Patent Publication Number: US-11019962-B2

Title: Container apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/598,443, filed Oct. 10, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 29/708,953, filed Oct. 10, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to containers, and, more particularly, to containers and grinders. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a top-front-right perspective view of a container apparatus in a first operational state or configuration, the container apparatus including a container body and a container lid, the container lid including a bottom member and a top member, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIG. 1A , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top-front-right front perspective view of the container body of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom-rear-left perspective view of the container body of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2C  is a front view of a portion of the container body of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2D  is a top view of the container body of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2E  is a bottom view of the container body of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top-front-right perspective view of a bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom-rear-left perspective view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3D  is a bottom view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3E  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  3 E- 3 E of  FIG. 3C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3F  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  3 F- 3 F of  FIG. 3C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3G  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  3 G- 3 G of  FIG. 3C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3H  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  3 H- 3 H of  FIG. 3C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top-front-right perspective view of a top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom-rear-left perspective view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  is a bottom view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  4 E- 4 E of  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4F  is a cross-sectional view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  4 F- 4 F of  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4G  is a cross-sectional view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  4 G- 4 G of  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4H  is a cross-sectional view of the top member of the container lid of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along the line  4 H- 4 H of  FIG. 4C , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A-1  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in the first operational state or configuration taken along the line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG. 1A , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A-2  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5A-1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a second operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C-1  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container apparatus of  FIG. 5B  in the second operational state or configuration taken along the line  5 C- 5 C in  FIG. 5B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C-2  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5C-1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container apparatus of  FIG. 5B  in the second operational state or configuration taken along the line  5 D- 5 D in  FIG. 5C-1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5E  is a top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a third operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5F  is a top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a fourth operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5G-1  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container apparatus of  FIG. 5F  in the fourth operational state or configuration taken along the line  5 G- 5 G in  FIG. 5F , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5G-2  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5G-1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5H  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container apparatus of  FIG. 5F  in the fourth operational state or configuration taken along the line  5 H- 5 H in  FIG. 5G-1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5I  is a top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a fifth operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5J  is another top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in the fifth operational state or configuration and in the process of being loaded with solid materials, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5K  is a top-front-right perspective view of the container apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in the third operational state or configuration and in the process of grinding the solid materials, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in an embodiment, a container apparatus is generally referred to by the reference numeral  100 . The container apparatus  100  includes a container body  105  and a container lid  110 . The container lid  110  includes a bottom member  115  and a top member  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2E , in an embodiment, the container body  105  extends along a central axis  125  and defines an internal cavity  130 . The container body  105  includes a side wall  135 , a neck  140 , and a bottom wall  145 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2E , the side wall  135  is frustospherical or frustospheroidal, that is, in the shape of a truncated sphere or a truncated spheroid. In addition, or instead, the side wall  135  (or a portion thereof) may be or include another curved shape, a cylindrical shape, a tapered shape (e.g., a frustoconical shape), another shape, or a combination thereof. The side wall  135  defines axially opposing end portions  150   a  and  150   b . In some embodiments, the neck  140  is cylindrical. The neck  140  defines an outer diameter D 1 , axially opposing end portions  155   a  and  155   b , and a mouth  160  via which the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  is accessible. The end portion  155   b  of the neck  140  is connected to the side wall  135  at the end portion  155   a  of the side wall  135 . An external collar  165  extends around the neck  140 . The external collar  165  includes an external ring  170  extending radially outwardly from the neck  140  and an external alignment tab  175  extending radially outwardly from the external ring  170 . 
