CONTAINER

Abstract

An embodiment of a container is provided. The container includes a lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second sides spaced apart and each extending between third and fourth sides. The sidewall includes a first corner portion located between the first and fourth sides. The first corner portion extends from a first junction to a second junction. The first side curves outwardly from the first junction. The first corner portion curves outwardly from the first junction. The first junction extends non-parallel to a central vertical axis of the sidewall. The container includes an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a cover defining a dispensing aperture and a lid configured to close the dispensing aperture.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to containers and more specifically containers with features configured for stacking of containers.

Various products, e.g., wipes, facial tissues, etc., are transported to points of sale and sold to consumers in containers, e.g., plastic containers. In many cases, the containers may not be formed at the same location as the location at which the product to be stored is formed. Therefore, containers may be transported from the locations at which they are formed to the location at which the product to be stored is formed to allow the containers to be filled with the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a container. The container includes a lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second sides spaced apart and each extending between third and fourth sides. The sidewall includes a first corner portion located between the first and fourth sides. The first corner portion extends from a first junction to a second junction. The first side curves outwardly from the first junction. The first corner portion curves outwardly from the first junction. The first junction extends non-parallel to a central vertical axis of the sidewall. The container includes an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a cover defining a dispensing aperture and a lid pivotally coupled to the cover configured to close the dispensing aperture when the lid is in a closed configuration relative to the cover.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a stack of containers. The stack includes a first container. The first container includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion. The lower portion includes a sidewall extending from an upper periphery to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall. The sidewall includes first, second, third, and fourth corner portions. The first container includes a first rib extending inwardly from the first corner portion, a second rib extending inwardly from the second corner portion, a third rib extending inwardly from the third corner portion, and a fourth rib extending inwardly from the fourth corner. The stack of containers includes a second container. The second container includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion. The lower portion includes a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall. The end wall of the second container is supported by the ribs of the first container. The sidewall of the first container and the sidewall of the second container define a gap therebetween between the first and second corner portions at the upper periphery of the sidewall of the first container.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container. The container includes a lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall. The lower portion includes a plurality of ribs each extending inwardly from the sidewall. The ribs each include a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion has an inner peripheral edge including a concave portion extending away from the lower portion. The container includes an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a cover portion defining a central aperture and a lid pivotally coupled to the cover portion.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container in an open configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a container in an open configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of a container in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment, the left side view being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a container in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stack of containers according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a container with a lid in an open configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an angled side view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a lower portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20A is a detail view of the area 20A in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before turning to the figures, in one embodiment, containers such as plastic containers are formed to contain or store products such as, e.g., wipes, for example wet wipes, facial tissues, etc. The containers may be formed at a first location. The product to be stored may be formed at a second location different from the first location. The containers are shipped away from the first location to a filling location, in one embodiment, the second location, at which they are filled with the product to be stored. When the containers are shipped to the filling location, the containers may be stacked for shipping, for example stacked in an open configuration, to provide reduced space usage and ability to ship more containers per unit volume compared to shipping the containers in an unstacked configuration. However, during shipping, the containers may remain in a stacked configuration for extended periods of time, e.g., six weeks, and may encounter adverse environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, etc. Additionally, some containers, for example, containers in the lower portions of the stack are subjected to the weight and pressure of containers above them, which may cause the sidewalls of containers to deform. It may be disadvantageous to have a container with a deformed sidewall that, upon unstacking and filling, may be unsuitable, e.g., the lid of the container may not fit, seal with, close to, etc., the deformed sidewall, and the container may be discarded, e.g., it may be expensive to make and ship containers that are discarded before filling with product and sale.

Additionally, in one embodiment, containers are unstacked, such as, for example, by an automated process and machinery, once they reach the filling location. Containers that are difficult to remove from the stacked configuration may be disadvantageous. For example, in one embodiment, containers are unstacked in an automated process, e.g., by a machine-moveable suction mechanism. Containers that stick together in the stack may cause the unstacking or filling processes to be interrupted, which may be undesirable.

