Container with integrally-formed leveling member

Abstract

A product container is configured with an integrally-formed means for facilitating the leveling of a product in a spoon or other measuring utensil as the spoon or measuring utensil is removed from the container. The product container permits the leveling means to be incorporated into a sidewall of the container or within the opening of the container. The product container provides the configuration of this type of structure while also allowing for unimpeded use of a sealing cover for use with the container to protect the container contents and to prevent inadvertent spillage of the container contents.

1 . A product container comprising an integrally-formed means for leveling product held within the cup-like bowl of a measuring utensil as the measuring utensil is withdrawn from the container. 
   
   
       2 . The product container of  claim 1  wherein the product container comprises a container sidewall and wherein the leveling means is formed within the container sidewall. 
   
   
       3 . The product container of  claim 1  wherein the product container comprises a container opening and wherein the leveling means is formed within the container opening. 
   
   
       4 . A product container comprising an integrally-formed member for leveling product held within the cup-like bowl of a measuring utensil as the measuring utensil is withdrawn from the container. 
   
   
       5 . The product container of  claim 4  wherein the product container comprises a container sidewall and wherein the leveling member is formed within the container sidewall. 
   
   
       6 . The product container of  claim 4  wherein the product container comprises a container opening and wherein the leveling member is formed within the container opening. 
   
   
       7 . A product container having a sidewall that defines a container interior for holding a product within the container interior and an opening to the container interior for accessing the product held within the container interior, the container comprising an integrally-formed member for leveling product held within the cup-like bowl of a measuring utensil as the measuring utensil and the product contained within the utensil are withdrawn from the container. 
   
   
       8 . The product container of  claim 7  wherein the leveling member is formed within the container sidewall. 
   
   
       9 . The product container of  claim 8  wherein the leveling member comprises an upwardly-sloped surface that is integrally-formed within the container sidewall and a downwardly-sloped surface that is integrally-formed within the container sidewall, the upwardly-sloped surface and the downwardly-sloped surface terminating at a straight scrape edge, and each of the upwardly-sloped surface, the downwardly-sloped surface and the straight scrape edge extending or protruding into the container interior. 
   
   
       10 . The product container of  claim 8  wherein the leveling member comprises a straight scrape edge and wherein the cup-like bowl of a measuring utensil comprises a planar upper edge whereby excess product is removed as the upper edge is drawn across the straight scrape edge and the measuring utensil and the product contained within the utensil are withdrawn from the container. 
   
   
       11 . The product container of  claim 8  wherein the container is fabricated of a plastic material. 
   
   
       12 . The product container of  claim 8  wherein the container further comprises a cover securement means. 
   
   
       13 . The product container of  claim 7  wherein the leveling member is formed within the container opening. 
   
   
       14 . The product container of  claim 13  wherein the leveling member is formed as an inwardly-directed opening element that comprises a straight scrape edge at the container opening. 
   
   
       15 . The product container of  claim 13  wherein the cup-like bowl of a measuring utensil comprises a planar upper edge whereby excess product is removed as the upper edge is drawn across the straight scrape edge and the measuring utensil and the product contained within the utensil are withdrawn from the container. 
   
   
       16 . The product container of  claim 13  wherein the container is fabricated of a plastic material. 
   
   
       17 . The product container of  claim 13  wherein the container further comprises a cover securement means.