CONTAINER INCLUDING PRIMARY LID AND BASE DEFINING FIRST LEDGE WITH RIDGE EXTENDING FROM FIRST LEDGE, AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/729,718, filed on Dec. 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments generally relate to a container or package with a locking mechanism.

Description of Related Art

Containers can include locking, restraining, or retaining mechanisms that reduce and/or prevent opening and subsequent exposure and/or ingestion of substances contained therein by children or the elderly.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment is directed toward a container.

In at least one example embodiment, the container includes a base with walls and a floor, the walls and the floor at least partially defining a primary storage area, a first upper portion of the walls defining a first ledge with a ridge extending away from the first ledge, a first section of the walls defining a receptacle with an opening on a first end of the base; and a primary lid hingedly connected to a top of a second end of the base via a first hinge, a flexible member extending from the primary lid, the flexible member being configured to be inserted into the receptacle and restrained by first surfaces of the base when the primary lid is moved into a closed position to close the primary storage area, an exterior surface of the primary lid extending above an upper edge of the base when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge runs seamlessly along an upper periphery of the primary storage area along the first upper portion of the walls.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening.

In at least one example embodiment, a second upper portion of the bridge defines a second ledge, the first ledge and the second ledge being in a same plane.

In at least one example embodiment, the first ledge is oriented horizontally, and the ridge extends vertically away from the first ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge has an upper surface with a vertical cross-section that includes a peak with symmetrical rounded side surfaces on either side of the peak.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge has an upper surface with a vertical cross-section that is convex.

In at least one example embodiment, the container further includes a secondary lid assembly connected to a bottom of the base near the second end, the secondary lid assembly including a secondary lid.

In at least one example embodiment, the base defines a secondary storage area on the bottom of the base, the secondary lid being configured to close the secondary storage area when the secondary lid is in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly includes an anchoring panel, the secondary lid being hingedly connected to the anchoring panel.

In at least one example embodiment, the anchoring panel is a substantially flat panel with at least one first stub, the at least one first stub being inserted into at least one first bore defined by the base to affix the anchoring panel to the base.

In at least one example embodiment, the base defines interior walls of the at least one first bore with a horizontal cross-section that have a polygon shape, a cylindrical shape of the at least one first stub being retained by the at least one first bore via a compression fit.

In at least one example embodiment, a cylindrical shape of the at least one first stub is retained within the at least one first bore via a compression fit to connect the anchoring panel to the bottom of the base.

In at least one example embodiment, a first skirt extends away from an inner surface of the secondary lid along a periphery of first locations of the secondary lid that mate with the base when the secondary lid is moved into the closed position, the inner surface of the secondary lid defining a second ledge that extends radially away from the first skirt at the first locations.

In at least one example embodiment, the base defines a third ledge along at least a portion of a periphery of a second opening that forms an entrance for the secondary storage area, the second ledge being configured to contact and lay against the third ledge when the secondary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, a first exterior side surface of the first skirt extends along a first interior side surface of walls of the base that form the secondary storage area, when the secondary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the base and the primary lid are formed from a first seamless body of material and the secondary lid assembly is formed from a second seamless body of material.

In at least one example embodiment, the first seamless body of material and the second seamless body of material are made from 100% polypropylene.

In at least one example embodiment, the first seamless body of material and the second seamless body of material are made from 40% to 80% polypropylene with a remainder being a material filler.

In at least one example embodiment, the first seamless body of material and the second seamless body of material are made from 60% pigmented polypropylene with a remainder being a material filler.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a transverse panel and an intermediate panel that combine with part of the walls of the base to define a secondary storage area on the bottom of the base, the secondary lid being configured to close the secondary storage area when the secondary lid is in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid includes a catch that extends from an interior surface of the secondary lid, the catch including first engaging surfaces that are configured to contact and be restrained by second engaging surfaces defined by the base within the secondary storage area.

In at least one example embodiment, the first engaging surfaces include a projection and a step, and the second engaging surfaces include a groove.

In at least one example embodiment, a first skirt extends away from an inner surface of the primary lid along a periphery of the primary lid, the inner surface of the primary lid defining a second ledge that extends radially away from the first skirt.

In at least one example embodiment, the second ledge is configured to contact a top portion of the ridge when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the first ledge is in a first plane and the second ledge is in a second plane, and the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, first exterior side surfaces of the first skirt extend along first interior side surfaces of the base, and second exterior side surfaces of the primary lid extend along second interior side surfaces of the base, when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge and the first skirt form a seamless tortuous path around a periphery of the primary storage area at locations where the primary lid contacts the base when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge, the first exterior side surfaces, the first interior side surfaces, the second exterior side surfaces, and the second interior side surfaces form a seamless tortuous path around a periphery of the primary storage area at locations where the primary lid contacts the base when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge is between the first interior side surfaces and the second interior side surfaces on the base.

In at least one example embodiment, the first skirt includes a skirt segment that runs in front of an interior surface of the flexible member, with a gap existing between the skirt segment and the interior surface of the flexible member.

In at least one example embodiment, the interior surface of the flexible member faces the first hinge.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening.

In at least one example embodiment, the second upper portion of the bridge defines a third ledge, the first ledge and the third ledge being connected to each other and being in a same plane, the second ledge being configured to contact a top portion of the ridge as the third ledge contacts a first portion of the exterior surface of the primary lid when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the first portion is between an exterior surface of the flexible member and a distal end edge of the primary lid.

In at least one example embodiment, the first section of the walls includes a back receptacle wall, a first side receptacle wall and a second side receptacle wall, the back receptacle wall being between and perpendicular to the first side receptacle wall and the second side receptacle wall.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, the bridge including a lower contact surface, the first surfaces including the lower contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, a distal end of the flexible member is configured to contact an upper part of the bridge and flex towards the first hinge as the flexible member is inserted into the receptacle and the primary lid is moved toward the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, an exterior surface of the flexible member defines a step, an upper contact surface of the step being configured to contact and be restrained by the lower contact surface as the primary lid is moved into the closed position, the flexible member being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, a first shelf and a second shelf respectively extend perpendicularly away from exterior surfaces of the first side receptacle wall and the second side receptacle wall, the first shelf and the second shelf respectively extending downward from the lower contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the first shelf and the second shelf respectively define a first side contact surface and a second side contact surface, the first surfaces including the first side contact surface and the second side contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, a distal end of the flexible member is configured to contact an upper part of the bridge and flex towards the first hinge as the flexible member is inserted into the receptacle and the primary lid is moved into the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, an exterior surface of the flexible member defines a step, an upper contact surface of the step being configured to contact and be restrained by the lower contact surface while the first side contact surface and the second side contact surface are configured to contact portions of the exterior surface of the flexible member, as the primary lid is moved into the closed position, the flexible member being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, a second upper portion of the bridge defining a second ledge, a third upper portion of the back receptacle wall, the first side receptacle wall and the second side receptacle wall defining a third ledge, the first ledge, the second ledge and the third ledge being in a same plane.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge extends away from the third ledge, the ridge not extending from the second ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge extends away from the third ledge such that the ridge seamlessly exists along an entirety of the first ledge and the third ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge does not exist along the second ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the ridge has an upper surface with a vertical cross-section that includes a peak with symmetrical rounded side surfaces on either side of the peak.

In at least one example embodiment, a proximal end of the flexible member is firmly secured to the primary lid, and a distal end of the flexible member is configured to flex from a relaxed position to a flexed position, the flexed position causing the distal end to move in a direction that is towards the first hinge.

In at least one example embodiment, the base includes a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, the bridge including a lower contact surface, the first surfaces including the lower contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the distal end of the flexible member is configured to contact an upper part of the bridge and move into the flexed position as flexible member is inserted into the receptacle and the primary lid is moved into the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, an exterior surface of the flexible member defines a step, an upper contact surface of the step being configured to contact and be restrained by the lower contact surface as the primary lid is moved into the closed position, the flexible member being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible member and the receptacle are configured such that the distal end of the flexible member is pushed in a first direction, to flex the flexible member from the relaxed position to the flexed position, before being pushed in a second direction to release the flexible member from being restrained by the first surfaces and move the primary lid toward an opened position.

