Cap with low-friction sealing structure

Abstract

A container includes a lid and a base. The cover includes a cover rim and a skirt extending downwardly from the cover rim. The base includes a base rim and a base flange extending outwardly from the base rim. The skirt overlaps the base flange when the container is in a closed configuration, and the skirt includes a sealing ring that engages the base flange to seal the lid to the base in the closed configuration. A plurality of grooves are formed in the seal ring that mitigate concentration of friction between the seal ring and the base flange when a force is applied to separate the cover from the base.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,252, filed on November 3, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved resealable food or beverage container, and more particularly to a food or beverage container with a lid having an improved friction - sealing structure that facilitates reducing the friction force at a specific location between the sealing member of the lid and the base of the container for easier opening and / or closing of the container. Background Art

[0004] Containers for storing materials (e.g., food or beverages) that include a base and a removable lid are known. In some known containers, the base includes a peripheral lip, and the lid includes a skirt that extends along its periphery. When the base and the lid are joined together to enclose the container, the skirt of the lid extends over the base lip. The skirt includes an inwardly projecting sealing ring that sealingly engages the base lip such that the container remains in a closed configuration during its transportation. The lid may also include a tab that projects outwardly from the skirt, which enables the lid to be detached from the base by a pulling or pushing force for accessing the interior of the container when needed.

[0005] However, conventionally, the frictional force between the sealing ring of the lid and the base lip is so large that the force (e.g., pulling or pushing force) applied to the tab of the lid is not sufficient to remove the lid without causing clamping reaction forces at certain positions between the lid and the base. Specifically, when a force (e.g., pulling up the tab) is applied to the tab to attempt to remove the lid, the frictional force between the sealing ring and the base lip concentrates in the area of the sealing ring near the tab (referred to as the "pinch point"). The concentrated frictional force at these pinch points makes it difficult for the user to remove the lid by simply applying a force to the tab. To overcome the concentrated frictional force at these pinch points, the user must awkwardly apply force to other areas of the lid and / or the base to remove the lid from the base. Thus, when the user attempts to access the interior of the container by removing the lid from the base, this often damages the lid (which may be made of a plastic material), causes an undesired movement of the material inside the container, the material may spill when the lid is removed from the base, and / or the user is frustrated due to the inconvenient force required to remove the lid.

[0006] There is a need for a container that can easily seal the base and the removable lid together to enclose the container, facilitate keeping the base and the lid sealed together during transportation of the closed container, and facilitate simple and user - friendly unsealing of the container and detaching the lid from the base. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, a container includes a lid and a base. The lid includes a lid rim and a skirt extending downwardly from the lid rim. The base includes a base rim and a base flange extending outwardly from the base rim. When the container is in a closed configuration, the skirt overlaps the base flange, and the skirt includes a sealing ring that engages the base flange in the closed configuration to seal the lid to the base. A plurality of grooves are formed in the sealing ring, and these grooves can relieve the concentration of frictional force between the sealing ring and the base flange when a force is applied to separate the lid from the base.

[0008] In another aspect, a container lid includes a lid rim, a skirt, a lid flange, and a tab. The lid rim is sized and shaped to mate with / complement the base rim of a container base. The skirt extends downwardly from the lid rim to each of the lid flange and the tab. Both the lid flange and the tab extend outwardly from the skirt. A first portion of the skirt extends downwardly between the lid rim and a contact area of the skirt. The contact area is formed along the skirt at a position that engages the base flange of the base. A second portion of the skirt extends downwardly from the contact area to the lid flange and the tab. The second portion defines an inwardly extending sealing ring. A plurality of grooves are formed in the inwardly extending sealing ring.

[0009] Advantages will be more clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments shown and described by way of example. It should be recognized that the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in other different embodiments, and the details can be modified in various aspects. Therefore, the drawings and the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Description of the Drawings

[0010] The drawings described below depict various aspects of the devices disclosed herein. It should be understood that each drawing depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed device, and each drawing is intended to be consistent with its possible embodiments. Additionally, where possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following drawings, and features depicted in multiple drawings are denoted by consistent reference numerals.

[0011] Several arrangements currently under discussion are shown in the drawings, but it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the exact arrangements and implementations shown, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing an exemplary container in a closed configuration, wherein the lid of the container is coupled to the base of the container;

[0013] Figure 2 is a left side perspective view of the exemplary container in Figure 1 in a closed configuration;

[0014] Figure 3 is a view showing the exemplary container in a closed configuration Figure 1Right perspective view of an exemplary container in;

[0015] Figure 4 is a front view showing an exemplary container in an open configuration Figure 1 wherein the lid is separated from the base;

[0016] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a separate front view of the base of an exemplary container in;

[0017] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a separate front perspective view of the lid of an exemplary container in;

[0018] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a separate left side view of the lid of an exemplary container in;

[0019] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a separate right side view of the lid of an exemplary container in;

[0020] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a separate left perspective view of the lid of an exemplary container in, showing details inside the lid;

[0021] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a separate right perspective view of the lid of an exemplary container in, showing details inside the lid;

[0022] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the lid and base of an exemplary container in an open configuration Figure 1 showing details of the sealing features of the lid and base;

[0023] Figure 12 is a right cross-sectional view of an exemplary container in a closed configuration Figure 1 in;

[0024] Figure 13 is Figure 12 an enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C1 in;

[0025] Figure 14 is Figure 12 an enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C2 in;

[0026] Figure 15A - 15C shows the structure of details during removal of the lid from the base to open the Figure 1 container in; Figure 14 ;

[0027] Figure 16is a front perspective view of another exemplary container shown in a closed configuration, where the lid of the container is attached to the base of the container;

[0028] Figure 17 is Figure 16 a front right perspective view of the lid of the container in;

[0029] Figure 18 is Figure 16 a top plan view of the lid of the container in;

[0030] Figure 19 is Figure 16 a bottom plan view of the lid of the container in;

[0031] Figure 20 is Figure 16 a front right view of the lid of the container in;

[0032] Figure 21 is Figure 16 a rear view of the lid of the container in;

[0033] Figure 22 is Figure 16 a front left view of the lid of the container in;

[0034] Figure 23A is of the container in a closed configuration Figure 16 a partial cross-sectional view of the container in;

[0035] Figure 23B is Figure 23A an enlarged view of the cross-sectional circle C3 in;

[0036] Figure 24 is a front perspective view of another exemplary container shown in a closed configuration, where the lid of the container is attached to the base of the container;

[0037] Figure 25 is Figure 24 a front right perspective view of the lid of the container in;

[0038] Figure 26 is Figure 24 a top plan view of the lid of the container in;

[0039] Figure 27 is Figure 24 a bottom plan view of the lid of the container in;

[0040] Figure 28 is Figure 24 a front right view of the lid of the container in;

[0041] Figure 29 is Figure 24 a rear view of the lid of the container in;

[0042] Figure 30 is Figure 24 a front left view of the lid of the container in

[0043] Figure 31A a closed configuration; Figure 24 a partial cross-sectional view of the container in

[0044] Figure 31B is Figure 31A an enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C4 in

[0045] Figure 32 a front perspective view of another exemplary container shown in a closed configuration, where the lid of the container is attached to the base of the container;

[0046] Figure 33 is Figure 32 a front right perspective view of the lid of the container in

[0047] Figure 34 is Figure 32 a top plan view of the lid of the container in

[0048] Figure 35 is Figure 32 a bottom plan view of the lid of the container in

[0049] Figure 36 is Figure 32 a front right view of the lid of the container in

[0050] Figure 37 is Figure 32 a rear view of the lid of the container in

[0051] Figure 38 is Figure 32 a front left view of the lid of the container in

[0052] Figure 39A a closed configuration; Figure 32 a partial cross-sectional view of the container in

[0053] Figure 39B is Figure 39A an enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C5 in

[0054] Figure 40 a front perspective view of another exemplary container shown in a closed configuration, where the lid of the container is attached to the base of the container;

[0055] Figure 41 is Figure 40 a front perspective view of the container in Figure 40 showing a domed pull tab replacing the

[0056] Figure 42is a front perspective view showing another exemplary container in a closed configuration, where the lid of the container is attached to the base of the container; and

[0057] Figure 43 is Figure 42 a front perspective view of the container in, where a domed pull tab is shown instead of Figure 42 the flat pull tab in.

