US20090014457A1 - Hermetic container system - Google Patents

Abstract

A container system includes a receptacle configured to hold wipes that has an open first end and a closed second end. The receptacle is formed of a metal material. The container system also includes a closure having a base portion and a cover portion. The closure is formed of a plastic material. The base portion is coupled to the open first end of the receptacle. The cover portion is selectively movable relative the base portion between an open position and a closed position. A first hermetic seal is provided between the cover portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal is provided between the receptacle and the closure.

Description

BACKGROUND
• The present disclosure relates generally to a container system configured to hold a product. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a container system capable of providing a hermetically sealed environment for a product stored within the container system. The present disclosure also relates to a container system configured to hold wipes within a hermetically sealed environment, such as wipes that are at least partially saturated with a liquid solution (i.e., wet wipes).
• Conventional wipe container systems exist for holding both dry and wet wipes. The wipes may be used as baby wipes, household sanitizing wipes, moisturizing wipes, personal cleansing wipes, and wipes for other general purposes. Conventional wipe container systems are usually formed entirely of a plastic material and include a container portion for storing wipes and a lid portion. The lid portion is often formed separate from the container portion and subsequently attached thereto. Generally, the lid portion can be positioned in an open position to allow access to the wipes, or the lid portion may be placed in a closed position relative to the container portion to provide an enclosed environment for the wipes. The wipes are placed within the container portion, where they can be accessed by either lifting the lid portion or removed through a hole within the lid portion. Having to design and/or manufacture both a container portion and a lid portion formed of a plastic material and made specifically for a wipe container system may be relatively expensive and/or labor intensive. Also, container systems formed entirely from a plastic material may be more difficult to recycle and/or dispose of after use than container systems formed of one or more other materials.
• Thus, there is a need for a container system having a container portion and a lid portions formed of different materials that are chosen to reduce manufacturing costs and/or provide a more desirable product for the end user. There is also a need for an improved container system that is relatively inexpensive and convenient (e.g., simple-to-use, simple-to-store, etc.) for a user. There is further a need for an improved container system capable of containing wipes that are at least partially saturated with a liquid solution in a hermetically sealed environment. There is also a need for an improved container system that is capable of being more suitably stored in places of limited size such as purses, briefcases, backpacks, vehicle storage compartments, diaper bags or the like. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a container system capable of accomplishing any one or more of these or any other needs.
SUMMARY
• An exemplary embodiment relates to a container system. The container system includes a receptacle configured to hold wipes and has an open first end and a closed second end. The receptacle is formed of a metal material. The container system also includes a closure having a base portion and a cover portion. The base portion is coupled to the open first end of the receptacle. The closure is formed of a plastic material. The cover portion is selectively movable relative the base portion between an open position and a closed position. A first hermetic seal is provided between the cover portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal is provided between the receptacle and the closure.
• Another exemplary embodiment relates to a wipe container system. The container system includes a receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end. The receptacle is formed of an aluminum material. The container system also includes a plurality of wipes stowed with the receptacle and a closure having a base portion and a lid portion. The base portion is coupled to the open first end of the base. The closure is formed of a plastic material. The lid portion of the closure releasably engages the base portion to provide a hermetically sealed environment for the wipes.
• Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of providing a hermetically sealed container for holding wipes. The method includes the steps of providing a receptacle formed of an aluminum material, wherein the receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end, providing a closure formed of plastic, wherein the closure having a base portion and a lid portion, coupling the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle and providing a first hermetic seal between the lid portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal between the receptacle and the closure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container system according to an exemplary embodiment shown in an open position.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container system ofFIG. 1 shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 4 taken along a line5-5.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover portion of the container system ofFIG. 1 shown in an open position.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover portion ofFIG. 6 shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the cover portion ofFIG. 6 shown in the open position.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion ofFIG. 8 taken along the line9-9.
• FIG. 10 is a front view of the cover portion ofFIG. 6 shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion ofFIG. 10 taken along the line11-11.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment shown in an open position.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container system ofFIG. 12 shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 14 is a front view of the container system ofFIG. 13.
• FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 14 taken along the line15-15.
• FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 15 taken along the line16-16.
• FIG. 17 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 17 taken along the line17-17.
• FIG. 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 18 taken along the line19-19.
• FIG. 20 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 20 taken along the line21-21.
• FIG. 22 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 21 taken along the line22-22.
• FIG. 23 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.
• FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 23 taken along the line24-24.
• FIG. 25 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system ofFIG. 24 taken along the line25-25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring generally to the FIGURES, acontainer system100 and components thereof are shown according to exemplary embodiments.Container system100 generally includes a container portion (e.g., bottom, second portion, base, can, etc.), shown as areceptacle200, and a cover portion (e.g., sealing member, lid, top, first portion, etc.), shown as aclosure300.Receptacle200 andclosure300 cooperate to provide a conveniently sized storage system suitable for holding or otherwise stowing a product.
• Container system100 advantageously combines two distinct fields (e.g., the metal can industry and the plastic closure industry, etc.) to provide a storage system that may be efficient to manufacture (e.g., cost efficient, labor efficient, etc.), convenient for a user and/or at least partially recyclable after use. In particular,container system100 includes a receptacle that is formed of an metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.) and a closure that is formed of a plastic material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle used incontainer system100 is formed of a material that is the same as or substantially similar to the material commonly used to form receptacles used to retain liquid beverages (e.g., soda, beer, juice, sport drinks, etc.), often referred to generically as an “aluminum can.”
• According to an exemplary embodiment,container system100 is capable of providing a hermetically sealed environment for the product. For purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “hermetically sealed,” unless expressly stated otherwise, is used broadly to refer to an airtight or substantially airtight seal. To facilitate providing such an environment,container system100 is capable of providing at least a hermetic seal between the receptacle formed of a metal material and the closure formed of a plastic material.
• According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ofcontainer system100 is configured to hold wipes (e.g., tissues, wetted and/or moist wipes, towelettes, towels, napkins, etc.) that are selectively dispensable through the closure by the user. The wipes may be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, personal care wipes, baby wipes, or household sanitizing wipes. The wipes may be treated with a liquid solution (e.g., at least partially saturated with the liquid solution, etc.). Such wipes may include wipes that are commonly referred to as “wet-wipes” or “towelettes.” The liquid solution may be an aqueous, non-aqueous, volatile or non-volatile solution. Such solutions may be used for moisturizing, cleansing, beautifying, healing, treating, and/or any other suitable purpose. For example, the wipes may be treated with sunscreen to provide a readily easy and convenient way for a user to apply sunscreen. Alternatively, the wipes may be impregnated with a substance that is relatively dry. For example, the wipes may be impregnated with surfactants or with paraffin. Wipes impregnated with a relatively dry substance may be designed to be wetted before use or may be designed to be used in the relatively dry state. Further, for the sake of brevity the term “wipes” is used generally to describe one or more wipes.