In at least one example embodiment, the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the first direction is an inward direction and the second direction is an upward direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the base and the primary lid are formed from one seamless body of material.

In at least one example embodiment, the one seamless body of material is made from 100% polypropylene.

In at least one example embodiment, the one seamless body of material is made from 60% pigmented polypropylene with a remainder being a material filler.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible member extends from an interior surface of the primary lid.

At least one example embodiment is directed toward a package.

In at least one example embodiment, the package includes the container, and at least one consumer product in the primary storage area of the container.

In at least one example embodiment, the package further includes a barrier material connected to at least a portion of the container, the primary lid being in the closed position, the barrier material applying a hoop stress force to at least a portion of the container to press the primary lid onto the ridge of the base.

At least one example embodiment is directed toward a method of making a container.

In at least one example embodiment, the method includes forming a base with walls and a floor, the walls and the floor at least partially defining a primary storage area; defining a first ledge along a first upper portion of the walls, a ridge extending away from the first ledge; and defining a receptacle with an opening on a first end of the base, the forming of the base including forming a primary lid to be hingedly connected to a top of a second end of the base via a first hinge, a flexible member extending from an interior surface of the primary lid, the flexible member being configured to be inserted into the receptacle and restrained by first surfaces of the base when the primary lid is moved into a closed position to close the primary storage area, an exterior surface of the primary lid extending above an upper edge of the base when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the defining defines the first ledge such that the ridge runs seamlessly along an upper periphery of the primary storage area along the first upper portion of the walls.

In at least one example embodiment, the defining defines the receptacle to include a bridge that spans across part of a first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening.

In at least one example embodiment, the defining defines the receptacle such that a second upper portion of the bridge forms a second ledge, the first ledge and the second ledge being in a same plane.

In at least one example embodiment, the method further includes forming a secondary lid assembly; and connecting the secondary lid assembly to a bottom of the base near the second end, the secondary lid assembly including a secondary lid.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base to define a secondary storage area on the bottom of the base, and the connecting connects such that the secondary lid is configured to close the secondary storage area when the secondary lid is in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base to include a transverse panel and an intermediate panel that combine with part of the walls of the base to define a secondary storage area on the bottom of the base, and the connecting connects the secondary lid to be configured to close the secondary storage area when the secondary lid is in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming of the base includes forming a first skirt to extend away from an inner surface of the primary lid along a periphery of the primary lid, and defining a second ledge on the inner surface of the primary lid that extends radially away from the first skirt.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the second ledge is configured to contact a top portion of the ridge when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the first skirt includes a skirt segment that runs in front of an interior surface of the flexible member, with a gap existing between the skirt segment and the interior surface of the flexible member.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that a first section of the walls include a back receptacle wall, a first side receptacle wall and a second side receptacle wall, the back receptacle wall being between and perpendicular to the first side receptacle wall and the second side receptacle wall.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that a bridge spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, the bridge including a lower contact surface, the first surfaces including the lower contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that a distal end of the flexible member is configured to contact an upper part of the bridge and flex towards the first hinge as the flexible member is inserted into the receptacle and the primary lid is moved toward the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that an exterior surface of the flexible member defines a step, an upper contact surface of the step being configured to contact and be restrained by the lower contact surface as the primary lid is moved into the closed position, the flexible member being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base to include a bridge that spans across part of the first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, a second upper portion of the bridge defining a second ledge, a third upper portion of the back receptacle wall, the first side receptacle wall and the second side receptacle wall defining a third ledge, the first ledge, the second ledge and the third ledge being in a same plane.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the ridge extends away from the third ledge, the ridge not extending from the second ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the ridge extends away from the third ledge such that the ridge seamlessly exists along an entirety of the first ledge and the third ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the ridge does not exist along the second ledge.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the ridge has an upper surface with a vertical cross-section that includes a peak with symmetrical rounded side surfaces on either side of the peak.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that a proximal end of the flexible member is firmly secured to the primary lid, and a distal end of the flexible member is configured to flex from a relaxed position to a flexed position, the flexed position causing the distal end to move in a direction that is towards the first hinge.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that a bridge spans across part of a first section of the walls, a second upper portion of the bridge partially defining the opening, the bridge including a lower contact surface, the first surfaces including the lower contact surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms the base such that the distal end of the flexible member is pushed in a first direction, to flex the flexible member from the relaxed position to the flexed position, before being pushed in a second direction to release the flexible member from being restrained by the first surfaces and move the primary lid toward an opened position.

In at least one example embodiment, the forming forms such that the base and the primary lid are formed from one seamless body of material.

At least another example embodiment is directed toward method of making a package.

In at least one example embodiment, the method includes making the container; and inserting at least one consumer product within the primary storage area of the container.

In at least one example embodiment, the method further includes connecting a barrier material to at least a portion of the container with the primary lid in the closed position, the barrier material being configured to apply a hoop stress force to at least a portion of the container to press the primary lid onto the ridge of the base.

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.

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a perspective view of a container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of an overhead view of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another perspective view of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the container with a primary lid in an opened position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is another illustration of the container with the primary lid in the opened position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a primary storage area of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the primary lid of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 3) of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3) of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7C is an illustration of a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 7B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7D is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view VII-VII of FIG. 7C) of a stub of a secondary lid assembly within a bore of a base of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7E is an illustration of a secondary lid assembly, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7F is another illustration of the secondary lid assembly, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7G is an illustration of a close-up view of a bottom portion of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 7H is an illustration of another close-up view of the bottom portion of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a perspective view of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another perspective view of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IX-IX of FIG. 9) of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 10A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 10C is an illustration of a cross-section view (view IX-IX of FIG. 9) of the container, with an overwrapping material applied to the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 10D and 10E are illustrations of a barrier material on the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of a base of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 12-15 are illustrations of close-up views of a top portion of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 16-18 are illustrations of close-up views of a bottom portion of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 19-23 are illustrations of close-up views of the flexible member of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a close-up view of the flexible member in a receptacle of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 25-27 are illustrations of close-up views of the flexible member in a receptacle of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 28A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), with the primary lid beginning to be closed, in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 28B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 28C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), with a flexible member being disengaged to open the primary lid, in accordance with at least one example embodiment; and

FIG. 28D is an illustration of another cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

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 thereof. 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 or sub-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, 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,” when used in this specification, 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.

When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

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.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, 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 in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Container

At least some example embodiments are directed to containers and/or packages that are considered to be “child-resistant containers (CR containers),” from the standpoint that an opening of the containers requires a complex motion involving an application of different forces in different directions. In at least one example embodiment, CR containers are used to reduce a risk of children and/or the elderly accessing and ingesting, or being exposed to, substances or materials contained therein. In at least some example embodiment, the containers are tested under guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Poison Prevention Packaging Act and are certified under 16 CFR 1700.2 (Jan. 1, 2012), and/or the containers are tested as defined by Standard ISO 8317:2015, in order to ensure the containers are “child-resistant” and provide child-resistant access to one or more storage areas of the containers. In at least one example embodiment, the containers are tested under guidelines from Canadian standard CAN/CSA Z76.1-16.

In at least one example embodiment, the containers include or can contain at least one substance. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance is a consumer product. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one substance and/or the consumer product includes an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is one or more pouches.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is an oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral cannabis product, or any combination thereof. The oral product may be in a form of loose material (e.g., loose cellulosic material), shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), pouched material, tablets, lozenges, chews, gums, films, any other oral product, or any combination thereof.

The oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, other smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products for oral consumption, or any combination thereof.

Where the oral product is an oral tobacco product including a smokeless tobacco product, the 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 whole or portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts (e.g., nicotine), or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract, and/or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier (e.g., white snus), such as a cellulosic material. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In some example embodiments, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers can be treated to remove at least 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the nicotine. For example, the tobacco plant tissue can be washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

In other example embodiments, the oral product may include cannabis, such as cannabis plant tissue and/or cannabis extracts. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material includes leaf and/or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants and/or extracts from the one or more species of cannabis plants. The one or more species of cannabis plants may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and/or Cannabis ruderalis. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may be in the form of fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, and/or a flavonoid. In at least one example embodiment, the cannabis material may be a cannabis-derived cannabis material, such as a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a cannabis-derived terpene, and/or a cannabis-derived flavonoid.

