Lid with stacking feature

Abstract

A lid for a container is provided. The lid includes an outer rim couplable to a container and comprising an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and an upper connecting portion spanning between the inner sidewall and outer sidewall. The lid further includes a closure member spanning an interior space defined by the outer rim and a stacking element formed into the inner sidewall of the outer rim. The stacking element is configured as an indentation, depression, groove, or recess that extends inward from the outer sidewall. A combination of lids for a container may include a first lid comprising a first outer rim having a first plurality of stacking elements formed therein in a first stacking arrangement, and a second lid comprising a second outer rim having a second plurality of stacking elements formed therein in a second stacking arrangement.

Description

[0001] Docket No. 16695.11448

[0002] LID WITH STACKING FEATURE

[0003] BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Cups and containers suitable for holding drink and / or food items are well known in the food and beverage packaging industry'. Lids are often utilized with the cups and containers to selectively cover and protect the food and / or drink items. Often, lids are arranged in stacks for shipment, transport, and storage, and / or are placed in lid dispensers that house a stack of lids and apply downward force onto the lid stack for dispensing purposes. However, when lids are stacked or placed in a dispenser, they have a tendency to lock or become stuck together because one or more parts of the lids, notably the rim portions of two adjacent lids, become nested together and then lock due to frictional retention forces. This is particularly problematic in lid dispensers as the locked together lids cause the dispenser to become jammed and not function properly.

[0005] Current solutions to this problem add relatively small “spikes” or “dimples” to the center panel of the lid that act as columns to keep the stack stable and prevent the lids from locking. However, these spikes / dimples significantly increase the difficulty of the thermoforming process of the lids and detract from the overall appearance of the lids. Further, these spikes / dimples are located inboard of the lid rim, which allows a force applied at a radial distance further out towards or on the rim to generate a moment. This leverage destabilizes the stack. Additionally, this distance increases undesirable deflection across the essentially planar center panel of the lid that in turn allows the outer rim to push down onto the lid below it.

[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for a lid that does not become locked or stuck together when arranged in a stack. A further need exists for a non-locking lid that can be produced economically without increasing the difficulty of the thermoforming process and that does not compromise the integrity of the lid when arranged in a stack.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1; Docket No. 16695.11448

[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the lid of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1, illustrating a stacking element of the lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1, illustrating the stacking element of the lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 7;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the lid of FIG. 7;

[0018] FIG. 10A is a top plan view of a lid for a container having stacking elements arranged in a first stacking arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 1 OB is a top plan view of a lid for a container having stacking elements arranged in a second stacking arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of three of the lids of FIGS. 10A and 10B stacked together;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a section view of the stacked lids of FIG. 11 along line 12-12 in FIG. 11 ; and FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of the stacked lids of FIG. 12 at detail 13.

[0022] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity' in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. It will be appreciated that any dimensions included in the drawing figures are simply provided as examples and dimensions other than those provided therein are also within the scope of the invention.

[0024] The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0025] The present invention is directed generally to a cover or lid 10 for a container wherein the lid includes a stacking feature 12 as illustrated in the several figures. The present invention is further directed to a combination or stack of lids 100 (that may include one or more lids 10), Docket No. 16695.11448 wherein each of the lids 10 may include stacking features 12 in different stacking arrangements as also illustrated in the several figures. It is often desirable to have a lid that can secure to an upper end of a container for use in food- and drink-service applications to cover a top opening of the container and protect food or beverage contents in the container. It is also often desirable to have a lid that can be stacked together and / or used within a lid dispenser without two or more lids within the stack becoming stuck or locked together.

[0026] The stacking feature 12 of lid 10 can operate to keep two stacked lids 10 within a stack of lids 100 properly spaced or separated so that each lid 10 within the stack of lids 100 is less likely to become stuck or locked together. While each lid 10 may be adapted for use with containers for holding food and drink, it will be appreciated that it can also be used in connection with containers for the storage and transportation of other items. In addition, the lid 10 as described herein may be suitably utilized in connection with several different types and styles of containers whether or not described specifically herein.

