BR112020013465B1 - CONTAINER LID - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and container lids. In at least one embodiment, the disclosed containers and container lids provide a liquid-tight seal without the use of gaskets and may facilitate the complete submersion of solid items when the container is filled with liquid. For example, in certain embodiments, a container lid includes a brine disc panel patterned in alternating webs of downwardly projecting protrusions. Thus, in these embodiments, liquids within the container may pass between the projection protrusions (e.g., with the projection protrusions extending downward into the liquid) and the projection protrusions may hold solids that tend to float in the liquid below a surface of the liquid.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims priority to the benefit of 35 U.S.C § 119 of, and incorporates by reference herein, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/615,688, filed January 10, 2018, and entitled “CONTAINER AND CONTAINER LID WITH BUILT-IN BRINE DISC”.

FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[002] The present disclosure generally relates to containers and container lids.

FUNDAMENTALS

[003] Containers and lids are a staple in today's society. Wholesalers, traders and individuals use containers in a multitude of industries, including but not limited to: manufacturing, agriculture, beverage, entertainment, healthcare, food service, hospitality, fishing, retail, automotive, transportation, waste management, oil and gas , education and construction. These industries use containers to store and transport a wide variety of substances and items that may include solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these. Substances and items may include, but are not limited to: paint, water, lubricants, integrated circuits, sauces, chemical solutions, plastic pipes, sand, powders, and even pickles.

[004] Although common and useful, containers and lids may include inadequate sealing mechanisms that allow leaks and air entry. Including a gasket in a container and/or lid design can help eliminate leaks and inadequate air intake, but because gaskets are often made of rubber, paper, or cork, they can break down and crack over time, which may cause loss of sealant properties.

[005] Additionally, in some applications, containers can be filled with solids submerged in a denser liquid, which causes the solid to float above a surface of the liquid. In these scenarios, the solid may be exposed to air between a top surface of the liquid and the bottom of the lid connected to the container, therefore losing the benefits of full submersion.

[006] Therefore, there is a felt but unresolved need for containers and lids, where the containers or lids provide a seal that generally eliminates the need for gaskets and provide a mechanism that encourages solids to remain submerged in liquids.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] Briefly described and in accordance with one embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to containers and container lids, and more particularly to gasketless containers and associated container lids that include brine disc panels. The present embodiments provide improvements over traditional container lids and containers that store solids submerged in liquids by providing a brine disc panel, wherein the bottom of the container lid provides a mechanism to deny buoyancy and facilitate submersion of the solids within liquids.

[008] According to a first aspect, the container lid may include a sealing portion along a perimeter of a body, the sealing portion for receiving an edge of a container, a tear strip connected removably to the sealing portion, one or more lifting tabs accessible upon removal of the tear strip, and a plurality of projections projecting from a lower surface of the body to a specified depth, wherein: A) the body includes four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the body; B) the plurality of protrusions is arranged such that at least one of the plurality of protrusions is within each of the four regions; C) each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the particular depth; and D) the length of any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to the length of any protrusion within an adjacent region of the four regions.

[009] According to a second aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the first aspect or any other aspect, wherein each of the four regions includes at least two protrusions, the at least two protrusions in each region spaced apart. so that a fluid can pass between the at least two protrusions.

[0010] According to a third aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the second aspect or any other aspect, wherein a center line along a longer portion of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is parallel to one of the axes.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid further includes a cover panel groove defined by an upper surface of the body, the cover panel groove including a sloped portion that slopes downwardly to a centerline of the cover panel groove.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, the lid of the container may include the lid of the fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein: A) the bottom surface is at a first depth; B) a lower surface of the cover panel groove is at a second depth; and C) the second depth is greater than the first depth.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, the lid of the container may include the lid of the container of the fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the particular depth is greater than the second depth.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect, the lid of the container may include the lid of the sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the lid of the container further includes one or more input features, each of the one or more input features , including a downward slope from an upper portion of the respective inlet portion to the upper surface.

[0015] According to an eighth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein at least a portion of one of the plurality of projections extends from a lower surface of the one. or more input resources.

[0016] According to a ninth aspect, the lid of the container may include the lid of the eighth aspect or any other aspect, wherein: A) one or more protrusions of the plurality of protrusions includes a sloped portion; and B) the inclined portion of one or more protrusions and the downward slope of one or more input features are substantially similar slopes.

[0017] According to a tenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid has a grouping height of about 1.90 centimeters (0.75 inches).

[0018] According to an eleventh aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the sealing portion includes a gasketless seal.

[0019] According to a twelfth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid is substantially circular.

[0020] According to a thirteenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid is substantially rectangular.

[0021] According to a fourteenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the substantially rectangular container lid further includes a corner window, in that the corner window is defined by the seal portion and exposes an interior area of the seal portion.

[0022] According to a fifteenth aspect, the lid of the container may include a body including an upper surface and a lower surface; and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the lower surface of the body to a specific depth, wherein: A) the body includes four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the body; B) the plurality of protrusions is arranged such that at least two of the plurality of protrusions are within each of the four regions and the at least two protrusions in each region are spaced so that a fluid can pass between the at least two protrusions ; C) each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the particular depth; and D) a center line along a longer portion of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is parallel to one of the axes.

[0023] According to a sixteenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to any protrusion within an adjacent region. of the four regions.

[0024] According to a seventeenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid further includes: A) a sealing portion along a perimeter of a body, the sealing portion for receiving an edge of a container; B) a tear strip removably connected to the sealing portion; C) one or more lifting tabs accessible after removing the tear strip; and D) a space between each of the one or more lifting flaps.

[0025] In accordance with an eighteenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid further includes a cover panel groove defined by the top surface, the cover panel groove including a sloped portion that slopes downwardly to a centerline of the cover panel groove.

[0026] In accordance with a nineteenth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the eighteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid further includes one or more inlet features, each of which is one or more more entry features, including a downward slope from an upper portion of the respective initial portion to the upper surface.

[0027] According to a twentieth aspect, the brine disc of the container lid may include a plurality of protrusions protruding from a lower surface at a specific depth; and four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the bottom surface, wherein: A) the plurality of protuberances is arranged so that at least one of the plurality of protuberances is within each one of the four regions; B) each of the plurality of protuberances has a length greater than the particular depth; and C) the length of any bulge within one of the four regions is perpendicular to the length of any bulge within an adjacent region of the four regions.

[0028] According to a twenty-first aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the twentieth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid is substantially circular.

[0029] According to a twenty-second aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the twentieth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container lid is substantially rectangular.

[0030] According to a twenty-third aspect, the lid of the container may include the lid of the container of any one of the first to the twenty-second aspect or any other aspect, wherein the four regions are quadrants.

[0031] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of any of the twenty-second or twenty-third aspects or any other aspect, wherein the substantially rectangular container lid further includes a corner window , wherein the corner window is defined by the sealing portion and exposes a portion of the interior of the sealing portion.

[0032] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of any of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth aspects or any other aspect, wherein: A) the substantially rectangular container lid includes a or more lifting flaps; and B) the one or more lifting tabs occupy a fraction of a corner of the sealing portion.

