Storage container system including container and corresponding lid

Abstract

The container system includes a container having a plurality of sidewalls and a rim extending from the sidewalls at an upper portion of the container. The rim of the container includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. A portion of the rim extends along an arc when viewed from above the container. The container system also includes a lid for sealing the container, the lid including a first sealing portion configured to contact the first sealing portion of the rim of the container to form a first sealing area, and a second sealing portion configured to contact the second sealing portion of the rim of the container to form a second sealing area. A portion of the rim of the lid extends along an arc when viewed from above the lid. The container can be tightly sealed with the lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic storage container system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic storage container and lid that are easy to use, for example, as a food storage solution during movement.

Background Art

[0002] Plastic storage container systems function in various ways. For example, plastic containers can be used to store small items in a closet or tools in a garage. As another example, plastic containers can be used to store food in a refrigerator or pantry. In fact, there is an increasing demand for plastic container storage systems that can store food "during movement". Such systems can be used by adults who take lunch to work and children who take lunch to school. An example of a plastic storage system is sold under the ZIPLOC (registered trademark) brand by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin (the assignee of the invention described herein).

[0003] When using a plastic storage container to store food during movement, if the container shakes or vibrates, the liquid contents may leak out. Therefore, a plastic storage container system with an effective sealing mechanism is required. In fact, from the user's perspective, the function of being able to safely seal a plastic storage system is often one of the most important functions of the system.

[0004] Furthermore, it is desirable that the sealing mechanism possesses other characteristics in addition to its function of securely sealing the container system. For example, it should be relatively easy for the user to engage and disengage the seal. This requires considering how easy / difficult it is for the user to accurately align the lid with the corresponding container, and how much force is required to seal the lid to the container. The sealing structure of the lid and container that engage with each other also needs to be able to maintain its shape over time, even when the storage system is used repeatedly. The sealing structure may deform, for example, when the storage system is washed in a dishwasher. Yet another desirable characteristic of a sealing mechanism is its ability to provide the user with confidence that the lid and container are actually sealed and that the seal will be maintained. If consumers do not trust that the storage system is sealed and that the seal will be maintained, they are less likely to use the system.

