CONTAINER WITH FLEXIBLE WALL LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

A container includes a base, lid, and protrusion. The base can be moved from a relaxed position to a flexed position by applying a first force in a first direction. The lid can be moved between a closed, locked position and an open position. The protrusion is on one of the lid and a peripheral wall of the base, and is configured to be received in a receptacle defined by the other of the lid and peripheral wall. In the closed, locked position, the protrusion is at least partially in the receptacle, the base is in the relaxed position, and the protrusion can engage the receptacle to retain the lid in the closed, locked configuration. The lid can be moved from the closed, locked position to the open position by applying a second force to the lid in a second direction while the base is in the flexed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments generally relate to a container with a flexible wall locking mechanism.

Description of Related Art

Packages may include locking, retaining, or retaining mechanisms that reduce and/or prevent opening and subsequent exposure and/or ingestion of substances and/or products contained therein by children or the elderly.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a container.

In at least one example embodiment, the container includes a base, lid, and a protrusion. The base includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall extends from the bottom wall. At least a portion of the peripheral wall is configured to be moved from a relaxed position to a flexed position by applying a first force to the peripheral wall in a first direction. The lid is configured to be moved between a closed and locked position and an open position. The protrusion is on one of the lid and the peripheral wall. The protrusion is configured to be received in a receptacle. The receptacle is defined by the other of the lid and the peripheral wall. In the closed and locked position, the protrusion is at least partially in the receptacle, the peripheral wall is in the relaxed position, and the protrusion is configured to engage a surface of the receptacle so as to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration. The lid is configured to be moved from the closed and locked position to the open position by applying a second force to the lid in a second direction different from the first direction while the peripheral wall is in the flexed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion is on the peripheral wall and the lid defines the receptacle.

In at least one example embodiment, the receptacle includes an aperture.

In at least one example embodiment, the receptacle includes a recess.

In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion is a first protrusion and the receptacle is a first receptacle. The container further includes a second protrusion configured to be received in a second receptacle. In the closed and locked position, the second protrusion is at least partially in the second receptacle. The peripheral wall is configured to be moved from the relaxed position to the flexed position by applying the first force in the first direction and a third force in a third direction opposite the first direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the container defines a longitudinal axis parallel to the second direction. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located opposite one another at a common location along the longitudinal axis.

In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall and the peripheral wall cooperate to at least partially define a storage area. The storage area is configured to receive a plurality of oral products.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid includes a top wall and a skirt. The skirt extends from the top wall.

In at least one example embodiment, the top wall defines a planar surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the skirt is perpendicular to the top wall.

In at least one example embodiment, the skirt extends around a portion of a perimeter of the top wall. The portion is less than 100% of the perimeter.

In at least one example embodiment, the skirt defines a channel.

In at least one example embodiment, the top wall defines a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to receive the second force.

In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion has a scalloped shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the base defines a first height perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The lid defines a second height perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The second height is less than 25% of the first height.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid has a uniform thickness.

In at least one example embodiment, the base has a rounded shape free of sharp corners.

In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall defines a thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, the base defines a uniform thickness.

In at least one example embodiment, the base further includes a connection rim. The connection rim extends from the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall is between the bottom wall and the connection rim.

In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall has a first perimeter defining a first length. The connection rim defines a second perimeter defining a second length. The second length is greater than the first length such that at least a portion of the connection rim is outside of the peripheral wall.

In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall defines at least one of a projection and a depression configured to receive the first force.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one of the projection and the depression has a circular-segment shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the container defines a length parallel to the second direction. The lid is configured to translate a distance with respect to the base. The distance is less than the length.

In at least one example embodiment, the distance ranges from 20% of the length to 40% of the length.

In at least one example embodiment, the base comprises a first metal. The lid comprises a second metal.

In at least one example embodiment, the first metal and the second metal are the same.

In at least one example embodiment, the container is free of polymer.

In at least one example embodiment, the container is 100% recyclable.

In at least one example embodiment, the container further comprises indicia printed directly on the lid, the base, or both the lid and the base.

In at least one example embodiment, the container has a stadium-shaped profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 4 along line V-V of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a detail sectional view the base of FIG. 5 including a connection rim in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a partial sectional view the base of FIG. 6A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom back perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 7 along line X-X of FIG. 8 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation view of the lid of FIG. 7 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 7 along line XI-XI of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position along line XV-XV of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a bottom elevation view of the base of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment, the base being configured to move between a relaxed position (solid lines) and a flexed position (dashed lines).

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a top front perspective view of a container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 18 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a top front perspective view of a base of FIG. 21 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a bottom front perspective view of the lid of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective detail view of lid of FIG. 27 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 26 along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 29 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 26 along line XXXI-XXXI of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 18 along line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 35 in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 20 in the open and unlocked position along line XXXVII-XXXVII of FIG. 20 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of another container or package in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of another container or package in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a top front perspective view of another container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 40 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the base of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of the upper portion of the base of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 45 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLVII-XLVII of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLVIII-XLVIII of FIG. 42 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLIX-XLIX of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a bottom front perspective view of the lid of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective detail view of lid of FIG. 51 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 50 along line LIII-LIII of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 53 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 50 along line LV-LV of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 40 along line LIX-LIX of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 40 along line LX-LX of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 60 in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 59 in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 63 is a sectional view of the container in the open and unlocked position along line LXIII-LXIII of FIG. 42 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 63 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

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.

At least some example embodiments are directed to packages and/or containers that are considered to be “child-resistant packages (CR packages),” from the standpoint that an opening of the packages requires a complex motion involving an application of different forces in different directions. In at least one example embodiment, CR packages are used to reduce a risk of children and/or the elderly accessing and ingesting, or being exposed to, substances or materials contained therein. In at least some example embodiment, the packages are tested under guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Poison Prevention Packaging Act and are certified under 16 CFR 1700.2 (Jan. 1, 2012), and/or the packages are tested as defined by Standard ISO 8317:2015, to ensure the packages are “child-resistant” and provide child-resistant access to one or more storage areas of the packages. In at least one example embodiment, the packages are tested under guidelines from Canadian standard CAN/CSA Z76.1-16.

In at least one example embodiment, the container includes or may contain at least one substance. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance is a consumer product. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance and/or the consumer product includes an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is one or more pouches or gums.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. The oral product may be in a form of loose material (e.g., loose cellulosic material), shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), pouched material, tablets, lozenges, chews, gums, films, any other oral product, or any combination thereof.

The oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, other smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products for oral consumption, or any combination thereof.

When the oral product is an oral tobacco product including smokeless tobacco product, the smokeless tobacco product may include tobacco that is whole, shredded, cut, granulated, reconstituted, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, and/or otherwise processed. Tobacco may be present as whole or portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts (e.g., nicotine), or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, and/or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier (e.g., white snus), such as a cellulosic material. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In some example embodiments, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers can be treated to remove at least about 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the nicotine. For example, the tobacco plant tissue can be washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

In other example embodiments, the oral product may include cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and/or cannabis extracts. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material includes leaf and/or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and/or extracts from the one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and/or Cannabis ruderalis. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may be in the form of fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, and/or a flavonoid. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material may be a cannabis-derived cannabis material, such as a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a cannabis-derived terpene, and/or a cannabis-derived flavonoid.

The oral product (e.g., the oral tobacco product, the oral non-tobacco product, or the oral cannabis 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, oral product may further include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener and/or a natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, other additives, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the package may contain any product or substance. For example, the package may contain confectionary products, food products, medicines, or any other product.

In at least one example embodiment, the package (e.g., the container 100, the container 1800, the container 3800, and/or the container 3900, described below) may be formed from or include one or more metals. In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed from aluminum, tin, steel, stainless steel, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, a base and a lid of the package are formed of the same metal. In other example embodiments, the base is formed of a different metal than the lid. In at least one example embodiment, the package is free of any polymers. The package may be 100% recyclable in at least one example embodiment.

In at least one other example embodiment, the package (e.g., container 100, the container 1800, the container 3800, and/or the container 3900) is formed from or include one or more polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed of one or more homopolymers, one or more copolymers, or any combination of one or more homopolymers and copolymers. In at least one example embodiment, the polymer includes a thermoplastic polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE) (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the polymer is suitable for storing an oral product having one or more flavorings and/or volatile agents therein.

In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed from a polymer, as described above, and a filler. In at least one example embodiment, the filler includes talc. The filler may be present in an amount greater than or equal to 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). The filler may be present in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the package further includes a colorant (with or without a filler). In at least one example embodiment, a base and a lid of the package are formed of the same material. In other example embodiments, the base is formed of a different material than the lid.

In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed from a polymer including HDPE, PP, or both HDPE and PP. In at least one example embodiment, the container further includes a filler in an amount ranging from about 5 weight percent to about 45 weight percent. In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed from 40 weight percent talc-filled PP. In at least one other example embodiment, the package is formed from 10 weight percent talc-filled PP.

In at least one example embodiment, a base and a lid of the package may be a same or a different color. In at least one example embodiment, a color of the package may denote a flavor of the enclosed product. For example, a green container may contain a mint or menthol flavored product, while a brown container may contain a tobacco flavored product.

In at least one example embodiment, the package is formed by stamping, casting, machine, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compression molding, vacuum casting, 3D printing and/or any other any other suitable process.

In at least one example embodiment, the package is generally free of coatings and/or enamels. In at least one other example embodiment, the package may further include one or more coatings on an inner surface and/or an outer surface thereof, if desired. The coating may include an ink (e.g., an UV-curable ink), a varnish, and/or a second enamel (e.g., a clear coat). In at least one example embodiment, the coating may protect a metal portion of the lid 104, a label applied to the outer surface, and/or printed indicia on the outside surface.

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a container or package 100 is provided. The container 100 includes a base 102 and a lid 104. The container 100 is movable between a closed and locked configuration or position, as shown, and an open and unlocked configuration or position (also referred to as the “open position,” shown in FIGS. 3 and 17). In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 moves or articulates through a closed and unlocked configuration or position between the closed and locked position and the open and unlocked position.

The container 100 may define an orthogonal coordinate system (shown offset from the container 100). The orthogonal coordinate system may include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. In at least one example embodiment, the first axis is a vertical axis 120, the second axis is a longitudinal axis 122, and the third axis is a transverse axis 124.

The container 100 includes one or more locking mechanisms 130. The locking mechanisms 130 may be configured to retain the container 100 in the closed and locked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIG. 15. Each of the locking mechanisms 130 may include a first protrusion 132 on one of the base 102 and the lid 104 and a receptacle 134 on the other of the base 102 and the lid 104. In the example embodiment shown, each of the locking mechanisms 130 includes the first protrusion 132 on the base 102 and the receptacle 134 on the lid 104.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may include two or more locking mechanisms 130 (e.g., three or more locking mechanisms 130 or four or more locking mechanisms 130). In at least one other example embodiment, the container 100 may include only a single locking mechanism 130.

In the example embodiment shown, the container 100 includes exactly two locking mechanisms 130. Accordingly, the container 100 may include two of the first protrusions 132 (i.e., a first protrusion and a second protrusion) and two the receptacles (i.e., a first receptacle and a second receptacle). In at least one example embodiment, the locking mechanisms 130 are symmetric about a center plane defined by the vertical and longitudinal axes 120, 122. That is, both the first protrusions 132 are equidistant from a front 136 of the container 100, at a common location along the longitudinal axis 122. In at least one other example embodiment, the locking mechanisms 130 are positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis 122 and are corresponding different distances from the front 136 of the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may be moved from the closed and locked position to the closed and unlocked position by disengaging each of the first protrusions 132 from a respective one of the receptacles 134. The first protrusion 132 and receptacle 134 may be disengaged by moving the base 102 from the relaxed position, as shown, to a flexed position (as shown and further described with respect to FIG. 16, dashed lines). In at least one example embodiment, the base 102 may be moved to the flexed position by apply a force to indicia 140 on the base 102. When the base 102 is in the flexed position, the container 100 may be transitioned from the closed and unlocked position to an open and unlocked position by applying a force to an engagement region 142 on the lid 104. A method for dispensing a product from the container 100 are described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 14-17.

FIG. 2 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the base 102 includes a bottom wall or floor 200 and a peripheral wall or side wall 202. The bottom wall 200 includes a bottom surface 204. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom surface 204 is generally planar such that the container 100 is stable when placed onto a surface (not shown), such as a table. The peripheral wall 202 may extend from the bottom wall 200, as described in greater detail below in relation to FIG. 4.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 has a stadium shaped profile. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 200 and the peripheral wall 202 cooperate to define a rounded shape that is free of sharp corners and edges. Accordingly, the container may be comfortably held in a palm of an adult consumer and/or stored in a pocket of the adult consumer. Moreover, the rounded shape may facilitate sliding of the container 100 into a pocket or other storage location.

