Stackable container lid with dual sealing interface

Abstract

Disclosed is a lid which includes a planar top surface having a perimeter, a perimeter wall depending downwardly from the planar top surface, and a plurality of protrusions coupled to or integrated to the planar top surface at corner regions of the perimeter. The perimeter wall may have a stepped profile defining an annular groove. The perimeter wall may include an upper perimeter wall above the annular groove and a lower perimeter wall below the annular groove. The upper perimeter wall and / or the lower perimeter wall may be tapered, increasing stability of the assembly. The annular groove may receive an upper rim of a first container body. The plurality of protrusions may have an angled engagement facing inwardly toward a central axis of the lid and may receive a second container body stacked on top of the lid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to polymeric containers and, more particularly, to stackable container lids.BACKGROUND

[0002] Container lids are used in, for example, food packaging to seal a container body while the packaged foods are being stored or transported. In situations where a container body is stacked on top of a lid, maintaining a stable, sealed engagement between the lid and the lower container body as well as between the same lid and the upper container is a technical problem to be solved.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. In the drawings:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front-top perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear-top perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a front-bottom perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a right side view a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a front view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a left side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a right side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a front view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a rear view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 19 is a right side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 20 is a left side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 21 is a front view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of a stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 26 is a left side view of a stackable container lid, illustrating outward taper of the upper perimeter wall, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 27 is a detailed view of an angled engagement face, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 28 is a left side view of a stackable container assembly, illustrating a first container body engaged with a lid, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 29 is a left side view of a stackable container assembly, illustrating a first container body and a second container body engaged with a lid, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a stackable container lid 100 which can have a dual sealing interface. The lid includes a planar top surface 102 having a perimeter 104, a perimeter wall 106 depending downwardly from the planar top surface 102, the perimeter wall 106 having a stepped profile 108 that defines an annular groove 110, and a plurality of protrusions 118 coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. The annular groove 110 is configured to receive an upper rim 130 of a first container body 134 and provides a sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134. The plurality of protrusions 118 engage an exterior face 140 of a base wall 138 of a second container body 136 placed on top of the lid 100, providing a second sealing engagement.

[0035] The planar top surface 102 is a flat horizontal surface that forms the uppermost face of the lid 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The perimeter 104 defines the outermost bound-ary of the planar top surface 102 and corresponds in shape to the bottom face of the second container body 136 with which the lid 100 is configured to engage. The planar top surface 102 is intended to provide a stable platform upon which the second container body 136 may be stacked.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2, 12, and 25, the plurality of protrusions 118 are coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. In the corner regions 120, there can be curved portions of the perimeter 104 at which adjacent sides of the perimeter 104 transitions into one another. The plurality of protrusions 118 project upwardly from the planar top surface 102 at the corner regions 120. According to some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 118 are arcuate along the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104, following the curvature of the perimeter 104 at the corner regions 120 such that the plurality of protrusions 118 corresponds in curvature to the base wall 138 of the second container body 136. In an aspect, the corner regions 120 serve as points of maximum leverage along the perimeter 104, and the plurality of protrusions 118 positioned at the corner regions 120 may resist lateral displacement of the second container body 136 in various planar directions when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100.

[0037] The angled engagement face 122 is a surface of each of the plurality of protrusions 118 oriented inwardly toward a central axis of the lid 100, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The angled engagement face 122 is the surface of the plurality of protrusions 118 that contacts the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 of the second container body 136 when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100. The angled engagement face 122 can be oriented at an angle between about 5° and about 30° relative to a vertical axis, for example. In a further embodiment, the angled engagement face 122 can be oriented at about 15° relative to the vertical axis. The inward angular orientation of the angled engagement face 122 toward the central axis of the lid 100 is such that when the second container body 136 is placed on the lid 100, the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 cams over the angled engagement face 122 and is captured between the plurality of protrusions 118. With this configuration, the engagement between the angled engagement face 122 and the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 is such that a lateral force applied to the second container body 136 increases the contact force between the exterior face 140 and the angled engagement face 122, thereby providing a sealing interface.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 6, the perimeter wall 106 depends downwardly from the planar top surface 102 and has a stepped profile 108. The stepped profile 108 defines the annular groove 110 at a position along the vertical height of the perimeter wall 106. The stepped profile 108 of the perimeter wall 106 is characterized in that it provides structural rigidity to the lid 100 so that the annular groove 110 can maintain its shape when container bodies are stacked on top and below the lid 100. It is shown in FIGS. 6-7 that the perimeter wall 106 includes the upper perimeter wall 160 above the annular groove 110 and the lower perimeter wall 162 below the annular groove.

