ADJUSTABLE CONTAINER

The present disclosure generally relates to containers, and more particularly to a container that can be adjusted in height to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materials in the container after the material content level in the container has dropped below a certain level.

BACKGROUND

Containers that that contain highly viscous materials can make it difficult for a user to substantially or fully empty the container of such materials. For example, peanut butter and other types of nut butter, Nutella®, fudge toppings, caramel toppings, butter scotch toppings, chocolate toppings, marshmallow toppings, and the like are viscous edible materials commonly sold in containers. Due to the viscous nature of these food products, the food product typically cannot be poured from the container and requires a user to spoon out or otherwise use a utensil to remove the contents from the container. As the contents in the container are depleted, it become more difficult for the user to remove the remaining contents from the container. As such, significant waste can occur when the user can no longer easily remove the contents from the container and throws away the container that still has materials in the bottom portion of the container.

In view of the current state of the art of containers, there is a need for a container that can be easily modified to enable a user to access and remove viscous materials from the container after a certain amount of material in the container has been removed from the container.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a container that can be adjusted in height to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materials in the container after the material content level in the container has dropped below a certain level.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container that includes a body having an internal cavity, a lid, and optionally one or more labels. The body includes a top portion and a bottom portion that can be connected together. As can be appreciated, the body can include more than two portions that can be connected together. In one non-limiting embodiment, the top region of the top portion includes a top threaded region and the bottom region of the top portion includes a bottom threaded region. The top threaded region is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the inner surface of lid. As can be appreciated, a connection arrangement other than a top threaded region can be used to releasably secure the lid to the top portion. In another non-limiting embodiment, the lid can optionally include rough surfaces and/or other gripping structures to facilitate in the removal of the lid from/insertion of the lid on the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, the top region of the bottom portion includes an upper threaded region. The upper threaded region is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the inner surface of lid when the top and bottom portions are separated. The upper threaded region is configured to threadedly engage the bottom threaded region on the bottom region of the top portion. As can be appreciated, a connection arrangement other than an upper threaded region can be used to releasably secure the lid to the bottom portion and/or be used to releasably secure together the top and bottom portions of body. The size, shape, and configuration of the container is non-limiting. The lid can be configured to be permanently removable from the container or be reattachable to the container (e.g., screw-top lid, snap-on lid, etc.). The lid can be made of the same or different material from the body of the container. The body of the container can be formed of a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, paper, ceramic, wood, composite material, etc.). The body of the container can have a generally cylindrical shape; however, other shapes of the container can be used.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container that is configured to include a material in the form of a food product such as peanut butter. However, it will be appreciated that the container can contain other types of food products (e.g., nut butter, Nutella®, fudge toppings, caramel toppings, butter scotch toppings, chocolate toppings, marshmallow toppings, condiments [e.g., ketchup, mustard, etc.], molasses, honey, lard, various types of food pastes [e.g., hummus, tomato paste, pesto, fish paste, bean paste, pâté, butter, curry paste, etc.], etc. As also can be appreciated, the container can contain non-food products (e.g., paste, putty, wood filler, drywall filler, spackle, tar, etc.). The type of material that is contained in the container is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the container includes a viscous material that does not freely pour from the container or pours from the container at a very slow rate. Generally, the viscous material in the container is greater than 1000 centipoise at 21° C., and more typically greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C. (e.g., 3000-150,000,000 centipoise at 21° C. and all values and ranges therebetween).

