Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TAMPER EVIDENT TUB
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates generally to tubs, and more specifically to tamper
evident tubs and
containers.
BACKGROUND
There are many tubs and containers in use today with many different types of
lids.
Further, many household items such as laundry detergent pods, dish soap, food
products, etc.,
require a container and lid that is secure enough to prevent a child from
opening the same.
Further, it is increasingly important for the integrity of items stored inside
a container to be
protected. For example, it should be evident if a container has been opened or
a seal has been
broken for the first time. However, many lid/container combinations that
prevent children from
opening these containers and are tamper evident are also unnecessarily
cumbersome for adults to
open. Therefore, there exists a long-felt but unresolved need for a tamper
evident and child
proof container with a lid that is also not overly cumbersome for adults to
open and provides an
indication of the integrity of the items contained therein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Briefly described and according to one embodiment, aspects of the present
disclosure
generally relate to tubs, and more specifically tamper evident tubs and
containers. A tamper
evident tub, as described herein, allows for components of a container lid to
engage and latch
onto particular components of a latch assembly, in one embodiment. According
to various
aspects of the present disclosure, the container lid in a closed position may
be engaged with the
latch assembly, thereby securing the lid in a closed position. In certain
embodiments, the lid
may be opened by removing one or more breakable tabs. In a particular
embodiment, removing
the one or more breakable tabs allows for a user or handler of the container
to access the
particular lid components and latch assembly components maintaining the lid in
a closed
position. Upon removal of the breakable tabs, the user or handler of the
container may push
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
inward, and then upward, on the lid components to allow for the lid components
to unlatch with
the latch assembly.
In one embodiment, the present tamper evident tub includes a container body
defining an
interior cavity, the container body comprising a bottom and a top edge,
wherein the top edge is
opposite the bottom and defines an opening to the cavity. Additionally, the
tamper evident tub
includes a latch disposed on an exterior surface of the container body
proximate the top edge, the
latch comprising an inwardly-extending portion that extends towards the
container body. In
particular embodiments, the tamper evident tub includes a lid hingedly-coupled
to the container
body proximate the opening and disposable in an opened or closed position, the
lid comprising a
lid tab with at least one outwardly-extending ridge for engaging with the
inwardly-extending
portion of the latch when the lid is in the closed position.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the tamper evident tub
further
comprises a chamber disposed on the exterior surface of the container body,
wherein the latch is
defined within the chamber and wherein the lid tab is received within the
chamber through a
chamber opening when the lid is in the closed position. Moreover, and in
certain embodiments,
the chamber comprises a front surface that faces away from the container body,
at least a portion
of the front surface comprising a removable tab that blocks access to the
chamber. In some
embodiments, wherein upon removal of the removable tab, the chamber and the
lid tab received
therein are accessible when the lid is in the closed position.
In one embodiment, the lid tab is deformable from a first position to a second
position.
In various embodiments, upon positioning the lid in the closed position, the
lid tab is disposed in
the first position wherein the at least one outwardly-extending ridge engages
the inwardly-
extending portion of the latch securing the lid in the closed position. In
certain embodiments,
upon deformably displacing the lid tab from the first position inwardly toward
the container body
to the second position, the at least one outwardly-extending ridge disengages
with the inwardly-
extending portion of the latch, whereby the lid can be moved from the closed
position towards
the open position. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the
lid tab comprises a
downwardly-extending portion that extends downwardly beyond the at least one
outwardly-
extending ridge when the lid is in the closed position, the downwardly-
extending portion for
receiving a disengagement force to disengage the lid tab from the first
position to the second
position.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
In particular embodiments, the lid further comprises at least one lid support
tab. In one
embodiment, at least a portion of the lid support tab extends beyond the top
edge of the container
body and into the cavity when the lid is in the closed position. In certain
embodiments, the lid
support tab further comprises a substantially flat surface for engaging the
top edge of the
container when the lid is in the closed position.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the tamper evident tub
includes at
least one additional latch disposed on the exterior surface of the container
body proximate the
top edge, the latch comprising an inwardly-extending portion that extends
towards the container
body. Additionally, and in one embodiment, the tamper evident tub includes at
least one
additional lid tab with at least one outwardly-extending ridge for engaging
with the inwardly-
extending portion of the at least one additional latch when the lid is in the
closed position.
In one embodiment, the tamper evident tub includes a container assembly
comprising a
container body defining an interior cavity, the container body comprising a
bottom and a top
edge, wherein the top edge is opposite the bottom and defines an opening to
the cavity. In
certain embodiments, the tamper evident tub includes a latch assembly
proximate the top edge of
the container body and extending from a face of the container body, the latch
assembly
comprising a top surface substantially perpendicular to the face of the
container body and a front
surface substantially parallel to the face of the container body, wherein the
latch assembly
defines a chamber comprising a latch, an opening through the top surface and
into the chamber,
and an opening through the front surface and into the chamber. In various
embodiments, the
tamper evident tub further includes a lid comprising a tab with a ridge,
wherein the tab extends
through the opening in the top surface of the latch assembly such that at
least a portion of the tab
is disposed within the chamber and the ridge is engaged with the latch. In
particular
embodiments, the tamper evident tub includes a tear strip removably coupled to
the latch
assembly at least partially occluding the opening through the front face of
the latch assembly,
thereby blocking access to the chamber.
In one embodiment, the container assembly further comprises a hinge integrally
formed
with the container body and the lid. In some embodiments, the hinge is
integrally formed on a
side of the container body opposite the latch assembly. In particular
embodiments, the container
assembly further comprises a satellite ring circumscribing the container body
and comprising a
top surface substantially perpendicular to the face of the container body.
According to various
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
aspects of the present disclosure, the satellite ring is integrally formed
with the latch assembly.
In one embodiment, the top surface of the satellite ring is co-planer and
integrally formed with
the top surface of the latch assembly. In various embodiments, the satellite
ring is integrally
formed with a hinge integrally formed with the container body and the lid.
In particular embodiments, the ridge included on the container assembly is a
major ridge
and the tab further comprises at least one minor ridge. In various
embodiments, the latch
comprises a substantially flat surface substantially parallel to the top
surface of the latch
assembly, the substantially flat surface engaged with a substantially flat
surface of the ridge.
In certain embodiments, the container assembly includes a tab, wherein the tab
is disposed in a
first position with the ridge engaged with the latch, the tab is deformable to
disengage the ridge,
and upon disengaging the ridge, the tab is moveable in an upward direction,
thereby opening the
lid.
In certain embodiments, the lid further comprises one or more support
structures, wherein
at least one portion of each support structure extends below the top edge of
the container body
into the cavity for preventing the lid from being forced open.
