CN103662353A - Food container with fast inlet cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A food tank is provided with a heat insulation body, and the heat insulation body is provided with an opening of a wide mouth receiving food; a throat member is attached to a lantern ring and the throat portion is screwed in a body of the wide mouth, so the lantern ring can be connected to the opening of the food tank. The throat member comprises a pad ring, used to sealing the throat portion to the body, on a lower end. A cover is attached to the lantern ring and comprises a central protrusion portion; the central protrusion portion extends to the pad ring of the throat member so as to form sealing contact, thereby sealing the cover to the throat member. A button is arranged in a passage of the cover, and is biasedly pressed by an elastic piece so as to move to a connecting position, so the button can be connected with the lantern ring in the opening portion of the lantern ring, thereby fixing the cover to the lantern. In one embodiment, a linear ring is provided for connecting the button.

Description

Food Storage Containers with Quick Access Lids

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61,614,552, filed March 23, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61,695,681, filed August 31, 2012, both of which Incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to a food storage container, and more particularly to a food storage container having a lid that locks in a closed position and is released by a push button.

Background technique

Insulated food storage containers are often used to transport cold or hot food for school and work lunches, for parties or picnics, for people with reduced mobility, or other occasions. Many of these insulated food storage containers have lids that are closed by screwing the lid into or on the insulated container. This requires manipulation of the lid and container, which can be a challenge for young children, handicapped persons, or the elderly, especially if the container is of the wide mouth variety with a large diameter lid . Small children, persons with arthritis, or persons who have lost full use of their hands due to, for example, a stroke, may find it difficult to grasp and hold the container while grasping and twisting the cap. The threads on containers and lids can become fouled with food particles and can also be challenging during cleaning.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides an insulated food storage container having a closeable lid that can be opened by operating a release button to provide access to the interior of the container and any food contained within the container. The release button includes a spring biased button on the cover that releases a catch or latch. A catch tab or latch tab in the lid engages a strike in the container when the lid is in the closed and locked position. The latch preferably extends into an opening in the container to engage the lip.

When the release button is pressed, the latch tab disengages from the lip, allowing the lid to be opened. The resilient gasket between the lid and the container may be sufficiently resilient to cause the lid to spring open at least slightly when the release button is pressed. The lid is attached to the container by a hinge so that it can be swung open to provide access to the interior of the container. The lid is closed by pivoting the lid to the closed position and depressing the lid until the latch projection engages the lip.

The insulated food container opens and closes easily by using hinges and buttons. Those who find large diameter threaded caps and containers a challenge will also have no trouble using this container.

A second embodiment of the food container has a fixed latch that prevents inadvertent release of the release button. In a preferred embodiment, the securing latch serves a dual purpose, first, securing the lid to the closed position even if the release button does not hold the lid in the closed position, and second, preventing the release button from being pushed inadvertently to the release position.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing a thermal food storage container and lid in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of an insulated food storage container;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a food storage container with the lid in an open position;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the food storage container and lid opened, showing the resilient liner and latch;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the base and lid engaging collar of an insulated food storage container;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cap engaging the collar, the dual function gasket and the collar insert;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the cover showing the cover components;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present insulated food storage container with the latch in the engaged position;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view identical to Fig. 8 except that the release button is in the disengaged position;

Fig. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the dual-function gasket of the food storage container;

11 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a food container in accordance with the principles of the present invention and including a secure latch;

Figure 12 is a top perspective view of the second embodiment showing the fixed latch in an open position;

Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the second embodiment showing the lid in an open position;

Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the food container with the lid in an open position;

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the food container of the second embodiment;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment food container showing the securing latch in a locked position;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment food container showing the fixed latch in the unlocked position and the button release in the released position; and

Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the seal in the second embodiment.

Detailed ways

Insulated food storage container 20 is shown in FIG. 1 . The container includes an insulated container body 22, a base 24 attached to the body 22 on which the body rests when placed upright on a surface, and a collar 26 mounted on the top of the body 22 opposite the base 24 . A lid 28 is secured to the collar 26 to close the container 20 and seal the food product stored inside the container. The cap 28, collar 26, body 22 and base 24 form a generally cylindrical structure with generally smooth sides. The slight flare of the base 24 to provide a wider base, the ring 30 where the body 22 joins the collar 26, and the slight curvature of the sides depart from the overall cylindrical shape. Of course, other configurations of the food storage container are also within the protection scope of the present invention. The container need not be insulated in all embodiments.