[0005] An example of a plastic container system that may be used for storing food is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,108,766, which is included herein by reference in its entirety. This publication particularly describes a container system comprising a container and a corresponding lid having a double sealing mechanism with two contact areas between the rim of the container and the rim of the lid. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a container system including a container having a plurality of side walls and a rim extending from the upper side wall of the container. The rim of the container includes a first seal and a second seal, the first and second seals located on the surface of the rim facing the inside of the container, and a portion of the rim extends along an arc when viewed from above the container. The container system also includes a lid for sealing the container, the lid having a rim extending along the side of the lid. The rim of the lid includes a first seal configured to contact the first seal of the rim of the container to form a first seal area, and a second seal configured to contact the second seal of the rim of the container to form a second seal area. A portion of the rim of the lid extends along an arc when viewed from above the lid. The first and second contact areas are also offset vertically.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a container system comprising a container having a plurality of side walls and a rim extending from the upper side wall of the container. The rim of the container includes a first seal and a second seal, the first and second seals located on the surface of the rim facing the inside of the container, and a plurality of projections are formed on the rim. A portion of the rim extends along an arc when viewed from above the container. The container system also includes a lid for closing the top of the container, the lid having a rim extending along the side of the lid. The rim of the lid includes (i) a first seal configured to contact the first seal of the rim of the container to form a first seal region, and (ii) a second seal configured to contact the second seal of the rim of the container to form a second seal region, and a plurality of projections are formed on the lid. A portion of the rim of the lid extends along an arc when viewed from above the lid. The projections of the rim of the container are positioned to coincide with the projections of the lid when the lid is sealed to the container.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a container system comprising a plurality of containers, each having a different volume, wherein each container comprises a plurality of side walls and a rim extending from the upper side wall of the container, and the rim of each container comprises a first seal and a second seal. The first and second seals are located on the surface of the rim facing the inside of the container, and a plurality of projections are formed on the rim. A portion of the rim extends along an arc when viewed from above the container. The container system also comprises a plurality of lids for closing the top of the containers. Each lid has a rim extending along the side of the lid, and the rim of the lid comprises (i) a first seal configured to contact the first seal of the container rim to form a first seal area, and (ii) a second seal configured to contact the second seal of the container rim to form a second seal area. A plurality of projections are formed on each lid. A portion of the rim of the lid extends along an arc when viewed from above the lid. Each rim projection of the lid is positioned to coincide with at least one projection of the container when the lid is sealed onto the corresponding container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This figure shows a container lid according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This figure shows a container lid according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] This figure shows a container lid according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] This figure shows the containers corresponding to the lids shown in Figures 1A to 1C. [Figure 1E] This figure shows the containers corresponding to the lids shown in Figures 1A to 1C. [Figure 1F] This figure shows the containers corresponding to the lids shown in Figures 1A to 1C. [Figure 2A] This figure shows a container lid according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This figure shows a container lid according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] This figure shows a container lid according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D]It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. [Figure 2E] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. [Figure 2F] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 4B] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 4C] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 5A] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 5B] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 5C] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] It is a diagram showing a lid of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 7B] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 7C] It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 7D]It is a diagram showing a container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 8A] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 8B] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 8C] It is a diagram showing another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 9A] It is a diagram showing yet another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 9B] It is a diagram showing yet another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 9C] It is a diagram showing yet another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 9D] It is a diagram showing yet another container corresponding to the lid shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. [Figure 10A] It is a top view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] It is a top view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of a lid sealed to a container when viewed in the directions indicated by lines B-B and C-C in FIGS. 10A and 10B, respectively. [Figure 12A] It is a cross-sectional view of a lid engaged with a comparison container. [Figure 12B] It is a cross-sectional view of a lid engaged with a comparison container. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of a lid engaged with a container in a further embodiment of the invention. [Figure 14A] It is a top view and a side view of a container and a corresponding lid according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] It is a top view and a side view of a container and a corresponding lid according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14C] It is a top view and a side view of a container and a corresponding lid according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14D] It is a top view and a side view of a container and a corresponding lid according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] This figure shows an embodiment of a substitute for a lid knob according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] This figure shows an embodiment of a substitute for a lid knob according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows two overlapping lids according to an embodiment of the invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention relates to a container system including a container and a corresponding lid for sealing the container. The container system can be made of a variety of materials, particularly plastic. The container system can include both food and non-food items and can be used to store various kinds of things. Because the container is highly portable, it can serve, for example, as a “mobile” food storage container. As used herein, “container system” refers to at least one container and a corresponding lid for sealing the container, but it can also include a combination of multiple containers and lids, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,108,766.

[0011] Figures 1A to 9D show containers and corresponding lids according to embodiments of the present invention. As can be understood from the drawings and disclosures herein, containers and lids may be manufactured in different shapes and sizes. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the designs shown in any of the drawings. Similarly, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the aesthetic designs of the containers and lids shown in the figures, and for example, the functions described herein may be achieved by aesthetic designs different from those shown in the figures.

[0012] Figures 1A to 1C show the lid 150 of the container 100 shown in Figures 1D to 1E. The container 100 has a nearly square shape and may have a storage capacity of, for example, about 0.5 cups.

[0013] Figures 2A to 2C show the lid 250 of the container 200 shown in Figures 2D to 2E. The container 200 generally has a rectangular shape with a storage capacity of about 1.5 cups.

[0014] Figures 3A–3C show illustrations of lids 350 that fit both container 300 shown in Figures 4A–4C and container 400 shown in Figures 5A–5C. Container 300 has a nearly square shape with a storage capacity of approximately 3 cups. Container 400 also has a nearly square shape but has a storage capacity of approximately 5 cups. Measuring markers may also be provided at the corners of containers 300 and 400, as shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5B, and 5C. When containers 300 and 400 are filled with a material such as a liquid or powder, the measuring markers mimic the visual appearance of a typical measuring cup.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6D show lids 550 that fit containers 500, 600, and 700, respectively, as shown in Figures 7A to 7D, 8A to 8C, and 9A to 9D. Container 500, shown in Figures 7A to 7D, generally has a rectangular shape. The interior of container 500 is divided into three separate storage spaces 502, 504, and 506. In total, container 500 has a storage capacity of approximately 4 cups. In addition, raised partitions 505 are provided at the top of the walls, defining the separate storage spaces 502, 504, and 506. The partitions 505 serve as a visual cue to the user. Furthermore, a recess may be provided in the lid 550 as a visual cue corresponding to the partitions 505.