[0033] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth aspects or any other aspect, wherein: A) the substantially rectangular container lid includes a or more lifting flaps; and B) the one or more lifting tabs terminate before the apex of a corner of the sealing portion

[0034] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, the container lid may include a disc of brine divided into four regions, the four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a center point of the brine disc. brine; and a plurality of protrusions projecting from a lower surface of the brine disk to a particular depth, wherein: A) the plurality of protrusions is arranged such that at least one of the plurality of protrusions is within each of the four regions ; B) each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the particular depth; and C) any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to any protrusion within an adjacent region of the four regions.

[0035] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, the container lid may include a sealing portion along a perimeter of a body, the sealing portion for receiving an edge of a container, the sealing portion including one or more lifting tabs accessible upon removal of a tear strip removably connected to the sealing portion and defining a space between each of the one or more lifting tabs, and a brine disk including a plurality of projections in a weft pattern that protrudes from a lower surface of the brine disk at a specific depth.

[0036] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, the container may include a substantially rectangular bottom including substantially straight side portions and defining a groove at each of the four corners, a side wall extending upwardly from the substantially rectangular bottom, the side wall defining an interior of the container and terminating in a gasketless bucket rim having a portion of substantially rectangular cross section for sealing the opening with a lid without the use of a gasket, a tamper evident satellite ring extending to outward from the sidewall and below the gasketless bucket rim, a cluster satellite ring extends outward from the sidewall and the tamper evident satellite ring, wherein: A) portions of the sidewall between the rim of the Gasketless bucket and cluster satellite ring are corrugated; and B) the groove at each corner of the rectangular bottom extends upward along the corners of the side wall and terminates between the gasketless bucket rim and the tamper-evident satellite ring, thereby creating a lip on the interior of the container .

[0037] According to a thirtieth aspect, the container may include the container of the twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the container further includes a rib extending along a portion of at least one groove between the cluster satellite and the gasketless bucket lip.

[0038] According to a thirty-first aspect, the container may include the container of the thirtieth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the rib extends along at least one groove between the cluster satellite ring and the bucket rim. without gasket.

[0039] According to a thirty-second aspect, the container may include the container of any of the thirty-first or thirty-first aspects or any other aspect, wherein the rib extends along at least one groove between the satellite ring of evident tampering and the bucket rim is missing a gasket.

[0040] According to a thirty-third aspect, the container may include the container of any one of the twenty-ninth through thirty-second aspects or any other aspect, wherein the container further includes a cushioning satellite ring extending outwardly from the side wall and positioned between the tamper evident satellite ring and the cluster satellite ring.

[0041] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, the container may include the container of the twenty-second to thirty-third aspects or any other aspect, wherein: A) an inner surface of the side wall terminates in a first corner of the bucket rim without gasket; B) an outer surface of the side wall forms a hook rim including a hook rim projection projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the side wall; C) the outer surface of the side wall ends in a second corner of the bucket without gasket; and D) the first and second corners are connected by a portion of the side wall that extends perpendicular to each of the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall.

[0042] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, the container may include the container of the first to twenty-ninth aspects or any other aspect, wherein the container further includes one or more curved edges extending from the substantially rectangular bottom surface.

[0043] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, the container may include a side wall extending upwardly from a bottom, the side wall defining an interior of the container and terminating in a gasketless bucket rim with a portion of substantially rectangular cross section for sealing the opening with a lid without use of a gasket, wherein: A) an inner surface of the side wall terminates in a first corner of the bucket without gasket; B) an outer surface of the side wall forms a hook rim including a hook rim projection projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the side wall; C) the outer surface of the side wall ends in a second corner of the bucket without gasket; and D) the first and second corners are connected by a portion of the side wall that extends perpendicular to each of the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall; a tamper-evident satellite ring extending outwardly from the sidewall and below the ungasketed bucket lip, and a cluster satellite ring extending outwardly from the sidewall and the tamper-evident satellite ring , wherein portions of the sidewall between the gasketless bucket rim lip and the cluster satellite ring are corrugated.

[0044] According to a thirty-seventh aspect, the container may include the container of the thirty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the bottom is substantially circular.

[0045] According to a thirty-eighth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the thirty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the bottom is substantially rectangular.

[0046] According to a thirty-ninth aspect, the container lid may include the container lid of the thirty-eighth aspect or any other aspect, wherein: the side wall extends upwardly from the substantially rectangular bottom; and a groove in each corner of the substantially rectangular bottom extends upward along the corners of the side wall and terminates between the gasketless bucket and the tamper evident satellite ring, thereby creating a protrusion within the container.

[0047] These and other aspects, features and benefits of the claimed embodiment(s) will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications can be made without departing from the meaning and scope of the new concepts of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The attached drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or aspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar elements of an embodiment, and wherein: FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are bottom perspective views of an exemplary square-shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary square-shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of an exemplary square-shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of two exemplary square-shaped container lids in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary square-shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views of an exemplary square-shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F are cross-sectional views of exemplary square-shaped containers sealed with exemplary square-shaped container lids, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 5A and 5B are top views of an exemplary square-shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5C and 5D are cross-sectional views of an exemplary square-shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5E and 5F are perspective views of exemplary square-shaped containers and lids in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5G is a perspective view of exemplary containers and lids stacked in a square shape, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5H and 5I are cross-sectional views of exemplary square-shaped containers and lids in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are bottom perspective views of an exemplary circular shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary circular shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary circular shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of exemplary circular-shaped container lids in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary circular shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 10A and 10B are top views of an exemplary circular shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 10C and 10D are cross-sectional views of an exemplary circular shaped container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 10E and 10F are perspective views of exemplary circular shaped containers and lids in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10G is a perspective view of exemplary circular shaped containers and lids in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10H is a cross-sectional view of exemplary circular shaped lids and containers in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular-shaped container sealed with an exemplary circular-shaped container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, however, be understood that no limitation of the scope of disclosure is so intended; any further changes and modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any other applications of the principles of the disclosure, as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. All limitations on scope shall be determined in accordance with and as expressed in the claims.

[0050] Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the meaning of a term. As used herein, a capitalized term shall have the same meaning as a lowercase term unless the context of use specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning is intended for the capitalized term. However, capitalization or lack thereof in the remainder of this document is not necessarily intended to be limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended.

Overview

[0051] The above and additional features of the disclosed exemplary container and container lid will be recognized from the following detailed descriptions and drawings of particular embodiments. In various embodiments, a container with at least partially corrugated walls is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the container includes a large panel that forms the outer shell of the container. In some embodiments, the container includes a gasketless container lip around the edge of the container to increase sealing properties without using a gasket. According to at least one embodiment, the container includes a corner groove to improve strength and stability when stacking the containers. In particular embodiments, the container includes one or more corner edges to provide load support. To provide additional load support, in various embodiments, the container may include corner ribs. In one embodiment, the container includes sets of support lugs to provide a mechanism for attaching a handle to the container. In certain embodiments, the container may include one or more satellite rings to facilitate tamper prevention and/or container grouping. According to at least one embodiment, the container is circular in shape. In at least one embodiment, the container is square in shape.

