Patent Publication Number: US-7721908-B2

Title: Container having a slideable cover

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to hand-held containers and, more particularly, to hand-held containers having a discretely and slideably positionable cover. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Handheld containers are typically used for storing consumable and non-consumable items such as, for example, pills, candies, and the like. There are many different varieties and types of handheld containers. While many have been satisfactory for one purpose or another, there is always a desire for further options, features, and improvements in the art to which the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is directed toward a practical container with mating tracks between a plastic container base and sides of a plastic container lid. The container includes a plastic container base, a plastic container lid, a pair of first tracks, and a pair of second tracks. The plastic container base has a bottom, front and back ends extending upwardly from the bottom in spaced relation, and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom and transversely between the front and back ends to define a storage area. The plastic container lid is slideably disposed on the plastic container base and includes a cover portion that encloses the storage area when the plastic container is in a closed position. One of the pair of first tracks are included on each of the sidewalls. The pair of second tracks depend downwardly from opposing sides of the cover portion. The pair of second tracks also slideably engage the pair of first tracks such that the plastic container lid is slideable from the closed position to an open position to form a dispensing opening between the front end of the plastic container base and a forward edge of the cover portion. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a practical container with a plastic container lid that slides between defined, discrete positions. The container provides container comprising a plastic container base, a plastic container lid, and a stop mechanism. The plastic container base has a bottom, front and back ends extending upwardly from the bottom in spaced relation, and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom and transversely between the front and back ends to define a storage area. The plastic container lid is slideably disposed on the plastic container base and movable between closed and open positions. The plastic container lid also includes a cover portion that encloses the storage area in the closed position. The plastic container lid further forms a dispensing opening when slid from the closed position to the open position. The stop mechanism comprises cooperating components respectively arranged on the plastic container base and the plastic container lid. The cooperating components includes a plurality of detents and a resilient catch. The resilient catch engages the detents to define different discrete positions of the closed and open positions between the container lid and the container base. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a container with a slide mechanism and a stopping means combination. The container comprises a plastic container base, a plastic container lid, and means for stopping the container lid. The plastic container base has a bottom, front and back ends extending upwardly from the bottom in spaced relation, and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom and transversely between the front and back ends to define a storage area. The plastic container lid is slideably disposed on the plastic container base and movable between closed and open positions. The plastic container lid also includes a cover portion that encloses the storage area in the closed position. The plastic container lid is further movable from the closed position to provide a dispensing opening. The means for stopping the container lid stops the container lid in the closed position and in at least one open position displaced a predetermined distance from the closed position to define a dispensing opening of a predetermined size. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top and back perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top and front perspective view of a plastic container base from the container of  FIG. 1  highlighting a pair of first tracks and an upwardly protruding catch; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the plastic container base of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top and front perspective view of a plastic container lid from the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the plastic container lid of  FIG. 4  highlighting a second pair of tracks; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom and back perspective view of the plastic container lid from  FIG. 4  highlighting a plurality of downwardly depending detents; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 1  in a closed position taken along line  7 - 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 7  after the plastic container lid has been slid relative to the plastic container base to place the container in a partially open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 8  after the plastic container lid has been further slid relative to the plastic container base to place the container in a fully open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a top and back perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a container as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a top and front perspective view of a plastic container base from the container of  FIG. 10  highlighting a pair of first tracks and an upwardly protruding catch; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of the plastic container base of  FIG. 11  taken along line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top and front perspective view of a plastic container lid from the container of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the plastic container lid of  FIG. 13  highlighting a second pair of tracks; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom and back perspective view of the plastic container lid from  FIG. 13  highlighting a plurality of downwardly depending detents; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 10  in a closed position taken along line  16 - 16 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 16  after the plastic container lid has been slid relative to the plastic container base to place the container in a partially open position; and 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 17  after the plastic container lid has been further slid relative to the plastic container base to place the container in a fully open position. 