The oral product (e.g., the oral tobacco product, the oral non-tobacco product, or the oral cannabis 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 oral product may be sized and/or shaped and/or configured to be wholly received in an oral cavity of an adult tobacco consumer. The oral product may have an oval shape, a rounded shield shape, a flat shield shape an elliptical shape, an elongated elliptical shape, a semi-circular shape, a square shape, a rounded-edge square shape, a rectangular shape, an elongated rectangular shape, a rounded-edge rectangular shape, a football shape, a boomerang shape, a teardrop shape, a comma shape, a bowtie shape, a peanut shape, or any combination thereof. The oral product may have an oral-shaped cross section, a rectangular cross section, an elongated rectangular cross section, a lens or football shaped cross section, a boomerang-shaped cross section, a shield-shaped cross section, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the size and/or shape and/or configuration of the oral product may be selected to promote desired positioning of the oral product within the oral cavity and/or packaging.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have dimensions ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a first dimension (e.g., smallest dimension or thickness) ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters (e.g., about 2.5 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a largest dimension (e.g., diameter, height, or width) ranging from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 12 millimeters).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a weight ranging from about 1 milligram to about 10 grams (e.g., about 1 gram to about 9 grams, about 1 gram to about 8 grams, about 1 gram to about 7 grams, about 1 gram to about 6 grams, about 1 gram to about 5 grams, about 1 gram to about 4 grams, about 1 gram to about 3 grams, about 1 gram to about 2 grams, about 2 grams to about 9 grams, about 2 grams to about 8 grams, about 2 grams to about 7 grams, about 2 grams to about 6 grams, about 2 grams to about 5 grams, about 2 grams to about 4 grams, about 2 grams to about 3 grams, about 3 grams to about 9 grams, about 3 grams to about 8 grams, about 3 grams to about 7 grams, about 3 grams to about 6 grams, about 3 grams to about 5 grams, about 3 grams to about 4 grams, about 4 grams to about 9 grams, about 4 grams to about 8 grams, about 4 grams to about 7 grams, about 4 grams to about 6 grams, about 4 grams to about 5 grams, about 5 grams to about 9 grams, about 5 grams to about 8 grams, about 5 grams to about 7 grams, about 5 grams to about 6 grams, about 6 grams to about 9 grams, about 6 grams to about 8 grams, about 6 grams to about 7 grams, about 7 grams to about 9 grams, about 7 grams to about 8 grams, about 8 grams to about 9 grams).

In at least one example embodiment, oral product may include one or more elements such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener (e.g., a synthetic sweetener and/or a natural sweetener), an energizing agent, a soothing agent (e.g., theanine and/or melatonin), a focusing agent (e.g., gingko biloba), a plasticizer, mouth-soluble or partially-soluble fibers (e.g., sugar beet fibers), an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier, a botanical (e.g., green tea), a tooth-whitening agent (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)), a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate (e.g., magnesium and/or potassium), a wax (e.g., glycerol monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, and/or an acetylated monoglyceride), a stabilizer (e.g., ascorbic acid and monosterol citrate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)), a lubricant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)), a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative(e.g., sodium benzoate), a filler, a flavorant, an effervescent (e.g., carbon dioxide embedded in a flavorant or a filling material), flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, other additives, or any combination thereof. The oral product may include multiple additional elements. Additionally, a single element may belong to more than one of the categories above.

As used herein, “mouth-soluble” means that the polymer experiences significant degradation when exposed to saliva within an oral cavity of an adult consumer over a period of about four hours. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble polymer disintegrates when exposed to saliva having a normal human body temperature (i.e., 98.6° F.) for a period of less than or equal to about an hour (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 minutes, less than or equal to about 15 minutes, less than or equal to about 10 minutes, or less than or equal to about 5 minutes).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a mouth-soluble polymer. The mouth-soluble polymer may include, for example, a cellulosic polymer, a natural polymer, a seaweed-derived polymer, a microbial-derived polymer, an extract, an exudate, a synthetic polymer, or any combination thereof. Other useful mouth-soluble polymers are known in the art, for example, see Krochta et al., Food Technology (1997) at 51:61-74; Glicksman Food Hydrocolloids CRC 1982; Krochta Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality Technomic 1994; Industrial Gums Academic 1993; and/or Nussinovitch Water-Soluble Polymer Applications in Foods Blackwell Science 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic polymer may include, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the natural polymer may include, for example, a starch, a modified starch, konjac, collagen, inulin, soy protein, whey protein, casein, wheat gluten, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the seaweed-derived polymer may include, for example, a carrageenan, an alginate, or a combination of a carrageenan and an alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the carrageenan may include, for example, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, lambda carrageenan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the alginate may include, for example, propylene glycol alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the microbial-derived polymer may include, for example, xanthan, dextran, pullulan, curdlan, gellan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the extract may include, for example, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum tragacanth, pectin (e.g., low methoxy and amidated), agar, zein, karaya, gelatin, psyllium seed, chitin, chitosan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the exudate may include, for example, gum acacia (arabic), shellac, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the synthetic polymer may include, for example, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, “mouth-stable” means that the polymer does not appreciably dissolve or disintegrate when exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature (i.e., 98.6° F.) over a period of about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer is a biodegradable polymer that is configured to break down over a period of days, weeks, months, or years but does not appreciably break down when held in an oral cavity and exposed to saliva for a period of about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer is stable within an oral cavity and exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature for a period of greater than or equal to about 2 hours (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 hours, greater than or equal to about 12 hours, greater than or equal to about 1 day, or greater than or equal to about 2 days). Accordingly, an oral product including a mouth-stable polymer according to at least one example embodiment is configured to remain intact when placed in an adult consumer's mouth. After a period of time, the mouth-stable polymer and any other mouth-stable elements may be removed from the adult consumer's mouth and discarded.

The mouth-stable polymer may be biocompatible and biostable. The mouth-stable polymer may generally be recognized as safe and in compliance with applicable food-contact regulations by an appropriate regulatory agency (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)). In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer has a flexural modulus of greater than or equal to about 5 MPa (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 MPa) when tested according to ASTM Testing Method D790 or ISO 178 at 23° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include, for example, a polyurethane, a silicone, a polyester, a polyacrylate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyetheramide, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polybutyl acetate, a butyl rubber, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS), any copolymer thereof, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer includes a food-grade or medical-grade polymer, such as medical-grade polyurethane.

In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer includes, for example, a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may include a thermoplastic elastomer. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer includes a thermoplastic elastomer meeting the requirements of the FDA-modified ISO 10993, Part 1 “Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices” tests with human tissue contact time of 30 days or less. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer has a shore Hardness of 50D or softer, a melt flow index of about 3 g/10 min at 200° C./10 kg, a tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 10 MPa (using ISO 37), and/or an ultimate elongation of less than about 100% (using ISO 37).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes an encapsulated sweetener. The sweetener may include a synthetic sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a combination of a synthetic sweetener and a natural sweetener.

The natural sweetener may include, for example, a sugar such as monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a polysaccharide, or any combination thereof. The natural sweetener may include, for example, sucrose, honey, a mixture of low-molecular-weight sugars excluding sucrose, glucose (i.e., grape sugar, corn sugar, dextrose), molasses, corn sweetener, glucose syrup (i.e., corn syrup), fructose (i.e., fruit sugar), lactose (i.e., milk sugar), maltose (i.e., malt sugar, maltobiose), sorghum syrup, fruit juice concentrate, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener includes a sugar alcohol. The sugar alcohol may include, for example, ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, maltotetraitol, polyglycitol, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener includes a non-nutritive sweetener. The non-nutritive sweetener may include, for example, stevia, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the term “nutraceuticals” refers to any ingredient in foods that has a beneficial effect on human health. Nutraceuticals include particular compounds and/or compositions isolated from natural food sources and genetically modified food sources. Suitable nutraceuticals include, without limitation, various phytonutrients derived from natural plants and genetically engineered plants. The nutraceuticals can be included in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the composition.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent. In at one example embodiment, the energizing agent includes caffeine, taurine, glucaronalactone, guarana, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or any combination thereof.