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes a breakable seal partially or fully about the perimeter of the body. The breakable seal is configured to allow the top and bottom portions of the body to be decoupled when the breakable seal is broken. The body of the container can include one or more breakable seals (e.g., 1-20 and any value or range there between). In one non-limiting embodiment, the breakable seal can be used to form an air tight and/or liquid-tight seal between the separatable body portions of the container. Non-limiting examples of sealing arrangement that can be used in the breakable seal include a) a breakable adhesive seal, b) one or more sealing rings (e.g., polymer sealing ring, silicon sealing ring, rubber sealing ring, etc.), c) one or more breakable coating layers (e.g., polymer coating layer, silicon coating layer, resin coating layer, etc.), d) a breakable and/or removable strip (e.g., paper strip, coated paper strip, coated fabric strip, metal strip, polymer strip, silicon strip, rubber strip, etc.), e) breakable and/or removable region on the body of container (e.g., a weakened, serrated, slotted, or otherwise breakable region on the body of the container, a strip of material of the body that can be removed from the body, etc.), and/or f) a connection sleeve that releasably connects between the region of two separable body portions, g) a shrink wrap layer that is positioned about the perimeter of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable container can include a single sealing arrangement. In another non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable container can include multiple sealing arrangements. In another non-limiting embodiment, the container can optionally include instructions to provide information to a user as to how the portions of the body of the container can be separated. The location of the instruction on the container (when used) is non-limiting.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes a breakable seal that includes a breakable adhesive. The breakable adhesive is generally a food-grade adhesive (e.g., resin glue, silicon glue, dextrin glue, starch glue, etc.); however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the breakable adhesive is generally positioned at least partially between the portions of the body that are separatable. As can be appreciated, the breakable adhesive can be used to also or alternatively form an adhesive layer on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the layer of breakable adhesive is non-limiting (e.g., 0.1 microns to 0.1 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). In one non-limiting embodiment, the material used to form the breakable adhesive is generally a different material from the material used to form the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only a breakable adhesive, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes a breakable adhesive and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the breakable adhesive can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the breakable adhesive can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the breakable adhesive is broken by a user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes a breakable seal that includes a one or more sealing rings. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more sealing rings are generally partially or fully positioned between the portions of the body that are separatable. As can be appreciated, one or more of the sealing rings can be partially or fully positioned about an exterior and/or an interior surface of the body of the container. The thickness of the one or more sealing rings is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the one or more sealing rings is a different material from the material used to form the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only one or more sealing rings, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes one or more sealing rings and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or more sealing rings can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more sealing rings can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the user decouples the portions of the body; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes one or more coating layers. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more coating layers can be positioned i) at least partially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/or ii) on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the one or more coating layers is non-limiting (e.g., 0.1 microns to 0.12 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, the material used to form the one or more coating layers is a different material from the material used to form the body of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more coating layers is formed is formed of one or more of a) a polymer material, b) silicone material, c) a gum material, d) paraffin, e) wax, f) resin, g) epoxy, h) cyanoacrylate, etc. In another on-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only one or more coatings, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes one or more coatings and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or more coatings can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more coating layers can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the one or more coating layers are broken by a user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes one or more strips. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can be positioned i) at least partially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/or ii) on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the one or more strips is non-limiting (e.g., 5 microns to 0.1 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, the material used to form the one or more strips is different from the material used to form the body of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can be formed of one or more of a) a plastic strip, b) a metal strip, c) a coated paper strip, a coated fabric strip, d) a cellulose strip, e) rubber strip, etc. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only one or more strips, the breakable seal can be broken by breaking the one or more strips and then decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisted apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes one or more strips and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or more strips can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can optionally a) be partially or fully formed by a label, b) include printed material so as to at least partially function as a label, and/or c) include printed material that provide instructions to the user on how to break the seal. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the one or more strips are broken by a user; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the one or more strips is 0.0001-0.05 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can optionally include a groove, slots, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the breaking of the shrink wrap layer.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes a connection sleeve. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connection sleeve includes a connection arrangement at each end (e.g., threaded connection arrangement, slot connection arrangement, etc.,) so that the bottom portion of the body and a top portion of the body can be releasably connected together by the connection sleeve. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connection sleeve can be formed of one or more of a) a plastic material, b) a metal material, c) a wood material, a resin material, d) a ceramic material, e) a glass material, f) a paper material, etc. In another non-limiting arrangement, the connection sleeve includes a threaded connection to enable one or both the top and bottom body portions to be reliably connected to the connection sleeve; however, other types of connection arrangements can be used. In another non-limiting arrangement, the connection sleeve can be configured to be permanently connected to the top portion of the body and releasably connected to the bottom portions of the body. In another non-limiting embodiment, a breakable adhesive, a coating, a strip, shrink wrap, etc., can optionally be used in conjunction with the connection sleeve to facilitate in forming a connection and/or seal between the connection sleeve and the top and/or bottom portions of the body. The material used to form the connection sleeve can be the same or different from the material used to form the body of the container. The thickness of the connection sleeve is generally about 0.1-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the height of the container. The maximum width of the connection sleeve is generally greater than a width of the wall of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only the connection sleeve, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes the connection sleeve and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other type of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the connection sleeve can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the connection sleeve can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the two or more of the body portions are decoupled by the user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes a shrink wrap layer that is positioned about the perimeter of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wrap layer can be positioned on the outer surface the body that overlies the region between the two separable body portions. The thickness of the shrink wrap layer is non-limiting (e.g., 5 microns to 0.1 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, the material used to form the shrink wrap layer is different from the material used to form the body of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wrap layer can be formed of one or more of a) a plastic material. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only the shrink wrap layer, the breakable seal can be broken by breaking the shrink wrap layer and then decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisted apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes the shrink wrap layer and one or more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the shrink wrap layer can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wrap layer can optionally a) be partially or fully formed by a label, b) include printed material so as to at least partially function as a label, and/or c) include printed material that provide instructions to the user on how to break the seal. In another non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wrap layer can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the shrink wrap layer are broken by a user; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the shrink wrap layer is 0.0001-0.05 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). In another non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wrap layer can optionally include a groove, slots, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the breaking of the shrink wrap layer.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the body of the container includes one or more breakable and/or removable regions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the body of the container includes a) a weakened or breakable region that can be broken by a user, and/or b) a removable section that can be removed by a user to enable the container sections to be separated. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions can be continuous or discontinuous about the perimeter of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions can be used to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the one or more breakable and/or removable regions are broken by a user; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the container body includes one or more breakable and/or removable regions, the breakable and/or removable regions one the container is generally formed of a material that enables a user to remove and/or break the breakable and/or removable region (e.g., plastic or other polymer materials, ceramic, wood, composite material, fiberglass, certain metals, paper board, cardboard, and the like, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions on the body are formed of the same material as the body of the container; however, this is not require. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions can be configured to enable a user to manually break and/or remove the one or more breakable and/or removable regions by a) a pressing force to the one or more breakable and/or removable regions (e.g., i) the user using his/her hands and fingers to press against the one or more breakable and/or removable regions to cause the partial or fully breakage of the one or more breakable and/or removable regions, ii) pressing the side of the container against the edge of a counter, using a plier wrench to cause the partial or full breakage of the one or more breakable and/or removable regions, iii) pulling a tab on one or more breakable and/or removable regions to partially or fully remove one or more breakable and/or removable regions from the body of the container, etc.). In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions can be partially of fully formed of serrations, grooves, and/or slots that are formed in the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions includes a removable strip. In one non-limiting arrangement, the removable strip includes serrations, grooves, slots, etc. on both sides of the removable strip. In another non-limiting arrangement, the removable strip can optionally include a pull tab to facilitate in the removal of the removable strip. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the body of the container includes a plurality of breakable and/or removable regions, the breakable and/or removable regions are generally spaced from one another at a distance of about 1-70% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the body. When the body of the container includes a weakened or breakable region, the type of weakened or breakable region is non-limiting (e.g., serrations in the body, slots in the body, one or more grooves in the body, thin thickness region in the body, etc.). When the body of the container includes a removable section, such removable section can be a removable strip that can be removed about the complete outer perimeter of the body of the container. One or more sides of the removable strip can include a weakened or breakable region (e.g., serrations, slots, groove, thin thickness region, etc.) to facilitate in the removal of the removable strip from the body. The removable strip can optionally include a pull tab that enables a user to grasp the tap when removing the removable strip from the body. Generally, the removable strip is formed for the same material as the body of the container; however, this is not required. The thickness of the removable strip is generally the same or less than a thickness of the wall of the container. The height of the removable strip is generally 0.01-15% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the height of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal is located between the top and bottom ends of body. The location of the breakable seal on body of the container is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the breakable seal is located 20-80% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the body (defined as the length of the body between the top and bottom of the body). In another non-limiting embodiment, the body of the container includes one or more breakable seals (e.g., 1-20 and all values and ranges therebetween). In one non-limiting arrangement, a single breakable seal exists between two separatable portions of the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, each of the breakable seals has a height of 1-25% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the total height of the container prior to the separation of any portion of the body of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container that includes an optional label. The label can include various types of information (e.g., product information, use information, branding, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, the label can partially or fully encircle the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment the label can optionally partially or fully function as the breakable seal. In another non-limiting embodiment, the container can include a single label or multiple labels. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more labels can optionally overlie a portion or all of a) a breakable seal, and/or b) the decoupling region between two portions of the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, the label can be formed of any number of materials (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, coated paper, coated fabric, polymer, silicon, rubber, resin, composite material, etc.). In another non-limiting embodiment, the label can be secured to the body of the container by a variety of connection arrangements (e.g., adhesive, heat bonding, shrink wrapping, clamp, etc.). Generally, the material used to form the label is different from the material used to form the body of the container; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the label can optionally include a pull tab that allows a user to grasp the pull tab and remove a midsection of the label and/or other portions of the label. In one non-limiting arrangement, the label optionally includes serrations or other removal features (e.g., slots, grooves, etc.) that facilitate in the ease in removal of the midsection of the label and/or other portions of the label from the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a container that can be adjusted in height to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materials in the container after the material content level in the container has dropped below a certain level.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container comprising a body, and a lid; and wherein the body includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are releasably connected together by a breakable seal arrangement; and wherein the top portion of the body includes a top internal cavity, and a top region connection arrangement and a bottom region connection arrangement; and wherein the bottom portion of the body includes a base, a bottom internal cavity, and a base connection arrangement; and wherein the lid is configured to be releasably connected to the top region connection arrangement; and wherein the lid is configured to be releasably connected to the base connection arrangement when the top and bottom portions of the body are separated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement forms an air-tight and/or liquid-tight seal between the top and bottom portions of the body when the top and bottom portions of the body are connected together.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement includes one or more of a) a breakable adhesive seal, b) one or more sealing rings (e.g., polymer sealing ring, silicon sealing ring, rubber sealing ring, etc.), c) one or more breakable coating layers (e.g., polymer coating layer, silicon coating layer, resin coating layer, etc.), d) a breakable and/or removable strip (e.g., paper strip, coated paper strip, coated fabric strip, metal strip, polymer strip, silicon strip, rubber strip, etc.), e) breakable and/or removable region on the body of container (e.g., a weakened, serrated, slotted, or otherwise breakable region on the body of the container, a strip of material of the body that can be removed from the body, etc.), f) a connection sleeve that releasably connects between the region of two separable body portions, g) a shrink wrap layer that is positioned about the perimeter of the container, and/or h) a breakable region on the body of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein one or more of the top region connection arrangement, the bottom region connection arrangement, and/or the base connection arrangement includes a threaded connection.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the container has a cylindrical shape.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the container includes a viscous material that has a viscosity of greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the container incudes instructions to provide information to a user as to how the top and bottom portions of the body can be separated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable adhesive a) is at least partially positioned between the top and bottom portions of the body, b) forms an adhesive layer on an outer and/or an inner surface of the body that overlies a region between the top and bottom portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement is or includes one or more sealing rings; and wherein the one or more sealing rings are partially or fully positioned between the top and bottom portions of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable coating layer; and wherein the breakable coating layer is positioned i) at least partially between the top and bottom portions of the body, and/or ii) on an outer and/or inner surface of the body that overlies a region between the top and bottom body portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable and/or removable strip; the breakable and/or removable strip breakable is positioned i) at least partially between the top and bottom portions of the body, and/or ii) on an outer and/or inner surface of the body that overlies a region between the top and bottom body portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement is or includes a connection sleeve; and wherein the connection sleeve includes a first connection arrangement at one end portion of the connection sleeve and a second connection arrangement at an opposite end portion of the connection sleeve; and wherein the first connection arrangement is releasably connected to the top portion of the body; and wherein the second connection arrangement is releasably connected to the bottom portion of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable region that can be continuous or discontinuous about a perimeter of the body; and wherein the breakable region is formed by one or more a groove, serrations, slots, and/or divots.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the breakable seal arrangement includes first and second breakable regions that are spaced apart from one another.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container that further includes a label on the body; and wherein the label overlies a portion or all of the breakable seal arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the label is configured to partially or fully form the breakable seal arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the label includes a pull tab that is configured to facilitate in the removal a midsection of the label and/or other portions of the label from the body to partially or fully expose a region between the top and bottom portions of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the label includes one or more serrations, slots, and/or grooves to facilitate in removal of the midsection of the label and/or other portions of the label from the body.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the disclosure may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:

