WO2025207112A1

WO2025207112A1 - Multi-compartment container

Info

Publication number: WO2025207112A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/022342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ibrahiem H. Aboabdo; Xingxin HUANG; Yining WANG; Feng Pan
Original assignee: Chubby Gorilla Inc
Current assignee: Chubby Gorilla Inc
Priority date: 2024-03-29
Filing date: 2024-03-29
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-29

Abstract

A multi-compartment container system is disclosed herein. The container system may include a body, a top cap, and a bottom cap. The body may include openings on a top end and bottom end. The body may also include two interior chambers separated by a divider. The top cap may be removably attached to the body and can cover the top opening. The bottom cap may be removably attached the bottom end of the body and can cover the bottom opening. The container system may also include locking mechanisms that can lock the top and bottom caps to the body.

Description

CHGOR.379WO PATENT MULTI-COMPARTMENT CONTAINER BACKGROUND Field [0001] This disclosure generally relates to safety containers with multiple compartments. Related Art [0002] Safety containers can be used to store hazardous or sensitive articles. Safety containers are designed to prevent access to the contents of the container by those who lack sufficient manual dexterity and/or know-how to open the container (e.g., children). On the other hand, safety containers are designed allow access to the contents of the container without undue damage to the container or effort by the user. SUMMARY [0003] For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize the disclosures herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one or more advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. [0004] In some embodiments, a container system can include a body including: a top end with a top opening; a bottom end with a bottom opening; a first interior chamber; a second interior chamber; and a divider wall separating the first interior chamber from the second interior chamber. The container system can also include a top cap removably attached to the body; a bottom cap attached to the bottom end of the body; a top cap locking mechanism configured to secure the top cap to the body; and a bottom cap locking mechanism configured to secure the bottom cap to the body. [0005] In some embodiments, the top cap locking mechanism can include a ridge of the body that is configured to align with corresponding protrusions of the top cap. [0006] In some embodiments, the bottom cap locking mechanism can include a ridge of the bottom cap that is configured to align with corresponding protrusions of the body. [0007] In some embodiments, the top cap can include a circular sidewall and the top cap locking mechanism can include a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner face of the circular sidewall and a ridge with gaps disposed on an outer surface of the top end of the body, wherein the gaps in the ridge can be sized and shaped to receive the plurality of protrusions and allow the plurality of protrusions to pass through the ridge. [0008] In some embodiments, the bottom cap can include a circular sidewall and the bottom cap locking mechanism can include a ridge with gaps disposed on an outer surface of the sidewall and a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner surface of the body, wherein the gaps in the ridge can be sized and shaped to receive the plurality of protrusions and allow the plurality of protrusions to pass through the ridge. [0009] In some embodiments, the body can have a cylindrical shape. [0010] In some embodiments, the body, the top cap, and the bottom cap can each include an alignment indicator. In some embodiments, the alignment indicators can include an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the top cap, an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the bottom cap, and a linear indicator disposed on an outer surface of the body. [0011] In some embodiments, the body, top cap, and bottom cap can each include a knurled portion or one or more grip enhancing textures to facilitate grasping. [0012] In some embodiments, the height of the divider wall can be dimensioned such that the volume of the first interior chamber is more than twice the volume of the second interior chamber. [0013] In some embodiments, the height of the divider wall can be dimensioned such that the volume of the first interior chamber is more than four times the volume of the second interior chamber. [0014] In some embodiments, a container system can include a hollow body including: a first end; a second end; and an internal divider separating an interior of the hollow body into two compartments, wherein the first end can include a ridge and the second end can include a plurality of protrusions. The container system can also include: a top cap which can be configured to attach to the first end of the hollow body and the top cap can include a plurality of protrusions that can be configured to align with the ridge of the hollow body when rotated; and a bottom cap that can be configured to attach to the second end of the hollow body and can include a ridge that can be configured to align with the plurality of protrusions on the hollow body when rotated. [0015] In some embodiments, the hollow body can have a cylindrical shape. [0016] In some embodiments, the hollow body, the top cap, and the bottom can each include an alignment indicator. In some embodiments, the alignment indicator can include an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the top cap, an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the bottom cap, and a linear indicator disposed on an outer surface of the hollow body. [0017] In some embodiments, the hollow body, top