These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed tamper evident
tub will
become apparent from the following detailed written description of the
preferred embodiments
and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although
variations and
modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and
scope of the novel
concepts of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and benefits of the present disclosure will be apparent from
a detailed
description of various embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the
following drawings,
wherein similar elements are referred to with similar reference numbers, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tub, according to one embodiment
of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary tub of FIG.1 with the lid in an
open
position prior to being closed, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the exemplary tub of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the
present disclosure;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
FIG. 4 is a top view of the exemplary tub of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary tub of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a first cross sectional view of the closure mechanism of the
exemplary tub of
FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a second cross sectional view of the closure mechanism of the
exemplary tub of
FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a third cross sectional view of the closure mechanism of the
exemplary tub of
FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exemplary tub of FIG. 1 with the lift tabs
removed,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary tub of FIG. 2 with the lift
tabs removed,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first alternate exemplary tub, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second alternate exemplary tub, according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the second alternate exemplary tub of FIG. 12,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary tub with the lid in an open
position prior to
being closed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 16 is a top view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a latch of an exemplary lid, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a latch of an exemplary lid, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub
engaged with
a latch of an exemplary lid, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub
engaged
with a latch of an exemplary lid, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 22 is a front view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub engaged
with a latch
of an exemplary lid, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of a closure mechanism of an exemplary tub
engaged
with a latch of an exemplary lid with the break tab removed, according to one
embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The above and further features of the disclosed exemplary tub will be
recognized from
the following detailed descriptions and drawings of particular embodiments. In
various
embodiments, a tamper evident tub with a lid is disclosed. In particular
embodiments, the tub
includes a latching mechanism operative to secure the lid in a closed
position. In further
embodiments, the tub includes one or more breakable tabs located in front of
the latching
mechanism such that the latching mechanism is accessible by breaking the
breakable tabs.
According to at least one embodiment, the container is substantially
rectangular in shape. In one
or more embodiments, the container may be shaped to include one or more
handles integrated
into the tub body.
The tub discussed herein may be formed in any suitable way. In various
embodiments,
the tub is formed by injection molding. In particular embodiments, the tub is
3D printed or
created via other additive manufacturing means. In further embodiments,
various components of
the tub are formed or created separately and the various components of the tub
are joined or
otherwise suitably connected to form the tub. In one embodiment, the tub may
be a one piece
and unitary tub.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the tub discussed
herein may be
used for storing or transporting any variety of materials, including, but not
limited to: food,
paints, oils, consumer goods, construction materials, inks, chemicals,
lubricants, adhesives,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
coatings, roofing mastics, driveway sealers, flavorings, sanitation supplies,
building products, ice
melt compounds, powders, pet food, and other such materials. The tub may be
formed from any
suitable material or materials for storing or transporting such materials. In
various embodiments,
the tub is manufactured from plastic (e.g., polyethylene, high-density
polyethylene, etc.). In
particular embodiments, the tub is manufactured from a metal or composite
material.
Turning now to exemplary tubs illustrated in the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a
perspective
view of an exemplary tub 100 with a lid 112 in a closed position, according to
one embodiment
of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary
tub 100 includes a
tub body 102 with a first side 104, second 106, bottom 108, top 110, and the
lid 112. According
to the present embodiment, the exemplary tub 100 has a substantially
rectangular shape with
rounded edges. In one embodiment, the top of the lid 112 is flat and the edges
of the lid may
slope downward in a convex manner. As will be discussed and shown later in the
description of
FIG. 2, the lid 112 encloses and seals the interior of the tub 100.
In various embodiments, the exemplary tub 100 includes various features
proximate the
top 110 of the exemplary tub 100. In one embodiment, the exemplary tub 100
includes a satellite
ring 114. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the
satellite ring 114 is a
protruding ridge that extends outward from the tub body102. According to one
embodiment, the
satellite ring 114 has a flat upper surface and round lower surface. In some
embodiments, the
satellite ring 114 has a round upper surface (convex) and an inwardly round
bottom surface
(concave), whereby one satellite ring 114 may accept a satellite ring of a
separate tub in a
stacked configuration (e.g., if the lids are in an open position). In
particular embodiments, the
satellite ring 114 extends fully or partially around the body 102 of the
exemplary tub 100.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the satellite ring 114
may provide a
surface or location for the lid 112 to meet and seal when in a closed
position. In various
embodiments, the satellite ring 114 acts as a base or starting point from
which other tub features
extend.
In one embodiment, the satellite ring 114 extends downward at location 116 in
order to
partially form or integrate with the latch assembly 118. In some embodiments,
the latch
assembly 118 is entirely separate from the satellite ring 114. In certain
embodiments, the latch
assembly 118 begins to linearly and gradually increase in width at starting at
the location 116. In
some embodiments, the linear increase in width of the latch assembly 118 forms
about a 45
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
degree downward angle between the satellite ring 114 and the location 116. In
various
embodiments, the latch assembly 118 extends about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
downward from the
satellite ring 114. According to various aspects of the present disclosure,
the latch assembly 118
extends downward in order to provide a surface to include one or more
breakable tabs 120. In
various embodiments, the one or more breakable tabs 120 are removable portions
of the latch
assembly 118. The breakable tabs 120 may be connected to the latch assembly
118 by means of
perforated seams, fused corners, or other appropriate means of attachment, and
may operate
similarly to typical tear strips. In various embodiments, and as will be
discussed later in
description of FIG. 7, the one or more breakable tabs 120 may be removed to
reveal additional
features of the exemplary tub 100.
Continuing with FIG. 1, a gap 122 may be located between the upper portion of
the one
or more breakable tabs 120 and the upper portion of the latch assembly 118. In
various
embodiments, the gap 122 may allow for a user or handler of the exemplary tub
100 to achieve
better leverage to pull away the breakable tab 120. As will be described in
greater detail in the
discussion of FIG. 2, additional exemplary tub 100 features may be visible
through the gap 122.
Proceeding now to FIG. 2, the exemplary tub 100 is shown with the lid 112 in
an open
position prior to being closed, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the exemplary tub 100
may be
manufactured and distributed with the lid 112 in an open position. In
particular embodiments,
manufacturing the exemplary tub 100 with the lid 112 in an open position may
allow for a user to
later fill the exemplary tub 100 with various materials or objects, and then
close the lid 112,
thereby securing the lid 112 in a closed position. In the present embodiment,
the lid 112 is
positioned behind the exemplary tub 100 and is facing upward. In various
embodiments, the lid
112 includes one or more lift tabs 202. According to various aspects of the
present disclosure,
while transitioning from an opened position to a closed position, the lift
tabs 202 included on the
lid 112 may align with and enter the lift tab holes 204.
In particular embodiments, the latch assembly 118 includes an upper surface
119. In
various embodiments, the satellite ring 114 may be integrally formed with the
latch assembly
118. In certain embodiments, the upper surface 119 is wider than the other
portion(s) of the
satellite ring 114 in order to include the lift tab holes 204. As will be
described in greater detail
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
in the discussion of FIG. 7, the lift tab holes 204 allow for the lift tabs
202 to enter an area
behind the breakable tabs 120.