• It should be noted at the outset that whilecontainer system100 and its components thereof are described herein as being configured to hold wipes,container system100 is suitable for holding any of a variety of products for which it may be desirable to use a receptacle formed of a metal material in combination with a closure formed of a plastic material. For example,container system100 may be used to hold other products including, but not limited to, liquids (e.g., carbonated or non-carbonated beverage, etc.), particulate matter (e.g., foodstuffs, fertilizer, pet food, etc.) or cosmetic substances.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 11 in particular,container system100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.Container system100 is shown as including areceptacle200 and aclosure300.Container system100 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between a first or open position (shown inFIG. 1) and a second or closed position (shown inFIG. 2) by movingclosure300 relative toreceptacle200.Receptacle200 andclosure300 are formed separately and made of different materials. As detailed below,receptacle200 is formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.), whileclosure300 is formed of a plastic material.Receptacle200 andclosure300 are coupled together to provide the convenient storage system for a user. For example, the combination ofreceptacle200 andclosure300 may provide a storage system that is easy transportable by a user (e.g., sized to conveniently fit into a user's bag, vehicle, purse, pocket, drawer, etc.).
• Before proceeding, it should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” is used broadly to mean the joining or combining of two or more members (e.g., portions, materials, components, etc.) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining or combining may be relatively stationary (e.g., fixed, etc.) in nature or movable (e.g., adjustable, etc.) in nature. Such joining or combining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (e.g., one-piece, etc.) or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining or combining may be intended to be relatively permanent in nature or alternatively may be intended to be relatively detachable or removable in nature.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 through 5,receptacle200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.Receptacle200 generally includes a body (e.g., central portion, etc.), shown as acylindrical side wall202, extending in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis between an open first ortop end204 and a closed second orbottom end206. According to an exemplary embodiment,receptacle200 is a one-piece unitary body formed from a single sheet of material. According to the various alternative embodiments,receptacle200 may be formed of two or more sections that are subsequently coupled together. For example, the closed bottom end may be a separate section that gets coupled to a bottom portion of the cylindrical side wall.
• Side wall202,top end204 andbottom end206 cooperate to define a cavity oraperture208 configured to retain a product. The size and shape ofaperture208 may vary depending on a number of design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment,aperture208 is configured to hold between approximately 6 ounces and approximately 36 ounces. For example,aperture208 may be configured to hold between approximately 12 ounces and approximately 24 ounces. In particular,aperture208 may be configured to hold approximately 14 ounces. According to the various alternative embodiments,aperture208 may have a volume greater than or less than the ranges provided. Limiting the volume ofaperture208 allows the overall size ofcontainer system100 to be minimized, thereby allowingcontainer system100 to be conveniently carried or stowed in relatively size restricted areas (e.g., pockets, purses, backpacks, etc.) by the user.
• Referring toFIG. 4,bottom end206 ofreceptacle200 according to an exemplary embodiment.Bottom end206 is shown as being necked down relative tocylindrical side wall202 to form a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is coupled at a seam or ridge to a lower periphery ofcylindrical side wall202. According to the embodiment illustrated,bottom end206 has the profile of a truncated dome or cone with a central cavity or depression extending in an upward direction and centered about the longitudinal axis ofside wall202. The outer surfaces ofbottom end206 are shown as being non-linear (e.g., segmented, curved, etc.), but alternatively may be linear. The configuration ofbottom end206 may advantageously add rigidity toreceptacle200 and/or may allow for substantiallysimilar container systems100 to be stacked atop of each other when stowed (e.g., during transport, when on display, etc.). For example,bottom end206 of afirst container system100 may be configured to engage a portion of closure300 (as detailed below) of a second container to keep the container systems in proper alignment when stacked.
