This invention relates generally to containers and lids and especially dry food or granulated product containers such as, e.g., spice or pepper containers, and well as a method of making and using the same.
U.S. 2007/0170192 to Blum et al, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirely, discloses various embodiments of a container having a three-door lid.
However, existing or known dry food containers lack one or more features utilized in the container or lid or combination disclosed herein.
According to one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a container body comprising a bottom, a rim and a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim. A lid comprises a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of the container body and a lid door assembly movably mounted to the lid base. The lid door assembly comprises a main door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the lid base and an open position with respect to the lid base, a first side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door, and a second side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door.
In embodiments, the container is sized to contain a granular food.
In embodiments, the main door allows for contents of the container to be spooned out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the first door allows for contents of the container to be poured out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the second door allows for contents of the container to be sifted out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the main door has a larger cross-sectional area than the rim of the container body.
In embodiments, the main door comprises a sealing bead that engages with the rim of the container body when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the main door has a larger cross-sectional area than either the first door or the second door.
In embodiments, the main door is connected to the lid base via a hinge.
In embodiments, the first door overlies and closes a pouring opening formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the pouring opening is generally triangular.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a sealing bead that engages with a pouring opening formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the second door overlies and closes plural sifting openings formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the plural sifting openings are generally circular.
In embodiments, the second door comprises at least one sealing projection that engages with one of the plural siding openings formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the second door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the second door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the main door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection disposed opposite a hinge connecting the main door to the lid base.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge oriented generally perpendicular to the hinge of the main door.
In embodiments, the second door is mounted via a hinge oriented generally perpendicular to the hinge of the main door.
In embodiments, the first door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection and is mounted via a hinge to one portion of the main door.
In embodiments, the first door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection and is mounted via a hinge to another portion of the main door.
In embodiments, the first door is connected via a hinge to a connecting section non-removably coupled to the main door.
In embodiments, the second door is connected via a hinge to a connecting section non-removably coupled to the main door.
In embodiments, a connecting section is non-removable connected to the main door, the first door is connected via a hinge to a first side of the connecting section and the second door is connected via a hinge to a second side of connecting section.
In embodiments, the lid base is connected to the lid securing portion so that removal of the lid base requires greater force than opening the main door.
In embodiments, a force required to open either of the first and second doors is less than that required to open the main door.
In embodiments, the lid base and the main door are an integrally formed member connected by a living hinge.
In embodiments, the first and second doors are arranged on an integrally formed member having a central section that is connectable to the main door.
In embodiments, the first and second doors are each connected to the central section by a living hinge.
In embodiments, the lid securing section comprises a chamfered zone arranged above an indented zone.
In embodiments, the container body further comprises a chamfer located adjacent the bottom of the container body.
In embodiments, the container further comprises a removable or peelable tamper-proof seal connected to the rim of the container body. Alternatively or additionally, a full body shrink sleeve can be utilized to provide assurance to a user or purchaser that the product container has not yet been used or tampered with.
In embodiments, the lid is made of a first synthetic resin material and the container body is made of a second synthetic resin material.
In embodiments, the invention also provides for a container comprising a container body comprising a generally rectangular cross-section, a generally rectangular bottom, a generally rectangular rim and a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim. A generally rectangular lid comprises a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of the container body and a lid door assembly movably mounted to the lid base. The lid door assembly comprises a main door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the lid base and an open position with respect to the lid base, a first side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door, and a second side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door.
In embodiments, the invention also provides for a spice container comprising a container body comprising a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth, a generally rectangular bottom, a generally rectangular rim, a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim, and a height that is greater than the width. A generally rectangular lid comprises a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of the container body, such that when installed, an upper end of the lid base is disposed at or below an upper end of the rim. A lid door assembly comprises a main door connected to the lid base via a hinge and that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the lid base and an open position with respect to the lid base, a first side door connected to a first hinge and that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door, and a second side door connected to a second hinge and that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door.
In embodiments, the invention also provides for a spice container comprising a container body comprising a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth, a generally rectangular bottom, a generally rectangular rim, a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim and comprising a chamfered region and an indented region and a height that is greater than the width. A generally rectangular lid comprises a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of the container body, such that when installed, an upper end of the lid base is disposed at or below an upper end of the rim. A lid door assembly comprises a main door section connected to the lid base via a main hinge, a connecting section non-removably secured to the main door section, a first side door connected to the connecting section via a first hinge, and a second side door connected to the connecting section via a second hinge. The first and second hinges are oriented generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the main hinge.
In embodiments, the invention also provides for a spice container comprising a sidewall having a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth, a generally rectangular bottom, a generally rectangular rim having a rim flange that projects inwards so as to define a generally horizontal sealing surface, a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim and comprising a chamfered region and an indented region, and a bottom chamfer arranged where the sidewall meets the bottom.
In embodiments, the rim flange is angled upward relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.
In embodiments, the rim flange is angled upward by about 5 degrees relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.
In embodiments, the rim flange has a width of between 1/16 and ¼ inches.
In embodiments, the rim flange has a width of approximately ⅛ inch.
In embodiments, the rim flange extends from an upper end of the chamfered region.
In embodiments, an edge of the rim flange defines a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth.
In embodiments, the chamfered region has an angle greater than 45 degrees relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.
In embodiments, the bottom chamfer has an angle greater than 45 degrees relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.
In embodiments, a volume of the spice container is one of about 2 ounces, about 3 ounces, about 4 ounces, about 5 ounces, about 6 ounces, between 2 and 12 ounces, between 1 and 16 ounces, and between 1 and 32 ounces.
In embodiments, the sidewall is generally transparent.