[0016] The container 600 shown in Figures 8A to 8C has a roughly rectangular shape and a storage capacity of approximately 6 cups, while the container 700 shown in Figures 9A to 9D also has a rectangular shape and a storage capacity of approximately 9 cups.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous alternative configurations of the container systems shown in Figures 1A to 9D. For example, the internal space of any container can be divided into separate storage spaces, as container 500 is divided into three separate storage spaces 502, 504, and 506. Furthermore, the containers and corresponding lids can be formed in different shapes, such as circular or triangular.

[0018] The containers and lids of the present invention may be manufactured using well-known techniques, including, for example, thermoforming, injection molding, or vacuum forming. The containers and lids may also be formed from well-known polymer materials, including, for example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene, crystalline polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials / combinations thereof. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the containers and lids may be manufactured from such materials in a wide range of transparency and / or color.

[0019] Figures 10A and 10B show top views of a container 800 and a lid 850 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As can be easily seen from these drawings, the rim portions 802A, 802B, 802C, and 802D extending from the side wall of the container 800 and the corresponding rim portions 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D of the lid 850 have a rounded / arc-shaped form. That is, when viewed from above, the rim portions 802A, 802B, 802C, and 802D of the container 800 and the rim portions 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D of the lid 850 extend along the arc AA shown in the drawings.

[0020] Without being constrained by theory, the rounded portions of the rims of the container 800 and lid 850 are thought to improve the seal formed in the container system by reducing (if not completely eliminating) the gaps formed in the area where the rims of the container 800 and lid 850 contact each other to form a seal. In conventional plastic storage systems, when the sealing area of ​​the container and lid is initially molded or thermoformed so that it extends along a nearly straight line, the sealing area may shrink during the subsequent cooling process. Furthermore, the container system may be exposed to conditions and / or environments that cause shrinkage or other distortion in the sealing area during normal use of the system. For example, the internal conditions of an automatic dishwasher may cause the sealing rim of the container to sink inward, and such distortion can increase with repeated washing of the container. It is thought that shrinkage or other distortion occurring in the sealing area of ​​the container and / or lid may cause the formation of gaps on the sealing surface, thereby compromising the integrity of the contact points that form the seal. However, the rounded portions of the sealing rims of the container and lid in the embodiments of the present invention have the effect of reducing shrinkage or other distortion. For example, the rounded shape of the rim of a container and lid increases the hoop strength of the rim compared to the straight rim of other similar containers and lids. The increased hoop strength resists forces that cause contraction or deformation of the rim of the container and lid.

[0021] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an arc can be identified by the radius of the circle containing the arc; that is, the radius of an arc is equal to the radius of the circle containing the arc. We have found that a specific relationship between the radius of the arc in the rounded portion of the sealing rim of a container and lid and the length along the rounded rim has a remarkably good effect in reducing rim shrinkage and other distortions that can reduce the sealing effect. Specifically, we have found that the rim of a container and lid is particularly resistant to shrinkage or other distortions when the arc along the rounded rim of the container and lid has a radius of about 1 to about 2.5 times the length along the arc along the rounded rim. For example, in Figures 10A and 10B, if the length L of the arc along portions 802A and 852Aa of the rim is about 3 inches, then arc AA with a radius of 6 inches provides excellent resistance to lateral shrinkage and distortion.

[0022] Furthermore, we discovered a relationship between the volume of the container and the minimum ideal radius of the arc AA following the rim of the container, which can be used to achieve significant resistance to shrinkage and distortion. Specifically, for containers with a capacity of less than 1 cup, the minimum ideal radius is approximately 0.25 inches. For containers with a capacity of 1 to 2 cups, the minimum ideal radius is approximately 0.375 inches. For containers with a capacity of 3 to 9 cups, the minimum ideal radius is approximately 0.5 inches.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the design of container 800, which has a rounded rim as shown in Figure 10B, also has smooth, rounded corners. Such corners allow for easy cleaning of container 800 by reducing hard-to-reach areas. Also, when container 800 is used for food storage, the mechanism can easily reach the smooth corners, and when container 800 is cleaned, food particles can be easily removed from the smooth corners.