         FIG. 19  is a top and front perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a container as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-section view of the plastic container base of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-section view of the plastic container lid of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 19  in a closed position; and 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-section view of the container of  FIG. 19  after the plastic container lid has been slid relative to the plastic container base to place the container in a fully open position. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a container  10  is illustrated. As will be explained more fully below, the container  10  is preferably dimensioned and designed to be compatible with a hand and, more specifically, the palm of a hand although other non-handheld uses may be provided for larger containers. For handheld applications, the container measured front to back preferably has a length of between about one and a half inches to about four and a half inches, a width measured side to side of between about one inch to about three four, and a depth measured top to bottom of between about half an inch to about one and a half inches (all measurements taken when the container is closed and at the longest span). The container  10  is uncomplicated to open and close and, preferably, can be can manipulated between closed and open positions (and back again) using a finger and/or thumb. Further, the container  10  repeatedly alternatively dispenses and stores a product therein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the container  10  comprises a plastic container base  12 , a plastic container lid  14 , and a slide engagement system  16  therebetween. Preferably, the container  10  comprises only two unitary molded plastic components as shown, including the base  12  and the lid  14 , which integrally provide the sliding and retention system and discrete stopping system. 
     The plastic container base  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , has a bottom  18 , front and back ends  20 ,  22  extending upwardly from the bottom in spaced relation, and a pair of sidewalls  24 ,  26  extending upwardly from the bottom and transversely between the front and back ends to define a storage area  28 . The bottom  18  and the side walls  24 ,  26  are generally planar and/or flat. Each of the front and back ends  20 ,  22  and the pair of side walls  24 ,  26  can be rounded or radiused near or proximate the bottom  18 . Likewise, each of the front and back ends  20 ,  22  can be rounded and/or sloped. Moreover, corners  30  of the plastic container base  12 , formed by the generally vertical intersection of the front and back ends  20 ,  22  and the pair of side walls  24 ,  26 , can also be rounded or radiused. By smoothing these corners and edges, the container  10  is more comfortably held in the palm of a hand. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the plastic container base  12  further includes one or more catches  32 . These catches  32  are formed from a resilient material such as, for example, plastic. In a preferred embodiment, each catch  32  is integrally formed and molded with the plastic container base  12 . The catches  32  are disposed upon the plastic container base  12  proximate an intersection of the sidewalls  24 ,  26  and the back end  22 . In the disclosed embodiment, the catches  32  are depicted in the form of a tab or prong that generally extends upwardly (away from the bottom  18 ) and, preferably, protrude above a peripheral surface  34  of the plastic container base  12 . 
     In a preferred embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the engagement system  16  ( FIG. 1 ) includes a pair of first tracks  36  that extend along all or a portion of the sidewalls  24 ,  26  proximate the peripheral surface  34  of the plastic container base  12 . In the disclosed embodiment, each of the pair of first tracks  36  is an elongate, semi-cylindrical, projecting rib, which forms a linear rail  37 , that is integrally formed with one of the sidewalls  24 ,  26 . 
     Moving to  FIG. 4 , the plastic container lid  14  or cover is shown in detail and apart from the plastic container base  12 . The plastic container lid  14  includes a cover portion  38  that may have one or more knurls  40  that project upwardly (i.e., away from the bottom  18 ). The plastic container lid  14  is slideably disposed upon, and engaged with, the plastic container base  12  when the container  10  is assembled as in  FIG. 1 . Moreover, the plastic container lid  14 , and more specifically the cover portion  38 , encloses the storage area  18  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The knurls  40  provide a surface that permits a finger or thumb to grip the otherwise generally planar cover portion  38  of the plastic container lid  14 . In the disclosed embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the knurls  40  are formed proximate a front portion  42  of the plastic container lid  14 . The knurls  40  can be formed from, for example, a single raised portion of the plastic container lid  14 , a pattern of raised ribs, an array of projecting dots, a series of indentations, and the like, to form a gripping surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cover portion  38  has an integrally formed skirt  48  that projects downwardly and extends peripherally around the lid. Corners  50  of the plastic container lid  14 , formed by the generally horizontal intersection of the cover portion  38  and the skirt  48  can be rounded or radiused. By smoothing these corners and edges, the container  10  is, as stated before, more comfortably held in the palm of a hand. 