[0052] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a container lid with a built-in brine disc panel is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the built-in brine disc panel includes quadrants of alternating protrusions that project from the bottom of the container lid. In some embodiments, the container lid includes a gasketless sealing feature to increase the properties of the sealant without using a gasket. In particular embodiments, the container lid includes a corner window for a recessed corner to further facilitate sealing. In some embodiments, the container lid includes a cover panel groove for rigidity of the cover. In certain embodiments, the container lid includes container stack entry features to facilitate stacking of the container. In one embodiment, the container lid includes a tamper evident tear strip located along the lower portion of an outer edge of the container lid, which provides an indication when a container lid has been initially removed and is no longer originally sealed. In particular embodiments, the tamper evident tear strip may be removed by a ring puller. In one or more embodiments, the container includes at least one or more lifting tabs to facilitate removal of the lid from the container. According to at least one embodiment, the lid of the container is circular in shape. In at least one embodiment, the lid of the container is square in shape. In one or more embodiments, the container lid may be manufactured to fit any container shape (e.g., rectangular, ovoid, etc.).

[0053] The container and container lid discussed herein may be formed in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, the container and container lid are formed by injection molding. In particular embodiments, the container and container lid are 3D printed or created using another additive manufacturing technique. In other embodiments, the various components of the container and the container lid are formed or created separately, and the various components of the container and the container lid are joined or otherwise suitably connected to form the container and the container lid. In one embodiment, the container and container lid may each be one-piece and unitary.

[0054] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the container and container lid discussed herein can be used to store and seal any variety of materials, including, but not limited to: foods (including pickles), paints, oils, consumer goods, building materials, paints, chemicals, lubricants, adhesives, coatings, roofing mastics, driveway sealers, flavorings, sanitation materials, construction products, ice melting compounds, powders, pet foods pets and other materials. The container and container lid may be formed from any material or materials suitable for storing or transporting such materials. In various embodiments, the container and container lid are manufactured from plastic (e.g., polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, etc.). In particular embodiments, the container and container lid are manufactured from a metal or composite material.

Exemplary Modalities Square lid with brine disc

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, bottom perspective views of an exemplary square-shaped container lid 100 are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, the exemplary square container lid 100 is configured to be securely positioned on top of a container, such as a pickle container, a general bucket, or any other suitable container to provide a leak-resistant seal when well positioned on top of the container. In some embodiments, the lid of the container is configured to push and submerge solids below the surface of liquids contained within the container.

[0056] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the square-shaped container lid 100 includes a brine disc panel 108 for at least partially submerging solids below the surface of liquids contained within a container. In one embodiment, the brine disc panel 108 includes alternating patterns in webs of descending protrusions (e.g., projecting protuberances 114) to prevent the lid from “chipping” or “bending,” wherein each pattern occupies an equal amount of the square-shaped container lid 100 area (e.g., a region). In some embodiments, the alternating web patterns of the brine disc panel 108 occupy unequal amounts of the surface area 100 of the square-shaped container lid. In various embodiments, the downwardly projecting protrusions 114 of the brine disc panel 108 may be flat and trapezoidal in shape so that they rest evenly over the inlets of the container stack 202 when multiple container lids 100 are in a row. stacked configuration. In certain embodiments, the downwardly projecting protuberances 114 may be rounded, triangular, or any other suitable shape so as to prevent chipping or bending, and the brine disc panel may rest in the inlets of the container stack 202 when in a stacked configuration.

[0057] For example, a user may fill a container with pickles and pickled brine so that the pickles rise to the top and break the surface level of the brine. Continuing with this example, the user may secure said container with a square container lid 100 containing a built-in brine disc panel 108, and the protrusions (e.g., projecting protuberances 114) of the brine disc panel will push and hold the pickles under the brine, while the brine is allowed to flow into the slits of the brine disc panel 108 and swallow the pickles.

[0058] Continuing with FIG. 1A, in various aspects of the present disclosure, the square-shaped container lid 100 includes a lifting tab 110 located on each of the inner side rails of the square-shaped container lid 100, at least partially to provide a strong seal. to leaks. In one embodiment, when in a secure position on a container, the lifting tabs 110 occupy a portion of the area along the corners of a container, but not the entire corner. Occupying a portion of the corners provides a tighter seal when the square-shaped container lid 100 is in a secure position on the container, without making the square-shaped container lid unduly burdensome to open.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lifting tabs 110 are located only on two opposing inner side rails of the square-shaped container lid 100. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the lifting tabs are at least least partially connected to a tamper-evident tear strip 106 located around the outermost circumference of the square-shaped container lid 100.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the square-shaped container lid 100 includes a corner window 104 located at each corner (or at least one corner), which is used for a lid recess that allows the lid 100 of the container locks into a container and forms a secure seal.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a ring puller 102 is located at one end of the tamper evident tear strip. As will be understood from the discussions contained herein, a user who wishes to remove a square-shaped container lid 100 attached to a container first breaks the ring pull 102 to remove the tear strip 106 and reveal the lifting tabs. 110. The user can then remove the lid of the square-shaped container 100 by pulling outward and upward on the lifting tabs 110.

[0062] As will be discussed later in this document, in various embodiments, the square-shaped container lid 100 may include a cover panel groove (e.g., cover panel groove 204 discussed in connection with FIG. 5). located in the center of an upper surface of the square-shaped container 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, a lower surface of the cover panel groove 116 can be seen between the downwardly projecting protrusions 114. As will be understood from discussions herein, in at least one embodiment, the lower surface of the cover panel groove 116 can be extend downward to a depth that is less than a depth of the downwardly projecting protrusions 114. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the cover panel groove 116 may extend to a depth that is more than a depth of the protrusions if projecting downwards 114 (or more than a depth of a portion of the projected protuberances 114). In still other embodiments, the lid of the square-shaped container 100 may include a brine disc (e.g., with downwardly projecting protuberances 114), but may not include a cover panel groove 116. FIGS. 1C and 1D show perspective views of the lid of the square-shaped container 100, in accordance with some embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the brine disk panel 108 includes four regions 118, 120, 122, and 124. In certain embodiments, the alternating web patterns of the brine disk panel 108 are organized into quadrants. In some embodiments, the patterns in alternating plots of the brine panel 108 are arranged in sextants, octants, or any other suitable division of space.

[0063] Turning now to FIG. 2, a top view of an exemplary square-shaped container lid 100 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the container stack inlets 202 are located on each of the outer side rails of the lid of the square-shaped container 100. In various embodiments, and as will be described hereinafter, the container stack inlets 202 are protruding rectangular features that provide support when stacking containers (as shown in FIG. 5G) by accepting the bottom base of a container and providing an enclosure on four sides. In some embodiments, the inlets of the container stack 202 may accept and provide an enclosure, less than all four sides of the bottom base of a container. In particular embodiments, the inlets of the container stack 202 may have a trapezoidal shape or may resemble any other suitable polygon. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inlets of the container stack 202 may be as long as (or less than) the length of the container lid 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, a cover panel groove 204 is located in the center of a cover panel 206 of the lid of the square-shaped container 100. In various embodiments, and as will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 5A herein, a cover panel groove 204 may provide a flat surface and rigidity for accepting the lower portion of an additional container when in a stacked configuration (as shown in FIG. 5G).

