US20220363453A1 - Container with push-and-slide locking mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A container according to at least one example embodiment includes a base and a lid configured to be moved between a closed and locked configuration and an open configuration. The lid includes a top wall and a flexible tab projecting from the top wall. The flexible tab is configured to move from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response to a force in a direction and return to the relaxed position absent the force. In the closed and locked configuration, the flexible tab is in the relaxed position, at least partially in the receptacle, and configured to engage the base to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration. The lid is configured to be moved from the closed and locked configuration to the open configuration by moving the lid in a second direction perpendicular to the direction with the flexible tab in the flexed position.

Description

BACKGROUNDField
• Example embodiments generally relate to a container with a push-and-slide locking mechanism.
Description of Related Art
• Packages can include locking, restraining, or retaining mechanisms that reduce and/or prevent opening and subsequent exposure and/or ingestion of substances contained therein by children or the elderly.
SUMMARY
• At least one example embodiment relates to a container.
• In at least one example embodiment, the container includes a base and a lid. The base includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall is perpendicular to the bottom wall. The peripheral wall and the bottom wall define a storage area. The peripheral wall at least partially defines a receptacle. The lid is configured to be moved between a closed and locked configuration and an open configuration. The lid includes a top wall and a flexible tab. The flexible tab projects from the top wall. The flexible tab includes a fixed end adjacent to the top wall and a free end opposite the fixed end. The flexible tab is configured to move from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response to a force in a first direction and return to the relaxed position absent the force. In the closed and locked configuration, the flexible tab is in the relaxed position, at least partially in the receptacle, and configured to engage the base to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration. The lid is configured to be moved from the closed and locked configuration to the open configuration by moving the lid in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with the flexible tab in the flexed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, the base further includes a receptacle wall. The receptacle wall cooperates with the peripheral wall to at least partially define the receptacle.
• In at least one example embodiment, the receptacle wall is spaced from the peripheral wall in the first direction.
• In at least one example embodiment, the receptacle wall is centered along a transverse axis perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
• In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall defines a recess in communication with the receptacle.
• In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab includes a projection configured to be at least partially in the recess in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, the projection is recessed with respect to the peripheral wall in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, the projection is configured to engage the peripheral wall to retain the container in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, the projection extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a proximal end surface configured to engage the peripheral wall to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, the projection includes a plurality of parallel ribs.
• In at least one example embodiment, the plurality of parallel ribs includes a respective plurality of distal ends defining a curved profile.
• In at least one example embodiment, the curved profile is convex with respect to the free end of the flexible tab.
• In at least one example embodiment, the each of the plurality of parallel ribs is tapered along at least a portion of a rib length.
• In at least one example embodiment, the free end of the flexible tab is configured to be aligned or recessed with respect to the bottom wall in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, the flexible tab is configured to pivot through an angle ranging from 4° to 8° between the relaxed position and the flexed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, the fixed end of the flexible tab defines a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 1.5 mm parallel to the first direction.
• In at least one example embodiment, the free end of the flexible tab is tapered along at least a portion of a length of the flexible tab.
• In at least one example embodiment, the fixed end of the flexible tab defines a first width perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The free end of the flexible tab defines a second width perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The second width is less than the first width.
• In at least one example embodiment, the lid is pivotally coupled to the base.
• In at least one example embodiment, the container further includes a living hinge coupling the lid to the base.
• In at least one example embodiment, the container defines a rectangular profile.
• In at least one example embodiment, the peripheral wall includes a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls. The pair of opposing side walls define a first length. The pair of opposing end walls has a second length less than the first length.
• In at least one example embodiment, one of the pair of opposing end walls at least partially defines the receptacle.
• In at least one example embodiment, the base and the lid include polypropylene.
• In at least one example embodiment, the base and the lid further include talc.
• In at least one example embodiment, the base and the lid further include a colorant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of the package in an opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 3 is an illustration of another perspective view of the package in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a close-up view of a portion of a locking mechanism of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 5 is an illustration of a close-up view of an arm of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of an upper view of the package in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 7 is an illustration of a lower view of the package in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a side view of the package in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of a perspective view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of a secondary storage area of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exploded view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 12 is an illustration of a perspective view of a frame and lid of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 13 is an illustration of a perspective view of an insert of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 14 is an illustration of a perspective view of another package, in a partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 16A is an illustration of a perspective view of another package in an opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of the arm of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 16A according to at least one example embodiment; and
• FIG. 17 is an illustration of a perspective view of the package ofFIG. 16 in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 18 is an illustration of a perspective view of a package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 19 is an illustration of a perspective view of the package in a partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 20 is an illustration of another perspective view of the package in the partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 21 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the package in the partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 22 is an illustration of a close-up view of locking mechanisms of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 23 is an illustration of a close-up view of locking mechanisms of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 24 is an illustration of a side view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 25 is an illustration of a lower perspective view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 26 is an illustration of another lower perspective view of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 27 is an illustration of a perspective view of the package with the lid detached, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 28 is an illustration of the lid of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 29 is an illustration of an upper perspective view of the base of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 30 is an illustration of a lower perspective view of the base of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 31A is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view of the flexible structure, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 31B is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view of the flexible structure, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 31C is an illustration of an overhead view of another flexible structure, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 31D is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view of the flexible structure, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 32 is an illustration of a perspective view of another package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 33 is an illustration of the package ofFIG. 32 in an opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 34A is an illustration of a close-up view of a portion of a locking mechanism, in accordance with at least one example embodiment; and
• FIG. 34B is an illustration of another close-up of a locking mechanism, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIGS. 35A and 35B are illustrations of perspective views of another package in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 36A and 36B are illustrations of perspective views of the package in an open configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C are illustrations of close-up perspective cross-sectional views of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXVII-XXXVII′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 37D and 37E are illustrations of perspective cross-sectional views of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXVIID-XXXVIID′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 37F is an illustration of a perspective cross-sectional view of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXVIIF-XXXVIIF′ ofFIG. 36A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C are illustrations of close-up perspective cross-sectional views of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXVIII-XXXVIII′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 39A is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXIXA-XXXIXA′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 39B is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XXXIXB-XXXIXB′ ofFIG. 36A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 40 is an illustration of an exploded view of the package in the open configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 41A and 41B are illustrations of perspective views of a frame and lid of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 42 is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a frame along cross-sectional view line XLII-XLII′ ofFIG. 41B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIGS. 43A and 43B are illustrations of perspective views of an insert of the package, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 44A is an illustration of a perspective view of the package with the secondary lid in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 44B is an illustration of a perspective cross-sectional view of the package along cross-sectional view line XLIVB-XLIVB′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 45 is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XLV-XLV′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 46 is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XLVI-XLVI′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 47 is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the package along cross-sectional view line XLVII-XLVII′ ofFIG. 35B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 48 is a top front perspective view of a container in a closed and locked configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 49 is a top front perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 50 is a top back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 51 is a partial top front perspective view of a base of the container ofFIG. 48 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 52 is a partial top view of the base ofFIG. 51 including the receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 53 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 48 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 54 is a partial front perspective view of a lid of the container ofFIG. 48 including a flexible tab in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 55 is a partial front view of the lid ofFIG. 54 including the flexible tab in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 56 is a partial sectional view of the flexible tab ofFIG. 55 taken at line56-56 ofFIG. 55 according to at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 57 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 58 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 57 taken in at line58-58 ofFIG. 57 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 59 is a front perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in a partially open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 60 is a bottom back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 with a secondary lid in a closed position in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 61 is a bottom back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 60 with the secondary lid in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 62 is a top front exploded perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 63 is a partial perspective view of a frame of the container ofFIG. 62 including a wedge in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 64 is a sectional view of the frame ofFIG. 62 including the wedge taken at line63-63 ofFIG. 62 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 65 is a top back perspective view of the frame of the container ofFIG. 62 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 66 is a partial side view of the frame ofFIG. 65 including a stop in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 67 is a front bottom perspective view of the frame ofFIG. 65 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 68 is a top back perspective view of an insert of the package ofFIG. 62 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 69 is a partial sectional view of the insert ofFIG. 68 taken at line69-69 ofFIG. 68 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 70 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 48 taken at line70-70 ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 71 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 48 taken at line71-71 ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 72 is a top front perspective view of a container (or package) in a closed and locked configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 73 is a top front perspective view of the container ofFIG. 72 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 74 is a top back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 75 is a sectional view of a base of the container ofFIG. 72 taken along line75-75 ofFIG. 74 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 76 is another sectional view the base ofFIG. 75 taken along line76-76 ofFIG. 74 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 77 is a detail sectional view of a protrusion of the base ofFIG. 76 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 78 is a partial perspective view of the protrusion ofFIG. 77 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 79 is a perspective view of an inside of a lid of the container ofFIG. 72 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 80 is a partial side view of a skirt of the lid ofFIG. 79 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 81 is a top view of the base ofFIG. 75 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 82 is a side view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the closed and locked configuration according to at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 83 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 82 taken along line83-83 ofFIG. 82;
• FIG. 84 is an end view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the closed and locked configuration according to at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 85 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 84 taken along line85-85 ofFIG. 84;
• FIG. 86 is a bottom back perspective view of the package ofFIG. 72 with a secondary lid in a closed position in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 87 is a bottom back perspective view of the package ofFIG. 86 with the secondary lid in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 88 is a top perspective view of a package in a closed and locked configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 89 is a first side perspective view of the package ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 90 is a second side perspective view of the package ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 91 is bottom perspective view of the package ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 92 is a side, bottom perspective view of the package ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 93 is a top perspective view of a base of the package ofFIG. 88 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the base ofFIG. 93 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 95 is a bottom perspective view of a lid of the package ofFIG. 88 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;
• FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the lid ofFIG. 95 in accordance with at least one example embodiment; and
• FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the package ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.
• Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.
• It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
• It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
• Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
• The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof.
• When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
• Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
• Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Package
• At least some example embodiments are directed to packages and/or containers that are considered to be “child-resistant packages (CR packages),” from the standpoint that an opening of the packages requires a complex motion involving an application of different forces in different directions. In at least one example embodiment, CR packages are used to reduce a risk of children and/or the elderly accessing and ingesting, or being exposed to, substances or materials contained therein. In at least some example embodiment, the packages are tested under guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Poison Prevention Packaging Act and are certified under 16 CFR 1700.2 (Jan. 1, 2012), and/or the packages are tested as defined by Standard ISO 8317:2015, in order to ensure the packages are “child-resistant” and provide child-resistant access to one or more storage areas of the packages. In at least one example embodiment, the packages are tested under guidelines from Canadian standard CAN/CSA Z76.1-16.
• In at least one example embodiment, the packages include or can contain at least one substance. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance is a consumer product. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance and/or the consumer product includes an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is one or more pouches.
• In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. The oral product may be in a form of loose material (e.g., loose cellulosic material), shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), pouched material, tablets, lozenges, chews, gums, films, any other oral product, or any combination thereof.
• The oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, other smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products for oral consumption, or any combination thereof.
• Where the oral product is an oral tobacco product including smokeless tobacco product, the smokeless tobacco product may include tobacco that is whole, shredded, cut, granulated, reconstituted, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, or otherwise processed. Tobacco may be present as whole or portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts (e.g., nicotine), or any combination thereof.
• In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, and/or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier (e.g., white snus), such as a cellulosic material. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In some example embodiments, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers can be treated to remove at least 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the nicotine. For example, the tobacco plant tissue can be washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.
• In other example embodiments, the oral product may include cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and/or cannabis extracts. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material includes leaf and/or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and/or extracts from the one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may includeCannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and/orCannabis ruderalis. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may be in the form of fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, and/or a flavonoid. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material may be a cannabis-derived cannabis material, such as a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a cannabis-derived terpene, and/or a cannabis-derived flavonoid.
• The oral product (e.g., the oral tobacco product, the oral non-tobacco product, or the oral cannabis product) may have various ranges of moisture. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from 5% by weight to 10% by weight. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from 20% by weight to 35% by weight. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from 40% by weight to 55% by weight.
• In at least one example embodiment, oral product may further include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener and/or a natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, other additives, or any combination thereof.
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may contain any product or substance. For example, the package may contain confectionary products, food products, medicines, or any other product.
First Example Embodiment
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apackage100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, thepackage100 is substantially rectangular in shape, from an overhead perspective (see at leastFIG. 6). In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 may have any other suitable shape. In at least one example embodiment, from an overhead perspective view, thepackage100 is triangular, oval, square, circular, polygonal, or any other shape.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 includes abase130. In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 includessidewalls132 along a long side of thebase130, and endwalls135 along a short side of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, the walls (e.g., sidewalls132 and end walls135) of thepackage100 are a same length. In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 includes curved (beveled)corners138 connecting thesidewalls132 to theend walls135. In other example embodiments, thecorners138 may not be rounded or beveled, but may instead have sharp outer edges.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 includes aprimary lid120 that meets with an upper portion of the base130 to close thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 may be connected to theprimary lid120 via ahinge140. In at least one example embodiment, thehinge140 is a living hinge (as further discussed with respect toFIGS. 2-3). In other example embodiments, theprimary lid120 may be completely removable from thebase130, and may not be hingedly connected to thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 includes anexterior surface124 that is visible when thepackage100 is in a closed configured, as shown inFIG. 1.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 has a height H ranging from about 0.5 inch to 2.0 inches (e.g., about 0.75 inch to about 1.75 inches, about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches). In at least one example embodiment, each of thesidewalls132 has a length L1 ranging from about 2.0 inches to about 6.0 inches (e.g., about 2.5 inches to about 5.5 inches, about 3.0 inches to about 5.0 inches, or about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches). In at least one example embodiment, each of theend walls135 has a length L2 ranging from about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches (e.g., about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches, or about 2.25 inches to about 2.75 inches). It should be understood that thepackage100 may be any suitable size, and the dimensions can be chosen based on the product to be contained therein.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesidewalls132 and/or theend walls135 have a thickness T ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm (e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 0.7 mm to about 0.9 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 is formed from one or more polymers. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 is formed of one or more homopolymers, one or more copolymers, or any combination of one or more homopolymers and copolymers. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes a thermoplastic polymer. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the polymer is suitable for storing an oral product having one or more flavorings and/or volatile agents therein. In some example embodiments, thepackage100 may further include one or more coatings on an inner surface thereof, if desired.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 is formed from a polymer, as described above, and a filler, such as talc. The filler may be present in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). The filler may be present in an amount greater than or equal to 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 further includes a colorant (with or without a filler). In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 and theprimary lid120 are formed of the same polymer. In other example embodiments, thebase130 is formed of a different polymer than theprimary lid120.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 and/or theprimary lid120 may be a same or a different color. In at least one example embodiment, a color of thepackage100 may denote a flavor of the enclosed product. For example, a green container may contain a mint or menthol flavored product, while a brown container may contain a tobacco flavored product.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 is formed by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compression molding, vacuum casting, 3D printing and/or any other any other suitable process.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 includes at least one locking, restraining or retainingmechanism150. While the use of the term locking mechanism will be used throughout the example embodiments. It will be understood that the locking mechanism operates to restrain movement of, for example, a lid of the package from a closed position or configuration to an open position or configuration; and may not necessarily prevent opening. As such, the packages described herein provide a measure of child resistant opening, but do not provide child proof opening. In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the at least onelocking mechanism150 includes afirst locking mechanism150aand asecond locking mechanism150b. In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms150 oppose each other on thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 includes onelocking mechanism150. In other example embodiments, thepackage100 includes more than two locking mechanisms150 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10).
• In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms150 are positioned along thesidewalls132 of thepackage100. In other example embodiments, the lockingmechanisms150 can be positioned along one or both of theend walls135 and/or positioned along onesidewall132. In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms150 can be centrally positioned or non-centrally positioned along thesidewalls132 and/or theend walls135. In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms150 are positioned between about 20 mm and about 35 mm from a first one of the end walls135 (theend wall135 that is opposite a position of the hinge140), or about 27.2 mm from the first one of theend walls135. Positioning of the lockingmechanisms150 may be chosen to further inhibit the relatively small hands of a child from being able to grasp and/or open thepackage100. In one embodiment, the lockingmechanisms150 may be placed symmetrically about a longitudinal axis of thepackage100. In another embodiment, the locking mechanisms may be placed asymmetrically about a longitudinal axis of thepackage100.
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of thepackage100 ofFIG. 1 in an opened configuration (opened position), in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, eachlocking mechanism150 includes an arm160 (described in more detail with respect toFIG. 2) and a tab (contact structure, or contact plate)152 at an end of eacharm160. In at least one example embodiment, thetab152 includes anupper surface152athat is substantially flush with the exterior surface4 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thetab152 is positioned near an upper portion of thesidewall132 of thepackage100. In at least one embodiment, thetab152 is positioned near an upper portion of theend wall135 of thepackage100. The tab also has anouter surface152b, which is flush with an exterior surface of thesidewall132. Thetab152 provides a contact surface, against which an adult consumer may push when opening thepackage100 as further described herein.
• In at least one example embodiment, anupper surface136 of thebase130 is about flush with theexterior surface124 of theprimary lid120 so as to mitigate pick points and the ability to circumvent the lockingmechanisms150 when theprimary lid120 is in a closed position (closed configuration, as shown inFIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 1, theprimary lid120 nests within thebase130 when closed. However, in other example embodiments, theprimary lid120 may overlap an upper edge of the base130 when closed.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 further includes arespective indentation165 along thesidewall132 adjacent each of thearms160 andtabs152. In at least one example embodiment, theindentation165 provides an access point that allows for thetabs152 to be more easily pressed inward during an opening of thepackage100. Theindentation165 may be sized to allow a finger to be inserted at or under thetabs152.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, thebase130 is connected to theprimary lid120 by thehinge140. Thebase130 and theprimary lid120 combine to at least partially define a portion of theprimary storage area200. In at least one example embodiment, theprimary storage area200 may contain at least one consumer product, as described herein. Theprimary storage area200 may have a volume of about 10,000 square millimeters to about 100,000 square millimeters. The volume may be chosen based on a desired number and/or quantity of products to be included therein. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 provides child resistant access to theprimary storage area200.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 includes aframe210 and an insert220 (as shown and further described with respect toFIG. 11). In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 includes a floor (bottom wall)222, withinterior sidewalls224 extending from thefloor222. Thefloor222 may be formed by a portion of theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, thefloor222 includes abump265, on thefloor222 of theprimary storage area200. Thebump265 opposes a groove700 (FIG. 7) when thepackage100 is viewed from a bottom, as shown and further described with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7. In at least one example embodiment, the groove700 (shown and discussed with respect toFIG. 7) opposes thebump265 and facilitates opening of thesecondary lid240.
• In at least one example embodiment, theinsert220 also at least partially defines a secondary storage area230 (as shown and described with respect toFIG. 9). In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary storage area230 is a disposal area or waste cavity. In other example embodiments, thesecondary storage area230 may contain additional consumer products. Thesecondary storage area230 may have a volume ranging from about 1,000 square millimeters to about 30,000 square millimeters.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary storage area230 is defined at least in part by anend wall232 and anupper wall234. Theend wall232 and theupper wall234 are portions of theinsert220 as further described with respect toFIG. 11. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary storage area230 includes a secondary lid240 (as further shown and described with respect to at leastFIGS. 7 and 9).
• In other example embodiments, thepackage100 excludes thesecondary storage area230. In such an embodiment, thefloor222 extends across a full length of the lower portion of thepackage100, such that thefloor222 extends between theend walls135. In another example embodiment, a proportion (size) of thesecondary storage area230 is larger or smaller than the proportion shown inFIG. 2. In at least one example embodiment, a volume of thesecondary storage area230 is larger or smaller than a volume of theprimary storage area200.