Continuing with FIG. 2, the tub interior 210 is shown, according to one
embodiment of
the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the tub interior 210 may be
operable to store
.. objects and elements ranging from household cleaning supplies, liquids,
chemicals, etc. In a
particular embodiment, the lid 112 includes a plurality of lid support ribs
206. According to
various aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of lid support ribs
206 are located along
the inner curved portion 112A of the lid 112. In certain embodiments, the lid
support ribs 206
may be molded onto the curved portion 112A of the lid 112 during the
manufacturing process.
As mentioned briefly above, the lid 112 may transition from an opened position
to a closed
position. In one embodiment, while transitioning from an open position to a
closed position, the
lid support ribs 206 may accept an upper rim 208 of the exemplary tub 100 at
the rib location
206A. As shown in the present embodiment, the rib location 206A is a
substantially flat portion
of the lid support rib 206. In a closed position, each rib location 206A of
the plurality of support
.. ribs 206 may accept the tub upper rim 208. According to various aspects of
the present
disclosure, the plurality of support ribs 206 may include rounded ends 206B.
In one
embodiment, the rounded ends 206B may extend past the tub upper rim 208 and
into the tub
interior 210 when in a closed position. In certain embodiments, where the tub
interior 210 is
filled near the tub upper rim 208, the lid 112 may not close entirely if the
elements stored within
the tub interior 210 prevent the rounded edges 206B of the plurality of
support rubs 206 from
extending downward into the tub interior 210.
Turning now to FIG. 3, a rear view of the exemplary tub 100 is shown according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the lid 112 is
attached to the tub
body 102 by one or more hinges 302. As shown in the present embodiment, two
hinges 302
attach the tub lid 112 to the satellite ring 114. In one embodiment, the upper
portion of the hinge
302 is integrally attached to the lid 112, and the lower portion of the hinge
302 is integrally
attached to the tub body 102. In particular embodiments, the satellite ring
114 may not be
included in attaching the lid 112 to the tub body 102 by one or more hinges
302. For example
and according to one embodiment, the satellite ring 114 may discontinue
circumscribing the tub
body 102 in near proximity to the one or more hinges 302. In this example, the
one or more
hinges 302 may directly attach the lid 112 and the tub body 102 without
integrally forming with
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
the satellite ring 114. In one embodiment, a hinge support 304 is included in
near proximity to
each hinge 302. In the present embodiment, the hinge supports 304 are located
below the hinges
302. In various embodiments, the hinge supports 304 are oriented perpendicular
to the each
hinge 302 and also provide structural support to the hinge 302. In particular
embodiments, the
hinge supports 304 are integrally formed with the one or more hinges 302 to
form one unitary
piece. In other embodiments, the hinge supports 304 are integrally formed onto
the tub body 102
and one side portion of the hinge supports 304 are integrally formed onto the
lower portion of the
satellite ring 114.
Continuing with the description of FIG. 3, at location 306, the lid 112 can be
seen
positioned with a bottom surface in contact, and creating a seal with, the
satellite ring 114. In
this position, the lid 112 and satellite ring 114 create a flush outer surface
at and along the
location 306 where it continues around the tub body 102. Additionally, in the
present
embodiment, both the lid 112 and satellite ring 114 are shown protruding
outward from the tub
body 102, similar to an umbrella shape. In various embodiments, the container
body 102 may
taper in dimensions, beginning at the satellite ring 114 and continuing
downward towards the tub
bottom 108 (e.g., the circumference of the tub 100 at the top 110 is greater
than the
circumference of the bottom 108). In certain embodiments, the tapered shape of
the exemplary
tub 100 may allow for the tub 100 to be stacked or placed into another
separate tub for storage,
transportation, etc.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a top view of the exemplary tub 100 is shown, according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the tub
interior 210 is shown.
In one embodiment, the tub bottom 108 includes a dimple 402. In various
embodiments, the
dimple 402 is a spherical indentation that may protrude upward into the tub
interior 210, thereby
slightly reducing the volume of the tub interior 210.
Continuing with FIG. 4, the lift tab holes 204 are shown from an upper
perspective,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in this
view, in the
embodiment shown, the exemplary tub 100 includes a latch 404 as well as one or
more latch
support ribs 406. As will be described in further detail during the discussion
of FIG. 6, the latch
404 may include an inwardly extending portion of the latch assembly 118 that
secures a lift tab
202, thereby maintaining the lid 112 in a closed position when closed. In
particular
embodiments, the latch support ribs 406 protect the integrity of the latch
404.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
The hinges 302 are shown connecting the lid 112 with the rest of the exemplary
tub 100.
In the present embodiment, the exemplary tub 100 includes two hinges 302. In
various
embodiments, the exemplary tub 100 may be manufactured (e.g., molded, 3D
printed, etc.) to
integrally include the one or more hinges 302. In particular embodiments, the
lid 112 and the tub
body 102 may be manufactured individually and may be joined or fused at the
one or more
hinges 302. In other embodiments, the exemplary container 100 includes more or
less hinges
302 than shown, depending on certain design configurations and constraints. In
one
embodiment, the exemplary tub 100 is manufactured as one unitary member.
Turning now to FIG. 5, a side view of the exemplary tub 100 is shown according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the hinge 302
is shown
protruding outward slightly beyond where the lid 112 meets the satellite ring
114. Also shown in
the present embodiment is the hinge support 304. In one embodiment, the hinge
support 304
may be molded to or otherwise attached to both the hinge 302 and the tub body
102. In various
embodiments, the hinge support 304 may extend downward along the tub body 102
about 1.0
inches (2.54 cm) from the bottom of the hinge 302. In particular embodiments,
the attachment of
the hinge support 304 to both the hinge 302 and the tub body 102 provides
structural support to
the hinge 302 as well as the lid 112.
As will be described in greater detail below, FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, show cross
sectional
views taken through the lid 112 and latch assembly 118 (indicated by the
dashed line A-A in
FIG. 1), according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In various
embodiments, the
cross sectional views show how the lift tab 202 (and individual portions
thereof) engages with
the latch assembly 118 (and individual portions thereof) throughout the
transition of opening and
closing the lid 112.
FIG. 6 shows a cross section taken through the latch assembly 118 and a
breakable tab
120 of the exemplary tub 100 with the lid 112 in a closed position. In the
present embodiment,
the cross section reveals a lift tab chamber 602 with a lift tab 202 occupying
the space therein.
In this embodiment, the lift tab 202 is shown in a latched position within the
lift tab chamber
602. In one embodiment, the lift tab 202 includes a latch tooth 604. According
to various
aspects of the present disclosure, the latch tooth 604 may have a
substantially triangular shape.
