Patent Description:
Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called "smokeless" form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. See, for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. ; and<CIT> and <CIT>; <CIT>. ; <CIT>; <CIT>. ; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. ; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Representative smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those referred to as CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips and CAMEL Sticks by R. Reynolds Tobacco Company; GRIZZLY moist tobacco, KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobacco and TAYLOR'S PRIDE loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK moist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc. ; REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN moist tobacco and RED SEAL long cut by U. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and Taboka by Philip Morris USA.

Representative types of snuff products, commonly referred to as "snus," which may comprise pasteurized or heat treated tobacco products, are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the U. have been marketed under the trade names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL Snus Original and CAMEL Snus Spice by R. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Snus products, such as CAMEL Snus Original, are commonly supplied in small teabag-like pouches. The pouches are typically a nonwoven fleece material, and contain about <NUM> to <NUM> grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in a user's mouth for about <NUM>-<NUM> minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus products typically do not require expectoration by the user. Other pouch types of smokeless tobacco products include those marketed as COPENHAGEN Pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOAL Pouches, REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by U. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO Snus by Philip Morris USA.

Various types of containers for dispensing moistened solid components, particularly components intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a handheld size that can be easily stored and transported. For example, snus products have been packaged in tins, "pucks" or "pots" that are manufactured from metal or plastic. See, for example, those types of containers generally disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>and <CIT>. ; and <CIT>. Yet other types of containers for smokeless types of tobacco products are set forth in <CIT>. , <CIT>, <CIT>. , and <CIT>. ; as well as the various types of containers referenced in <CIT>. Further, <CIT>. discloses a compartment container for snus.

A desirable feature for certain containers is the incorporation of child-resistant features that make it difficult for children to open or otherwise access the contents of the container, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning in children via the ingestion of potentially hazardous items. However, such features may increase the cost and complexity of the container and the manufacturing thereof.

<CIT> discloses a child resistant closure which has a lid and a container. In the upper area of the container, a resilient area is provided to allow a manual depression so as to distance this upper area of the container from the lower edge of the lid thus allowing a manual gripping of the lower edge of the lid. Removal of the lid is therefore effected through two successive operations in directions substantially perpendicular to one another, one being a depression of the resilient area substantially perpendicular to the axis of the body, the other being a lifting of the lid substantially parallel to this axis.

In various implementations, the present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers having a base or body portion and a cover or lid, where the cover, the body portion, or both include structure to make it difficult for a child to separate the cover and the body portion, thereby reducing the risk of children accessing the contents of the container. However, typical adults will have sufficient strength to separate the cover and body portion. In addition, the container may include a visual and/or tactical cue to assist an adult with opening.

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:.

Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the "or" of a set of operands is the "inclusive or" and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the "exclusive or" which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more," unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably. Additionally, where multiples of the same components are described, the multiples may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).

Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to containers used to store various solid products, but are particularly well-suited for products designed for oral consumption. Exemplary consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including tobacco products of the type that have a smokeless form. Various forms of suitable smokeless tobacco products are those types products set forth and described generally in <CIT>. Of particular interest, are exemplary tobacco products that include tobacco formulations in a loose form, such as moist snuff products. Other exemplary types of smokeless tobacco products include the types of products set forth in <CIT>. Exemplary loose form tobacco used with the containers of the present disclosure may include tobacco formulations associated with, for example, commercially available GRIZZLY moist tobacco products and KODIAK moist tobacco products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. Exemplary snus forms of tobacco products are commercially available as CAMEL Snus by R. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

The shape of the outer surface of the containers of the disclosure can vary. Although the container embodiments illustrated in the drawings have certain contours and shapes, containers with other exterior and interior surface designs also can be suitably adapted and used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of the disclosure can be flattened, rounded, or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the container exterior can be concave or convex. Further, the opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container can be parallel or non-parallel such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions. See, for example, the types of containers, components, component arrangements and configurations, and constructions thereof set forth in <CIT>. , and <CIT>. ; <CIT>; as well as the various types of containers referenced in <CIT>.

The shapes and sizes of the containers described herein can vary without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In certain embodiments, the containers can be described as having a cylindrical shape suitable for handheld manipulation and operation; however, other multi-sided shapes (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated and considered within the scope of the claims. Exemplary dimensions for such handheld generally cylindrical embodiments include diameters in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more typically about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Exemplary wall thicknesses include the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more typically about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Exemplary depths for handheld container embodiments of the present disclosure range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more typically about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and most often about <NUM> to about <NUM>. An exemplary general outward appearance of the container is comparable in many regards to that which has been used for commercially available GRIZZLY and KODIAK products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC.

Further, the size of the containers described herein may be changed. For example, the containers may be sized for promotional purposes by providing either increased or decreased dimensions. For example, the dimensions of the containers may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by certain multipliers. By way of further example, the dimensions of the container may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by a multiple of about <NUM> to about <NUM> times. In this regard, whereas a conventional container according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to store about <NUM> ounces of a tobacco-containing material, an oversized container may be configured to store, for example, <NUM> ounces or <NUM> ounces of the tobacco containing material. In specialty markets the containers may define a larger cylindrical configuration having a diameter from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>) and a depth from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>). Accordingly, the dimensions and capacities disclosed herein are provided for example purposes only and may be modified to suit particular purposes.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, depict a first example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with <FIG> depicting the base portion <NUM> in greater detail. The container <NUM> includes a base or body portion <NUM> that is typically configured to hold the consumer product and a lid or cover <NUM> configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the two parts. In some implementations, the cover <NUM> is secured to the body portion <NUM> via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the two parts. The engagement of the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> are shown in greater detail and described with respect to <FIG> below.