     Referring now to both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a preferred embodiment the engagement system  16  ( FIG. 1 ) further includes a pair of second tracks  52  that extend along all or a portion of opposing sides  44 ,  46  proximate a peripheral surface  54  of the plastic container lid  14 . The pair of second tracks  52  may stop short of the corners  50  as illustrated. Each of the pair of second tracks  52  is integrally formed with one of the opposing sides  44 ,  46 . In the disclosed embodiment, each of the pair of second tracks  52  is formed into a linear elongate flange  53  projecting outwardly from an exterior surface of the lid  14 . The elongate flange  53  has a generally convex outer surface and a concave inner surface that forms a channel to provide for the track  52 . The elongate flange  53  is secured to and/or formed upon the cover portion  38  of the plastic container lid  14  and, more particularly, on an outside surface of the plastic container lid. The flange  53  on either side of the container  10  can be are secured to the skirt  48  (i.e., the sides  44 ,  46 ) proximate the peripheral surface  54  of the plastic container lid  14  and extend down over an exterior surface of the plastic container base  12 . 
     The pair of second tracks  52  is dimensioned to slideably engage with the pair of first tracks  36  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The pairs of first and second tracks  36 ,  52  can be sized such that they provide the container  10  with a friction fit when engaged or, alternatively, can be sized such that they couple in a somewhat more freely and easily slideable arrangement. The tracks  36 ,  52 , in addition to mating to provide for linear reciprocation, also interlock and cooperate to retain the lid on the container base (e.g., via tongue and groove interlock between the channel and rib/rail). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , when the plastic container lid  14  of  FIG. 4  is turned over, the plastic container lid reveals a plurality of detents  56 . The detents  56  are formed from a resilient material such as, for example, plastic and, in preferred embodiments, are integrally formed with the plastic container lid  14 . In the disclosed embodiment, the detents  56  are depicted in the form of plastic webs that generally extends downwardly (toward the bottom  18 ) when the container  10  is assembled as shown in  FIG. 1  and, preferably, do not protrude below the peripheral surface  54  of the plastic container base as indicated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the detents  56  are dispersed along the opposing sides  44 ,  46  of the plastic container lid  14  in spaced relation with one another, and specifically linearly spaced along the linear travel path of the lid. 
     As generally shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the catch  32  and the plurality of detents  56  are cooperating components that form a stop mechanism  58  on the container  10 . The catch  32  and each of the detents  56  are selectively engaged and resiliently disengaged so that the plastic container lid  14 , which is guided by the engaged pairs of first and second tracks  36 ,  52 , slides linearly relative to the plastic container base  12 . In one embodiment, as the plastic container lid  14  moves relative to the plastic container base  12 , the peripheral surface  54  slides upon and over the peripheral surface  34 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 7 , the container  10  is depicted in a “closed” position. In the closed position, the catch  32  is engaged with a first detent  60  (from the plurality of detents  56 ). The first detent  60  is disposed farthest from the front portion  42  of the plastic container lid  14  and/or the front end  20  of the plastic container base  12 . Also, in the closed position, the peripheral surfaces  34 ,  54  are generally aligned around the entire periphery of the container  10  such that the storage area  28  is enclosed. Therefore, any products and/or items disposed in the storage area  28  are securely stored and maintained within the container  10 . 