As seen in the present embodiment, the latch tooth 604 resembles a right-
angled triangle. In
other embodiments, the latch tooth 604 may be any outwardly extending ridge of
the lift tab 202
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
and may resemble any shape that allows for one directional movement when
engaged with
another object (e.g., a hook). In a particular embodiment, the object the
latch tooth 604 is
engaged with is the latch 404. In various embodiments, the angled side of the
latch tooth 604
may allow for the latch tooth 604 to pass over the latch 404. In one
embodiment, once the acute-
angled side of the latch tooth 604 has passed over the latch 604, the right-
angled side of the latch
tooth 604 may prevent the latch tooth 604, and thus the lift tab 202, from
retreating backward.
For example, and for the purpose of understanding, the latch tooth 604 and
latch 404 may behave
similarly to a latch bolt on a door. Generally, the latch bolt on a door is
angled and allows for
the door to be easily closed; however, once the door is closed it will not
reopen by simply pulling
the door back outward.
In one embodiment, the lift tab 202 includes a downwardly-extending portion
below the
latch tooth 604. According to various aspects of the present disclosure,
included on the
downwardly-extending portion of the lift tab 202 are one or more press ridges
606. In the
present embodiment, three press ridges 606 are shown as rounded protrusions
protruding from
the lift tab 202. As will be discussed in greater detail during the
description of FIG. 7, a user
may inwardly (towards the tub body), and then upwardly (out of the lift tab
chamber), push the
lift tab 202 via the press ridges 606 in order to unlatch or release the lift
tab 202 from the closed
position within the lift tab chamber 602. In one embodiment, the press ridges
606 may allow a
user to better grip the region of the lift tab 202 for a user to press. In
some embodiments, the lift
tab 202 may include more or less press ridges 606 as shown (e.g., two press
ridges, one press
ridge, many press ridges, no press ridges, etc.).
In one embodiment, a lift tab chamber wall 608 is seen behind the lift tab
202.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, at least two lift tab
chamber walls 608
define the space of the lift tab chamber 602. In particular embodiments, the
lift tab chamber
walls 608 are substantially perpendicularly aligned with the tub body 102,
thereby defining a
space outward from the tub body 102. In one embodiment, the lift tab chamber
walls 608 extend
downward from the upper surface 119 of the latch assembly 118 to below the
lowest portion of
the lift tab 202. In various embodiments, the lift tab chamber walls 608
extend below the lowest
portion of the lift tab 202 to prevent access to the lift tab 202 while the
breakable tab 120 is still
attached to the latch assembly 118. In certain embodiments, the lift tab
chamber walls 608 may
be integrally formed with the latch assembly 118 and the tub body 102. In
other embodiments,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
only one side of the lift tab chamber walls 608 are integrally formed or
connected to an adjacent
portion of the exemplary tub 100. In various embodiments, the lift tab chamber
walls 608 not
only define the space of the lift tab chambers 602, but also provide
structural support to the latch
assembly 118. In certain embodiments, the lift tab chamber walls 608 may be
triangular shaped,
rectangular shaped, quadrant shaped, etc.
Continuing with FIG. 6, a cross section of the breakable tab 120 is shown,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the breakable tab
120 is
positioned slightly below the latch 404, thus creating the gap 122 seen from
the front of the
exemplary tub 100 in FIG. 1. The gap 122 between the breakable tab 120 and the
latch 404 may
allow for a user or handler of the exemplary tub 100 to see the latch tooth
604 but not access the
press ridges 606. In some embodiments, the breakable tab 120 may be flush with
the latch 404,
(or any portion of the latch assembly 118) thereby eliminating the presence of
the gap 122. In
particular embodiments, the breakable tab 120 may prevent children, or any
user with under-
developed dexterity skills, from opening the exemplary tub 100 until the
breakable tab 120 is
removed. In certain embodiments, even when a breakable tab 120 is removed and
the lift tab
202 is exposed, a user with under-developed dexterity skills may still
struggle to open the lid
112.
In the present embodiment, and located immediately above the cross section of
the latch
404 is a cross section of a latch support rib 406. In particular embodiments,
the latch support rib
406 has a substantially triangular shape and is attached to or integrally
formed with the latch 404
as well as the latch assembly 118. In other embodiments, the latch support rib
406 may have
rectangular shape, a quadrant shape, etc. As described previously in the
discussion of FIG. 4, the
latch support rib 406 provides structural support to the latch 404. For
example, a scenario may
arise where an upward force is being exerted on the lid 112 in an attempt to
open the exemplary
tub 100. In this scenario, the latch support rib 406 may distribute the force
between the latch 404
and the latch assembly 118. In various embodiments, distributing the force
between the latch
404 and the latch assembly 118 may prevent the latch 404 from either becoming
deformed or
breaking under the force, thereby keeping the lid 112 in a closed position.
In certain embodiments, the lid 112 includes a natural bend and flex. As seen
in the
present embodiment, the lift tab 120 in its natural state extends away from
the exemplary tub
100. In particular embodiments, the natural bend and flex of the lid 112
allows for the lift tab
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
202 to remain in a latched position. According to various aspects of the
present disclosure, the
initial form of the lid 112, as developed during manufacturing, may be the
source of the outward
force allowing the lift tab 202 to remain in a latched position. Moreover, the
natural bend and
flex of the lid 112 allows for the lift tab 202 to extend back outward after
being pressed inward
by a user or handler of the exemplary tub 100, according to one embodiment of
the present
disclosure.
In one embodiment, the support ribs 206 are shown accepting the upper rim 208
of the
exemplary tub 100. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the
support ribs 206
may provide support to the exemplary tub 100 and prevent the exemplary tub 100
from being
compressed or deformed under extreme conditions. For example, consider a
scenario where the
exemplary tub 100 is exposed to forces pushing inward on the sides of the
exemplary tub 100. In
this scenario, the support ribs 206 may prevent the upper rim 208 from bending
inward, and thus
preventing the exemplary tub 100 from becoming deformed and thus preventing
unintended
access to the contents of the exemplary tub 100.
Turning now to FIG. 7, an embodiment similar to FIG. 6 is shown with the
breakable tab
120 removed. In one embodiment, removing the breakable tab 120 allows for a
user to access
the lift tab 202. In various embodiments, the breakable tab 120 may be
connected to the latch
assembly 118 by means of perforated seams, fused corners, or other appropriate
means of
attachment. In particular embodiments, removing the breakable tab 120 may
require a user or
handler to exert a force, thereby ripping or tearing away the breakable tab
120. In other
embodiments, the user may pop the breakable tab 120 inward or outward to
dislocate the
breakable tab 120 from its initial position. In various embodiments, once the
breakable tab 120
has been removed, a user or handler of the exemplary tub 100 may push the lift
tab 202 inward
and then upward to open the lid. According to various aspects of the present
disclosure, pushing
the lift tab 202 inward positions the right-angled side of the latch tooth 604
away from the latch
404. Further, pushing the lift tab 202 upward after it has been pushed inward
allows for the latch
tooth 604 to avoid being prohibited by the latch 404. In one embodiment, the
result of this action
may be seen at FIG. 8.
