US20170088329A1 - Personal container for food item storage and distribution - Google Patents
Personal container for food item storage and distribution Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170088329A1 US20170088329A1 US15/124,185 US201515124185A US2017088329A1 US 20170088329 A1 US20170088329 A1 US 20170088329A1 US 201515124185 A US201515124185 A US 201515124185A US 2017088329 A1 US2017088329 A1 US 2017088329A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- cover
- fully
- container
- closed position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/10—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of polygonal cross-section and all parts being permanently connected to each other
- B65D11/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of polygonal cross-section and all parts being permanently connected to each other of drawer-and-shell type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/22—Details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/20—Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D59/00—Plugs, sleeves, caps, or like rigid or semi-rigid elements for protecting parts of articles or for bundling articles, e.g. protectors for screw-threads, end caps for tubes or for bundling rod-shaped articles
- B65D59/04—Sleeves, e.g. postal tubes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D77/0446—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks
- B65D77/0453—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks the inner container having a polygonal cross-section
- B65D77/046—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks the inner container having a polygonal cross-section and being a tray or like shallow container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/60—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for sweets or like confectionery products
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers for storing and distributing food items, for example confectionaries and chewing gum.
- a multitude of containers have been developed in the past for the storage and dispensing of gum, confectionary, pills, vitamins, and other similarly sized and shaped objects such as consumable food, confectionaries, medical products, or small items such as matches or toothpicks.
- Such dispensing containers have used various means to remove candy from the container for consumption.
- handheld candy dispensers such as for PEZ® or TIC-TACS® are well known.
- Such dispensers might be a container with a lid that can be opened to dispense the candy.
- Other such dispensers might include a chamber to hold the candy and a spring biased mechanism to push the candy out of the dispenser.
- Other containers might include a container with a sliding tray, for example a matchbox.
- the present invention comprise a container having a cover and tray having retaining structures that retain the tray in a fully closed position with respect to the cover, as well as a fully open position, in which the tray is restrained from being fully removed from the cover, a first portion of a top opening of the tray is contained within the cover and a second portion of the top opening of the tray is exposed.
- the invention further comprises novel structures that enable these features and facilitate opening and closing of the container.
- the present invention comprises a container that, when closed, provides a moisture barrier that restricts, but does not fully inhibit the flow of water vapor in and out of the container.
- the invention comprises a container comprising a cove and tray having a concave shape that more closely follows the contours of the human body when the container is placed in a clothing pocket.
- FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a container according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with a tray of the container in its fully-closed position;
- FIG. 2 is a lower front perspective view thereof, with the tray in its fully-opened position;
- FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof
- FIG. 4 is a front view thereof
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cover of the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of the tray of the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a left side view thereof
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view thereof.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the front end of an exemplary commercial embodiment according to the present invention showing features of the product packaging;
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the bottom half of the interior of an alternate embodiment of the cover shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the bottom half of the interior of another alternate embodiment of the cover shown in FIG. 5 .
- directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
- reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification, in order to provide context for other features.
- a compact, portable container for storing and distributing small food items for example candies and chewing gum, having the following features: sized and shaped so as to fit comfortably in a user's pocket; protective of the food items contained therein; easy to open; and securely closeable such that the container does not open accidentally.
- the inventors of the present application have addressed these and other drawbacks of the prior art.
- FIGS. 1-12 generally show one embodiment of a container 10 for storing and distributing food items. It should be understood that the container 10 could be used to store and distribute non-food items, for example toothpicks and other small objects that it may be desirable for a user to carry around on his or her person.
- the container 10 is comprised of two primary parts, a cover 12 and a tray 50 .
- the tray 50 is inserted within the cover 12 through a cover front opening 44 .
- the cover 12 comprises a cover top side 14 having a cover top side exterior surface 15 and a cover top side interior surface 16 , a cover bottom side 20 having a cover bottom side exterior surface 21 and a cover bottom side interior surface 22 , a cover left side 26 having a cover left side exterior surface 27 and a cover left side interior surface 28 , a cover right side 32 having a cover right side exterior surface 33 and a cover right side interior surface 34 , a cover rear side 40 having a cover rear side exterior surface 41 and a cover rear side interior surface 42 , and the cover front opening 44 .
- the cover bottom side 20 is slightly concave so that it approximately corresponds with the curvature of various parts of a user's body (e.g., leg, chest), so that the container 10 rests more comfortably against the user's body when placed in a pocket.
- the tray 50 is also shaped to accommodate the concavity of the cover bottom side 20 .
- the cover top side 14 is also preferably curved (slightly convex).
- the cover bottom side 20 and the tray 50 might have a concavity having a radius in the range of 8 inches (20.3 cm) to 14 inches (35.6 cm), more preferably 11 inches (27.9 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm) and, most preferably, in the range of 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) to 11.6 inches (29.6 cm).
- Detent ridge 18 is located on cover top side interior surface 16
- detent ridge 24 is located on cover bottom side interior surface 22
- detent ridge 30 is located on cover left side interior surface 28
- detent ridge 36 is located on cover right side interior surface 34 .