Referring generally to the figures, various exemplary embodiments of a container 20 are illustrated. Generally, the shape and configuration of containers 20 may be configured to maintain the shape of their sidewalls during transport, e.g., while in a stacked configuration. Additionally, the shape and configuration of containers 20 may be configured to provide for ease of unstacking containers, e.g., the containers may easily be removed from one another to allow for unstacking the containers after shipping.

With reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a container 20 includes a lower portion 22 and an upper portion 24 pivotally coupled to the lower portion 22. The lower portion 22 is shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned to tend to distribute weight and/or load from other containers stacked on and/or in the container 20 to the corners of the lower portion 22 to deter deflection and/or deformation of the lower portion 22 of the container 20. The upper portion 24 is configured to be pivoted relative to the lower portion 22 between a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, and an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the lower portion 22 includes a sidewall 26 extending from a first open end 28 to a second end 30 closed by an end wall 32. The lower portion 22 defines an interior compartment 34 into which product is located and in which lower portions of other containers are configured in a stacking configuration.

With further reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 includes a first side 36 and a second side 38 opposite the first side 36. The first and second sides 36 and 38 are spaced apart and each extend between a third side 40 proximate the upper portion 24 when the upper portion 24 is in an open configuration and a fourth side 42 opposite the third side 40. The first and second sides 36 and 38 are each generally shorter than the third and fourth sides 40 and 42. Extending between the first side 36 and the fourth side 42 of the sidewall 26 is a first corner portion 44. Extending between the first side 36 and the third side 40 is a second corner portion 46. Extending between the third side 40 and the second side 38 is a third corner portion 48. Extending between the second side 38 and the fourth side 42 is a fourth corner portion 50.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 includes ribs 52, 54, and 56 extending inwardly into the interior compartment 34. The first rib 52 extends inwardly from the second corner portion 46. The second rib 54 extends inwardly from the first side 36 between the first corner portion 44 and the second corner portion 46. The third rib 56 extends inwardly from the first corner portion 44.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 includes ribs 58, 60, and 62 extending inwardly into the interior compartment 34. The fourth rib 58 extends inwardly from the third corner portion 48. The fifth rib 60 extends inwardly from the second side 38 between the third corner portion 48 and the fourth corner portion 50. The sixth rib 62 extends inwardly from the fourth corner portion 50.

With reference to FIG. 6, the second rib 54 is further described. In one embodiment, the other ribs 52, 56, 58, 60, and 62 are shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned similarly to the second rib 54. The inner peripheral edge of the rib 54 includes a lower portion 64 that extends generally vertically away from the end wall 32 to a junction 66. The inner peripheral edge of the rib 54 includes a concave portion 68 extending away from the junction 66 upwardly and toward the first side 36 of the sidewall 26 to a convex portion 70 which tapers upwardly and outwardly toward the first side 36. As is illustrated in FIG. 6, the first side 36 of the sidewall 26 curves inwardly in a direction toward the end wall 32. The rib 54 has a narrow upper portion and a wider lower portion below the junction that that tapers narrower toward the end wall 32 with the curve of the sidewall 26.

With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the shape of one embodiment of the sidewall 26 is further described. The sidewall 26 includes a first junction 72 between the fourth corner portion 50 and the second side 38. The sidewall 26 also includes a second junction 74 between the third corner portion 48 and the second side 38. The second side 38 has a curved shape, e.g., continuously curved shape, curving outwardly in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26. Additionally, the second side 38 curves outwardly from the first junction 72 to a midline 76 between the first junction 72 and the second junction 74 and back inwardly from the midline 76 to the second junction 74. The fourth corner portion 50 also curves outwardly moving away from the first junction 72. Thus, the outer surface of the sidewall 26 extends to an innermost, e.g., locally innermost, location at the first junction 72, the first junction 72 being located farther inwardly than the portions of the second side 38 and the fourth corner portion 50 located on either side of the first junction 72. The first junction 72 extends in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26 non-parallel to vertical, e.g., a central vertical axis of the sidewall 26, toward the fourth side 42. The configuration of the first junction 72, the fourth corner portion 50, and the second side 38 may provide for ease of removing the container 20 from other containers in a stacked configuration, as will be further discussed below.

