Container lid

Abstract

A container lid which seals about a peripheral lip contacting a corresponding container is disclosed. A flexible material, such as a silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or the like, is attached to at least a peripheral lip formed in a flexible substrate, such as a flexible metal or plastic material, having a first and second surface. The peripheral lip includes notches or slots to create individual sections in the lip to allow inward and outward flexing of the sections. When fitted to a container, the coated flexible substrate forms a seal between the container and the container lid. Preferably, the flexible substrate is formed in such a way that it is bi-stable, thus capable of existing in either a convex or concave state. In one embodiment of the container lid the flexible substrate includes a plurality of grasping teeth (i.e., specialized flexing sections) distributed about the periphery of the flexible substrate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12 / 291,700, filed Nov. 26, 2009, which claims the filing priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 128,723 filed on Jun. 23, 2008. Each application is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present device relates to a container assembly including a container and a container lid. Specifically, the present device relates to a flexible container lid coated with a flexible material which secures container contents by forming a seal between the container and the periphery of the container lid while allowing for ease of access to the contents upon activation of the lid by a user.BACKGROUND[0003]Container lids are common devices designed to enclose containers, preserving freshness of foodstuffs, hiding contents from view, or preventing spillage of contents. Unfortunately, however, many container lids—by virtue of their ability to form a seal with the containers—are d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]There is disclosed herein an improved container lid which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages. Generally speaking, the lid includes a flexible material held to a flexible substrate, such as a flexible steel or plastic, having first and second opposing surfaces and a peripheral lip. When fitted to a container, the coated flexible substrate forms a seal between a sidewall of the container and the periphery of the container lid.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, however, many container lids—by virtue of their ability to form a seal with the containers—are difficult to remove.

Such container lids require the user to separate the container and lid with two hands, or even pry the lid from the container, potentially jeopardizing the structural integrity of the container and lid.

Alternatively, a container lid which fails to successfully form a seal with the container may too easily become detached, even upon a user's inadvertent contact with the lid.

Such detachability can cause frustration when the container's contents spill.

Further, a dislodged container lid can cause spoilage of edible contents, or allow impurities to enter the container and contaminate contents.

In some instances, even where a container lid is properly in place but no seal is formed with the container, air, moisture, dust, or other impurities may seep into the container—the presence of which may significantly degrade the quality of the container's contents.

Images