TW202521435A - Container apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and method(s) according to which a first container lid is sealingly engaged against a container body. Once so sealingly engaged, a first portion of the first container lid is detachable from, and re-attachable to, the container body. A security band remains attached to a neck of the container body when the first portion of the container lid is detached from the container body. In one or more embodiments, when detached from the container body, the first portion of the container lid remains connected to the security band via a tether. The tether is formed substantially within security band. The container body is adapted to be stacked onto a second container lid so that a first three-dimensional profile of the second container lid matingly receives a second three-dimensional profile of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the second container lid is identical to the first container lid.

Description

Container equipment

The present application relates generally to containers, and more particularly to a stackable container comprising a container body and a container lid, at least a portion of which is detachable from the container body and reattachable to the container body. In some embodiments, the container lid comprises a safety belt and a lanyard.

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/465,262 filed on September 2, 2021, with Attorney File Number 58822.8US01, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 29/910,146, filed on August 16, 2023, with Attorney Docket No. 58822.9US02, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 29/806,332, filed on September 2, 2021, with Attorney Docket No. 58822.9US01 (the “’332 Application”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 29/806,332, filed on September 2, 2021, with Attorney Docket No. 58822.9US01 (the “’332 Application”). U.S. Application No. 29/784,376, filed on May 19, 2021, with agent file number 58822.4US04 (the “’376 Application”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29/771,082, filed on February 19, 2021, with agent file number 58822.4US03 (the “’082 Application”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29/771,082, filed on February 19, 2021, with agent file number 58822.4US03 (the “’082 Application”). No. 58822.4US02 filed on July 8, 2020, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29/740,976, now issued as U.S. Patent No. D911,179, and U.S. Application No. 29/740,976 filed on October 10, 2019, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29/708,953, now issued as U.S. Patent No. D911,843. The ’376 Application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 16/598,443, filed on October 10, 2019, with attorney file number 58822.3US01, now published as U.S. Patent No. 11,484,152 (the “’443 Application”), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and the ’082 Application is also a continuation-in-part of the ’443 Application.

1 , in one embodiment, a container device is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The container device 100 includes a container body 105 and a container cover 110.

2A to 2F , in one embodiment, the container body 105 extends along a central axis 115 and defines an interior cavity 120. The container body 105 includes a sidewall 125, a neck 130, and a bottom wall 135. The sidewall 125 is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical, i.e., in the shape of a truncated sphere or a truncated ellipse (i.e., a sphere-like but not a perfect sphere). Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall 125 (or a portion thereof) may be or include another curved shape, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape (e.g., a truncated cone shape), another shape, or a combination thereof. The sidewall 125 axially defines opposite end portions 140a and 140b. In one or more embodiments, the sidewall 125 defines a radius of curvature R1 (shown in FIG. 2F ) at least at the end portion 140b. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the end portion 140b of the sidewall 125 may be truncated cone-shaped. The end portion 140b of the sidewall 125 and the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105 define in combination and may be referred to herein as a "three-dimensional profile"; this three-dimensional profile mirrors another three-dimensional profile defined by the container lid 110, as will be described in further detail below. In one or more embodiments, the neck 130 is cylindrical. The neck 130 defines an outer diameter D1, axially opposite end portions 145a and 145b, and a mouth 150 through which the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 is accessible. The end portion 145b of the neck 130 is connected to the sidewall 125 at the end portion 140a of the sidewall 125. An outer shaft ring 155 extends around the neck 130 and extends outwardly from the neck 130. The external threads 160a-160b also extend around the neck 130. The external threads 160a-160b are located relatively farther from the sidewall 125 than the outer shaft ring 155.

As shown in FIG. 2C-1 , the external thread 160a defines circumferentially opposite end portions 160aa and 160ab. The end portions 160aa and 160ab of the thread 160a are each tapered. In addition, the external thread 160a extends spirally around the neck 130 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 160aa and 160ab are axially spaced apart from each other by a gap having an axial dimension A1. The end portion 160aa of the thread 160a extends relatively closer to the end portion 145a of the neck 130 than the end portion 160ab of the thread 160a, and the end portion 160ab of the thread 160a extends relatively closer to the end portion 145b of the neck 130 than the end portion 160aa of the thread 160a. External thread 160b extends through the gap between end portions 160aa and 160ab of thread 160a.

As shown in FIG. 2C-2, the external thread 160b defines circumferentially opposite end portions 160ba and 160bb. The end portions 160ba and 160bb of the thread 160b are each tapered. In addition, the external thread 160b extends spirally around the neck 130 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 160ba and 160bb are axially separated from each other by a gap having an axial dimension A2. In one or more embodiments, the axial dimensions A1 and A2 are the same. The end portion 160ba of the thread 160b extends relatively closer to the end portion 145a of the neck 130 than the end portion 160bb of the thread 160b, and the end portion 160bb of the thread 160b extends relatively closer to the end portion 145b of the neck 130 than the end portion 160ba of the thread 160b. The external thread 160a extends through the gap between the end portions 160ba and 160bb of the thread 160b.

As shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2D, a pair of circumferentially spaced gaps 165a-165b are formed axially through the external threads 160a-160b and externally along the neck 130. More specifically, the gap 165a defines a circumferential dimension C1 and is formed externally along the neck 130 and axially through: the end portion 160aa of the external thread 160a; and an intermediate portion of the external thread 160b between the opposite end portions 160ba and 160bb. Likewise, gap 165b defines a circumferential dimension C2 and is formed externally along neck 130 and axially passes through: an intermediate portion of external thread 160b between opposite end portions 160ba and 160bb; and end portion 160ab of external thread 160a. In one or more embodiments, circumferential dimensions C1 and C2 are the same.

As shown in Figures 2C-2 and 2D, a pair of circumferentially spaced gaps 165c-165d are formed axially through the external threads 160a-160b and externally along the neck 130. More specifically, the gap 165c defines a circumferential dimension C3 and is formed externally along the neck 130 and axially through: the end portion 160ba of the external thread 160b; and an intermediate portion of the external thread 160a between the opposite end portions 160aa and 160ab. Likewise, gap 165d defines a circumferential dimension C4 and is formed externally along neck 130 and axially passes through: an intermediate portion of external thread 160a between opposite end portions 160aa and 160ab; and end portion 160bb of external thread 160b. In one or more embodiments, circumferential dimensions C3 and C4 are the same. In one or more embodiments, circumferential dimensions C1, C2, C3, and C4 are the same.

2E, the bottom wall 135 is connected to the side wall 125 at the end portion 140b of the side wall 125. An outer dimple pattern 170 is formed into the bottom wall 135. The outer dimple pattern 170 includes a central dimple 175a and petal dimples 175b to 175g distributed (e.g., evenly) around the central dimple 175a.

As shown in Figures 2D and 2F, the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 defines a maximum outer diameter D2. In one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 exceeds a critical value, or is within a range that makes it difficult (at least more difficult than in the known container cover to container body configuration) to seal the gas pressure in the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere; this difficulty is solved and overcome by (several) different features/components of the container body 105 and the container cover 110, which (s) will be discussed in further detail below.

For example, in one or more embodiments, a first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 1:2. For another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 2:3. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 is made of a suitable plastic/synthetic resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the container body 105 may be or include a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyacetal resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, another synthetic resin having sufficient chemical resistance, the like, or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container body 105 can be formed by (several) molding processes, for example, (several) biaxially oriented blow molding processes, (several) direct blow molding processes, (several) injection blow molding processes, (several) other molding processes, the like, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D , in one embodiment, the container cap 110 extends along a central axis 180 and includes a sidewall 185 and a top wall 190. In one or more embodiments, the sidewall 185 is cylindrical. The sidewall 185 defines an inner diameter D3 and axially opposite end portions 195a and 195b. The inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130. The inner ridges or inner threads 200a to 200b extend circumferentially along the sidewall 185. In one or more embodiments, a second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 exceeds a critical value, or is within a range that makes it difficult (at least more difficult than in the known container lid to container body configuration) to seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere; this difficulty is addressed and overcome by (several) different features/components of the container body 105 and the container lid 110, which (s) features/components will be discussed in further detail below.

For example, in one or more embodiments, a second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2. For another example, in one or more embodiments, a second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to ¾. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, the second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the sidewall 185 of the container lid 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

As shown in FIG. 3C-1 and FIG. 3C-2, the internal thread 200a defines circumferentially opposite end portions 200aa (visible in FIG. 3C-1) and 200ab (visible in FIG. 3C-2). The end portions 200aa and 200ab of the thread 200a are each tapered. In addition, the internal thread 200a extends helically along the side wall 185 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 200aa and 200ab are axially and circumferentially spaced from each other. The end portion 200aa of the thread 200a extends relatively closer to the end portion 195a of the side wall 185 than the end portion 200ab of the thread 200a, and the end portion 200ab of the thread 200a extends relatively closer to the end portion 195b of the side wall 185 than the end portion 200aa of the thread 200a.

Similarly, the internal thread 200b defines circumferentially opposite end portions 200ba (visible in FIG. 3C-2 ) and 200bb (visible in FIG. 3C-1 ). The end portions 200ba and 200bb of the thread 200b are each tapered. In addition, the internal thread 200b extends helically along the side wall 185 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 200ba and 200bb are axially and circumferentially spaced from each other. The end portion 200ba of the thread 200b extends relatively closer to the end portion 195a of the side wall 185 than the end portion 200bb of the thread 200b, and the end portion 200bb of the thread 200b extends relatively closer to the end portion 195b of the side wall 185 than the end portion 200ba of the thread 200b.

As shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1, and 3C-2, a plurality of circumferentially spaced gaps 205a-205d are formed axially through the internal threads 200a-200b and radially into the sidewall 185. More specifically, the gap 205a defines a circumferential dimension C5 and is formed radially into and internally along the sidewall 185 and axially through: the end portion 200aa of the internal thread 200a; and an intermediate portion of the internal thread 200b between the opposite end portions 200ba and 200bb.

The gap 205b defines a circumferential dimension C6 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 185 internally and axially through an intermediate portion of the internal thread 200b between the opposite end portions 200ba and 200bb. Optionally, the gap 205b can also be formed axially through the end portion 200bb of the internal thread 200b. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimensions C5 and C6 are the same.

The gap 205c defines a circumferential dimension C7 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 185 internally and axially through: the end portion 200ba of the internal thread 200b; and an intermediate portion of the internal thread 200a between the opposite end portions 200aa and 200ab. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C7 is the same as the circumferential dimension C5, the circumferential dimension C6, or both.

The gap 205d defines a circumferential dimension C8 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 185 internally and axially through an intermediate portion of the internal thread 200b between the opposite end portions 200ba and 200bb. Optionally, the gap 205d can also be formed axially through the end portion 200ab of the internal thread 200a. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C8 is the same as the circumferential dimension C5, the circumferential dimension C6, the circumferential dimension C7, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3C-1 , and FIG. 3C-2 , the top wall 190 is connected to the side wall 185 at the end portion 195a of the side wall 185. A safety belt 210 is removably connected to the side wall 185 at the end portion 195b of the side wall 185. Therefore, the side wall 185, the top wall 190, and the safety belt 210 define an interior area 215 in combination. The top wall 190 includes a center portion 216a and an outer edge portion 216b. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the center portion 216a is planar. In one or more embodiments, the outer edge portion 216b extends circumferentially. The outer edge portion 216b connects the center portion 216a to the end portion 195a of the side wall 185. The central portion 216a and at least a portion of the outer edge portion 216b combine to define an outer cavity 218 of the container cover 110.

The perforations 220a-220b are formed radially through the container cover 110 at a circumferential boundary 225 between the safety belt 210 and the end portion 195b of the side wall 185 to leave a detachable segment 230 inserted between the perforations 220a-220b, which detachably connects the safety belt 210 to the end portion 195b of the side wall 185. The perforations 220a are straight. In contrast, the perforations 220b are saw-shaped to form relative slopes 235a-235b in the safety belt 210 and the side wall 185, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the perforations 220a to 220b include ten (10) straight perforations 220a and two (2) saw-toothed perforations 220b, wherein the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 220b are circumferentially opposite to each other, so that five (5) straight perforations 220a extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 220b on one side of the container cover 110, and another five (5) straight perforations 220a extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 220b on the other side of the container cover 110.

As shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1, and 3C-2, the inner ridges 240 extend radially inward from the safety belt 210 to leave gaps 245 interposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the container safety belt 210 includes ten (10) circumferentially spaced inner ridges 240.

As shown in FIG. 3D , the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 includes outer surfaces 250a to 250b. The outer surface 250a extends circumferentially, faces radially inward, and defines the outer cavity 218 of the container cover 110 together with the central portion 216a of the top wall 190. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a is curved. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a can define a radius of curvature R2 (shown in FIG. 3D ), and the radius of curvature R2 is the same as the radius of curvature R1. In addition or alternatively, at least a portion of the outer surface 250a can be truncated cone-shaped. The central portion 216a of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110 and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110 are combined to define and may be referred to herein as a "three-dimensional profile"; this three-dimensional profile mirrors the three-dimensional profile defined by the container body 105, as described in detail above.

The outer surface 250b extends circumferentially and faces radially outward. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 250b is curved. An inner shaft ring 255 extends inwardly from the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 and the outer surface 250a and extends into the inner region 215. The inner shaft ring 255 extends circumferentially and includes an inner surface 260a and an outer spherical protrusion 260b. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 260a is cylindrical. An inner ridge 265 extends inwardly from the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 and the outer surface 250b and extends into the inner region 215. In addition or instead, the inner ridge 265 can extend inwardly from the sidewall 185 of the container cover 110. The inner ridge 265 extends circumferentially and, in conjunction with the inner shaft ring 255, defines an inner annular groove 270 of the container cover 110 (ie, the inner annular groove 270 extends between the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner ridge 265).

In one or more embodiments, the container cap 110 is made of the same resin material as the container body 105. Alternatively, the container cap 110 may be made of a resin material different from the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 110 is made of a suitable plastic/synthetic resin (for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin). Additionally or alternatively, the container cap 110 may be or include a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyacetal resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, another synthetic resin with sufficient chemical resistance, the like, or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 110 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, both the container cap 110 and the container body 105 are made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 110 can be formed by (several) molding processes, for example, (several) biaxially oriented blow molding processes, (several) direct blow molding processes, (several) injection blow molding processes, (several) other molding processes, the like, or any combination thereof.

4A to 4C, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 to 3D, in one embodiment, in operation, the container cap 110 can be attached to the container body 105, as indicated by arrows 275a to 275b in FIGS. 4A and 4B, by screwing the container cap 110 onto the neck 130 of the container body 105. Additionally or alternatively, the container cap 110 can be attached to the container body 105 using another attachment mechanism (e.g., "snap-fit" features, locking features, other attachment features, the like, or any combination thereof). In any case, once so attached, the container cap 110 can be removed from the container body 105 and can be reattached to the container body 105, as shown in Figures 4D and 4E (and discussed in further detail below). More specifically, to attach (or reattach) the container cap 110 to the container body 105, the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the interior region 215 of the container cap 110, so that the internal threads 200a-200b of the container cap 110 engage with the external threads 160a-160b of the container body 105. Once so engaged, the container cover 110 is rotated relative to the container body 105 so that the end portions 200ab and 200bb (shown in Figures 3C-1 and 3C-2) of the internal threads 200a to 200b of the container cover 110 are received underneath and engaged by the end portions 160aa and 160ba (shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2) of the external threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105. Once the end portions 200ab and 200bb of the inner threads 200a to 200b of the container cover 110 are thus received under and engaged by the end portions 160aa and 160ba of the outer threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105, continued rotation of the container cover 110 relative to the container body 105 screws the container cover 110 onto the container body 105 via sliding engagement between the inner threads 200a to 200b of the container cover 110 and the outer threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105. Although shown as being threaded onto the container body 105 in a clockwise direction, in one or more embodiments, the threads of the container cap 110 and the threads of the container body 105 are each instead spirally formed in opposite directions such that the container cap 110 is threaded onto the container body 105 in a counterclockwise direction.

In some embodiments, continued threading of the container cap 110 onto the container body 105 causes an end surface defined by the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container 105 to (e.g., sealingly) engage a portion of the container cap 110 defined by the inner annular groove 270. Additionally or alternatively, continuing to thread the container cap 110 onto the container body 105 causes the inner shaft ring 255 to move toward the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, ultimately causing the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to be received within the inner annular groove 270 of the container cap 110, so that one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 260b of the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner ridge 265 of the container cap 110 (e.g., sealingly) engage the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

More specifically, in one or more embodiments, when the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the inner annular groove 270 of the container cover 110, the inner shaft ring 255 radially flexes inward, thereby applying a radial outward recoil force to the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, and the radial outward recoil force engages the outer spherical protrusion 260b of the inner shaft ring 255 with the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (e.g., sealingly). In this embodiment(s), the engagement between the outer spherical protrusion 260b of the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (optionally, in conjunction with the engagement between the inner ridge 265 of the container cover 110 and the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, discussed below) helps to seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105. The invention is protected from the influence of the atmosphere even if the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck portion 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is: greater than or equal to 1:2; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4; greater than or equal to 2:3; greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8; or greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, when the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the inner annular groove 270 of the container lid 110, the inner ridge 265 of the container lid 110 is radially flexed outward, thereby applying a radial inward recoil force to the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, and the radial inward recoil force engages the inner ridge 265 of the container lid 110 with the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (e.g., sealingly). In this embodiment(s), the engagement between the inner ridge 265 of the container cover 110 and the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (optionally combined with the sealing engagement between the outer spherical protrusion 260a of the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a) helps to seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere, even if A second ratio of the inner diameter D3 of the side wall 185 of the container cover 110 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is: greater than or equal to 1:2; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4; greater than or equal to 2:3; greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8; or greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

Continuing to screw the container cover 110 onto the container body 105 also causes the safety belt 210 to move toward the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105, and finally causes the inner ridge 240 of the safety belt 210 to slide on and pass over the outer shaft ring 155, thereby clamping the safety belt 210 of the container cover 110 between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is disposed within the interior cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a fluid (such as wine, such as flavored wine) is disposed within the interior cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere.