With further reference to FIGS. 7-9, in one embodiment, the second side 38 curves inwardly from the midline 76 to the second junction 74. The third corner portion 48 curves outwardly moving away from the second junction 74. Thus the outer surface of the sidewall 26 extends to an innermost, e.g., locally innermost, location at the second junction 74 (in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 is located at the same inward location at the first junction 72 and the second junction 74) the second junction 74 being located farther inwardly than the portions of the second side 38 and the third corner portion 48 located on either side of the second junction 74. The second junction 74 extends in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26 non-parallel to vertical toward the third side 40. The configuration of the second junction 74, the third corner portion 48, and the second side 38 may provide for ease of removing the container 20 from other containers in a stacked configuration, as will be further discussed below.

With further reference to FIGS. 7-9, in one embodiment, the first side 36 is shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned configured as a mirror image to the second side 38.

Additionally, with reference to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 includes a third junction 78 between the fourth corner portion 50 and the fourth side 42. The sidewall 26 also includes a fourth junction 80 between the first corner portion 44 and the fourth side 42. The fourth side 42 has a curved shape curving outwardly in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26. Additionally, the fourth side 42 curves outwardly from the third junction 78 to a midline 82 between the third junction 78 and the fourth junction 80 and back inwardly from the midline 82 to the fourth junction 80. The fourth corner portion 50 also curves outwardly moving away from the third junction 78. Thus, the outer surface of the fourth side 42 extends to an innermost, e.g., locally innermost, location at the third junction 78, the third junction 78 being located farther inwardly than the portions of the fourth side 42 and the fourth corner portion 50 located on either side of the third junction 78. The third junction 78 extends in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26 non-parallel to vertical toward the second side 38. The configuration of the third junction 78, the fourth corner portion 50, and the fourth side 42 may provide for ease of removing the container 20 from other containers in a stacked configuration, as will be further discussed below.

With further reference to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, in one embodiment, the fourth side 42 curves inwardly from the midline 82 to the fourth junction 80. The first corner portion 44 curves outwardly moving away from the fourth junction 80. Thus, the outer surface of the fourth side 42 extends to an innermost, e.g., locally innermost, location at the fourth junction 80 (in one embodiment, the sidewall 26 is located at the same inward location at the third junction 78 and the fourth junction 80) the fourth junction 80 being located farther inwardly than the portions of the fourth side 42 and the first corner portion 44 located on either side of the fourth junction 80. The fourth junction 80 extends in a direction from the end wall 32 toward the first open end 28 of the sidewall 26 non-parallel to vertical toward the first side 36. The configuration of the fourth junction 80, the first corner portion 44, and the fourth side 42 may provide for ease of removing the container 20 from other containers in a stacked configuration, as will be further discussed below.

With further reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the third side 40 is shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned as a mirror image to the fourth side 42. The end wall 32 includes bulging rounded corners 33 proximate each of the corner portions 44, 46, 48, 50 of the sidewall 26. The corners 33 each have a radius of curvature R1. In one embodiment, the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 have radii of curvature similar to the radius of curvature R1, however, the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 taper in an upward direction, e.g., the corner portion 50 bounded by the junctions 72 and 78 tapers in an upward direction away from the end wall 32.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an embodiment of a stack of generally identically shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned containers 20, 20′, and 20″ is illustrated. The end wall 32′ and sidewall 26′ of a container 20′ are supported on the concave portion of the ribs 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62. The ribs 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62 the sidewall 26′ are shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned such that there are gaps 84 between the upper periphery of the open end 28 of the sidewall 26 and the sidewall 26′ proximate each of the junctions. The gaps 84 are configured to allow removal of the container 20′ from the stacked configuration with container 20 to an unstacked configuration, e.g., a vacuum condition is prevented from being formed between the end wall 32′ and the end wall 32, e.g., air is allowed to flow through the gap between the sidewalls 26 and 26′ to the end wall 22, which vacuum condition could deter removal of the container 20′ from the stacked configuration with the container 20 as might occur if there were no gaps 84 between the sidewalls 26 and 26′. As is illustrated in FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the end walls 32, 32′, and 32″ are bowed upwardly toward the center, which may provide increased strength and resilience and deter deformation. Additionally, as the sidewalls 26′ and 26 are in contact over less than 100% of the perimeter of the sidewall 26, friction, e.g., friction force, coefficient of friction, etc., between the sidewall 26′ and the sidewall 26 is less than between sidewalls that are in contact around 100% of their perimeter, which may allow for easier removal of the container 20′ from the stacked configuration with container 20.

