CONTAINER LID BLANK

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related in part to application serial number WO2023147412A1 entitled “Collapsible bowl and blank” filed on Jan. 26, 2023, by inventor Natasha Iwegbu.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers used for retaining and transporting products. More specifically, it concerns a container lid blank configured to be detachably or hingedly coupled to a corresponding container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers used for retaining and transporting products. More specifically, it concerns a container lid blank configured to be detachably or hingedly coupled to a corresponding container. Containers and lids play a critical role across industries ranging from food service to product packaging. In particular, sheet-material containers—often produced via dieline cutting—offer lightweight and customizable solutions but commonly suffer from limitations in lid integration, where the accompanying die-cut lids are difficult to attach. For this reason, conventional die-cut containers frequently have integrated lids that are permanently affixed along one or more edges. While this simplifies attachment, it eliminates the flexibility to use the container without a lid, reducing versatility. In the disposable container sector, plastic containers with plastic lids are common, but they pose environmental challenges and typically cannot be easily labelled or decorated.

Recent developments in molded compostable containers with molded lids have improved sustainability but introduced other challenges, including visual bulkiness, lack of design appeal, and incompatibility with graphic printing.

Accordingly, there is a need for a container lid blank that can, be securely attached or detached as needed, interface with both flanged and flangeless containers, allow printing and aesthetic customization and be produced from sustainable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container lid blank configured for use with various types of containers, including those with or without a flange. The lid blank includes a blank edge, an inner surface facing the interior space of the container and an outer surface exposed to an external environment, a central panel for covering the container opening, configured to mate with the opening of the container, flap panels extending from the central panel, and flap panel tabs that engage the container wall or flange to provide a secure but detachable fit.

In some embodiments, the flap panel tabs extend from the flap panels or directly from the central panel and are shaped to tuck under a flange or insert into wall slots. This enables compatibility with containers of different structural profiles. Optional hinge tabs allow the lid to be rotated open while remaining connected to the container, facilitating one-handed use and repeat access. Additional features may include, a central crease line enabling the lid to fold in half for compact storage, edge cutouts that expose container surfaces for ergonomic lifting, crease lines or cutouts to accommodate utensils, transparent or decorative window insert(s). The lid blank can be manufactured from various sheet materials including cardboard, paperboard, plastic-coated substrates, or biodegradable alternatives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the container lid blank described herein. These drawings are intended to support the written description and are not limiting in scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a container lid blank in a flat, unfolded state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid blank placed on a flanged container, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid blank engaged beneath the flange of a flanged container, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid blank secured to an inverted-cone-shaped flanged container, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid blank engaged within the wall of a flangeless container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid blank folded along its central crease and secured in a closed configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the hinge tab engaged within a slot in the container, allowing the lid to rotate, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates the lid partially opened along a crease to accommodate a utensil (e.g., a spoon), in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a variation of the lid blank with flap panel tabs extending directly from the central panel, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the container lid blank on a flanged container with flap panel tabs engaged within slots in the container's flange in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a circular central panel configuration of the lid blank, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an ovular central panel configuration of the lid blank with multiple flap panels, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a square central panel lid blank with flap panels and tabs, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a hexagonal central panel lid blank with flap panel tabs and a central crease, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows a lid blank with a window cut-out, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a lid blank with a reversed hinge tab, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows a the container lid blank, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. It should be recognized that any embodiment may incorporate only one or multiple aspects of the invention described herein, and may also incorporate only one or multiple features disclosed. Furthermore, any embodiment identified as “preferred” represents an example of a best mode currently contemplated and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Variations, modifications, adaptations, and equivalent arrangements are all within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described in detail in relation to one or more examples, these descriptions are illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and are made primarily to provide a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed description of certain embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. Indeed, processes or methods described in a particular sequence are not restricted to that specific order unless otherwise indicated; steps may be performed in alternative sequences while still falling within the scope of the invention. Consequently, the scope of patent protection is defined by the issued claim(s) and not by this description.