[0027] As described in greater detail below, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate lid 10 according to a first embodiment and FIGS. 7-9 illustrate lid 10 according to a second embodiment, where each embodiment of lid 10 includes similar features and a different arrangement and positioning of stacking elements 12. It is recognized that both embodiments of lid 10 as depicted and described herein represent just two possible arrangements of the stacking features 12 within each lid and many other arrangements are considered w ithin the scope of the present invention. Further, the following description provided with respect to the first embodiment of lid 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 may also be applied to the second embodiment of lid 10 as shown in FIGS. 7-9.

[0028] Turning to FIGS. 1-4, lid 10 may be configured as a standard lid or cover member for covering an opening of a container or cup (not shown). As shown, lid 10 may include an outer rim 14 that encloses a perimeter or rim of the container and a center panel or closure member 16 positioned radially interior of the outer rim 14 and that may span across the opening of the container. Lid 10 may further include a drink opening, straw slot, flavor buttons and / or indicia as common to many lid designs. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, outer rim 14, which forms an outer periphery of the lid 10, may be substantially circular or ring shaped so as to fit onto the open end of a round drinking cup or other round container. However, it will be appreciated that outer rim 14, and lid 10 overall, may be shaped to fit containers of other shapes (e.g.. oval or rectangular shaped lids 10).

[0029] As showTi in FIGS. 3-6, outer rim 14 may include an inner circumferential sidewall 18, an outer circumferential sidewall 20 and a top connecting wall 22 that collectively define an internal cavity 24 for receiving and engaging an upper rim or upper end of the container for Docket No. 16695.11448 coupling thereto. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, inner sidewall 18 of rim 14 may include a lower connecting portion 26 that extends radially inward to connect outer rim 14 to center panel 16. As further shown, outer sidewall 20 may include indentions or projections extending inwardly from the periphery and into cavity 24 to enhance the engagement between lid 10 and the upper end of a container.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, lid 10 may include one or more stacking elements 12 formed into outer rim 14. As shown in FIG. 1, lid 10 may include a plurality of stacking elements 12 circumferentially spaced around outer rim 14 and extending or projecting at least partially into outer rim 14 and internal cavity 24 thereof. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment having twelve stacking elements 12 spaced at approximately equal distances around outer rim 14. While not shown specifically here, it is recognized that other embodiments may include more or less than twelve stacking elements 12 and / or include arrangements where one or more of the stacking elements 12 are not spaced at equal distances around outer rim 14. Thus, any number (e.g., 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, etc.) of stacking elements 12 may be used in different embodiments of the invention.

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, each stacking element 12 may be formed into inner sidewall 18 of outer rim 14. As shown, stacking element 12 may include an upper stacking portion 28 that projects into the outer surface of inner sidewall 18 (adjacent center panel 16) and into inner cavity 24 of outer rim 14. As shown in FIG. 5, upper stacking portion 28 may extend inward relative to the remainder of the inner surface of inner sidewall 18 so that the width of inner cavity 24 is reduced at stacking element 12 relative to other portions of outer rim 14 (see also FIG. 13). Put differently, upper stacking portion 28 may project in a radially outward direction away from the center panel 16, reducing the width of inner cavity 24. According to certain embodiments, as show n in FIG. 5, upper stacking portion 28 may include a pair of inwardly angled perimeter wall portions 30a and 30b and a curved or arcuate central panel portion 32 extending therebetween. A lower ledge or shelf portion 34 may be provided between perimeter wall portions 30a and 30b and below central panel portion 32. Collectively, wall portions 30a and 30b, central panel 32 and lower ledge 34 define an inward projection, depression, indentation or recessed structure within inner sidewall 18 of rim 14 in the direction of the inner cavity 24. In other words, stacking elements 12 may be configured to project or indent inward in inner sidewall 18 and in a radially outward direction (i.e., away from the center panel 16 and the central axis thereof) so as to form a reduced width of inner cavity724 at the location of each stacking element 12.