[0024] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the lid 850 sealed to the container 800. More specifically, it shows a cross-sectional view of the rim 802C portion of the container 800 as seen in the direction indicated by line CC in Figure 10B, and a cross-sectional view of the rim portion 852C of the lid 850 as seen in the direction indicated by line BB in Figure 10A. Figure 11 shows details of the regions of the rims 802C and 852C that form the seal. The container 800 and the lid 850 are configured such that the region of the rim 802C of the container 800 is in contact with the region of the rim 852C of the lid 850. Specifically, the rims 802C and 852C are in contact with each other in regions C1 and C2, but the other regions of the rims 802C and 852C are separated from each other. Thus, a double seal configuration is formed together with the contact regions C1 and C2. Note that the other parts of the rim of container 800 and the other parts of the rim of lid 850 have the same cross-section as parts 802C and 852C shown in Figure 11.

[0025] The cross-sectional profiles of the rims 802C and 852C of the container 800 and lid 850 are configured such that the lower contact region C1 is located further from the center of the container 800 than the upper contact region C2. That is, moving upward from the lower contact region C1, the cross-sectional profiles of the rims 802C and 852C curve inward towards the container 800 until they reach the upper contact region C2. Moving further upward from the upper contact region C2, the cross-sectional profiles of the rims 802C and 852C curve outward, i.e., away from the center of the container 800. This curvature makes the profiles of the rims 802C and 852C convex both above and below the upper contact region C2.

[0026] The effectiveness of the seal between the container 800 and the lid 850 is related to the interference that occurs when the sealing rims contact in contact areas C1 and C2. In other words, the tighter the fit of the lid 850 to the container 800 in areas C1 and C2, the more effective the seal. Of course, the tighter the fit of the lid 850 to the container 800, the greater the force required to move the container 800 and / or the lid 850 to the fully sealed position where areas C1 and C2 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the airtightness forming the seal between the container 800 and the lid 850 must be balanced with the ease with which the user can move the container 800 and / or the lid 850 to the sealed position. With this user perspective in mind, we found that the configuration of contact areas C1 and C2 shown in Figure 11 provides a very effective seal that can be formed relatively easily by the user. In particular, the seal shown in Figure 11 is leak-resistant and therefore allows the container system to be used, for example, as a food storage solution in transit. At the same time, the user has no difficulty moving the container 800 and / or lid 850 to the sealed position.

[0027] For comparison, the sealing area profiles in a container and lid combination disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,108,766 are shown in Figures 12A and 12B. Several differences between the sealing profile shown in Figure 11 and the sealing profile shown in Figure 12 are immediately apparent. For example, as shown in Figure 11, due to the curvature of the rim 802C of the container 800 below the contact area C2, contact areas C1 and C2 are offset vertically. However, both contact areas C1 and C2 are located on the inner surface of the 802C of the container. In contrast, contact areas A and B of the sealing profile shown in Figure 12A are aligned vertically, and contact area C of the sealing profile shown in Figure 12B is located on the outer surface of the sealing rim of the container. Another difference is that both contact areas C1 and C2 are located in the lower half of the rims 802C and 852C. In contrast, contact area B in Figure 12A and contact area C in Figure 12B are located in the upper half of the sealing rim.

[0028] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a lid 851 sealed to a container 801 in another embodiment of the present invention. In this case, there are four contact areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 where the rim 805 of the container 801 contacts a portion of the rim 855 of the lid 851. Contact areas C1 and C2 are in the same locations as in the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Contact area C3 is located below contact areas C1 and C2, and the portion of contact area C3 of the container 801 is formed on a substantially horizontal plane 806. The portion of contact area C3 of the lid 851 is formed on a substantially horizontal main surface 856 that covers the open top of the container 801. Contact area C4 is located above contact areas C1 and C2 at a bend P where the rim 804 of the container 800 changes from a convex shape to a concave shape. Similar to contact areas C1 and C2, both contact areas C3 and C4 are located on the inner surface of the rim 804 of the container 800. The four contact areas C1-C4 of this alternative embodiment provide a strong seal that can be easily formed by the user moving the lid 851 to engage with the container 801.