- Each of the detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 , 36 is located at approximately half the depth of the cover 12 , i.e., approximately halfway between the cover front opening 44 and the cover rear side 40 .
- Each of the detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 , 36 is slightly ramped on its respective front side (i.e., on its side closer to the cover front opening 44 ) to support relatively easy insertion of the tray 50 into the cover 12 , but flat on its respective back side (i.e., on its side closer to the cover rear side 40 ) to prevent the tray 50 from falling out of the cover 12 .
- the interaction of these detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 , 36 with parts of the tray 50 will be described in further detail below.
- the detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 , 36 shown in this embodiment are one example of cover retention elements that are used to cooperate with tray retention elements to prevent the tray 50 from being fully removed from the cover 12 .
- Other examples of cover and tray retention elements are provided in other exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein.
- the tray 50 comprises a tray top opening 51 , a tray bottom side 52 having a tray bottom side exterior surface 53 and a tray bottom side interior surface 60 , a tray left side 62 having a notch 64 , a tray left side exterior surface 65 having a detent bead 66 , and a tray left side interior surface 67 , a tray right side 69 having a notch 71 , a tray right side exterior surface 72 having a detent bead 73 , and a tray right side interior surface 74 , a tray rear side 76 having a tray rear side exterior surface 76 and a tray rear side interior surface 78 , and a tray front portion 86 .
- the notches 64 , 71 provide access for a user to insert a finger into the interior of the tray 50 and lift out a piece of candy or gum, without the need to turn the container 10 upside-down, thus avoiding the risk that multiple pieces of candy or gum will fall out of the container 10 .
- the depth of the notches 64 , 71 is preferably at least 30%, and more preferably 50%, of the thickness of each piece of the food item (e.g., piece of candy or gum) that is stored in the tray 50 .
- the tray bottom side 52 also has a slightly concave shape, in order to compliment the shape of the cover bottom side 20 , which provides for a better fit between the tray 50 and the cover 12 .
- the rear end of the tray 50 includes a plurality of lips, namely, upper rear lip 80 , lower rear lip 81 , left side rear lip 82 , and right side rear lip 83 .
- the tray 50 is pulled outwardly to its fully-opened position, it is retained in that position by the interaction of the lips 80 - 83 with the flat portions of the detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 , 36 that are located on the interior sides of the cover 12 .
- upper rear lip 80 engages the flat portion of detent ridge 18
- lower rear lip 81 engages the flat portion of the detent ridge 24
- left side rear lip 82 engages the flat portion of the detent ridge 30
- right side rear lip 83 engages the flat portion of the detent ridge 36 .
- the tray 50 is prevented—under normal use—from being withdrawn from inside the cover 12 any further than approximately 50% of its depth.
- only approximately 50% of the tray top opening 51 is located exterior to the cover front opening 44 .
- the detent beads 66 , 73 , along with the lips 80 - 83 help to keep the tray 50 evenly spaced within the interior of the cover 12 .
- the detent 55 Located on the tray bottom side exterior surface 53 is a detent 55 and a pair of anti-compression ridges 59 a , 59 b, which will be discussed below.
- the detent 55 has a flat portion 57 located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86 ) and a ramped portion 56 located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76 ).
- the ramped portion 56 of the detent 55 slides over the detent ridge 24 located on the cover bottom side interior surface 22 until the detent 55 is located behind the detent ridge 24 , such that the detent ridge 24 is engaged with the flat portion 57 of the detent 55 .
- the interaction of the detent 55 and the detent ridge 24 helps to keep the tray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44 ) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction and the frictional interaction of the tray front portion 86 with the interior surfaces of the cover 12 , which is described in detail below.
- the anti-compression ridges 59 a , 59 b act to reduce the overall area of friction between the tray 50 and the interior surfaces of the cover 12 , thereby permitting easier removal of the tray 50 from within the cover 12 .
- the anti-compression ridges 59 a, 59 b are linear, and are oriented parallel to tray left and right sides 62 , 69 .
- the tray front portion 86 comprises a lip 88 , a finger slot 89 including an indent 90 , a tray insertion stop 92 , a chamfered portion 94 , and a tray front opening 96 including a reinforcement ridge 98 .
- the finger slot 89 extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86 and provides a comfortable place for the user to rest his or her fingers when opening or closing the tray 50 .
- the finger slot 89 terminates at a lip 88 that also extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86 .
- the indent 90 Located within the finger slot 89 , corresponding with the upper side of the tray 50 , is the indent 90 .
- the indent 90 serves as a tactile indicator to the user that they have the container 10 held such that, when opened, the food items contained within the tray 50 do not fall to the floor.
- the tray insertion stop 92 extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86 , divides the chamfered portion 94 from the finger slot 89 , and acts to completely cover the cover front opening when the tray 50 is in its fully-closed position.
- the perimeter of the lip 88 is preferably located in substantially the same plane so that the container 10 can be stood on end.