Caffeine, also known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, is a white, odorless, bitter tasting substance. Caffeine occurs naturally in tea, coffee, and chocolate, and is commonly added to soft drinks, energy drinks and some foods. However, because of the bitter taste of caffeine, the flavor of drinks or foods having a relatively high caffeine content can be unappealing. Caffeine may include synthetic caffeine and/or natural caffeine, such as coffee bean-extracted caffeine. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes caffeine in an amount greater than or equal to about 10 mg (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25 mg, greater than greater than or equal to about 150 mg) The caffeine may be included in an amount less than or equal to about 200 mg (e.g., less than or equal to about 150 mg, less than or equal to about 100 mg, less than or equal to about 75 mg, less than or equal to about 50 mg, or less than or equal to about 25 mg).

The compositions for human consumption may have a relatively high caffeine content so as to provide a consumer with a burst of energy. Moreover, the compositions for human consumption contain about 50 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine or about 75 mg to about 175 mg of caffeine (e.g., 100 mg to about 150 mg of caffeine) so as to provide a burst of energy to the consumer. The composition provides a single serving of a food, drink, oral tobacco product or oral non-tobacco product. A single serving of food can have a weight of about 5 g to about 450 g. A single serving of drink is about 200 mL to about 600 mL. A single serving of an oral pouch product includes one oral pouch product formed as described herein.

Optionally, the composition for human consumption can also include additional energizing ingredients in addition to the caffeine complex. Suitable additional energizing ingredients include, without limitation, taurine, citicoline, and guarana. The additional energizing ingredients can be included in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the composition for human consumption.

In at least one example embodiment, the soothing agent includes theanine, melatonin, or both theanine and melatonin. The soothing agent may also include, for example only, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, soursop, cannabidiol, or any combination thereof. The soothing agent can be added as a flavorant and or aroma embedded in the product and/or the package. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the soothing agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the soothing agent in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a plasticizer. The plasticizer may include, for example, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, a triglyceride (e.g., long, medium, and/or short chain), triacetin, propylene glycol, glycerin, vegetable oil, a phthalate, an ester of a polycarboxylic acid with a linear or branched aliphatic alcohol of moderate chain length, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the plasticizer may be present in addition to triglycerides and/or other oils in the liquid mixture.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a mouth-soluble fiber. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers include maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers include soluble dietary fibers. In at least one example embodiment oral product includes partially-soluble fibers, such as sugar beet fibers.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes minerals in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. The minerals may include, for example, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, and any combination thereof. The amount of minerals incorporated into the oral product for adult human consumption can be varied according to the type of mineral and the intended adult consumer. The amount of minerals may be formulated to include an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

In at least one example embodiment, the focusing agent includes ginkgo biloba.

The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include mint, menthol, cinnamon, pepper, jambu, or any combination thereof. The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include any soothing, cooling, and/or warming agent. For example, in some example embodiments, the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, and (8)-gingerole, which may be selected so as to provide a warm, tingling or burning sensation. In other example embodiments, the at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may include menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p menthane-3-carboxamide), WS- 23(2 -Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide) and Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA), which may be selected so as to provide a cooling sensation. The at least one sensate or chemesthesis agent may be included in an amount ranging from about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the oral product.

The antioxidant may include, for example, vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more vitamins in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. The one or more additional vitamins may include, for example, vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin E group, vitamin K group (phylloquinones and menaquinones), thiamine (vitamin Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, niacinamide, pyridoxine (vitamin B6 group), folic acid, choline, inositol, vitamin B12 (cobalamins), PABA (para aminobezoic acid), biotin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and any combination thereof. The amount of vitamins may be chosen so as to provide an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

Suitable minerals include, without limitation, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, and mixtures thereof. The amount of minerals incorporated into the composition for human consumption can be varied according to the type of mineral and the intended adult consumer. For example, the amount of minerals may be formulated to include an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

Amino acids can also be included in the composition for human consumption. Suitable amino acids include, without limitation, the eight essential amino acids that cannot be biosynthetically produced in humans, including valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, and phenylalanine. Examples of suitable amino acids include the non-essential amino acids including alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. The amino acids can be included in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the composition.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a coloring agent. The coloring agent may include a natural colorant, an artificial colorant, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the amino acid in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the amino acid in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a pH modifier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a pH modifier. The pH modifier may include, for example, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the pH adjuster in an amount less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the pH adjuster in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to 2 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a wax. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a wax. The wax may include, for example, paraffin, microcrystalline wax, or both paraffin and microcrystalline wax.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a filler. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a filler. The filler may be configured to alter a texture or pliability of the oral product. The filler may include mouth-soluble elements, mouth-insoluble elements, or both mouth-soluble and mouth-insoluble elements. Mouth-soluble elements may be configured to dissolve or disintegrate when in an adult consumer's mouth so as to render the oral product more pliable. The filler may include, for example, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, a clay, silica, glass particles, glyceryl palmitostearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, certain other compounds or elements or components, including, for example, mouth-soluble fibers, sweeteners, minerals, as described, may be classified as fillers. For example, in at least one example embodiment, cellulosic materials may be present in the oral product as fillers in addition to or as an alternative to being carriers for the liquid mixture.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the filler in an amount less than or equal to 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to 15 weight percent, less than or equal to 10 weight percent, less than or equal to 9 weight percent, less than or equal to 8 weight percent, less than or equal to 7 weight percent, less than or equal to 6 weight percent, less than or equal to 5 weight percent, less than or equal to 4 weight percent, less than or equal to 3 weight percent, less than or equal to 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the filler in an amount ranging from about 0 weight percent to about 8 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes an encapsulated flavorant. The flavorant may be natural or artificial. The flavorant may include, for example, a fruit flavorant (e.g., bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, and/or orange), a liquor or liqueur flavorant (e.g., bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, and/or DRAMBUIE brand liqueur), a mint flavorant (e.g., Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, and/or mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha), a floral flavorant (e.g., geranium, lavender, and/or rose), a spice, an herb, or another botanical or botanical-derived flavorant (e.g., anise, Apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, cocoa, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, and/or ylang-ylang), honey essence, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant includes bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, orange, bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, DRAMBUIE brand liqueur, Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha, geranium, lavender, rose, anise, Apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, ylang-ylang, honey essence, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of a carrier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a carrier. The carrier may include a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier may include, for example, water, propylene, glycol, glycerin, ethanol, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product is free of an oil. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes an oil. The oil may include, for example, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, a triglyceride, triacetin, a flavor oil, or any combination thereof. The flavor oil may be or may include a flavorant.

An amount of oil may be selected to achieved a desired texture and/or softness. For example, the softness of the oral product may be increased as an amount of the oil in the oral product increases. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes oil in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 8 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes the oil in an amount ranging from about 8 weight percent to about 16 weight percent (e.g., about 10 weight percent to about 14 weight percent, about 11 weight percent to about 13 weight percent, or about 12 weight percent).

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 1B is an illustration of an overhead view of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the container 100 is substantially rectangular in shape, from an overhead perspective (FIG. 1B). In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 may be any other suitable shape. In at least one example embodiment, from an overhead perspective view (see FIG. 1B), the container 100 is triangular, oval, square, circular, polygonal, or any other shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 includes a base 105. In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 includes sidewalls 110 along a long side of the base 105, and end walls 120 along a short side of the base 105. In at least another example embodiment, walls 130 (e.g., sidewalls 110 and end walls 120) of the container 100 are a same length. In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 includes corners 115 connecting the sidewalls 110 to the end walls 120, where the corners 115 are curved (rounded, or beveled). In other example embodiments, the corners 115 may not be rounded or beveled, but may instead have sharp outer edges.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 includes a primary lid 140 that meets with an upper portion of the base 105 to close the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 is connected to the primary lid 140 via a hinge 145. In at least one example embodiment, the hinge 145 is a living hinge (as further discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-3). In other example embodiments, the primary lid 140 may be completely removable from the base 105, and may not be hingedly connected to the base 105. In at least one example embodiment, the primary lid 140 includes an exterior surface 140a that is visible when the container 100 is in a closed position (closed configuration), as shown in FIG. 1A. In at least one example embodiment, the exterior surface 140a of the primary lid 140 remains raised above an upper edge 125 of the walls 130 of the base 105 (also see FIG. 8), when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, the primary lid 140 includes rounded edges 150 along a periphery of the primary lid 140 (shown in better detail in at least FIG. 8).