[0058] The corresponding reference numerals used for the various parts in the figures represent the corresponding components. The drawings depict only the preferred embodiments for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the devices shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Detailed Description

[0059] Figures 1 - 4 An exemplary container 100 for storing materials (e.g., beverages or food) is shown. The container 100 includes a base 200 and a lid 300. The base 200 and / or the lid 300 may be made of molded fiber materials (e.g., recycled newspapers or cardboard, bio-based resins or plant fibers such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husks, wheat straw, and / or PLA or PHA fibers). Additionally or alternatively, the base 200 and / or the lid 300 may be made of one or more resin or plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). In some embodiments, the base 200 and the lid 300 may be made of molded fiber materials respectively. In some embodiments, the base 200 and the lid 300 may be made of one or more resin or plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) respectively. The base 200 and / or the lid 300 formed of resin or plastic materials may be formed by thermoforming, blow molding, or injection molding. The container 100 may have any suitable shape and size, depending on the specific use of the container 100 (e.g., the type and / or quantity of materials desired to be stored in the container 100). For example, the container 100 may be sized and shaped to hold takeout food, beverages, condiments, etc., and may be sized and shaped to hold single or multiple servings.

[0060] When the container 100 is in a closed configuration (as Figures 1 - 3 shown), the lid 300 is attached to the base 200 (e.g., mounted on the base 200). When the container 100 is in an open configuration (as Figure 4When the lid 300 is separated from the base 200 (as shown), the base 200 includes a bottom plate 202 which, when the container 100 is in use, defines the bottom of the container 100 and which rests on a surface (e.g., a tabletop) that can be considered horizontal for the user of the container 100. During the description, in order to provide a reference system for the container 100, the characteristic structures of the container may be described as "extending horizontally" or "extending vertically". The horizontal and vertical extensions of the characteristic structures are with respect to the axis A1 defined by the container 100 in the closed configuration, which extends through the centers of the base 200 and the lid 300. It should be understood that these expressions are only for description purposes, only for conveniently and clearly describing the illustrated embodiments. Similarly, terms such as "outer", "peripheral", "outward", "upper", "inner", "inward", "upward", "downward", etc. are only for descriptive purposes. These terms should not be construed as imposing any limitation in any sense on the specific orientation of the container 100 and the characteristic structures described herein.

[0061] The base 200 includes a bottom plate 202 and a base sidewall 204 extending upward from the bottom plate 202. The base sidewall 204 and the bottom plate 202 define an internal space 206 of the base 200, which is sized and shaped to receive the material stored in the container 100. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the base sidewall 204 extends upward from the bottom plate 202 to a base edge 208 that projects outward from the base sidewall 204. The base edge 208 surrounds the sidewall 204 and is adapted to the shape of the internal space 206 defined by the sidewall 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the base edge 208 is generally circular. In other embodiments, the base edge 208 may have any shape (e.g., square, rectangular, oblong or other shape) adapted to the desired shape of the internal space 206 of the base 200. A rim wall 210 extends downward from the base edge 208 and terminates at a base flange 212. The rim wall 210 extends between the base edge 208 and the base flange 212 for a length L1 (as Figure 11 shown). The base flange 212 projects outward from the rim wall 210 beyond the base edge 208. As described in further detail herein, the base flange 212 engages the lid 300 and enables the lid 300 to be releasably sealed to the base 200.

[0062] The lid 300 includes a top 302 and a lid sidewall 304 extending downward from the top 302. The lid sidewall 304 and the top 302 define an internal space 306 of the lid 300. The top 302 defines the inner top surface of the container 100, and when the base 200 and the lid 300 are sealed together, the internal space 306 of the lid 300 increases the volume inside the container 100 in the closed configuration ( Figures 1 - 3)。The lid sidewall 304 extends between the top 302 and the lid rim 308 that projects outward from the lid sidewall 304. The length of the lid sidewall 304 extending between the top 302 and the lid rim 308 determines the size (volume) of the internal space 306 of the lid 300. In some embodiments, the lid sidewall 304 may be shorter than that shown in the illustrated embodiment, or may not be present on the lid 300 at all, depending on the application. For example, in certain containers, the lid 300 may not increase the volume of the container in the closed configuration (e.g., the internal space 206 of the base 200 substantially defines the internal volume of the container 100 in the closed configuration). The lid rim 308 surrounds the lid sidewall 304 and is shaped to fit the shape of the base rim 208. In the present embodiment, the base rim 208 is circular (but can be other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oblong, or other shapes that fit the shape of the base rim 208).

[0063] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, the mating surfaces of the lid rim 308 and the base rim 208 contact in a face-to-face manner. The skirt 310 extends downward from the lid rim 308 and terminates at the lid flange 312. The length of the skirt 310 extending between the lid rim 308 and the lid flange 312 is L2 (as Figure 11 shown). The lid flange 312 projects outward from the downwardly extending skirt 310 beyond the lid rim 308. The lid 300 further includes a pull tab 314 that extends outward and is formed along a portion of the lid flange 312 and projects outward beyond the rest of the lid flange 312. The pull tab 314 enables a user to grasp a portion of the lid 300 to remove the lid 300 from the base 200 and open the container 100.

[0064] The length of the skirt 310 extending is length L2, which is greater than the length L1 of the edge wall 210 of the base. When the container 100 is in the closed configuration and the mating surfaces of the base rim 208 and the lid rim 308 contact in a face-to-face manner (as Figure 13 and 14 shown), since the length L1 is greater than L2, the skirt 310 extends downward a longer length than the edge wall 210 of the base. Therefore, the skirt 310 overlaps the outwardly projecting base flange 212.

[0065] The skirt 310 has as Figure 13The geometry shown and described in more detail below, when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, is conducive to a sealed engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 overlapped by the skirt 310. The geometry of the skirt 310 thus enables the base 200 and the lid 300 to remain sealed together until an externally applied force pushes the lid 300 away from the base 200 (e.g., by a user pulling or pushing the tab 314). In particular, the skirt 310 has an "S-shaped" profile when extending between the lid edge 308 and the lid flange 312, and the portion of the skirt 310 near the lid flange 312 forms an inwardly extending sealing ring 316. The sealing ring 316 extends circumferentially along the skirt 310 near the lid flange 312. The sealing ring 316 helps to maintain the engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 under an external force that pushes the lid 300 upward to maintain the seal between the base 200 and the lid 300. The frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 prevents the lid 300 and the base 200 from being easily separated unless a sufficiently large and properly targeted force is applied externally to remove the lid 300 from the base 200.

