Patent ID: 12193482

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof.

When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIG.1is an illustration of a perspective view of a container (package)100, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the container100includes a base110with a lid120. In at least one example embodiment, the lid120includes an end-covering (first structure)130and a cover (insert)140(seeFIGS.6and7). In at least one example embodiment, the cover140fits onto the end-covering130(lower portion of the lid120), where an outer surface145of the cover140is substantially flush with an annular surface160of the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, a gap150exists between the outer surface145of the cover140and the annular surface160.

FIG.2is an illustration of a perspective view of the container100, where the end-covering130is in a partially opened configuration, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the cover140is seated within the end-covering130so that the cover140can be popped open. In this example embodiment, if a pressing (downward) force is applied to a peripheral portion (first end)200of the outer surface145of the cover140, then an opposing peripheral portion (second end)210of the cover140pops up (rises) relatively easily, in order to assist in the opening of the cover140.

FIG.3is an illustration of a perspective view of the container100, where the end-covering130is in an opened configuration, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering130at least partially defines a secondary storage area320. In at least one example embodiment, the cover140includes a protrusion305that fits into, and mates with, a secondary sidewall330of the end-covering130so that the cover140is able to be firmly secured on the end-covering130(also seeFIG.4). In at least one example embodiment, the cover140closes over the end-covering130, so that the end-covering130and the cover140collectively define the secondary storage area320(FIG.4). In at least one example embodiment, the secondary storage area320is defined in part by a central floor325and the secondary sidewall330of the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, the central floor325is circular in shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary sidewall330includes lugs335extending from a surface of the secondary sidewall330. In at least one example embodiment, each of the lugs335includes a front face340that defines a notch345. As explained in better detail inFIG.5, in at least one example embodiment, the lugs335assist in locking the cover140onto the end-covering30.

In at least one example embodiment, a peripheral portion410(FIG.4) of the cover140cantilevers over (overhangs) a secondary floor310of the end-covering. In at least one example embodiment, an annular ridge315of the end-covering130acts as a fulcrum, and the peripheral portion (outer end)410cantilevers over the secondary floor310(seeFIG.4).

FIG.4is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.5is an illustration of a close-up view of a portion of the cover140and the end-covering130of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid120fits over a top of the base110, where the end-covering130and the base110form a primary storage area400. In at least one example embodiment, the cover140can be connected to the end-covering130to define the secondary storage area320. In at least one example embodiment, a central portion490of the cover140and a central portion495of the end-covering130combine to at least partially define the secondary storage area320. In at least one example embodiment, the central portion490of the cover140includes an interior of the protrusion305and an interior of a center portion (central end-wall) of the cover140(where the interior of the center portion of the cover140is encompassed by the protrusion305). In at least one example embodiment, the central portion495of the end-covering130includes an interior of the secondary sidewall330and the central floor (central end-wall)325.

In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion305extends from an inner surface465of the cover140. In at least one example embodiment, a ridge500runs along an outer surface of the protrusion305. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the ridge500mates with the notch345of the lugs335of the secondary sidewall330to help securely connect the cover140to the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, a gap460between an edge (distal-most end)452of the protrusion305and the central floor325allows the protrusion305to pivot as the first end200of the cover140is pressed inward to pop up the cover140open (seeFIG.2). In at least one example embodiment, an edge455of the end-covering130, at a seam between the central floor325and the secondary sidewall330, is rounded. In at least one example embodiment, the edge452of the protrusion305is beveled or rounded to conform the edge452of the protrusion305to a shape of the edge455of the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, the central floor325extends to a lower elevation (extends further into the primary storage area400), relative to the secondary floor310.

In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering130and the cover140define a peripheral cavity405. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral portion (brim)410of the cover140and a peripheral portion488of the end-covering130combine to at least partially define the peripheral cavity405. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral portion488of the end-covering130includes the secondary floor310, a vertical wall478and a sloped wall485. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral cavity405is around a periphery of the secondary storage area320. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral cavity405is an annular cavity that encompasses the secondary storage area415. In at least one example embodiment, the gap150is defined between a distal-most end525of the cover140and the vertical wall478of the end-covering130.

In at least one example embodiment, the annular ridge315of the end-covering130provides a fulcrum for the cover140, during the opening of the cover140. Specifically, in at least one example embodiment, the annular ridge315allows the first end200of the cover140to be pressed downward causing the peripheral portion410of the first end200to be pressed into the peripheral cavity405, where the fulcrum action of the annular ridge315applies a force to the inner surface465of the cover140that causes the second end210of the cover140to pop up (FIG.2).

In at least one example embodiment, the sloped wall485and the vertical wall478extend from ends of the secondary floor310to partially define the peripheral cavity405. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral cavity405is partially defined by the peripheral portion410of the cover140. In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral cavity405is not sealed at least due to the gap150(FIG.1). In at least one example embodiment, the gap150allows for a tolerance between the cover140and the end-covering130, so that the cover140can pivot or tilt (FIG.2), while the cover140is being opened. In at least one example embodiment, the vertical wall478extends upward to an annular wall476, where the annular surface160of the annular wall476is a top surface of the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, spokes480extend from a lower end of the annular wall476(also seeFIG.11).