[0029] Further aspects of the present invention can be seen in Figures 14A to 14B, which show a container system including a container 900 and a corresponding lid 950 for sealing the container 900. The container has a plurality of projections 910 formed on the outer periphery of the rim 902. Similarly, a plurality of projections 960 are formed on the outer periphery of the rim 952 of the lid 950. The projections 910 are sized and shaped to match the projections 960 when the lid 950 is used to seal the container 900. However, in the embodiments shown in Figures 14A to 14D, when the lid 950 is sealed on the container 800, the projections 910 of the container 900 do not come into contact with the projections 960 of the lid 950. However, in another embodiment, some or all of the projections 910 and 960 may come into contact with each other when the container system is sealed.

[0030] The projections 910 and 960 provide a visual cue indicating that the container 900 and lid 950 correspond to each other. This can be important, for example, in situations where the container 900 and lid 950 are stored together with another container system having containers and lids of different sizes and shapes, and a user mismatches a different lid to the container 900. A mismatched lid may not provide an effective seal. Such a situation is avoided in the container system in embodiments of the present invention due to the visual cue provided by the projections 910 and 960. The projections 910 and 960 function to ensure to the user that the container 900 is effectively sealed.

[0031] The projections 910 and 960 also provide other advantages. By being configured to coincide with each other, the projections 910 and 960 provide an indication that the lid 950 is precisely positioned on the container 900. The projections 910 and 960 also provide tactile surfaces that help to locate the container 900 and lid 950 by touch, for example, when the container 900 and lid 950 are placed on a high shelf in a cabinet. The tactile surfaces provided by the projections 910 and 960 also help to grasp the container 900 and lid 950. In this regard, in embodiments of the present invention, the projections 910 and 960 have a shape and size that corresponds to the average human finger. In another embodiment of the present invention, the projections 910 and 960 are spaced apart from each other so that a human finger fits between the projections 910 and 960. Another advantage of the protrusions 910 and 960 is that they provide slots into which the user can insert their fingers when handling the container 900, thereby minimizing contact between the user's fingers and the surface of the container 900. This can be important when the container is heated.

[0032] It should also be noted that other embodiments of the present invention may have projections in positions different from those shown in the drawings herein. For example, while the projections shown in the drawings herein are symmetrical with respect to the sealing rim of the container and lid, in other embodiments the projections may be located only with respect to specific portions of the sealing rim.

[0033] To further improve the grip of the container 900, a texture may be formed on the bottom surface of the container. Such a texture can be added by embossing the molded container, or it can be formed by directly molding a pattern onto the bottom of the container. The texture provides the user with a more intuitive handling of the container 900.

[0034] Another notable feature of the present invention is the size of the flanges 902 and 952 on the container 900 and lid 950, on which the projections 910 and 960 are formed. The flanges 902 and 952 are about 1.5 to 2 times larger than the flanges of at least some comparable-sized containers currently available commercially. The flanges 902 and 952 are the rim portions of the container 900 and lid 950, and therefore the larger flanges 902 and 952 provide additional hoop strength to the rims of the container 900 and lid 952. As described above, hoop strength acts to counteract forces that cause contraction or deformation in the sealed areas of the container and lid. The larger flanges 902 and 952 also provide a wider surface area for the user to grip.

[0035] Furthermore, Figures 14C and 14D show a knob 954 extending from one of the corners of the lid 950. The relatively large knob 954 forms an ergonomic structure that allows consumers to easily grasp and remove the lid 950 from the container 900. In addition, the large design of the knob 954 prevents the lid from breaking by distributing the applied force over a wider area.