The lid 28 has a release button 32 formed as a continuation of the cylindrical shape of the lid at the top, front edge, opposite a hinge 34 pivotally connecting the lid 28 to the container 20 .

In FIG. 2, the cylindrical configuration of the container 20 and lid 28 is evident. The release button 32 has been pressed inwardly, such as by a user applying a force on the release button by pressing with a finger such that the button 32 slides inwardly in the cover 28 in a radially inward direction. The release button 32 slides toward the center of the cover 28 when moved to the release position. The shape of the release button 32 being a continuation of the shape of the lid reduces the chance of the button being pressed unintentionally, for example during transport of the food container 20 .

FIG. 3 is a view of the insulated food storage container 20 with the lid 28 in an open position. The container 20 can still rest on the base 24 with the lid 28 open so that the user can access any food within the container or can add food to the container. Lid 28 moves out of engagement with collar 26 and into an open position to expose the container's wide opening 36 through which food products may be inserted and removed. The opening 36 into the container includes a throat 38 leading to the interior food storage space. Throat 38 is located substantially within collar 26 . The lid 28 has a protrusion on its inner surface that fits into the throat 38 of the container to provide insulation at the lid 28 for the contents of the food container in addition to the insulation function provided by the side wall 22 of the container. The protrusion 40 on the cover 28 is configured to fit snugly into the throat 38 and may have a tapered, slightly curved shape to avoid binding when the cover is pivoted between the open and closed positions.

The collar 26 has a latch-receiving opening 42 at the top surface into which the catch projection 44 of the latch fits when the cover 28 is lockingly closed. Hinge 34 is formed by hinge base 46 extending from collar 26 at a location opposite latch opening 42 . In the illustrated view, the throat 38 has a small rounded protrusion 48 that extends toward the hinge 46 to engage a resilient pad on the lid 28 as will be described. The small circular protrusion 48 may extend into a similarly shaped recess in the collar 26 at a location near the hinge.

FIG. 4 provides a rear view of the cover 28 showing the cover tab 40 in the center of the disc-shaped cover with a ledge 50 at the edge. The release button 32 includes a latch projection 44 that extends from the cover 28 at an opening 54 in a button channel 52 that extends from the release button 32 to the central projection 40 of the cover 28 . The opening 54 through which the lock tab 44 extends is sufficiently large to allow sliding movement of the button 32 and the lock tab 44 between the engaged and disengaged positions. The central protrusion 40 of the cover 28 includes a flattened surface 56 at the release button passageway on the otherwise generally cylindrical central protrusion.

On the side of the cover 28 opposite the release button 32 is a resilient cover lift tab or resilient pad 58 . The lid lift tab 58 is a resilient material and rests on the rounded tab 48 of the throat 38 when the lid 28 is in the closed position. Adjacent the lid lift tab 58 is the lid portion 60 of the hinge 34 . The hinged cover portion 60 includes spaced apart hinge portions disposed on each side of a central hinge element or hinge base 46 extending from the collar 26 . An opening 62 for the hinge pin is provided through the hinge portion.

In Figure 5, the base 24 forms an integral unit with the body 22 when in use and is configured to provide the food product inside it with insulating properties from the surrounding environment. The main body 22 can be vacuum-insulated or heat-insulated using heat-insulating materials. The body has a lip 64 extending into the interior of the body 22 around a central opening 66 . The lip 64 is recessed from the cylindrical side wall to form a boss 68 and has a smooth outer surface. The inner surface 72 of the lip 64 is threaded. Threads 72 may extend into body 22 .

In the exploded view, the collar 26 is shown above the body 22 . Collar 26 has a cylindrical outer surface 74 with protruding ring 30 and a generally planar upper surface 76 with a central opening 78 . The central opening 78 has a rectangular recess or notch 80 at the front for receiving the latch or catch protrusion 44 , a circular recess 82 at the rear near the hinge base 46 and on either side of the central opening 78 . Two additional recesses 84. Hinge pin 86 is shown extending through the center of the hinge portion when container 20 and lid 28 are assembled to each other.