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the bottom wall 200 and the peripheral wall 202 of the base 102 cooperate to at least partially define a storage area or interior region 300. In at least one example embodiment, the storage area 300 may be configured to contain a product (e.g., oral products), as described above. In the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 1), the lid 102 prevents and/or reduces access to the storage area 300. In the open and unlocked position, as shown, the storage area 300 is accessible, such as to an adult consumer.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 is movable with respect to the base 102 when the container 100 is unlocked (i.e., when the first protrusions 132 of the locking mechanisms 130 are disengaged from the receptacles 134 of the locking mechanisms 130). Specifically, the lid 104 may be configured to be translated with respect to the base 102. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 is configured to translate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 with respect to the base 102. The lid 104 may be configured to be translated in a first direction 302 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 when the lid 104 is moved from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position (i.e., when the container is opened). The lid 104 may be configured to be translated in a second direction 304 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 and opposite the first direction 302 when the lid 104 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position (i.e., when the container 100 is closed).

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the base 102 includes the bottom wall 200 and the peripheral wall 202. The peripheral wall 202 may include and/or define the indicia 140 (e.g., tactile and/or visual indicia, such as a protrusion, as shown), as described in greater detail below. The base 102 may further include a connection rim 400, as described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 5. The connection rim 400 may include and/or define a portion of the locking mechanisms 130 (shown in FIG. 1), such as the first protrusions 132, as described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 6A.

In at least one example embodiment, the connection rim 400 may include or define one or more second protrusions 402. In at least the example embodiment shown, the connection rim 400 includes two second protrusions 402. The second protrusions 402 may be configured to engage a wall of a respective one of the receptacles 134 (shown in FIG. 1) to limit travel of the lid 104 with respect to the base 102, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 17. In at least one example embodiment the second protrusions 402 are smaller (e.g., have a smaller dimension parallel to the transverse axis 124) than the first protrusions 132. Accordingly, the lid 104 may be configured to be closed without the base 102 being in the flexed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall 202 is flexible. The flexibility may be facilitated by a material (see discussion below in relation to FIG. 13) of the peripheral wall 202. Additionally or alternatively, the flexibility of the peripheral wall 202 may be facilitated by dimensions of the peripheral wall 202 (e.g., thickness 500, shown in FIG. 5).

In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall 202 is configured to be moved between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position (shown in FIG. 16, dashed lines). In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall 202 is flexible generally parallel to the transverse axis 124. Specifically, the peripheral wall 202 may be flexible in a third direction 410 and a fourth direction 412 that are each generally parallel to the transverse axis 124 and opposite to one another.

The connection rim 400 may be configured to be at least partially within the lid 104 when the container 100 is in the closed position (both locked and unlocked). In at least one example embodiment, the connection rim 400 extends from the peripheral wall 202. The connection rim 400 may extend around at least a portion of the peripheral wall 202. In the example embodiment shown, the connection rim 400 extends around the entire peripheral wall 202. The peripheral wall 202 may be between the bottom wall 200 and the connection rim 400. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 200, the peripheral wall 202, and the connection rim 400 form a single piece, unitary structure.

In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the peripheral wall 202 may extend outwardly of the bottom wall 200 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 122 and/or the transverse axis 124). The bottom wall 200 may define a first perimeter 420 having a first length. The peripheral wall 202 may define a second perimeter 422 having a second length. The second length may be greater than the first length.

In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the connection rim 400 may extend outwardly of the peripheral wall 202 and the bottom wall 200 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 122 and/or the transverse axis 124). The connection rim 400 may define a third perimeter 424 having a third length. The third length may be greater than the second length and the first length.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 4 along line V-V of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral wall 202 defines a thickness 500. The thickness 500 may be generally uniform. In at least one example embodiment, the thickness 500 is greater than or equal to about 0.25 mm. In at least one example embodiment, the thickness 500 is greater than or equal to about 0.3 mm. In at least one example embodiment, the thickness 500 ranges from about 0.25 mm to about 0.28 mm.

Returning to FIG. 4, in at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of each of the indicia 140 may be aligned with at least a portion of a respective one of the first protrusions 132 along the longitudinal axis 122. The indicia 140 may be configured to indicate a location for the application of force (e.g., in the third and/or fourth directions 410, 412). The indicia 140 may be configured to receive respective forces in the third direction 410 and the fourth direction 412, respectively. In at least one example embodiment, each of the indicia 140 may be spaced apart from a respective one of the first protrusions 132 along the vertical axis 120. In at least one example embodiment, each of the indicia 140 defines a circular segment shaped perimeter (e.g., a semicircular perimeter). In at least one example embodiment, the indicia 140 are sized and shaped to accommodate pinching/squeezing by an adult consumer.

In at least one example embodiment, the indicia 140 are distinguishable from a remainder of the peripheral wall 202 by visual and/or tactile attributes. Visual attributes may include color, projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material (e.g., a coating, a layer, a sticker). Tactile attributes may include projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material.

Returning to FIG. 5, in at least one example embodiment, the indicia 140 define projections with respect to an outer surface 510 of the peripheral wall 202, as shown. The indicia 140 may define corresponding depressions with respect to an inner surface 512 of the peripheral wall 202. In at least one other example embodiment, the indicia 140 may include projections and/or depressions resulting from a variation in the thickness 500.

FIG. 6A is a detail sectional view the base of FIG. 5 including a connection rim in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first protrusions 132 may extend from an outer surface 600 of the connection rim 400. In at least one example embodiment, each of the first protrusions 132 includes rounded edges 602. The rounded edges 602 may facilitate transition of the first protrusions 132 into and out of the apertures 134 (shown in FIG. 1). In at least one example embodiment, each of the first protrusions 132 may include and/or define a hollow interior region 604. In at least one other example embodiment, each of the first protrusions 132 may be solid.

Each of the first protrusions 132 may define a dimension or depth 606 parallel to the transverse axis 124. In at least one example embodiment, the depth 606 may be greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.8 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.85 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.9 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.95 mm, greater than or equal to about 1 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.05 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.1 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.15 mm, or greater than or equal to about 1.2 mm). The depth 606 may be less than or equal to about 1.25 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.15 mm, less than or equal to about 1.1 mm, less than or equal to about 1.05 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 0.95 mm, less than or equal to about 0.9 mm, less than or equal to about 0.85 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.8 mm).

FIG. 6B is a partial sectional view the base of FIG. 6A in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, a free end 610 of the connection rim 400 may curved, bent, and/or rolled. The exposed surface 612 of the free end 610 may be substantially free of sharp edges. In at least one example embodiment, the curved structure is formed by rolling. In at least one example embodiment, the entire base 102 is free of sharp and/or exposed edges.

FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the lid 104 may include a top wall 700 and a skirt 702. The skirt 702 may define the receptacle 134. In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 700 and the skirt 702 define a single piece, unitary structure. The top wall 700 may include an outer surface 704. In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface 704 is substantially planar.

The top wall 700 may define a fourth perimeter 706. The skirt 702 may extend from at least a portion of the fourth perimeter 706. In at least one example embodiment, as shown, the portion may be less than 100%. The portion may be greater than or equal to about 50% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, or greater than or equal to about 95%). The portion may be less than 100% (e.g., less than or equal to about 95%, less than or equal to about 90%, less than or equal to about 85%, less than or equal to about 80%, less than or equal to about 75%, less than or equal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 65%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equal to about 55%, or less than or equal to about 50%).

In at least one example embodiment, the skirt 702 may extend generally perpendicular to the top wall 700. Accordingly, the skirt 702 may also define the fourth perimeter 706. The fourth perimeter 706 has a fourth length. The fourth length may be greater than the third length of the connection rim 400 (shown in FIG. 4). When the lid 104 is coupled to the base 102 (shown in FIG. 1), the connection rim 400 may be outside of and/or surrounding at least a portion of the connection rim 400.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 further includes a lip 710. The lip 710 may extend from the top wall 700. At least a portion of the lip 710 may be between the top wall 700 and the skirt 702. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 710 extends around substantially the entire fourth perimeter 706. When the container 100 is in the closed and locked position, the lip 710 may surround a portion of the connection rim 400 (shown in FIG. 4) of the base 102 (shown in FIG. 1).

In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 700 includes and/or defines the engagement region 142. The engagement region 142 may be configured to receive a force to translate the lid 104 with respect to the base 102. In at least one example embodiment, the engagement region 142 may define a scalloped or crescent shape, such as to accept an adult consumer's finger during opening of the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, the engagement region 142 may include and/or define a protrusion 720 having a front wall 722 and a back wall 724. The front wall 722 may be configured to receive a force in the first direction 302 when the container 100 (FIG. 1) is moved from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position. The back wall 724 may be configured to receive a force in the second direction 304 when the container 100 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement region 142 may include and/or define a depression and/or a surface texture.

FIG. 8 is a bottom back perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 700 of the lid 104 includes an inner surface 800. In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion 720 may define a hollow interior region 802 in fluid communication with the inner surface 800. In at least one other example embodiment, the protrusion 720 may be solid.

In at least one example embodiment, the skirt 702 defines one or more channels 810, such as two channels 810. A wall 812 of each of the channels 810 may define a respective one of the receptacles 134. In at least one example embodiment, each of the channels 810 includes an open end 814 and a closed end 816.

Each of the channels 810 may be configured receive at least a portion of a respective one of the first protrusions 132 (shown in FIG. 1) when the lid 104 is translated with respect to the base 102 (shown in FIG. 1). In at least one example embodiment, each of the channels 810 may be configured to cooperate with the respective one of the first protrusions 132 to guide translation of the lid 104 with respect to the base 102 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 9A is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 7 along line IX-IX of FIG. 8 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the wall 812 of the channel 810 may include an upper portion 900 and a lower portion 902. The upper and lower portions 900, 902 of the wall 812 may be configured to engage the first protrusion 132 (shown in FIG. 1) to reduce and/or prevent motion of the lid 104 parallel to the vertical axis 120 with respect to the base 102 (shown in FIG. 1).

In at least one example embodiment, each of the channels 810 defines a dimension or depth 910 generally parallel to the transverse axis 124. In at least one example embodiment, the depth 910 is greater than or equal to about 0.6 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.65 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.7 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.8 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.85 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.9 mm, or greater than or equal to about 0.95 mm). The depth 910 may be less than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.95 mm, less than or equal to about 0.9 mm, less than or equal to about 0.85 mm, less than or equal to about 0.80 mm, less than or equal to about 0.75 mm, less than or equal to about 0.7 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.65 mm).

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 defines a thickness 920. The thickness 920 may be generally uniform. In at least one example embodiment, the thickness 920 is greater than or equal to about 0.25 mm. In at least one example embodiment, the thickness 920 is less than or equal to about 0.3 mm.

FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, a free end 930 of the skirt 702 may curved, bent, and/or rolled. The exposed surface 932 of the free end 930 may be substantially free of sharp edges. In at least one example embodiment, the curved structure is formed by rolling. In at least one example embodiment, the entire lid 104 is free of sharp and/or exposed edges.

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation view of the lid of FIG. 7 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the skirt 702 defines the receptacles 134. In the example embodiment shown, the receptacles 134 are apertures. In at least one other example embodiment, the receptacles are recesses (not shown). Each of the receptacles 134 may be sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the first protrusions 132 (shown in FIG. 1) when the container 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is in the closed and locked position. The receptacles 134 may be configured to cooperate with the respective first protrusions 132 to retain the container 100 in the closed and locked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 14-17.

Each of the receptacles 134 defines a first dimension or height 1000 generally parallel to the vertical axis 120 and a second dimension or width 1002 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122. In at least one example embodiment, the height 1000 is greater than or equal to about 2 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2.05 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.1 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.15 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.2 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.3 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.35 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.4 mm, or greater than or equal to about 2.45 mm). The height 1000 may be less than or equal to about 2.5 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 2.45 mm, less than or equal to about 2.4 mm, less than or equal to about 2.35 mm, less than or equal to about 2.3 mm, less than or equal to about 2.25 mm, less than or equal to about 2.2 mm, less than or equal to about 2.15 mm, less than or equal to about 2.1 mm, or less than or equal to about 2.05 mm). In at least one example embodiment, the width 1002 may be greater than or equal to about 3 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 3.1 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.2 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.3 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.4 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.6 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.7 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.8 mm, or greater than or equal to about 3.9 mm). The width 1002 may be less than or equal to about 4 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 3.9 mm, less than or equal to about 3.8 mm, less than or equal to about 3.7 mm, less than or equal to about 3.6 mm, less than or equal to about 3.5 mm, less than or equal to about 3.4 mm, less than or equal to about 3.3 mm, less than or equal to about 3.2 mm, or less than or equal to about 3.1 mm).