With reference to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a container 20 is illustrated in an exploded configuration. The upper portion 24 includes a cover 86 configured to be pivotally, hingedly coupled to the lower portion 22. The cover 86 includes a latch 88 configured to couple with a projection 90 of the lower portion 22 to couple the cover 86 in a closed configuration with the lower portion 22. The cover 86 defines a central dispensing aperture 89 through which the contents of the container 20 may be withdrawn.

With further reference to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the upper portion 24 also includes a flexible portion 92. In one embodiment, the flexible portion 92 is formed from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In other embodiments, other suitable materials may be used. The flexible portion 92 is coupled to the cover 86, e.g., by overmolding the flexible portion to the lower side of the cover 86. The flexible portion 92 includes a central panel portion 94 configured to be located in the central dispensing aperture 89. The central panel portion 94 defines a central holding aperture 96 through which contents of the container 20 may be pulled and configured to hold one of the contents of the container 20, e.g., a wipe, etc., for ease of grabbing and removal of the wipe by a user. The flexible portion 92 also includes a connecting portion 98. The connecting portion 98 is configured to extend between an outer portion of a button 100 of the cover 86 and the outer portion of the cover 86. The connection portion 98 allows the outer periphery of the button 100 to flex and or deflect downwardly when pressed by a user. The inner periphery of the button 100 includes a latching projection 102 configured to interact with a projection 104 of a lid 106. The lid 106 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the cover 86 to cover and/or seal the central dispensing aperture 89. When the outer periphery of the button 100 is flexed or deflected downwardly, the latching projection 102 is disengaged from the projection 104. The lid 106 includes a living hinge 108 biasing the lid 106 to an open configuration relative to the cover 86. Therefore, when the latching projection 102 is disengaged from the projection 104, the lid 106 transitions to an open configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In one embodiment, the lid 106 includes a downwardly extending sealing wall 110. The sealing wall 110 is configured to seal with the central panel portion 94 around the aperture 89 to prevent entry of contaminants into the lower portion 22 of the container 20 and to prevent moisture, e.g., from moistened contents of the container such as wet wipes, from escaping from the lower portion 22 of the container 20.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, in one embodiment, the lower peripheral edges of the third side 40 and the fourth side 42 are arched between the corner portions 46 and 48 and the corner portions 44 and 50 respectively. In one embodiment, this shape may tend to transfer force from containers stacked in the container 20 on the sidewall 26 to the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 and deter outward deformation of the sidewall 26.

With reference to FIG. 15, the corner portion 50 extends between junction 78 and junction 112. The junctions 78 and 112 extend toward one another in a direction away from the end wall 32. The junctions 78 and 112 are separated by a maximum distance D1 proximate the end wall 32 and are separated by a smaller distance D2 proximate the first end 28 of the sidewall 26. In one embodiment, the other corner portions 44, 46, and 48 have a similar shape and configuration as corner portion 50. In one embodiment, the shape of the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 provides for the container 20 to be stacked with other containers 20′ and 20″, as shown in FIG. 11, and to have gaps 84 between the sidewalls 26 and 26″ when the containers 20, 20′, and 20″ are at rest in the stacked configuration. In one embodiment, these gaps 84 allow for easy removal of the container 20′ from the container 20 out of the stacked configuration to an unstacked configuration.

With further reference to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the outer surface of the corner portion 50 of the sidewall 26 is continuously curved and extends from the junction 78 to the junction 112. The distance around the corner portion 50 from the junction 78 to the junction 112 proximate the end wall 32 is greater than the distance around the corner portion 50 from the junction 78 to the junction 112 proximate the first end 28 of the sidewall 26. In one embodiment, the other corner portions 44, 46, and 48 have a similar shape and configuration as corner portion 50. In one embodiment, the shape of the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 provides for the container 20 to be stacked with other containers 20′ and 20″, as shown in FIG. 11, and to have gaps 84 between the sidewalls 26 and 26″ when the containers 20, 20′, and 20″ are at rest in the stacked configuration. In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7, the continuously curved corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 continuously curve over a length L1 (L1 only shown in FIG. 7 with regard to corner portion 50). In one embodiment, the length L1 is at least ½″. In another embodiment, the length L1 is at least ¾″. In another embodiment, the length L1 is at least 1″. In one embodiment, the other corner portions 44, 46, and 48 also each extend the same length L1 as corner portion 50. In one embodiment, the corner portions 44, 46, 48, and 50 are protrudent corners.

