REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

A container system is disclosed herein. The container system may include a body and a disposable cartridge. The disposable cartridge may include an outer liner and an inner liner. The disposable cartridge may be removably inserted into a recess of the body. The inner liner may be configured to hold a substance. The inner liner may be configured to be removably positioned within a recess of the outer liner. The inner liner may be configured to be turned inside out.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for container with removable liners.

RELATED ART

Reusable containers can be used to package consumer goods. After use of the consumer goods, such containers may be reused by filing the containers with new goods. Reusable containers can include mechanisms for closing or resealing the containers to allow for repeated storage of consumer goods.

SUMMARY

For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize the disclosures herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one or more advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

In some embodiments, a container system can include a body including: a first recess; and a first opening to the first recess, the first opening positioned at a top end of the body; a cap configured to removably attach to the body to cover the first opening; a disposable cartridge, the liner disposable cartridge including: an outer liner including: a second recess; a second opening to the second recess, and a rim extending around the second opening; and an inner liner including a third recess with a third opening; wherein the disposable cartridge is configured to be removably inserted into the first recess, and wherein the liner is configured to be removably positioned with the second recess, and wherein the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out.

In some embodiments, the container system can also include a seal configured to attach to the rim of the outer liner. In some embodiments, the body can further comprise a rim extending from the top end of the body, wherein the rim of the outer liner can include a lip, wherein the rim can fit within a space formed in the lip of the outer liner when the outer liner is positioned in the first recess. In some embodiments, the body can further comprise a notch, wherein the notch can be configured to receive a protrusion of the lip of the outer liner when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the first recess.

In some embodiments, a bottom of the inner liner can be configured to be pushed through the third opening to turn the inner liner inside out.

In some embodiments, the inner liner can comprise silicone and/or silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the inner liner can be flexible and/or heat resistant.

In some embodiments, the outer liner can comprise a depression formed in the rim of the outer liner adjacent to the inner liner, and wherein a portion of the inner liner is exposed by the depression.

In some embodiments, a disposable cartridge can be configured to be removably inserted into a container. The disposable cartridge can include: an outer liner including: an outer liner bottom positioned at a first end; an outer liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the outer liner bottom, wherein the outer liner bottom and the outer liner sidewall can form an outer liner recess; an outer liner opening to the outer liner recess at a second end, and an outer liner rim having a lip extending radially outward from the outer liner sidewall; wherein the outer liner rim defines the outer liner opening; an inner liner including: an inner liner bottom positioned at a first end; an inner liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the inner liner bottom, wherein the inner liner bottom and the inner liner sidewall form an inner liner recess; and an inner liner opening to the recess at a second end; and a seal that can be configured to attach to the rim of the outer liner. The inner liner sidewall and the inner liner bottom can be flexible so the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out.

In some embodiments, the outer liner rim can be rigid or semi-rigid.

In some embodiments, the inner liner comprises silicone and/or silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the inner liner can be configured to be received within the outer liner recess via the outer liner opening.

In some embodiments, the outer liner lip can be configured to interface with a container rim disposed at an end of the container when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the container.

In some embodiments, the seal can be configured to seal the inner liner within the outer liner when the inner liner is positioned within the outer liner and the seal is attached to the outer liner rim.

In some embodiments, a container includes: a body, including: a recess; an opening to the recess, the opening positioned at a top end of the body; and a rim positioned at the opening; and a cap configured to removably attach to the body to cover the opening. The recess can be configured to receive a disposable cartridge so a lip of the disposable cartridge contacts the rim when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the recess.

In some embodiments, the cartridge can comprise an inner liner nested within an outer liner, wherein the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out

In some embodiments, the body can comprise a rim extending from the top end of the body, the rim having a notch formed on an outer surface, and wherein the lip of the disposable cartridge comprises a flange that extends away from an upper surface of the lip and a protrusion configured to interface with the notch when the disposable cartridge is positioned in the recess.

In some embodiments, a disposable cartridge can be configured to be removably inserted into a container, the disposable cartridge can include: a liner, including: a liner bottom positioned at a first end; a liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the liner bottom, wherein the liner bottom and the liner sidewall form a liner recess; a liner opening to the liner recess at a second end; and a liner rim having a lip extending radially outward from the liner sidewall, wherein the liner rim defines the liner opening; and a seal configured to attach to the rim of the liner.

In some embodiments, a method of assembling a container includes the steps of: inserting a disposable cartridge into a first recess of a body of the container, the disposable cartridge including: an outer liner including: an outer liner bottom positioned at a first end; an outer liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the outer liner bottom; wherein the outer liner bottom and the outer liner sidewall form a second recess; an outer liner opening to the second recess at a second end; and a rim having a lip extending radially outward from the outer liner sidewall, wherein the rim defines the outer liner opening; and an inner liner including: an inner liner bottom positioned at a first end; an inner liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the inner liner bottom, wherein the inner liner bottom and the inner liner sidewall form a third recess; and an inner liner opening to the third recess at a second end. The inner liner sidewall and the inner liner bottom are flexible so the inner liner can be configured to be turned inside out, and wherein the lip of the outer liner contacts a rim on an upper end of the body when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the first recess of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of container with a removable liner.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the container with a removable liner of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a section view of an outer cap of the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a section view of a body of the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates another section view of the body of the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of an inner cap of the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a removable liner.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the removable liner of FIG. 2A in an inside out configuration.

FIG. 2C illustrates a section view of the removable liner of FIG. 2A

FIG. 3A illustrates a section view of the container with a removable liner of FIG. 1A without a cap.

FIG. 3B illustrates a section view of the container with a removable liner of FIG. 1A with a cap.

FIG. 4A illustrates a section view of the removable liner of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4B illustrates a section view of the removable liner of FIG. 2A in an inside out configuration.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge.

FIG. 5B illustrates a section view of the cartridge of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a container with the cartridge of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view of the container and cartridge of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a section view of an outer cap of the container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a perspective view of an inner cap of the container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of an outer liner of the cartridge of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an inner liner of the cartridge of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the inner liner of FIG. 8A in an inside out configuration.

FIG. 9A illustrates a section view of a portion of the container and cartridge of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 9B illustrates a section view of the container and cartridge of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a section view of the inner liner of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of the inner liner of FIG. 8A in an inside out configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system, methods, and devices described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the system, methods, and devices and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the system, methods, and devices herein described.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a container 100. In some embodiments, the container 100 can include one or more features of a container or bottle as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/112,080, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The container 100 can include a first end 100A and a second end 100B opposite the first end 100A. The container 100 can include a height 101 between the first end 100A and the second end 100B. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance of about 1.00 inches, about 1.10 inches, about 1.20 inches, about 1.30 inches, about 1.40 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.54, about 1.60 inches, about 1.70 inches, about 1.80 inches, about 1.90 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 4.00 inches, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance between about 1.40 inches and about 1.60 inches.

