Abstract: A device used to aid in the opening of a container that further protects against the inadvertent opening of the container, as well as provides greater hoop strength when compared to similar containers for use in, among other things, the containment, storage, transport and/or handling of a material, is described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid including a tongue; and a clamp; and a container including a groove, wherein the tongue and the groove form a seal when the lid is coupled to the container; and a bead, wherein the clamp engages with the bead when the lid is coupled to the container. An apparatus, according to another embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid; a container configured to engage with the lid and form a secondary seal between the lid and the container; and a film seal coupled to the container.

Abstract: A cover for a container, in accordance with one embodiment that allows quick and easy access to products within the container. The cover for a container includes a pivot score line transversing the cover thereby forming a front cover portion and a back cover portion. The pivot score line pivotally connects the front cover portion and the back cover portion. The cover also includes a fastening device. The fastening device includes a first fastening component mounted on the front cover portion and a second fastening component mounted on the back cover portion. The first fastening component engages the second fastening component upon pivoting the cover at the pivot score line. Using the present embodiment, products may be repeatedly dispensed from a container quickly and easily.

Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A closure for attachment to a cover having an opening presenting an upstanding rim, comprising a body having an annular top wall, said top wall merging with spaced inner and outer walls defining a depending body recess for capturing said rim, said outer wall having threads extending generally outwardly therefrom and the top wall presenting a notch; a cap having a top, said top presenting a projection disposed for alignment with said notch, an outer wall depending from said top, said outer wall having threads for engagement with the threads of said body outer wall.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination, in which the interface between the lid and container provides a liquid-tight seal without the need for a separate gasket member or device. Various embodiments include corresponding tongue and groove elements, and mating tapered channels and edges. Detents or engagement structures may be provided to hold the lid to the container in the desired relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.

Abstract: A container includes first and second intersecting surfaces, and has at least one tearstrip opening to permit access to the contents of the container. The opening is positioned substantially at the intersection of those surfaces to permit drainage of substantially all of the contents of the container through the opening formed upon tearing of the tearstrip. Where the intersection is formed by a lid and a container wall, the lid has an outermost edge and the opening is positioned sufficiently near to the outermost edge to permit the desired drainage but also either does not tear the outermost edge (because the opening is sufficiently inwardly from the outermost edge) or does not destroy the hoop strength of a downwardly-depending hoop flange formed at the outermost edge. A plurality of such tearstrips may be provided and may be spaced from each other to provide pouring and/or venting in a variety of directions.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination, in which the interface between the lid and container provides a liquid-tight seal without the need for a separate gasket member or device. Various embodiments include corresponding tongue and groove elements, and mating tapered channels and edges. Detents or engagement structures may be provided to hold the lid to the container in the desired relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to one end of a tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination and associated methods, in which the lid may be used selectively for either dry or liquid-sealed applications. For liquid-sealed applications, a gasket or similar sealing element is provided in a gasket channel. A shoulder or detent prevents the container from entering the gasket channel, but permits the desired liquid-sealing when the gasket or similar sealing element is present in the channel. The sealing element may be foamed-in-place within the channel.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge is provided to affix members to each other and permit a the members to be moved relatively to each other transversely of the hinge axis while remaining hinged to each other. A collapsible container assembly utilizing such hinges is provided, in which a plurality of sidewall members hinged to a base member can be collapsed onto the base member and each other in a stacked arrangement with the resulting height of the stack being the same regardless of which of several stacking orders is utilized. Leave members of the hinge include slot means axially aligned to permit a hinge pin disposed therein to slide transversely of the longitudinal hinge axis while maintaining the hinged relationship of the members.