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 7 along line XI-XI of FIG. 7 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 and described above, the protrusion 720 includes the front wall 722 and the back wall 724. The front wall 722 includes a front surface 1100. In at least one example embodiment, the front surface 1100 is concave. The front wall 722 may be sized and shaped to accommodate a finger, such as when an adult consumer moves the container 100 (shown in FIG. 1) from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position. In at least one other example embodiment, the front wall 722 may be substantially planar and form an angle with respect to the top surface 704. The back wall 724 may include a back surface 1102. In at least one example embodiment, the back surface 1102 may be convex.

The protrusion 720 defines a protrusion height 1110 generally parallel to the vertical axis 120. In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion height 1110 is greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm). The protrusion height 1110 may be less than or equal to about 2 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 1.25 mm).

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may be sized and shaped to fit into a pocket and/or the palm of an adult consumer. A size of the container 100 may be determined, at least in part, by its intended contents. The container 100 defines a first dimension or container height 1200 generally parallel to the vertical axis 120. In at least one example embodiment, the container height 1200 is greater than or equal to about 14 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 16 mm, greater than or equal to about 17 mm, greater than or equal to about 18 mm, greater than or equal to about 19 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 21 mm, greater than or equal to about 22 mm, greater than or equal to about 23 mm, greater than or equal to about 24 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 26 mm, greater than or equal to about 27 mm, greater than or equal to about 28 mm, or greater than or equal to about 29 mm). The container height 1200 may be less than or equal to about 30 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 29 mm, less than or equal to about 28 mm, less than or equal to about 27 mm, less than or equal to about 26 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 24 mm, less than or equal to about 23 mm, less than or equal to about 22 mm, less than or equal to about 21 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 19 mm, less than or equal to about 18 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, less than or equal to about 16 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm). The container 100 defines a second dimension or container length 1202 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122. In at least one example embodiment, the container length 1202 is greater than or equal to about 70 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 75 mm, greater than or equal to about 80 mm, greater than or equal to about 85 mm, greater than or equal to about 90 mm, greater than or equal to about 95 mm, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, or greater than or equal to about 105 mm). The container length 1202 may be less than or equal to about 110 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 105 mm, less than or equal to about 100 mm, less than or equal to about 95 mm, less than or equal to about 90 mm, less than or equal to about 85 mm, less than or equal to about 80 mm, or less than or equal to about 75 mm).

The base 102 defines a third dimension or base height 1204 generally parallel to the vertical axis 120. The lid 104 defines a fourth dimension or lid height 1206 between the top wall 700 and a distal end 1208 of the skirt 702 and generally parallel to the vertical axis 120. In at least one example embodiment, the lid height 1206 is less than or equal to about 50% of the base height 1204 (e.g., less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal to about 30%, less than or equal to about 25%, less than or equal to about 20%, less than or equal to about 15%, less than or equal to about 10%, or less than or equal to about 5%).

FIG. 13 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the container 100 defines a fifth dimension or container width 1300 generally parallel to the transverse axis 124. In at least one example embodiment, the container width 1300 is greater than or equal to about 43 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 44 mm, greater than or equal to about 45 mm, greater than or equal to about 46 mm, greater than or equal to about 47 mm, greater than or equal to about 48 mm, greater than or equal to about 49 mm, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, greater than or equal to about 51 mm, greater than or equal to about 52 mm, greater than or equal to about 53 mm, greater than or equal to about 54 mm, greater than or equal to about 55 mm, greater than or equal to about 56 mm, or greater than or equal to about 57 mm). The container width 1300 may be less than or equal to about 58 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 57 mm, less than or equal to about 56 mm, less than or equal to about 55 mm, less than or equal to about 54 mm, less than or equal to about 53 mm, less than or equal to about 52 mm, less than or equal to about 51 mm, less than or equal to about 50 mm, less than or equal to about 49 mm, less than or equal to about 48 mm, less than or equal to about 47 mm, less than or equal to about 46 mm, less than or equal to about 45 mm, or less than or equal to about 44 mm).

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may further include additional features. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may include text (e.g., information, identifying language), ornamental designs, other indicia (e.g., logo, touch-identifiable pattern), and/or functional features (e.g., grip-enhancing texture). In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 includes text, ornamental designs, other indicia, and/or functional features. Such features may be formed via embossing, debossing, printing, and/or applying a label, in at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, indica are printed other otherwise applied directly to an outer surface of the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, prior to opening the container 100 for the first time, an adult consumer may break a seal (not shown) applied to an area overlapping at least a portion of the body 102 and the lid 104. The seal may temporarily fix the lid 104 to the body 102. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may be part of a label for graphic communication, a tear strip for sealing the lid 104 to the body 102, and/or a film seal along the connection rim 400. In at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer may break the seal by pulling a tab or cord (not shown) that extends around a circumference of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may provide a visual tamper indicator.

In at least one example embodiment, a method for dispensing a product from the container 100 is provided. In at least one example embodiment, the method may be performed by an adult consumer using a single hand. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is child resistant, as described above. Accordingly, when the container 100 is in the closed and locked position, at least three separate motions or forces, in three different directions, are required to transition the container 100 to the open and unlocked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 15-17.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

At S1400, the method includes providing the container 100 in the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 1) with products (not shown) in the interior region 300 (shown in FIG. 3). At S1404, the method includes placing the container 100 in a closed and unlocked position. At S1408, the method includes placing the container 100 in the open and unlocked position. At S1412, the method includes removing product from the interior region 300 of the container 100. At S1416, the method includes returning the container to the closed and locked position. Each of these steps is described in greater detail below.

At S1400, the method includes providing the container 100 in the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 1) with products (not shown) in the interior region 300 (shown in FIG. 3). In the closed and locked position, the lid 104 reduces and/or prevents access to the interior region 300 containing the products. In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked position, each of the first protrusions 132 (shown in FIG. 1) is at least partially received in a respective one of the receptacles 134 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in the closed and locked position along line XV-XV of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, each of the first protrusions 132 may cooperate with a respective one of the receptacles 134 to retain the container 100 in the closed and locked position. In the closed and locked position, the first protrusion 132 is at least partially within the channel 810 and the receptacle 134. In at least one example embodiment, an outer protrusion surface 1500 is flush with an outer channel wall surface 1502.

In at least one example embodiment, engagement of the first protrusion 132 with a receptacle surface 1504 may reduce and/or prevent movement of the lid 104 with respect to the container 102. Specifically, engagement between the first protrusion 132 and receptacle surface 1504 may reduce and/or prevent movement of the lid 104 with respect to the base 102 in a fifth or upward direction 1508 and/or a sixth or downward direction 1510 generally parallel to the vertical axis 120. Additionally or alternatively, engagement of the inner surface 800 of the top wall 700 with the connection rim 400 may reduce and/or prevent movement of the lid 104 in the downward direction 1510 with respect to the base 102. Engagement between the first protrusion 132 and the receptacle surface 1504 may also reduce and/or prevent movement of the lid 104 with respect to the base 102 in the first and/or section directions 302, 304 (shown in FIG. 3). Engagement of the skirt 702 of the lid 104 with the connection rim 400 of the base 102 may reduce and/or prevent movement of the lid 104 in the third and fourth directions 410, 412.

Returning to FIG. 14, at S1404, the method includes placing the container 100 in a closed and unlocked position. In the closed and unlocked position, each of the first protrusions 132 is at least partially removed from a respective one of the receptacles 134. The first protrusions 132 may be at least partially removed from the respective receptacles 134 by moving the base 102 from the relaxed position to the flexed position. When the base 102 is in the flexed position, the first protrusions 132 may remain aligned with the respective receptacles 134 along the longitudinal axis 122.

FIG. 16 is a bottom elevation view of the base of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment, the base being configured to move between a relaxed position (solid lines) and a flexed position (dashed lines).

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the base 102 is configured to be moved or manipulated from the relaxed position, as shown in solid lines, to the flexed position, as shown in dashed lines. The base 102 may be moved from the relaxed position to the flexed position under an application of forces at or near the longitudinal position (i.e., the position along the longitudinal axis 122) of the first protrusions 132, such as at the indicia 140. In at least one example embodiment, the base 102 may be moved from the relaxed position to the flexed position by applying the forces in the third direction 410 and the fourth direction 412 to the peripheral wall 202, such as at the indicia 140. The third and fourth directions 410, 412 may be different. In at least one example embodiment, the third direction 410 is parallel to and opposite the fourth direction 412. In at least one example embodiment, as the base 102 is moved to the flexed position, the first protrusions 132 move toward one another (e.g., along the transverse axis 124) and out of the respective receptacles 134 (shown in FIG. 1).

Returning to FIG. 14, at S1408, the method includes placing the container 100 in the open and unlocked position. As described above, when the base 102 is in the flexed position (shown in FIG. 16), the first protrusions 132 of the base 102 are at least partially removed from the respective receptacles 134. Accordingly, the lid 104 may be free to translate with respect to the base 102.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1 in the open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the lid 104 is positioned to translate with respect to the base 102 when the first protrusions 132 are at least partially removed from the receptacles 134. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 104 may be configured to translate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 with respect to the base 102.

When the container 100 is in the closed and unlocked position, an adult consumer may apply a force to the lid 104 to translate the lid 104 with respect to the base. In at least one example embodiment, as the lid 104 is translated in the first direction 302, the first protrusions 132 slide in respective channels 810. In at least one example embodiment, the first protrusions 132 may exit the respective channels 810 at the open end 814.

The adult consumer may apply a force in the first direction 302, while continuing to apply forces in the third and fourth directions 410, 412 (shown in FIG. 16), to move the container 100 from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position. In at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer may apply the force in the first direction 302 at the engagement region 142, such as to the front wall 722. The first direction 302 may be different from the third direction 410 and/or the fourth direction 412. In at least one example embodiment, the first direction 302 is generally perpendicular to the third and fourth directions 410, 412. Accordingly, in at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer may need to apply three separate forces, in three separate directions (e.g., the first, third, and fourth directions 302, 410, 412) to open the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, travel of the lid 104 with respect to the base 102 may be limited. Travel of the lid 104 may be limited by engagement of the second protrusions 402 with a wall of the receptacle 134. The lid 104 may be configured to translate a distance 1700 with respect to the base 102. In at least one example embodiment, the distance 1700 is less than the container length 1202 (shown in FIG. 12). In at least one example embodiment, the distance 1700 may be less than about 100% of the container length 1202 (e.g., less than or equal to about 90%, less than or equal to about 80%, less than or equal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equal to about 50%, less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal to about 30%, less than or equal to about 20%, or less than or equal to about 10%). The distance 1700 may be greater than or equal to about 10% of the container length 1202 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 80%, or greater than or equal to about 90%).

With reference to FIG. 14, at S1412, the method includes removing product from the interior region 300 of the container 100. Returning to FIG. 17, in the open and unlocked position, the interior region 300 of the container 100 is accessible to the adult consumer.

With reference to FIG. 14, at S1416, the method includes returning the container to the closed and locked position. Returning to FIG. 17, the container 100 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position by applying a force to the lid 104 to translate the lid 104 in the second direction 304 with respect to the base 102. The second protrusions 402 may be sized and shaped to permit movement of the lid 104 in the second direction 304 without moving the base 102 into the flexed position. In at least one example embodiment, the force may be applied at the engagement region 142, such as at the back wall 724. The container 100 may be moved from the closed and unlocked position to the closed and locked position by returning the first protrusions 132 to the receptive receptacles 134, thereby engaging the locking mechanisms 130. In at least one example embodiment, the first protrusions 132 may automatically slide into the respective receptacles 134 upon application of a force to the lid 104 in the second direction 304 without need for the adult consumer to apply force in the third and fourth directions 302, 304. As the first protrusions 132 enter the respective receptacles 134, the base 102 may automatically return to the relaxed position from the flexed position. Accordingly, the adult consumer may move the container 100 from the open and unlocked position to the closed and locked position by a single motion in the second direction 304.

FIG. 18 is a top front perspective view of a container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a container or package 1800 is provided. The container 1800 includes a base 1802 and a lid 1804. The container 1800 is movable between a closed and locked configuration or position, as shown, and an open and unlocked configuration or position (also referred to as the “open position,” shown in FIGS. 20, 37). In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 moves or articulates through a closed and unlocked configuration or position between the closed and locked position and the open and unlocked position.

The container 1800 may define an orthogonal coordinate system (shown offset from the container 1800 in the Figures). The orthogonal coordinate system may include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. In at least one example embodiment, the first axis is a vertical axis 1820, the second axis is a longitudinal axis 1822, and the third axis is a transverse axis 1824.