- the chamfered portion 94 tapers in thickness such that it is thickest where it makes contact with the tray insertion stop 92 .
- the respective interior surfaces 16 , 22 , 28 , 34 of the cover sides 14 , 20 , 26 , 32 frictionally engage the chamfered portion 94 as the tray 50 is inserted into the cover front opening 44 . This frictional fit is primarily responsible for holding the tray 50 in its fully-closed position.
- the container 10 In order for many food items to remain fresh, it is desirable for the container 10 to by air-permeable but to restrict the flow of moisture to and from the container 10 when it is in a fully closed position.
- the interaction of the chamfered portion 94 with the respective interior surfaces 16 , 22 , 28 , 34 of the cover sides 14 , 20 , 26 , 32 of the present embodiment acts as a moisture barrier that restricts, but does not fully inhibit moisture from flowing into the container 10 .
- moisture permeability of the container is measured by the following method: (1) weighing a quantity anhydrous desiccant, (2) placing the desiccant inside the tray, (3) fully inserting the tray into the cover, (4) placing the container (with the desiccant contained therein) in a temperature and atmospherically-controlled chamber at 103 degrees F. (39.4 degrees C.) and 80% relative humidity for twenty four hours, and (5) measuring the weight of the desiccant after step (4). Under this procedure, the degree of moisture permeability is expressed a percentage weight gain by the desiccant.
- moisture barrier means a barrier that provides a moisture permeability corresponding to a weight gain is in the range of 0.25% to 5.0% and, preferably in the range of 0.5% to 3.0%, using the test described above.
- the tray front opening 96 is hollow to comfortably accommodate the insertion of a user's fingers therein, and includes a reinforcement ridge 98 that spans across the tray front opening 96 between its top and bottom edges.
- the reinforcement ridge has an arcuate cutout therein (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) so that it does not interfere with a user's fingers, while being flexible and providing added rigidity.
- the reinforcement ridge 98 will flex when squeezed, but prevents the user from collapsing the finger slot 89 when gripping the tray front portion 86 .
- the tray front portion 86 might be arranged in a planar layout that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the cover 12 , such that container 10 can be stood vertically on the tray front portion 86 . This position might also beneficially allow items within the container 10 to be shifted to the front end of tray 50 , to be disposed within the exposed region of the tray top opening 51 when the tray 50 is in the fully open position.
- the container 10 when the container 10 is packaged for sale, it is typically shrink-wrapped in a packaging sleeve 99 that is tightly sealed around the perimeter of the entire finger slot 89 , which is recessed. This will make it more evident when someone has attempted to tamper with the packaging of the container 10 .
- the packaging sleeve 99 is preferably perforated near the front edge of the cover 12 and to the rear of the tray insertion stop 92 so that the perforation 100 is torn when the tray 50 is first opened, thereby providing a method of initially opening the container 10 and providing a tamper-evident seal.
- the packaging sleeve 99 has heat-activated adhesive for fixing the packaging sleeve 99 in place, such that the packaging sleeve 99 stays in place around the exterior of the container 10 (i.e., the exterior of the cover 12 ) after the container 10 has been initially opened.
- FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the interior of an alternate embodiment of the cover 112 .
- FIG. 13 shows a view cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 128 .
- cover top side interior surface 116 and tray right side interior surface 134 might be similarly constructed as cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 128 as shown in FIG. 13 .
- detent ridge 118 is located on cover top side interior surface 116
- detent ridge 124 is located on cover bottom side interior surface 122
- detent ridge 130 is located on cover left side interior surface 128
- detent ridge 136 is located on cover right side interior surface 134 .
- FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the interior of an alternate embodiment of the cover 112 .
- FIG. 13 shows a view cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 128 .
- cover top side interior surface 116 and tray right side interior surface 134 might be similarly constructed as cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 1
- the detent ridge 124 might be split into segments, for example a first detent ridge segment 124 a and a second detent ridge segment 124 b, separated by area 19 in which there is no detent ridge.
- Each of the detent ridge segments 124 a and 124 b is located at approximately half the depth of the cover 112 , with a similar design and function as described herein in regard to the detent ridges 18 , 24 , 30 and 36 .
- the cover 112 might include rear retention detent 25 .
- the rear retention detent 25 might have flat portion located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86 ) and a ramped portion located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76 ) such that when the tray 50 is in its fully-closed position, as shown in FIG. 1 and the sectional view of FIG.
- the lower rear lip 81 of tray 50 slides over the ramped portion of the rear retention detent 25 until the lower rear lip 81 of tray 50 is located behind the rear retention detent 25 , such that the lower rear lip 81 of tray 50 is engaged with the flat portion of the rear retention detent 25 , thus helping to keep the tray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44 ) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction.
- the rear retention detent 25 might be implemented as multiple detents located on the cover bottom side interior surface 122 , or might be implemented in conjunction with one or more rear retention detents located on one or both of the cover left side interior surface 128 and the cover right side interior surface 134 , such as shown in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of the interior of another alternate embodiment of the cover 212 .