[0032] As further shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, stacking element 12 may further include a lower stacking portion 36 extending below lower ledge 34. Lower stacking portion 36 may project into Docket No. 16695.11448 lower connecting portion 26 of inner sidewall 18 and may be formed as an indentation, depression, groove or similar structure. As shown, lower stacking portion 36 may have a reduced width relative to upper stacking portion 28 in certain embodiments. It is further recognized that stacking element 12 may be configured as any suitable shape or structure that projects into outer rim 14 along the inner sidewall 18 thereof in different embodiments of the invention. As such, each stacking element 12 may be formed as an indentation, depression, groove, recess, or similar structure that extends inward within the inner cavity 24 of rim 14. Stacking element 12 may be configured with an arcuate or cur ed shape as shown in FIGS. 1-6, or may be configured with a rectangular, triangular, or other suitable shape depending on the particular embodiment.

[0033] FIGS. 7-9 illustrates a lid 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Lid 10 according to the second embodiment includes an identical configuration to lid 10 of the first embodiment described above, particularly with respect to outer rim 14, center panel 16 and the configuration of the individual stacking elements 12. Accordingly, the features of lid 10 in FIGS. 7-9 are identified with the same reference numbers as lid 10 in FIGS. 1-4 and the description of the first embodiment of lid 10 with respect to such features may apply to the second embodiment of lid 10. As shown in FIGS. 7-9. lid 10 is distinguishable from lid 10 by having a different arrangement of stacking elements 12. As shown, lid 10 according to the second embodiment may include eleven stacking elements 12 spaced in a different arrangement around outer rim 14. The lid 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 includes identical features as the lid 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and described above, and the only difference in the embodiments is the arrangement of the stacking features 12 around the outer rim 14. In alternative embodiments of the invention, lid 10 may include any number (e.g., 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, etc.) of stacking elements 12 in any number of different spaced arrangements.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7-9, lid 10 of the first embodiment and lid 10 of the second embodiment may include a plurality of stacking elements 12 spaced around the circumference of outer rim 14 at spaced intervals (i.e., at 80°, 75°, 60°, 50°, 30°, 10°, or other specified intervals). As also described in greater detail below, different lids 10 may have a different arrangement of stacking elements 12 spaced around the circumference of outer rim 14. For example, as best shown in FIG. 2, a first lid 10 may have a plurality of stacking elements 12 spaced at approximately 30° from center around the circumference of outer rim 14 where the first stacking element 12 is positioned at 0° from the x-axis. As another example, as best shown in FIG. 8, a second lid 10 may similarly have a plurality of stacking elements 12 spaced 30° from center where the first stacking element 12 is positioned at 5° from the x-axis. The angle from the x-axis of the first stacking element 12 of the plurality of stacking elements 12 in each of the first lid 10 Docket No. 16695.11448 and second lid 10 may be any suitable angle where the angle from the x-axis of the first lid 10 is different from the angle from the x-axis of the second lid 10 in alternative embodiments of the invention.

[0035] As a result, when multiple lids 10 having these different stacking arrangements are stacked together, the stacking elements 12 on the upper lid 10 of two adjacent lids 10 engage the top connecting wall 22 of the lower lid 10 so that a plurality of gaps G extend circumferentially between the rims 14 of the upper and lower lids 10. Specifically, each gap G is located along the portions of the circumference of the rims 14 where the inner sidewall 18 of outer rim 14 of the upper lid 10 does not include a stacking element 12 (i.e., the portion inner sidewall 18 between adjacent stacking elements 12).

[0036] The foregoing examples are intended to provide only one possible configuration of lids 10 with differing stacking arrangements. It is recognized that lids 10 may be configured with different quantities of stacking elements, different circumferential spacing of the plurality of stacking elements 12, and / or different angular starting position (relative to the x-axis) of the first stacking element 12 in each stacking arrangement. Each of these variables may be used to assist in configuring the differing stacking arrangements so that when two or more lids 10 with different stacking arrangements are arranged in a stack, the stacking elements 12 are staggered or spaced and at least a portion of the stacking elements 12 in each lid 10 do not overlap.