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, cross-sections of an exemplary square-shaped container lid 100 are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, a container stack inlet 202 is shown extending downwardly from an inner lid skirt 304 at an angle toward a lid panel 206. In certain embodiments, the container stack inlet container 202 may be substantially perpendicular to the inner lid skirt 304 and substantially parallel to the lid panel 206. In particular embodiments, the inner lid skirt 304 forms a side wall of a sealing portion 312. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 312 is flanked by the inner lid skirt 304 forming a sidewall, a recessed lid 306 forming an opposing sidewall, and a gasketless rectangular sealing feature 302 connecting the two sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls 304 and 306) at the top of the lid of the square-shaped container 100 and forming a casing. In particular embodiments, the gasketless seal feature 302 works in conjunction with a corresponding gasketless container lip 422 on a container (as discussed later in this document) to form a liquid-tight seal without the need for a gasket.

[0066] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3B, there is a substantially constant distance between the protrusions 114 of the brine disc panel 108. In some embodiments, this configuration helps prevent the lid from chipping and sagging over time, which can be a problem with lids that do not have a weaving protrusion pattern. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the protrusions 114 may fluctuate, as well as the alternating pattern of the brine disc panel 108, in order to achieve optimal stability of the square-shaped container lid 100. In particular embodiments, the Protuberances 114 of the brine disc panel 108 may be parallel to each other. In various embodiments, the protrusions 114 may be rectangular, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape.

[0067] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of exemplary square-shaped container lids 100 and 101 in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a specific embodiment, the container stack inlet 202 of the square-shaped container bottom cover 100 shown in FIG. 3D serves as a base for the top lid of the square-shaped container 101 to rest securely on top. As discussed above, the brine disc panels 108 and 109 can facilitate stacking when the projecting protrusions are angled downward in the same direction as the container stack inlets 202 and 203. In various embodiments, the sealing portion 313 of the lid upper edge of the square-shaped container 101 operates to accept the upper edge of the lower cover of the square-shaped container 100, which includes the gasketless seal feature 302. In a particular embodiment, in a stacked orientation, the distance between the bottom of the strip of tear strip 107 on the top lid of the square-shaped container 101 and the bottom of the tear strip 106 on the bottom lid of the square-shaped container 100 may be at least approximately 0.635 centimeters (a quarter of an inch.

Square container

[0068] Turning now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of an exemplary square-shaped container 400 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a specific embodiment, the exemplary square-shaped container includes a large panel (e.g., side wall) 412 on all four sides to enclose the square-shaped container 400 and provide a solid base for stability. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the square-shaped container 400 includes a corner groove 410 at four corners to provide additional strength and support when the square-shaped containers 400 are in a stacked configuration. In some embodiments, the corner groove 410 may be at fewer than all four corners (e.g., at two corners).

[0069] In particular embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 includes corrugated sidewall portions 404 for additional stability and a set of cushions 432 (including one or more satellite rings 416, 418 and/or 420) surrounding the portion top of the square-shaped container 400. In various embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 includes corner ribs 408 on the outer surface of one or more corners for additional load support and support ears 406 and 414, blank 414 or active 406 , as will be discussed later in this document.

[0070] Inside the container 400, opposite the corner ribs 408, particular embodiments include corner edges 402 on one or more corners of the square-shaped container 400 to assist in providing load support. In one or more embodiments, the corner ribs 408 provide support for the corner edges 402. According to at least one embodiment, the corner edges 402 are trapezoidal in shape. In particular embodiments, the edges of the corners 402 may be triangular, circular, or any suitable shape. In various embodiments, the distance from the top of the container to the edge of the corner may be greater than 1.27 centimeters (one-half inch).

[0071] In various embodiments, and as discussed later in this document, the square-shaped container lip 400 includes a rectangular-shaped gasketless container lip feature 422 to provide a gasketless seal when a rectangular-shaped container lid. square 100 is attached.

[0072] Continuing with FIG. 4A, in particular embodiments, a square-shaped container 400 may include a set of cushions 432 to, among other things, protect the square-shaped container 400 when it comes into contact with other objects. In various embodiments, the snubber set 432 may include one or more satellite rings 418. In one embodiment, the snubber set 432 includes three satellite rings: a general satellite ring 418, a cluster satellite ring 416, and a tamper-evident satellite ring 420. In one or more embodiments, the cluster satellite ring 416 projects outward from the panel 412 somewhat further than the general satellite ring 418 and the tamper-evident satellite ring 420. Containers Traditional containers tend to have problems when two or more containers are placed close to each other due to configurations that can cause component conflict. In certain embodiments, the cluster satellite ring 416 within the cushion assembly 432 allows more square-shaped containers 400 to fit into a smaller space because they can be placed closer together without interrupting use (e.g., with less conflict). This feature can allow more containers to fit on a pallet or be shipped at the same time.

[0073] Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the square-shaped container 400 includes a tamper-evident satellite ring 420 around its perimeter that works in conjunction with the tamper-evident tear strip 106 included in the lid of the square-shaped container 100. In the event that the container lid square-shaped container 100 is used to seal the square-shaped container 400, the tamper-proof tear strip 106 is positioned around the tamper-proof satellite ring 420 so that the tamper-proof satellite ring fits as a barrier to prevent any attempt to remove the lid from the square-shaped container by passing under the obvious tear strip.

[0074] Continuing with FIG. 4A, in particular embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 includes an active support ear 406 and an additional active support ear on opposing side walls of the exterior of the square-shaped container 400 (additional active ear not shown in FIG. 4A). In the embodiment shown, the active support ear 405 is centrally located between the general satellite ring 418 and the cluster satellite ring 416. In one or more embodiments, each active support ear includes an opening 424 of varying sizes that allows for attachment of a handle that can be used to carry the square-shaped container 400. Each active support ear, in particular embodiments, includes vertical support structures 426 for additional load-bearing support when a handle is used to carry the square-shaped container 400. 400 square format.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the square-shaped container 400 includes a blank support ear 414 located on a side wall adjacent to the active support ear 406 between the general satellite ring 418 and the cluster satellite ring 416. As will be understood from the discussions contained herein, the container 400 may include a second blank support ear located on a side wall opposite the blank support ear 404 (not shown).

[0076] Continuing further with FIG. 4A, in particular embodiments, the corner ribs 408 are located at the outer corners of the square-shaped container 400. In one or more embodiments, the corner ribs 408 are positioned vertically between the plurality of satellite rings 416, 418, and 420 and within the corner grooves 410 of the square-shaped container 400. This positioning of the corner ribs 408, in particular embodiments, provides additional load support in stacking configurations when a square-shaped container 400 is placed within another square-shaped container 400, facilitating the transfer of payload from the edge 402 to the cluster satellite ring 416.

[0077] In various embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 shown in FIG. 4A includes a gasketless container bead 422 located around the edge of the square-shaped container 400. In some embodiments, in the event that the square-shaped container lid 100 is used to seal the square-shaped container 400, a gasket feature gasketless container 302 included in the lid of the square-shaped container 100 (as shown in FIG. 3C) accepts the gasketless container lip 422 located around the edge of the square-shaped container 400. In a specific embodiment, the container lip 422 gasketless 422 is generally square in shape, so that when it is engaged with the gasketless container feature 302, it forms a liquid-tight seal without the use of gaskets.

[0078] FIGS. 4B and 4C show cross-sectional views of the upper portion of the square-shaped container 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4B, the corner edge 402 is substantially perpendicular to the container panel 412 so that weight can be dispersed when in a stacking configuration. As shown in FIG. 4C, the corner ribs 408 may extend vertically through and below the tamper-evident satellite ring 420 in order to provide additional load support to the corner edge 402. Although in the embodiment shown, the ribs 408 extend the entire distance between the satellite ring 420 and the corner edge 402, the length of the corner ribs 408 may vary in embodiments not shown to optimize load support. For example, in one embodiment, the corner ribs may extend the entire length of the container. In another embodiment, the corner ribs may extend between two or more satellite rings (e.g., three satellite rings, five satellite rings, etc.).