• In at least one example embodiment, eachlocking mechanism150 includes the arms (flexible members, clips, D-clips, etc.)160. In at least one example embodiment, thearms160 extend from aninterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thetabs152 are on a distal end of each of thearms160. In at least one example embodiment, thearms160 include afirst segment250 connected to theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst segment250 extends from, and is directly connected to, theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thearms160 include asecond segment254 that is connected to thefirst segment250 via an elbow (bridge)252, which may be U-shaped. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst segment250 and thesecond segment254 are substantially flat surfaces, or sheets of material, that oppose each other. In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252 acts as a hinge, or a living hinge, for thefirst segment250 and thesecond segment254. In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252 acts as a spring for thefirst segment250 and thesecond segment254. In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252 of eachlocking mechanism150 allows thetab152 to be pressed inward towards thefirst segment250 of thearm160 so as to articulate thesecond segment254 inward relative to thefirst segment250. In at least one example embodiment, thetab152, thefirst segment250, thesecond segment254 and theelbow252 form a flexible member, where thesecond segment254 moves with respect to thefirst segment250. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst segment250 is a stationary or rigid member. In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252 is directly connected to theprimary lid120. In this embodiment, the arm (flexible member)160 includes thetab152, thesecond segment254 and theelbow252.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecond segment254 defines a firstengaging structure258. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure258 is an exposed surface of thesecond segment254, which is exposed in part due to anopening259. In at least one example embodiment, theopening259 traverses through a front and back surface of thesecond segment254. In another example embodiment, the firstengaging structure258 is an exposed surface of thesecond segment254, which is exposed in part due to a ledge or channel defined by an outer surface of thesecond segment254, where the ledge or the channel does not traverse fully through thesecond segment254. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure258 is on thesecond segment254 at a location that is between thetab152 and theelbow252. In at least one example embodiment, theopening259 is substantially square or rectangular in shape. In other example embodiments, theopening259 may be circular, oval, or any other shape.
• In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252, and/or the arm160 (including thefirst segment250 and the second segment254), are made from a resilient material that offers a spring force, such that thesecond segment254 and thetab152 spring or relax away from thefirst segment250 once an inward pressing force is released from thetab152. In at least one example embodiment, theelbow252 and/or thearm160 are made from any of the materials used to form other portions of thepackage100 as described herein. In other example embodiments, theelbow252 and/or thearm160 are formed from a material different from that used to form other portions of thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, thetab152, thefirst segment250, thesecond segment254 and theelbow252 are made from resilient materials. In at least one example embodiment, thetab152, thefirst segment250 and/or thesecond segment254 are made from a rigid member, and theelbow252 is made from a resilient material.
• In at least one example embodiment, eachlocking mechanism150 further includes anotch260 defined by thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of thetabs152 mate with each of thenotches260 once thepackage100 is in the closed configuration (as shown inFIG. 1). In at least one example embodiment, theindentation165 is under each of thenotches260. Theindentation165 allows for thetab152 to be more easily pressed inward during an opening of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, eachlocking mechanism150 includes a secondengaging structure270. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure270 is positioned below each of thenotches260 on an upper interior surface of thesidewalls132 of theframe210, or an upper interior surface of theinterior sidewalls224 of theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure270 is on an upper interior surface of another wall (e.g., aninterior end wall1125, as shown inFIG. 13). In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure270 is a catch, projection, tab or protrusion that projects, protrudes or faces toward an interior of theprimary storage area200. The catch will be described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 4. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure270 fits into theopening259, and is retained by, the firstengaging structure258 of thearm160, once thepackage100 is in the closed configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 includes a pair of lockingmechanisms150. In this example embodiment, the pair of lockingmechanisms150 and thehinge140 provide three main points of contact that securely lock theprimary lid120 onto thebase130, once thepackage100 is in the closed configuration. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 locks automatically once thelid120 is pressed down firmly onto thebase130, by virtue of thearms160 extending in an outward direction causing the secondengaging structure270 to engage with (e.g., mate with and be retained by) the firstengaging structure258.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 requires three separate motions in three separate directions to open. In at least one example embodiment, to open thepackage100 from the closed configuration (as shown inFIG. 1), a respective inward force is applied to each of thetabs152 simultaneously (e.g., a first inward force and a second inward force that are in opposite directions) on their outer (side)surface152b. The respective inward forces move the lockingmechanisms150 from a locked, retrained or retained position or state to an unlocked, unrestrained or retained position or state. With the locking mechanisms in the unlocked position, a lifting force substantially perpendicular to the first and second inward forces may be applied to theprimary lid120 to move theprimary lid120 from the closed position to the open position. It will be understood, the a person applies the forces to unlock and move the lid, and involves a complex set of three different motions to apply three different forces in three separate directions to open thepackage100.
• In one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is moved to the closed position, the firstengaging structure258 is retained by the secondengaging structure270 so as to lock theprimary lid120 in the closed position onto thebase130. In the closed position, the arm160 (flexible member) is in a first position (partially flexed position). Thearm160 is configured to move from the first position to a second position (flexed position) when an inward pressing force is applied on the outer (side)surface152bof the tab152 (contact structure, or contact plate) so as to articulate thesecond segment254 of thearm160 towards thefirst segment250 and disengage the firstengaging structure258 from the secondengaging structure270. In at least one example embodiment, thearm160 is flexed (e.g., flexed against the spring force of the elbow252) in both the first position and the second position. When theprimary lid120 is in the opened position and the inward pressing forces are no longer applied to thearm160, thearm160 relaxes to a third position (or relaxed position or state), where thesecond segment254 is extended away from thefirst segment250 due to the spring force from theelbow252.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 also includes aseal275 that projects from theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120 and extends substantially around a perimeter of theprimary lid120. Theseal275 may be inset from anedge277 of theprimary lid120.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase130 includes a ledge (or seal)280 that defines astep285 that extends substantially around an upper portion of a perimeter of an interior of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 of thelid120 makes contact and rests on (or mates with) thestep285 of theledge280 so as to create an effective seal between theprimary lid120 and the base130 once thepackage100 is in the closed configuration. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 mates with theledge280 by fitting into an interior of theledge280, so that theedge277 of theprimary lid120 rests on top of theledge280. In some example embodiments, theledge280 is continuous. In other example embodiments, theledge280 is discontinuous.
• In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 is made from a resilient material, and theledge280 is made from a hard material. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 is made from a hard material and theledge280 is made from a resilient material. In another example embodiment, theseal275 and theledge280 are made from either a resilient or a hard material, where theseal275 and theledge280 may be made from different materials or a same material. In at least one example embodiment, once theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (as shown inFIG. 1), theseal275 and theledge280 contact each other, and theedge277 of theprimary lid120 forms a tight seal with an interior surface of thesidewalls132 and endwalls135 of theframe210 of the base130 so as to create an effective seal between theprimary lid120 and the base130 that substantially reduces and/or prevents accessible pick points or opening points that may otherwise be used to circumvent the lockingmechanisms150.
• In at least one example embodiment, the seal between the base130 and theprimary lid120 may be hermetic or non-hermetic. In at least one example embodiment, the seal is a non-hermetic seal constructed to allow for air, byproduct gases, and/or other gases to permeate through the seal. The seal may permit gas transfer both into and out of the package. In other example embodiments, thepackage100 may not include a seal.
• FIG. 3 is an illustration of another perspective view of thepackage100 in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, theprimary lid120 includes anextension300 that extends from an end of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thehinge140, which may be a living hinge, connects theextension300 to theframe210 of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, thehinge140 allows theprimary lid120 to articulate between the closed position (as shown inFIG. 1) and the opened position (as shown inFIGS. 2-3).
• In at least one example embodiment, acutout area310 is defined by an upper portion of an end of theframe210 of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, theextension300 of theprimary lid120 fits within thecutout area310 once theprimary lid120 is closed onto thebase130 of thepackage100.
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a close-up view of a portion of thelocking mechanism150 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-3, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, the secondengaging structure270 includes afirst surface400 and asecond surface410. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface400 is substantially inclined, and thesecond surface410 is substantially vertical. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface400 is substantially inclined so as to allow the second segment254 (shown inFIG. 2) of thearm160 of theprimary lid120 to slide across the second engaging structure270 (shown inFIG. 2), prior to the secondengaging structure270 being retained by the first engaging structure258 (shown inFIG. 2) of thearm160. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure270 includes athird surface415 perpendicular to thesecond surface410, and forming a step (referred to as step415). In at least one example embodiment, once the secondengaging structure270 slides into theopening259 as thepackage100 is closed, thestep415 is engaged and retained by the first engaging structure258 (exposed surface of thesecond segment254 that is exposed by the opening259), so as to lock thepackage100 in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of theinterior sidewalls224 define acutout420. In at least one example embodiment, atab425 of theframe210 fits into thecutout420 to further assist in connecting theframe210 to the insert220 (seeFIG. 11).
• FIG. 5 is an illustration of a close-up view of another portion of thelocking mechanism150 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-4, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, agap500 exists between anedge515 of theseal275 and an edge (side surface)520 of thearm160. Thegap500 provides for tolerances in the manufacturing of thepackage100, and ensures that movement of thearm160 is not obstructed during use of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, thefirst segment250 and thesecond segment254 share an angle ofincline510 with each other that ensures theelbow252 provides an adequate spring force. In at least one example embodiment, the angle ofincline510 is in the range of about 10-30 degrees (e.g., about 15 to about 25 degrees), when thearm160 is at rest.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of an upper view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-5 in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, agap600 exists between theedge520 of thearm160 and anedge610 of theprimary lid120. Thegap600 is sized and configured to allow for movement of thearm160 during locking and unlocking of the locking mechanisms and during an opening and closing of thepackage100.
• FIG. 7 is an illustration of a lower or bottom view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-6 in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, both theprimary lid120 and thesecondary lid240 are opened. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 includes at least one catch710 (shown in better detail inFIG. 8). In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 extends from thesecondary lid240. In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 is a beak shaped catch (beak catch), that includes a projection or protrusion with a beak shape on an end of the projection. In at least one example embodiment, the beak shape faces toward an interior of theprimary storage area200 when thesecondary lid240 is in a closed position (closed configuration).
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary storage area230 can be used as a disposal area for a consumed (spent) substance. In at least one example embodiment, the consumed substance may include a consumer product (initially stored in the primary storage area200) that has been at least partially consumed. In another example embodiment, thesecondary storage area230 may contain a substance or a consumer product that does not, for example, require or necessitate child resistant access. In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 is not a child resistant lock. In another example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 is locked with the base130 in order to provide child resistant access to thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, a locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism150) is included near thesecondary lid240 to lock thesecondary lid240 on thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 7, adistance730 between thearms160 and anend740 of theprimary lid120 is equal, causing thearms160 to be symmetrically (directly) opposed to each other. In at least one example embodiment, by being symmetrically opposed to each other, thepackage100 may be more easily opened using, for instance, one hand to open. In other example embodiments, thedistance730 between thearms160 and anend740 may differ from each other, such that thearms160 on opposing sides of thepackage100 are not aligned, but are instead offset (e.g., asymmetric with respect to a longitudinal direction of the package).
• In at least one example embodiment, thegroove700 formed in anexterior surface720 of thebase130 opposes the bump265 (shown and described with respect toFIG. 2). Thegroove700 allows a consumer to insert their finger and grasp an edge of thesecondary lid240 when opening thesecondary storage area230.
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a side view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-7 in the opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 includes anexterior surface800 that forms a portion of an outside of thepackage100 when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 includes aninterior surface810 that helps define a portion of an interior of the secondary storage area230 (as shown inFIG. 7). In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 extends from theinterior surface810 of thesecondary lid240. In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 includes afirst surface820. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface820 is an angled (inclined) surface. In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 includes asecond surface825. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond surface825 defines a step configured to hold the at least onecatch710 to maintain thesecondary lid240 in the closed position, once the at least onecatch710 is retained within a slot935 (shown and discussed with respect toFIG. 9) on an interior of thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface820 and thesecond surface825 collectively form the beak shape on the end of the projection of the at least onecatch710. In at least one example embodiment, when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position, the beak shape of the at least onecatch710 faces toward theprimary storage area200, where the beak shape mates with the slot935 (FIG. 9).
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of a perspective view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-8, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of thesecondary storage area230 of thepackage100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, ahinge900 connects anextension910 of thesecondary lid240 to thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, thehinge900 allows thesecondary lid240 to articulate between an opened position (opened configuration or state) and the closed position (closed configuration or state). In at least one example embodiment, thehinge900 is a living hinge.
• In at least one example embodiment, theframe210 defines acutout area920. In at least one example embodiment, theextension910 of thesecondary lid240 fits within thecutout area920 once thesecondary lid240 is closed onto thebase130 of thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, ablock925 is included on either end of an interior of thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, each of theblocks925 help support thesecondary lid240 so as to ensure thesecondary lid240 does not inadvertently get stuck within thesecondary storage area230 and/or damage thehinge900. In at least one example embodiment, thefloor222 defineschannels930 along an outer periphery of the insert220 (also shown inFIG. 11).
• In at least one example embodiment, theslots935 are defined in a sidewall of thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, the beak shape (thefirst surface820 and the second surface825) of the at least onecatch710 of thesecondary lid240 faces theslots935, when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position, where thesecond surface825 of each of the at least onecatch710 is retained within theslot935 to lock thesecondary lid240 in the closed position on thebase130.
• FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exploded view of thepackage100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 12 is an illustration of a perspective view of theframe210 and theprimary lid120 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-11, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 13 is an illustration of a perspective view of theinsert220 of thepackage100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 11-13, thebase130 includes theframe210 and theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, in order to assemble thebase130, theframe210 is pressed down onto theinsert220.
• In at least one example embodiment, awedge1100 mates with the channels930 (shown inFIG. 9) to help connect theinsert220 with theframe210. In at least one example embodiment, eachwedge1100 of theframe210 slides into a respective one of thechannels930 of theinsert220 and is retained within thechannel930, in order to connect theframe210 to theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, theinsert220 defines aridge1135 along a lower periphery of the insert220 (e.g., theridge1135 extends along a lower end of theinterior end walls1125 and theinterior sidewalls224 of the insert220). In at least one example embodiment, astep1140 of theridge1135 contacts abottom edge1110 of theframe210 in order to assist thewedges1100 in connecting theframe210 to theinsert220 In at least one example embodiment, each of theinterior sidewalls224 of theinsert220 define a cutout1115.
• In at least one example embodiment, thetab425 of theframe210 fits into thecutout420 to further assist in connecting theframe210 to theinsert220. In other example embodiments, theinsert220 may friction fit within theframe210 and/or may be glued or otherwise held in position within theframe210.
• In another example embodiment, theframe210 and theinsert220 may be a single integral element, rather than separate elements.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12, thewedge1100 includes afront surface1200 and an angled (or beveled)surface1210. Theangled surface1210 facilitates insertion of thewedge1100 into thechannels930. In at least one example embodiment, thewedge1100 mates with thechannel930, and is retained in thechannel930 due to a friction fit between thewedge1100 and thechannel930. In at least one example embodiment, glue, and adhesive, or structure is used in lieu of a friction fit, or in combination with a friction fit, to retain thewedge1100 within thechannel930.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 13, theupper wall234 of theinsert220 helps define the secondary storage area230 (shown inFIG. 9).
• FIG. 14 is an illustration of a perspective view of anotherpackage1420, in a partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of thepackage1420, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, thepackage1420 is the same as thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-13, with exceptions described herein. In at least one example embodiment, thelocking mechanism150 includes a guard (gate)1400. In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 at least partially encloses thearm160 and the secondengaging structure270, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, atop edge1430 of theframe210 contacts theseal275 of theprimary lid120 so as to seal thepackage1420 when theprimary lid120 andbase130 are in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 may be hermetic or non-hermetic. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 is a non-hermetic seal constructed to allow for air, byproduct gases, and/or other gases to permeate through the seal. In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 permits gas transfer both into and out of thepackage1420. In other example embodiments, thepackage1420 may not include a seal.
• In at least one example embodiment, theframe210 connects to theinsert220, as shown inFIGS. 1-13. In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 15, theframe210 and theinsert220 are joined by adovetailed seam1500. In at least one example embodiment, due to thedovetailed seam1500, a lower portion of theinterior sidewalls224 of theinsert220 and an upper portion of thesidewalls132 of theframe210 combine to form an interior surface of theprimary storage area200. In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 14-15, theframe210 defines aledge1430. In at least one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, theseal275 on theprimary lid120 mates with theledge1430.
• In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 is an integral part of theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 is an integral part of theframe210. In another example embodiment, theinsert220 and theframe210 are a single, integral element, rather than separate elements, and theguard1400 is part of the single, integral element.
• As shown inFIG. 14, the lockingmechanisms150 are both adistance1440 from theend wall135. Thus, the lockingmechanisms150 are parallel to one another (directly oppose each other). In at least one example embodiment, thedistance1440 ranges from about 0.25 inch to about 1.5 inch (e.g., about 0.5 inch to about 1.25 inch, about 0.75 inch to about 1.0 inch). In at least one example embodiment, thedistance1440 may be chosen to further reduce the possibility of a child with relatively small hands being able to grasp and reach both lockingmechanisms150 simultaneously, while still allowing an adult consumer to open thepackage100.
• FIG. 16A is an illustration of a perspective view of anotherpackage1600 in an opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of anarm1620 of alocking mechanism1610 ofFIG. 16A, according to at least one example embodiment.FIG. 17 is an illustration of a perspective view of thepackage1600 ofFIG. 16 with theprimary lid120 in the closed position (closed configuration), in accordance with an example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17, thepackage1600 is the same as the package ofFIGS. 1-13, with exceptions described herein. In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 includes at least one rib1655. In at least one example embodiment, thearm1620 includes a firstengaging structure1640. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure1640 includes a prong (extension) that extends from asecond segment1624 of thearm1620. In at least one example embodiment, thelocking mechanism1610 includes a secondengaging structure1650 on an interior of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1650 includes agroove1652.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B, thearms1620 directly oppose each other on thepackage1600. In at least one example embodiment, each of thearms1620 include afirst segment1622 and thesecond segment1624 that are connected by anelbow1630. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst segment1622 is a stationary or rigid member, while thesecond segment1624 is a flexible member that flexes and/or moves with respect to thefirst segment1622 during an operation of thelocking mechanism1610. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond segment1624 includes a tab (contact structure, or contact plate)1645 on a distal end of thesecond segment1624. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond segment1624 includes the firstengaging structure1640 between theelbow1630 and thetab1645. In at least one example embodiment, thearm1620 is the same as thearm160, with the exception of the firstengaging structure1640 being a prong, rather than an opening. In at least one example embodiment, thegroove1652 is sized and configured to engage an exposed portion of the firstengaging structure1640 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, a vertical cross-section of thetab1645 and the firstengaging structure1640 of the arm1620 (as shown inFIG. 16B) has an F-shape. In at least one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, the F-shape of thearm1620 faces outward toward thesidewalls224. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1645 can be retained by thenotch260 and the firstengaging structure1640 can be retained by thegroove1652.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 17, theframe210 defines thenotch260. In at least one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, an outer (side)surface1700bof thetab1645 extends at least partially through thenotch260, such that thetab1645 is accessible and can be pressed to open thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, theouter surface1700bof thetab1645 is flush with the exterior surface of thesidewall132, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, anupper surface1700aof thetab1645 is flush with theexterior surface124 of theprimary lid120, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, theseal275 extends from theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, arib1615 extends across theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, therib1615 adds structural strength to theprimary lid120. In some example embodiments, therib1615 may only extend partially across theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120 and/or thepackage1600 may include multiple ribs1615 (not shown).
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
Second Example Embodiment
• FIG. 18 is an illustration of a perspective view of apackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 19 is an illustration of a perspective view of thepackage1800 in a partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, thepackage1800 is the same as the package1420 (FIGS. 14 and 15), with exceptions described herein. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage1800 includes lockingmechanisms1805 that oppose each other on thepackage1800. In at least one example embodiment, a placement and a number of the lockingmechanisms1805 may be the same as the locking mechanisms for thepackages100,1420 and1600, as previously described.
• In at least one example embodiment, eachlocking mechanism1805 includes a tab1810 (contact structure, or contact plate). In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 includes an outer (exterior)surface1815. In at least one example embodiment, theouter surface1815 is flush with an exterior surface of the walls (peripheral walls) of the package1800 (e.g., exterior surface ofsidewalls132, or end walls135). In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 is in a same plane as thesidewall132, but thetab1810 is not a continuous portion of thesidewall132. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 includes anupper surface1825. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface1825 is flush with theexterior surface124 of thelid120. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 is a rectangular or a square shape. In at least one example embodiment, other shapes of thetab1810 are contemplated.
• In at least one example embodiment, anindentation1820 is defined by a lower portion of at least one of the walls (e.g., thesidewalls132 or end walls135). In at least one example embodiment, theindentation1820 is adjacent to a secondary lid1920 (see at leastFIG. 25) to assist in an opening of thesecondary lid1920.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 19, thelocking mechanism1805 includes anarm1900 with anexterior surface1905 and aninterior surface1915. In at least one example embodiment, theexterior surface1905 defines a firstengaging structure1935. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure1935 is exposed surfaces of thearm1900 that are defined at least in part by a channel (or recess)1910 in thearm1900. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure1935 includes aledge1940 defined by theexterior surface1905 of thearm1900. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure1935 engages, and is retained by, a secondengaging structure1930, when theprimary lid1920 is in a closed position (closed configuration; seeFIG. 18). In at least one example embodiment, theexterior surface1905 of thearm1900 is a rectangular or a square shape. In at least one example embodiment, other shapes of theexterior surface1905 are contemplated. In at least one example embodiment, a depth of the channel1910 (a depth into theexterior surface1905 of the arm1900) is between about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or the depth is about 1 mm to about 2 mm.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelocking mechanism1805 includes thetab1810, where aninterior surface1925 of the tab includes the second engaging structure1930 (also seeFIG. 22). In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 at least partially encloses thearm1900 and the secondengaging structure1930, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (closed configuration).
• In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 has at least three points of contact with thebase130, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (FIG. 18). In at least one example embodiment, the three points of contact are provided by a pair of the lockingmechanisms1805 and thehinge140.
• FIG. 20 is an illustration of another perspective view of thepackage1800 in the partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, aninterior surface2005 of theprimary lid120 defines astep2000. In at least one example embodiment, thestep2000 mates with theledge1430 of theframe220, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (FIG. 18). In this example embodiment, theupper surface124 of theprimary lid120 is therefore flush with theupper surface136 of theframe220. In another example embodiment, theinterior sidewalls224 of theinsert220 may define theledge1430, if theinterior sidewalls224 extend from the floor22 up to an elevation of theprimary lid120 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (e.g., theinterior sidewalls224 may be positioned behind thesidewalls132 of theframe210, as shown for example for example inFIG. 3).
• FIG. 21 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (along line XXI-XXI inFIG. 20) of thepackage1800 in the partially opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 22 is an illustration of a close-up view of the lockingmechanisms1805 of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 is in a same plane as the peripheral wall (e.g., thesidewall132 or the end wall135) of thepackage1800. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 pivots due to an applied inward force (pressing force) on a lower portion2210 of theexterior surface1815 of thetab1810. In at least one example embodiment, at least oneattachment member2115 connects thetab1810 to the base130 (seeFIGS. 31A-31D). In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneattachment member2115 is attached to theinterior surface1925 of thetab1810 and anexterior surface2120 of theguard1400, where the at least oneattachment member2115 extends between theinterior surface1925 and theexterior surface2120. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 pivots relative to the at least oneattachment member2115 and/or the at least oneattachment member2115 pivots relative to a portion of the base130 that the at least oneattachment member2115 is attached to, thereby causing thetab1810 to pivot due to the inward force applied to thelower portion2110 of theouter surface1815 of the tab1810 (seeFIGS. 31A-31D). In one embodiment, as discussed in detail below, alternatively or additionally, theattachment member2115 bends.