Additionally, each term used herein should be understood by the meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art would derive from its contextual usage. In cases where such contextual meaning might differ from a dictionary definition, the contextual meaning governs. Furthermore, the use of “a” or “an” in this disclosure generally denotes “at least one” unless the context dictates otherwise. Likewise, when listing items, the conjunction “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” and “and” denotes “all of the items.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, identical or similar reference numbers in the drawings and written description refer to the same or like elements. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, further variations, substitutions, and additions may be made by those skilled in the art. Hence, the following description should not be interpreted as limiting; the final scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims. The section headers included herein serve only as guides for organization and are not intended to restrict the subject matter.

Although many of the aspects and features discussed relate to a container lid blank, the embodiments are not limited to use solely in this context.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a container lid blank in a flat state, according to certain embodiments. The container lid blank includes a blank edge (101), a central panel (102), flap panels (105, 106, 107, 108), flap crease lines (110, 111, 112, 113), flap panel tabs (109), a hinge tab base (114), a hinge tab shoulder (115), a hinge tab insert (116), opening crease lines (121), scalloped edge cutouts (122), a fold central crease line (119), and a hinge slot (120). The container lid blank may be made from various sheet materials, including cardboard, paperboard, plastic-coated cardboard, plastic sheet, or any other known sheet material. The lid blank may be formed by die cutting, stamping, laser cutting, or similar methods. In many embodiments, the lid may be manufactured to be used with corresponding die-cut containers or other container types.

When in use, the container lid blank is configured to cover the opening interior of a container. The central panel (102), which spans the container opening, comprises an inner surface (103) facing the interior and an outer surface (104) exposed to the external environment. The central panel may take various shapes—circle, oval, rectangle, hexagon, or other shapes (see FIGS. 11-14, 16 for shape examples).

Extending from the central panel (102) are flap panels (105, 106, 107, 108), each hingedly attached via flap crease lines (110, 111, 112, 113). These flap panels may cover a container flange or a container wall, depending on the design. Each flap panel (105-108) further includes at least one flap panel tab (109), which, when in use, mates with and sits under an edge of the flange of a flanged container.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate cross-sectional views of the container lid blank attached to a container. In these figures, section A-A shows how the flap panel tabs (109) can sit underneath a flange of a flanged container. In FIG. 4, the container may have an inverted conical shape, demonstrating that the lid blank can be adapted to varying container contours.

FIG. 2 illustrates the container lid blank positioned on a flanged container. The central panel (102) fits over the opening, and the flap crease lines (110-113) are located around the periphery of the central panel (102). The central panel still has the inner surface (103) (facing inward) and the outer surface (104) (facing outward). A first flap panel (105), second flap panel (106), third flap panel (107), and fourth flap panel (108) extend from the central panel (102). These flap panels can be bent downward along the corresponding flap crease lines (110-113) so that they rest against the container flange. Each flap panel (105-108) contains flap panel tabs (109), which may pivot via first and second tab pivot lines (123, 124). By folding the flap panel tabs (109), the user can clip the tabs underneath the flange, effectively coupling the lid flap panel to the container flange. When the container lid blank is pulled across the container's opening, a state of tension is generated between at least one flap panel tab (109) and a substantially opposing flap panel tab across the central panel, thereby securing the lid blank tightly on the flange of the container and securing the central panel over the container opening. For example, the flap panel tabs (109) in the second flap panel (106) would oppose the flap panel tabs (109) in the first flap panel (105), when these tabs are engaged, a state of tension is created across the central panel.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid blank engaged with the wall of a flangeless container. Here, the flap panel tabs (109) mate with cutouts or slots in the wall. The tab pivot lines (123, 124) allow bending so that the tabs sit snugly against or within the container wall, ensuring a secure fit even without a flange.

In some embodiments, the lid blank may include at least one hinge tab designed to fit into a corresponding slot in the container's flange or flange crease line. This hinge tab allows the lid blank to rotate relative to the container, facilitating easy opening and closing of the lid while staying attached and aligned to the container.

