Flexible lid with opposable tabs and unique cutback securing feature

Abstract

A flexible lid with opposable tabs constructed from a pliable plastic or rubber compound. The lid incorporates a wall that extends for the entire circumference of the lid that consists of an angular cut back area which creates securing means for a container of similar diameter. Opposable tabs are incorporate to ease in the removal of the lid from a container for reuse. Tabs may also be used to assist in securing and gripping the lid.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003] Not Applicable TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION [0004] The present invention relates generally to a flexible lid comprising opposable tabs to assist in securing and removing the lid from a container. The lid is constructed from a pliable plastic or rubber compound for use on metal containers to slow the oxidation or rust process and to protect other surfaces from damage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] Previously, many types of container bases and lids have been used to solve varying problems incorporating many different designs. Such lids suffer from a number of short comings and while some lids have been created to alter the base supports to assist in better stacking possibilities or reduce the chance of the container tipping over, other substantial problems have been ignored by the prior art. One such problem is the use of metal contai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention solves this problem by creating a lid that is positioned on the bottom of a container. The lid is made from a flexible plastic or rubber product that cannot rust. One means of connecting the lid to the container is the compression or tension force of placing the flexible lid over a container that is slightly larger in size than the lid in its relaxed position. Additionally, incorporated in to the walls of the lid is a cutback feature that allows the lid to connect to the bottom of a container that consists of a lip or rolled edge. The cutback area creates an interlocking hold on the containers lip or bottom portion in addition to the compression forces previously mentioned and provides for an extra secure attachment to the container. To facilitate removal and attachment of the lid opposable tabs are provided to give the user a better hold on the lid.

Problems solved by technology

Such lids suffer from a number of short comings and while some lids have been created to alter the base supports to assist in better stacking possibilities or reduce the chance of the container tipping over, other substantial problems have been ignored by the prior art.

One such problem is the use of metal containers that are made from metals that are not resistant to moisture and water resulting in rust or other oxidation processes that cause them to deteriorate or damage the surfaces on which they are placed.

The method of coating cans has many practical and engineering flaws.

This causes the metal coating to become removed in many small areas due to scratching or other abrasive conditions involved in typical use of a metal container.

When the coating is removed, even in small areas, the metal is then exposed to the environment and will rust with exposure to air, moisture, or water which damages the can and can lead to damage to any surface the can may be resting on or come in to contact with in the future.

As a practical issue, coating metal cans is inconsistently used in the market place.

For example, not all manufacturers of shaving gels used or stored in a bathroom environment offer coated metal cans.

Additionally, the use of such coatings has not spread to cleaning supplies that are often stored in bathroom environments.

Consumers are faced with confusion as to whether their metal container they purchased will rust and if it will cause damage to the surface where it is stored and any surfaces it may come into contact with.

When place in this type of environment, these metal containers often rust and cause either temporary or permanent damage to the surfaces on which they are placed or those in which they may contact.

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