[0066] In this exemplary embodiment, the seal ring 316 is formed by folding or bending the skirt portion 310 inwardly towards the circumferential extension of the lid flange 312. Additionally, a series of recesses 318 may be formed in the seal ring 316. Each recess 318 may be formed by "punching" a portion of the seal ring 316 outwardly, and interrupts the seal ring 316 as the seal ring 316 extends circumferentially along the skirt portion 310. When the container 100 is in a closed configuration, a void space is defined between the skirt portion 310 and the base flange 212 at each recess 318. In other words, the seal ring 316 is made discontinuous by the series of recesses 318, and the seal ring 316 is defined by a plurality of connecting segments 319, each connecting segment 319 extending between an adjacent pair of recesses 318. The series of recesses 318 may be equally spaced circumferentially along the seal ring 316, that is, each connecting segment 319 extends the same length between a corresponding pair of adjacent recesses 318. In an alternative embodiment, the seal ring 316 may be formed by a series of recesses 318, where each recess 318 is formed by punching inwardly a portion of the skirt portion 310 adjacent to the lid flange 312, such that the series of recesses 318 form a series of circumferentially distributed inwardly extending protrusions, each protrusion contributing to maintaining the engagement between the skirt portion 310 and the base flange 212 under an external force that pushes the lid 300 upward to maintain the seal between the base 200 and the lid 300. In other words, the seal ring 316 is not defined by the connecting segments 319 extending between pairs of adjacent outwardly punched recesses 318, but rather the seal ring 316 may be defined by the inwardly punched recesses 318 in the skirt portion 310, and when the container 100 is in a closed configuration, the connecting segments 319 extending between pairs of adjacent recesses 318 may define a void space between the skirt portion 310 and the base flange 212. The seal ring 316 may be formed in various alternative ways to enable the lid 300 to perform the functions described herein.

[0067] When a user desires to open the container 100 (e.g., transition the container 100 from Figures 1 - 3 the closed configuration shown to Figure 4 the open configuration shown) to access the material stored within the container 100, the user may apply a force (e.g., a pulling or pushing force) to the lid 300 (e.g., to the tab 314 extending outwardly from the lid skirt 310) to remove the lid 300 from the base 200. When the force is applied to the tab 314, the material forming the lid 300 (e.g., a thermoplastic material such as PETE) causes the portion of the skirt portion 310 adjacent to the lid edge 308 to deform, such that the applied force can overcome the frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 and release the lid 300 from the base 200.

[0068] In response to a force applied to the tab 314 to remove the lid 300 from the base 200, the frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 may concentrate along the region of the skirt 310 near the tab 314 (“pinch point”). The concentrated frictional force at these pinch points may make it difficult for a user to remove the lid 300 from the base 200 by applying a force only to the tab 314, which may cause damage to the container 100 when the user attempts to pry the lid 300 off the base 200 or apply a force to other regions of the container 100 (e.g., to the base 200), or may undesirably cause food to move inside and / or outside the container 100 when the user attempts to open the container 100. In an exemplary embodiment, when the container 100 is in a closed configuration, the recess 318 defines a void space between the skirt 310 and the base flange, and the recess 318 may be sized and positioned to reduce the overall frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 while maintaining the sealing integrity between the lid 300 and the base 200 (e.g., the sealing engagement between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212). Even though the recess 318 is formed in the seal ring 316, pinch points are still formed along the skirt 310 when attempting to remove the lid 300 from the base 200.

[0069] In view of these drawbacks, the exemplary container 100 includes features that enable the lid 300 to be more easily removed from the base 200 by eliminating the pinch points along the skirt 310 while maintaining the sealing integrity between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 when the container 100 is in a closed configuration. In particular, an elongated recess / groove 320 (or “pressure relief groove / boss”) is formed in the seal ring 316, which can relieve the concentration of the frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 when a force is applied to remove the lid 300 from the base 200. The elongated groove 320 in this exemplary embodiment is arcuate along the circular seal ring 316 and may also be referred to as the arcuate groove 320. The groove 320 is not limited to being arcuate, and its shape may vary according to the shapes of the lid 300 and the base 200.

[0070] Arc-shaped grooves 320 are formed in regions along the sealing ring 316 where frictional forces may concentrate when the sealing ring 316 engages with the base flange 212 in response to a force (e.g., a pulling or pushing force) applied to the tab 314. The dimensions (e.g., the radian value) of the arc-shaped grooves 320, the locations on the sealing ring 316 where the arc-shaped grooves 320 are formed, and the number of arc-shaped grooves 320 formed can vary according to various factors, such as the size and shape of the container 100, the number of tabs 314 formed along the lid flange 312, and the amount of friction generated between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212. The locations and number of arc-shaped grooves 320 suitable for enabling the container 100 to function as described herein are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The number, location, and radian value of the arc-shaped grooves 320 can vary in many ways, and the illustrated and described embodiments represent one suitable variation and are intended to convey the advantages of the subject matter described herein to those skilled in the art. The number, location, and radian value of the arc-shaped grooves 320 may also be affected by and determined by the choice of material used for the lid 300 and the mechanical properties (e.g., its stiffness and elasticity) of the selected material.

[0071] The arc-shaped grooves 320 are elongated recessed regions formed in the sealing ring 316 or in elongated regions along the skirt 310 where the sealing ring 316 is not formed, which reduce or eliminate the engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 when removing the lid 300 from the base 200. In this exemplary embodiment, the arc-shaped grooves 320 are formed by stamping out the arc-shaped portion of the sealing ring 316 outwardly. In addition to the outwardly stamped recesses 318, the arc-shaped grooves 320 can also be formed, or the arc-shaped grooves 320 can be formed in the sealing ring 316 without forming the outwardly stamped recesses 318. It should be understood that the arc-shaped grooves 320 can be formed in a manner similar to the outwardly stamped recesses 318, provided that the length of the arc-shaped grooves 320 extending along the skirt 310 is greater than that of each recess 318. For example, the length of a single arc-shaped groove 320 extending along the skirt 310 can be equal to or greater than the length traversed by a pair of adjacent recesses 318 and the connecting section 319 extending between the pair of adjacent recesses 318, or the length of a single arc-shaped groove 320 can be equal to or greater than the length traversed by multiple pairs of adjacent recesses 318 and the connecting sections 319 extending between each pair of adjacent recesses 318. For example, the length of the arc-shaped grooves 320 extending along the skirt 310 can be equal to or greater than the length traversed by two pairs of adjacent recesses 318 and two connecting sections 319, each connecting section extending between a pair of adjacent recesses among the two pairs of adjacent recesses.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, when the sealing ring 316 is formed by a series of inwardly stamped recesses 318 in the skirt 310, each arcuate groove 320 can be an elongate region of the skirt 310 where no recesses 318 are formed, which breaks the continuity of the series of recesses 318 and thus the continuity of the sealing ring 316. In other words, the length that the arcuate groove 320 extends between a pair of adjacent inwardly stamped recesses is greater than the length that the connecting section 319 extending between other pairs of adjacent inwardly stamped recesses 318 traverses. To form the arcuate groove 320 in these embodiments, when forming the sealing ring 316 by a series of inwardly stamped recesses 318 along the skirt 310, the stamping can be paused along an elongate region of the skirt 310 that has an appropriate length corresponding to the desired length of the arcuate groove 320. For example, the arcuate groove 320 can be formed by pausing the stamping at one or more locations where an inwardly stamped recess 318 would otherwise be formed. For example, the arcuate groove 320 can be formed by pausing the stamping at two adjacent locations, three adjacent locations, four adjacent locations, five adjacent locations, six adjacent locations, seven adjacent locations, or eight adjacent locations where an inwardly stamped recess 318 would otherwise be formed. Additionally or alternatively, the arcuate groove 320 can also be formed after the sealing ring 316 is formed by a series of continuous inwardly stamped recesses 318 by outwardly stamping one or more of the inwardly stamped recesses 318 to remove a desired number of recesses 318 from the skirt 310, thereby forming an elongate region of the skirt 310 where no inwardly stamped recesses 318 are formed.

