LID WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE

Abstract

A container includes a base and a cap that engages a portion of the base. The base has a body portion and a neck portion, where the neck portion defines an open end. The cap has a housing and a hinged lid. The housing defines an open cavity in the cap, and the neck portion extends into the open cavity. The hinged lid is movable between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed portion sealing the cavity.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a lid having an integrated storage compartment.

Description of Related Art

Lids or packaging may have dual purposes, such as to carry unused products or used products that are kept separate from the contents of the package. Lids can include multiple parts, such as a base, a divider, and a top to create the assembly having a storage compartment. However, multiple, unattached parts can get lost during use.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a container. The container includes a base and a cap that engages a portion of the base. The base has a body portion and a neck portion. The neck portion defines an open end. The cap has a housing, a hinged lid, and a partition. The housing defines an open cavity in the cap, and the neck portion extends into the open cavity. The hinged lid is movable between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed portion sealing the cavity.

In at least one example embodiment, the partition defines a first compartment in the open cavity of the cap. The hinged lid may move between the open position and the closed position so as to provide access to the first compartment.

In at least one example embodiment, a portion of the body portion may extend into the open cavity, and the cap may be configured to engage the body portion.

In at least one example embodiment, the body portion of the base and the housing of the cap may have different cross sectional shapes.

In at least one example embodiment, the hinged lid and the cap may be a single piece.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may be configured to engage the neck portion of the base.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may be configured to threadably engage at least a portion of the neck portion of the base.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may include threads having a press and twist release to threadably engage the neck portion.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may be configured to engage at least a portion of the body portion of the base in a snap-fit.

In at least one example embodiment, the body portion may include a groove, and the cap may include an open edge that is configured to engage the groove so as to create the snap-fit.

In at least one example embodiment, the body portion may include a lip adjacent the groove, and the lip may be configured to deform when the groove receives the open edge of the cap.

In at least one example embodiment, the hinged lid may be monolithically formed with the housing.

In at least one example embodiment, the hinged lid may include a living hinge.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may include a child resistant feature.

In at least one example embodiment, the child resistant feature may include a press and twist release on a plurality of threads on the housing.

In at least one example embodiment, the child resistant feature may include a deformable housing in the cap and opposing squeeze tabs. When the opposing squeeze tabs are pressed together, the deformable housing may flex to release the cap from the neck portion.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap may further include a liner.

At least one example embodiment relates to a cap for a container. The cap includes a housing, a partition, and a lid. The partition defines a compartment and an open cavity. The lid is configured to engage the housing. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to the compartment and a closed position sealing the compartment.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing may include an open edge including a lip configured to engage a body of the container.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid may be a hinged lid. The hinged lid may be monolithically formed with the housing.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid may be configured to engage a neck portion of the container.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing may be a cylindrical housing.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing may be one of oblong, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, and octagonal.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid may include a living hinge.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing may define an opening in a top surface, and the lid may cover the opening in the closed position. The partition may extend from an edge of the opening and form a cup-shaped recess so as to define the compartment.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

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.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of at least one example embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 1 having a hinged lid in an open position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 2 along line V-V.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the container of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of at least one example embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 1 having a removable lid in an open position.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 1 having a cap integrated with a bottle cap.

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV with the container having a child resistant feature.

FIG. 10A is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the container having another child resistant feature.

FIG. 10B is another cross section view of the at least one example embodiment in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV with a cap of the container having a liner.

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 falling within the scope of example embodiments. 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 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, component, 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,” 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.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations 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 and variations in shapes.

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value includes a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when the words “generally” or “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, regardless of whether numerical values or shapes are modified as “about” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values and shapes should be construed as including a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical values or shapes.

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.

At least one example embodiment generally relates to a cap, or over-cap for a container. The cap may be a primary cap or a secondary cap for the container, meaning that the cap may directly seal the contents of the container (primary cap) or may be an over-cap, covering another cap, such as a main cap, of the container (secondary cap). The cap includes an integrated disposal or storage compartment, configured to provide additional storage space to, and separate from, the container.