[0037] Turning to FIGS. 10A-13, the application of stacking elements 12 within lid 10 will be described in greater detail. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the present invention may include two or more specific lid configurations where the stacking elements 12 of each lid configuration are differently positioned around the outer rim 14. As shown in FIG. 10A, a first lid 10a may include a first stacking arrangement of stacking elements 12a. For the first stacking arrangement, outer rim 14a of lid 10a includes twelve stacking elements 12a spaced around the circumference of outer rim 14a, where the first stacking element 12a is positioned at an angle a equal to approximately 0° from the x-axis and each subsequent stacking element 12a is angularly spaced around the rim circumference. As shown in FIG. 10B, a second lid 10b may include a second stacking arrangement of stacking elements 12b. For the second stacking arrangement, outer rim 14b of lid 10b includes eleven stacking elements 12b spaced around the circumference of outer rim 14b, where the first stacking element 12b is positioned at an angle a offset from 0° from the x-axis. As shown in FIG. 10B, second lid 10b may be configured with the first stacking element 12b position with angle a equaling approximately 15° from the x-axis and each subsequent stacking element 12b is angularly spaced around the rim circumference. It is also recognized that the angle a of the first stacking element 12b of lid 10b may be any angle different from the angle Docket No. 16695.11448 a of the first stacking element 12a of lid 10a. As a result, the stacking elements 12a on lid 10a with the first stacking arrangement are angularly staggered relative to the stacking elements 12b on lid 10b with the second stacking arrangement so that the first stacking arrangement does not fully align with the second stacking arrangement when lids 10a and 10b are stacked together. Lid 10a may be configured in accordance with the lid 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 and lid 10b may be configured in accordance with the lid 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 7-9; however, it is recognized that lids 10a and 10b may be configured to have different numbers of stacking elements 12 and different spacing of stacking elements relative to one another in various other embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 10A-13 illustrate multiple lids 10a and 10b stacked together to form a combination or stack of lids 100 and illustrate the different stacking arrangements between the two different lid configurations contained with the stack of lids 100. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the stacking elements 12a of the first stacking arrangement of lid 10a are not fully aligned and angularly staggered relative to the stacking elements 12b of the second stacking arrangement of lid 10b. As further shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the staggered alignment between the stacking elements 12a of the first stacking arrangement and the stacking elements 12b of the second stacking arrangement form a plurality of gaps G between the outer rims 14 of lids 10a and 10b w hen stacked together within a combination or stack of lids 100.

[0039] As sho Ti in FIGS. 11-13, stacking element 12 is configured to improve the stacking of multiple lids 10 together (to form the combination of lids 100). FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of a stack of lids 100 having three lids 10a, 10b, 10a stacked together. FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a cross-section of the stack of lids 100 (having the three lids 10a, 10b, 10a stacked together) w here the cross-section extends through the stacking element 12a of the upper lid 10a. As shown, the inwardly-projecting stacking element 12a of the upper lid 10a seats onto the upper rim portion (i.e., top connecting wall 22b and upper part of inner sidewall 18b) of the middle lid 10b. In the embodiment shown, the lower ledge or shelf portion 34a and lower stacking portion 36a are seated on and engage the upper rim portion of the middle lid 10b. As shown, the cross-section does not extend through a stacking element 12b of the middle lid 10b, but does extend through a stacking element 12a of the lower lid 10a. As shown, the stack of lids 10a, 10b illustrates a gap or spacing G between the lower connecting portion 26b of the middle lid 10b and the top connecting wall 22a and inner sidewall 18a of the lower lid 10a. The plurality of gaps G that extend around the circumference of both rims 14 of the upper lid and lower lids 10a, 10b reduce the likelihood of the lids becoming locked or stuck together when multiple lids 10a, 10b are arranged in a stack of lids 100. Docket No. 16695.11448

