Container with Sliding Cover

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/343,258 filed on May 18, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/395,010 filed on Aug. 4, 2022. Both related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of packaging and more particularly to a package having a cover movable to access or dispense the comestible products stored therein.

Comestible products including confections, such as chewing gum and hard candies for example, are available to consumers in a variety of different formats. For example, chewing gum is available as stick gum, slab gum, pellet gum, extruded gum, and others. A variety of types of packaging also exist, including certain types of packaging used predominately for a specific format of such comestible products.

Packaging for comestible products is important not only to the storage of the comestible products, but also to the marketing thereof. In a package containing more than one type of comestible product, it is desirable to allow a user to easily remove a desired number and type of pieces of comestible product therefrom. Further, it may be desirable to maintain the different types of comestible products separately within the package even after several comestible products have been removed.

According to an embodiment, a container for holding a comestible includes a container body defining a container cavity and a first cover positionable on the container body. The first cover includes a first opening and a second opening in communication with the container cavity. A second cover is engagable with an upper surface of the first cover. The second cover is moveable relative to the first cover to expose the first opening in a first dispensing position and to expose the second opening in a second dispensing position.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover is movable relative to the first cover in a first direction to expose the first opening and the second cover is movable relative to the second cover in a second direction to expose the second opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second direction is opposite the first direction.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first opening is diametrically opposite the second opening about the first cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover is positionable relative to the first cover in a neutral position and in the neutral position, the second cover seals the first opening and the second opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the first cover and the second cover further comprises at least one stopper extending towards the other of the first cover and the second cover, the at least one stopper being configured to restrict unintentional movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the other of the first cover and the second cover further comprises a lip extending therefrom, the lip being engagable with the at least one stopper to restrict the unintentional movement of the second cover from the neutral position.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover further comprises at least one wall extending from a lower surface, wherein a configuration of the at least one wall is identical to the first opening, the at least one wall being substantially aligned with the first opening when the second cover is in the neutral position.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one wall abuts the upper surface of the first cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a divider arranged within the container cavity to form a first compartment and a second compartment, the first opening being coupled to the first compartment and the second opening being coupled to the second compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover is slidable relative to the first cover along a path of movement oriented perpendicular to the divider.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the first cover and the second cover further comprises an indicator representative of a parameter of the comestible receivable within the first compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the container cavity further comprises a third compartment and the container body further comprises a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments including a guide structure disposed on an upper surface of the first cover, the second cover being engageable with the guide structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the guide structure defines at least one end position along a path of movement of the second cover relative to the first cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the guide structure further comprises a first guide and second guide oriented parallel to the first guide, at least one of the first guide and the second guide having a foot arranged at an end thereof, wherein the foot defines the at least one end position along the path of movement of the second cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover further comprises a lip extending therefrom, the lip being slidably engagable with the foot.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second cover is slidably engageable with the guide structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the guide structure further comprises a first guide and second guide oriented parallel to the first guide and the second cover further comprises a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion extending from a lower surface of the second cover, the first guide protrusion being slidably engagable with the first guide and the second guide protrusion being slidably engagable with the second guide.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion includes an inward-facing portion such that a channel is formed between the second cover and the inward-facing portion, and at least one of the first guide and the second guide further comprise an outward-facing flange, the outward-facing flange being arranged within the channel.

According to an embodiment, a container for holding a comestible includes a container body defining a container cavity having at least a first compartment and a second compartment formed therein. A guide structure extends from the container body and a cover is movably coupled to the container body via the guide structure. The cover is movable to a first dispensing position to access the first compartment and being movable to a second dispensing position to access the second compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the container body includes a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover further comprises a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being aligned with the first opening in the first dispensing position and second notch being aligned with the second opening in the second dispensing position.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the container cavity further comprises a third compartment and the container body includes a third opening in communication with the third compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the container body includes at least one sidewall and at least one of the first opening and the second opening is formed in the at least one sidewall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover includes a first portion and a second portion arranged at an angle to the first portion, wherein the second portion selectively seals the at least one of the first opening and the second opening formed in the at least one sidewall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the guide structure is located at the at least one sidewall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the guide structure is located at a different surface of the container body or of the cover than the at least one sidewall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising an inner cover positionable on the container body, the first cover including a first opening in communication with the first compartment and a second opening in communication with the second compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a portion of the guide structure is arranged at the inner cover.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

With reference now to, an exemplary containeris illustrated. As shown. the containerincludes a tray or container body, a first or inner coveraffixable to the container body, and a second or outer covermovable relative to the container bodyand the first cover. The container bodyincludes an open end, a closed bottom, and one or more sidewallsextending from the bottomto define a hollow container cavityof the container body. Although only two sidewalls are visible in the, it should be understood that any suitable number of sidewalls, such as four sidewalls () are within the scope of the disclosure. With the first coverremoved, the cavityis openable to ambient environment at the open endvia an opening. In an exemplary embodiment, an outer surface of the bottomhas a generally planar configuration for positioning the package on a flat surface, such as a countertop. Although the container bodyis illustrated as being generally square in shape with curved or rounded corners, it should be understood that a container bodyhaving another shape, such as a circular, triangular, or rectangular base for example, is contemplated herein.