The storage compartment of the cap may provide a disposal compartment for used products. The storage compartment may be designed such that the storage compartment may be used with a variety of container shapes, where the neck geometry of the container is held constant which may allow for product differentiation while also carrying the look and feel of a consistent brand family. In at least one example embodiment where the lid is removable, the lid is easily washed without potentially introducing soap or water to the remainder of the package. The cap or over-cap may include child-resistant features or be used with a package having separate child-resistant features, such as a press-and-twist cover or lid. In at least one example embodiment, the cap or over-cap having integrated storage may be fixed to the container by an integrated band or ring that secures to the neck of the container.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap or over-cap may be used with pharmaceutical containers, deodorant containers, shoe polish containers, insecticides, or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the integrated storage compartment may be used to dispose of items, hold separate pharmaceuticals, hold a cologne bottle or sample, hold a polishing rag, hold an ant trap, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to at least one example embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, in at least one example embodiment, a container 100 includes a base 114 and a cap 118. The cap 118 may be removably fixed to the base 114. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the cap 118 may be snap-fit to the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the base 114 and the cap 118 may have a generally oval cross-section. The base 114 may have a height that is greater than a height of the cap 118. In at least one example embodiment, the height of the base 114 may be at least 1.5 times greater than the height of the cap 118. In at least one example embodiment, the height of the base 114 may be within a range of about 80 mm to about 350 mm, and the height of the cap 118 may be within a range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, a large diameter of the cap 118 may be equal to a large diameter of the base 114 (i.e. the large diameter is the diameter of the elongated sides of the elliptical). In at least one example embodiment, the large diameter of the base 114 (and the large diameter of the cap 118) may be within a range of about 30 mm to about 80 mm. However, it is understood that the disclosure is not limited to these ranges, and containers having larger or smaller heights and diameters are envisioned.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 and the cap 118 may be formed of the same material. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the base 114 and the cap 118 may be formed of different materials. In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 and the cap 118 may be formed of a moldable polymer (such as polypropylene or polyethylene), a fiberboard, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, tin, stainless steel, or the like), a combination of materials, or any other suitable material or combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, an interior of the container 10 may be coated with a wax or other food-grade coating. An external portion of the base 114 and the cap 118 may be painted, stamped, embossed, or may have labels applied thereon.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 and/or cap 118 of the container 100 may be formed by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, vacuum casting, or any other polymer forming process. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the base 114 and/or cap 118 of the container 100 may be formed by rolling, stamping, another metalworking procedure, or a combination of these. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the base 114 and/or cap 118 of the container 100 may be formed by hot press molding and drying, or any other fiberboard molding process.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap 118 includes a housing 122 and a lid 126. The lid 126 may be engaged with the housing 122 at least in a closed position. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 126 may be movable from a closed position (FIG. 1) engaging the housing 122 around a circumference of the lid 126 to an open position (for example, FIGS. 2 and 7) where at least a portion of the lid 126 is disengaged from the housing 122. In at least one example embodiment, lid 126 may be pivotably fixed to the housing 122 by a hinge or other mechanism. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the lid 126 may be completely removable, snap-fit, or otherwise engaged with the housing 122. The lid 126 may provide access to a storage compartment (described below) in the cap 118.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing 122 may have an oval shape. However, while an oval shape is illustrated, it is understood that in at least one alternative example embodiment, the housing may take on any shape (for example, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a polygon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.). While the lid 26 is illustrated as being an oval shape, it is understood that the lid 26 may take on any shape (for example, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a polygon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.) that mates with a shape of the housing 122.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may house an oral product. The oral product may be a tobacco products or a non-tobacco product. The oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, or other smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products for oral consumption. A 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 portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract (e.g., white snus) alone or in combination with non-tobacco cellulosic materials. Where the oral product includes nicotine, with or without tobacco, the nicotine may be tobacco-derived nicotine or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may be provided loose, in a pouch, as a plug or twist, or in a desired shape.

The oral 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.