FIGS. 1-19 are front perspective views of adjustable containers in according to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-19 illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of an adjustable container 100. The container 100 includes a body 102 having an internal cavity 104 to hold a material M, a lid 106, and optionally one or more labels L. The body 102 includes a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 105 that can be connected together. As can be appreciated, body 102 can include more than two portions that can be connected together. The top region of the top portion 103 includes a threaded region 107 and bottom region of the top portion 103 includes a threaded region 109. Threaded region 107 is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the inner surface of lid 106. As can be appreciated, connection arrangement other than a threaded region 107 can be used to releasably secure the lid to top portion 103. Lid 106 can optionally include rough surfaces R and/or other gripping structures to facilitate in the removal of lid 106 from/insertion of the lid on body 102 of container 100. The top region of bottom portion 105 includes a threaded region 111. Threaded region 111 is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the inner surface of lid 106 when top and bottom portions 104, 106 are separated. Threaded region 111 is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region 109 on the bottom region of top portion 103. As can be appreciated, a connection arrangement other than a threaded region 111 can be used to releasably secure lid 106 to base portion 105 and/or be used to releasably secure together top and bottom portions 104, 106 of body 102. The size, shape, and configuration the container 100 is non-limiting. The lid 106 can be configured to be permanently removable from the container or be reattachable to container 100 (e.g., screw-top lid, snap-on lid, etc.). Lid 106 can be made of the same or different material from that of body 102 of container 100. Body 102 can be formed of a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, wood, composite material, etc.).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, body 102 of container 102 has a generally cylindrical shape; however, this is not required. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate container 100 that includes a material M in the form of food product such as peanut butter, and will be specifically described with reference to such food product. However, it will be appreciated that the container can contain other types of food products (e.g., nut butter, Nutella®, fudge toppings, caramel toppings, butter scotch toppings, chocolate toppings, marshmallow toppings, condiments [e.g., ketchup, mustard, etc.], molasses, honey, lard, various types of food pastes [e.g., hummus, tomato paste, pesto, fish paste, bean paste, pâté, butter, curry paste, etc.], etc. As also can be appreciated, the container can contain non-food products (e.g., paste, putty, wood filler, drywall filler, spackle, tar, etc.). The type of material that is contained in the container is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the container includes a viscous material that does not freely pour from the container or pours from the container at a very slow rate. Generally, the viscous material in the container is greater than 1000 centipoise at 21° C., and more typically greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C. (e.g., 3000-150,000,000 centipoise at 21° C. and all values and ranges therebetween).