In embodiments, there is provided a spice container comprising a sidewall having a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth and a height that is greater than the width, front and back thickness defining sidewalls being generally outwardly curved, left and right depth defining sidewalls being generally planar, a generally rectangular bottom that has a centrally disposed indentation, a generally rectangular rim having a rim flange that projects inwards so as to define a generally horizontal sealing surface, a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim and comprising a chamfered region and an indented region, and a bottom chamfer arranged where the sidewall meets the bottom.
In embodiments, the indented region is discontinuous.
In embodiments, there is provided a spice container lid comprising a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of a container body and a lid door assembly movably mounted to the lid base. The lid door assembly comprises a main door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the lid base and an open position with respect to the lid base, a first side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and au open position with respect to the main door, and a second side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door.
In embodiments, the main door allows for contents of the container to be spooned out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the first door allows for contents of the container to be poured out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the second door allows for contents of the container to be sifted out when in the open position.
In embodiments, the main door comprises a sealing bead that is configured to engage with a rim of a container when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the main door has a larger cross-sectional area than either the first door or the second door.
In embodiments, the main door is connected to the lid base via a hinge.
In embodiments, the first door overlies and closes a pouring opening formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the pouring opening is generally triangular.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a sealing bead that engages with a pouring opening formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the second door overlies and closes plural sifting openings formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the plural sifting openings are generally circular.
In embodiments, the second door comprises at least one sealing projection that engages with one of the plural sitting openings formed in the main door when in the closed position.
In embodiments, the first door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the second door comprises a stacking bead.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the second door is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the main door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection disposed opposite a hinge connecting the main door to the lid base.
In embodiments, the first door is mounted via a hinge oriented generally perpendicular to the hinge of the main door.
In embodiments, the second door is mounted via a hinge oriented generally perpendicular to the hinge of the main door.
In embodiments, the first door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection and is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the first door is retained in the closed position by a snap connection and is mounted via a hinge.
In embodiments, the first door is connected via a hinge to a connecting section non-removably coupled to the main door.
In embodiments, the second door is connected via a hinge to a connecting section non-removably coupled to the main door.
In embodiments, a connecting section is non-removable connected to the main door, the first door is connected via a hinge to a first side of the connecting section and the second door is connected via a hinge to a second side of connecting section.
In embodiments, the lid base is connectable to a lid securing portion so that removal of the lid base requires greater force than opening the main door.
In embodiments, a force required to open either of the first and second doors is less than that required to open the main door.
In embodiments, the lid base and the main door are an integrally formed member connected by a living hinge.
In embodiments, the first and second doors are arranged on an integrally formed member having a central section that is connectable to the main door.
In embodiments, the first and second doors are each connected to the central section by a living hinge.
In embodiments, the lid is made of a synthetic resin material.
In embodiments, there is provided a container lid comprising a generally rectangular lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of a container body and a lid door assembly movably mounted to the lid base. The lid door assembly comprises a generally rectangular main door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the lid base and an open position with respect to the lid base, said main door comprising indicia indicative or descriptive of a spoon, a first side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door, said first side door comprising indicia indicative or descriptive of a pouring opening, and a second side door that can assume at least a closed position with respect to the main door and an open position with respect to the main door, said second side door comprising indicia indicative or descriptive of sifting openings.
In embodiments, the indicia indicative or descriptive of a spoon comprises a spoon-shaped symbol.
In embodiments, the indicia indicative or descriptive of a pouring opening comprises a generally triangular shaped opening symbol.
In embodiments, the indicia indicative or descriptive of sifting openings comprises generally circular shaped opening symbols.
In embodiments, the invention also provides for a container assembly comprising a container comprising a generally rectangular cross-section having a width that is greater than a depth, a generally rectangular bottom, a generally rectangular rim, a lid securing portion located adjacent the rim and comprising a chamfered region and an indented region, and a height that is greater than the width. A multi-door lid comprises a lid base sized and configured to secure the lid to the lid securing portion of the container body, such that when installed, an upper end of the lid base is disposed at or below an upper end of the rim. A lid door assembly comprises a spoon door connected to the lid base via a main hinge, a pour door connected to the spoon door via a first hinge, and a sift door connected to the spoon door via a second hinge. The first and second hinges are oriented generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the main hinge.
Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:
The figures are intended to show basic features, functioning and aid in understanding and may or may not show features or details which are utilized in commercial embodiments.
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to exemplary embodiments.
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Exemplary features and advantages of the present invention include, in addition to those described herein, a container body with a chamfered bottom, a container body with a chamfered rim area, stacking projections arranged on the sift door and pour door, a generally triangular pour opening that allows for better directional pouring that the pour opening of US 2007/0170192, a peelable tamper seal secured to a rim of the container by welding such as in conduction or induction sealing methods, a tamper seal that is installed prior to installing the lid and that can be removed without requiring removal of the lid from the container, a sealing bead snap connection between the lid base and the container rim that provides a sift-proof seal between these areas, that when the main door is open 90 degrees, one can see an entire rim of the container (see
The devices described above can also utilize one or more features disclosed in the prior art documents expressly incorporated by reference herein. Furthermore, one or more of the various parts of the device can preferably be made as one-piece structures by e.g., injection molding, when doing so reduces costs of manufacture. Non-limiting materials for all of the parts include synthetic resins such as those approved for food product packaging. The container can, for example, be made of Propylene while the lid can, for example, be made of either PET or PP. Furthermore, the invention also contemplates that any or all disclosed features of one embodiment may be used on other disclosed embodiments, to the extent such modifications function for their intended purpose.
At least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
The instant application is a US non-provisional Application claiming the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/396,578 filed on Sep. 19, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.
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