The tobacco products may include smokeless tobacco pouches, for example. The non-tobacco products may include herbal compositions, pharmaceutical medications, or other non-tobacco products. Herbs and other edible plants can be categorized generally as culinary herbs (e.g., thyme, lavender, rosemary, coriander, dill, mint, peppermint) and medicinal herbs (e.g., Dahlias, Cinchona, Foxglove, Meadowsweet, Echinacea, Elderberry, Willow bark). In some example embodiments, the non-tobacco products may include cannabis or cannabis extracts.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of at least one example embodiment of the lid having integrated storage assembled on the bottle shown in FIG. 1, the lid having a hinged cap in an open position.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 and the cap 118 are generally the same as in FIG. 1, except, the lid 126 is shown in an open position and as a hinged lid connected to the housing 122 by a hinge 230, such as, for example, a living hinge. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 126 may pivot between an open position and a closed position around an axis A along a length of the hinge 230.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 126 may further include a lip 234 projecting away from an interior surface 238 of the lid 126 and extending around a perimeter of the interior surface 238 of the lid 126. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 234 may extend fully around a perimeter of the interior surface 238 of the lid 126. While the lip 234 is illustrated as extending fully around the perimeter, it is understood that in at least one alternative example embodiment, the lip 234 may extend partially around a perimeter of the interior surface 238 of the lid 126. The lip 234 may define a recess 242 on the interior surface 38.

In at least one example embodiment, a flange, or overhang, 246 may be disposed radially outward of the lip 234. The flange 246 may engage the housing 122 when the lid 126 is in the closed position (shown and described with respect to FIG. 4).

In at least one example embodiment, the housing 122 may include an outer wall 254 that defines an open cavity 258 in the cap 118. In at least one example embodiment, the outer wall 254 may be an oval-shaped, outer wall 254 defining an open cavity 258 therein. In at least one example embodiment, the open cavity 58 may have an oval cross section. While the outer wall 254 may be illustrated and discussed as an oval-shaped outer wall 254, it is understood that the outer wall 254 may be any shape (for example, a cylindrical tube, a rectangular tube, a square tube, a triangular tube, a polygonal tube, etc.) that mates with a shape of the lid 126.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the container 100 shown in FIG. 1.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a partition 362 may divide the open cavity 258 into a first compartment 466 and a second compartment 470 (shown in FIG. 4). The partition 362 may be formed in a same shape as a cross-section of the open cavity 258 defined by the outer wall 254, thereby completely separating the first compartment 466 from the second compartment 470.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the base 114 may include a body 390 and a cover 322 (described in further detail below). In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 may be a pharmaceutical container, a deodorant container, a shoe polish container, an insecticide, or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the body 390 may include a stepped portion (shoulder) or an inset portion 314 that engages with an open edge 382 of the housing 122 of the cap 118. In at least one example embodiment, the inset portion 314 is disposed in a shoulder 318 of the body 390 and extends around at least a portion of the body 390 to establish a snap fit between the cap 118 and the body 390. In at least one example embodiment, the inset portion 314 extends fully around a circumference of the body 390 to establish a snap fit between the cap 118 and the body 390. In at least one example embodiment, the inset portion 314 may have a shape that mirrors the shape of the open edge 382. In at least one example embodiment, the shape of the inset portion 314 may be an L-shape to mate with the open edge 382 (as better shown in FIG. 4). The inset portion 314 may have a depth equal to a thickness of the housing 122 of the cap 118, such that when the open edge 382 is disposed in the inset portion 314, an outer surface of the housing 122 is flush with an outer surface of the body 390.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the lid having integrated storage and bottle shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the lid 126 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, a seal 450, for example an O-ring, may be disposed at an intersection of the flange 246 and the lip 234 for sealing the lid 126 when the lid 126 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4. The seal 450, when the lid 126 is in the closed position, may reduce and/or prevent debris or other matter from passing between the seal 450 and lip 234.

In at least one example embodiment, the partition 362 divides the open cavity 258 into the first compartment 466 and the second compartment 470. In at least one example embodiment, the partition 362 may be connected to and/or be integral with an interior surface 474 of the outer wall 254.

