SNACK CONTAINER

Abstract

A snack container for holding food items. The container includes a main body and a lid coupled to the main body. The lid includes a first section having an interior rim defining an opening. The lid further includes a second section coupled to both the main body and the first section. The second section is affixed to the main body along a first portion of the second section and not affixed to the main body along a second portion of the second section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/888,862, filed on Oct. 9, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to snack containers, and specifically to spill-resistant snack containers for children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children's snack containers are used to hold food items (e.g., cereal and other small snack food) for children. Children often have a tendency to drop, tilt, or otherwise spill food from a snack container during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To prevent spills, it is desirable to provide a mechanism on the snack container that inhibits the food items from spilling out of the container if the container is tipped over or jostled, yet still allows a child to reach in and retrieve food items when desired.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a snack container. The snack container includes a main body and a lid coupled to the main body. The main body defines an interior cavity that is closed at a lower end of the main body and that is accessible through a first opening at an upper end of the main body. The lid includes a first section having an interior rim defining an opening. The lid further includes a second, hemispherical section coupled to both the main body and the first section. The second section is affixed to the main body along a first portion of the second section and not affixed to the main body along a second portion of the second section.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a snack container that includes a main body to hold food items, and a flexible, resilient lid coupled to the main body. The lid includes a first portion that is affixed to the main body and a second portion that is not affixed to the main body, such that if a user presses down on the lid the second portion of the lid flexes into the container body to provide access to the food items.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a snack container according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a lid of the snack container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of another portion of the lid of the snack container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the snack container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is section view of the snack container of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the snack container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of a snack container according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of the lid of the snack container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a section view of the portion of the lid in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged portion of the section view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the snack container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a section view of the snack container of FIG. 7, taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the snack container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a snack container according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a snack container according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the snack container of FIG. 16 in a disassembled state.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the snack container of FIG. 16 in a process of being assembled.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the snack container of FIG. 16, illustrating how the container is used.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a snack container according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a snack container according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a lid of the snack container of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a top view of another portion of the lid of the snack container of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a section view of the snack container of FIG. 20, taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged portion of the section view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the snack container of FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the snack container of FIG. 20.

FIG. 27 is a section view of the snack container of FIG. 20, taken along line 27-27 in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a body of the snack container of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a snack container 10 for holding food items. The snack container 10 includes a body 14 having a cavity 18 for holding the food items. The body 14 includes a rim 22 that defines an opening 26 at the top of the body 14. The body 14 is generally rigid, and in one embodiment is comprised of polypropylene. Other constructions comprise different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the body 14. In one construction, the body 14 is at least partially transparent to allow a child or parent to view what is disposed inside the cavity 18, though in some constructions the body 14 is opaque.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the snack container 10 includes a lid 30 that is coupled to the body 14. The lid 30 includes a first, generally rigid section 34 that is, in one embodiment, comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Other constructions comprise different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the first section 34. The first section 34 includes two handles 38 extending alongside (e.g., parallel to) an outer surface 42 of the body 14. In some constructions, the first section 34 includes one handle 38 while in other constructions the first section 34 does not include any handles 38 or can include more than two handles.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the first section 34 snaps onto (e.g., with an interference fit or friction fit) the body 14. In other constructions the first section 34 includes threads and screws onto a set of corresponding threads on the body 14. Other constructions comprise different structures by which the lid 30 is coupled to the body 14.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the first section 34 includes an interior rim 46 to which the handles 38 extend. As illustrated, the handles 38 are formed integrally with the rim 46. The rim 46 defines an opening 50, and a flange 54 extending adjacent to and beneath the rim 46 toward the body 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rim 46 is generally circular, and the flange 54 extends at least partially circumferentially around the opening 50 along a bottom surface of the rim 46. The flange 54 extends approximately 180 degrees around the opening 50. In some constructions, the flange 54 extends between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees around the opening 50. In some constructions, the flange 54 extends greater than 180 degrees around the opening 50. Other constructions include different, but suitable ranges and values. In some constructions, the rim 46 and/or the flange 54 are non-circular.