[0073] In this exemplary embodiment, three arcuate grooves 320 are formed in the sealing ring 316 (i.e., three elongated regions are formed along the skirt 310, and each region reduces or eliminates the engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 when the lid 300 is removed from the base). Each formed arcuate groove 320 may have the same size (i.e., the same radian value) or may have different sizes. Appropriately, the arcuate groove 320 has a certain radian value such that the arcuate groove 320 can relieve the concentration of frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 at the position where the arcuate groove is formed. The arcuate groove 320 also has a radian value that is not too large such that the presence of the arcuate groove 320 does not impair the integrity of the sealing engagement between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212. That is, when an external force is applied (e.g., a pulling or pushing force on the tab 314), the arcuate groove 320 helps relieve the concentration of frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 and maintains an appropriate engagement between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 such that when the container 100 is in a closed configuration, an external force is still required to remove the lid 300 from the base 200. Appropriately, the radian value of the arcuate groove 320 is greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In some embodiments, the radian value of the arcuate groove 320 is about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°. Suitable radian values of the arcuate groove 320 may include any value or sub-range of values within the listed ranges. The radian value of each arcuate groove 320 refers to the angle defined by the arcuate groove 320 at the center of the lid 300 (i.e., where the axis A1 intersects the lid 300). The arc length of each arcuate groove 320 can be determined by multiplying the total circumference of the skirt 310 by the ratio of the radian value of the arcuate groove 320 to 360°.

[0074] Each of the three arcuate grooves 320 is formed at a position where frictional force concentration may occur when an external force is applied to the tab 314. For ease of describing their respective positions, in Figure 9 and Figure 10Among them, the three arc-shaped grooves 320 are respectively labeled as 320a, 320b, and 320c. As shown in the figure, the first arc-shaped groove among the three arc-shaped grooves 320a is formed along the sealing ring 316 at a position complementary to the position where the tab 314 is formed on the lid flange 312. The arc-shaped groove 320a formed at this position can reduce the frictional force acting on this point when the user applies a force (for example, pulling or pushing the tab 314) to remove the lid 300 from the base 200. The other two arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c are formed on the sealing ring 316 in a mirror image relationship on both sides of the first arc-shaped groove 320a. These two arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c are equidistantly spaced from the first arc-shaped groove 320a along the sealing ring 316. The positions where the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c are formed relative to the first arc-shaped groove 320a on the sealing ring 316 can correspond to the "pinch point" positions along the sealing ring 316, where, as described above, the frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 is concentrated. Therefore, when the user applies a force (for example, pulling or pushing the tab 314) to attempt to remove the lid 300 from the base 200, the positions of the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c may change according to the positions where the frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 is concentrated.

[0075] In this exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first arc-shaped groove 320a and each of the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c can span a radian value greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In certain embodiments, the radian value spanned between adjacent arc-shaped grooves 320 is about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°. The suitable radian values spanned between adjacent arc-shaped grooves 320 can include any value or sub-range of values within the listed value ranges. Each radian value spanned between adjacent arc-shaped grooves 320 is measured by the above method and is measured as the distance that the sealing ring 316 extends without the arc-shaped grooves 320 being formed.

[0076] Referring to Figures 11 - 14 , the characteristic structures of the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 that are conducive to sealing engagement are shown in more detail. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the container 100 in the open configuration (as Figure 4 shown), showing the details of the skirt 310 and the base flange 212. Figure 12 is from the right side of the container (asFigure 3 A cross-sectional view of container 100 in a closed configuration as viewed (as shown). Figure 13 is Figure 12 An enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C1 in (figure), showing the sealing engagement details between skirt 310 and base flange 212 at a position where neither recess 318 nor arcuate groove 320 is formed along seal ring 316. Figure 14 is Figure 12 An enlarged view of cross-sectional circle C2 in (figure), showing the sealing engagement details between skirt 310 and base flange 212 at a position where arcuate groove 320a is formed along seal ring 316 and tab 314 is formed on lid flange 312.

[0077] As shown and described above, skirt 310 extends a length L2 between lid edge 308 and lid flange 312, while base edge wall 210 extends a length L1 between base edge 208 and base flange 212 projecting outward from base edge wall 210. Length L2 is greater than length L1, and when the container is in the closed configuration, the mating surfaces of base edge 208 and lid edge 308 contact face-to-face, and skirt 310 overlaps base flange 212 (as Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown).

[0078] Referring to Figure 13 , the geometry of skirt 310 enables it to sealingly engage with base flange 212, which is defined by first segment 322 that extends downward from lid edge 308 at an obtuse angle 332. First segment 322 extends between lid edge 308 and second segment 324. First segment 322 deviates from lid edge 308 at obtuse angle 332 such that the junction 326 between first segment 322 and second segment 324 is located below lid edge 308 and outside lid edge 308. When container 100 is in the closed configuration, junction 326 is also properly located outside base flange 212. Second segment 324 extends downward along skirt 310 from junction 326 to contact area 328. Second segment 324 extends in a slightly arcuate manner such that it curves slightly inward when extending between junction 326 and contact area 328. Thus, contact area 328 is positioned medially relative to junction 326.

[0079] The contact region 328 defines the junction between the second segment 324 and the seal ring 316. The contact region 328 is also the location where the skirt 310 engages the base flange 212. The seal ring 316 extends downward from the contact region 328 to the lid flange 312. The seal ring 316 also extends in an arcuate manner such that the seal ring 316 forms a U-shaped or semi-circular shape between the contact region 328 and the lid flange 312. Thus, when extending downward between the contact region 328 and the lid flange 312, the seal ring 316 first extends inward to the apex 330, and then the seal ring 316 continues to extend downward and extends outward beyond the apex 330 to the lid flange 312. The inward extension of the seal ring 316 between the contact region 328 and the apex 330 enables the seal ring 316 to form a friction fit between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212. Specifically, the base flange 212 engages the skirt 310 at the contact region 328, and the seal ring 316 extending inward from the contact region 328 to the apex 330 forms a friction fit, which helps to keep the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 engaged and keep the lid 300 and the base 200 sealed when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The lid 300 (and the skirt 310) is made of an elastically deformable material, and when sufficient force is applied (e.g., pulling or pushing the tab 314), the skirt 310 can bend outward around the second segment 324, so that the apex 330 can move past the base flange 212 and enable the lid 300 to be removed from the base 200.

[0080] Referring Figure 14 , at the location where the skirt 310 includes an arcuate groove 320 formed in the seal ring 316, the geometry of the skirt 310 helps to reduce the frictional force concentrated along certain regions of the seal ring 316 when a force is applied to try to remove the lid 300 from the base 200 (e.g., when the user pulls or pushes the tab 314). Specifically, the skirt 310 includes a first segment 322 extending from the lid edge 308 to the junction 326, and a second segment 324 extending downward along the skirt 310 from the junction 326 to the contact region 328. The first segment 322 and the second segment 324 define the same geometry of the skirt 310 as described above with reference to Figure 13 where the seal ring 316 does not include an arcuate groove 320. If an arcuate groove 320 is formed in the seal ring 316 (as Figure 14 shown), then the inwardly extending portion of the skirt 310 defined by the seal ring 316 (as Figure 13As shown), it does not exist. Instead, the arcuate groove 320 forms a substantially flat section 334 that extends substantially vertically downward from the contact area 328 to the tab 314. Thus, since there is no inwardly extending section to create friction below the contact area 328, the arcuate groove 320 facilitates reducing the frictional force between the base flange 212 and the skirt 310 at this location. It should be understood that although Figure 14 the cross-section shown shows the section 334 formed by the first arcuate groove 320a, when the arcuate grooves 320b and 320c or any other number of arcuate grooves 320 are formed, the cross-section of the skirt 310 is similar, and in these cross-sections, the arcuate groove 320 forms a substantially flat section 334 that extends between the contact area 328 and the lid flange 312. In some embodiments, the arcuate groove 320 may be formed such that the substantially flat section 334 extends into the second section 324, and the inward extension of the second section 324 terminates at a point outside the contact area 328, thereby removing the contact area 328 from the skirt 310 at the location where the arcuate groove 320 is formed. In other words, when the lid 300 and the base 200 are sealed, the skirt 310 may not contact the base flange 212 at the location where the arcuate groove 320 is formed.

