LID WITH LOCKING FEATURE

Abstract

A lid for a container. The lid comprises a center wall and a dispenser comprising a dispenser flap hinged to the center wall and movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration that at least partially exposes a dispenser opening in the center wall. The dispenser may further include a projection extending from the dispenser flap. The lid further comprises a locking feature for maintaining the dispenser in the open configuration. The locking feature may comprise a locking recess in the center wall to at least partially receive the projection. The dispenser opening may be located on a centerline of the lid, and the locking recess may be offset from the centerline of the lid.

Description

LID WITH LOCKING FEATURE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 083,313 filed on September 25, 2020. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosures in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 083,313, filed on September 25, 2020, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 777,448, filed on April 6, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This disclosure pertains to lids for containers (e.g., beverage cups) for holding and / or dispensing fluids (e.g., beverages). More specifically, the disclosure is generally directed to a lid that has a dispenser and a locking feature for one or more portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a lid for a container. The lid comprises a center wall and a dispenser comprising a dispenser flap hinged to the center wall and movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration that at least partially exposes a dispenser opening in the center wall. The dispenser may further include a projection extending from the dispenser flap. The lid further comprises a locking feature for retaining the dispenser in the open configuration. The locking feature may comprise a locking recess in the center wall to at least partially receive the projection. The dispenser opening may be located on a centerline of the lid, and the locking recess may be offset from the centerline of the lid.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for forming a lid for a container comprises forming a center wall, a dispenser, and a locking feature to maintain the dispenser in an open configuration. The dispenser comprises a dispenser flap hinged to the center wall and movable between a closed and an open configuration, which exposes at least partially a dispenser opening in the center wall. The dispenser may further comprise a projection extending from the dispenser flap. The dispenser opening may be located on a centerline of the lid. The locking feature may comprise a locking recess in the center wall to receive at least partially the projection. The formation of the center wall, the dispenser, and the locking feature may comprise forming the locking recess at a location separate from the centerline of the lid. QnbQnn / Qznz / e / YiAi < O) 2N CN

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a container assembly comprises a lid coupled with a container. The lid comprises a center wall, an annular skirt extending downward from the center wall and along at least a portion of the container, an annular ridge extending upward from the center wall, and a dispenser comprising a dispenser fin hinged to the center wall and a projection extending from the dispenser fin. The dispenser fin can extend along at least a portion of a centerline of the lid when the dispenser fin is in a closed configuration. The lid may further comprise a locking feature for retaining the dispenser in an open configuration. The locking feature may comprise a locking recess to receive at least partially the projection.The locking hole may be separate from the center line of the lid.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for forming a container assembly comprises obtaining a lid comprising a center wall, an annular skirt extending downward from the center wall, an annular ridge extending upward from the center wall, and a dispenser comprising a dispenser fin hinged to the center wall and a projection extending from the dispenser fin. The dispenser fin may extend along at least a portion of a centerline of the lid when the dispenser fin is in a closed configuration. The lid may further comprise a locking feature for retaining the dispenser in an open configuration. The locking feature may comprise a locking recess for receiving at least partially the projection. The locking recess may be separate from the centerline of the lid.The method may further comprise attaching the lid to an upper portion of the container in such a way that the annular skirt extends along at least a portion of the container.

[0008] Those experienced in the subject will appreciate the advantages mentioned above and other advantages and benefits of different additional modalities by reading the following detailed description of the modalities with reference to the drawing figures listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of different features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the disclosure methods.

[0010] Figure 1 is a plan view of a lid with a dispensing feature in a closed configuration according to an exemplary disclosure modality.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container suitable for coupling with the lid of Figure 1

[0012] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lid in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of the lid of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a container assembly with the container of Figure 2 coupled with the lid of Figure 1 in the closed configuration. < £ your N

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the container assembly of Figure 5 with the lid dispensing feature in an open configuration.

[0016] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the lid of Figure 1 with the dispensing feature in the open configuration of Figure 6.

[0017] The corresponding parts are designated by means of corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Containers and lids according to this disclosure may cooperate to hold fluids, e.g., liquid or semi-liquid beverages that may include one or more solid components of varying sizes and compositions. For the purpose of illustration and not to limit the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes a container for warm, hot, chilled, cold, and / or at least partially frozen beverages, e.g., hot coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, hot cider, water, soft drinks, iced coffee, cold brew coffee, blended frozen beverages (such as smoothies, sodas, milkshakes, etc.), iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored or unflavored beverages (e.g., non-alcoholic beverages), to name a few.It will be understood that the containers and lids described in this document may contain different types of beverages that have any suitable temperature and / or products that contain one or more foods without departing from disclosure.

