Decorative container and method for storing ice melting materials

摘要

A decorative container assembly and method are provided for storing traction-enhancing materials such as salt pellets or tablets, sand or gravel. The decorative container includes a container cover and a container base configured for mating together, where at least the container cover has a decorative outer shape and/or surface ornamentation, such as in a winter theme. The base defines an inner storage cavity for holding the traction-enhancing materials, and has a lower mating element for cooperatively engaging an upper mating element of the cover. The upper mating element is removably attachable to the lower mating element in a manner that substantially seals the inner storage cavity. Optionally, the base has a decorative outer shape or ornamentation that cooperates with the cover so that the assembled container forms a complete winter theme. Optionally, the container base may be substantially non-decorative, such as part of the original packaging of the traction-enhancing material.

主权项

1. A decorative container assembly for traction-enhancing materials, said decorative container assembly comprising:
a container base having an outer surface, an inner storage cavity with a depth extending substantially toward a lower end portion of the container base for holding the traction-enhancing materials, and a lower mating element at an opening of the inner storage cavity; a container cover having an outer surface and an upper mating element, wherein said outer surface of said container cover comprises continuous external side and top surfaces that are shaped together to form a winter theme character or structure; a traction-enhancing material disposed in the inner storage cavity, said traction-enhancing material comprising at least one of salt, sand, and gravel; wherein said traction-enhancing material is removable through the opening when the container cover is removed from the container base; wherein said upper mating element of said container cover is configured to removably attach to said lower mating element of said container base to thereby attach said container cover at said container base and to substantially seal said inner storage cavity; and wherein said container base comprises a bucket-shaped portion of a packaging container for said traction-enhancing material.