[0036] Figures 15A and 15B show alternative knobs for the lid according to embodiments of the present invention. The knob 954 shown in Figure 15A has the same configuration as the knobs shown in Figures 14C and 14D, while the knob 954A shown in Figure 15B is an alternative design. The knob 954 includes a number of ribs 955 that extend outward from around the sealing region 956 to the outer periphery 957 of the knob 954. The ribs 955 add strength to the knob 954. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15B, the ribs 955A extend along the outer periphery of the sealing region 956A but do not extend outward to the outer periphery 957A of the knob 954A. Also, the outer periphery of the sealing region 956A of the knob 954A has a lower profile than the outer periphery of the sealing region 965 of the knob 954A. One problem that sometimes occurs with the knobs on the lids of plastic container systems is that the knob may flip over when grasped during the process of removing the lid from the container. Such flipping makes it difficult to remove the lid from the container. With the configuration of rib 955A and outer periphery 957A, the knob 954A may be less susceptible to such flipping compared to other knob configurations.

[0037] Figure 16 shows a method by which lids 1000 and 1100 can overlap according to the present invention. In particular, in this configuration, lid 1100 is supported by lid 1000 at point C. The space reduced by the overlapping of lids 1000 and 1100 is useful when storing the lids.

[0038] As described above, plastic storage container systems need to be leak-resistant, especially when the system is used for mobile food storage. The combination of features of the present invention provides good leak resistance. As described above, the rounded shape of the rims of the container and lid reduces the possibility of gaps forming in the sealed area of ​​the container system both when the container system is manufactured and when the system is used over a long period of time. Furthermore, the double-seal configuration described herein, in conjunction with the rounded rims of the container and lid, provides a robust seal. As a result, the container systems according to embodiments of the present invention are highly functional, especially for applications where leak-proof sealing is required.

[0039] Furthermore, the combination of features of the container system described herein is thought to work synergistically to form a seal that is significantly improved compared to conventional sealing. For example, the combination of the double seal on the inner surface of the container and lid, the corresponding protrusions on the container and lid, and the arc-shaped sides provides a highly functional sealing mechanism. This sealing mechanism, resulting from the combination of features, provides airtightness that prevents leakage of contents from the container as a result of the double seal, and allows the user to easily move the container and lid to the position that forms the seal. In addition, the user can be confident that the lid is actually correctly positioned on the container by the alignment of the protrusions. Moreover, the arc-shaped sides prevent distortion of the seal that may occur, for example, during washing in an automatic dishwasher, thereby ensuring that the sealing structure lasts for a long time even with repeated use.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described by certain exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the content of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the invention should be determined not by the above description, but by the claims supported by this application and its equivalents. Industrial applicability

[0041] The inventions described herein can be used in the commercial production of plastic storage container systems. Such container systems can be used in a wide range of applications in homes and other locations, including the storage of food and other products.

Claims

1. A container system, The container includes multiple side walls and a rim extending from the upper side walls, the rim of the container including a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion located on the surface of the rim facing the inside of the container, and a portion of the rim extending along an arc when viewed from above the container, A lid for sealing the container, the lid having a rim extending along the side surface of the lid, the rim of the lid including (i) a first sealing portion configured to contact the first sealing portion of the rim of the container in a first contact area to form a first sealing area, and (ii) a second sealing portion configured to contact the second sealing portion of the rim of the container in a second contact area to form a second sealing area, a portion of the lid having a lid extending along an arc when viewed from above, Includes, The first contact region and the second contact region are offset vertically. The rim of the container and the rim of the lid are separated from each other in the region between the first contact region and the second contact region. The first contact area is located below the second contact area, and the first contact area is located further from the center of the container than the second contact area. The rim of the container and the rim of the lid are in contact with each other in the first contact area and the second contact area, and are separated from each other in other areas. Container system.

2. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the rim of the container includes a first recess and a second recess when viewed from the inside of the container, the first sealing portion of the rim of the container is located in the first recess, and the second sealing portion of the rim of the container is located between the first recess and the second recess.

3. The radius of the arc of at least one portion of the rim of the container extending along the arc is 1.5 to 2 times longer than the length of the arc itself of at least one portion of the rim of the container extending along the arc. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the radius of the arc of at least one portion of the rim of the lid extending along the arc is 1.5 to 2 times longer than the length of the arc of at least one portion of the rim of the lid extending along the arc.

4. Multiple protrusions are provided on the rim of the container, and multiple protrusions are provided on the rim of the lid, The container system according to claim 1, wherein the projection of the rim of the container coincides with the projection of the lid when the lid is sealed over the container.

Images