[0039] As discussed above, the upper perimeter wall 160 depends downwardly from the planar top surface 102 and forms the portion of the perimeter wall 106 above the annular groove 110. The upper perimeter wall 160 may have a slight outwardly taper such that the outer diameter of the upper perimeter wall 160 increases in the downward direction, as shown in particular in FIG. 26. The outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160 is at an angle between about 1° and about 10° relative to a vertical axis. In a further embodiment, the outward taper 142 is about 3°. Correspondingly, the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160 can increase the stability of the lid 100 and container bodies when they are stacked and can also help to prevent the first container body 134 from being pressed upwards, past the annular groove 110.

[0040] The lower perimeter wall 162 depends downwardly from the upper perimeter wall 160 and forms the portion of the perimeter wall 106 below the annular groove 110. The illustrated lower perimeter wall 162 also outwardly tapers in the downward direction at a greater angle than the angle of the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160, in some implementations. The lower perimeter wall 162 extends below the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 when the upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110, wrapping around the exterior of the sidewall of the first container body 134 below the upper rim 130. The lower perimeter wall 162 thus can provide additional lateral stability to the lid 100 assembled to the first container body 134 and / or when the lid is placed on a surface supporting container body / bodies stacked on top.

[0041] In connection with FIG. 3, it is further shown that the illustrated annular groove 110 is defined between the upper perimeter wall 160 and the lower perimeter wall 162 and runs continuously around the full perimeter of the lid 100. The annular groove 110 has an inner wall 112. On the inner wall 112 of the annular groove 110, there is provided a sealing bead 116 projecting inwardly therefrom. The sealing bead 116 is formed integrally with the inner wall 112 of the annular groove 110 and runs continuously around the inner wall 112. The sealing bead 116 may contact the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 when the upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110. Thus, it can be seen that the sealing bead 116 and the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 form a compressive engagement between them.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 28, the first container body 134 has a sidewall terminating in an upper rim 130. The upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 has an outer face 114. The upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110, as discussed above. The sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134 prevents the contents (e.g., food) from contacting the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 29, the second container body 136 has a base wall 138 with an exterior face 140. The second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100 while the lid 100 is engaged with the first container body 134 in the stacked configuration. The exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 of the second container body 136 is coupled to the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104 when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100. The base wall 138 of the second container body 136 has a perimeter corresponding in shape to the perimeter 104 of the lid 100, such that the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 engages the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at the corner regions 120. The exterior face 140 is captured between the plurality of protrusions 118 when the second container body 136 is placed on top.

[0044] In application, removal of the second container body 136 from the lid 100 may require a force sufficient to disengage the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 from the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at all corner regions 120 simultaneously. Similarly, removal of the lid 100 from the first container body 134 may require a force sufficient to disengage the sealing bead 116 from the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 and separate the lower perimeter wall 162 from the exterior of the sidewall of the first container body 134. Therefore, the angular shape of the angled engagement face 122 and the sealing bead 116 may produce visible deformation of the lid 100, the first container body 134, and / or the second container body 136 when they are disengaged. Accordingly, the lid 100 can provide visible indication that the lid 100 has been previously removed. Partly as a result, a separate tamper-evident structural element, such as sealing tabs, may not be required.

[0045] In other embodiments, a ribbed lid 200 may be provided, as shown in FIGS. 11-24. The ribbed lid 200 includes ribs 202 on the upper perimeter wall in place of the smooth upper perimeter wall 160. The ribs 202 may be elongated protrusions extending vertically along the outer surface of the upper perimeter wall of the ribbed lid 200 and distributed around the perimeter of the ribbed lid 200.

[0046] In various embodiments, the lid 100 is not limited to any particular perimeter shape and may be configured as a superelliptical shape, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rectangular shape with 90° corners, an oval shape, or any other geometric shape corresponding to the container body with which it is intended to engage.

[0047] The materials from which the lid 100 is formed can include thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, selected for their combination of structural rigidity, elastic deformability, and transparency. The lid 100 may be formed by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0048] As appreciated, the angular dimensions described herein, including the angle of the angled engagement face 122 and the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160, are exemplary and may vary within the ranges described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The foregoing detailed description is exemplary and explanatory and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The description is intended to enable those skilled in art to make and use the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit their scope, applicability, or configuration. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain their principles. Elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Well-known methods, components, and techniques are not described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Although specific details are provided to facilitate understanding, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without all such details.