The container 1800 includes one or more locking mechanisms 1830. The locking mechanisms 1830 may be configured to retain the container 1800 in the closed and locked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIG. 35. In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 includes a single locking mechanism 1830. In at least one other example embodiment, the container 1800 may include two or more locking mechanisms 1830 (e.g., three or more locking mechanisms 1830 or four or more locking mechanisms 1830).

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 1804 includes a flexible tab 1840. The flexible tab 1840 may be movable between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position, as will be described below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 36. The lid 1804 may define a cutout 1842 (also referred to as the lid cutout 1842) that at least partially defines the flexible tab 1840. The lid cutout 1842 may have a semi-circular profile or shape. The lid 1804 may include a first or top lid surface 1844.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab 1840 may define one or more indicia. The indicia may identify a region for receipt of a force for disengaging the locking mechanism 1830, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 36. In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are distinguishable from a remainder of the top lid surface 1844 by visual and/or tactile attributes. Visual attributes may include color, projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material (e.g., a coating, a layer, a sticker). Tactile attributes may include projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material.

In at least the example embodiment shown, the indicia include a depression 1852 and text 1854. In a region of the depression 1852, a second or tab surface 1856 is recessed with respect to the top lid surface 1844. The tab surface 1856 may, in at least one example embodiment, may be sized and shaped to receive a finger of an adult consumer. The text 1854 may be further recessed with respect to the tab surface 1856. In at least one example embodiment, the text includes the word “PRESS,” as shown.

In at least some example embodiment, the top lid surface 1844 defines a contoured region 1860. At least a portion of the contoured region 1860 is recessed with respect to the top lid surface 1844. In at least one example embodiment, an adult consumer may engage the contoured region 1860 to translate the lid 1804 between the closed and unlocked position and the open and unlocked position.

FIG. 19 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the base 1802 includes a bottom wall or floor 1900 and a peripheral wall or side wall 1902. The bottom wall 1900 includes a bottom surface 1904. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom surface 1904 is generally planar such that the container 1800 is stable when placed onto a surface (not shown), such as a table. The peripheral wall 1902 may extend from the bottom wall 1900.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 has a stadium shaped profile (e.g., in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis 1822 and the transverse axis 1824). In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 1900 and the peripheral wall 1902 cooperate to define a rounded shape that is free of sharp corners and edges. Accordingly, the container 1800 may be comfortably held in a palm of an adult consumer and/or stored in a pocket of the adult consumer. Moreover, the rounded shape may facilitate sliding of the container 1800 into a pocket or other storage location.

FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 18 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the bottom wall 1900 and the peripheral wall 1902 of the base 1802 cooperate to at least partially define a storage area or interior region 2000. In at least one example embodiment, the interior region 2000 may be configured to contain a product (e.g., oral products), as described above. In the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 18), the lid 1804 prevents and/or reduces access to the interior region 2000. In the open and unlocked position, as shown, the interior region 2000 is accessible to an adult consumer.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 1802 includes a flexible tab 2010. The flexible tab 2010 may be movable between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 36. The flexible tab 2010 may be at least partially defined by a cutout 2012 in an intermediate wall 2014 of the base 1802. At least a portion of the intermediate wall 2014 may be substantially parallel to the bottom wall 1900 of the base 1802.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the lid 1804 and the flexible tab 2010 includes a protrusion configured to engage the other of the lid 1804 and the flexible tab 2010. In at least the example embodiment shown, the flexible tab 2010 includes a first or base protrusion 2016. The base protrusion 2016 is configured to engage the lid 1804, as will be described in greater detail in the discussions accompanying FIGS. 30 and 35-36. In at least the example embodiment shown, the base protrusion 2016 defines a substantially circular perimeter.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab 2010 of the base 1802 may be referred to as the first or base flexible tab 2010 that is movable between a first relaxed position and a first flexed position. The flexible tab 1840 of the lid 1804 may be referred to as the second flexible tab or lid flexible tab 1840 that is movable between a second relaxed position and a second flexed position. Both of the base and lid flexible tabs 2010, 1840 may be configured to receive a force in a first direction 2020. The first direction 2020 may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis 1820.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 1804 is movable with respect to the base 1802 when the container 1800 is unlocked. Specifically, the lid 1804 may be configured to be translated with respect to the base 1802. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 1804 is configured to translate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822 with respect to the base 1802. The lid 1804 may be configured to be translated in a second direction 2022 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822 when the lid 1804 is moved from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position (i.e., when the container is opened). The lid 1804 may be configured to be translated in a third direction 2024 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822 and opposite the second direction 2022 when the lid 1804 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position (i.e., when the container 1800 is closed).

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 1802 includes a first or lower portion 2100 and a second or upper portion 2102 (also referred to as a “ring”). In at least the example embodiment shown, the lower and upper portions 2100, 2102 are distinct lower and upper components (or, alternatively, first and second components). The lower and upper portions 2100, 2102 may be coupled to one another, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 21-23. In at least one other example embodiment, lower and upper portions of a base may be integrally formed and may have a single, unitary structure that is free of joints and/or seams.

In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 2100 of the base 1802 includes the bottom wall 1900 and the peripheral wall 1902. In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 2100 includes a first connection rim 2110. An inner surface 2112 of the first connection rim 2110 (also referred to as the connection rim surface 2112) may be recessed with respect to an inner surface 2114 of the peripheral wall 1902. The first connection rim 2110 may include a top surface 2116. A ledge surface 2118 may extend between the inner surface 2114 of the peripheral wall 1902 and the first connection rim surface 2112. The ledge surface 2118 may be substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 2114 of the peripheral wall 1902 and the first connection rim surface 2112. In at least one example embodiment, the first connection rim 2110 extends continuously around an entire perimeter of the lower portion 2100.

In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 2100 of the base 1802 includes a plurality of protrusions 2120 (also referred to as the coupling protrusions 2120). The coupling protrusions 2120 may extend from the first connection rim surface 2112. In at least one example embodiment, each of the coupling protrusions 2120 defines an “E” shaped profile.

In at least on example embodiment, the upper portion 2102 includes the intermediate wall 2014, a second connection rim 2130, a lip 2132, and one or more ridges 2134. The second connection rim 2130 is recessed with respect to the lip 2132. That is, the second connection rim 2130 has as smaller perimeter than the lip 2132.

The intermediate wall 2014 defines an aperture 2140. The aperture 2140 provides access to the interior region 2000. In at least one example embodiment, the aperture 2140 is a substantially rectangular aperture. The rectangular aperture 2140 may be elongated, as shown, or square. In at least one example embodiment, the aperture 2140 may have a perimeter defining a rectangle with rounded corners, as shown. In at least one other example embodiment, the aperture 2140 may define another shape (with or without rounded corners, when corners are present), a trapezoid, a diamond, an oval (e.g., a circle), a lens, a stadium, or any other suitable shape.

The upper portion 2102 of the base 1802 may include a plurality of the ridges 2134 (e.g., greater than or equal to two, greater than or equal to three, greater than or equal to four, greater than or equal to five, greater than or equal to six, greater than or equal to seven, or greater than or equal to eight), such as six ridges, as shown. In at least one other example embodiment, the upper portion 2102 of the base 1802 includes a single, continuous ridge.

In at least one example embodiment, each of the ridges 2134 extends from an inner surface 2150 of the lip 2132. The ridges 2134 may be adjacent to a top surface 2152 of the lip 2132. In at least one example embodiment, a portion of each of the ridges 2134 may be coplanar with the top surface 2152 of the lip 2132.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 1802 defines a channel 2154. The channel 2154 is configured to receive at least a portion of the lid 1804 (shown in FIG. 18). In the example embodiment shown, the ridges 2134 are spaced apart from the intermediate wall 2014 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822 to define the channel 2154 therebetween.

The lip 2132 may extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the intermediate wall 2014. In at least one example embodiment, the portion may be greater than or equal to about 50% of the perimeter of the intermediate wall 2014 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, or greater than or equal to about 80%). The lip 2132 may define an open side 2160. The open side 2160 provides clearance for the lid 1804 (shown in FIG. 18) to translate within the channel 2154.

In at least one example embodiment, the second connection rim 2130 extends inset from and around an entire perimeter of the intermediate wall 2104. In at least one example embodiment, the second connection rim 2130 defines a plurality of receptacles 2170. The receptacles 2170 may be apertures, as shown. The receptacles 2170 may be sized and shaped to receive the coupling protrusions 2120 of the lower portion 2100 of the base 1802 to couple the lower and upper portions 2100, 2102 to one another. In at least the example embodiment shown, the receptacles 2170 are substantially rectangular apertures.

A quantity of receptacles 2170 may be the same as a quantity of coupling protrusions 2120. In at least the example embodiment shown, the base 1802 includes four coupling protrusions 2120 and four receptacles 2170. Although the coupling protrusions 2120 are included on the lower portion 2100 and the receptacles 2170 are included on the upper portion 2102 in the example embodiment shown, in at least one other example embodiment, a lower portion may include receptacles and an upper portion may include protrusions. In at least one other example embodiment, upper and lower portions may be connected in other ways, such as other mechanical mechanisms or fasteners, heat sealing, a distinct adhesive, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the second connection rim 2130 may define a plurality of indentations 2172. The indentations 2172 are recessed with respect to an outer surface 2174 of the second connection rim 2130 and project with respect to an inner surface 2176 of the second connection rim 2130. The indentations 2172 may provide structural support and/or rigidity to the upper portion 2102 to reduce or prevent flexion that could cause one or more of the protrusions 2120 to be removed from a respective one of the receptacles 2170, thereby disconnecting at least a portion of the upper portion 2102 from the lower portion 2100.

FIG. 22 is a top front perspective view of a base of FIG. 21 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the bottom wall 1900, the peripheral wall 1902, and the intermediate wall 2014 cooperate to at least partially define the storage area 2000. An outer surface 2200 of the lip 2132 may be coplanar with an outer surface 2202 of the peripheral wall 1902 such that they cooperate to define a substantially continuous outer container surface. The inner surface 2176 of the second connection rim 2130 may be coplanar with the inner surface 2114 of the peripheral wall 1902 such that they cooperate to define a substantially continuous inner container surface.

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, when the upper portion 2102 of the base 1802 is assembled to the lower portion 2100 of the base 1802, each of the coupling protrusions 2120 is at least partially in a respective one of the receptacles 2170. The inner surface 2112 of the first connection rim 2110 may face and/or engage the outer surface 2174 of the second connection rim 2130. In at least one embodiment, the lower and upper portions 2100, 2102 may be coupled to one another by a snap connection. In at least one example embodiment, the lower and upper portions 2100, 2102 are permanently coupled such that they are not intended to be readily disassembled by the adult consumer.

A lower protrusion surface 2300 may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 2202 of the peripheral wall 1902. The lower protrusion surface 2300 may be configured to engage a lower receptacle surface 2302 to reduce or prevent movement of the upper portion 2102 with respect to the lower portion 2100 in a fourth direction 2304 opposite the first direction 2020.

In at least one example embodiment, a fillet 2310 may extend between the top surface 2116 of the first connection rim 2110 and the inner surface 2112 of the first connection rim 2110. An upper protrusion surface 2312 may define a ramp or oblique angle with respect to the outer surface 2202 of the peripheral wall 1902. The fillet 2310 and/or the ramp may facilitate assembly of the upper portion 2102 to the lower portion 2100 by allowing the second connection rim 2130 to slide along the fillet 2310 and/or the upper protrusion surface 2312 as the upper portion 2102 is moved in the first direction 2020 with respect to the lower portion 2100.

In at least one example embodiment, the top surface 2116 of the first connection rim 2110 may be configured to engage a lower surface 2320 of the lip 2132 to reduce or prevent movement of the upper portion 2102 with respect to the lower portion 2100 in the first direction 2020. An edge 2322 of the lip 2132 may be rounded. In at least one example embodiment, the ledge surface 2118 may engage a bottom surface 2324 of the second connection rim 2130 to reduce or prevent movement of the upper portion 2102 with respect to the lower portion 2100 in the first direction 2020.

FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, a top surface 2400 of the intermediate wall 2014, the inner surface 2150 of the lip 2132, and bottom surfaces 2402 of each of the ridges 2134 cooperate to at least partially define the channel 2154. In at least one example embodiment, the channel 2154 may define at substantially rectangular (e.g., square) cross section in a plane defined by the vertical axis 1820 and the transverse axis 1824.