The container 100 can include a width 101A (i.e., diameter). In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance of about 1.00 inches, about 1.10 inches, about 1.20 inches, about 1.30 inches, about 1.40 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.60, about 1.64 inches, about 1.70 inches, about 1.80 inches, about 1.90 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 4.00 inches, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance between about 1.50 inches and about 1.70 inches.

The container 100 can include a cap 102 and a body 104. The body 104 can include a first end 104A and a second end 104B (i.e., top end). The body 104 can include a neck portion 103 at the second end 104B. The neck portion 103 can define an opening 106 into a recess 105 at the second end 104B of the body 104. As shown in FIG. 1E, the recess 105 can be configured to hold or contain one or more substances 302. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can include dry goods, oil, waxes, or other substances.

The cap 102 can be removable and attachable with the body 104 for opening and closing the opening 106 of the body 104. As shown in FIG. 1B, the cap 102 can include an outer cap 102A and an inner cap 102B. The inner cap 102B can circumferentially rotate relative to the body 104 to couple or attach the cap 102 to the body 104 and/or uncouple or remove the cap 102 from the body 104. The inner cap 102B can include cap threads 107, as shown in FIG. 1F, and the body 104 can include body threads 108. The body threads 108 can be positioned or located on the neck portion 103 of the body 104. When the inner cap 102B circumferentially rotates in a first circumferential direction (i.e., a tightening direction) relative to the body 104, the cap threads 107 can engage with the body threads 108 to couple or attach the cap 102 to the body 104. When the inner cap 102B rotates in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction (i.e., a loosening direction) relative to the body 104, the cap threads 107 can disengage the body threads 108 to decouple or remove the cap 102 from the body 104.

In some embodiments, the outer cap 102A can be configured to enclose the inner cap 102B and/or the inner cap 102B can be nested in the outer cap 102A. The outer cap 102A can be configured to circumferentially rotate relative to the inner cap 102B and/or the body 104. The outer cap 102A can be configured to interact with the inner cap 102B so the inner cap 102B can circumferentially rotate when the outer cap 102A circumferentially rotates.

In some embodiments, the inner cap 102B can be movable with respect to the outer cap 102A along an axial or longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, the outer cap 102A can include one or more spring members 110. The one or more spring members 110 can extended from an inner surface 111 of the outer cap 102A. The one or more spring members 110 can apply a force to a top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B to space the outer cap 102A and/or the inner surface 111 of the outer cap 102A from the inner cap 102B and/or the top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B.

In some embodiments, the inner cap 102B can include one or more protrusions 112 on the top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B. The one or more protrusions 112 can be configured to interact with the one or more spring members 110 of the outer cap 102A. In some embodiments, a rotational force can be applied to the outer cap 102A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 102A in the first circumferential direction and/or the second circumferential direction. When the rotational force is applied to the outer cap 102A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 102A in the first circumferential direction, the one or more spring members 110 can be configured engage with the one or more protrusions 112 of the inner cap 102B to transfer the rotational force on the outer cap 102A to the inner cap 102B and circumferentially rotate the inner cap 102B in the first circumferential direction. When the inner cap 102B circumferentially rotates in the first circumferential direction, the cap threads 107 can engage the body threads 108 to couple or attach the inner cap 102B and/or the cap 102 to the body 104.

In some embodiments, when the rotational force is applied to the outer cap 102A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 102A in the second circumferential direction, the one or more spring members 110 can be configured to move or slide over the one or more protrusions 112 of the inner cap 102B and/or the rotational force applied to the outer cap 102A can not be transferred to the inner cap 102B. Accordingly, the outer cap 102A can rotate independently of and/or relative to the inner cap 102B in the second direction.

In some embodiments, a force 10 can be applied to the outer cap 102A to overcome the force the one or more spring members 110 can apply to the top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B and compress the one or more spring members 110. The force 10 can move the outer cap 102A and/or the inner surface 111 of the outer cap 102A towards the inner cap 102B and/or the top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B so the outer cap 102A and/or the inner surface 111 of the outer cap 102A can contact the inner cap 102B and/or the top surface 113 of the inner cap 102B. Accordingly, when the rotational force is applied to the outer cap 102A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 102A in the second circumferential direction, the force 10 can applied to the outer cap 102A to transfer the rotational force to the inner cap 102B and circumferentially rotate the inner cap 102B in the second circumferential direction. When the inner cap 102B circumferentially rotates in the second circumferential direction, the cap threads 107 can disengage the body threads 108 to decouple or remove the inner cap 102B and/or the cap 102 from the body 104.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1D, the body 104 can include a bottom surface 105A and a sidewall 105C. The bottom surface 105A and the sidewall 105C can define the recess 105. In some embodiments, the sidewall 105C can include a lip 114. The lip 114 can be positioned or located a distance 116 from the opening 106. A portion 105C-1 of the sidewall 105C between the lip 114 and the opening 106 can be offset a distance radially outward from a portion 105C-2 of the sidewall 105C between the lip 114 and the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105.

In some embodiments, the recess 105 can extend to a bottom end 103A of the neck portion 103, wherein the bottom end 103A of the neck portion 103 is opposite the opening 106. In some embodiments, the recess 105 can extend past the bottom end 103A of the neck portion 103 so the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105 is positioned between the bottom end 103A of the neck portion 103 and the first end 104A of the body 104.

In some embodiments, the container 100 can include a seal 120. The scal 120 can be formed of a polymer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, silicon, or other material. The seal 120 can be an O-ring, circular disk, or other shape that correspond to the shape of the opening 106 of the body 104. In some embodiments, the seal 120 can be induction sealed to the body 104. The seal 120 can be configured to indicate if the container 100 has been tampered (i.e., the seal 120 was previously removed from the opening 106 and/or the one or more substances 302 in the recess 105 have been manipulated). The seal can be configured to hermetically seal (i.e., airtight seal) the opening 106 and/or the recess 105 to prevent or inhibit contaminants from entering the recess 105 and/or to maintain freshness of the one or more substances 302 in the recess 105.

In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be in a solid state or a viscous liquid state at or about room temperature, and/or a liquid state at higher temperatures, for example, between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 300 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can transition from the solid state or the viscous liquid state to the liquid state and/or transition from the liquid state to the solid state or the viscous liquid state at a particular temperature.

The container 100 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 302 in the recess 105 of the body 104. The one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 105 via the opening 106. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 105 when the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid state or the viscous liquid state. When the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid or the viscous liquid state, the one or more substances 302 can flow along a bottom surface 105A of the recess 105 so the one or more substances 302 cover the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 105 at a temperature above the particular temperature when the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid state. When the one or more substances 302 cool below the particular temperature, the one or more substances 302 can transition from the liquid state to the solid state and the one or more substances 302 can be a same shape as the recess 105.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1E, a removal tool 304 can be used to remove the one or more substances 302 from the container 100. A user can scrape or otherwise manipulate the one or more substances 302 with the removal tool 304 to remove the one or more substances 302 from the recess 105 of the body 104 and/or the container 100. To insert the removal tool 304 through the opening 106, a size of the removal tool 304 can be smaller than a size of the opening 106 of the body 104. Accordingly, the removal tool 304 can not scrape or otherwise manipulate all or substantially all of the one or more substances 302 at a time. Due to the size of the removal tool 304 and/or the size of the opening 106 of the body 104 the user can have to insert the removal tool 304 multiple times to remove all of the one or more substances 302 in the container. Additionally, a portion 302A of the one or more substances 302 positioned at or near the perimeter of the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105 can be difficult to remove scrape or manipulate with the removal tool 304. Accordingly, the user can have to heat the one or more substances 302 and the body 104 to remove the one or more substances 302 from the recess 105.