The body portion <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> extending upwardly from, and about, a peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> has a top edge or upper rim <NUM> that in turn defines an opening <NUM> through which the contents of the container <NUM> may be accessed. The material of construction of the body portion <NUM> may vary to suit a particular application. Exemplary materials include metal, synthetic plastic materials, and cellulosic materials (e.g., cardboard). Polymeric materials that can be extruded and/or molded into desired shapes are typically utilized, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like. In some implementations, the body portion may comprise a translucent or transparent material to allow a user to view the contents. The body portion <NUM> may be manufactured via injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, extrusion, bonding, machining, or combinations thereof, as known to a person of skill in the art.

The cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> (or 116a depending on configuration) and a sidewall <NUM> that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge <NUM> of the top wall <NUM>. In some implementations, the top wall <NUM> spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge <NUM>, while in other configurations, the top wall <NUM> does not span the entire area and forms a frame for accepting an outer lid 116a secured thereto, as shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the cover <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> or similar structure that may, for example, assist a user in handling the container <NUM> and/or manipulating the cover <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may allow a user to pry open the outer lid 116a (e.g., by using a tool or finger nail) to access an internal space <NUM> between the top wall <NUM> and outer lid 116a. The internal space <NUM> may be used to hold or store waste or spent materials. In some implementations, the cover <NUM> may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as the body portion <NUM>. In certain implementations, the cover <NUM> may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, aluminum or tinplate. In implementations incorporating the outer lid 116a, it may be manufactured separately from and of a different material than the remainder of the cover <NUM> to, for example, provide labeling or other indicia or to serve an aesthetic purpose.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict the body portion <NUM> in greater detail. The bottom wall <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> define an internal space <NUM>, which may be accessible via the opening <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is removed therefrom. The internal space <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> may be configured to receive a tobacco-containing material, which may comprise any of the various tobacco-containing materials described herein. While the sidewall <NUM> depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall, the wall <NUM> may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container <NUM> had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall <NUM> includes at least one flex feature <NUM> that assists in separating the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM>, but provides sufficient resistance to the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> being separated by a child.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sidewall <NUM> extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion <NUM> and has an inner surface 110a and an outer surface 110b. The flex feature <NUM> may be formed in the side wall <NUM> in different manners. In one implementation, the sidewall <NUM> is the primary wall and the body portion <NUM> includes at least one secondary wall <NUM>. The secondary wall <NUM> includes first and second vertical edges 128a, 128b and top and bottom horizontal edges 130a, 130b. The vertical edges 128a, 128b join with the inner surface 110a of the sidewall <NUM>, such that the secondary wall <NUM> extends inwardly from the inner surface 110a, partially surrounds a portion of the primary sidewall <NUM>, and defines a channel <NUM> between the primary and secondary walls. The bottom horizontal edge 130b of the secondary wall <NUM> joins with the bottom wall <NUM> at its peripheral edge <NUM>. The channel <NUM> extends essentially the entire height of the body portion <NUM> with an upper opening of the channel <NUM> disposed proximate the top rim <NUM> of the body portion and a lower opening of the channel <NUM> disposed proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall <NUM>.

The channel configuration allows the primary sidewall <NUM> to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the secondary wall <NUM>) upon application of a force to the outer surface 110b, thereby providing access to an edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM> to assist in removing the cover <NUM>. See <FIG> and <FIG> for additional details regarding the removal of the cover <NUM>. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel <NUM> or channel openings. The container <NUM> may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features. Additionally, although only one flex feature <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, essentially any number of flex features <NUM> may be included and disposed about the perimeter of the body portion <NUM>, for example, they may be spaced equidistant about the body portion. See <FIG>, which depicts three flex features <NUM> disposed about <NUM>° apart about the perimeter of a body portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the size, shape, and visibility of the channel openings may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the height of the sidewall <NUM> at the flex feature <NUM> may be reduced so that the channel opening is larger and more readily visible to a user to, for example, provide a visible clue to the location of the flex feature <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is engaged with the body portion <NUM>. See, for example, <FIG>, which depict three different sidewall heights at the flex feature <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, as the height (or overall vertical length of the sidewall) is reduced, the openings of the channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are increased, thereby rendering the flex feature <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> more visible to a user. In addition, a tactile feature may be included on the flex feature, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container. Additionally, or alternatively, the side wall of the body portion may include a structure that provides an audible cue when engaged, for example, a force is applied.

In another implementation of a flex feature <NUM>, the sidewall <NUM> is a continuous wall having the aforementioned inner and outer surfaces 110a, 110b and including one or more gaps therebetween and extending along a length of the sidewall <NUM>, thereby forming the channel(s) <NUM>. Similar to the flex feature <NUM> described above the channel <NUM> extends essentially the entire height of the body portion <NUM> with an upper gap or opening of the channel <NUM> disposed proximate the upper rim <NUM> of the body portion and a lower gap or opening of the channel <NUM> disposed proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the engagement between the body portion <NUM> and cover <NUM> are clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> extending upwardly therefrom and defining a flex feature <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> extending downwardly therefrom. An upper region of the body portion sidewall <NUM> is configured to engage with at least a portion of the cover sidewall <NUM>. As shown, an inner surface 118a of the cover sidewall <NUM> engages with the outer surface 110b of the body portion sidewall <NUM> via an interference or snap fit. In some implementations, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> include mating structure <NUM> to enable the snap fit. The bottom edge <NUM> of the cover sidewall <NUM> abuts against a top edge of or recess <NUM> in the body portion sidewall <NUM> and, in some embodiments, the outer surface 118b of the cover <NUM> sits flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface 110b of the sidewall <NUM> to make it difficult to engage with and remove the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>.