Referring again to FIGS. 1-19, container 100 includes a breakable seal 110 about the perimeter of body 102. Although FIGS. 1-19 illustrate container 100 having only a single breakable seal 110, it will be appreciated that container 100 can include a plurality of breakable seals (e.g., 2-20 and any value or range there between).

One or more types of breakable seals 110 can be used to form an air-tight and/or liquid-tight seal between the separatable body portions of container 100, namely a) a breakable adhesive seal, b) one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings, c) a breakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer, d) a breakable and/or removable paper, coating paper, coated fabric, metal, polymer and/or silicon strip (e.g. portion of a label, a strip on an exterior of the body that is at least partially covered by a label, a strip [e.g., clear strip, etc.] on the interior surface of the body, etc.), e) a weakened, serrated, slotted, or otherwise breakable region on the container (See FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10), and/or f) a connection sleeve that connects between the two separable body portions (e.g., FIGS. 13-15). As such, it will be appreciated that a single or multiple breakable sealing arrangements can be used to form breakable seal 110 on container 100. Instructions I can be optionally included on the container to provide information to a user as to how the portions of body 102 of container 100 can be separated.

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable adhesive, the adhesive is generally a food-grade adhesive (e.g., resin glue, silicon glue, dextrin glue, starch glue, etc.); however, this is not required. Generally, the breakable adhesive (when used) is at least partially positioned between the portions of the body that are separatable; however, the adhesive can be used to also or alternatively form an adhesive layer on the outer surface and/or inner surface of body 102 that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the adhesive layer is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the adhesive layer is different from the material used to form the body of the container. When breakable seal 110 is only a breakable adhesive, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes a breakable adhesive and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the breakable adhesive can be broken (e.g., i) a breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings, the one or more sealing rings are generally partially or fully positioned between the portions of the body that are separatable. The thickness of the one or more sealing rings is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the one or more sealing rings is different from the material used to form the body of the container. When breakable seal 110 is only one or more sealing rings, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes one or more sealing rings and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or more sealing rings can be broken (e.g., i) a breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer, the coating layer can be positioned i) at least partially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/or ii) on the outer and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the coating is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the coating layer is different from the material used to form the body of the container. When breakable seal 110 is only a coating, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes a coating and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the coating can be broken (e.g., i) breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable and/or removable paper, coating paper, coated fabric, metal, polymer and/or silicon strip, the strip is positioned i) at least partially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/or ii) on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the strip is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the strip is a different material used to form the body of the container. When the breakable seal 110 is only one or more strips, the breakable seal can be broken by breaking the strip and then decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes one or more strips and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or more strips can be broken (e.g., breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the one or more strips can be broken and thereafter decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a connection sleeve CS, the connection sleeve can be formed of any number of materials (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, rubber, ceramic, polymer material, silicon, composite material, wood, etc.). The connection sleeve includes a connection arrangement at each end (e.g., threaded connection arrangement, slot connection arrangement, etc.,) so the bottom portion of the body and a top portion of the body can be releasably connected together by connection sleeve CS. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, connection sleeve CS includes a threaded connection to enable both the top and bottom body portions to be connected to connection sleeve CS. Generally, the material used to form the connection sleeve can be the same or different from the material used to form the body of the container. When breakable seal 110 is only connection sleeve CS, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling of the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisted apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes connection sleeve CS and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the connection sleeve can be broken (e.g., i) breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may need to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

Referring again to FIGS. 1-19, container 100 includes breakable seal 110 that can be continuous or discontinuous about the perimeter of container 100. The breakable seal 110 is generally a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until breakable seal 110 is broken by a user; however, this is not required. When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable region 114, breakable region 114 can be formed by one or more arrangements (e.g., groove, serrations, divots, etc.). When container body 102 includes one or more breakable regions 114, container 100 is generally formed of a material that enables a user to break breakable region 114 of breakable seal 110. Such materials include, but are not limited to, plastic or other polymer materials, ceramic, wood, composite material, fiberglass, certain metals, paper board, cardboard, and the like. In one non-limiting arrangement, container body 102 is formed of a plastic or polymer material.

Breakable seal 110 can optionally include a decoupling connection 112 between top portion 103 of body 102 and bottom portion 105 of body 102. One non-limiting decoupling connection is a threaded connection. As can be appreciated, other types of decoupling connections can be used (e.g., a slot connection that can enable the top portion to be twisted and then raised off the bottom portion, etc.). Decoupling connection 112 of breakable seal 110 can optionally be a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until decoupling connection 112 is opened (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of body 102 and the bottom portion of body 102); however, this is not required. An adhesive and/or sealing material (not shown) can be optionally used to maintain the connection between the top and bottom portions of body 102 by decoupling connection 112, and/or to facilitate in forming a water-tight and/or air-tight seal between the top and bottom portions of body 102 by decoupling connection 112; however, this is not required.