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 has a height H ranging from about 0.5 inch to 2.0 inches (e.g., about 0.75 inch to about 1.75 inches, about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches). In at least one example embodiment, each of the sidewalls 110 has a length L1 ranging from about 2.0 inches to about 6.0 inches (e.g., about 2.5 inches to about 5.5 inches, about 3.0 inches to about 5.0 inches, or about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches). In at least one example embodiment, each of the end walls 120 has a length L2 ranging from about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches (e.g., about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches, or about 2.25 inches to about 2.75 inches). It should be understood that the container 100 may be any suitable size, and the dimensions can be chosen based on the product to be contained therein.

In at least one example embodiment, the sidewalls 110 and/or the end walls 120 have a thickness T (also shown in FIG. 3) ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm (e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 0.7 mm to about 0.9 mm).

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is formed from one or more polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is formed of one or more homopolymers, one or more copolymers, or any combination of one or more homopolymers and copolymers. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes a thermoplastic polymer. In at least some example embodiments, the polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the polymer is suitable for storing an oral product having one or more flavorings and/or volatile agents therein. In some example embodiments, the container 100 may further include one or more coatings on an inner surface thereof, if desired. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is made from 100% polyethylene. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is made from 100% polypropylene. In at least one example embodiment, a pigment is added to materials used to make the container 100 to adjust a visual color of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the pigment is made from at least one of titanium dioxide, inorganic material such as minerals, rock, stone, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, diatomaceous silica, and/or clay, organic materials, synthetic materials, iron-oxide compounds, chromium compounds, cadmium compounds, or other well-known pigment materials. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is made from about 40% to 80% polypropylene and/or pigmented polypropylene, or about 50% to 70% polypropylene and/or pigmented polypropylene, or 60% polypropylene and/or polypropylene, with a remainder of the container 100 being made from a material filler. In at least one example embodiment, the material filler is at least one of talc, calcium carbonate, glass fibers, mica, starch, and cellulose. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is made from a recyclable material.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is formed from a polymer, as described above, and the material filler. The material filler may be present in an amount less than or equal to about 50 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). The material filler may be present in an amount greater than or equal to 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 further includes a colorant (with or without the material filler). In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 and the primary lid 140 are formed of the same polymer. In other example embodiments, the base 105 is formed of a different polymer than the primary lid 140.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 and/or the primary lid 140 may be a same or a different color. In at least one example embodiment, a color of the container 100 may denote a flavor of the enclosed product. For example, a green container may contain a mint or menthol flavored product, while a brown container may contain a tobacco flavored product.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is formed by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compression molding, vacuum casting, 3D printing and/or any other any other suitable process.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 includes a locking mechanism 190. While the term “locking mechanism” is used throughout the example embodiments, it should be understood that the locking mechanism 190 is structure that is on, connected to, or adjacent to at least one lid of the container 100, where the locking mechanism 190 resists, restrains or prevents the at least one lid from being moved from a closed position to an opened position (opened configuration), without an application of complex motions involving an application of different forces in different directions. In at least one example embodiment, the “locking mechanism” is a “child resistant” locking mechanism (as defined herein).

In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the locking mechanism 190 is at least partially connected to the primary lid 140 and operates to lock (restrain) the primary lid 140, once the primary lid 140 is in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 1A). In at least one example embodiment, the primary lid 140 includes one of the locking mechanisms 190 (as shown in FIG. 1A). In at least another example embodiment, more than one of the locking mechanisms 190 is connected to the primary lid 140.

In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the locking mechanism 190 is positioned on an end of the primary lid 140, and interfaces with at least a portion of one of the end walls 120. In at least another example embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the locking mechanisms 190 is positioned on one or both sides of the primary lid 140, and interfaces with at least a portion of one or both of the sidewalls 110. In at least one example embodiment, the locking mechanism 190 is centrally positioned or non-centrally positioned along the end walls 120 and/or the sidewalls 110. Positioning of the locking mechanism 190 may be chosen to further inhibit the relatively small hands of a child from being able to grasp and/or open the container 100.

In at least one example embodiment, the locking mechanism 190 includes a flexible member 160 that is received within a recess (receptacle) 180 to restrain (lock) the primary lid 140 into the closed position, as described in more detail herein. In at least one example embodiment, indicia 195 is included on at least a portion of the flexible member 160, where the indicia 195 may include consumer information. In at least one example embodiment, the consumer information may include opening instructions, symbols, marks, one or more arrows, ordered instructions (e.g., press in and then press up), words, or other indicia that conveys information to a consumer.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another perspective view of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 includes a bottom wall 170. In at least one example embodiment, the bottom wall 170 is integrally formed with the walls 130 of the base 105 (see at least FIG. 10A). In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 includes a secondary lid 740 (also see FIG. 7E). In at least one example embodiment, exterior surfaces 230 of the secondary lid 740 and the bottom wall 170 are flush with each other. In at least one example embodiment, a contact surface 210 is on or extends from an edge of the secondary lid 740. In at least one example embodiment, the contact surface 210 is a tab or a protrusion that is able to be pressed in a downward direction 215 to open the secondary lid 740. In at least one example embodiment, the end wall 120 of the container 100 defines an indentation 200. In at least one example embodiment, the indentation 200 allows the contact surface 210 to be more accessible to make the secondary lid 740 easier to open. In at least one example embodiment, the indentation 200 may be sized to allow a finger to be inserted at or above the contact surface 210.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid 740 does not include a child resistant locking mechanism. In at least another example embodiment, the locking mechanism 190 is on the secondary lid 740, and the locking mechanism 190 is capable of locking the secondary lid 740 in a closed position for purposes of child resistance.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrations of the container 100 with the primary lid 140 in an opened position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 5 is an illustration of a primary storage area 300 of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of the primary lid 140 of the container 1400, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 and the primary lid 140 combine to at least partially define a portion of the primary storage area 300. In at least one example embodiment, interior surfaces of the walls 130 of the container 100 define reinforcing ribs 305 that provide strength for the walls 130 of the base 105.

In at least one example embodiment, the primary storage area 300 contains at least one of the consumer products, as described herein. In at least one example embodiment, the primary storage area 300 has a volume of about 10,000 square millimeters to about 100,000 square millimeters. In at least one example embodiment, the volume of the primary storage area 300 is chosen based on a desired number and/or quantity of the consumer products to be included therein. In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 provides child resistant access to the primary storage area 300.

In at least one example embodiment, the container 100 includes a transverse wall (transverse panel) 320 and an intermediate wall (intermediate panel) 325 that separate the primary storage area 300 from a secondary storage area 780 (see at least FIGS. 7A and 7G). In at least one example embodiment, a raised floor 330 of the container 100 provides structure for a secondary lid assembly 700 to connect to the base 105 of the container 100 (also see FIG. 7A). In at least one example embodiment, a connector housing 315 allows for stubs 710 of the secondary lid assembly 700 to fit into the base 105 of the container 100 (as described in at least FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7E).

In at least one example embodiment, the flexible member 160 extends from an interior surface 140b of the primary lid 140, where at least a distal end (fee end) 340 of the flexible member 160 is capable of flexing at least to some degree, as described herein in more detail (see FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C in particular). In at least one example embodiment, an interior surface 360 of the flexible member 160 defines a corrugated area 370 with reinforcing ribs 345 between longitudinal indentations (grooves) 355. In at least one example embodiment, the corrugated area 370 helps thin the flexible member 160 especially near the distal end 340 to allow the distal end 340 to flex, with the reinforcing ribs 345 providing strength to the distal end 340. In at least one example embodiment, and as described in more detail in FIGS. 28A-C, the flexible member 160 includes a relaxed position where the flexible member 160 is at rest (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 28C), and the flexible member 160 has a flexed position 2830 where the distal end 340 of the flexible member 160 is flexed in a direction that is toward the hinge 145 (see the distal end 340 flexing in the “second direction” 2810 as discussed in FIG. 28A). In at least one example embodiment, reinforcing projections 365 extend from the interior surface 360 side of the flexible member 160, so that the reinforcing projections 365 can anchor and provide strength to the flexible member 160, where the reinforcing projections 365 become slightly compressed when the flexible member 160 flexes into the flexed position 2830 (FIG. 28A). In at least one example embodiment, the reinforcing projections 365 are triangular in shape to maximize an ability of the reinforcing projections 365 to securely anchor the flexible member 160.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105 includes receptacle walls 350 that define an opening 310 that is in communication with the recess 180 (FIGS. 3 and 4), where the opening 310 and the recess 180 are capable of accepting the flexible member 160 during a closing and a restraining (locking) of the primary lid 140, as described in more detail herein (see FIGS. 28A and 28B). In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at least FIG. 5, the receptacle walls 350 include a back receptacle wall 350a and side receptacle walls 350b, where the receptacle walls 350 invade to some degree on the primary storage area 300. In at least another example embodiment, the back receptacle wall 350a is flush with a remainder of the interior surface 415 of the end wall 120 (FIG. 4), and the side receptacle walls 350b extend from the end wall 120, such that the opening 310 and the recess 180 do not invade on the primary storage area 300 (not shown).

