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United States Patent Application	20090014457
Kind Code	A1
Bennett; Kyle M.	January 15, 2009

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Claims

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1. A container system comprising:a receptacle configured to hold wipes and having an open first end and a closed second end, the receptacle being formed of a metal material; anda closure having a base portion and a cover portion, the base portion being coupled to the open first end of the receptacle, the closure being formed of a plastic material, the cover portion being selectively movable relative the base portion between an open position and a closed position,wherein a first hermetic seal is provided between the cover portion and the base portion, and wherein a second hermetic seal is provided between the receptacle and the closure.

2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the closure is fixedly coupled to the open first end of the receptacle.

3. The container system of claim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least a friction-fit.

4. The container system of claim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least an interference-fit.

5. The container system of claim 2, wherein the coupling of the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle is provided by at least an adhesive-fit.

6. The container system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a body portion and a neck portion, the neck portion being at the open first end and being offset inwardly relative to the body portion.

7. The container system of claim 6, wherein the base portion of the closure includes skirt extending downwardly that at least partially conceals the neck portion and provides a visually continuous transition between the body portion and the closure.

8. The container system of claim 7, wherein the skirt is integrally formed with the base portion as a one-piece unitary body.

9. The container system of claim 7, wherein the skirt is provided as part of a collar that is formed separate from the base portion.

10. The container system of claim 9, wherein the collar includes a flange provided at an upper first end of the skirt and extending substantially perpendicular to the skirt, a lower second end of the skirt being provided adjacent to the receptacle, the flange being coupled directly to the base portion.

11. The container system of claim 10, wherein the lower second end of the skirt is contoured to substantially conform to the receptacle.

12. The container system of claim 7, wherein the neck includes a surface inwardly inclined relative to the body and a lip provided at the open first end.

13. The container system of claim 12, wherein a first portion of the closure is provided at an outer side of the surface and a second portion of the closure is provided at an inner side of the surface.

14. The container system of claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the base portion about a hinge.

15. The container system of claim 14, wherein the hinge is a living hinge and the lid is integrally formed with the base portion as a one-piece unitary body.

16. The container system of claim 1, wherein the metal material is an aluminum material.

17. A wipe container system comprising:a receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end, the receptacle being formed of an aluminum material;a plurality of wipes stowed with the receptacle; anda closure having a base portion and a lid portion, the base portion being coupled to the open first end of the base, the closure being formed of a plastic material,wherein the lid portion of the closure releasably engages the base portion to provide a hermetically sealed environment for the wipes.

18. The container system of claim 17, wherein the wipes are at least partially saturated with a fluid.

19. The container system of claim 17, wherein the lid portion includes a first latching element and the base portion includes a second latching element, the first latching element includes one of a groove and a projection, the second latching element includes the other of the groove and the projection, the groove includes a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall, at least one or the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral being flexible, the first peripheral wall includes an indention and a protrusion, the projection has a width greater than a distance between the protrusion and the second peripheral wall, engagement of the first latching element with the second latching element provides the hermetic seal.

20. A method of providing a hermetically sealed container for holding wipes, the method comprising:providing a receptacle formed of an aluminum material, the receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end;providing a closure formed of plastic, the closure having a base portion and a lid portion;coupling the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle; andproviding a first hermetic seal between the lid portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal between the receptacle and the closure.

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Description

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BACKGROUND

[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to a container system configured to hold a product. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a container system capable of providing a hermetically sealed environment for a product stored within the container system. The present disclosure also relates to a container system configured to hold wipes within a hermetically sealed environment, such as wipes that are at least partially saturated with a liquid solution (i.e., wet wipes).

[0002]Conventional wipe container systems exist for holding both dry and wet wipes. The wipes may be used as baby wipes, household sanitizing wipes, moisturizing wipes, personal cleansing wipes, and wipes for other general purposes. Conventional wipe container systems are usually formed entirely of a plastic material and include a container portion for storing wipes and a lid portion. The lid portion is often formed separate from the container portion and subsequently attached thereto. Generally, the lid portion can be positioned in an open position to allow access to the wipes, or the lid portion may be placed in a closed position relative to the container portion to provide an enclosed environment for the wipes. The wipes are placed within the container portion, where they can be accessed by either lifting the lid portion or removed through a hole within the lid portion. Having to design and/or manufacture both a container portion and a lid portion formed of a plastic material and made specifically for a wipe container system may be relatively expensive and/or labor intensive. Also, container systems formed entirely from a plastic material may be more difficult to recycle and/or dispose of after use than container systems formed of one or more other materials.

[0003]Thus, there is a need for a container system having a container portion and a lid portions formed of different materials that are chosen to reduce manufacturing costs and/or provide a more desirable product for the end user. There is also a need for an improved container system that is relatively inexpensive and convenient (e.g., simple-to-use, simple-to-store, etc.) for a user. There is further a need for an improved container system capable of containing wipes that are at least partially saturated with a liquid solution in a hermetically sealed environment. There is also a need for an improved container system that is capable of being more suitably stored in places of limited size such as purses, briefcases, backpacks, vehicle storage compartments, diaper bags or the like. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a container system capable of accomplishing any one or more of these or any other needs.

SUMMARY

[0004]An exemplary embodiment relates to a container system. The container system includes a receptacle configured to hold wipes and has an open first end and a closed second end. The receptacle is formed of a metal material. The container system also includes a closure having a base portion and a cover portion. The base portion is coupled to the open first end of the receptacle. The closure is formed of a plastic material. The cover portion is selectively movable relative the base portion between an open position and a closed position. A first hermetic seal is provided between the cover portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal is provided between the receptacle and the closure.

[0005]Another exemplary embodiment relates to a wipe container system. The container system includes a receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end. The receptacle is formed of an aluminum material. The container system also includes a plurality of wipes stowed with the receptacle and a closure having a base portion and a lid portion. The base portion is coupled to the open first end of the base. The closure is formed of a plastic material. The lid portion of the closure releasably engages the base portion to provide a hermetically sealed environment for the wipes.

[0006]Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of providing a hermetically sealed container for holding wipes. The method includes the steps of providing a receptacle formed of an aluminum material, wherein the receptacle having an open first end and a closed second end, providing a closure formed of plastic, wherein the closure having a base portion and a lid portion, coupling the base portion of the closure to the open first end of the receptacle and providing a first hermetic seal between the lid portion and the base portion and a second hermetic seal between the receptacle and the closure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container system according to an exemplary embodiment shown in an open position.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container system of FIG. 1 shown in a closed position.

[0009]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container system of FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 4 taken along a line 5-5.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover portion of the container system of FIG. 1 shown in an open position.

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover portion of FIG. 6 shown in a closed position.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a front view of the cover portion of FIG. 6 shown in the open position.

[0015]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion of FIG. 8 taken along the line 9-9.

[0016]FIG. 10 is a front view of the cover portion of FIG. 6 shown in the closed position.

[0017]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion of FIG. 10 taken along the line 11-11.

[0018]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment shown in an open position.

[0019]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container system of FIG. 12 shown in a closed position.

[0020]FIG. 14 is a front view of the container system of FIG. 13.

[0021]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 14 taken along the line 15-15.

[0022]FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 15 taken along the line 16-16.

[0023]FIG. 17 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.

[0024]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 17 taken along the line 17-17.

[0025]FIG. 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 18 taken along the line 19-19.

[0026]FIG. 20 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.

[0027]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 20 taken along the line 21-21.

[0028]FIG. 22 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 21 taken along the line 22-22.

[0029]FIG. 23 is a front view of a container system according to another exemplary embodiment and shown in a closed position.

[0030]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 23 taken along the line 24-24.

[0031]FIG. 25 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container system of FIG. 24 taken along the line 25-25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032]Referring generally to the FIGURES, a container system 100 and components thereof are shown according to exemplary embodiments. Container system 100 generally includes a container portion (e.g., bottom, second portion, base, can, etc.), shown as a receptacle 200, and a cover portion (e.g., sealing member, lid, top, first portion, etc.), shown as a closure 300. Receptacle 200 and closure 300 cooperate to provide a conveniently sized storage system suitable for holding or otherwise stowing a product.

[0033]Container system 100 advantageously combines two distinct fields (e.g., the metal can industry and the plastic closure industry, etc.) to provide a storage system that may be efficient to manufacture (e.g., cost efficient, labor efficient, etc.), convenient for a user and/or at least partially recyclable after use. In particular, container system 100 includes a receptacle that is formed of an metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.) and a closure that is formed of a plastic material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle used in container system 100 is formed of a material that is the same as or substantially similar to the material commonly used to form receptacles used to retain liquid beverages (e.g., soda, beer, juice, sport drinks, etc.), often referred to generically as an "aluminum can."

[0034]According to an exemplary embodiment, container system 100 is capable of providing a hermetically sealed environment for the product. For purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "hermetically sealed," unless expressly stated otherwise, is used broadly to refer to an airtight or substantially airtight seal. To facilitate providing such an environment, container system 100 is capable of providing at least a hermetic seal between the receptacle formed of a metal material and the closure formed of a plastic material.

[0035]According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle of container system 100 is configured to hold wipes (e.g., tissues, wetted and/or moist wipes, towelettes, towels, napkins, etc.) that are selectively dispensable through the closure by the user. The wipes may be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, personal care wipes, baby wipes, or household sanitizing wipes. The wipes may be treated with a liquid solution (e.g., at least partially saturated with the liquid solution, etc.). Such wipes may include wipes that are commonly referred to as "wet-wipes" or "towelettes." The liquid solution may be an aqueous, non-aqueous, volatile or non-volatile solution. Such solutions may be used for moisturizing, cleansing, beautifying, healing, treating, and/or any other suitable purpose. For example, the wipes may be treated with sunscreen to provide a readily easy and convenient way for a user to apply sunscreen. Alternatively, the wipes may be impregnated with a substance that is relatively dry. For example, the wipes may be impregnated with surfactants or with paraffin. Wipes impregnated with a relatively dry substance may be designed to be wetted before use or may be designed to be used in the relatively dry state. Further, for the sake of brevity the term "wipes" is used generally to describe one or more wipes.

[0036]It should be noted at the outset that while container system 100 and its components thereof are described herein as being configured to hold wipes, container system 100 is suitable for holding any of a variety of products for which it may be desirable to use a receptacle formed of a metal material in combination with a closure formed of a plastic material. For example, container system 100 may be used to hold other products including, but not limited to, liquids (e.g., carbonated or non-carbonated beverage, etc.), particulate matter (e.g., foodstuffs, fertilizer, pet food, etc.) or cosmetic substances.

[0037]Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 11 in particular, container system 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Container system 100 is shown as including a receptacle 200 and a closure 300. Container system 100 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between a first or open position (shown in FIG. 1) and a second or closed position (shown in FIG. 2) by moving closure 300 relative to receptacle 200. Receptacle 200 and closure 300 are formed separately and made of different materials. As detailed below, receptacle 200 is formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.), while closure 300 is formed of a plastic material. Receptacle 200 and closure 300 are coupled together to provide the convenient storage system for a user. For example, the combination of receptacle 200 and closure 300 may provide a storage system that is easy transportable by a user (e.g., sized to conveniently fit into a user's bag, vehicle, purse, pocket, drawer, etc.).

[0038]Before proceeding, it should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" is used broadly to mean the joining or combining of two or more members (e.g., portions, materials, components, etc.) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining or combining may be relatively stationary (e.g., fixed, etc.) in nature or movable (e.g., adjustable, etc.) in nature. Such joining or combining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (e.g., one-piece, etc.) or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining or combining may be intended to be relatively permanent in nature or alternatively may be intended to be relatively detachable or removable in nature.

[0039]Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, receptacle 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Receptacle 200 generally includes a body (e.g., central portion, etc.), shown as a cylindrical side wall 202, extending in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis between an open first or top end 204 and a closed second or bottom end 206. According to an exemplary embodiment, receptacle 200 is a one-piece unitary body formed from a single sheet of material. According to the various alternative embodiments, receptacle 200 may be formed of two or more sections that are subsequently coupled together. For example, the closed bottom end may be a separate section that gets coupled to a bottom portion of the cylindrical side wall.

[0040]Side wall 202, top end 204 and bottom end 206 cooperate to define a cavity or aperture 208 configured to retain a product. The size and shape of aperture 208 may vary depending on a number of design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, aperture 208 is configured to hold between approximately 6 ounces and approximately 36 ounces. For example, aperture 208 may be configured to hold between approximately 12 ounces and approximately 24 ounces. In particular, aperture 208 may be configured to hold approximately 14 ounces. According to the various alternative embodiments, aperture 208 may have a volume greater than or less than the ranges provided. Limiting the volume of aperture 208 allows the overall size of container system 100 to be minimized, thereby allowing container system 100 to be conveniently carried or stowed in relatively size restricted areas (e.g., pockets, purses, backpacks, etc.) by the user.

[0041]Referring to FIG. 4, bottom end 206 of receptacle 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Bottom end 206 is shown as being necked down relative to cylindrical side wall 202 to form a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is coupled at a seam or ridge to a lower periphery of cylindrical side wall 202. According to the embodiment illustrated, bottom end 206 has the profile of a truncated dome or cone with a central cavity or depression extending in an upward direction and centered about the longitudinal axis of side wall 202. The outer surfaces of bottom end 206 are shown as being non-linear (e.g., segmented, curved, etc.), but alternatively may be linear. The configuration of bottom end 206 may advantageously add rigidity to receptacle 200 and/or may allow for substantially similar container systems 100 to be stacked atop of each other when stowed (e.g., during transport, when on display, etc.). For example, bottom end 206 of a first container system 100 may be configured to engage a portion of closure 300 (as detailed below) of a second container to keep the container systems in proper alignment when stacked.

[0042]Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, top end 204 of receptacle 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Top end 204 is the portion of receptacle 200 that is configured to receive and/or be coupled to closure 300. Unlike the top end of a typical beverage can, top end 204 of receptacle 200 defines an opening that is substantially unobstructed to allow a product to be added before and/or after closure 300 is secured thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, top end 204 is shown as being necked down relative to cylindrical side wall 202 to form a shoulder portion which is coupled at a seam or ridge to a lower periphery of cylindrical side wall 202. Top end 204 may be necked down in any of a variety of configurations. For example, according to the embodiment illustrated, top end 204 extends inward in a generally linear manner until reaching an upper portion of top end 204. At the upper portion, top end 204 curves outward (e.g., is flared out, etc.) to provide a lip or rim 209 which extends continuously around the circumference of the opening. As shown in FIG. 5, and as detailed below, rim 209 engages closure 300 in a friction-fit manner to provide a hermetic seal between receptacle 200 and closure 300.

[0043]According to an exemplary embodiment, receptacle 200 is formed of an aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy. For example, receptacle 200 of container system 100 may be substantially the same as a receptacle that is used for an aluminum beverage container (e.g., soda can, beer can, etc.). This allows the manufacturer of container system 100 to reduce manufacturing costs since an already designed and/or existing receptacle may be used (i.e., one that a manufacturer of the receptacle would otherwise be manufacturing for the aluminum beverage container industry). According to the various alternative embodiments, receptacle 200 may be formed of any known or otherwise suitable metal material capable of providing a substantially rigid structure defining an aperture. For example, receptacle 200 may be made of a tin-free steel plate, a tin plated steel plate, a zinc plated steel plate, nickel plated, etc. Receptacle 200 may be made of any one of these materials (or other suitable materials) alone or in combination with another material.

[0044]Referring to FIGS. 6 through 11, closure 300 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 300 is formed of a plastic material and is configured to be coupled to the open end of receptacle 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, closure 300 is configured to be fixedly coupled to receptacle 200 in manner that is not intended to be undone by a user, but alternatively, may be configured to be selectively removable by the user. Closure 300 defines an opening through which a user can remove a product stowed within receptacle 200.

[0045]Closure 300 generally includes a base 302 (e.g., body, etc.) and a cover 304 (e.g., lid, flap, etc.). Closure 300 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between the open position (shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9) and the closed position (shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11). When in the closed position, base 302 and cover 304 cooperate to provide a hermetically sealed environment for products stowed within receptacle 200.

[0046]According to an exemplary embodiment, base 302 and cover 304 are joined by a hinge 305 (e.g. coupler, joint, etc.) for pivotal movement of cover 304 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment illustrated, hinge 305 is integrally formed with base 302 and cover 304 in an injection molding process to provide a relatively thin "web" of material extending between base 302 and cover 304. The integral formation of base 302, cover 304 and hinge 305 is intended to prevent loss or misplacement of cover 304. However, if hinge 305 fails or tears, cover 304 may still be capable of attachment over or to base 302 due to the latching mechanism detailed below.

[0047]According to the embodiment illustrated, base 302 includes an end wall 306 (e.g., platform, top portion, etc.) defining a dispensing aperture 308 (e.g. opening, hole, pattern of holes, etc.), a projection 310 extending upward therefrom at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to end wall 306, and a side wall 312 (e.g., body, peripheral surface, etc.) extending downward from end wall 306 at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to end wall 306.

[0048]End wall 306 is shown as a flange or ledge extending around the periphery of base 302 in a substantially horizontal plane. Dispensing aperture 308 is a substantially circular opening sized to allow a user to convenient remove products (e.g., wipes, etc.) stowed within receptacle 200. A wipe retention device (shown more clearly in FIG. 12) may partially obstruct aperture 308 to provide a structure intended to assist a user when attempting to remove a single wipe from receptacle 200. If used, the wipes are directed through the opening of the retention device before being removed. As a user pulls on an individual wipe, the retention device applies a force sufficient to tear or otherwise separate the wipe for use, while retaining a second wipe in the opening for convenient subsequent use.

[0049]Projection 310 surrounds aperture 308 and corresponds to a latching mechanism provided on cover 304. Projection 310 may include a lip 340, which can be located at the distal end of projection 310 as shown or intermediate projection 310. A portion of projection 310 has a width that includes lip 340. Lip 340 may include a rounded curvilinear edge extending from projection 310 as shown in FIG. 5. According to the various alternative embodiments, lip 340 may be comprised of a section with linear edges to form triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape, or may be configured in a variety of shapes combining both linear and nonlinear edges. According to further alternative embodiments, lip 340 may be formed by removing a portion of projection 310 between its distal edge and end wall 306 to which projection 310 is coupled resulting in a lip 340 that does not bulge outward from projection 310.

[0050]Side wall 312 is adapted to fit over a structure surrounding the open end of the receptacle 200 (e.g., top end 204 of receptacle 200, etc.). Side wall 312 is a generally cylindrical member, shown as a first or outer downwardly depending skirt, that is configured to be concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis of receptacle 200. Side wall 312 may include a coupling device or an attachment structure for securing the closure to an opening on a container (e.g. of a conventional type such as threads, snap-fit projections or grooves, etc.). The attachment structure may be located on an inside surface for engaging a corresponding attachment structure (e.g., guides, recesses, slots, grooves, etc.) on receptacle 200 to detachably couple the closure 300 to an open end of receptacle 200.

[0051]According to the embodiment illustrated, to facilitate securing closure 300 to receptacle 200, base 302 further includes a second or inner downwardly depending skirt 314 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 11). Skirt 314 is a generally cylindrical member spaced inward from and concentric with side wall 312. According to the embodiment illustrated, skirt 314 is shown as being substantially coplanar with projection 310. Side wall 312 and skirt 314 cooperate to define a groove 316 that is configured to receive top end 204 of receptacle 200 when closure 300 is added to receptacle 200. Referring back to FIG. 5, top end 204 of receptacle 200 is shown as being received within groove 316. According to the embodiment illustrated, the width of groove 316 and/or the diameter of side wall 312 is less than the thickness of top end 204 and/or the diameter of top end 204. Either way, a friction-fit is formed between side wall 312 and top end 204. If the width of groove 316 is less than the thickness of top end 204, then a friction fit will also be formed between top end 204 and skirt 314. This friction-fit provides a hermetic seal between receptacle 200 and closure 300.

[0052]According to an exemplary embodiment, skirt 314 is a continuous member, but alternatively may be provided intermittently around base 302. According to the embodiment illustrated, both side wall 312 and skirt 314 extend downward from base 302 in a substantially vertical direction without any projections or other coupling structures thereon. One or more of side wall 312 and skirt 314 are configured to flex slightly in response to being engaged by top end 204 of receptacle 200 to provide for the hermetic seal between receptacle 200 and closure 300.

[0053]Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, cover 304 includes an end wall 320 (e.g., platform, top portion, etc.) and a side wall 322 (e.g., skirt, peripheral surface, etc.) extending downward therefrom at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to end wall 320. Side wall 322 extends downward at an outer edge of end wall 320 and has a bottom end configured to abut end wall 306 when closure 300 is in the closed position. Side wall 322 is also shown as including an opening mechanism, shown as a thumb detail 323 (e.g., a relatively flattened portion, etc.), at a front portion of side wall 322 to assist a user when moving cover 304 into the open position. According to the various alternative embodiments, the opening mechanism may be a lever, switch, handle, or other means to facilitate engagement or disengagement of cover 304 and base 302. For example, a tab-like design may be utilized to allow the user to disengage cover 304 from base 302 using only one hand by exerting opposite forces on cover 304 and base 302.

[0054]Referring to FIG. 7 in particular, the outer surface of end wall 320 has a contour that is partially concave. According to the various alternative embodiments, the outer surface of end wall 320 may have any suitable shape or contour, including a shape or contour that is flat, rounded, cone-shaped or truncated cone-shaped, frustoconical, hemispherical, convex, etc. The outer surface of end wall 320 is further shown as including a projection (e.g., ring, ridge, rib, etc.), shown as a ledge 325 having a generally rectangular cross section. According to the embodiment illustrated, ledge 325 extends upward from an outer edge or periphery of end wall 320 to provide a generally smooth outer surface of the closure and to provide structure that tends to facilitate vertical stacking of like container systems one atop another. In particular, a bottom end 206 of a second receptacle is configured to engage ledge 325 when stacked atop. According to the various alternative embodiments, ledge 325 may be provided in several segments that may each have end regions that transition to end wall 320 of cover 300 (e.g. sloped, rounded, curved, etc.). According to further alternative embodiments, the size, cross-sectional shape, thickness, etc. of ledge 325 may be any suitable shape to engage a bottom surface of a container to facilitate stacking (e.g. rounded, flat, angled, etc.).

[0055]To facilitate the securement of cover 304 to base 302 and to provide a hermetic seal therebetween, cover 304 further includes a latching mechanism 330. According to an exemplary embodiment, latching mechanism 330 includes a first member (e.g., key, skirt, etc.), shown as a first projection 324, providing a first connector element and a second member (e.g., key, skirt, etc.), shown as a second projection 326, providing a second connector element. First projection 324 and second projection 326 are substantially cylindrical members that are concentrically aligned and cooperate to define a groove 328. Groove 328 is configured receive projection 310 of base 302 when cover 304 is placed in the closed position such that projection 310 engages at least one of first projection 324 and second projection 326. When engaged, projection 310 and groove 328 form a hermetic seal continuously about aperture 308. According to the various alternative embodiments, the elements may be reversed with base 302 defining groove 328 and cover 304 supporting projection 310.

[0056]As stated above, groove 328 is defined by first projection 324 and second projection 326. Referring back to FIG. 5, first projection 324 is shown as including an indentation and a protrusion along an inner surface. The protrusion and second projection 326 define a distance sized to receive projection 310. Generally, the distance is no greater than the width of projection 310, and according to an exemplary embodiment, the distance is slightly less than the width of projection 310. According to the embodiment illustrated, second projection 326 is flexible to allow projection 310 to releasably engage groove 328. A flexible second projection 326 (e.g., a wiper, etc.) also facilitates engagement of projection 310 and groove 328 without significant manual deflection of cover 304 and/or base 302. Second projection 326 may also include a chamfered edge (e.g., a camming surface, etc.) to facilitate engagement of projection 310. According to the various alternative embodiments, either one or both of first projection 324 and second projection 326 may be flexible to allow projection 310 to releasably engage groove 328.

[0057]Still referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the hermetic seal between base 302 and cover 304 is shown. When closure 300 is placed in the closed position projection 310 becomes releasably engaged with groove 328. Once projection 310 is releasably engaged with groove 328, lip 340 may be adjacent to an indentation defined by first projection 324 and the rest of projection 310 may be closely adjacent to at least one of first projection 324 and second projection 326 to effect the hermetic seal between base 302 and cover 304. According to the various alternative embodiments, variations are possible without departing from the advantages of the latching mechanism detailed above. A number of different configurations that include projections, grooves, indentations, protrusions, lips, or a plurality of one or more of the elements may be used to provide the hermetic seal between base 302 and cover 304.

[0058]Referring back to FIG. 3, container system 100 may optionally include a third member (e.g., collar, etc.), shown as a sleeve 400. Sleeve 400 is an annular member designed by be positioned adjacent to the outer (e.g., exterior, exposed, etc.) surface of receptacle 200. Sleeve 400 may be used for aesthetic reasons to hide or otherwise attempt to conceal the coupling arrangement between receptacle 200 and closure 300. With sleeve 400, container system 100 may have a more uniform appearance that may be more attractive to potential consumers. According to an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 400 is formed of a plastic material, and in particular, the same plastic material used to form closure 300.

[0059]According to an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 400 includes a body portion 402 and a platform or base, shown as a flange 404. Body portion 402 is shown as a substantially cylindrical member that is substantially coplanar with side wall 202 of receptacle 200. Body portion 402 has a lower edge configured to engage or be positioned closely adjacent to the seam or ridge at least visually separating side wall 202 of receptacle 200 from top end 204. According to the embodiment illustrated, body portion 402 has a length that is longer than the length of side wall 312 of closure 300 to conceal the entire coupling arrangement.

[0060]Referring to FIG. 5, flange 404 provides a structure for coupling sleeve 400 to closure 300. According to the embodiment illustrated, flange 404 includes an abutment surface designed to engage a corresponding portion on closure 300. In particular, flange 404 is configured to abut and engage a bottom surface of end wall 320 of closure 300. Flange 404 includes one or more projections and/or recesses (e.g., crush portions, etc.) for engaging sleeve 400 to closure 300. Flange 404 may be coupled to a corresponding portion of closure 300 using mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat sealing, welding, friction fit, interference fit or any other suitable method of coupling.

[0061]Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, container system 100 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Like the container system detailed above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 11, container system 100 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown as including a receptacle 200 and a closure 300. Container system 100 is configured to be selectively moved by a user between a first or open position (shown in FIG. 12) and a second or closed position (shown in FIG. 13) by moving closure 300 relative to receptacle 200. Receptacle 200 and closure 300 are formed separately and made of different materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, receptacle 200 is formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.) while closure 300 is formed of a plastic material. According to the embodiment illustrated, closure 300 has an outer shape that slopes (e.g., slants, curves, etc.) downward towards a front portion of the closure. Further, the need for sleeve 400 is eliminated as outer side wall 312 of closure is substantially coplanar with side wall 202 of receptacle 200.