     An external ridge  180  also extends around the neck  140 . The external ridge  180  is positioned farther from the side wall  135  than the external collar  165 . The external ridge  180  includes axially opposing ridge faces  185   a  and  185   b  extending radially outwardly from the neck  140 . The ridge face  185   b  is perpendicular to the central axis  125  and is positioned nearer to the side wall  135  than the ridge face  185   a . The ridge face  185   a  is tapered (e.g., frustoconical) and is positioned farther from the side wall  135  than the ridge face  185   b . In some embodiments, the ridge faces  185   a  and  185   b  adjoin each other. Alternatively, the ridge faces  185   a  and  185   b  may each adjoin an intermediate surface (not shown) of the external ridge  180 . The external ridge  180  defines circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b . The circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by a gap  195  having a circumferential dimension A 1 . The bottom wall  145  is connected to the side wall  135  at the end portion  150   b  of the side wall  135 . An external indentation pattern  200  is formed into the bottom wall  145 . The external indentation pattern  200  includes a central indentation  205   a  and petal indentations  205   b - g  distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central indentation  205   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3H , in an embodiment, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  extends along a central axis  210  and defines axially opposing end portions  215   a  and  215   b . The bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  includes a side wall  220 , an end wall  225 , a side wall  230 , and a bottom wall  235 . The end portion  215   b  of the bottom member  115  includes the side wall  220 . In some embodiments, the side wall  220  is cylindrical. The side wall  220  defines an inner diameter D 2  and axially opposing end portions  240   a  and  240   b . The inner diameter D 2  of the side wall  220  is greater than the outer diameter D 1  of the neck  140 . An external grip tab  245  extends radially outwardly from the side wall  220 . The external grip tab  245  includes axially opposing surfaces  250   a  and  250   b  extending radially outwardly from the side wall  220 . The surface  250   a  is perpendicular to the central axis  210  and is positioned nearer to the end portion  215   a  of the bottom member  115  than the surface  250   b . The surface  250   b  is tapered (e.g., frustoconical) and is positioned farther from the end portion  215   a  of the bottom member  115  than the surface  250   a . In some embodiments, the surfaces  250   a  and  250   b  adjoin each other. Alternatively, the surfaces  250   a  and  250   b  may each adjoin an intermediate surface (not shown) of the external grip tab  245 . An external alignment tab  255  also extends radially outwardly from the side wall  220 . In some embodiments, the external alignment tab  255  is located at the end portion  240   a  of the side wall  220 . The external alignment tab  255  is circumferentially spaced apart from the external grip tab  245  (e.g., by 180-degrees). 
     An internal ridge  260  extends around the side wall  220 . The internal ridge  260  includes axially opposing ridge faces  265   a  and  265   b  extending radially inwardly from the side wall  220 . The ridge face  265   a  is perpendicular to the central axis  210  and is positioned nearer to the end portion  215   a  of the bottom member  115  than the ridge face  265   b . The ridge face  265   b  is tapered (e.g., frustoconical) and is positioned farther from the end portion  215   a  of the bottom member  115  than the ridge face  265   a . In some embodiments, the ridge faces  265   a  and  265   b  adjoin each other. Alternatively, the ridge faces  265   a  and  265   b  may each adjoin an intermediate surface (not shown) of the internal ridge  260 . 
     The internal ridge  260  is circumferentially divided into ridge segments  270   a - c . The ridge segment  270   a  is circumferentially aligned with the external grip tab  245 . The ridge segment  270   a  has a circumferential dimension A 2 . The circumferential dimension A 2  of the ridge segment  270   a  is smaller than the circumferential dimension A 1  of the gap  195  (shown in  FIG. 2C ) by which the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180  are spaced apart from each other. The ridge segment  270   b  is circumferentially spaced apart from the ridge segment  270   a  by a gap  275   a  having a dimension A 3 , the ridge segment  270   c  is circumferentially spaced apart from the ridge segment  270   b  by a gap  275   b  having a dimension A 4 , and the ridge segment  270   a  is circumferentially spaced apart from the ridge segment  270   c  by a gap  275   c  having a dimension A 5 . In some embodiments, the dimensions A 3  and A 5 , respectively, are equal. In some embodiments, the dimension A 4  is smaller than the dimensions A 3  and A 5 , respectively. 
