Universal Lids and Methods for Making and Using the Same

Abstract

Universal lids, as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided. Universal lids of the invention are compliant and to accommodate multiple different sizes of containers, such that they may effectively cover at least two different containers that differ from each other in terms of size of the opening of the container. In certain embodiments, the lids are fabricated from a compliant material. In certain embodiments, the lids include an undercut. Embodiments of the lids include one or more of a detector component, e.g., for detecting temperature, time, etc.; a gas permeable component, e.g., for allowing certain gases to pass into and out of the sealed container; etc.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e), this application claims priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 027,026 filed Feb. 7, 2008, the disclosure of which application is herein incorporated by reference.INTRODUCTION[0002]It is often desirable to employ reusable containers in a variety of applications, including food preparation and storage, as well as storage of non-food items. When using such containers, it is often desirable to employ a lid, i.e., a cover, for the container, where the lid serves to keep the item in the container, and can be configured to maintain freshness, or otherwise protect the contained item.[0003]However, an effective lid must be matched to the container to work. As such, lids must be configured to a particular container in order to be used with that container.[0004]Because of the multitude of different types of containers having different dimensions, this makes providing a lid for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0002]It is often desirable to employ reusable containers in a variety of applications, including food preparation and storage, as well as storage of non-food items. When using such containers, it is often desirable to employ a lid, i.e., a cover, for the container, where the lid serves to keep the item in the container, and can be configured to maintain freshness, or otherwise protect the contained item.

[0006]The Universal Lids described herein provide benefits for storage including ease-of-use with a broad range of house-hold containers, flexibility and compliance with any shaped container, a deep vacuum (e.g., FIG. 3 item 30) seal that holds under a variety of storage conditions, a vivid color change indicating storage temperature conditions and built in short-term timing to warn for refrigeration or immediate use, gas permeability and / or adsorption capabilities. The lid can be used with solid and liquids, is dishwasher safe, can withstand microwave or freezer temperatures, and is constructed with components that are considered safe for direct contact with foods. Various molded features can be incorporated into the product to provide additional features including but not limited to structural performance, increased vacuum levels, and enhanced thermal time-temperate indication.

Problems solved by technology

Because of the multitude of different types of containers having different dimensions, this makes providing a lid for each possible container impractical.

Furthermore, over time lids configured for a particular container can be lost.

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