[0079] In some embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 includes a rim hook 430 into which lifting tabs 110 (as shown in FIG. 1A) on a square-shaped container lid can latch to provide a tight seal. . In various embodiments, the rim hook 430 is located directly below the gasketless container rim 422 around the outer rim of the square-shaped container 400. In some embodiments, the rim hook 430 extends outward and downward from of the square-shaped container to form a coupling mechanism. In various embodiments, the hoop hook 430 may include a substantially flat lower portion and a curved upper portion.

[0080] FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F illustrate cross-sectional views of three embodiments of exemplary square-shaped containers 400 sealed with exemplary square-shaped container lids 100, each lid having a different corner window. In the first embodiment 441, as shown in FIG. 4D, a corner window 104 is sufficiently open so that a lower cut of the cover 306 of the lid 100 engages a rim hook 430 of the container 400 from the bottom and a gasketless sealing feature 302 extends over the rim hook 430 of the container 400. rim 430.

[0081] FIG. 4E shows a second embodiment 443, which illustrates a wider corner window 104, which expands the exposure of the rim hook 430, reducing the extent of the gasketless sealing feature 302 over the rim hook 430. The third embodiment 445, as shown in FIG. 4F, illustrates a narrower corner window 104, when the side wall connected to the lower cut of the cover 306 projects upward and creates a semi-compartment around the rim hook 430. Various embodiments of the present disclosure can further expand or shrink the corner window size 104 so that an ideal seal and cover release tension can be obtained.

[0082] In various embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F, the lower cut of the cover 306 projects above the lifting tabs 110 and into a sealing portion 312. Continuing with these embodiments, in the case where the square shaped container lid 100 is used to To seal a container, the rim of the container enters the sealing portion 312 and forms a seal when the gasketless sealing feature 302 engages with the gasketless rim of the container 422. In a particular embodiment, the sloping shape of the bottom cutout of the cover 306 makes it easier to attach container lids to containers. Continuing further with this embodiment, once a seal is established, or before a seal is established, the lower cover cut 306 locks into place around or beneath the rim hook 430 located around the perimeter of a container. As mentioned above, in order to remove the lid of the square-shaped container 100 once a seal is established, in various embodiments, a user pulls and removes the tear strip 106 from the perimeter of the lid of the square-shaped container 100 to reveal /expose the lifting tabs 110. The user can then remove the lid of the square-shaped container 100 by pulling outward and upward on the lifting tabs 110.

[0083] Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, top views of an exemplary square-shaped container 400 are shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the exemplary square-shaped container 400 includes lower curved edges of the container 504 and 510. In particular embodiments, the lower curved edge of the primary container 510 and the lower curved edge of the secondary container 504 work together to provide a stable base for the container 400 when the container 400 is placed to rest on a surface. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the primary lower curved edge 510 and the lower curved edge of the secondary container 504 assist in protecting the square-shaped container 400 so that it is not easily damaged when handled.

[0084] In one embodiment, the exemplary square-shaped container 400 includes a recessed container bottom 502 of circular shape and a corrugated container bottom 508, also of circular shape, to increase stability and facilitate stacking of one or more secure square-shaped containers 400 with square-shaped container lids 100 (as shown in FIG. 5G). In one or more embodiments, a recessed container bottom 502 and a container bottom corrugation 508 may be any suitable size or shape. In particular embodiments, when the square-shaped containers 400 sealed with the square-shaped lids 100 are in a stacked configuration, the recessed container bottom 502 and the container bottom corrugation 508 fit into the groove of the cover panel 204 in the 100 square shape container lid to stabilize and provide better load support when stacking. In one or more embodiments, a square-shaped container 400 includes a container port protective ring 506 around the circumference of the container bottom corrugation 508 to further facilitate stability when the sealed containers are in a stacked configuration.

[0085] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and as discussed above in relation to FIG. 4A, the square-shaped container 400 includes one or more corner grooves 410 to provide additional strength and support when the one or more square-shaped containers 400 are in a stacked configuration.

[0086] Turning now to FIGS. 5C and 5D, cross-sectional views of the bottom portion of a square-shaped container 400 are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, the square-shaped container 400 includes side contours 512, which are curvatures at the junction(s) where a bottom of the container connects to a panel 412 and provides impact resistance to the square-shaped container 400. In In various embodiments, the square-shaped container 400 includes a lower curved edge of the secondary container 504. The lower curved edge of the secondary container 504, in at least one embodiment, is used to provide a flat base for the square-shaped container 400. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the lower curved edge of the secondary container 504 is configured to help stabilize the square-shaped container when in a stacked configuration.

[0087] In particular embodiments, the square-shaped container includes a protective port ring 506 located around the circumference of a container bottom corrugation 508 to increase stability and help disperse weight throughout the bottom of the container. In one or more embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 5D, the container bottom corrugation 508 may be curved inward to facilitate stacking in containers sealed with container lids.

[0088] FIGS. 5E and 5F show square-shaped containers 450 and 460 sealed with square-shaped lids, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5E shows a square-shaped container 450 completely sealed with a square-shaped container lid 100 such that a tamper-evident tear strip 106 is attached to the lifting tabs 110, indicating that the square-shaped container 450 has not been opened. . Continuing with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F, FIG. 5F also includes a square-shaped container 460 sealed with a square-shaped container lid. In this embodiment, the square-shaped container lid 100 is shown with lifting tabs 110, but does not include a tamper evident tear strip 106, which indicates that the original seal has been broken (e.g., tear strip 106 has been removed ). Furthermore, and as shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F and in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a handle 428 is attached to the support connectors (e.g., support connector 406 and an opposing support connector, not shown) to give users the ability to carry the containers 450 and 460.

[0089] FIG. 5G illustrates an exemplary stack 500 of square-shaped containers 400 sealed with square-shaped lids 100 on top of a wooden pallet. The cluster satellite ring 416 described above allows for optimal horizontal spacing despite the inclusion of universal plastic handles 428 on each container in the stack 500.

[0090] Turning now to FIGS. 5H and 5I, cross-sectional views of a square-shaped container 401 stacked on top of another square-shaped container 403 sealed with a square-shaped container lid 100 are shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5H is a cross-sectional corner view and the embodiment shown in FIG. 5I is a cross-sectional side view.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5H, corner ribs 408 of square-shaped container 403 are shown extending downward and through or around a tamper-evident satellite ring 420 to provide additional support for the weight of square-shaped container 401. In embodiment shown in FIG. 5I, a square-shaped container 401 sits on top of a cover panel 206 of a square-shaped container lid 100 and is securely nested within a container stack inlet 202. Continuing with FIGS. 5H and 5I, the vertical protrusions of the brine disc panel 108 provide additional load-bearing support for the lid of the square-shaped container 100 through a mechanism for disbursing weight across the entire brine disc panel 108.