In at least one example embodiment, the first compartment 466 may be defined by a top surface 476 of the partition 362, the interior surface 474 of the outer wall 254, and the interior surface 238 of the lid 126. The lid 126 moves between the open position and the closed position to provide access to the first compartment 466. The seal 450, when the lid 126 is in the closed position, may prevent and/or reduce debris or other matter from passing into or out of the first compartment 466. In at least one example embodiment, the seal 450 may hermetically seal the first compartment 466 when the lid 126 is in the closed position. The first compartment 466 may provide additional storage space to the container 100 but separate from storage space/contents in the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, the first compartment 466 may be used to hold complementary items to the items held in the base 114. In at least one example embodiment, the first compartment 466 may hold separate pharmaceuticals, a cologne bottle or sample, a polishing rag, or an ant trap, while the base 114 contains pharmaceutical containers, deodorant containers, shoe polish containers, or insecticides, respectively. In at least one example embodiment, the first compartment 466 may be used as a disposal compartment to hold used items until a proper disposal bin (or trash can) is available. In at least one example embodiment, the first compartment 466 may hold used tobacco pouch products or tobacco material, while the base 114 holds unused tobacco pouch products or tobacco material.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, in at least one example embodiment, the second compartment 470 may be a recess 478 defined by a bottom surface 480 of the partition 362 and the inner surface 474 of the outer wall 254. The outer wall 254 may include the open edge 382 that engages with the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 may include a neck 494 extending from the body 390. In at least one example embodiment, the base 114 may define an interior space 498 for containing contents of the container 100.

The interior space 498 may largely exist within the body 390. The body 390 may be have an elliptical or oval cross section, and a closed end 402 at a bottom 406 of the body 390. A portion 410 of the interior space 498 within the body 390 may be oval shaped, corresponding to a shape of the body 390. While the body 390 is illustrated as being oval shaped, it is understood that the body 390 may have a cross-section of any shape, for example cylindrical, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal etc.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the lid having integrated storage and bottle shown in FIG. 2 along line V-V. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the container of FIG. 5A.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the container 100 is the same as FIG. 4, but the lid 126 of the cap 118 is in an open position.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the open edge 382 of the cap 118 may include a lip, or projection, 586 that extends inwardly towards the recess 478 and is configured to engage with the base 114. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 586 may extend continuously and fully around the open edge 382 of the outer wall 254. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the lip 586 may extend around a portion of the open edge 382 of the outer wall 254. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 586 on the open edge 382 of the cap 118 may engage with the inset 314 in the body 390. In at least one example embodiment, the inset 314 may have a shape that mirrors the shape of the lip 586. More particularly, the shape of the inset 314 may be curved to mate with the lip 586. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 586 and inset 314 may cooperate to provide a snap fit of the cap 118 on the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, the neck 494 may extend from the body 390 on an opposite end from the closed end 402. The neck 494 may include a sidewall 518 that engages with the cover 322 for the base 114. In at least one example embodiment, the sidewall 518 may include threads 526 that engage with threads 530 on the cover 322. The cover 322 may thread onto the threads 526 of the neck 494 to seal the contents of the interior space 498.

In at least one example embodiment, the neck 494 and body 390 may be a single, integral or monolithic piece. In at least one example embodiment, a diameter d of the neck 494 may be less than a diameter D of the body 390 (or length/width dimension of the neck 494 may be less than length/width dimensions of the body 390, depending on the cross-section shape). In at least one example embodiment, the diameter d of the neck 494 may be within a range of ¼ to ½ the diameter D of the body 390. More particularly, in at least one example embodiment, the diameter of the neck 494 may be within a range of about 6 mm to about 40 mm, and the diameter D of the body 90 may be within a range of about 25 mm to about 80 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, a transition section 534 may connect the body 390 with the neck 494. The transition section 534 may decrease the diameter (or length/width dimensions) from the diameter D (or length/width dimensions) of the body 390 to the diameter d (or length/width dimensions) of the neck 494.