     The end portion  215   a  of the bottom member  115  includes the side wall  230 . In some embodiments, the side wall  230  is cylindrical. The side wall  230  defines an outer diameter D 3  and axially opposing end portions  280   a  and  280   b . The outer diameter D 3  of the side wall  230  is smaller than the inner diameter D 2  of the side wall  220 . The end wall  225  extends radially between, and is connected to, the side walls  220  and  230 . The bottom wall  235  is connected to the side wall  230  at the end portion  280   b  of the side wall  230  so that the side wall  230  and the bottom wall  235 , in combination, define an internal region  285 . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  235  is positioned nearer to the end portion  215   b  of the bottom member  115  than the end wall  225  (i.e., the bottom wall  235  is axially offset from the end wall  225 ). As a result, the side wall  220 , the end wall  225 , the side wall  230 , and the bottom wall  235 , in combination, define an internal region  290  and an internal annular groove  295  adjoining the internal region  290 . 
     An external ridge  300  extends around the side wall  230 . The external ridge  300  includes features that are substantially identical to corresponding features of the external ridge  180 , which substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. The ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  300  is positioned nearer to the end portion  215   b  of the bottom member  115  than the ridge face  185   a . The ridge face  185   a  of the external ridge  300  is positioned farther from the end portion  215   b  of the bottom member  115  than the ridge face  185   b.    
     The bottom member  115  includes protrusions such as, for example, teeth  305   a - u  positioned within the internal region  285 . In some embodiments, the teeth  305   a - u  are arranged in rows  310   a - c  (e.g., concentric rows). For example, the teeth  305   a - c  may be arranged in the row  310   a , which is radially spaced apart from the central axis  210  by a dimension R 1 , the teeth  305   d - l  may be arranged in the row  310   b , which is radially spaced apart from the central axis  210  by a dimension R 2 , and/or the teeth  305   m - u  may be arranged in the row  310   c , which is radially spaced apart from the central axis  210  by a dimension R 3 . The dimension R 3  is greater than the dimension R 2 , which, in turn, is greater than the dimension R 1 . The teeth  305   a - u  in the rows  310   a - c  are connected to, and extend axially from, the bottom wall  235 . In addition, or instead, the teeth  305   m - u  in the row  310   c  are connected to, and extend radially inwardly from, the side wall  230 . In some embodiments, the teeth  305   a - u  each have a diamond-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each of the teeth  305   a - u  decreases from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the teeth  305   a - u  are distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  210 . For example, the teeth  305   a - c  arranged in the row  310   a  may be distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  210 , the teeth  305   d - l  in the row  310   b  may be distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  210 , and/or the teeth  305   m - u  in the row  310   c  may be distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  210 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4H , in an embodiment, the top member  120  of the container lid  110  extends along a central axis  315  and includes a side wall  320  and a top wall  325 . In some embodiments, the side wall  320  is cylindrical. The side wall  320  defines an inner diameter D 4  and axially opposing end portions  330   a  and  330   b . The inner diameter D 4  of the side wall  320  is greater than the outer diameter D 3  of the side wall  230 . An external grip tab  335  extends radially outwardly from the side wall  320 . The external grip tab  335  includes features that are substantially identical to corresponding features of the external grip tab  245 , which substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. An internal ridge  340  extends around the side wall  320 . The internal ridge  340  includes features that are substantially identical to corresponding features of the internal ridge  260 , which substantially identical features are given the same reference numerals. The ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  340  is circumferentially aligned with the external grip tab  335 . The top wall  325  is connected to the side wall  320  at the end portion  330   a  of the side wall  320 . As a result, the side wall  320  and the top wall  325 , in combination, define an internal region  345 . 
     The top member  120  includes protrusions such as, for example, teeth  350   a - p  positioned within the internal region  345 . In some embodiments, the tooth  350   a  is arranged along the central axis  315  and the teeth  350   b - p  are arranged in rows  355   a  and  355   b  (e.g., concentric rows). For example, the teeth  350   b - g  may be arranged in the row  355   a , which is radially spaced apart from the central axis  315  by a dimension R 4 , and the teeth  350   h - p  may be arranged in the row  355   b , which is radially spaced apart from the central axis  315  by a dimension R 5 . The dimension R 5  is greater than the dimension R 4 . The teeth  350   a - p  in the rows  355   a  and  355   b  are connected to, and extend axially from, the top wall  325 . In some embodiments, the teeth  350   a - p  each have a diamond-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each of the teeth  350   a - p  decreases from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the teeth  350   b - p  are distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  315 . For example, the teeth  350   b - g  in the row  355   a  may be distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  315  and/or the teeth  350   h - p  in the row  355   b  may be distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central axis  315 . 