• In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 is an integral part of thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, the guard is inwardly adjacent to thetab1810, as shown inFIG. 21. In at least one example embodiment, theguard1400 is a section of the peripheral wall (e.g., thesidewall132 or the end wall135) of thepackage1800. For example, thesidewall132 curves inward to an offset linear section and curves back outward from the offset linear section to form theguard1400 and define space for thetab1810 andattachment member2115. In one embodiment, the offset linear section is parallel to the other linear sections of thesidewall132. In one embodiment, thetab1810 is coplanar with the other linear sections of thesidewall132.
• In at least one example embodiment, the applied inward force to thelower portion2110 causes anupper portion2105 of thetab1810 to be articulated to move in an outward direction, causing the firstengaging structure1935 to release the secondengaging structure1930. In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 and the at least oneattachment member2115 combine to form a flexible structure2130 (as further described inFIGS. 31A-31D).
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 22, the secondengaging structure1930 includes afirst surface2200. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface2200 is an inclined surface. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1930 includes asecond surface2205. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond surface2205 is parallel to thefloor222 and defines a step. In at least one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, the secondengaging structure1930 engages the firstengaging structure1935, and thesecond surface2205 of the secondengaging structure1930 retains the firstengaging structure1935. In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1930 has a profile that is a triangular shape (as shown inFIG. 22), thereby giving the second engaging structure1930 a three dimensional shape of a triangular prism. Other shapes of the profile of the secondengaging structure1930 are contemplated, including rectangular or square. In at least one example embodiment, a depth of thesecond surface2205 is about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or the depth is about 1 mm to about 2 mm.
• In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms1805 are offset from each other on sides of thepackage1800. That is to say, in at least one example embodiment, and as shown and described inFIG. 29, afirst distance2900 and asecond distance2905 between therespective locking mechanisms1805 and theend wall135 of thepackage1800 are not equal. In another example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms1805 are directly opposed, such that thefirst distance2900 and thesecond distance2905 are equal.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage1800 requires three separate motions in three separate directions to open. In at least one example embodiment, to open thepackage1800 from the closed configuration (as shown inFIG. 18), a respective inward force is applied to thelower portion2110 of theouter surface1815 of each of thetabs1810 simultaneously (e.g., a first inward force and a second inward force that are in opposite directions). The respective inward forces move thelocking mechanisms1805 from a locked, retrained or retained position or state to an unlocked, unrestrained or retained position or state. With both of the lockingmechanisms1805 in the unlocked position, a lifting force substantially perpendicular to the first and second inward forces may be applied to theprimary lid120 to move theprimary lid120 from the closed position to the open position. It will be understood that a person applies the forces to unlock and move theprimary lid120, where this application of forces involves a complex set of three different motions to apply three different forces in three separate directions to open thepackage1800. In at least one example embodiment, by having the lockingmechanisms1805 offset (e.g., thefirst distance2900 and thesecond distance2905 are not equal, as shown inFIG. 29), this may increase a complexity of the motions that are to be applied to open thepackage1800. For instance, by having the lockingmechanisms1805 offset, this may require more than one hand to apply the inward force to thelocking mechanisms1805 to unlock the lockingmechanisms1805.
• FIG. 23 is an illustration of a close-up view ofarms2300 of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thearm2300 can be used for the lockingmechanisms1805, in lieu of the arms1900 (FIG. 19). In at least one example embodiment, thearms2300 define anopening2305 that traverses through anexterior surface2315 and aninterior surface2320 of thearms2300. In at least one example embodiment, thearms2300 include a firstengaging structure2310 that retains the secondengaging structure1930. In at least one example embodiment, the firstengaging structure2310 is exposed portions of thearm2300 that are exposed, at least in part, by theopening2305. In at least one example embodiment, thearms2300 are U-shaped, where each end of thearm2300 is connected to theprimary lid120.
• FIG. 24 is an illustration of a side view of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid1920 includes anexterior surface2400 and aninterior surface2405. In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch710 extends from theinterior surface2405 of thesecondary lid1920. In at least one example embodiment, the beak shape (thefirst surface820 and the second surface825) of thecatch710 faces away from theprimary storage area200 of thepackage1800 when thesecondary lid1920 is the a closed position.
• FIG. 25 is an illustration of a lower perspective view of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 26 is an illustration of another lower perspective view of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 27 is an illustration of a perspective view of thepackage1800 with the lid detached, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 28 is an illustration of theprimary lid120 of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 29 is an illustration of an upper perspective view of thebase130 of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 30 is an illustration of a lower perspective view of thebase130 of thepackage1800, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the beak shape (thefirst surface820 and the second surface825) of thecatch710 faces, and fits into, a notch2505 (FIG. 26), where thesecond surface825 is retained by aslit3000 defined by a surface of the notch2505 (FIG. 30), when thesecondary lid1920 is in the closed position (closed configuration).
• In at least one example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms1805 are offset, where thefirst distance2900 and thesecond distance2905 between therespective locking mechanisms1805 and theend wall135 of thepackage1800 are not equal (FIG. 29). In another example embodiment, the lockingmechanisms1805 are directly opposed, such that thefirst distance2900 and thesecond distance2905 are equal.
• In at least one example embodiment, a gap2910 (FIG. 29) exists between theexterior surface2120 of theguard1400 and theinterior surface1925 of thetab1810. Thegap2910 allows for a pivoting movement of thetab1810, as described in at leastFIGS. 31A-31B. In at least one example embodiment, thegap2910 is about 1 mm to about 5 mm in length, or the gap is about 1 mm to about 2 mm. In at least one example embodiment, a length of the at least oneattachment member2115 is equal to the length of thegap2910.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage1800 is rectangular from an overhead perspective (FIG. 29). In at least one example embodiment, thepackage1800 is square, or another shape, from an overhead perspective.
• FIG. 31A is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view (view XXXI-XXXI ofFIG. 29) of theflexible structure2130, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneattachment member2115 is connected to theguard1400 and a mid-section of thetab1810. In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneattachment member2115 includes two attachment members2115 (FIG. 29), or more than two attachment members, where each of the attachment members is at a same vertical elevation of thepackage1800. In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneattachment member2115, or the multiple attachment members, are attached to a vertical mid-section of theinterior surface1915 of the tab1810 (as shown inFIGS. 29 and 31A). In at least one example embodiment, a vertical cross-section of the at least oneattachment member2115 is rectangular or square in shape, making the at least oneattachment member2115 take the three-dimensional shape of bar (cuboid), or a flat bar (seeFIGS. 29 and 31A). In at least one example embodiment, a vertical cross-section of the at least oneattachment member2115 is circular in shape, making the at least oneattachment member2115 take the three-dimensional shape of a cylinder. Other shapes of the at least oneattachment member2115 are contemplated.
• In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 is resilient and/or made from a resilient material. In at least one example embodiment, when the inward force is applied to the lower portion2210 of thetab1810, thetab1810 pivots or bends (movement M) relative to theattachment member2115. This movement M of thetab1810 causes theflexible structure2130 to transition from a relaxed position to a flexed position, thereby causing the secondengaging structure1930 and theupper portion2105 of thetab1810 to move in an outward direction so that the secondengaging structure1930 releases the firstengaging structure1935 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (FIG. 18).FIG. 31B is an illustration of the vertical cross-sectional view (view XXXI-XXXI ofFIG. 29) of theflexible structure2130, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible structure2130 returns to the relaxed position absent the inward force.
• In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneattachment member2115 is resilient and/or made from a resilient material. In at least one example embodiment, when the inward force is applied to the lower portion2210 of thetab1810, the at least oneattachment member2115 pivots or bends (movement M) relative to theguard1400, or relative to a portion of the base130 that is connected to the at least oneattachment member2115, which in turn causes thetab1810 to pivot with the at least oneattachment member2115. This movement M of thetab1810 and the at least oneattachment member2115 causes theflexible structure2130 to transition from the relaxed position to the flexed position, thereby causing the secondengaging structure1930 and theupper portion2105 of thetab1810 to move in an outward direction so that the secondengaging structure1930 releases the firstengaging structure1935 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position (FIG. 18).
• In at least one example embodiment, both thetab1810 and the at least oneattachment member2115 are resilient and/or made from a resilient material. In this example embodiment, the inward force applied to the lower portion2210 of thetab1810 causes thetab1810 to pivot or bend relative to the at least oneattachment member2115, and the inward force also causes the at least oneattachment member2115 to pivot or bend relative to theguard1400, or relative to a portion of the base130 that is connected to the at least oneattachment member2115. This pivot (movement M) of thetab1810 and the at least oneattachment member2115 causes theflexible structure2130 to transition from the relaxed position to the flexed position. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible structure2130 returns to the relaxed position absent the inward force.
• FIG. 31C is an illustration of an overhead view of anotherflexible structure2130, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 31D is an illustration of a vertical cross-sectional view of theflexible structure2130, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, a pair ofattachment members3115 connect thetab1810 to thebase130. In at least one example embodiment, the pair ofattachment members3115 are connected to side ends of thetab1810. In at least one example embodiment, the pair ofattachment members3115 is connected to a vertical mid-section of the side ends of the tab1810 (seeFIG. 31D). In at least one example embodiment, each of the pair ofattachment members3115 are connected to the peripheral wall (e.g., thesidewall132 or end wall135) and the side edges of thetab1810.
• In at least one example embodiment, the pair ofattachment members3115 are resilient and/or made from a resilient material. In this example embodiment, the inward force applied to the lower portion2210 of thetab1810 causes thetab1810 to pivot relative to the pair ofattachment members3115, while the pair ofattachment members3115 rotates. This movement M of thetab1810 and the pair ofattachment members3115 causes theflexible structure2130 to transition from the relaxed position to the flexed position. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible structure2130 returns to the relaxed position absent the inward force.
• In at least one example embodiment, a length of each one of the pair ofattachment members3115 is about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, or the length is about 0.5 mm to 1 mm, where this length equals a separation (gap) between the side edges of thetab1810 and a side edge of thesidewalls132.
• In at least one example embodiment, a vertical cross-section of eachattachment member3115 is circular in shape (FIG. 31D), making theattachment member3115 take the three-dimensional shape of a cylinder. In at least one example embodiment, a vertical cross-section of eachattachment member3115 is square or rectangular in shape, making eachattachment member3115 take the three-dimensional shape of a bar (cuboid) or a flat bar. Other shapes of the at least oneattachment member3115 are contemplated.
• FIG. 32 is an illustration of a perspective view of anotherpackage3200, in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 33 is an illustration of the package of thepackage3200 in an opened configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 34A is an illustration of a close-up view of a portion of thelocking mechanism1805, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 34B is an illustration of another close-up of thelocking mechanism1805, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thetab1810 includes surface bumps3210 on theouter surface1815 of thetab1810. In at least one example embodiment, the surface bumps3210 are on thelower portion2110 of theouter surface1815 of thetab1810.
• In at least one example embodiment, afirst distance3215 and asecond distance3220 between the lockingmechanisms1805 of theend wall135 of thepackage3200 are equal.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage3200 includes an arm3300 (FIG. 33). In at least one example embodiment, thearm3300 defines anopening3305. In at least one example embodiment, theopening3305 is rectangular or square in shape. In at least one example embodiment, other shapes of theopening3305 are contemplated, including a circular shape, a triangular shape, etc. In at least one example embodiment, thearm3300 includes a firstengaging structure3310 which includes exposed areas of thearm3300 that are exposed, at least in part, due to theopening3305. In at least one example embodiment, thearm3300 has a side profile in the shape of a long narrow rectangle (as shown inFIG. 33). In at least one example embodiment, thearm3300 has a side profile in another shape, such as square, triangular, etc.
• In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1930 has a long narrow shape (as shown inFIG. 34A), which matches a shape of theopening3305 of the arm3300 (FIG. 33). In at least one example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1930 has a triangular-shaped side profile (FIGS. 22 and 34A), thereby giving the second engaging structure1930 a three dimensional shape of a triangular prism. In another example embodiment, the secondengaging structure1930 has a square-shaped side profile, or a rectangular-shaped profile. Other shapes of the second engaging structure are contemplated.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 includes aprojection3315. In at least one example embodiment, theprojection3315 is a relatively long and flat tab-shaped projection. In at least one example embodiment, theprojection3315 fits into and mates with acutout3320 defined by an upper portion of the peripheral wall (e.g., theend wall135 or the sidewall132). In an example embodiment, anindentation3325 is below thecutout3320.
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
Third Example Embodiment
• Referring now toFIGS. 35A-47, elements shown inFIGS. 35A-47 having similar reference labels as elements shown inFIGS. 1-34 will be understood to be the same as the elements described with reference to any ofFIGS. 1-34 and thus a description of such elements is not repeated with regard toFIGS. 35A-47.
• FIGS. 35A and 35B are illustrations of perspective views of anotherpackage100 in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 36A and 36B are illustrations of perspective views of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-35B in an open configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C are illustrations of close-up perspective cross-sectional views of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-36B along cross-sectional view line XXXVII-XXXVII′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 37D and 37E are illustrations of perspective cross-sectional views of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-37C along cross-sectional view line XXXVIID-XXXVIID′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 37F is an illustration of a perspective cross-sectional view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-37E along cross-sectional view line XXXVIIF-XXXVIIF′ ofFIG. 36A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C are illustrations of close-up perspective cross-sectional views of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-37C along cross-sectional view line XXXVIII-XXXVIII′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 39A is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-38C along cross-sectional view line XXXIXA-XXXIXA′ ofFIG. 35A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 39B is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-39A along cross-sectional view line XXXIXB-XXXIXB′ ofFIG. 36A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B, theprimary lid120 is connected to thebase130 via ahinge140 and is configured to move and/or be moved between an open position (shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B) and a closed position (shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B) to establish the open and closed configurations, respectively, of thepackage100.
• The “open position” of theprimary lid120 may be interchangeably referred to herein as an “open configuration” of theprimary lid120. The “closed position” of theprimary lid120″ may be interchangeably referred to herein as a “closed configuration” of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage100 is understood to be in an open configuration when theprimary lid120 is in the open position and thepackage100 is understood to be in a closed configuration when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment (this, previously described or later described embodiments as well), thesidewalls132, endwalls135, and curved walls (or corners)138 of thepackage100 may collectively define, and may collectively be referred to herein as, anouter wall3502 of thebase130 of thepackage100. Theouter wall3502 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a “peripheral wall” and may be understood to extend around a periphery of thebase130 and/or a periphery of thefloor222. In this, previously described or later described embodiment, as shown, theouter wall3502 may be a part of and/or may be at least partially defined by theframe210. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B, thebase130 may include at least afloor222 and anouter wall3502 that extends perpendicular to thefloor222, where theouter wall3502 has anouter surface3506 that at least partially defines anouter surface3500 of thepackage100. Thefloor222 may be interchangeably be referred to herein as a “bottom wall” in this, previously described or later described embodiments.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-37B,38A, and39A-39B, theouter wall3502 may have aninner surface3504 facing towards an interior of theframe210 and/or package100 (e.g., towards theprimary storage area200 and/or a center of the floor222), anouter surface3506 facing towards theexterior3599 of thepackage100 and/orframe210, anupper surface3505, and alower surface3507. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502 may define and/or may be the same as theupper surface136 of thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, theouter wall3502 may include at least two opposing sidewalls132 (e.g., at opposite sides of thefloor222,primary storage area200, or the like) extending along a long side of the base130 (having length L1) and two opposing end walls135 (e.g., at opposite sides of thefloor222,primary storage area200, or the like) extending along a short side of the base130 (having length L2), but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprimary lid120 has aninterior surface245, anouter surface124 that is opposite to theinterior surface245, and at least one edge277 (also referred to interchangeably as at least one edge surface) extending between theinterior surface245 and theouter surface124 around a periphery of theprimary lid120. Theouter surface124 may at least partially define theouter surface3500 of thepackage100 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, 37A, 37D-37E, 38A, and 39A, theouter surface124 is configured to be flush (e.g., substantially flush) with theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. As shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, theouter wall3502 may horizontally obscure the at least oneedge277 of theprimary lid120 from exposure to anexterior3599 of thepackage100 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. Such obscuring of the at least oneedge277 may limit or prevent application of force to various portions of theprimary lid120, via contact with at least theedge277, to manipulate (e.g., move) theprimary lid120 between the open and closed positions.
• As described herein, “horizontal” may refer to one or more directions extending parallel or substantially parallel to thefloor222 and/or theprimary lid120 in the closed position (including the first direction D1 described further herein). Accordingly, for example, “horizontally” obscuring or exposing an element of thepackage100 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100 may be understood to include obscuring or exposing the element in one or more directions extending parallel or substantially parallel to thefloor222.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B, 37B, 38B, and 39A-39B, theouter wall3502 may define at least one notch structure, referred to herein as anotch3530, that extends from theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502 towards thelower surface3507. Thenotch3530 may be at least partially defined by opposingside surfaces3534 andbottom surface3532 of theouter wall3502.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, 38A, and 39A, theprimary lid120 may further include acontact structure3540 extending (e.g., protruding) horizontally from theedge277 of theprimary lid120 and thus away from theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, thecontact structure3540 may be referred to herein interchangeably as a “tab,” “contact tab,” “second contact structure,” or the like.
• As shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, 38A, and 39A, thecontact structure3540 may protrude horizontally outwards from at least oneedge277, and thecontact structure3540 may include abottom surface3542, anupper surface3548, opposingside surface3544, andouter surface3546.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, 37A, 37D-37E, 38A, and 39A, theprimary lid120 and the base130 may be configured to position the at least onecontact structure3540 and a corresponding at least onenotch3530 in particular respective positions at theprimary lid120 andbase130 so that the at least onecontact structure3540 may mate with (e.g., contact, be received in, etc.) acorresponding notch3530 defined by theouter wall3502 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position such that anouter surface3546 of thecontact structure3540 is exposed (e.g., horizontally exposed) from theouter wall3502 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100 while the at least oneedge277 of theprimary lid120 is horizontally obscured from theexterior3599 by theouter wall3502. Mating of the at least onecontact structure3540 with the at least onenotch3530 may include at least thebottom surface3542 of the at least onecontact structure3540 being in contact (e.g., flush contact) with thebottom surface3532 of thecorresponding notch3530.
• In at least one example embodiment, at least onecontact structure3540 enables contact with and/or manipulation of theprimary lid120 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, providing a structure to which a force may be applied (e.g., a force in a second direction D2 as described herein) to cause theprimary lid120 to be moved from the closed position to the open position and/or from the open position to the closed position. For example, the at least onecontact structure3540 may allow a consumer to grasp an outer, horizontally-exposed portion of theprimary lid120 and apply force to theprimary lid120 via the at least onecontact structure3540, when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position such that the at least oneedge277 of theprimary lid120 is horizontally obscured by theouter wall3502 from theexterior3599, to facilitate opening of theprimary lid120.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36A, eachnotch3530 may have adepth3562 from theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502, between theupper surface3505 and thebottom surface3532 in a vertical direction (e.g., the second direction D2 as described herein) that is perpendicular to thebottom surface3532 and/orupper surface3505. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36A, the at least onecontact structure3540 may have athickness3564 between opposite upper andlower surfaces3548 and3642. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, 38A, and 39A, thethickness3564 and thedepth3562 may be equal or substantially equal in magnitude, such that, when at least onecontact structure3540 is mated to at least onenotch3530, theupper surface3548 of thecontact structure3540 may be flush or substantially flush with horizontallyadjacent portions3582 of theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A and 36A, the at least onecontact structure3540 may project horizontally from the at least oneedge277 by aprojection distance3574, such that theouter surface3546 is offset from the at least oneedge277 from which the at least onecontact structure3540 projects by theprojection distance3574.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 35A, the horizontal distance between theedge277 and a proximateouter surface3506 of theouter wall3502 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, at a location at theouter wall3502 that is adjacent to the location of at least onenotch3530 andcorresponding contact structure3540, may be ahorizontal distance3572. Thehorizontal distance3572 may be similar to or the same as the thickness T of theouter wall3502, but example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a portion of the at least oneedge277 adjacent to at least onecontact structure3540 may be spaced apart from (e.g., isolated from direct contact with) theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, such thatdistance3572 may be greater than thickness T and may be a sum of the thickness T and the spacing distance betweenedge277 and the proximate, facinginner surface3504.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B andFIG. 39A, theprojection distance3574 of at least onecontact structure3540 may be the same or substantially the same as thehorizontal distance3572 at locations adjacent to the at least onecontact structure3540, such that theouter surface3546 of thecontact structure3540 may lie flush or substantially flush with horizontallyadjacent portions3584 of theouter surface3506 of theouter wall3502 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position and the at least onecontact structure3540 is mated with a corresponding at least onenotch3530.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, theopposite side surfaces3544 of at least onecontact structure3540 may be in flush contact with corresponding opposingside surfaces3534 of a corresponding at least onenotch3530 when the at least onecontact structure3540 is mated with the at least onenotch3530. In at least one example embodiment, theopposite side surfaces3544 of the at least onecontact structure3540 may be spaced apart from corresponding opposingside surfaces3534 of the at least onenotch3530 when the at least onecontact structure3540 is mated with the at least onenotch3530.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B and 39A-39B, thepackage100 further includes an indentation, also referred to herein asgroove3536 along the outer wall3502 (e.g., sidewall132) adjacent at least onenotch3530, for example vertically adjacent (e.g., in the second direction D2) to thebottom surface3532 of the at least onenotch3530. In at least one example embodiment, thegroove3536 allows for at least onecontact structure3540 that is mated to the adjacent at least onenotch3530 to be more easily contacted (e.g., grasped) to enable the application of force (e.g., a second force in the second direction D2 as described herein) to theprimary lid120 during an opening of thepackage100. For example, thegroove3536 may allow a consumer to insert their finger and grasp an edge of the at least onecontact structure3540 when moving theprimary lid120 to the open position to open theprimary storage area200.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B and 39A-39B, thepackage100 includes a plurality ofseparate notches3530 defined in opposing sides of the outer wall2502 (e.g., opposite sidewalls132) that are at opposite sides of thebase130 and define opposing sides of theprimary storage area200. The plurality ofnotches3530 may include the at least onenotch3530 as described herein, and aspects of the at least onenotch3530 as described herein may apply to each of the plurality ofnotches3530 as described herein. The plurality ofnotches3530 may extend from theupper surface3505 of theouter wall3502 at opposing sides of the base130 towards thelower surface3507 of the outer wall3502 (e.g., opposingsidewalls132 at opposite sides of thebase130, such that thenotches3530 directly or indirectly oppose each other). In some example embodiments, where theupper surface3505 is not continuous around a periphery of thebase130, theouter wall3502 may be understood to include multiple separateupper surfaces3505, and the plurality ofnotches3530 may extend from oppositeupper surfaces3505 of theouter wall3502 at opposite sides of thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-36B and39A-39B, theprimary lid120 further includes a plurality ofseparate contact structures3540 extending horizontally from opposite sides of theprimary lid120 and configured to mate with separate,respective notches3530 of a plurality ofnotches3530 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position such that separate, respectiveouter surfaces3546 of the plurality ofcontact structures3540 are horizontally exposed from theouter wall3502 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100. The plurality ofcontact structures3540 may be understood to extend from opposite sides of theedge277 at opposite sides of the periphery of theprimary lid120. The plurality ofcontact structures3540 may include the at least onecontact structure3540 as described herein, and aspects of the at least onecontact structure3540 as described herein may apply to each of the plurality ofcontact structures3540 as described herein.
• In at least one example embodiment, theedge277 may be understood to extend around a periphery of theprimary lid120. In at least one example embodiment, where theedge277 is not continuous around the periphery of theprimary lid120, theprimary lid120 may be understood to includemultiple edges277 extending around the periphery of theprimary lid120, and the plurality ofcontact structures3540 may extend fromopposite edges277 of theprimary lid120 at opposite sides thereof.
• Example embodiments shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B illustratemultiple contact structures3540 at opposite sides of theprimary lid120 andcorresponding notches3530 extending from respectiveupper surfaces3505 ofopposite sidewalls132 of theouter wall3502. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one example embodiment, theouter wall3502 may define asingle notch3530 extending from anupper surface3505 of any portion of the outer wall3502 (e.g., an upper surface of anend wall135 opposite to thehinge140 across the floor222), and theprimary lid120 may include asingle contact structure3540 configured to mate with thesingle notch3530 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one other example embodiment, theouter wall3502 may definemultiple notches3530 extending from anupper surface3505 of theend wall135 opposite to thehinge140 across thefloor222, and theprimary lid120 may includemultiple contact structures3540 configured to mate with the separate,respective notches3530 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B, alocking mechanism150 of thepackage100 may be at least partially located within an interior of thepackage100 and configured to be at least partially obscured from an exterior of thepackage100 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. Restated, at least a portion of thelocking mechanism150 may be located “inwardly adjacent” to the outer wall2502 in thepackage100, such that the portion of thelocking mechanism150 is between theouter surface3506 of the outer wall2502 and thefloor222 and/or the primary storage area, such that theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 is between the “inwardly adjacent” portion(s) of thelocking mechanism150 and theouter surface3506 of theouter wall3502.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A-37F, and 38A-38C, thelocking mechanism150 includes at least one firstengaging structure3630 and at least one secondengaging structure3706 that may engage with each other when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, to retain theprimary lid120 in the closed position and thus lock theprimary lid120 to thebase130. The first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 may further disengage to unlock theprimary lid120 from thebase130 and enable theprimary lid120 to be moved from the closed position to the open position.