Turning to FIG. 6 , the collar 26 is also shown for purposes of illustrating the relationship between the collar 26 , the gasket 88 and the throat 38 . The food container 20 is provided with a single outer collar portion. The throat or inner collar 38 has an upper ring 90 that extends onto the outer collar 26 . The upper ring 90 has a rectangular cut-out or notch 92 to align with the rectangular cut-out or notch 80 in the collar 26 to form the latch receiving opening 42 . The upper ring 38 also has a circular protrusion 48 opposite the square cut-out 92 . On the underside of the upper ring 90 is provided a protrusion 94 that extends into the recess 84 extending from the central opening 78 of the collar 26 . The protrusion 94 of the throat 38 engages into the recess 84 in the collar 26 so that when the collar 26 is rotated, the throat 38 rotates with it to form a rotational lock.

The exterior surface of throat 38 is threaded at 96 for mating screwing into the interior of body 22 . The throat is secured by fitting the protrusion 94 of the throat 38 into the recess 84 in the collar 26 and rotating the collar 26 when the throat 38 is engaged with the body 22 such that the threads of the body and the throat engage each other. 38 packs fit into the body 22. A hinge pin 98 is provided for the hinge 46 . Hinge pin 98 fits into hinge base 48 and provides pivotal movement with the hinge portion of the lid.

The lower end of the throat 38 has a flange 100 recessed inwardly from the threaded outer surface 96 . The washer 88 is mounted on the flange 100 by fitting the inner recess of the washer 88 onto the outwardly protruding flange 100 . The gasket 88 is positioned within the interior of the body 22 by being mounted on the flange 100 of the throat 38, the throat 38 is engaged on the collar 26, and is moved by rotating the collar 26 and the body 22 relative to each other. The collar 26 and throat 38 are threaded onto the body 22 .

FIG. 7 shows the cover 28 , which is formed by an outer cover disc 102 and a central projection 40 fastened to the outer cover disc 102 . The cover plate 102 and the protruding portion 40 may be plastic materials that are welded or glued together, for example, the edge portion 103 of the protruding portion 40 engages with a corresponding portion on the cover plate 102 . The central projection 40 has a latch channel or button channel 52 integrally formed therewith. The flattened surface 56 on the central protrusion 40 at the latch channel 52 may be provided for reinforcement and/or may function as a molding process. The latch channel 52 includes an opening 54 through which the latch protrusion 44 extends, and includes motion limiting protrusions 104 at opposite sides within the button channel 52 and a resilient member mounting located at the central rear of the button channel 52 . protrusion 106 . A spring 108 , shown here as a short tube of resilient material such as rubber or other resilient material, is mounted on the spring mounting protrusion 106 in the latch channel 52 .

A latch or button 32 is mounted in the latch channel 52 in close proximity to the resilient member 108 . Flanks or legs 110 of the latch or button 32 cooperate with motion limiting protrusions 104 within the latch channel 52 to limit the range of motion of the latch 32 within the channel 52 . The latch protrusion 44 of the latch or button 32 extends through the opening 54 in the latch channel 52 and includes a catch nose 112 that engages the collar 26 when the cover 28 is in the closed and latched position. The button portion 114 of the latch 32 extends through an opening 116 in the cover plate 102 to form a release button. The latch 32 may be the same material and color as the cover plate 102 or may be a contrasting color and/or a different material than the cover plate to ensure that the user recognizes the button 32 as different from the cover 28 .

The lid lifting tab or pad 58 is a short cylinder of resilient material with a hemispherical end that is hollow at the end opposite the hemispherical end so that it can be mounted on the top of the lid pan 102. On the protrusion extending at the underside. Lid lift tab 58 may be glued or otherwise secured thereto, or may be press fit over the tab.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the body 22 has an outer wall 118 and an inner wall 120 , and a thermal insulation space 122 is defined between the outer wall 118 and the inner wall 120 . The heat preservation space 122 can be filled with air or insulation, but in a preferred embodiment, a partial vacuum is enclosed in the heat preservation space 122 . The preferred body 22 is formed from two layers of stainless steel, although other materials may be used instead. Base 24 is secured to body 22 and may also be stainless steel or may be plastic, rubber, or other material.

The inner wall 120 of the body defines a food containment chamber. The food holding compartment is preferably smooth and shaped for easy cleaning without sharp corners or grooves. At the upper end of the food holding compartment 120 is an inwardly extending neck 124 formed in the inner wall. Gasket 88 abuts neck 124 to form a seal between throat 38 and body 22 at neck 124 and prevent food from reaching the space between these parts. The gasket 88 of the illustrated embodiment has an outer sealing lip that engages the neck 124 to provide an improved seal.

