PACKAGE WITH LEAK RESISTANT LID

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/653,534, filed May 30, 2024, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Containers on the market, especially for food packaging margarine tubs, deli meat tubs, or similar containers, utilize a snap on lid. The lid has a ridge on part or all its extent that grabs onto a ledge or groove on the container when applied. This often provides a very secure and leak-proof seal and is very cheap to manufacture.

In most examples, the quality of the seal is directly related to the ease of applying or removing the lid: A very tight seal will make the lid very difficult to put on and/or remove. A looser seal can make the lid easier to apply/remove but will make the lid more likely to leak or fall off prematurely. Using a flexible material can improve the lid removal, but this limits material selection when designing the container, and the flexible material is often perceived as lower quality.

One alternative is a screw-on lid, such as a peanut butter jar or the like. This provides a strong seal independent of the ease of screwing on or off the lid. However, this is more expensive to manufacture and requires specialized tooling to form the screw threads on each component the lid and the container. Two hands are required to open this type of container, and it can be difficult for some users with limited dexterity.

Tabs and hinges are another common approach. A simple foam, plastic, or molded fiber hinged lid container is easy to open or close but has a very poor-quality seal and leaks easily. More high-end plastic containers have one or more independently hinged clasps, which can be flipped to lock and unlock the lid, but these are considerably more expensive to manufacture, require a strong structure, and are therefore only added to higher-quality reusable containers. There remains a need for providing a leak resistant package that is easy to close and open while remaining inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure teaches a package made up of a container and a lid. The container defines a storage space and has a brim arranged around a central reference axis surrounding an opening into the storage space. The lid is sized to extend over the storage space and selectively block access to the storage space.

In illustrative embodiments, the package includes mount means without threads for coupling and decoupling the lid from the container. Coupling of the lid to the container via the mount means happens in response to downward pressure applied to the lid when placed onto the brim of the container so that a portion of the lid snaps over the brim into engagement with the container so as to retain the lid on the container and to block leakage of liquid out of the storage space in the container through the opening. Decoupling of the lid from the container via the mount means happens in response to rotation of the lid relative to the container to disengage the lid from the brim and allow lifting of the lid away from the container to thereby make the storage space of the container accessible through the opening.

In illustrative embodiments, the mount means includes one or more lid tabs and one or more corresponding container tabs. Each lid tab extends from a bottom edge of an outer lid flange. Each container tab extend from a bottom edge of the brim.

In illustrative embodiments, each lid tab is formed to include a retainer bump. The retainer bump extends under the bottom edge of the container brim when the lid is coupled to the container and the lid tab is circumferentially offset from the container tab.

In illustrative embodiments, each container tab is formed to include a side edge and a ramp. The side edge is arranged to push the retainer bump of the lid tab outwardly away from the storage space in response to rotation of the lid relative to the container toward a position in which the lid tab is circumferentially aligned with the container tab. The ramp is shaped to push the lid tab upwardly away from the storage space in in response to rotation of the lid relative to the container toward a position in which the lid tab is circumferentially aligned with the container tab.

In illustrative embodiments, the lid tab is formed to include a downward portion that extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the outer lid flange and the retainer bump extends inwardly from the downward portion toward the central reference axis. The lid tab is formed to include an outward portion that extends outwardly from the downward portion of the lid tab away from the central reference axis at a location below the bottom edge of the outer lid flange. The retainer bump and the outward portion of the lid tab are both located at the same axial location along the central reference axis below the bottom edge of the outer lid flange.

In illustrative embodiments, the retainer bump is circumferentially offset from the outward portion of the lid tab around the central reference axis. In some embodiments, the retainer bump can be circumferentially aligned with the outward portion of the lid tab.

In illustrative embodiments, the downward portion of the lid tab has angled side edges at circumferential end faces of the downward portion. The angled side edges extend both axially along the central reference axis and circumferentially around the central reference axis.

In illustrative embodiments, the container tab is formed to include a downward portion and an outward portion. The downward portion of the container tab extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the brim included in the container. The outward portion of the container tab extends outwardly from the downward portion of the container tab away from the central reference axis at a location below the bottom edge of the brim.

In illustrative embodiments, the ramp of the container tab extends upwardly from the outward portion of the container tab. The ramp has a height along the central reference axis that is limited so as not to extend above the bottom edge of the brim when the lid is coupled to the container and the lid tab is circumferentially offset from the container tab to resist removal of the lid from the container. In illustrative embodiments, the angled side edges of the downward portion of the lid tab are located so as to contact the ramp of the container tab upon rotation of the lid relative to the container about the central reference axis when the lid tab and the container tab are coming into circumferential alignment to thereby apply an upward force on the lid.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package can include a lid and a container. The lid can an outer lid flange that extends around a central reference axis and a plurality of lid tabs spaced apart from one another around the central reference axis. The container can have a brim arranged around central reference axis surrounding an opening into a storage space and a plurality of container tabs spaced apart from one another around the central reference axis.