     The internal region  345  of the top member  120  of the container lid  110  and the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , in combination, are also referred to herein as an internal cavity  360  when the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  (see  FIG. 5A-1 ). Moreover, when the container lid  110  is connected to the container body  105 , the bottom wall  235  prevents, or at least reduces, communication of solid materials from the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  to the internal cavity  360  of the container lid  110  and may therefore be referred to herein as a “barrier wall”. Although shown as being devoid of any through openings, the bottom wall  235  (or the “barrier wall”) may instead include one or more openings formed therethrough between the internal regions  285  and  290  of the bottom member  115 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2 , the container apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-4H  is illustrated in a first operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the first operational state or configuration, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in a locked position and the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in a locked position. In some embodiments, when the container apparatus  100  is in the first operational state or configuration, the external alignment tab  255  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is circumferentially aligned with the external alignment tab  175  of the container body  105  and the external grip tab  335  of the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is circumferentially aligned with the external grip tab  245  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A-1 and 5A-2 . In some embodiments, when the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105 , the end portion  155   a  of the neck  140  of the container body  105  extends within the internal annular groove  295  formed in the bottom member  115 . 
     When the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the locked position, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2 , the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  260  of the bottom member  115  extend between the external collar  165  and the external ridge  180  of the container body  105  (the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  are not visible in  FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2 ). More particularly, the bottom member  115  is attached to the container body  105  via engagement between the ridge face  265   a  of the internal ridge  260  and the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  180 . The locked position of the bottom member  115  in relation to the container body  105  is characterized in that the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  260  is not aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180 , but is instead aligned with the external ridge  180  itself. As a result, in addition to the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  engaging the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  180 , in the locked position, the ridge segment  270   a  engages the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  180 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  may be attached to the container body  105  by forcing the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  260  of the bottom member  115  axially against the ridge face  185   a  of external ridge  180  of the container body  105  to cause the neck  140  of the container body  105  and/or the side wall  220  of the bottom member  115  to deform allowing the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the bottom member  115  to “ramp over” the external ridge  180  of the container body  105  towards the external collar  165 . 
     When the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in the locked position, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2 , the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  340  of the top member  120  extend between the end wall  225  and the external ridge  300  of the bottom member  115  (the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  are not visible in  FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2 ). More particularly, the top member  120  is attached to the bottom member  115  via engagement between the ridge face  265   a  of the internal ridge  340  and the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  300 . The locked position of the top member  120  in relation to the bottom member  115  is characterized in that the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  340  is not aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  300 , but is instead aligned with the external ridge  300  itself. As a result, in addition to the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  engaging the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  300 , in the locked position, the ridge segment  270   a  engages the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the top member  120  of the container lid  110  may be attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  by forcing the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  340  of the top member  120  axially against the ridge face  185   a  of external ridge  300  of the bottom member  115  to cause the side wall  230  of the bottom member  115  and/or the side wall  320  of the top member  120  to deform allowing the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the top member  120  to “ramp over” the external ridge  300  of the bottom member  115  towards the end wall  225 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5B-5D , the container apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-4H  is illustrated in a second operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To achieve the second operational state or configuration when starting from the first operational state or configuration, the container lid  110  (including both the bottom member  115  and the top member  120 ) is rotated relative to the container body  105  as indicated by arrows in  FIG. 5B . In some embodiments, when the container apparatus  100  is in the second operational state or configuration, the external grip tab  335  of the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is circumferentially aligned with the external grip tab  245  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  and the external alignment tab  175  of the container body  105 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A-1, 5A-2, and 5B . In addition, the external alignment tab  255  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is circumferentially offset (e.g., 180-degrees) from the external alignment tab  175  of the container body  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 5B, 5C-1 and 5C-2 , upon obtaining the second operational state or configuration, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in an unlocked position and the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in the locked position. 