[0050] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications, variations, adaptations, combinations, and equivalent arrangements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with, substituted for, or implemented independently of features of other embodiments unless expressly restricted or context clearly indicates otherwise. The disclosed systems, methods, and / or processes are not limited to any particular order, configuration, or sequence unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Steps described in the drawings or the description may be performed sequentially, in parallel, concurrently, or in different order.

[0051] The scope of protection is to be interpreted in accordance with the ordinary meaning of the claim language as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in light of the specification and prosecution history. Terms are given their ordinary and customary meaning unless expressly defined otherwise. Dictionary definitions that conflict with context usage do not control. Nothing in the specification is intended to read limitations into the claims that are not expressly recited.

[0052] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values, measurements, and / or specifications are approximately and include reasonable variations consistent with their intended function and customary practice in the art. Numerical ranges include all values and subranges within the stated range, including endpoints. The term “about” or “approximately” indicates reasonable measurement variability, including variations arising from standard measurement techniques.

[0053] Disjunctive phrases such as “A or B,”“A and / or B,”“at least one of A and B,” and so forth include any one of the listed elements or any combination thereof. Commas and slashes ( / ) likewise denote “and / or.” Ordinal terms such as “first,”“second,”“third”, etc., are used for distinction only and do not imply priority or sequence, unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Relational terms such as “connected” or “coupled” include direct and indirect relationships unless stated as “directly.” Terms such as “between” or “on” encompass both direct and indirect arrangements unless expressly limited. References to an element being “between” or “on” another element do not exclude intervening elements unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Spatial and / or directional terms describe relative relationships as illustrated and encompass alternative orientations in use.

[0054] The terms “comprise,”“include,” and similar variations denote non-exclusive inclusion. The use of “a” or “an” does not preclude additional identical elements unless expressly limited.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a stackable container lid 100 which can have a dual sealing interface. The lid includes a planar top surface 102 having a perimeter 104, a perimeter wall 106 depending downwardly from the planar top surface 102, the perimeter wall 106 having a stepped profile 108 that defines an annular groove 110, and a plurality of protrusions 118 coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. The annular groove 110 is configured to receive an upper rim 130 of a first container body 134 and provides a sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134. The plurality of protrusions 118 engage an exterior face 140 of a base wall 138 of a second container body 136 placed on top of the lid 100, providing a second sealing engagement.

[0035]The planar top surface 102 is a flat horizontal surface that forms the uppermost face of the lid 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The perimeter 104...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to polymeric containers and, more particularly, to stackable container lids.BACKGROUND

[0002] Container lids are used in, for example, food packaging to seal a container body while the packaged foods are being stored or transported. In situations where a container body is stacked on top of a lid, maintaining a stable, sealed engagement between the lid and the lower container body as well as between the same lid and the upper container is a technical problem to be solved.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. In the drawings:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front-top perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear-top perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a front-bottom perspective view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a right side view a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a front view of a stackable container lid with dual sealing interface, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a left side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a right side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a front view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a rear view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 19 is a right side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 20 is a left side view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 21 is a front view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a ribbed stackable container lid, illustrating a container body stacked on top of the ribbed stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of a stackable container lid, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 26 is a left side view of a stackable container lid, illustrating outward taper of the upper perimeter wall, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 27 is a detailed view of an angled engagement face, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 28 is a left side view of a stackable container assembly, illustrating a first container body engaged with a lid, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 29 is a left side view of a stackable container assembly, illustrating a first container body and a second container body engaged with a lid, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a stackable container lid 100 which can have a dual sealing interface. The lid includes a planar top surface 102 having a perimeter 104, a perimeter wall 106 depending downwardly from the planar top surface 102, the perimeter wall 106 having a stepped profile 108 that defines an annular groove 110, and a plurality of protrusions 118 coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. The annular groove 110 is configured to receive an upper rim 130 of a first container body 134 and provides a sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134. The plurality of protrusions 118 engage an exterior face 140 of a base wall 138 of a second container body 136 placed on top of the lid 100, providing a second sealing engagement.