With reference to FIGS. 17-19, another embodiment of a container 200 is illustrated. The container 200 includes an end wall 202. The end wall 202 is generally longer in a first direction D3 than in a second direction D4 generally perpendicular to the first direction D3. The end wall 202 an upwardly arching depression portion 204 extending generally in the first direction D3. In one embodiment, the arching depression portion 204 may provide strengthening of the end wall. In another embodiment, the portion 204 may receive and/or mate with and/or match the lid of a similar container stacked on the container 200 in a closed configuration, e.g., when the containers are filled, closed, and stacked, e.g., on a shelf, in a retail setting, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 17, 20, and 20A, an embodiment of a corner portion 201 of the end wall 202 is described, with the other corner portions being shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned substantially similar. In one embodiment, the outer periphery of the corner portion 201 forms the surface of a sphere (shown as a circle in FIGS. 20 and 20A). The sphere has a diameter C. The outer periphery of the sphere is a distance A from a line intersecting the points at which sides of the sidewall 204 are at their inner minimum. The diameter C is a distance B greater than the distance A. In one embodiment, distance A is greater than or equal to 15% of distance C. This configuration may allow for easy removal of one container from another substantially similar container from a stacked configuration to an unstacked configuration.

In another embodiment, the outer periphery of the corner portions of a container have various other shapes, e.g., squared off, angular, non-continuously curved, etc. The innermost portions of the sidewall of the container on either side of the corners are set in relative to the portions of the sidewall extending away from the innermost portions to allow for ease of removal of one container from a another from a stacked configuration to an unstacked configuration.

In one embodiment, corner portions of the container 20 may be shaped and/or configured and/or dimensioned substantially similar to corner portion 201.

Embodiments of containers 20 may be formed from suitable plastics, e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene terephalate, thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, polyvinyl chloride, or any other suitable type of plastic. In other embodiments, containers 20 may be formed from other suitable materials.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall, the sidewall including first and second sides spaced apart and each extending between third and fourth sides, a first corner portion located between the first and fourth sides, the first corner portion extending from a first junction formed between the first side and the first corner portion to a second junction formed between the fourth side and the first corner portion, wherein the first junction and the second junction are separated by a first distance proximate the end wall, wherein the first junction and the second junction are separated by a second distance proximate the first end of the sidewall, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance, the first side curving outwardly from the first junction, the first corner portion curving outwardly from the first junction, the first junction extending non-parallel to a central vertical axis of the sidewall; and

an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion, the upper portion including a cover defining a dispensing aperture and a lid pivotally coupled to the cover configured to close the dispensing aperture when the lid is in a closed configuration relative to the cover.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the fourth side curves outwardly from the second junction, wherein the first corner portion curves outwardly from the second junction, and wherein the second junction extends non-parallel to the central vertical axis of the sidewall.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first corner is continuously curved between the first junction and the second junction.

4. (canceled)

5. The container of claim 1, comprising a second corner portion continuously curved between the first side and the second side, a third corner portion continuously curved between the second side and the third side, and a fourth corner portion continuously curved between the third side and the fourth side.

6. The container of claim 5, comprising first, second, third, and fourth ribs each extending inwardly from one of the corner portions.

7. The container of claim 6, comprising a fifth rib extending inwardly from the first side between the first and second ribs, and a sixth rib extending inwardly from the second side between the third and fourth ribs.

8. The container of claim 6, wherein each of the ribs includes a lower portion and an upper portion extending from the lower portion, the upper portion having an inner peripheral edge including a concave portion, the ribs being configured to support stacking of another container thereon.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lower peripheries of each of the third and fourth sides of the sidewall each include an arched portion.