[0081] For further illustration, with additional reference to Figure 15A - 15C , these figures show the sequence in which the lid 300 disengages from the base 200 when a force is applied to the tab 314 (e.g., the user pulls or pushes the tab 314). Figure 15A - 15C It is shown that the arcuate groove 320 formed in the skirt 310 facilitates reducing the frictional force. The flat section 334 formed by the arcuate groove 320 and extending vertically downward from the contact area 328 enables the skirt 310 to move over the base flange 212 in these areas, and the base flange 212 does not significantly impede the upward movement of the skirt 310 and thus the upward movement of the lid 300. It should be understood that although not specifically shown, in the Figure 15A - 15C sequence shown, the sealing ring 316 causes the base flange 212 to impede the upward movement of the skirt 310 in areas along the skirt 310 that do not include the arcuate groove 320 or the recess 318 (e.g., as shown in Figure 13 ), thereby creating friction in these areas. There is no friction in the area where the arcuate groove 320 is formed along the skirt 310, while there is friction between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 in the area where the arcuate groove 320 (and the recess 318) is not formed. The combination of these two cases facilitates improving the friction distribution, reducing or eliminating the "pinch point" between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212, and making it easier to remove the lid 300 from the base 200, while still maintaining sufficient frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 when not enough force is applied to remove the lid 300 from the base 200.

[0082] Reference Figures 16 to 23A 、 Figure 23B shows another exemplary container 150. In this embodiment, the container 150 includes a base 200 and a lid 400. The base 200 includes the same elements and features as the base 200 described above for the container 100. The lid 400 includes the same elements and features as the lid 300 described above for the container 100, and other features will be described in further detail below. As described above for the lid 300, the lid 400 can be made of one or more resin or plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)), or the lid 400 can be made of a molded fiber material (such as recycled newspaper or cardboard, bio-based resin, or plant fiber, such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husk, wheat straw, and / or PLA or PHA fiber). When the container 150 is in a closed configuration (as Figure 16 shown), the lid 400 is coupled to the base 200 (e.g., mounted on the base 200). When the container 100 is in an open configuration (not shown in the figure), the lid 400 is disengaged and separated from the base 200. The container 150 has the same components as the container 100 shown and described above with reference to Figures 1 to 15A -15C and is identified in Figures 16 to 23A 、 Figure 23B using the same reference numerals as Figures 1 to 15A -15C.

[0083] Referring to Figures 17 - 22 , various individual views of the lid 400 are shown. The lid 400 includes a top 302, a lid sidewall 304, a lid edge 308, a skirt 310, and a lid flange 312 as described above for the lid 300. The size and geometry of the skirt 310 of the lid 400 are similar to those of the skirt 310 of the lid 300 described above to facilitate a sealed engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212 that it overlaps when the container 150 is in a closed configuration. As described above, the geometry of the skirt 310 enables the base 200 and the lid 400 to remain sealed together until an externally applied force pushes the lid 400 away from the base 200 (e.g., by a user pulling or pushing on the tab 414 of the lid 400). In particular, as Figure 13 shown and as described above, the skirt 310 includes a contact area 328 that engages the base flange 212, and a sealing ring 316 extends downward in an arcuate manner from the contact area 328 to the lid flange 312 such that the sealing ring 316 initially extends inwardly to a vertex 330. The inward extension of the sealing ring 316 between the contact area 328 and the vertex 330 causes the sealing ring 316 to engage the base flange 212 in response to a force (such as a pulling or pushing force) applied to the tab 414, and this engagement impedes the upward movement of the lid 400 when the lid 400 is removed / dismounted from the base 200.

[0084] As described above, the skirt portion 310 includes grooves 320 (or "pressure relief grooves") that are formed in the seal ring 316 on both sides of the tab 414. In this example, again, the skirt portion 310 is circular and the grooves 320 are arcuate. The arcuate grooves 320 are formed in appropriate positions along the seal ring 316 adjacent to the tab 414 to facilitate relieving the concentration of frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 when a force is applied to separate the lid 400 from the base 200. As described above, a series of outwardly stamped recesses 318 may also be formed in the seal ring 316. Alternatively, the series of recesses 318 may also be inwardly stamped to define the seal ring 316 as described above.

[0085] The tab 414 of the lid 400 includes a domed top portion 434 and a tab flange 436. The domed top portion 434 has a generally quarter-spherical shape and extends outwardly from the lid edge 308 and the skirt portion 310. As Figure 18 and Figures 23A - 23B shown, the domed top portion 434 is hollow and the tab 414 has a generally hemispherical or U-shaped bottom opening 438 that is sized and shaped to receive, for example, a user's thumb to provide leverage when the user desires to apply a force (e.g., push or pull the tab 414) to remove the lid 400 from the base 200. The domed top portion 434 also extends through a tab opening 440 formed in the skirt portion 310. The tab opening 440 interrupts the continuous axial extension of the skirt portion 310, and thus, the skirt portion 310 terminates at each circumferential end point 442, 444 of the tab 414. The tab flange 436 extends outwardly from the bottom of the domed top portion 434. The tab flange 436 can provide an additional gripping portion of the tab 414 for the user when the user applies a force (e.g., push or pull the tab 414) to remove the lid 400 from the base 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab flange 436 is integrally formed with the lid flange 312. In other embodiments, the tab flange 436 may be separate from the lid flange 312.

[0086] The tab opening 440 formed in the skirt portion 310 eliminates a first arcuate groove 320a (as Figure 9As shown). The tab opening 440 is similar to the arcuate groove 320a and can reduce friction when a user applies a force (e.g., pulls or pushes the tab 414) to remove the lid 400 from the base 200. The tab opening 440 extends between circumferential endpoints 442 and 444 by a radian value β1 that is suitable for reducing friction without compromising the integrity of the seal formed between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 when the lid 400 and the base 200 are sealed. Suitably, the radian value β1 is greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In some embodiments, the radian value β1 is about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°. Suitable radian values β1 can include any value or sub-range of values listed. The radian value β1 is measured as the angle defined at the center D1 of the lid 400 (i.e., the location where the axis A2 extending through the center of the container 150 intersects the lid 400) by the tab opening 440 that extends between circumferential endpoints 442 and 444. The arc length of the tab opening 440 can be determined by multiplying the total circumference of the skirt 310 by the ratio of the radian value β1 to 360°.