- FIG. 14 shows a view cover bottom side interior surface 222 and cover left side interior surface 228 .
- the rear retention detent 25 might instead be located on one or both interior side surfaces 228 and 234 of the cover 212 , shown in FIG. 14 as the left side rear retention detent 125 a.
- the left side rear retention detent 125 a might have flat portion located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86 ) and a ramped portion located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76 ) such that when the tray 50 is in its fully-closed position, as shown in FIG.
- the left side rear lip 82 of tray 50 slides over the ramped portion of the left rear retention detent 125 a until the left side rear lip 82 of tray 50 is located behind the left side rear retention detent 125 a, such that the left side rear lip 82 of tray 50 is engaged with the flat portion of the left side rear retention detent 125 a, thus helping to keep the tray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44 ) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction.
- the rear retention detent might additionally or alternatively be located on the cover right side interior surface 234 (e.g., right side rear retention detent 125 b, not shown).
- detent ridge 224 located on cover bottom side interior surface 222 , might include the detent tab 23 .
- Detent tab 23 might be configured to engage a recess on the tray bottom side exterior surface 53 .
- detent tab 23 might be located within a recess on the tray bottom side exterior surface 53 .
- the recess might not extend for the entire length of the tray bottom side exterior surface 53 , thus preventing the tray 50 —under normal use—from being withdrawn from inside the cover 12 any further than approximately 50% of its depth. In other words, when in its fully-opened position, as shown in FIG. 2 , only approximately 50% of the tray top opening 51 is located exterior to the cover front opening 44 .
- any detent could be reversed to be a recess, and vice versa.
- the container has a cover that has a cover top side, a cover bottom side, a cover left side, a cover right side, and a cover rear side, which collectively define a cover internal volume.
- Each of the cover top side, the cover bottom side, the cover left side, and the cover right side have a front edge that defines a cover front opening.
- the cover also includes at least one cover retention element.
- a tray includes a tray front side, a tray bottom side, a tray left side, a tray right side, and a tray rear side, wherein the tray front side, the tray left side, the tray right side, and the tray rear side collectively define a tray top opening.
- the tray top opening has a length extending from the tray front side to the tray rear side and a width extending from the tray left side to the tray right side.
- the tray and cover are complimentarily shaped, such that the tray can be inserted within the cover internal volume through the cover front opening.
- the container has a fully closed position in which the tray top opening is fully contained within the internal volume and the tray front side fully covers the cover front opening.
- the cover also has a fully open position in which the at least one cover retention element engages the tray to resist further outward movement of the tray from the internal volume.
- the tray top opening includes a covered portion that is contained within the internal volume, and an exposed portion comprising preferably no more than 75% of the length of the tray top opening and, more preferably, no more than 50% of the length of the tray top opening.
- the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value of the value or range.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to containers for storing and distributing food items, for example confectionaries and chewing gum.
- A multitude of containers have been developed in the past for the storage and dispensing of gum, confectionary, pills, vitamins, and other similarly sized and shaped objects such as consumable food, confectionaries, medical products, or small items such as matches or toothpicks. Such dispensing containers have used various means to remove candy from the container for consumption. For example, handheld candy dispensers, such as for PEZ® or TIC-TACS® are well known. Such dispensers might be a container with a lid that can be opened to dispense the candy. Other such dispensers might include a chamber to hold the candy and a spring biased mechanism to push the candy out of the dispenser. Other containers might include a container with a sliding tray, for example a matchbox. However, in the case of a matchbox, there is generally nothing preventing the entire tray from being removed from the container and possibly spilling the contents. Thus, there is a need for improved compact, secure personal containers for carrying small items, for example gum, candy, pills, vitamins, and other similarly sized and shaped objects such as consumable food, confectionaries, medical products, or small items such as matches or toothpicks.
- In one respect, the present invention comprise a container having a cover and tray having retaining structures that retain the tray in a fully closed position with respect to the cover, as well as a fully open position, in which the tray is restrained from being fully removed from the cover, a first portion of a top opening of the tray is contained within the cover and a second portion of the top opening of the tray is exposed. In some embodiments it is desirable to have no more than 75% of top opening exposed (no more than 50% in other embodiments) when the tray is in a fully open position. The invention further comprises novel structures that enable these features and facilitate opening and closing of the container.
- In another respect, the present invention comprises a container that, when closed, provides a moisture barrier that restricts, but does not fully inhibit the flow of water vapor in and out of the container.
- In yet another respect, the invention comprises a container comprising a cove and tray having a concave shape that more closely follows the contours of the human body when the container is placed in a clothing pocket.
- Other aspects, features, and advantages of described embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a container according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with a tray of the container in its fully-closed position; -
FIG. 2 is a lower front perspective view thereof, with the tray in its fully-opened position; -
FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof; -
FIG. 4 is a front view thereof; -
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cover of the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of the tray of the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a left side view thereof; -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view thereof; -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the front end of an exemplary commercial embodiment according to the present invention showing features of the product packaging; -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the bottom half of the interior of an alternate embodiment of the cover shown inFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the bottom half of the interior of another alternate embodiment of the cover shown inFIG. 5 . - The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the herein disclosed inventions. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments in accordance with the herein disclosed invention. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
- To aid in describing the invention, directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification, in order to provide context for other features.