• Referring toFIGS. 3 through 5,top end204 ofreceptacle200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.Top end204 is the portion ofreceptacle200 that is configured to receive and/or be coupled toclosure300. Unlike the top end of a typical beverage can,top end204 ofreceptacle200 defines an opening that is substantially unobstructed to allow a product to be added before and/or afterclosure300 is secured thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment,top end204 is shown as being necked down relative tocylindrical side wall202 to form a shoulder portion which is coupled at a seam or ridge to a lower periphery ofcylindrical side wall202.Top end204 may be necked down in any of a variety of configurations. For example, according to the embodiment illustrated,top end204 extends inward in a generally linear manner until reaching an upper portion oftop end204. At the upper portion,top end204 curves outward (e.g., is flared out, etc.) to provide a lip or rim209 which extends continuously around the circumference of the opening. As shown inFIG. 5, and as detailed below,rim209 engagesclosure300 in a friction-fit manner to provide a hermetic seal betweenreceptacle200 andclosure300.
• According to an exemplary embodiment,receptacle200 is formed of an aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy. For example,receptacle200 ofcontainer system100 may be substantially the same as a receptacle that is used for an aluminum beverage container (e.g., soda can, beer can, etc.). This allows the manufacturer ofcontainer system100 to reduce manufacturing costs since an already designed and/or existing receptacle may be used (i.e., one that a manufacturer of the receptacle would otherwise be manufacturing for the aluminum beverage container industry). According to the various alternative embodiments,receptacle200 may be formed of any known or otherwise suitable metal material capable of providing a substantially rigid structure defining an aperture. For example,receptacle200 may be made of a tin-free steel plate, a tin plated steel plate, a zinc plated steel plate, nickel plated, etc.Receptacle200 may be made of any one of these materials (or other suitable materials) alone or in combination with another material.
• Referring toFIGS. 6 through 11,closure300 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.Closure300 is formed of a plastic material and is configured to be coupled to the open end ofreceptacle200. According to an exemplary embodiment,closure300 is configured to be fixedly coupled toreceptacle200 in manner that is not intended to be undone by a user, but alternatively, may be configured to be selectively removable by the user.Closure300 defines an opening through which a user can remove a product stowed withinreceptacle200.
• Closure300 generally includes a base302 (e.g., body, etc.) and a cover304 (e.g., lid, flap, etc.).Closure300 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between the open position (shown inFIGS. 6,8 and9) and the closed position (shown inFIGS. 7,10 and11). When in the closed position,base302 and cover304 cooperate to provide a hermetically sealed environment for products stowed withinreceptacle200.
• According to an exemplary embodiment,base302 and cover304 are joined by a hinge305 (e.g. coupler, joint, etc.) for pivotal movement ofcover304 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment illustrated, hinge305 is integrally formed withbase302 and cover304 in an injection molding process to provide a relatively thin “web” of material extending betweenbase302 andcover304. The integral formation ofbase302,cover304 and hinge305 is intended to prevent loss or misplacement ofcover304. However, ifhinge305 fails or tears,cover304 may still be capable of attachment over or to base302 due to the latching mechanism detailed below.
• According to the embodiment illustrated,base302 includes an end wall306 (e.g., platform, top portion, etc.) defining a dispensing aperture308 (e.g. opening, hole, pattern of holes, etc.), aprojection310 extending upward therefrom at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to endwall306, and a side wall312 (e.g., body, peripheral surface, etc.) extending downward fromend wall306 at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to endwall306.
• End wall306 is shown as a flange or ledge extending around the periphery ofbase302 in a substantially horizontal plane. Dispensing aperture308 is a substantially circular opening sized to allow a user to convenient remove products (e.g., wipes, etc.) stowed withinreceptacle200. A wipe retention device (shown more clearly inFIG. 12) may partially obstruct aperture308 to provide a structure intended to assist a user when attempting to remove a single wipe fromreceptacle200. If used, the wipes are directed through the opening of the retention device before being removed. As a user pulls on an individual wipe, the retention device applies a force sufficient to tear or otherwise separate the wipe for use, while retaining a second wipe in the opening for convenient subsequent use.
• Projection310 surrounds aperture308 and corresponds to a latching mechanism provided oncover304.Projection310 may include a lip340, which can be located at the distal end ofprojection310 as shown orintermediate projection310. A portion ofprojection310 has a width that includes lip340. Lip340 may include a rounded curvilinear edge extending fromprojection310 as shown inFIG. 5. According to the various alternative embodiments, lip340 may be comprised of a section with linear edges to form triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape, or may be configured in a variety of shapes combining both linear and nonlinear edges. According to further alternative embodiments, lip340 may be formed by removing a portion ofprojection310 between its distal edge and endwall306 to whichprojection310 is coupled resulting in a lip340 that does not bulge outward fromprojection310.