A plurality of consumable products, such as gum, candy, chocolates and other comestibles or confections may be arranged within the container cavityof the container body. The plurality of consumable products within the container cavitymay be substantially identical, or alternatively, may be different. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one divideris arranged within the hollow cavityof the container bodyto separate the container cavityinto a plurality of distinct compartments. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of, a dividerextends from an inner surface of the bottomof the container body, between a first sidewalland a second, opposite sidewall(see). As a result, a first compartmentis arranged adjacent a first side of the dividerand a second compartmentis arranged adjacent a second, opposite side of the divider. The dividermay be arranged at a center of the container cavitysuch that the first compartmentand the second compartmentare substantially equal in size. However, in other embodiments the plurality of compartments,may vary in size.

Further, in other embodiments, the container cavitymay be separated by multiple dividers into a plurality of compartments. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in, the container bodyincludes a first dividerand a second divider, separated from one another such that the container cavityhas three distinct compartments,, and. It should be understood that a container cavityhaving any number of dividersis within the scope of the disclosure.

In embodiments that include multiple compartments, a consumable product may be arranged within some or all of the compartments. As best shown in, a first consumable product, such as having a first flavor for example, may be arranged within a first compartmentand a second consumable product, such as having a second flavor for example, may be arranged within a second compartment. In such embodiments, the consumable products,within the plurality of compartments may be the same type of consumable product, or alternatively, may be different types of consumable products. In an embodiment, the flavor of the consumable products within the plurality of compartments, such as the first flavor of the first consumable productsand the second flavor of the second consumable products, may be substantially the same; however, an intensity of the flavor of the products within one of the compartments may be different, for example greater, than the intensity of the flavor of the products within another of the plurality of compartments.

As is noted above, the containerincludes the second coverthat is movably mounted to the container bodyto selectively provide access to at least a portion of the hollow container cavity. In embodiments where the container cavityincludes a plurality of compartments, such as compartmentsandfor example, the covermay be movable, as will be described in more detail below, to selectively provide access to each of the plurality of compartments,, individually.

The first cover or inner cover, best shown in, is affixed to the container bodyin overlapping arrangement with the first open endthereof. The size and shape of the inner covermay be generally complementary to the open endof the container body. In an embodiment, as best shown in, a ridge or connectormay protrude or extend from a first surfaceof the inner covertowards the container body. The connectormay be arranged about the substantial entirety of the perimeter of the inner coverand is configured to contact a surface of the at least one sidewallof the container body. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, an exterior of the connectoris configured to abut an interior surface of the at least one sidewallsuch as to form a press-fit or snap-fit connection between the inner coverand the container body. In such embodiments, the connectormay include at least one gap or breakformed therein, such as a pair of breaksfor example, within which the divideris receivable when the inner coveris coupled to the container body. The first covermay be unitary with the container body, otherwise permanently affixed to the container body, or removably affixed to the container bodyas shown in the exemplary embodiments of the Figures.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of, the first coverhas at least one opening formed therein, and in embodiments where the container bodyhas a plurality of separate compartments, the first coverhas one or more openings associated with each of the plurality of compartments,. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the inner coverincludes a first openingassociated with and in vertical alignment with the first compartmentand a second openingassociated with and in vertical alignment with the second compartment

In an exemplary embodiment, the inner coverhas an indicatorpositioned at or near at least one of the openings,to indicate to a user one or more parameters of the products arranged within a corresponding compartment of the cavity. For example, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a word indicating the flavor of the products within each compartment,is positioned adjacent each opening,, and may be formed in a second, upper surfaceof the inner cover(see). However, it should be understood that another type of indicator, such as a symbol, color, or other marking for example, arranged at any suitable location is contemplated herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the indicator need not be limited to the cover, and alternatively or additionally may be arranged at any suitable location, including on the container bodyand the outer cover.