In some embodiments, the container 100 can include a liner 200, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The liner 200 can include a bottom 202, and/or a sidewall 204. The sidewall 204 can be coupled or attached to a perimeter of the bottom 202 and the sidewall 204 can extend from the bottom 202 to a top end 206 of the liner 200 opposite the bottom 202. The sidewall 204 can include a top surface 205 at the top end 206 of the liner 200. The bottom 202 and the sidewall 204 can define a recess 208 between the top end 206 of the liner 200 and the bottom 202. The sidewall 204 can define an opening 210 to the recess 208 at the top end 206 of the liner 200. In some embodiments, the liner 200 can include a height 201 between an outer surface 202C of the bottom 202 and the top end 206 of the liner 200.

The bottom 202 can include a thickness 202A. The thickness 202A can include a distance between an inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 and an outer surface 202C of the bottom 202. In some embodiments, the thickness 202A can be constant across the bottom 202. In some embodiments, the thickness 202A can vary across the bottom 202. The sidewall 204 can include a thickness 204A. The thickness 204A can include a distance between an inner surface 204B of the sidewall 204 and an outer surface 204C of the sidewall 204. In some embodiments, the thickness 204A can be constant along a height of the sidewall 204 between the bottom 202 and the top end 206 of the sidewall 204. In some embodiments, the thickness 204A can vary along the height of the sidewall 204 between the bottom 202 and the top end 206 of the sidewall 204. In some embodiments, the thickness 202A of the bottom 202 and the thickness 204A of the sidewall 204 can include a same distance. In some embodiments, the thickness 202A of the bottom 202 and the thickness 204A of the sidewall 204 can each include a different distance.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the liner 200 can be removably inserted into the recess 105 of the body 104. In some embodiments, the height 201 of the liner 200 can be smaller than a depth 105-1 of the recess 105 so the bottom 202 of the liner 200 is positioned a distance from the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105 when liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104. In some embodiments, the height 201 of the liner 200 can be the depth 105-1 of the recess 105 so the bottom 202 of the liner 200 contacts the bottom surface 105A of the recess 105 when liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104.

In some embodiments, when the liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104, a rim 212 of the liner 200 can contact the lip 114. In some embodiments, the liner 200 and/or the rim 212 can be stretch fit over the lip 114 to removably secure the liner 200 and/or the rim 212 to the lip 114. The rim 212 can be rigid or semi-rigid so the rim 212 remains substantially the same size and shape if the opening 210 and/or rim 212 is stretched or compressed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, the rim 212 can be positioned at the top end 206 of the sidewall 204. The rim 212 can border and/or define the opening 210 of the liner 200. The rim 212 can extend radially outward from the outer surface 204C of the sidewall 204. The rim 212 can include a top surface 212A and a bottom surface 212B. The top surface 212A can be coplanar with the top surface 205 of the sidewall 204. When the liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104, the bottom surface 212B can contact the lip 114.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the rim 212 can include a height 212C between the top surface 212A and the bottom surface 212B. In some embodiments, the height 212C of the rim 212 can be a same distance as the distance 116. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104 the top surface 212A of the rim 212 and the top surface 205 of the sidewall 204 can be positioned coplanar with the opening 106 and/or the second end 104B of the body 104. In some embodiments, the height 212C of the rim 212 can be a distance less than the distance 116. Therefore, when the liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104 the top surface 212A of the rim 212 and the top surface 205 of the sidewall 204 can be positioned below opening 106 and/or the second end 104B of the body 104 (i.e., in the recess 105). Therefore, the rim 212 can be recessed from the opening 106 and/or the second end 104B of the body 104. Accordingly, the liner 200 can not, obstruct, prevent or inhibit the cap 102 from being attached to the body 104 with the seal 120 positioned over the opening 106, as shown in FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the body 104 can include a depression 130. The depression 130 can be positioned in the portion 105C-1 of the sidewall 105C between the lip 114 and the opening 106. The depression 130 can extend from the second end 104B of the body 104. When the liner 200 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104, the depression 130 can define or form a gap between the rim 212 and the sidewall 105C in order to provide access the rim 212 and/or bottom surface 212B of the rim 212. Accordingly, an item (e.g., a finger, a coin, etc.) can be inserted into the depression 130 in order to remove the liner 200 from the recess 105.

In some embodiments, the liner 200 can be flexible, bendable, reversible, or invertible, such that it can be turned inside-out. In some embodiments, the liner 200 can configured to be exposed to a temperature up to about 200 degrees Celsius, about 210 degrees Celsius, about 220 degrees Celsius, about 230 degrees Celsius, about 240 degrees Celsius, about 250 degrees Celsius, about 260 degrees Celsius, about 270 degrees Celsius, about 280 degrees Celsius, about 290 degrees Celsius, about 300 degrees Celsius, about 310 degrees Celsius, about 320 degrees Celsius, about 330 degrees Celsius, about 340 degrees Celsius, about 350 degrees Celsius, about 400 degrees Celsius, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the liner 200 can include silicone, silicone rubber, and/or any other flexible and/or heat resistant elastomer. In some embodiments, the liner 200 can be formed or manufactured via injection molding, or the like. The liner 200 can be formed by injecting silicone, silicone rubber, and/or any other flexible and/or heat resistant elastomer into a mold.

In some embodiments, the bottom 202 of the liner 200 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 210 to turn the liner 200 inside-out. The liner 200 can be configured to be flexed, bent, or moved between a first configuration 200A, as shown in FIG. 2A, and a second configuration 200B, as shown in FIG. 2B. When the liner 200 is in the first configuration 200A, the bottom 202 can be positioned on a first side 21 of a plane 20 coplanar with the opening 210. When the liner 200 is in the second configuration 200B, the bottom 202 can be positioned on a second side 22 of the plane 20 coplanar with the opening 210. When the liner is in the second configuration 200B the liner 200 can be inside-out. In some embodiments, the bottom 202 of the liner 200 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 210 to move the bottom 202 of the liner 200 from the first side 21 of the plane 20 (i.e., the first configuration 200A) to the second side 22 of the plane 20 (i.e., the second configuration 200B). In some embodiments, the bottom 202 of the liner 200 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 210 to move the bottom 202 of the liner 200 from the second side 22 of the plane 20 (i.e., the second configuration 200B) to the first side 21 of the plane 20 (i.e., the first configuration 200A).