     When the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the unlocked position, as shown in  FIGS. 5C-1 and 5C-2 , the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  of the internal ridge  260  of the bottom member  115  extend between the external collar  165  and the external ridge  180  of the container body  105  (the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  are not visible in  FIGS. 5C-1 and 5C-2 ). More particularly, the bottom member  115  is attached to the container body  105  via engagement between the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  of the internal ridge  260  and the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  180 . The unlocked position of the bottom member  115  in relation to the container body  105  is characterized in that the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  260  is aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 5C-1, 5C-2, and 5D . Because of such alignment, an upward force can be applied against the external grip tab  245  when the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the unlocked position to move the ridge segment  270   a  upwardly through the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180  and to detach the bottom member  115  from the container body  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5E , the container apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-4H  is illustrated in a third operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To achieve the third operational state or configuration when starting from the second operational state or configuration, the container lid  110  is translated relative to the container body  105 , or vice versa, as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 5E . The relative translation between the container lid  110  and the container body  105  can be initiated by applying an upward force against the external grip tab  245  when the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the unlocked position to move the ridge segment  270   a  (not visible in  FIG. 5E ) upwardly through the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180 . Upon obtaining the third operational state or configuration, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is detached from the container body  105  and the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in the locked position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5F-5H , the container apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-4H  is illustrated in a fourth operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To achieve the fourth operational state or configuration when starting from the third operational state or configuration, the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is rotated relative to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  as indicated by arrows in  FIG. 5F . In some embodiments, when the container apparatus  100  is in the fourth operational state or configuration, the external grip tab  335  of the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is circumferentially offset (e.g., 180-degrees) from the external grip tab  245  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 5F, 5G-1, and 5G-2 . As shown in  FIGS. 5G-1, 5G-2, and 5H , upon obtaining the fourth operational state or configuration, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is detached from the container body  105  and the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in an unlocked position. 
     When the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in the unlocked position, as shown in  FIGS. 5G-1 and 5G-2 , the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  of the internal ridge  340  of the top member  120  extend between the end wall  225  and the external ridge  300  of the bottom member  115  (the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  are not visible in  FIGS. 5G-1 and 5G-2 ). More particularly, the top member  120  is attached to the bottom member  115  via engagement between the ridge segments  270   b  and  270   c  of the internal ridge  340  and the ridge face  185   b  of the external ridge  300 . The unlocked position of the top member  120  in relation to the bottom member  115  is characterized in that the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  340  is aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  300 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 5G-1, 5G-2 , and  5 H. Because of such alignment, an upward force can be applied against the external grip tab  335  when the top member  120  is attached to the bottom member  115  in the unlocked position to move the ridge segment  270   a  upwardly through the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  300  and to detach the top member  120  from the bottom member  115 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3C and 4D , in some embodiments, the dimension R 3  is greater than the dimension R 5 , the dimension R 5  is greater than the dimension R 2 , the dimension R 2  is greater than the dimension R 4 , and the dimension R 4  is greater than the dimension R 1 . As a result, when top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , that is, when the container apparatus  100  is placed in the first operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A-1, and 5A-2 , the second operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , the third operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5E , or the fourth operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5F-5H : the row  355   b  including the teeth  350   h - p  is positioned radially between the row  310   b  including the teeth  305   d - l  and the row  310   c  including the teeth  305   m - u ; the row  310   b  including the teeth  305   d - l  is positioned radially between the row  355   a  including the teeth  350   b - g  and the row  355   b  including the teeth  350   h - p ; and the row  355   a  including the teeth  350   b - g  is positioned radially between the row  310   a  including the teeth and the row  310   b  including the teeth  305   d - l.    
     Referring to  FIG. 5I , the container apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-4H  is illustrated in a fifth operational state or configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To achieve the fifth operational state or configuration when starting from the fourth operational state or configuration, the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is translated relative to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , or vice versa, as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 5I . The relative translation between the top member  120  of the container lid  110  and the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  can be initiated by applying an upward force against the external grip tab  335  when the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  in the unlocked position to move the ridge segment  270   a  (not visible in  FIG. 5I ) upwardly through the gap  195  (not visible in  FIG. 5I ) between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  300 . Upon obtaining the fifth operational state or configuration, the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is detached from the container body  105  and the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is detached from the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the container apparatus  100  is also actuable to: a sixth operational state or configuration in which the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is detached from the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  and the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the locked position; and a seventh operational state or configuration in which the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is detached from the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  and the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the unlocked position. 