- In the figures, elements that are similar to those of other embodiments of the present invention are represented by reference numerals increased by a value of 100. Such elements should be regarded as having the same function and structure unless otherwise stated or depicted herein, and the discussion of such elements may therefore not be repeated for later-described embodiments.
- It is desirable to have a compact, portable container for storing and distributing small food items, for example candies and chewing gum, having the following features: sized and shaped so as to fit comfortably in a user's pocket; protective of the food items contained therein; easy to open; and securely closeable such that the container does not open accidentally. The inventors of the present application have addressed these and other drawbacks of the prior art.
-
FIGS. 1-12 generally show one embodiment of acontainer 10 for storing and distributing food items. It should be understood that thecontainer 10 could be used to store and distribute non-food items, for example toothpicks and other small objects that it may be desirable for a user to carry around on his or her person. Thecontainer 10 is comprised of two primary parts, acover 12 and atray 50. Thetray 50 is inserted within thecover 12 through a cover front opening 44. - The
cover 12 comprises acover top side 14 having a cover topside exterior surface 15 and a cover topside interior surface 16, acover bottom side 20 having a cover bottomside exterior surface 21 and a cover bottomside interior surface 22, a coverleft side 26 having a cover leftside exterior surface 27 and a cover leftside interior surface 28, a coverright side 32 having a cover rightside exterior surface 33 and a cover rightside interior surface 34, a coverrear side 40 having a cover rearside exterior surface 41 and a cover rearside interior surface 42, and the cover front opening 44. In this embodiment, thecover bottom side 20 is slightly concave so that it approximately corresponds with the curvature of various parts of a user's body (e.g., leg, chest), so that thecontainer 10 rests more comfortably against the user's body when placed in a pocket. As discussed below, thetray 50 is also shaped to accommodate the concavity of thecover bottom side 20. In this embodiment, the covertop side 14 is also preferably curved (slightly convex). In exemplary embodiments, thecover bottom side 20 and thetray 50 might have a concavity having a radius in the range of 8 inches (20.3 cm) to 14 inches (35.6 cm), more preferably 11 inches (27.9 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm) and, most preferably, in the range of 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) to 11.6 inches (29.6 cm). - Detent
ridge 18 is located on cover topside interior surface 16,detent ridge 24 is located on cover bottomside interior surface 22,detent ridge 30 is located on cover leftside interior surface 28, anddetent ridge 36 is located on cover rightside interior surface 34. Each of thedetent ridges cover 12, i.e., approximately halfway between the cover front opening 44 and the coverrear side 40. Each of thedetent ridges tray 50 into thecover 12, but flat on its respective back side (i.e., on its side closer to the cover rear side 40) to prevent thetray 50 from falling out of thecover 12. The interaction of thesedetent ridges tray 50 will be described in further detail below. Thedetent ridges tray 50 from being fully removed from thecover 12. Other examples of cover and tray retention elements are provided in other exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein. - The
tray 50 comprises a traytop opening 51, atray bottom side 52 having a tray bottomside exterior surface 53 and a tray bottomside interior surface 60, a trayleft side 62 having anotch 64, a tray leftside exterior surface 65 having adetent bead 66, and a tray leftside interior surface 67, a trayright side 69 having anotch 71, a tray rightside exterior surface 72 having adetent bead 73, and a tray rightside interior surface 74, a trayrear side 76 having a tray rearside exterior surface 76 and a tray rearside interior surface 78, and a tray front portion 86. Thenotches tray 50 and lift out a piece of candy or gum, without the need to turn thecontainer 10 upside-down, thus avoiding the risk that multiple pieces of candy or gum will fall out of thecontainer 10. In this embodiment, the depth of thenotches tray 50. In this embodiment, thetray bottom side 52 also has a slightly concave shape, in order to compliment the shape of thecover bottom side 20, which provides for a better fit between thetray 50 and thecover 12. - The rear end of the