The lid 30 also includes a second, generally flexible section 58 that is, in some embodiments, comprised of silicone (e.g., silicone 40A). Other constructions of the second section 58 comprise different materials or combinations of materials suitable for the second section 58. The second section 58 has a generally hemispherical shape, with a generally circular outer edge 62. The second section 58 includes a channel 66 extending at least partially circumferentially along the edge 62. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the channel 66 is sized and configured to receive the flange 54 to affix the second section 58 to the first section 34 (and to the container body 14) along a portion of the second section 58. The channel 66 extends approximately the same angular distance as the flange 54. The channel 66 extends approximately 180 degrees. In some constructions, the channel 66 extends between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees. In some constructions, the channel 66 extends greater than 180 degrees. Other constructions include different, but suitable ranges and values.

When the flange 54 and the channel 66 are engaged with one another, the second section 58 is affixed to the first section 34 and is restrained from moving relative to the first section 34 and the container body 14 along the portion of the edge 62 that includes the channel 66. The second section 58 is not restrained (i.e., is not affixed) from moving relative to the first section 34 and the container body 14 along the remainder of the edge 62 that does not include the channel 66. Thus, if a user presses down on the second section 58 in the area of non-restraint (i.e., the area along the edge 62 that does not include the channel 66), part of the second portion 58 will flex downward and/or inward toward the cavity 18, while the remaining portion (i.e., the area of edge 62 that includes the channel 66) will remain generally stationary and affixed to the container body 14. This pressing action by a user temporarily opens up an access opening for a user to reach his or her hand down into the cavity 18 and retrieve a food item. Once the user has secured the food item(s) and pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the cavity 18, the flexible second portion 58 returns to its original closed position covering the cavity 18.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the lid 30 also includes a third, generally rigid section 70 that is, in one embodiment, comprised of polyethersulfone (PES). Other constructions comprise different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the third section 70. In one construction, the third section 70 is at least partially transparent, to allow viewing of the contents inside the cavity 18. In some constructions, the third section 70 is opaque. The second section 58 is over-molded to the third section 70. The third section 70 provides some rigidity to the second section 58 that makes it easier for a child to insert his or her fingers or hand and for the second section 58 to return or flex back into its closed position. The third section 70 also provides some rigidity to the second section 58 so that the second section 58 does not collapse.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate a snack container 110 for holding food items. The snack container 110 includes a body 114 and a lid 130. The lid 130 includes a first section 134 having a rim 146, an opening 150, and a flange 154 that are similar to the body 14 and the first section 34 described above, respectively. The flange 514 is adjacent to and extends below the rim 146 toward the body 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rim 146 is generally circular, and the flange 154 extends at least partially circumferentially around the opening 150 along a bottom surface of the rim 146. The flange 154 extends approximately 180 degrees around the opening 150. In some constructions, the flange 154 extends between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees around the opening 150. In some constructions, the flange 154 extends greater than 180 degrees around the opening 150. Other constructions include different, but suitable ranges and values. In some constructions, the rim 146 and/or the flange 154 are non-circular.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7-13, the snack container 110 further includes a second, generally flexible and resilient section 158 that is, in some embodiments, made of silicone (e.g., silicone 50A). Other constructions comprise different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the second section 158. The second section 158 has a generally hemispherical shape, with a generally circular outer edge 162. The second section 158 includes a channel 166 extending circumferentially adjacent the edge 162 that is sized and configured to engage the flange 154. The channel 166 extends approximately the same angular distance as the flange 154. The channel 166 extends approximately 180 degrees. In some constructions, the channel 166 extends between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees. In some constructions, the channel 166 extends greater than 180 degrees. Other constructions include suitable, but different ranges and values.