As can be appreciate, container body 102 can be modified such that breakable region 114 is eliminated, and he breakable seal 110 between the top portion of body 102 and the bottom portion of body 102 can be formed by a) a breakable adhesive seal located partially or fully in and/or about the decoupling connection, b) one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings located partially or fully in or about the decoupling connection, c) a breakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer located partially of fully about the decoupling connection, d) a breakable and/or removable paper, metal, polymer, and/or silicon strip located partially or fully about the decoupling connection, and/or e) a connection sleeve that connects between the region between the two separatable container portions. FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a container body wherein breakable region 114 is eliminated. FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a threaded connection 112 between the top portion of body 102 and the bottom portion of body 104 that can be similar to threaded connection 112 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. As can be appreciated, connections other than a threaded connection can be used (e.g., a slot connection that can enable the top portion to be twisted and then raised off the bottom portion, etc.). The connection formed by the threaded connection can be an air-tight and/or liquid-tight seal; however, this is not required. As discussed above, one or more additional sealing arrangement can optionally be used with the threaded connection (e.g., i) a breakable adhesive seal located partially or fully in and/or about the decoupling connection, ii) one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings located partially or fully in or about the decoupling connection, iii) a breakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer located partially or fully about the decoupling connection, iv) a breakable and/or removable paper, metal, polymer, and/or silicon strip located partially or fully about the decoupling connection, etc.), and/or v) a connection sleeve that connects between the region between the two separatable body portions.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, when container body 102 includes breakable region 114, a user can manually break breakable region 114 by applying a pressing force such as by the user's fingers as illustrated in FIG. 9 and/or by some other matter (e.g., pressing the side of the container against the edge of a counter, using a plier wrench, etc.). Once breakable region 114 is partially or fully broken, the user can then decouple the top portion of body 102 from the bottom portion of body 102 (e.g., twisting off the top portion from the bottom portion as illustrated in FIG. 10, etc.). Thereafter, the user can dispose of the top portion of body 102 and then reuse lid 106 to cover and/or seal the top of the bottom portion of body 102 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12.

Breakable region 114 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9 is a single breakable region such as serrations or slots. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another non-limiting breakable region 114. Breakable region 114 is a removable strip 116. Removable strip 116 includes serrations, grooves, slots, etc., on both sides of removable strip 116 to facilitate in the removal of removable strip 116 from the body of the container. Removable strip 116 can optionally include a pull tab 118 to facilitate in the removal of removable strip 116. Removable strip 116 can optionally be configured to form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal with the other portions of body 102 of the container; however, this is not required. Generally, the material used to form removable strip 116 is the same material used to form the body of the container; however, this is not required. Once strip 116 is partially or fully removed form the body, the user can then decouple the top portion of body 102 from the bottom portion of body 102.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, and 9-11, breakable seal 110 is located between the top and bottom ends of body 102. The location of breakable seal 110 on body 102 of container 100 is non-limiting. In one non-limiting arrangement, breakable seal 110 is located 20-80% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of body 102. In one specific non-limiting arrangement, breakable seal 110 is located 40-60% the longitudinal length of body 102. When container 100 includes a plurality of breakable seals 110, breakable seals 110 are spaced from one another at a distance of about 5-70% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of body 102. Each of breakable seals 110 have a height of 1-25% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the total height of the container prior to the separation of any portion of the body of the container, and typically each of breakable seals 110 have a height of 2-17% of the total height of the container prior to the separation of any portion of the body of the container.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate container 100 having an optional label L on body 102 of the container. The label can include various types of information (e.g., product information, use information, branding, etc.). The label can partially or fully encircle body 102 of the container. As can be appreciated, label L illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 can be used in any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-19. The container is illustrated as including a single label L; however, it will be appreciated that more than one label can be included on container 100. Label L is illustrated as overlying a portion or all of breakable seal 110 and/or breakable region 114; however, this is not required. The label can be formed of any number of materials (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, etc.). The label can be secured to body 102 of the container by a variety of connection arrangement (e.g., adhesive, heat bonding, shrink wrapping, etc.). Generally, the material used to form the label is different from the material used to form the body of the container.