     Continuing to  FIG. 8 , the container  10  is shown in a first or “partially open” position. In the disclosed embodiment, the partially open position is achieved by linearly sliding the plastic container lid  14  relative to plastic container base  12 . In the partially open position, the catch  32  is engaged with a second detent  62  (from the plurality of detents  56 ) disposed somewhat in the central portion of the plastic container lid  14 . The plastic container lid  14  and the plastic container base  12  are offset to form a dispensing opening  64  between the front end  20  of the plastic container base  12  and a front portion  42  of the skirt  48 . The dispensing opening  64  permits any products and/or items held in the storage area  28  of the container  10  to be dispensed. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 9 , the container  10  is shown in a second or “fully open” position. In the fully open position, the catch  32  is engaged with a third detent  66  (from the plurality of detents  56 ) disposed somewhat in the central portion of the plastic container lid  14  yet further away from the first detent  60  than the second detent  62 . Moreover, the peripheral surface  54  of the plastic container lid  14  and the peripheral surface  34  of the plastic container base  12  are even further misaligned with each other, when compared to the partially opened container of  FIG. 8 , to form an enlarged dispensing opening  68  between the front end  20  of the plastic container base  12  and a forward edge  42  of the cover portion  38  and/or skirt  48 . The enlarged dispensing opening  68  generally permits any products and/or items held in the storage area  28  of the container  10  to be dispensed more freely than the dispensing opening  64  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     In operation, the container  10  is manipulated, using a finger and/or thumb, between the closed, partially open, and fully open positions. In these different discrete positions, the container  10  can repeatedly, alternatively dispense and store goods and/or a product. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that more or fewer detents and/or catches (compared to  FIGS. 7-9 ) can be provided to a container and, therefore, provide the container with a number different discrete positions. 
     While preferred configurations are illustrated, it will be understood that the ribs and channels of first and second tracks  36 ,  52  can be interchanged with each other. In other words, the ribs and channels pairs of first and second tracks  36 ,  52  can be operationally coupled and/or cooperatively arranged on the container base and the container lid, respectively or vice versa. Likewise, the catch  32  and the plurality of detents  56  can be interchanged with each other and, therefore, operationally coupled and/or cooperatively arranged on the container base and the container lid, respectively or vice versa. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an additional preferred embodiment of a container  110  is illustrated. Since the container  110  is similar in some aspects to the container  10 , only particular features of the container  110  will be described in detail. As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the container  110  includes a plastic container base  112  and a plastic container lid  114 . The plastic container lid  114  fits neatly on top of the plastic container base  112  such that the outer periphery  116  of the container base and the outer periphery  118  of the container lid are aligned with each other. Therefore, where the container base  112  and the container lid  114  are joined together, they provide the container  110  with a smooth, and preferably planar outer (i.e., exterior) surface  120 . Advantageously, the outer surface of this container  110  is free of projections or surface interruptions that result from a slide engagement system as per the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the slide engagement system is contained such that the outer surface of the container is kept smoother. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the plastic container base  112  includes a dispensing chute  122  formed by an outwardly curved front end  124  of the base. The dispensing chute  122  promotes disbursement of the product that is temporarily stored within a storage area  126  in the container  110 . The plastic container base  112  also includes one or more catches  128 . These catches  128  are formed from a resilient material and can be integrally formed and molded with the plastic container base  112 . The catches  128  are disposed upon the plastic container base  112  proximate an intersection of the sidewalls  130 ,  132  and the back end  134 . Similar to the first embodiment, the catches  128  are depicted in the form of a tab or prong that generally extends upwardly (away from the bottom  136 ) and, preferably, protrude above a rear peripheral surface  138  of the plastic container base  112 . 
     Along the top, the plastic container base  112  also includes one or more steps  140  formed in the side peripheral surfaces  142 . The steps  140  are formed such that the side peripheral surfaces  142  are elevated above the rear peripheral surface  138 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the steps  140  can be sloped forwardly toward the front end  124  as they progress away from the bottom  126 . Preferably the steps  140  are located on both sidewalls  130 ,  132  and at a location that is closer to the back end  134  than the front end  124 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , the plastic container base  112  further includes a pair of first tracks  144 . The first tracks  144  extend along all or a portion of the interior surface  145  of the sidewalls  130 ,  132  proximate the peripheral surface  142  of the plastic container base  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pair of first tracks  144  is an elongate, trapezoidal and inwardly projecting rib that forms a linear rail  143  that is integrally formed with one of the sidewalls  130 ,  132 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the container lid  114  includes an oblong or crescent-shaped depression  146  formed in a forward portion  148 . The depression  146  is sized to receive a single digit (i.e., a finger or a thumb) and preferably includes one or more knurls  150  that assist in gripping and biasing the container lid  114 . The container lid  114  can further include a circular depression  152  that is formed during the manufacturing process. The plastic container lid  114  is slideably disposed upon, and engaged with, the plastic container base  112  when the container  110  is assembled as in  FIG. 10 . Moreover, the plastic container lid  114 , and more specifically the cover portion  154 , encloses the storage area  126  ( FIG. 11 ). In a preferred embodiment, the cover portion  154  has an integrally formed skirt  156  that projects downwardly and extends peripherally around the lid. 
