U.S. patent application number 13/844492 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for container.
This patent application is currently assigned to TC HEARTLAND LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is TC HEARTLAND LLC. Invention is credited to Teodor Gelov, Karen H. Nichols, Douglas E. Norton.
Application Number | 20140263436 13/844492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50631079 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gelov; Teodor ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Container
Abstract
The container includes a body portion, an upper end portion, and
a cap portion. The body portion, the end portion and the cap
portion may be molded as one piece. The cap portion may be attached
to the body portion with a hinge. The body portion may have a side
wall which allows the user to squeeze the side wall and dispense
the product which is stored within the container. The container may
include a valve. The valve may include an opening which allows the
contents to be dispensed. The valve may be attached using a
retention feature, a retaining ring, an adhesive and/or fusion. The
retaining ring may engage the retention feature. After the valve is
assembled to the container, the container is filled with a product
and the lower end portion may be closed by using a heat seal.
Inventors: |
Gelov; Teodor; (Carmel,
IN) ; Nichols; Karen H.; (Carmel, IN) ;
Norton; Douglas E.; (Carmel, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TC HEARTLAND LLC |
Carmel |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TC HEARTLAND LLC
Carmel
IN
|
Family ID: |
50631079 |
Appl. No.: |
13/844492 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/92 ;
53/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031 20130101;
B65D 35/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/92 ;
53/410 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/46 20060101
B65D035/46 |
Claims
1. A container for dispensing a product comprising an upper end
portion, a body portion, the body portion extends away from the
upper end portion, a cap portion, the cap portion is attached with
a hinge to one of the body portion and the upper end portion, and a
valve.
2. The container as in claim 1 wherein the body portion, the upper
end portion and the cap portion are one piece.
3. The container as in claim 1 wherein the upper end portion
includes an opening, the valve is located over the opening.
4. The container as in claim 1 wherein the container includes a
retention feature to hold the valve.
5. The container as in claim 4 wherein the retention feature is a
protrusion.
6. The container as in claim 1 wherein the container includes a
lower end portion, the lower end portion is closed.
7. The container as in claim 6 wherein the lower end portion is
closed by a heat seal.
8. The container as in claim 1 wherein the body portion includes a
side wall, the container includes a lower end portion, the side
wall has a first thickness near the upper end portion, the side
wall has a second thickness near the lower end portion, the first
thickness is greater than the second thickness.
9. The container as in claim 1 wherein the tube portion includes a
side wall, the container includes a lower end portion, the side
wall has a thickness, the thickness of the side wall tapers near
the upper end portion toward the lower end portion.
10. The container as in claim 2 wherein the container includes a
valve retaining ring, the retaining ring holds the valve onto the
container.
11. The container as in claim 10 wherein the retaining ring is
separate from the valve.
12. The container as in claim 10 wherein the valve is molded onto
the retaining ring.
13. The container as in claim 10 wherein the container includes a
retention feature, the retention feature engages the retaining
ring.
14. The container as in claim 1 wherein the tube portion, the upper
end portion, and the cap portion are made of polypropylene.
15. A method of making a container for dispensing a product
comprising: providing a container including an upper end portion, a
body portion, and a cap portion; the body portion extends away from
the upper end portion; the cap portion is attached with a hinge to
one of the body portion and the upper end portion; inserting a
valve into the container; filling the container with the product;
and closing the lower end portion.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the closing the lower end
portion is performed by heat sealing.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the body portion, upper end
portion, and the cap portion are one piece.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of inserting
a valve retaining ring into the container.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the valve is molded onto the
retaining ring.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the valve is molded separately
from the retaining ring.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A container may be used to dispense a material. For example,
a tooth paste tube container may be used to dispense toothpaste.
Some tooth paste containers are made using three separate
components. For example, the tooth paste container includes a tube
portion, an upper portion and a cap. In addition, these parts are
separately made and then assembled together. For example, the tube
portion is made, then the upper portion is made, such as by
molding, and then the upper portion is attached to the tube
portion, such as by sonic welding. Finally, a cap is molded and
then attached to the upper portion, such as by threads. This
process involves several separate parts which are separately formed
and then assembled in several steps. There is a need for a
container which has less parts and which is less expensive to
manufacture.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] The invention provides a container which includes a body
portion, an upper end portion, and a cap portion. In one
embodiment, the body portion may be a tube portion. The body
portion, the end portion and the cap portion may be molded as one
piece. The cap portion may be attached to the body portion with a
hinge. The hinge may be a living hinge.
[0003] The body portion may have a side wall. The side wall may
have a thickness which allows the user to squeeze the side wall and
dispense the product which is stored within the container.