[0019] As described herein, the lids may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., a food-grade polymer) and the containers may be formed from blanks (e.g., cardboard blanks). In one embodiment, the lids may be formed by thermoforming and / or injection molding and / or any other suitable forming method. The containers may be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple portions, panels, and / or end fins. Such portions, panels, and / or end fins may be designated herein relative to each other, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from disclosure. In another embodiment, the lids could be formed from paper products and / or the containers could be formed from plastic materials without departing from disclosure.In this specification, the terms “internal”, “interior”, “external”, “exterior”, “front”, “rear”, “back”, “side”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”, and “top” indicate specific orientations relative to fully upright and vertical containers.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 illustrates a drinking lid 10 for attachment to a container C (Figure 2), such as a drinking glass, such that the lid 10 and container C combined form a container assembly 100 (Figures 5 and 6). The container C can be configured to hold cold and / or hot beverages and / or other suitable items. In one embodiment, the container can hold hot beverages (e.g., tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cider, and / or other suitable beverages). In another embodiment, the container can hold cold beverages (e.g., soda, juice, milk, tea, coffee, cocktails, and / or other suitable beverages), with or without ice.

[0021] With further reference to Figure 2, in one embodiment, container C may have a bottom wall (not shown) and a side wall SW extending around an interior of container C to contain the beverage or any suitable liquid. Container C may further include a rim R for receiving lid 10 at an upper end of the side wall SW. It is understood that lid 10 may be configured for use with a container having a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. As described herein, lid 10 may be attached or otherwise coupled to container C to provide a container assembly.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the cap 10 may include a top or center wall 12, an annular ridge 13 extending upward from the center wall 12, an annular tab or skirt 14 extending downward from the center wall 12 and the annular ridge 13, and an opening feature or dispenser 16 formed in the center wall 12. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the annular ridge 13 and the annular skirt 14 may have a generally circular arrangement around a center point P. A center line CL of the cap 10 may extend through the center point P and the dispenser 16, as shown. In one embodiment, the center line CL may extend through a center of the dispenser 16.The centerline CL can cross a portion 17 of the annular ridge 13 along which a user can position their mouth to extract fluids from inside the container C through the dispenser 16, as further described in this document.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the center wall 12 may be recessed below the annular ridge 13 to form an interior space or stagnant area such that any liquid on the upper side of the lid 10 may collect in an area separate from the dispenser 16. In one embodiment, the center wall 12 may also include indicators (not shown) that can be selectively actuated (e.g., pressed) or dialed to indicate the type of beverage contained in the container C. In other embodiments, the center wall 12 may optionally include a vent (not shown), which may allow gases (e.g., from carbonated beverages) to escape from inside the container C and / or allow air to enter when liquids are dispensed through the dispenser 16. Alternatively, such indicators and / or a vent may be omitted.The center wall 12, the annular ridge 13 and / or the annular skirt could be omitted or could be shaped, accommodated, positioned, and / or configured in another way without departing from disclosure.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 16 may include a dispenser panel 18 supported on the center wall 12 and a dispenser flap 20 hinged / foldable to the dispenser panel 18 along a hinge 22. As shown in Figure 1, the hinge may extend in an oblique direction with respect to the centerline CL. In one exemplary embodiment, the hinge 22 may be separate from the centerline CL. As shown at least in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the dispenser panel 18 may have a side portion 18a extending upward from the base panel 21 of the center wall 12 and a top portion 18b, which may extend obliquely (e.g., such that the top portion 18b is inclined downward from the annular ridge 13 toward the center point P of the lid 10).In one embodiment, the dispenser panel 18 can be considered as a portion of the center wall 12 such that the dispenser fin 20 is hinged to the center wall 12 at the hinge 22. QnhQnn / Qznz / e / YiAi

[0025] As shown, the dispenser flap 20 can be separated from the dispenser panel 18 along a cut 23. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the cut 23 may include a generally circular or ovoid portion 23a, and a pair of oblique cuts 23b extending obliquely from the end points of the ovoid portion 23a relative to the centerline CL. In one embodiment, the cut 23 may include one or more lines of weakness (e.g., a partial cut, perforation line, peel line, a cut line with one or more notches, etc.) suitable to allow the dispenser flap 20 to separate from the dispenser panel 18 when the dispenser 16 is actuated, as further described herein.