Circular lid with brine disc

[0092] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are bottom perspective views of an exemplary circular shaped container lid 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the square-shaped container lid 100, in particular embodiments, the circular-shaped container lid 600 is configured to be securely positioned on top of a container, such as a pickle container, a general material-carrying bucket, or any another suitable container. In various embodiments, the circular shaped container lid 600 is further configured to provide a leak-resistant seal when securely positioned on top of a container, and to push and submerge solids below the surface of any contained liquids filled nearly to the top. top of the container. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 6A, circular shaped container lid 600 includes a designed brine disc panel 608 to at least partially provide submersion of solids below the surface of liquids contained within a container. In one embodiment, the brine disc panel 608 includes alternating patterns in webs of descending protrusions (e.g., projecting protuberances 612) to prevent the lid from “chipping” or “bowing,” wherein each pattern occupies an equal amount of the circular shaped container lid area 600 (e.g., a region). In some embodiments, the alternating web patterns of the brine disc panel 608 occupy unequal amounts of the surface area of the lid of the circular shaped container 600. In various embodiments, the downwardly projecting protrusions 612 of the brine disc panel 608 may be flat and trapezoidal in shape so that they rest evenly over the inlets of the container stack 702 (shown in FIG. 7) when multiple container lids are in a stacked configuration. In some embodiments, the downwardly projecting protuberances 612 may be rounded, triangular, or any other suitable shape so as to prevent chipping or bending, and the brine disc panel 608 may rest in the inlets of the container stack 702 (shown in FIG. 7) when in a stacked configuration.

[0093] Continuing with FIG. 6A, a tamper evident tear strip 604 is included along the lowermost portion of the circular shaped container lid 600. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the circular shaped container lid 600 may be secured to the top of a container with the tear strip 604 intact. Furthermore, a user of the circular shaped container lid 600 can remove the tear strip 604 by disengaging a tamper evident tab 606 and peeling the tear strip 604 from the circular shaped container lid 600. In various embodiments, Removing the tear strip 604 reveals a plurality of lifting tabs 610 that a user can use to grasp and pull (outward and upward) when removing the lid from the circular-shaped container 600. In certain embodiments, removing the tear strip 604 slot 604 also reveals a plurality of gaps 602 that separate the plurality of lifting tabs 610. In one embodiment, the plurality of gaps 602 defines the length of each of the plurality of lifting tabs 610 and allows a specific portion of the lid to be removed. circular-shaped container 600 (e.g., a lifting tab) is pulled away from a container to remove the lid of the circular-shaped container 600. In some embodiments, without the plurality of gaps 602 separating the plurality of lifting tabs , removing a circular shaped container lid 600 can be a complicated task for a user. For example, pulling one of the plurality of lifting tabs 610 allows the portion of the circular shaped container lid 600 corresponding to the lifting tab 610 to release (e.g., the lifting tab disengages from a locking mechanism that facilitates sealing). of the lid), because that specific portion can be pulled off while the remainder of the lid of the circular shaped container 600 remains attached to the container. Continuing with the above example, if the lid of the circular shaped container 600 did not include the plurality of lifting tabs 610, a user would need to pull off a larger portion of the lid of the circular shaped container 600 (e.g., an entire side of the lid). to disengage the circular shaped container lid 600 from a container.

[0094] As will be discussed later in this document, in various embodiments, the square-shaped container lid 600 may include a cover panel groove (e.g., cover panel groove 706 discussed in connection with FIG. 7) located in the center of an upper surface of the square-shaped container 600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, a lower surface of the cover panel groove 614 can be seen between the downwardly projecting protrusions 612. As will be understood from discussions herein, in at least one embodiment, the lower surface of the cover panel groove 614 can be extend downwardly to a depth that is less than a depth of the downwardly projecting protrusions 612. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the cover panel groove 614 may extend to a depth that is greater than a depth of the downwardly projecting protrusions 612. project downwards 612 (or more than a depth of a portion of the projecting protuberances 612). In still other embodiments, the lid of the square-shaped container 600 may include a brine disc (e.g., with downwardly projecting protuberances 612), but may not include a cover panel groove 614.

[0095] FIGS. 6C and 6D show perspective views of the circular shaped container lid 600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, the brine disk panel 608 includes four regions 616, 618, 620, and 622. In certain embodiments, the alternating web patterns of the brine disk panel 608 are organized into quadrants. In some embodiments, the alternating patterns in brine panel 108 webs are arranged in sextants, octants, or any other suitable division of space.

[0096] Turning now to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of an exemplary circular shaped container lid 600 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a container stack inlet 702 is located on the outer rim of the circular shaped container lid 600. In various embodiments, and as will be described later in this document, a container stack inlet 702 is a projecting feature that provides support when stacking containers (as shown in FIG. 10G), when accepting and forming a barrier around the bottom of a container. In one or more embodiments, a cover panel groove 706 is located near the center of a cover panel 704 of the lid of the circular shaped container 600. In various embodiments, the cover panel groove 706 may provide rigidity by accepting the lower portion of an additional container when in a stacked configuration (as shown in FIG. 10G).

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 8A, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular shaped container lid 600 is shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, the inner cover skirt 804 forms a side wall of a sealing portion 808. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 808 is flanked by the inner cover skirt 804 forming a side wall, a lower cut of the cover 806 forming a opposing side wall and a gasketless sealing feature 802 connecting the two side walls at the top of the circular shaped container lid 600 and forming an enclosure. In particular embodiments, the gasketless seal feature 802 works in conjunction with a corresponding gasketless sealing lip 912 on a container (shown in FIG. 9A, to come together to form a tight seal without the need for a gasket. The lip of gasketless container 912 will be described in more detail in this document.

[0098] Continuing with this embodiment, a flat edge 810 extends across the top circumference of the circular shaped container lid 600. In particular embodiments, the flat edge 810 may be parallel to the cover panel 704 and provides a stabilizing mechanism for the inlet of the stack of containers 702, the lower cut of the cover 806 and the inner skirt of the cover 804.

[0099] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular shaped container lid 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the cross section illustrated in FIG. 8B shows a substantially constant distance between the protrusions 612 of the brine disc panel 608, which helps to remedy the problem that traditional flat container lids have with "chipping" and "bending" over time. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the protrusions 612 may fluctuate, as well as the alternating pattern of the brine disc panel 608, in order to achieve optimal stability of the circular-shaped container lid 600.

[00100] FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional view of two exemplary circular-shaped container lids 600 and 601 in a stacked orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a flat edge 810 of the circular-shaped container bottom lid 600 serves as a base for the sealing portion 809 and portions of the brine disc panel 609 of the circular-shaped container top lid 601 to rest securely upon. In a specific embodiment, the distance between the bottom of the tear strip 605 on the top lid of the circular-shaped container and the bottom of the tear strip 604 on the bottom lid of the circular-shaped container 600 is at least approximately 1.27 centimeters ( half an inch).

Circular Container

[00101] Turning now to FIG. 9A, a top perspective view of an exemplary circular shaped container lid 900 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the exemplary circular-shaped container 900 includes a large panel 906 on the exterior of the circular-shaped container 900 that provides a solid base for stability. In particular embodiments, the circular-shaped container 900 includes corrugated side walls 902 for additional stability and one or more satellite rings 908 and 910 around the upper portion of the circular-shaped container 900. In various embodiments, the rim of the circular-shaped container 900. circular 900 includes a square-shaped gasketless container lip 912 (from a cross-sectional perspective, not shown in FIG. 9A) to provide a gasketless seal when a circular-shaped container lid 600 is attached.