To remove the cover <NUM>, a user applies a force (F) to the outer surface 110b of the sidewall (i.e., depresses the sidewall <NUM>) at the flex feature <NUM>, thereby exposing the bottom edge <NUM> of the cover sidewall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This allows the user to apply a force to the bottom edge <NUM> (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>. For example, a fingernail can be used to apply the force (F) and, in some cases, inserted into the gap of the flex feature <NUM> and/or into a space behind the sidewall <NUM> of the cover <NUM> to remove the cover/lid while the force is applied. The user can release (i.e., remove the applied force) the flex feature <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover <NUM> can be reattached to the body portion <NUM> by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict another example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depicting the cover <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the container <NUM> includes the same or a substantially similar body portion <NUM> to that described above. Accordingly, the body portion <NUM> will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container <NUM>.

Generally, the cover <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the cover <NUM> of <FIG>; however, cover <NUM> includes additional structure to provide further resistance to opening the container <NUM> by a child. Specifically, the modified cover <NUM> is configured to increase the rigidity of the cover and the amount of opening force required to remove the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM> even after the flex feature <NUM> is engaged.

As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> (or 516a depending on configuration) and a sidewall <NUM> that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge <NUM> of the top wall <NUM>. In some implementations, the top wall <NUM> spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge <NUM>, while in other configurations, the top wall <NUM> does not span the entire area and forms a frame for having an inner lid 516a secured thereto. In some implementations, the cover <NUM> may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as those described above.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict two different implementations of the additional child-resistant feature in greater detail. Both covers <NUM>, <NUM>' include an additional inner ring or sidewall <NUM>, <NUM>' extending downwardly from the top wall <NUM>, <NUM>' (shown upwardly extending in the figures because they are bottom perspective views). The inner ring <NUM>, <NUM>' is spaced inwardly of the sidewall <NUM>, <NUM>' and configured to define a receptacle <NUM>, <NUM>' therebetween that provides for an interference fit with the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. The inner ring <NUM>, <NUM>' also provides additional rigidity to the overall cover <NUM>, which may further provide resistance to its removal from the body portion. In some implementations, the cover <NUM>, <NUM>' and body portion <NUM>, <NUM>' engage via a snap fit and the additional rigidity of the inner ring <NUM>, <NUM>' further strengthens that engagement.

In various implementations, the inner ring or sidewall <NUM>, <NUM>' has a height greater than the height of the sidewall <NUM> (i.e., the inner ring extends further from the top cover than the sidewall), however the height of the inner ring <NUM>, <NUM>' may be about the same or even less than the height of the sidewall <NUM> to suit a particular application. In some implementations, the height of the inner ring may vary along its length. Additionally, the cover may include one or more buttresses <NUM> (or similar structure) spaced about an inner perimeter of the inner ring <NUM>, <NUM>' and coupled to the top wall <NUM>. The buttresses <NUM> may be spaced equidistant about the inner perimeter of the inner ring.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner ring <NUM>' is a single continuous wall; however, the inner ring may comprise a plurality of contiguous walls to accommodate other (e.g., non-circular) shapes. As shown in <FIG>, however, the inner ring <NUM> may include a plurality of segments 542a, 542b spaced relative to and about the sidewall <NUM>. The length and the number of the segments 542a, 542b, and the spaces <NUM> therebetween, may vary to suit a particular application, for example, the size and shape of the container and the desired opening force. In some implementations, the segments 542a, 542b are non-contiguous, but in others, the segments may be defined by recesses or cut-outs in the inner ring <NUM>' depicted in <FIG>. In some implementations, these recesses or spaces <NUM> between segments may be disposed on opposite sides of the cover to provide assistance in gripping the cover <NUM> and aiding in its removal from the body portion by an adult hand.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container that provides a better view of the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> engagement. As shown, the cover <NUM> engages with the body portion <NUM> via insertion of the body portion sidewall <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM> defined by the sidewall <NUM> and inner ring <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In some implementations, the cover engages the sidewall <NUM> with an interference or frictional fit. However, as shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes a snap fit mechanism <NUM> and the inner ring <NUM> provides resistance to the inward flexing of the top portion of the body portion sidewall <NUM>, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cover, even where the flex feature <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) is used to expose the edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts another example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with <FIG> depicting the body portion <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the container <NUM> includes the same or a substantially similar cover <NUM> to that described above. Accordingly, the cover <NUM> will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the body portion <NUM> in greater detail. The bottom wall <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> define an internal space <NUM>, which may be accessible via the opening <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is removed therefrom. The internal space <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> may be configured to receive a tobacco-containing material, which may comprise any of the various tobacco-containing materials described herein. While the sidewall <NUM> depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall, the wall <NUM> may comprise multiple contiguous wall portions as would be necessary, for example, if the container <NUM> had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, octagonal, etc.). In some implementations, the body <NUM> may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as those described above.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container that provides a better view of the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> engagement. As shown, the cover <NUM> engages with the body portion <NUM> via insertion of the body portion sidewall <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM> defined by the sidewall <NUM> and inner ring <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In some implementations, the cover engages the sidewall <NUM> with an interference or frictional fit. However, as shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes a snap fit mechanism <NUM> and the inner ring <NUM> provides resistance to the inward flexing of the top portion of the body portion sidewall <NUM>, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cover.