10. A stack of containers comprising:

a first container, including a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion, the lower portion including a sidewall extending from an upper periphery to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall, the sidewall including first, second, third, and fourth corner portions, the first container including a first rib extending inwardly from the first corner portion, a second rib extending inwardly from the second corner portion, a third rib extending inwardly from the third corner portion, and a fourth rib extending inwardly from the fourth corner; and

a second container including a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion, the lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall, the end wall of the second container being supported by the ribs of the first container;

wherein the sidewall of the first container and the sidewall of the second container define a gap therebetween between the first and second corner portions at the upper periphery of the sidewall of the first container.

11. The stack of containers of claim 10, wherein the sidewall of the first container includes first and second sides spaced apart and each extending between third and fourth sides, a first corner portion located between the first and fourth sides, the first corner portion extending from a first junction to a second junction, the first side curving outwardly from the first junction, the first corner portion curving outwardly from the first junction, the first junction extending non-parallel to a central vertical axis of the sidewall.

12. The stack of containers of claim 11, wherein the sidewall of the second container includes first and second sides spaced apart and each extending between the third and fourth sides, a first corner portion located between the first and fourth sides, the first corner portion extending from a first junction to a second junction, the first side curving outwardly from the first junction, the first corner portion curving outwardly from the first junction, the first junction extending non-parallel to a central vertical axis of the sidewall.

13. The stack of containers of claim 12, wherein the gap is located at the first junction of the first container at the upper periphery of the sidewall, the gap configured to allow air to pass between the sidewall of the first container and the sidewall of the second container to the end wall of the first container.

14. The stack of containers of claim 13, wherein the sidewall of the first container includes a second corner portion extending from a third junction to a fourth junction, the first side curving outwardly from the third junction, the second corner portion curving outwardly from the third junction, the third junction extending non-parallel to the central vertical axis of the sidewall.

15. The stack of containers of claim 14, wherein the sidewall of the second container includes a second corner portion extending from a third junction to a fourth junction, the first side curving outwardly from the third junction, the second corner portion curving outwardly from the third junction, the third junction extending non-parallel to the central vertical axis of the sidewall.

16. The stack of containers of claim 15, wherein a second gap is located at the third junction of the first container at the upper periphery of the sidewall, the gap configured to allow air to pass between the sidewall of the first container and the sidewall of the second container to the end wall of the first container.

17. The stack of containers of claim 15, wherein the eight gaps are defined between the sidewall of the first container and the sidewall of the second container at the upper periphery of the sidewall of the first container, with one of the gaps being located on each side of each of the corner portions.

18. A container comprising:

a lower portion including a sidewall extending from a first end to a second end and an end wall closing the second end of the sidewall, the lower portion including a plurality of ribs each extending inwardly from the sidewall, the ribs each including a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion having an inner peripheral edge including a concave portion extending away from the lower portion; and

an upper portion pivotally coupled to the lower portion, the upper portion including a cover portion defining a central aperture and a lid pivotally coupled to the cover portion.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the inner peripheral edge of the upper portion of each of the ribs includes a convex portion extending upwardly from the concave portion.

20. The container of claim 18, wherein the sidewall includes four corner portions with one of the plurality of ribs extending inwardly from each of the corner portions.

21. The stack of containers of claim 10, wherein the sidewall defines a first side between the first and second corner portions, a second side between the second and third corner portions, a third side between the third and fourth corner portions, and a fourth side between the fourth and first corner portions, wherein each corner portion forms a first junction with one adjacent side of the sidewall and a second junction with another adjacent side of the corner portion, wherein the first and second junctions of each corner portion are separated by a first distance proximate the end wall, wherein the first and second junctions of each corner portion are separated by a second distance proximate the first end of the sidewall, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

22. The container of claim 18, wherein the sidewall includes first, second, third, and fourth corner portions, wherein the sidewall defines a first side between the first and second corner portions, a second side between the second and third corner portions, a third side between the third and fourth corner portions, and a fourth side between the fourth and first corner portions, wherein each corner portion forms a first junction with one adjacent side of the sidewall and a second junction with another adjacent side of the corner portion, wherein the first and second junctions of each corner portion are separated by a first distance proximate the end wall, wherein the first and second junctions of each corner portion are separated by a second distance proximate the first end of the sidewall, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.