In at least one example embodiment, an upper end 2410 of the indentation 2172 is open. In least one example embodiment, a lower end 2412 of the indentation 2172 is open. Accordingly, a path 2414 may be defined by the indentation 2172 between the channel 2154 and the interior region 2000.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 22 along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 22 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the intermediate wall 2014 includes the base flexible tab 2010. The base protrusion 2016 extends from an outside surface 2500 of the base flexible tab 2010. In at least one example embodiment, the base protrusion 2016 may define a hollow portion 2502.

The base protrusion 2016 may define an inclined surface 2510. The inclined surface 2510 may define an angle 2512 with respect to the top surface 2500 of the base flexible tab 2010. In at least one example embodiment, the angle 2512 is greater than or equal to about 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15°, greater than or equal to about 20°, greater than or equal to about 25°, greater than or equal to about 30°, greater than or equal to about 35°, or greater than or equal to about 40°). The angle 2512 may be less than or equal to about 450 (e.g., less than or equal to about 40°, less than or equal to about 35°, less than or equal to about 30°, less than or equal to about 25°, less than or equal to about 20°, or less than or equal to about 15°).

FIG. 26 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the lid 1804 includes a top wall 2600 and a skirt 2602. The skirt 2602 extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the top wall 2600. In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 2600 and the skirt 2602 define a single piece, unitary structure.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 1804 defines one or more flanges or tracks 2610. In the example embodiment shown, the lid 1804 defines two flanges 2610. The flanges 2610 may be substantially parallel to one another. The flanges 2610 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822. When the lid 1804 is assembled to the base 1802 (shown in FIG. 18), the flanges 2610 are at least partially within the channels 2154 (shown in FIG. 21) of the base 1802. Each of the flanges 2610 may be configured to translate within a respective one of the channels 2154.

FIG. 27 is a bottom back perspective view of the lid of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the top wall 2600 of the lid 1804 includes a bottom surface 2700. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom surface 2700 includes a main portion 2702, a contoured portion 2704, and a planar portion 2706. In at least one example embodiment, the skirt 2602 defines a break or open region 2708.

In at least one example embodiment, a second or lid protrusion 2720 extends from the bottom surface 2700. In at least one example embodiment, a third or stop protrusion 2722 extends from the bottom surface 2700. The lid protrusion 2720 and the stop protrusion 2722 may be spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822. The lid and stop protrusions 2720, 2722 are described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 28.

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective detail view of lid of FIG. 27 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the lid protrusion 2720 defines a substantially crescent-shaped profile and/or scalloped shape. The lid protrusion 2720 may be adjacent to the lid cutout 1842. In at least one example embodiment, an edge of the lid protrusion 2720 may be aligned with a portion of the lid cutout 1842.

In at least one example embodiment, the stop protrusion 2722 includes a center wall 2800 and a pair of side walls 2802. The center wall 2800 is between the side walls 2802. The side walls 2802 may extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the center wall 2800.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 26 along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the center wall 2800 extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 2700 of the lid 1804. A stop surface 2900 of the center wall 2800 may be configured to engage the intermediate wall 2014 (shown in FIG. 20) of the base 1802 (shown in FIGS. 18, 20) to limit travel of the lid 1804 in the second direction 2022 with respect to the base 1802.

FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 29 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the lid protrusion 2720 includes an inclined surface 3000. The inclined surface 3000 may define an angle 3002 with respect to the bottom surface 2700 of the top wall 2600 of the lid 1804. In at least one example embodiment, the angle 3002 is greater than or equal to about 100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15°, greater than or equal to about 20°, greater than or equal to about 25°, greater than or equal to about 30°, greater than or equal to about 35°, greater than or equal to about 40°, or greater than or equal to about 45°). The angle 3002 may be less than or equal to about 500 (e.g., less than or equal to about 45°, less than or equal to about 40°, less than or equal to about 35°, less than or equal to about 30°, less than or equal to about 25°, less than or equal to about 20°, or less than or equal to about 15°).

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 26 along line XXXI-XXXI of FIG. 26 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, the flanges 2610 of the lid 1804 are recessed with respect to the top surface 1844. In at least one example embodiment, the flanges 2610 are recessed with respect to an outer surface 3100 of the skirt 2602. An inner surface 3102 of the skirt 2602 may be substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the bottom surface 2700 of the top wall 2600.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 may be sized and shaped to fit into a pocket and/or the palm of an adult consumer. A size of the container 1800 may be determined, at least in part, by its intended contents. The container 1800 defines a first dimension or container height 3200 generally parallel to the vertical axis 1820. In at least one example embodiment, the container height 3200 is greater than or equal to about 14 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 16 mm, greater than or equal to about 17 mm, greater than or equal to about 18 mm, greater than or equal to about 19 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 21 mm, greater than or equal to about 22 mm, greater than or equal to about 23 mm, greater than or equal to about 24 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 26 mm, greater than or equal to about 27 mm, greater than or equal to about 28 mm, or greater than or equal to about 29 mm). The container height 3200 may be less than or equal to about 30 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 29 mm, less than or equal to about 28 mm, less than or equal to about 27 mm, less than or equal to about 26 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 24 mm, less than or equal to about 23 mm, less than or equal to about 22 mm, less than or equal to about 21 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 19 mm, less than or equal to about 18 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, less than or equal to about 16 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm).

The container 1800 defines a second dimension or container length 3202 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822. In at least one example embodiment, the container length 3202 is greater than or equal to about 70 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 75 mm, greater than or equal to about 80 mm, greater than or equal to about 85 mm, greater than or equal to about 90 mm, greater than or equal to about 95 mm, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, or greater than or equal to about 105 mm). The container length 3202 may be less than or equal to about 110 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 105 mm, less than or equal to about 100 mm, less than or equal to about 95 mm, less than or equal to about 90 mm, less than or equal to about 85 mm, less than or equal to about 80 mm, or less than or equal to about 75 mm).

FIG. 33 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 18 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 33, the container 1800 defines a third dimension or container width 3300 generally parallel to the transverse axis 1824. In at least one example embodiment, the container width 3300 is greater than or equal to about 43 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 44 mm, greater than or equal to about 45 mm, greater than or equal to about 46 mm, greater than or equal to about 47 mm, greater than or equal to about 48 mm, greater than or equal to about 49 mm, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, greater than or equal to about 51 mm, greater than or equal to about 52 mm, greater than or equal to about 53 mm, greater than or equal to about 54 mm, greater than or equal to about 55 mm, greater than or equal to about 56 mm, or greater than or equal to about 57 mm). The container width 3300 may be less than or equal to about 58 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 57 mm, less than or equal to about 56 mm, less than or equal to about 55 mm, less than or equal to about 54 mm, less than or equal to about 53 mm, less than or equal to about 52 mm, less than or equal to about 51 mm, less than or equal to about 50 mm, less than or equal to about 49 mm, less than or equal to about 48 mm, less than or equal to about 47 mm, less than or equal to about 46 mm, less than or equal to about 45 mm, or less than or equal to about 44 mm).

In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 may further include additional features. In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 may include text (e.g., information, identifying language), ornamental designs, other indicia (e.g., logo, touch-identifiable pattern), and/or functional features (e.g., grip-enhancing texture). In at least one example embodiment, the lid 1804 includes text, ornamental designs, other indicia, and/or functional features. Such features may be formed via embossing, debossing, printing, and/or applying a label, in at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, indica are printed other otherwise applied directly to an outer surface of the container 1800.

In at least one example embodiment, prior to opening the container 1800 for the first time, an adult consumer may break a seal (not shown) applied to an area overlapping at least a portion of the base 1802 and the lid 1804. The seal may temporarily fix the lid 1804 to the base 1802. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may be part of a label for graphic communication, a tear strip for sealing the lid 1804 to the base 1802. In at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer may break the seal by pulling a tab or cord (not shown) that extends around a circumference of the container 1800. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may provide a visual tamper indicator.

In at least one example embodiment, a method for dispensing a product from the container 1800 is provided. In at least one example embodiment, the method may be performed by an adult consumer using a single hand. In at least one example embodiment, the container 1800 is child resistant, as described above. Accordingly, when the container 1800 is in the closed and locked position, at least two separate motions or forces, in two different directions, are required to transition the container 1800 to the open and unlocked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 35-37.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

At S3400, the method includes providing the container 1800 in the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 18) with products (not shown) in the interior region 2000 (shown in FIG. 20). At S3404, the method includes placing the container 1800 in a closed and unlocked position. At S3408, the method includes placing the container 1800 in the open and unlocked position. At S3412, the method includes removing product from the interior region 2000 of the container 1800. At S3416, the method includes returning the container to the closed and locked position. Each of these steps is described in greater detail below.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 18 along line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 18 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 35, in at least one example embodiment, the method includes providing the container 1800 in the closed and locked position with products (not shown) in the interior region 2000 at S3400 (shown in FIG. 34). In the closed and locked position, the lid 1804 reduces and/or prevents access to the interior region 2000 containing the products.

In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked position, the base flexible tab 2010 is in the first relaxed position and the lid flexible tab 1840 is in the second relaxed position. In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked position, the lid protrusion 2720 is configured to engage the base protrusion 2016 to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 1804 in the second direction 2022. The lid 1804 is configured to engage the lip 2132 of the base 1802 to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 1804 with respect to the base 1802 in the third direction 2024. Engagement of the top wall 2600, skirt 2602, and/or flanges 2610 of the lid 1804 with the intermediate wall 2014 of the base 1802 may reduce or prevent movement of the lid 1804 in the first direction 2020 with respect to the base 1802. Engagement of the of the flanges 2610 (shown in FIG. 26) of the lid 1804 with the ridges 2134 (shown in FIG. 21) of the base 1802 may reduce or prevent movement of the lid 1804 with respect to the base 1802 in the fourth direction 2304.

FIG. 36 is a partial sectional view of the container in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 36, the method includes placing the container 1800 in a closed and unlocked position at S3404 (shown in FIG. 34). In the closed and unlocked position, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 36, the base flexible tab 2010 is in the first flexed position and the lid flexible tab 1840 is in the second flexed position. The base protrusion 2016 is offset from and/or unaligned with the lid protrusion 2720 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis 1820. The base protrusion 2016 is disengaged from the lid protrusion 2720 such that the base protrusion 2016 does not obstruct travel of the lid 1804 parallel to the longitudinal axis 1822. Accordingly, in the closed and unlocked position, the lid 1804 is configured to be moved in the second direction 2022 with respect to the base 1802.

Moving the container 1800 to the closed and unlocked configuration includes applying a first force 3600 to the lid flexible tab 1840 in the first direction 2020. As the lid flexible tab 1840 is pivoted and/or elastically deformed from the second relaxed position (shown in solid lines) into the second flexed position (shown in dashed lines), an inner surface 3602 of the lid flexible tab 1840 contacts the base protrusion 2016. As the lid flexible tab 1840 continues to move in the first direction 2020, it may slide along the inclined surface 2510 of the base protrusion 2016. Contact with the lid flexible tab 1840 causes the base flexible tab 2010 to move from the first relaxed position (shown in solid lines) to the first flexed position (shown in dashed lines). The base protrusion 2016 is disengaged from the bottom surface 2700 of the top wall 2600 of the lid 1804. The base protrusion 2016 is disengaged from and/or vertically displaced from the lid protrusion 2720 to provide clearance for the lid protrusion 2720 (and lid 1804) to translate in the second direction 2022.

At S3408 (shown in FIG. 34), the method includes placing the container 1800 in the open and unlocked position. Placing the container 1800 in the open and unlocked position includes applying a second force 3610 to the lid 1804 while the base flexible tab 2010 is in the first flexed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the application of the second force 3610 causes the lid 1804 to translate in the second direction 2022. As the lid 1804 is translated in the second direction 2022, the lid protrusion 2720 may slide along the inclined surface 2510 of the base protrusion 2016 and then the top surface 2500 of the base flexible tab 2010. The base flexible tab 2010 may be returned to the first relaxed position when a leading side 3612 of the lid protrusion 2720 is in the second direction 2022 of a stop side 3614 of the base protrusion 2016. Accordingly, in at least one example embodiment, the first force 3600 may be released from the lid flexible tab 1840 when the leading side 3612 of the lid protrusion 2720 is in the second direction 2022 of the stop side 3614 of the base protrusion 2016. The base and lid flexible tabs 2010, 1840 may be configured to automatically return to the respective first and second relaxed positions in the absence of an external force (e.g., the first force 3600).

FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the container in the open and unlocked position along line XXXVII-XXXVII of FIG. 20 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, travel of the lid 1804 with respect to the base 1802 may be limited. In at least one example embodiment, movement of the lid 1804 in the second direction 2022 with respect to the base 1802 may be limited by engagement of the stop protrusion 2722 with the intermediate wall 2014. In at least one example embodiment, the stop surface 2900 of the stop protrusion may be configured to engage an aperture surface 3700 of the intermediate wall 2014.

