a sealing flange defining an opening into the interior space; a collar assembly formed from the upper portion and the sealing flange having an interior surface adapted to fit about the upper portion; a removable lid attached to the collar assembly and pivotally movable between open and closed positions and to seal the container when in the closed position.

The sealable container according to [JJJ], further comprising: inwardly projecting alignment fins formed on the interior surface of the collar assembly, the alignment fins adapted to substantially align the collar assembly while being and once fitted about the upper portion.

The sealable container according to [JJJ], further comprising: a scoop holder projecting from an interior surface of the lid, the scoop holder having brackets with a cover and a restraint; wherein the scoop holder is adapted to removably retain a scoop having a handle extending from a bowl; and wherein when the scoop is retained in the scoop holder, the restraint captures the handle to prevent movement and the cover seals the bowl to prevent the contents from entering the bowl.

The sealable container according to [JJJ], further comprising: a removable seal affixed to the sealing flange and covering the opening into the interior space to seal the interior space.

A sealable container as described in the summary and detailed description of the invention.

A sealable container as illustrated in the figures of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention follows.

[AAAA] A sealable container, comprising: walls defining an interior and an exterior of the container, the walls having an exterior surface and an upper end thereof that defines an opening to said interior, the walls joining a bottom surface; walls defining interior and exterior surfaces and an interior space, the walls having an upper portion near an upper end of the walls that defines an opening to the interior space, the walls joining a bottom surface; a removable lid having an interior surface which, when in a closed position, is adapted to cover and seal the opening; and wherein the bottom surface comprises an outer planar portion for resting on a surface and a central raised stiffener portion directed towards the interior space in a plurality of steps having riser and tread portions, the riser portions projecting in a direction substantially upward relative to the outer planar portion and the tread portions being approximately parallel to the outer planar portion.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], further comprising: a removable seal affixed to the upper portion and sealing the interior space; and whereby after the container is closed and sealed at a first pressure, rupture of the seal is prevented when pressure external to the container is reduced below the first pressure as at least one of the plurality of steps compensates for the unequal pressure by collapsing toward the outer planar portion without extending beyond the planar portion.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], further comprising: a removable seal affixed to the upper portion and sealing the interior space; and whereby after the container is closed and sealed at one pressure, rupture of the seal is prevented when pressure external to the container is lower than the one pressure as at least one of the plurality of steps compensates for the unequal pressure by flexing toward the outer planar portion while maintaining a stacking clearance.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], whereby after the container is closed and sealed at one pressure, distention of the bottom wall is prevented with at least one of the plurality of steps being sized with a thickness resistant to a pressure differential when pressure external to the container is lower than the one pressure.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], wherein at least one of the riser and the tread portions of the plurality of steps has a reduced thickness relative others of the plurality that enables flexibility in response to a pressure differential.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], wherein at least one of the riser and the tread portions of the plurality of steps is formed to have a bellows configuration that establishes flexibility responsive to a pressure differential.

The sealable container according to [AAAA], wherein the walls joining each other and a bottom surface to define junctions having a particular cross-sectional geometry; and a scoop for removing contents from the interior space of the container, the scoop including a bowl with a rim having a cross-sectional geometry adapted to be substantially congruent with the particular cross-sectional geometry of the junctions between the walls and the walls and the bottom surface of the container.