Above the neck 124 in the interior wall is an internally threaded portion 126 of the body 22 that threadably engages the throat 38 . Throat 38 has a lower flange 100 on which gasket 88 is mounted. The upper end of the throat 38 has an upper collar 90 that projects a short distance over the top 76 of the collar 26 to retain the collar 26 to the body 22 when the throat 38 is screwed into the body 22 superior. A second gasket or O-ring may be provided between the edge of the lip of the body and the throat to seal the space between the throat and body from the outside. The collar 26 has a ring 30 extending from a lower edge of the collar which is in contact with the exterior surface of the body. Ring 30 may be formed of the same material as collar 26 or of a different material than collar 26 , such as a decorative one.

In Figure 8, the cover 28 is in the closed and latched position. The latch tab 44 extends into the opening in the collar 26 and engages the edge of the collar 26 as a catch to hold the lid 28 in the closed position as long as the latch 32 is not released. The latch or button 32 is in the fully forward or latched position in the cover 28, flush with the cylindrical shape of the cover and collar. The spring 108, which is a tube of resilient material, fits between the spring mounting protrusion 106 in the latch channel and the protrusion 128 on the back of the latch or button 32 to direct the latch toward the fully forward position or Push in the latch position. Sliding movement of the latch or button 32 toward the release position by the user compresses the resilient member 106, thereby overcoming the resilient force holding the latch 32 in the fully forward, locked position.

The inner surface of the cover plate 102 includes an annular protrusion 130 on which the central protrusion 40 is mounted. The central projection 40 extends into the throat of the throat 38 and contacts a gasket 88 mounted on the throat 38 . Gasket 88 has two gasket surfaces formed by flanges extending in different directions (ie, outward and inward), such that gasket 88 simultaneously forms a seal between throat 38 and body 22 and a seal between throat 38 and cover 26. Seal between central protrusions 40 . By providing a single gasket 88 with a dual function, the food in the food containing compartment is prevented from leaking into the space between the body and the throat on the one hand and into the space between the throat and the lid on the other hand.

The underside or interior of the cover tray 102 has a protrusion 132 on which the cover lift protrusion 58 is mounted. The resilient lid lift tab 58 is compressed against the body of the food container when the lid is in the closed position. In particular, the cap lift tab 58 is compressed against the rounded tab 48 of the throat 38 . Compression of the resilient lid lift tab 58 applies a force between the lid 28 and the body 22 for opening. The force to open is applied close to the hinge 34 .

FIG. 9 shows the release button 32 in the released position, with the latch member 32 having been slid in the latch channel 52 by pressing on the forwardly projecting button portion 114 to compress the resilient member 108 as shown in FIG. 2 . Movement of the latch has moved the latch tab 44 out of engagement with the collar 26 . Continued force is required on the release button 32 to remain in the illustrated position because otherwise the compressed resilient member 108 will move the latch member 32 rearwardly to the locked position.

The illustration of FIG. 9 represents only one momentary position as a result of releasing the latch 32 causing the compressed lid lift tab 58 to exert a force on the lid 28 to open and move the lid out of the locked position. In a preferred embodiment, release of the latch 32 causes the lid to "pop" to a slightly open position when the force of the compressed lid lift tab 58 is released. In the slightly open position, the latch tab 44 can no longer engage the collar opening so that the lid is not re-locked. The user can then open the lid to the fully open position to add food to the container or to remove food from the container. Lifting the lid 28 to the slightly open position enables the user to release the locked lid to the open position with one hand. Thus, a user with limited dexterity can easily open the container.

The insulated food storage container 20 can be easily closed. After the food product is placed in the container, the lid 28 is pivoted towards the closed position. Without exerting a force on the lid 28 to close, the lid 28 remains in the unlocked position due to the lid lift tab 58 . By exerting a closing force on the lid 28 to compress the lid lift tab 58, the tapered edge 112 of the latch tab 44 slides over the catch edge 112 of the collar 26, which may also have a tapered edge, to engage the latch. Member 32 moves briefly towards the release position. After the downward force on the cover 28 causes the catch nose 112 on the latch protrusion 44 to clear the collar edge, the compressive force on the spring 108 pushes the latch member 32 back into the locked position. The catch nose 112 of the latch projection 44 engages the collar 26 and thus the cover 28 is lockingly closed. The closed position of the cover 28 causes the interior of the gasket 88 to press against the central protrusion 40 of the cover 28 .