In some embodiments, when the liner 200 is in the first configuration 200A, the inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 and the inner surface 204B of the sidewall 204 can define the recess 208 of the liner 200 positioned on the first side 21 of the plane 20. In some embodiments, when the liner 200 is in the second configuration 200B, the outer surface 202C of the bottom 202 and the outer surface 204C of the sidewall 204 can define a second recess 208A positioned on the second side 22 of the plane 20, as shown in FIG. 4B.

As discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the liner 200 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 302 when the liner 200 is positioned in the recess 105 and/or when the liner 200 is removed from the recess 105. FIG. 4A illustrates the liner 200 in the first configuration 200A, and FIG. 4B illustrates the liner 200 in the second configuration 200B. As show in FIG. 4A, the liner 200 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 302 when the liner 200 is in the first configuration 200A. The liner 200 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 302 when the liner 200 is positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104. The one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 208 via the opening 210. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 208 when the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid state or the viscous liquid state. When the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid or the viscous liquid state, the one or more substances 302 can flow along the inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 of the recess 208 so the one or more substances 302 are positioned on and/or cover the inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 of the recess 208. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be placed or inserted into the recess 208 at a temperature above the particular temperature when the one or more substances 302 are in the liquid state. When the one or more substances 302 cool below the particular temperature, the one or more substances 302 can transition from the liquid state to the solid state and the one or more substances 302 can be a same shape as the recess 208.

In some embodiments, the one or more substances 302 can be manipulated or scraped (e.g., via the removal tool 304) when the liner 200 is positioned in the recess 105 of the body 104 to remove the one or more substances 302 from the recess 208 of the liner 200. In some embodiments, the liner 200 can be removed from the recess 105 of the body 104, and liner 200 can be flexed or bent and/or the one or more substances 302 can be manipulated or scraped (e.g., via the removal tool 304) to remove the one or more substances 302 from the recess 208 of the liner 200. In some embodiments, the liner 200 and the one or more substances 302 can be removed from the recess 105 of the body 104 and the liner 200 can be heated to remove the one or more substances from the recess 208 of the liner 200.

In some embodiments, the liner 200 can be flexed, bent, or moved from the first configuration 200A to the second configuration 200B (i.e., turned inside out) so the one or more substances 302 positioned on the inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 can be removed from the inner surface 202B. As shown in FIG. 4B, the inner surface 202B of the bottom 202 can be positioned above the sidewall 204 of the liner 200 relative to the opening 210 (i.e., towards the top of FIG. 4B). Accordingly, the sidewall 204 and/or the size of the opening 210 can not obstruct, prevent or inhibit the user from manipulating or scraping the one or more substances 302 to remove the one or more substances 302 and/or the portion 302A of the one or more substances 302 positioned or located at or near the perimeter of the bottom 202. In some embodiments, a removal tool 304 larger than the opening 210 can be used to manipulate or scrape the one or more substances 302 to remove the one or more substances 302 from the liner 200.

In some embodiments, a disposable cartridge or pod can be utilized in order to seal or package substances. In some embodiments, the one or more substances can include dry goods, oil, waxes, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, and other consumer goods or other substances. The cartridge or pods can be reusable through refills or replacements and can allow for the convenient switching out of the cartridge or pods between uses of a container. In some embodiments, the disposable cartridge or pod can comprise an inner liner within an outer liner connected to a seal. The inner liner can hold a substance or product and can nest inside the outer liner. In some embodiments, the outer liner can act as a protective shell around the inner liner. The seal can attach to the rim of the outer liner and seal the inner liner securely inside the disposable cartridge or pod. When assembled, the disposable cartridge or pod can then be sold to consumers, who can use the product that resides in the inner liner. Once empty, the entire cartridge or pod can be removed from the container and replaced with a new cartridge or pod.

One embodiment of a cartridge or pod 900 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As described herein the cartridge or pod 900 may be disposable. The cartridge or pod 900 can be shaped, dimensioned, or otherwise configured to be removably received within a container as described herein.

In some embodiments, the pod 900 can have a height 552. The height 552 can include a distance of about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.1 inches, about 1.2 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.3 inches, about 1.4 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 5.5 inches and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the height 552 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the height 552 can include a distance between about 0.75 and about 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the height 552 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the height 552 can include a distance between about 0.9 inches and about 1.1 inches. In some embodiments, the height 552 can include a distance between about 1.0 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the pod 900 can include a width 554 (i.e., diameter). In some embodiments, the width 554 can include a distance of about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.1, about 1.2 inches, about 1.30 inches, about 1.40 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.60 inches, about 1.70 inches, about 1.80 inches, about 1.90 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 4.00 inches, about 4.5 inches and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the width 554 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 4.5 inches. In some embodiments, the width 554 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches.

The disposable cartridge or pod 900 can create an outer enclosure. The outer enclosure may be formed by a liner 500 and a seal 420. The seal 420 can attach to the rim of the liner 500, as shown in FIG. 5B. The liner 500 may be an outer liner.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the disposable cartridge or pod 900 can include an inner liner 520. The inner liner 520 can contact and substantially cover the inner faces of the liner 500, such that the liner 500 surrounds the outside faces of the inner liner 520, as shown in FIG. 5B. Together, the liner 500, inner liner 520, and seal 420 may form a disposable cartridge or pod that may be used to store substances as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the disposable cartridge or pod 900 can be placed within a container 400. In some embodiments, the container 400 can include a first end 400A and a second end 400B opposite the first end 400A. The container 400 can include a height 401 between the first end 400A and the second end 400B. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance of about 1.00 inches, about 1.10 inches, about 1.20 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.30 inches, about 1.40 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.54, about 1.60 inches, about 1.70 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 1.80 inches, about 1.90 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 4.00 inches, about 6.00 inches, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 6.00 inches. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance between about 1.25 inches and about 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance between about 1.40 inches and about 1.60 inches. In some embodiments, the height 401 can include a distance between about 1.5 inches and about 2.0 inches. The container 400 can be formed of glass, a polymer, or any other suitable material. The container 400 can include a width 401A (i.e., diameter). In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance of about 1.00 inches, about 1.10 inches, about 1.20 inches, about 1.30 inches, about 1.40 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.60, about 1.64 inches, about 1.70 inches, about 1.80 inches, about 1.90 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.10 inches, about 2.20 inches, about 2.30 inches, about 2.40 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 4.00 inches, about 6.00 inches and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 6.00 inches. In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance between about 1.00 inches and about 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance between about 1.4 inches and about 2.4 inches. In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance between about 1.50 inches and about 1.70 inches. In some embodiments, the width 401A can include a distance between about 1.70 inches and about 2.10 inches.

The container 400 can include a cap 402 and a body 404. The body 404 can include a first end 404A and a second end 404B (i.e., top end). The body 404 can include a neck portion 403 at the second end 404B. The neck portion 403 can define an opening 406 into a recess 405 at the second end 404B of the body 404.