     In operation, unground solid materials are stored in the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105 . For example, the unground solid materials may be or include food, herbs, spices, other cooking ingredients, tea leaves, other organic or inorganic materials, the like, or a combination thereof. The container lid  110  is operable to retain the unground solid materials within the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  when the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105 , that is, when the container apparatus  100  is in the first operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A-1, and 5A-2 , the second operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , the sixth operational state or configuration described above, or the seventh operational state or configuration described above. The unground solid materials are removable from the internal cavity  130  via the mouth  160  in the neck  140  of the container body  105  when the container lid  110  is detached from the container body  105 , that is, when the container apparatus  100  is in the third operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5E , the fourth operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5F-5H , or the fifth operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5I . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5J and 5K , with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1A and 5A-5I , in an embodiment, the container lid  110  is operable to grind the unground solid materials. To grind the unground solid materials, the container apparatus  100  is first placed in the fifth operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5I  and the unground solid materials are removed from the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  and placed into the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  (or the internal region  345  of the top member  120  of the container lid  110 ), as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 5J . The top member  120  of the container lid  110  is then attached to the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , as shown in  FIG. 5K , that is, the container apparatus  100  is placed in the first operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A-1, and 5A-2 , the second operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , the third operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5E , or the fourth operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5F-5H . As a result, the solid materials are trapped between the top member  120  and the bottom member  115 , that is, within the internal cavity  360  defined by the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  and the internal region  345  of the top member  120 , in combination. 
     The top member  120  of the container lid  110  and the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  are then rotated (e.g., back and forth) relative to one another, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 5K , to grind or break apart the solid materials into smaller particles. More particularly, the rotation of the teeth  305   m - u  in the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  relative to the teeth  350   a - p  in the top member  120  of the container lid  110 , or vice versa, causes the teeth  305   a - u  and  350   a - p  to break apart the solid materials into smaller particles. Once the solid materials are suitably ground, the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is detached from the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110 , that is, the container apparatus  100  is placed in the fifth operational state or configuration shown in  FIG. 5I , the sixth operational state or configuration described above, or the seventh operational state or configuration described above. Subsequently, the ground solid materials are removed from the container lid  110 . 
     The operation of the container apparatus  100  enables a user to maintain solid materials such as, for example, food, herbs, spices, other cooking ingredients, tea leaves, other organic or inorganic materials, the like, or a combination thereof, in an unground or whole state until just before the solid materials are needed to be utilized in a ground or broken apart state. In some embodiments, the operation of the container apparatus  100  enables a user to grind the solid materials with the container lid  110  when the container lid  110  is detached from the container body  105 , or when the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105 . In some embodiments, during operation of the container apparatus  100 , the bottom wall  235  (or the “barrier wall”) of the bottom member  115  of the container lid  110  provides a barrier between the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  in which the teeth  305   a - u  extend and the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  when the bottom member  115  is attached to the container body  105 . As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the bottom wall  235  is devoid of any through openings. As a result, the solid materials in the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  are not communicable to the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  when the container apparatus  100  is in the first operational state or configuration shown in FIGS.  1 A,  5 A- 1 , and  5 A- 2 , the second operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , the sixth operational state or configuration described above, or the seventh operational state or configuration described above. 