<FIG> depict another example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with <FIG> depicting the base or body portion <NUM> in greater detail and <FIG> depicting the covers 704a, 704b (collectively <NUM>) in greater detail. Generally, the container <NUM> is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion <NUM> defining a first internal space 740a accessible via a first opening 714a and a second internal space 740b accessible via a second opening 714b. The first internal space 740a may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products, and the second internal space 740b is configured to hold another product, such as a used or waste product. In some implementations, the body portion may comprise a transparent or translucent material that allows a user to detect a level of freshness, or other condition, of the product contained therein without the need for opening the container, which may negatively impact the freshness of the product depending on the frequency of opening.

The container <NUM> includes first and second covers 704a, 704b configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion <NUM> so as to enclose their respective internal spaces <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the covers <NUM> are secured to the body portion <NUM> via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> are shown in greater detail below.

As shown in the figures, the body portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> separating the first and second internal spaces <NUM>, a primary sidewall <NUM> disposed about a peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM> and extending upwardly (defining the first internal space 740a) and downwardly (defining the second internal space 740b) therefrom, and a secondary wall <NUM> comprising an upper edge 721a and a lower edge 721b. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel between the primary and secondary walls <NUM>, <NUM> such that one or more portions <NUM> of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto.

As further shown in the figures, the container <NUM> includes the first cover 704a configured to securely and removably engage the first opening 714a of the body portion <NUM>, where the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall <NUM> inwardly to expose an edge 738a of the first cover 704a. Similarly, the second cover 704b is configured to securely and removably engage the second opening 714b of the body portion <NUM> so that the second cover 704b is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions <NUM> of the secondary wall <NUM> inwardly to expose an edge 738b of the second cover 704b.

With reference to <FIG>, in particular, the primary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> comprises a top edge 712a and a bottom edge 712b with the bottom wall <NUM> disposed proximate the bottom edge 712b of the primary sidewall <NUM> so as to define two differently sized internal spaces. Specifically, the first internal space 740a comprises a first volume and the second internal space 740b comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume. The volume of the second internal space 740b is generally shown as much smaller than the first internal space 740a; however, the size of the second internal space relative to the first internal space may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the sizes (i.e., volume) of first and second internal spaces may be substantially equal or the volume of the second internal space may be about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% of the volume of the first internal space 740a.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure and operation of the body portion <NUM> is described in greater detail. The bottom wall <NUM> is shown having a circular shape; however, the shape of the bottom wall <NUM> may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., type of product held by the container, aesthetic purposes, etc.). Similarly, the sidewall <NUM> depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall; however, the wall <NUM> may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container <NUM> had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall <NUM> extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion <NUM> and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In certain implementations, the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> includes a plurality of raised structures <NUM> disposed thereon. The structures <NUM> may be provided to add strength to the sidewall <NUM>, for aesthetic purposes, and/or other function. For example, in the depicted implementation, the structures are disposed equidistant about the outer surface and spaced apart to define a plurality of grooves <NUM> about the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> that are configured to mate with rib-like structures <NUM> within the covers <NUM> to function as an alignment mechanism. As shown, the primary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall <NUM> defines a generally hexagonal prismatic shape (see <FIG>); however, the shapes of the primary and secondary walls may vary to suit a particular application.

In the depicted implementation, the sidewall <NUM> is the primary wall and the secondary wall <NUM> surrounds the primary wall <NUM> and has an upper edge 721a and a lower edge 721b that are recessed relative to the top edge 712a and the bottom edge 712b of the primary sidewall <NUM>. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> via the one or more lateral extensions <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom and so as to define a channel <NUM> between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) <NUM> of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. Generally, the channel <NUM> allows the secondary wall <NUM> to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall <NUM>) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (i.e., the flex features <NUM> described below), thereby providing access to an edge <NUM> of either cover <NUM> to assist in removing the cover <NUM>. See <FIG> for additional details regarding the removal of the covers <NUM>. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel <NUM> or channel openings. The container <NUM> may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.

As disclosed above, the secondary wall <NUM> includes at least one flex feature <NUM> that assists in separating the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>, but provides sufficient resistance to the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> being separated by a child. The flex feature <NUM> may be formed in the primary wall <NUM> in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container <NUM> includes four (<NUM>) flex features <NUM> disposed about the perimeter thereof, with two (<NUM>) configured for removal of the first cover 704a and two (<NUM>) configured for the removal of the second cover 704b. As shown, one of each of the flex features <NUM> are disposed proximate one another on generally opposing sides of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>). However, in other implementations the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall <NUM>.