[00102] Continuing with FIG. 9A, in particular embodiments, a circular-shaped container 900 may include a bumper assembly 922 to protect the circular-shaped container 900 when it comes into contact with other objects. The buffer assembly may include one or more satellite rings 908 and 910. In one embodiment, the buffer assembly includes two satellite rings: a cluster satellite ring 908 and a general satellite ring 910. In various embodiments, the buffer ring 908 cluster satellite prevents circular shaped containers from sticking together when in a stacked configuration by providing a barrier around the outer edge of the container. In particular embodiments, the general satellite ring 910 provides additional support for the support connectors 904 and provides a mechanism for lifting the container 900 without a handle.

[00103] Continuing with FIG. 9A, in particular embodiments, the circular-shaped container 900 includes an active support connector 904 and an additional active support connector on a side wall opposite the exterior of the circular-shaped container 900 (additional active connector not shown in FIG. 9A). . In the embodiment shown, the active support connector 904 is centrally located between the general satellite ring 910 and the cluster satellite ring 908. In various embodiments, each support ear includes an opening 914 that may be of varying sizes and allows for attachment of a handle that can be used to carry the circular-shaped container 900. Each support lug, in particular embodiments, includes vertical support structures 916 for additional load-bearing support when a handle is used to carry the circular-shaped container. circular 900.

[00104] Furthermore, the circular shaped container embodiment 900 shown in FIG. 9A includes a gasketless container lip 912 located around the rim of the circular shaped container 900. In the event that a circular shaped container lid 600 is used to seal the circular shaped container 900, a gasketless sealing feature 802 (as discussed in connection with FIGS. 8A) included in the circular-shaped container lid 600 accepts a gasketless container rim 912 located around the circular-shaped container rim 900. In a specific embodiment, the gasketless container rim 912 is generally square in shape, so that when it is mated with the 802 gasketless seal feature, it forms a liquid-tight seal without the use of additional gaskets. In one or more embodiments, the gasketless container rim 912 may be rectangular or any other suitable shape.

[00105] FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the circular shaped container 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the circular-shaped container includes a rim hook 920 wherein a plurality of lifting tabs 610 (shown in FIG. 6A) on a circular-shaped container lid 600 (shown in FIG. 6A) may lock to provide for a watertight seal. In various embodiments, the rim hook 920 is located below a gasketless container rim 912 around the outer rim of the circular-shaped container 900. In some embodiments, the rim hook 920 extends outwardly and downwardly from of the container in a circular shape to form a coupling mechanism. In various embodiments, the hoop hook 920 may include a pointed portion and a curved upper portion.

[00106] Now, with reference to FIG. 9C, a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the circular shaped container 900 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the circular shaped container 900 includes a general satellite ring 910 around its circumference that projects out of the container substantially perpendicular to a panel 906 and then bends downward at an angle less than or equal to forty five degrees. In one or more embodiments, the circular shaped container includes a rim hook 920 with a substantially flat bottom that forms a shallow engagement mechanism. In various embodiments, the hoop hook 920 may include a substantially flat lower portion and a curved upper portion.

[00107] In one embodiment, the circular-shaped container 900 includes a tamper-evident satellite ring (not shown) around its circumference that works in conjunction with a tamper-evident tear strip 604 included in the lid of the circular-shaped container. 600. In case the lid of the circular shaped container 600 is used to seal the circular shaped container 900, in various embodiments, the tamper evident tear strip 604 is positioned around the tamper evident satellite ring so that the tamper evident satellite ring serves as a barrier to prevent any attempt to remove the lid from the circular shaped container 600 by passing underneath the tamper evident tear strip 604.

[00108] Turning now to FIG. 10A and 10B, a top view of an exemplary circular shaped container 900 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the exemplary circular-shaped container 900 includes a container bottom corrugation 1002 to increase stability and facilitate stacking of one or more circular-shaped containers 900 secured with circular-shaped container lids 600 (as shown in FIG. 10G). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the container bottom corrugation 1002 is circular in shape. However, in various embodiments, a container bottom corrugation 1002 may be of any suitable size or shape.

[00109] In one or more embodiments, a circular shaped container 900 includes a container port protective ring 1004 around the circumference of the container bottom corrugation 1002 to further facilitate stability when the sealed containers are in a stacked configuration. . In particular embodiments, when the circular-shaped containers 900 sealed with circular-shaped lids 600 are in a stacked configuration, the container bottom corrugation 1002 fits into the cover panel groove 704 (shown in FIG. 7) of the container lid. circular shaped container 600 to stabilize and provide better load support when stacking.

[00110] Continuing with FIGS. 10A and 10B, in various embodiments, a circular-shaped container 900 includes one or more curved edges 1006 to facilitate protection of the circular-shaped container 900 so that it is not easily damaged when handled. In one or more embodiments, the one or more curved edges 1006 are also configured to help stabilize the circular shaped container when in a stacked configuration.

[00111] Still referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in at least one embodiment, a circular-shaped container 900 includes lower ribs of the container 1008 to disperse pressure and provide additional strength in load-bearing scenarios. In the embodiment shown, the bottom ribs of the container 1008 are not perpendicular to the inner side wall or bottom of the container 900. However, in one or more embodiments, the bottom ribs of the container (if present) may be perpendicular to the inner side wall of the container 900. bottom of the container 900. Additionally, in various embodiments, the bottom ribs of the container may be connected to the inner side wall and/or the bottom of the container at an angle of less than ninety degrees.

[00112] Turning now to FIGS. 10C and 10D, cross-sectional views of the lower portion of a circular-shaped container 900 are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10C, in various embodiments, the circular shaped container 900 includes side contours 1012, which are curvatures at the junction where the bottom of the container connects to a panel 906. In one or more embodiments, the side contours 1012 provide impact resistance to the circular shaped container 900. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the bottom ribs of the container 1008 are generally triangular in shape. In one or more embodiments, the lower ribs of the container 1008 may be rectangular in shape, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the container 900 does not include lower ribs 1008.

[00113] FIGS. 10E and 10F show circular-shaped containers 950 and 960 sealed with circular-shaped lids 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10E shows a completely sealed circular shaped container 950 with a circular shaped container lid 600 such that a tamper evident tear strip 604 is attached to the lifting tabs 610 indicating that the sealed circular shaped container 950 has never been opened. . Continuing with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10E and 10F, FIG. 10F also includes a circular-shaped container 960 sealed with a circular-shaped container lid 600. In this embodiment, the circular-shaped container lid 600 is shown with lifting tabs 610, but does not include a tamper-evident tear strip 604 , which indicates that the original seal has been broken. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10E and 10F According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plastic handle 1010 is attached to the support ears 904 to give users the ability to carry the containers 950 and 960.

[00114] FIG. 10G illustrates a stack 1000 of circular-shaped containers 900 sealed with exemplary circular-shaped container lids 600 on top of a wooden pallet. In certain embodiments, each container includes a cluster satellite ring (e.g., cluster satellite ring 908 described herein) allows for optimal horizontal spacing despite the inclusion of handles (e.g., plastic handles 1010 described herein). in each container in stack 1000.