The cap 402 can be removable and attachable with the body 404 for opening and closing the opening 406 of the body 404. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cap 402 can include an outer cap 402A and an inner cap 402B. The inner cap 402B can circumferentially rotate relative to the body 404 to couple or attach the cap 402 to the body 404 and/or uncouple or remove the cap 402 from the body 404. The inner cap 402B can include cap threads 407, as shown in FIG. 6D, and the body 404 can include body threads 408. The body threads 408 can be positioned or located on the neck portion 403 of the body 404. When the inner cap 402B circumferentially rotates in a first circumferential direction (i.e., a tightening direction) relative to the body 404, the cap threads 407 can engage with the body threads 408 to couple or attach the cap 402 to the body 404. When the inner cap 402B rotates in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction (i.e., a loosening direction) relative to the body 404, the cap threads 407 can disengage the body threads 408 to decouple or remove the cap 402 from the body 404.

In some embodiments, the outer cap 402A can be configured to enclose the inner cap 402B and/or the inner cap 402B can be nested in the outer cap 402A. The outer cap 402A can be configured to circumferentially rotate relative to the inner cap 402B and/or the body 404. The outer cap 402A can be configured to interact with the inner cap 402B so the inner cap 402B can circumferentially rotate when the outer cap 402A circumferentially rotates.

In some embodiments, the inner cap 402B can be movable with respect to the outer cap 402A along an axial or longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, the outer cap 402A can include one or more locking members 410. The one or more locking members 410 can extended from an inner surface 411 of the outer cap 402A. The one or more locking members 410 can interface with a top surface 413 of the inner cap 402B to space the outer cap 402A and/or the inner surface 411 of the outer cap 402A from the inner cap 402B and/or the top surface 413 of the inner cap 402B. The inner cap 402B can also include an inner rim 414 that can extend from an inner surface of the inner cap 402B. The inner rim 414 can be a circular rim that extends downward away from the inner surface of the inner cap 402B.

In some embodiments, the inner cap 402B can include one or more protrusions 412 on the top surface 413 of the inner cap 402B. The one or more protrusions 412 can be configured to interact with the one or more locking members 410 of the outer cap 402A. In some embodiments, the protrusions 412 can interact with the one or more locking members 410 to provide a child resistant opening feature. In some embodiments, a rotational force can be applied to the outer cap 402A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 402A in the first circumferential direction and/or the second circumferential direction. When the rotational force is applied to the outer cap 402A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 402A in the first circumferential direction, the one or more locking members 410 can be configured engage with the one or more protrusions 412 of the inner cap 402B to transfer the rotational force on the outer cap 402A to the inner cap 402B and circumferentially rotate the inner cap 402B in the first circumferential direction. When the inner cap 402B circumferentially rotates in the first circumferential direction, the cap threads 407 can engage the body threads 408 to couple or attach the inner cap 402B and/or the cap 402 to the body 404.

In some embodiments, when the rotational force is applied to the outer cap 402A to circumferentially rotate the outer cap 402A in the second circumferential direction, the one or more locking members 410 can be configured to move or slide over the one or more protrusions 412 of the inner cap 402B and/or the rotational force applied to the outer cap 402A can not be transferred to the inner cap 402B. Accordingly, the outer cap 402A can rotate independently of and/or relative to the inner cap 402B in the second direction. In some embodiments, a downward application of force can be applied to the outer cap 402A to cause the locking members 410 to interact with the protrusions 412 so that a rotational force applied to the outer cap 402 can cause rotation of the inner cap 402B.

As shown in FIG. 6B, a seal 800 can be disposed between the cap 402 and the disposable cartridge or pod 900. In some embodiments, the seal 800 can be positioned within the cap 402. The seal 800 can be formed of a polymer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, silicon, foil, aluminum, or other material. When the container 400 is assembled, the seal 800 can rest between the top surface of the seal 420 and the inner surface of the inner cap 402B. In some embodiments, the seal 800 can be shaped like an O-ring such that it is disk-like with a hole in its center. In some embodiments, the seal 800 can fit in a cavity in the inner surface of the inner cap 402B. In some embodiments, the inner rim 414 can fit inside the hole in the center of the seal 800, such that the seal 800 surround the inner rim 414 when the container 400 is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner rim 414 may hold the seal 800 in place.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9A, the body 404 of the container 400 can include a bottom surface 405A and a sidewall 405C. The bottom surface 405A and the sidewall 405C can define the recess 405. In some embodiments, the body 404 can include a rim 415 disposed on top of the neck 403, at the second end 404B of the body 404. The rim 415 can have a radial thickness that is less than the radial thickness of the neck 403 below the rim 415. In some embodiments, there may be a notch 416 disposed at or near the base of the rim 415. The notch 416 can be a recess or cutout formed in the rim 415. In some embodiments, the rim 415 can have a notch 416 around the entire circumference of the rim 415. In other embodiments, there may be one more notches 416 at discrete locations around the rim 415.

In some embodiments, the recess 405 can extend to a bottom end 403A of the neck portion 403, wherein the bottom end 403A of the neck portion 403 is opposite the opening 406. In some embodiments, the recess 405 can extend past the bottom end 403A of the neck portion 403 so the bottom surface 405A of the recess 405 is positioned between the bottom end 403A of the neck portion 403 and the and the first end 404A of the body 404.

In some embodiments, the container 400 can include a liner 500, as shown in FIG. 7. The liner 500 can include a bottom 502, and/or a sidewall 504. The sidewall 504 can be coupled or attached to a perimeter of the bottom 502 and the sidewall 504 can extend from the bottom 502 to a top end 506 of the liner 500 opposite the bottom 502. The sidewall 504 can include a top surface 505 at the top end 506 of the liner 500. The bottom 502 and the sidewall 504 can define a recess 508 between the top end 506 of the liner 500 and the bottom 502. The sidewall 504 can define an opening 510 to the recess 508 at the top end 506 of the liner 500. The sidewall 504 can also include a rim 503. The rim 503 can include a lip 507 that extends radially outward from the recess 508 and can comprise a flange 517 on the outer portion of the lip 507. The lip 507 can be configured to fit over the rim 415 on the second end 404B of the body 404. In some embodiments, the lip 507 can have a recess or rim space 516 formed between the flange 517 of the lip 507 and the outer surface of the sidewall 504C of the liner 500. The rim space 516 can accommodate the rim 415 when the cartridge or pod 900 is placed in the body 404. In some embodiments, the flange 517 can have a protrusion or bump 518 on the inside face of the flange 517 disposed towards the bottom end of the flange 517. In some embodiments, the flange 517 can have a radial thickness of a distance 418. In some embodiments, the liner 500 can include a height 501 between an outer surface 502C of the bottom 502 and the top end 506 of the liner 500. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance of about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.1 inches, about 1.2 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.3 inches, about 1.4 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 5.5 inches and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance between about 0.75 and about 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance between about 0.9 inches and about 1.1 inches. In some embodiments, the height 501 can include a distance between about 1.0 inches and about 1.5 inches.