The first flex feature 724a of the secondary wall <NUM> comprises a first tab 764a configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall <NUM> so as to expose the edge of the first cover. Generally, the first tab 764a is defined by a pair of vertical slits <NUM> that extend from the upper edge 721a of the secondary wall <NUM> to proximate the lower edge 721b of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall <NUM> at the lower edge 721b thereof. The third flex feature 724c is disposed <NUM> degrees from and in opposition to the first flex feature 724a so that it may be actuated (e.g., pressed) simultaneously with the first flex feature 724a. The third flex feature 724c is essentially identical to the first flex feature insofar as it comprises a third tab 764c defined by a pair of vertical slits <NUM> that extend from the upper edge 721a of the secondary wall <NUM> to proximate the lower edge 721b of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to secondary wall <NUM> at the lower edge 721b and configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge <NUM> of the first cover 704a.

The second flex feature 724b of the secondary wall <NUM> comprises a second tab 764b configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge 721b of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the second cover. Generally, the second tab 764b is defined by a pair of vertical slits <NUM> that extend from the lower edge 721b of the secondary wall <NUM> to proximate the upper edge 721a of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall <NUM> at the upper edge 721a thereof. The fourth flex feature 724d is disposed <NUM> degrees from and in opposition to the second flex feature 724b so that it may be actuated (e.g., pressed) simultaneously with the second flex feature 724b. The fourth flex feature 724c is essentially identical to the second flex feature insofar as it comprises a fourth tab 764d defined by a pair of vertical slits <NUM> that extend from the lower edge 721b of the secondary wall <NUM> to proximate the upper edge 721a of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall <NUM> at the upper edge 721a and configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the second cover.

<FIG> depict the lateral extensions <NUM> in greater detail. As shown in <FIG>, the lateral extension <NUM> generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall <NUM> and couples to the secondary wall <NUM> proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface thereof. In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension <NUM> and secondary wall are generally disposed midway up the primary wall <NUM>; however, the exact placement of the secondary wall <NUM> may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., depths of the internal spaces or covers). The lateral extension <NUM> is generally shown as extending about the entire perimeter of the body portion <NUM>; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps where the secondary wall <NUM> is not directly coupled to the primary wall <NUM> (i.e., a portion of the secondary wall "floats" relative to the primary wall). Also shown in <FIG>, an inner surface of the secondary wall <NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., one above and one below the lateral extension) configured to engage a mating structure on the first or second cover to secure the cover to the body portion as discussed with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts the lateral extension <NUM> in the areas corresponding to the flex features <NUM>. As shown, with respect to the first flex feature 724a, the lateral extension <NUM> comprises a first reverse compound bend extending from proximate a midline of the primary wall <NUM> and extending downwardly to connect to the first tab 764a at the lower edge of the secondary wall <NUM>. Similarly, at the second flex feature 724b, the lateral extension <NUM> comprises a second reverse compound bend extending from proximate a midline of the primary wall <NUM> and extending upwardly to connect to the second tab 764b at the upper edge of the secondary wall <NUM>. The lateral extensions <NUM> at the third and fourth flex features 724c, 724d are identical and located <NUM> degrees to the first and second flex features 724a, 724b. Although four flex features are described, it is possible for the container <NUM> to be limited to two flex features, one for each cover, or include any number of additional flex features <NUM> to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container).

<FIG> depict cross-sectional views of the covers <NUM> with the view of <FIG> rotated <NUM> degrees from the view of <FIG>. It should be noted that in the depicted implementation, the first and second covers <NUM> are identical so that only one of the covers is described in detail. As shown, the cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM>, a primary sidewall <NUM> extending downwardly from a peripheral edge <NUM> of the top wall <NUM>, and an inner sidewall <NUM> extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the primary sidewall <NUM> so as to define a receptacle <NUM> therebetween that is configured to engage at least a portion of the primary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is configured to engage the body portion <NUM> via an interference fit or a snap fit. For example, an outer surface of the primary sidewall <NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM> configured to engage the mating structure on the body portion when the cover <NUM> is secured to the body portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, one or more ribs <NUM> may be provided on an inner surface of the primary sidewall <NUM> that are configured to engage a plurality of grooves <NUM> disposed on the outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> so as to assist in aligning the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM>. In some cases, the ribs <NUM> provide additional stiffening to the covers.

In the depicted implementation, the cover further comprises an outer sidewall <NUM> extending outwardly from the peripheral edge <NUM> of the top wall <NUM> and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> when engaged. The outer sidewall <NUM> and the primary sidewall <NUM> define a plurality of gaps <NUM> spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the cover (see <FIG>). Generally, at least a portion of the plurality of gaps <NUM> are located so as to correspond to the locations of the flex features <NUM> of the secondary wall <NUM> that flex relative to the primary wall <NUM> upon application of a force. In the depicted implementation, the container <NUM> has an overall hexagonal shape and the gaps <NUM> correspond to the corners of the hex shape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the engagement between the body portion <NUM> and covers <NUM> are more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a primary wall <NUM> spanning the bottom wall <NUM> and defining two internal spaces <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a secondary wall <NUM> that defines one or more flex features <NUM>. The first (upper) and second (lower) covers <NUM> include top walls <NUM> and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage their respective openings <NUM> of the internal spaces. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall <NUM> and primary sidewall <NUM> include mating structure <NUM> to enable a snap fit between the covers and the body portion. The bottom edges <NUM> of the covers <NUM> abut against the top/bottom edges <NUM> of or recess in the body portion primary wall <NUM> and, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the covers <NUM> sit flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one of each of the flex features <NUM> for removing the bottom cover 704b (feature 724b) and the top cover 704a (feature 724b), with the enlarged view (<FIG>) depicting the container rotated approximately <NUM> degrees to depict engagement between the walls at a location without a flex feature <NUM>. Specifically, the enlarged view depicts the primary sidewalls <NUM> of the covers <NUM> disposed within the channel <NUM> defined by the primary wall <NUM> and the secondary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> and retained therein via the retention mechanisms <NUM>.