• It will be understood that theprimary lid120 may be locked to, or unlocked from the base130 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, based on whether the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 are engaged or disengaged with each other. When theprimary lid120 is locked to thebase130, theprimary lid120 and/or thepackage100 may be understood to be in a locked configuration. When theprimary lid120 is unlocked to thebase130, theprimary lid120 and/or thepackage100 may be understood to be in an unlocked configuration, and it will be understood that theprimary lid120 may be in an open position or a closed position when theprimary lid120 is in the unlocked configuration and may be simultaneously in the unlocked configuration and the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, thelocking mechanism150 may include at least onearm3610 extending from aninterior surface245 of the primary lid120 (e.g., extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the interior surface245). As shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, the at least onearm3610 may extend from an outer periphery or edge277 of theprimary lid120 that is opposite to the side of theprimary lid120 connected to thehinge140, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, the at least onearm3610 includes a respective firstengaging structure3630 that is configured to engage with a secondengaging structure3706 of thelocking mechanism150.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, at least onearm3610 includes arear surface3612, anouter edge3614, and afront surface3618 that at least partially define outer surfaces of thearm3610. The at least onearm3610 may further include an outer surface3622 that is substantially inclined, and thefront surface3618 may be substantially vertical (e.g., perpendicular to the interior surface245). In at least one example embodiment, the outer surface3622 is substantially inclined so as to allow a surface (e.g., theinner surface3504 of the outer wall3502) to slide across thearm3610, prior to the second engaging structure engaging the firstengaging structure3630 of thearm3610.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, the at least onearm3610 may include a loop having anopening3620 extending through thearm3610. For example, as shown, thearm3610 may include one or moreinner surfaces3616 that define theopening3620 that extends between opposite front andrear surfaces3618 and3612 of thearm3610. At least one of theinner surfaces3616 of arespective arm3610 may comprise the respective firstengaging structure3630 of therespective arm3610. In operation, a secondengaging structure3706 may engage with the firstengaging structure3630 based on at least partially extending through the opening3620 (e.g., from one or both of the front orrear surfaces3618 or3612) to engage one or more of theinner surfaces3616.
• WhileFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A illustrate theopening3620 defined by theinner surfaces3616 of the at least onearm3610 as extending completely between opposite front andrear surfaces3618 and3612 of the at least onearm3610, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one example embodiment, theopening3620 may extend partially from therear surface3612 of anarm3610 though the thickness of thearm3610 betweenopposite surfaces3612 and3618 and may not extend through thefront surface3618.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-38C, thelocking mechanism150 may include a flexible member3560 that is at least partially inwardly adjacent to the outer wall3502 (e.g., at least partially between theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 and the floor222). The flexible member3560 may be connected (e.g., fixed, attached, etc.) to thefloor222 and/or any other portion of thebase130. As described further herein, theflexible member3650 may include at least one secondengaging structure3706 that may be configured to engage with and/or disengage from a respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610
• The at least onearm3610 and theflexible member3650 and may have respective first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 that may be engaged with each other to facilitate locking of theprimary lid120 to the base130 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. The respective first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 of thearm3610 and the flexible member3560 may be disengaged from each other to facilitate unlocking of theprimary lid120 from the base130 while theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, to enable the unlockedprimary lid120 to move or be moved from the closed position to the open position to facilitate opening of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, theflexible member3650 is configured to flex3758 (e.g., bend, move, etc.) at least inwardly (e.g., away from theouter wall3502 and towards an interior of theframe210 and/or package100), so that theflexible member3650 may be caused to move between arelaxed position3752 and aflexed position3754 in response to an applied force or absence thereof, to facilitate engagement or disengagement of respective engagingstructures3630 and3706 of the at least onearm3610 andflexible member3650 to/from each other.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-38C, the flexible member3560 may be at least partially inwardly adjacent to theouter wall3502, so that theouter wall3502 is at least partially between theflexible member3650 and anexterior3599 of thepackage100 and/or anouter surface3500 of thepackage100 in at least a horizontal direction. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-38C, theouter wall3502 may at least partially horizontally obscure theflexible member3650 from theexterior3599 of thepackage100, and theflexible member3650 may be at least partially obscured, both horizontally and vertically, from the exterior3599 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36B-38C, theflexible member3650 may include aflexible rib3652. Theflexible rib3652 includes afixed end3702 that is connected (e.g., fixed) to thefloor222 and afree end3704 that is opposite thefixed end3702. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible rib3652 and thefloor222 are separate portions of a single unitary piece of material, such that thefixed end3702 of theflexible rib3652 is continuous with thefloor222.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, theflexible rib3652 may be configured to flex3758, or move, between arelaxed position3752 and aflexed position3754 in response to a force (e.g., a first force in the first direction D1 as described herein). Such flexing may include at least thefree end3704 moving inwardly or outwardly in the first direction D1, in relation to the package100 (e.g.,primary storage area200, the floor22, etc.) while thefixed end3702 remains stationary in relation to thepackage100, for example based on being connected to thefloor222. Theflexible rib3652 may comprise a material according to any of the example embodiments described herein, including a resilient material that offers a spring force and is configured to flex from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response to an applied force and then return to the relaxed position in the absence of the applied force. Theflexible rib3652 may comprise any resilient material according to any of the example embodiment described herein. In some example embodiments, some or all elements of theflexible member3650, including theflexible rib3652, the at least one secondengaging structure3706, and thecontact structure3512, may comprise the same material (e.g., the same resilient material) and/or may be separate portions of a single, unitary piece of material.
• In at least one example embodiment, some or all of theflexible member3650, including at least theflexible rib3652, may comprise a resilient material, which may be an at least partially elastic material, elastic or substantially elastic material, or the like. The resilient material may include one or more polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the resilient material includes one or more homopolymers, one or more copolymers, or any combination of one or more homopolymers and copolymers In at least some example embodiments, the one or more polymers include a thermoplastic polymer. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), or any combination thereof.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, theflexible member3650 includes at least one secondengaging structure3706 on anouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652. The at least one secondengaging structure3706 may be at thefree end3704 of theflexible rib3652 as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, but example embodiments are not limited thereto and the at least one secondengaging structure3706 may be located anywhere on theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, theflexible member3650 may include multiple separate secondengaging structures3706 on theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652, but example embodiments are not limited thereto and in at least one example embodiment theflexible member3650 may have a single secondengaging structure3706 of theouter surface3710.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, theflexible member3650 may include a plurality of secondengaging structures3706, which may be the same or different from the at least one secondengaging structure3706 as described herein. Each of the secondengaging structures3706 may be at thefree end3702 of theflexible rib3652 and may be at opposite horizontal sides of theouter surface3710 of the flexible rib2652 as shown, for example, in at leastFIG. 37C, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• In at least one example embodiment, each secondengaging structure3706 may be configured to engage a corresponding respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 of thelocking mechanism150 to lock theprimary lid120 to the base130 while theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. Each secondengaging structure3706 may be configured to disengage from the corresponding respective firstengaging structure3630 to unlock theprimary lid120 from the base130 while theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• Each secondengaging structure3706 may include afirst surface3732 and asecond surface3734. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface3732 is substantially inclined, and thesecond surface3734 is substantially vertical. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst surface3732 is substantially inclined so as to allow therear surface3612 of at least onearm3610 of theprimary lid120 to slide across the secondengaging structure3706, prior to the secondengaging structure3706 engaging with (e.g., contacting) the respective firstengaging structure3630 of the at least onearm3610. In at least one example embodiment, at least one secondengaging structure3706 is a catch, projection or protrusion that includes athird surface3736 perpendicular to thesecond surface3734 to form a step (hereinafter step3736) on a lower end of the at least one secondengaging structure3706. As shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37C, the catch may have a truncated right angle pyramid shape. In at least one example embodiment, once the at least one secondengaging structure3706 slides into a firstengaging structure3630 as thepackage100 is closed, thestep3736 maintains, retains, restricts, etc. the at least one second engaging structure3706 (e.g., catch) in the firstengaging structure3630 so as to lock thepackage100 in the closed configuration (e.g., lock theprimary lid120 to the base130), for example based on thestep3736 engaging aninner surface3616 of the at least onearm3610.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, at least a portion of theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652, including a portion of theouter surface3710 on which at least one secondengaging structure3706 is located, faces theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502, such that theouter wall3502 horizontally obscures the portion of theflexible rib3652 from exposure to anexterior3599 of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, the at least one secondengaging structure3706 on theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652 faces a proximateinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502, such that theouter wall3502 horizontally obscures the at least one secondengaging structure3706 from theexterior3599 of thepackage100. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37B, 37D-37F, a portion of theouter wall3502 that overlaps theouter surface3710 in a horizontal direction that is normal to the outer surface3710 (e.g., the first direction D1) may horizontally obscure at least the one or more secondengaging structures3706 from theexterior3599 of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, and37A-37F, thelocking mechanism150 includes acontact structure3512 that is on anouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652 and which is configured to be contacted (e.g., pressed) by a consumer to facilitate opening of thepackage100, based on causing theflexible member3650 to move between arelaxed position3752 and aflexed position3754. Thecontact structure3512 may be referred to interchangeably as a button, push-button, push plate, or the like, and theflexible member3650 may be interchangeably referred to as a button, push-button, or the like. Thelocking mechanism150 may further be referred to as a button, push-button, or the like. As shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, and 37A-37F, thecontact structure3512 is a portion of theflexible member3650, and thus of thelocking mechanism150, that remains exposed to theexterior3599 of thepackage100 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, and37A-37F, thecontact structure3512 has anouter surface3514 that is exposed from theouter wall3502 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100. Theouter surface3514, and thus thecontact structure3512, will be understood to be horizontally exposed from theouter wall3502 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, thecontact structure3512 allows a consumer to apply afirst force3742 in a first direction D1 to a portion of thelocking mechanism150 to unlock theprimary lid120 that is in the closed position from thebase130 and thus enable theprimary lid120 to be moved from the closed position to the open position while theprimary lid120 is unlocked (e.g., via application of another,second force3744 in another, different direction at least partially while thefirst force3742 is being applied). As a result, the opening of thepackage100 may be facilitated based on the consumer at least partially simultaneously applying multiple,separate forces3742 and3744 in separate, respective directions D1 and D2.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B, theouter surface3514 of thecontact structure3512 may at least partially define anouter surface3500 of thepackage100. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B, thecontact structure3512 may be configured such that theouter surface3514 may at least sometimes lie flush with adjacent portions of theouter surface3506 of the outer wall (e.g., when a force is not being applied to thecontact structure3512 and/or when a flexible member of thelocking mechanism150 is in arelaxed position3752.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, 37A-37B, 37D-37F, and 38A-38B, theouter wall3502 may include one or moreinner edges3508 that at least partially define anopening3510 in theouter wall3502 that is configured to expose at least a portion of an interior of thepackage100 from theouter wall3502 to anexterior3599 of thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, 37A-37B, 37D-37F, thecontact structure3512 may be at least partially located within theopening3510 such that at least theouter surface3514 is exposed from theouter wall3502 to theexterior3599 of thepackage100 via theopening3510.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-35B, theouter surface3500 of thepackage100 may be at least partially defined by theouter surface3506,upper surface3505, andlower surface3507 of theouter wall3502, theexterior surface720 of thefloor222, and theouter surface124 of the primary lid, and may further be at least partially defined by theouter surface3514 of thecontact structure3512.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A, 36A, and37A-38B, thecontact structure3512 that is at least partially located within, exposed through, and/or extending through theopening3510 may be spaced apart from (e.g., isolated from direct contact with) the one or moreinner edges3508 of theouter wall3502, such thatgap space3524 is defined by opposinginner edges3508 of theouter wall3502 andouter edges3516 of thecontact structure3512. The presence of thegap space3524 may provide for tolerances in the manufacturing of thepackage100 and may ensure that movement of thecontact structure3512 is not obstructed during use of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 35B, thebase130 includes (e.g., defines) anotch3522 extending into the floor from theouter surface3506 of theouter wall3502 at thelower surface3507 of theouter wall3502. As further shown, thecontact structure3512 may have abottom edge3518 that may lie flush with thelower surface3507 of theouter wall3502 and which may be aligned with (e.g., horizontally overlap with) thenotch3522, such that agap3526 is defined between thebottom edges3518 and an inner surface of thenotch3522. The notch andgap3526 may provide for tolerances in the manufacturing of thepackage100 and may ensure that movement of thecontact structure3512 is not obstructed during use of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, theflexible rib3652 is configured to flex3758 in response to an application of force thereto and relax3759 in response to an absence of such applied force. As shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, for example, theflexible rib3652 extends in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to thefloor222, and theflexible rib3652 may be configured to flex3758 from arelaxed position3752 to a flexedposition3754 in response to a force being applied to theflexible rib3652 in a first direction D1 which may be directed inwards into thepackage100. The flexing3758 of theflexible rib3652 in response to the appliedfirst force3742 may cause theflexible member3650 to move, or flex3758 from therelaxed position3752 to the flexedposition3754.
• Theflexible rib3652 may be configured to flex3758 by aparticular angle3760, and thus cause theflexible member3650 to flex by theparticular angle3760, to cause the secondengaging structure3706 to disengage from a respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 based on horizontal inward movement of the secondengaging structure3706 away from the respective firstengaging structure3630. Theparticular angle3760 may be, for example, an angle between 1 degree and 30 degrees from the second direction D2, but example embodiments are not limited thereto. Theparticular angle3760 may be equal to or greater than 0.1 degrees, 0.5 degrees, 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degree, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, and/or 60 degrees. Theparticular angle3760 may be equal to or smaller than 89.9 degrees, 89.5 degrees, 89 degrees, 85 degrees, 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, and/or 30 degrees.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown inFIGS. 37A-37F, theflexible member3650 is configured to flex3758 inwards (e.g., away from a proximateinner surface3504 opposing the outer surface3710) from arelaxed position3752 to a flexedposition3754 based on flexing3758 of theflexible rib3652 in response to afirst force3742 being applied to the contact structure3512 (e.g., based on a consumer pressing on the contact structure) in a first direction D1 that is directed inwardly (e.g., towards an interior of the package100). Restated, the flexing3758 of theflexible rib3652 may be understood to correspond to flexing3758 of theflexible member3650, such that theflexible member3650 flexes3758 from arelaxed position3752 to a flexedposition3754 based on theflexible rib3652 flexing from a corresponding relaxed position to a corresponding flexed position. As shown inFIGS. 37A-37F, therelaxed position3752 of theflexible rib3652 may be the same as therelaxed position3752 of theflexible member3650, and the flexedposition3754 of theflexible rib3652 may be the same as the flexedposition3754 of theflexible member3650, such that the flexed and relaxed positions of theflexible member3650 as described herein may interchangeably be referred to as the flexed and relaxed positions, respectively, of theflexible rib3652.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible rib3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, may be understood to be configured to exert a spring force that opposes forces applied to at least a portion of the flexible member3650 (e.g., the flexible rib3652) in a horizontal direction (e.g., the first direction D1) to cause theflexible member3650 to flex3758 to the flexedposition3754 in the horizontal direction, such that the spring force may cause theflexible member3650 to return (e.g., relax3759) from the flexedposition3754 to therelaxed position3752 in the absence of the applied force. For example, theflexible rib3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, may be understood to be configured to exert a spring force that opposes thefirst force3742 applied in the first direction D1, where thefirst force3742 exceeds the spring force and thus causes theflexible member3650 to flex3758 from therelaxed position3752 to the flexedposition3754. Theflexible rib3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, may be understood to be configured to return (e.g., relax3759) from the flexedposition3754 to the relaxed position in response to the spring force being exerted by theflexible member3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, exceeding thefirst force3742 in at least magnitude in the direction opposing the first direction D1 (e.g., in response to thefirst force3742 ceasing to be applied in the first direction D1 to the flexible member3650).
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible rib3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, may be understood to be a spring, or configured to function (e.g., act) as a spring. For example, at least theflexible rib3652, and thus some or all of theflexible member3650, may be understood to function (e.g., act) as a leaf spring that is configured to exert a spring force opposing afirst force3742 that is applied to theflexible member3650 in the first direction D1 and return (e.g., relax3759) from a flexedposition3754 to arelaxed position3752 in response to an absence of the appliedfirst force3742, or the opposing spring force exceeding thefirst force3742 in at least magnitude in the direction opposing the first direction D1.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible member3650 is configured to return, or relax3759, from the flexedposition3754 to therelaxed position3752 absent an applied force on the flexible member3650 (e.g., absent the first force3742). For example, when theflexible member3650 is in the flexedposition3754 in response to thefirst force3742 being applied to thecontact structure3512, theflexible member3650 may be configured to return (e.g., relax3759) to therelaxed position3752 in response to the ceasing of the application of thefirst force3742 on thecontact structure3512.
• As described herein, at least theflexible rib3652 may comprise a resilient and/or flexible material configured to flex and/or move between relaxed and flexed positions as described herein in response to a applied force or absence thereof. The resilient and/or flexible material may be any of the materials according to any of the example embodiments as described herein. In at least one example embodiment, the entireflexible member3650, including the at least one secondengaging structure3706 and thecontact structure3512, may comprise the same material as theflexible rib3652.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A and 38A, theflexible member3650 is configured to engage the respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 with at least one secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 in response to theprimary lid120 being in the closed position and theflexible member3650 being in therelaxed position3752, to retain theprimary lid120 in the closed position, thereby locking theprimary lid120 to the base130 such that theprimary lid120 is in the closed position and the locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, when theprimary lid120 is moved to the closed position, thearm3610 may descend into agap space3720 at least partially defined between opposingouter surface3710 andinner surface3504 and in which at least one secondengaging structure3706 is at least partially located when theflexible member3650 is in therelaxed position3752, as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A and 38A. In at least one example embodiment, therear surface3612 of at least onearm3610 entering thegap space3720 may contact thefirst surface3732 and/orsecond surface3734 of the at least one secondengaging structure3706 that is at least partially in thegap space3720 to apply a force to theflexible rib3652 to deflect (e.g., “flex”3758) theflexible member3650 in the first direction D1 to a flexed position which may be the flexedposition3754 or may be between therelaxed position3752 and the flexedposition3754. When the respective firstengaging structure3630 is vertically aligned (e.g., in the second direction D2) in thegap space3720 with the at least one secondengaging structure3706 at least partially located in thegap space3720, theflexible member3650 may return to therelaxed position3752 to engage the at least one secondengaging structure3706 with the respective firstengaging structure3630.
• For example, as shown in at leastFIG. 37A andFIG. 38A, where the at least one arm3610 includes a first engaging structure3630 that includes a lower inner surface3616 at least partially defining an opening3620 through the at least one arm3610, and where the at least one second engaging structure3706 includes a catch with a step3736, and where the flexible member3650 is deflected or flexed3758 by the at least one arm3610 due to sliding contact between the arm3610 and the second engaging structure3706 as the arm3610 is lowered into the gap space3720 when the primary lid120 is moved to the closed position, the flexible member3650 may return (3759) from the flexed position3754 to the relaxed position3752 in response to the opening3620 becoming at least partially aligned (e.g., vertically and/or horizontally aligned) with the second engaging structure3706 so that the force applied on the second engaging structure3706 of the flexible member3650 by the arm3610 at least partially ceases and the flexible member3650 responsively returns (3759) to the relaxed position3752 based on the second engaging structure3706 at least partially extending through the opening3620 at least partially vertically and/or horizontally aligned with the second engaging structure3706 to engage the step3736 with the at least one inner surface3616 (e.g., the lower inner surface3616) at least partially defining the opening3620.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, theflexible member3650 is configured to disengage at least one secondengaging structure3706 from an engaged respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 in response to thefirst force3742 being applied to thecontact structure3512 in the first direction D1 to cause theflexible member3650 to move (e.g., flex3758) to the flexedposition3754 while theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. Theflexible member3650 may be configured to flex3758 by aflexing angle3760 that is sufficient to disengage the at least one secondengaging structure3706 from the firstengaging structure3630 based on horizontal inward movement of the secondengaging structure3706 away from thearm3610 due to the flexing3758 of theflexible member3650. For example, where the firstengaging structure3630 includes aninner surface3616 of thearm3610 which at least partially defines anopening3620 through which the secondengaging structure3706 extends when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position and the locked configuration, the flexing3758 due to thefirst force3742 being applied to thecontact structure3512 may cause theflexible member3650 to flex by at least aparticular angle3760 to cause the secondengaging structure3706 to move out of theopening3620 to disengage from the firstengaging structure3630 and thus release thearm3610 from engagement, connection, etc. with theflexible member3650.
• When the first and second engagingstructures3706 and3630 are disengaged from each other, theprimary lid120 is unlocked from thebase130 and is understood to be in an unlocked configuration. Theprimary lid120 may be locked to the base or unlocked from the base130 while being in the closed position based on whether the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 are engaged or disengaged with each other, respectively.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37B, 37D-37F, 38A-38B, and 39A-39B, theprimary lid120 is configured to be moved from the closed position to the open position based on applying asecond force3744 to theprimary lid120 in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 while theflexible member3650 is in the flexedposition3754 and thus theprimary lid120 is unlocked from thebase130. For example, thesecond force3744 may be applied in the second direction D2 to acontact structure3540 subsequently to the application of thefirst force3742 to thecontact structure3512 in the first direction D1 to unlock theprimary lid120 from the base due to disengagement of the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706. Thesecond force3744 may be applied in the second direction D2 at least partially concurrently with thefirst force3742 being applied in the first direction D1 to thecontact structure3512, such that the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 remain disengaged from each other and theprimary lid120 remains unlocked from the base130 when thesecond force3744 is applied and theprimary lid120 is at least partially moved out of the closed position and towards the open position. To enable theprimary lid120 to remain unlocked from the base130 when thesecond force3744 is being applied to move theprimary lid120 from the closed position to the open position, thefirst force3742 may be maintained at least when thesecond force3744 is initially applied in order to maintain the disengagement between the engagingstructures3630 and3706 while the at least onearm3610 of theprimary lid120 is lifted out ofgap space3720, so that at least the firstengaging structure3630 is lifted out of alignment with the secondengaging structure3706 to move theprimary lid120 from the closed position to the open position, before thefirst force3742 ceases to be applied to the contact structure.
• As a result, theprimary lid120 may be configured to be unlocked from thebase130 and moved from the closed position to the open position based on applying twoseparate forces3742 and3744 at least partially simultaneously and in separate directions D1 and D2, thereby providing child resistant access to theprimary storage area200 of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A and 39A, thesecond force3744 may be applied to the one ormore contact structures3540 extending horizontally from one or more sides of theedge277 of theprimary lid120. Thesecond force3744 may be applied based on a consumer grasping each of thecontact structures3540 of the primary lid120 (e.g., via contactingseparate contact structures3540 with separate fingers of one hand) while applying thefirst force3742 to thecontact structure3512 with a separate hand, in order to both unlock theprimary lid120 from the base130 (via applying thefirst force3742 to the contact structure3512) and opening thepackage100 once the primary lid is unlocked (via applying thesecond force3744 to the one ormore contact structures3540 while theprimary lid120 is unlocked in the closed position), thereby providing child resistant access to theprimary storage area200 of thepackage100.
• In at least one example embodiment, thecontact structure3512 is configured to be spaced apart from theinner edges3508 of theouter wall3502 at least when theflexible member3650 is in therelaxed position3752.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, and 38A, thelocking mechanism150 may include a plurality ofarms3610 that protrude from theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. The plurality ofarms3610 may be spaced apart from each other and may include separate, respective first engagingstructures3630, each of which may be the same as the at least one first engaging structure as described herein. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, thelocking mechanism150 may include aflexible member3650 that includes a plurality of secondengaging structures3706 on theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652. As shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C, the multiple secondengaging structures3706 may be at opposite sides of theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652, but example embodiments are not limited thereto. Thelocking mechanism150 may be configured such that theflexible member3650 is configured to engage each separate secondengaging structure3706 with a separate, respective firstengaging structure3630 of the plurality ofarms3610 when the primary lid is in the closed position and theflexible member3650 is in therelaxed position3752, so that theprimary lid120 has a plurality of points of contact with theflexible member3650 when theprimary lid120 is locked to thebase130. The plurality ofarms3610 may include the at least onearm3610 as described herein, and aspects of the at least onearm3610 as described herein may apply to each of the plurality ofarms3610 as described herein. The plurality of secondengaging structures3706 may include the at least one secondengaging structure3706 as described herein, and aspects of the at least one secondengaging structure3706 as described herein may apply to each of the plurality second engagingstructures3706 as described herein.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelocking mechanism150 may be configured to lock theprimary lid120 to the base130 at an opposite end of the package from thehinge140. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-39B, theouter wall3502 may include two opposingsidewalls132 extending along a long side of thebase130 and two opposingend walls135 extending along a short side of thebase130, thehinge140 may be connected to the base130 at oneend wall135, and theflexible member3650 may be inwardly adjacent to anopposite end wall135 such that thehinge140 and theflexible member3650 are at opposite ends of thefloor222 of thebase130 and thus are at opposite ends of thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-37B, 38A-38B, and 39A-39B, the base130 (e.g., the frame210) may include aledge280 on theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502. The ledge may define a first upper surface, or step285. In at least one example embodiment, the step285 (e.g., first step) is an upper surface that faces upwards towards theprimary lid120 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, theledge280 has anouter surface3780 that faces inwards, away from theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 and towards an interior space defined by theinner surface3504.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37B and 38A-38B, theledge280 includes one ormore portions3790 that are shaped to accommodate and contact (e.g., mate with) at least onearm3610 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37B and 38A-38B, respective portions of thestep285 in therespective portions3790 of theledge280 may at least partially define one ormore gap spaces3720 configured to receive, retain, and/or mate with at least onearm3610 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position, such that therespective portions3790 of theledge280 may hold (e.g., retain) the at least onearm3610 in place, and restrict vertical and/or horizontal movement of the at least onearm3610, to vertically and/or horizontally align the respective firstengaging structure3630 of the at least onearm3610 with a corresponding at least one secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 so as to facilitate engagement of the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 with each other when they are so aligned with each other. Restated, at least a portion of thestep285, for example a portion of thestep285 defined by aparticular portion3790 of theledge280, may contact the at least onearm3610 to at least vertically align the respective firstengaging structure3630 of the at least onearm3610 with at least one secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position and theflexible member3650 is in therelaxed position3752, thereby enabling engagement between the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 based on the alignment.