cap, and bottom cap can each have a knurled portion or one or more grip enhancing textures to facilitate grasping. [0018] In some embodiments, the hollow body, the top cap, and the bottom cap can be formed of a rigid plastic material. [0019] In some embodiments, the height of the internal divider can be dimensioned such that the volume of one of the two compartments is more than twice the volume of the other compartment. [0020] In some embodiments, the height of the internal divider can be dimensioned such that the volume of one of the two compartments is more than four times the volume of the other compartment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. [0022] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a container. [0023] Figure 1B illustrates an exploded view of the container of Figure 1A. [0024] Figure 1C illustrates a section view of the container of Figure 1A. [0025] Figure 1D illustrates a top view of the container of Figure 1A. [0026] Figure 1E illustrates a bottom view of the container of Figure 1A. [0027] Figure 2A illustrates a side view of a body of a container. [0028] Figure 2B illustrates a section view of the body of Figure 2A. [0029] Figure 2C illustrates a top view of the body of Figure 2A. [0030] Figure 2D illustrates a bottom view of the body of Figure 2A. [0031] Figure 2E illustrates a perspective view of the body of Figure 2A. [0032] Figure 3A illustrates a side view of a cap. [0033] Figure 3B illustrates a section view of the cap of Figure 3A. [0034] Figure 3C illustrates a bottom view of the cap of Figure 3A. [0035] Figure 3D illustrates a perspective view of the cap of Figure 3A. [0036] Figure 4A illustrates a side view of a cap. [0037] Figure 4B illustrates a section view of the cap of Figure 4A. [0038] Figure 4C illustrates a top view of the cap of Figure 4A. [0039] Figure 4D illustrates a perspective view of the cap of Figure 4A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0040] Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system, methods, and devices described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the system, methods, and devices and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the system, methods, and devices herein described. [0041] Figures 1A-1E illustrate a container 100. In some embodiments, the container 100 can be a vessel for holding and storing consumer goods. In some embodiments, the container 100 can be cylindrically shaped. In some embodiments, the container 100 can have multiple compartments that can be separately accessible. For example, the container 100 can have two, three, four, five, or any other suitable number of compartments. In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments can be capable of being positioned in either a locked or unlocked configuration. One or more of the compartments can be capable of locking independently of the other. The container 100 can be used to store consumer goods such as gum, nicotine pouches, smokeless tobacco, powder tobacco, or other consumer goods. In some embodiments, one of the compartments can facilitate the storage of new or unused goods, while another compartment can be used to store consumer goods that have been used and are ready to dispose of. [0042] The container 100 can include a first end 100A and a second end 100B opposite the first end 100A. The container 100 can include a height 101 between the first end 100A and the second end 100B. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance of about 1.00 inch, 1.05 inches, about 1.33 inches, about 1.57 inches, about 1.73 inches, about 1.85 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3.00 inches, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance between about 1.00 inch and about 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the height 101 can include a distance between about 1.50 inches and about 2.50 inches. [0043] The container 100 can include a width 101A (i.e., diameter). In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance of about 1.75 inches, 2.00 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 3.75 inches, and/or any value between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance between about 1.75 inches and about 3.75 inches. In some embodiments, the width 101A can include a distance between about 2.50 inches and about 3.50 inches. [0044] The container 100 can include a top lid or top cap 300, a body 200, and a bottom lid or cap 400. As shown in Figures 2A-2E, the body 200 can include a first end 200A and a second end 200B (i.e., bottom end). The body 200 can include a neck portion 222 at the first end 200A of the body 200. In some embodiments, the body 200 can include a divider 210. In some embodiments, the body 200 can include one or more sidewalls. The one or more sidewalls may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1C, the body 200 can include an inner sidewall 221 and an outer sidewall 220. The outer sidewall 220 can comprise the outer surface of a significant portion of the body 200 and can have a diameter larger than that of the inner sidewall 221. In some embodiments, the inner cylindrical sidewall 221 can extend from the upper edge of the neck 222 (and can include the neck 222) to at least the divider 210. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall 221 can surround an upper recess or upper compartment 211. The upper edge of the neck 222 can define an opening 201 into an upper recess or upper compartment 211 at the first end 200A of the body 200. In some embodiments, an upper surface 210A of the divider 210 and the inner surface of the sidewall 221A can define the upper recess 211. In some embodiments, the upper recess 211 can extend from the opening 201 to the upper surface 210A of the divider 210. In some embodiments, other components can be placed on the upper surface 210A of the divider 210. Such components could be used to receive the consumer goods placed within the recess 211. In such embodiments, the recess 211 can extend a distance less than that of the distance from the opening 201 to the divider 210. [0045] A lower edge of the outer sidewall 220 can also defines an opening 202 into a lower recess or lower compartment 212 at the second end 200B of the body 200. In some embodiments, the lower surface 210B of the divider 210 and the inner surface 220A of the sidewall 220 can define the lower recess or lower compartment 212. In some embodiments, the lower recess 212 can extend from the opening 201 to the lower surface 210B of the divider 210. [0046] The body can also include an inner flange 223. The inner flange can extend perpendicularly away from the face of the divider 210. The inner flange 223 can be a circular flange that extends downwards from the lower surface 210B of the divider 210 when the container is assembled and placed on an external surface, with the lower surface of the bottom cap 400 in contact with the external surface. In some embodiments, the inner flange 223 can be an extension of the inner sidewall 221, extending parallel to the inner sidewall 221 below the divider 210. In some embodiments, the inner flange 223 can be configured to receive the sidewall 420 of the bottom cap 400. In some embodiments, other components can be placed on the lower surface 210B of the divider 210. Such components can be used to receive or apply pressure to the consumer goods placed within the lower recess 212. In such embodiments, the lower recess 212 can extend a distance less than that of the distance from the lower opening 202 to the divider 210. [0047] In some embodiments, the body can have one or more alignment indicators 250. The alignment indicators 250 can be configured to align with one or more indicators 350 on the top cap 300 and/or one or more indicators 450 on the bottom cap 400 to provide an indication of a state of the container 100. In some embodiments, the alignment indicators 250 can include one or more grooves, cutouts, shapes (e.g., arrows), textures, colors, and/or any other surface features that distinguish from adjacent surfaces of the body. [0048] As described further below, alignment or misalignment of the alignment indicators can provide an indication of the relative positions and/or states of the components of the container 100. For example, in some embodiments, alignment or misalignment of the alignment indicators can providing an indication of alignment or misalignment of internal features of the components of the container 100. [0049] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the one or more alignment indicators 250 and the one or more alignment indicators 350 can provide an indication of when the top cap 300 is in an unlocked or locked position relative to the body 200. In some embodiments, the relative positions of the one or more alignment indicators 250 and the one or more alignment indicators 450 can provide an indication of when the bottom cap 400 is in an unlocked or locked position relative to the body 200. When the components are in ‘unlocked’ positions, the cap 300 and/or bottom cap 400 can be placed on or removed from the body 200. [0050] The cap 300 can be removable and attachable with the body 200 for opening and closing the opening 201 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the cap 300 can be configured to enclose the upper opening 201 of the body 200. The cap 300 can be configured to circumferentially rotate relative to the body 200. The cap 300 can be movable with respect to the body 200 along an axial or longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 3A-3D, the cap 300 can include a flat portion 310 and a sidewall 320 (e.g., a cylindrical sidewall) that extends downwards from the flat portion 310. In some embodiments, when the cap 300 is placed on the body 200, the bottom face of the sidewall 320 can contact the upper face of the body sidewall 220. [0051] In some embodiments, the cap 300 can include one or more surface features (e.g., protrusions, notches, ridges, etc.) configured to interact with complementary surface features (e.g., protrusions, notches, ridges, etc.) of the body 200 to provide an unlocked state and locked state. In some embodiments, the one or more surface features of the cap 300 can include one or more protrusions 330 disposed on the inner surface 320A of the sidewalls 320. The protrusions 330 can be lumps, bumps, or other raised portions that extend inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 320. The one or more surface features of the body 200 can include a raised ridge 240 that can be disposed on the outer surface of the neck 222 of the body 200. The ridge 240 can include a plurality of segments separated by gaps or holes in the ridge 240 that can be sized and shaped to receive the protrusions 330. When the protrusions 330 are aligned with the gaps in the ridge 240, the cap 300 can slide downward over the top end 200A of the body such that the sidewall 320 of the cap interfaces with and covers the neck of the body 200. In some embodiments, the protrusions and ridge on the cap 300 and body 200 can be reversed. That is, in some embodiments, the cap 300 can have a ridge and the body 200 can have protrusions configured to interact with the ridge on the cap 300. [0052] The cap 300 can also include an inner flange 323 that extends away (e.g., perpendicularly away) from the inner face of the flat portion 310 of the cap 300. The inner flange 323 can be a circular flange that extends downwards from the lower surface of the flat portion 310 of the cap 300 when the container is assembled and placed on a surface, with the lower surface of the bottom cap 400 in contact with the surface. In some embodiments, the inner flange 323 can be configured to receive the sidewall 221 of the body 200, when the cap 300 is attached to the body 200. In some embodiments, the cap 300 can have one or more alignment indicators 350 as described above. The alignment indicators 350 can be disposed on the outer sidewall 320, and can align with indicators 250 on the body 200 when the protrusions 330 on the cap 300 are aligned with the holes or gaps in the ridge 240 on the neck 222 of the body 200. In this way, the alignment indicators 350 can show when the cap 300 and the body 200 are aligned in an ‘unlocked’ position such that the cap 300 can be connected to or disconnected from the body 200. [0053] When the cap 300 is positioned on the body 200, the cap 300 can be rotated so that the protrusions 330 are positioned beneath the ridge 240 such that the ridge 240 prevents removal of the cap 300 in a direction away from the body 200 by acting as a barrier to the protrusions 330, establishing a ‘locked’ position. The alignment indicators 350 can be misaligned with the alignment indicators 250 when the protrusions 330 are not aligned with the holes or gaps in the ridge 240 (e.g., when the protrusions 330 are aligned with segments of the ridge 240). [0054] The bottom cap 400 can be removable and attachable with the body 200 for opening and closing the lower opening 202 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the bottom cap 400 can be configured to enclose the lower opening 202 of the body 200. The bottom cap 400 can be configured to circumferentially rotate relative to the body 200. The bottom cap 400 can be movable with respect to the body 200 along an axial or longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 4A-4D, the bottom cap 400 can include a flat portion 410 and a sidewall 420 (e.g., a cylindrical sidewall) that extends upwards from the flat portion 410. In some embodiments, the flat portion 410 of the bottom cap 400 can have a disk-like shape that extends circumferentially further than the sidewall 420. In other words, the flat portion 410 can have a larger diameter than the sidewalls 420. The flat portion 410 can provide a surface for receiving goods for housing within the lower compartment 212. [0055] In some embodiments, the bottom cap 400 can include one or more surface features (e.g., protrusions, notches, ridges, etc.) configured to interact with complementary surface features) e.g., protrusions, notches, ridges, etc.) of the body 200 to provide an unlocked state and locked state. In some embodiments, the one or more surface features of the cap 400 can include a raised ridge 440 that can be disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall 420 of the bottom cap 400. The one or more surface features of the body 200 can include one or more protrusions 230 formed on the inner surface 220A of the body sidewall 220. The protrusions 230 on the body sidewalls 220 can be disposed on the portion of the sidewalls 220 in the lower recess 212. The protrusions can be lumps, bumps, or other raised portions that extend inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 220. The ridge 440 can include a plurality of segments separated by gaps or holes in the ridge 440 that can be sized and shaped to receive the protrusions 230. When the protrusions 230 are aligned with the gaps in the ridge 440, the bottom cap 400 can slide onto the bottom end 200B of the body 200 such that the side wall 420 of the bottom cap 400 interfaces with and is received within the outer sidewall 220 of the body 200. In some embodiments, when the bottom cap 400 is combined with the body 200, the sidewall 420 of the bottom cap 400 can be partially disposed between the inner and outer sidewalls of the body 200 as shown in Figure 1C. In some embodiments, the ridge and protrusions on the cap 400 and body 200 can be reversed. That is, in some embodiments, the cap 400 can have protrusions and the body 200 can have a ridge configured to interact with the surface features on the cap 400. [0056] The flat portion 410 can also have an outer sidewall 412 disposed around the flat portion 410. In some embodiments, the outer sidewall 412 can extend from the bottom of the cap sidewall 420 to a distance beyond the thickness of the flat portion 410 of the bottom. In this way, when the bottom cap 400 or assembled container 100 are placed on a surface, with the bottom cap 400 being adjacent to that surface, there can be a gap between that surface and the lower face of the bottom flat portion 410. This gap is created by the ridge that can exist due to the outer sidewall 412 of the bottom flat portion 410 extending beyond the bottom flat 410. [0057] In some embodiments, the outer sidewall 412 can have alignment indicators 450. The alignment indicators 450 can be disposed on the outer sidewall 412. The alignment indicators 450 can align with indicators 350 on the body 200 when the protrusion 230 on the body 200 are aligned with the holes in the ridge 440 on the bottom cap 400. In this way, the alignment indicators 450 can show when the bottom cap 400 and the body 200 are aligned in an ‘unlocked’ position such that the bottom cap 400 can be connected to or disconnected from the body 200. [0058] When the cap 400 is positioned on the body 200, the cap 400 can be rotated so that the protrusions 230 are positioned beneath the ridge 440 such that the protrusions 230 prevents removal of the cap 400 in a direction away from the body 200 by acting as a barrier to the ridge 440, establishing a ‘locked’ position. The alignment indicators 450 can be misaligned with the alignment indicators 250 when the protrusions 230 are not aligned with the holes or gaps in the ridge 440 (e.g., when the protrusions 230 are aligned with segments of the ridge 440). [0059] The container 100 can be used to store goods in the two separate compartments created by the divider 210. The cap 300 can be removably attached to the body 200 in order to close the upper compartment 211, securing the consumer goods inside of the upper compartment 211. The bottom cap 400 can be removably attached to the body 200 in order to close the lower compartment 212, securing the contents inside of the lower compartment 212. When consumers use the container 100, the alignment indicators on the body 200, cap 300, and bottom cap 400 enable consumer to unlock and open one or both of the compartments. Additionally, the alignment indicators on the body 200, cap 300, and bottom cap 400 enable consumers to lock the compartments of the container 100 so that the cap 300 and/or bottom cap 400 do not come detached. In this way, consumers can use the alignment indicators to ensure that the contents of the upper compartment 211 and the contents of the lower compartment 212 do not fall out of the container 100. [0060] As an example, a consumer may purchase a container 100 that is filled with gum in the upper compartment 211 and empty in the lower compartment 212. The consumer can twist the cap 300 until the alignment indicators 350 match up with the alignment indicators 250 on the body 200. This rotation can move the protrusions 330 on the cap 300 into alignment with the gaps in the ridge 240 on the body 200. Thus, this rotation can move the cap from a locked to unlocked configuration and the consumer can remove the cap 300 and access the gum. Similarly, the consumer can reattach the cap 300 by placing it onto the body 200 while the alignment indicators 350 on the cap 300 are aligned with the alignment indicators 250 on the body 200. The consumer can then rotate the cap 300 by some amount (other than rotating it all the way around) in order to move the protrusions 330 on the cap 300 into a position where they are not aligned with the gaps in the locking ridge 240 on the body 200. In this configuration, the protrusions 330 will impede any translation of the cap 300 away from the body 200 because the body ridge 240 will block the protrusions 330 and thus the cap 300 from moving away from the body 200. [0061] After the consumer has used the gum, the consumer can then deposit the gum into the lower compartment 312. This can be accomplished by twisting the bottom cap 400 until the alignment indicators 450 match up with the alignment indicators 250 on the body 200. This rotation can move the protrusions 230 on the body 200 into alignment with the gaps in the ridge 440 on the bottom cap 400. Thus, this rotation can move the bottom cap 400 from a locked to unlocked configuration and the consumer can remove the bottom cap 400 and access the lower compartment 212. Similarly, the consumer can reattach the bottom cap 400 by placing it onto the body 200 while the alignment indicators 450 on the bottom cap 400 are aligned with the alignment indicators 250 on the body 200. The consumer can then rotate the bottom cap 400 by some amount (other than rotating it all the way around) in order to move the protrusions 230 on the body 200 into a position where they are not aligned with the gaps in the locking ridge 440 on the bottom cap 400. In this configuration, the protrusions 230 can impede any translation of the bottom cap 400 away from the body 200 because the ridge 440 will block the protrusions 230 and thus the bottom cap 400 from moving away from the body 200. [0062] Although in the embodiments described above, the container uses notches and grooves to lock its elements from translating apart from one another, a person of skill in the art will recognize that many other locking mechanisms can be utilized. For example, the cap 300 and cap 400 can include threading and be capable of being tightened to the body 200. Alternatively, rigid connection mechanisms or mechanisms with ratchet-style locks can be used to secure the components together. Certain Terminology [0063] Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross- sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. [0064] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples. [0065] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. [0066] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some examples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusive of endpoints. Summary [0067] Several illustrative examples of containers and multi-compartment containers have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, including examples and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable. [0068] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. [0069] Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure. [0070] While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of this disclosure. [0071] Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein. [0072] Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all other examples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. [0073] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the examples described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any example. [0074] In summary, various examples of containers, multi-compartment containers, and related methods have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses of the examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A container system comprising: a body comprising: a top end having a top opening; a bottom end having a bottom opening; a first interior chamber; a second interior chamber; and a divider wall separating the first interior chamber from the second interior chamber; a top cap removably attached to the top end of the body; a bottom cap removably attached to the bottom end of the body; a top cap locking mechanism configured to secure the top cap to the body; and a bottom cap locking mechanism configured to secure the bottom cap to the body.

2. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the top cap locking mechanism comprises a ridge of the body that is configured to align with corresponding protrusions of the top cap.

3. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the bottom cap locking mechanism comprises a ridge of the bottom cap that is configured to align with corresponding protrusions of the body.

4. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the top cap comprises a circular sidewall and the top cap locking mechanism comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner face of the circular sidewall and a ridge with gaps disposed on an outer surface of the top end of the body, and wherein the gaps in the ridge are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of protrusions and allow the plurality of protrusions to pass through the ridge.

5. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the bottom cap comprises a circular sidewall and the bottom cap locking mechanism comprises a ridge with gaps disposed on an outer surface of the circular sidewall and a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner surface of the body, and wherein the gaps in the ridge are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of protrusions and allow the plurality of protrusions to pass through the ridge.

6. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the body has a cylindrical shape.

7. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the body, the top cap, and the bottom cap each comprise an alignment indicator.

8. The container system of Claim 7, wherein the alignment indicators comprise an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the top cap, an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the bottom cap, and a linear indicator disposed on an outer surface of the body.

9. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the body, top cap, and bottom cap each comprise a knurled portion or one or more grip enhancing textures to facilitate grasping.

10. The container system of Claim 1, wherein the body, the top cap, and the bottom cap are formed of a rigid plastic material.

11. The container system of Claim 1, wherein a height of the divider wall is such that a volume of the first interior chamber is more than twice a volume of the second interior chamber.

12. The container system of Claim 1, wherein a height of the divider wall is such that a volume of the first interior chamber is more than four times a volume of the second interior chamber.

13. A container system comprising: a hollow body comprising: a first end; a second end; and an internal divider separating an interior of the body into two compartments; wherein the first end comprises a ridge and the second end comprises a plurality of protrusions; a top cap configured to attach to the first end of the hollow body, the top cap comprising a plurality of protrusions configured to align with the ridge of the hollow body when rotated; and a bottom cap configured to attach to the second end of the hollow body, the bottom cap comprising a ridge configured to align with the plurality of protrusions of the hollow body when rotated.

14. The container system of Claim 13, wherein the hollow body has a cylindrical shape.

15. The container system of Claim 13, wherein the hollow body, the top cap, and the bottom cap each comprise an alignment indicator.

16. The container system of Claim 15, wherein the alignment indicators comprise an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the top cap, an arrow disposed on an outer surface of the bottom cap, and a linear indicator disposed on an outer surface of the hollow body.

17. The container system of Claim 13, wherein the body, top cap, and bottom cap each comprise a knurled portion or one or more grip enhancing textures to facilitate grasping.

18. The container system of Claim 13, wherein the body, the top cap, and the bottom cap are formed of a rigid plastic material.

19. The container system of Claim 13, wherein a height of the internal divider is such that a volume of one of the two compartments is more than twice a volume of the other compartment.

20. The container system of Claim 13, wherein a height of the internal divider is such that a volume of one of the two compartments is more than four times a volume of the other compartment.