[0035] The planar top surface 102 is a flat horizontal surface that forms the uppermost face of the lid 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The perimeter 104 defines the outermost bound-ary of the planar top surface 102 and corresponds in shape to the bottom face of the second container body 136 with which the lid 100 is configured to engage. The planar top surface 102 is intended to provide a stable platform upon which the second container body 136 may be stacked.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2, 12, and 25, the plurality of protrusions 118 are coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. In the corner regions 120, there can be curved portions of the perimeter 104 at which adjacent sides of the perimeter 104 transitions into one another. The plurality of protrusions 118 project upwardly from the planar top surface 102 at the corner regions 120. According to some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 118 are arcuate along the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104, following the curvature of the perimeter 104 at the corner regions 120 such that the plurality of protrusions 118 corresponds in curvature to the base wall 138 of the second container body 136. In an aspect, the corner regions 120 serve as points of maximum leverage along the perimeter 104, and the plurality of protrusions 118 positioned at the corner regions 120 may resist lateral displacement of the second container body 136 in various planar directions when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100.

[0037] The angled engagement face 122 is a surface of each of the plurality of protrusions 118 oriented inwardly toward a central axis of the lid 100, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The angled engagement face 122 is the surface of the plurality of protrusions 118 that contacts the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 of the second container body 136 when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100. The angled engagement face 122 can be oriented at an angle between about 5° and about 30° relative to a vertical axis, for example. In a further embodiment, the angled engagement face 122 can be oriented at about 15° relative to the vertical axis. The inward angular orientation of the angled engagement face 122 toward the central axis of the lid 100 is such that when the second container body 136 is placed on the lid 100, the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 cams over the angled engagement face 122 and is captured between the plurality of protrusions 118. With this configuration, the engagement between the angled engagement face 122 and the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 is such that a lateral force applied to the second container body 136 increases the contact force between the exterior face 140 and the angled engagement face 122, thereby providing a sealing interface.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 6, the perimeter wall 106 depends downwardly from the planar top surface 102 and has a stepped profile 108. The stepped profile 108 defines the annular groove 110 at a position along the vertical height of the perimeter wall 106. The stepped profile 108 of the perimeter wall 106 is characterized in that it provides structural rigidity to the lid 100 so that the annular groove 110 can maintain its shape when container bodies are stacked on top and below the lid 100. It is shown in FIGS. 6-7 that the perimeter wall 106 includes the upper perimeter wall 160 above the annular groove 110 and the lower perimeter wall 162 below the annular groove.

[0039] As discussed above, the upper perimeter wall 160 depends downwardly from the planar top surface 102 and forms the portion of the perimeter wall 106 above the annular groove 110. The upper perimeter wall 160 may have a slight outwardly taper such that the outer diameter of the upper perimeter wall 160 increases in the downward direction, as shown in particular in FIG. 26. The outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160 is at an angle between about 1° and about 10° relative to a vertical axis. In a further embodiment, the outward taper 142 is about 3°. Correspondingly, the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160 can increase the stability of the lid 100 and container bodies when they are stacked and can also help to prevent the first container body 134 from being pressed upwards, past the annular groove 110.

[0040] The lower perimeter wall 162 depends downwardly from the upper perimeter wall 160 and forms the portion of the perimeter wall 106 below the annular groove 110. The illustrated lower perimeter wall 162 also outwardly tapers in the downward direction at a greater angle than the angle of the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160, in some implementations. The lower perimeter wall 162 extends below the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 when the upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110, wrapping around the exterior of the sidewall of the first container body 134 below the upper rim 130. The lower perimeter wall 162 thus can provide additional lateral stability to the lid 100 assembled to the first container body 134 and / or when the lid is placed on a surface supporting container body / bodies stacked on top.

[0041] In connection with FIG. 3, it is further shown that the illustrated annular groove 110 is defined between the upper perimeter wall 160 and the lower perimeter wall 162 and runs continuously around the full perimeter of the lid 100. The annular groove 110 has an inner wall 112. On the inner wall 112 of the annular groove 110, there is provided a sealing bead 116 projecting inwardly therefrom. The sealing bead 116 is formed integrally with the inner wall 112 of the annular groove 110 and runs continuously around the inner wall 112. The sealing bead 116 may contact the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 when the upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110. Thus, it can be seen that the sealing bead 116 and the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 form a compressive engagement between them.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 28, the first container body 134 has a sidewall terminating in an upper rim 130. The upper rim 130 of the first container body 134 has an outer face 114. The upper rim 130 is received within the annular groove 110, as discussed above. The sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134 prevents the contents (e.g., food) from contacting the upper rim 130 of the first container body 134.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 29, the second container body 136 has a base wall 138 with an exterior face 140. The second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100 while the lid 100 is engaged with the first container body 134 in the stacked configuration. The exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 of the second container body 136 is coupled to the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at the corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104 when the second container body 136 is placed on top of the lid 100. The base wall 138 of the second container body 136 has a perimeter corresponding in shape to the perimeter 104 of the lid 100, such that the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 engages the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at the corner regions 120. The exterior face 140 is captured between the plurality of protrusions 118 when the second container body 136 is placed on top.