[0004] The upper end portion may be used to dispense the contents
of the container. The end portion may include an opening. The
container may include a valve. The valve will seal the opening. The
valve may include an opening which allows the product to be
dispensed. The valve may be attached to the container. In one
embodiment, the valve may be attached to the end portion.
[0005] The valve may be attached using a retention feature. In
other embodiments, the valve may be attached using an adhesive or
fusion such as sonic welding.
[0006] The container may include a valve retaining ring. The
retaining ring may engage the retention feature. The valve may be
located between the retaining ring and the end portion. In one
embodiment, the retaining ring is a part which is separate from the
valve. In another embodiment, the valve may be molded onto the
retaining ring.
[0007] After the valve is assembled to the upper end portion, the
container is filled with a product, such as, a liquid beverage
enhancer. The lower end portion is then closed. In one embodiment,
the lower end portion may be closed by using a heat seal. The heat
seal may seal one portion of the side wall against another portion
of the side wall. The heat seal may be sealed and trimmed to have
various shapes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the end in FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 with a
first embodiment of a valve.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
valve.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a valve retaining
ring.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve and retaining
ring assembled onto the container.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve in FIG. 9 in
the open position.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective of a third embodiment of a
valve.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a valve and retaining
ring assembled onto the container.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a front view of the container with a closed
end.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a side view of the container with a closed
end.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the container showing a first
embodiment of a hinge.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the container showing a second
embodiment of a hinge.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view with the cap portion in a
closed position.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a base portion and a
cap portion from FIG. 20.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the plug seal.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the plug seal.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the plug seal.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0033] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0035] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a base portion and a
cap portion from FIG. 27.
[0036] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0037] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
[0038] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 100 includes a
body portion 102, an upper end portion 104, and a cap portion 106.
The body portion 102, the end portion 104 and the cap portion 106
may be molded as one piece. For example, the body portion 102, the
end portion 104 and the cap portion 106 may be molded on an
injection molding machine. In one embodiment, the body portion, the
upper end portion and the cap portion may be made of polypropylene.
In other embodiments, the body portion, the upper end portion and
the cap portion may be made of low density polyethylene, medium
density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene. In one
embodiment, the body portion may be a tube portion.
[0040] The cap portion 106 is attached to the body portion 102 with
a hinge 108. The hinge 108 may be a living hinge. In one
embodiment, the hinge may be a three part hinge as shown in FIG.
16. In another embodiment, the hinge may be a butterfly hinge as
shown in FIG. 17.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the body portion 102 may have a side
wall. In one embodiment, the side wall 110 may have a thickness 112
which allows the user to squeeze the side wall and dispense the
product which is stored within the container. In one embodiment,
the side wall 110 may be deflected with the application of a force
in the range of about 20 to about 30 psi to cause the valve to
actuate and to dispense a stream of liquid.
[0042] In one embodiment, the side wall 110 is thicker near the
upper end portion 104 and thinner near the lower end portion 114.
In one embodiment, the thickness at location 116 may be 0.03 inches
(0.076 cm), the thickness at location 118 may be 0.025 inches
(0.064 cm), and the thickness at location 120 may be 0.014 inches
(0.036 cm).
[0043] In one embodiment, the thickness of the side wall may taper
from the upper end portion 104 to the lower end portion 114. In one
embodiment, the outside surface 122 of the body portion may have an
angle 124 with respect to the vertical axis in the range from about
1/32 (0.031) of a degree to about 1/4 (0.25) of a degree. In one
example, the angle 124 may be 0.195 of a degree. In one embodiment,
the inside surface 126 of the body portion may have an angle 128
with respect to the vertical axis in the range from about 1/32
(0.031) of a degree to about 1/4 (0.25) of a degree. In one
example, the angle 128 may be 1/16 (0.0625) of a degree. The taper
may facilitate the removal of the body container from the mold.
[0044] The upper end portion 104 may be used to dispense the
contents of the container. The end portion 104 may include an
opening 130. Referring to FIG. 5, the container 100 may include a
valve 132. The valve 132 will seal the opening 130 and allow the
contents to be dispensed from the container.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the end portion 104 may include
a retention feature. The retention feature 134 may be used to hold
the valve 132 onto the end portion 104. In one embodiment, the
retention feature 134 may be a protrusion 136. In one embodiment,
the protrusion 136 may extend inwardly toward the center of the
body portion. The end portion may include one, two, three, four or
more protrusions. In one embodiment, the end portion may include
four protrusions 136. The retention feature 134 will engage the
valve 132 in order to hold the valve 132 onto the container.