FIG. 1 depicts one such hinge tab, featuring a hinge tab base (114), a hinge tab shoulder (115), a hinge tab insert (116), and first and second hinge pivots (117, 118). The hinge tab base (114) is wider than the hinge tab insert (116), creating the hinge tab shoulder (115). In a matching container slot, the narrower hinge tab insert (116) can slide in, but the wider hinge tab base (114) cannot pass through, enabling dual-axis rotation and a “double hinge”, effect. As shown in FIG. 7, this arrangement allows the container lid to rotate and remain partially or fully open without detaching the hinge tab insert (116).

In certain embodiments, one or more flap panels (105-108) feature edge cutouts (122) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Often semicircular in shape, these cutouts expose a part of the container flange, allowing a user to reach beneath the flange to lift the container independently of the lid. This design helps prevent accidental lid dislodgement when lifting the container. The cutout geometry may vary widely (semicircular, rectangular, notches, etc.) depending on ergonomic and aesthetic preferences.

The container lid blank may also include a central crease line, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 9, 11, and 14 (119, 219, 319, 602). This crease line typically originates from one edge of the blank and terminates at the opposite edge, often dividing the lid blank into a first and second lid segment. Bending along the central crease line helps fold the lid for more compact storage or shipping, with the (food contact) inner surface (103) and (non-food contact) outer surface (104) arranged on the inner layer and outer layer of the folded lid respectively, to protect the food-contact area from contaminants.

FIG. 6 demonstrates a folded lid, wherein the first and second lid segments are brought together. A connecting element can secure these segments in the folded configuration, such as a hinge tab in the first flap panel locking into a hinge slot (120) in the second flap panel. Other fastening options include snaps, hooks, tabs, slots, cuts, or any other known connecting method.

Additionally, some embodiments include opening crease lines (121) extending between different points on the blank's edge. Bending along one of these lines forms a gap as shown in FIG. 8, enabling partial access to the container interior while the lid is still attached. This can be used, for example, to accommodate a spoon handle. In other versions, a perforated cut-out may be added for the user to remove as desired, thus creating a similar gap.

In FIG. 9, a variation of the lid blank is illustrated, with flap panel tabs (209) extending directly from the central panel. Here the container lid blank includes a central panel (202) sized to fit over a container opening, with flap crease lines (210-213) around the periphery. Extending from the central panel (202) are flap panels (205-208), each having flap panel tabs (209). These tabs bend at the flap crease lines (210-213) and into a slot along the container's flange crease line. A hinge tab base (214) and hinge tab insert (216), plus first and second hinge pivots (217, 218), may optionally be included to allow the lid blank to rotate relative to the container, enabling a “double hinge” effect. The hinge tab insert also aids in proper alignment of the lid blank relative to the corresponding slot in the container. A central crease line (219) may facilitate folding of the lid, and an edge cutout (222) can make the flange accessible from the outside.

FIG. 10 depicts cross-sectional view B-B of the container lid blank in FIG. 9, placed on a flanged container, with the flap panel tabs (209) fitting into a slot along the container's flange crease line. The tabs may extend directly from the central panel (202), fold down along crease lines (210, 211), and anchor within the flange slot.

FIG. 11 (circular), FIG. 13 (square), and FIG. 14 (hexagonal) demonstrate that the central panel's shape is not limited; any practical geometry can be formed depending on container design.

FIG. 11 features a container lid blank with a central panel (302) that is circular, and a blank edge (301) bounding the perimeter. Several flap panels (303-308) extend from the central panel (302), each containing flap panel tabs (309). The flap panels bend along flap crease lines (310-313), and a tag pivot line (320) may serve as a hinge. One flap panel (303) may incorporate a hinge tab with a hinge tab base (314), a hinge tab shoulder (315), and a hinge tab insert (316) allowing the user to align the lid and the container correctly and rotate the lid relative to the container. A central crease line (319) may run from one edge of the blank to the other, allowing the lid to fold.