[00115] Turning now to FIG. 10H, a cross-sectional view of a circular-shaped container 901 stacked on top of another circular-shaped container 903 sealed with a circular-shaped container lid 600 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the present embodiment, a circular-shaped container 900 sits atop a cover panel 704 of a circular-shaped container lid 600 and is nested between the inlets of the container stack 702. Continuing with this embodiment, the vertical protrusions of a brine disc panel 608 provide additional load-bearing support for the lid of the circular-shaped container 600.

[00116] In various embodiments, a lower cover cut 806 projects above the lifting flap 610 and into a sealing portion 808. Continuing with this embodiment, in the event that the circular shaped container lid 600 is used To seal a container, the rim 924 of the container enters the sealing portion 808 and forms a seal when a gasketless sealing feature 802 engages with a gasketless container lip 912. In a particular embodiment, the inclined shape of the bottom cut of the cover 806 makes it easy to attach container lids to containers. Continuing further with this embodiment, once a seal is established, or before a seal is established, the lower cut of the cover 806 locks into place around or beneath the rim hook 920 located around the circumference of a container. As mentioned above, to remove the circular-shaped container lid 600 once a seal is established, a user pulls and removes a tear strip 604 from the circumference of the circular-shaped container lid 600 to reveal the plurality of lifting tabs (e.g., example, lifting flap 610 shown in FIG. 10G). The user may then remove the lid of the circular shaped container 600 by pulling outward and upward on the plurality of lifting tabs 610.

[00117] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary circular-shaped container 900 sealed with an exemplary circular-shaped container lid 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, once a seal is established, or before a seal is established, a lower cut of the cover 806 locks into place around a rim hook 920 located around the circumference of a container, so that the The flat bottom portion of the rim hook 920 is flush against the flat top portion of the cover undercut 806. In various embodiments, a tamper evident tear strip 604 extends downwardly from a container lid 600 until it contacts , or nearly come into contact, with a general 910 satellite ring.

Alternative Modalities

[00118] In at least one embodiment, the brine disk discussed herein includes protrusions in any suitable pattern and/or protrusions in any suitable shape, such that fluid can pass around/through the protrusions and the pattern of protrusions can help prevent lids from chipping. In one example, in one embodiment, a container lid discussed herein may include arcuate protrusions (as opposed to substantially linear protrusions), protrusions with a bend (e.g., a 30-, 60-, and/or 90-degree bend), more of a fold (e.g., zigzag-shaped projections). In other embodiments, the brine disk includes a single or just a few protrusions with slots, indentations, holes, or the like to allow fluid to pass around portions of such protrusions.

[00119] As will be understood, the various features discussed herein can be used with containers and lids of different shapes, such as, for example, substantially rectangular containers and lids, substantially rectangular containers and lids, etc.

Conclusion

[00120] Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, in view of the above detailed description of the various embodiments and articles of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is susceptible of wide utility and application. Many methods, embodiments, and adaptations of the present disclosure in addition to those described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be evident or reasonably suggested by the present disclosure and the description thereof detailed above, without departing from the substance or scope of the present disclosure. . Accordingly, although the present disclosure is described herein in detail with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that this detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure. . The detailed description set forth in this document is not intended or construed to limit the present disclosure or exclude other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent provisions of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims (17)

1. Container lid (100) comprising: a sealing portion (312) along a perimeter of a body, the sealing portion (312) adapted to receive a rim of a container; a tear strip (106) removably connected to the sealing portion (312); one or more lifting tabs (110) accessible after removing the tear strip (106); and a plurality of protrusions projecting from a lower surface of the body to a specific depth, wherein: the body includes four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the body; the plurality of protrusions is arranged such that at least one of the plurality of protrusions is within each of the four regions; and each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the specific depth, the container lid (100) characterized by the fact that the length of any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to the length of any protrusion within a region adjacent to the four regions; and the lid comprises a groove (204, 704) of the cover panel (206, 706) defined by an upper surface of the body, the groove (204, 704) of the cover panel (204, 704) comprising an inclined portion that slopes downwardly to a centerline of the cover panel groove (206, 706). 2. Container lid (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the four regions includes at least two projections, the at least two projections in each region spaced so that a fluid can pass between the at least two projections. 3. Container lid (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that a center line along a longer portion of each projection of the plurality of projections is parallel to one of the axes. 4. Container lid (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the lower surface is at a first depth; a lower surface of the cover panel groove (116, 614) is at a second depth; and the second depth is greater than the first depth. 5. Container lid (100), according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the specific depth is greater than the second depth. 6. Container lid (100), according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it further comprises one or more inlet features, each of the one or more inlet features comprising a downward slope from a portion upper surface of the respective inlet portion to the upper surface. 7. Container lid (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least a portion of one of the plurality of projections extends from a lower surface of one or more inlet features. 8. Container lid (100), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that: one or more projections of the plurality of projections include an inclined portion; and the inclined portion of the one or more projections and the downward slope of the one or more input features are similar slopes. 9. Container lid (100) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it has a grouping height of 1.905 centimeters (0.75 inches). 10. Container lid (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing portion (312) comprises a gasketless seal (302). 11. Container lid (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is circular. 12. Container lid (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is rectangular. 13. Container lid (100), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a corner window (104), wherein the corner window (104) is defined by the sealing portion (312 ) and exposes an interior area of the sealing portion (312). 14. Container lid (600) comprising: a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; a sealing portion (808) along a perimeter of the body, the sealing portion (808) adapted to receive a lip of a container; a tear strip (604) removably connected to the sealing portion (808); one or more lifting tabs (610) accessible after removing the tear strip (604); a space between each of the one or more lifting flaps (610); and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the lower surface of the body to a specific depth, wherein: the body includes four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the body; the plurality of projections is arranged such that at least two of the plurality of protrusions are within each of the four regions and the at least two protrusions in each region are spaced so that a fluid can pass between the at least two protrusions; and each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the specific depth, the container lid (600) characterized by the fact that a center line along a longer portion of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is parallel to one of the axes; and any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to any protrusion within an adjacent region of the four regions. 15. Container lid (600), according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a groove (204, 704) of the cover panel (206, 706) defined by an upper surface, the groove (204, 704) of the cover panel (206, 706) comprising a sloped portion that slopes downwardly toward a centerline of the groove (204, 704) of the cover panel (206, 706). 16. Container lid (600) according to claim 15, characterized in that the container lid (600) further comprises one or more inlet features, each of the one or more inlet features comprising a downward slope from an upper portion of the respective inlet portion to the upper surface. 17. Container lid (600) comprising: a sealing portion (808) along a perimeter of a rectangular shaped body, the sealing portion adapted to receive a rim of a container; a tear strip (604) removably connected to the sealing portion (808); one or more lifting tabs accessible after removing the tear strip (604); and a plurality of projections projecting from a lower surface of the body to a specific depth, wherein: the body includes four regions defined by two perpendicular axes, each axis of the two perpendicular axes passing through a central point of the body; the plurality of protrusions is arranged such that at least one of the plurality of protrusions is within each of the four regions; and each of the plurality of protrusions has a length greater than the specific depth, the container lid (600) characterized by the fact that the length of any protrusion within one of the four regions is perpendicular to the length of any protrusion within a region adjacent to the four regions; and the lid (600) comprises a corner window (104), wherein the corner window (104) is defined by the sealing portion (808) and exposes an interior area of the sealing portion (808).