• Side wall312 is adapted to fit over a structure surrounding the open end of the receptacle200 (e.g.,top end204 ofreceptacle200, etc.).Side wall312 is a generally cylindrical member, shown as a first or outer downwardly depending skirt, that is configured to be concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis ofreceptacle200.Side wall312 may include a coupling device or an attachment structure for securing the closure to an opening on a container (e.g. of a conventional type such as threads, snap-fit projections or grooves, etc.). The attachment structure may be located on an inside surface for engaging a corresponding attachment structure (e.g., guides, recesses, slots, grooves, etc.) onreceptacle200 to detachably couple theclosure300 to an open end ofreceptacle200.
• According to the embodiment illustrated, to facilitate securingclosure300 toreceptacle200,base302 further includes a second or inner downwardly depending skirt314 (shown inFIGS. 9 and 11).Skirt314 is a generally cylindrical member spaced inward from and concentric withside wall312. According to the embodiment illustrated,skirt314 is shown as being substantially coplanar withprojection310.Side wall312 andskirt314 cooperate to define agroove316 that is configured to receivetop end204 ofreceptacle200 whenclosure300 is added toreceptacle200. Referring back toFIG. 5,top end204 ofreceptacle200 is shown as being received withingroove316. According to the embodiment illustrated, the width ofgroove316 and/or the diameter ofside wall312 is less than the thickness oftop end204 and/or the diameter oftop end204. Either way, a friction-fit is formed betweenside wall312 andtop end204. If the width ofgroove316 is less than the thickness oftop end204, then a friction fit will also be formed betweentop end204 andskirt314. This friction-fit provides a hermetic seal betweenreceptacle200 andclosure300.
• According to an exemplary embodiment,skirt314 is a continuous member, but alternatively may be provided intermittently aroundbase302. According to the embodiment illustrated, bothside wall312 andskirt314 extend downward frombase302 in a substantially vertical direction without any projections or other coupling structures thereon. One or more ofside wall312 andskirt314 are configured to flex slightly in response to being engaged bytop end204 ofreceptacle200 to provide for the hermetic seal betweenreceptacle200 andclosure300.
• Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, cover304 includes an end wall320 (e.g., platform, top portion, etc.) and a side wall322 (e.g., skirt, peripheral surface, etc.) extending downward therefrom at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to endwall320.Side wall322 extends downward at an outer edge ofend wall320 and has a bottom end configured to abutend wall306 whenclosure300 is in the closed position.Side wall322 is also shown as including an opening mechanism, shown as a thumb detail323 (e.g., a relatively flattened portion, etc.), at a front portion ofside wall322 to assist a user when movingcover304 into the open position. According to the various alternative embodiments, the opening mechanism may be a lever, switch, handle, or other means to facilitate engagement or disengagement ofcover304 andbase302. For example, a tab-like design may be utilized to allow the user to disengagecover304 frombase302 using only one hand by exerting opposite forces oncover304 andbase302.
• Referring toFIG. 7 in particular, the outer surface ofend wall320 has a contour that is partially concave. According to the various alternative embodiments, the outer surface ofend wall320 may have any suitable shape or contour, including a shape or contour that is flat, rounded, cone-shaped or truncated cone-shaped, frustoconical, hemispherical, convex, etc. The outer surface ofend wall320 is further shown as including a projection (e.g., ring, ridge, rib, etc.), shown as aledge325 having a generally rectangular cross section. According to the embodiment illustrated,ledge325 extends upward from an outer edge or periphery ofend wall320 to provide a generally smooth outer surface of the closure and to provide structure that tends to facilitate vertical stacking of like container systems one atop another. In particular, abottom end206 of a second receptacle is configured to engageledge325 when stacked atop. According to the various alternative embodiments,ledge325 may be provided in several segments that may each have end regions that transition to endwall320 of cover300 (e.g. sloped, rounded, curved, etc.). According to further alternative embodiments, the size, cross-sectional shape, thickness, etc. ofledge325 may be any suitable shape to engage a bottom surface of a container to facilitate stacking (e.g. rounded, flat, angled, etc.).