In illustrative embodiments, each lid tab is formed to include a downward portion that extends downwardly from the outer lid flange and a retainer bump that extends inwardly toward the central reference axis from the downward portion of the lid tab. Each container tab is formed to include (i) a downward portion with circumferential side edges arranged to push the retainer bump of the lid tab outwardly away from the central reference axis in response to rotation of the lid relative to the container toward a position in which the plurality of lid tabs are circumferentially aligned with the plurality of container tabs and (ii) a ramp shaped to push the lid tab upwardly away from the storage space in in response to rotation of the lid relative to the container toward a position in which the lid tab is circumferentially aligned with the container tab.

In illustrative embodiments, the retainer bump of the lid tab extends under the bottom edge of the container brim when the lid is coupled to the container and the lid tab is circumferentially offset from the container tab to resist removal of the lid from the container. The lid tab can also be formed to include an outward portion that extends outwardly from the downward portion of the lid tab away from the central reference axis at a location below the bottom edge of the outer lid flange.

In illustrative embodiments, the retainer bump and the outward portion of the lid tab are both located at the same axial location along the central reference axis below the bottom edge of the outer lid flange. The retainer bump can be circumferentially offset from or aligned with the outward portion of the lid tab around the central reference axis.

In illustrative embodiments, the downward portion of the lid tab has angled side edges at circumferential end faces of the downward portion. The angled side edges extend both axially along the central reference axis and circumferentially around the central reference axis.

In illustrative embodiments, the container tab is formed to include a downward portion and an outward portion. The downward portion extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the brim included in the container. The outward portion extends outwardly from the downward portion of the container tab away from the central reference axis at a location below the bottom edge of the brim.

In illustrative embodiments, the ramp of the container tab extends upwardly from the outward portion of the container tab. The ramp has a height along the central reference axis limited so as not to extend above the bottom edge of the brim when the lid is coupled to the container and the lid tab is circumferentially offset from the container tab to resist removal of the lid from the container. The angled side edges of the downward portion of the lid tab are located so as to contact the ramp of the container tab upon rotation of the lid relative to the container about the central reference axis when the lid tab and the container tab are coming into circumferential alignment to thereby apply an upward force on the lid.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using a package is disclosed. The method includes providing a package with a container and a lid. The lid is adapted to be coupled and decoupled from the container.

In illustrative embodiments, the method includes placing the lid on the container and pressing downwardly along the central reference axis with a plurality of lid tabs circumferentially misaligned from a plurality of container tabs until retainer bumps snap under the bottom edge of a brim included in a container to couple the lid to the container.

In illustrative embodiments, the method includes rotating the lid relative to the container about the central reference axis toward the position in which the plurality of lid tabs are circumferentially aligned with the plurality of container tabs until circumferential side edges of a downward portion included in the container tab push the retainer bumps of the plurality of lid tabs outwardly away from the central reference axis.

In illustrative embodiments, the method includes lifting the lid away from the container while the plurality of lid tabs are held outwardly away from the central reference axis such that the lifting force to remove the lid from the container is reduced when compared to when the plurality of lid tabs extend more fully under the bottom edge of the brim included in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a package in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the package includes a container and a lid configured to be snapped onto the container like a snap-on lid and to be twisted relative to the container in order to release the lid for removal;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing part of a brim of the container with a ramp formed thereon;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing part of the lid with a rim having features designed to interact with the brim of the container;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lid included in FIG. 1 showing that the rim of the lid includes tabs that extend outwardly at selected locations around a diameter of the lid;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the lid shown in FIG. 4 taken at line C-C showing a bump extending inwardly from a diameter of a lid flange;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the lid shown in FIG. 4 taken at line D-D showing the lid flange being shaped to receive a generally vertical flange of the container;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternative lid configuration;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the container showing tabs around the diameter of the flange; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative package according to the present disclosure includes a circular container 100 and a lid 200 as shown in FIG. 1. The mount or brim of the container 103 ends in the generally vertical flange 101 and extends downwards to its edge 102. Similarly, the lid has a rim with a flange 201 that extends downwards to its edge 202. The diameter of flange 201 is greater than 101, such that the lid fits around the outside of the container flange 102. Inward of the flanges 101,201, additional features marked at locations 104 and 204 may be added to provide a more serpentine path for liquids to escape the container, in order to provide leak resistance. The exact geometry of these features may be adjusted and remain within the spirit of the present disclosure, except to note that the described features do not typically include significant interference fits that would change the lid opening/closing behavior.

