Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
CONTAINER WITH ATTACHABLE RETRIEVAL MEANS
Cross Reference to Related Application
[001] This non-provisional PCT application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/896,159 filed on October 28, 2013, and entitled "Container
with
Attachable Scoop," the entirety of which is hereby included herein by
reference.
Field of the Invention
[002] The present invention relates to the field of containers for various
products, and, in
particular, to containers with attachable retrieval means that facilitate the
use of the retrieval
means to retrieve the contents of the container and that facilitate retrieval
of the final contents
of the container when the retrieval means is no longer an effective
instrument.
Background Information
[003] Many goods, such as but not limited to foodstuff, are purchased
and/or stored in
containers that allow for incremental or partial use of the goods. For
example, dry goods,
semi-dry goods and liquid goods are purchased and/or stored in containers that
provide
storage and access to the goods over an extended period of time to allow for
incremental use
of the goods. A spoon, scoop or other goods retrieval means is typically
utilized by a user to
incrementally remove the goods from the container. The retrieval means may
also be utilized
as a measuring device to allow for measured incremental or partial use of the
goods.
[004] Occasionally, the retrieval means is provided and/or stored within
the container itself
to allow for dedicated use of the retrieval means with the goods, to prevent
contamination for
example. Storage of the retrieval means within the container also allows for
quick and easy
access to the retrieval means. Further, when the retrieval means is utilized
as a measuring
device, storage of the retrieval means within the container provides for quick
and accurate
dosage or measurement of the goods.
Page 1
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[005] While various prior art containers with retrieval means used for dry
goods, semi-dry
goods, and liquid goods are known, the prior art fails in several regards.
First, prior container
and retrieval means designs prevent easy access to the retrieval means. For
example, when
the retrieval means is stored within the container, the goods also provided
within the
container may bury or otherwise hide the retrieval means from the user. The
user thereby
needs to manually search through the goods for the retrieval means. The
retrieval means may
become buried or covered by the goods during shipping, handling, or via
gravity or settling.
Also, the retrieval means may become buried or covered by the goods before the
user first
opens the container (when the retrieval means is provided within the container
by
manufacture), and/or through continued use of the container and goods after
initially opening
the container.
[006] Another drawback of prior containers and retrieval means involves the
difficulty of
retrieving the final goods or contents of the container when the scoop is no
longer an efficient
instrument. While the retrieval means may be effective at incrementally
removing the goods
from the container while a substantial amount of goods are still contained
within the
container, the retrieval means may be ineffective when a limited amount of
goods are left
within the container (i.e., the container is almost empty).
[007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome one
or more of the
above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
[008] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a container for
storing goods
therein that includes a container body, a lid, and a retrieval means. The
container body may
include a base and side walls, with the base and the side walls forming a
cavity for the
storage of goods therein. The side walls may include a rim that defines an
opening into the
cavity. The lid may be configured to engage the rim of the container body in a
first
Page 2
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
orientation to substantially close the opening. The retrieval means may be
configured to be
removably coupled with an attachment mechanism provided on an interior of the
side walls
of the container body. The container body may be configured such that the rim
is angled with
respect to a horizontal plane when the base is positioned on a substantially
horizontal surface.
[009] In some embodiments, the rim may be angled from a horizontal plane
between about
degrees and about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the lid may form a
substantially
horizontal top surface when the lid is engaged with the rim and the base is
positioned on a
substantially horizontal surface.
[0010] In some embodiments, the lid may form a top surface that is angled
with respect to a
horizontal plane when the lid is engaged with the rim and the base is
positioned on a
substantially horizontal surface. In some such embodiments, the lid may
include a lip
extending from the top surface. In some such embodiments, the lip may extend
about a
portion of the periphery of the lid that is proximate to the lowest portion of
the angled top
surface.
[0011] In some embodiments, the lid may include a side wall extending about
the periphery
of the lid and away from a top surface of the lid that is configured to engage
at least one of
the rim and the side walls of the container proximate to the rim, and at least
a portion of the
side wall may be angled with respect to an underside of the top surface of the
lid at an obtuse
or acute angle. In some embodiments, the container may include at least one
first alignment
indicator and the lid may include at least one second alignment indicator, and
the at least one
first and second alignment indicators may be configured to provide at least
one of a visual
and/or tactile indication of the relative orientation of the container and the
lid to facilitate
orientation of the lid into the first orientation.
[0012] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the container body
may be
proximate to the rim and distal to the base. In some such embodiments, the
side walls of the
Page 3
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
container body may include a neck portion, and the attachment mechanism may be
provided
on the neck portion. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism on the side
walls of
the container body may include an open-ended sleeve.
[0013] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism on the side walls of
the container
body may include a cavity. In some such embodiments, the retrieval means may
include an
elongate handle portion configured to extend into the cavity of the attachment
mechanism. In
some other such embodiments, the retrieval means may include a projection
configured to
extend into the cavity of the attachment mechanism. In some such embodiments,
the retrieval
means may include an elongate handle portion and a container portion, and the
projection
may extend from the container portion and extend substantially parallel or
substantially
perpendicular to the handle portion. In some other such embodiments, the
retrieval means
may include an elongate handle portion and a container portion, and the
projection may
extend from a free end of the handle portion and extend substantially parallel
to the handle
portion.
[0014] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the container body
may include
a projection or aperture, and the retrieval means may include the other of the
projection or
aperture as compared to the attachment mechanism. In such an embodiment, the
projection
and the aperture may be configured to removably couple the container body and
the retrieval
means to one another when the projection is received within the aperture. In
some
embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the container body may include a
plurality of
deflectable or deformable projections configured to apply a compressive force
to the retrieval
means when the retrieval means is positioned between the projections.
[0015] In some embodiments, the retrieval means may include an elongate
handle portion
and a container portion provided at an end of the elongate handle portion. In
some such
embodiments, the elongate handle portion of the retrieval means may include a
hinge
Page 4
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
mechanism configured to allow a portion of the handle portion that is distal
to the container
portion to pivot with respect to a portion of the handle portion that is
proximate to the
container portion.
[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a container
for storing goods
therein that includes a container body including a base and side walls, a lid
with a lip
extending from a top surface of the lid, and a retrieval means. The base and
side walls form a
cavity for the storage of goods therein. The side walls include an attachment
mechanism
within the cavity and a rim defining an opening into the cavity that is angled
with respect to a
horizontal plane when the base is positioned on a substantially horizontal
surface. The lid is
configured to engage the rim of the container body for substantially closing
the opening. The
retrieval means is configured to be removably coupled with the attachment
means of the
container body. The top surface of the lid is angled with respect to a
horizontal plane when
the lid is engaged with the rim and the base is positioned on a substantially
horizontal
surface. The lip extends from the top surface of the lid about a portion of
the periphery of the
lid that is proximate to the lowest positioned portion of the top surface.
[0017] In some embodiments, the top surface and lip of the lid may be
configured to engage
a second lid of a second container to facilitate substantially secure stacking
of the container
and the second container on the lid and second lid, respectively. In some such
embodiments,
a second top surface of the second lid may be angled with respect to a
horizontal plane when
the second container is stacked on the container.
[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a goods
storage system. The
system includes a first container and a second container. The first container
includes a first
container body including a first base and first side walls, the first base and
first side walls
forming a first cavity for the storage of goods therein, the first side walls
including a first rim
defining a first opening into the first cavity that is angled with respect to
a horizontal plane
Page 5
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
when the first base is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. The
first container
further includes a first lid configured to engage the first rim of the first
container body for
substantially closing the first opening. The first lid forms a first top
surface that is angled
with respect to a horizontal plane when the first lid is engaged with the
first rim and the first
base is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. The first lid
includes a first lip
extending from the first top surface about a portion of the periphery of the
first lid that is
proximate to the lowest positioned portion of the first top surface when the
first lid is engaged
with the first rim and the first base is positioned on a substantially
horizontal surface. The
second container includes a second container body including a second base and
second side
walls, the second base and second side walls forming a second cavity for the
storage of goods
therein, the second side walls including a second rim defining a second
opening into the
second cavity that is angled with respect to a horizontal plane when the
second base is
positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. The second container further
includes a
second lid configured to engage the second rim of the second container body
for substantially
closing the second opening. The second lid forms a second top surface that is
angled with
respect to a horizontal plane when the second lid is engaged with the second
rim and the
second base is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. The second
lid includes a
second lip extending from the second top surface about a portion of the
periphery of the
second lid that is proximate to the lowest positioned portion of the second
top surface when
the second lid is engaged with the second rim and the second base is
positioned on a
substantially horizontal surface. The first container and the second container
are configured
to be substantially securely stacked on one another via the first and second
lids thereof such
that the first top surface of the first lid and the second top surface of the
second lid are in
abutment, the first lip of the first lid engages a portion of the second lid
that is void of the
Page 6
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
second lip, and the second lip of the second lid engages a portion of the
first lid that is void of
the first lip.
[0019] In some embodiments, when the first container and the second
container are
substantially securely stacked via the first and second lids thereof, the
first lip of the first
container and the second lip of the second container may substantially oppose
each other. In
some embodiments, the first container and the second container may be
configured to be
substantially securely vertically stacked via the first and second lids
thereof when one of the
first or second bases is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. In
some
embodiments, at least one of the first and second containers may include a
retrieval means
configured to be removably coupled with an attachment mechanism provided on
the
respective container. In some such embodiments, the attachment mechanism may
be
positioned on the interior of the respective side walls of the respective
container body and
may include a third cavity. In some embodiments, the retrieval means may
include a member
configured to extend into the third cavity to removably couple the retrieval
means and the
attachment mechanism.
[0020] Other objects, aspects and advantages of the container with
attachable retrieval means
of the present invention, and/or of the currently preferred embodiments
thereof, will become
more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the
currently preferred
embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
container of the
present disclosure in an open arrangement;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in a closed
arrangement;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
container of the
present disclosure in an open arrangement;
Page 7
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3 in a closed
arrangement;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an elevational perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a container
lid of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of the container lid of FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating engagement of the
container lid of FIG. 5
with a container of the of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container lid and the container
of FIG. 7 in a
closed arrangement;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two closed containers of FIG. 8
illustrating a stacking
arrangement of the containers;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
container in an open
arrangement illustrating engagement of a container lid according to the
present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view the container of FIG. 10 in a closed
arrangement;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two closed containers of the
container of FIG. 11
illustrating a stacking arrangement of the containers;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the two stacked closed containers
of FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container and container lid of
FIGS. 5-9
detachably coupled with an exemplary retrieval means of the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 10-13
detachably coupled with
an exemplary retrieval means of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means of the
present
disclosure;
Page 8
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exemplary retrieval means and
attachment
mechanism of the present disclosure; and
[0047] FIG. 27 is a top view of the retrieval means and attachment
mechanism of FIG. 26.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0048] In FIGS. 1-2, an exemplary goods container of the present disclosure
is indicated
generally by the reference numeral 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the container 10
may be
suitable to hold, store or otherwise contain goods or contents therein. The
goods or contents
may be dry goods (e.g., dry foodstuff, such as protein powders, various
nutritional/supplement powders, drink-mixes, baking ingredients, etc., dry
foods, or dry non-
Page 9
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
foodstuff, such as dry non-foodstuff powders and granulated goods), semi-dry
goods (e.g.,
semi-dry foodstuff, such as peanut butter, jams or jellies, or semi-dry non-
foodstuff) or liquid
goods. The goods may be goods that lend themselves to incremental use, such as
via
incremental removal of the goods from the container 10. The container 10 may
be made
from any material, such as food-grade material, non-food grade material or a
combination
thereof The container 10 may be made from plastics, metals, glass, ceramics,
wood or other
natural materials, or combinations thereof For example, at least a portion of
the container 10
may be formed via standard plastics manufacturing, such as extrusion blow
molding,
injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, injection molding, co-extrusion
blow molding
for multi-layer containers, etc. As another example, at least a portion of the
container 10 may
be formed via typical cardboard manufacturing with a plastic or metal portion
(such as a
plastic or metal rim, as described further below).
[0049] The container 10 (and the other containers described herein) may be
advantageous in
that it prevents a retrieval means or scoop from being mixed with or otherwise
being "lost" in
the goods in the container 10, provides an easily accessible location or
arrangement of the
retrieval means, allows for improved use of the retrieval means to retrieve
goods from the
container 10 with the retrieval means, and allows the user to utilize all of
the goods or
contents in the container 10.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 may include a container
body 12 and a
container lid 14. The body 12 and lid 14 may be configured to mate or
otherwise engage
such that the lid substantially encloses an internal cavity 16 formed by the
body 12. The
body 12 may include a base 18 and one or more side walls 20 extending at least
generally
vertically from the base 18. The base 18 may be substantially solid and
include a
substantially flat or level exterior surface or members such that the base 18
lies substantially
horizontal (i.e., lies on a horizontal plane) when placed on a horizontal
surface. The side
Page 10
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
walls 20 of the container 10 may be substantially solid and extend from and
about the base 18
to form the cavity 16 between the side walls 20 and the base 18. The side
walls 20 may form
or include a rim 22 at a top portion of the container 10 that defines an
opening, passageway,
or access aperture into the cavity 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some
embodiments, the
rim 22 may be a separate and distinct component attached or coupled to the top
portion of the
side wall 20 of the body 12, such as a metal or plastic rim 22. In other
embodiments, the rim
22 may be integral with the side wall 20 of the body 12.
[0051] The body 12 and corresponding lid 14 of the container 10 may form
any shape, such
as cylindrical, oval, square, octagonal or any other shape or combination
thereof. In some
embodiments, the side walls 20 of the body 12 may extend substantially
vertically from the
base 18 when the base 18 is oriented substantially horizontally, such as to
form a cylindrical
shape. However, the side walls 20 of the body 12 may be angled inwardly or
outwardly, or a
combination thereof, as the side walls 20 extend from the base 18.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rim 22 of the container 10 may be
oriented at an angle
with respect to a horizontal plane (when the container 10 is oriented
substantially vertically
and/or the base 18 is oriented substantially horizontally). As used herein, a
"horizontal
plane" is a plane that extends substantially parallel to the horizon and
substantially
perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the rim 22 of
the body 12 of
the container 10 may be angled downwardly from a horizontal plane within the
range of
about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, or within the range of about 10 degrees
to about 35
degrees, as it extends from a first side of the container 10 to an opposing
second side of the
container 10 (or angled upwardly as it extends from the second side to the
first side). The
angulation of the rim or opening 22 of the container 10 creates a natural
funnel, which allows
the user to retrieve and utilize the entirety of the contents within the
container 10 by tipping
or otherwise reorienting the container 10. Also, as the angulation of the rim
or opening 22 of
Page 11
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
the container 10 creates a larger opening, as compared to a substantially flat
rim or opening
22, the angulation of the rim or opening 22 allows easier access to the cavity
16 (and goods
therein). For example, a flat or substantially horizontal rim or opening 22 of
a cylindrical
container 10 would form a circular opening 22, but when the rim or opening 22
is presented
at an angle the rim or opening 22 forms an oval or elliptical shape. The
larger opening size,
due to the angulation of the rim or opening 22, may allow a scoop or other
retrieval means to
easily enter the cavity 16, easily move within the cavity 16, and easily exit
the cavity 16 with
a portion of the goods therein.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the container lid 14 may be configured such that
a top surface 26
of the lid 14 is angled with respect to a horizontal plane when the lid is
engaged with the
body 12 and the base 18 of the container 10 is positioned on a substantially
horizontal
surface. In some embodiments, the surface 26 of the lid 14 includes an
angulation that is
substantially similar to the angulation of the rim or opening 22 of the
container 10 ¨ i.e.,
angled with about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees from a horizontal plane.
[0054] As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 14 may include a side wall
24 extending
about the periphery of the lid 14 and configured to engage the body 12. The
side wall 24 may
be configured such that the lid 14 extends over the top aspect of the rim 22
of the body 12
and the side wall 24 of the lid 14 engages the outer or exterior surface of
the rim 22 of the
body 12 (and/or the side wall 20 of the body 12), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In some
embodiments, the lid 14 may be configured such that the lid 14 and/or side
wall 24 thereof
elastically deforms when the side wall 24 engages the rim 22 of the body 12.
Thereby, when
engaged with the rim 22, the side wall 24 of the lid 14 may apply a
compressive force to the
rim 22 of the body 12 (and/or the side wall 20 of the body 12).
[0055] As the shape of the rim 22 (and side walls 20) of the body 12 and
the corresponding
lid 14 may not be uniform or symmetrical in shape (e.g., a circular shape),
the lid 14 may
Page 12
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
only mate with the rim 22 and/or side walls 20 of the container 10 in a
limited number of
"correct" orientations that substantially close or seal the cavity 16 of the
body 12. For
example, in the exemplary illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12
is
substantially cylindrical, and therefore the angled rim or opening 22
necessitates that the lid
14 (including the side wall(s) 24 thereof) be substantially oval or elliptical
in shape to
substantially close or seal the cavity 16. In this way, the lid 14 may only be
capable of
mating with the body 12 in two "correct" orientations to substantially close
or seal the cavity
16. As further explained below (see FIGS. 5-9) , the "low" side of the lid 14
may include a
lip that facilitates stable stacking of two containers 10 each including an
angled lid 14, and
therefore the lid 14 and the body 12 of the container 10 may in fact only have
one "correct"
relative orientation. To facilitate a "correct" orientation of the lid 14 to
the body 12 of the
container 10 such that the lid 14 engages the rim 22 (and/or the side walls
20) of the body 12
and the lid 14 substantially closes or seals the cavity 16, the body 12 and
the lid 14 may each
include at least one corresponding or mating alignment indicator 23, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and
2. The at least one alignment indicator 23 provided on each of the body 12 and
the lid 14
may be any mechanism or configuration that provides a visual and/or tactile
indication of the
relative orientation of the body 12 and the lid 14. For example, the at least
one alignment
indicator 23 provided on each of the body 12 and the lid 14 may include a
raised portion, a
recessed portion, a contrasting color, a symbol or combinations thereof to
provide visual
and/or tactile indication to the user of the relative orientation of the body
12 and the lid 14 to
assist or facilitate manual relative orientation or alignment of the lid 14
and body 12 by the
user into a "correct" orientation thereof As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the at
least one
alignment indicator 23 provided on each of the body 12 and the lid 14 may be
configured
such that when the lid 14 is engaged or coupled to the body 12 at the rim 22,
the alignment
indicator 23 of the lid 14 is aligned or joined with the alignment indicator
23 of the body 12.
Page 13
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12 and the lid 14 may each include a
plurality of
corresponding or mating alignment indicators 23 positioned about the periphery
thereof The
at least one alignment indicator 23 provided on the body 12 and/or the lid 14
may be
provided on an exterior surface thereof, such as an exterior surface of the
side wall 24 of the
lid 14 and the exterior surface of the side walls 20 of the body 12. In some
embodiments, the
at least one alignment indicator 23 provided on the body 12 may be spaced from
the rim 22
towards the base 18 of the body 12 such as to not interfere with the
engagement of the side
wall 24 of the lid 14 with the rim 22 and/or side walls 20 of the body 12
proximate to the rim
22. In some embodiments (not shown), the at least one alignment indicator 23
provided on
each of the body 12 and the lid 14 may include mating internally-facing and
externally-facing
mechanisms, such as a ridge and a slot, that are configured to mechanically
align the lid 14
and the body 12 (and, potentially, maintain such alignment) when they are
mated.
[0056] The interior of the side walls 20 of the body 12 of the container 10
may include at
least one attachment mechanism 28, as shown in FIG. 2. The attachment
mechanism 28 may
be provided proximate to the rim 22 and distal to the base 18. The attachment
mechanism 28
may be provided anywhere about the periphery of the side walls 20. As
discussed in further
detail below, the attachment mechanism 28 is configured to removably or
detachably couple
with a retrieval means, such as a scoop. In some alternative embodiments (not
shown), the
container 10 may include a plurality of attachment mechanisms 28 (and/or a
plurality of
retrieval means).
[0057] In FIGS. 3 and 4, another exemplary container according to the
present disclosure is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The container 110 is
substantially similar
to the container 10 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and
therefore like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "1" are used to indicate like
elements. The
container 110 differs from the container 10 with respect to the configuration
of the lid 114.
Page 14
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 114 is configured such that the top surface
126 of the lid
114 is oriented substantially horizontal (i.e., lies on a horizontal plane)
when the lid 114 is
engaged with the body 112 and the base 118 is positioned on a substantially
horizontal
surface. The lid 114 may thereby be triangular shaped when viewed from a side
of the lid
114 to account for the angulation of the rim and opening 122 of the container
110.
[0058] As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 114 includes an upper
portion 130 and a lower
portion 132 as opposed to the side wall 124. The lower portion 132 of the lid
114 is
configured to extend into (e.g., abut) the interior surface of the rim 122
and/or the side walls
120 of the body 112 proximate to the rim 122. The upper portion 130 of the lid
114 is
configured to rest on the rim 122 when the lower portion 132 is inserted
within the rim 122
and/or side walls 120. In this way, the upper portion 130 and a lower portion
132 are
configured to seal off or close the opening of the cavity 116. Also, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and
4, the upper portion 130 may be triangular or "pie" shaped (when viewed from a
side, as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) to account for the angulation of the rim 122 to orient
the top surface
126 of the lid 114 substantially horizontal. In this way, the lid 114 may be
configured (e.g.,
the upper portion 130 thereof may be configured) to fill the "empty" space
between the lower
portion of the angled rim 122 and the horizontal top surface 126.
[0059] In FIGS. 5-9, another exemplary container according to the present
disclosure is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 210. The container 210 is
substantially similar
to the container 10 is described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and
therefore like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "2" are used to indicate like
elements. The
container 210 differs from the container 10 with respect to the configuration
of the lid 214.
As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the lid 214 includes a lip, stop surface or side wall
240. The lip 240
may extend from the top surface 226 of the lid 214, and may extend
substantially about a
portion of the periphery of the lid 214. When assembled with the body 212, the
lid 214 may
Page 15
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
be oriented on the body 212 in an orientation such that the lip 240 is at, or
at least proximate
to, the lowest portion of the top surface 226. Such orientation of the body
212 and the lid 214
may be facilitated by the at least one alignment indicator 223 on the body 212
and lid 214.
[0060] As discussed above, the side wall 224 of the lid 214 may be
configured to securely
engage or couple with the rim 222 and/or side walls 220 of the body 212 such
that the lid 214
substantially closes or seals the cavity 216. As shown in FIG. 6, the side
wall 224 of the lid
214 may be configured to account for the angulation of the lid 214 when
coupled with a body
212 that includes an angled rim or opening 222. For example, the side wall 224
of the lid 214
may be angled with respect to the top surface 226 (or the underside of the top
surface 226)
such that when the lid 214 is angled to engage or couple with the body 212,
the side wall 224
is oriented or configured to engage the rim 222 and/or side walls 220 of the
body 212. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the portion of the side wall 224
of the lid 214
that engages the "high" side of the body 212 may be angled inwardly or toward
the portion of
the side wall 224 of the lid 214 that engages the "low" side of the body 212
as it extends
away from the top surface 226 or the underside thereof, and the portion of the
side wall 224
of the lid 214 that engages the "low" side of the body 212 may be angled
outwardly or away
from the portion of the side wall 224 of the lid 214 that engages the "high"
side of the body
212 as it extends away from the top surface 226 or the underside thereof. The
portion of the
side wall 224 of the lid 214 that engages the "high" side of the body 212 may
thereby be
oriented at an acute angle with respect to the interior portion of the top
surface 226 and the
underside thereof, and the portion of the side wall 224 of the lid 214 that
engages the "low"
side of the body 212 may thereby be oriented at an obtuse angle with respect
to the interior
portion of the top surface 226 and the underside thereof In this way the side
wall 224 of the
lid 214 may be angled or configured with respect to the top surface 226 of the
lid 214 (and
the underside thereof) such that the side wall 224 extends substantially
vertically when the lid
Page 16
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
214 (e.g., the top surface 226) is angled with respect to the angle of the rim
or opening 222
(e.g., within the range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees). Stated
differently, when the
lid 214 is angled and engaged or coupled with the body 212 of the container
210, the side
wall 224 of the lid 214 may extend substantially parallel (e.g., vertically)
to the engaged
portions of the side walls 220 of the body 212, as shown in FIG. 7. In
alternative
embodiments (not shown), the entirety of the side wall 224 of the lid 214 may
be angled
outwardly away from the interior or center of the lid 214 as the side wall 224
extends away
from the top surface 226 and the underside thereof (rather than just the
portion of the side
wall 224 of the lid 214 that engages the "high" side of the body 212 being
angled outwardly).
[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, the lid 214 may be configured to mate with a lid
214' of a second
container 210'. Specifically, the top surface 226 and lip 240 may be
configured to mate with
a lid 214' of a second container 210'. For example, the top surface 226 and
lip 240 may be
configured to mate with a top surface 226' and side wall 224' of the lid 214'
(and,
potentially, the side wall 220' of the container 210'), respectively, of a
second container 210'.
The angulations of the lid 214 of the container 210 and the lid 214' of the
second container
210' may be substantially the same. In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, the
container 210 and
second container 210' may be stacked substantially vertically with respect to
each other, with
the lids 214, 214' in abutment (with the "low" side of the container 210 in
abutment with the
"high" side of the second container 210'). In such an arrangement, the lip 240
of the lid 214
of the container 210 may engage the exterior or outer surface of the "high"
side of the angled
lid 214' (and/or the side wall 220') of the second container 210' to prevent
the second
container 210' from sliding off the lid 214. Similarly, the lip 240' of the
lid 214' of the
second container 210' may engage the exterior or outer surface of the "high"
side of the
angled lid 214 (and/or the side wall 220) of the container 210 to further
prevent the second
container 210' from sliding off the lid 214.
Page 17
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[0062] In FIGS. 10-13, another exemplary container according to the present
disclosure is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 310. The container 310 is
substantially similar
to the container 210 as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-10, and
therefore like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "3," as opposed to the numeral "2,"
are used to
indicate like elements. The container 310 differs from the container 210 with
respect to the
configuration of the side walls 320 and the rim 322 of the body 312. As shown
in FIGS. 10-
13, the side walls 320 of the container 310 include a neck portion 342
extending between a
lower portion of the side walls 320 and the rim 322. The neck portion 342 may
form a
narrowing portion that reduces or tapers the cavity 316 and the exterior of
the container 310
between a lower portion of the container 310 and the rim 322. As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11,
the at least one attachment mechanism 328 may be provided proximate to the rim
322 in the
neck portion 342.
[0063] The neck portion 342 may thereby cause or necessitate the rim 322
and corresponding
lid 314 to be sized substantially smaller than the lower portion of the
container 314 (e.g., than
the lower portion of the cavity 316 and exterior surfaces of the side walls
320). However, as
shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the relatively small size of the rim 322 and the lid
314 resulting
from the neck portion 342 does not interfere with the stacking or mating
ability of the
containers 310, 310' (i.e., does not interfere with the functioning of the
rims 322, 322' and
lids 314, 314' with the lip portions 340, 340').
[0064] As mentioned above, the containers disclosed herein may include a
retrieval means
configured to removably or detachably couple with the containers, such as to
an interior
surface of the side walls of the body on the containers. As shown in FIG. 14,
the container
210 described above with respect to FIGS. 5-9 may include a retrieval means
250 removably
or detachably coupled to the container 210 via an attachment mechanism 228
provided on the
interior surface of the side walls 220 of the body 212 of the container 210.
In alternative
Page 18
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818
PCT/US2014/062087
embodiments (not shown), the container 210 may include a retrieval means
removably or
detachably coupled to the container 210 via an attachment mechanism provided
on the
exterior surface of the side walls 220 of the body 212 of the container 210.
As indicated by
the asterisks in FIG. 14, the attachment mechanism 228 may be provided in any
number of
positions or locations on the side walls 220 of the body 212 (e.g., on the
interior and/or
exterior thereof). As shown in FIG. 14, the retrieval means 250 may be a scoop
or spoon-like
device. In alternative embodiments, however, the retrieval means 250 may not
be a scoop or
spoon-like device, but rather may take any other form capable of being
manually used by a
user to retrieve the goods or contents contained within the container 210 (and
removably or
detachably couple with the interior of the container 210).
[0065]
The attachment mechanism 228 may be configured such that the scoop extends
into
the cavity 216 from the interior surface of the side wall 220. In this way,
the scoop may be
easily accessible immediately upon opening of the container 210 via removal of
the lid 214.
As also shown in FIG. 14, the attachment mechanism 228 may be coupled to the
side wall
220 above the contents or goods 244 provided in the cavity 216. In this way,
the attachment
mechanism 228 may be prevented from becoming mixed within, and potentially
hidden in,
the contents or goods 244 provided in the cavity 216.
[0066]
Similar to FIG. 14, FIG. 15 shows the container 310 of FIGS. 10-13 with a
retrieval
means 350 removably or detachably coupled to the container 310 via an
attachment
mechanism 328 provided on the interior surface of the neck portion 348 of the
side walls 320
of the body 312 of the container 310. The retrieval means 350 of the container
310 may be a
scoop or spoon-like device. As indicated by the asterisks in FIG. 15, the
attachment
mechanism 328 may be provided in any number of positions or locations on the
interior of
the side walls 320 of the body 312. In some embodiments, the attachment
mechanism 328
may be provided on the neck portion 348 of the of the side walls 320 and the
retrieval means
Page 19
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818
PCT/US2014/062087
350, such as a scoop, may extend or hang at least generally vertically
downward toward the
base 318 therefrom. In this way, the attachment mechanism 328 may be spaced
from the side
wall 320 of the body 312 and positioned somewhat internally within the cavity
316. Such an
arrangement may make the retrieval means 350 more easily graspable or findable
and,
thereby, manually decoupled or detached from the attachment mechanism 328 and
utilized.
As also shown in FIG. 15, the attachment mechanism 328 may be coupled to the
side wall
320 above the contents or goods 344 provided in the cavity 316. In this way,
the attachment
mechanism 328 may be prevented from becoming mixed within, and potentially
hidden in,
the contents or goods 344 provided in the cavity 316. In some embodiments, the
attachment
mechanism 328 may be provided on the interior of the side walls 320 of the
container 310 on
the "high" side of the container 310 (i.e., the side of the container 310 that
is proximate to the
highest portion of the angled rim 322 or lid 314 and distal to the lowest
portion of the angled
rim 322 or lid 314). In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 328 may be
provided
on the interior of the side walls 320 of the container 310 on the "low" side
of the container
310 (i.e., the side of the container 310 that is proximate to the lowest
portion of the angled
rim 322 or lid 314 and distal to the highest portion of the angled rim 322 or
lid 314). In some
embodiments, the attachment mechanism 328 may be provided on the interior of
the side
walls 320 of the container 310 and positioned between the "low" and "high"
sides of the
container 310 (i.e., between the sides of the container 310 that are proximate
to the lowest
and highest portions of the angled rim 322 or lid 314, respectively).
[0067] It
is noted that any of the retrieval means disclosed herein, such as those
disclosed in
more detail below, may be utilized with any of the containers disclosed or
supported by the
present disclosure. As such, although a particular retrieval means may be
illustrated with a
particular container embodiment, the particular retrieval means may be
utilized with any of
the containers disclosed or supported by the present disclosure (or any
portion thereof). As
Page 20
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
such, the retrieval means disclosed herein below are illustrated with only a
portion of an
interior or exterior surface of a side wall of a body of a container. The
interior or exterior
surface of the side wall of the body may be any side wall of any body of any
container
disclosed or supported by the present disclosure, such as the containers 10,
110, 210 and 310
described above (including any alternative embodiments or variations thereof
disclosed or
supported by the disclosure).
[0068] An exemplary retrieval means 450 according to the present disclosure
is shown in
FIG. 16. The retrieval means 450 is a scoop or spoon-like device. In
alternative
embodiments, however, the retrieval means 450 may not be a scoop or spoon-like
device, but
may take any other form capable of being manually used by a user to
incrementally retrieve
goods or contents contained within the container 410 (and removably or
detachably couple to
the interior of the container 410). As such, the form of the retrieval means
450 may at least
partially depend upon, or be dictated by, the particular goods or contents
within the container
410. As shown in FIG. 16, the scoop 450 may include a handle portion or member
452 and a
container portion 454 that defines a cavity 456. The handle portion 452 may be
elongate and
configured to be manually grasped and used by a user. The container portion
454 and cavity
456 may be configured to "scoop" the goods or contents of the container 410 by
being
manually dragged or passed through or within the goods.
[0069] As also shown in FIG. 16, the scoop 450 may include a projection or
member 460
extending from the scoop 450. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the
projection 460 of
the scoop 450 extends from an exterior surface of a top portion of a side wall
of the container
portion 454 (proximate to the opening 462 of the cavity 456) substantially
opposing the
handle portion 452. The projection 460 is initially spaced away from the side
wall of the
container portion 454, and extends along the side wall of the container
portion 454 for at least
a substantial portion of the depth or thickness of the container portion 454.
In this way, the
Page 21
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
projection 460 may extend or be oriented substantially perpendicular to the
elongate handle
portion 452 of the retrieval means or scoop 450. A space 458 is formed between
the
projection 460 and the exterior surface of the side wall of the container
portion 454, and an
opening 462 to the space 458 is formed at the end of the projection 460
proximate to the base
455 of the container portion 454, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0070] The attachment mechanism 428 provided on the interior (or exterior)
of the container
410, such as on the interior surface of the side wall 420 of the container
410, may be
configured to accept the projection 460 therein. For example, as shown in FIG.
16, the
attachment mechanism 428 may include a sleeve, slot, channel or the like that
is configured
to accept at least a portion of the projection 460 therein or therethrough.
The attachment
mechanism or sleeve 428 may include at least one open end 462 and a space or
cavity to
accept at least a portion of the projection 460 therein or therethrough. In
some embodiments,
the sleeve 428 may include a wall structure that extends from the interior
surface of the side
wall 420 of the container 410 and forms a space or cavity between the interior
surface of the
side wall 420 of the container 410 and the wall structure. The space or cavity
between the
interior surface of the side wall 420 and the wall structure of the sleeve 428
may be open at
opposing ends 462, 462 of the space or cavity. In this way, the sleeve 428 may
be configured
such that any goods or contents of the container 410 that enter the sleeve 428
via one of the
openings or open ends 462 will simply fall through the sleeve 428 and exit the
opposing
opening or open end 462.
[0071] The sleeve 428 may be configured such that an opening 462 faces
substantially
vertically, and the cavity or space of the sleeve 428 extends substantially
vertically (e.g.,
when the base 418 of the container 410 is oriented substantially horizontal).
In this way,
when the projection 460 is inserted into the cavity of the sleeve 428 via the
opening 462, the
projection 460 may extend substantially vertically and the scoop 450 may
extend away from
Page 22
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
the side wall 420 and into the interior of the cavity 416 of the container 410
(e.g., when the
base 418 of the container 410 is oriented substantially horizontal). In
consideration thereof,
as shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the elongate handle portion 452 of
the retrieval
means or scoop 450 may include a hinge mechanism 464. The hinge mechanism 464
may be
configured to allow a portion of the handle portion 452 that is distal to the
container portion
454 (e.g., the portion that forms the free end of the handle portion 452) to
pivot, fold, bend or
otherwise deflect or reposition away from the interior of the cavity 416 of
the container 410
and toward the side walls 420 of the container 410, as shown in FIG. 17. In
this way, the
hinge mechanism 464 may allow for the elongate handle portion 452 to
temporarily "shorten"
to allow for substantially unobstructed access to the interior of the cavity
416 when the
retrieval means or scoop 450 in coupled to the container 410. The hinge
mechanism 464
may also allow for the retrieval means or scoop 450 to be utilized with
smaller or narrower
containers 410 that would not otherwise be compatible with the retrieval means
or scoop 450
without the hinge mechanism 464.
[0072] In FIG. 18, another exemplary retrieval means or scoop according to
the present
disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 550. The retrieval
means or scoop
550 is substantially similar to the retrieval means or scoop 450 described
above with
reference to FIG. 16, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "5," as
opposed to the numeral "4," are used to indicate like elements. The retrieval
means or scoop
550 differs from the retrieval means or scoop 450 with respect to the
configuration of the
projection 560. As shown in FIG. 18, the projection 560 is provided adjacent,
and parallel, to
the exterior surface of the base 555 of the container portion 554 of the
retrieval means 550.
Further, the retrieval means 550 extends substantially parallel to the
elongate handle portion
552 of the retrieval means 550. In this way, when the projection 560 is
provided within the
attachment mechanism for sleeve 528, the retrieval means 550 will be oriented
substantially
Page 23
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
vertically and extend along the side wall 520 of the container 510. Further,
the elongate
handle portion 552 of the retrieval means 550 will extend toward the base 518
of the
container 510 (not shown) but be spaced from the interior surface of the side
wall 520 of the
container 510.
[0073] In FIG. 19, another exemplary retrieval means or scoop according to
the present
disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 650. The retrieval
means or scoop
650 is substantially similar to the retrieval means or scoop 450 described
above with
reference to FIG. 16, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "6," as
opposed to the numeral "4," are used to indicate like elements. The retrieval
means or scoop
650 differs from the retrieval means or scoop 450 with respect to the
configuration of the
projection 660. As shown in FIG. 19, the projection 660 is provided on the
handle portion
652 of the scoop 650. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the projection 660
extends from the
free end of the handle portion 652 on the side of the handle portion 652 that
substantially
faces away from the base 655 of the container portion 654. In this way, the
projection 660
and elongate handle portion 652 may form a hook or U-shape on the "top" side
of the
retrieval means 650. In use, the projection 660 may be inserted into the
cavity of the
attachment mechanism or sleeve 628 via the opening 662 thereof such that the
retrieval
means 650 extends at least generally vertically with the opening of the cavity
656 of the
container portion 654 of the retrieval means 650 proximate to the side wall
620 of the
container 610 (or the base 655 of the container portion 654 being distal to
the wall 620).
[0074] In FIG. 20, another exemplary retrieval means or scoop according to
the present
disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 750. The retrieval
means or scoop
750 is substantially similar to the retrieval means or scoop 650 described
above with
reference to FIG. 19, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "7," as
opposed to the numeral "6," are used to indicate like elements. The retrieval
means or scoop
Page 24
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
750 differs from the retrieval means or scoop 650 with respect to the
configuration of the
projection 760. As shown in FIG. 20, the projection 760 extends from the free
end of the
handle portion 752 on the side of the handle portion 752 that substantially
faces toward the
base 755 of the container portion 754. In this way, the projection 760 and
elongate handle
portion 752 may form a hook or U-shape on the "bottom" side of the retrieval
means 750. In
use, the projection may be inserted into the cavity of the attachment
mechanism or sleeve 728
via the opening 762 thereof such that the retrieval means 750 extends at least
generally
vertically with the base 755 of the container portion 754 of the scoop 750
proximate to the
side wall 720 of the container 710 (or the opening of the cavity 756 of the
container portion
754 being distal to the wall 720). As the base 755 of the container portion
754 of the scoop
750 may be positioned proximate to the interior of the side wall 720 of the
container 710, the
attachment mechanism or sleeve 728 may be provided on a neck portion 742 of
the container
710 such that the container portion 754 of the scoop 750 is positioned in a
larger lower
portion of the container 710 (when the scoop 750 and attachment mechanism or
sleeve 728
are removably coupled) (see, for example, FIG. 15). In this way, the larger
lower portion of
the container 710 may accommodate the container portion 754 of the scoop 750
to allow the
scoop 750 to be oriented with the base 755 of the container portion 754
proximate to the side
wall 720 of the container 710.
[0075] In FIG. 21, another exemplary retrieval means or scoop according to
the present
disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 850. The retrieval
means or scoop
850 is substantially similar to the retrieval means or scoop 450 described
above with
reference to FIG. 16, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "8," as
opposed to the numeral "4," are used to indicate like elements. The retrieval
means or scoop
850 differs from the retrieval means or scoop 450 with respect to how the
retrieval means or
scoop 850 detachably or removably couples with the attachment mechanism or
sleeve 828.
Page 25
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
As shown in FIG. 21, the elongate handle portion 852 acts as the projection
860. As such, the
handle portion 852 and/or the attachment mechanism or sleeve 828 are
configured to mate
with the handle portion 852 extending through the opening 862 and into/through
the cavity of
the attachment mechanism or sleeve 828. When removably or detachably coupled,
the
retrieval means 850 may thereby extend at least generally vertically with the
base 855 of the
container portion 854 of the retrieval means 850 distal to the side wall 820
of the container
810 (or the opening of the cavity 865 of the container portion 854 being
proximate to the wall
820).
[0076] FIGS. 22-27 illustrate alternative attachment mechanisms that do not
form a sleeve-
type configuration, but nonetheless provide removably or detachably coupling
of the
container and retrieval means of the present disclosure. Rather, the
attachment mechanisms
of FIGS. 22-27 generally include one of a projection or a corresponding
aperture, and the
retrieval means includes the corresponding other of the projection or the
aperture as
compared to the attachment mechanism. The projection and the aperture
arrangement are
configured to removably or detachably couple with each other to removably or
detachably
couple with the container and the retrieval means.
[0077] For example, as shown in FIG. 22 the attachment mechanism on the
side wall 920 of
the body 912 of the container 910 may include a ball projection 928 of a ball-
and-socket
joint, and the handle portion 952 of the retrieval means or scoop 950 may
include a socket
970 of the ball-and-socket joint (or vice versa). The ball-and-socket joint
(the ball 928 and
socket 970) may be configured such that when the ball projection 928 is
received within the
socket 970, the socket 970 exerts a compressive force to the ball projection
928 or otherwise
prevents the ball projection 928 from disengaging from the socket 970 without
some level of
force above the weight of the scoop 950.
Page 26
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[0078] FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary attachment configuration of a
retrieval means or
scoop and a container. As shown in FIG. 23, the attachment mechanism on the
side wall
1020 of the body 1012 of the container 1010 may include a slot 1028 and the
handle portion
1052 of the retrieval means or scoop 1050 may include a projection 1072 (or
vice versa) with
a narrow portion proximate the handle portion 1052 and a wide portion distal
to the handle
portion 1052. The slot 1028 of the container may define a shape, such as an L-
shaped, and
define a slot width that is less than the wide portion of the projection 1072.
The slot 1028
may also include an opening or aperture, such as being positioned at one end
of the slot 1028
that is wider than the wide portion of the projection 1072. The opening or
aperture of the slot
1028 may thereby allow the wide portion of the projection 1072 to pass through
the slot 1028
and the narrow portion of the projection 1072 to be carried within the slot.
In this way, the
projection 1072 may travel within the slot 1028 to a position distal to the
opening or aperture
of the slot 1028 (e.g., below the opening or aperture of the slot 1028) to
detachably or
removably couple the container 1010 and the retrieval means or scoop 1050. To
detach or
remove the retrieval means or scoop 1050 from the container 1010, the
retrieval means or
scoop 1050 can be repositioned such that the projection 1072 travels through
the slot until the
projection 1072 encounters the opening or aperture of the slot 1028, and the
wide portion of
the projection 1072 is then passed through the opening or aperture of the slot
1028.
[0079] FIG. 24 illustrates another exemplary attachment configuration of a
retrieval means or
scoop and a container. As shown in FIG. 24, the attachment mechanism on the
side wall
1120 of the body 1112 of the container 1110 may include an L-shaped projection
or hook
1128 extending at least generally vertically, and the handle portion 1152 of
the retrieval
means or scoop 1150 may include an aperture 1174 configured to accept the
shaped
projection 1128 therethrough (or vice versa). In use, the handle portion 1152
of the retrieval
means or scoop 1150 may be "hung" on the L-shaped projection 1128 by passing
the aperture
Page 27
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
1174 over the L-shaped projection 1128 and allowing gravity keep the retrieval
means or
scoop 1150 and L-shaped projection 1128 engaged.
[0080] Similar to the arrangement of FIG. 24, FIG. 25 illustrates another
exemplary
attachment configuration of a retrieval means or scoop and a container such
that the
attachment mechanism on the side wall 1220 of the body 1212 of the container
1210 includes
a mushroom or bulbous shaped projection 1228, and the handle portion 1252 of
the retrieval
means or scoop 1250 may include an aperture 1276 (or vice versa). The mushroom
or
bulbous shaped projection 1228 may include a narrow portion that is proximate
to the side
wall 1220 of the container 1210, and a wide portion that is distal to the side
wall 1220. The
aperture 1276 of the handle portion 1252 may be provided proximate to the free
end thereof,
and/or may define a shape and/or size that is smaller than that of the wide
portion of the
projection 1228. The aperture 1276 and/or the projection 1228 may be
deformable. In this
way, the container 1210 and the retrieval means or scoop 1250 may be
detachably or
removably coupled by initially forcing the wide portion of the mushroom or
bulbous shaped
projection 1228 against the aperture 1276 until the aperture 1276 and/or
projection 1228
deform to an extent that the wide portion of the projection 1228 passes
through the aperture
1276 and the narrow portion of the projection 1228 extends through the
aperture 1276. The
projection 1228 may thereby remain coupled to the aperture 1276 until a user
applies enough
force to re-deform the aperture 1276 and/or projection 1228 to an extent that
the wide portion
of the projection 1228 is removed through the aperture 1276.
[0081] Yet another exemplary attachment configuration of a retrieval means
or scoop and a
container is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the
attachment
mechanism on the side wall 1320 of the body 1312 of the container 1310
includes at least a
pair of projections, fingers or members 1378. In a normal or neutral state or
position of the
projections 1378, the projections 1378 may abut one another or be spaced a
first distance
Page 28
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
apart. If the projections 1378 are spaced a first distance from each other in
a normal or
neutral state, the first distance may be less than a width or thickness of the
handle portion
1352 of the retrieval means or scoop 1350. In use, the projections 1378 may be
deflected or
elastically deformed such that the projections 1378 are spaced a second
distance apart that
allows the handle portion 1352 of the retrieval means or scoop 1350 to be
positioned between
the projections 1378. Once the handle portion 1352 of the retrieval means or
scoop 1350
positioned between the projections 1378, the projections 1378 may be allowed
to deflect or
deform back towards their position in their normal or neutral state to apply a
compressive
force to the handle portion 1352 therebetween. In this way, the projections
1378 may act as a
compression device to removably or detachably couple the retrieval means or
scoop 1350 and
the container 1310.
[0082] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
based on the
teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-
described
and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the
spirit of the
invention as defined in the claims. For example, the components of the
containers and scoops
may be made of any of numerous different materials that are currently or later
become known
for performing the functions of such components. In addition, not all elements
or all features
disclosed herein are necessary, and if desired, additional elements or
features may be added.
Further, any component, aspect or combination thereof described with a
particular
embodiment may be incorporated in another described embodiment to achieve the
same or
similar function as it/they achieve(s) in the particular embodiment.
Similarly, the
components of the containers and scoops may take any of numerous different
shapes and/or
configurations. Still further, the containers and scoops may include other
additional
components, or may include fewer components.
Page 29
CA 02928828 2016-04-26
WO 2015/065818 PCT/US2014/062087
[0083] For example, the shape, contour and/or size of the container portion
and/or handle
portion of any of the retrieval means or scoops disclosed herein may be
configured to
substantially match, mirror, or otherwise accommodate for the interior or
exterior side walls
of a corresponding container, such as any of the containers disclosed herein.
In some
embodiments, the shape of the opening of the cavity and/or the base of the
container portion
of a retrieval means or scoop may substantially match or mirror (or otherwise
accommodate
for) the interior or exterior surface of the side walls of a corresponding
container. In this
way, the retrieval means may be removably coupled with the attachment
mechanism
provided on the interior or exterior of the side walls of the corresponding
container, and at
least a portion of the retrieval means may be in substantial abutment with, or
otherwise
accommodate for, the container. Stated differently, the shape, contour and/or
size of at least
a portion of the retrieval means may account for the shape of the side walls
of the
corresponding container such that the retrieval means can be removably coupled
with the
attachment mechanism provided on the side walls of the container (i.e., the
shape and/or size
of the retrieval means does not interfere with the attachment of the retrieval
means on, or
proximate to, the side walls of the container).
[0084] Accordingly, this detailed description of the illustrated and
exemplary embodiments
of the present invention is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a
limiting sense.
Page 30