     Referring now to both  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the container lid  114  further includes a pair of second tracks  160  that extend along all or a portion of opposing sides  162 ,  164  proximate a peripheral surface  166  of the plastic container lid  114 . Preferably, the pair of second tracks  160  generally stop short of the corners  168  and terminate in the back wall of the skirt. Each of the pair of second tracks  160  is integrally formed with one of the opposing sides  162 ,  164 . In the disclosed embodiment, each of the pair of second tracks  160  takes the form of a linear trapezoidal flange projecting outwardly from a downwardly depending portion of the skirt  156  and/or the cover portion  154  and then outwardly with respect to the circular depression  152  to form an elongate, rectangular channel  170 . Rather than being formed into a separate flange, the second tracks  160  are formed inwardly into the skirt sides. As a result, the tracks  160  are spaced inward of the outer peripheral surface of the lid. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , when the plastic container lid  114  of  FIG. 13  is turned over, the plastic container lid reveals abutment surfaces  172 , ribs  174 , and a plurality of detents  176 . The abutment surfaces  172  are adapted to engage the steps  140  ( FIG. 11 ) when the container  110  is assembled ( FIG. 10 ) and prevent the container from opening in reverse. The ribs  174  are located in various positions on an underside  178  of the container lid  114  to provide support to the container lid  114  to prevent, among other things, collapse of the cover portion  154 . The ribs  174  also guide the container lid  114  over the rear peripheral surface  138  ( FIG. 11 ) when then the container  110  is opened and closed. The ribs  174  can engage the top of the container in at least one and preferably each of the open positions for support purposes. 
     The detents  176  are formed from a resilient material such as, for example, plastic and, in preferred embodiments, are integrally formed with the plastic container lid  114 . In  FIG. 15 , the detents  176  are depicted in the form of plastic webs that generally extend downwardly (toward the bottom  136 ) when the container  110  is assembled as shown in  FIG. 10 . Some of the detents  176  can extend farther away from the underside  178  of the container lid  114  than others. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the detents  176  are dispersed along the opposing sides  180 ,  182  of the plastic container lid  114  in spaced relation with one another. 
     The pair of second tracks  160  is dimensioned to slideably engage with the pair of first tracks  144  as collectively illustrated in  FIGS. 16-18  to form an engagement system  184 . The pairs of first and second tracks  144 ,  160  can be sized such that they provide the container  110  with a friction fit when engaged or, alternatively, can be sized such that they couple in a somewhat more freely and easily slideable arrangement. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , the catch  128  and the plurality of detents  176  and the steps  140  and the abutment surfaces  172 , which form a different type of catch and detent to define or assist in defining a discrete position as shown in  FIG. 10 , are cooperating components that form a stop mechanism  186  on the container  110 . The catch  128  and each of the detents  176  are selectively engaged and resiliently disengaged so that the plastic container lid  114 , which is guided by the engaged pairs of first and second tracks  144 ,  160 , slides linearly relative to the plastic container base  112 . The steps  140  and the mating abutment surfaces  172  are progressed toward each other until they contact one another and prevent further relative movement of the container lid  114  with respect to the container base  112 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 16 , the container  110  is depicted in a “closed” position. In the closed position, the catch  128  is engaged with a first detent  188  (from the plurality of detents  176 ). The first detent  188  is disposed farthest from the forward portion  148  of the plastic container lid  114  and/or the front end  124  of the plastic container base  112 . Moreover, the steps  140  and the abutment surfaces  172  are in intimate contact with each other ( FIG. 10 ). 