In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering130includes an outer sidewall472(also seeFIG.11) that extends downward from the annular surface160. In at least one example embodiment, the outer sidewall472extends along an outer periphery of a main sidewall440of the base110, when the lid120is locked onto the base110. In at least one example embodiment, an inner surface474of the outer sidewall472includes a ridge470(also seeFIGS.5and12). In at least one example embodiment, the ridge470fits over and mates with a ridge450of the main sidewall440of the base110. In at least one example embodiment, the ridge450of the end-covering130extends away from a first vertical surface448of the main sidewall440of the base110, where the ridge470rests against the first vertical surface448once the lid120is locked onto the base110(seeFIG.5). In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface442of the main sidewall440defines a step444, where an inclined surface446is between the step444and the first vertical surface448. In at least one example embodiment, a second vertical surface510and an inclined (beveled) surface520are above a location of the ridge450on the outer surface442of the main sidewall440(FIG.5). In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering130rests on an upper rim515of the base110, when the lid120is locked onto the base110.

Returning toFIG.4, in at least one example embodiment, the base110includes a floor (end-wall)422that partially defines the primary storage area400. In at least one example embodiment, the floor422includes an inner surface420that defines an inclined surface434and a trench436. In at least one example embodiment, the trench436is an annular trench that is defined along a periphery of the floor422of the base110(also seeFIG.9). In at least one example embodiment, the floor422defines a dimple432at an epicenter of the floor422of the base110(also seeFIG.9).

In at least one example embodiment, the floor422of the base110includes lower surfaces that define a recessed area424. Specifically, in at least one example embodiment, the lower surfaces include a lower central surface426, an inclined surface428and a lower annular surface430, where the inclined surface428is between the lower central surface426and the lower annular surface430(also seeFIG.10). In at least one example embodiment, the lower annular surface430is at a lower elevation than the lower central surface426on the container100.

In at least one example embodiment, the outer sidewall472of the end-covering130includes an inclined surface505. In at least one example embodiment, the inclined surface505allows the outer sidewall472to be tilted, where the inclined surface505can press against the first vertical surface448of the main sidewall440of the base110, as the end-covering130is tilted to remove the end-covering130from the base110.

FIG.6is an illustration of a perspective view of the end-covering130of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.7is an illustration of a perspective view of the cover140of the end-covering130(also seeFIG.4), in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, three or more of the lugs335extend from the secondary sidewall330of the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, the ridge500is an annular ridge that extends continuously around the periphery of the protrusion305of the cover140. In at least one example embodiment, the notch345of each of the lug335mates with the ridge500to securely connect the cover140to the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, the notch345is an oval shaped notch, as shown inFIG.6. Other shapes of the notch345are contemplated. In at least one example embodiment, four of the lugs335extend from the secondary sidewall330. In at least one example embodiment, the lugs335are spaced equidistantly around the secondary sidewall330. In at least one example embodiment, the secondary sidewall330includes a single lug335.

In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion305is a cylindrically shaped wall that extends from the inner surface465of the cover140. In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion305is hollow (open cavity700) inside, as shown inFIG.7.

In at least one example embodiment, the primary storage area400is used to contain a consumer product. In at least one example embodiment, the consumer product includes pouches of an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the secondary storage area320is left empty so that a spent product can be retained in the secondary storage area320for disposal, or prior to disposal.

In at least one example embodiment, the primary storage area400contains a first consumer product, and the secondary storage area320contains a second consumer product. In at least one example embodiment, the first consumer product and the second consumer product are different products. In at least one example embodiment, the second consumer product is a sample or a bonus product. In at least one example embodiment, the first consumer product and the second consumer product are a same product.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be a tobacco product or a non-tobacco product. The oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, or other smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products for oral consumption. A smokeless tobacco product may include tobacco that is whole, shredded, cut, granulated, reconstituted, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, or otherwise processed. Tobacco may be present as portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract (e.g., white snus) alone or in combination with non-tobacco cellulosic materials (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Where the oral product includes nicotine, with or without tobacco, the nicotine may be tobacco-derived nicotine or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may be provided loose, in a pouch, as a plug or twist, or in a desired shape. The oral product may be in the form of lozenges, chews, gums, pouches, sticks, tablets, pastilles, or any other suitable form.

The oral product may have various ranges of moisture. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from 5% by weight to 10% by weight. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from 20% by weight to 35% by weight. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from 40% by weight to 55% by weight.

In at least one example embodiment, the tobacco product may include smokeless tobacco pouches. In at least one example embodiment, the non-tobacco product may include herbal compositions, pharmaceutical medications, or other non-tobacco products. Herbs and other edible plants can be categorized generally as culinary herbs (e.g., thyme, lavender, rosemary, coriander, dill, mint, peppermint) and medicinal herbs (e.g., Dahlias, Cinchona, Foxglove, Meadowsweet,Echinacea, Elderberry, Willow bark). In some example embodiments, the non-tobacco products may includecannabisorcannabisextracts.