Turning now to FIG. 8, the latch tooth 604 is shown in an intermediate removal
position
and is mostly removed from the lift tab chamber 602 and partially removed from
the lift tab hole
204. In the present embodiment, the edge of the latch 404 is in contact with
the space between
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
two of the press ridges 606. In this embodiment, the press ridges 606 on the
lift tab 202 may
further prevent the lid 112 from opening or closing. In particular
embodiments, pushing inward
on the lift tab 202, and then either upward or downward, may allow for the
lift tab 202 to further
exit the lift tab chamber 602 or reenter the lift tab chamber 602.
Turning now to FIG. 9, the exemplary tub 100 is shown without the breakable
tabs 120,
according to one embodiment. In the present embodiment, the breakable tabs 120
may have
been removed from the latch assembly 118. As seen previously in FIG. 2, the
exemplary tub 100
may be manufactured and distributed with the lid 112 in an opened position and
the breakable
tabs 120 included on the latch assembly 118. In one embodiment, closing the
lid 112 may result
in the lift tabs 202 being secured in the latch assembly 118 behind the
breakable tabs 120, as
seen in FIG. 1. In particular embodiments, removing the one or more breakable
tabs 120 allows
access to the lift tab chamber 602. As seen in the present embodiment,
positioned within the lift
tab chambers 602 are the lift tabs 202. According to various aspects of the
present disclosure,
the latch tooth 604 of the lift tab 202 may be secured below the latch 404
when the lid 112 is in a
closed position. In particular embodiments, the latch 404 is concealed behind
the front face of
the latch assembly 118. In one embodiment, the one or more press ridges 606
protrude outward
from the lift tab 202. In certain embodiments, pushing inward and then upward
on each lift tab
202 via the press ridges 606 allows for the latch tooth 604 to disengage the
latch 404, thereby
allowing the lid 112 to be lifted into the open position. In one embodiment,
pushing inward and
then upward on each lift tab 202 may be difficult for users that have under-
developed dexterity
skills (i.e., children), thereby preventing certain users from opening the lid
112.
FIG. 10 shows the exemplary tub 100 with the lid 112 in an open position and
without the
breakable tabs 120. As described above in the discussion of FIG. 9, pushing
inward and then
upward on each lift tab 202 via the press ridges 606 allows for the latch
tooth 604 to disengage
the latch 404, thereby allowing the lid 112 to be lifted into an open
position. The present
embodiment shows the result of the above described action. In certain
embodiments, while
being lifted from a closed position to an open position, the one or more lift
tabs 202 are lifted
upward through the lift tab chamber 602 and further through the lift tab holes
204.
Turning now to FIG. 11, an exemplary tub 1100 is shown according to one
embodiment
of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the exemplary tub 1100 is
an alternate
embodiment of the exemplary tub 100. In the present embodiment, the exemplary
tub 1100
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
includes features substantially similar to the exemplary tub 100 such as the
tub body 1102, lid
1112, satellite ring 1114, latch assembly 1118, and breakable tab 1120. In
particular
embodiments, the lift tab 202, latch tooth 604, and latch 404 included on the
exemplary tub 100
are also substantially similar to the same features on the exemplary tub 1100.
In certain
embodiments, the exemplary tub 1100 may have different dimensions than the
exemplary tub
100; however, the functionality of the two tubs is substantially similar. In
the present
embodiment, the exemplary tub 1100 includes only one breakable tab 1120. In
various
embodiments, the exemplary tub 1100 (and other alternate embodiments) may
include a plurality
of breakable tabs 1120.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tub 1200, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the exemplary
tub 1200 is an
alternate embodiment of the exemplary tub 100. In the present embodiment, the
exemplary tub
1200 includes features substantially similar to the exemplary tub 100 such as
the lid 1212,
satellite ring 1214, latch assembly 1218, and breakable tab 1220. In
particular embodiments, the
lift tab 202, latch tooth 604, and latch 404 included on the exemplary tub 100
are also
substantially similar to the same features on the exemplary tub 1200. As shown
in the present
embodiment, the first side 1202 of the exemplary tub 1200 includes a handle
1204. According to
various aspects of the present disclosure, the handle 1204 is integrated or
molded into the shape
of the first side 1202 of the exemplary tub 1200. In various embodiments, the
handle 1204 is
formed by a recess 1206 in the first side 1202, the front 1215, and the rear
1216 of the exemplary
tub 1200. In certain embodiments, the recess 1206 allows for a user or handler
of the exemplary
tub 1200 to easily grab the tub 1200 with a single hand. In some embodiments,
a handle 1204
may be present on both the first side 1202 and the second side 1208 of the
exemplary tub 1200.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the general curvature
of the first side
1202 and second side 1208 of the exemplary tub 1200 are substantially similar.
As shown in the
present embodiment, both the first side 1202 and second side 1208 of the
exemplary tub 1200
extend straight downward from the satellite ring 1214 and then proceed to
curve inward towards
the bottom 1213 of the tub 1200, thereby reducing the volume of the exemplary
tub 1200.
Continuing with FIG. 12, the handle 1204 includes a plurality of grip ridges
1210. In one
embodiment, the plurality of grip ridges 1210 allows for a user or handler of
the exemplary tub
1200 to better grasp the tub 1200. In various embodiments, the plurality of
grip ridges 1210
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
protrudes slightly outward from the handle inner surface 1212 (as seen in FIG.
13). In other
embodiments, the plurality of grip ridges 1210 may extend inward into the
exemplary tub 1200
interior. In a particular embodiment, the grip ridges 1210 are vertically
aligned along the handle
inner surface 1211. In certain embodiments, the grip ridges 1210 may be
horizontally aligned,
diagonally aligned, crossed, or another appropriate pattern. In various
embodiments, the handle
1204 may not include any grip ridges 1210 at all. In embodiments where the
handle 1204 does
not include grip ridges 1210, the handle inner surface 1211 may be bare or may
include another
surface that promotes an enhanced grip such as sandpaper, a tacky substance,
etc. In particular
embodiments, exemplary tub 1200 may include various types of handles (e.g.,
jug handles, etc.).
Turning now to FIG. 13, the present embodiment shows a bottom view of the
exemplary
container 1200. In various embodiments, the bottom 1213 of the exemplary tub
1200 includes a
shape that is substantially different from the lid 1212. Referring back to
FIG. 4, the bottom 108
of the exemplary tub 100 includes a shape and proportions that are
substantially similar to the lid
112. Looking now at FIG. 13, the bottom 1213 of the exemplary tub 1200
includes the curvature
of the first side 1202 and second side 1208, and the handle recess 1206. In
one embodiment, the
bottom 1213 resembles two disproportionate semi-circular halves, wherein the
smaller semi-
circular half is in near proximity to the handle 1204. In a particular
embodiment, each handle
recess 1206 reduces the surface area of the tub bottom 1213, thereby creating
the smaller semi-
circular half. In various embodiments, the handle 1204 tapers inward as the
handle 1204 extends
downward and bends inward from the satellite ring 1214 to the tub bottom 1213.