• It will be understood that, as described herein, a respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 engaging with at least one secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 may be referred to interchangeably as the at least onearm3610 and theflexible member3650 engaging with each other. It will be understood that, as described herein, a respective firstengaging structure3630 of at least onearm3610 disengaging with at least one secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 may be referred to interchangeably as the at least onearm3610 and theflexible member3650 disengaging from each other.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38C. theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652 and the opposinginner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 may define opposite boundaries of a givengap space3720 in a longitudinal direction of the package100 (e.g., the first direction D1), and the one or more surfaces of the portion of thestep285 in theportion3790 of theledge280 may define a bottom boundary of thegap space3720 and opposing boundaries of thegap space3720 in a lateral direction of the package100 (e.g., perpendicular to both the first and second directions D1 and D2).
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-38B and 38A-38B, theledge280,step285, and opposingsurfaces3504 and3710 may be configured to define at least onegap space3720 having a shape that approximates and/or is the same or substantially the same as (e.g., complementary to) the outer shape of at least a distal portion of anarm3610 that is configured to be received into thegap space3720 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. For example, based on the structures of theledge280,flexible member3650, outer wall, and the like (e.g., structures of the base130) being configured to define one ormore gap spaces3720 that have a shape that is complementary or substantially complementary to an outer shape of a distal end of at least onearm3610, as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A and 38A for example, thebase130 may be configured to physically restrain thearm3610 received into thegap space3720 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position and align the arm with a corresponding secondengaging structure3706 of theflexible member3650 to enable reliable engagement and disengagement of the first and second engagingstructures3630 and3706 and thus locking and unlocking of theprimary lid120 in relation to thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 37A-37F, theledge280 may define anouter surface3780 that may contact theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652 when theflexible member3650 is in therelaxed position3752. Theouter surface3780 of theledge280 may contact theflexible rib3652 at theouter surface3710 thereof to restrict outward horizontal movement of theflexible member3650 from therelaxed position3752.
• In at least one example embodiment, the base130 (e.g., the frame210) includes and/or defines one or more reinforcingribs3804 on theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502, where the one or more reinforcingribs3804 are connected to correspondingportions3790 of theledge280 that are configured to mate with correspondingarms3610 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position. The reinforcingribs3804 may configure therespective portions3790 of theledge280 to support the load of the arm(s)3610 on the respective portions of thestep285 in therespective portions3790 of theledge280.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, 37A, 37D-37E, 38A, and 39A-39B, theprimary lid120 includes aseal275 extending from theinterior surface245 of theprimary lid120. Theledge280 may, in at least one example embodiment, be configured to mate with theseal275 when theprimary lid120 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, at least onearm3610 may be included in (e.g., as a part of) theseal275, such that the at least onearm3610 and/or the first engagingstructures3630 thereof may be understood to be integrated in (e.g., a part of a same unitary piece of material as) and/or at least partially extending through theseal275. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 36A-36B, eacharm3610 may be an integral part of the seal275 (e.g., part of a same unitary piece of material as the seal275) and may each define anopening3620 extending through the thickness of theseal275.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 38A-38C, thecontact structure3512 may be connected to theouter surface3710 of theflexible rib3652 via one or more connectingribs3802 such that thecontact structure3512 is spaced apart outwardly from theflexible rib3652, enabling theouter surface3514 of thecontact structure3512 to be exposed from the outer wall3502 (and in at least one example embodiment to be flush with the outer surface3506) while theflexible rib3652 may be inwardly adjacent from theouter wall3502 and horizontally obscured from the exterior of thepackage100 by theouter wall3502.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 38A-38C, the connectingribs3802 may enable force(s) applied to the contact structure3512 (e.g.,first force3742 applied to the outer surface3514) to be transferred to theflexible member3650.
• FIG. 40 is an illustration of an exploded view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-39B in the open configuration, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 41A and 41B are illustrations of perspective views of aframe210 andprimary lid120 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 42 is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of aframe210 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40 along cross-sectional view line XLII-XLII′ ofFIG. 41B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIGS. 43A and 43B are illustrations of perspective views of aninsert220 of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown in at leastFIGS. 40-43B, thebase130 includes aframe210 that at least partially defines theouter wall3502, and the base130 further includes aninsert220 that includes at least thefloor222. As shown in at leastFIGS. 35A-40 and 43A-43B, theflexible member3650 may be connected to theinsert220. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible member3650 may be understood to be a part of theinsert220.
• In at least one example embodiment, theinsert220 and theframe210 are configured to be connected to each other independently of the flexible member3650 (e.g., via interaction between one ormore wedges1100 of theframe210 and one or morecorresponding channels930 of the insert220) such that theouter wall3502 and thefloor222 combine to at least partially define the outer surface of thepackage100. In at least one example embodiment the flexible member3560 may be configured to be isolated from direct contact from theframe210 during at least a portion of the locking or unlocking operations of thepackage100. For example, when the flexible member3560 is in the flexedposition3754 theflexible member3650 may not contact anouter surface3780 of theledge280 or theinner edge3508 of theouter wall3502 and thus may be isolated from direct contact with theframe210.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 40, theflexible member3650 of thelocking mechanism150 and thefloor222 of the base130 may be separate portions of a unitary piece of material (e.g., a piece of formed material). In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 40, theframe210, thehinge140, theprimary lid120, and the one ormore arms3610 of thelocking mechanism150 are separate portions of a first unitary piece ofmaterial4010. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 40, at least theinsert220 and theflexible member3650 of thelocking mechanism150 are separate portions of a second unitary piece ofmaterial4020. As further shown inFIG. 40, in at least one example embodiment thesecondary lid240 and hinge900 are further separate portions of the second unitary piece ofmaterial4020. Each of the first and second unitary pieces ofmaterial4010 and4020 may be composed of any of the materials described herein, including being composed of same or different materials. The first and second unitary pieces ofmaterial4010 and4020 may be coupled together (e.g., based on engagingwedges1100 of theframe210 with thechannels930 of the insert220) to form thepackage100. Thus, thepackage100 may be a two-piece package that includes two separate unitary pieces of material that may be formed separately according to any process described herein and coupled together.
• In at least one example embodiment, thewedge1100 of the frame210 (which may be a portion of the first unitary piece of material4010) mates with thechannel930 of the insert220 (which may be a portion of the second unitary piece of material4020), and is retained in thechannel930 due to a friction fit between thewedge1100 and thechannel930. In at least one example embodiment, glue, and adhesive, or structure is used in lieu of a friction fit, or in combination with a friction fit, to retain thewedge1100 within the channel930 (and thus to couple the first and second unitary pieces ofmaterial4010 and4020 together to form the package100).
• In at least one example embodiment, some or all of the first unitary piece ofmaterial4010 and/or the second unitary piece ofmaterial4020 may include one or more polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the some or all of the first unitary piece ofmaterial4010 and/or the second unitary piece ofmaterial4020 may include one or more homopolymers, one or more copolymers, or any combination of one or more homopolymers and copolymers. In at least some example embodiments, the one or more polymers include a thermoplastic polymer. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), or any combination thereof.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 40-43B thesecondary storage area230 is defined at least in part by anend wall232 and anupper wall234, where theend wall232 is a portion of theinsert220 and theupper wall234 is a portion of theframe210. Theend wall232 and theupper wall234 have respective free ends that are opposite from respective fixed ends of theend wall232 andupper wall234, where the respective fixed ends of theend wall232 andupper wall234 are connected to respective ones of theinsert220 orframe210. In at least one example embodiment,end wall232 and theupper wall234 are coupled together at their respective free ends, as shown in at leastFIG. 46, when theframe210 and theinsert220 are coupled together.
• FIG. 44A is an illustration of a perspective view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40 with thesecondary lid240 in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 44B is an illustration of a perspective cross-sectional view of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40 and 44A along cross-sectional view line XLIVB-XLIVB′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 45 is an illustration of a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the package ofFIGS. 35A-40 and 44A-44B along cross-sectional view line XLV-XLV′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 46 is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40 and 44A-45 along cross-sectional view line XLVI-XLVI′ ofFIG. 44A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.FIG. 47 is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of a portion of thepackage100 ofFIGS. 35A-40 and 44A-46 along cross-sectional view line XLVII-XLVII′ ofFIG. 35B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 44A-47, thepackage100 includes asecondary lid240 connected to thefloor222 of thebase130 via aseparate hinge900. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 may be configured to move between open and closed positions in relation to thebase130, and thesecondary lid240 and the base130 may collectively define asecondary storage area230 when thesecondary lid240 is in a closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 44A-47, thesecondary lid240 may include a contact structure4454 (e.g., a tab) that protrudes from a distal edge of thesecondary lid240 that is opposite to an edge connected to thehinge900. Thecontact structure3554 may facilitate contact with and manipulation of the secondary lid240 (e.g., application of force thereto) to facility opening and/or closing of thesecondary lid240.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 44A-47, theouter wall3502 may define anotch4452 extending from thelower surface3507 of theouter wall3502 and configured to mate with thecontact structure4454 when thesecondary lid240 is in a closed position, for example to enable anouter surface800 of thesecondary lid240 to be flush with theexterior surface720 while horizontally exposing anouter surface4652 of thecontact structure4454 to an exterior of thepackage100 to enable contact with and manipulation of thesecondary lid240, while a remainder of at least the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 may be horizontally obscured from the exterior of thepackage100 by theouter wall3502 when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 44A-47, thesecondary lid240 may include at least onecatch4420. In at least one example embodiment, thecatch4420 extends from thesecondary lid240. In at least one example embodiment, thecatch4420 is a beak shaped catch (beak catch), that includes a projection or protrusion with a beak shape and/or rounded shape on an end of the projection. In at least one example embodiment, the beak shape and/or rounded shape faces toward theexterior3599 of thepackage100 when thesecondary lid240 is in a closed position (closed configuration). The at least onecatch4420 has afirst surface4622 and asecond surface4624 facing away from thehinge900, and aprojection4626 between the first andsecond surfaces4622 and4624.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 45-47, at least oneslot935 is defined in a portion of theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502 that at least partially defines an inner sidewall of thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIG. 47, theprojection4626 of the at least onecatch4420 is retained within theslot935 when thesecondary lid240 is in a closed position, to lock thesecondary lid240 in the closed position on thebase130.
• In an example embodiment, thesecond surface4624 is substantially inclined, and thefirst surface4622 is substantially vertical in relation to theinner surface810 of thesecondary lid240. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond surface4624 is substantially inclined so as to allow the at least onecatch4420 to slide across theinner surface3504 of theouter wall3502, prior to theprojection4626 being retained in theslot935.
• In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch4420 comprises a resilient material and is configured to flex inwards, from a relaxed position to a flexed position, in response to contact between theprojection4626 and/or thesecond surface4624 with theinner surface3504.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 44A-47, theprojection4626 has a rounded shape that is rounded in the direction that is perpendicular to theinner surface810 of thesecondary lid240 and which faces away from theprimary storage area200 and towards theexterior3599 of thepackage100 when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position, so that theprojection4626 may horizontally exit theslot935 based on sliding vertical movement of theprojection4626 away from theend wall135 when the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 is lifted away from thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, the at least onecatch4420 may be formed of a resilient material, which may be the same material as the remainder of thesecondary lid240, so that when a force is applied to thecontact structure4454 to move the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 away from thebase130, the at least onecatch4420 may be horizontally deflected by the roundedprojection4626 to flex inwards from a relaxed position to a flexed position by a sufficient horizontal distance to disengage therounded projection4626 from theslot935 as the at least onecatch4420 moves vertically out of thesecondary storage area230, to unlock thesecondary lid240 from thebase130. The at least onecatch4420 may retain the flexed position while the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 is being lifted away from thebase130, due to continued contact between theprojection4626 and/or thesecond surface4624 with theinner surface3504 at least partially defining thesecondary storage area230. The at least onecatch4420 may return to the relaxed position in response to the at least onecatch4420 disengaging contact from theinner surface3504 once the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 is lifted clear of thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, when thesecondary lid240 is moved to the closed position, the at least onecatch4420 may be deflected by theinner surface3504 at least partially defining the secondary storage area to flex inwards due to contact between theprojection4626 and/orsecond surface4624 with theinner surface3504, the at least onecatch4420 may retain the flexed position while the distal edge of thesecondary lid240 is being lowered toward thebase130, due to continued contact between theprojection4626 and/orsecond surface4624 with theinner surface3504 at least partially defining thesecondary storage area230. The at least onecatch4420 may return to the relaxed position in response to theprojection4626 and engaging with, and being retained in, theslot935, to lock thesecondary lid240 to thebase130.
• In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at leastFIGS. 35B and 47, thecontact structure4454 has anouter surface4652 that is configured to lie flush with at least horizontally adjacent portions of theouter surface3506 of theouter wall3502 when thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position
• In at least one example embodiment, thegroove700 is formed in anouter surface3506 of the portion of theouter wall3502 opposite the at least oneslot935 and vertically adjacent to thenotch4452. Thegroove700 allows a consumer to insert their finger and grasp at least a portion of thecontact structure4454 of thesecondary lid240 when opening thesecondary storage area230. The consumer may then more easily apply a force to thesecondary lid240 via the graspedcontact structure4454 to move the distal edge of the secondary lid vertically.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid240 includes aseal4450 that projects from theinner surface810 of thesecondary lid240 and extends substantially around a perimeter of thesecondary lid240. Theseal4450 may be inset from an edge of thesecondary lid240.
• In at least one example embodiment, ablock925 is included on either end of an interior of thesecondary storage area230. In at least one example embodiment, each of theblocks925 help support thesecondary lid240 so as to ensure thesecondary lid240 does not inadvertently get stuck within thesecondary storage area230 and/or damage thehinge900. In at least one example embodiment, theseal4450 of thesecondary lid240 makes contact and rests on theblocks825 so as to create an effective seal between thesecondary lid240 and the base130 once thesecondary lid240 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
Fourth Example Embodiment
• FIG. 48 is a top front perspective view of a container in a closed configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 48, a container orpackage5000 is provided. Thecontainer5000 may be the same as thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-13 except as described below. Thecontainer5000 includes abase5002 and a lid orprimary lid5004. Thebase5002 and thelid5004 may be coupled to one another. Thebase5002 and thelid5004 may be pivotally connected. In at least one example embodiment, thebase5002 and thelid5004 are coupled by a hinge. The hinge may be aliving hinge5006. Thecontainer5000 is movable between a closed and locked configuration or position, as shown, and an open configuration (seeFIG. 49). In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer5000 moves or articulates through a closed and unlocked configuration or position between the closed and locked configuration and the open configuration.
• Thecontainer5000 may define an orthogonal coordinate system. The orthogonal coordinate system may include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. In at least one example embodiment, the first axis is avertical axis5020, the second axis is alongitudinal axis5022, and the third axis is atransverse axis5024. It will be recognized that this applies to all other example embodiments set forth in this disclosure.
• FIG. 49 is a top front perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 50 is a top back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 49-50, thebase5002 includes a bottom wall orfloor5100 and a peripheral orouter wall5102. Thebase5002 and theperipheral wall5102 cooperate to at least partially define a storage area orprimary storage area5104. In the closed and locked configuration (shown inFIG. 48), thelid5004 prevents and/or reduces access to thestorage area5104. In the open configuration, thestorage area5104 is accessible.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall5102 includes a pair of opposingside walls5106 and a pair of opposingend walls5108. Each of theside walls5106 may define a first length substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis5022. Each of theend walls5108 may define a second length substantially parallel to thetransverse axis5024. In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer5000 defines a substantially rectangular profile such that the second length is shorter than the first length.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall5102 at least partially defines areceptacle5110. In at least one example embodiment, one of theend walls5108 at least partially defines thereceptacle5110. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle5110 is an aperture.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase5002 further includes areceptacle wall5112. Thereceptacle wall5112 may be spaced from theperipheral wall5102 along thelongitudinal axis5022. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 is spaced from theperipheral wall5102 in afirst direction5114 substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis5022. Thereceptacle wall5112 may be closer to thestorage area5104 than theperipheral wall5102. In other example embodiments, a peripheral wall may be spaced from a receptacle wall in thefirst direction5114.
• Thereceptacle wall5112 may be coupled to or integrally formed with theperipheral wall5102. Thereceptacle wall5112 may cooperate with theperipheral wall5102 to define thereceptacle5110. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 is coupled to or integrally formed with one of theend walls5108. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 is centered on theend wall5108 along thetransverse axis5024. Thereceptacle5110 is described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS. 51-52.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelid5004 includes atop wall5120 and a flexible structure ortab5122. The flexible tab (or flexible member)5122 projects form thetop wall5120. Theflexible tab5122 is configured to be received in thereceptacle5110, as will be described in greater detail below. Theflexible tab5122 and thereceptacle5110 may be collectively referred to as a locking mechanism.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelid5004 further includes askirt5124. The skirt projects from thetop wall5120. Theskirt5124 extends around at least a portion of a periphery of an interior orinner surface5126 of thetop wall5120.
• FIG. 51 is a partial top perspective view of base of the container ofFIG. 48 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 is substantially U-shaped. Thereceptacle wall5112 may project into thestorage area5104 from the peripheral wall. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 includes amain portion5202 and aledge5204. Theledge5204 may project in asecond direction5206 from themain portion5202. Thesecond direction5206 may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis5020 (shown inFIGS. 49-50). Thesecond direction5206 may be an upward direction. Thesecond direction5206 may be substantially perpendicular to thefirst direction5114.
• In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 is recessed with respect to anupper surface5200 of theperipheral wall5102, as shown. For example, anupper surface5208 of theledge5204 may be recessed with respect to theupper surface5200 of theperipheral wall5102. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacle wall5112 may be recessed by about a thickness of the lid5004 (as shown inFIG. 48) so that thelid5004 is flush with theupper surface5200 of theperipheral wall5102 when thelid5004 is in the closed configuration (locked or unlocked). In other example embodiments, theupper surface5208 of theledge5204 may be coplanar or flush with theupper surface5200 of theperipheral wall5102.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall5102 defines arecess5220. Therecess5220 may be in fluid communication with thereceptacle5110. Therecess5220 may extend between alower surface5222 of theperipheral wall5102 and anintermediate surface5224 of theperipheral wall5102. Therecess5220 may provide access to the flexible tab5122 (shown inFIGS. 49-50) when the lid5004 (shown inFIG. 48) is in the closed configuration (locked or unlocked), as will be described in greater detail below.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall5102 includes abridge portion5226 adjacent to therecess5220. Thebridge portion5226 includes theintermediate surface5224. Thebridge portion5226 may extend continuously across thereceptacle5110 parallel to thetransverse axis5024.
• In at least one example embodiment, alower surface5230 of thereceptacle wall5112 is substantially flush or coplanar with thelower surface5222 of theperipheral wall5102. In other example embodiments, thereceptacle wall5112 may be recessed with respect to thelower surface5222 of theperipheral wall5102. In at least one example embodiment, therecess5220 has a substantially rectangular profile.
• FIG. 52 is a top view of the baseFIG. 51 including the receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 53 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 48 in the closed configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 52 and 53, thereceptacle5110 may define a height5300 (shown inFIG. 52) substantially parallel to thevertical axis5020, a depth5302 (shown inFIG. 52) substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis5022, and a width5304 (shown inFIG. 53) substantially parallel to thetransverse axis5024. Each of the height, depth, and width may be substantially uniform. In other example embodiments, the height, depth, and/or width may vary.
• Theheight5300 is the height at a highest point of thereceptacle5110. The height5300 (shown inFIG. 53) may be defined between thelower surface5230 of thereceptacle wall5112 and theupper surface5208 of the ledge5204 (shown inFIG. 51). In at least one example embodiment, theheight5300 is greater than about 5 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 7 mm, greater than or equal to about 10 mm, greater than or equal to about 12 mm, greater than or equal to about 14 mm, greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 30 mm, greater than or equal to about 35 mm, greater than or equal to about 40 mm, or greater than or equal to about 45 mm). In at least one example embodiment, theheight5300 is less than or equal to about 50 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 mm, less than or equal to about 40 mm, less than or equal to about 35 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 18 mm, less than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, or less than or equal to about 7 mm). In at least one example embodiment, themaximum height5300 ranges from about 12 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., about 14 mm to about 18 mm, about 16 mm, or about 15.8 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, the depth5302 (shown inFIG. 52) is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 mm, greater than or equal to about 2.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 3 mm, greater than or equal to about 3.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 4 mm, greater than or equal to about 4.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 5 mm, or greater than or equal to about 7 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thedepth5302 is less than or equal to about 10 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 7 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, less than or equal to about 4.5 mm, less than or equal to about 4 mm, less than or equal to about 3.5 mm, less than or equal to about 3 mm, less than or equal to about 2.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 2 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thedepth5302 ranges from about 2 mm to about 6 mm (e.g., about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 4, or about 3.78 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, the width5304 (shown inFIG. 52) is greater than or equal to about 10 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 12 mm, greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 17 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 30 mm, greater than or equal to about 35 mm, greater than or equal to about 40 mm, or greater than or equal to about 45 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thewidth5304 is less than or equal to about 50 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 mm, less than or equal to about 40 mm, less than or equal to about 35 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thewidth5304 ranges from about 15 mm to about 25 mm (e.g., about 18 mm to about 22 mm, about 20 mm, or about 20.66 mm).
• FIG. 54 is a partial front perspective view of a lid of the container ofFIG. 48 including a flexible tab in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 54, theflexible tab5122 includes afixed end5400 and afree end5402. Thefixed end5400 may be coupled to or integrally formed with thetop wall5120 of thelid5004.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 includes abody5404 and aprojection5406. Theprojection5406 may be configured to engage the base (shown inFIG. 48) to retain thelid5004 in the closed and locked configuration. Theprojection5406 may extend from atab surface5408. Theprojection5406 may project in athird direction5410 opposite the first direction5114 (shown inFIG. 49) from thetab surface5408 when thelid5004 is in the closed configuration (locked or unlocked).
• Theprojection5406 may extend parallel to thevertical axis5020 between aproximal end5412 and adistal end5414. Theproximal end5412 may include a projection surface, proximal end surface, orstep5416. Theprojection surface5416 may be configured to engage theintermediate surface5224 of theperipheral wall5102 when thelid5004 is in the closed and locked configuration. Engagement of theprojection surface5412 with theintermediate surface5224 may facilitate retention of thelid5004 in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprojection5406 includes a transversely-extendingconnector5420 and a plurality ofribs5422. The transversely-extendingconnector5420 may be on theproximal end5412 of theprojection5406. The transversely-extendingconnector5420 may include theprojection surface5416. Theribs5422 may be substantially parallel to one another. Theribs5422 may be substantially aligned with thevertical axis5020 and extend substantially vertically.
• FIG. 55 is a partial front view of the lid ofFIG. 53 including the flexible tab in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of theribs5422 extends from the transversely-extendingconnector5420. In at least one example embodiment, thedistal end5414 of theprojection5406 includes a plurality of distal ends ortermination points5500 of the plurality ofribs5422, respectively. Theribs5422 may have different terminations points at thedistal end5414 of theprojection5406 and/or different lengths. In other example embodiments, theribs5422 may have the same lengths and termination points such that they cooperate to define a substantially horizontal line.
• In at least one example embodiment, the distal ends5500 define a curved profile5502, such as an arch or a portion of a circle. In at least one example embodiment, the curved profile5502 is convex with respect to thefree end5402 of theflexible tab5122. Thetab surface5408 may define acontact portion5504 that is free of theribs5422. Thecontact portion5504 may be between the curved profile5502 and thefree end5402. Thecontact portion5504 may be configured to receive a force in the first direction5114 (shown inFIG. 58) to facilitate moving thelid5004 from the closed and locked configuration to the closed and unlocked configuration, as will be described in greater detail below. In at least one example embodiment, contact may be made with thecontact portion5504 and a portion of one or more of theribs5422.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 defines a tapered width parallel to thetransverse axis5024. Thefixed end5400 of theflexible tab5122 may define a first width5520 parallel to the transverse axis5024 (and perpendicular to thefirst direction5114 and the second direction5206). Thefree end5402 of theflexible tab5122 may define asecond width5522 parallel to the transverse axis5024 (and perpendicular to thefirst direction5114 and the second direction5206). Thesecond width5522 may be less than the first width5520.