Although the first openingis arranged closest to a first sidewallof the container bodyand the second openingis arranged closest to a second sidewallof the container body, such that the openings,are diametrically opposite one another, embodiments where the first openingand the second openingare axially or otherwise aligned relative to a sidewallare also contemplated herein. Further, it should be understood that the size and shape of the at least one opening,is selected based on the product located within the adjacent compartment,of the hollow cavity. the product being configured to pass through the opening,. The first openingand the second openingare shown as being substantially identical in size and shape; however, embodiments where the configuration of the openings,vary are also contemplated herein.

In an exemplary embodiment of, the upper surfaceof the inner coverincludes a guide structureconfigured to cooperate with the second cover, also referred to herein as the outer cover, to define a path of movement of the coverrelative to the container body. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the guide structureincludes a first guideand a second guidespaced apart and oriented generally parallel to one another, and in some embodiments perpendicularly to the divider. In an embodiment, the guide structureis generally H-shaped. Further, a footmay be arranged at one or both ends of the first guideand the second guide, respectively. These feetare configured to face inwardly towards the opposite guide,, and may function as a stop to define at least one end position along the path of movement of the coverrelative to the container body, as will be described in more detail below. The guide structureillustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and it should be understood that a guide structure having another suitable configuration is also within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, it should be understood that in other embodiments all or at least a portion of the guide structuremay be mounted to another component of the container. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in, the guide structureis located at at least one surface of the container body. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a portion of the guide structure, such as one or more guides, or alternatively, a first guide structureis arranged at an exterior surface of a first sidewall. Similarly, a portion of a guide structure, such as one or more guides, or alternatively, a second guide structureis arranged at an exterior surface of a second sidewall. As shown, the first and second guide structures,are substantially identical. However, embodiments where a configuration of the multiple guide structuresvary are also contemplated herein.

With reference to, a portion of a first or lower surfaceof the coveris illustrated in more detail. As shown, the lower surfaceof the second coverhas a lipformed about at least a portion of its periphery and extending towards the inner cover. In an embodiment, at least one wallhaving a configuration substantially identical to an adjacent opening,formed the inner covermay extend from the lower surfaceof the second covertowards the inner cover. When the coveris centered relative to the container bodyand substantially aligned with the inner cover, also referred to herein as the neutral position, the wallextending from the coveris vertically aligned with a border of a respective opening,. In some embodiments, the at least one wallmay abut the upper surfaceof the inner coveror may be substantially proximate thereto such that a minimal axial space is formed between the walland the inner coveradjacent to the openings,. Although the at least one wallis illustrated and described herein as extending from the lower surfaceof the outer cover, it should be understood that in other embodiments the at least one wallmay extend from any suitable surface of the outer coverfacing toward and in alignment with the opening.

In an embodiment, a surface of the outer cover, such as the lower surfacefor example, additionally includes at least one guide protrusion arranged in engagement with the guide structure. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the coverincludes a first guide protrusionand a second guide protrusionarranged parallel to and spaced from the first guide protrusion(see). A surface of each of the first guide protrusionand the second guide protrusionis slidably engagable with a surface of each of the first guideand the second guideof the inner cover, respectively. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, an inner surface of each guide protrusion,is arranged in contact with an outer surface of a respective guide,. However, in other embodiments, the outer surface of each guide protrusion,may be arranged in contact with an inner surface of a respective guide,.

With reference now to, an example of the interface between the guides,and the guide protrusions,is illustrated in more detail. It should be understood that the clearances shown between components in the FIG. are exaggerated for enhanced clarity. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, each of the first guideand the second guidehas an outward-facing flange, such as at a distal end thereof. Similarly, each of the first and second guide protrusions,has an inward-facing portionwhich creates an under-cut channelbetween the interior surfaceof the coverand the inward facing portion. As shown, the outwardly facing flangesare receivable within the channel. For example, the outwardly facing flangesmay snap, slide, or otherwise move into and engage the channelsto create an interference fit while still allowing sliding movement between the guide protrusions,and the guides,.

It should be understood that the interface between the guide structureand the second coverillustrated and described herein is intended as an example only and that any suitable interface is contemplated herein. For example, in an embodiment, best shown in, the guide structuremay include a single guide having a T-shaped flange engaged with the inward-facing portionsof both the first and second guide protrusions,. In other embodiments, the first and second guide protrusions,may have outward-facing portions and the first guideand the second guidemay have inward-facing flanges engaged with the outward facing portions, respectively. Alternatively, one of the second coverand the guide structureincludes at least one groove and the other of the second coverand the guide structurehas at least one protrusion receivable within the at least one groove. Any configuration that allows the second coverto move relative to the first coveror the container bodyin a controlled manner to access the first and second openings,is within the scope of the disclosure.