In the enlarged view of FIG. 10 , the gasket 88 is shown mounted on the lower flange 100 of the throat 38 . Gasket 88 has an outwardly projecting membrane 134 that abuts neck 124 of inner wall 120 of body 22 to form a seal preventing food and liquid from escaping into the space between throat 38 and body 22 . The gasket 88 has an inwardly projecting membrane 136 that contacts the central projection 40 of the cap 28 to provide a seal between the throat 38 and the cap 28 at the neck of the container. The food product is thus held in the food-holding central cavity of the container and leaks are prevented by the gasket 88 . The gasket 88 is shown in its non-contact state in the drawings, although the neck 124 and inner protrusion 40 are shown in contact with the gasket 88 . Membranes 134 and 135 of gasket 88 will deform when in contact with the neck and inner protrusions in the device.

A second embodiment of a food container 140 as disclosed in FIGS. 11-18 is provided. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a food container 140 has the same basic structure as that of the first embodiment except for a latch. A latch 142 that secures the lid 144 in the closed position and allows a user to open the lid 144 to access the contents of the container 140 or add food to the container 140 is configured to extend from the lid 144 in the second embodiment. The button 146 of the latch 142 extends outwards beyond the cylindrical wall 148 of the cover 144, whereas the button of the first embodiment forms a continuation of the cylindrical wall of the cover. Also provided on the cylindrical wall 152 of the collar 154 is a protrusion 150 below the latch. A wire loop 156 extends from the protruding portion 150 of the collar 154 and extends over the protruding portion of the button 146 . A raised rib 158 on the top of the button 142 engages the wire loop 156 . With the wire loop 156 in the engaged position as shown, the latch's button 142 is prevented from being pushed inward, thereby preventing the latch from being inadvertently released. Accidental overflow is thus prevented.

In addition to preventing the button 142 from being depressed inwardly, the wire loop 156 holds the lid 144 in the closed position by extending from the collar 154 of the food jar to the lid 144 . If the latch 142 is not securely locked, the wire loop 156 provides an additional measure of holding the lid closed. For example, if food becomes trapped in the latch preventing full engagement of the latch or if the user fails to press the lid into the fully closed position causing the latch to remain disengaged or only partially engaged. Even if the button 142 is depressed enough to release the latch when the wire loop 156 is in place, the wire loop 156 will keep the lid 144 closed.

The wire loop 156 can be made of metal, plastic or other materials, can have various shapes, can be installed in different positions and by different routes than those shown, but such wire loops are still within the protection scope of the present invention. The wire loop may be referred to as an engagement member.

In this way, accidental spillage of the contents of the food jar is prevented even if the food jar is jostled around in the lunch bag, or is bumped during handling or the lid is not initially closed in a fully locked state.

The food jar 140 also has a body 160 and a base 162 . Hinge 164 connects cover 144 to collar 154 . Any components not described in detail in this embodiment may be substantially the same as in the previously described embodiment.

In Figure 12, the wire loop 156 has been moved to the released position. In this position, the wire loop 156 remains in the protrusion 150 from the collar 154 of the food jar body 160 , but no longer engages the button 142 on the lid 144 . As the end of the wire loop 156 pivots within the opening in the protrusion 150 of the collar 154, the wire loop 156 is able to rotate between the engaged position and the released position. A protrusion or rib 158 at the top edge of button 146 can be seen. When the user snaps the wire loop 156 over the protrusion 158 as the user moves the wire loop 156 over the button 146, the protrusion or rib 158 retains the wire loop 156 in the engaged position. The wire loop 156 is moved to the release position by the user disengaging the wire loop from the snap button 146 .

The wire loop not only performs the function of (1) keeping the lid closed and (2) preventing the button from being inadvertently pressed, but also (3) ensuring complete closure of the lid, and (4) pushing the button to a fully locked position. If the user presses the lid 144 closed but fails to bring the lid 144 into the fully closed position, the action of securing the wire loop 156 to the button 146 will provide additional downward force to force the lid to a fully closed position s position. If the cover 144 has been closed by the user, and the latch button 142 has not moved to the fully locked position, the action of snapping the wire loop 156 over the protrusion 158 on the button 146 and the action of the wire loop 156 being depressed The combined force of the downward and outward pull on the button will pull the button 146 toward the extended position. The force exerted by wire loop 156 on button 146 and cover 144 presses the cover into the fully seated closed position and enables latch 142 to complete its movement to the fully locked position. When the user snaps the wire loop 156 over the protrusion 158 on the button 146, the cover 144 is fully closed and sealed and the button is fully locked.