In at least one example embodiment, a skirt 335 extends from the interior surface 140b of the primary lid 140 (see at least FIG. 3). In at least one example embodiment, a skirt segment 335a of the skirt 335 exists around and along the interior surface 360 of the flexible member 160. In at least one example embodiment, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position, a ledge 510 of the primary lid 140 contacts a ledge 500 that is defined by the walls 130 of the base 105 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), where the skirt 335 of the primary lid 140 fits along an upper interior surface of the walls 130 of the base 105 (as described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 10A and 10B).

In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at least FIG. 5, the primary lid 140 includes an extension segment 515 that connects an end of the primary lid 140 to the hinge 145. In at least one example embodiment, the upper edge 125 of the base 105 defines a cutout 520. In at least one example embodiment, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position, the extension segment 515 fits into the cutout 520 to help seal the primary storage area 300 (see at least FIG. 9).

In at least one example embodiment, an exterior surface 410 of the flexible member 160 defines an indentation 400 (see at least FIG. 4). In at least one example embodiment, a front surface 420 of the indentation 400 is a location that is to be pressed to initiate an opening of the primary lid 140 (as indicated by the indicia 195), when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position and the locking mechanism 190 is restraining the primary lid 140 from opening (as explained in more detail in association with at least FIGS. 28B and 28C). In at least one example embodiment, the indentation 400 makes the front surface 420 less accessible from an exterior of the container 100, such that the opening of the primary lid 140 is less likely to be initiated inadvertently.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 3) of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3) of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7C is an illustration of a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 7B, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7D is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view VII-VII of FIG. 7C) of a stub of a secondary lid assembly within a bore of a base of the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7E is an illustration of a secondary lid assembly 700, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7F is another illustration of the secondary lid assembly 700, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7G is an illustration of a close-up view of a bottom portion of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 7H is an illustration of another close-up view of the bottom portion of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the base 105, the hinge 145, and the primary lid 140 with the flexible member 160 are one integrally formed element (made from one seamless body of material) of the container 100, and the secondary lid assembly 700 is a second integrally formed element (made from another seamless body of material) of the container 100. That is to say, in at least one example embodiment, the container 100 is made from two integrally formed elements. In at least one example embodiment, with the container 100 being formed from only two seamless bodies of material, this simplifies a number of necessary parts for assembling the container 100 and generally simplifies the manufacturing process to make the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 is connected to a bottom portion of the base 105 (see at least FIGS. 7A and 7B), where stubs 710 of the secondary lid assembly 700 are received by a bore 770 that is defined within the connector housing 315 (see at least FIG. 7C). In at least one example embodiment, with the secondary lid assembly 700 installed on the base 105, the secondary lid 740, the transverse wall 320 and the intermediate wall 325 collectively define the secondary storage area 780 (see at least FIGS. 7A, 7G and 7H). In at least one example embodiment, the secondary storage area 780 is smaller in volume than the primary storage area 300, as the primary storage area 300 is for holding and protecting contains at least one of the consumer products, and the secondary storage area 780 is for holding one or more spent consumer products (e.g., consumer products following consumption). In at least another example embodiment, the secondary storage area 780 is a same size, or a larger size, than the primary storage area 300.

In at least one example embodiment, the stubs 710 are substantially cylindrical in shape (see FIGS. 7E and 7F), and the bore 770 has a horizontal cross-section that is a polygon shape (FIG. 7D), from an entrance 767 to a floor 765 of the bore 770 (a consistent horizontal cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7G). In at least one example embodiment, the horizontal cross-section of the bore 710 is a hexagon shape. In at least another example embodiment, the horizontal cross-section of the bore 710 is another shape, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, etc. In at least one example embodiment, a polygon shape of the bore 770 allows open spaces 769 to exist between walls 772 of the connector housing 315 and sides of the stub 710 (FIG. 7D), such that the walls 772 can grip and slightly compress the stub 710 (via a “compression fitting”), while providing some give and freedom of movement for the stubs 710. In at least one example embodiment, the open spaces 769 reduce a necessary grip force for connecting the secondary lid assembly 700 to the base 105, as the polygon shape of the bore 770 allows the stub 710 to need be only moderately compressed to fit the stub 710 into the bore 770. In at least one example embodiment, an epoxy can be used to help secure the stub 710 within the bore 770, where the epoxy (not shown) can exist within the open spaces 769. In at least one example embodiment, no epoxy and/or other adhesive is necessary to ensure that the secondary lid assembly 700 is firmly affixed to the base 105 via the stubs 710.

In at least one example embodiment, the stubs 710 may include ribs 715 or other structure that define grooves 715a on an outer surface of the stubs 710 (see at least FIG. 7E). In at least one example embodiment, the walls 772 of the bore 770 of the connector housing 315 may define corresponding grooves (not shown) for interlocking and/or interfacing with the ribs 715 and/or the grooves 715a of the stubs 710. In at least one example embodiment, the ribs 715 of the stubs 710 may have a larger diameter relative to a shaft 710a of a remaining portion of the stubs 710, where the ribs 715 may be gripped or compressed during an installation of the secondary lid assembly 700 onto the base 105. In at least one example embodiment, a reduced amount of direct contact between an outer surface of the stub 710 that are cylindrically shaped, and the walls 772 of the bore 770 of the connector housing 315 that have a horizontal cross-section with a polygon shape, allow the walls 772 to squeeze and deform the sides of the stub 710 and/or the sides of the ribs 715 without an undue amount of required force to insert the stub 710 into the connector housing 315.

In at least one example embodiment, a top portion of the stub 710 defines a surface 774 that is inclined or curved to bevel a circumference of the top portion (see FIG. 7C). In at least one example embodiment, the surface 774 allows the stub 710 to be more easily inserted into the bore 770 (FIG. 7G) during an installation of the secondary lid assembly 700 onto the base 105.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 includes two of the stubs 710 (see at least FIG. 7E). In at least another example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 includes only one of the stubs 710, or three or more of the stubs 710 (not shown).

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 includes an anchoring panel 725 (FIG. 7E) that fits against a bottom surface 330a of the raised floor 330 (FIG. 7G) during an installation of the secondary lid assembly 700. In at least one example embodiment, a first angled surface 745 of the anchoring panel 725 (FIG. 7E) fits against a second angled surface 737 that is defined by the base 105 (FIG. 7G), while a ledge 735 of the anchoring panel 725 rests against a lower edge 795 of the sidewalls 110 (FIG. 7G) to firmly hold the anchoring panel 725 in place during the installation of the secondary lid assembly 700 on the base 105. In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid 740 defines an angled surface 720 that allows the secondary lid 740 to freely open and close without contacting the intermediate wall 325 (see FIGS. 7A and 7E).