In operation, the cap 118 and cover 322 may start in an open position, providing access to the contents of the base 114 (for example, FIG. 3 illustrates the cap 118 in the open position). In at least one example embodiment, to close the container 100, the threads 530 on the cover 322 are aligned with the threads 526 on the neck 494, and the threads 530 are moved into engagement with the threads 526. The cover 322 is rotated clockwise to engage the threads 530, 526 and assemble the cover 322 on the neck 494. When an open edge 542 of the cover 322 is in a lowermost position, for example fully seated on the transition section 534, the cover 322 is in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, to close the cap 118, the open edge 382 of the housing 122 of the cap 118 is aligned with the body 390 (for example, at the inset 314). The housing 122 is pressed onto the body 390 and the cap 118 is engaged with, such as snapped, into the inset 314. In at least one example embodiment, the open edge 382 deflects such that the lip 586 snaps into the inset 314 to retain the cap 118 on the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, to open the container 100, the housing 122 is pulled away from the body 390 to disengage or unsnap the cap 118 from the base 114. In at least one example embodiment, the open edge 382 flexes, or deflects, such that the lip 586 snaps out of the inset 314 to release the cap 118 from the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, the cover 322 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. The open edge 542 of the cover 322 disengages and moves away from the transition section 534. The cover 322 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction until the threads 530 on the cover 322 become disengaged with the threads 526 on the neck 494. The cover 322 may then be removed from the base 114 and is in the open position, exposing the contents of the base 114.

While the cap 118 is in the open position or the closed position, the lid 126 may be independently moved from an open position to a closed position and from the closed position to the open position to seal and reveal contents of the first compartment 466. In at least one example embodiment, when the lid 126 is in the closed position, the consumer may grasp the flange 246 of the lid 126 and pivot the lid 126 about the hinge 230 to move the lid 126 from the closed position to the open position.

In at least one example embodiment, to close the lid 126, the consumer may press on a top side 536 of the lid 126 (FIG. 4), opposite the interior surface 238, to pivot the lid 126 about the hinge 230 and move the lid 126 to the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, when the lid 126 is in the closed position, the lip 234 contacts the interior surface 474 of the housing 122, and the flange 246 contacts a top end 540 of the outer wall 254.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of at least one example embodiment of the cap having integrated storage assembled on the bottle shown in FIG. 1. The container is the same as in FIG. 1, but the cap includes a removable lid 726 instead of a hinged lid 126. As shown in FIG. 6, the removable lid 726 is in an open position.

In at least one example embodiment, the lid 726 may be a separate lid 726 that is completely detachable from the housing 122. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 726 may include the features of the lip, or protrusion, 234 projecting from the interior surface 238 of the lid 726, the recess 242 on the interior surface 238, the flange or overhang 246, and the seal 450 as shown in FIG. 2.

Additionally, while the lid 726 is illustrated as being an oval shape, it is understood that the lid 726 may take on any shape (for example, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a polygon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.) that mates with a shape of the housing 122.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the lid having integrated storage and bottle shown in FIG. 6.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, in at least one example embodiment, the lid 726 may mate with the housing 122 of the cap 118. The lid 726 may be engaged with the housing 122 at least in a closed position. In at least one example embodiment, the lid 726 may be movable from a closed position engaging the housing 122 around a circumference of the lid 726 to an open position where the lid 726 is fully disengaged from the housing 122. The lid 726 may provide access to the storage compartment 466 in the cap 118.

In use, while the cap 118 is in the open position or the closed position, the lid 726 may be independently moved from an open position to a closed position and from the closed position to the open position to seal and reveal contents of the first compartment 466. In at least one example embodiment, when the lid 726 is in the closed position, the consumer may grasp the flange 246 of the lid 726 and completely detach the lid 726 from the top end 540 of the outer wall 254 to move the lid 726 from the closed position to the open position.