[0026] Joint 22 may be a line or region of weakness that crosses cut 23 (for example, portions 23b of cut 23) and generally extends obliquely with respect to the centerline CL. In one embodiment, the dispenser panel 18 may include a downward-extending face or step 19 along which joint 22 is at least partially positioned. It is understood that joint 22 and / or cut 23 could have an alternative configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0027] Still with reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the dispenser 16 may further include a protrusion or projection 24 with a top surface 26, a front surface 28, a rear surface 29, and side surfaces 30 extending between the top surface 26 and the front and rear surfaces 28, 29 (best shown in Figures 3 to 5). As shown, the projection 24 may include one or more transition regions, e.g., bevels, projections, steps, curves, chamfers, etc., between the respective surfaces. In one embodiment, one or more of the surfaces 26, 28, 29, 30 may include one or more curved or angled portions and / or surface features such as notches, recesses, ridges, projections, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the dispenser fin 20 and the projection 24 may be considered as a single tab.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, projection 24 is separated from cut 23 in dispenser fin 20 such that a portion of dispenser fin 20 extends around the perimeter of projection 24. In this respect, and as further described herein, projection 24 is supported on dispenser fin 20 to move together with dispenser fin 20. Dispenser fin 20 and / or projection 24 could be omitted or could be shaped, accommodated, positioned, and / or configured otherwise without departing from the disclosure.

[0029] Still with reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 7, a locking panel 32 can be supported on the center wall 12 of the lid 10 and positioned adjacent to and / or adjoining the dispenser panel 18. As shown, the locking panel 32 can be supported above the center wall 12 and below the dispenser panel 18, for example, by crossing the step 19 of the dispenser panel 18 such that the dispenser panel 18, the locking panel 32, and the base panel 21 of the center wall 12 can be arranged in a staggered or alternating fashion. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the dispenser panel 18 and the locking panel 32 can extend along at least a portion of the annular ridge 13.

[0030] In this regard, one or more transition regions may be provided between respective portions of the dispenser panel 18, the locking panel 32, and the base panel 21 of the center wall 12, for example, bevels, < O) 6ii CN projections, steps, curves, chamfers, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 10 may include a recessed area defined along at least the base panel 21 (e.g., to collect spilled liquid). In one embodiment, one or more of the dispenser panel 18, the locking panel 32, and the base panel 21 may be provided in a coplanar relationship. Although the dispenser panel 18 and locking panel 32 have been described as panels supported above the base panel 21 of the center wall 12, it shall be understood that one or both of the dispenser panel 18 and the locking panel 32 may be considered as raised portions of the center wall 12 without departing from disclosure.

[0031] The locking panel 32, as shown, may include a locking recess 34, which is a recessed portion of the locking panel 32 at least partially shaped to, for example, a notch, groove, retainer, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking recess 34 extending into the locking panel 32 from the center wall 12 may have a configuration generally complementary to the projection 24 extending from the dispenser flap 20 or, for example, have surfaces generally corresponding to surfaces 26, 28, 29, 30 of the projection 24 extending downward from the locking panel 32. In one embodiment, the locking recess 34 may have a recessed configuration generally triangular or wedge-shaped.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the dispenser 16 is in a closed configuration, wherein the dispenser fin 20 is engaged, supported, and / or closely separated from the dispenser panel 18 in which cutout 23 is made to help prevent or reduce spills or splashes of liquids into container C through the dispenser 16 when the dispenser 16 is in a closed position.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated, the locking recess 34 and at least a portion of the projection 24 / dispenser flap 20 are locking features that can hold the dispenser flap 20 in an actuated / open position and are separated from the dispenser panel 18 to expose a dispenser opening 40 (Figures 6 and 7) that is at least partially surrounded by a rim 42 formed along the cut 23. Such a dispenser opening 40 provides access to the interior of the container C and a passage through the dispenser 16 such that a user can pour or draw fluid contents from the container C through it, as further described herein.

[0034] The dispenser 16 and / or locking features could be shaped, accommodated, positioned and / or otherwise configured without departing from disclosure.