The container has one or more container tabs 105 as suggested in FIGS. 1 and 4. As depicted, an illustrative container 100 has three tabs 105a, b, and c. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that a container may have one to four or more tabs. These container tabs 105 extend first downward from the flange edge 102 some distance along a downward portion 111, and then project outwards some distance via an outward portion 112. These may be shaped with a curve or other shape for aesthetic reasons.

The downward portion 111 and the outward portion 112 of the tab 105 may be the same size, or the outward portion 112 may be smaller. The outward portion 112 may be arranged along a bottom edge of the downward portion 111.

A separate outwardly projecting portion 106 shaped like a ramp is also included in each container tab 105 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The illustrative ramp 106 projects outward from the downward portion 111 of the tab 105 and along a top surface of the outward portion 112 of the ramp. In the depicted embodiment, this ramp 106 is symmetric on either side along the circumference of the container 100, but it may be asymmetric as well. The tip of this ramp 107 is low enough that it will not touch the lid flange edge 202 when the lid is fully applied.

The lid 200 has a similar set of tabs 205 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. These lid tabs 205 first project downwards 211 from the flange edge 202 of the lid, and then project outwards 212, in all or in part. The downward portion 211 of the lid tab 205 has angled edges 207. Additionally, on the inside edge of these lid tabs 205 is a small retainer bump 206. While the lid flange fits 201 fits over the container flange 202 without interference, this bump 206 is sized so that it will interfere with the container flange 101.

The container tabs 105 and the lid tabs 205 cooperate to provide mount means without threads for coupling/decoupling the lid 200 relative to the container 100. Coupling the lid 200 to the container 100 via the mount means happens in response to downward pressure applied to the lid 200 when placed onto the brim of the container 100 so that a portion of the lid snaps over the brim into engagement with the container so as to retain the lid on the container and to block leakage of liquid out of the storage space in the container through the opening. Decoupling the lid 200 from the container 100 via the mount means happens in response to rotation of the lid 200 relative to the container 100 to disengage the lid from the brim and allow lifting of the lid away from the container to thereby make the storage space of the container accessible through the opening

When a user wishes to apply the lid, the lid is lined up on top of the container with the container tabs 105 and the lid tabs 205 generally not aligned and pressed down. The bumps 206 will interfere with the container flange 101. The tabs 205 will flex out of the way slightly, pushing the bumps outwards as downward pressure is applied, allowing the lid to move downward onto the container despite the interference. The bump 206 is located on the tab 205 low enough that it is mostly or entirely below the container flange edge 102 when the lid is fully fit on the container. Therefore, when the lid is fully pressed onto the container, the lid tabs 205 will snap back into position this will typically result in an audible snap.

In this configuration, the bumps 206 are below the container flange edge 102. While it is easy for a user to apply sufficient force downwards to apply the lid by pressing in the center, there is no way to easily apply force upwards to remove it in the same manner once it is latched. Dynamic forces as the container is moved, bumped, jostled, and carried are generally low by comparison, preventing the lid from easily coming loose by accident The force of this latching effect can be tuned as desirable to be stronger or weaker by increasing or decreasing the size of the bumps [206], respectively.

A user may intentionally or unintentionally lift one lid tab 205a and this can unseat one bump 206a past the container flange edge 102. However, in this case any other bumps on other tabs 206b, c on 205b, c are pushed even more strongly under the container flange edge 102 and are therefore difficult to unseat only by pulling on only one tab 205a.

In order to easily and intentionally remove the lid, a user instead rotates the lid 200 relative to the container 100. In the depicted embodiment, the direction of rotation is not significant. The tabs 105 and 205 begin generally not aligned. The user can rotate the lid to align the lid and container tabs with each other in either direction. If desired, a push tab 208 can be molded into the lid to make this rotation easier, and arrows or other text or symbols 209 can be put in the lid to indicate this action to the user. As the tabs are aligned, they can be pinched together by one hand. As they continue to align, the lid tab edge 207 first contacts the ramp 106. Some of the twisting motion is converted into vertical motion of the lid due to this inclined plane/screw effect. Therefore, as the tab is twisted to contact the ramp, the lid begins to move upwards.

As the lid continues to be twisted, shortly after the effect above, the bump 206 contacts the edge of the container tab 108. The force of this twisting motion is sufficient to push the bumps outwards, flexing the tabs to accommodate the interference. This action can be improved by chamfering the edge of the tab 108 to provide a secondary ramp to slowly increase the pressure and interference as the lid is twisted, rather than applying it all at once as the bump contacts the otherwise sharp edge.