The lid 1804 may be configured to translate a distance 3710 with respect to the base 1802. In at least one example embodiment, the distance 3710 is less than the container length 3202 (shown in FIG. 32). In at least one example embodiment, the distance 3710 may be less than about 100% of the container length 3202 (e.g., less than or equal to about 90%, less than or equal to about 80%, less than or equal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equal to about 50%, less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal to about 30%, less than or equal to about 20%, or less than or equal to about 10%). The distance 3710 may be greater than or equal to about 10% of the container length 3202 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 80%, or greater than or equal to about 90%).

Returning to FIG. 34, at S3412, the method includes removing product from the interior region 2000 of the container 1800. As shown in FIG. 37, in the open and unlocked position, the interior region 2000 of the container 1800 is accessible to the adult consumer.

With reference to FIG. 34, at S3416, the method includes returning the container to the closed and locked position. Returning to FIG. 37, the container 1800 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position by applying a third force 3720 to the lid 1804 to translate the lid 1804 in the third direction 2024 with respect to the base 1802. In at least one example embodiment, the third force 3720 may be applied at the contoured region 1860.

As the lid 1804 is translated in the third direction 2024, the inclined surface 3000 of the lid protrusion 2720 may engage the inclined surface 2510 of the base protrusion 2016. This motion may cause the base flexible tab 2010 to pivot and/or deform in the first direction 2020 to an intermediate position between the first relaxed position and the first flexed position, and/or into the first flexed position. When the lid protrusion 2720 is in the third direction 2024 of the base protrusion 2016, the base flexible tab 2010 may automatically return to the first relaxed position, thereby locking the container 1800. Accordingly, the adult consumer may move the container 1800 from the open and unlocked position to the closed and locked position by a single motion in the third direction 2024.

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of another container or package in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, a container 3800 includes a base 3802 and a lid 3804. The container 3800 further includes a locking mechanism 3806 configured to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 3804 with respect to the base 3802. The container 3800 defines an orthogonal coordinate system including a first or vertical axis 3810, a second or longitudinal axis 3812, and a third or transverse axis 3814. The container 3800 defines a container height 3820 parallel to the vertical axis 3810. The container 3800 is the same as the container 1800 (shown in FIG. 18) except that the container height 3820 is less than the container height 3200 (shown in FIG. 32).

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of another container or package in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, a container 3900 includes a base 3902 and a lid 3904. The container 3900 further includes a locking mechanism 3906 configured to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 3904 with respect to the base 3902. The container 3900 defines an orthogonal coordinate system including a first or vertical axis 3910, a second or longitudinal axis 3912, and a third or transverse axis 3914. The container 3900 defines a substantially rectangular profile (e.g., in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes 3912, 3914). The container 3900 is the same as the container 1800 (shown in FIG. 18) except that the container 3900 has a rectangular profile rather than the stadium-shaped profile of the container 1800. In at least one example embodiment, other dimensions of the container 3900 may be different compared to the container 1800.

FIG. 40 is a top front perspective view of another container or package in a closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, a container or package 4000 is provided. The container 4000 includes a base 4002 and a lid 4004. The container 4000 is movable between a closed and locked configuration or position, as shown, and an open and unlocked configuration or position (also referred to as the “open position,” shown in FIGS. 42, 63). In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 moves or articulates through a closed and unlocked configuration or position between the closed and locked position and the open and unlocked position.

The container 4000 may define an orthogonal coordinate system (shown offset from the container 4000 in the Figures). The orthogonal coordinate system may include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. In at least one example embodiment, the first axis is a vertical axis 4020, the second axis is a longitudinal axis 4022, and the third axis is a transverse axis 4024.

The container 4000 includes one or more locking mechanisms 4030. The locking mechanisms 4030 may be configured to retain the container 4000 in the closed and locked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIG. 59-61. In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 includes two locking mechanisms 4030. In at least one other example embodiment, the container 4000 may include a single locking mechanism 4030 or more than two locking mechanisms 4030 (e.g., three or more locking mechanisms 4030 or four or more locking mechanisms 4030).

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 includes a flexible tab 4040. The flexible tab 4040 may be movable between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position, as will be described below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 61-62. The lid 4004 may define a cutout 4042 (also referred to as the lid cutout 4042) that at least partially defines the flexible tab 4040. The lid 4004 may include a first or top lid surface 4044.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab 4040 may define one or more first indicia. The first indicia may identify a region for receipt of a force for disengaging the locking mechanism 4030, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 60-61. In at least one example embodiment, the first indicia are distinguishable from a remainder of the top lid surface 4044 by visual and/or tactile attributes. Visual attributes may include color, projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material (e.g., a coating, a layer, a sticker). Tactile attributes may include projections, depressions, surface texture, and/or material.

In at least the example embodiment shown, the first indicia include a depression 4052 and text 4054. In a region of the depression 4052, a second or tab surface 4056 is recessed with respect to the top lid surface 4044. The tab surface 4056 may, in at least one example embodiment, may be sized and shaped to receive a finger of an adult consumer. The text 4054 may project with respect to the tab surface 4056. In at least one example embodiment, the text includes the words “PRESS” and/or “SLIDE” (e.g., both, as shown).

In at least one example embodiment, the top lid surface 4044 defines second indicia. In at least the embodiment shown, the second indicia include an arrow 4060 pointing in a direction translation of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 when moving the lid 4004 from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position. The arrow 4060 may project with respect to the top lid surface 4044.

FIG. 41 is a bottom front perspective view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 41, the base 4002 includes a bottom wall or floor 4100 and a peripheral wall or side wall 4102. The bottom wall 4100 includes a bottom surface 4104. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom surface 4104 is generally planar such that the container 4000 is stable when placed onto a surface (not shown), such as a table. A connecting wall 4106 may extend between the bottom wall and the peripheral wall. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 4100 is substantially horizontal, the peripheral wall 4102 is substantially vertical, and the connecting wall 4106 extends between the bottom and peripheral walls 4100, 4102 at an angle between horizontal and vertical (e.g., an angle ranging from about 30° to about 60°).

In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 has a rectangular profile (e.g., in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis 4022 and the transverse axis 4024). In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 4100, the connecting wall 4106, and the peripheral wall 4102 cooperate to define a rounded shape that is free of sharp corners and edges. Accordingly, the container 4000 may be comfortably held in a palm of an adult consumer and/or stored in a pocket of the adult consumer. Moreover, the shape may facilitate sliding of the container 4000 into a pocket or other storage location.

FIG. 42 is a top front perspective view of the container of FIG. 40 in an open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, the bottom wall 4100, the peripheral wall 4102, and the connecting wall 4106 of the base 4002 cooperate to at least partially define a storage area or interior region 4200. In at least one example embodiment, the interior region 4200 may be configured to contain a product (e.g., oral products), as described above. In the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 40), the lid 4004 prevents and/or reduces access to the interior region 4200. In the open and unlocked position, as shown, the interior region 4200 is accessible to an adult consumer.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 4002 includes a flexible tab 4210. The flexible tab 4210 may be movable between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 60-61. The flexible tab 4210 may be at least partially defined by a cutout 4212 in an intermediate wall 4214 of the base 4002. At least a portion of the intermediate wall 4214 may be substantially parallel to the bottom wall 4100 of the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the intermediate wall 4214 and a sloped wall 4215 cooperate to at least partially define a cavity 4216. At least a portion of the flexible tab 4210 may be directly adjacent to the cavity 4216.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the lid 4004 and the flexible tab 4210 includes a protrusion configured to engage the other of the lid 4004 and the flexible tab 4210. In at least the example embodiment shown, the flexible tab 4210 includes first or base protrusions 4218. The base protrusions 4218 are configured to engage the lid 4004, as will be described in greater detail in the discussions accompanying FIGS. 59-61. In at least the example embodiment shown, the base protrusions 4218 define a substantially circular perimeter.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab 4210 of the base 4002 may be referred to as the first or base flexible tab 4210 that is movable between a first relaxed position and a first flexed position. The flexible tab 4040 of the lid 4004 may be referred to as the second flexible tab or lid flexible tab 4040 that is movable between a second relaxed position and a second flexed position. Both of the base and lid flexible tabs 4210, 4040 may be configured to receive a force in a first direction 4220. The first direction 4220 may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis 4020.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 is movable with respect to the base 4002 when the container 4000 is unlocked. Specifically, the lid 4004 may be configured to be translated with respect to the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 is configured to translate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022 with respect to the base 4002. The lid 4004 may be configured to be translated in a second direction 4222 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022 when the lid 4004 is moved from the closed and unlocked position to the open and unlocked position (i.e., when the container is opened). The lid 4004 may be configured to be translated in a third direction 4224 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022 and opposite the second direction 4222 when the lid 4004 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position (i.e., when the container 4000 is closed).

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 4002 includes a first or lower portion 4300 and a second or upper portion 4302 (also referred to as a “ring”). In at least the example embodiment shown, the lower and upper portions 4300, 4302 are distinct lower and upper components (or, alternatively, first and second components). The lower and upper portions 4300, 4302 may be coupled to one another, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 47. In at least one other example embodiment, lower and upper portions of a base may be integrally formed and may have a single, unitary structure that is free of joints and/or seams.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the base of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 4300 of the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 43) includes the bottom wall 4100, the connecting wall 4106, and the peripheral wall 4102. In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 4300 includes a first connection rim 4400. An outer surface 4402 of the first connection rim 4400 (also referred to as the first connection rim surface 4402) may be recessed with respect to an outer surface 4404 of the peripheral wall 4102. The first connection rim 4400 may include a top surface 4406. A ledge surface 4408 may extend between the outer surface 4404 of the peripheral wall 4102 and the first connection rim surface 4402. The ledge surface 4408 may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 4404 of the peripheral wall 4102 and the first connection rim surface 4402. In at least one example embodiment, the first connection rim 4400 extends continuously around an entire perimeter of the lower portion 4300.

In at least one example embodiment, the lower portion 4300 of the base 4002 includes a plurality of protrusions 4410 (also referred to as the coupling protrusions 4410). In the example embodiment shown, the coupling protrusions 4410 extend from interior walls 4412 (also referred to as lower interior walls 4412) of the lower portion 4300. However, in at least one other example embodiment, the coupling protrusions 4410 may extend directly from the peripheral wall 4102.

The lower interior walls 4412 may extend from the peripheral wall 4102 into the interior region 4200. Each of the lower interior walls 4412 may define an elongated U-shaped cross section in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes 4022, 4024. At least a portion of each of the lower interior walls 4412 may be spaced apart from the peripheral wall 4102 to at least partially define a region 4414 (also referred to as the peripheral region 4414) therebetween.

In at least the example embodiment shown, the lower portion 4300 includes four lower interior walls 4412, including two opposing side interior walls 4412-1 and two opposing end interior walls 4412-2. Each of the side interior walls 4412-1 may include two of the coupling protrusions 4410. The coupling protrusions 4410 may extend from inner surfaces 4416 of the side interior walls 4412-1. The end interior walls 4412-2 may be free of coupling protrusions.

FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of the upper portion of the base of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least on example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 of the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 43) includes the intermediate wall 4214, a second connection rim 4500, a lip 4502, one or more ridges 4504, and interior walls 4506 (also referred to as upper interior walls 4506). The intermediate wall 4214 defines an aperture 4508. The aperture 4508 provides access to the interior region 4200 (shown in FIG. 43). In at least one example embodiment, the aperture 4508 is a substantially rectangular aperture. The rectangular aperture 4508 may be elongated, as shown, or square. In at least one example embodiment, the aperture 4508 may have a perimeter defining a rectangle with rounded corners, as shown. In at least one other example embodiment, the aperture 4508 may define another shape (with or without rounded corners, when corners are present), a trapezoid, a diamond, an oval (e.g., a circle), a lens, a stadium, or any other suitable shape.

The upper portion 4302 of the base 4002 may include a plurality of the ridges 4504 (e.g., greater than or equal to two, greater than or equal to three, greater than or equal to four, greater than or equal to five, greater than or equal to six, greater than or equal to seven, greater than or equal to eight, greater than or equal to ten, greater than or equal to twelve, or greater than or equal to fourteen), such as ten ridges, as shown. In at least one other example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 of the base 4002 includes a single, continuous ridge.

In at least one example embodiment, each of the ridges 4504 extends from an inner surface 4520 of the lip 4502. The ridges 4504 may be adjacent to a top surface 4522 of the lip 4502. In at least one example embodiment, a portion of each of the ridges 4504 may be coplanar with the top surface 4522 of the lip 4502.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 4002 defines a channel 4524. The channel 4524 is configured to receive at least a portion of the lid 4004 (shown in FIG. 40). In the example embodiment shown, the ridges 4504 are spaced apart from the intermediate wall 4214 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022 to define the channel 4524 therebetween.