[0046] In one embodiment, the retention feature 134 may be located
on an inner surface of the end portion. For example, referring to
FIG. 4, the retention feature may be located on a wall 138. The
wall 138 may extend downwardly.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, the wall 138 may include a notch 140.
In one embodiment, the notch is U-shaped. In other embodiments, the
notch may be other shapes, such as, V-shaped, square, or
rectangular. The wall 138 may have one, two, three, four or more
notches. In one embodiment, the wall 138 has four notches 140. In
one embodiment, the notch 140 may be located between a first
protrusion 136 and a second protrusion 136. In an embodiment which
includes more than two protrusions 136, a notch 140 may be located
between each adjacent pair of protrusions. For example, in an
embodiment which includes four protrusions 136, a first notch 140
may be located between the first protrusion and the second
protrusion, a second notch may be located between the second
protrusion and the third protrusion, a third notch may be located
between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, and a
fourth notch may be located between the fourth protrusion and the
first protrusion.
[0048] The notch 140 may facilitate the insertion of the valve. The
notch 140 may allow the retention feature 134 to deflect so that
the valve may be inserted. In addition, the notch may facilitate
the removal of the container from a molding machine.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the valve 132 may be made of a flexible
material. In one embodiment, the valve may be made of silicone. In
other embodiments, the valve may be made of a thermoplastic
elastomer. The valve 132 may include an opening 142 which allows
the contents to be dispensed. In one embodiment, the opening 142
may be a slit 144. In a second embodiment, the opening may be two
slits. The first slit may cross the second slit at an angle. In one
embodiment, the angle may be 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the
angle may be between 1 degree and 89 degrees.
[0050] The valve 132 may be attached to the container. Referring to
FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the valve 132 may be attached to the end
portion 104. The valve 132 may be attached using the retention
feature 134. In other embodiments, the valve may be attached using
an adhesive, fusion (such as sonic welding) or deformation of the
container (such as, by crimping with or without heating). In
another embodiment, the valve 132 may be used with a retaining ring
as discussed below.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of a valve
is shown. The valve 146 may include an opening 148. The opening 148
may be any one of the openings discussed above for valve 132.
Referring to FIG. 7, the valve 146 may include an outer portion
150, an intermediate portion 152, and an inner portion 154. When
pressure is applied to the exterior of the container, the interior
pressure of the container will cause the intermediate portion 152
and the inner portion 154 to deflect outwards as shown in FIG. 10
and allow the contents to exit the opening 148. When the pressure
is removed, the intermediate portion 152 and the inner portion 154
return to the positions shown in FIG. 9. The valve 146 may be
attached using the retention feature 134. In other embodiments, the
valve may be attached using an adhesive, fusion (such as sonic
welding) or deformation of the container (such as, by crimping with
or without heating). In another embodiment, the valve 146 may be
used with a retaining ring 158 as discussed below.
[0052] The container 100 may include a valve retaining ring.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the retaining ring 158 may engage the
retention feature 134. The valve 146 may be located between the
retaining ring 158 and the end portion 104. In one embodiment, the
retaining ring 158 is a part which is separate from the valve 146.
The retaining ring 158 may be made of a material which is harder
than the valve 146. For example, the valve may be made of silicone
and the retaining ring may be made of polypropylene. In other
embodiments, the valve may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In
other embodiments, the ring may be made of nylon, or polyamide. In
one embodiment, the valve 146 may be inserted into the container
and then the retaining ring 158 may be inserted into the container.
The retaining ring 158 may then engage the retention feature 134.
In another embodiment, the valve may be molded onto the retaining
ring as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a third embodiment of a valve
is shown. The valve 160 may be molded onto a retaining ring 162.
The retaining ring 162 may be made of a material which is harder
than the valve 160. For example, the valve may be made of silicone
and the retaining ring may be made of polypropylene. In other
embodiments, the valve may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In
other embodiments, the ring may be made of nylon, or polyamide.
Referring to FIG. 13, the valve 160 may be attached using the
retention feature 134. In one embodiment, the valve 160 and
retaining ring 162 may be inserted into the container. The
retaining ring 162 may then engage the retention feature 134.