To remove one of the covers <NUM>, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> (i.e., presses the secondary wall <NUM>) at one or more flex features <NUM>, thereby exposing the edge <NUM> of the cover primary sidewall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the bottom edge <NUM> (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the user may press two opposing flex features <NUM> (e.g., the first and third tabs 764a, 764c) simultaneously (e.g., with the user's thumb and third finger) to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge <NUM>. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover <NUM> can be reattached to the body portion <NUM> by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.

<FIG> depict yet another example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure and similar to container <NUM> described above, with <FIG> depicting the base or body portion <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the container <NUM> includes the same or substantially similar covers <NUM> to the covers <NUM> described above. Accordingly, the covers <NUM> will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container <NUM>. Generally, the container <NUM> is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion <NUM> defining a first internal space 840a accessible via a first opening 814a and a second internal space 840b accessible via a second opening 814b. The first internal space 840a may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products, and the second internal space 840b is configured to hold another product, such as a used or waste product. The container <NUM> includes first and second covers 804a, 804b configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion <NUM> so as to enclose their respective internal spaces <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the covers <NUM> are secured to the body portion <NUM> via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> are described in greater detail below.

As shown in the figures, the body portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> separating the first and second internal spaces <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM> disposed about a peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM> and extending upwardly (defining the first internal space 840a) and downwardly (defining the second internal space 840b) therefrom, and a secondary wall <NUM> comprising an upper edge 821a and a lower edge 821b. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel between the primary and secondary walls <NUM>, <NUM> such that one or more portions <NUM> of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall <NUM> upon application of a force thereto.

As further shown in the figures, the container <NUM> includes the first cover 804a configured to securely and removably engage the first opening 814a of the body portion <NUM>, where the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall <NUM> inwardly to expose an edge 838a of the first cover 804a. Similarly, the second cover 804b is configured to securely and removably engage the second opening 814b of the body portion <NUM> so that the second cover 804b is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions <NUM> of the secondary wall <NUM> inwardly to expose an edge 838b of the second cover 804b.

With reference to <FIG>, in particular, the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> comprises a top edge 812a and a bottom edge 812b with the bottom wall <NUM> disposed proximate the bottom edge 812b of the sidewall <NUM> so as to define two differently sized internal spaces. Specifically, the first internal space 840a comprises a first volume and the second internal space 840b comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume. The volume of the second internal space 840b is generally shown as much smaller than the first internal space 840a; however, the size of the second internal space relative to the first internal space may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the sizes (i.e., volume) of first and second internal spaces may be substantially equal or the volume of the second internal space may be about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% of the volume of the first internal space 840a.

In the depicted implementation, the sidewall <NUM> is the primary wall and the secondary wall <NUM> surrounds the primary wall <NUM> and has an upper edge 821a and a lower edge 821b that are recessed relative to the top edge 812a and the bottom edge 812b of the primary wall <NUM>. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> via one or more lateral extensions <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom so as to define a channel <NUM> between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) <NUM> of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. Generally, the channel <NUM> allows the secondary wall <NUM> to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall <NUM>) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (flex features <NUM> described below), thereby providing access to an edge <NUM> of either cover <NUM> to assist in removing the cover <NUM>. See <FIG> for additional details regarding the removal of the covers <NUM>. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel <NUM> or channel openings. The container <NUM> may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.

As disclosed above, the secondary wall <NUM> includes at least one flex feature <NUM> that assists in separating the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>, but provides sufficient resistance to prevent the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> from being separated by a child. The flex feature <NUM> may be formed in the secondary wall <NUM> in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container <NUM> includes two (<NUM>) flex features <NUM> disposed proximate one another and on one side of the container <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), where both flex features <NUM> are configured for removal of the first cover 804a or the second cover 804b. Although two flex features are described, it is possible for the container <NUM> to include any number of additional flex features <NUM> to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container) and the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall <NUM>.

<FIG>, and <FIG> depict the lateral extensions <NUM> and flex features <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the lateral extension <NUM> generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall <NUM> and couples to the secondary wall <NUM> proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface thereof (left side of <FIG>). In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension <NUM> and secondary wall <NUM> are generally disposed midway up the primary wall <NUM>; however, the exact placement of the secondary wall <NUM> may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., depths of the internal spaces or covers). The lateral extension <NUM> is generally shown as extending about a substantial portion of the perimeter of the body portion <NUM>; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps where the secondary wall <NUM> is not directly coupled to the primary wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, there is a portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> where the secondary wall <NUM> is not attached to the primary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> (i.e., that portion of the secondary wall <NUM> "floats" relative to the primary wall <NUM>). This arrangement provides for two floating corners of the secondary wall that form first and second flex features 824a, 824b. The flex features 824a of the secondary wall <NUM> include a tactile feature <NUM>, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container <NUM>. The feature <NUM> provides for a press point for actuating the flex feature <NUM> (application of a force thereto) which will deflect the flex feature section of the secondary wall <NUM> towards the primary wall <NUM>, thereby exposing the edges <NUM> of the covers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement between the body portion <NUM> and covers <NUM> is more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a primary wall <NUM> spanning the bottom wall <NUM> and defining two internal spaces <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a secondary wall <NUM> that defines one or more flex features <NUM>. The first (upper) and second (lower) covers <NUM> include top walls <NUM> and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage their respective openings <NUM> of the internal spaces. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall <NUM> and primary sidewall <NUM> include mating structure <NUM> to enable a snap fit between the covers <NUM> and the body portion <NUM>. The bottom edges <NUM> of the covers <NUM> approximately abut against the top and bottom edges <NUM> of or recess in the body portion primary wall <NUM> and, in some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the covers <NUM> sit flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates operation of one of the flex features <NUM> for removing the bottom cover 804b and the top cover 804a, with the enlarged view depicting the container rotated approximately <NUM> degrees to depict engagement between the walls <NUM>, <NUM> at a location without a flex feature <NUM>. Specifically, the enlarged view (<FIG>) depicts the primary sidewalls <NUM> of the covers <NUM> disposed within the channel <NUM> defined by the primary wall <NUM> and the secondary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> and retained therein via the retention mechanisms <NUM>.