FIG.8is an illustration of a perspective view of another lid800of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid800is the same as the lid120, except for the following differences. In at least one example embodiment, the lid800includes a cover805with a smaller diameter, as compared to the cover140ofFIG.1. In this example embodiment, an outer surface810of the cover805has a larger gap815, as compared to the gap150ofFIG.1. In at least one example embodiment, the cover805fits onto the end-covering130in the same manner as the cover140(seeFIG.4).

FIG.9is an illustration of an upper perspective view of the base110of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.10is an illustration of a lower perspective view of the base110of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base110includes an inner surface900of the main sidewall440that is substantially vertical. In at least one example embodiment, the trench436is defined by the inclined surface434of the floor422and the inner surface900of the main sidewall440. In at least one example embodiment, and as also shown inFIG.5, the outer surface442of the main sidewall440defines the step444, the inclined surface446, the first vertical surface448, the ridge450, the second vertical surface510and the inclined surface520.

In at least one example embodiment, the recessed area424at a lower end of the base110is circular. In at least one example embodiment, the inclined surface428provides strength to the base110, and allows the container100to withstand loads, especially during stacking. In at least one example embodiment, the recessed area424is centrally set within the lower annular surface430.

FIG.11is an illustration of a lower view of the lid120of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.12is an illustration of a side view of the lid120, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.13is an illustration of a side view of the lid120on the base110of the container100, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the central floor325of the end-covering130extends downward, below a surface of the secondary floor310(also seeFIG.4). In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering130includes the spokes480that extend along a portion of an inner surface1100of the annular wall476, where the spokes480extend between the vertical wall478and the outer sidewall472(seeFIG.4). In at least one example embodiment, the spokes480add structural strength to the end-covering130. In at least one example embodiment, the spokes480help mitigate moisture from forming at, and sealing, an interface between the inner surface465of the annular wall476and the upper rim515of the base110.

In at least one example embodiment, the outer sidewall472of the end-covering130of the lid120fits down onto an upper portion of the main sidewall440of the base110. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG.5, the ridge450of the main sidewall440assists in locking the lid120onto the base110, where the ridge470on an interior of the outer sidewall472of the end-covering130fits over and mates with the ridge450of the base110.

In at least one example embodiment, once the lid120is connected in a locked position on the base110, a gap1300exists between the step444of the main sidewall440of the base110and a lower lip1305of the outer sidewall472of the lid120.

FIG.14is an illustration of an upper perspective view of another container1400, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.15is an illustration of a lower perspective view of the container1400ofFIG.14, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the container1400is the same as the container100, except for the following differences. In at least one example embodiment, the container1400includes a lid1410connected to a base1720. In at least one example embodiment, the container1400includes an end-covering (first structure)1500on a lower end of the base1720. In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering1500is an integral part of the base1720. In at least one example embodiment, the cover140is connected to the end-covering1500. In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface145of the cover140is substantially flush with the annular surface160of the end-covering1500. In at least one example embodiment, the gap150exists between the outer surface145and the annular surface160.

In at least one example embodiment, the base1720of the container1400includes the main sidewall440with the outer surface442. In at least one example embodiment, the lid1410of the container1400includes the outer sidewall472.

FIG.16is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container1400, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.17is an illustration of a lower perspective view of the lid1410of the container ofFIG.14, in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.18is an illustration of an upper perspective view of the base1720of the container1400, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid1410and the base1720of the container1400define the primary storage area400. In at least one example embodiment, the cover140and the end-covering1500define the secondary storage area320. In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering1500and the peripheral portion410of the cover140at least partially form the peripheral cavity405.

In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering1500forms a lower portion (floor) of the base1720. In this example embodiment, the secondary storage area320and the peripheral cavity405are on a lower portion of the container1400. In at least one example embodiment, the end-covering1500is integrally formed with the main sidewalls440, such that the end-covering1500cannot be removed from the remainder of the base1720. In at least another example embodiment, the end-covering1500is able to be detached from the lower portion of the container1400, where the end-covering1500is connected to the main sidewalls440in a same manner as the end-covering130(seeFIG.4). In at least one example embodiment, the annular wall476of the end-covering1500is integrally formed to be connected to the main sidewall440of the base1720.

In at least one example embodiment, the annular surface160of the end-covering1500is a lower-most (end) surface of the end-covering1500. In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface145of the cover140and the annular surface160of the end-covering1500are substantially flush with each other. In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface145and the annular surface160collectively form lower-most surfaces of the container1400.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid1410includes an upper wall (end-wall)1605. In at least one example embodiment, the upper wall1605includes an annular ridge1610that extends from an outer surface1600of the upper wall1605. In at least one example embodiment, the annular ridge1610extends around an upper periphery of the outer surface1600. In at least one example embodiment, the upper wall1605defines the dimple432.

In at least one example embodiment, the base1420includes the end-covering1500that is joined to the main sidewall440. In at least one example embodiment, the inner surface1100of the annular wall476(FIG.16) forms a valley1620along a lower periphery of the inner surface900of the main sidewall440. In at least one example embodiment, the central floor325of the end-covering1500extends upward into the primary storage area400to a higher elevation relative to the secondary floor310(seeFIGS.16and18).

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.