Referring to Figures 4D and 4E, and continuing with Figures 4A to 4C, in one embodiment, when the container cover 110 is subsequently unscrewed from the container body 105 (i.e., by rotating the container cover 110 in a direction opposite to direction 275b and relative to the container body 105), the safety belt 210 is clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105, causing the inner ridge 240 of the safety belt 210 to contact the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105. As the container cap 110 is thus unscrewed from the container body 105, the inner ridge 240 of the safety belt 210 contacts the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105 to apply a pulling force to the detachable segments 230 that respectively connect the container cap 110 to the safety belt 210. In addition, and therefore, the rotational friction between the inner ridge 240 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the safety belt 210 causes a relative rotation between the side wall 185 of the container cap 110 and the safety belt 210, which causes the slope 235a of the safety belt 210 to be engaged by the slope 235b of the side wall 185 (the slopes 235a to 235b are shown in Figures 3A, 3C-1, 3C-2, and 4A). Continued rotation of the container cover 110 from the container body 105 causes continued relative rotation between the side wall 185 of the container cover 110 and the safety belt 210, causing the slope 235b of the side wall 185 to slide along the slope 235a of the safety belt 210, thereby axially separating the container cover 110 from the safety belt 210 by breaking the separable segments 230 that connect the container cover 110 to the safety belt 210, as indicated by arrows 275c to 275d in Figure 4D. Once axially separated in this way, the safety belt 210 remains axially clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105, as shown in Figure 4D.

Therefore, when the container cap 110 is unscrewed from the container body 105, the end portion 145a of the neck 130 is removed from the inner annular groove 270, so that the end portion 145a of the neck 130 is sealedly disengaged from one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 260b of the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner ridge 265 of the container cap 110. This sealed disengagement of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 from one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 260b of the inner shaft ring 255 and the inner ridge 265 of the container cap 110 allows the gas pressure in the inner cavity 120 of the container body 105 to be released. More specifically, gas pressure is allowed to flow: between the inner shaft ring 255 of the container cover 110 and the inner side of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105; between the inner ridge 265 of the container cover 110 and the outer side of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105; through the gaps 205a to 205d formed along the container cover 110 (shown in Figures 3B, 3C-1 and 3C-2); and through the gaps 165a to 165d formed along the container body 105 (shown in Figures 2C-1, 2C-2 and 2D). The gas pressure is eventually exhausted to the atmosphere adjacent to the end portion 195b of the side wall 185 of the container cover 110 and the end portion 145b of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is placed in the internal cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the influence of the atmosphere; in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4D, when the container lid is removed from the container body 105, a person drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120.

As indicated by arrows 275e to 275f in Figure 4E, the container cap 110 can then be reattached to the container body 105 and sealingly engaged with the container body 105 in the same manner as described above in conjunction with Figures 4A to 4C, except that the safety belt 210 is no longer connected to the remainder of the container cap 110 (and therefore does not slide over and pass over the external shaft ring 155, but instead remains axially clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the external shaft ring 155 of the container body 105); therefore, the reattachment (and sealing engagement) of the container cap 110 to the container body 105 will not be described in further detail.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is placed in the interior cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure in the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere; in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the container cap is removed from the container body 105, a person can drink from the container through the mouth 150. 4E , so that the remaining (undrinkable) fluid will not overflow from the internal cavity 120 - in some embodiments, the future person again removes the container cap 110 from the container body 105 and again drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150.

5 , and continuing with FIGS. 1 to 4C , in one embodiment, the container device 100 may be stacked with another container device that is substantially identical to the container device 100 and is therefore given the same element number except for the addition of the suffix “’”. Additionally or alternatively, the container device 100′ includes (several) features/components that are substantially identical to (several) corresponding features/components of the container device 100′, and the (several) substantially identical features/components are given the same element number except for the addition of the suffix “’”.

As shown in FIG. 5 , when so stacked, a portion of the container body 105′ of the container device 100′ matingly engages a portion of the container lid 110 of the container device 100. More specifically, the bottom wall 135′ of the container body 105′ is matingly received by the center portion 216a of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110. In addition, the end portion 140b′ of the side wall 125′ of the container body 105′ is matingly received by the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110. For example, in those embodiments in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a curvature radius R1' and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110 defines a curvature radius R2 (which is the same as the curvature radius R1'), the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is cooperatively engaged with the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110. For another example, in the embodiment(s) in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a truncated cone shape and the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110 defines a truncated cone shape, the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is cooperatively engaged with the outer surface 250a of the outer edge portion 216b of the top wall 190 of the container lid 110.

6 , a second embodiment of a container apparatus is generally designated by reference numeral 600 . The second embodiment of the container apparatus 600 includes a container body 605 and a container cover 610 .

The container body of the second embodiment of the container apparatus 600 is substantially the same as the container body described with respect to the container apparatus 100 in Figures 2A to 2F and is the same in one or more embodiments. Therefore, references to the container body of the second embodiment of the container apparatus 600 or any element thereof will be made with reference to the description of the container body 105 and any element thereof of the container apparatus 100 described above with respect to Figures 2A to 2F.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7D , in one embodiment, the container cap 610 extends along a central axis 180 and includes a sidewall 685 and a top wall 690. In one or more embodiments, the sidewall 685 is cylindrical. The sidewall 685 defines an inner diameter D4 and axially opposite end portions 695a and 695b. The inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter D1 of the neck 130 of the container body 105. The inner ridges or inner threads 700a to 700b extend circumferentially along the sidewall 685. In one or more embodiments, an outer surface of the sidewall 685 has surface relief, raised portions, ridges, or other such features that provide additional grip between a user or a tool and the container lid 610.

In one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 exceeds a critical value, or is within a range, making it difficult (at least more difficult than in the known container lid to container body configuration) to seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the influence of the atmosphere; this difficulty is solved and overcome by (several) different features/components of the container body 105 and the container lid 610, and the (several) features/components will be discussed in further detail below.

For example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2. For another example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8. For yet another example, in one or more embodiments, a third ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 of the container lid 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the sidewall 125 of the container body 105 is greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

As shown in FIG. 7C-1 and FIG. 7C-2, the inner thread 700a defines circumferentially opposite end portions 700aa (visible in FIG. 7C-1) and 700ab (visible in FIG. 7C-2). The end portions 700aa and 700ab of the thread 700a are each tapered. In addition, the inner thread 700a extends helically along the side wall 685 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 700aa and 700ab are axially and circumferentially spaced from each other. The end portion 700aa of the thread 700a extends relatively closer to the end portion 695a of the side wall 685 than the end portion 700ab of the thread 700a, and the end portion 700ab of the thread 700a extends relatively closer to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 than the end portion 700aa of the thread 700a.

Similarly, the internal thread 700b defines circumferentially opposite end portions 700ba (visible in FIG. 7C-2) and 700bb (visible in FIG. 7C-1). The end portions 700ba and 700bb of the thread 700b are each tapered. In addition, the internal thread 700b extends helically along the side wall 685 so that the circumferentially opposite end portions 700ba and 700bb are axially and circumferentially spaced from each other. The end portion 700ba of the thread 700b extends relatively closer to the end portion 695a of the side wall 685 than the end portion 700bb of the thread 700b, and the end portion 700bb of the thread 700b extends relatively closer to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 than the end portion 700ba of the thread 700b.

As shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1, and 7C-2, a plurality of circumferentially spaced gaps 705a-705d are formed axially through the internal threads 700a-700b and radially into the side wall 685. More specifically, the gap 705a defines a circumferential dimension C9 and is formed radially into and internally along the side wall 685 and axially through: the end portion 700aa of the internal thread 700a; and an intermediate portion of the internal thread 700b between the opposing end portions 700ba and 700bb.

The gap 705b defines a circumferential dimension C10 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 685 internally and axially through an intermediate portion of the internal thread 700b between the opposite end portions 700ba and 700bb. Optionally, the gap 705b can also be formed axially through the end portion 700bb of the internal thread 700b. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimensions C9 and C10 are the same.

The gap 705c defines a circumferential dimension C11 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 685 internally and axially through: the end portion 700ba of the internal thread 700b; and an intermediate portion of the internal thread 700a between the opposite end portions 700aa and 700ab. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C11 is the same as the circumferential dimension C9, the circumferential dimension C10, or both.

The gap 705d defines a circumferential dimension C12 and is formed radially into and along the side wall 685 internally and axially through an intermediate portion of the internal thread 700b between the opposite end portions 700ba and 700bb. Optionally, the gap 705d can also be formed axially through the end portion 700ab of the internal thread 700a. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential dimension C12 is the same as the circumferential dimension C9, the circumferential dimension C10, the circumferential dimension C11, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 7A , FIG. 7C-1 , and FIG. 7C-2 , the top wall 690 is connected to the side wall 685 at an end portion 695a of the side wall 685. A safety belt 710 having an end portion 711a and an end portion 711b is partially or substantially removably connected to the side wall 685 at the end portion 711a of the safety belt 710 at the end portion 695b of the side wall 685. The safety belt 710 remains permanently connected to the side wall 685 via a tether 780. Thus, the side wall 685, the top wall 690, and the safety belt 710 define an interior region 615 in combination. The top wall 690 includes a center portion 716a and an outer edge portion 716b. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the center portion 716a is planar. In one or more embodiments, the outer edge portion 716b extends circumferentially. The outer edge portion 716b connects the central portion 716a to the end portion 695a of the side wall 685. The central portion 716a and at least a portion of the outer edge portion 716b combine to define an external cavity 718 of the container cover 610.