• In at least one example embodiment, the first width5520 is greater than or equal to about 10 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 12 mm, greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 16 mm, greater than or equal to about 18 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 30 mm, greater than or equal to about 35 mm, greater than or equal to about 40 mm, or greater than or equal to about 45 mm). In at least one example embodiment, the first width5520 is less than or equal to about 50 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 mm, less than or equal to about 40 mm, less than or equal to about 35 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 24 mm, less than or equal to about 22 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm). In at least one example embodiment, the first width5520 ranges from about 16 mm to about 24 mm (e.g., about 18 mm to about 22 mm, or about 19.97 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecond width5522 is greater than or equal about 10 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 12 mm, greater than or equal to about 14 mm, greater than or equal to about 15 mm, greater than or equal to about 16 mm, greater than or equal to about 20 mm, greater than or equal to about 25 mm, greater than or equal to about 30 mm, greater than or equal to about 35 mm, greater than or equal to about 40 mm, or greater than or equal to about 45 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thesecond width5522 is less than or equal to about 50 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 mm, less than or equal to about 40 mm, less than or equal to about 35 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 22 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 17 mm, or less than or equal to about 15 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thesecond width5522 ranges from about 14 mm to about 22 mm (e.g., about 16 mm to about 20 mm, about 18, or about 18.11 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122, theskirt5124, and thetop wall5120 define a notch or gap5530 on both sides of theflexible tab5122. The notch5530 may provide clearance for movement of theflexible tab5122, as will be described in greater detail below in connection withFIG. 56.
• FIG. 56 is a partial side view of the tab ofFIG. 53 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 is tapered along at least a portion of its length. Thefree end5402 of theflexible tab5122 may be tapered. In at least one example embodiment, each of theribs5422 may be tapered along at least a portion of its length. The termination points of theribs5422 may be tapered.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 is configured to move between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position. In the relaxed position, at least a portion of theflexible tab5122 extends substantially perpendicular to thetop wall5120 of thelid5004. Theflexible tab5122 may extend along atab axis5610 substantially parallel to thevertical axis5020 when thelid5004 is in the closed and locked configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 may be configured to be moved from the relaxed configuration to the flexed configuration by applying a force to theflexible tab5122, such as to thecontact portion5504 of thetab surface5408, in thefirst direction5114. The force may cause theflexible tab5122 to pivot about thefixed end5400. In at least one example embodiment, theflexible tab5122 pivots through an angle5612 between the relaxed and flexed positions. That is, thetab axis5610 of theflexible tab5122 in the relaxed position and a flexedtab axis5610′ are angularly spaced apart by the angle5612.
• In at least one example embodiment, the angle5612 is greater than or equal to about 2° (e.g., greater than or equal to about 3°, greater than or equal to about 4°, greater than or equal to about 5°, greater than or equal to about 6°, greater than or equal to about 8°, greater than or equal to about 10°, or greater than or equal to about) 15°. In at least one example embodiment, the angle5612 is less than or equal to about 20° (e.g., less than or equal to about 15°, less than or equal to about 10°, less than or equal to about 8°, less than or equal to about 7°, less than or equal to about 6°, or less than or equal to about 5°). In at least one example embodiment, the angle5612 ranges from about 2° to about 10° (e.g., about 4° to about 8°, or about 6°).
• Flexibility of theflexible tab5122 may be facilitated by its material and/or dimensions. Thefixed end5400 of theflexible tab5122 defines athickness5620 substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis5022. In at least one example embodiment, thethickness5620 is greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 1 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm. greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.75 mm, or greater than or equal to about 2 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thethickness5620 is less than or equal to about 3 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, less than or equal to about 1.25 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.75 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thethickness5620 ranges from 0.75 mm to 1.75 mm (e.g., about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1.25 mm).
• FIG. 57 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 58 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 57 taken in at line58-58 ofFIG. 57 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 57-58, in the closed and locked configuration, an exterior or outer surface5700 of thelid5004 may be aligned or coplanar with theupper surface5200 of theperipheral wall5102. In at least one example embodiment, thefree end5402 of theflexible tab5122 is recessed with respect to thelower surface5222 of theperipheral wall5102 and the bottom wall5100 (shown inFIG. 50). In other example embodiments, thefree end5402 may be aligned with respect to thelower surface5222 of theperipheral wall5102 and thebottom wall5100. In at least one example embodiment, in the closed configuration (locked and unlocked), theinterior surface5126 of thetop wall5120 may be configured to engage theupper surface5208 of theledge5204.
• In at least one example embodiment, in the closed configuration (locked and unlocked), theflexible tab5122 is at least partially in thereceptacle5110. In at least one example embodiment, in the closed configuration (locked and unlocked), theflexible tab5122 is fully in thereceptacle5110.
• In the closed and locked configuration, theflexible tab5122 is in the relaxed position. An interior orinner surface5702 of theflexible tab5122 is spaced from an exterior orouter surface5704 of thereceptacle wall5112 to define agap5706. Thegap5706 is configured to receive theflexible tab5122 in the flexed position. In at least one example embodiment, thegap5706 is greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 1 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.75 mm, or greater than or equal to about 2 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thegap5706 is less than or equal to about 2.5 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, less than or equal to about 1.25 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.75 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thegap5706 ranges from about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm (e.g., about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.23 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.3 mm, or about 1.4 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked configuration, theprojection5406 is at least partially in therecess5220. In at least one example embodiment, theprojection5406 is recessed with respect to theperipheral wall5102 such that theflexible tab5122 does not extend beyond theperipheral wall5102. In other example embodiments, theprojection5406 may be aligned or flush with theperipheral wall5102 or project past theperipheral wall5102.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprojection surface5416 is configured to engage theintermediate surface5224 of theperipheral wall5102 when thelid5004 is in the closed and locked configuration. Engagement of theprojection surface5416 with theintermediate surface5224 may facilitate retention of thelid5004 in the closed and locked configuration. More specifically, engagement of theprojection surface5416 with theintermediate surface5224 may prevent motion of thelid5004 in thesecond direction5206.
• In at least one example embodiment, when thelid5004 is in the closed and locked configuration, two separate motions or forces, in two separate directions, are required to move thecontainer5000 into the open configuration. Thelid5004 is configured to be moved from the closed and locked configuration, as shown inFIGS. 57-58, to the closed and unlocked configuration, as shown inFIG. 59, by applying a first force to theflexible tab5122 in thefirst direction5114. The first force in thefirst direction5114 may cause theflexible tab5122 to move from the relaxed position, as shown, to the flexed position. In the flexed position, theprojection surface5416 of theflexible tab5122 is clear of theintermediate surface5224 of theperipheral wall5102 such that thelid5004 may be moved in thesecond direction5206. Thelid5004 is moved from the closed and unlocked configuration to the open configuration by applying a second force to theflexible tab5122 in thesecond direction5206 with theflexible tab5122 in the flexed position (e.g., under application of the first force in the first direction).
• In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer5000 is configured to be opened by an adult tobacco consumer using one hand. In at least one example embodiment, the adult tobacco consumer may press a thumb onto thecontact portion5504 of theflexible tab5122 in thefirst direction5114 to move theflexible tab5122 from the relaxed position to the flexed position. While theflexible tab5122 is in the flexed position, the adult tobacco consumer may slide their thumb against thedistal end5414 of theprojection5406 to push or slide theprojection5406 past theperipheral wall5102. When theprojection5406 is clear of theperipheral wall5102, the adult tobacco consumer may continue to pivot thelid5004 to fully open thecontainer5000. Theprojection5406 may be configured to return to the relaxed position when the first force is removed.
• Thelid5004 may also be moved from the open configuration to the closed and locked configuration. To close and lock thecontainer5000, thelid5004 may be pivoted to bring theflexible tab5122 toward thereceptacle5110. When thefree end5402 of theflexible tab5122 makes contact with theperipheral wall5102, the tapered shapes of theflexible tab5122 and theprojection5406 facilitate insertion of theflexible tab5122 into thereceptacle5110. As theflexible tab5122 enters thereceptacle5110, contact of theprojection5406 with an interior orinner surface5720 of theperipheral wall5102 may force theflexible tab5122 from the relaxed configuration into the flexed configuration, as shown inFIG. 59. Theprojection5406 may slide along theinterior surface5720 untilproximal end5412 of theprojection5406 clears theperipheral wall5102. When theprojection5406 clears theperipheral wall5102, theflexible tab5122 may return to the relaxed configuration, thereby locking thelid5004 in the closed and locked configuration.
• FIG. 60 is a bottom back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 with a secondary lid in a closed position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the lid5004 (shown inFIG. 48) may be referred to as a primary lid. Thecontainer5000 may further include asecondary lid5800. Thesecondary lid5800 may be movable from a closed configuration, as shown, to an open configuration or position (shown inFIG. 61).
• Thesecondary lid5800 may be coupled to thebottom wall5100 and/or theperipheral wall5102. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid5800 is pivotally coupled to thebottom wall5100. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid5800 is coupled to thebottom wall5100 by a hinge, such as aliving hinge5802. An exterior orouter surface5804 of thesecondary lid5800 may be substantially coplanar or flush with an exterior orouter surface5806 of thebottom wall5100.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid5800 includes anextension5810 adjacent to theperipheral wall5102. Theperipheral wall5102 may define anindentation5812. Theindentation5812 may provide access to theextension5810 from moving thesecondary lid5800 between the closed position and the open position. In at least one example embodiment, theindentation5812 is defined by one of the pair ofend walls5108 opposite the other of the pair ofend walls5108 that at least partially defines thereceptacle5110.
• FIG. 61 is a bottom back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 59 with the secondary lid in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 61, in the open position, thesecondary lid5800 permits access to asecondary storage area5900. The secondary storage area may be defined by an transverse wall ortop wall5902, an intermediate wall orend wall5904, thesecondary lid5800, and aportion5906 of theperipheral wall5102. Thetransverse wall5902 may be substantially parallel to thelid5004 when thelid5004 is in the closed configuration (locked and unlocked). Theintermediate wall5904 may be substantially parallel to the pair ofend walls5108.
• One ormore blocks5910 may extend from thetransverse wall5902. Theblocks5910 may extend substantially parallel to thevertical axis5020. Each of theblocks5910 may include ablock surface5912 configured to engage thesecondary lid5800 when thesecondary lid5800 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid5800 includes acatch5920. Thecatch5920 may be configured to engage theportion5906 of theperipheral wall5102 to retain thesecondary lid5800 in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, thecatch5920 may be received in a slot (seeslot6410 shown inFIG. 67). Thecatch5920 and the slot may be similar or the same as any other catch and/or slots described with respect to other example embodiments.
• FIG. 62 is a top front exploded perspective view of the container ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 62, thebase5002 includes aframe6000 and aninsert6002. Thelid5004 may be coupled to theframe6000. Theinsert6002 may include thesecondary lid5800.
• In at least one example embodiment, theframe6000 includes an exterior or outerperipheral wall portion6004, and exterior or outerreceptacle wall portion6006, and thetransverse wall5902. Theinsert6002 includes an interior or innerperipheral wall portion6010, and interior or innerreceptacle wall portion6012, theintermediate wall5904, and thebottom wall5100. The exterior and interiorperipheral wall portions6004,6010 may cooperate to form theperipheral wall5102. The exterior and interiorreceptacle wall portions6006,6012 may cooperate to form thereceptacle wall5112.
• FIG. 63 is a partial perspective view of a frame of the container ofFIG. 61 including a wedge in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 64 is a partial sectional view of the frame ofFIG. 62 taken at line62-62 ofFIG. 62 including the wedge in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 63-64, theframe6000 includes a plurality ofwedges6100. Thewedges6100 may be configured to engage the insert (shown inFIG. 62) to retain theinsert6002 within theframe6000, as will be described in greater detail below. Thewedges6100 project from an interior orinner surface6102 of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004. Each of thewedges6100 may include an upper surface orstep6104, an angled or sloped surface6106, and afront surface6108 between theupper surface6104 and the angled surface6106. Theupper surface6104 may extend parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes5022,5024. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface6104 may be substantially horizontal. The angled surface6106 may be at an oblique angle with respect to theupper surface6104 and thefront surface6108. Thefront surface6108 may extend parallel to a plane defined by the vertical andlongitudinal axes5020,5022.
• FIG. 65 is a top back perspective view of a frame of the container ofFIG. 62 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 65, theframe6000 further includes a plurality of stops. The stops may facilitate positioning of the insert6002 (shown inFIG. 62) within theframe6000. In at least one example embodiment, the plurality of stops includes a pair afirst stops6200, a pair ofsecond stops6202, and athird stop6204. In other embodiments, a frame may include other quantities of stops, such as a single continuously-extending stop.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of the pair offirst stops6200 projects from theinterior surface6102 of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004. Each of the pair offirst stops6200 is between thetransverse wall5902 and a respective one of thewedges6100. Each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 projects from theinterior surface6102 of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004. Each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 extends between a respective two of the plurality ofwedges6100. Thethird stop6204 extends between two of the plurality ofwedges6100, across portions of theinterior surface6102 of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004 and an interior or inner surface6206 of the exteriorreceptacle wall portion6006. A portion of thethird stop6204 may extend adjacent to theledge5204 of thereceptacle wall5112.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of the pair offirst stops6200 is spaced apart from a respective one of the pair ofsecond stops6202 by afirst gap6210. Each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 is spaced apart from thethird stop6204 by asecond gap6212. Each of the first andsecond gaps6210,6212 may adjacent (e.g., above) arespective wedge6100.
• FIG. 66 is a partial side view of the frame ofFIG. 65 including a stop in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 66, each of the stops includes a continuous portion and a plurality of ribs extending from the continuous portion. For example, each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 includes acontinuous portion6300 and a plurality ofribs6302. Theribs6302 may extend from thecontinuous portion6300. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of theribs6302, such as center ribs, are substantially parallel to one another. Theribs6302 may definegaps6304 therebetween. Thegaps6304 may facilitate weight reduction of theframe6000. Thegaps6304 may also facilitate thickness reduction of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6006, thereby reducing or preventing shrink marks in theframe6000.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of the stops includes an upper surface or step. For example, each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 includes anupper surface6310. Theupper surface6310 may extend parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes5022,5024. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface6310 may be substantially horizontal. Theupper surface6310 may be configured to engage thelid5004 when thelid5004 is in the closed (locked and unlocked) configuration.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of the stops includes a lower surface or step. For example, each of the pair ofsecond stops6202 includes alower surface6312. Thelower surface6312 may extend parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes5022,5024. In at least one example embodiment, the lower surface5306 may be substantially horizontal. Thelower surface6312 may be configured to engage the insert6002 (shown inFIG. 62) when theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000.
• FIG. 67 is a front bottom perspective view of the frame ofFIG. 65 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 67, thetransverse wall5902 includes alower surface6400. Theblocks5910 may project from thelower surface6400 of thetransverse wall5902. Theblocks5910 may be adjacent and to and extend from the interior surface6120 of the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004.
• In at least one example embodiment, a pair ofparallel ridges6402 extend from thelower surface6400. Theridges6402 may extend substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis5022. The pair ofparallel ridges6402 cooperate to define achannel6404. Thechannel6404 may be configured to receive a portion of theintermediate wall5904 when theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000.
• In at least one example embodiment, the exteriorperipheral wall portion6006 defines aslot6410. Theslot6410 may be configured to receive thecatch5920 of the secondary lid5800 (shown inFIG. 58) when theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000. Accordingly, thesecondary lid5800 may be retained in the closed position.
• FIG. 68 is a top back perspective view of an insert of the container ofFIG. 62 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 includes an exterior orouter surface6500. Theexterior surface6500 may define a plurality of depressions orchannels6502. In at least one example embodiment, each of thedepressions6502 defines a substantially trapezoidal profile. An interior orinner surface6504 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 may define a respective plurality ofprotrusions6506 opposite thedepressions6502. In at least one example embodiment, thedepressions6502 may be configured to receive thewedges6100 of the frame6000 (shown inFIG. 62).
• In at least one example embodiment, the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 further includes a plurality ofridges6508 adjacent to the plurality ofdepressions6502, respectively. Each of theridges6508 may be between a respective one of thedepressions6502 and anupper surface6510 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 and an upper surface6512 of thereceptacle wall portion6012 along thevertical axis5020.
• Theintermediate wall5904 may extend between opposing sides of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010. Anupper surface6520 of theintermediate wall5904 may be offset from theupper surface6510 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface6520 of theintermediate wall5904 projects past theupper surface6510 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 along thevertical axis5020.
• FIG. 69 is a partial sectional view of the insert ofFIG. 68 taken at line69-69 ofFIG. 68 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 69, each of theridges6508 includes alower surface6600 and an exterior orouter surface6602. Theexterior surface6602 of theridge6508 may be between theexterior surface6500 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6012 and an exterior orouter surface6604 of thedepression6502 along thetransverse axis5024. Each of theexterior surfaces6602,6500,6602 may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by thevertical axis5020 and thelongitudinal axis5022.
• Thelower surface6600 of theridge6508 may at partially define thedepression6502. Thelower surface6600 may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes5022,5024. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface6600 may be substantially horizontal.
• FIG. 70 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 48 taken at line70-70 ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 70, as theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000, the angled surface6106 of each of thewedges6100 slides past therespective ridge6508. As thewedge6100 slides past theridge6508, the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004 may flex outwardly along thelongitudinal axis5022. When theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000, each of thewedges6100 may be at least partially in a respective one of thedepressions6502.
• In at least one example embodiment, the each of theridges6508 may engage a respective one of thewedges6100 to facilitate retention of theinsert6002 to theframe6000. More specifically, thelower surface6600 of theridge6508 may engage theupper surface6104 of thewedge6100 to reduce or prevent movement of the of theinsert6002 in afourth direction6700 opposite thesecond direction5206 with respect to theframe6000 and/or theframe6000 in thesecond direction5206 with respect to theinsert6202. In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface6510 of the interiorperipheral wall portion6010 and the upper surface6512 of the interior receptacle wall portion6012 (shown inFIG. 68) may engage thelower surface6312 of thestops6200,6202,6204 (shown inFIG. 65) to facilitate retention of theinsert6002 to theframe6000.
• In at least one example embodiment, theskirt5124 of thelid5004 engages thestops6200,6202,6204 (shown inFIG. 65) to reduce or prevent movement of thelid5004 in thefourth direction6700. More specifically, alower surface6710 of theskirt5124 of thelid5004 may engage theupper surfaces6310 of thestops6200,6202,6204 (shown inFIG. 65).
• FIG. 71 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 48 taken at line71-71 ofFIG. 48 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 71, when theinsert6002 is assembled to theframe6000, a portion of theintermediate wall5904 including theupper surface6520 of theintermediate wall5904 is in thechannel6404 of thetransverse wall5902, between the pair ofparallel ridges6402. The block surfaces5912 may engage askirt6800 of thesecondary lid5800. Thetransverse wall5902, theintermediate wall5904, the exteriorperipheral wall portion6004, and thesecondary lid5800 cooperate to define thesecondary storage area5900. Thelid5004 may be spaced from thetransverse wall5902 by agap5810. Theinsert6002 andframe6000 may be used in other example embodiments described herein.
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
Fifth Example Embodiment
• FIG. 72 is a top front perspective view of a container or package in a closed configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 72, a container orpackage7000 is provided. Thecontainer7000 may be the same as thepackage100 ofFIGS. 1-13 except as described below. Thecontainer7000 includes abase7002 and a lid orprimary lid7004. Thebase7002 and thelid7004 may be coupled to one another. Thebase7002 and thelid7004 may be pivotally connected. In at least one example embodiment, thebase7002 and thelid7004 are coupled by a hinge, such as aliving hinge7006. Thecontainer7000 is movable between a closed and locked configuration or position, as shown, and an open configuration or position (shown inFIG. 73). In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer7000 moves or articulates through a closed and unlocked configuration or position between the closed and locked configuration and the open configuration.
• Thecontainer7000 may define an orthogonal coordinate system. The orthogonal coordinate system may include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. In at least one example embodiment, the first axis is avertical axis7020, the second axis is alongitudinal axis7022, and the third axis is atransverse axis7024.
• FIG. 73 is a top front perspective view of the container ofFIG. 72 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 74 is a top back perspective view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 73-74, thebase7002 includes a bottom wall orfloor7100 and a peripheral orouter wall7102. Thebase7002 and theperipheral wall7102 cooperate to at least partially define a storage area orprimary storage area7104. Thebase7002 andperipheral wall7102 may be a single, integral piece. In the closed and locked configuration (shown inFIG. 72), thelid7004 prevents and/or reduces access to thestorage area7104. In the open configuration, thestorage area7104 is accessible.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall7102 includes a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls. The pair of opposing side walls may include a first side wall7106-1 and a second side wall7106-2. The pair of opposing end walls may include a first end wall7108-1 and a second end wall7108-2. Thehinge7006 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the first end wall7108-1.
• Each of the side walls7106-1,7106-2 may define a first length substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis7022. Each of the end walls7108-1,7108-2 may define a second length substantially parallel to thetransverse axis7024. In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer7000 defines a substantially rectangular profile such that the second length is shorter than the first length.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase7002 includes aconnection rim7120 configured to be at least partially within thelid7004 when thelid7004 is in the closed configuration (both locked and unlocked). Theconnection rim7120 may extend around at least a portion of theperipheral wall7102. Theconnection rim7120 may be recessed with respect to theperipheral wall7102, such that when the container is closed, an outer surface of thelid7004 is flush with an outer surface of theperipheral wall7102.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase7002 includes a plurality of protrusions orwedges7122. Theprotrusions7122 may extend from an exterior orouter surface7124 of theconnection rim7120. Theprotrusions7122 will be described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS. 76-78.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall7102 defines anindentation7126. In at least one example embodiment, theindentation7126 is defined by the second end wall7108-2. Theindentation7126 may be configured to provide access to an underside of thelid7004 to facilitate moving thelid7004 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, as will be described in greater detail below.
• In at least one example embodiment, thebase7002 further includes a transverse wall ortop wall7130 and an intermediate wall orthird end wall7132. Thetransverse wall7130 may extend substantially parallel to thebottom wall7100. Theintermediate wall7132 may extend substantially parallel to the end walls7108-1,7108-2.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelid7004 includes atop wall7140 and askirt7142. Theskirt7142 may project from thetop wall7140. Theskirt7142 may extend around at least a portion of a periphery of an interior or inner surface7044 of thetop wall7140.
• In at least one example embodiment, theskirt7142 may define a plurality ofreceptacles7150. Each of thereceptacles7150 may be configured to receive a respective one of theprotrusions7122 so as to retain thelid7004 in the closed and locked configuration, as will be described in greater detail below. In at least one example embodiment, the plurality ofreceptacles7150 is a plurality of apertures, as shown. In other example embodiments, the plurality ofreceptacles7150 is a plurality of recesses.
• FIG. 75 is a sectional view of the container ofFIG. 72 taken along line75-75 ofFIG. 74 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 75, theperipheral wall7102 may define anaverage thickness7200. In at least one example embodiment, theaverage thickness7200 is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm, optionally greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to about 1.75 mm, optionally greater than or equal to about 2 mm, optionally greater than or equal to about 2.5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to about 3 mm, or optionally greater than or equal to about 4 mm). In at least one example embodiment, theaverage thickness7200 is less than or equal to about 5 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 4 mm, less than or equal to about 3 mm, less than or equal to about 2.5 mm, less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 1.25 mm). In at least one example embodiment, theaverage thickness7200 ranges from about 1 mm to about 3 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm, or about 1.75 mm).
• Theperipheral wall7102 may include an interior orinner surface7210 and an exterior orouter surface7212. In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall7102 includes anupper surface7214 on theconnection rim7120 and an intermediate surface orstep7216 adjacent to theconnection rim7120. Theupper surface7214 and theintermediate surface7216 may be substantially parallel to thebottom wall7100. Theexterior surface7124 of theconnection rim7120 may be recessed with respect to theexterior surface7212 of theperipheral wall7102.
• FIG. 76 is another sectional view of the container ofFIG. 72 taken along line76-76 ofFIG. 74 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 77 is a detail sectional view of a protrusion of the base ofFIG. 76 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 78 is a partial perspective view of the protrusion ofFIG. 77 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 76-78, each of theprotrusions7122 includes a first or lower surface (or stop)7300, a second orupper surface7302, and a third orinterior surface7304. Thefirst surface7300 may be substantially parallel to thebottom wall7100. Thefirst surface7300 of each of theprotrusions7122 may be configured to engage a portion of the lid7004 (shown inFIG. 72) so as to retain thelid7004 in the closed configuration. Thefirst surface7300 may extend substantially parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes7022,7024. Thesecond surface7302 may be sloped or angled with respect to thefirst surface7300, such that thelid7004 readily and/or easily slides along the second when thelid7004 is moved from the open configuration to the closed and locked configuration. Thethird surface7304 may be between the first andsecond surfaces7300,7304 along thevertical axis7020.
• In at least one example embodiment, theprotrusions7122 are adjacent to and/or protrude from theupper surface7214 of theconnection rim7120. Each of theprotrusions7122 may cooperate with theexterior surface7124 of theconnection rim7120 and theintermediate surface7216 of theperipheral wall7102 to at least partially define agap7310.
• In at least one example embodiment, thethird surface7304 of each of theprotrusions7122 is recessed with respect to theexterior surface7212 of theperipheral wall7102, as shown. In other example embodiments, thethird surface7304 of each of theprotrusions7122 may be aligned or coplanar with respect to theexterior surface7212 of theperipheral wall7102. In other example embodiments, thethird surface7304 of each of theprotrusions7122 projects with respect to theexterior surface7212 of theperipheral wall7102.
• In at least one example embodiment, each of theprotrusions7122 defines a height7320, athickness7322, and alength7324. Each of theprotrusions7122 further defines anangle7326 between the second andthird surfaces7302,7304. Theangle7326 facilitates sliding thelid7004 over theprotrusion7122 to move thelid7004 from the open configuration to the closed and locked configuration. In at least one example embodiment, theangle7326 is greater than or equal to about 30° (e.g., greater than or equal to about 35°, greater than or equal to about 40°, greater than or equal to about 45°, or greater than or equal to about 50°). In at least one example embodiment, theangle7326 is less than or equal to about 60° (e.g., less than or equal to about 55°, less than or equal to about 50°, less than or equal to about 45°, less than or equal to about 40°, or less than or equal to about 35°). In at least one example embodiment, theangle7326 ranges from 35° to about 55° (e.g., about 40° to about 50°, or about 45°).
• In at least one example embodiment, the height7320 is a height between a highest point and a lowest point on theprotrusion7122, such as parallel to thevertical axis7020. In at least one example embodiment, the height7320 is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 mm, or greater than or equal to about 2.5 mm). In at least one example embodiment, the maximum height7320 is less than or equal to about 3 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 2.5 mm, less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 1.25 mm). In at least one example embodiment, the maximum height7320 ranges from 1 mm to 2 mm (e.g., 1.25 mm to 1.75, or about 1.5 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, thethickness7322 is a thickness between a point closest to theconnection rim7120 and a point furthest from theconnection rim7120 on theprotrusion7122. In at least one example embodiment, thethickness7322 is greater than or equal to about 0.1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 1 mm, or greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thethickness7322 is less than or equal to about 2 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 1.25 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thethickness7322 ranges from 1 mm to 2 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm to 2, or about 0.75 mm, or about 1.5 mm.
• In at least one example embodiment, themaximum length7324 is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 mm, greater than or equal to about 8 mm, or greater than or equal to about 10 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thelength7324 is less than or equal to about 20 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 12 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 8 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thelength7324 ranges from about 1 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., about 5 mm to about 15 mm, about 8 mm to about 12, or about 10 mm).
• FIG. 79 is a perspective view of an inside of a lid of the container ofFIG. 72 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 79-80, theskirt7142 and thetop wall7140 cooperate to define each of thereceptacles7150. In other example embodiments,receptacles7150 may be spaced apart from thetop wall7140 and completely defined by theskirt7142. Thetop wall7140 may define aproximal side7400 of each of thereceptacles7150. Abridge portion7402 of theskirt7142 may extend adjacent to adistal side7404 of the each of thereceptacles7150.
• FIG. 80 is a partial side view of a skirt of the lid ofFIG. 79 including a receptacle in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 80, each of the plurality ofreceptacles7150 may define a substantially rectangular profile. Thereceptacles7150 may have sharp corners, rounded corners, or a combination of sharp corners and round corners, as shown (e.g., two sharp corners and two round corners). Eachreceptacle7150 may define aheight7500 and alength7502. In at least one example embodiment, thelength7502 may be greater than theheight7500. In other example embodiments, the receptacles may define other shapes, such as trapezoidal, elliptical, triangular, or any other shape suitable to receive a protrusion.
• In at least one example embodiment, theheight7500 is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1.25 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 1.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 mm, or greater than or equal to about 2.5 mm). In at least one example embodiment, theheight7500 is less than or equal to about 3 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 2.5 mm, less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1.75 mm, less than or equal to about 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to about 1.25 mm). In at least one example embodiment, theheight7500 ranges from 1 mm to 2 mm (e.g., 1.25 mm to 1.75, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, or about 1.63 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, thelength7502 is greater than or equal to about 1 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 mm, greater than or equal to about 8 mm, or greater than or equal to about 10 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thelength7502 is less than or equal to about 20 mm (e.g., less than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 12 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 8 mm). In at least one example embodiment, thelength7502 ranges from about 1 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., about 5 mm to about 15 mm, about 8 mm to about 12, about 10 mm, about 10.5 mm, or about 10.42 mm).
• In at least one example embodiment, the receptacles of other example embodiments may have a same or similar structure to thereceptacle7150 described above.
• FIG. 81 is a top view of the base ofFIG. 75 in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the plurality ofprotrusions7122 includes three protrusions. A first protrusion7122-1 may be on the first side wall7106-1, a second protrusion7122-2 may be on the second side wall7106-2, and a third protrusion7122-3 may be on the second end wall7108-2. In other example embodiments, the plurality of protrusions includes a pair of protrusions or more than three protrusions (e.g., four protrusions, five protrusions, six protrusions, seven protrusions, eight protrusions, nine protrusions, or ten protrusions or more). In at least one example embodiment, a pair of protrusions is on a respective pair of side walls. In at least one example embodiment, theprotrusions7122 may be discrete and spaced apart from another, as shown. Theprotrusions7122 may be present on a portion of the side and endwalls7106,7108 (e.g., three side and endwalls7106,7108, as shown), or all of the side/and endwalls7106,7108. Whereprotrusions7122 are present, the respective side orend wall7106,7108 may include asingle protrusion7122, as shown, ormultiple protrusions7122. Theprotrusions7122 may be present on a portion of a length (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis7022) of a side orend wall7106,7108, as shown, or substantially an entire length of a side orend wall7106,7108.
• In at least one example embodiment, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are symmetric about acenter plane7600 defined by the vertical andlongitudinal axes7020,7022. That is, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are equidistant to the first end wall4108-1, at a common location along thelongitudinal axis7022. In other example embodiments, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are asymmetric about thecenter plane7600.
• In at least one example embodiment, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are centered along thelongitudinal axis7022. That is, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are equidistant to the first and second end walls7108-1,7108-2. In other example embodiments, the first and second protrusions7122-1,7122-2 are closer to the first end wall7108-1 or the second end wall7108-2.
• In at least one example embodiment the third protrusion7122-3 is transversely centered on the second end wall7108-2. That is, the protrusion7122-3 is centered along thetransverse axis7024 and intersecting thecenter plane7600. In other example embodiments, the third protrusion7122-3 is off-center with respect to thecenter plane7600.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall7102 is flexible. Theperipheral wall7102 may be flexible between a relaxed position, as shown, and a flexed position, as indicated at7610. The flexibility may be facilitated by material and dimensions (e.g.,thickness7200 shown inFIG. 75) of theperipheral wall7102.
• Theperipheral wall7102 may be moved from the relaxed configuration to the flexed configuration by applying a first force to the first side wall7106-1 in afirst direction7620 and a second force to the second side wall7106-2 in asecond direction7622 different from thefirst direction7620. In at least one example embodiment, thesecond direction7622 is parallel to and opposite of thefirst direction7620. In at least one example embodiment, the first andsecond directions7620,7622 are both substantially parallel to thetransverse axis7024.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall7102 may be moved from the relaxed configuration to the flexed configuration by applying the first force to the first side wall7106-1 in thefirst direction7620, the second force to the second side wall7106-2 in thesecond direction7622, and a third force to the second end wall7108-2 in athird direction7624 different from thefirst direction7620 and thesecond direction7622. In at least one example embodiment, thethird direction7624 is substantially perpendicular to thefirst direction7620 and thesecond direction7622. In at least one example embodiment, thethird direction7624 is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis7022.
• FIG. 82 is a side view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the closed and locked configuration according to at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 83 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 82 taken at line83-83 ofFIG. 82.
• FIG. 84 is an end view of the container ofFIG. 72 in the closed and locked configuration according to at least one example embodiment.
• FIG. 85 is a sectional view of the container ofFIG. 84 taken at line85-85 ofFIG. 84.
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 82-85, in the closed and locked configuration, each of theprotrusions7122 is received in arespective receptacle7150. Theprotrusions7122 may be recessed (as shown) or aligned with theskirt7142 such that they do not extend beyond theskirt7142. In other example embodiments, theprotrusions7122 may project beyond theskirt7142.
• In at least one example embodiment, in the closed and locked configuration, thefirst surface7300 of each of theprotrusions7122 is configured to engage therespective bridge portions7402 of theskirt7142 so as to reduce and/or substantially prevent movement of thelid7004 in afourth direction7700 as shown inFIGS. 84-85. In at least one example embodiment, thefourth direction7700 is substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond directions7620,7622. In at least one example embodiment, thefourth direction7700 is an upward direction. Theupper surface7214 of theperipheral wall7102 may engage theinterior surface7144 of thetop wall7140 so as to reduce and/or substantially prevent movement of thelid7004 in a fifth direction7702 (shown inFIG. 85) opposite thefourth direction7700. In at least one example embodiment, thefifth direction7702 is a downward direction.
• In at least one example embodiment, eachprotrusion7122 andrespective receptacle7150 is collectively referred to as a locking mechanism. In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer7000 may include three locking mechanisms. Accordingly, in the closed and locked configuration, there may be at least three points of engagement between thelid7004 and thebase7002.
• In at least one example embodiment, when thelid7004 is in the closed and locked configuration, at least three separate motions or forces, in three separate directions, are required to move thelid7004 into the open configuration (e.g., when the plurality ofprotrusions7122 includes two protrusions7122). In at least one example embodiment, when thelid7004 is in the closed and locked configuration, four separate motions or forces, in four separate directions, are required to move thelid7004 into the open configuration (e.g., when the plurality ofprotrusions7122 includes three protrusions7122). Thelid7004 is configured to be moved from the closed and locked configuration, as shown, to the closed and unlocked configuration by applying a first force to theperipheral wall7102 in thefirst direction7620, a second force to theperipheral wall7102 in thesecond direction7622, and a third force to theperipheral wall7102 in thethird direction7624 to move theperipheral wall7102 from the relaxed configuration to the flexed configuration. In the flexed configuration, the first, second, and third protrusions7122-1,7122-2,7122-3 are at least partially removed from therespective receptacles7150. This may be referred to as a closed and unlocked configuration. While theperipheral wall7102 is in the flexed configuration, thelid7004 may be moved in the fourth direction7700 (i.e., applying a fourth force in the fourth direction7700) to move the lid7704 into the open configuration. Theperipheral wall7102 may return to the relaxed configuration absent the first, second, and third forces.
• In at least one example embodiment, thecontainer7000 is configured to be opened by an adult tobacco consumer using one hand. In at least one example embodiment, the adult tobacco consumer may squeeze theperipheral wall7102 in the palm of a hand while moving thelid7004 in thefourth direction7700 with a finger. Theindentation7126 may provide clearance or access to alower surface7710 of theskirt7142 of thelid7004.
• Thelid7004 may also be moved from the open configuration to the closed and locked configuration. To close and lock thecontainer7000, thelid7004 may be pivoted toward theconnection rim7120 of thebase7002 until thelower surface7710 of theskirt7142 contacts theupper surface7214 of theperipheral wall7102. Thelid7004 may be pressed in thefifth direction7702 to cause theskirt7142 to slide across thesecond surfaces7302 of theprotrusions7122. Thesecond surfaces7302 may therefore facilitate moving thelid7004 into the closed and locked configuration. Theskirt7142 may flex outwardly to slide over theprotrusions7122. When theskirt7142 clears the second andthird walls7302,7304 of theprotrusions7122, it may snap around theprotrusions7122 so that each of theprotrusions7122 is at least partially in arespective receptacle7150.
• FIG. 86 is a bottom back perspective view of the package ofFIG. 72 with a secondary lid in a closed position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, the lid7004 (shown inFIG. 72) may be referred to as a primary lid. Thecontainer7000 may further include asecondary lid7800. Thesecondary lid7800 may be movable from a closed configuration, as shown, to an open configuration or position (shown inFIG. 87).
• Thesecondary lid7800 may be coupled to thebottom wall7100 and/or theperipheral wall7102. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid7800 is pivotally coupled to thebottom wall7100. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid7800 is a separate or separable element from thebase7002. In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid7800 includes integral prongs that are received in apertures of the base7002 to pivotally couple thesecondary lid7800 to thebase7002. In other example embodiments, thesecondary lid7800 is coupled to thebase7002 by a distinct hinge. In other example embodiments, thesecondary lid7800 is integrally formed with thebase7002 and coupled to thebase7002 by a living hinge.
• An exterior orouter surface7804 of thesecondary lid7800 may be substantially coplanar or flush with an exterior orouter surface7806 of thebottom wall7100 when thesecondary lid7800 closed. The first end wall4801-1 may define anindentation7810 adjacent to thesecondary lid7800. Theindentation7810 may provide access to thesecondary lid7800 to open thesecondary lid7800.
• FIG. 87 is a bottom back perspective view of the package ofFIG. 86 with the secondary lid in an open position in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, in the open position, thesecondary lid7800 permits access to asecondary storage area7900. The secondary storage area may be defined by thetransverse wall7130, theintermediate wall7132, thesecondary lid7800, and aportion7906 of theperipheral wall7102 including the first end wall7108-1. Thetransverse wall7130 may be substantially parallel to thelid7004 when thelid7004 is in the closed configuration (both locked and unlocked). Theintermediate wall7132 may be substantially parallel to the pair ofend walls7108.
• One ormore blocks7910 may extend from the transverse wall7902. Theblocks7910 may extend substantially parallel to thevertical axis7020. Each of theblocks7910 may be configured to engage thesecondary lid7800 when thesecondary lid7800 is in the closed position.
• In at least one example embodiment, thesecondary lid7800 includes one ormore catches7920. Thecatches7920 may be configured to engage the first end wall7108-1 of theperipheral wall7102 to retain thesecondary lid7800 in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, thecatches7920 may be received in respective slots defined in the first end wall7160-1.
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
Sixth Example Embodiment
• In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 88-97, a container orpackage9000 is provided. Thepackage9000 may be the same as one or more of the example packages detailed above (including, for example only,package100 as illustrated inFIG. 1), expect as may be detailed below.
• FIG. 88 is a top perspective view of a package in a closed and locked configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 88, thepackage9000 may have a substantially rectangular shape, from an overhead perspective. However, in other example embodiments, thepackage9000 may have any other suitable shape. For example, thepackage9000 may be triangular, oval, square, circular, polygonal, or any other shape, as viewed from an overhead perspective view.
• FIG. 89 is a first side, top perspective view of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;FIG. 90 is a second side top perspective view of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment;FIG. 91 is bottom perspective view of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment; andFIG. 92 is a side, bottom perspective view of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 88 in an open configuration in accordance with at least one example embodiment.
• In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 88-92, thepackage9000 includes abase9030 and alid9020. Thebase9030 and thelid9020 may be movably coupled to one another. In at least one example embodiment, thebase9030 and thelid9020 may be pivotally connected, allowing thelid9020 to readily articulate between a closed position (as shown inFIG. 88) and an opened position (as shown inFIGS. 89-92). For example, thebase9030 and thelid9020 may be coupled by a hinge, such as a living hinge. In other example embodiments, thelid9020 may be completely removable from thebase9030 and may not be hingedly connected to thebase9030. In other example embodiments, thebase9030 and thelid9020 are integrally formed elements. In each instance, thepackage9000 is movable between a closed and locked position or configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 88), a closed and unlocked position or configuration, and an open position or configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 89-92).
• FIG. 93 is a perspective view of thebase9030 of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 88 in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 93, thebase9030 includes a bottom wall orfloor9032 and a peripheral orouter wall9034. Thebottom wall9032 and theperipheral wall9034 cooperate so as to at least partially define a storage area orcavity9200. Thestorage area9200 may include one or more consumer products. In the closed and locked configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 88), and also, the closed and unlocked position, thelid9020 meets with anupper surface9046 of theperipheral wall9034 to close thepackage9000. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 88, thelid9020 includes anexterior surface9026 of thetop wall9024 that is visible when thepackage9000 is in the closed configuration, and thelid9020 prevents (or restrains or resists) access to thestorage area9200. In the open configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 89-92), thestorage area9200 is readily accessible. In at least one example embodiment, thestorage area9200 may include one or more sections or portions.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall9034 may be coupled to and extending from thebottom wall9032. For example, theperipheral wall9034 extends perpendicularly from thebottom wall9032. In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall9034 includes a pair of sidewalls9038A,9038B and a pair ofend walls9040A,9040B. The pair of sidewalls may include afirst sidewall9038A and asecond sidewall9038B. The sidewalls9038A,9038B may be longer than theend walls9040A,9040B. For example, thefirst sidewall9038A may define a first long side of thebase9030, and thesecond sidewall9038B may define a second long side of thebase9030. Thefirst sidewall9038A and thesecond sidewall9038B of thebase9030 may be opposing and parallel. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 89-92, thelid9020 may be coupled to thefirst sidewall9038A. The pair of end walls may include afirst end wall9040A and asecond end wall9040B. For example, thefirst end wall9040A may define a first short side of thebase9030, and thesecond end wall9040B may define a second short side of thebase9030. Thefirst end wall9040A and thesecond end wall9040B of thebase9030 may be opposing and parallel. In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall9034 includes curved orbeveled corners9042.
• In at least one example embodiment, the curved orbeveled corners9042 may be omitted. For example, thefirst end wall9040A may couple a first end of thefirst sidewall9038A and a first end of thesecond sidewall9038B so as to define opposing first and second sharp corners. Similarly, thesecond end wall9040A may couple a second or opposing end of thefirst sidewall9038A and a second or opposing end of thesecond sidewall9038B so as to define opposing third and fourth shape corners.
• In at least one example embodiment, theperipheral wall9034 includes a first or lower orbottom surface9044 and a second orupper surface9046. Thebottom surface9044 of theperipheral wall9034 is configured to interface with thebottom wall9032. Theupper surface9046 of theperipheral wall9034 is configured to interface with thelid9020.
• In at least one example embodiment, theupper surface9046 includes aconnection rim9052. For example, the connection rim or ledge orstep9052 may define a ledge extending from the interior surface of theperipheral wall9034. Theledge9052 may extend perpendicularly from the interior surface of theperipheral wall9034. In at least one example embodiment, theledge9052 may be continuous. For example, theledge9052 may extend substantially around theupper surface9046 of thebase9030. In other example embodiment, theledge9052 may be discontinuous. For example, theledge9052 may include one or more segments or parts that extend along one or more portions of theupper surface9046 of thebase9030.
• In at least one example embodiment, theledge9052 may be configured to interface with thelid9020 in the closed and locked configuration such that an exposed edge of theupper surface9046 of theperipheral wall9034 is about flush with the exteriorsurface exterior surface9026 of thelid9020 so as to mitigate pick points and the ability to circumvent locking mechanisms150 (discussed in detail below). For example, in the closed and locked configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 88), thelid9020 may nest within thebase9030. However, in other example embodiments, thelid9020 may be configured so as to cover at least a portion of an exposed edge of theupper surface9046 of theperipheral wall9034 in the closed and locked configuration. In each instance, theledge9052 may also be configured to at least partially interface with thelid9020 in the closed and unlocked position. In the closed and unlocked position, however, at least one pick point or opening point may be more readily accessible.
• FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of thebase9030 of thepackage9000 ofFIG. 93 in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 94, the interior-facingsurface9054 of theperipheral wall9034 defines one ormore receptacles9050. In one embodiment, the receptacles are position closer to theupper surface9046 than the bottom surface of theperipheral wall9034. Said another way, the receptacles are positioned in an upper portion of theperipheral wall9034. In one embodiment, thereceptacles9050 are disposed adjacently below theconnection rim9052. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacles9050 are positioned along one or both of theend walls9040A,9040B of theperipheral wall9034. In other example embodiments, thereceptacles9050 are positioned along the one or both of the sidewalls9038A,9038B of theperipheral wall9034. In still other example embodiments, thereceptacles9050 are positioned along at least one of theend walls9040A,9040B of theperipheral wall9034 and at least one of the sidewalls9038A,9038B of theperipheral wall9034. In each instance, thereceptacles9050 can be centrally positioned or non-centrally positioned along theend walls9040A,9040B and/orsidewalls9038A,9038B. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacles9050 may be symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal plane parallel to and equidistant between thefirst sidewall9038A and thesecond sidewall9038B of thebase9030. In at least one example embodiment, thereceptacles9050 may be equidistant between the pair of opposing sidewalls9038A,9038B of thebase9030. In one embodiment, thereceptacles9050 have a concave arcuate or polygonal cross-sectional profile as shown inFIG. 94
• FIG. 95 is a perspective view of alid9020 of the package ofFIG. 88 in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 95, thelid9020 includes atop wall9024 and one ormore locking projections9060 extending from an interior-facing surface of thetop wall9024. For example, the locking projections9060 (discussed in further detail below) may extend substantially perpendicularly from the interior-facing surface of thetop wall9024. In at least one example embodiment, thelid9020 may further include askirt9068 that extends from the interior-facing surface of thetop wall9024. Theskirt9068 may be non-continuous or discontinuous. For example, theskirt9068 may include one or more segments or parts that extend along one or more portions of the interior-facing surface of thetop wall9024. Theskirt9068 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the interior-facing surface of thetop wall9024.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelid9020 includes a pair of sidewalls9054A,9054B and a pair ofend walls9056A,9056B. The sidewalls9054A,9054B are longer than theend walls9056A,9056B. The pair of sidewalls may include afirst sidewall9054A and asecond sidewall9054B. For example, thefirst sidewall9054A may define a first long side of thelid9020, and thesecond sidewall9054B may define a second long side of thelid9020. Thefirst sidewall9054A and thesecond sidewall9054B of thelid9020 may be opposing and parallel. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 89-92, thefirst sidewall9054A of thelid9020 may be coupled to afirst sidewall9038A of thebase9030. In at least one example embodiment, thefirst sidewall9038A of thebase9030 may include acutout9064 that is configured to receive or communication with thefirst sidewall9054A of thelid9020 in the closed configuration. Thefirst sidewall9054A of thelid9020 may include anextension600 that fits within and is received by thecutout9064 in thebase9030 in the closed configuration. In at least one example embodiment, the pair of end walls may include afirst end wall9056A and asecond end wall9056B. For example, thefirst end wall9056A may define a first short side of thelid9020, and thesecond end wall9056B may define a second short side of thelid9020.
• In at least one example embodiment, thelid9020 includes curved orbeveled corners9058. In at least one example embodiment, the curved orbeveled corners9058 may be omitted. For example, thefirst end wall9056A may couple a first end of thefirst sidewall9054A and a first end of thesecond sidewall9054B so as to define opposing first and second sharp corners. Similarly, thesecond end wall9056A may couple a second or opposing end of thefirst sidewall9054A and a second or opposing end of thesecond sidewall9054B so as to define opposing third and fourth shape corners.
• In at least on example embodiment, thenon-continuous skirt9068 may include afirst portion9070A extending along thefirst end wall9056A of thelid9020 and asecond portion9070B extending along thesecond end wall9056B of thelid9020. Segments of thefirst portion9070A of theskirt9068 extending centrally along the first and second sidewalls9054A,9054B towards a middle of thelid9020 may be sloped or angled. Similarly, segments of thesecond portion9070B of theskirt9068 extending centrally along the first and second sidewalls9054A,9054B towards a middle of thelid9020 may be sloped or angled. For example, segments of thefirst portion9070A of theskirt9068 extending towards segments of thesecond portion9070B of theskirt9068 may be sloped or angled.
• In at least on example embodiment, the plurality of lockingprojections9060 are positioned along one or both of theend walls9056A,9056B of thelid9020. In other example embodiments, the lockingprojections9060 are positioned along the one or both of the sidewalls9054A,9054B of thelid9020. In still other example embodiments, the lockingprojections9060 are positioned along at least one of theend walls9056A,9065B of thelid9020 and at least one of the sidewalls9054A,9054B of thelid9020. In each instance, the lockingprojections9060 can be centrally positioned or non-centrally positioned along theend walls9056A,9056B and/orsidewalls9054A,9054B. In at least one example embodiment, the lockingprojections9060 may be symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal plane parallel to and equidistant between thefirst sidewall9054A and thesecond sidewall9054B of thelid9020. In at least one example embodiment, the lockingprojections9060 may be equidistant between the pair of opposing sidewalls9054A,9054B of thelid9020. In each instance, the plurality of lockingprojections9060 extending from thelid9020 and the plurality ofreceptors9050 defined in thebase9030 are positioned so as to be aligned.
• FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of thelid9020 ofFIG. 95 in accordance with at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 95, each lockingprojection9060 includes arespective protrusions9062. For example, therespective protrusion9062 may extend from an exterior-facing surface of the lockingprojection9060. Theprotrusions9062 are shaped so as to be respectively receivable by the plurality ofreceptacles9050 defined in thebase9030. For example, theprotrusions9062 may have a convex arcuate or polygonal cross-sectional profile as shown inFIG. 96 that matches, partially matches or does not match the corresponding concave profile of thereceptacles9050. In the closed and locked configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 88), theprotrusions9062 may be respectively and at least partially received by thereceptacles9050. Theprotrusions9062 may be substantially retained by thereceptacles9050 in the closed and locked configuration. For example, a respective pair of aprotrusion9062 and areceptacle9050 may define alocking mechanism9050 that locks (or retains) thelid9020 onto thebase9030 in the closed and locked configuration. In at least one example embodiment, thepackage9000 may automatically lock when thelid9020 is pressed down firmly onto thebase9030 and theprotrusions9062 are engaged by thereceptacles9050. In the closed and unlocked configuration, theprotrusions9062 may be only partially received by or merely disposed adjacent to the plurality ofreceptacles9050 as defined in thebase9030. In the open configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 89-92), theprotrusions9062 and thereceptacles9050 do not interface.
• In at least one example embodiment, thepackage9000 requires at least two separate motions to unlock or open. The separate motions may include applying two or more forces to theperipheral wall9034 such that theperipheral wall9034 moves from a first or relaxed position to a second or flexed position. For example, a first force may be applied to a first portion of theperipheral wall9034 in a first direction, and a second force may be applied to a second portion of theperipheral wall9034 in a second direction. The second direction may be different from the first direction. For example, the first and second directions may be parallel and opposite on another. The first and second portions of theperipheral wall9034 may be opposing portions. For example, the first portion of theperipheral wall9034 may be substantially parallel with the second portion of theperipheral wall9034.
• In at least one example embodiment, where theperipheral wall9034 includes a plurality ofreceptacles9050 defined in the opposingend walls9040A,9040B of the peripheral wall9034 (as illustrated), thepackage9000 may be unlocked or open by simultaneously applying a first force on thefirst sidewall9038A of theperipheral wall9034, and a second force on thesecond sidewall9038B of theperipheral wall9034. For example, inward forces may be applied by the adult consumer to both the first and second sidewalls9038A,9038B so as to at least partially dislodge theprotrusions9062 from thereceptacles9050. In other example embodiments, theperipheral wall9034 may include a plurality ofreceptacles9050 defined in opposing sidewalls9038A,9038B of theperipheral wall9034, and thepackage9000 may be unlocked or open by simultaneously applying a first force on thefirst end wall9040A of theperipheral wall9034 and a second force on thesecond end wall9040B of theperipheral wall9034. For example, the first and second forces are directed inwards and may be applied by the adult consumer to both the first andsecond end walls9040A,9040B so as to at least partially dislodge theprotrusions9062 from thereceptacles9050. In each instance, once theprotrusions9062 of thelid9020 are at least partially dislodged from thereceptacles9050 of thebase9030, thelid9020 may be capable of being lifted (e.g., third motion) in order to open thepackage9000. For example, the adult consumer applies a third force in a direction different from the first and second forces (e.g., perpendicular to the first and second forces) to lift thelid9020
• In at least one example embodiment, the package may include features of other example embodiments described herein and/or other example embodiments may include features of the package as described above.
• While various example embodiments are discussed separately, it is understood that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth example embodiments and/or features of each of the examples embodiments may be combined in different ways. For example, locking mechanisms of two or more example embodiments (e.g., first and second, second and third, third and fourth, fourth and fifth, fifth and sixth, second and fourth, second and fifth, second and sixth, third and first, third and fifth, third and sixth, first and fourth, second and fourth, fourth and sixth, first and fifth, first and sixth, etc.) may be combined in a single package and/or portions of the locking mechanisms of two or more example embodiments may be combined. Further, the locking mechanisms of an example embodiment may be included on one or more of the side walls and/or end walls of the package or container. In at least one example embodiment, multiple locking mechanisms may be included on a single side wall and/or end wall of the package or container. In some example embodiments, locking mechanisms as described herein may be on opposing walls or on adjacent walls. Further, a number of the locking mechanisms per package may be varied.
• Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (26)

We claim:

1. A container comprising:

a base including,

a bottom wall,

a peripheral wall perpendicular to the bottom wall, the peripheral wall and the bottom wall defining a storage area, and the peripheral wall at least partially defining a receptacle; and

a lid configured to be moved between a closed and locked configuration and an open configuration, the lid including,

a top wall, and

a flexible tab projecting from the top wall, the flexible tab including a fixed end adjacent to the top wall and a free end opposite the fixed end, the flexible tab configured to move from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response to a force in a first direction and return to the relaxed position absent the force, wherein

in the closed and locked configuration, the flexible tab is in the relaxed position, at least partially in the receptacle, and configured to engage the base to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration, and

the lid is configured to be moved from the closed and locked configuration to the open configuration by moving the lid in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with the flexible tab in the flexed position.

2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the base further includes a receptacle wall cooperating with the peripheral wall to at least partially define the receptacle.

3. The container ofclaim 2, wherein the receptacle wall is spaced from the peripheral wall in the first direction.

4. The container ofclaim 2, wherein the receptacle wall is centered along a transverse axis perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the peripheral wall defines a recess in communication with the receptacle.

6. The container ofclaim 5, wherein the flexible tab includes a projection configured to be at least partially in the recess in the closed and locked configuration.

7. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the projection is recessed with respect to the peripheral wall in the closed and locked configuration.

8. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the projection is configured to engage the peripheral wall to retain the container in the closed and locked configuration.

9. The container ofclaim 6, wherein

the projection extends between a proximal end and a distal end, and

the proximal end includes a proximal end surface configured to engage the peripheral wall to retain the lid in the closed and locked configuration.

10. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the projection includes a plurality of parallel ribs.

11. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the plurality of parallel ribs includes a respective plurality of distal ends defining a curved profile.

12. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the curved profile is convex with respect to the free end of the flexible tab.

13. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the each of the plurality of parallel ribs is tapered along at least a portion of a rib length.

14. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the free end of the flexible tab is configured to be aligned or recessed with respect to the bottom wall in the closed and locked configuration.

15. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible tab is configured to pivot through an angle ranging from 4° to 8° between the relaxed position and the flexed position.

16. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the fixed end of the flexible tab defines a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 1.5 mm parallel to the first direction.

17. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the free end of the flexible tab is tapered along at least a portion of a length of the flexible tab.

18. The container ofclaim 1, wherein

the fixed end of the flexible tab defines a first width perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and

the free end of the flexible tab defines a second width perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the second width less than the first width.

19. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the lid is pivotally coupled to the base.

20. The container ofclaim 19, further comprising:

a living hinge coupling the lid to the base.

21. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the container defines a rectangular profile.

22. The container ofclaim 21, wherein the peripheral wall includes,

a pair of opposing side walls defining a first length, and

a pair of opposing end walls having a second length less than the first length.

23. The container ofclaim 22, wherein one of the pair of opposing end walls at least partially defines the receptacle.

24. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the base and the lid comprise polypropylene.

25. The container ofclaim 24, wherein the base and the lid further comprise talc.

26. The container ofclaim 25, wherein the base and the lid further comprise a colorant.

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