[0035] In one mode of operation, a user may at least partially fill a container, for example, container C (Figure 2) with liquid and / or solids and may attach lid 10 to the upper portion of container C in such a way that container C and lid 10 cooperate to enclose an interior space thereof (not shown) and form the container assembly 100 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated, the skirt 14 includes an internal annular groove 36 extending along the annular ridge 13 and a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions 38 spaced along the circumference of the skirt 14 (Figures 3 to 6). As shown in Figure 5, the protrusions 38 have upper surfaces forming a lower portion of the annular groove 36, and the upper surfaces of the / The protrusions 38 can be curved and / or inclined. When the lid 10 is coupled to the container C to at least partially close the upper end of the container C, the lid 10 can be positioned over the rim R of the container C such that the skirt 14 engages with rim R. The lid 10 can be pressed down onto the container C such that the inclined lower surfaces of the protrusions 38 engage with rim R. In one embodiment, downward pressure on the lid 10 can cause rim R to push outward the inclined surfaces of the protrusions 38, causing the skirt 14 to pivot (e.g., bend, flex, and / or fold) outward such that the protrusions 38 can move past rim R as the lid 10 is pressed down.Consequently, the cap 10 can be fitted over the rim R as the protrusions 38 move past the rim R and the rim R engages within the annular groove 36. The skirt 14 can then be moved back to its original position with the protrusions 38 engaged on a lower side of the rim R on their upper surfaces. The press-fit coupling of the rim R with the annular groove 36 and the protrusions 38 can help maintain the lid 10 in coupling with the vessel C such that an intentional bending force on the skirt 14 may be required to remove the lid 10. In the embodiments, the vessel assembly 100 is formed when the lid 10 is coupled with the vessel C. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the annular skirt 14 can be extended downward with respect to the center wall 12 along a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the vessel C in the vessel assembly 100.Skirt 14 could be omitted or could be shaped, accommodated, positioned, and / or configured in another way without departing from disclosure. For example, lid 10 could be configured in another way to fit container C.

[0037] The dispenser flap 20 in the closed position of Figures 1 and 3 to 5 can help prevent splashing and / or spillage of the liquid from inside the container. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the dispenser 16 can be operated in an open or dispensing configuration (e.g., to drink a beverage through the dispenser 16). In one embodiment, the dispenser 16 can be actuated by a user engaging the projection 24, for example, by contact with the user's thumb and / or index finger, to cause at least partial separation of the dispenser flap 20 from the dispenser panel 18 at cut 23. In addition, the user's movement / impulse of the projection 24 can cause the dispenser flap 20 and the projection 24 carried thereon to bend / pivot / flex at joint 22 in the direction of arrow A1 (Figure 6), for example, towards the locking panel 32.In this regard, a user can pivot / bend / flex the dispenser flap 20 to position the projection 24 at least partially within the locking recess 34, and one or more of the surfaces 26, 28, 29, 30 of the projection 24 can be coupled to a corresponding surface of the locking recess 34 to hold the projection 24 in a position so that it is at least partially received by the locking recess 34. In one embodiment, such coupling of the projection 24 and the locking recess 34 can be facilitated by means of a press fit, friction fit, compression of the projection 24 by the locking recess 34, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the separation of dispenser flap 20 from dispenser panel 18 along cut 23 forms dispenser opening 40, with the edge 42 of dispenser panel 18 and joint 22 extending along opening 40. Consequently, a user can access the QnhQnn / Qznz / e / YiAi beverage or other liquid inside container C through dispenser opening 40. It shall be understood that the dispenser 16 can be closed by reversing the steps described above, e.g., by uncoupling projection 24 / dispenser flap 20 from the locking recess 34 (e.g., by pulling up dispenser flap 20) and pivoting / folding / flexing dispenser flap 20 at joint 22 towards the opening 40 and at least partially covering dispenser opening 40 with dispenser flap 20.

[0039] As shown, the oblique arrangement of the hinge 22 with respect to the centerline CL and the positioning of the locking recess 34 at a location separate from the centerline CL provides what is necessary for the movement of the dispenser flap 20 away from the centerline CL when the dispenser 16 is opened. In this respect, when the projection 24 is engaged / embedded at least partially within the locking recess 34, the dispenser flap 20 is separated from the centerline CL and positioned below the dispenser panel 18. As shown in Figure 7, the upper surface 26 of the projection 24 can generally extend at an angle α with respect to the centerline CL, where 0° < α < 90°. In one embodiment, the hinge 22 can also extend at an angle θ with respect to the centerline CL.