Perforations 720a-720b are formed radially through the container cover 610 at a circumferential boundary 725 between the end portion 711a of the safety belt 710 and the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 to leave a detachable segment 730 inserted between the perforations 720a-720b, which detachably connects the end portion 711a of the safety belt 710 to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685. Perforations 720a are straight. In contrast, perforations 720b are saw-shaped to form relative slopes 735a-735b in the safety belt 710 and the side wall 685, respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the perforations 720a to 720b include ten (10) straight perforations 720a and two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b, wherein the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b are circumferentially opposite to each other, so that six (6) straight perforations 720a extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b on one side of the container cover 610, and another four (4) straight perforations 720a and the rope 780 extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b on the other side of the container cover 610.

In one or more embodiments, the perforations 720a to 720b include ten (10) straight perforations 720a and two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b, wherein the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b are circumferentially opposite to each other, so that five (5) straight perforations 720a extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b on one side of the container cover 610, and another five (5) straight perforations 720a and the rope 780 extend circumferentially between the two (2) saw-toothed perforations 720b on the other side of the container cover 610.

As shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1, and 7C-2, the internal ridges 740 extend radially inward from the safety belt 710 to leave gaps 745 interposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the container safety belt 710 includes fifteen (15) circumferentially spaced internal ridges 740. In one or more embodiments, the container safety belt 710 includes ten (10) circumferentially spaced internal ridges 740.

As shown in FIG. 7D , the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 includes outer surfaces 750a to 750b. The outer surface 750a extends circumferentially, faces radially inward, and defines the outer cavity 718 of the container cover 610 together with the central portion 716a of the top wall 690. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a is curved. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a can define a radius of curvature R3 (shown in FIG. 7D ), and the radius of curvature R3 is the same as the radius of curvature R1. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the outer surface 750a can be truncated cone-shaped. The central portion 716a of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610 and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610 are combined to define and may be referred to herein as a "three-dimensional profile"; this three-dimensional profile mirrors the three-dimensional profile defined by the container body 105, as described in detail above.

The outer surface 750b extends circumferentially and faces radially outward. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 750b is curved. An inner shaft ring 755 extends inwardly from the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 and the outer surface 750a and extends into the inner region 715. The inner shaft ring 755 extends circumferentially and includes an inner surface 760a and an outer spherical protrusion 760b. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 760a is cylindrical. An inner ridge 765 extends inwardly from the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 and the outer surface 750b and extends into the inner region 715. In addition or alternatively, the inner ridge 765 can extend inwardly from the side wall 685 of the container cover 610. The inner ridge 765 extends circumferentially and, in conjunction with the inner shaft ring 755, defines an inner annular groove 770 of the container cover 610 (i.e., the inner annular groove 770 extends between the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner ridge 765).

As shown in Figures 7A, 7C-2, and 7E to 7G, a tether 780 connects the safety belt 710 to the side wall 685 of the container cover 610. The tether 780 includes a first end portion 785 and a second end portion 790, and is axially formed in the safety belt 710 between the end portion 711a and the end portion 711b. The first end portion 785 of the tether is connected to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685. The second end portion 790 of the tether is axially connected to the safety belt 710 between the end portion 711a and the end portion 711b, so that the second end portion 790 is axially recessed in the safety belt 710. The second end portion 790 of the tether 780 is connected to the safety belt 710 along a circumferential extension of the safety belt 710. The first end portion 785 and the second end portion 790 of the tether are circumferentially spaced around the circumference of the safety belt 710 and/or the circumference of the container cover 610 so that the tether 780 extends along a circumference of the container cover 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 785 of the tether 780 is circumferentially positioned clockwise relative to the second end portion 790 of the tether 780. Thus, as will be discussed in more detail below, when the container cover 610 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the safety belt 710 and the container body 105 in order to unscrew (or unscrew) the container cover 610 from the container body 105, the tether 780 does not prevent the container cover 610 from rotating relative to the safety belt 710.

In one or more embodiments, the threads on the container cap 610 and the container body 105 can be left-hand threads, so that the container cap 610 will be screwed off the container body 105 by rotating the container cap 610 clockwise. In this (other) embodiment, the first end portion 785 of the tether 780 will be circumferentially positioned counterclockwise relative to the second end portion 790 of the tether 780.

The length of the tether 780 may vary depending on the application requirements. Depending on the inner diameter D4 of the sidewall 685 and/or the axial height of the sidewall 685, the length of the tether 780 may vary to allow the container cover 610 to be twisted off and removed from the container body 105. In some embodiments, the tether 780 may extend circumferentially through less than 180 degrees, through less than 120 degrees, through less than 90 degrees, through less than 60 degrees, through less than 45 degrees, or through less than 30 degrees. As will be discussed in more detail below, the length of the tether 780 is optimized to enable the container cover 610 to be removed from the container body 105 while remaining connected to the safety belt 710 via the tether 780.

The tether 780 is defined by perforations 800a-800d in the harness 710. The perforations 800a-800d extend radially through the harness 710. The perforation 800a extends circumferentially along the circumferential boundary 725 between the end portion 711a of the harness 710 and the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 and in series with the perforation 720a (i.e., at the same axial height as the perforation 720a). The perforation 800a extends circumferentially in a counterclockwise direction between an edge 786a of the first end portion 785 of the tether 780 that is circumferentially closest to the second end portion 790 of the tether 780 and the separable segment 730 that is circumferentially closest to the edge 786a.

The through hole 800b extends transversely to the through hole 800a. The through hole 800b extends axially along the safety belt 710 between the circumferential boundary 725 and an edge 787a of the second end portion 790 of the tether 780. In the embodiment shown, the through hole 800a and the through hole 800b form a generally L-shaped through hole that partially defines the tether 780.

The through hole 800c extends circumferentially along the safety belt 710 at the same axial height as the second end portion 790 of the tether. The through hole 800c extends circumferentially from an edge 787b of the second end portion 790 of the tether 780, at least until the through hole 800c is circumferentially aligned with an edge 786b of the first end portion 785 of the tether 780.

The perforation 800d extends transversely to the perforation 800c. The perforation 800d extends axially along the safety belt 710 between the perforation 800c and the edge 786b of the first end portion 785 of the tether 780. The perforation 800d is circumferentially spaced from the perforation 800b. In the embodiment shown, the perforation 800d and the perforation 800c form a generally L-shaped perforation that partially defines the tether 780.

7A, 7C-2, and 7E-7G, the width of the tether 780 is consistent from the first end portion 785 to the second end portion 790. In one or more embodiments, the tether 780 can be tapered from the first end portion 785 to the second end portion 790, such that the first end portion 785 is wider than the second end portion 790, or the tether 780 can be tapered from the second end portion 790 to the first end portion 785, such that the second end portion 790 is wider than the first end portion 785. In one or more embodiments, as discussed above, the length of the tether 780 can be made shorter or longer, depending on the application. The length of the tether 780 may be varied by increasing or decreasing the circumferential position or offset of the first end portion 785 and the second end portion 790 of the tether 780.

As discussed above, the tether 780 is formed within the seat belt 710. The depth to which the tether 780 is axially recessed within the seat belt 710 is directly related to the width of the tether 780. The wider the tether 780, the further the tether 780 extends axially along the seat belt 710. Therefore, the width of the tether 780 is also directly related to the axial height of the portion 795 of the seat belt 710 retained between the through hole 800c and the end portion 711b of the seat belt 710. When the detachable segment 730 breaks, the safety belt 710 remains intact and is retained on the container body 105 and below the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105, so that the portion 795 of the safety belt 710 remains intact, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The axial height of the safety belt 710, the width of the rope 780, and the axial height of the portion 795 of the safety belt 710 are optimized so that: the rope 780 has sufficient strength to support the container cover 610, and when the separable segment breaks and the container cover 610 is removed from the container body 105 while the safety belt 710 is still attached to the container body 105, a connection between the container cover 610 and the safety belt 710 is maintained without breaking; and the portion 795 of the safety belt 710 has sufficient strength to hold the safety belt 710 together and remain intact on the container body 105 without breaking.

In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 is equal to the axial height of the portion 795 of the seat belt 710. In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 and the axial height of the portion 795 of the seat belt 710 are approximately half of the axial height of the seat belt 710. In one or more embodiments, the width of the tether 780 is approximately 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or 75% of the axial height of the seat belt 710, and the axial height of the portion 795 of the seat belt 710 is approximately 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30% or 25% of the axial height of the seat belt 710, respectively.

In the embodiment shown, there is no detachable segment 730 directly connecting the tether 780 to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 or directly connecting the tether 780 to the portion 795 of the safety belt 710. In one or more embodiments, there is a detachable segment 730 directly connecting the tether 780 to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 and/or directly connecting the tether 780 to the portion 795 of the safety belt 710, so that when the container cover 610 is opened for the first time, the tether 780 is peeled off or broken from the safety belt 710 as the detachable segment 730 breaks.

In one or more embodiments, the edges 805a and 805b of the tether 780 located at the intersection of the through-holes 800a and 800b and the through-holes 800c and 800d, respectively, are rounded so that the tether 780 does not have sharp edges/corners when the container lid 610 is opened and the tether 780 is exposed.