The second section 158 further includes an opening 168, and a mounting flange 169 extending radially inwardly into the opening 168. The opening 168 is generally oval in shape, although other constructions include different shapes and sizes for the opening 168.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7-13, the lid 130 further includes a third, generally rigid section 170 that is, in one embodiment comprised of polypropylene. Other constructions include different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the third section 170. The third section 170 is, in one embodiment, at least partially transparent, to allow viewing of the contents inside of the body 114. In some constructions, the third section 170 is opaque. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the third section 170 includes a curved flange 174 that extends over the mounting flange 169 of the second section 158 to couple the third section 170 to the second section 158.

The lid 130 also includes a fourth, generally rigid section 178. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the fourth section 178 is a ring that can comprise polypropylene, though other constructions include suitable different materials or combinations of materials for the fourth section 178. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fourth section 178 is disposed adjacent to and extends around (e.g., snaps around) the mounting flange 169. The curved flange 174 extends at least partially over the fourth section 178. The second section 158, the third section 170, and the fourth section 178 are held together with an interference fit or a friction fit (e.g., they may be snapped together or provide a snap fit). In other constructions, adhesive or other attachment structures are used to hold the second section 158, the third section 170, and the fourth section 178 together.

The lid 130 operates in a manner similar to that of lid 30, in that the second section 158 is attached to the rim 146 along a first portion of the rim 146, and detached from the rim 146 along a second portion of the rim 146, so that if a user presses down on the flexible portion 158, part of the flexible portion 158 will flex downward and/or inward (i.e., creating an opening to reach a hand into the body 114) while the remaining portion will remain generally stationary and affixed to the body 114. As the user pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the cavity 118, the flexible second portion 158 returns to its original closed position covering the cavity 118.

The third section 170 provides some rigidity to the second section 58 that makes it easier for a child to insert his or her fingers or hand and for the second section 158 to return or flex back into its closed position. The third section 170 also provides some rigidity to the second section 158 so that the second section 158 does not collapse.

FIG. 14 illustrates another snack container 210 for holding food items. The snack container 210 includes a body 214 and a flexible lid 230. The lid 230 is flexible, and includes two projections 232 that are attached to the body 214 at two openings 216 (one illustrated) disposed in the body 214. The remainder of the lid 230 is not attached, but is removably coupled to the body 214. The body 214 includes an edge defining an opening for access to food items inside the container 210. The lid 230 is generally hemispherically-shaped and includes an edge. In this embodiment, an outer surface of the edge of the lid 230 contacts an inner surface of the body 214 near the edge of the body 214.

The lid 230 operates in a manner similar to that of lids 30 and 130, in that if a user presses downward and/or inward on the lid 230 in an area away from the two projections 232, part of the lid 230 will flex downward and/or inward (i.e., creating an opening to reach a hand or fingers into the body 214) while the remaining portion (i.e., the portion closer to the projections 232) will remain generally stationary and affixed to the body 214. Once the user has secured the food item and pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the container, the flexible second portion 58 returns to its original closed position covering the body 214.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a snack container 310 for holding food items. The snack container 310 includes a body 314 and a flexible lid 330. The lid 330 is flexible, and includes two projections 332 that are affixed to the body 314 through two openings 316 disposed in the body 314. The remainder of the lid 330 is not attached to the body 314. To assemble the snack container, the two projections 332 are pulled through the two openings 316, as illustrated in FIG. 17, to frictionally engage and hold the projections 332 to the container body 314. The body 314 includes an edge defining an opening for access to food items inside the container 310. The lid 330 is generally hemispherically-shaped and includes an edge. In this embodiment, an outer surface of the edge of the lid 330 contacts an inner surface of the body 314 near the edge of the body 214.