To remove one of the covers <NUM>, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> (i.e., presses the secondary wall <NUM>) at one or more flex features <NUM>, thereby exposing the edges <NUM> of the cover primary sidewalls <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the edge <NUM> (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the user may press both flex features <NUM> simultaneously to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge <NUM>. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover <NUM> can be reattached to the body portion <NUM> by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.

<FIG> depict yet another example implementation of a container <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure and substantially similar to container <NUM> described above, except with only a single internal space and a single cover. The cover <NUM> is identical to covers <NUM>, <NUM> described above and will not be described again; however, there are two alternative versions of the cover <NUM>, <NUM> depicted in and described with respect to <FIG>. Specifically, the container <NUM> is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion <NUM> defining an internal space <NUM> accessible via an opening <NUM>. The internal space <NUM> may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products.

The container <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion <NUM> so as to enclose the internal space <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the cover <NUM> is secured to the body portion <NUM> via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the cover <NUM> and body portion <NUM> are described in greater detail below.

As shown in the figures, the body portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM> disposed about a peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM> and extending upwardly (defining the internal space <NUM>), and a secondary wall <NUM> comprising an upper edge 921a. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel <NUM> between the primary and secondary walls <NUM>, <NUM> such that one or more portions <NUM> of the secondary wall flexes relative to the sidewall <NUM> upon application of a force thereto. As further shown in the figures, the container <NUM> includes the cover <NUM> configured to securely and removably engage the opening <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>, where the cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall <NUM> inwardly to expose an edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure and operation of the body portion <NUM> is described in greater detail. The bottom wall <NUM> is shown having a circular shape; however, the shape of the bottom wall <NUM> may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., type of product held by the container, aesthetic purposes, etc.). Similarly, the sidewall <NUM> depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall; however, the sidewall <NUM> may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container <NUM> had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall <NUM> extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion <NUM> and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In certain implementations, the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> includes a plurality of raised structures <NUM> disposed thereon. The structures <NUM> may be provided to add strength to the sidewall <NUM>, for aesthetic purposes, and/or other function. For example, in the depicted implementation, the structures <NUM> are disposed equidistant about the outer surface and spaced apart to define a plurality of grooves <NUM> about the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> that are configured to mate with rib-like structures <NUM> within the cover <NUM> to function as an alignment mechanism. As shown, the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall <NUM> defines a generally hexagonal prismatic shape (see <FIG> and <FIG>); however, the shapes of the primary and secondary walls may vary to suit a particular application.

In the depicted implementation, the sidewall <NUM> is the primary wall and the secondary wall <NUM> surrounds the primary wall <NUM> and has an upper edge <NUM> that is recessed relative to the top edge <NUM> of the primary wall <NUM>. The secondary wall <NUM> is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall <NUM> via one or more lateral extensions <NUM> and spaced outwardly therefrom and so as to define a channel <NUM> between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) <NUM> of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension <NUM> extends from the peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM>; however, in some implementations, the secondary wall <NUM> extends directly from the bottom wall <NUM> and may be formed as a single piece therewith.

Generally, the channel <NUM> allows the secondary wall <NUM> to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall <NUM>) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (i.e., flex features <NUM> described below), thereby providing access to an edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM> to assist in removing the cover <NUM>. See <FIG> for additional details regarding the removal of the cover <NUM>. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel <NUM> or channel openings. The container <NUM> may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.