In one or more embodiments, when the separable segment 730 is not broken, the first end portion 785 and the second end portion 790 of the tether 780 are aligned circumferentially. In these embodiments, the tether 780 is folded in half so that the tether 780 extends circumferentially in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the first end portion 785, and then bends 180 degrees and extends back in the opposite direction (at the same radial distance from the axis 180 but axially closer to the end portion 711b of the seat belt 710), and terminates at the second end portion 790 of the tether 780. In this (etc.) embodiment, when the container cover 610 is pulled down and the separable segment 730 is broken, the tether 780 can be deployed and straightened.

As shown in FIG. 7C-2 , there are no internal ridges 740 within the circumferential cross-section where the tether 780 is located. There are no internal ridges 740 extending along the portion 795 of the safety belt 710. This allows the portion 795 of the safety belt 710 to have greater flexibility when the container cover 610 is pulled down and tension is applied to the tether 780, as will be described in more detail below. However, in one or more embodiments, there may be an internal ridge 740 or a modified version thereof positioned on and extending along the portion 795 of the safety belt 710. The presence of additional internal ridges 740 will help the safety belt 710 remain on the container body 105.

The safety belt 710 can also be described as having a cutout cross-section in which the tether 780 is positioned. The cutout cross-section is rectangular and extends radially through the safety belt 710. The cutout cross-section extends circumferentially around a portion of the safety belt 710 and extends axially from the end portion 711a through a portion of the axial height of the safety belt 710. The tether 780 is connected to the container lid 610 at one end of the cutout, and the tether 780 is connected to the safety belt 710, or more specifically, to the portion 795 of the safety belt 710, at the other end of the cutout.

In one or more embodiments, the container cap 610 is made of the same resin material as the container body 105. Alternatively, the container cap 610 may be made of a resin material different from the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 610 is made of a suitable plastic/synthetic resin (for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin). Additionally or alternatively, the container cap 610 may be or include a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyacetal resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, another synthetic resin with sufficient chemical resistance, the like, or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 610 is made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, both the container cap 610 and the container body 105 are made of recyclable plastic. In one or more embodiments, the container cap 610 can be formed by (several) molding processes, for example, (several) biaxially oriented blow molding processes, (several) direct blow molding processes, (several) injection blow molding processes, (several) other molding processes, the like, or any combination thereof.

6 to 7G , the container lid 610 is shown in a first configuration in which it is attached to the safety belt 710, the detachable segment 730 is not broken, and the container lid 610 is not yet attached to the container body 105. In FIGS. 8A to 9B , the container lid 610 is shown in a second configuration in which it is attached to the safety belt 710, the detachable segment 730 is not broken, and the container lid 610 is attached to the container body 105. In Figures 9C to 9G, the container lid 610 is shown in a third configuration in which the detachable segment 730 between the container lid 610 and the safety belt 710 is broken, so that the container lid 610 can be removed from the container body 105 while remaining connected to the safety belt 710, which is held on the container body 105 via the tether 780.

8A to 8C, and with continued reference to FIGS. 6 to 7G, in one embodiment, in operation, the container cap 610 can be attached to the container body 105, as indicated by arrows 775a to 775b in FIGS. 8A and 8B, by screwing the container cap 610 onto the neck 130 of the container body 105. Additionally or alternatively, the container cap 610 can be attached to the container body 105 using another attachment mechanism (e.g., "snap-fit" features, locking features, other attachment features, the like, or any combination thereof). In any case, once so attached, the container cap 610 can be removed from the container body 105 and can be reattached to the container body 105, as shown in Figures 9A to 9G, as discussed in further detail below. More specifically, to attach (or reattach) the container cap 610 to the container body 105, the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the interior region 715 of the container cap 610, so that the internal threads 700a-700b of the container cap 610 engage with the external threads 160a-160b of the container body 105. Once so engaged, the container cap 610 is rotated relative to the container body 105 so that the end portions 700ab and 700bb (shown in Figures 7C-1 and 7C-2) of the internal threads 700a to 700b of the container cap 610 are received underneath and engaged by the end portions 160aa and 160ba (shown in Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2) of the external threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105. Once the end portions 700ab and 700bb of the internal threads 700a to 700b of the container cover 610 are thus received under and engaged by the end portions 160aa and 160ba of the external threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105, continued rotation of the container cover 610 relative to the container body 105 screws the container cover 610 onto the container body 105 via sliding engagement between the internal threads 700a to 700b of the container cover 610 and the external threads 160a to 160b of the container body 105. Although shown as being threaded onto the container body 105 in a clockwise direction, in one or more embodiments, the threads of the container cap 610 and the threads of the container body 105 are each instead formed helically in opposite directions such that the container cap 610 is threaded onto the container body 105 in a counterclockwise direction.

In some embodiments, continued threading of the container cap 610 onto the container body 105 causes an end surface defined by the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to (e.g., sealingly) engage a portion of the container cap 610 defined by the inner annular groove 770. Additionally or alternatively, continuing to thread the container cap 610 onto the container body 105 causes the inner shaft ring 755 to move toward the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105, ultimately causing the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 to be received within the inner annular groove 770 of the container cap 610, so that one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner ridge 765 of the container cap 610 (e.g., sealingly) engage the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

More specifically, in one or more embodiments, when the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the inner annular groove 770 of the container cover 610, the inner shaft ring 755 radially flexes inward, thereby applying a radial outward recoil force to the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, and the radial outward recoil force engages the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 with the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (e.g., sealingly). In this embodiment(s), the engagement between the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (optionally, in conjunction with the engagement between the inner ridge 765 of the container cover 710 and the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, discussed below) helps to seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105. The invention is protected from the influence of the atmosphere even if the first ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the neck portion 130 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 is: greater than or equal to 1:2; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4; greater than or equal to 2:3; greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8; or greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, when the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105 is received in the inner annular groove 770 of the container cover 610, the inner ridge 765 of the container cover 610 is radially flexed outward, thereby applying a radial inward recoil force to the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a, and the radial inward recoil force engages the inner ridge 765 of the container cover 610 with the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (e.g., sealingly). In this (or other) embodiment, the engagement between the inner ridge 765 of the container cover 610 and the outer side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a (optionally combined with the sealing engagement between the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner side of the neck 130 at the end portion 145a) helps to seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 from the atmosphere, even if A second ratio of the inner diameter D4 of the side wall 685 of the container cover 610 to the outer diameter D2 of the side wall 125 of the container body 105 is: greater than or equal to 1:2; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 7:8; greater than or equal to 1:2 and less than or equal to 3:4; greater than or equal to 2:3; greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 7:8; or greater than or equal to 2:3 and less than or equal to 3:4.

Continued threading of the container cover 610 onto the container body 105 also causes the safety belt 710 to move toward the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105, ultimately causing the inner ridge 740 of the safety belt 710 to slide over and pass over the outer shaft ring 155, thereby clamping the safety belt 710 of the container cover 610 between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, when the container cover 610 is in the second configuration, the tether 780 is completely positioned below the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the tether 780 extends across or over the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is disposed within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a fluid (such as wine, such as flavored wine) is disposed within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure within the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere.

Referring to Figures 9A to 9G, and continuing with Figures 8A to 8C, the container cap 610 is shown being unscrewed from the container body 105. Figures 9A and 9B show the container cap 610 in the second configuration before being unscrewed from the container body 105. The separable segment 730 is not broken and the ramp 735a of the safety band 710 has not yet engaged with the ramp 735b of the side wall 685 of the container cap 610. To begin unscrewing the container cap 610 from the container body 105, the container cap 610 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 775d.

9C and 9D show the container cap 610 in the third configuration as it is unscrewed from the container body 105. When the container cap 610 is subsequently unscrewed from the container body 105 (i.e., by rotating the container cap 610 in a direction opposite to the direction 775b and relative to the container body 105), the safety belt 710 is clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105 causing the inner ridge 740 of the safety belt 710 to contact the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105. As the container cap 610 is thus unscrewed from the container body 105 , the inner ridge 740 of the safety belt 710 contacts the outer shaft ring 155 of the container body 105 to apply a tensile force to the detachable segments 730 that respectively connect the container cap 610 to the safety belt 710 .

The rotational friction between the inner ridge 740 of the safety belt 710 and the outer shaft ring 155 causes relative rotation between the side wall 685 of the container cover 610 and the safety belt 710, and the relative rotation causes the slope 735a of the safety belt 710 to engage with the slope 735b of the side wall 685 (ramps 735a to 735b are shown in Figures 7A, 7C-1, 7C-2, 8A and 9B to 9D).

Continuing to unscrew the container cover 610 from the container body 105 causes continued relative rotation between the side wall 685 of the container cover 610 and the safety belt 710. The continued relative rotation causes the slope 735b of the side wall 685 to slide along the slope 735a of the safety belt 710, thereby axially separating the container cover 610 from the safety belt 710 by breaking the separable segments 730 that respectively connect the container cover 610 to the safety belt 710, as indicated by arrows 775c to 775d in Figures 9A to 9E. Once so axially separated, the safety belt 710 remains axially clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the outer axial ring 155 of the container body 105, as shown in Figures 9E and 9F.

As further shown in FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D , when the container cap 610 is unscrewed from the container body 105, the relative rotation of the container cap 610 and the safety belt 710 causes the tether 780 to bend, deform or contract because the circumferential offset of the first end portion 785 and the second end portion 790 of the tether is reduced (i.e., when the first end portion 785 of the tether 780 rotates toward the second end portion 790 of the tether 780). The tether 780 is flexible enough to bend without breaking to allow the container cap 610 to be unscrewed from the container body 105.