[0044] In application, removal of the second container body 136 from the lid 100 may require a force sufficient to disengage the exterior face 140 of the base wall 138 from the angled engagement face 122 of the plurality of protrusions 118 at all corner regions 120 simultaneously. Similarly, removal of the lid 100 from the first container body 134 may require a force sufficient to disengage the sealing bead 116 from the outer face 114 of the upper rim 130 and separate the lower perimeter wall 162 from the exterior of the sidewall of the first container body 134. Therefore, the angular shape of the angled engagement face 122 and the sealing bead 116 may produce visible deformation of the lid 100, the first container body 134, and / or the second container body 136 when they are disengaged. Accordingly, the lid 100 can provide visible indication that the lid 100 has been previously removed. Partly as a result, a separate tamper-evident structural element, such as sealing tabs, may not be required.

[0045] In other embodiments, a ribbed lid 200 may be provided, as shown in FIGS. 11-24. The ribbed lid 200 includes ribs 202 on the upper perimeter wall in place of the smooth upper perimeter wall 160. The ribs 202 may be elongated protrusions extending vertically along the outer surface of the upper perimeter wall of the ribbed lid 200 and distributed around the perimeter of the ribbed lid 200.

[0046] In various embodiments, the lid 100 is not limited to any particular perimeter shape and may be configured as a superelliptical shape, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rectangular shape with 90° corners, an oval shape, or any other geometric shape corresponding to the container body with which it is intended to engage.

[0047] The materials from which the lid 100 is formed can include thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, selected for their combination of structural rigidity, elastic deformability, and transparency. The lid 100 may be formed by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0048] As appreciated, the angular dimensions described herein, including the angle of the angled engagement face 122 and the outward taper 142 of the upper perimeter wall 160, are exemplary and may vary within the ranges described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The foregoing detailed description is exemplary and explanatory and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The description is intended to enable those skilled in art to make and use the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit their scope, applicability, or configuration. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain their principles. Elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Well-known methods, components, and techniques are not described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Although specific details are provided to facilitate understanding, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without all such details.

[0050] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications, variations, adaptations, combinations, and equivalent arrangements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with, substituted for, or implemented independently of features of other embodiments unless expressly restricted or context clearly indicates otherwise. The disclosed systems, methods, and / or processes are not limited to any particular order, configuration, or sequence unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Steps described in the drawings or the description may be performed sequentially, in parallel, concurrently, or in different order.

[0051] The scope of protection is to be interpreted in accordance with the ordinary meaning of the claim language as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in light of the specification and prosecution history. Terms are given their ordinary and customary meaning unless expressly defined otherwise. Dictionary definitions that conflict with context usage do not control. Nothing in the specification is intended to read limitations into the claims that are not expressly recited.

[0052] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values, measurements, and / or specifications are approximately and include reasonable variations consistent with their intended function and customary practice in the art. Numerical ranges include all values and subranges within the stated range, including endpoints. The term “about” or “approximately” indicates reasonable measurement variability, including variations arising from standard measurement techniques.

[0053] Disjunctive phrases such as “A or B,”“A and / or B,”“at least one of A and B,” and so forth include any one of the listed elements or any combination thereof. Commas and slashes ( / ) likewise denote “and / or.” Ordinal terms such as “first,”“second,”“third”, etc., are used for distinction only and do not imply priority or sequence, unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Relational terms such as “connected” or “coupled” include direct and indirect relationships unless stated as “directly.” Terms such as “between” or “on” encompass both direct and indirect arrangements unless expressly limited. References to an element being “between” or “on” another element do not exclude intervening elements unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Spatial and / or directional terms describe relative relationships as illustrated and encompass alternative orientations in use.