tray 50 includes a plurality of lips, namely, upperrear lip 80, lowerrear lip 81, left siderear lip 82, and right siderear lip 83. When thetray 50 is pulled outwardly to its fully-opened position, it is retained in that position by the interaction of the lips 80-83 with the flat portions of thedetent ridges cover 12. Specifically, upperrear lip 80 engages the flat portion ofdetent ridge 18, lowerrear lip 81 engages the flat portion of thedetent ridge 24, left siderear lip 82 engages the flat portion of thedetent ridge 30, and right siderear lip 83 engages the flat portion of thedetent ridge 36. In this way, thetray 50 is prevented—under normal use—from being withdrawn from inside thecover 12 any further than approximately 50% of its depth. In other words, when in its fully-opened position, as shown inFIG. 2 , only approximately 50% of thetray top opening 51 is located exterior to thecover front opening 44. Thedetent beads tray 50 evenly spaced within the interior of thecover 12. - Located on the tray bottom side
exterior surface 53 is adetent 55 and a pair ofanti-compression ridges detent 55 has aflat portion 57 located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86) and a rampedportion 56 located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76). When thetray 50 is put in its fully-closed position, as shown inFIG. 1 and the sectional view ofFIG. 10 , the rampedportion 56 of thedetent 55 slides over thedetent ridge 24 located on the cover bottom sideinterior surface 22 until thedetent 55 is located behind thedetent ridge 24, such that thedetent ridge 24 is engaged with theflat portion 57 of thedetent 55. The interaction of thedetent 55 and thedetent ridge 24 helps to keep thetray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction and the frictional interaction of the tray front portion 86 with the interior surfaces of thecover 12, which is described in detail below. - Applicant has discovered that customers have different preferences concerning the locations at which they hold the
container 10 when attempting to open it. Some users will hold the container by the cover leftside 26 and coverright side 32, and pull out thetray 50. Other users will hold the container by thecover top side 14 and coverbottom side 20 while attempting to pull out thetray 50. For this latter group of users, Applicant found that the force applied to thecover top side 14 and coverbottom side 20 made it difficult for the users to pull out the tray. In this embodiment, therefore, theanti-compression ridges exterior surface 53. Theanti-compression ridges tray 50 and the interior surfaces of thecover 12, thereby permitting easier removal of thetray 50 from within thecover 12. In this embodiment, theanti-compression ridges right sides - As shown in
FIGS. 3, 4, and 8 , the tray front portion 86 comprises alip 88, afinger slot 89 including anindent 90, atray insertion stop 92, a chamferedportion 94, and a tray front opening 96 including areinforcement ridge 98. Thefinger slot 89 extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86 and provides a comfortable place for the user to rest his or her fingers when opening or closing thetray 50. Thefinger slot 89 terminates at alip 88 that also extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86. Located within thefinger slot 89, corresponding with the upper side of thetray 50, is theindent 90. Theindent 90 serves as a tactile indicator to the user that they have thecontainer 10 held such that, when opened, the food items contained within thetray 50 do not fall to the floor. Thetray insertion stop 92 extends around the entire outer perimeter of the tray front portion 86, divides the chamferedportion 94 from thefinger slot 89, and acts to completely cover the cover front opening when thetray 50 is in its fully-closed position. - The perimeter of the
lip 88 is preferably located in substantially the same plane so that thecontainer 10 can be stood on end. - As best seen in
FIGS. 3 and 8 , the chamferedportion 94 tapers in thickness such that it is thickest where it makes contact with thetray insertion stop 92. The respectiveinterior surfaces portion 94 as thetray 50 is inserted into thecover front opening 44. This frictional fit is primarily responsible for holding thetray 50 in its fully-closed position. - In order for many food items to remain fresh, it is desirable for the
container 10 to by air-permeable but to restrict the flow of moisture to and from thecontainer 10 when it is in a fully closed position. The interaction of the chamferedportion 94 with the respectiveinterior surfaces container 10. - For purposes of this application, moisture permeability of the container is measured by the following method: (1) weighing a quantity anhydrous desiccant, (2) placing the desiccant inside the tray, (3) fully inserting the tray into the cover, (4) placing the container (with the desiccant contained therein) in a temperature and atmospherically-controlled chamber at 103 degrees F. (39.4 degrees C.) and 80% relative humidity for twenty four hours, and (5) measuring the weight of the desiccant after step (4). Under this procedure, the degree of moisture permeability is expressed a percentage weight gain by the desiccant. As used in the specification and claims, the term “moisture barrier” means a barrier that provides a moisture permeability corresponding to a weight gain is in the range of 0.25% to 5.0% and, preferably in the range of 0.5% to 3.0%, using the test described above.