The bottom 502 can include a thickness 502A. The thickness 502A can include a distance between an inner surface 502B of the bottom 502 and an outer surface 502C of the bottom 502. In some embodiments, the thickness 502A can be constant across the bottom 502. In some embodiments, the thickness 502A can vary across the bottom 502. The sidewall 504 can include a thickness 504A. The thickness 504A can include a distance between an inner surface 504B of the sidewall 504 and an outer surface 504C of the sidewall 504. In some embodiments, the thickness 504A can be constant along a height of the sidewall 504 between the bottom 502 and the top end 506 of the sidewall 504. In some embodiments, the thickness 504A can vary along the height of the sidewall 504 between the bottom 502 and the top end 506 of the sidewall 504. In some embodiments, the thickness 502A of the bottom 502 and the thickness 504A of the sidewall 504 can include a same distance. In some embodiments, the thickness 502A of the bottom 502 and the thickness 504A of the sidewall 504 can each include a different distance.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the container or pod 900 can be removably inserted into the recess 405 of the body 404. In some embodiments, the height 501 of the liner 500 can be smaller than a depth 405-1 of the recess 405 so the bottom 502 of the liner 500 is positioned a distance from the bottom surface 405A of the recess 405 when pod 900 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404. That is, in some embodiments, a cavity can exist between the bottom 522 of the liner 500 and the bottom surface 405A of the recess 405. The cavity can be the space in the recess 405 in which the liner 500 does not extend. The cavity can have a height approximately equal to the height of the recess less the height of the liner 500 (excluding the height of the lip 507), and the cavity can have a width equal to the width of the recess 405. In some embodiments, the height 501 of the liner 500 can be the depth 405-1 of the recess 405 so the bottom 502 of the liner 500 contacts the bottom surface 405A of the recess 405 when liner 500 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404. Thus, in some embodiments, there may be no cavity or a cavity of miniscule height.

In some embodiments, when the pod 900 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404, the lip 507 of the liner 500 can contact the rim 415 of the body 404. In some embodiments, the liner 500 and/or the lip 507 can be stretch fit over the rim 415 to removably secure the liner 500 and/or the lip 507 to the rim 415. When the liner 500 is removably secured to the body 404, the rim 415 can fit inside the recess 516 of the lip 507, between the flange 517 and the outer surface of the sidewall 504C. In some embodiments, the bump 518 on the flange 517 can fit at least partially within the notch 416 on the rim 415 when the cartridge or pod 900 is inserted into the body 404. The interaction between the bump 518 and the notch 416 can secure the cartridge or pod 900 into the body 404 such that the cartridge or pod 900 will not become dislodged or resist dislodgement without a user applying a force to separate the cartridge or pod 900 from the body 404. In some embodiments, the bump 518 can have a shape or curvature that is substantially similar to the shape or curvature of the notch 416. The lip 507 can be rigid or semi-rigid so the lip 570 remains substantially the same size and shape if the opening 510 and/or lip 507 is stretched or compressed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9A, the rim 503 can be positioned at the top end 506 of the sidewall 504. The rim 503 can border and/or define the opening 510 of the liner 500. The lip 507 of the rim 503 can extend radially outward from the outer surface 504C of the sidewall 504. The lip 507 can include a top surface 507A and a bottom surface 507B. The top surface 507A can be coplanar with the top surface 505 of the sidewall 504. When the pod 900 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404, the lip 507 and flange 517 of the lip can substantially surround the rim 415.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flange 517 of the lip 507 can include a height 507C between the top surface 507A and the bottom surface 507B. The top surface 507A of the lip 507 may also be the top surface of the rim 503. In some embodiments, the height 507C of the lip 507 can be a same distance as a gap between the top of the rim 415 and the spacer 800 when the container is assembled. In some embodiments, the height 507C of the lip 507 can be a distance less than the distance of the gap between the top of the rim 415 and the spacer 800 when the container is assembled Accordingly, neither the pod 900 nor liner 500 can obstruct, prevent or inhibit the cap 402 from being attached to the body 404 when the pod 900 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9A, the body 404 can include a gap 530. The gap 530 can comprise an empty area between an upper portion of the outer side of the neck 403 of the body 404 and the bottom surface 507B of the lip 507. When the liner 500 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404, the gap 530 can provide access to the lip 507 and/or bottom surface 507B of the lip 507. Accordingly, an item (e.g., a finger, a coin, etc.) can be inserted into the gap 530 in order to remove the liner 500 from the recess 405.

In some embodiments, the liner 500 can be flexible, bendable, reversible, or invertible, such that it can be turned inside-out. In some embodiments, the liner 500 can configured to be exposed to a temperature up to about 200 degrees Celsius, about 210 degrees Celsius, about 220 degrees Celsius, about 230 degrees Celsius, about 240 degrees Celsius, about 250 degrees Celsius, about 260 degrees Celsius, about 270 degrees Celsius, about 280 degrees Celsius, about 290 degrees Celsius, about 300 degrees Celsius, about 310 degrees Celsius, about 320 degrees Celsius, about 330 degrees Celsius, about 340 degrees Celsius, about 350 degrees Celsius, about 400 degrees Celsius, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the liner 500 can be formed of polypropylene, post-consumer recycled plastic (e.g., post-consumer recycled polypropylene), glass, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, biodegradable materials, polylactic acid, other types of post-consumer recycled materials, biodegradable materials, and/or metal. In some embodiments, the liner 500 can be formed or manufactured via injection molding, or the like.

In some embodiments, the container 400 can include a second or inner liner 520, as shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, the inner liner 520 can include a bottom 522, and/or a sidewall 524. The sidewall 524 can be coupled or attached to a perimeter of the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 and the sidewall 524 can extend from the from the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 to a top end 526 of the inner liner 520 opposite the bottom 522. The sidewall 524 can include a top surface 525 at the top end 526 of the inner liner 520. The bottom 522 and the sidewall 524 can define a recess 528 between the top end 526 of the inner liner 520 and the bottom 522. The sidewall 524 can define an opening 510 to the recess 528 at the top end 526 of the inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can include a height 521 between an outer surface 522C of the bottom 522 and the top end 526 of the inner liner 520.

As shown in FIGS. 9A & 9B, the inner liner 520 can be removably inserted into the liner 500. The liner 500 may be referred to as an outer liner. In some embodiments, the height 521 of the inner liner 520 can be the same or approximately the same as the height 501 of the inner liner 520 such that the top of the inner liner 520 is coplanar with the top surface 505 of the liner 500 (excluding the thickness of the bottom 502 of the liner 500) when the inner liner 520 is inserted and/or positioned in the liner 500. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the cartridge or pod 900 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404, the top surface 507A of the lip 507 and the top surface 525 of the inner liner 520 can be positioned coplanar with each other, above the second end 404B of the body 404. In some embodiments, the height of the inner liner 520 can be smaller than the height of the liner 500 so that the top surface 525 of the inner liner 520 is positioned at a distance from the top surface 505 and/or lip 507 of the liner 500 when the inner liner 520 is inserted and/or positioned in the liner 500. Therefore, when the inner liner 520 is inserted into and/or positioned in the liner 500, the top surface 525 of the sidewall 524 of the inner liner 520 can be positioned below the opening 510 and/or the top surface 507A of the lip 507. Therefore, the top surface 525 of the inner liner 520 can be recessed from the opening 510 and/or the top surface 507A of the liner 500.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the liner 500 can include a depression 531. The depression 531 can be positioned in a portion of the rim 503 closest to the opening 510. The depression 531 can extend from where the inner surface of the sidewall 504B meets the rim 503 and can extend radially outwards towards the flange 517 of the lip 507. When the inner liner 520 is inserted into and/or positioned in the recess 508 of the liner 500, the depression 531 can define or form a gap in the upper surface 507A of the liner 500 (or the rim 503) in order to provide access to the inner liner 520. Accordingly, an item (e.g., a finger, a coin, etc.) can be inserted into the depression 531 in order to remove the inner liner 520 from the recess 508.