     Continuing to  FIG. 17 , the container  110  is shown in one of two possible “partially open” positions. The illustrated partially open position is achieved by linearly sliding the plastic container lid  114  relative to plastic container base  112  until the catch  128  is engaged with a second detent  190  (from the plurality of detents  176 ) disposed somewhat in the central portion of the plastic container lid  114 . The container  110  can be placed in another partially open position by continuing to slide the container lid  114  relative to the container base  112  until a third detent  192  engages the catch  128 . Notably, portions of the peripheral surfaces  142 ,  166  that are not adjacent to the pairs of first and second tracks  144 ,  160  are now misaligned whereas they were aligned in  FIG. 16 . Moreover, the plastic container lid  114  and the plastic container base  112  are offset to form a dispensing opening  194  between the front end  124  of the plastic container base  112  and a front portion  148  of the skirt  156 . The dispensing opening  194  permits any products and/or items held in the storage area  126  of the container  110  to be dispensed. The dispensing chute  122 , which is either curved, sloped, ramped, and like, assists in dispersing the product from the storage area  126 . 
     Moving now to  FIG. 18 , the container  110  is shown in a second or “fully open” position. In the fully open position, the catch  128  is engaged with a fourth detent  196  (from the plurality of detents  176 ) disposed somewhat in the central portion of the plastic container lid  114  yet further away from the first detent  188  than the other detents  190 ,  192 . The fourth detent  196  preferably extends further away from the cover portion  154  to prevent the plastic container lid  114  from completely disengaging and separating from the plastic container base  112 . In the fully open position, the container  110  forms an enlarged dispensing opening  198  between the front end  124  of the plastic container base  112  and a forward edge  148  of the skirt  156 . The enlarged dispensing opening  198  generally permits any products and/or items held in the storage area  126  of the container  110  to be dispensed more freely than the dispensing opening  194  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , an additional preferred embodiment of a container  210  is illustrated. Since the container  210  is similar in some aspects to the containers  10 ,  110 , only particular features of the container  210  will be described in detail. As depicted in  FIG. 19 , the container  210  includes a plastic container base  212  and a plastic container lid  214 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the plastic container base  212  includes a pair of first tracks  244 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pair of first tracks  244  is an elongate, trapezoidal and inwardly projecting rib that forms a linear rail  243  and a corresponding elongate, canted and outwardly and upwardly open groove  247  in spaced apart relation. Referring now to both  FIG. 21 , the container lid  214  further includes a pair of second tracks  260 . In the disclosed embodiment, each of the pair of second tracks  260  takes the form of an outer downwardly depending flange  255  spaced apart from an inner downwardly depending flange  257 . The outer downwardly depending flange  255  is canted to match the angle of the groove  247 . The inner downwardly depending flange  257  has a linear trapezoidal flange projecting outwardly from the downwardly depending flange and/or the cover portion  254  and then outwardly to form an elongate, channel  270 . Rather than being formed into a separate flange, the second tracks  260  are formed upwardly into the skirt sides. As a result, the tracks  260  are spaced inward of the outer peripheral surface of the lid. 
     The pair of second tracks  260  is dimensioned to slideably engage with the pair of first tracks  244  as collectively illustrated in  FIGS. 22-23  to form an engagement system  284 . The pairs of first and second tracks  244 ,  260  can be sized such that they provide the container  210  with a friction fit when engaged or, alternatively, can be sized such that they couple in a somewhat more freely and easily slideable arrangement. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 22 , the container  210  is depicted in a “closed” position. In the closed position, a catch  228  is engaged with a first detent  288 . In contrast, in  FIG. 23 , the container  210  is shown in a “fully open” position. In the fully open position, the catch  228  is engaged with a second detent  290 . The second detent  290  preferably prevents the plastic container lid  214  from completely disengaging and separating from the plastic container base  212 . In the fully open position, the container  210  forms a dispensing opening  298 . The dispensing opening  298  generally permits any products and/or items held in the storage area  226  of the container  10  to be freely dispensed. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirely herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.