As disclosed above, the secondary wall <NUM> includes at least one flex feature <NUM> that assists in separating the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>, but provides sufficient resistance to prevent the covers <NUM> and body portion <NUM> from being separated by a child. The flex feature <NUM> may be formed in the secondary wall <NUM> in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container <NUM> includes two (<NUM>) flex features <NUM> disposed proximate one another and on one side of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). Although two flex features are described, it is possible for the container <NUM> to include any number of additional flex features <NUM> to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container) and the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict the lateral extensions <NUM> and flex features <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the lateral extension <NUM> generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall <NUM> / peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM> and couples to the secondary wall <NUM>. The lateral extension <NUM> is generally shown as extending about a substantial portion of the perimeter of the body portion <NUM>; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps <NUM> where the secondary wall <NUM> is not directly coupled to the primary wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, there is a portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> where the secondary wall <NUM> is not attached to the primary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> (i.e., that portion of the secondary wall <NUM> "floats" relative to the primary wall <NUM>). This arrangement provides for two floating corners of the secondary wall that form first and second flex features 924a, 924b. The flex features 924a of the secondary wall <NUM> include a tactile feature <NUM>, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container <NUM>. The feature <NUM> provides a press point for actuating the flex feature <NUM> (application of a force thereto) which will deflect the flex feature section of the secondary wall <NUM> towards the primary wall <NUM>, thereby exposing the edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> depict bottom views of the body portion <NUM> so as to illustrate the gaps <NUM> formed by the absence of the lateral extension <NUM> and/or removal of a portion of the secondary wall <NUM> extending from the peripheral edge <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM>. In the implementations of the containers <NUM>, <NUM> described above, the gaps are not visible when assembled, because the second cover is positioned over the gaps.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement between the body portion <NUM> and cover <NUM> is more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a primary wall <NUM> extending upwardly therefrom to define the internal space <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a secondary wall <NUM> that defines one or more flex features <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage the opening <NUM> of the internal space. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall <NUM> and primary sidewall <NUM> include mating structure <NUM> to enable a snap fit between the cover <NUM> and the body portion <NUM>. The bottom edge <NUM> of the cover <NUM> approximately abuts a top edge of or recess in the body portion primary wall <NUM> and, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover <NUM> sits flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates operation of one of the flex features <NUM> for removing the cover <NUM> (feature 924a), with the enlarged view depicting the container rotated approximately <NUM> degrees to depict engagement between the walls at a location without a flex feature <NUM>. Specifically, the enlarged view (<FIG>) depicts the primary sidewall <NUM> of the cover <NUM> disposed within the channel <NUM> defined by the primary wall <NUM> and the secondary wall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> and retained therein via the retention mechanisms <NUM>.

To remove the cover <NUM>, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall <NUM> (i.e., presses the secondary wall <NUM>) at one or more flex features <NUM>, thereby exposing the edge <NUM> of the cover, as shown in <FIG>. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the edge <NUM> (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the user may press both flex features <NUM> simultaneously to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge <NUM>. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover <NUM> can be reattached to the body portion <NUM> by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.

<FIG> depict two alternative covers <NUM>, <NUM> that may be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion <NUM> so as to enclose the internal space <NUM>. Generally, both covers include a top wall <NUM>, <NUM>, similar to those described above, along with similar side walls and retaining structures. However, these covers <NUM>, <NUM> include hatches <NUM>, <NUM> disposed in the top walls <NUM>, <NUM> thereof. Specifically, and as shown in <FIG>, the hatch <NUM> extends across approximately <NUM>% of the top surface or wall <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the hatch <NUM> extends across substantially the entire top surface or top wall <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In each cover <NUM>, <NUM> an opening <NUM>, <NUM> is formed in the top cover <NUM>, <NUM> that generally corresponds to the shape and size of the hatch, but may include other shapes and sizes to suit a particular application. The hatches <NUM>, <NUM> are hingedly coupled to their respective covers via a hinge mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, which may include, for example, a hinge incorporated via insert molding or a thinned or weakened section of the cover between the hatch and top wall.

In some implementations, the top walls <NUM>, <NUM> include recesses <NUM>, <NUM> disposed about the openings <NUM>, <NUM> and configured to receive the hatches <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the hatches <NUM>, <NUM> may include stiffening ribs <NUM>, <NUM> or similar structures disposed on a bottom or interior surface of the hatches to add strength thereto and/or enhance the interface between the hatch <NUM>, <NUM> and the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. The hatches <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided as alternative methods of accessing the contents of the body portion without removing the covers <NUM>, <NUM> and may include their own child-resistant feature (e.g., flush mounting, interference fit, stiffness of the hinge mechanisms, etc.).

The additional implementations of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above may be manufactured from any of the materials or by any of the methods described herein.

In various implementations of the containers described herein, the containers may include additional features, such as a barrier film or membrane configured to cover the opening in the body portion, thereby enclosing the internal space. By way of example, the barrier film may comprise a foil or a film (e.g., a polymer film) and/or may contain a material selected and configured to be substantially fluid-impervious so as to prevent the flow of fluids from the internal space to an external environment or allow the transmission of gasses therethrough (e.g., diffusion of oxygen into the internal space) to maintain the freshness of the tobacco-containing material by supporting the health of aerobic microbes within the tobacco-containing material. Another feature that may be included is a vent mechanism disposed in the body portion, the cover, or both to help regulate an internal pressure or other environmental condition within the container.

Claim 1:
A child-resistant container (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining a first internal space (740a, 840a accessible via a first opening (714a, 814a) and a second internal space (<NUM>, 740b, <NUM>, 840b) accessible via a second opening (714b, 814b), the body portion comprising:
a bottom wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) separating the first and second internal spaces;
a primary sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed about a peripheral edge (<NUM>) of the bottom wall and extending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the first internal space and downwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the second internal space;
a secondary wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an upper edge (721a, 821a, 921a) and a lower edge (721b, 821b), the secondary wall coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and spaced outwardly therefrom and defining a channel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto;
a first cover (704a, 804a) configured to securely and removably engage the first opening of the body portion, wherein the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the first cover; and
a second cover (704b, 804b) configured to securely and removably engage the second opening of the body portion, wherein the second cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the second cover.