In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can be flexible, bendable, reversible, or invertible, such that it can be turned inside-out. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can configured to be exposed to a temperature up to about 200 degrees Celsius, about 210 degrees Celsius, about 220 degrees Celsius, about 230 degrees Celsius, about 240 degrees Celsius, about 250 degrees Celsius, about 260 degrees Celsius, about 270 degrees Celsius, about 280 degrees Celsius, about 290 degrees Celsius, about 300 degrees Celsius, about 310 degrees Celsius, about 320 degrees Celsius, about 330 degrees Celsius, about 340 degrees Celsius, about 350 degrees Celsius, about 400 degrees Celsius, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can include silicone, silicone rubber, and/or any other flexible and/or heat resistant elastomer. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can be formed or manufactured via injection molding, or the like. The inner liner 520 can be formed by injecting silicone, silicone rubber, and/or any other flexible and/or heat resistant elastomer into a mold.

In some embodiments, the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 529 to turn the inner liner 520 inside-out. The inner liner 520 can be configured to be flexed, bent, or moved between a first configuration 520A, as shown in FIG. 10A, and a second configuration 520B, as shown in FIG. 10B. When the inner liner 520 is in the first configuration 520A, the bottom 522 can be positioned on a first side 51 of a plane 50 coplanar with the opening 529. When the inner liner 520 is in the second configuration 500B, the bottom 522 can be positioned on a second side 52 of the plane 50 coplanar with the opening 529. When the inner liner 520 is in the second configuration 520B the liner 500 can be inside-out. In some embodiments, the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 529 to move the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 from the first side 51 of the plane 50 (i.e., the first configuration 520A) to the second side 52 of the plane 50 (i.e., the second configuration 520B). In some embodiments, the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 can be pushed, moved, or otherwise translated through the opening 529 to move the bottom 522 of the inner liner 520 from the second side 52 of the plane 50 (i.e., the second configuration 520B) to the first side 51 of the plane 50 (i.e., the first configuration 520A).

In some embodiments, when inner liner 520 is in the first configuration 520A, the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 and the inner surface 524B of the sidewall 524 can define the recess 528 of the inner liner 520 positioned on the first side 51 of the plane 50. In some embodiments, when the inner liner 520 is in the second configuration 520B, the outer surface 522C of the bottom 522 and the outer surface 524C of the sidewall 524 can define a second recess 528A positioned on the second side 52 of the plane 50, as shown in FIG. 10B.

As discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 10A & 10B, the inner liner 520 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 602 when the inner liner 520 is positioned in the recess 508 and/or when the inner liner 520 is removed from the recess 508. FIG. 10A illustrates the inner liner 520 in the first configuration 520A, and FIG. 10B illustrates the inner liner 520 in the second configuration 520B. As show in FIG. 10A, the inner liner 520 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 602 when the inner liner 520 is in the first configuration 520A. The inner liner 520 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 602 when the inner liner 520 is positioned in the recess 508 of the liner 500. The one or more substances 602 can be placed or inserted into the recess 528 via the opening 529. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 602 can be placed or inserted into the recess 528 when the one or more substances 602 are in the liquid state or the viscous liquid state. When the one or more substances 602 are in the liquid or the viscous liquid state, the one or more substances 602 can flow along the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 of the recess 528 so the one or more substances 602 are positioned on and/or cover the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 of the recess 528. In some embodiments, the one or more substances 602 can be placed or inserted into the recess 528 at a temperature above the particular temperature when the one or more substances 602 are in the liquid state. When the one or more substances 602 cool below the particular temperature, the one or more substances 602 can transition from the liquid state to the solid state and the one or more substances 602 can be a same shape as the recess 528.

In some embodiments, the one or more substances 602 can be manipulated or scraped (e.g., via the removal tool 604) when the inner liner 520 is positioned in the recess 508 of the liner 500 to remove the one or more substances 602 from the recess 528 of the inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can be removed from the recess 508 of the liner 500, and inner liner 520 can be flexed or bent and/or the one or more substances 602 can be manipulated or scraped (e.g., via the removal tool 604) to remove the one or more substances 602 from the recess 528 of the inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 and the one or more substances 602 can be removed from the recess 508 of the liner 500 and the inner liner 520 can be heated to remove the one or more substances from the recess 528 of the inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the liner 500 can be removed from the container 400 prior to removing the inner liner 520 from the liner 500. In some embodiments, removing the liner 500 from the container prior to removing the inner liner 520 can provide easier access to the inner liner 520.

In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can be flexed, bent, or moved from the first configuration 520A to the second configuration 520B (i.e., turned inside out) so the one or more substances 602 positioned on the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 can be removed from the inner surface 522B. As shown in FIG. 8B, the inner surface 522B of the bottom 522 can be positioned above the sidewall 524 of the inner liner 520 relative to the opening 529 (i.e., towards the top of FIG. 8B). Accordingly, the sidewall 524 and/or the size of the opening 529 can not obstruct, prevent or inhibit the user from manipulating or scraping the one or more substances 602 to remove the one or more substances 602 and/or the portion 602A of the one or more substances 602 positioned or located at or near the perimeter of the bottom 522. In some embodiments, a removal tool 604 larger than the opening 529 can be used to manipulate or scrape the one or more substances 602 to remove the one or more substances 602 from the inner liner 520.

In some embodiments, the inner liner 520 can be removed from the liner 500 so that it can be flexed, bent, or moved from the first configuration 520A to the second configuration 520B (i.e., turned inside out). The inner liner 520 can also be removed from the liner 500 so that it can be replaced by a new inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the new inner liner 520 will be pre-filled with a substance 602, such that the same container can be re-used multiple times with new substances 602. In some embodiments, after removal of the substance 602 from the inner liner, the pod 900 can be replaced within the container 400 with a new pod 900.