- The
tray front opening 96 is hollow to comfortably accommodate the insertion of a user's fingers therein, and includes areinforcement ridge 98 that spans across the tray front opening 96 between its top and bottom edges. The reinforcement ridge has an arcuate cutout therein (seeFIGS. 1 and 2 ) so that it does not interfere with a user's fingers, while being flexible and providing added rigidity. Thereinforcement ridge 98 will flex when squeezed, but prevents the user from collapsing thefinger slot 89 when gripping the tray front portion 86. Additionally, the tray front portion 86 might be arranged in a planar layout that is substantially perpendicular to the length of thecover 12, such thatcontainer 10 can be stood vertically on the tray front portion 86. This position might also beneficially allow items within thecontainer 10 to be shifted to the front end oftray 50, to be disposed within the exposed region of thetray top opening 51 when thetray 50 is in the fully open position. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , when thecontainer 10 is packaged for sale, it is typically shrink-wrapped in apackaging sleeve 99 that is tightly sealed around the perimeter of theentire finger slot 89, which is recessed. This will make it more evident when someone has attempted to tamper with the packaging of thecontainer 10. Thepackaging sleeve 99 is preferably perforated near the front edge of thecover 12 and to the rear of thetray insertion stop 92 so that theperforation 100 is torn when thetray 50 is first opened, thereby providing a method of initially opening thecontainer 10 and providing a tamper-evident seal. Thepackaging sleeve 99 has heat-activated adhesive for fixing thepackaging sleeve 99 in place, such that thepackaging sleeve 99 stays in place around the exterior of the container 10 (i.e., the exterior of the cover 12) after thecontainer 10 has been initially opened. -
FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the interior of an alternate embodiment of the cover 112. In particular,FIG. 13 shows a view cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 128. Although not shown inFIG. 13 , cover top side interior surface 116 and tray right side interior surface 134 might be similarly constructed as cover bottom side interior surface 122 and cover left side interior surface 128 as shown inFIG. 13 . As described herein, detent ridge 118 is located on cover top side interior surface 116, detent ridge 124 is located on cover bottom side interior surface 122, detent ridge 130 is located on cover left side interior surface 128, and detent ridge 136 is located on cover right side interior surface 134. As shown inFIG. 13 , the detent ridge 124 might be split into segments, for example a first detent ridge segment 124 a and a second detent ridge segment 124 b, separated by area 19 in which there is no detent ridge. Each of the detent ridge segments 124 a and 124 b is located at approximately half the depth of the cover 112, with a similar design and function as described herein in regard to thedetent ridges - Also as shown in
FIG. 13 , the cover 112 might include rear retention detent 25. The rear retention detent 25 might have flat portion located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86) and a ramped portion located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76) such that when thetray 50 is in its fully-closed position, as shown inFIG. 1 and the sectional view ofFIG. 10 , the lowerrear lip 81 oftray 50 slides over the ramped portion of the rear retention detent 25 until the lowerrear lip 81 oftray 50 is located behind the rear retention detent 25, such that the lowerrear lip 81 oftray 50 is engaged with the flat portion of the rear retention detent 25, thus helping to keep thetray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction. Although shown inFIG. 13 as a single detent located on cover bottom side interior surface 122, the rear retention detent 25 might be implemented as multiple detents located on the cover bottom side interior surface 122, or might be implemented in conjunction with one or more rear retention detents located on one or both of the cover left side interior surface 128 and the cover right side interior surface 134, such as shown inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of the interior of another alternate embodiment of thecover 212. In particular,FIG. 14 shows a view cover bottom sideinterior surface 222 and cover left sideinterior surface 228. As shown inFIG. 14 , the rear retention detent 25 might instead be located on one or both interior side surfaces 228 and 234 of thecover 212, shown inFIG. 14 as the left siderear retention detent 125 a. The left siderear retention detent 125 a might have flat portion located on its anterior side (i.e., closer to the tray front portion 86) and a ramped portion located on its posterior side (i.e., closer to the tray rear side 76) such that when thetray 50 is in its fully-closed position, as shown inFIG. 1 and the sectional view ofFIG. 10 , the left siderear lip 82 oftray 50 slides over the ramped portion of the leftrear retention detent 125 a until the left siderear lip 82 oftray 50 is located behind the left siderear retention detent 125 a, such that the left siderear lip 82 oftray 50 is engaged with the flat portion of the left siderear retention detent 125 a, thus helping to keep thetray 50 in its fully-closed position until it is pulled outwardly (i.e., in a direction substantially towards the cover front opening 44) with sufficient force to overcome this interaction. Although shown inFIG. 14 as a single detent located on cover left sideinterior surface 228, the rear retention detent might additionally or alternatively be located on the cover right side interior surface 234 (e.g., right side rear retention detent 125 b, not shown). - Also shown in
FIG. 14 ,detent ridge 224, located on cover bottom sideinterior surface 222, might include thedetent tab 23.Detent tab 23 might be configured to engage a recess on the tray bottom sideexterior surface 53. In particular,detent tab 23 might be located within a recess on the tray bottom sideexterior surface 53. However, the recess might not extend for the entire length of the tray bottom sideexterior surface 53, thus preventing thetray 50—under normal use—from being withdrawn from inside thecover 12 any further than approximately 50% of its depth. In other words, when in its fully-opened position, as shown inFIG. 2 , only approximately 50% of thetray top opening 51 is located exterior to thecover front opening 44. - Further, although described herein as being a detent (e.g., a protrusion), as would be understood by one of skill in the art, any detent could be reversed to be a recess, and vice versa.