Referring to FIG. 12, the valve 160 may include an opening 164. The
opening 164 may be any one of the openings discussed above for
valve 132. The valve 160 may include an outer portion 166, an
intermediate portion 168, and an inner portion 170. When pressure
is applied to the exterior of the container, the interior pressure
of the container will cause the intermediate portion 168 and the
inner portion 170 to deflect outwards and allow the product to exit
the opening 164. When the pressure is removed, the intermediate
portion 168 and the inner portion 170 return to the positions shown
in FIG. 12.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 12, the retaining ring 162 may be larger
than valve 160. For example, the outer perimeter 172 of the
retaining ring 162 may be greater than the outer perimeter 174 of
the valve 160. Thus, in situations which require a large outer
perimeter 172 for the retaining ring 162, the size of the outer
perimeter 172 can be increased but the size of the valve 160 can
remain the same. Therefore, the manufacturer can increase or
decrease the outer perimeter 172 of the retaining ring to fit in
several different sizes and types of containers without having to
change the size of the valve 160. In addition, the manufacturer
could also increase or decrease the thickness 176 of the retaining
ring 162 in order to fit in several different sizes and types of
containers without having to change the size of the valve 160.
[0055] The outer perimeter 172 of the outer portion 166 of the
valve may be increased or decreased in order to fit several
different sizes and types of containers without having to change
the size of the moving portions of the valve 160. In one
embodiment, the moving portions of the valve 160 are the
intermediate portion 168 and the inner portion 170. For example,
referring to FIG. 13, the outer perimeter 174 of the outer portion
166 has been decreased as compared to FIG. 12 without changing the
size of the intermediate portion 168 and the inner portion 170.
[0056] In another embodiment, the size of the moving parts of the
valve can be increased or decreased. For example, the size of the
intermediate portion 168 and the inner portion 170 of the valve 160
may need to increase in order to accommodate a more viscous fluid.
In addition, the size of the inner opening 178 of the retaining
ring 162 can be increased or decreased to accommodate the increase
or decrease of the intermediate portion 168 and the inner portion
170 of the valve, but the outer periphery 172 of the retaining ring
162 can remain the same. Therefore, if the manufacturer decides to
change the viscosity of the fluid in the container, the
manufacturer can increase or decrease the size of intermediate
portion 168 and inner portion 170 of the valve, but the
manufacturer can use the same container since the outer periphery
172 of the retaining ring 162 remains the same. In some situations
the size of the outer portion 166 of the valve may change in
size.
[0057] After the valve is assembled to the upper end portion 104,
the container 100 is filled with a product. The product may be a
liquid beverage enhancer. In other embodiments, the product may be
sweeteners or nutraceuticals. The product may have a viscosity in
the first range of about 1 to about 250 centipoise at room
temperature, a second range of about 1 to about 90 centipoise at
room temperature, and a third range of about 1 to about 50
centipoise at room temperature.
[0058] After the container is filled with a product, the lower end
portion 114 is then closed. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in one
embodiment, the lower end portion 114 may be closed by using a heat
seal 182. The heat seal 182 may seal one portion of the side wall
110 against another portion of the side wall 110. The heat seal 182
may be sealed and trimmed to have various shapes. For example, the
heat seal may be trimmed to be straight, wavy, with an opening for
hanging, a trademarked shape, trademarked opening, a decoration, or
an opening for a lanyard. In other embodiments, the lower end
portion 114 may be closed with a plug or cap which may be attached
to the end portion 114 with an adhesive, fusion (such as sonic
welding) or deformation of the container (such as, by crimping with
or without heating).
[0059] FIG. 16 shows a first embodiment of a hinge. The hinge 108
may be a three part hinge. The hinge 108 may include a center
portion 274, a first outer portion 275, and a second outer portion
276. The center portion 274 may include a hinge 277. The first
outer portion 275 may include an upper hinge 278 and a lower hinge
279. The second outer portion 276 may include an upper hinge 280
and a lower hinge 281. The center portion 274 and the first outer
portion 275 may be separated by a first space 282. The center
portion 274 and the second outer portion 276 may be separated by a
second space 283. When the cap portion is opened, the upper hinges
278, 280, the lower hinges 279, 281 and the hinge 277 may bend. In
addition, when the cap is opened, the outer portions 275, 276 may
bend.
[0060] FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment of a hinge. The hinge 284
may be a butterfly hinge. The hinge 284 may include a center
portion 286, a first outer portion 288, and a second outer portion
290. The center portion 286 may include a hinge 291. The first
outer portion 288 may include an upper hinge 293 and a lower hinge
294. The second outer portion 290 may include an upper hinge 295
and a lower hinge 296. When the cap portion is opened, the upper
hinges 293, 295, the lower hinges 294, 296, and hinge 291 may bend.
In addition, when the cap is opened, the outer portions 288, 290
may bend.