Continuing with FIG. 13, the curvature of the handle recess 1206 resembles a
valley
shape. In the present embodiment, the handle recess 1206 begins to curve
inward at location
1321 into the exemplary tub 1200 interior. In one embodiment, the handle
recess 1206 then
forms a rounded bottom at location 1322. In various embodiments, the rounded
bottom at
location 1322 represents the inner most portion of the handle recess 1206 and
therefore the inner
most grab-able portion of the handle 1204. In certain embodiments, the handle
recess 1206 then
begins to curve outward to location 1323. In particular embodiments, the
location 1323 is
similar to location 1321 in that both locations are above or outside the inner
most portion of the
handle recess 1206, which is 1322 in the present embodiment.
Now referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary tub 1400 is shown with a lid 1450 in an
open
position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular
embodiments, the
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
exemplary tub 1400 includes a satellite ring 1416. According to various
aspects of the present
disclosure, the satellite ring 1416 is a protruding ridge that extends outward
from a tub body
1408. According to one embodiment, the satellite ring 1416 has a flat upper
surface and round
lower surface (not shown). In some embodiments, the satellite ring 1416 has a
round upper
surface (convex) and an inwardly round bottom surface (concave), whereby one
satellite ring
1416 may accept a satellite ring of a separate tub in a stacked configuration
(e.g., if the lids are in
an open position). In particular embodiments, the satellite ring 1416 extends
fully or partially
around the body 1408 of the exemplary tub 1400. According to various aspects
of the present
disclosure, the satellite ring 1416 may provide a surface or location for the
lid 1450 to meet and
seal when in a closed position. In various embodiments, the satellite ring
1416 acts as a base or
starting point from which other tub features extend. In one or more
embodiments, the satellite
ring 1416 may include plateaus 1410 at the front corners of the exemplary tub
1400 to facilitate
stacking of one or more exemplary tubs (e.g., when the lids are in an open
position). In one or
more embodiments, the corners of the plateaus 1410 are substantially rounded,
but may be
straight if suitable to facilitate the functionality described herein.
In various embodiments, the exemplary tub 1400 includes a latch assembly 1418.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the latch assembly
1418 is a protruding
ridge that extends outward from the tub body 1408. In certain embodiments, the
satellite ring
1416 is at least partially integrated with the latch assembly 1418. In some
embodiments, the
latch assembly 1418 is entirely separate from the satellite ring 1416. In
particular embodiments,
the latch assembly 1418 may be between 1 in and 2 in (e.g., 1.5 in) in width.
In certain
embodiments, the latch assembly 1418 extends fully or partially around the
body 1408 of the
exemplary tub 1400 (e.g., as integrally formed with the satellite ring 1416 or
without the satellite
ring 1416).
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the latch assembly
1418 includes
one or more breakable tabs 1420. In various embodiments, the one or more
breakable tabs 1420
are removable portions of the latch assembly 1418. In these embodiments (and
others), the
breakable tabs 1420 may be connected to the latch assembly 1418 by means of
perforated seams,
fused corners, or other appropriate means of attachment.
In particular embodiments, the latch assembly 1418 may include or define one
or more
lid latch tab holes 1402 to allow for one or more lid latch tabs 1452 to enter
an area behind the
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
breakable tabs 1420. In particular embodiments, the lid latch tab holes 1402
may be
substantially similar to the lift tab holes 204 discussed above in relation to
FIGS. 2, 4, and 10. In
various embodiments, the one or more breakable tabs 1420 may be removed to
facilitate opening
and closing the exemplary tub 1400. As further discussed herein, the satellite
ring 1416 may
form a portion of the latch assembly 1418 (e.g., in at least one embodiment,
the satellite ring
1416 may form a wall or other structure of the latch assembly 1418).
Continuing with FIG. 14, in at least one embodiment, the exemplary tub 1400
may
include a lid 1450 to enclose and seal the interior of the tub 1400. In
particular embodiments, the
lid 1450 may include one or more lid latch tabs 1452. In these embodiments
(and others), the
one or more lid latch tabs 1452 may include or define a lid latch tab opening
1454 for engaging
with a ledge when in a closed position (as will be discussed in greater detail
in the discussion of
FIG. 21). According to various aspects of the present disclosure, while
transitioning from an
opened position to a closed position, the lid latch tab 1452 included on the
lid 1450 may align
with and enter the lid latch tab holes 1402.
Turning now to FIG. 15, a perspective view of the latch assembly 1418 of an
exemplary
tub 1400 is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In
particular
embodiments, the latch assembly 1418 includes one or more breakable tabs 1420.
In certain
embodiments, and as discussed above in relation to FIG. 14, the breakable tabs
1420 may be
removably connected to the latch assembly 1418 by means of break tab gates
1406 (e.g.,
perforated seams, fused corners, or other appropriate means of attachment). In
various
embodiments, the break tab gates 1406 may include one or more protrusions. In
at least one
embodiment, the protrusions may be triangular or any suitable shape (e.g.,
rectangular, conic,
etc.). In certain embodiments, the breakable tabs 1420 may be substantially
similar in height to
the latch assembly 1418 to help prevent access to the features included behind
the breakable tabs
.. 1420.
Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, in at least one embodiment,
the latch
assembly 1418 may define a lid latch chamber 1702. In various embodiments, the
lid latch
chamber 1702 is defined by one or more walls (e.g., chamber walls 1708) that
are integrally
formed with the satellite ring (or rings) 1416 and the breakable tabs 1420.
According to particular embodiments, the lid latch chamber 1702 includes one
or more
latches 1404 to facilitate engagement with a lid latch tab 1452 (not shown)
when the exemplary
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
lid 1450 (not shown) is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the latch
1404 may be
located behind the breakable tabs 1420 in a lid latch chamber 1702. In these
embodiments (and
others), the latch 1404 (or other suitable protrusion) may extend into the lid
latch chamber 1702.
In particular embodiments, the latch 1404 may include one or more latch lead-
in ribs 1414. In
certain embodiments, the latch lead-in ribs 1414 may provide structural
support for the latch
1404 when the exemplary lid 1450 is in a closed position. According to various
aspects of the
present disclosure, the latch lead-in ribs 1414 may have a substantially
triangular shape. As
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the latch lead-in ribs 1414 resemble right-
angled triangles.
In this embodiment (and others), the angled shape of the latch lead-in ribs
1414 provides a guide
for the lid latch tab 1452 as it enters the lid latch chamber 1702 and engages
with the latch 1404.