In at least one example embodiment, to close the lid 726, the consumer may align the lip 234 with the top end 540 of the outer wall 254, such that the lip 234 contacts the interior surface 474 at the top end 540. The top side 536 of the lid 726, opposite the interior surface 238, may be pressed to insert the lip 234 into the housing 122 and bring the flange 246 into contact with the top end 540. In at least one example embodiment, when the lip 234 contacts the interior surface 474 of the housing 122 and the flange 246 contacts a top end 540 of the outer wall 254, the lid 726 is in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, exploded view of at least one example embodiment of the lid having integrated storage assembled on the bottle shown in FIG. 1, the lid being integrated with a bottle cap. FIG. 8 includes the same features as in FIG. 1, but further includes a partition 862 that acts as both a partition for the housing 122 and a top of a cover 822. A sidewall 838 of the cover 822 projects from a bottom surface 880 of the partition 862 and includes threads 830 that engage with the threads 526 on the sidewall 518 of the neck 494. Thus, the cap 118 may be rotated to unscrew the cover 822 from the neck 494 and may function as a primary cap for the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, a body 390 of the base 114 may include the inset 314 that receives the open edge 382 of the housing 122. In at least one alternative example embodiment, the body 390 of the base 114 may not include the inset 314. Since the cover 822 is integral to the cap 118, the inset 314 is not necessary to retain the cap 118 on the base 114.

In operation, the cap 118 may start in an open position, providing access to the contents of the base 114. To close the container 100, the threads 830 on the cover 822 are aligned with the threads 526 on the neck 494, and the threads 830 are moved into engagement with the threads 526. The cap 118 is rotated clockwise to engage the threads 830, 526 and assemble the cover 822 on the neck 494. As an open edge 842 of the cover 822 approaches the transition section 534, the open edge 382 of the housing 122 of the cap 118 will engage the body 390. When the open edge 842 is in its lowermost position, for example fully seated on the transition section 534, and the open edge 382 is engaged with the body 390, the cap 118 is in the closed position.

To open the container 100, the cap 118 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. The open edge 382 of the housing 122 of the cap 118 disengages the body 390 and moves away from the transition section 534. The cap 118 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction until the threads 830 on the cover 822 become disengaged with the threads 526 on the neck 494. The cap 118 may then be removed from the base 114 and is in the open position.

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV′ with the container having a child resistant feature.

FIG. 9 may include the same features as FIG. 1, except the cover 322 in FIG. 9 may include a child-resistant feature, such as a press-and-twist arrangement, 910. In at least one example embodiment, an entire cap 118 must be pressed and turned in a counter-clockwise direction to disengage the cover 322 from the neck 494.

In at least one example embodiment, the cover 322 includes an inner shell 946 and an outer shell 950. The inner shell 946 includes threads 930 that engage threads 526 on the neck 494. The outer shell 950 includes projections 954 on an inner surface 958 thereof that engage an outer surface 962 of the inner shell 946 when the outer shell 950 is pressed. Thus, the outer shell 950 may turn freely relative to the inner shell 946 when a force is not applied thereto. However, when a force is applied to the outer shell 950 in a direction of arrow B, the outer shell 950 moves the projections 954 into engagement with the inner shell 946 and the outer shell 950 and inner shell 946 turn simultaneously.

In at least one example embodiment, the cap 118 and cover 322 may be a single monolithic part. When the cap 118 and cover 322 are a single piece, the partition 362 acts as the top wall of the outer shell 950. Thus, the cap 118 may turn freely relative to the inner shell 946 when a force in the direction of B is not applied thereto. However, when a force is applied to a lid 126 of the cap 118, the partition 362 moves the projections 954 into engagement with the inner shell 946 and the cap 118 and inner shell 946 turn simultaneously.

FIG. 10A is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10A includes the same features as in FIG. 1, but includes the cover 322 including a child resistant feature, such as a squeeze-and-twist arrangement. In at least one example embodiment, the sides of the cover 322 must be squeezed to disengage the cover 322 from the neck 494 of the base 114.

In at least one example embodiment, the cover 322 may include grips or squeeze tabs 1066 disposed on opposing sides of the cover 322 at the open edge 542 of the cover 322. Threads 530 on the cover 322 engage threads 526 on the neck 494.

FIG. 10B is another cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B includes the same features as FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B includes the same features as FIG. 1, except that the neck 494 includes a pair of gaps 1070 in the threads 526 on opposing sides of the neck 494. A projection 1074 is disposed in each gap 1070 that prevents rotation of the cover 322 relative to the neck 494.