FIG. 12 shows a container lid blank with an ovular central panel (402) and a blank edge (401). Multiple flap panels (403-410) radiate from the periphery of the central panel (402). The first two flap panels (403, 404) may feature elongated flap panel tabs (411), bendable along a first tab pivot line (415), while flap panels (405-410) include shorter flap panel tabs (412), bendable along a second tab pivot line (416). Flap crease lines (416, 413) allow the flap Panel tabs to rotate underneath the container flange.

FIG. 13 illustrates a square lid blank, where a central panel (502) is bounded by a blank edge (501). Four flap panels (505-508) extend from the panel (502), and each panel (505-508) includes flap panel tabs (509). The flap panels bend along corresponding flap crease lines (510-513). A first tab pivot line (514) can allow selective flexing of the flap panel tabs.

In FIG. 14, the container lid blank has a hexagonal central panel (602) and a blank edge (601). Six flap panels (605) extend from the periphery of the central panel (602), each with a flap panel tab (609). The first flap panel (605) bends along a flap crease line (610), and a tab pivot line (611) may facilitate angular positioning of the flap panel tab.

In some embodiments, the central panel may include a window cut-out that can be replaced or partially covered with a transparent or different material. FIG. 15 shows a container lid blank with a central panel (702), a blank edge (701), and a window cut-out (703) covered by a secondary sheet like a transparent plastic for example.

FIG. 16 illustrates a reversed hinge tab where the hinge tab (816) extends directly from the crease line (810), giving alternative ways to mate with or “clip” onto the container's flange. This design may help with specific container shapes or marketing preferences. The container lid blank with a blank edge (801), flap panels (805), and a flap panel tabs (809). The flap panels are bendable along a flap crease lines (810). Here, the flap panel (805) includes a reversed hinge tab mechanism. The hinge tab base (814) extends from the flap crease line (810), where it merges with the first hinge pivot (817). A hinge tab shoulder (815) and a hinge tab insert (816) help the tab mate with a slot around or within the container flange. Meanwhile, the flap panel tabs (809) anchor along the container flange, allowing the lid to rotate about the flap crease line (810) and second hinge pivot (818). A hinge slot (820) may also serve as a connecting element, securing the lid in a folded configuration.

FIG. 17 shows a container lid blank with a central panel (902), a blank edge (901), and flap panels (903) around the central panel's periphery. Each flap panel (903) may include flap panel tabs (904) that wrap around the flap panels (903) and fold along tab pivot lines (920) to clip under a container flange. A hinge tab includes a hinge tab base (914), and in some embodiments, a shoulder (915), hinge tab insert (916), first hinge pivot (917), and second hinge pivot (918). This configuration allows the lid to pivot open while remaining securely attached to the container.

In some designs, individual flap panels and flap panel tabs can vary in size or shape. For instance, certain flap panels may have elongated tabs to grip deeper flanges, while others may use shorter tabs to accommodate partial flanges.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is understood that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Variations may include alternate shapes, materials, configurations of hinge or flap panel tabs, folding patterns, and window cut-out styles. All such adaptations fall within the ambit of this disclosure.

In typical use, the user aligns one flap panel with the container's flange or wall. The user engages the flap panel tabs by rotating and clipping them underneath the flange or within the wall of a corresponding container. When the user clips the flap panel tabs underneath the flange, they effectively couple the lid flap panel to the container's flange. The lid blank is disposed across the container's opening, and a state of tension is generated between at least one flap panel tab (109) and a substantially opposing flap panel tab across the central panel, thereby securing the lid blank tightly on the flange of the container, and securing the central panel over the container opening. If required the user may protect the food-contact surface by folding the lid blank along a central crease line.