In one or more embodiments, the latch 1404 may be any outwardly extending
ridge and may
resemble any shape that engages with another object (e.g., a hook). In a
particular embodiment,
the latch 1404 engages with the lid latch tab opening 1454 of the lid latch
tab 1452. In various
embodiments, the angled side of the latch lead-in ribs 1414 may allow for the
lid latch tab 1452
to pass over the latch 1404 and engage therewith. In one embodiment, once the
lid latch tab
opening 1454 has passed over the latch lead-in ribs 1414, the shape of the
latch 1404 may
prevent the lid latch tab 1452 from generally becoming unlatched (e.g.,
without user or other
intervention).
Now referring to FIG. 16, a top view of a latch assembly 1418 of an exemplary
tub 1400
is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
embodiment shown in
FIG. 16 shows the features included within the lid latch chamber 1702. In some
embodiments,
the breakable tab 1420 may include one or more break tab lead-in ribs 1412 on
the interior side
of the breakable tab (e.g., the side that partially defines the lid latch
chamber 1702). In at least
one embodiment, the break tab lead-in ribs 1412 protect the integrity of the
breakable tab 1420.
In particular embodiments, the break tab lead-in ribs 1412 are directly across
from the one or
more latches 1404 (and latch lead-in ribs 1414a, 1414b, 1414c). In the
embodiment shown in the
figures, the exemplary tub 1400 includes three latch lead-in ribs 1414a,
1414b, 1414c. In various
embodiments, an exemplary tub 1400 may include any suitable number of latch
lead-in ribs
1414a, 1414b, 1414c (e.g., two, four, five, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 16, in at least one embodiment, the lid latch chamber 1702 is
defined
by the interior of the breakable tab 1420, a portion of one or more satellite
rings 1416, and
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
portion of the tub body 1408. As also shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments,
the lid latch
chamber 1702 may generally be open at the top and bottom (e.g., there may be
no structure
defining a top and bottom of the lid latch chamber 1702 such that the chamber
may be accessed
at the top or bottom portion). According to various aspects of the present
disclosure, at least two
lid latch chamber walls 1708 at least partially define the space of the lid
latch chamber 1702 (in
conjunction with the breakable tab 1420 and the satellite ring 1416). In
particular embodiments,
the lid latch chamber walls 1708 are perpendicular to, and extend from the tub
body 1408, and
form a portion of the satellite ring 1416, thereby defining a space outward
from the tub body
1408 (e.g., the lid latch chamber 1702). In certain embodiments, the lid latch
chamber walls
1708 may be integrally formed with the satellite ring 1416 and the tub body
1408.
FIG. 17 shows a cross section taken through the latch assembly 1418 of an
exemplary tub
1400 with the lid 1450 in an open position (indicated by the dashed line B-B
in FIG. 14),
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present
embodiment, the cross
section shows a lid latch chamber 1702 including the latch 1404 for engaging
with a lid latch tab
1452. In at least one embodiment, as discussed above, the lid latch chamber
1702 includes lid
latch chamber walls 1708 (integrally formed with the satellite ring 1416)
extending
perpendicularly from the tub body 1408. In one or more embodiments, only one
side of the lid
latch chamber walls 1708 is integrally formed or connected to an adjacent
portion of the
exemplary tub 1400. In various embodiments, the lid latch chamber walls 1708
not only define
the space of the lid latch chamber 1702, but also provide structural support
to the latch assembly
1418. In certain embodiments, the lid latch chamber walls 1708 may be
triangular shaped,
rectangular shaped, quadrant shaped, or any other suitable shape.
FIG. 17 also shows a cross section of the breakable tab 1420, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the breakable
tab 1420, in
conjunction with the satellite ring 1416 and the lid latch chamber walls 1708,
define the space of
the lid latch chamber 1702. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the
breakable tab 1420
may be in substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the satellite
sing 1416. In
particular embodiments, and as discussed above, the breakable tab 1420 may
prevent children, or
any user with under-developed dexterity skills, from opening the exemplary tub
1400 until the
breakable tab 1420 is removed.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, located on the upper portion of the
breakable tab
1420, a cross section of a break tab lead-in rib 1412 is shown. In particular
embodiments, the
break tab lead-in rib 1412 has a substantially triangular shape and is
attached to or integrally
formed with the breakable tab 1420. In other embodiments, the break tab lead-
in rib 1412 may
have a rectangular shape, quadrant shape, or any other suitable shape. As
described previously
in the discussion of FIG. 16, the break tab lead-in rib 1412 provides
structural support and
protects the integrity of the breakable tab 1420. More specifically, the break
tab lead-in rib 1412
may prevent the breakable tab 1420 from being warped, curved, or otherwise
deformed when
unexpected pressure is applied to the breakable tab 1420.
Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the one or more break tab
lead-in
ribs 1412 and the one or more latches 1404 may define a gap 1704. In various
embodiments, the
gap 1704 allows the lid latch tab 1452 (not shown) to pass between the break
tab lead-in ribs
1412 and the latch 1404. In one or more embodiments, the gap 1704 may be less
than one-
quarter of an inch wide (e.g., 0.1 in, 0.045 in, 0.025 in, etc.). In
particular embodiments, the gap
1704 may be any suitable distance to facilitate the functionality described
herein.
Turning now to FIG. 18, a perspective view of a lid latch tab 1452 of an
exemplary lid
1450 is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In
particular
embodiments, the lid latch tab 1452 is substantially trapezoidal in shape and
may feature
rounded corners at the bottom portion 1804 of the lid latch tab 1452. In one
or more
embodiments, the lid latch tab 1452 may be rectangular, circular, or any other
suitable shape. In
at least one embodiment, the corners at the bottom portion 1804 of the lid
latch tab 1452 are
substantially straight (e.g., not rounded). In certain embodiments, and as
discussed above, the lid
latch tab 1452 may define a lid latch tab opening 1454 for engaging with the
latch 1404
described above when the exemplary lid 1450 is in a closed position. In
various embodiments,
the lid latch tab opening 1454 is substantially oval in shape. In some
embodiments, the lid latch
tab opening 1454 may be circular, rectangular, or any other shape suitable for
engaging with
latch 1404.
FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a latch 1452 of an exemplary lid 1450,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the
sides 1802 of the
lid latch tab 1452 gradually increase in width from the bottom portion 1804 of
the lid latch tab
1452 to the point 1808 where the bottom portion 1804 of the lid latch tab 1452
meets the top
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
portion 1806 of the lid latch tab 1452. At that point 1808, in at least one
embodiment, the sides
1802 of the lid latch tab 1452 begin to gradually decrease in width.
In particular embodiments, the exemplary lid 1450 may include a plurality of
lid support
ribs 1902. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the
plurality of lid support ribs
1902 are located along the inner curved portion of the lid 1450. In certain
embodiments, the lid
support ribs 1902 may be molded onto the curved portion of the lid 1450 during
the
manufacturing process. According to various aspects of the present disclosure,
the plurality of
lid support ribs 1902 may include rounded ends 1904 that may extend into the
interior of an
exemplary tub 1450 when the lid 1450 is in a closed position. In one or more
embodiments, the
lid support ribs 1902 may provide support to the exemplary tub 1400 and
prevent the exemplary
tub 1400 from being compressed or deformed under certain conditions when in a
closed position.