In the position shown in Figure 12, the cover 144 is still locked in the closed position. The button 146 is in the outwardly extended position, indicating that the latch 142 operated by the button 146 is in the engaged position. To release the latch 142 and open the cover 144 , the user presses inwardly on the button 146 . The thrust is directed in a radial direction relative to the cylindrical cover and can body.

Figure 13 shows the food jar 140 enabling the lid 144 to be moved to the open position after the button 146 is depressed. Food within the jar 140 is accessible through an opening 166 at the top of the jar 140 or food can be placed into the open jar 140 . By pivoting of hinge 164, lid 144 moves to a fully open position such that the lid does not interfere with the addition or removal of food. Hinge 164 keeps lid 144 attached to jar 140 so that the lid cannot be misplaced and the lid cannot become soiled by being placed on a surface. An insulated extension 168 at the center of the lid 144 can be seen that extends into the opening 166 to insulate and seal the food in the food jar when the lid 144 is in the closed position.

The top edge of the food jar 140 includes a protrusion 150 that retains a wire loop 156 . The wire loop 156 is pivoted in this view against the body of the food jar so that it also does not interfere when adding or removing food. The collar or rim 154 of the food jar 140 also includes an opening 170 for receiving the catch tab of the latch 140 when the lid 144 is closed.

FIG. 14 shows another view of the opened food jar 140 with the lid 144 in a fully open position. Cover 144 has a button 146 extending from the cylindrical surface. The extension of the protrusion is sufficient to enable the wire loop 156 to engage the protrusion. The button 146 is mounted for sliding movement in a button channel 172 in the cover 144 . The button channel 172 has an opening 174 through which a latch protrusion 176 extends. The latch tab 176 extends into the opening 166 in the collar or rim 154 of the food jar to engage the rim of the food jar and hold the lid 144 in the closed position when engaged. The latch protrusion 176 has a latch nose 178 that engages an edge or lip within the opening 166 when the button 146 and the latch protrusion 176 are in the locked position.

A resilient gasket 180 is provided on the cover 144 at a position opposite to the button 146 . The resilient liner 180 engages the extension 182 of the inner rim 184 of the food jar to bias the lid 144 toward the open position when the lid 144 is closed. When the latch 142 is released, the compressible resilient pad 180 pushes the lid 144 open from the fully closed position. Release of the latch 142 causes the cover 144 to spring open to an at least slightly open position as the compressed resilient pad 180 is released from its compressed state.

FIG. 15 shows components constituting a heat-retaining food jar 140 of the second embodiment. Body 162 is preferably vacuum insulated metal with a double wall construction. A base 162, such as a plastic base, may be provided on the insulated body 160 of the food jar to provide a surface for the jar to stand on. The collar or rim 154 of the food jar includes a protrusion 150 for retaining the wire loop 156; the collar 154 also includes a protrusion 164 that acts as part of the hinge. The collar or rim piece 154 has a notch 186 at which an opening is provided for the latch tab 176 to extend when the cover 144 is closed. It can be seen that the wire loop 156 is located directly above the protrusion 150 into which the wire loop 156 fits. The opposite ends of the wire loop 156 extend into openings on opposite sides of the protrusion 150 .

A gasket 188 is shown over the collar 154 and an inner collar or throat 190 that is threaded into the insulated body 160 to hold the gasket 188 and collar 154 in place is over the gasket 188 . Notch 192 on inner collar 190 aligns with notch 186 on collar 154 to form latch opening 166 .

The cover member includes a central protrusion 168 that also includes a button channel 172 . The central protrusion 168 provides an insulating air space for keeping the contents of the food jar warm. Button body 142 is mounted in button channel 172 to slide between a locked position and a released position. Legs 194 extending from the rear of button body 142 include feet that engage protrusions within button channel 172 to prevent the button from moving out of the button channel. A latch protrusion 176 extends from the button body 142 through an opening in the button channel 172 . A compressible elastic member 196, such as a length of rubber tubing, is mounted between the legs 194 of the button body 142 and extends into contact with the rear wall of the button channel 172 to bias the button 142 into the locked position. Depression on the button 146 exerts a force on the compressible resilient member 196 when the button is moved to the released position.