In some embodiments, the cartridge or pod 900 can include a seal 420. The seal 420 can be formed of a polymer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, silicon, foil, aluminum, or other material. The seal 420 can be an O-ring, circular disk, or other shape that correspond to the shape of the face that includes the opening 510 of the liner 500. In some embodiments, the seal 420 can attach to the rim 503. In some embodiments, the seal 420 can cover the opening 510 and the top surface 507A of the lip 507 and side wall 504. In some embodiments, the seal 420 can be induction sealed to the rim 503 (e.g., to the top surface 507A of the lip 507). In some embodiments, the seal 420 can be induction sealed to the inner liner 520. The seal 420 can be connected to the liner 500 by joining the seal with the top surface 505 of the inner liner 520. The seal 420 can be configured to indicate if the cartridge 900 has been tampered (i.e., the seal 420 was previously removed from the opening 510 and/or the one or more substances 602 in the recess 508/528 have been manipulated). The seal can be configured to hermetically seal (i.e., airtight seal) the opening 510, the recess 508 and/or the recess 528 to prevent or inhibit contaminants from entering the recess 510 and/or the recess 528 and/or to maintain freshness of the one or more substances 602 in the recess 508 and/or the recess 528. The one or more substances 602 may be the same as or similar to any of the other substances described herein.

In some embodiments, the cartridge or pod 900 may not include an inner liner 520. In some embodiments, the cartridge or pod 900 can comprise a liner 500 and a seal 420. In some embodiments, the seal 420 can attach to the rim 503. In some embodiments, the seal 420 can cover the opening 510 and the top surface 507A of the lip 507 and side wall 504. In some embodiments without an inner liner 502, the liner 500 can be configured to hold or contain the one or more substances 602 when the liner 500 is positioned in the recess 405 of the body 404. The one or more substances 602 can be placed or inserted into the recess 508 via the opening 510.

In some embodiments, the liner 500 can be removed from the body 404 so that it can be flexed, bent, or moved from a first configuration (similar to 200A in FIG. 2A) to a second configuration (similar to 200B in FIG. 2B) (i.e., turned inside out). The cartridge or pod 900 can also be removed from the body 404 so that it can be replaced by a new cartridge or pod 900. In some embodiments, the new cartridge or pod 900 will be pre-filled with a substance 602, such that the same container 400 can be re-used multiple times with new cartridges or pods 900 having new substances 602. In some embodiments, after removal of the substance 602 from the liner 500, the pod 900 can be replaced within the container 400 with a new pod 900.

Certain Terminology

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some examples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusive of endpoints.

SUMMARY

Several illustrative examples of container and removable liners have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, including examples and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all other examples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the examples described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any example.

In summary, various examples of containers, removable liners, and disposable pods/cartridges and related methods have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses of the examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

1. A container system comprising: a body comprising: a first recess; anda first opening to the first recess, the first opening positioned at a top end of the body;a cap configured to removably attach to the body to cover the first opening; anda disposable cartridge, the disposable cartridge comprising: an outer liner comprising, a second recess;a second opening to the second recess; anda rim extending around the second opening; andan inner liner, the inner liner comprising: a third recess; anda third opening to the third recess;wherein the disposable cartridge is configured to be removably inserted into the first recess; andwherein the inner liner is configured to hold a substance in the third recess, wherein the inner liner is configured to be removably positioned with the second recess, and wherein the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a seal configured to attach to the rim of the outer liner.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a rim extending from the top end of the body, wherein the rim of the outer liner comprises a lip, wherein the rim fits within a space formed in the lip of the outer liner when the outer liner is positioned in the first recess.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the body further comprises a notch, wherein the notch is configured to receive a protrusion of the lip of the outer liner when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the first recess.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the inner liner is configured to be pushed through the third opening to turn the inner liner inside out.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner liner comprises silicone and/or silicone rubber.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner liner is flexible and/or heat resistant.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer liner comprises a depression formed in the rim of the outer liner adjacent to the inner liner, and wherein a portion of the inner liner is exposed by the depression.

9. A disposable cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a container, the disposable cartridge comprising: an outer liner comprising: an outer liner bottom positioned at a first end;an outer liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the outer liner bottom, wherein the outer liner bottom and the outer liner sidewall form an outer liner recess;an outer liner opening to the outer liner recess at a second end; andan outer liner rim having a lip extending radially outward from the outer liner sidewall, wherein the outer liner rim defines the outer liner opening;an inner liner comprising: an inner liner bottom positioned at a first end;an inner liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the inner liner bottom, wherein the inner liner bottom and the inner liner sidewall form an inner liner recess; andan inner liner opening to the recess at a second end; anda seal configured to attach to the rim of the outer liner;wherein the inner liner sidewall and the inner liner bottom are flexible so the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out.

10. The disposable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer liner rim is rigid or semi-rigid.

11. The disposable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the inner liner comprises silicone and/or silicone rubber.

12. The disposable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the inner liner is configured to be received within the outer liner recess via the outer liner opening.

13. The disposable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer liner lip is configured to interface with a container rim disposed at an end of the container when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the container.

14. The disposable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the seal is configured to seal the inner liner within the outer liner when the inner liner is positioned within the outer liner and the seal is attached to the outer liner rim.

15. A container comprising: a body comprising: a recess;an opening to the recess, the opening positioned at a top end of the body; anda rim positioned at the opening; anda cap configured to removably attach to the body to cover the opening,wherein the recess is configured to receive a disposable cartridge so a lip of the disposable cartridge contacts the rim when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the recess.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the cartridge comprises an inner liner nested within an outer liner, wherein the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein the body comprises a rim extending from the top end of the body, the rim having a notch formed on an outer surface, and wherein the lip of the disposable cartridge comprises a flange that extends away from an upper surface of the lip and a protrusion configured to interface with the notch when the disposable cartridge is positioned in the recess.

18. A disposable cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a container, the disposable cartridge comprising: a liner comprising: a liner bottom positioned at a first end;a liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the liner bottom, wherein the liner bottom and the liner sidewall form a liner recess;a liner opening to the liner recess at a second end; anda liner rim having a lip extending radially outward from the liner sidewall, wherein the liner rim defines the liner opening; anda seal configured to attach to the rim of the liner.

19. The disposable cartridge of claim 18, wherein the container comprises a body comprising a recess and a rim, the rim having a notch formed on an outer surface, wherein the lip of the liner comprises a flange that extends away from an upper surface of the lip and a protrusion configured to interface with the notch when the disposable cartridge is positioned in the recess.

20. A method of assembling a container, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a disposable cartridge into a first recess of a body of the container, the disposable cartridge comprising:an outer liner comprising, an outer liner bottom positioned at a first end;an outer liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the outer liner bottom,wherein the outer liner bottom and the outer liner sidewall form a second recess; an outer liner opening to the second recess at a second end; anda rim having a lip extending radially outward from the outer liner sidewall, wherein the rim defines the outer liner opening; andan inner liner comprising, an inner liner bottom positioned at a first end;an inner liner sidewall coupled to a perimeter of the inner liner bottom,wherein the inner liner bottom and the inner liner sidewall form a third recess; and an inner liner opening to the third recess at a second end;wherein the inner liner sidewall and the inner liner bottom are flexible so the inner liner is configured to be turned inside out,wherein the lip of the outer liner contacts a rim on an upper end of the body when the disposable cartridge is inserted into the first recess of the body.