Now referring to FIG. 20, a perspective view of the latch assembly 1418 of an
exemplary
tub 1400 engaged with a lid latch tab 1452 of an exemplary lid 1450 is shown,
according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 shows the breakable tab 1420 as
it functions to
prevent access to the lid latch tab 1452 and/or lid latch chamber 1702 when
the lid latch tab
opening 1454 is engaged with the latch 1404 when the exemplary lid 1450 is in
a closed position.
In particular embodiments, when the exemplary lid 1450 is in a closed
position, the upper
portion 1806 of the lid latch tab 1452 is at approximately the same elevation
from the bottom of
the exemplary tub 1400 as the top of the latch assembly 1418. In various
embodiments, the
breakable tab 1420 is positioned such that each end of the breakable tab 1420
is in contact with a
portion of the satellite ring 1416 such that the breakable tab 1420 occludes
the lid latch chamber
1702. In one or more embodiments, and as discussed above, the breakable tab
1420 prevents
access to the lid latch chamber 1702 and thereby the lid latch tab 1452, such
that the lid latch tab
1452 cannot be disengaged from the latch 1404 without first removing the
breakable tab 1420.
Turning now to FIG. 21, a cross sectional view of a latch assembly 1418 of an
exemplary
tub 1400 engaged with the lid latch tab 1452 of an exemplary lid 1450 is
shown, according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the lid
latch tab 1452 is
manufactured to remain in close contact with the tub body 1408 when in a
resting position. In
certain embodiments, the distance between the tub body 1408 and an end point
of the lid latch
tab 1452 is less than 0.075 in when in a resting position. In particular
embodiments, when
closing the exemplary lid 1450, a user pulls the lid latch tab 1452 away from
the tub body 1408,
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
such that the lid latch tab 1452 may pass over the latch 1404 (e.g., where the
latch 1404 is
between 0.075 ¨ 0.15 in in length). In some embodiments, the sloping right
triangle shape of the
latch lead-in ribs 1414 allows the lid latch tab 1452 to slide down the latch
lead-in ribs 1414 and
over the one or more latches 1404 to engage with the one or more latches 1404.
In at least one
embodiment, upon passing over the one or more latches 1404, the lid latch tab
1452 returns to its
resting position where it engages with the one or more latches 1404 and is
restricted from
opening (e.g., moving upwards). In various embodiments, the lid latch tab 1452
extends below
the latch 1404 and into the lid latch chamber 1702. In these embodiments (and
others), the
portion of the lid latch tab 1452 extending below the latch 1404 provides a
mechanism for a user
to disengage (and engage) the lid latch tab 1452 from the latch 1404, such
that the user may open
the exemplary tub 1400 upon removal of the breakable tab 1420. As shown in
FIG. 21, the
breakable tab 1420 is of a sufficient height (e.g., 0.5 in to 1.5 in) such
that a user may not access
the portion of the lid latch tab 1452 extending below the latch 1404 without
first removing the
breakable tab 1420.
In various embodiments, and as discussed above in relation to FIG. 17, the
latch
assembly 1418 may include lid latch chamber walls 1708 to define the space of
the lid latch
chamber 1702 (in conjunction with the breakable tab 1420 and the satellite
ring 1416). In one
embodiment, the lid latch chamber walls 1708 extend downward from the upper
portion of the
latch assembly 1418 to the lowest portion of the breakable tab 1420. In
various embodiments,
.. the lid latch chamber walls 1708 extend down to the lowest portion of the
breakable tab 1420 to
prevent access to the lid latch tab 1452 while the breakable tab 1420 is
attached to the latch
assembly 1418.
Continuing with FIG. 21, in various embodiments, when the exemplary lid 1450
is in a
closed position, a gap 2102 may be located between the latch 1404 and the
bottom of the inner
circumference of the lid latch tab opening 1454. In certain embodiments, the
gap facilitates the
opening and closing of the exemplary tub 1400 by allowing the latch 1404 (and
latch lead-in ribs
1414) to at least partially extend through the lid latch tab opening 1454. In
one or more
embodiments, the gap 2102 may be less than one-tenth of an inch wide (e.g.,
0.05 in, 0.025 in,
0.015 in, etc.). In particular embodiments, the gap 2102 may be any suitable
distance to
facilitate the functionality described herein.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
FIG. 22 shows a front view of the lid latch chamber 1702 of an exemplary tub
1400 in
which the breakable tab 1420 is removed and the exemplary lid 1450 is in a
closed position,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one
embodiment, when the
exemplary lid 1450 is in a closed position, a gap 2202 may be located between
the upper portion
of the chamber walls 1708 and the upper portion 1806 of the lid latch tab
1452. In various
embodiments, the gap 2202 allows the lid latch tab 1452 to fit securely into
the lid latch chamber
1702, such that the edges of the lid latch tab 1452 are not in contact with
the lid latch chamber
walls 1708. In this embodiment (and others), the gap allows the exemplary lid
1450 to smoothly
transition from a closed position to an open position (and vice versa).
Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, latch 1404 with three latch
lead-in
ribs 1414a, 1414b, 1414c are shown at least partially protruding through the
lid latch tab opening
1454 as the latch 1404 is engaged with the lid latch tab 1452. In various
embodiments, the width
of the latch 1404 may be between 0.5 in and 1.5 in wide. In at least one
embodiment, the width
of the lid latch tab opening 1454 is greater than the width of the latch 1404
(e.g., the width of the
.. lid latch tab opening 1454 may be 0.75 in, 1 in, 1.6 in, 2 in, etc.), such
that the latch 1404 may
extend through the lid latch tab opening 1454.
Referring now to FIG. 23, a cross sectional view of a latch assembly 1418 of
an
exemplary tub 1400 engaged with a lid latch tab 1452 of an exemplary lid 1450
with the
breakable tab 1420 removed is shown, according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
In various embodiment, when the breakable tab 1420 is removed, a user may open
a closed lid
1450 by accessing the portion of the lid latch tab 1452 extending below the
latch 1404 and
pulling out and lifting up the lid latch tab 1452 thereby disengaging the lid
latch tab 1452 from
the latch 1404.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art
that, in view
of the above detailed description of the various embodiments and articles of
the present
disclosure, the present disclosure is susceptible of broad utility and
application. Many methods,
embodiments, and adaptations of the present disclosure other than those herein
described, as well
as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be
apparent from or
reasonably suggested by the present disclosure and the above detailed
description thereof,
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
without departing from the substance or scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, while the
present disclosure is described herein in detail in relation to various
embodiments, it is to be
understood that this detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary
of the present
disclosure and is made for purposes of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the present
disclosure. The detailed description set forth herein is not intended nor is
to be construed to limit
the present disclosure or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments,
adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements of the present
disclosure. The scope of
the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents
thereof.
*****
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-08