The resilient gasket 180 at the rear of the cover 144 is shown as a cylindrical compressible member mounted to the cover. Cover 144 also includes a shroud or disc 198 to which central protrusion 168 is mounted. Cover 198 closes the button channel from above, except for opening 200 through which button 146 extends. The cover 144 also includes a complementary portion 202 of the hinge that connects the lid 144 to the food jar body. Hinge pins 204 may be provided to interconnect the hinge parts.

A cross-sectional view of the food jar 140 in a closed state is shown in FIG. 16 . The button 146 is in the locked position, fully extended from the cover 144 by the action of the compressible resilient member 196 . The lid 144 is in a closed position within the can body. Due to the position of the button and the cover, the catch projection 176 on the button latch 142 engages the rim inside the catch opening, which holds the cover in the closed position. To ensure that the lid 144 is held in the closed position, the wire loop 156 is positioned over the top of the button 146 . A wire loop 156 extends from the protrusion 150 on the can body to a position above the button 146 to prevent the lid 144 from being moved to the open position. Safety is thus provided by the wire loop 156 in conjunction with the shape of the button 146 and protrusion 150 against spillage of soup or other food in the food jar, for example during transport.

The location of the wire loop 156 on the button 146 combined with the ridge 206 on the top of the button 146 prevents the button from being pushed inwardly. In other words, the wire loop 156 prevents movement of the button in addition to securing the cover in the closed position. Both functions are performed by the configuration of wire loop 156 and button 146 . As noted above, additional functions may also be performed by this structure.

As noted above, the closed position of the lid 144 maintains a seal within the food jar using a gasket to prevent leakage of food. The resilient pad 180 at the rear of the cover is shown in a compressed state from which it will spring when the latch 142 is released. The double wall construction of the food jar 160 and the lid 144 provides insulation to inhibit the warming of cold food stored in the food jar and the cooling of warm food, the double wall construction may enclose a partial vacuum, air or foam such as blown or other Material insulation. A bottom portion 162 added to the body of the food jar is apparent in cross-section.

FIG. 17 shows the wire loop 156 in the disengaged position, where the wire loop 156 has been disengaged from the top of the button 146 and allowed to pivot away from the button. The disengaged position of the wire loop 156 is any position where the wire loop is not engaged on the button. Also, in this view, the button 146 is pressed inwardly towards the center of the cover 144 . The resultant sliding movement of the button latch 142 within the button channel compresses the tubular resilient member 196, which acts on the button. When sufficient sliding movement of the button latch 142 occurs, the catch tab 176 of the button disengages from the rim of the food jar. The plot of Figure 17 thus shows the insulated food jar in an unstable position, as the lid 144 will pop open when the button 146 is pressed inward enough to release the latch. The popping of the lid is primarily due to the resilient gasket 180 between the lid and the rim of the food jar, however, a gasket 188 pressing on the central protrusion of the lid can also exert force on the lid for opening when the latch is released .

It is envisioned that in some embodiments the coil may be pivotally mounted on the button and extend above a protrusion extending from the collar when engaged. The body of the food jar need not be insulated in every embodiment.

The gasket 188 on the inner sleeve 190 of the food jar is shown in more detail in FIG. 18 . The gasket 180 has two parts, a first part 208 forming a seal between the inner sleeve 190 and the protrusion 168 of the lid, and a neck 212 between the inner sleeve 190 and the double walled body 160 of the food can body. A sealed second portion 210 is formed. Leakage of food from the food can is thereby prevented.

Accordingly, there is shown and described a food jar having an easy open wide mouth lid that provides easy access to the food within the food jar. Ability to open and close food jars with one hand. It is possible for those users who have dexterity issues such as users with arthritis, or younger users or those with smaller hands to use the food jar. A secure closure is ensured by the latch button. Additional safety is provided by, for example, a wire loop as a safety feature against spillage of hot food. The wire loop of the illustrated embodiment not only holds the lid closed, but prevents the button from being pushed in to release the latch, and ensures that the lid is fully closed and the button is fully locked. The addition of wire loops in the preferred embodiment and the cooperating structure of the protruding button provide these versatile functions.

Although other modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the inventor's intention to include all such changes and modifications within the scope of his contribution to the art as reasonably and properly covered by the patents issued hereunder.