During use, when the squeeze tabs 1066 are pressed in the directions of arrows C and D, as shown in FIG. 10A, the open edge 542 of the cover 322 is deformed at the squeeze tabs 1066 in a direction toward the neck 494. Deformation of the squeeze tabs 1066 causes deformation of the cover 322 at locations between the squeeze tabs 1066 and opposite one another in a direction away from the neck 494 and the projections 1074, as shown in FIG. 10B. The cover 322 may then be turned counterclockwise such that threads 530 become disengaged with threads 526.

In operation, the cap 118 is removed from the base 114, exposing the cover 322. The squeeze tabs 1066 are pressed in the directions of arrows C and D to deform the open edge 542 in the directions of arrows E and F as shown in FIG. 10B. With the squeeze tabs 1066 depressed, the cover 322 is turned counterclockwise to disengage threads 530 from threads 526 and the cover 322 off the neck 494.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of at least one example embodiment of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1 along line IV-IV. FIG. 11 includes the same features as FIG. 1, except that the cover 322 of the container includes a liner.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the cover 322 may include a liner 1178 disposed within the cover 322. More specifically, in at least one example embodiment, the liner 1178 may be disposed between an inner surface 1182 of a top wall 1186 of the cover 322 and the neck 494. In at least one example embodiment, the liner 1178 may improve the seal between the neck 494 and the cover 322. The liner 1178 may be formed of a plastic, a foam, or another material. In some embodiments, the liner 1178 may include a wax, or similar, food-safe coating. In at least one example embodiment, the liner 1178 may include aluminum or a polymer laminated aluminum sheet.

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

1. A container comprising:

a base including, a body portion, and a neck portion, the neck portion defining an open end; and

a cap configured to engage a portion of the base, the cap including, a housing defining an open cavity in the cap, the neck portion extending into the open cavity, a hinged lid movable between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position sealing the cavity, and a partition defining a first compartment in the open cavity of the cap, the hinged lid moving between the open position and the closed position so as to provide access to the first compartment.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the body portion extends into the open cavity and the cap is configured to engage the body portion.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the body portion and the housing of the cap have different cross sectional shapes.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinged lid and the cap are a single piece.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap is configured to engage the neck portion of the base.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the cap is configured to threadably engage at least a portion of the neck portion of the base.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the cap includes threads having a press and twist release to threadably engage the neck portion.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap is configured to engage at least a portion of the body portion of the base in a snap-fit.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein

the body portion includes a groove, and

the cap includes an open edge that is configured to engage the groove so as to create the snap-fit.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the body portion includes a lip adjacent the groove, the lip configured to deform when the groove receives the open edge of the cap.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinged lid is monolithically formed with the housing.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinged lid includes a living hinge.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap further includes a child resistant feature.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the child resistant feature includes a press and twist release on a plurality of threads on the housing.

15. The container of claim 13,

wherein the child resistant feature includes a deformable housing in the cap and opposing squeeze tabs, and

wherein when the opposing squeeze tabs are pressed together, the deformable housing flexes to release the cap from the neck portion.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap further includes a liner.

17. A cap for a container, the cap comprising:

a housing defining a cavity;

a partition within the cavity and dividing the cavity into a first compartment and cavity second compartment; and

a lid configured to engage the housing, the lid being movable between an open position providing access to the first compartment and a closed position sealing the first compartment.

18. The cap of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises:

an open edge at an opening to the second compartment, the open edge including a lip configured to engage a body of the container.

19. The cap of claim 17, wherein the lid is a hinged lid, the hinged lid monolithically formed with the housing.

20. The cap of claim 19, wherein the housing is configured to engage a neck portion of the container, and to receive the neck portion within the second compartment.

21. The cap of claim 20, wherein the housing is a cylindrical housing.

22. The cap of claim 20, wherein the housing is one of oblong, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, and octagonal.

23. The container of claim 17, wherein the lid includes a living hinge.

24. The container of claim 17, wherein

the housing defines an opening in a top surface, the lid covering the opening in the closed position, and

the partition extends from an edge of the opening and forms a cup-shaped recess so as to define the first and second compartments.