[0087] The cover 400 further includes arcuate grooves 320 formed in the seal ring 316 (i.e., elongated regions formed along the skirt 310 that, when the cover 400 is removed from the base 200, each groove reduces or eliminates the engagement between the skirt 310 and the base flange 212). In this exemplary embodiment, two arcuate grooves 320b and 320c are formed in the seal ring 316. In other embodiments, any number of arcuate grooves 320 may be formed to enable the cover 400 to achieve the functions described herein. Each of the formed arcuate grooves 320b and 320c may have the same dimensions (i.e., the same radian value) or may have different dimensions. That is, the arcuate groove 320b has a radian value β2, the arcuate groove 320c has a radian value β3, and the radian value β2 may be the same as or different from the radian value β3. Suitably, the radian values β2 and β3 are such that the corresponding arcuate grooves 320b and 320c relieve the concentration of frictional force between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212 at the locations where the arcuate grooves 320b and 320c are formed without compromising the integrity of the sealing engagement between the seal ring 316 and the base flange 212. Suitably, the radian values β2 and β3 are each greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In certain embodiments, the radian values β2 and β3 are about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°. Suitable radian values β2 and β3 may include any value or sub-range of values listed. Suitable radian values β2 and β3 may include any value or sub-range of values listed. The method of measuring the radian values β2 and β3 is the same as the method described above for the radian value β1.

[0088] The arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c are both formed at positions along the sealing ring 316 where frictional force may concentrate when an external force is applied to the tab 414. In this exemplary embodiment, the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c are formed on opposite sides of the tab opening 440 in a mirror image relationship and are equidistantly distributed along the sealing ring 316 with respect to the tab 414. The positions of the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c formed on the sealing ring 316 relative to the first arc-shaped groove 320a may correspond to the "pinch point" positions along the sealing ring 316, where, as described above, the frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 concentrates. Thus, when a user applies a force to the tab 314 (e.g., pulls or pushes the tab 314) to attempt to remove the lid 300 from the base 200, the positions of the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c may vary according to the positions where the frictional force between the sealing ring 316 and the base flange 212 concentrates. In this exemplary embodiment, the distances between the tab 414 and each of the arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c may span arc values β4 and β5 that are greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In some embodiments, the arc values β4 and β5 are about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°, respectively. Suitable arc values β4 and β5 may include any value or sub-range of values listed in the measurements. The method of measuring each of the arc values β4 and β5 spanned between the tab 414 and the corresponding arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c is the same as the method of measuring the arc values β1, β2, and β3 described above. Additionally, the arc values β4 and β5 are measured according to the distances spanned between the starting points of the corresponding arc-shaped grooves 320b and 320c and the circumferential end points 442 and 444 of the tab 414.

[0089] Refer to Figures 24 to 31A, 31B, shows another exemplary container 160. In this embodiment, the container 160 includes a base 200 and a lid 500. The base 200 includes the same elements and features as the base 200 described above for the container 100. The lid 500 includes the same elements and features as the lid 300 described above for the container 100, and other features will be described in further detail below. As described above for the lid 300, the lid 500 can be made of one or more resin or plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)), or the lid 500 can be made of a molded fiber material (such as recycled newspaper or cardboard, bio-based resin, or plant fibers such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husk, wheat straw, and / or PLA or PHA fibers). When the container 160 is in a closed configuration (as Figure 24 shown), the lid 500 is coupled to the base 200 (e.g., mounted on the base 200). When the container 160 is in an open configuration (not shown in the figure), the lid 500 is disengaged and separated from the base 200. The container 160 has the same components as the components of the container 100 shown and described above with reference to Figures 1 to 15A -15C and is identified in Figures 24 to 31A , Figure 31B using the same reference numerals as Figures 1 to 15A -15C.

[0090] Referring to Figures 25 - 30 , various individual views of the lid 500 are shown in the figure. The lid 400 includes a top 302, a lid sidewall 304, a lid edge 308, and a lid flange 312 as described above for the lid 300. The lid 500 further includes a skirt 510 that extends downward from the lid edge 308 to the lid flange 312, and the lid flange 312 extends outward from the skirt 510. The size and geometry of the skirt 510 of the lid 500 are similar to those of the skirt 310 of the lid 300 described above to facilitate a sealed engagement between the skirt 510 and the base flange 212 that overlaps it when the container 160 is in a closed configuration. As described above for the skirt 310, the geometry of the skirt 510 enables the base 200 and the lid 500 to remain sealed together until an externally applied force pushes the lid 500 away from the base 200 (e.g., a user pulls or pushes the tab 314 of the lid 500). In particular, the skirt 510 includes a sealing ring 516 that engages the base flange 212 in response to a force (such as a pulling or pushing force) applied to the tab 314, thereby impeding the upward movement of the lid 500 when removing the lid 500 from the base 200.

[0091] The sealing ring 516 in the exemplary lid 500 is formed as a series of inwardly punched recesses 518 along the skirt 510. The recesses 518 extend inward from the skirt 510 beyond the contact area 528 of the skirt 510. As referred to above with respect to the contact area of the skirt 510 (asFigure 13 and 14 As shown in 14 , in the closed configuration of the container 160, when the lid 500 and the base 200 are sealed together, the contact area 528 of the skirt 510 engages with the base flange 212. When removing the lid from the base 200, each inwardly stamped recess 518 impedes the upward movement of the lid 500, and these recesses 518 cooperate to form a sealing ring 516. The connecting member 519 extends between adjacent pairs of recesses 518, and the connecting member 519 is defined at a position along the skirt 510 where no inwardly stamped recesses 518 are formed. The recesses 518 and the connecting member 519 may each span an equal distance, or the distances spanned by the recesses 518 and / or the connecting member 519 may vary along the circumferential extension length of the skirt 510. The extension distances of the recesses 518 and the connecting member 519 may be greater than the extension distances of the recesses 318 and the connecting member 319 described above with respect to the lids 300 and 400. As shown in the embodiment shown in Figures 24 to 31A Figures 24 to 31A , 31B, due to the distances respectively extending along the skirt 510, the shapes of the recesses 518 and the connecting member 519 may be slightly arcuate. The extension distances of the recesses 518 and the connecting member 519 may be less than the arcuate groove 520, which will be described in more detail below. In addition, a lid including the recesses 518 and the connecting member 519 but not including the arcuate groove described below may have pinch points when removing the lid 500 from the base 200, and the arcuate groove 520 helps to relieve the concentration of frictional force between the base flange 212 and the sealing ring 516 formed by the recesses 518, thereby relieving the pinch points. The skirt 510 may have a cross-section similar to that shown for the skirt 310 as shown in Figure 13 Figure 13 .

[0092] The skirt 510 includes a groove 520 (or "pressure relief groove") provided along the skirt 510. In this example, the skirt 510 is circular and the groove 520 is arcuate, similar to the arcuate groove 320 formed in the sealing ring 316 described above. The arcuate groove 520 is appropriately positioned to help relieve the concentration of frictional force between the sealing ring 516 and the base flange 212 when a force (e.g., a pulling or pushing force applied to the tab 314) is applied to separate the lid 500 from the base 200. In this exemplary embodiment, the skirt 510 includes three arcuate grooves 520a, 520b, and 520c. In other embodiments, any number of arcuate grooves 520 may be provided along the skirt 510 to enable the lid 500 to perform the functions described herein. The skirt 510 may have a cross-section similar to that shown for the skirt 310 as shown in Figure 14 Figure 14 above for the skirt 310 at the position where the arcuate groove 520 is provided.