Finally, the twisting motion as it continues allows the entire tab to ride up onto the peak of the ramp 108, such that the flat bottom of the tab 210 is contacting the peak 108. The bump 206 is fully above the container flange edge 102 and is contacting the face of the flange 101. If no downward or upward pressure is applied, the lid can continue to spin unimpeded all the way around. However, a slight amount of upward pressure can be applied to the lid at this point typically through the tab [205], and the lid will easily come off of the container this can also result in an audible snap.

In the depicted embodiment, the bumps 206 and the outwardly projecting portion of the tab 212 are misaligned on the lid tab. The preferred embodiment would be for these to be radially aligned with each other on the tab, such that when the tabs 105,205 are directly aligned one on top of the other, the bump is touching directly above the downwardly projecting portion of the container tab 111. As currently depicted the bump instead is off of this portion 111 and instead sits just above the edge of the container flange 102. This means that a slight accidental downward pressure can re-close the lid onto the container, the opposite of the intent to open in this position. Alternatively, instead of moving the bump 206, the downward portion of the container tab 111 could be increased in width along the container, such that the asymmetrically positioned bump 206 still rests on this portion 111 when the tabs are directly aligned.

The container tab ramps 106 are depicted as symmetrical, such that they operate the same whether the lid is twisted clockwise or counterclockwise. If, for some reason, this was not desirable, they could be made to only ramp up in one direction, and be vertical or less sloped in the other. The exact angle of the tab ramps 106 could also be modified to be more or less angled, to make the wedge action described easier and more gradual if reducing the incline, or faster but requiring more force if increasing the incline.

As depicted, the lid can be continuously spun in either direction. This can result in the user overshooting, twisting the container past the optimal point to open it and potentially resulting in the lid snapping back to closed if a small amount of downward pressure is applied after passing this point.

An alternative embodiment could have a catch to prevent the lid from easily twisting past a designated stop point. One possible way of accomplishing this would be for one or more small tabs 114 to project inwards from the lid flange 201 such that they always make a slight interference with the container flange 101 when the lid is closed. A small depression 113 could be made in the container flange 101 such that this new lid tab will fall into this depression with a snap when and only when the lid is in position to be removed as described above. This would naturally stop the rotation motion when the lid has been sufficiently lined up to remove. These tabs could be located near or on the tabs 105,205 or could even be at a distance around the container, as long as they line up only when the tabs also line up. There should be a number of these features equal to the number of tabs on the container.

As an alternative to multiple tabs, a similar effect can be created with only one tab. In this case, the lid flange edge 202 can be extended downwards so that it extends considerably past the container flange edge 102 when latched. If the tab is lifted, this extended edge will flex slightly and grab the container flange edge 102 slightly. This, like the effect described earlier, can resist the lid coming off unexpectedly, though the effect is weaker. This lid flange edge can be extended even further, to merge with the edge of the downwardly projecting tab edge 210. The tab would merge with the flange, and the edges 207 would not be present.

The ramp 106 can also be removed. In this case, the lid can still be removed by turning, but this is only due to the action of the bump 206 being rotated into the container tab edge 108. This may be a simpler implementation in some cases. Similarly, the embodiment described shows the lid being removed by first, the action of the lid tab edges 207 contacting the ramp 106, and then by the action of the bump 206 contacting the container tab edge 108. The alternative would also be effective, with the bump/edge 206/108 action preceding the edge/ramp 207/106 action.

As proposed, packages in accordance with the present disclosure may work best when implemented in round containers, due to the rotating mode of action. However, a similar snap-on and slide off system could be envisioned for square or rectangular containers, for which the lid slides side-to-side rather than rotates in place. While this solution is proposed for an injection-molded plastic container, one could imagine similar designs that apply to other similar materials, such a thermoformed plastic, foam, or molded fiber

The present disclosure teaches a rigid, washable, and reusable package made up of a container and a lid. The package includes no hinges or other moving parts and is easier to manufacture than a screw/threaded design. In some embodiments, the package container can have heavy duty, thick wall construction designed for multiple uses.

The package described has a strong fit and seal comparable to other snap on lids. The lid can be easily and quickly snapped onto the container like a snap-on lid. The lid cannot be easily snapped off, reducing the likelihood of the lid being accidently removed with resulting spillage. The lid can easily be twisted off, similar or even more easily than a threaded container design. Packages like those disclosed in this paper can have a lid that snaps on but then can only easily be removed with a twisting action. This makes it quicker to operate than other twist-off options but both more secure and easier to use than many snap-on/snap-off options.

Lids for packages in accordance with the present disclosure provide the ability to be applied quickly and easily. The lid can stay attached to the container securely with minimal leakage. The lid can be removed by a user easily. The container and lid features can be robust for multiple re-uses.