In one or more embodiments, once the detachable segment 730 breaks, the inner ridge 740 is no longer forced against the outer collar 155. At this point, only the tether 780 remains attached to and able to act on the safety belt 710. Therefore, without the application of any other external forces, the safety belt 710 will rotate relative to the container cover 610, causing the tether 780 to return to an unloaded and unbent state.

FIG. 9E shows the container cap 610 further unscrewed from the container body 105 and further axially spaced from the safety belt 710. The container cap 610 remains connected to the safety belt 710 via the tether 780. As shown in FIG. 9E, the tether 780 now extends substantially transverse to the sidewall 685 of the container cap 610 and the circumferential extension of the safety belt 710 and substantially parallel to the direction of the extension of the central axis 180 (shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C-2). The length of the tether 780 is optimized so that the tether 780 is just long enough to allow the container cap 610 to be completely unscrewed and removed from the container body 105. At the point where the internal threads 700a-700b of the container cover are completely disengaged from the external threads 160a-160b of the container body 105, the axial separation of the container cover 610 and the safety belt 710 should cause the tether 780 to extend substantially straight in the direction of the center axis 180, wherein the first end portion 785 and the second end portion 790 of the tether 780 are substantially circumferentially and axially aligned.

9F shows the container cover 610 completely removed from the neck 130 of the container body 105. Once the internal threads 700a-700b of the container cover are completely disengaged from the external threads 160a-160b of the container body 105, the container cover 610 can be removed or pivoted away from the neck 130 of the container body 105. When the container cover 610 or a portion thereof is removed from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the removed portion of the container cover 610 remains connected to the safety belt 710 via the tether 780, and the safety belt 710 remains attached to the container body 105 because it remains axially clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the external axial ring 155 of the container body 105. Thus, when the container lid 610 or a portion thereof is detached from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the container lid 610 remains coupled to the container body 105 via the connection of the container lid 610 to the safety belt 710 via the tether 780 and the attachment of the safety belt 710 to the container body 105. Thus, when the container lid 610 is removed from the neck 130 of the container body 105, the container lid 610 hangs down along the side wall 125 of the container body 105. The length of the tether 780 prevents the container lid 610 from extending below the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105 (i.e., so that the container lid 610 does not touch the ground or such other surface on which the container 600 may be seated). This ensures that the container lid 610 remains clean and sanitary when it is reattached to the container body 105 or when it comes into contact with the user when the user drinks from the container body 105.

In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable for the container lid 610 to function as a cup when removed from the container body 105. In such embodiment(s), the tether 780 may be longer so that the container lid 610 can be axially aligned below the container body 105 so that the top wall 690 of the container lid 610 is adapted to receive the bottom wall 135 of the container body 105.

In addition, when the container cap 610 is unscrewed from the container body 105, the end portion 145a of the neck 130 is removed from the inner annular groove 770, so that the end portion 145a of the neck 130 is sealedly disengaged from one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner ridge 765 of the container cap 610. This sealed disengagement of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 and one or both of the outer spherical protrusion 760b of the inner shaft ring 755 and the inner ridge 765 of the container cap 610 allows the gas pressure within the inner cavity 120 of the container body 105 to be released. More specifically, gas pressure is allowed to flow: between the inner shaft ring 755 of the container cover 610 and the inner side of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105; between the inner ridge 765 of the container cover 610 and the outer side of the end portion 145a of the neck 130 of the container body 105; through the gaps 705a to 705d formed along the container cover 610 (shown in Figures 7B, 7C-1 and 7C-2); and through the gaps 165a to 165d formed along the container body 105 (shown in Figures 2C-1, 2C-2 and 2D). The gas pressure is eventually exhausted to the atmosphere adjacent to the end portion 695b of the side wall 685 of the container cover 610 and the end portion 145b of the neck 130 of the container body 105.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is placed in the internal cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure in the internal cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the influence of the atmosphere; in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4D, when the container lid is removed from the container body 105, a person drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120.

As indicated by arrows 775e to 775f in FIG. 9G , the container cover 610 can then be reattached to the container body 105 and sealingly engaged with the container body 105 in the same manner as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 8A to 8C , except that the safety belt 710 is only connected to the container cover 610 via the tether 780 because the detachable segment 730 is now broken and remains broken. Therefore, when reattached, the safety belt 710 does not slide over and over the external shaft ring 155, but remains axially clamped between the end portion 140a of the side wall 125 and the external shaft ring 155 of the container body 105. Because this is the only difference, the reattachment (and sealing engagement) of the container lid 610 to the container body 105 will not be described in further detail.

In some embodiments, a fluid (such as a beverage for human consumption) is placed in the interior cavity 120 of the container body; in some embodiments, one or more of the sealing joints described above seal the gas pressure in the interior cavity 120 of the container body 105 to protect it from the atmosphere; in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the container cap is removed from the container body 105, a person can drink from the container through the mouth 150. 4E , so that the remaining (undrinkable) fluid will not overflow from the internal cavity 120 - in some embodiments, the future person again removes the container cap 110 from the container body 105 and again drinks the fluid from the internal cavity 120 through the mouth 150.

10 , and continuing with FIGS. 6 to 9G , in one embodiment, container apparatus 600 may be stacked with another container apparatus that is substantially identical to container apparatus 600 and is therefore given the same element number except for the addition of the suffix “’”. Additionally or alternatively, container apparatus 600′ includes (several) features/components that are substantially identical to (several) corresponding features/components of container apparatus 600′, and the (several) substantially identical features/components are given the same element number except for the addition of the suffix “’”.

As shown in FIG. 10 , when so stacked, a portion of the container body 105′ of the container device 600′ matingly engages a portion of the container lid 610 of the container device 600. More specifically, the bottom wall 135′ of the container body 105′ is matingly received by the center portion 716a of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610. In addition, the end portion 140b′ of the side wall 125′ of the container body 105′ is matingly received by the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610. For example, in those embodiments in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a curvature radius R1' and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610 defines a curvature radius R3 (which is the same as the curvature radius R1'), the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is cooperatively engaged with the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610. For another example, in the embodiment(s) in which the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' defines a truncated cone shape and the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610 defines a truncated cone shape, the end portion 140b' of the side wall 125' of the container body 105' is cooperatively engaged with the outer surface 750a of the outer edge portion 716b of the top wall 690 of the container lid 610.

In some embodiments, one or more embodiments of the present application are provided in whole or in part as described and illustrated in the '332 application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, one or more embodiments described and illustrated in the '332 application are combined in whole or in part with one or more embodiments described above and/or one or more other embodiments described and illustrated in the '332 application.

A first apparatus is disclosed. The first apparatus generally comprises: a container body defining an inner cavity, a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the container body comprising: a first sidewall surrounding the inner cavity, the first sidewall defining the second outer diameter of the container body, the second outer diameter being a maximum outer diameter of the first sidewall; and a neck connected to and extending from the first sidewall, the neck defining the second outer diameter of the container body. The first outer diameter; and a container cover attached to and sealingly engaged with the neck of the container body; wherein the container cover is detachable from the neck of the container body and reattachable to the neck of the container body; wherein the first sidewall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical; and wherein a ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is greater than or equal to 1:2. In one or more embodiments, the container cover defines an inner region, the container cover includes: a second sidewall surrounding the inner region; and a top wall connected to the second sidewall. In one or more embodiments, the container cap further includes an inner ridge extending inwardly and extending to the inner region, and the inner ridge engages an outer surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container cap further includes an inner shaft ring extending from the top wall and extending to the inner region, and the inner shaft ring engages an inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the inner shaft ring includes an outer spherical protrusion that engages the inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container cap further includes an inner ridge extending inwardly and extending to the inner region, and the inner ridge engages an outer surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines a first three-dimensional contour at an end portion thereof opposite the neck; and the top wall of the container lid defines a second three-dimensional contour adapted to cooperatively receive the first three-dimensional contour of the container body. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the first three-dimensional contour of the container body defines a first radius of curvature; and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional contour of the container lid defines a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being the same as the first radius of curvature.

A first method is also disclosed. The first method generally comprises: attaching a first container cap to a neck of a container body to sealably engage the first container cap with the neck of the container body; wherein the first container cap is removable from the neck of the container body and reattachable to the neck of the container body; wherein the container body defines an interior cavity, a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, and the container body comprises: a first sidewall surrounding the first sidewall; The invention relates to a container for a first container and a first container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. The container lid comprises a first container body and a second container lid. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the first container lid against the neck of the container body comprises engaging an inner ridge of the first container lid with an outer surface of the neck; and the inner ridge extends inwardly and into the inner region. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the first container lid against the neck of the container body comprises engaging an inner shaft ring of the first container lid with an inner surface of the neck; and the inner shaft ring extends from the top wall and into the inner region. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the inner shaft ring of the first container lid with the inner surface of the neck comprises engaging an outer spherical protrusion of the inner shaft ring with the inner surface of the neck. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the first container lid against the neck of the container body further comprises engaging an inner ridge of the first container lid with an outer surface of the neck; and the inner ridge extends inwardly and into the inner region. In one or more embodiments, the first method further comprises: stacking the container body onto a second container lid such that a first three-dimensional contour of the second container lid cooperatively receives a second three-dimensional contour of the container body, the second three-dimensional contour being positioned at an end portion of the container body opposite the neck; wherein the second container lid is identical to the first container lid. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the second three-dimensional contour of the container body defines a first radius of curvature; and at least a portion of the first three-dimensional contour of the second container lid defines a second radius of curvature, and the second radius of curvature is the same as the first radius of curvature.