[0054] The terms “comprise,”“include,” and similar variations denote non-exclusive inclusion. The use of “a” or “an” does not preclude additional identical elements unless expressly limited.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a stackable container lid 100 which can have a dual sealing interface. The lid includes a planar top surface 102 having a perimeter 104, a perimeter wall 106 depending downwardly from the planar top surface 102, the perimeter wall 106 having a stepped profile 108 that defines an annular groove 110, and a plurality of protrusions 118 coupled or integrated to the planar top surface 102 at corner regions 120 of the perimeter 104. The annular groove 110 is configured to receive an upper rim 130 of a first container body 134 and provides a sealing engagement between the lid 100 and the first container body 134. The plurality of protrusions 118 engage an exterior face 140 of a base wall 138 of a second container body 136 placed on top of the lid 100, providing a second sealing engagement.

[0035]The planar top surface 102 is a flat horizontal surface that forms the uppermost face of the lid 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The perimeter 104...

Claims

1. A lid for a container comprising:a planar top surface having a perimeter;an upper perimeter wall depending downwardly from the planar top surface;a lower perimeter wall depending downwardly from the upper perimeter wall, the upper perimeter wall and the lower perimeter wall defining an annular groove configured to receive an upper rim of a container body; anda plurality of protrusions integrated with the planar top surface at corner regions of the perimeter, the protrusions having an angled engagement face oriented inwardly toward a central axis of the lid.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the angled engagement face of the plurality of protrusions is oriented at an angle between about 5° and 30° relative to a vertical axis.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the angled engagement face is oriented at about 15° relative to the vertical axis.

4. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper perimeter wall is outwardly tapered.

5. The lid of claim 4, wherein the upper perimeter wall tapers at an angle between about 1° and 10° relative to a vertical axis.

6. The lid of claim 5, wherein the upper perimeter wall tapers at about 3° relative to the vertical axis.

7. The lid of claim 1, wherein an inner wall of the annular groove contacts an outer face of the upper rim when the upper rim is received within the annular groove.

8. The lid of claim 7, wherein the inner wall of the annular groove comprises a sealing bead projecting inwardly therefrom.

9. The lid of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arcuate along the corner regions of the perimeter.

10. A container assembly comprising:a container body having a sidewall terminating in an upper rim; anda lid comprising:a planar top surface having a perimeter;an upper perimeter wall depending downwardly from the planar top surface, the upper perimeter wall being outwardly tapered;a lower perimeter wall depending downwardly from the upper perimeter wall, the upper perimeter wall and the lower perimeter wall defining an annular groove therebetween; anda plurality of protrusions integrated to the planar top surface at corner regions of the perimeter, the plurality of protrusions having an angled engagement face oriented inwardly toward a central axis of the lid;wherein the upper rim of the container body is received within the annular groove.

11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein an inner wall of the annular groove comprises an inwardly angled sealing bead.

12. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the lower perimeter wall extends below the upper rim of the container body.

13. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the angled engagement face of the plurality of protrusions is oriented at an angle between about 5° and 30° relative to a vertical axis.

14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the angled engagement face is oriented at about 15° relative to the vertical axis.

15. A stackable container assembly comprising:a first container body having a sidewall terminating in an upper rim;a lid comprising:a planar top surface having a perimeter;an upper perimeter wall depending downwardly from the planar top surface, the upper perimeter wall being outwardly tapered;a lower perimeter wall depending downwardly from the upper perimeter wall, the upper perimeter wall and the lower perimeter wall defining an annular groove therebetween, the lower perimeter wall being outwardly tapered; anda plurality of protrusions coupled to the planar top surface at corner regions of the perimeter, the plurality of protrusions having an angled engagement face oriented inwardly toward a central axis of the lid, wherein the upper rim of the first container body is removably received within the annular groove; anda second container body having a base wall, an exterior face of the base wall removably coupled to the angled engagement face of the plurality of protrusions.

16. The stackable container assembly of claim 15, wherein the base wall of the second container body has a perimeter corresponding in shape to the perimeter of the lid such that the exterior face of the base wall engages the angled engagement face of the plurality of protrusions at the corner regions.

17. The stackable container assembly of claim 15, wherein the angled engagement face of the plurality of protrusions is oriented at an angle between about 5° and 30° relative to a vertical axis.

18. The stackable container assembly of claim 17, wherein the angled engagement face is oriented at about 15° relative to the vertical axis.

19. The stackable container assembly of claim 16, wherein the lower perimeter wall of the lid extends below the upper rim of the first container body.

20. The stackable container assembly of claim 16, wherein the exterior face of the base wall of the second container body is captured between the plurality of protrusions.

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