[0040] As best illustrated in FIG. 13, the inwardly projecting stacking arrangement 12a reduces the width of cavity 24a of outer rim 14 of lid 10a and restricts outer rim 14 of lid 10a from nesting with outer rim 14 of lid 10b. As a result, a gap or space G is formed between outer rim 14 of lid 10a and outer rim 14 of lid 10b in regions of the outer rims 14 between the plurality of stacking elements 12a spaced around the circumference of lid 10a. Furthermore, the inwardly projecting stacking arrangement 12b reduces the width of cavity 24b of outer rim 12 of lid 10b and restricts the outer rim 14 of lid 10b from nesting with outer rim 14 of lid 10a. As a result, space G is formed between the outer rim of lid 10b and outer rim 14 of lid 10a in regions of the outer rims 14 between the plurality of stacking elements 12b spaced around the circumference of lid 10b. The plurality of gaps G formed between the outer rims 14 of the two stacked lids 10a and 10b prevent the lids 10a and 10b from becoming stuck or locked together when arranged in a stack.

[0041] FIGS. 10A-13 illustrate just one exemplary embodiment of the invention with two different specific lid configurations, illustrated as lids 10a and 10b, to form a combination or stack of lids 100. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a combination or stack of lids 100 including an upper lid 10a, middle lid 10b, and a lower lid 10a. FIGS. 11-13 provides an exemplary illustration of a stack of lids 100 and it is recognized that a stack of lids 100 may include more than three lids 10 in a repeating stacked arrangement (i.e., lids 10a and 10b continue in an alternating arrangement within the stack of lids 100). It is further recognized that any number of different lid configurations with different stacking arrangements (apart from the first and second stacking arrangements described above) may be utilized in various embodiments of different stacks of lids 100. For example, each of first lid configuration 10a and second lid configuration 10b may include any suitable number of stacking elements 12 arranged in a specific pattern and spacing so that the stacking arrangement of lid 10a is staggered or mis-aligned with the stacking arrangement of lid 10b in order to create a plurality of gaps G between lids 10a and 10b and restrict the stacking elements 12 of lid 10a from being received within the stacking elements 12 of lid 10b when stacked together to form a stack of lids 100. It is further recognized that more than two different lid configurations may be used in alternative embodiments of the invention. For example, one embodiment of a combination of lids 100 may include a first lid configuration 10a, a second lid configuration 10b. and a third lid configuration (not shown), each with a different stacking arrangement of stacking elements 12.

[0042] Lid 10 of the present invention may be formed from any suitable material, including without limitation, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, polylactic acid (PLA), PET plastic, copolymers, or any other Docket No. 16695.11448 plastic polymer material. Lid 10 may alternatively be formed from other materials, including without limitation, paper, paperboard, molded fiber, pulp, cellulosic materials, or the like in various embodiments of the invention.

[0043] The lid 10 may also be formed by any suitable method, including without limitations, formed from an extruded sheet or by a thermoforming or injection molding process. Further, in certain embodiments, multiple lids 10 may be manufactured so that the lids 10 are manufactured in alternating stacking arrangements to create a combination of lids 100. For one non-limiting example, lids 10 may be manufactured so that the first lid 10 is manufactured with a first stacking arrangement (e.g., lid 10a of FIG. 10 A), the subsequent lid 10 is manufactured with a second stacking arrangement (e.g., lid 10b of FIG. 10B), and subsequent lids 10 are similarly manufactured in alternating fashion. As a result, when lids 10 are stacked into a combination of lids 100 after manufacture, the alternating stacking arrangements reduce any locking of adjacent lids within the stack. The foregoing provides just one manufacturing methods for lid 10 and it is recognized that any suitable modifications, variations or alternative methods may be utilized.

[0044] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0045] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of how the various features of the subject matter herein may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary' skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0046] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and the upper values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. These are only Docket No. 16695.11448 examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure.

[0047] As used herein, ‘‘a,” “an,” or “the” can mean one or more than one. For example, “an” image can mean a single image or a plurality of images.