A second apparatus has also been disclosed. The second apparatus generally comprises: a container cap adapted to be attached to and sealingly engaged with a container body, the container cap defining an interior region and an inner diameter, and the container cap comprising: a first sidewall surrounding the interior region, the first sidewall defining the inner diameter of the container cap; a top wall connected to the first sidewall; and an inner shaft ring extending from the top wall and into the interior region, the inner shaft ring comprising an outer spherical protrusion adapted to engage an inner surface of the container body; and the container body; wherein the container cap is removable from and reattachable to the container body after the container cap is attached to and sealingly engaged with the container body. In one or more embodiments, the container cap further comprises an inner ridge extending inwardly and into the inner region, the inner ridge being adapted to engage an outer surface of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines an inner cavity and an outer diameter, the container body comprising: a second sidewall surrounding the inner cavity, the second sidewall defining the outer diameter of the container body, the outer diameter being a maximum outer diameter of the second sidewall; and a neck connected to and extending from the second sidewall; and the container cap is adapted to seal against the neck of the container body. In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical. In one or more embodiments, a ratio of the inner diameter of the container cover to the outer diameter of the container body is greater than or equal to 1:2. In one or more embodiments, the container body defines a first three-dimensional profile at an end portion thereof opposite the neck; and the top wall of the container cover defines a second three-dimensional profile adapted to cooperatively receive the first three-dimensional profile of the container body. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the first three-dimensional profile of the container body defines a first radius of curvature; and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional profile of the container cover defines a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being the same as the first radius of curvature.

A second method has also been disclosed. The second method generally includes attaching a first container lid to a container body to sealingly engage the first container lid with the container body, the first container lid defining an interior region and an inner diameter, and the first container lid including: a first sidewall surrounding the interior region, the first sidewall defining the inner diameter of the first container lid; a top wall connected to the first sidewall; and an inner collar extending from the top wall and into the interior region, the inner collar including an outer spherical protrusion; wherein the first container lid is removable from the container body and reattachable to the container body; and wherein sealingly engaging the first container lid against the container body includes engaging the outer spherical protrusion with an inner surface of the container body. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the first container lid against the container body further comprises engaging an inner ridge of the first container lid with an outer surface of the neck; and the inner ridge extends inwardly and into the inner region. In one or more embodiments, sealingly engaging the first container lid against the container body comprises sealingly engaging the first container lid against a neck of the container body; and the container body defines the inner cavity and an outer diameter, the container body comprising: a second sidewall surrounding the inner cavity, the second sidewall defining the outer diameter of the container body, the outer diameter being a maximum outer diameter of the second sidewall; and the neck connected to and extending from the second sidewall. In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical. In one or more embodiments, a ratio of the inner diameter of the first container cover to the outer diameter of the container body is greater than or equal to 1:2. In one or more embodiments, the second method further comprises: stacking the container body on a second container cover, so that a first three-dimensional contour of the second container cover cooperatively receives a second three-dimensional contour of the container body, and the second three-dimensional contour is positioned at an end portion of the container body opposite to the neck; wherein the second container cover is the same as the first container cover. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the second three-dimensional contour of the container body defines a first radius of curvature; and at least a portion of the first three-dimensional contour of the second container lid defines a second radius of curvature, and the second radius of curvature is the same as the first radius of curvature.

It should be understood that changes may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one or more embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be at least partially omitted, or at least partially combined with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Any spatial references (for example, such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "between", "bottom", "vertical", "horizontal", "angled", "upward", "downward", "side to side", "left to right", "left", "right", "right to left", "top to bottom", "bottom to top", "top", "bottom", "bottom-up", "top-down", etc.) are used for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the specific orientation or position of the structures described above.

In one or more embodiments, although different steps, procedures, and processes are described as seemingly different actions, one or more of the steps, one or more of the procedures, or one or more of the processes may be performed in different orders, simultaneously, or sequentially. In one or more embodiments, steps, procedures, or processes may be combined into one or more steps, procedures, or processes. In one or more embodiments, one or more operating steps in each embodiment may be omitted. In addition, in some examples, some features of the present invention may be adopted without corresponding use of other features. In addition, one or more embodiments disclosed above and in the '332 application, or variations thereof, may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other embodiments described above and in the '332 application, or variations thereof.

Although one or more embodiments have been disclosed in detail above and in the '332 application, the disclosed embodiments are illustrative only and not restrictive, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Therefore, all such modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the described function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Furthermore, Applicants expressly disclaim any limitation under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any claim herein, except to the extent such claim expressly uses the term “means” and an associated function.

100: container equipment 100': container equipment 105: container body 105': container body 110: container cover 115: center axis 120: inner cavity 125: side wall 125': side wall 130: neck 135: bottom wall 135': bottom wall 140a: axially opposite end portion 140b: axially opposite end portion 140b': end portion 145a: axially opposite end portion 145b: axially opposite end portion 150: mouth 155: external shaft ring 160a: external thread 160aa: circumferentially opposite end portion 160ab: circumferentially opposite end portion 160b: External thread 160ba: Circumferential opposite end portion 160bb: Circumferential opposite end portion 165a: Gap between circumferential intervals 165b: Gap between circumferential intervals 165c: Gap between circumferential intervals 165d: Gap between circumferential intervals 170: External indentation pattern 175a: Center indentation 175b to 175g: Petal indentations 180: Center axis 185: Side wall 190: Top wall 195a: Axial opposite end portion 195b: Axial opposite end portion 200a: Internal ridge or internal thread 200aa: Circumferential opposite end portion 200ab: Circumferential opposite end portion 200b: internal ridge or internal thread 205a: gap between circumferential intervals 205b: gap between circumferential intervals 205c: gap between circumferential intervals 205d: gap between circumferential intervals 210: container safety belt 215: internal region 216a: central portion 216b: outer edge portion 218: external cavity 220a: perforation 220b: perforation 225: circumferential boundary 230: separable segment 235a: ramp 235b: ramp 240: internal ridge 245: gap 250a: outer surface 250b: outer surface 255: inner shaft ring 260a: inner surface 260b: external spherical protrusion 265: internal ridge 270: internal annular groove 275a: arrow 275b: arrow/direction 275c: arrow 275d: arrow 275e: arrow 275f: arrow 600: container device 600': container device 610: container cover 685: side wall 690: top wall 695a: axially opposite end portion 695b: axially opposite end portion 700a: internal ridge or internal thread 700aa: circumferentially opposite end portion 700ab: circumferentially opposite end portion 700b: internal ridge or internal thread 700ba: circumferentially opposite end portion 700bb: circumferentially opposite end portions 705a: gap between circumferential intervals 705b: gap between circumferential intervals 705c: gap between circumferential intervals 705d: gap between circumferential intervals 710: container safety belt 711a: end portion 711b: end portion 715: inner region 716a: center portion 716b: outer edge portion 718: outer cavity 720a: perforation 720b: perforation 725: circumferential boundary 730: separable segment 735a: ramp 735b: ramp 740: inner ridge 745: gap 750a: outer surface 750b: outer surface 755: inner shaft ring 760a: inner surface 760b: outer spherical protrusion 765: inner ridge 770: inner annular groove 775a: arrow 775b: arrow 775c: arrow 775d: arrow 775e: arrow 775f: arrow 780: lanyard 785: first end portion 786a: edge 786b: edge 787a: edge 787b: edge 790: second end portion 795: portion 800a: perforation 800b: perforation 800c: perforation 800d: perforation A1: axial dimension A2: axial dimension C1: circumferential dimension C2: circumferential dimension C3: Circumference size C4: Circumference size C5: Circumference size C6: Circumference size C7: Circumference size C8: Circumference size C9: Circumference size C10: Circumference size C11: Circumference size C12: Circumference size D1: Outer diameter D2: Maximum outer diameter D3: Inner diameter D4: Inner diameter R1: Radius of curvature R1’: Radius of curvature R2: Radius of curvature R3: Radius of curvature

1 is a left front top perspective view of a first container apparatus in a first operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments, the first container apparatus comprising a container body and a container cover.

2A is a left front top perspective view of the container body of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a right rear perspective view of the container body of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2C-1 is a front view of a portion of the container body of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 2C-2 is a rear view of a portion of the container body of Figure 2C-1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the container body of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a bottom view of the container body of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 2F is a cross-sectional view of the container body of Figure 1 taken along line 2F-2F of Figure 2A according to one or more embodiments.

3A is a left front top perspective view of the container cover of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the container cover of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 3C-1 is a cross-sectional view of the container cover of Figure 1 taken along line 3C-1-3C-1 of Figure 3B according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 3C-2 is a cross-sectional view of the container cover of Figure 1 taken along line 3C-2-3C-2 of Figure 3B according to one or more embodiments.

FIG3D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container lid of FIG3C-1 according to one or more embodiments.

4A is a left front top perspective view of the first container apparatus of FIG. 1 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

4B is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 4C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the first container apparatus of Figure 4B according to one or more embodiments.