- Thus, described embodiments provide a container for storing and distributing items. The container has a cover that has a cover top side, a cover bottom side, a cover left side, a cover right side, and a cover rear side, which collectively define a cover internal volume. Each of the cover top side, the cover bottom side, the cover left side, and the cover right side have a front edge that defines a cover front opening. The cover also includes at least one cover retention element. A tray includes a tray front side, a tray bottom side, a tray left side, a tray right side, and a tray rear side, wherein the tray front side, the tray left side, the tray right side, and the tray rear side collectively define a tray top opening. The tray top opening has a length extending from the tray front side to the tray rear side and a width extending from the tray left side to the tray right side. The tray and cover are complimentarily shaped, such that the tray can be inserted within the cover internal volume through the cover front opening. The container has a fully closed position in which the tray top opening is fully contained within the internal volume and the tray front side fully covers the cover front opening. The cover also has a fully open position in which the at least one cover retention element engages the tray to resist further outward movement of the tray from the internal volume. Also, in the fully open position, the tray top opening includes a covered portion that is contained within the internal volume, and an exposed portion comprising preferably no more than 75% of the length of the tray top opening and, more preferably, no more than 50% of the length of the tray top opening.
- Although exemplary embodiments of the herein described device has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiment without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the herein described device. Accordingly, these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the herein described device.
- Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”
- As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value of the value or range.
- It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts that have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the described embodiments might be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope expressed in the following claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/124,185 US20170088329A1 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2015-03-07 | Personal container for food item storage and distribution |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201461949776P | 2014-03-07 | 2014-03-07 | |
US15/124,185 US20170088329A1 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2015-03-07 | Personal container for food item storage and distribution |
PCT/US2015/019331 WO2015134955A1 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2015-03-07 | Personal container for food item storage and distribution |
Publications (1)
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US20170088329A1 true US20170088329A1 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
Family
ID=54055934
Family Applications (1)
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US15/124,185 Abandoned US20170088329A1 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2015-03-07 | Personal container for food item storage and distribution |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US20170088329A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2941699C (en) |
MX (1) | MX2016011626A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015134955A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220175618A1 (en) * | 2020-12-08 | 2022-06-09 | Hong Kong Abby Technology Co., Ltd | Pill organizer |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL2015460B1 (en) * | 2015-09-17 | 2017-04-19 | Marfo B V | Food Package with Slidable Container Members. |
WO2018085349A1 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2018-05-11 | Charm Concepts, Llc | Delivery apparatus to deliver a hidden item inside a food |
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US2867369A (en) * | 1954-06-21 | 1959-01-06 | Charles C Cernera | Containers for cigarettes |
US3987891A (en) * | 1975-07-07 | 1976-10-26 | Plastic Research Products, Inc. | Moisture proof safety container for pills and the like |
FR2680755A1 (en) * | 1991-09-03 | 1993-03-05 | Magiflash | Improvements to packages comprising a body forming a sleeve in which a drawer is slidingly mounted |
DE29500370U1 (en) * | 1995-01-11 | 1995-02-23 | Fuchs GmbH, 53757 Sankt Augustin | Containers for toothbrush heads |
US20040055903A1 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2004-03-25 | Kenichi Nishimura | Slide open container |
US7178674B2 (en) * | 2001-09-03 | 2007-02-20 | Lts Lohmann Therapie Systeme Ag | Container comprising a slide cover |
US9248935B2 (en) * | 2008-12-01 | 2016-02-02 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Dual cavity sliding dispenser |
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CA1308395C (en) * | 1985-12-19 | 1992-10-06 | Thomas K. Kelly | Container for tablets |
US20050092763A1 (en) * | 2003-11-03 | 2005-05-05 | Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. | Package for storing and dispensing edible film strips |
US7946450B2 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2011-05-24 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Dispensing container |
JP6000547B2 (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2016-09-28 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Slidable container with child lock |
-
2015
- 2015-03-07 MX MX2016011626A patent/MX2016011626A/en unknown
- 2015-03-07 US US15/124,185 patent/US20170088329A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-03-07 WO PCT/US2015/019331 patent/WO2015134955A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-03-07 CA CA2941699A patent/CA2941699C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2867369A (en) * | 1954-06-21 | 1959-01-06 | Charles C Cernera | Containers for cigarettes |
US3987891A (en) * | 1975-07-07 | 1976-10-26 | Plastic Research Products, Inc. | Moisture proof safety container for pills and the like |
FR2680755A1 (en) * | 1991-09-03 | 1993-03-05 | Magiflash | Improvements to packages comprising a body forming a sleeve in which a drawer is slidingly mounted |
DE29500370U1 (en) * | 1995-01-11 | 1995-02-23 | Fuchs GmbH, 53757 Sankt Augustin | Containers for toothbrush heads |
US7178674B2 (en) * | 2001-09-03 | 2007-02-20 | Lts Lohmann Therapie Systeme Ag | Container comprising a slide cover |
US20040055903A1 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2004-03-25 | Kenichi Nishimura | Slide open container |
US9248935B2 (en) * | 2008-12-01 | 2016-02-02 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Dual cavity sliding dispenser |
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US20220175618A1 (en) * | 2020-12-08 | 2022-06-09 | Hong Kong Abby Technology Co., Ltd | Pill organizer |
Also Published As
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WO2015134955A1 (en) | 2015-09-11 |
MX2016011626A (en) | 2016-12-14 |
CA2941699A1 (en) | 2015-09-11 |
CA2941699C (en) | 2019-10-29 |
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