[0048] The term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A and / or B” herein can include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A. B, and / or C” can include at least the following embodiments: A. B, and C; A. B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0049] As used herein, the term “about” when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, can include variations of + / - 20%, more preferably + / - 10%, even more preferably + / -5% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to reproduce the disclosed methods and systems.

[0050] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0051] The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been show n and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

Docket No. 16695.11448CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A lid for a container, the lid comprising: an outer rim couplable to a container, the outer rim comprising an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and an upper connecting portion spanning between the inner sidewall and outer sidewall; a closure member spanning an interior space defined by the outer nm; and a stacking element formed into the inner sidewall of the outer rim, wherein the stacking element is configured as an indentation, depression, groove, or recess that extends inward from the inner sidewall.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the outer rim further comprises a cavity between the inner sidew all and the outer sidew all, wherein a width of the cavity at the stacking element is less than a width of the cavity in a region without the stacking element.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein stacking element comprises a lower stacking ledge extending into the cavity.

4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the lower stacking ledge engages the outer rim of a second identical lid when the lids are stacked together.

5. The lid of claim 4, wherein a gap is formed betw een the outer rim of the lids in a region of the outer rim without the stacking element.

6. The lid of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stacking elements, wherein the plurality of stacking elements is circumferentially spaced around the outer rim.

7. The lid of claim 1. wherein the outer rim further comprises a lower connecting portion that connects to the closure member, wherein the stacking element extends into the lower connecting portion.

8. A combination of lids for a container, the combination of lids comprising: a first lid comprising a first outer rim having a first plurality of stacking elements formed therein in a first stacking arrangement; andDocket No. 16695.11448 a second lid comprising a second outer rim having a second plurality of stacking elements formed therein in a second stacking arrangement; wherein the first stacking arrangement is different than the second stacking arrangement.

9. The combination of lids of claim 8, wherein at least one stacking element of the first plurality7of stacking elements is angularly offset from at least one stacking element of the second plurality of second stacking elements.

10. The combination of lids of claim 8, wherein a quantity of stacking elements within the first plurality of stacking elements is different than a quantity' of stacking elements within the second plurality of stacking elements.

11. The combination of lids of claim 8, wherein the first plurality of stacking elements are configured as an indentation, depression, groove, or recess that extends into an inner sidewall of the first outer rim.

12. The combination of lids of claim 11, wherein the second plurality of stacking elements are configured as an indentation, depression, groove, or recess that extends into an inner sidewall of the second outer rim.

13. The combination of lids of claim 8. wherein the first plurality of stacking elements are circumferentially spaced around the first outer rim and the second plurality of stacking elements are circumferentially spaced around the second outer rim.

14. The combination of lids of claim 8, wherein at least one gap is formed between the first outer rim and the second outer rim when the first lid and the second lid are stacked together.

15. The combination of lids of claim 14, wherein the at least one gap is located in a region of the first outer rim between two stacking elements of the first plurality of stacking elements.

16. A stack of lids for a container, the stack of lids comprising: a first lid comprising a first outer rim having a first plurality of stacking elements circumferentially spaced around the first outer rim; andDocket No. 16695.11448 a second lid comprising a second outer rim having a second plurality of stacking elements circumferentially spaced around the second outer rim; wherein each of stacking elements of the first plurality of stacking elements is angularly- offset from each of the stacking elements of the second plurality' of stacking elements.

17. The stack of lids of claim 16, wherein the first plurality' of stacking elements engages the second outer rim.

18. The stack of lids of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first plurality of stacking elements and the second plurality' of stacking elements are configured as an indentation, depression, groove, or recess that extends into an inner sidewall of the first outer rim or the second outer rim.

19. The stack of lids of claim 16, the first outer rim further comprising a first inner sidewall, a first outer sidewall, and a first cavity between the first inner sidewall and the first outer sidewall, each stacking element of the first plurality of stacking elements further comprising a lower stacking ledge extending into the cavity.

20. The stack of lids of claim 16, further comprising at least one gap formed between the first outer rim and the second outer rim.

Images