[0061] In other embodiments, the container may have other hinges,
such as, a one part hinge, or a two part hinge.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, the cap 106 may include an annular wall
297. The annular wall 297 may include a rib 298. The cap 106 may
also include a projection 299. Referring to FIG. 18, when the cap
106 is closed, the cap 106 may engage the end portion 104. The end
portion 104 may have a ridge 205. The ridge 205 may engage the rib
298 in order to maintain the cap 106 in a closed position. The
engagement may also provide an audible indication that the cap is
in the closed position. The projection 299 extends downward toward
the valve 146. The projection 299 may limit the outward deflection
of the valve 146 and may not allow the opening 148 to open. Thus,
the projection 299 may prevent the product from exiting the valve
146 when the cap 106 is in the closed position.
[0063] The container may be designed to hold a specific amount of
the product. In a first embodiment, the container can hold no less
than 2 ml and no more than 100 ml. In a second embodiment, the
container can hold no less than 2 ml and no more than 50 ml. In a
third embodiment, the container can hold no less than 2 ml and no
more than 36 ml. In a fourth embodiment, the container can hold no
less than 2 ml and no more than 24 ml. In a fifth embodiment, the
container can hold no less than 2 ml and no more than 12 ml. In a
sixth embodiment, the container can hold no less than 2 ml and no
more than 8 ml. In a seventh embodiment, the container can hold no
less than 2 ml and no more than 4 ml.
[0064] In another embodiment, the body portion may be attached to
the upper end portion. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 19, the
body portion 302 may be attached to the upper end portion 304 with
fusion, such as, sonic welding. In other embodiments, the body
portion may be attached to the upper end portion with an adhesive,
or with heat. In one embodiment, the upper end portion 304 may
include a cap portion 306. The cap portion 306 may be attached with
a hinge 308. The hinge 308 may be one of the hinges noted
herein.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 20, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 400 may include a body portion 402, an upper
end portion 404, and a plug seal 405. In one embodiment, the
container 400 may include a cap portion 406, a base portion 407,
and a hinge portion 408. The hinge portion 408 may be one of the
hinges noted herein. In this embodiment, the base portion 407 may
be attached to the end portion 404 with threads. In this
embodiment, the body portion 402 may be a tube and the lower end
portion 414 may be closed as noted herein.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 21, the cap portion 406, a base portion
407, and a hinge portion 408 are shown. The base portion 407
includes threads 409. The threads 409 may engage threads 411 on the
end portion 404. The plug seal 405 is also shown inserted into the
base portion 407.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the plug seal 405 is shown. The
plug seal 405 may include a valve 460 and a retaining ring 462. The
valve 460 may be molded onto the retaining ring 462. The valve 460
may be made of materials which are noted above for valve 160. The
retaining ring 462 may be made of materials which are noted above
for the retaining ring 162.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 24, the valve 460 may include an outer
portion 466, an intermediate portion 468, and an inner portion 470.
The intermediate portion 468 and the inner portion 470 may be the
same as the intermediate portion 168 and the inner portion 170. In
addition, the intermediate portion 468 and the inner portion 470
may operate in the same manner as the intermediate portion 168 and
the inner portion 170. The retaining ring 462 may have an annular
wall 472 which extends downwards. The wall 472 engages the interior
of the container. In one embodiment, the wall 472 makes a sealing
engagement with the container. For example, the wall 472 may make a
sealing engagement with the end portion 404.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 25, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 500 is the same as container 400 except that
the container 500 is a bottle with a closed lower end portion
514.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 26, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 600 is the same as container 500 except that
the container 600 has a body portion with a different shape. The
container 600 may be a bottle with a closed lower end portion 614
or the container 600 may be a tube with a closed lower end portion
614.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 27, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 700 is the same as container 400 except that
the container 700 has a snap attachment to connect the base portion
707 to the end portion 704. The end portion 704 includes one or
more protrusions 711 which engage one or more protrusions 713 on
the base portion 707.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 28, the cap portion 706, a base portion
707, and a hinge portion 708 are shown. The base portion 707
includes the one or more protrusions 713. The plug seal 705 is also
shown inserted into the base portion 707.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 29, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 800 is the same as container 700 except that
the container 800 is a bottle with a closed lower end portion
814.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 30, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 900 is the same as container 400 except that
the container 900 has a seal 906. The seal may be a plastic seal, a
foil seal, a plastic seal with a paper backing, a foil seal with a
paper backing, or other type of seal.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 31, another embodiment of a container is
shown. The container 1000 is the same as container 900 except that
the container 1000 is a bottle with a closed lower end portion
1014.
[0076] This application incorporates by reference in its entirety
U.S. Design patent application No. 29/450,116, filed on Mar. 15,
2013 with Leydig Reference Number 712288.
[0077] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0078] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least
one" and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are
to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more
items (for example, "at least one of A and B") is to be construed
to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any
combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0079] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *