THREADED CONTAINER COMPONENTS HAVING FRUSTUM SHAPED SURFACES ENABLING NESTING

Abstract

A container lid comprising a frustum shaped sidewall, a chuck shoulder formed between an upper edge of the sidewall and a seaming panel, and at least one translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the sidewall. A bottom (lower) edge of the sidewall can be closed by a bottom wall or rolled creating an open design. The frustum shaped sidewall and size of the translative motion guide features is designed to enable nesting of multiple container lids/caps. The lid is seamed to a container body. The lid and cap each include sealing surfaces designed to engage with one another creating a gas and liquid impervious seal, preferably capable of retaining pressure within a container. Alternatively, the translative motion guide feature can be integral with a frustum shaped container body, such as a cup.

Claims

1. A nestable container component comprising: a tubular sidewall extending substantially between an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge; an upper end located proximate the upper peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall; an lower end located proximate the lower peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall and a container component translative motion guide feature integral with the tubular sidewall, wherein an outer diameter of the lower end is smaller than an inner diameter of the upper end, wherein when a first nestable container component is nested within a second nestable container component orienting a radially outward surface of the tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component and a radially inward surface of the tubular sidewall of the second nestable container component facing in a direction opposing one another, wherein the container component translative motion guide feature is an assembly element of a plug style container closure arrangement between a plug style container closure and a container body, wherein the container component translative motion guide feature is oriented as one of: (a) when the nestable container component is designed as a container body component, the container component translative motion guide feature extends radially inward, (b) when the nestable container component is designed as a container lid component, the container component translative motion guide feature extends radially inward, or (c) when the nestable container component is designed as a container closure component, the container component translative motion guide feature extends radially outward.

2. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein when a first nestable container component is nested with a second nestable container component a height of the nested first nestable container component and the second nestable container component is less than two (2) times the height of the nestable container component.

3. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein when a first nestable container component is nested with a second nestable container component the nested first nestable container component and the second nestable container component are restricted against an independent radial motion, while enabling an axially independent motion.

4. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the tubular sidewall includes a frustum shape.

5. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein nesting is enabled by the arrangement of the lower peripheral edge of the first nestable container component tubular sidewall having a smaller diameter than an interior diameter of a radially outward extending container joining formation on the upper peripheral edge of the second nestable container component tubular sidewall.

6. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality of the nestable container components are nested together, wherein adjacent nestable container components are designed to provide a nesting arrangement having at least one of: (a) the radially outward surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component contacts a radially inward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the second, adjacent nestable container component, (b) the radially inward surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the second nestable container component contacts a radially outward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the first, adjacent nestable container component, (c) the lower peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component contacts a radially inward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the second nestable container component, (d) an annular end ring formed at the lower peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component contacts a radially inward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the second nestable container component, (e) a sidewall transition formed proximate the lower peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component contacts the radially interior surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the second nestable container component, (f) an exterior surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component contacts an interior surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the second nestable container component and one of: (i) the radially inward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the second, adjacent nestable container component contacts the radially exterior surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component, and (ii) a gap is provided between the radially inward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the second, adjacent nestable container component and the radially exterior surface of the frustum shaped tubular sidewall of the first nestable container component, and (g) a radially outward surface of the container component translative motion guide feature of the first, adjacent nestable container component contacts an upper surface of a seaming panel peripherally formed about and extending upward and radially outward from the upper peripheral edge of the second nestable container component.

7. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, further comprising a chine, wherein the chine is one of: (a) an upper surface of a seaming panel peripherally formed about and extending upward and radially outward from the upper peripheral edge of the tubular sidewall, wherein the seaming panel is adapted to assemble the container lid to a container body sidewall seaming edge of a container body, or (b) an upper surface of a rolled upper, free edge formed about an upper peripheral edge of a nestable container body.

8. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the nestable container component is one of: (a) a container body comprising at least one container component translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, (b) a container lid comprising at least one container component translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, or (c) a container cap comprising at least one container component translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from the tubular sidewall.

9. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the nestable container component is fabricated of at least one metal.

10. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the container component translative motion guide feature is unitarily formed with the tubular sidewall.

11. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the nestable container component is a container body, the container body including at least one of: (a) the tubular sidewall including a frustum shape, (b) the tubular sidewall having a frustum shape, (c) a substantially cylindrically shaped sidewall, (d) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the frustum shaped sidewall, (e) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from an upper edge cap receiving sidewall, (f) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from an upper edge cap receiving sidewall, wherein the upper edge cap receiving sidewall is cylindrical in shape, (g) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from an upper edge cap receiving sidewall, wherein the upper edge cap receiving sidewall has a cylindrical shape and is radially outwardly offset from an upper edge of a frustum shaped portion of the frustum shaped sidewall, (h) the cap translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from an upper edge cap receiving sidewall, wherein the upper edge cap receiving sidewall has a frustum shape, (i) the cap translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from an upper edge cap receiving sidewall, wherein the upper edge cap receiving sidewall has a frustum shape and is radially outwardly offset from an upper edge of a frustum shaped portion of the frustum shaped sidewall, (j) an outwardly rolled upper edge, (k) an outwardly formed container body joining formation, (l) at least one measurement demarcation, wherein the at least one measurement demarcation defines a predetermined volume, (m) at least two concentrically arranged frustum shaped sections collectively forming the frustum shaped sidewall, each intersection between adjacently located concentrically arranged frustum shaped sections creating a demarcation, (n) at least two concentrically arranged frustum shaped sections collectively forming the frustum shaped sidewall, each intersection between adjacently located concentrically arranged frustum shaped sections creating a demarcation, wherein the demarcation defines a measurement of a predetermined volume, (o) a stackable feature provided in a lower portion of the container body tubular sidewall, restricting independent radial motion, while enabling an axially independent motion between a lower portion of the container body tubular sidewall and a stackable feature provided as a cavity formed within the bottom wall of a container closure, (p) a stackable retention feature provided as an inverted frustum including a retention feature provided in a lower portion of the container body tubular sidewall, (q) a stackable feature provided as a recessed formation within the bottom wall of the container body restricting independent radial motion, while enabling an axially independent motion between the container body stackable feature and a stackable feature provided as a bossed registration formation within the bottom wall of a container closure, and (r) a bottom wall of the container body having a recess extending into an interior void of the container body

12. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the nestable container component is a container lid, the container lid comprising at least one of: (a) the tubular sidewall including a frustum shape, (b) the tubular sidewall is a frustum shape, (c) the tubular sidewall having a substantially cylindrically shape, (d) the tubular sidewall having an arched shape, (e) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, (f) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, wherein a section of the tubular sidewall comprising the translative motion guide feature is substantially cylindrical in shape, (g) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, wherein the tubular sidewall is frustum in shape, (h) the translative motion guide feature extending radially inward from the tubular sidewall, wherein a section of the tubular sidewall comprising the translative motion guide feature is arched in shape, (j) a stay-on tab, (k) the stay-on tab in conjunction with a tear panel defined by a score line, (l) a rivet assembling the stay-on tab to a lid bottom wall, (m) a rolled annular end ring circumscribing a lower peripheral end of the tubular sidewall defining a tubular open passageway, (n) a pull tab, (o) the pull tab assembled to a lid bottom tear panel, the lid bottom tear panel defined by a score line circumscribing a container lid bottom wall, (p) the rivet assembling the pull tab to the lid bottom removable tear panel, (q) a removable foil lid bottom panel, (r) the removable foil lid bottom panel, removably bonded to the container lid annular bottom wall, (s) the removable foil lid bottom panel comprising a foil panel tab, (t) the foil panel tab and the removable foil lid bottom panel hingeably joined to one another, (u) the stackable feature provided as a cavity formed within the bottom wall, (v) the stackable retention feature provided as a cavity including a retention feature formed within the bottom wall, and (w) the stackable feature provided as a bossed registration formation within the bottom wall.

13. The nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the nestable container component is a container closure, the container closure comprising at least one of: (a) the tubular sidewall having a frustum shape, (b) the tubular sidewall having a substantially cylindrical shape, (c) the tubular sidewall having an arched shape, (d) the closure translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from the frustum shaped sidewall, (e) the closure translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from the cylindrical shaped sidewall, (f) the closure translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from the arched shaped sidewall, (g) a stackable feature provided as a cavity formed within the bottom wall, (h) a stackable retention feature provided as a cavity including a retention feature formed within the bottom wall, and (i) a stackable feature provided as a bossed registration formation within the bottom wall. (j) a sealing member provided as a compliant annular sealing member on the radially outward surface of the container closure, (k) a sealing member provided as a compliant annular sealing member on the radially outward surface of the container closure, where in the sealing member contacts the adjacent sealant surface of the resealable container, (l) a sealing member including an elongated projection extending from a base, the base being carried by an interior surface of an inverted countersink of the container closure, the projection having a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface, (m) a sealing member of a complaint material, the sealing member designed to form a wedge on a sealing surface, the sealing member being carried by the interior surface of the inverted countersink, (n) a grip enhancing feature, integrally formed in the radially outward surface of the container closure inverted countersink, (o) a grip enhancing feature, integrally formed in the radially outward surface of the container closure inverted countersink, wherein the grip enhancing feature can be any one of, (i) a radially outward extending boss grip enhancing feature, (ii) a radially inward extending deboss grip enhancing feature, (iii) a knurled grip enhancing feature, (iv) an applied, aggregate coating grip enhancing feature, (v) an applied, anti-slip coating grip enhancing feature.

14. A container assembly comprising the nestable container component as recited in claim 1, the container assembly including at least two of: a container body, a container lid and a container closure, wherein at least one of the container body, the container lid, and the container closure is the nestable container component.

15. A container accessory for assembly to the nestable container component as recited in claim 1, the container accessory comprising an accessory integrated into a cap, the cap comprising a container engaging translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from a radially outward facing surface.

16. A container accessory for assembly to the nestable container component as recited in claim 1, wherein the closure, includes an inner member rotationally assembled to an outer member.

17. A container accessory for assembly to the nestable container component as recited in claim 1, the container accessory comprising an accessory integrated into a closure, the closure comprising a container engaging translative motion guide feature extending radially outward from a radially outward facing surface, wherein the accessory is one of: (a) a drinking straw, (b) a baby bottle nipple, (c) an axially rotating valve dispenser, (d) an axially translating valve dispenser, (e) a pivoting valve dispenser, (f) a radially translating valve dispenser, (g) a pump dispenser, (h) a spray pump dispenser with an integral hand grip, or (i) a spray pump dispenser,

18. A method of using the nestable container component as recited in claim 1 in an automated packaging process, the method comprising steps of: receiving a stack of nestable container components arranged in a nested configuration; locating the stack of nestable container components onto an inventory station of an automated packaging assembly line; removing one nestable container component from the stack of nestable container components located at the inventory station; and placing the removed one nestable container component into the desired position for use in a product packaging process.

19. The method as recited in claim 18 in a packaging process, the method further comprising a step of using the nestable container component as one of: (a) a container lid, (b) a container body, or (c) a container closure.

20. A method of packaging the nestable container component as recited in claim 1, the method comprising steps of: arranging multiple nestable container components into nested stack of nestable container components; and placing the nested stack of the multiple nestable container components into a parcel container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0544] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

[0545] FIG. 1 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a first exemplary container lid in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first exemplary container lid includes a plurality of lid translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped sidewall and a Stay-On-Tab (SOT) arrangement provided on a lid bottom wall;

[0546] FIG. 2 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1;

[0547] FIG. 3 presents a top, plan view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the illustration provides a detailed view of elements associated with the Stay-On-Tab (SOT) arrangement;

[0548] FIG. 4 presents a bottom, plan view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the illustration provides a detailed view of formations in the bottom wall associated with the Stay-On-Tab (SOT) arrangement;

[0549] FIG. 5 presents a side elevation view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1;

[0550] FIG. 6 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, the section view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0551] FIG. 7 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, the section view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the first exemplary container lid;

[0552] FIG. 8 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a first exemplary container cap in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first exemplary container cap includes a plurality of cap translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped sidewall and a countersink arrangement provided circumscribing a cap bottom wall;

[0553] FIG. 9 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8;

[0554] FIG. 10 presents a top, plan view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8;

[0555] FIG. 11 presents a bottom, plan view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8;

[0556] FIG. 12 presents a side elevation view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8, the illustration detailing a shape of an exemplary cap translative motion guide feature provided in a form of a cam and a plurality of grip elements formed in an inverted countersink;

[0557] FIG. 13 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8, the section view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 10;

[0558] FIG. 14 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8, the section view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 10, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the first exemplary container cap;

[0559] FIG. 15 presents a front, top isometric exploded assembly view of a container comprising the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1 and the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8, the illustration presenting the container lid and a container body awaiting seaming to one another and the container cap staged for assembly thereto;

[0560] FIG. 16 presents a front, top isometric partially assembled view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 15, the illustration presenting the container lid seamed to the container body and the container cap staged for assembly thereto;

[0561] FIG. 17 presents a front, top isometric partially assembled view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 15, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the container lid and body subassembly;

[0562] FIG. 18 presents an elevation exploded assembly view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 15 comprising the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, the illustration presenting a relationship between a seaming panel of the container lid and a joining edge of the container body prior to execution of a seaming process, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0563] FIG. 19 presents an elevation assembly view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 15 comprising the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1, the illustration presenting a seam formed between the seaming panel of the container lid and the joining edge of the container body, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0564] FIG. 20 presents an elevation partial assembly view of the container as illustrated in FIG. 19, introducing the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8, the illustration presenting the container cap staged for assembly to the container subassembly, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0565] FIG. 21 presents an elevation assembly view of the container as illustrated in FIG. 19, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the container subassembly, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0566] FIG. 22 presents an enlarged cross section view detailing a completed seam formed between the joining edge of the container lid originally introduced in FIG. 1 and the container body and the container cap originally introduced in FIG. 8 assembled to the container subassembly, is an enlarged detail view of area 22 circumscribed within FIG. 21;

[0567] FIG. 23 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a second exemplary container lid in accordance with the present invention, wherein the second exemplary container lid includes a plurality of lid translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped sidewall and a lid rolled annular end ring arrangement provided at a lower edge of the frustum shaped sidewall;

[0568] FIG. 24 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 24;

[0569] FIG. 25 presents a top, plan view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23;

[0570] FIG. 26 presents a bottom, plan view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23;

[0571] FIG. 27 presents a side elevation view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23;

[0572] FIG. 28 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, the section view taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0573] FIG. 29 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, the section view taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the second exemplary container lid;

[0574] FIG. 30 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a second exemplary container cap in accordance with the present invention, wherein the second exemplary container cap includes a plurality of cap translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped sidewall and a countersink arrangement provided circumscribing a cap bottom wall;

[0575] FIG. 31 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30;

[0576] FIG. 32 presents a top, plan view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30;

[0577] FIG. 33 presents a bottom, plan view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30;

[0578] FIG. 34 presents a side elevation view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration detailing a shape of an exemplary cap translative motion guide feature provided in a form of a cam;

[0579] FIG. 35 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30, the section view taken along section line 35-35 of FIG. 32;

[0580] FIG. 36 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30, the section view taken along section line 35-35 of FIG. 32, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the second exemplary container cap;

[0581] FIG. 37 presents a front, top isometric exploded assembly view of a container comprising the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23 and the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the container lid and a container body awaiting seaming to one another and the container cap staged for assembly thereto;

[0582] FIG. 38 presents a front, top isometric partially assembled view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 37, the illustration presenting the container lid seamed to the container body and the container cap staged for assembly thereto;

[0583] FIG. 39 presents a front, top isometric partially assembled view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 37, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the container lid and body subassembly;

[0584] FIG. 40 presents an enlarged sectioned assembly view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 37 comprising the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0585] FIG. 41 presents a sectioned elevation exploded assembly view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 37 comprising the second exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, the illustration presenting a relationship between a seaming panel of the container lid and a joining edge of the container body prior to execution of a seaming process, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0586] FIG. 42 presents a sectioned elevation assembly view of the container originally introduced in FIG. 41 comprising the first exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, the illustration presenting a seam formed between the seaming panel of the container lid and the joining edge of the container body, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0587] FIG. 43 presents a sectioned elevation partial assembly view of the container as illustrated in FIG. 41, introducing the second exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the container cap staged for assembly to the container subassembly, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0588] FIG. 44 presents a sectioned elevation assembly view of the container as illustrated in FIG. 41, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the container subassembly, the section of the container being representative of the section taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 25;

[0589] FIG. 45 presents an enlarged sectioned view detailing a completed seam formed between the joining edge of the container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23 and the container body originally introduced in FIG. 37, the illustration additionally presenting the container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30 assembled to the container subassembly, wherein the illustration is an enlarged detail view of area 45 circumscribed within FIG. 44;

[0590] FIG. 46 presents an enlarged sectioned view detailing a seal formed between an annular sealing surface of the container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30 and a mating sealing surface of the lid rolled annular end ring of the container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23, wherein the illustration is an enlarged detail view of area 46 circumscribed within FIG. 44;

[0591] FIG. 47 presents an enlarged sectioned view illustrating a modified detail view of area 45 circumscribed within FIG. 44, the modification being an alternatively shaped cap sealing ring;

[0592] FIG. 48 presents an enlarged sectioned view detailing a completed seam formed between the joining edge of the container lid originally introduced in FIG. 23 and the container body and the container cap originally introduced in FIG. 30 assembled to the container subassembly, wherein the illustration is an enlarged modified detail view of area 45 circumscribed within FIG. 44, the modification being an alternatively shaped cap sealing ring;

[0593] FIG. 49 presents an enlarged sectioned view illustrating a modified detail view of area 46 circumscribed within FIG. 44, the modification introduces a lower cap sealing ring;

[0594] FIG. 50 presents a top, side isometric view introducing an exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature in accordance with the present invention, wherein the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature includes a plurality of lid translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped container sidewall and a closed bottom wall contiguous with and extending across a lower edge of the frustum shaped container sidewall;

[0595] FIG. 51 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50;

[0596] FIG. 52 presents a top, plan view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50;

[0597] FIG. 53 presents a bottom, plan view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50;

[0598] FIG. 54 presents a side elevation view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50;

[0599] FIG. 55 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50, the section view taken along section line 55-55 of FIG. 52;

[0600] FIG. 56 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50, the section view taken along section line 55-55 of FIG. 52, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of a plurality of exemplary nesting container bodies with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0601] FIG. 57 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a second exemplary container cap in accordance with the present invention, wherein the second exemplary container cap includes a plurality of cap translative motion guide features integral within a frustum shaped sidewall and a countersink arrangement provided circumscribing a cap bottom wall;

[0602] FIG. 58 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57;

[0603] FIG. 59 presents a top, plan view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57;

[0604] FIG. 60 presents a bottom, plan view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57;

[0605] FIG. 61 presents a side elevation view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the illustration detailing a shape of an exemplary cap translative motion guide feature provided in a form of a cam;

[0606] FIG. 62 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the section view taken along section line 62-62 of FIG. 59;

[0607] FIG. 63 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the section view taken along section line 62-62 of FIG. 59, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the third exemplary container cap;

[0608] FIG. 64 presents a front, top isometric exploded assembly view of a container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and the first exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the illustration presenting the container cap staged for assembly to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0609] FIG. 65 presents a front, top isometric assembly view of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature of the nesting container body;

[0610] FIG. 66 presents a sectioned, front, elevation exploded assembly view of the resealable container assembly comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the illustration presenting the container cap staged for assembly to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0611] FIG. 67 presents a sectioned, front, elevation assembly view of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0612] FIG. 68 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the exemplary resealable container assembly originally illustrated in an assembled configuration in FIG. 65, the illustration presenting a stacking capability of the exemplary resealable container assembly;

[0613] FIG. 69 presents a sectioned, front, elevation assembly view of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and a first modified variant of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the first variant comprising a recess enabling nesting, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0614] FIG. 70 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the first modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly originally illustrated in an assembled configuration in FIG. 69, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the first modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly;

[0615] FIG. 71 presents a sectioned, front, elevation assembly view of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and a second modified variant of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the second variant comprising a recess and a secondary registration feature enabling nesting, the illustration presenting the container cap assembled to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0616] FIG. 72 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the second modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly originally illustrated in an assembled configuration in FIG. 71, the illustration presenting a nesting capability of the second modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly;

[0617] FIG. 73 presents a sectioned, front, elevation assembly view of a modified variant of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and a third modified variant of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the third variant comprising a recess having a retention interface and a secondary registration feature enabling nesting, the illustration presenting the third modified variant of the container cap assembled to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0618] FIG. 74 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the third modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly originally illustrated in an assembled configuration in FIG. 73, the illustration presenting a nesting and retention capability of the third modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly;

[0619] FIG. 75 presents an enlarged sectioned view detailing a nesting and retention interface provided between to nested exemplary resealable container assemblies, wherein the illustration is an enlarged detail view of area 75 circumscribed within FIG. 74;

[0620] FIG. 76 presents a sectioned, front, elevation assembly view of the container comprising the exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature originally introduced in FIG. 50 and a fourth modified variant of the third exemplary container cap originally introduced in FIG. 57, the fourth variant comprising a boss registration feature supporting a stacking of resealable container assemblies, the illustration presenting the fourth modified variant of the container cap assembled to the nesting container body employing the integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature;

[0621] FIG. 77 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the fourth modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly originally illustrated in an assembled configuration in FIG. 76, the illustration presenting a nesting and retention capability of the fourth modified variant of the exemplary resealable container assembly;

[0622] FIG. 78 presents an enlarged sectioned view detailing a stacking registration interface provided between to exemplary resealable container assemblies, wherein the illustration is an enlarged detail view of area 78 circumscribed within FIG. 77;

[0623] FIG. 79 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a fourth exemplary container lid in accordance with the present invention, wherein the fourth exemplary container lid includes a frustum shaped sidewall comprising a plurality of lid translative motion guide features as introduced in FIG. 1 and a easy open end (full panel removal);

[0624] FIG. 80 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the fourth exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 79;

[0625] FIG. 81 presents a top, plan view of the fourth exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 79, wherein the illustration provides a detailed view of elements associated with the Stay-On-Tab (SOT) arrangement;

[0626] FIG. 82 presents a top, side isometric view introducing a fifth exemplary container lid in accordance with the present invention, wherein the fourth exemplary container lid includes a peel off foil/film sealing a frustum shaped sidewall comprising a plurality of lid translative motion guide features as introduced in FIG. 23;

[0627] FIG. 83 presents a bottom, side isometric view of the fifth exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 82;

[0628] FIG. 84 presents a top, plan view of the fifth exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 82, wherein the illustration provides a detailed view of elements associated with the peel off foil/film arrangement;

[0629] FIG. 85 presents a cross sectioned side elevation view of the fifth exemplary container lid originally introduced in FIG. 82, the section view taken along section line 85-85 of FIG. 84, the illustration presenting a process of removing the peel off tab from the container lid;

[0630] FIG. 86 presents a flow diagram describing a method for processing nestable container components;

[0631] FIG. 87 presents a top isometric view of a first exemplary accessory which can be substituted for a container lid, the accessory being a cap and drinking straw assembly, the cap including a fixed inner cap liner and a rotatable outer cap component for securing the cap assembly to the container lid;

[0632] FIG. 88 presents a section elevation view of the cap and drinking straw assembly as shown in FIG. 87;

[0633] FIG. 89 presents a section elevation view of the cap and drinking straw assembly as shown in FIG. 87, the exemplary cap and drinking straw assembly being shown secured to the container assembly;

[0634] FIG. 90 presents a top isometric view of a second exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the second exemplary accessory including a baby nipple;

[0635] FIG. 91 presents a top isometric view of a third exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a spill-proof children's cap;

[0636] FIG. 92 presents a top isometric view of a third exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a spill-proof children's cap introducing a rotational closure system;

[0637] FIG. 93 presents a top isometric view of a fourth exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a resealable sports bottle dispensing mechanism, the resealable sports bottle dispensing mechanism being illustrated in a closed configuration;

[0638] FIG. 94 presents a top isometric view of the fourth exemplary accessory as originally introduced in FIG. 93, the accessory including a resealable sports bottle dispensing mechanism, the resealable sports bottle dispensing mechanism being illustrated in an opened configuration;

[0639] FIG. 95 presents a top isometric view of a fifth exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a pivoting resealable fluid dispensing spout, the pivoting resealable fluid dispensing spout being shown in a closed configuration;

[0640] FIG. 96 presents a top isometric view of the pivoting resealable fluid dispensing spout originally introduced in FIG. 95, the pivoting resealable fluid dispensing spout being shown in an open configuration;

[0641] FIG. 97 presents a top isometric view of a sixth exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a sliding dispensing spout, the illustration presenting the sliding dispensing spout being illustrated in a closed position;

[0642] FIG. 98 presents a top isometric view of the sixth exemplary accessory originally introduced in FIG. 97, the illustration presenting the sliding dispensing spout being illustrated in an opened position;

[0643] FIG. 99 presents a top isometric view of a seventh exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a pump dispensing assembly;

[0644] FIG. 100 presents a top isometric view of an eighth exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a trigger dispensing assembly, the arrangement employing a neck of the accessory as a portion of the grip for use in conjunction with the trigger; and

[0645] FIG. 101 presents a top isometric view of a ninth exemplary accessory for use as a container lid, the accessory including a trigger dispensing assembly, the arrangement employing the body of the container as a portion of the grip for use in conjunction with the trigger.

[0646] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0647] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In other implementations, well-known features and methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0648] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0649] A resealable container assembly 100 includes a resealable container lid 110 assembled to a resealable container body 101 and a resealable container cap 160 removably assembled to the resealable container lid 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 22. Details of the resealable container lid 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. Details of the resealable container cap 160 are illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 14.

[0650] A container body 101 includes a container body closed bottom wall 104 contiguous with a lower edge of the container body tubular sidewall 102. A container body sidewall seaming flange 106 is formed at an upper edge of the container body tubular sidewall 102. The container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106 is preferably annular in shape and extending radially outward from the container body tubular sidewall 102. The container body tubular sidewall 102 can be any shape or size desired by the packaging company. The illustrated exemplary container body tubular sidewall 102 is cylindrical in shape. The container body tubular sidewall 102 can have any reasonable and/or creative cross section shape. The shape of the container body tubular sidewall 102 can be distinct to provide a unique association between the shape of the container body tubular sidewall 102 and the product itself. Examples of container body tubular sidewalls 102 having contoured tubular sidewalls include: COKE CONTOUR bottle, BUDWEISER BOWTIE can, and a HEINEKEN Keg Can. The container body tubular sidewall 102 can be formed having other sidewall shapes, including spherical, conical, polygonal, and the like. The container body tubular sidewall 102 is preferably fabricated of a metal or a metal alloy. Any known fabrication process, such as stamping, spinning, drawing, wall ironing, and the like or any combination thereof can be used for fabrication of the container body tubular sidewall 102. Alternatively, the container body tubular sidewall 102 can be fabricated of a plastic, paper based product, bamboo, or any other suitable material. The material would be selected based upon the target packaged product and the associated manufacturing processes, the manufacturing environment, the transportation conditions, the shelf life of the product, and any other considerations.

[0651] The resealable container lid 110, detailed in FIGS. 1 through 7, includes a lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 extending between an upper (top) edge and a lower (bottom) edge. The upper edge is preferably annular in shape. Similarly, the lower edge is preferably annular in shape. A lid bottom wall 134 extends across a lower end of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132, providing a lower seal for the resealable container assembly 100, when the resealable container lid 110 is assembled to the resealable container body 101. A lid annular countersink 126 can be formed between an outer edge of the lid bottom wall 134 and the lower edge of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132. Although a commonly understood frustum shape includes a linear edge between a larger diameter upper portion and a smaller diameter lower portion, the frustum shaped sidewall included in the resealable container lid 110 can be arched (concave or convex) while enabling the same function as a frustum with a linear edge. The lid annular countersink 126 can be of any suitable shape. The lid annular countersink 126 is designed to enable flexure of the resealable container lid 110; more specifically, flexure of the lid bottom wall 134 to accommodate a buildup of pressure within an interior of the resealable container assembly 100. A region of the lid bottom wall 134 adjacent to the lid annular countersink 126 can be formed as a planar surface having at least an annular section that is uninterrupted enabling a seal between a mating sealing feature of the resealable container cap 160 and respective section of the lid bottom wall 134 of the resealable container lid 110. Increased pressure within the interior of the resealable container assembly 100 can be a result of any of number of conditions. The resealable container assembly 100 is commonly used for packaging of beverages. A significant number of packaged beverages are carbonated, including soft drinks, carbonated or soda (seltzer) water, beer, sparkling wine, carbonated alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and the like, as well as nitrogen backfilled still beverages, including water, teas, coffee, juices, wines, and the like. Another contribution to increased internal pressure is a pre-pressurization during a canning process. Another contribution to increased internal pressure is an assisted pressurization during a canning process using a nitrogen backfill. Another contributor to an increased internal pressure is change in ambient temperature.

[0652] A seaming chuck receiving formation including a seaming chuck wall 122 and a seaming chuck shoulder 124 are formed as a transition between the upper edge of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 and a seaming panel 120. The seaming panel 120 is of a shape and size to receive the container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106 of the resealable container body 101 and subsequently be seamed together using forming, rolling and compressing processes. The seaming panel 120 is preferably formed as an inverted countersink having an inverted U shape. Other details of the resealable container lid 110 will be discussed later in this disclosure.

[0653] The container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106 of the resealable container body 101 is formed to receive and be seamed to a seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110. Similarly, the seaming panel 120 is shaped having an inverted U shape (or similar) to aid in an initiation of the seaming process. A lower or seaming surface of the seaming panel 120 is seated against an upper or seaming surface of the container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106. A lower surface of a seaming chuck is seated against the seaming chuck shoulder 124, with a side surface of the seaming chuck being seated against the seaming chuck wall 122. A downward force applied by the seaming chuck seats the lower or seaming surface of the seaming panel 120 against the upper or seaming surface of the container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106. The resultant radially outward force applied to the seaming chuck wall 122 provides a resistive force to a radially inward force applied to the seaming panel by a seaming roller tooling. The radially outward force applied to the seaming chuck wall 122 additionally retains the annular shape of the container body and lid assembly seam 109. The seaming process is best illustrated in sectioned elevation views presented in FIGS. 18 and 19. Once the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container body 101 are assembled to one another, the resealable container cap 160 can be assembled to the resealable container assembly 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 by rotationally engaging each cap translative motion guide feature 181 of the resealable container cap 160 and each respective lid translative motion guide feature 152 of the resealable container lid 110 with one another. A cap translative motion guide feature leader end 181A of the cap translative motion guide feature 181 initially engages the cap translative motion guide feature 181 with the lid translative motion guide feature 152. As the resealable container cap 160 is rotated respective to the resealable container lid 110, the cap translative motion guide feature 181 continues to engage with the lid translative motion guide feature 152 until a cap translative motion guide feature locking end 181E of the cap translative motion guide feature 181 engages with the lid translative motion guide feature 152. Upon engagement of the cap translative motion guide feature locking end 181E with the lid translative motion guide feature 152, the cap translative motion guide feature locking end 181E includes at least one feature that increases a force required to either continue to rotate the resealable container cap 160 respective to the resealable container lid 110 in a closing direction or an increase in force to at least initially rotate the resealable container cap 160 respective to the resealable container lid 110 in an opening direction. A finished container body and lid assembly seam 109 formed between the container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106 and the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110, wherein the resealable container cap 160 has subsequently been assembled to the resealable container lid 110 is best illustrated in an enlarged sectioned assembly view illustrated in FIG. 22. The arrangement of the resealable container lid 110, as illustrated, can be referred to as a plug receiving lid. More specifically, the arrangement of radially inward extending translative motion guide features 152 on a resealable container lid 110 define a plug receiving configuration. Similarly, the arrangement of the resealable container cap 160, as illustrated, can be referred to as a plug styled cap. More specifically, the arrangement of radially outward extending translative motion guide features 181 on a resealable container cap 160 define a plug styled closure.

[0654] At least one lid translative motion guide feature 152 is included in the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 of the resealable container lid 110. Similarly, at least one cap translative motion guide feature 181 is included in the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162 of the resealable container cap 160. In a preferred arrangement, one lid translative motion guide features 152 would be provided for each cap translative motion guide feature 181 respectively. Each of the at least one lid translative motion guide feature 152 would be shaped based upon a design of a respective cap translative motion guide feature 181 of the resealable container cap 160. The shapes of the lid translative motion guide feature 152 and the mating cap translative motion guide feature 181 would provide a function which translates a rotational motion between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110 into an axial translating motion between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110. When rotated in a first direction, the resealable container cap 160 is drawn into the resealable container lid 110 and when rotated in a second, opposite direction, the resealable container cap 160 is driven out of the resealable container lid 110.

[0655] The lid translative motion guide feature 152 is preferably formed in the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 during a process of fabricating the resealable container lid 110. The resealable container lid 110 can include a single, long lid translative motion guide feature 152, a pair of lid translative motion guide features 152 (preferably located at opposite quadrants of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132), three (3) lid translative motion guide features 152 (preferably equidistantly spaced between one another), four (4) lid translative motion guide features 152 (preferably equidistantly spaced between one another with one lid translative motion guide feature 152 located at each of four (4) quadrants), six (6) lid translative motion guide features 152 (preferably equidistantly spaced between one another), or any other suitable number of lid translative motion guide features 152.

[0656] In the exemplary illustrations, each cap translative motion guide feature 181 is formed as a cam track. Each lid translative motion guide feature 152 is formed as a horizontally oriented geometric stadium (rectangle with rounded ends) shaped protrusion or emboss. The lid translative motion guide feature 152 can be other suitable shapes, such as a circular protrusion, an oval protrusion, an elliptical protrusion, a cam shaped protrusion, or any other suitable shape that is compatible with the cam track. In another example, the cap translative motion guide feature 181 can be shaped in a formation of a section of a helical thread. In this example, the lid translative motion guide feature 152 can be formed having any of the above described shapes utilized with the lid translative motion guide feature 152 for the cam track, or the lid translative motion guide feature 152 can be formed having a shape of a mating section of a helical thread, a ramp, or any other shape compatible with a portion of a helical thread. The cap translative motion guide feature 181 and the lid translative motion guide feature 152 can be any suitable shape enabling the desired translative function. The cap translative motion guide feature 181 can additionally include a detent feature, where an additional force is required to overcome the detent and enable the rotational motion between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110.

[0657] The resealable container cap 160, detailed in FIGS. 8 through 14, is formed having a resealable container cap frustum shaped radially interior sidewall 163 extending between an upper edge and a lower edge. The resealable container cap frustum shaped radially interior sidewall 163 is preferably formed having a frustum shape, wherein the upper edge has a first diameter and the lower edge has a second diameter; the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. A resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164 extends across a bottom region of the resealable container cap 160, providing a seal across the lower edge of the resealable container cap frustum shaped radially interior sidewall 163. The resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164 can include a countersink shape cap annular countersink formation 166. A lower surface of the cap annular countersink formation 166 can be shaped to provide a cap lower annular sealing member 167. An elastomer can be provided upon the lower surface of the cap annular countersink formation 166 (the cap lower annular sealing member 167) to increase a quality of the seal between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110. The elastomer additionally increases friction between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110, thus reducing a potential for the resealable container cap 160 to become dislodged from the resealable container lid 110. It is noted that the elastomer can be applied to any mating surface where a seal is formed between any version of the container cap and any respective version of the container lid.

[0658] The cap annular countersink formation 166 additionally raises a central region of the resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164. The elevated region of the resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164 provides a clearance for components assembled to the lid bottom wall 134 and/or other formations provided in the lid bottom wall 134 of the resealable container lid 110.

[0659] The resealable container cap 160 preferably includes a grip element. In the exemplary illustrations, the grip element is provided as a series of resealable container cap grip elements 174 equi-spatially arranged about a resealable container cap grip element base 171. In the exemplary illustrations, the series of resealable container cap grip elements 174 are created by creating formations within the material of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170. The resealable container cap grip elements 174 can be formed as a recess (as illustrated), a boss, a knurl, or a combination of both within the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170. Alternatively, the resealable container cap grip elements 174 can be a material applied to the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170. The number, size and shape of resealable container cap grip elements 174 are considerations for the designer.

[0660] Regarding manufacturing of the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160, each of the illustrated resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160 are fabricated from a single planar sheet of formable material, such as a thin sheet of metal. The resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160 can be fabricated using at least one metal forming process. The at least one metal forming process can include a stamping process, a sheering process, a drawing process, a re-drawing process, turning, spinning, a wall ironing process, a metal pinching process, a rolling process, and the like.

[0661] Alternatively, the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 can be fabricated using a molding process. The molding process can be any suitable molding process, utilize any material suitable for molding and determined based upon the product being packaged. The molded material can include plastic, a wax or resin impregnated molding material, a wax or resin coating on the molded material, a plastic lining on the molded material, or any other process to provide a protective container surface. In another consideration for manufacturing, the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 can be fabricated using a machining process, a casting process, a vacuum forming process, an additive manufacturing process (3D printing), any other suitable manufacturing process, or any combination thereof.

[0662] The resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 can be fabricated of a material selected from a group of materials, the group of materials comprising:

[0663] a. Metal,

[0664] b. Aluminum alloy,

[0665] c. Steel alloy,

[0666] d. Tin,

[0667] e. Plastic,

[0668] f. Nylon,

[0669] g. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),

[0670] h. Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET),

[0671] i. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),

[0672] j. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE),

[0673] k. Polypropylene (PP),

[0674] l. Polycarbonate,

[0675] m. Waxed or resin impregnated paper/organic fiber pulp,

[0676] n. Waxed or resin coated paper/organic fiber pulp, and

[0677] o. Plastic lined paper/organic fiber pulp.

[0678] Once the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 are fabricated, they can be further processed after forming. For example, a coating can be applied to the formed resealable container lid 110 and/or resealable container cap 160, wherein the coating provides protection to the material and a barrier between the material of the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 and the contents packaged within the resealable container assembly 100. For example, it is undesirable to expose food and/or drinks to aluminum. When aluminum is utilized as a component for the resealable container assembly 100, the surfaces which contact the packaged comestibles is coated with a plastic material, wherein the plastic material provides a barrier between the metal surface of the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160 and the packaged comestibles. The plastic coating can be applied using a spray process, a dipping process, or any other suitable application process. Similarly, an elastomer or other sealant material can be applied to one or more of the sealing surfaces of the resealable container lid 110 and/or the resealable container cap 160. The elastomer can be sprayed upon the surface, applied using a dipping process, applied using a dispenser, applied using a printing process, applied using a transfer printing process, applied using a molding process, or applied using any other suitable process. Since one or more contact surfaces may be employed to create a seal between the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160, the sealant material can be applied onto the one or more contact surfaces. The protective coating can alternatively be any suitable protective coating, including the plastic coating (as described above), an epoxy lacquer, a BPA-free coating, and the like.

[0679] The exemplary resealable container lid 110 additionally includes any currently commercially available Stay-On Tab (SOT) design or a modified version of the currently commercially available Stay-On Tab (SOT) design. A tab 190 is fabricated of a sheet of material, preferably of a material that is compatible with the material of a body of the resealable container lid 110. The tab 190 would be formed using any known and appropriate manufacturing steps and processes. The tab 190 would be fabricated including features, such as an aperture for passing a rivet 197 therethrough, a tab retention bracket 191, a tab bracket hinge 192, and a tab lightening hole 193.

[0680] A number of features are formed in the lid bottom wall 134. A lid bottom panel tear panel 138 is defined by a lid bottom panel score line 136. The lid bottom panel score line 136 is preferably formed having a pair of parallel score lines, preferably being connected to one another at a first end and open or unconnected at a second end. A tear panel hinge 139 is created at the open or unconnected, second end of the lid bottom panel score line 136. A socket bottom wall to reinforcement formation transition 141 is formed to enhance rigidity of the Stay-On Tab (SOT) design during a process of opening the lid bottom panel tear panel 138. A tear panel reinforcing formation 198 can be formed within the lid bottom panel tear panel 138, wherein the tear panel reinforcing formation 198 is created by forming a tear panel 138 to tear panel reinforcing formation transition 142 within the lid bottom panel tear panel 138. The tear panel reinforcing formation 198 enhances a rigidity of the lid bottom panel tear panel 138. The design of the tear panel reinforcing formation 198 provides significant rigidity to a contact area of the tab 190 when the tab 190 applies an opening force to the lid bottom panel tear panel 138, enabling the tab 190 to fracture the lid bottom panel score line 136, continue to propagate separation along the lid bottom panel score line 136 and fold the lid bottom panel tear panel 138 along a tear panel hinge 139 into a product volume of the resealable container 100. The resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation 118 is created by forming a lid bottom wall to reinforcement formation transition 141 within the lid bottom wall 134. It is preferred that the resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation 118 is formed as a recess within the lid bottom wall 134. A tab stabilizing formation 196 can be formed in the resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation 118 at a location underneath a distal or finger grip end of the tab 190. The tab stabilizing formation 196 would provide support for the distal or finger grip end of the tab 190 when the tab 190 is in an initial, packaged position.

[0681] A finger access depression 195 is formed in the resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation 118 at a location proximate a gripping end of the tab 190. The finger access depression 195 provides a clearance for a user's finger easing access to an underside of the tab 190 when initializing the process for fracturing the lid bottom panel score line 136 and opening the resealable container assembly 100. The tab 190 can be curled at the distal free gripping end to further facilitate a user's finger access to an underside of the tab 190 when initializing the process for fracturing the lid bottom panel score line 136.

[0682] A rivet 197 is formed in the lid bottom wall 134 at a location to position the opening end of the tab 190 at the appropriate location respective to the lid bottom panel score line 136 and lid bottom panel tear panel 138. The tab 190 is assembled to the body of the resealable container lid 110 by inserting the rivet 197 through the aperture of the tab retention bracket 191, then the rivet 197 is compressed, expanding the exposed end and entrapping the tab retention bracket 191 between the expanded portion of the rivet 197 and the facing surface of the resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation 118.

[0683] Returning to the process of assembling the resealable container cap 160 onto the resealable container lid 110; the resealable container cap 160 would be assembled to the resealable container lid 110 by orienting the cap translative motion guide features 181 offset from the restive lid translative motion guide features 152. The resealable container cap 160 would be inserted into a socket created in the resealable container lid 110 by the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 as illustrated in FIG. 20. The resealable container cap 160 would be rotated, engaging each cap translative motion guide feature 181 with each respective lid translative motion guide feature 152. As the resealable container cap 160 is rotated respective to the resealable container lid 110, engagement between each cap translative motion guide feature 181 and each respective lid translative motion guide feature 152 translates the rotational motion to an axial motion, drawing a sealing surface of the resealable container cap 160 and a mating sealing surface of the resealable container lid 110 and resealable container cap 160 together, until a sufficient seal is created between the cap lower annular sealing member 167 of the resealable container cap 160 and a mating sealing surface 134 of the resealable container lid 110 as illustrated in FIG. 21. As mentioned earlier, an elastomer or other sealant material can be provided between the lid bottom wall 134 and the cap lower annular sealing member 167.

[0684] A cap upper annular sealing member 165 can be provided as an alternative for (or in addition to) the cap lower annular sealing member 167. The cap upper annular sealing member 165 would be formed within an interior portion of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170. The cap upper annular sealing member 165 is preferably fabricated of a pliant material, such as an elastomer, molded plastic, polymer, an organic sealing material, cellulose pulp, cork material, a formation that is integral with the resealable container cap 160, or any other suitable material or combination thereof. The shaping of the cap upper annular sealing member 165 is preferably designed to engage with a container body and lid assembly seam chine (top surface) 108 of the container body and lid assembly seam 109, an interior radially inward facing surface 122 of the container body and lid assembly seam 109, an exterior radially surface of the container body and lid assembly seam 109, or any combination thereof. This can include a cap upper annular sealing member 165 having any suitable cross sectional shape, such as a linear surface, one or more fin shaped surfaces, one or more angled fin shaped surfaces, a wedge cross sectional shape, or any combination thereof.

[0685] The frustum shape of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 in conjunction with the size and shape of the lid translative motion guide features 152 enables nesting of the resealable container lid 110, as illustrated in FIG. 7. When nesting, the interior surface of the lid translative motion guide feature 152 contacts the radially exterior surface of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132. The resealable container lid 110 is designed where the point of contact between the radially interior surface of the lid translative motion guide feature 152 and the radially exterior surface of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 positions an exterior or lower surface of the lid bottom wall 134 proximate, but not contacting, the uppermost surface of elements extending upwards from the lid bottom wall 134, such as a top surface of the tab 190. The resealable container lid 110 is also designed where the point of contact between the radially interior surface of the lid translative motion guide feature 152 and the radially exterior surface of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 positions a lower edge of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110 proximate, but not contacting, the uppermost surface of the seaming panel 120 of the lower resealable container lid 110.

[0686] The introduction of a translative motion guide system in conjunction with a frustum shaped sidewall 132 provides several benefits. The first benefit is the introduction of a translative motion guide system provided between an radially interior surface of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 of the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162 of the resealable container cap 160. The second benefit is an ability to nest a plurality of resealable container lids 110, thus reducing volume for storage, shipping, storage within the canning equipment, and the like. The design also ensures easy and proper pick up and release of each resealable container lid 110 from a stack of nested resealable container lids 110. Engagement of the two surfaces, as described, automatically centers the first resealable container lid 110 and the second resealable container lid 110 with one another, ensuring pickup at a repeated location of each resealable container lid 110 from a stack of resealable container lids 110, thus optimizing the manufacturing, conveyance, filling, seaming, and similar processes. The design of the resealable container lid 110, more specifically, the lid bottom wall 134, includes sufficient areas for vacuum pickup and placement of the resealable container lid 110. The design of the resealable container lid 110, more specifically, the seaming panel 170, includes sufficient areas for mechanical separation of the resealable container lid 110.

[0687] The resealable container cap 160 is designed with considerations similar to the nesting properties of the resealable container lid 110. A first resealable container cap 160 would be inserted into a cavity of a second resealable container cap 160. A radially exterior surface of the cap translative motion guide feature 181 would nest against the resealable container cap frustum shaped interior sidewall 163. A lower edge of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the first resealable container cap 160 would rest against an upper surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the second resealable container cap 160. A lower surface of the resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164 of the first resealable container cap 160 would be located proximate an upper surface of the resealable container cap planar transversing surface 164 of the second resealable container cap 160.

[0688] The use of frustum shaped sidewalls 132, 162 introduces another benefit. By drawing two (2) frustum shaped walls towards one another provides several opportunities for two facing surfaces to engage with one another creating a seal. In the illustrations presented in FIGS. 20 and 21, the cap lower annular sealing member 167 and the lid bottom wall 134 are drawn towards one another creating the seal. A sealing material can be provided between the two sealing surfaces to improve the seal. The illustrated versions present surfaces which are horizontal with one another. The cap lower annular sealing member 167 and the lid bottom wall 134 can be modified to include angled or frustum shaped facing surfaces, where the frustum shaped facing of the cap lower annular sealing member 167 and the frustum shaped facing surface of the lid bottom wall 134 would engage with one another forming a seal. The frustum shaped surfaces of the cap lower annular sealing member 167 and the lid bottom wall 134 would be one of (a) parallel to the frustum shaped surfaces of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 and the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162 or (b) slightly more horizontally designed than the frustum shaped surfaces of the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 and the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162. When drawn together, the frustum shaped surface of the cap lower annular sealing member 167 and the frustum shaped surface lid bottom wall 134 would create a wedge between one another and improve the seal created between the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 and the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162 accordingly. The same concept can be applied to any sealing feature integral the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160. This will become more apparent in subsequent variants presented herein.

[0689] A second sealing interface can be provided between an interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the resealable container cap 160 and an upper surface of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110, as illustrated in FIG. 22. A shape of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 enables flexure. The axial relational motion between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110 draws the interior (underside) surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the resealable container cap 160 and the upper surface of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110 towards one another. The axial relational motion between the resealable container cap 160 and the resealable container lid 110 would continue after the interior (underside) surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the resealable container cap 160 and the upper surface of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110 contacts one another, causing the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 to deform slightly. The deformation increases a normal force between the interior (underside) surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the resealable container cap 160 and the exterior surface of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110, thus improving the seal therebetween. A sealant material can be provided between the interior (underside) surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170 of the resealable container cap 160 and the exterior surface of the seaming panel 120 of the resealable container lid 110. It would be preferred that the sealant material is applied to and carried by an interior (underside) surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170, as the material may be removed from the exterior surface of the seaming panel 120 during the seaming process.

[0690] Other sealing facing surfaces can be integrated into the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container cap 160. One example of a variation is utilized in a resealable container assembly 200, illustrated in FIGS. 37, 38, and 39, with details being presented in FIGS. 40 through 49.

[0691] The exemplary resealable container assembly 200 and the exemplary resealable container assembly 100 include a number of like elements. Like elements of the resealable container assembly 100 and the resealable container assembly 200 are numbered the same, with the elements of the resealable container assembly 200 being referenced by numbers preceded by the numeral “2”. Distinctions between the resealable container assembly 100 and the resealable container assembly 200 are described herein. In the exemplary illustrations, the resealable container body 201 and the resealable container body 101 are similar to one another. The distinctions are included in the resealable container annular component 210 and the resealable container cap 260. Illustrations presenting the resealable container body 101 lack any views detailing the container body closed bottom wall 104 of the resealable container body 101. The container body closed bottom wall 104 can be similar to the container body closed bottom wall 204. Illustrations presenting the resealable container body 201 introduce a shape of the bottom portion of the resealable container body 201. The exemplary bottom portion of the resealable container body 201, as illustrated, include a container body annular base 204 about a peripheral edge of a container body closed bottom wall 203. The container body closed bottom wall 203 can be coplanar with the container body annular base 204, or, as illustrated, the container body closed bottom wall 203 is preferably recessed from the container body annular base 204. The recessed design of the container body closed bottom wall 203 provides better support on a table, a wall that can resist upon pressure build up internal to the container with minimal effects upon the shape of the container body annular base 204, and other benefits. In the exemplary illustrations, the container body closed bottom wall 203 is domed in shape. Although the exemplary illustration presents a desirable domed shape container body closed bottom wall 203, the container body closed bottom wall 203 can be of any shaped recess. Details of the resealable container annular component 210 are illustrated in FIGS. 23 through 29. Details of the resealable container cap 260 are illustrated in FIGS. 30 through 36.

[0692] The resealable container lid 110 includes a lid bottom wall 134, wherein the resealable container lid 110 seals contents within the resealable container assembly 100. Contents are accessed when a portion of the lid bottom wall 134 is fractured and opened, such as a fracturing of the lid bottom panel score line 136 and an opening of the lid bottom panel tear panel 138 using the currently commercially available Stay-On Tab (SOT) design as described above. Conversely, the resealable container annular component 210 excludes the lid bottom wall 134, where a lower edge of a cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 of the resealable container annular component 210 is open. The lower edge of the resealable container annular component 210 is rolled, forming a cap receiving annular component rolled annular end ring 226. The cap receiving annular component rolled annular end ring 226 creates a lid open passageway 235 passing through an interior of the resealable container annular component 210.

[0693] The exemplary resealable container lid 110 includes four (4) lid translative motion guide features 152. The exemplary resealable container annular component 210 includes six (6) cap receiving annular component translative motion guide features 252. The number and/or design of lid translative motion guide features 152, 252 would be determined by the designer of the container lid 110, annular ring component 210. Several features can be considered when determining the number and/or design of lid translative motion guide features 152, 252, including type of contents within the resealable container assembly 100, 200, anticipated maximum pressure within the resealable container assembly 100, 200, desired degree of rotation between the container cap 160, 260 and the container lid 110, annular ring component 210, desired axial relative motion between the container cap 160, 260 and the container lid 110, annular ring component 210, type and thickness of the sealant material, and any other consideration.

[0694] In the exemplary illustrations, the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 is more cylindrical (vertical) than the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132. This design provides a different nesting arrangement for the resealable container annular component 210 (illustrated in FIG. 29) compared to the nesting arrangement of the resealable container lid 110 (illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0695] Nesting of a plurality of resealable container annular components 210 is arranged where a first resealable container annular component 210 is inserted into an interior of a second resealable container annular component 210. A lower, outer surface of the cap receiving annular component rolled annular end ring 226 rests against a cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature upper surface 253 of the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature 252, as illustrated in FIG. 29. The resealable container annular component 210 can be modified, where the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 has a more tapered or frustum shape. With this modification, the nesting of a plurality of resealable container annular components 210 can be arranged in accordance with the nesting arrangement of the resealable container annular component 110, where a radially exterior surface of the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 would rest against a radially interior surface of the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature 252.

[0696] Nesting of a plurality of resealable container caps 260 is arranged where a first resealable container cap 260 is inserted into an interior of a second resealable container cap 260. A lower, outer portion of the resealable container cap tubular radially exterior (product side) sidewall 262 of the first resealable container cap 260 rests against an upper portion of the resealable container cap tubular radially interior (public side) sidewall 263 of the second resealable container cap 260, as illustrated in FIG. 36. The resealable container cap 260 can be modified, where the tubular sidewall (exterior, product side) 262, (interior, public side) 263 has a more tapered or frustum shape. With this modification, the nesting of a plurality of resealable container caps 260 can be arranged in accordance with the nesting arrangement of the resealable container cap 160, where a radially exterior surface of the resealable container cap tubular exterior (product side) sidewall 262 would rest against a radially interior surface of the resealable container cap tubular interior (public side) sidewall 263. Alternatively, the resealable container cap 260 can be designed where a radially exterior surface of the cap translative motion guide feature 281 of the first or nesting resealable container cap 260 would rest against the resealable container cap tubular interior (public side) sidewall 263 of the second or adjacent resealable container cap 260.

[0697] The resealable container annular component 210 is seamed to a container body sidewall seaming flange 206 using the same seaming features and processes described above for the process of seaming the resealable container lid 110 to the container body cylindrical sidewall seaming flange 106. Details are presented in FIGS. 37 through 39 and section views presented in FIGS. 40 through 42. The resealable container cap 260 is inserted into a cavity defined by the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 of the resealable container annular component 210. The rotational and resulting translative axial motions of the resealable container cap 260 respective to the resealable container annular component 210 are the same as those of the resealable container cap 160 respective to the resealable container lid 110 as described above.

[0698] As the resealable container cap 260 and the resealable container annular component 210 are drawn together, a cap sidewall transition 268 provided about a lower radially exterior surface of the cap annular countersink formation 266 is seated against a cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface 227 of the cap receiving annular component rolled annular end ring 226, as best illustrated in FIG. 44 and in the enlarged view illustrated in FIG. 46. The cap sidewall transition 268 is preferably formed having a frustum shape. The frustum shape of the cap sidewall transition 268 enhances the seal between the cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface 227 of the cap receiving annular component rolled inner edge 226 and cap sidewall transition 268 as the cap translative motion guide feature 281 and the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature 252 engage with one another during a rotational motion therebetween. A cap lower annular sealing member 267 can be provided between the cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface 227 of the cap receiving annular component rolled inner edge 226 and the cap sidewall transition 268 as illustrated in FIG. 49. The sealant material is preferably applied to the cap sidewall transition 268, but can be applied to the cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface 227, or both the cap sidewall transition 268 and the cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface 227. A protectant, such as the sealant material, coating, or any other suitable material, is preferably applied to the interior or product side surfaces of the resealable container annular component 210 and the resealable container cap 260 to isolate the base material of the resealable container annular component 210 and the resealable container cap 260 from the contents stored within the interior volume of the resealable container assembly 200. A cap upper annular sealing member 265 can additionally or alternatively be provided between an interior surface of a cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270 of the resealable container cap 260 and a facing, exterior surface of the seaming panel 220 the assembled resealable container annular component 210 as illustrated in FIG. 45. The cap upper annular sealing member 265 can be provided between the interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270 of the resealable container cap 260 and the facing, exterior surface of the seaming panel 220 of the assembled resealable container annular component 210 as illustrated in FIG. 45. It would be preferable to apply the cap upper annular sealing member 265 to the interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270, as illustrated in FIG. 45. A cap upper annular sealing member 265B can also additionally or alternatively be provided between a radially exterior surface proximate a transition between the resealable container cap tubular exterior sidewall 262 and the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270 of the resealable container cap 260 and a facing, radially interior surface proximate a transition between the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 and the seaming chuck shoulder 224 of the seaming panel 220 of the assembled resealable container annular component 210 as illustrated in FIG. 45.

[0699] The cap upper annular sealing member 265, cap upper annular sealing member 265B, and cap lower annular sealing member 267 are examples of various sealing members located between facing surfaces used to seal the resealable container 200. Other sealing members can be utilized between the resealable container annular component 210 and the resealable container cap 260. Each of the cap upper annular sealing member 265, cap upper annular sealing member 265A, and cap lower annular sealing member 267 utilize a compressible material to create the seal between facing surfaces. Examples of compressible materials suitable for use in sealing a container include: sprayed on or molded on elastomeric compounds, molded low or high durometer plastics, High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene high-density (PEHD) cellulose compounds, polymer polypropylene, polyethylene, biosourced materials such as seaweed, mushroom, gelatin, cork, rubber, latex, and the like, and any combination thereof. One exemplary alternative is a cap upper annular sealing member 265A illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48. The cap upper annular sealing member 265A introduces an alternative to a compression arrangement. The cap upper annular sealing member 265A introduces a displacement arrangement for the cap upper annular sealing member 265A, where a shape of the cap upper annular sealing member 265A is deflected radially inward when the resealable container annular component 210 and the resealable container cap 260A are drawn towards one another. An arrow in FIG. 47 represents a deflecting motion of the cap upper annular sealing member 265A. The cap upper annular sealing member 265 includes a projection portion extending freely from a base portion. The projection portion retains a general shape by the annular nature of the sealing ring 265A. When the container body and lid assembly seam 209 and the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270 are drawn together by the interaction between the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide features 252 and the cap translative motion guide features 281, the shape of the seaming chuck wall 222 deflects the projection of the cap upper annular sealing member 265A as illustrated in FIG. 48. Additionally, the cap upper annular sealing member 265A presents a compression seal between facing surfaces of the container body and lid assembly seam chine 208 and the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 270.

[0700] In each of the previously described variants, the container body 101, 201 and the container lid 110, container annular ring 210 are separate elements that are seamed together. Cap receiving features of the container lid 110 and/or the container annular ring 210 can be integrally formed in an upper end of the container body 101, 201, such as an exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301, illustrated in FIGS. 50 through 56. The exemplary nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 is formed as a cup comprising cap receiving features, such as a nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 and a nesting container body translative motion guide feature 352. A container or cup body of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 includes a nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 circumscribed by a nesting container body annular base 304, wherein the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 and the nesting container body annular base 304 collectively extend across a lower end of a nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302. The nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 extends upward from the nesting container body annular base 304. The upward shape of the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 accommodates non-level surfaces.

[0701] A nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge 306 is formed at an upper end of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301, where the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge 306 is formed as a rolled edge. The rolled formation provides a smooth, comfortable edge providing safety to the user. In certain designs, it may be beneficial to include an outwardly formed container body joining formation, such as the seaming flange 106, 206 of the container body 101, 201 in place of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge 306. One or more demarcations can be formed in the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302. The exemplary illustration presents three demarcations, a nesting container body lower or first measurement demarcation 305, a nesting container body central or second measurement demarcation 307, and a nesting container body to cap receiving sidewall annular transition formation 326. The nesting container body first measurement demarcation 305 provides an upper reference for a nesting container body first measurement volume 314, the nesting container body central or second measurement demarcation 307 provides an upper reference for a nesting container body second measurement volume 315, and the nesting container body to cap receiving sidewall annular transition formation 326 provides an upper reference for a nesting container body third measurement volume 317. The nesting container body annular base 304 can include a centrally located recession, where the centrally located recession leaves an annular ring remaining proud from the recession. This aids in minimizing any rocking of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 when placed on a suitable surface.

[0702] At least one nesting container body translative motion guide feature 352 is formed in a nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332; the nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 being formed at an upper end of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302. In the exemplary illustration, the nesting container body to cap receiving sidewall annular transition formation 326 provides a transition between the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302 and the nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332. The nesting container body translative motion guide feature 352 can be of any suitable number, size and shape, similar to the lid translative motion guide feature 152 and the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature 252 as described above.

[0703] The nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 is designed to enable nesting, as illustrated in cross section view presented in FIG. 56. The frustum shape of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302 enables nesting. In the exemplary illustration, the nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 remains proud of the nested sections of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301. The greater the angle of the frustum shape of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302, the deeper the nesting. The demarcations 305, 307, 326 would be formed and sized to support the nesting of adjacent nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide features 301. The nesting would be limited by the nesting container body translative motion guide feature 352 and the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge 306.

[0704] The nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 can be generally cylindrical in shape and offset as illustrated to support optimal nesting. Alternatively, the nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 can have a frustum shape, similar to the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 of the resealable container lid 110 and a limited offset to support optimal nesting. Although nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 is illustrated as a significantly cylindrical sidewall that enables nesting due to an offset provided by the cap receiving sidewall annular transition formation 326, in an alternative design, the nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall 332 can be frustum shaped and continuous from the upper end of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302, effectively becoming a continuation of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall 302.

[0705] The nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 can be fabricate of any suitable material and manufacturing processes, such as those described above for fabricating the container body 101, 201 and the container lid 110, container annular ring 210.

[0706] A resealable container cap 360, detailed in FIGS. 57 through 63 provides a removable seal to the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301. The resealable container cap 260 and the resealable container cap 360 include a number of like elements. Like elements are numbered the same, wherein elements of the resealable container cap 360 are preceded by the numeral “3”. The distinction between the resealable container cap 260 and the resealable container cap 360 is the design of the sealing surfaces and a resealable container cap transversing surface 364.

[0707] The exemplary resealable container cap transversing surface 364 illustrated in FIGS. 57 through 63 is formed as a downwardly or outwardly extending dome shaped wall. The resealable container cap transversing surface 364 can be of any suitable and/or functional shape. A cap sidewall lower transition 368 is provided between a lower edge of the sidewall (radially exterior or product side) 362, (radially interior or public side) 363 and the resealable container cap transversing surface 364. Although the exemplary illustration presents the resealable container cap transversing surface 364 as a downwardly extending domed panel, the resealable container cap transversing surface 364 can be provided as an upwardly extending domed panel, a planar panel, including one or more reinforcing formations, and the like. The cap sidewall lower transition 368 can be formed as an arched transition, a chamfered transition, a countersink design, and the like. The cap sidewall lower transition 368 and/or the resealable container cap transversing surface 364 can be shaped to create one or more features that function as a cap sealing surface, wherein the cap sealing surface is designed to engage with any surface of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 suitable to be used as a sealing surface.

[0708] The resealable container cap 360 is preferably of a design that enables nesting, as illustrated in FIG. 63. The radially exterior surface of the cap translative motion guide feature 381 would rest against the surface of the inner wall portion of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 370, as illustrated, or the resealable container cap 360 can be designed enabling the exterior surface cap translative motion guide feature 381 to rest against the frustum sidewall to seaming panel transition segment 369. In either condition, it is preferred that the resealable container cap transversing surface 364 is located extending below the frustum sidewall to seaming panel transition segment 369.

[0709] The resealable container cap 360 would be assembled to the upper section of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 in a manner similar to the assembly of the container cap 160, 260 to the container lid 110 and/or the container annular ring 210 as described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 64 through 67. More specifically, each at least one cap translative motion guide feature 381 would be rotationally engaging with a respective nesting container body translative motion guide feature 352 translating the rotational motion into an axial motion drawing an interior surface of the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 370 and a top surface of the nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge 306 against one another creating a seal therebetween. The resealable container cap 360 can be designed to include any formation that can be utilized as a cap upper annular sealing member 365 against a mating seal surface formed in the resealable container assembly 300. Collectively, a combination of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 and resealable container cap 360 is referred to as a resealable container assembly 300.

[0710] The resealable container cap 360 can be designed to enable at least partial nesting, as illustrated in FIG. 63. Each resealable container cap 360 can be designed where a radially exterior surface of the cap translative motion guide feature 381 would rest against the frustum sidewall to seaming panel transition segment 369 enabling the partial nesting. In a condition where the resealable container cap cylindrical exterior sidewall 362 has a frustum shape, similar to the resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall 162 of the resealable container cap 160. With this modification, the resealable container caps 360 can nest in a more compact arrangement, wherein a radially exterior surface of the cap translative motion guide feature 181 would seat against the resealable container cap frustum shaped interior sidewall 163.

[0711] The resealable container 300 can include features to enable stacking and/or nesting. Examples of various stacking and/or nesting arrangements of a plurality of resealable containers 300 are illustrated in FIGS. 68 through 78. In a first example, the nesting container body annular base 304 would be placed upon an upper surface of the resealable container cap transversing surface 364, as illustrated in FIG. 68. The resealable container cap 360 would be designed of a material having a thickness and shape capable of supporting preferably several resealable containers 300 when each resealable container 300 is filled with the anticipated contents. This enables transport of multiple resealable containers 300 filled with contents. This would be focused for use in carry out scenarios, such as fast food restaurants, concerts, plays, sporting events, or other events.

[0712] The resealable container 300 and/or the resealable container cap 360 can be modified to improve the stacking of the plurality of resealable containers 300. In a first example, the resealable container cap 360 is modified (referenced as a resealable container cap 360A), wherein assembly comprising the resealable container cap 360A and the nesting container body 301 are referred to as a resealable container assembly 300A, as illustrated in FIGS. 69 and 70. A resealable cap container nesting cavity 365A is formed within the resealable container cap transversing surface 364. The resealable cap container nesting cavity 365A includes a peripheral sidewall and a bottom wall having a size and shape to receive at least a portion of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 defining the nesting container body first measurement volume 314 as illustrated in FIG. 70.

[0713] In a second example, the resealable container cap 360 is modified (referenced as a resealable container assembly 300B), wherein assembly comprising the resealable container cap 360B and the nesting container body 301 are referred to as a resealable container assembly 300B, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 72. A resealable cap container nesting cavity 365B is formed within the resealable container cap transversing surface 364. The resealable cap container nesting cavity 365B includes a peripheral sidewall and a bottom wall having a size and shape to receive at least a portion of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 defining the nesting container body first measurement volume 314 as illustrated in FIG. 72. A resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366B extends upward from the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365B. The resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366B is preferably of a shape and size that follows a contour of a mating bottom surface of the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303, as illustrated in

[0714] FIG. 72. The resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366B increases registration and retention between the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 and the resealable container cap 360B. The nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 would be seated within the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365B utilizing the resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366B to aid in registration and retention. Although the container body closed bottom wall 203 has an inwardly extending dome shape and the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 is illustrated having a planar recess, the recess can be of any suitable shape.

[0715] In a third example, the resealable container cap 360 is modified (referenced as a 360C), as illustrated in FIGS. 73 through 75. In the third example, the portion defining the nesting container body first measurement volume 314 of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 is modified (referenced as a nesting container body 301C), wherein assembly comprising the resealable container cap 360C and the nesting container body 301C are referred to as a resealable container assembly 300C, as illustrated in FIGS. 73 through 75. The portion of the nesting container body first measurement volume 314 of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 has a frustum shape. Conversely, the portion of the nesting container body first measurement volume 314 (identified as a nesting container body first measurement volume 314C) of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301C has an inverted frustum shape (the exemplary frustum shape being referenced as having an interlocking frustum shaped sidewall angle 399 as illustrated in the enlarged view shown in FIG. 75). This inverted frustum shape between the nesting container body annular base 304 and the nesting container body lower reinforcing annular formation 305 provides an ability to snap adjacently nesting resealable container assemblies 300C to one another as illustrated in FIGS. 74 and 75.

[0716] A resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C is formed within the resealable container cap transversing surface 364. The resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C includes a peripheral sidewall having an inverted frustum shape and a bottom wall, wherein the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C is of a size and shape to receive at least a portion of the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301C defining the nesting container body first measurement volume 314C as illustrated in FIG. 73. An optional resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366C can extend upward from the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C. The resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366C is preferably of a shape and size that follows a contour of a mating bottom surface of the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303, as illustrated in FIGS. 74 and 75. The optional resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366C increases registration and retention between the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301C and the resealable container cap 360C. The resealable container cap 360C can be fabricated of a flexible material enabling insertion of the nesting container body first measurement volume 314C into the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C. Alternatively, the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301C can be fabricated of a flexible material enabling insertion of the nesting container body first measurement volume 314C into the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365C.

[0717] In a fourth example, the resealable container cap 360 is modified (referenced as a resealable container cap 360D), wherein assembly comprising the resealable container cap 360D and the nesting container body 301 are referred to as a resealable container assembly 300D, as illustrated in FIGS. 76 through 78. The resealable container cap 360D is a variant of the resealable container cap 360B, wherein the resealable container cap 360D lacks a cavity (the resealable cap container nesting cavity 365B of the resealable container cap 360B), while retaining a resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366D extending upwards from an upper surface of the resealable container cap transversing surface 364. The resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366B is preferably of a shape and size that follows a contour of a mating bottom surface of the nesting container body closed bottom wall 303, as illustrated in FIGS. 77 and 78. The resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366D increases registration and retention between the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 and the resealable container cap 360D. The nesting container body closed bottom wall 303 would be seated upon the resealable cap container stacking registration feature 366D.

[0718] The exemplary illustrations can be enhanced with an introduction of additional features and/or function. For example, a tamper indicator can be integrated into the bottom wall 164, 264, 364.

[0719] The resealable container lid 110 includes a stay-on tab design wherein a lid bottom panel tear panel 138 is retained by a tear panel hinge 139 on the resealable container lid 110. Certain applications prefer to utilize a container design having a larger or full aperture opening by removing a substantial portion of the bottom panel 134, 434. A first example is a resealable container lid 410, illustrated in FIGS. 79 through 81. The resealable container lid 410 includes features similar to the resealable container lid 110. Like features of the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container lid 410 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘4’. The primary distinction between the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container lid 410 is that a lid bottom panel score line 436 of the resealable container lid 410 circumscribes an area proximate the outer diameter of the lid bottom wall 434, thus enabling removal of the majority of the lid bottom wall 434 from the resealable container lid 410, as compared to the lid bottom wall 134 of the resealable container lid 110, where the lid bottom wall 134 creates an opening that is significantly smaller than the full panel and offset from center of the full panel. The remaining distinctions support the difference in the tear panel lid bottom tear panel 438 being a full panel and removable. A user would initially rotate a pull tab 490 upwards, the pull tab 490 being hingeably formed with a tab retention bracket 491, wherein the tab retention bracket 491 is secured to the lid bottom tear panel 438 by a rivet 497. Motion of the pull tab 490 is controlled by a fold along a tab bracket hinge 492. A tab effecting edge 494 of the pull tab 490 is in registration with a portion of the lid bottom panel score line 436. As the pull tab 490 is rotated upwards, a tab effecting edge 494 of the pull tab 490 initiates a fracture of the lid bottom panel score line 436. Once the lid bottom panel score line 436 is initially fractured, the user would divert from a rotating action to a pulling action applied through the aperture defined by the tab lightening hole 493. The lifting force applied to the pull tab 490 continues to propagate the shearing along the lid bottom panel score line 436 causing separation of the lid bottom tear panel 438 from the resealable container lid 410. Converse to the resealable container lid 110, where the lid bottom panel tear panel 138 remains attached to the resealable container lid 110 by a tear panel hinge 139, the lid bottom panel score line 436 is separated and removed from the resealable container lid 410. The pull tab 490 remains secure to the removed lid bottom tear panel 438 by the rivet 497. Various reinforcement features (442, 498) can be designed into the lid bottom wall 434 to reinforce the lid bottom wall 434, which aids in the initial fracturing step and the continued shearing propagation along the lid bottom panel score line 436.

[0720] A second example is a resealable container lid 510, illustrated in FIGS. 82 through 85. The resealable container lid 510 includes features similar to the resealable container lid 110. Like features of the resealable container lid 110 and the resealable container lid 510 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘5’. The 510 includes a lid bottom wall contents access passageway 535 cut about an interior edge of the lid bottom wall 534 or slightly radially inward from an inner peripheral edge of a lid annular countersink 526. A foil panel tab 590 is preferably unitarily formed with the removable foil lid bottom panel 538; the foil panel tab 590 being an extension of the material fabricating the removable foil lid bottom panel 538, wherein a foil tab hinge 592 is provided between the removable foil lid bottom panel 538 and the foil panel tab 590. A peripheral edge of the removable foil lid bottom panel 538 is adhesively bonded to an upper surface of a lid bottom wall 534. For removal, as illustrated in FIG. 85, the user would fold upward and grip the foil panel tab 590 (identified as a foil panel tab 590′ once separated) and begin to pull the foil panel tab (in use) 590′ in a radially inward and upward direction until the entire removable foil lid bottom panel 538 is separated and removed from the lid bottom wall 534 of the resealable container lid 510. Once the removable foil lid bottom panel 538 is removed from the resealable container lid 510, the lid bottom wall contents access passageway 535 defines and opening allowing access to contents within the container.

[0721] Each of the above components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 is nestable container components. Multiples of like nestable container components can be nested within one another to optimize containment/minimize air volume for shipping. Additionally, the nested design optimizes space and conveyence requirements along an automated contents packaging line. The higher the quantity of materials that can be placed upon the automated contents packaging line and the more reliably they are conveyed, the less time is required for replenishing inventory of the component on the automated contents packaging line. A process employing benefits of the nestability of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 is described in a nestable container component supply and use flow diagram 2000 presented in FIG. 86.

[0722] The nestable container component supply and use flow diagram 2000 initiates with a step of fabricating the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 (block 2010). This can be accomplished using any suitable manufacturing process based upon a material selected for the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510. The nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 can be fabricated from a sheet of metal, a sheet of steel, a sheet of aluminum, a sheet of plastic, a sheet of processed bamboo or any other suitable material. By initiating the fabricated steps with sheets, the machining processes are reduced and can include a stamping process, a punch process, a step punch process, an ironing process, a turning process, a shearing process, a die forming/cutting process, and the like. Although initiating the fabricated steps with sheets is preferred, the raw material can be provided in other form factors and the manufacturing process can include other steps, such as molding, casting, and the like.

[0723] Once fabricated multiples of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 are stacked in a nested arrangement (block 2020). The nesting is based upon the specific component with details being presented above. Features of one nestable container component 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 can be incorporated into any of the other nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510. For example, the cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall 232 of the resealable container annular component 210 can have a significantly more tapered (frustum) shape similar to the lid frustum shaped sidewall 132 of the resealable container lid 110 to adjust the nesting process. In addition to a more compact storage as noted above, nesting of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 also provides radial stability during storage and transport. One nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 can easily be removed in an axial direction from a top of a stack of nested container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510, while retaining stability of the stack when subjected to any radial or partially radially directed force.

[0724] The nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 is then placed into a box or other container creating a parcel for transport from the manufacturing facility to a packaging house (step 2022). The box or container can be sealed to avoid exposure to contaminants. The parcel (preferably collected to be multiple parcels such as on a pallet) is transported from the manufacturing facility to a packaging house (step 2024). Transportation can be accomplished using any common commercially available parcel transportation system, including trucking, rail, ships, air and the like.

[0725] The parcel containing the nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 is received at the packaging house (step 2030). The nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 are separated from any unwanted materials used during transport. The nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 can remain in at least a portion of the packaging which may be suitable and integrated into the contents packaging process carried out at the packaging facility. The nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 are then positioned in location for use on the packaging assembly line (step 2032). It is desirous to integrate the manner in which the nested stack or stacks of the nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 are packaged into the parcel into the component presentation process used by the packaging assembly line. This avoids excess time, manpower, materials and costs.

[0726] The packaging assembly line utilizes equipment to remove one individual nestable container component 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 from the stack or stacks of nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 located at the respective packaging station (block 2034). The process of removing one nestable container component 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 from the stack of nestable container components 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 can employ any of a number of a variety of material collection and positioning tools. Examples include a robotic controlled mechanical gripper, a robotically controlled vacuum gripper, a robotically controlled static gripper, a robotically controlled static gripper, a robotically controlled magnetic gripper (where the materials are applicable), or any other suitable robotically controlled collection and positioning device. Preferably, the same device retaining the nestable container component 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 is used to position the nestable container component 110, 160, 210, 260, 301, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D 410, 510 in a desired location for use in the product packaging process along the automated packaging assembly line (block 2036). The product packaging process would continue until the contents are properly and completely packaged in accordance with the designated process (block 2040).

[0727] The container lids 160, 260, 360 can be replaced by an accessory, wherein the accessory would include a sidewall 162, (represented by the exterior, product side) 262, (represented by the exterior, product side) 362 and at least one cap translative motion guide feature 181, 281, 381. The accessory can include features similar to a sippy cup, a straw holder and a straw, a bottle nipple, a rotating opening and closure, a drinking spout, a vertically opening and sealing drinking spout, a pivoting opening and sealing drinking spout, a pump dispensing mechanism, a spray dispensing mechanism, or any other suitable accessory.

[0728] A safety ring can be provided circumscribing the cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink 170, 270, 370. The safety ring would require a specific applied force to enable rotation of the container cap 160, 260, 360.

[0729] The container lid caps 160, 160, 360 can be replaced by other container lid caps having more specialized features and related functions, as shown in the various configurations presented in FIGS. 87 through 101. These specialized caps can be included with the container, sold separately, or both. The specialized caps give the consumer the ability to adapt any container into a specialized application. The specialized caps can be referred to as accessories.

[0730] A first exemplary specialized cap is a drinking straw accessory 620, detailed in FIGS. 87 through 89. A container assembly 600 refers to an assembly of the drinking straw accessory 620 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The exemplary drinking straw accessory 620 introduces a drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660, wherein the exemplary drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 resembles a Mason jar cap assembly design. The Mason jar cap assembly design is illustrated throughout the various accessories described herein. Although the illustrated examples teach a Mason jar cap assembly design, it is understood that any suitable cap design comprising features for engaging with and preferably sealing to the resealable container cap 160. For example, the Mason jar cap assembly design can be replaced with a single component member.

[0731] The assembly design of the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 employs two elements, a accessory cap inner member 680, which remains in a fixed rotational position, and a accessory cap outer member 661, which rotates, assembling the drinking straw accessory 620 to a respective container lid, such as the resealable container lid 110 or any other suitable container lid. In the exemplary illustration, the resealable container lid 110 is modified to include a lid full bottom panel score line 136, wherein the lid full bottom panel score line 136 is similar to the lid bottom panel score line 136, while the lid full bottom panel score line 136 opens a majority of the lid bottom wall 134. Although the examples presented in FIGS. 87 through 101 illustrate the accessory being secured to the resealable container lid 110 assembled to the resealable container body 101, the container can be a unitary component, wherein the lid translative motion guide feature are integrated into the container body tubular sidewall 102, such as taught in the nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature 301 introduced in FIG. 50.

[0732] In the exemplary embodiment, the accessory cap outer member 661 and the accessory cap inner member 680 are rotationally assembled to one another. An accessory cap inner member radially outward facing surface 689 circumscribes a radially outer surface of the accessory cap inner member 680. An accessory cap inner member interior surface 683 is preferably formed on an interior of the accessory cap inner member 680. The removed material defining the accessory cap inner member interior surface 683 reduces material consumption, reduces weight, and improves a rotational motion between the accessory cap outer member 661 and the accessory cap inner member 680. The accessory cap inner member radially outward facing surface 689 can be a frustum shape (as illustrated), an inverted frustum shape (which aids in retaining the accessory cap inner member 680 within the accessory cap outer member 661 when assembled to the resealable container body 101, cylindrical in shape, or of any shape enabling rotation between the accessory cap outer member 661 and the accessory cap inner member 680. An accessory cap outer member radially inward facing surface 663 circumscribes a radially inner surface of the accessory cap outer member 661. The accessory cap outer member radially inward facing surface 663 and the accessory cap inner member radially outward facing surface 689 are designed to rotationally engage with one another.

[0733] An accessory cap outer member translative motion guide feature 668 can be formed within the accessory cap outer member radially inward facing surface 663 of the accessory cap outer member 661. An accessory cap inner member translative motion guide feature 684 can be formed in the accessory cap inner member radially outward facing surface 689 of the accessory cap inner member 680. Engagement between the accessory cap outer member translative motion guide feature 668 and the accessory cap inner member translative motion guide feature 684 retain the accessory cap outer member 661 and the accessory cap inner member 680 as a single assembly or the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660. In the exemplary drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660, the accessory cap outer member translative motion guide feature 668 and the accessory cap inner member translative motion guide feature 684 are formed to translate a rotational motion into an axial motion. In an alternative arrangement, the accessory cap outer member translative motion guide feature 668 and the accessory cap inner member translative motion guide feature 684 can be formed to simply retain an axial registration between the accessory cap outer member 661 and the accessory cap inner member 680. The accessory cap outer member 661 can be at least partially fabricated of a pliant material enabling insertion of the accessory cap inner member 680 into the accessory cap outer member 661.

[0734] The drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 is designed to rotationally engage with the resealable container lid 110. An accessory container receiving annular channel 670 extends upward from a lower edge of the accessory cap outer member 661 forming an annular recess. An accessory cap outer member container socket facing surface 662 is defined on a radially interior side of the accessory container receiving annular channel 670. At least one accessory cap outer member container engaging translative motion guide feature 681 is formed on the accessory cap outer member container socket facing surface 662. The formation of the accessory cap outer member container engaging translative motion guide feature 681 would be similar to the cap translative motion guide feature 181 of the resealable container cap 160 or any other suitable translative motion guide feature designed to engage with the lid translative motion guide feature 152 of the resealable container lid 110, wherein when the accessory cap outer member 661 is rotated about the resealable container lid 110, the rotational motion translated into an axial motion of the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 respective to the resealable container lid 110. The interface between the accessory cap outer member container engaging translative motion guide feature 681 and the cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature 252 is illustrated in FIG. 89.

[0735] A peripheral surface 669 of the accessory cap outer member 661 can include a series of grip features formed about the accessory cap outer member radially peripheral surface 669. In the exemplary illustration, the exemplary series of grip features includes a series of accessory grip element bases 671; each accessory grip element base 671 defines a clockwise rotating accessory grip element force application surface 675 and a counterclockwise rotating accessory grip element force application surface 675 extending inward from an accessory grip element 674. During rotation, the user would grasp the grip features, wherein contact with the series of accessory grip element force application surfaces 675 provides a mechanical interface and contact with the accessory grip element 674 provides frictional interface. The mechanical interface requires less force than the frictional interface.

[0736] The exemplary drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 is designed where the accessory cap outer member 661 can rotate and cause an axial motion while the accessory cap inner member 680 remains stationary. This can ensure a desired orientation of the accessory when the accessory assembly is assembled to the resealable container lid 110. Examples where this would be desired is a configuration where the resealable container body 101 includes a grip feature, where the container body tubular sidewall 102 is non-cylindrical, simply having a desire to align the accessory with a print or indicia applied to the container body tubular sidewall 102, or any of a number of difference scenarios. In an alternate arrangement, the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 can be a single component which provides different benefits compared to the illustrated two piece arrangement.

[0737] An accessory upper annular sealing member 665 can be seated within the accessory container receiving annular channel 670, wherein the accessory upper annular sealing member 665 provides a reliable seal between the accessory cap outer member 661 and the container body and lid assembly seam chine 108 of the resealable container lid 110. The accessory upper annular sealing member 665 can be any suitable shape and material, including those previously described herein. As the accessory cap outer member 661 is rotated about the resealable container lid 110, the container body and lid assembly seam chine 108 would engage with the accessory upper annular sealing member 665, creating an acceptable seal to retain contents within the container assembly 600.

[0738] An accessory cap outer member lower annular seal 667 can be provided about a lower, sealing surface 666 of the accessory cap outer member 661. The translative motion would draw an accessory cap outer member lower annular surface 666 of the accessory cap outer member 661 towards a mating surface of the resealable container lid 110 providing a lower sealing interface.

[0739] The two piece arrangement of the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 provides an ability to include an accessory cap inner member lower annular seal 687 about a lower or bottom surface of the accessory cap inner member 680, such as an accessory cap inner member lower annular surface 686. The translative motion would draw the accessory cap inner member lower annular surface 686 of the accessory cap inner member 680 towards a mating surface of the resealable container lid 110 providing a second or alternative sealing interface.

[0740] The primary function of the drinking straw accessory 620 is to provide a supported drinking straw 622 for use with the container, while provide a seal around all other portions of the container. A drinking straw subassembly 621 is integrated into the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 creating the drinking straw accessory 620. The drinking straw 622 is fabricated having a tubular shape extending between a drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A and a drinking straw fluid delivery end 622B. The drinking straw 622 can be any known design, including a straight configuration, a formed configuration, include one or more bending features, and the like. It would be preferred that the drinking straw 622 is of a length enabling the drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A to be positioned proximate the container closed bottom wall 104 of the resealable container 100. The drinking straw 622 can be formed having a circular cross section shape or any other suitable cross section shape. The drinking straw 622 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including plastic, paper, bamboo, metal, and the like. In the exemplary illustrations presented in FIGS. 87 through 89, the drinking straw 622 includes a drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A and a drinking straw fluid delivery end 622B. The illustrated drinking straw 622 includes a drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A formed having a tapered cut, wherein the tapered cut enables the drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A to pierce a foil or any other seal provided on the container prior to use. Alternatively, the drinking straw tapered fluid source end 622A can be shaped having a transverse cut, similar to the drinking straw fluid delivery end 622B. A drinking straw 622 is inserted through a bore formed through a drinking straw sealing gasket 626.

[0741] The drinking straw 622 is inserted through a bore formed through a drinking straw sealing gasket 626. The drinking straw sealing gasket 626 is preferably fabricated of a pliant material, such as rubber, nylon, or any other material that would be suitable for insertion, retention, and sealing about the outer surface of the drinking straw 622.

[0742] A drinking straw sealing gasket inner member socket 624 extends downward from the accessory upper transversing surface 664. The drinking straw sealing gasket 626 is inserted into the drinking straw sealing gasket inner member socket 624. The drinking straw sealing gasket 626 would preferably be shaped and sized to substantially or completely seal the drinking straw sealing gasket inner member socket 624. This would avoid leakage of the contents of the container assembly 600 excluding any dispensing through the drinking straw fluid passageway 628 of the drinking straw 622. The drinking straw subassembly 621 collectively includes the drinking straw 622 assembled to the drinking straw sealing gasket 626.

[0743] A second exemplary specialized cap is a baby bottle nipple socket accessory 720, detailed in FIG. 90. A container assembly 700 refers to an assembly of the baby bottle nipple accessory 720 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The baby bottle nipple accessory 720 includes a cap design that are similar to those of the drinking straw accessory 620. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 720 and the drinking straw accessory 620 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘7’. A baby bottle nipple cap subassembly 760 of the baby bottle nipple accessory 720 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 of the drinking straw accessory 620 as shown or a unitary cap design. The accessory includes a baby bottle style nipple comprising a nipple formation 722 provided at a free, distal end of a nipple tubular projection 723. A nipple fluid dispensing aperture 728 is cut through the distal end of the nipple formation 722. The nipple portion 772, 773 of the accessory includes a nipple radial flange 726. The nipple formation 722, the nipple tubular projection 723, and the nipple radial flange 726 are preferably fabricated of a unitary construction and material. The nipple radial flange 726 can be integral with an accessory upper transversing surface 764 of an accessory cap inner member 780 or provided as an assembly of separate components. The baby bottle nipple feature 722, 723 of the baby bottle nipple accessory 720 is preferably fabricated of a latex, silicone, or any other suitable material. The baby bottle nipple feature 722, 723, 726 can be overmolded onto the accessory upper transversing surface 764 flange of the socket mating baby bottle nipple rotational attachment element 760, adhesively joined with the flange of the socket mating baby bottle nipple rotational attachment element 760, or by any other suitable joining process. The baby bottle nipple subassembly 721 collectively includes the nipple formation 722 atop a distal end of the nipple tubular projection 723 and the nipple radial flange 726, all preferably integrally fabricated as a unitary element.

[0744] A third exemplary specialized cap is an axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820, illustrated in FIGS. 91 and 92. A container assembly 800 refers to an assembly of the axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘8’. An axial rotation valve accessory cap assembly 860 of the axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. The axial rotation valve dispensing portion of the axial rotation valve dispensing accessory 820 includes an accessory transversing upper surface 864 rotationally assembled to the axial rotation valve accessory cap assembly 860. The accessory transversing upper surface 864 can be integral with the accessory cap inner member 880 or rotationally independent of the accessory cap inner member 880. An axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 822 extends outward from the accessory transversing upper surface 864. An axial rotation valve dispensing aperture 828 is provided at a dispensing end of the axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 822. The axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 822 can be shaped and include features resembling and associated with a common children's sippy cup (sipping cup). An axial rotation valve actuation aperture 829 is preferably provided through an outer layer of the accessory transversing upper surface 864. Rotation of the accessory transversing upper surface 864 in accordance with a first direction of an axial rotating valve motion 899 positions the axial rotation valve actuation aperture 829 in registration with a like aperture formed through a second, inner layer of the 864 when placed in an open position and rotation of the accessory transversing upper surface 864 in accordance with a second direction of the axial rotating valve motion 899 positions the axial rotation valve actuation aperture 829 in registration with a solid section of the second, inner layer of the 864 when placed in an closed position. Contents from within the container assembly 800 can be dispensed when the accessory transversing upper surface 864 is placed within the open position and contents are retained within the container assembly 800 when the accessory transversing upper surface 864 is placed within the closed position. Rotating valve elements in lids are known, where the valve provides access and containment of contends within the container. The valve portion described for opening and closing the axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 822 is well known by those skilled in the art with the exclusion of introducing a spout formation and is therefore not detailed herein. The axially rotating valve dispenser subassembly 821 collectively includes the axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 822 atop the upper portion of the accessory transversing upper surface 864 and a lower portion of the accessory transversing upper surface 864 collectively providing the valve and dispensing functions.

[0745] A fourth exemplary specialized cap is a axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920, detailed in FIGS. 93 and 94. A container assembly 900 refers to an assembly of the axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘9’. An axial translation valve accessory cap assembly 960 of the axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. The axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory 920 includes an axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 axially moveably along an axial translation valve actuator projecting base 923. An axial translation valve dispensing aperture 928 extends through the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922. The axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 includes features providing a function of a valve to enable and restrict dispensing of contents from within the resealable container body 101 based upon an axial position of the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 on the axial translation valve actuator projecting base 923. The design of the valve elements and associated process for opening and closing the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 is well known by those skilled in the art and is therefore not detailed herein. When the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 is in a retracted position (pressed downward in accordance with an axial closing motion 998) as illustrated in FIG. 93, the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 seals the container assembly 900. When the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 is in an extended position (pulled upward in accordance with an axial opening motion 999) as illustrated in FIG. 94, the position enabled dispensing of contents from within the resealable container body 101. The axially translating valve dispenser subassembly 921 includes the axial translation dispensing valve end piece 922 axially translative respective to the axial translation valve actuator projecting base 923 collectively providing the valve and dispensing functions.

[0746] A fifth exemplary specialized cap is a pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020, detailed in FIGS. 95 and 96. A container assembly 1000 refers to an assembly of the pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘10’. A radial rotation valve accessory cap assembly 1060 of the pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. The pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 includes a pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 extending radially from a projecting member pivoting valve base 1026. The projecting member pivoting valve base 1026 includes features providing a function of a valve to enable and restrict dispensing of contents from within the resealable container body 101 based upon a pivotal position of a combination of the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 and the projecting member pivoting valve base 1026. The projecting member pivoting valve base 1026 pivots between a sealed position (FIG. 95) and a dispensing position (FIG. 96). The pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 includes a dispensing conduit that extends between a radial rotation valve contents projection dispensing aperture 1028 and a projecting member pivoting base valve aperture 1029. The projecting member pivoting base valve aperture 1029 toggles between the sealed position (FIG. 95) and the dispensing position (FIG. 96) as the projecting member pivoting valve base 1026 is pivoted. When the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 is rotated into the closed position, the projecting member pivoting base valve aperture 1029 is positioned against a solid area of the accessory cap inner member 1080, creating a seal. When the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 is rotated into the open position, the projecting member pivoting base valve aperture 1029 aligns with a passageway formed in the accessory cap inner member 1080 enabling dispensing of the contents from within the container 1000. The user can employ the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 as a lever to aid in pivoting the projecting member pivoting valve base 1026 between the sealed position (FIG. 95) and the dispensing position (FIG. 96). A radial rotation valve projecting member accepting recess 1027 can be formed within the accessory transversing upper surface 1064, wherein the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 would seat within the radial rotation valve projecting member accepting recess 1027, as shown in FIG. 95, when the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 is placed within the closed position. Pivoting valve elements in lids are known, where the valve provides access and containment of contends within the container. The pivoting valve portion described for opening and closing the pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1020 is well known by those skilled in the art and is therefore not detailed herein. The pivoting valve dispenser subassembly 1021 includes the pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1022 and the projecting member pivoting valve base 1026 pivotally translative respective to the accessory cap inner member 1080 collectively providing the valve and dispensing functions.

[0747] A sixth exemplary specialized cap is a radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120, detailed in FIGS. 97 and 98. A container assembly 1100 refers to an assembly of the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘11’. A 1resealable container cap 160 of the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. A radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122 extends upward from a radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1126. The radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1126 is slideably assembled within a radial translation valve projecting member channel 1127 of the accessory cap inner member 1180. A dispensing conduit extends between a radial translation valve dispensing aperture 1128 and a projecting member base valve aperture 1129 through the radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122. The projecting member base valve aperture 1129 in combination with the radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1126 act as a valve for the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120. When the radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122 is slid into a closed position (FIG. 97), the projecting member base valve aperture 1129 is in registration with a solid portion of a lower element within the accessory cap inner member 1180, retaining contents within the container assembly 1100. When the radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122 is slid into an open position (FIG. 98), the projecting member base valve aperture 1129 is in registration with a dispensing aperture provided in the lower element of the accessory cap inner member 1180, enabling dispensing of contents from within the container assembly 1100. Sliding valve elements in lids are known, where the sliding valve provides access and containment of contends within the container. The sliding valve portion described for opening and closing the radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1120 is well known by those skilled in the art with the exclusion of introducing a spout formation and is therefore not detailed herein. The radially translating valve dispenser subassembly 1121 includes the radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122 extending upward from the radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1126, wherein the radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1122 and radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1126 are radially translative collectively providing the valve and dispensing functions.

[0748] A seventh exemplary specialized cap is a pump dispenser accessory 1220, detailed in FIG. 99. A container assembly 1200 refers to an assembly of the pump dispenser accessory 1220 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the pump dispenser accessory 1220 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the pump dispenser accessory 1220 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘12’. A pump dispenser accessory cap assembly 1260 of the pump dispenser accessory 1220 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. The pump dispenser accessory 1220 includes elements to provide a pump dispenser. The exemplary pump dispenser includes a pump dispenser head 1222 extending radially outward form an upper end of a pump dispenser plunger 1223. The pump dispenser plunger 1223 slideably engages with a pump dispenser plunger base 1226. A downward force is applied to the pump dispenser head 1222, causing the pump dispenser plunger 1223 to plunging into the pump dispenser plunger base 1226, actuating a pump subassembly 1224. The pump subassembly 1224 draws contents from within the container assembly 1200 into a pump dispenser contents conduit contents sourcing end 1225A, through a pump dispenser contents supply conduit 1225, and dispenses the contents through a pump dispenser aperture 1228 of the pump dispenser head 1222. Compression pumps 1224 are commonly used for dispensing of soaps, shampoos, cleaning solutions, conditioners, hand sanitizers, moisturizing lotions, condiments, flavorings, syrups, and the like are well known by those skilled in the art and is therefore not detailed herein. The pump actuated dispenser subassembly 1221 includes the pump dispenser head 1222, the pump dispenser plunger 1223, the pump dispenser plunger base 1226, and the pump subassembly 1224 collectively providing the dispensing function.

[0749] An eighth exemplary specialized cap is a spray pump accessory 1320, detailed in FIG. 100. A container assembly 1300 refers to an assembly of the spray pump accessory 1320 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The drinking straw accessory 620 and the spray pump accessory 1320 have a number of like features. Like features of the baby bottle nipple accessory 620 and the spray pump accessory 1320 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘13’. A spray pump accessory cap assembly 1360 of the spray pump accessory 1320 can be configured to include a Mason jar style cap assembly similar to the drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly 660 as shown or a unitary cap design. The spray pump accessory 1320 includes elements to provide a spray dispenser. The spray pump accessory 1320 differs from the pump dispenser accessory 1220 wherein the spray pump accessory 1320 is designed to atomize and propel the contents of the container assembly 1300 upon dispensing. The spray pump dispenser subassembly 1321 includes the spray pump head 1325, the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322, the pump subassembly 1324, the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327, the spray pump handgrip 1323, and the spray pump supply conduit 1329 collectively providing the spray dispensing function.

[0750] A spray pump trigger/actuator 1322 is pivotally assembled to a spray pump head 1325. The spray pump trigger/actuator 1322 is mechanically coupled to the pump subassembly 1324. Spray pumps 1324 are commonly used for dispensing of water, cleaning solutions, sanitizers, fungicides, pesticides, surface treatments (plastic moisturizers, etc.), and the like are well known by those skilled in the art and is therefore not detailed herein.

[0751] A spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327, comprising a spray pump dispensing aperture 1328, is in fluid communication with the pump subassembly 1324. Features causing the atomizing process are provided within the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327. The amount of atomization of the dispensed contents can be adjusted by rotating the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327. The spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327 can be screwed to adjust the shape of the discharging spray. The spray is dispensed through the spray pump dispensing aperture 1328 of the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327. When the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322 is drawn towards the spray pump handgrip 1323, the motion of the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322 actuates the pump subassembly 1324, drawing fluid from the container body tubular sidewall 102 into the spray pump supply conduit 1329 through a spray pump supply conduit sourcing end 1329A. The fluid continues through the pump subassembly 1324, passing through a conduit (not show) in the spray pump head 1325 and is delivered to the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1327, where a shape of the dispensing spray is determined and formed. The spray is then dispensed through the spray pump dispensing aperture 1328. In the exemplary 1resealable container 300, the spray pump accessory 1320 includes a spray pump handgrip 1323 extending between the accessory cap inner member 1380 and a base of the spray pump head 1325. The user would grip the spray pump handgrip 1323 and draw the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322 towards the spray pump handgrip 1323 to actuate the pump subassembly 1324.

[0752] A ninth exemplary specialized cap is a spray pump accessory 1420, detailed in FIG. 101. A container assembly 1400 refers to an assembly of the spray pump accessory 1420 and the container subassembly comprising the resealable container lid 110 joined to the resealable container body 101. The container assembly 1400 is a modified version of the 1resealable container 300. Like features of the spray pump accessory 1320 and the spray pump accessory 1420 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘14’. The distinction between the spray pump accessory 1320 and the spray pump accessory 1420 is the configuration of the spray pump accessory 1420 between the spray pump head 1425 and the accessory cap inner member 1480. In the spray pump accessory 1320, the spray pump handgrip 1323 extends between the spray pump head 1325 and the accessory cap inner member 1380, wherein the spray pump handgrip 1323 is used during the squeezing of the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322. The spray pump dispenser subassembly 1421 includes the spray pump head 1425, the spray pump trigger/actuator 1422, the pump subassembly 1424, the spray pump dispensing nozzle 1427, and the spray pump supply conduit 1429 collectively providing the spray dispensing function In the spray pump accessory 1420, the spray pump head 1425 is assembled directly to (or using a very short extension) the accessory cap inner member 1480, as illustrated in FIG. 100, wherein the container body tubular sidewall 102 is used during the squeezing of the spray pump trigger/actuator 1322.

[0753] The above are various examples of accessories or specialized caps that are adapted to be assembled to the various containers. More specifically, the various examples of accessories or specialized caps include radially outwardly facing translative motion guide features designed to engage with like radially inwardly facing translative motion guide feature provided on the container (either directly integrated therein or formed within a lid that is seamed to the container body). The exemplary accessories are all illustrated as being provided with the accessory cap outer member. Alternatively, the accessory cap outer member can be procured independent of the accessory, wherein the accessory would be designed for assembly to the accessory cap outer member by the user. This enables the accessory cap outer member to be customized and adaptable to the specific container subassembly. The accessory cap outer member radially inward facing surface would be a common design for each of the accessory cap outer members and the accessory inserts (including the accessory cap inner member).

[0754] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

TABLE-US-00001 Reference Element Descriptions Ref. No. Description  100 resealable container assembly  100 resealable container assembly  101 resealable container body  102 container body tubular sidewall  106 container body sidewall seaming edge  104 container body closed bottom wall  108 container body and lid assembly seam chine  109 container body and lid assembly seam  110 resealable container lid  118 resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation  120 seaming panel  122 seaming chuck wall  124 seaming chuck shoulder  126 lid annular countersink  132 lid frustum shaped sidewall  134 lid bottom wall  136 lid bottom panel score line  138 lid bottom panel tear panel  139 tear panel hinge  141 lid bottom wall to reinforcement formation transition  142 tear panel to tear panel reinforcing transition  152 lid translative motion guide feature  160 resealable container cap  162 resealable container cap frustum shaped exterior sidewall  163 resealable container cap frustum shaped interior sidewall  164 resealable container cap planar transversing surface  165 cap upper annular sealing member  166 cap annular countersink formation  167 cap lower annular sealing member  170 cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink  171 resealable container cap grip element base  174 resealable container cap grip element  181 cap translative motion guide feature  181A cap translative motion guide feature leader end  181E cap translative motion guide feature locking end  190 tab  191 tab retention bracket  192 tab bracket hinge  193 tab lightening hole  195 finger access depression  196 tab stabilizing formation  197 rivet  198 tear panel reinforcing formation  200 resealable container assembly  201 resealable container body  202 container body tubular sidewall  203 container body closed bottom wall  204 nesting container body annular base  206 container body sidewall seaming flange  208 container body and lid assembly seam chine  209 container body and lid assembly seam  210 resealable container annular component  220 seaming panel  222 seaming chuck wall  224 seaming chuck shoulder  226 cap receiving annular component rolled annular end ring  227 cap receiving annular component rolled bottom edge sealing surface  232 cap receiving annular component tubular sidewall  235 cap receiving annular component tubular open passageway  252 cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature  253 cap receiving annular component translative motion guide feature upper surface  260 resealable container cap  262 resealable container cap tubular exterior sidewall  263 resealable container cap tubular interior sidewall  264 resealable container cap planar transversing surface  265 cap upper annular sealing member  265A cap upper annular sealing member  265B cap upper annular sealing member  266 cap annular countersink formation  267 cap lower annular sealing member  268 cap sidewall transition  270 cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink  281 cap translative motion guide feature  281A cap translative motion guide feature leader end  281E cap translative motion guide feature locking end  300 resealable container assembly  300A resealable container assembly  300B resealable container assembly  300C resealable container assembly  300D resealable container assembly  301 nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature  301C nesting container body with integral cap receiving translative motion guide feature  302 nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall  303 nesting container body closed bottom wall  304 nesting container body annular base  305 nesting container body lower reinforcing annular formation  306 nesting container body frustum shaped sidewall upper, free edge  307 nesting container body central or second measurement demarcation  314 nesting container body first measurement volume  314C nesting container body first measurement volume  315 nesting container body second measurement volume  317 nesting container body third measurement volume  326 nesting container body to cap receiving sidewall annular transition formation  332 nesting container body upper edge cap receiving sidewall  352 nesting container body translative motion guide feature  360 resealable container cap  360A resealable container cap  360B resealable container cap  360C resealable container cap  360D resealable container cap  362 resealable container cap exterior sidewall  363 resealable container cap interior sidewall  364 resealable container cap transversing surface  365A resealable cap container nesting cavity  365B resealable cap container nesting cavity  365C resealable cap container nesting cavity  366B resealable cap container stacking registration feature  366C resealable cap container stacking registration feature  366D resealable cap container stacking registration feature  367 cap bottom wall transition  369 frustum sidewall to seaming panel transition segment  370 cylindrical sidewall inverted countersink  381 cap translative motion guide feature  381A cap translative motion guide feature leader end  381E cap translative motion guide feature locking end  399 interlocking frustum shaped sidewall angle  410 resealable container lid  418 resealable container lid bottom wall reinforcement formation  420 seaming panel  422 seaming chuck wall  424 seaming chuck shoulder  426 lid annular countersink  432 lid frustum shaped sidewall  434 lid bottom wall  436 lid bottom panel score line  438 lid bottom tear panel  441 lid bottom wall to reinforcement formation transition  442 tear panel to tear panel reinforcing transition  452 lid translative motion guide feature  490 tab  491 tab retention bracket  492 tab bracket hinge  493 tab lightening hole  494 tab effecting edge  497 rivet  498 tear panel reinforcing formation  510 resealable container lid  520 seaming panel  522 seaming chuck wall  524 seaming chuck shoulder  526 lid annular countersink  532 lid frustum shaped sidewall  534 lid bottom wall  535 lid bottom wall contents access passageway  538 removable foil lid bottom panel  552 lid translative motion guide feature  590 foil panel tab  590′ foil panel tab (in use)  592 foil tab hinge  600 container assembly  620 drinking straw accessory  621 drinking straw subassembly  622 drinking straw  622A drinking straw tapered fluid source end  622B drinking straw fluid delivery end  624 drinking straw sealing gasket inner member socket  626 drinking straw sealing gasket  628 drinking straw fluid passageway  660 drinking straw accessory cap assembly  661 accessory cap outer member  662 accessory cap outer member container socket facing surface  663 accessory cap outer member radially inward facing surface  664 accessory upper trans versing surface  665 accessory upper annular sealing member  666 accessory cap outer member lower annular surface  667 accessory cap outer member lower annular seal  668 accessory cap outer member translative motion guide feature  669 accessory cap outer member radially peripheral surface  670 accessory container receiving annular channel  671 accessory grip element base  674 accessory grip element  675 accessory grip element force application surface  680 accessory cap inner member  681 accessory cap outer member container engaging translative motion guide feature  683 accessory cap inner member interior surface  684 accessory cap inner member translative motion guide feature  686 accessory cap inner member lower annular surface  687 accessory cap inner member lower annular seal  689 accessory cap inner member radially outward facing surface  700 container assembly  720 baby bottle nipple accessory  721 baby bottle nipple subassembly  722 nipple formation  723 nipple tubular projection  726 nipple radial flange  728 nipple fluid dispensing aperture  760 baby bottle nipple cap subassembly  761 accessory cap outer member  764 accessory upper trans versing surface  771 accessory grip element base  774 accessory grip element  775 accessory grip element force application surface  780 accessory cap inner member  800 container assembly  820 axial rotation valve dispensing accessory  821 axially rotating valve dispenser subassembly  822 axially rotating valve contents dispensing projection (spout)  828 axial rotation valve dispensing aperture  829 axial rotation valve actuation aperture  860 axial rotation valve accessory cap assembly  861 accessory cap outer member  864 accessory transversing upper surface  871 accessory grip element base  874 accessory grip element  875 accessory grip element force application surface  880 accessory cap inner member  899 axial rotating valve motion  900 container assembly  920 axial translation valve dispensing (sports bottle styled) accessory  921 axially translating valve dispenser subassembly  922 axial translation dispensing valve end piece  923 axial translation valve actuator projecting base  928 axial translation valve dispensing aperture  960 axial translation valve accessory cap assembly  961 accessory cap outer member  964 accessory transversing upper surface  971 accessory grip element base  974 accessory grip element  975 accessory grip element force application surface  980 accessory cap inner member  998 axial closing motion  999 axial opening motion 1000 container assembly 1020 pivoting valve dispensing accessory 1021 pivoting valve dispenser subassembly 1022 pivoting valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1026 projecting member pivoting valve base 1027 radial rotation valve projecting member accepting recess 1028 radial rotation valve contents projection dispensing aperture 1029 projecting member pivoting base valve aperture 1060 radial rotation valve accessory cap assembly 1064 accessory transversing upper surface 1061 accessory cap outer member 1071 accessory grip element base 1074 accessory grip element 1075 accessory grip element force application surface 1080 accessory cap inner member 1100 container assembly 1120 radial translation valve dispensing accessory 1121 radially translating valve dispenser subassembly 1122 radial translation valve contents dispensing projection (spout) 1126 radial translation valve projecting member sliding base 1127 radial translation valve projecting member channel 1128 radial translation valve dispensing aperture 1129 projecting member base valve aperture 1160 radial translation valve accessory cap assembly 1161 accessory cap outer member 1164 accessory transversing upper surface 1171 accessory grip element base 1174 accessory grip element 1175 accessory grip element force application surface 1180 accessory cap inner member 1200 container assembly 1220 pump dispenser accessory 1221 pump actuated dispenser subassembly 1222 pump dispenser head 1223 pump dispenser plunger 1224 pump subassembly 1225 pump dispenser contents supply conduit 1225A pump dispenser contents conduit contents sourcing end 1226 pump dispenser plunger base 1228 pump dispenser aperture 1260 pump dispenser accessory cap assembly 1261 accessory cap outer member 1264 accessory transversing upper surface 1271 accessory grip element base 1274 accessory grip element 1275 accessory grip element force application surface 1280 accessory cap inner member 1300 container assembly 1320 spray pump accessory 1321 spray pump dispenser subassembly 1322 spray pump trigger/actuator 1323 spray pump handgrip 1324 pump subassembly 1325 spray pump head 1327 spray pump dispensing nozzle 1328 spray pump dispensing aperture 1329 spray pump supply conduit 1329A spray pump supply conduit sourcing end 1360 spray pump accessory cap assembly 1361 spray pump accessory cap outer member 1371 accessory grip element base 1374 accessory grip element 1375 accessory grip element force application surface 1380 accessory cap inner member 1400 container assembly 1420 spray pump accessory 1421 spray pump dispenser subassembly 1422 spray pump actuator member 1424 pump subassembly 1425 spray pump head 1427 spray pump nozzle 1428 spray pump dispensing aperture 1429 spray pump supply conduit 1429A spray pump supply conduit sourcing end 1460 spray pump accessory cap assembly 1461 spray pump accessory cap outer member 1464 accessory transversing upper surface 1471 accessory grip element base 1474 accessory grip element 1475 accessory grip element force application surface 1480 accessory cap inner member 2000 nestable container component supply and use flow diagram 2010 fabricate nestable container components step 2020 nest multiple fabricated nestable container components step 2022 parcel nested multiple fabricated nestable container components step 2024 transport parceled nested container components to packaging facility step 2030 receive transported parceled nested container components at packaging facility step 2032 position stack of nested container components on packaging assembly line step 2034 remove individual component from stack of nested components step 2036 locate removed individual component into desired position for use in product packaging process step 2040 complete product packaging step