Claims (16)

1. a food container, comprising:

Vessel, described vessel has roughly wall cylindraceous and limits inner space;

The collar, the described collar is attached to described vessel;

Lid, described lid can optionally be fixed on off position, to close the described inner space of described vessel;

Hinge, described hinge is pivotally connected to the described collar by described lid;

Breech lock, described breech lock can operate between engage position and releasing position, described breech lock is arranged in described lid, described in be latched in described engage position and engage the described collar;

Throat, described throat is arranged in the described collar, and extends in described vessel; And

Packing ring, described packing ring is arranged in described throat, and described packing ring forms the sealing between described throat and described vessel, and when described lid is during in described off position, described packing ring forms the sealing between described throat and described lid.

2. food container according to claim 1, wherein, described breech lock comprises the outside outstanding part of extending from described lid during in engage position when described breech lock, and described food container also comprises:

Engagement member, described engagement member extends from the described collar, and can optionally be positioned in the described outside outstanding part of described breech lock at engage position.

3. food container according to claim 2, wherein, the described outwards outstanding part of described breech lock is button, described button can move between latched position and releasing position, when described button is during in described latched position, described engagement member can be bonded on described button, and when described engagement member is bonded on described button, described engagement member limits described button and moves to the motion of described releasing position and described lid on described vessel is maintained in its closed position.

4. food container according to claim 3, wherein, described engagement member is wire loop.

5. food container according to claim 1, wherein, described throat comprises external threaded surface; And

Wherein, described vessel comprises interior threaded surface, and described interior threaded surface engages with the described external threaded surface of described throat.

6. food container according to claim 1, wherein, described packing ring comprises the first packing ring film, described the first packing ring film stretches out into described vessel and contacts to form sealing contact, described packing ring comprises the second packing ring film, and described the second packing ring film extends internally into when described lid is in the closed position and contacts with described lid.

7. food container according to claim 1, wherein, described lid comprises central protrusion, and described central protrusion extends in the opening in described vessel, and described central protrusion contacts described packing ring at off position.

8. food container according to claim 1, wherein, described throat comprises at least one protrusion, described protrusion extends in the recess in the described collar, so that described throat and the described collar are locked rotatably.

9. food container according to claim 1, also comprises:

Elastic component, described elastic component is mounted to when described lid is in the closed position between the described collar and described lid, thereby when discharging described breech lock, described lid bias voltage is left to complete off position, so that described lid moves towards open position.

10. food container according to claim 9, also comprises:

In described throat and edge described cover engagement of loops, extend to the protrusion the recess of the described collar from described edge, and described protrusion is formed for the surface engaging with described elastic component when described lid is closed.

11. food containers according to claim 1, also comprise:

The described button passage covering, described button passage surrounds the part of described breech lock and such inner space: described in be latched in described inner space and slidably move between described engage position and described releasing position.

12. food containers according to claim 11, also comprise:

The the first breech lock shank and the second breech lock shank that from described breech lock, extend; Breech lock shank connected structure in described button passage, described breech lock shank connected structure is used for engaging described the first breech lock shank and described the second breech lock shank; And

Elastic component, described elastic component be arranged between described the first breech lock shank and described the second breech lock shank with by described breech lock towards described engage position bias voltage.

13. food containers according to claim 11, wherein, the central protrusion of described button passage and the described lid member that forms as one, described central protrusion is mounted to housing to form described lid.

14. food containers according to claim 1, wherein, described breech lock comprises breech lock protrusion, and described breech lock protrusion extends in latch openings to engage the described collar, and the recess of described latch openings in the described collar and the recess in described throat limit.

15. 1 kinds for opening the method for food container, and described food container is in closing and lock-out state, and described method comprises:

On latched press-button on the lid of the described food container of closing and locking, be under pressure that described button is moved to releasing position;

Make the snap close nose of described latched press-button depart from described food container the engaging of the collar;

When described snap close nose and the disengaging of the described collar, described lid is upspring to partially opening position;

Allow described lid to the free pivoting action of fully open position to open the opening of the wide-mouth of described food container.

16. food containers according to claim 15, wherein, upspring to the described step that partially opens position described lid and comprise:

When described lid is closed and keeps the tensile force of the storage between described lid and the collar of described food container during lock-out state in described; And

When described snap close nose and the disengaging of the described collar, discharge the tensile force of described storage.

Images