[0093] Each arcuate groove 520 is an elongated region along the skirt 510 where no recess 518 is formed, which region interrupts the continuity of the series of recesses 518 and thus the continuity of the sealing ring 516. In other words, the length that the arcuate groove 520 extends between a pair of adjacent inwardly stamped recesses 518 is greater than the length spanned by the connecting section 519 that extends between other pairs of adjacent inwardly stamped recesses 518. To form and / or position the arcuate groove 520 in these embodiments, when forming the sealing ring 516 by a series of inwardly stamped recesses 518 along the skirt 510, stamping can be paused along an elongated region of the skirt 510 having an appropriate length corresponding to the desired length of the arcuate groove 520. For example, the arcuate groove 520 can be formed by pausing stamping at one or more positions where an inwardly stamped recess 518 would otherwise be formed. For example, the arcuate groove 520 can be formed by pausing stamping at two adjacent positions, three adjacent positions, four adjacent positions, five adjacent positions, six adjacent positions, seven adjacent positions, or eight adjacent positions where an inwardly stamped recess 518 would otherwise be formed. Additionally or alternatively, after forming the sealing ring 516 by a series of continuous inwardly stamped recesses 518, the arcuate groove 520 can also be formed by outwardly stamping one or more of the inwardly stamped recesses 518 to remove a desired number of recesses 518 from the skirt 510, thereby forming an elongated region along the skirt 510 where no inwardly stamped recess 518 is formed.

[0094] The arcuate groove 520 includes a first arcuate groove 520a that extends through the region of the skirt 510 spanned by the tab 314 (i.e., the first arcuate groove 520a extends between the first circumferential end point 342 and the second circumferential end point 344 of the tab 314). The first arcuate groove 520a extends a radian value α1 between the circumferential end points 342 and 344. The arcuate groove 520 further includes a second arcuate groove 520b and a third arcuate groove 520c located on opposite sides of the tab 314. That is, the second arcuate groove 520b is along the skirt 510 near the first circumferential end point 342 of the tab 314, and the third arcuate groove 520c is near the second circumferential end point 344. That is, the arcuate groove 520b has a radian value α2, and the arcuate groove 520c has a radian value α3. The radian values α1, α2, and α3 may be the same or different, and each of the radian values α1, α2, and α3 is suitable for reducing friction when the lid 500 is sealed to the base 200 without compromising the integrity of the seal formed between the seal ring 516 and the base flange 212. Suitably, the radian values α1, α2, and α3 are each independently greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In certain embodiments, the radian values α1, α2, and α3 are each independently about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°. Suitable radian values α1, α2, and α3 may include any value or sub-range of values listed. The radian values α1, α2, and α3 are measured according to the angles defined by the corresponding arcuate grooves 520a, 520b, 520c at the center D2 of the lid 500 (i.e., the position where the axis A3 intersects the lid 300). The arc length of each arcuate groove 520 can be determined by multiplying the total circumference of the skirt 510 by the ratio of the radian value of the arcuate groove 520 to 360°. Suitable radian values β1 may include any value or sub-range of values listed.

[0095] The second arcuate groove 520b and the third arcuate groove 520c are formed at a position along the seal ring 516 close to the tab 314, where frictional force concentration may occur when an external force is applied to the tab 314. In this exemplary embodiment, the arcuate grooves 520b and 520c are formed on opposite sides of the tab 314 in a mirror image relationship and are equidistantly distributed along the seal ring 516 from the first arcuate groove 520a. The positions of the arcuate grooves 520b and 520c formed on the seal ring 516 relative to the tab 314 may correspond to the "pinch point" position along the seal ring 516, where, as described above, the frictional force between the seal ring 516 and the base flange 212 is concentrated. Thus, when a user applies a force to the tab 314 (e.g., pulls or pushes the tab 314) in an attempt to remove the lid 500 from the base 200, the positions of the arcuate grooves 520b and 520c may vary according to the position of the frictional force concentration between the seal ring 516 and the base flange 212. In this exemplary embodiment, the distances between the tab 314 and each of the arcuate grooves 320b and 320c may span angular values α4 and α5, respectively, which are greater than about 5° and less than about 90°, such as greater than about 5° and less than about 45°, greater than about 10° and less than about 30°, greater than about 5° and less than about 20°, greater than about 5° and less than about 15°, greater than about 5° and less than about 10°, greater than about 1° and less than about 30°, greater than about 1° and less than about 25°, greater than about 1° and less than about 20°, greater than about 1° and less than about 15°, or greater than about 1° and less than about 10°. In certain embodiments, the angular values β4 and β5 are about 1°, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, or about 45°, respectively. Suitable angular values α4 and α5 may include any value or sub-range of the listed measurements. Each of the angular values α4 and α5 spanned between the tab 314 and the corresponding arcuate grooves 520b and 520c is measured in the same manner as described above for the angular values α1, α2, and α3. Additionally, the angular values α4 and α5 are measured according to the distance spanned between the starting points of the corresponding arcuate grooves 520b and 520c and the corresponding circumferential end points 342 and 344 of the tab 314.

[0096] Referring to Figures 32 to 39A, 39B, shows another exemplary container 170. In this embodiment, the container 170 includes a base 200 and a lid 600. The base 200 includes the same elements and features as the base 200 of the container 100 described above. The lid 600 includes the same elements and features as the lid 500 described above for the container 100, and other features will be described in further detail below. As described above for the lid 500, the lid 600 can be made of one or more resin or plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)), or the lid 600 can be made of a molded fiber material (such as recycled newspaper or cardboard, bio-based resin, or plant fiber, such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husk, wheat straw, and / or PLA or PHA fiber). When the container 170 is in a closed configuration (as Figure 32 shown), the lid 600 is coupled to the base 200 (e.g., mounted on the base 200). When the container 170 is in an open configuration (not shown in the figure), the lid 600 can be disengaged and separated from the base 200. The components of the container 170 that are the same as the components of the containers 100, 150, and / or 160 shown and described above with reference to Figures 1 to 31A , 31C are identified in Figures 32 to 39A , 39B using the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 32 to 39A , 39B. The lid 600 includes the same features and elements as the lid 500 described above with reference to Figures 24 to 31A , 31B. Additionally, the lid 600 includes a tab 414 that includes a domed top 434 and a tab flange 436 as described above for the lid 400 and with reference to Figures 16 to 23A , 23B. As described above, the tab 414 defines a tab opening 440 that avoids the first arcuate groove 520a on the lid 600. The tab opening 440 extends between the circumferential endpoints 442 and 444 of the tab 414 by a radian value α6. The radian value α6 can be similar to the radian value α1 of the first arcuate groove 520a of the lid 500 ( Figure 26 and 27 ), and / or can be similar to the radian value β1 of the tab opening 440 of the lid 400 ( Figure 18 and 19 ).

[0097] Figure 40 is a perspective view of another exemplary container 700, and the features of the container 700 are similar to those of the containers 100, 150, 160, and 170 described above. The container 700 is square and includes a base 702 and a lid 704 that are also square. Thus, the base edge of the base 702 ( Figure 40(not shown in the figure) and the lid edge 706 of the lid 704 are substantially square. The skirt 708 of the lid 704 is also square, and the same is true for the sealing ring 710 of the skirt. As described above, the base 702 and / or the lid 704 can be made of one or more resin or plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)) or molded fiber materials (such as recycled newspapers or cardboard, bio-based resins, or plant fibers such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husks, wheat straws, and / or PLA or PHA fibers). When the container 700 is in the closed configuration (as Figure 40 shown), the lid 704 is coupled to the base 702 (e.g., mounted on the base 702), and when the container 700 is in the open configuration (not shown in the figure), the lid 704 is disengaged from the base 702. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the features of the containers 100, 150, 160, and 170 also apply to this example.