To remove or open the lid, the user lifts or dislodges the engaged flap panel tabs. In hinge-tab embodiments, a hinge tab, it is inserted into a corresponding slot in the flange to align the lid correctly relative to the container. the user can pivot the lid open without total detachment.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 101 Blank Edge
  • 102 Central panel
  • 103 Inner surface
  • 104 Outer surface
  • 105 First flap panel
  • 106 2nd flap panel
  • 107 3rd flap panel
  • 108 4th flap panel
  • 109 Flap Panel Tab
  • 110 First flap crease line
  • 111 Second flap crease line
  • 112 Third flap crease line
  • 113 Fourth flap crease line
  • 114 Hinge tab base
  • 115 Hinge tab shoulder
  • 116 Hinge tab insert
  • 117 First hinge pivot
  • 118 Second hinge pivot
  • 119 Fold (central) crease line
  • 120 Hinge slot
  • 121 Opening crease line
  • 122 Edge cutout
  • 123 first Tab pivot line
  • 124 Second tab pivot line
  • 201 Blank Edge
  • 202 Central panel
  • 203 Inner surface
  • 204 Outer surface
  • 205 First flap panel
  • 206 2nd flap panel
  • 207 3rd flap panel
  • 208 4th flap panel
  • 209 Flap Panel Tab
  • 210 First flap crease line
  • 211 Second flap crease line
  • 212 Third flap crease line
  • 213 Fourth flap crease line
  • 214 Hinge tab base
  • 216 Hinge tab insert
  • 217 First hinge pivot
  • 218 Second hinge pivot
  • 219 Fold (central) crease line
  • 222 Edge cutout
  • 301 Blank Edge
  • 302 Central panel
  • 303 First flap panel
  • 304 2nd flap panel
  • 305 3rd flap panel
  • 306 4th flap panel
  • 307 5th flap panel
  • 308 6th flap panel
  • 309 Flap Panel Tab
  • 310 First flap crease line
  • 311 Second flap crease line
  • 312 Third flap crease line
  • 313 Fourth flap crease line
  • 314 Hinge tab base
  • 315 Hinge tab shoulder
  • 316 Hinge tab insert
  • 317 First hinge pivot
  • 318 Second hinge pivot
  • 319 Fold (central) crease line
  • 320 tag pivot line
  • 401 Blank Edge
  • 402 Central panel
  • 403 First flap panel
  • 404 Second flap panel
  • 405 Third flap panel
  • 406 Fourth flap panel
  • 407 Fifth flap panel
  • 408 Sixth flap panel
  • 409 Seventh flap panel
  • 410 Eighth flap panel
  • 411 Elongated flap Panel Tab
  • 412 Flap Panel Tab
  • 413 Flap crease line
  • 414 Flap crease line
  • 415 First Tab pivot line
  • 416 Second tab pivot line
  • 501 Blank Edge
  • 502 Central panel
  • 505 First flap panel
  • 506 2nd flap panel
  • 507 3rd flap panel
  • 508 4th flap panel
  • 509 Flap Panel Tab
  • 510 First flap crease line
  • 511 Second flap crease line
  • 512 Third flap crease line
  • 513 Fourth flap crease line
  • 514 Tab pivot line
  • 601 Blank Edge
  • 602 Central panel
  • 605 flap panel
  • 609 Flap Panel Tab
  • 610 Flap crease line
  • 611 Tab pivot line
  • 701 Blank Edge
  • 702 Central panel
  • 703 transparent sheet material
  • 801 Blank Edge
  • 802 Tab pivot line
  • 805 Flap panel
  • 809 Flap Panel Tab
  • 810 First flap crease line
  • 814 Hinge tab base
  • 815 Hinge tab shoulder
  • 816 Hinge tab insert
  • 817 First hinge pivot
  • 818 Second hinge pivot
  • 820 Hinge slot
  • 901 Blank Edge
  • 902 Central panel
  • 903 Flap panel
  • 904 Flap Panel Tab
  • 910 First flap crease line
  • 914 Hinge tab base
  • 915 Hinge tab shoulder
  • 916 Hinge tab insert
  • 917 First hinge pivot
  • 918 Second hinge pivot
  • 920 Tab pivot line