     However, in other embodiments, the bottom wall  235  may include one or more through openings extending between the internal regions  285  and  290  of the bottom member  115 . As a result, the solid materials in the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  are communicable to the internal region  285  of the bottom member  115  when the container apparatus  100  is in the first operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A-1, and 5A-2 , the second operational state or configuration shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , the sixth operational state or configuration described above, or the seventh operational state or configuration described above. This enables a user to communicate solid materials from the internal cavity  130  of the container body  105  into the internal cavity  360  (i.e., the internal regions  285  and  345 , in combination) of the container lid  110  just prior to grinding or breaking apart the solid materials with the teeth  305   a - u  and  350   a - p . The top member  120  can then be detached from the bottom member  115  as described herein to dispense the ground solid materials from the container lid  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom member  115  is omitted from the container lid  110  and the container apparatus  100  is actuable to: an eighth operational state or configuration in which the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in a locked position; and a ninth operational state or configuration in which the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in an unlocked position. In at least one such embodiment, the teeth  350   a - p  are omitted from the top member  120  of the container lid  110 . The locked position of the top member  120  in relation to the container body  105  is characterized in that: the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  340  of the top member  120  extend between the external collar  165  and the external ridge  180  of the container body  105 ; and the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  340  is not aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180 , but is instead aligned with the external ridge  180  itself. The unlocked position of the top member  120  in relation to the container body  105  is characterized in that: the ridge segments  270   a - c  of the internal ridge  340  of the top member  120  extend between the external collar  165  and the external ridge  180  of the container body  105 ; and the ridge segment  270   a  of the internal ridge  340  is aligned with the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180 . Because of such alignment, an upward force can be applied against the external grip tab  335  when the top member  120  of the container lid  110  is attached to the container body  105  in the unlocked position to move the ridge segment  270   a  upwardly through the gap  195  between the circumferentially opposing end portions  190   a  and  190   b  of the external ridge  180  and to detach the top member  120  from the container body  105 . 
     A container apparatus has been disclosed according to a first aspect. The container apparatus according to the first aspect generally includes a container body defining a first internal cavity and a container lid defining a second internal cavity, the container lid including a first member attached to the container body and a second member attached to the first member. The first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other between a first locked position in which the second member is not translationally movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member and a first unlocked position in which the second member is translationally movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members, in combination, define the second internal cavity, and the container lid further includes a plurality of protrusions extending within the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind solid materials located in the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion to connected to the second member. In one or more embodiments, the first member and the container body are rotationally movable relative to each other between a second locked position in which the first member is not translationally movable relative to the container body to detach the container lid from the container body and a second unlocked position in which the first member is translationally movable relative to the container body to detach the container lid from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid is detached from the container body, the first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind solid materials located in the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid is detached from the container body and the second member is detached from the first member, solid materials located in the first internal cavity are communicable to the second internal cavity. 
     A container apparatus has also been disclosed according to a second aspect. The container apparatus according to the second aspect generally includes a container body defining a first internal cavity and a container lid attached to the container body and defining a second internal cavity, the container lid including a plurality of protrusions extending within the second internal cavity and a barrier wall. The barrier wall prevents, or at least reduces, communication of solid materials located in the first internal cavity to the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes a first member attached to the container body and a second member attached to the first member, the first and second members, in combination, defining the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the barrier wall is part of the first member attached to the container body. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind solid materials located in the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion to connected to the second member. In one or more embodiments, the first member is translationally movable relative to the container body to detach the container lid from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid is detached from the container body, the first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind solid materials located in the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the second member is translationally movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, when the container lid is detached from the container body and the second member is detached from the first member, the solid materials located in the first internal cavity are communicable to the second internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the barrier wall is devoid of any through openings. 
     A container lid has also been disclosed. The container lid generally includes a first member and a second member attached to the first member, the first and second members, in combination, defining an internal cavity. The first member is attachable to a container body defining another internal cavity. The first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other between a first locked position in which the second member is not translationally movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member and a first unlocked position in which the second member is translationally movable relative to the first member to detach the second member from the first member. In one or more embodiments, when the second member is detached from the first member, solid materials are communicable to and from the internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the container lid further includes a plurality of protrusions extending within the internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the first and second members are rotationally movable relative to each other to cause the plurality of protrusions to grind solid materials located in the internal cavity. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion connected to the first member and a second protrusion to connected to the second member. 
     It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments. 
     Any spatial references, such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
     In several embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several embodiments, the steps, processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. 
     In several embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
     Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are illustrative only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.