In at least one example embodiment, a hinge 797 of the secondary lid assembly 700 is a living hinge. In at least one example embodiment, the hinge 797 of the secondary lid assembly 700 and the hinge 145 of the base 105 are both living hinges that are made from a same material. In at least one example embodiment, the hinges 145/797 are made from the same material that is used to form the base 105, the primary lid 140 and a remainder of the secondary lid assembly 700.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid 740 includes a skirt 705 extending away from an interior surface 740a of the secondary lid 740 (FIG. 7E). In at least one example embodiment, when the secondary lid 740 is in a closed configuration (see at least FIG. 2), the ledge 735 of the secondary lid 740 contacts the lower edge 795 of the walls 130 of the base 105 (FIG. 7G), while external surfaces of the skirt 705 extend along and/or contact interior surfaces of the walls 130 of the base 105 to help close and seal the secondary storage area 780. In at least one example embodiment, while in the closed position the skirt 705 of the secondary lid 740 may contact end surfaces 775a of one or more blocks 775 defined within the secondary storage area 780 (FIG. 7G) to ensure that the secondary lid 740 cannot be pushed irretrievably into the secondary storage area 780.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 includes a catch 730 that extends away from the interior surface 740a of the secondary lid 740. In at least one example embodiment, the catch 730 defines a first surface 750 that faces away from the hinge 797 of the secondary lid assembly 700. In at least one example embodiment, the catch 730 also defines a second surface 755 that is an angled surface that also faces away from the hinge 797. In at least one example embodiment, the catch 730 defines a projection 760 between the first surface 750 and the second surface 755, where a step 757 is defined by virtue of the projection 760 extending away from the first surface 750. In at least one example embodiment, when the secondary lid 740 is in the closed position, a slot 785 defined by the end wall 120 (FIG. 7G) is capable of retaining at least a portion of the projection 760 and the step 757 to restrain (lock) the secondary lid 740 from being inadvertently opened. In at least one example embodiment, while in the closed position, the contact surface 210 of the secondary lid 740 fits into a cutout 790 defined by the end wall 120 (see at least FIGS. 7G and 9), where the contact surface 210 provides leverage for the secondary lid 740 to be more easily opened.

In at least one example embodiment, the secondary lid assembly 700 is made from the same materials that are used for the base 105 and the primary lid 140, and described herein. In at least one example embodiment, and as described in further detail herein, the container 100 is manufactured such that the secondary lid assembly 700 is one (first) seamless body of material and the base 105 and the primary lid 140 are one (second) seamless body of material.

FIGS. 8-9 are illustrations of perspective views of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 10A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view IX-IX of FIG. 9) of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 10B is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 10A, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 10C is an illustration of a cross-section view (view IX-IX of FIG. 9) of the container 100, with an overwrapping material applied to the container, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIGS. 10D and 10E are illustrations of a barrier material on the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position, the exterior surface 140a of the primary lid 140 has a higher elevation (vertical height) than the upper edge 125 of the base 105. In at least one example embodiment, a height difference 800 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between the exterior surface 140a of the primary lid 140 and the upper edge 125 of the base 105 is about 0.5 mm to 3.00 mm, or about 0.6 mm to 2.00 mm, or about 0.8 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, the primary lid 140 forms an effective water/vapor seal with the base 105 to protect the contents of the primary storage area 300 from water and/or ambient air, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 10B, the ledge 500 of the base 105 defines a ridge 1010 along an upper surface of the ledge 500 (also see FIGS. 11 and 12). In at least one example embodiment, the ridge 1010 seamless exists along an upper perimeter of the base 105 of the primary storage area 300 (see at least FIGS. 11 and 12), where the base 105 meets the primary lid 140. Specifically, in at least one example embodiment, the ridge 1010 extends along the ledge 500 of the sidewalls 110 and the end walls 120, and the ridge 1010 extends along a ledge 1100 that is on a top surface of the receptacle walls 350. In at least one example embodiment, the ridge 1010 has a vertical cross-section with an upper surface that is convex in shape (see FIG. 10B). In at least one example embodiment, the upper surface of the vertical cross-section defines a peak 1010a with sloped sides 1010b. In at least one example embodiment, the sloped sides 1010b are symmetrical relative to the peak 1010a.

In at least one example embodiment, an upper portion of a bridge 1210 of the base defines the ledge 1100 (FIGS. 11 and 12). In at least one example embodiment, the ledge 1100 on the upper portion of the bridge 1210 does not define the ridge 1010, as the ridge 1010 only exists along the immediate perimeter of the primary storage area 300, where the primary lid 140 contacts the base 105.

In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position, the ledge 510 of the primary lid 140 directly contacts the ridge 1010 (and/or the peak 1010a of the ridge 1010), as first exterior side surfaces 1050 of the primary lid 140 run along first interior side surfaces 1060 of an upper portion of the walls 130 of the base 105, and second exterior side surfaces 1080 of the skirt 335 run along second interior side surfaces 1070 of the walls 130 of the base 105 (see FIG. 10B in particular). In at least one example embodiment, the upper edge 125 of the walls 130, the ledge 510 and the skirt 335 of the primary lid 140, and the ledge 500 and the ridge 1010 of the walls 130 of the base 105 form a tortuous path 1020 that seals the primary storage area 300. In at least one example embodiment, the segment 335a (FIG. 3) of the skirt 335 of the primary lid 140 also forms the tortuous path 1020 with the ledge 1100 and the ridge 1010 on an upper portion of the receptacle walls 350 (FIG. 12). In at least one example embodiment, the tortuous path 1020 seamlessly exists around a perimeter of the primary storage area 300, where the primary lid 140 meets the base 105.

In at least one example embodiment, a first gap 1030 exists between the first interior side surfaces 1060 and the first exterior side surfaces 1050, and a second gap 1040 exists between the second interior side surfaces 1070 and the second exterior side surfaces 1080. In at least one example embodiment, the first gap 1030 and the second gap 1040 of the tortuous path 1020 can be in a range of about 0.01 mm to 0.4 mm, or about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, or about 0.03 mm. In at least one example embodiment, the first gap 1030 and the second gap 1040 of the tortuous path 1020 can be negligible and/or zero, as the first exterior side surfaces 1050 and the first interior side surfaces 1060 can be directly contacting each other, and the second interior side surfaces 1070 and the second exterior side surfaces 1080 can also be directly contacting each other, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position. In at least one example embodiment, the tortuous path 1020 mitigates attempts at “prying” and/or “picking” open the primary lid 140 of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the tortuous path 1020 mitigates water and/or vapor infiltration of the primary storage area 300, as described herein.

In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 10C, a barrier material 1000 is applied to at least some of the outer surfaces of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 fully encompasses the outer surfaces of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 can be applied to the container 100 following a manufacturing of the container 100, once the container 100 contains one or more of the consumer products. In at least one example embodiment, a tight fit of the barrier material 1000, in conjunction with the exterior surface 140a of the primary lid 140 being above the upper edge 125 of the sidewalls 130 (see FIGS. 8, 10A, 10B and 10C), can cause the ridge 1010 to act as an anvil for the ledge 510 of the primary lid 140, as the barrier material 1000 can provide an external force (hoop force) 1090 that presses the ledge 510 of the primary lid 140 down onto a top portion of the ridge 1010. In at least one example embodiment, the peak 1010a of the ridge 1010 (as shown in FIG. 10B) is rounded to ensure that the ledge 510 makes direct contact with the ridge 1010. In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 is a “shrink wrap” material, or another suitable type of material that shrinks and/or adheres to the container 100, especially following an application of heat and/or light after the barrier material 1000 covers the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 includes one or more layers of material that is relatively loosely fitted over the container 100, where the barrier material 1000 is heated to activate and/or “shrink” the barrier material 1000 to cause the barrier material 1000 to adhere to and compress the outer surfaces of the container 100 to provide a greater external force 1090 (FIG. 10C). In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 is a stretch wrap material that can be stretched over the container 100 to apply the external force 1090, either with or without an application of heat. Other means of adhering the barrier material 100 to the container 100 are contemplated.