The lid 330 operates in a manner similar to that of lids 30, 130, and 230, in that if a user presses downward and/or inward on the lid 330 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 18) in an area away from the two projections 332, part of the lid 330 will flex downward and/or inward (i.e., creating an opening to reach a hand or fingers into the body 314) while the remaining portion (i.e., the portion near the projections 332) remains generally stationary and affixed to the body 314. Once the user has secured the food item and pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the container, the flexible second portion 58 returns to its original closed position covering the body 314.

FIG. 19 illustrates another snack container 410 for holding food items. The snack container 410 includes a body 414 and a flexible lid 430. The body 414 includes a centrally located recessed portion 420 with attachment regions 424. The lid 430 is shaped generally in a hemispherical manner having a centrally located recessed portion 436 having attachment regions 440. The attachment regions 424 and 440 are coupled together.

The lid 430 operates in a manner similar to that of lids 30, 130, 230, and 330, in that the lid 430 is attached to the body 414 in one area (i.e., at the attachment regions 424 and 440), and detached from the body 414 elsewhere. If a user presses down on the lid 430, part of the lid 430 will flex downward or inward toward the attachment regions 424 and 440 (i.e., creating an opening to reach a hand or fingers into the body 414), while the remaining portion (i.e., the portion adjacent the attachment regions 424 and 440) will remain generally stationary and affixed to the body 414. Once the user has secured the food item and pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the container, the flexible lid 430 returns to its original closed position covering the body 414.

FIGS. 21-28 illustrate another snack container 510 for holding food items. The snack container 510 includes a body 514 having a cavity 518 for holding the food items. The body 514 includes a rim 522 that defines an opening 526 at the top of the body 514. The body 514 is generally rigid, and in one embodiment is comprised of polypropylene. Other constructions are comprised of different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the body 514. In one construction, the body 514 is at least partially transparent to allow a child or parent to view what is disposed inside the cavity 518, though in some constructions the body 514 is opaque.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21-28, the snack container 510 also includes a lid 530 that is coupled to the body 514. The lid 530 includes a first, generally rigid section 534 that is, in one embodiment, comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Other constructions are comprised of different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the first section 534. The first section 534 includes handles 538 extending alongside (e.g., parallel to) an outer surface 542 of the body 14. In some constructions, the first section 534 includes one handle 538 while in other constructions the first section 534 does not include any handles 538. The first section 534 snaps onto (e.g., with an interference fit or friction fit) the body 514. In other constructions the first section 534 includes threads and screws onto a set of corresponding threads on the body 514. Other constructions include different but suitable structures by which the lid 530 is coupled to the body 514.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-28, the lid 30 also includes a second, generally flexible section 558 that is, in some embodiments, comprised of silicone (e.g., silicone 40A). Other constructions are comprised of different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the second section 558. The second section 558 has a generally hemispherical shape, with a generally circular outer edge 562. The second section 558 includes a flange 554 extending at least partially circumferentially along the edge 562, and toward the container body 514. With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the flange 554 is sized and configured to be received in a channel 566 of the body 514 to affix the second section 558 to the body 514 along a portion of the body 514 that includes the channel 556. The channel 566 extends approximately the same angular distance as the flange 554. The channel 566 extends approximately 180 degrees. In some constructions the channel 566 extends between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees. In some constructions the channel 566 extends greater than 180 degrees. Other constructions include different, but suitable ranges and values.