[0062]Referring to FIGS. 14 through 16, a first variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated, receptacle 200 and closure 300 cooperate to form a snap-fit connection for securing closure 300 to receptacle 200. Top end 204 of receptacle 200 is substantially similar to the top end of the receptacle illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5. A difference between the embodiments is that skirt 314, illustrated in FIG. 16, includes a projection, shown as an annular ring 315, at its distal end. When top end 204 engages groove 316, top end 204 snaps over ring 315 while side wall 312 applies an opposing force to top end 204. The combination of side wall 312 and skirt 314 acting upon top end 204 secures closure 300 to receptacle 200.

[0063]Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, a second variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated, receptacle 200 and closure 300 cooperate to form another snap-fit connection for securing closure 300 to receptacle 200. Unlike the top end of the receptacle illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, top end 204 of receptacle 200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down from side wall 312 and includes an inwardly projecting overhang or lip 317 at its distal end. Like the variation illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16, skirt 314 includes a projection, shown as an annular ring 315, at its distal end. When top end 204 engages groove 316, lip 317 of top end 204 snaps over ring 315 while side wall 312 applies an opposing force to top end 204. The combination of side wall 312 and skirt 314 acting upon top end 204 secures closure 300 to receptacle 200. In such an embodiment, the distance that top end 204 is necked down from side wall 312 is substantially the same as the thickness of side wall 312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end of side wall 312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separating top end 204 from side wall 312.

[0064]Referring to FIGS. 20 through 22, a third variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. According to the embodiment illustrated, receptacle 200 and closure 300 cooperate to form an adhesive-fit connection for securing closure 300 to receptacle 200. Like the variation illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 19, top end 204 of receptacle 200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down from side wall 312. However, in this variation, skirt 314 is spaced substantially close to side wall 312 so that groove 316 has a width that is substantially similar to the thickness of top end 204. When top end 204 engages groove 316, an adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.) is provided to secure closure 300 to receptacle 200. Skirt 314 may includes a camming surface 319 (e.g., chamfered edge, etc.) at its distal end that assists in aligning top end 204 into groove 316. Like the variation illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 19, the distance that top end 204 is necked down from side wall 312 is substantially the same as the thickness of side wall 312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end of side wall 312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separating top end 204 from side wall 312.

[0065]Referring to FIGS. 23 through 25, a fourth variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown. According to the embodiment illustrated, receptacle 200 and closure 300 cooperate to form another snap-fit connection and/or another adhesive-fit connection for securing closure 300 to receptacle 200. Like the variation illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 22, top end 204 of receptacle 200 extends upward in a substantially vertical direction after being necked down from side wall 312 and skirt 314 is spaced substantially close to side wall 312 so that groove 316 has a width that is substantially similar to the thickness of top end 204. However, in this variation, side wall 312 includes a projection, shown as an annular ring 321, and top end 204 includes a corresponding recess 327 configured to receive ring 321. When top end 204 engages groove 316, annular ring 321 snaps into recess 327 to secure closure 300 to receptacle 200. An adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.) may be added at groove 316 to further secure closure 300 to receptacle 200. Skirt 314 is shown as including camming surface 319 (e.g., chamfered edge, etc.) at its distal end that assists in aligning top end 204 into groove 316. Like the variation illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 22, the distance that top end 204 is necked down from side wall 312 is substantially the same as the thickness of side wall 312. This provides for a container system with a generally uniform outward appearance. To further facilitate a uniform appearance, a bottom end of side wall 312 is shaped to conform to the shoulder region visually separating top end 204 from side wall 312.

[0066]It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the container systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

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