• To facilitate the securement ofcover304 tobase302 and to provide a hermetic seal therebetween, cover304 further includes a latching mechanism330. According to an exemplary embodiment, latching mechanism330 includes a first member (e.g., key, skirt, etc.), shown as afirst projection324, providing a first connector element and a second member (e.g., key, skirt, etc.), shown as asecond projection326, providing a second connector element.First projection324 andsecond projection326 are substantially cylindrical members that are concentrically aligned and cooperate to define agroove328.Groove328 is configured receiveprojection310 ofbase302 whencover304 is placed in the closed position such thatprojection310 engages at least one offirst projection324 andsecond projection326. When engaged,projection310 and groove328 form a hermetic seal continuously about aperture308. According to the various alternative embodiments, the elements may be reversed withbase302 defininggroove328 and cover304 supportingprojection310.
• As stated above,groove328 is defined byfirst projection324 andsecond projection326. Referring back toFIG. 5,first projection324 is shown as including an indentation and a protrusion along an inner surface. The protrusion andsecond projection326 define a distance sized to receiveprojection310. Generally, the distance is no greater than the width ofprojection310, and according to an exemplary embodiment, the distance is slightly less than the width ofprojection310. According to the embodiment illustrated,second projection326 is flexible to allowprojection310 to releasably engagegroove328. A flexible second projection326 (e.g., a wiper, etc.) also facilitates engagement ofprojection310 and groove328 without significant manual deflection ofcover304 and/orbase302.Second projection326 may also include a chamfered edge (e.g., a camming surface, etc.) to facilitate engagement ofprojection310. According to the various alternative embodiments, either one or both offirst projection324 andsecond projection326 may be flexible to allowprojection310 to releasably engagegroove328.
• Still referring toFIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the hermetic seal betweenbase302 and cover304 is shown. Whenclosure300 is placed in theclosed position projection310 becomes releasably engaged withgroove328. Onceprojection310 is releasably engaged withgroove328, lip340 may be adjacent to an indentation defined byfirst projection324 and the rest ofprojection310 may be closely adjacent to at least one offirst projection324 andsecond projection326 to effect the hermetic seal betweenbase302 andcover304. According to the various alternative embodiments, variations are possible without departing from the advantages of the latching mechanism detailed above. A number of different configurations that include projections, grooves, indentations, protrusions, lips, or a plurality of one or more of the elements may be used to provide the hermetic seal betweenbase302 andcover304.
• Referring back toFIG. 3,container system100 may optionally include a third member (e.g., collar, etc.), shown as asleeve400.Sleeve400 is an annular member designed by be positioned adjacent to the outer (e.g., exterior, exposed, etc.) surface ofreceptacle200.Sleeve400 may be used for aesthetic reasons to hide or otherwise attempt to conceal the coupling arrangement betweenreceptacle200 andclosure300. Withsleeve400,container system100 may have a more uniform appearance that may be more attractive to potential consumers. According to an exemplary embodiment,sleeve400 is formed of a plastic material, and in particular, the same plastic material used to formclosure300.
• According to an exemplary embodiment,sleeve400 includes abody portion402 and a platform or base, shown as aflange404.Body portion402 is shown as a substantially cylindrical member that is substantially coplanar withside wall202 ofreceptacle200.Body portion402 has a lower edge configured to engage or be positioned closely adjacent to the seam or ridge at least visually separatingside wall202 ofreceptacle200 fromtop end204. According to the embodiment illustrated,body portion402 has a length that is longer than the length ofside wall312 ofclosure300 to conceal the entire coupling arrangement.
• Referring toFIG. 5,flange404 provides a structure for couplingsleeve400 toclosure300. According to the embodiment illustrated,flange404 includes an abutment surface designed to engage a corresponding portion onclosure300. In particular,flange404 is configured to abut and engage a bottom surface ofend wall320 ofclosure300.Flange404 includes one or more projections and/or recesses (e.g., crush portions, etc.) for engagingsleeve400 toclosure300.Flange404 may be coupled to a corresponding portion ofclosure300 using mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat sealing, welding, friction fit, interference fit or any other suitable method of coupling.
• Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13,container system100 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Like the container system detailed above with reference toFIGS. 1 through 11,container system100 ofFIGS. 12 and 13 is shown as including areceptacle200 and aclosure300.Container system100 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between a first or open position (shown inFIG. 12) and a second or closed position (shown inFIG. 13) by movingclosure300 relative toreceptacle200.Receptacle200 andclosure300 are formed separately and made of different materials. According to an exemplary embodiment,receptacle200 is formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.) whileclosure300 is formed of a plastic material. According to the embodiment illustrated,closure300 has an outer shape that slopes (e.g., slants, curves, etc.) downward towards a front portion of the closure. Further, the need forsleeve400 is eliminated asouter side wall312 of closure is substantially coplanar withside wall202 ofreceptacle200.
• Referring toFIGS. 14 through 16, a first variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated,receptacle200 andclosure300 cooperate to form a snap-fit connection for securingclosure300 toreceptacle200.Top end204 ofreceptacle200 is substantially similar to the top end of the receptacle illustrated inFIGS. 3 through 5. A difference between the embodiments is thatskirt314, illustrated inFIG. 16, includes a projection, shown as anannular ring315, at its distal end. Whentop end204 engagesgroove316,top end204 snaps overring315 whileside wall312 applies an opposing force totop end204. The combination ofside wall312 andskirt314 acting upontop end204 securesclosure300 toreceptacle200.
• Referring toFIGS. 17 through 19, a second variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated,receptacle200 andclosure300 cooperate to form another snap-fit connection for securingclosure300 toreceptacle200. Unlike the top end of the receptacle illustrated inFIGS. 3 through 5,top end204 ofreceptacle200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down fromside wall312 and includes an inwardly projecting overhang orlip317 at its distal end. Like the variation illustrated inFIGS. 14 through 16,skirt314 includes a projection, shown as anannular ring315, at its distal end. Whentop end204 engagesgroove316,lip317 oftop end204 snaps overring315 whileside wall312 applies an opposing force totop end204. The combination ofside wall312 andskirt314 acting upontop end204 securesclosure300 toreceptacle200. In such an embodiment, the distance thattop end204 is necked down fromside wall312 is substantially the same as the thickness ofside wall312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end ofside wall312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separatingtop end204 fromside wall312.
• Referring toFIGS. 20 through 22, a third variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated,receptacle200 andclosure300 cooperate to form an adhesive-fit connection for securingclosure300 toreceptacle200. Like the variation illustrated inFIGS. 17 through 19,top end204 ofreceptacle200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down fromside wall312. However, in this variation,skirt314 is spaced substantially close toside wall312 so thatgroove316 has a width that is substantially similar to the thickness oftop end204. Whentop end204 engagesgroove316, an adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.) is provided to secureclosure300 toreceptacle200.Skirt314 may includes a camming surface319 (e.g., chamfered edge, etc.) at its distal end that assists in aligningtop end204 intogroove316. Like the variation illustrated inFIGS. 17 through 19, the distance thattop end204 is necked down fromside wall312 is substantially the same as the thickness ofside wall312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end ofside wall312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separatingtop end204 fromside wall312.
• Referring toFIGS. 23 through 25, a fourth variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 are shown. According to the embodiment illustrated,receptacle200 andclosure300 cooperate to form another snap-fit connection and/or another adhesive-fit connection for securingclosure300 toreceptacle200. Like the variation illustrated inFIGS. 20 through 22,top end204 ofreceptacle200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down fromside wall312 andskirt314 is spaced substantially close toside wall312 so thatgroove316 has a width that is substantially similar to the thickness oftop end204. However, in this variation,side wall312 includes a projection, shown as anannular ring321, andtop end204 includes acorresponding recess327 configured to receivering321. Whentop end204 engagesgroove316,annular ring321 snaps intorecess327 to secureclosure300 toreceptacle200. An adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.) may be added atgroove316 to furthersecure closure300 toreceptacle200.Skirt314 is shown as including camming surface319 (e.g., chamfered edge, etc.) at its distal end that assists in aligningtop end204 intogroove316. Like the variation illustrated inFIGS. 20 through 22, the distance thattop end204 is necked down fromside wall312 is substantially the same as the thickness ofside wall312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end ofside wall312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separatingtop end204 fromside wall312.
• It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the container systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A container system comprising:

a receptacle configured to hold wipes and having an open first end and a closed second end, the receptacle being formed of a metal material; and

a closure having a base portion and a cover portion, the base portion being coupled to the open first end of the receptacle, the closure being formed of a plastic material, the cover portion being selectively movable relative the base portion between an open position and a closed position,

wherein a first hermetic seal is provided between the cover portion and the base portion, and wherein a second hermetic seal is provided between the receptacle and the closure.

2. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the base portion of the closure is fixedly coupled to the open first end of the receptacle.

3. The container system ofclaim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least a friction-fit.

4. The container system ofclaim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least an interference-fit.

5. The container system ofclaim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least an adhesive-fit.

6. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a body portion and a neck portion, the neck portion being at the open first end and being offset inwardly relative to the body portion.

7. The container system ofclaim 6, wherein the base portion of the closure includes skirt extending downwardly that at least partially conceals the neck portion and provides a visually continuous transition between the body portion and the closure.

8. The container system ofclaim 7, wherein the skirt is integrally formed with the base portion as a one-piece unitary body.

9. The container system ofclaim 7, wherein the skirt is provided as part of a collar that is formed separate from the base portion.

10. The container system ofclaim 9, wherein the collar includes a flange provided at an upper first end of the skirt and extending substantially perpendicular to the skirt, a lower second end of the skirt being provided adjacent to the receptacle, the flange being coupled directly to the base portion.

11. The container system ofclaim 10, wherein the lower second end of the skirt is contoured to substantially conform to the receptacle.

12. The container system ofclaim 7, wherein the neck includes a surface inwardly inclined relative to the body and a lip provided at the open first end.

13. The container system ofclaim 12, wherein a first portion of the closure is provided at an outer side of the surface and a second portion of the closure is provided at an inner side of the surface.

14. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the base portion about a hinge.

15. The container system ofclaim 14, wherein the hinge is a living hinge and the lid is integrally formed with the base portion as a one-piece unitary body.

16. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the metal material is an aluminum material.

17. A wipe container system comprising:

a receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end, the receptacle being formed of an aluminum material;

a plurality of wipes stowed with the receptacle; and

a closure having a base portion and a lid portion, the base portion being coupled to the open first end of the base, the closure being formed of a plastic material,

wherein the lid portion of the closure releasably engages the base portion to provide a hermetically sealed environment for the wipes.

18. The container system ofclaim 17, wherein the wipes are at least partially saturated with a fluid.

19. The container system ofclaim 17, wherein the lid portion includes a first latching element and the base portion includes a second latching element, the first latching element includes one of a groove and a projection, the second latching element includes the other of the groove and the projection, the groove includes a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall, at least one or the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral being flexible, the first peripheral wall includes an indention and a protrusion, the projection has a width greater than a distance between the protrusion and the second peripheral wall, engagement of the first latching element with the second latching element provides the hermetic seal.

20. A method of providing a hermetically sealed container for holding wipes, the method comprising:

providing a receptacle formed of an aluminum material, the receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end;

providing a closure formed of plastic, the closure having a base portion and a lid portion;

coupling the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle; and

providing a first hermetic seal between the lid portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal between the receptacle and the closure.

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