In at least one example embodiment, the intermediate wall 4214 may define a plurality of peripheral apertures 4525. Each of the peripheral apertures 4525 may be aligned with a respective one of the ridges 4504 along the longitudinal axis 4022. Accordingly, in at least one example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 defines ten peripheral apertures 4525.

The lip 4502 may extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the intermediate wall 4214. In at least one example embodiment, the portion may be greater than or equal to about 50% of the perimeter of the intermediate wall 4214 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, or greater than or equal to about 80%). The lip 4502 may define an open side 4526. The open side 4526 provides clearance for the lid 4004 (shown in FIG. 40) to translate within the channel 4524.

In at least one example embodiment, the upper interior walls 4506 define a plurality of receptacles 4530 (also shown in FIG. 46). The receptacles 4530 may be apertures, as shown. The receptacles 4530 may be sized and shaped to receive the coupling protrusions 4410 of the lower portion 4300 of the base 4002 to couple the lower and upper portions 4300, 4302 to one another. In at least the example embodiment shown, the receptacles 4530 are substantially rectangular apertures.

A quantity of receptacles 4530 may be the same as a quantity of coupling protrusions 4410. In at least the example embodiment shown, the base 4002 includes four coupling protrusions 4410 and four receptacles 4530. Although the coupling protrusions 4410 are included on the lower portion 4300 and the receptacles 4530 are included on the upper portion 4302 in the example embodiment shown, in at least one other example embodiment, a lower portion may include receptacles and an upper portion may include protrusions. In at least one other example embodiment, upper and lower portions may be connected in other ways, such as other mechanical mechanisms or fasteners, heat sealing, a distinct adhesive, or any combination thereof. Providing the receptacles 4530 and respective protrusions 4410 (shown in FIG. 44) on the upper and lower interior walls 4506, 4412 (shown in FIG. 44) rather than the second and first connection rims 4500, 4400 (shown in FIG. 44) may reduce or prevent removal of one or more of the protrusions 4410 from a respective one of the receptacles 4530 due to flexion of the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 43), thereby disconnecting at least a portion of the upper portion 4302 from the lower portion 4300 (shown in FIG. 44).

In at least one example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 includes one or more second or stop protrusions 4540. The stop protrusions 4540 may project from the intermediate wall 4214. In at least the example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 includes two of the stop protrusions 4540. The stop protrusions 4540 may be aligned with the base protrusions 4218 along the vertical and transverse axes 4020, 4024. In at least one example embodiment, the stop protrusions 4540 are substantially the same size and shape as the base protrusions 4218. The stop protrusions 4540 may be configured to engage the lid 4004 (shown in FIG. 40) to limit travel of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 along the longitudinal axis 4022, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 63-64.

The lid flexible tab 4210 extends between a first proximal or fixed end 4550 and a first distal or free end 4552. In at least one example embodiment, the first free end 4552 is in the second direction 4222 with respect to the first fixed end 4550. In at least one other example embodiment, a first free end is in the third direction 4224 with respect to a first fixed end (see, e.g., base flexible tab 2010 of container 1800, shown in FIG. 20).

FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 45 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 of the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 43) includes a plurality of third or alignment protrusions 4600. The alignment protrusions 4600 are configured to be at least partially in the peripheral regions 4414 (shown in FIG. 44) when the upper portion 4302 is coupled to the lower portion 4300 (shown in FIG. 43). In at least one example embodiment, the upper portion 4302 may include a plurality of additional ribs 4602 and/or gussets 4604, such as to provide rigidity to the upper portion 4302. All or a portion of the alignment protrusions 4600, ribs 4602, and/or gussets 4604 may be connected to one another. Returning to FIG. 43, in at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 4100, the peripheral wall 4102, and the intermediate wall 4214 cooperate to at least partially define the storage area 4200.

FIG. 47 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLVII-XLVII of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, when the upper portion 4302 of the base 4002 is assembled to the lower portion 4300 of the base 4002, each of the coupling protrusions 4410 is at least partially in a respective one of the receptacles 4530. The outer surface 4402 of the first connection rim 4400 may face and/or engage an inner surface 4700 of the second connection rim 4500. In at least one embodiment, the lower and upper portions 4300, 4302 may be coupled to one another by a snap connection. In at least one example embodiment, the lower and upper portions 4300, 4302 are permanently coupled such that they are not intended to be readily disassembled by the adult consumer.

A lower protrusion surface 4702 may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 4703 of the lower interior wall 4412. The lower protrusion surface 4702 may be configured to engage a lower receptacle surface 4704 to reduce or prevent movement of the upper portion 4302 with respect to the lower portion 4300 in a fourth direction 4706 opposite the first direction 4220.

In at least one example embodiment, a fillet 4710 may extend a bottom surface 4712 of the upper interior wall 4506 and an outer surface 4714 of the upper interior wall 4506. An upper protrusion surface 4716 may define a ramp or oblique angle with respect to an inner surface 4718 of the upper interior wall 4506. The fillet 4710 and/or the ramp may facilitate assembly of the upper portion 4302 to the lower portion 4300 by allowing the upper interior wall 4506 to slide along the fillet 4710 as the upper portion 4302 is moved in the first direction 4220 with respect to the lower portion 4300.

In at least one example embodiment, the ledge surface 4408 may be configured to engage a lower surface 4732 of second connection rim 4500 to reduce or prevent movement of the upper portion 4302 with respect to the lower portion 4300 in the first direction 4220. In at least one example embodiment, when the upper portion 4302 is coupled to the lower portion 4300, the alignment protrusions 4600 may be at least partially in the peripheral regions 4414.

FIG. 48 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLVIII-XLVIII of FIG. 42 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, a top surface 4800 of the intermediate wall 4214, the inner surface 4520 of the lip 4502, and bottom surfaces 4802 of each of the ridges 4504 cooperate to at least partially define the channel 4524. In at least one example embodiment, the channel 4524 may define at substantially rectangular (e.g., square) cross section in a plane defined by the vertical axis 4020 and the transverse axis 4024.

FIG. 49 is a partial sectional view of the base of FIG. 43 along line XLIX-XLIX of FIG. 43 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, the intermediate wall 4214 includes the base flexible tab 4210. The base protrusion 4218 extends from a top surface 4900 of the base flexible tab 4210. In at least one example embodiment, the base protrusion 4218 may define a hollow portion 4902.

The base protrusion 4218 may define an inclined surface 4910. The inclined surface 4910 may define a first angle 4912 with respect to the top surface 4900 of the base flexible tab 4210. In at least one example embodiment, the first angle 4912 is greater than or equal to about 10° (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15°, greater than or equal to about 20°, greater than or equal to about 25°, greater than or equal to about 30°, greater than or equal to about 35°, or greater than or equal to about 40°). The first angle 4912 may be less than or equal to about 450 (e.g., less than or equal to about 40°, less than or equal to about 35°, less than or equal to about 30°, less than or equal to about 25°, less than or equal to about 20°, or less than or equal to about 15°).

FIG. 50 is a top front perspective view of a lid of the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the lid 4004 includes a top wall 5000 and a skirt 5002. The skirt 5002 extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the top wall 5000. In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 5000 and the skirt 5002 define a single piece, unitary structure.

The lid flexible tab 4040 may extend between a second distal or fixed end 5004 and a second proximal or free end 5006. In at least one example embodiment, the second free end 5006 is in the second direction 4222 with respect to the second fixed end 5004. In at least one other example embodiment, a second free end is in the third direction 4224 with respect to a second fixed end (see, e.g., lid flexible tab 1840 of container 1800, shown in FIG. 18).

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 defines one or more flanges or tracks 5010. In the example embodiment shown, the lid 4004 defines two flanges 5010. The flanges 5010 may be substantially parallel to one another. The flanges 5010 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022. When the lid 4004 is assembled to the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 40), the flanges 5010 are at least partially within the channels 4524 (shown in FIG. 45) of the base 4002. Each of the flanges 5010 may be configured to translate within a respective one of the channels 4524.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 further includes a raised portion 5020. The lid cutout 4042 may be between the lid flexible tab 4040 and the raised portion 5020. In at least one example embodiment, an adult consumer may engage the raised portion 5020 to facilitate moving the lid from the closed position to the open position.

FIG. 51 is a bottom back perspective view of the lid of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, the top wall 5000 of the lid 4004 includes a bottom surface 5100. In at least one example embodiment, fourth or lid protrusions 5102 extend from the bottom surface 5100. The lid protrusions 5102 are described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIG. 52. In at least one example embodiment, the lid further includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 5104, such as to provide rigidity to the lid 4004.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid flexible tab 4040 includes one or more projections 5110. The projections 5110 may extend from a bottom surface 5112 of the lid flexible tab 4040. In at least the example embodiment shown, the lid flexible tab 4040 includes two of the projections 5110. In at least one other example embodiment, the lid flexible tab 4040 includes a single projection or more than two projections. The projections 5110 may be configured to engage the base flexible tab 4210, as will be described in greater detail below in the discussion accompanying FIGS. 60-61.

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective detail view of lid of FIG. 51 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, each of the lid protrusion 5102 includes a semi-circular portion 5200 and a longitudinal portion 5202. The semi-circular portion includes an engagement surface 5204. Each of the engagement surfaces 5204 is configured to engage a respective one of the base protrusions 4218 to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 (shown in FIG. 40).

Each of the projections 5110 may include a ramped portion 5210 and a uniform portion 5212. A height (i.e., along the vertical axis 4020) may increase from the second fixed end 5004 of the lid flexible tab 4040 to the second free end 5006 of the lid flexible tab 4040.

FIG. 53 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 50 along line LIII-LIII of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the top wall 5000 of the lid 4004 is generally planar. At least a portion of the top surface 4044 of the lid 4004 may be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the bottom surface 5100. In at least one example embodiment, a majority of the top surface 4044 is parallel to the bottom surface 5100 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 0%, or greater than or equal to about 90%).

FIG. 54 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 53 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 54, each of the projections 5110 includes a bottom projection surface 5400. At least a portion of the bottom projection surface 5400 may be coplanar with a bottom surface 5402 of the skirt 5002.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid flexible tab 4040 extends at a second angle 5410 with respect to the top wall 5000. For example, the lid tab surface 4056 may be at the second angle with respect to the top surface 4044. In at least one example embodiment, the second angle 5410 is greater than or equal to about 0.5° (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10, greater than or equal to about 1.5°, greater than or equal to about 2°, greater than or equal to about 2.5°, greater than or equal to about 3°, or greater than or equal to about 3.5°). The second angle 5410 may be less than or equal to about 5° (e.g., less than or equal to about 4°, less than or equal to about 4.5°, less than or equal to about 4°, less than or equal to about 3.5°, or less than or equal to about 3°).

FIG. 55 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 50 along line LV-LV of FIG. 50 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55, the flanges 5010 of the lid 4004 are recessed with respect to the top surface 4044. In at least one example embodiment, the flanges 5010 are recessed with respect to an outer surface 5500 of the skirt 5002. An inner surface 5502 of the skirt 5002 may be substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the bottom surface 5100 of the top wall 5000.

FIG. 56 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 may be sized and shaped to fit into a pocket and/or the palm of an adult consumer. A size of the container 4000 may be determined, at least in part, by its intended contents. The container 4000 defines a first dimension or container height 5600 generally parallel to the vertical axis 4020. In at least one example embodiment, the container height 5600 is greater than or equal to about 14 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 16 mm, greater than or equal to about 17 mm, greater than or equal to about 18 mm, greater than or equal to about 41 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 21 mm, greater than or equal to about 22 mm, greater than or equal to about 23 mm, greater than or equal to about 24 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 26 mm, greater than or equal to about 27 mm, greater than or equal to about 28 mm, or greater than or equal to about 29 mm). The container height 5600 may be less than or equal to about 30 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 29 mm, less than or equal to about 28 mm, less than or equal to about 27 mm, less than or equal to about 26 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 24 mm, less than or equal to about 23 mm, less than or equal to about 22 mm, less than or equal to about 21 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 41 mm, less than or equal to about 18 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, less than or equal to about 16 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm).

The container 4000 defines a second dimension or container length 5602 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022. In at least one example embodiment, the container length 5602 is greater than or equal to about 70 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 75 mm, greater than or equal to about 80 mm, greater than or equal to about 85 mm, greater than or equal to about 90 mm, greater than or equal to about 95 mm, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, or greater than or equal to about 105 mm). The container length 5602 may be less than or equal to about 110 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 105 mm, less than or equal to about 100 mm, less than or equal to about 95 mm, less than or equal to about 90 mm, less than or equal to about 85 mm, less than or equal to about 80 mm, or less than or equal to about 75 mm).