4D is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of FIG. 4A (similar to the first container apparatus shown in FIG. 4B ) in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

4E is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of FIG. 4A (similar to the first container apparatus shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4D ) in a fourth operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the first container apparatus of FIG. 4A and a second container apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

6 is a left front top perspective view of a third container apparatus in a first operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments, the third container apparatus comprising a container body and a container lid.

7A is a left front top perspective view of the container cover of FIG. 6 including a tether according to one or more embodiments.

7B is a bottom view of the container cover of FIG. 6 according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 7C-1 is a cross-sectional view of the container cover of Figure 6 taken along line 7C-1-7C-1 of Figure 7B according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 7C-2 is a cross-sectional view of the container cover of Figure 6 taken along line 7C-2-7C-2 of Figure 7B according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 7D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container cover of Figure 7C-1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7E is a front view of the container lid of FIG. 6 according to one or more embodiments.

7F is an enlarged view of a portion of the container lid identified in FIG. 7E showing the tether according to one or more embodiments.

7G is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container lid identified in FIG. 7C-2 showing a tether according to one or more embodiments.

8A is a left front top perspective view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

8B is a cross-sectional view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 8A taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A according to one or more embodiments.

8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the third container apparatus of FIG. 8B according to one or more embodiments.

9A is another left front top perspective view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

9B is a front view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 6 in a second operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

9C is a front view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 9D is another front view of the third container apparatus of Figure 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

9E is a left front top perspective view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 9F is a front view of the third container apparatus of Figure 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 9G is a cross-sectional view of the third container apparatus of Figure 6 in a third operating state or configuration according to one or more embodiments.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the third container apparatus of FIG. 8A and a fourth container apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

100: Container equipment

105:Container body

110:Container cover

210: Container safety belt

235a: Slope

235b: Slope

275a:arrow

275b: Arrow/direction

Claims (28)

An apparatus comprising: A container body defining an interior cavity, a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the container body comprising: A first sidewall surrounding the interior cavity, the first sidewall defining the second outer diameter of the container body, the second outer diameter being a maximum outer diameter of the first sidewall; and A neck connected to and extending from the first sidewall, the neck defining the first outer diameter of the container body; and A container cap attached to and sealingly engaged with the neck of the container body, the container cap comprising: A first portion removable from and reattachable to the neck of the container body, the first portion of the container cap comprising: a second sidewall defining axially opposed first and second end portions; and a top wall connected to the second sidewall at the first end portion of the second sidewall; and a second portion, the second portion of the container cover comprising a safety belt and a tether connected to the safety belt, wherein the second portion of the container cover is connected to the first portion of the container cover via the tether; wherein the first sidewall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical; and wherein a ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is greater than or equal to 1:2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tether comprises first and second end portions; wherein the first end portion of the tether is connected to the second sidewall at the second end portion of the second sidewall; and wherein the second end portion of the tether is connected to the safety belt. The device of claim 2, wherein the second end portion of the tether is axially recessed in the safety belt. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second end portion of the tether is connected to the safety belt along a circumferential extension of the safety belt. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second end portions of the tether are circumferentially spaced apart so that the tether extends along a circumference of the container lid. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the tether extends through less than 180 degrees along the circumference of the container lid. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first end portion of the tether is positioned clockwise circumferentially along a circumferential extension of the tether relative to the second end portion of the tether. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the first portion of the container lid is detached from the neck of the container body: the first portion of the container lid remains connected to the second portion of the container lid via the tether; the second portion of the container lid remains attached to the container body; and the first portion of the container lid is coupled to the container body via: the connection of the first portion of the container lid to the second portion of the container lid via the tether, and the attachment of the second portion of the container lid to the container body. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the second portion of the container lid further comprises one or more perforations extending radially through the safety belt and defining the tether. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more perforations extend radially through the harness and define the tether, comprising: first and second perforations, each of which extends circumferentially; and third and fourth perforations, each of which extends axially; wherein the first and third perforations form a portion defining a first generally L-shaped perforation of the tether; and wherein the second and fourth perforations form a portion defining a second generally L-shaped perforation of the tether. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side wall further defines axially opposite first and second end portions; wherein the neck of the container body is connected to the first side wall at the first end portion of the first side wall and extends from the first side wall; wherein the container body further includes a bottom wall connected to the first side wall at the second end portion of the first side wall opposite to the neck and extends from the first side wall; wherein at least a portion of the second end portion of the first side wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the bottom wall, such that the adjacent portions of the first side wall and the bottom wall in combination define a first continuous three-dimensional contour of the container body; wherein at least a portion of the first end portion of the second side wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the top wall, such that the adjacent portions of the second side wall and the top wall define in combination a second continuous three-dimensional profile of the container lid; wherein the second continuous three-dimensional profile of the container lid is adapted to cooperatively receive the first continuous three-dimensional profile of the container body. A method comprising: Attaching a first container cap to a neck of a container body to sealingly engage the first container cap with the neck of the container body; wherein the container body defines an inner cavity, a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the container body comprising: a first sidewall surrounding the inner cavity, the first sidewall defining the second outer diameter of the container body, the second outer diameter being a maximum outer diameter of the first sidewall; and the neck connected to and extending from the first sidewall, the neck defining the first outer diameter of the container body; wherein the first container cap comprises: A first portion that is detachable from and reattachable to the neck of the container body, the first portion of the first container cover comprising: a second sidewall that defines axially opposite first and second end portions; and a top wall that is connected to the second sidewall at the first end portion of the second sidewall; and a second portion, the second portion of the first container cover comprising a safety belt and a lanyard connected to the safety belt, wherein the second portion of the first container cover is connected to the first portion of the first container cover via the lanyard; wherein the first sidewall of the container body is truncated spherical or truncated elliptical; and wherein a ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is greater than or equal to 1:2. The method of claim 12, wherein the first container lid defines an inner region surrounded by the second side wall; and wherein the sealing engagement of the first container lid with the neck of the container body comprises: an inner ridge of the first container lid engaging with one of the outer surfaces of the neck, the inner ridge extending inwardly and extending into the inner region; and an inner collar of the first container lid engaging with one of the inner surfaces of the neck, the inner collar extending from the top wall and extending into the inner region. The method of claim 13, wherein the engagement of the inner shaft ring of the first container cover with the inner surface of the neck includes an engagement of an outer spherical protrusion of the inner shaft ring with one of the inner surfaces of the neck. The method of claim 12 further comprises: stacking the container body onto a second container cover, so that a first three-dimensional contour of the second container cover cooperatively receives a second three-dimensional contour of the container body, and the second three-dimensional contour is positioned at an end portion of the container body opposite to the neck; wherein the second container cover is the same as the first container cover. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the second three-dimensional contour of the container body defines a first radius of curvature; and wherein at least a portion of the first three-dimensional contour of the second container cover defines a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being the same as the first radius of curvature. The method of claim 12, wherein the internal threads extend circumferentially around an inner surface of the second side wall of the first container cover, the internal threads defining circumferentially opposed and axially spaced end portions; and wherein the external threads extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the neck, the external threads defining circumferentially opposed and axially spaced end portions. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the first container cover to the neck of the container body comprises: engaging the end portion of the internal threads of the first container cover farthest from the top wall below the end portion of the external threads of the neck farthest from the first side wall; and rotating the first container cover relative to the container body to thread the first container cover onto the container body. The method of claim 12, wherein the tether has first and second end portions; wherein the first end portion of the tether is connected to the second sidewall at the second end portion of the second sidewall; and wherein the second end portion of the tether is connected to the safety belt. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second end portion of the tether is axially recessed in the safety belt. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second end portion of the tether is connected to the seat belt along a circumferential extension of the seat belt. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first and second end portions of the tether are circumferentially spaced apart so that the tether extends along a circumference of the first container lid. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the tether extends through at least 180 degrees along the circumference of the first container lid. The method of claim 22, wherein the first end portion of the tether is positioned clockwise circumferentially along the circumferential extension of the tether relative to the second end portion of the tether. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Removing the first portion of the first container cover from the neck of the container body; Wherein, when the first portion of the first container cover is removed from the neck of the container body: The first portion of the first container cover remains connected to the second portion of the first container cover via the tether; The second portion of the first container cover remains attached to the container body; and The first portion of the first container cover is coupled to the container body via: The connection of the first portion of the first container cover to the second portion of the first container cover via the tether, and The attachment of the second portion of the first container cover to the container body. The method of claim 25 further comprises: Reattaching the first portion of the first container cover to the neck of the container body, including achieving relative rotation between the first portion of the first container cover and the container body to screw the first container cover onto the container body; Wherein, when the first portion of the first container cover is reattached to the neck of the container body: The first portion of the first container cover remains connected to the second portion of the first container cover via the tether; The second portion of the first container cover remains attached to the container body; and The first portion of the first container cover is coupled to the container body via the screwing of the first container cover onto the container body and also via: the connection of the first portion of the first container cover to the second portion of the first container cover via the tether, and the attachment of the second portion of the first container cover to the container body. A method as in claim 12, wherein the second portion of the first container lid further includes one or more perforations extending radially through the safety belt and defining the tether. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more perforations extend radially through the harness and define the leash, comprising: first and second perforations, each of which extends circumferentially; and third and fourth perforations, each of which extends axially; wherein the first and third perforations form a portion defining a first generally L-shaped perforation of the leash; and wherein the second and fourth perforations form a portion defining a second generally L-shaped perforation of the leash.