In at least one example embodiment, and as shown in at least FIGS. 10D and 10E, the barrier material 1000 is not fully applied to all outer surfaces of the container 100. Specifically, and in at least one example embodiment, a distal end 1000a of the barrier material 1000 may extend to a portion of a top of the container 100 (as shown in FIG. 10D) and a portion of a bottom of the container 100 (FIG. 10E), where the barrier material 1000 does not fully cover all outer surfaces of the primary lid 140 and/or the exterior surface 230 on the bottom of the container 100. In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 covers all side surfaces of the container 100 (as shown in at least FIG. 10C) and may fulfill a tamper-resistance purpose for the container 100, and the barrier material 1000 covers some but not all of the top and bottom surfaces of the container 100 (as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E). In at least one example embodiment, the barrier material 1000 covers all outer surfaces of the container 100, other than central portions of the top and bottom surfaces of the container 100 (as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E). In at least one example embodiment, a reduction in a quantity of the barrier material 1000 may be realized by not fully covering all outer surfaces of the container 100 with the barrier material 1000.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the base 105 of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIGS. 12-15 are illustrations of close-up views of a top portion of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIGS. 16-18 are illustrations of close-up views of the bottom portion of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIGS. 19-23 are illustrations of close-up views of the flexible member of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 24 is an illustration of a close-up view of the flexible member in the receptacle 350 of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIGS. 25-27 are illustrations of close-up views of the flexible member 160 in the recess 180 of the container 100, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 28A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), with the primary lid 140 in a position where it is beginning to be closed, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 28B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 28C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), with a portion of the flexible member 160 being disengaged to open the primary lid 140, in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG. 28D is an illustration of another cross-sectional view (view XXV-XXV of FIG. 25), in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the locking mechanism 190 includes the flexible member 160 (see FIGS. 19-23) and structure 1220 of the base 105 that define the receptacle 180 (see FIGS. 11-18). In at least one example embodiment, the structure 1220 of the base 105 that defines the receptacle 180 includes the bridge 1210, the shelves 1215 and the receptacle walls 350 (see FIGS. 11-13). In at least one example embodiment, the locking mechanism 190 includes contact surfaces 1600 (FIGS. 16 and 17) that contact and restrain at least a part of the flexible member 160, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position on the base 105 and the flexible member 160 is restrained in the locked position (see the locked position in at least FIGS. 24, 25 and 28B). In at least one example embodiment, the contact surfaces 1600 include a lower surface 1210a of the bridge 1210 and interior surfaces 1215a of the shelves 1215.

In at least one example embodiment, the exterior surface 410 of the flexible member 160 defines a frame 1920, with inset portions 1925 on either side of the frame 1920 (see at least FIG. 19). In at least one example embodiment, the exterior surface 410 further defines a step 1905 (see FIGS. 19-21) above at least a portion of the frame 1920. In at least one example embodiment, the exterior surface 410 defines arcuate surfaces 1915 at a transition between the frame 1920 and a surface 400a of the indentation 400. In at least one example embodiment, the exterior surface 410 further defines an angled surface 1930 (see at least FIGS. 19-21).

In at least one example embodiment, when the primary lid 140 is being transitioned from an opened position to the closed position (see FIG. 28A), the angled surface 1930 of the flexible member 160 slightly contacts an angled surface 1210b of the bridge 1210. In at least one example embodiment, because the angled surface 1930 and the angled surface 1210b are nearly parallel to each other in the partially closed position of the primary lid 140 (as shown in FIG. 28A), a slight amount of added pressure is required to fully close the primary lid 140. In at least one example embodiment, as the added pressure is applied to the primary lid 140 in a first direction 2800 (FIG. 28A), where the first direction is a substantially downward direction, the flexible member 160 will flex slightly in a second direction 2810 (FIG. 28A). In at least one example embodiment, the second direction 2810 is toward the hinge 145 (see at least FIG. 7A). In at least one example embodiment, with the flexible member 160 flexing in the second direction 2810, the flexible member 160 pivots to a flexed position 2830 (FIG. 28A), where in the flexed position 2830 the flexible member 160 is at an angle 2820 that deviates from normal, relative to the interior surface 140b of the primary lid 140. In at least one example embodiment, the angle 2820 is in a range of about 5 -25 degrees, or about 10-20 degrees, or about 15 degrees.

In at least one example embodiment, once the primary lid 140 is fully pressed down in the closed position with the flexible member 160 retained within the recess 180, the flexible member 160 resorts back to the relaxed position (see FIG. 28B), where the flexible member 160 is normal (perpendicular) with the interior surface 140b of the lid 140. In at least one example embodiment, with the primary lid 140 in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 28B), the flexible member 160 is in the relaxed position (at rest), with no tension on the flexible member 160. In at least one example embodiment, with the primary lid 140 in the closed position, the step 1905 of the flexible member 160 is retained by the lower surface 1210a of the bridge 1210 (FIG. 28B), as the inset portions 1925 of the exterior surface 410 of the flexible member 160 come to rest against, or near, the interior surfaces 1215a of the base 105 (FIG. 25), while the frame 1920 of the flexible member 160 extends outward beyond the interior surfaces 1215a (FIGS. 24 and 25). In at least one example embodiment, depending on manufacturing tolerances of the flexible member 160 and the base 105, a gap 2510 may exist between side surfaces 1920a of the frame 1920 and end surfaces 1215b of the shelves 1215 of the base 105 (FIG. 25). In at least one example embodiment, the gap 2510 is about 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm, or about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, or about 0.75 mm. In at least one example embodiment, the gap 2510 is negligible, or zero. In at least one example embodiment, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position, the frame 1920 of the flexible member 160 extends beyond the interior surfaces 1215a of the base 105, and the side surfaces 1920a of the flexible member 160 fit between the end surfaces 1215b of the shelves 1215, where the shelves 1215 effectively ensure that the frame 1920 is centered and in a proper orientation within the recess 180 (see FIGS. 24 and 25). In at least one example embodiment, a gap 2300 exists between the interior surface 360 of the flexible member 160 and an external edge 335a1 of the skirt segment 335a (see at least FIG. 23). In at least one example embodiment, the gap 2300 is wide enough to allow the back receptacle wall 350a to fit within the gap 2300, when the primary lid 140 is in the closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, a gap 2500 exists between the interior surface 360 of the flexible member 160 and a front surface 350a1 of the back receptacle wall 350a that is adjacent to the flexible member 160 (see FIGS. 25 and 28B). In at least one example embodiment, the gap 2300 (FIG. 23) is larger than the gap 2500 (FIG. 25). In at least one example embodiment, the gap 2500 provides a clearance for the flexible member 160 to flexed into the flexed position 2830 (as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28C) to re-open the primary lid 140 from the closed position. In particular, and in at least one example embodiment, the primary lid 140 is re-opened by first pushing on the angled surface 1930 of the flexible member 160 in a first direction (inward direction) 2840 so that the step 1905 can clear the lower surface 1210a of the bridge 1210 (see FIG. 28C), followed by pushing the angled surface 1930 in a second direction (upward direction) 2850 so that the distal end 340 of the flexible member 160 is pushed through the recess 180 and out the opening 310 (see FIG. 28C).

In at least one example embodiment, the front surface 350a1 of the back receptacle wall 350a can include a beveled surface 350c and/or the interior surface 360 of the flexible member 160 can include a beveled surface 160a (FIG. 28D). In at least one example embodiment, the beveled surfaces 350c/160a can ensure that the flexible member 160 is able to be flexed in the first direction 2840 to a degree that will free the step 1905 from being restrained by the bridge 1210, while reducing the gap 2500 that is necessary to provide the flexible member 160 with a necessary freedom of movement to open the primary lid 140.

Application no. Ser. No. 17/389,553, filed Jul. 30, 2021 and entitled “Package with Locking Mechanism including Flexible Member having First Segment and Second Segment, and Container with Flexible Tab,” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In at least one example embodiment, the container may include any of the features of the example embodiments described herein and/or any of the features of the example embodiments of application no. Ser. No. 17/389,553. While various example embodiments are discussed separately, it is understood that the example embodiments may be combined in different ways. For example, locking mechanisms of two or more example embodiments (e.g., first and second, second and third, third and fourth, fourth and fifth, fifth and sixth, second and fourth, second and fifth, second and sixth, third and first, third and fifth, third and sixth, first and fourth, second and fourth, fourth and sixth, first and fifth, first and sixth, etc.) may be combined in a single container and/or portions of the locking mechanisms of two or more example embodiments may be combined. Further, the locking mechanisms of the example embodiments may be included on one or more of the side walls and/or end walls of the container and/or package. In at least one example embodiment, multiple locking mechanisms may be included on a single side wall and/or end wall of the container or package. In some example embodiments, locking mechanisms as described herein may be on opposing walls or on adjacent walls. Further, a number of the locking mechanisms per package may be varied.

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.