With reference to FIG. 27, when the flange 554 and the channel 566 are engaged with one another, the second section 558 is affixed to the body 514 and to the first section 534, with the first section 534 extending over and holding part of the second section 558 (FIG. 27). The second section 558 is restrained from moving relative to the container body 514 and to the first section 534 along the portion of the edge 562 that includes the flange 554. The second section 558 is not restrained (i.e., is not affixed) from moving relative to the first section 534 and the container body 514 along the remainder of the edge 562 that does not include the flange 554. Thus, if a user presses down on the second section 558 in the area of non-restraint (i.e., the area along the edge 562 that does not include the flange 554), part of the second portion 558 will flex downward and/or inward toward the cavity 518, while the remaining portion (i.e., the area of edge 562 that includes the flange 554) will remain generally stationary and affixed to the container body 514 and to the first section 534. This pressing action by a user temporarily opens up an access opening for a user to reach his or her hand down into the cavity 518 and retrieve a food item. Once the user has secured the food item and pulls his or her fingers and/or hand out of the cavity 518, the flexible second portion 558 returns to its original closed position covering the cavity 518.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-28, the lid 530 further includes a third, generally rigid section 570 that is, in one embodiment, comprised of polyethersulfone (PES). Other constructions are comprised of different materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for the third section 570. In one construction, the third section 570 is at least partially transparent, to allow viewing of the contents inside the cavity 518. In some constructions, the third section 570 is opaque. With reference to FIG. 24, in some constructions the second section 558 is over-molded to the third section 570 with silicone 572. The third section 570 provides some rigidity to the second section 558 that makes it easier for a child to insert his or her fingers or hand and for the second section 558 to return or flex back into its closed position. The third section 570 also provides some rigidity to the second section 558 so that the second section 558 does not collapse.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Claims

1. A snack container comprising:

a main body defining an interior cavity that is closed at a lower end of the main body and that is accessible through a first opening at an upper end of the main body; and

a lid coupled to the main body, the lid including a first section having an interior rim defining an opening, the lid further including a second, hemispherical section coupled to both the main body and the first section, the second section affixed to the main body along a first portion of the second section and not affixed to the main body along a second portion of the second section.

2. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the second section includes a flexible, resilient material having an outer peripheral edge that is restrained from movement relative to the main body along the first portion of the second section, and is free to move and flex relative to the main body along the second portion of the second section.

3. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the first section includes a handle, and is coupled to the main body via a snap fit.

4. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the second section includes a flange that extends toward the main body.

5. The snack container of claim 4, wherein the flange extends at least partially circumferentially.

6. The snack container of claim 5, wherein the flange extends at least 180 degrees.

7. The snack container of claim 4, wherein the main body includes a channel that receives the flange, and wherein when the flange is received in the channel, the second section is restrained from moving relative to both the first section and the main body along a portion of the main body that includes the channel, and is free to move relative to both the first section and the main body along a portion of the main body that does not include the channel.

8. The snack container of claim 7, wherein the channel extends at least 180 degrees.

9. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a third section that is more rigid than the second section.

10. The snack container of claim 9, wherein the third section is disposed within an outer perimeter of the second section, and is at least partially transparent.

11. The snack container of claim 9, wherein the second section includes a mounting flange, and wherein third section includes a curved flange that extends over the mounting flange of the second section to couple the third section to the second section.

12. The snack container of claim 11, wherein the lid includes a fourth section that extends around the mounting flange on the second section, wherein the curved flange on the third section extends at least partially over both the third section and the fourth section.

13. A snack container comprising:

a main body to hold food items; and

a flexible, resilient lid coupled to the main body, the lid including a first portion that is affixed to the main body and a second portion that is not affixed to the main body, such that if a user presses down on the lid the second portion of the lid flexes into the main body to provide access to the food items.

14. The snack container of claim 13, wherein the lid includes a projection that is affixed to the main body through an opening in the main body.

15. The snack container of claim 14, wherein the projection is affixed via a frictional engagement between the projection and the main body.

16. The snack container of claim 13, wherein the lid includes a flange, and the main body includes a channel, and a portion of the lid is affixed to the main body via the flange and the channel.

17. The snack container of claim 13, wherein the lid includes a first section having a flange and a second section having a channel, and the first section is affixed to the second section via the flange and the channel.

18. The snack container of claim 13, wherein the main body includes a first centrally located recessed portion having first attachment regions, wherein the lid includes a second centrally located recessed portion having second attachment regions, and wherein the main body is affixed to the lid at the first and second attachment regions.