Label L can optionally be used to partially or fully form breakable seal 110 between top portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 of body 102. In one non-limiting arrangement, breakable region 114 is eliminated, and label L alone, or label L in combination with one or more other seal arrangements (e.g., i) a breakable adhesive seal located partially or fully in and/or about the decoupling connection, ii) one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings located partially or fully in or about the decoupling connection, iii) a breakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer located partially or fully about the decoupling connection, and/or iv) a breakable and/or removable paper, metal, polymer and/or silicon strip other than label L located partially or fully about the decoupling connection, etc.) is used to form breakable seal 110.

Label L can optionally include a pull tab T that allows a user to grasp pull tab T and remove a midsection S of the label and/or other portions of label L to partially or fully expose the connection location between the portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 of body 102. When label L partially or fully forms breakable seal 110, the removal of the midsection S of the label and/or other portions of label L from body 102 results in the partial or full breaking of breakable seal 110. When body 102 optionally includes breakable region 114, the removal of midsection S of the label and/or other portions of label L from body 102 also or alternatively results in the exposure of breakable region 114 to thereby facilitate in the user being able to partially or fully break breakable region 114. Label L can optionally include serrations R or other removal features (e.g., slots, grooves, etc.) to facilitate in the ease in removal of midsection S of the label and/or other portions of label L from body 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, the location of tab T and the use of any optional serrations R or other removal features can be such that the removal of a portion of the label located below the connection location between top portion 103 of body 102 and bottom portion 105 of body 102 optionally results in a portion of label L being retained on bottom portion 105 of body 102 after top portion 103 of body 102 has been removed from bottom portion 105 of body 102.

The idea behind the container in accordance with the present disclosure is to be able to allow consumers to access more of the product inside of a container (e.g., peanut butter, etc.). Most individuals have difficulty getting a spoon or even a spatula down into the bottom of a container to get the very last bit of a food product out of the container. The container in accordance with the present disclosure allows a user, after emptying out the top half or top portion of the container of food product, to remove the top portion of the container so the user can easily access the bottom half or portion of the container to scoop out the rest of the material in the container, and still enable the container to be closed just like the original container. The removed top portion of the container can then be disposed of by optionally recycling the top portion, or alternatively the top portion could be reused.

First, once the top portion of the container is empty and the contents of the container are below the top portion of the container, a portion of the label (when used) is removed to optionally partially or fully expose the connection location between top portion 103 of body 102 and bottom portion 105 of body 102. If body 102 does not include the optional breakable region 114, the user can proceed to decouple (e.g., twist off, etc.) top portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 of body 102. If body 102 includes optional breakable region 114, then breakable region 114 is broken by the user by pressing against the breakable seal about the perimeter of the container. Once breakable region 114 is sufficiently broken or otherwise compromised, the top portion of the body is separated from the bottom portion of the body. Once the top portion of the body is removed from the bottom portion of the body, the user can more easily access and scoop out the remaining amounts of material from the bottom portion of the container. The bottom portion of the body can be configured, after the top portion is removed from the bottom portion, to include a similar connector arrangement (e.g., threading) as on the top portion so the same lip that could be connected to the top portion can also now be connected to the bottom portion. As can be appreciated, the portion of removed label L and/or the removed top portion of the body of the container can be recycled, thus making the container a more “GREEN” product.

During filling of container 100, the container is fully assembled except for the insertion of a material in the container. Thereafter, lid 106 is inserted on the container to seal or other contain the material in the container. During use of the container, the lid is initially removed from the container to dispense material from the container. Thereafter, the lid can be reinserted on the container. When the material in the container falls below breakable seal 110, top portion 103 is separated from bottom portion 105 by breaking the breakable seal. The material of the body of the container can be optionally clear or at least partially transparent so a user can visually determine when the material in the container falls below the breakable seal; however, this is not required. Thereafter, the material in the bottom portion can be dispensed from the bottom portion. The lid can optionally be removably secured to the top connector on the bottom portion.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.

Additional features and methods of operation of the practice putting device are included in the figures.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant does not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

ADJUSTABLE CONTAINER

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