[0040] Such arrangement of the dispenser flap 20 separate from the centerline CL and / or below the dispenser panel 18 provides the dispenser panel 18 as the highest surface within the annular ridge 13 to provide improved clearance for a user attaching the lid 10. For example, when the dispenser flap 20 is in the open position and locked in the locking recess 34, the user can place their mouth on the lid 10 close to the dispenser 16 (for example, on portion 17 of the annular ridge 13) and tilt the container C towards themselves in such a way that no portion of the dispenser flap 20, the locking panel 32, and / or the center wall 12 extends above the dispenser panel 18, for example, to avoid contact with one or more of the user's facial features (for example, nose).

[0041] Additionally, or alternatively, the oblique arrangement of the joint 22 with respect to the centerline CL of the lid 10 and the positioning of the locking recess 34 away from the centerline CLD of the lid 10 provides what is necessary for the movement of the dispenser flap 20 along a path that provides a maximized surface of the center wall 12 available for printing, stamping, depressing, or otherwise marking with indications relating to product information, advertising, price coding, and other information, images, or features.In this respect, the arrangement and positioning of the hinge 22, the locking recess 34, and the path along which the dispenser flap 20 moves between open and closed / locked positions are such that they provide improved clearance for user engagement of the lid 10 and increased the surface area available for printing or other markings on the center wall 12, for example, compared to a lid configuration in which a hinge for a dispenser flap and / or a locking feature for the dispenser flap is located along a centerline of the lid. In other words, the dispenser 16, dispenser panel 18, locking panel 32, and locking recess 34 are generally accommodated along the annular ridge 13 of the lid 10 rather than extending into the center of the lid 10.Consequently, the base panel 21 of the center wall 12 can have a more contiguous area, for example, for larger logos or other information or features that would be possible in other modalities where the area is interrupted by the dispenser and / or locking features.

[0042] Any of the features of the different disclosure modes may be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other disclosure modes without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] The containers and / or blanks that form the containers according to this disclosure may be formed, for example, from coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inner and / or outer sides of the blanks may be coated with a clay-filled layer. The clay-filled layer may then be printed with product information, advertising, pricing, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the embodiments described above, the blanks may be constructed from cardboard of a gauge that is heavier and stiffer than ordinary paper.The blanks can also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, heavy paper, or any other material that has suitable properties to allow the container to function at least generally as described in this document. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials into selected panels or panel sections.

[0044] In accordance with the above-described modalities of this disclosure, a fold line may be any substantially linear, though not necessarily straight, feature of weakness that facilitates folding along it. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of this disclosure, fold lines include: a striated line, such as lines formed with a blunt cutting blade, or the like, that creates a flattened portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

[0045] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more portions bonded together by means of glue during assembly of the container embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all forms of adhesives commonly used to secure containers in place.

[0046] The foregoing description illustrates and describes different embodiments of the present disclosure. Since different changes could be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all material contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers different modifications, combinations, and alterations, etc., of the embodiments described above. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but other combinations, modifications, and different settings are contemplated and are within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, in accordance with prior teaching, and / or within relevant experience or knowledge of the art.Furthermore, certain functions and features of each modality can be interchanged and selectively applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated modalities without departing from the scope of disclosure.

Claims

1. A lid for a container, the lid comprising: a central wall; a dispenser comprising a dispenser flap hinged to the central wall and movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration that exposes at least partially a dispenser opening in the central wall, and a projection extending from the dispenser flap; and a locking feature for retaining the dispenser in the open configuration, the locking feature comprising a locking recess in the central wall to receive at least partially the projection, wherein the dispenser opening is located on a centerline of the lid, and the locking recess is separated from the centerline of the lid.

2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the centerline extends through at least a portion of the dispenser fin when the dispenser is in the closed configuration.

3. The lid according to claim 2, wherein the dispenser fin is connected to the center wall along a joint that extends in an oblique direction with respect to the centerline.

4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser fin is separated from the centerline when the projection is received at least partially in the locking recess.

5. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises a dispenser panel supported above a center wall base panel, and the dispenser flap can be separated from the dispenser panel.

6. The lid according to claim 5, wherein the locking feature extends into a locking panel and is supported above the center wall base panel, the dispenser panel includes a downward-extending step, and the locking panel intersects with the downward-extending step.

7. The lid according to claim 6, further comprising an annular ridge extending upwards from the center wall, wherein the dispenser panel is a higher surface within the annular ridge when the dispenser is in the open configuration and the projection is received at least partially in the locking recess.

8. The lid according to claim 5, wherein the dispenser panel, the locking panel, and the center wall base panel are in a staggered arrangement.

9. The lid according to claim 5, further comprising an annular ridge extending upwards from the center wall, wherein the locking feature extends into a locking panel extending along at least a portion of the annular ridge.

10. The lid according to claim 1, further comprising an annular skirt extending downwards from the center wall and an annular ridge extending upwards from the center wall.

11. A method for forming a lid for a container, the method comprising: forming a center wall, a dispenser, and a locking feature for maintaining the dispenser in an open configuration: the dispenser comprises a dispenser flap hinged to the center wall and movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, exposing at least partially a dispenser opening in the center wall, and a projection extending from the dispenser flap, wherein the dispenser opening is located on a centerline of the lid; and the locking feature comprises a locking recess in the center wall to receive at least partially the projection, wherein forming the center wall, the dispenser, and the locking feature comprises forming the locking recess at a location separate from the centerline of the lid.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the dispenser fin is connected to the center wall along a joint that extends in an oblique direction with respect to the centerline.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the formation of the center wall, the dispenser, and the locking feature comprises forming a dispenser panel of the dispenser supported above a base panel of the center wall, and the dispenser flap can be separated from the dispenser panel.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the formation of the center wall, the dispenser, and the locking feature comprises forming the locking feature in a locking panel supported above the base panel of the center wall, the dispenser panel includes a downward-extending step, and the locking panel intersects with the downward-extending step.

15. A container assembly comprising a lid coupled to a container, the lid comprising: a center wall; an annular skirt extending downwards with respect to the center wall and along at least a portion of the container; an annular ridge extending upwards from the center wall; a dispenser comprising a dispenser fin hinged to the center wall and a projection extending from the dispenser fin, the dispenser fin extending along at least a portion of a centerline of the lid when the dispenser fin is in a closed configuration; and a locking feature for maintaining the dispenser in an open configuration, the locking feature comprising a locking recess for receiving at least partially the projection, wherein the locking recess is separated from the centerline of the lid.

16. The container assembly according to claim 15, wherein the dispenser fin is connected to the center wall along a joint extending in an oblique direction with respect to the centerline.

17. The container assembly according to claim 15, wherein the dispenser comprises a dispenser panel supported above a center wall base panel, and the dispenser fin is separable from the dispenser panel. QnhQnn / Qznz / e / YiAi 18. The container assembly according to claim 17, wherein the locking feature extends into a locking panel and is supported above the center wall base panel, and the dispenser panel, the locking panel, and the center wall base panel are in a staggered arrangement.

19. A method for forming a container assembly, comprising: 5 obtaining a lid comprising: a center wall; an annular skirt extending downwards with respect to the center wall; an annular ridge extending upwards from the center wall; a dispenser comprising a dispenser fin hinged to the center wall 10 and a projection extending from the dispenser fin, wherein the dispenser fin extends along at least a portion of a centerline of the lid when the dispenser fin is in a closed configuration; and a locking feature for maintaining the dispenser in an open configuration, the locking feature comprising a locking recess for receiving at least partially the projection, wherein the locking recess is separated from the centerline of the lid;and attach the lid to an upper portion of the container in such a way that the annular skirt extends along at least a portion of the container.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the dispenser fin is connected to the center wall along a joint extending obliquely with respect to the centerline. 20 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the dispenser comprises a dispenser panel supported above a center wall base panel, and the dispenser flap can be separated from the dispenser panel.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the locking feature extends into a locking panel and is supported above the center wall base panel, the dispenser panel includes a downward-extending 2.5 step, the locking panel intersects the downward-extending step, and the dispenser panel is a higher surface within the annular ridge when the dispenser is in the open configuration and the projection is received at least partially in the locking recess.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the locking feature extends in a locking panel that extends along at least a portion of the annular ridge.

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