FIG. 57 is a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 40 in the closed and locked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 57, the container 4000 defines a third dimension or container width 5700 generally parallel to the transverse axis 4024. In at least one example embodiment, the container width 5700 is greater than or equal to about 43 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 44 mm, greater than or equal to about 45 mm, greater than or equal to about 46 mm, greater than or equal to about 47 mm, greater than or equal to about 48 mm, greater than or equal to about 49 mm, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, greater than or equal to about 51 mm, greater than or equal to about 52 mm, greater than or equal to about 53 mm, greater than or equal to about 54 mm, greater than or equal to about 55 mm, greater than or equal to about 56 mm, or greater than or equal to about 57 mm). The container width 5700 may be less than or equal to about 58 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 57 mm, less than or equal to about 56 mm, less than or equal to about 55 mm, less than or equal to about 54 mm, less than or equal to about 53 mm, less than or equal to about 52 mm, less than or equal to about 51 mm, less than or equal to about 50 mm, less than or equal to about 49 mm, less than or equal to about 48 mm, less than or equal to about 47 mm, less than or equal to about 46 mm, less than or equal to about 45 mm, or less than or equal to about 44 mm).

In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 may further include additional features. In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 may include text (e.g., information, identifying language), ornamental designs, other indicia (e.g., logo, touch-identifiable pattern), and/or functional features (e.g., grip-enhancing texture). In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 includes text, ornamental designs, other indicia, and/or functional features. Such features may be formed via embossing, debossing, printing, and/or applying a label, in at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, indica are printed other otherwise applied directly to an outer surface of the container 4000.

In at least one example embodiment, prior to opening the container 4000 for the first time, an adult consumer may break a seal (not shown) applied to an area overlapping at least a portion of the base 4002 and the lid 4004. The seal may temporarily fix the lid 4004 to the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may be part of a label for graphic communication, a tear strip for sealing the lid 4004 to the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer may break the seal by pulling a tab or cord (not shown) that extends around a circumference of the container 4000. In at least one example embodiment, the seal may provide a visual tamper indicator.

In at least one example embodiment, a method for dispensing a product from the container 4000 is provided. In at least one example embodiment, the method may be performed by an adult consumer using a single hand. In at least one example embodiment, the container 4000 is child resistant, as described above. Accordingly, when the container 4000 is in the closed and locked position, at least two separate motions or forces, in two different directions, are required to transition the container 4000 to the open and unlocked position, as will be described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 58-64.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a product from the container of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

At S5800, the method includes providing the container 4000 in the closed and locked position (shown in FIG. 40) with products (not shown) in the interior region 4200 (shown in FIG. 42). At S5804, the method includes placing the container 4000 in a closed and unlocked position. At S5808, the method includes placing the container 4000 in the open and unlocked position. At S5812, the method includes removing product from the interior region 4200 of the container 4000. At S5816, the method includes returning the container to the closed and locked position. Each of these steps is described in greater detail below.

FIG. 59 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 40 along line LIX-LIX of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 59, in at least one example embodiment, the method includes providing the container 4000 in the closed and locked position with products (not shown) in the interior region 4200 at S5800 (shown in FIG. 58). In the closed and locked position, the lid 4004 reduces and/or prevents access to the interior region 4200 containing the products.

In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked position, the base flexible tab 4210 is in the first relaxed position and the lid flexible tab 4040 (shown in FIGS. 40, 61-62) is in the second relaxed position. In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked position, the lid protrusions 5102 are configured to engage the base protrusions 4218, respectively, to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 4004 in the second direction 4222.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 4004 is configured to engage the lip 4502 of the base 4002 to reduce or prevent movement of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 in the third direction 4224. Engagement of the top wall 5000, skirt 5002, and/or flanges 5010 (shown in FIG. 50) of the lid 4004 with the intermediate wall 4214 of the base 4002 may reduce or prevent movement of the lid 4004 in the first direction 4220 with respect to the base 4002. Engagement of the of the flanges 5010 of the lid 4004 with the ridges 4504 (shown in FIG. 45) of the base 4002 may reduce or prevent movement of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 in the fourth direction 4706.

FIG. 60 is a sectional view of the container of FIG. 40 along line LX-LX of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 60 in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 60-61, the method includes placing the container 4000 in a closed and unlocked position at S5804 (shown in FIG. 58). In the closed and unlocked position, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 61, the base flexible tab 4210 is in the first flexed position and the lid flexible tab 4040 is in the second flexed position. Moving the container 4000 to the closed and unlocked configuration includes applying a first force 6100 to the lid flexible tab 4040 in the first direction 4220. As the lid flexible tab 4040 is pivoted and/or elastically deformed from the second relaxed position (shown in solid lines) into the second flexed position (shown in dashed lines), the bottom surfaces 5400 of the projections 5110 contact the base flexible tab 4210. Contact with the projections 5110 of the lid flexible tab 4040 causes the base flexible tab 4210 to move from the first relaxed position (shown in solid lines) to the first flexed position (shown in dashed lines).

FIG. 62 is a partial section view of the container of FIG. 59 in the closed and locked position (solid lines) and the closed and unlocked position (dashed lines) in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

The base protrusion 4218 is offset from and/or unaligned with the lid protrusion 5102 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis 4020. The base protrusion 4218 is disengaged from the lid protrusion 5102 such that the base protrusion 4218 does not obstruct travel of the lid 4004 parallel to the longitudinal axis 4022. Accordingly, in the closed and unlocked position, the lid 4004 is configured to be moved in the second direction 4222 with respect to the base 4002.

At S5808 (shown in FIG. 58), the method includes placing the container 4000 in the open and unlocked position. Placing the container 4000 in the open and unlocked position includes applying a second force 6200 to the lid 4004 while the base flexible tab 4210 is in the first flexed position. In at least one example embodiment, the adult consumer applies the second force 6200 to the raised portion 5020 (shown in FIGS. 60-61) of the lid 4004.

In at least one example embodiment, the application of the second force 6200 causes the lid 4004 to translate in the second direction 4222. As the lid 4004 is translated in the second direction 4222, the lid protrusion 5102 may slide along the inclined surface 4910 of the base protrusion 4218 and then the top surface 4900 of the base flexible tab 4210. The base flexible tab 4210 may be returned to the first relaxed position when a leading side 6210 of the lid protrusion 5102 is in the second direction 4222 of a stop side 6212 of the base protrusion 4218. Accordingly, in at least one example embodiment, the first force 6100 (shown in FIG. 61) may be released from the lid flexible tab 4040 when the leading side 6210 of the lid protrusion 5102 is in the second direction 4222 of the stop side 6212 of the base protrusion 4218. The base and lid flexible tabs 4210, 4040 may be configured to automatically return to the respective first and second relaxed positions in the absence of an external force (e.g., the first force 6100).

FIG. 63 is a sectional view of the container in the open and unlocked position along line LXIII-LXIII of FIG. 42 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 63 in the open and unlocked position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, travel of the lid 4004 with respect to the base 4002 may be limited. In at least one example embodiment, movement of the lid 4004 in the second direction 4222 with respect to the base 4002 may be limited by engagement of the lid protrusion 5102 with the stop protrusions 4540. In at least one example embodiment, the leading surface 6210 of the lid protrusion 5102 may be configured to engage stop surface 6400 of the stop protrusion 4540, as shown in FIG. 64.

With reference to FIG. 63, the lid 4004 may be configured to translate a distance 6300 with respect to the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the distance 6300 is less than the container length 5602 (shown in FIG. 56). In at least one example embodiment, the distance 6300 may be less than about 100% of the container length 5602 (e.g., less than or equal to about 90%, less than or equal to about 80%, less than or equal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equal to about 50%, less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal to about 30%, less than or equal to about 20%, or less than or equal to about 10%). The distance 6300 may be greater than or equal to about 10% of the container length 5602 (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 80%, or greater than or equal to about 90%).

Returning to FIG. 58, at S5812, the method includes removing product from the interior region 4200 of the container 4000. As shown in FIG. 63, in the open and unlocked position, the interior region 4200 of the container 4000 is accessible to the adult consumer.

With reference to FIG. 58, at S5816, the method includes returning the container 4000 to the closed and locked position. Returning to FIG. 63, the container 4000 is moved from the open and unlocked position to the closed and unlocked position by applying a third force 6302 to the lid 4004 to translate the lid 4004 in the third direction 4224 with respect to the base 4002. In at least one example embodiment, the third force 6302 may be applied at the raised portion 5020 (shown in FIGS. 60-61).

Returning to FIG. 62, as the lid 4004 is translated in the third direction 4224, the lid protrusion 5102 may engage the inclined surface 4910 of the base protrusion 4218. This motion may cause the base flexible tab 4210 to pivot and/or deform in the first direction 4220 to an intermediate position between the first relaxed position and the first flexed position, and/or into the first flexed position. When the lid protrusion 5102 is in the third direction 4224 of the base protrusion 4218, the base flexible tab 4210 may automatically return to the first relaxed position, thereby locking the container 4000. Accordingly, the adult consumer may move the container 4000 from the open and unlocked position to the closed and locked position by a single motion in the third direction 4224.

While some 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.

Although described with reference to specific examples and drawings, modifications, additions and substitutions of example embodiments may be variously made according to the description by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different with that of the methods described, and/or elements such as the described system, architecture, devices, circuit, and the like, may be connected or combined to be different from the above-described methods, or results may be appropriately achieved by other elements or equivalents.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a base including, a bottom wall, anda peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, at least a portion of the peripheral wall configured to be moved from a relaxed position to a flexed position by applying a first force to the peripheral wall in a first direction;a lid configured to be moved between a closed and locked position and an open position; anda protrusion on one of the lid and the peripheral wall, the protrusion configured to be received in a receptacle defined by the other of the lid and the peripheral wall,in the closed and locked position, the protrusion is at least partially in the receptacle, the peripheral wall is in the relaxed position, and the protrusion is configured to engage a surface of the receptacle so as to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration, andthe lid is configured to be moved from the closed and locked position to the open position by applying a second force to the lid in a second direction different from the first direction while the peripheral wall is in the flexed position.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is on the peripheral wall and the lid defines the receptacle.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the receptacle includes an aperture.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the receptacle includes a recess.

6. The container of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion and the receptacle is a first receptacle,the container further includes a second protrusion configured to be received in a second receptacle,in the closed and locked position, the second protrusion is at least partially in the second receptacle, andthe peripheral wall is configured to be moved from the relaxed position to the flexed position by applying the first force in the first direction and a third force in a third direction opposite the first direction.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the container defines a longitudinal axis parallel to the second direction, andthe first protrusion and the second protrusion are located opposite one another at a common location along the longitudinal axis.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall and the peripheral wall cooperate to at least partially define a storage area, andthe storage area is configured to receive a plurality of oral products.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes, a top wall, anda skirt extending from the top wall.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the top wall defines a planar surface.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the skirt is perpendicular to the top wall.

12. The container of claim 9, wherein the skirt extends around a portion of a perimeter of the top wall, the portion being less than 100% of the perimeter.

13. The container of claim 9, wherein the skirt defines a channel.

14. The container of claim 9, wherein the top wall defines a protrusion configured to receive the second force.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the protrusion has a scalloped shape.

16. The container of claim 9, wherein the base defines a first height perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, andthe lid defines a second height perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the second height less than 25% of the first height.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid has a uniform thickness.

18. The container of claim 1, wherein the base has a rounded shape free of sharp corners.

19. The container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall defines a thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm.

20. The container of claim 1, wherein the base defines a uniform thickness.

21. The container of claim 1, wherein the base further includes a connection rim extending from the peripheral wall, the peripheral wall between the bottom wall and the connection rim.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the peripheral wall has a first perimeter defining a first length, andthe connection rim defines a second perimeter defining a second length greater than the first length such that at least a portion of the connection rim is outside of the peripheral wall.

23. The container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall defines at least one of a projection and a depression configured to receive the first force.

24. The container of claim 23, wherein the at least one of the projection and the depression has a circular-segment shape.

25. The container of claim 1, wherein the container defines a length parallel to the second direction, andthe lid is configured to translate a distance with respect to the base, the distance less than the length.

26. The container of claim 25, wherein the distance ranges from 20% of the length to 40% of the length.

27. The container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first metal, andthe lid comprises a second metal.

28. The container of claim 27, wherein the first metal and the second metal are the same.

29. The container of claim 27, wherein the container is free of polymer.

30. The container of claim 29, wherein the container is 100% recyclable.

31. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises: indicia printed directly on the lid, the base, or both the lid and the base.

32. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has a stadium-shaped profile.