[0098] The sealing ring 710 in the exemplary lid 704 is formed by a series of inwardly stamped recesses 712, similar to the sealing ring 516 described above for the lid 500. The connecting member 714, similar to the connecting member 519, extends between adjacent pairs of recesses 712. The distance spanned by the recesses 712 and / or the connecting member 714 can vary along the sealing ring 710. Grooves 716 are formed at positions along the sealing ring 710 near the outwardly extending tab 718, where frictional forces may concentrate when an external force is applied to the tab 718. In this exemplary embodiment, the grooves 716 are formed in a mirror image relationship on opposite sides of the tab 718. The position on the sealing ring 710 where the grooves 716 are formed relative to the tab 718 can correspond to the "pinch point" position along the sealing ring 710, where frictional forces between the sealing ring 710 and the base flange (not shown in the figure) of the base 702 concentrate, as described above. Therefore, the position of the grooves 716 can vary according to the position where frictional forces concentrate when removing the lid 704 from the base 702.

[0099] In this example, the grooves 716 are elongated and substantially linear, rather than arcuate, because the grooves 716 are formed in a linear (straight) section of the sealing ring 710. The tab 718 extends outwardly from a corner of the lid flange 720, but in other examples, it can also extend from a linear section of the lid flange 720. In this example, the tab 718 is flat, and the recesses 712 and the connecting member 714 are located above the tab 718. In other examples, the grooves 716 can be located above the tab 718. In some examples, the tab 718 includes a domed top 722 and does not include the recesses 712 and the connecting member 714 located above the tab 718. Figure 41 An example of this situation is shown in

[0100] Figure 42is a perspective view of another exemplary container 800 that has similar features to container 700 described above. Container 800 is oval-shaped and includes a base 802 and a lid 804, both of which are also oval-shaped. Accordingly, the base rim of base 802 ( Figure 42 not shown) and the lid rim 806 of lid 804 are substantially oval-shaped. The skirt 808 of lid 804 is also oval-shaped, as is the sealing ring 810 of the skirt. As described above, base 802 and / or lid 804 can be made of one or more resin or plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)) or molded fiber materials (such as recycled newspaper or cardboard, bio-based resins, or plant fibers such as wood pulp, bamboo, bagasse, rice husk, wheat straw, and / or PLA or PHA fibers). When container 800 is in a closed configuration (as Figure 42 shown), lid 804 is coupled to base 802 (e.g., mounted on base 802), and when container 800 is in an open configuration (not shown in the figure), lid 804 is disengaged from base 802. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the features of containers 100, 150, 160, 170, and 700 also apply to this example.

[0101] The sealing ring 810 in exemplary lid 804 is formed as a series of inwardly stamped recesses 812, similar to the sealing ring 710 described above for lid 704. A connecting member 814 extends between adjacent pairs of recesses 812 and is similar to connecting member 714. The distance spanned by recesses 812 and / or connecting member 814 can vary along sealing ring 810. A groove 816 is formed at a location along sealing ring 810 near the outwardly extending tab 818 where frictional forces may concentrate when an external force is applied to tab 818. In this exemplary embodiment, groove 816 is formed on opposite sides of tab 818 in a non-mirror image relationship because tab 818 is offset from the outermost side or edge of oval skirt 808. The position of groove 816 on sealing ring 810 relative to tab 818 can correspond to a "pinch point" location along sealing ring 810 where, as described above, frictional forces concentrate between sealing ring 810 and the base flange (not shown) of base 802. Accordingly, the position of groove 816 can vary depending on the location where frictional forces concentrate when removing lid 804 from base 802.

[0102] In this example, the groove 816 is elongated and generally arcuate because the groove 816 is formed in the curved section of the seal ring 810. The tab 818 extends from the lid flange 720 away from the outermost or edge, but in other examples, it may also extend from the outermost or edge of the lid flange 720. In some such examples, the grooves 816 may be formed in a mirror image relationship. In this example, the tab 818 is flat, and the recess 812 and the connecting member 814 are located above the tab 818. In other examples, the groove 816 may be located above the tab 818. In some examples, the tab 818 includes a domed top 822 and does not include the recess 812 and the connecting member 814 above the tab 818. Figure 42 An example of this situation is shown.

[0103] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Additionally, a reference in this disclosure to an "exemplary embodiment" or "one embodiment" should not be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0104] The terms "about," "substantially," "essentially," and "approximately" and their equivalent terms, when used in conjunction with a range of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures, or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics, are intended to cover variations that may exist in the upper and / or lower limits of the property or characteristic range, including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methods, or other statistical variations.

[0105] The patent claims at the end of this document should not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless traditional means-plus-function language is explicitly recited, such as the language "means for..." or "step for..." explicitly recited in the claim.

[0106] This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to disclose the present disclosure and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any associated method. The scope of the disclosure that can be patented is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples do not have structural elements different from those described in the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not materially different from the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are considered to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: A lid, the lid including a lid edge and a skirt extending downwardly from the lid edge; and A base, the base including a base edge and a base flange extending outwardly from the base edge; Wherein, when the container is in a closed configuration, the skirt overlaps the base flange, the skirt including a sealing ring that engages the base flange to seal the lid to the base in the closed configuration, wherein a plurality of grooves are formed in the sealing ring, and when a force is applied to separate the lid from the base, the plurality of grooves relieve the concentration of frictional force between the sealing ring and the base flange.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The lid includes a tab extending outwardly from the skirt, and the plurality of grooves include a first groove spaced a certain distance from one end of the tab and a second groove spaced a certain distance from the other end of the tab.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein, The first groove and the second groove are formed in a mirror image relationship and are equidistantly spaced from the corresponding ends of the tab.

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein, An opening is formed in the skirt in a region circumferentially spanning the tab.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of grooves include a third groove formed in a region of the sealing ring spanning the tab.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of grooves is arcuate and independently has a radian value greater than about 1° and less than about 30°.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of arcuate grooves independently has a radian value greater than about 1° and less than about 15°.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The skirt includes a series of outwardly stamped recesses formed in the sealing ring.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring is formed by a series of inwardly stamped recesses formed in the skirt.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The lid is made of one of a molded fiber material and a plastic material, the plastic material being selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The base is made of a molded fiber material.

12. A lid for a container, the lid comprising: A lid edge, the size and shape of the lid edge being adapted to the base edge of the container base; A skirt, the skirt extending downwardly from the lid edge; A lid flange; and a tab, both the lid flange and the tab extending outwardly from the skirt, wherein a first portion of the skirt extends downwardly between the contact region of the lid edge and the skirt, the contact region being a position formed along the skirt for engaging the base flange of the base, and a second portion of the skirt extends downwardly from the contact region to the lid flange and the tab, the second portion defining an inwardly extending sealing ring, wherein a plurality of elongated grooves are formed in the inwardly extending sealing ring.

13. The lid according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of elongated grooves include a first elongated groove spaced a certain distance from one end of the tab and a second elongated groove spaced a certain distance from the other end of the tab.

14. The lid according to claim 13, wherein, The first elongated groove and the second elongated groove are formed in a mirror image relationship and are equidistantly spaced from the corresponding ends of the tab.

15. The lid according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of elongated grooves include a third elongated groove formed in a region of the sealing ring spanning the tab.

16. The lid according to claim 12, wherein, An opening is formed in the skirt in a region circumferentially spanning the tab.

17. The lid according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the plurality of elongated grooves is arcuate and independently has a radian value greater than about 1° and less than about 30°.

18. The lid according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of arcuate grooves independently has a radian value greater than about 1° and less than about 15°.

19. The lid according to claim 12, wherein, The skirt includes a series of outwardly stamped recesses formed in the sealing ring.

20. The lid according to claim 12, wherein, The sealing ring is formed by a series of inwardly stamped recesses formed in the skirt.

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