KR20070107713A - A container - Google Patents

Abstract

The container covers stack together in two different ways. First, the covers can be stacked into an "aligned" stack. The aligned stack provides structural rigidity for bulk handling during manufacturing. Second, the covers can be stacked into a "locked" stack. The locked stack provides even more structural rigidity than does the aligned stack and is useful when storing unused covers. The container cover includes a first closure portion, an engagement portion, and an alignment portion. The base includes a second closure portion. The first closure portion of the cover is sealingly engageable with the second closure portion of the base to define a sealed storage area. The alignment portion of the cover is engageable with the alignment portion of a second cover to form an aligned cover stack. The engagement portion of the cover is engageable with the engagement portion of a second cover to form a locked cover stack.

Description

A container

The present invention relates generally to a container, and more particularly to a container that can be aligned together and locked together in a second position when its cover is stacked in a first position.

Rigid thermoplastic food containers are generally known. Users often accumulate a large number of these containers of different sizes and shapes. When not in use, containers are often stored randomly in drawers. In this case, the unused container takes up considerable space and it can be difficult to find a matching base and cover in an unordered drawer. To avoid this, some users stack containers in cabinets. The base of the container is generally superimposed and thus takes up less space in an disordered drawer, but it can still be difficult to mate the base and the cover. In addition, the cover cannot be laminated and the cover can be easily collapsed. When the containers are in use for storing food, the containers are often stacked on top of each other in a cabinet or refrigerator. These laminates can be dangerous and their dropping can cause food to pour out of the container. Many users want containers that can be stored space-efficient, less risky, and more structurally robust, even when empty or in use.

During large scale manufacturing, the cover can be transported in bulk before being separated from the individual package. During bulk handling, manufacturers will find it desirable if the cover can form a laminate that is sufficiently stable to resist the vertical and lateral movements generated by the forces generally acting during the manufacturing operation.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide satisfactory containers for both users and manufacturers.

In view of the above, the present invention provides a container in which its cover can be laminated together in two different ways. First, the covers can be laminated in a "aligned" lamination manner. Aligned lamination provides sufficient structural robustness for bulk handling during manufacture. Secondly, the covers can be laminated in a "locking" lamination manner. Locking lamination provides greater structural robustness than alignment lamination and is useful when storing unused covers.

In some embodiments, the cover has a first closure, coupling and alignment. The base has a second closure. The first closure of the cover is sealably engageable with the second closure of the base to form a substantially sealed leak-proof and resealable storage area for items such as food. The alignment portion of the cover is engageable with the alignment portion of the second cover to form an aligned cover stacking manner. The engaging portion of the cover is engageable with the engaging portion of the second cover to form a locked cover stacking manner.

Covers and bases can be economically constructed of relatively thin thickness plastic so that a user can clean them after use or their purchase price is low so that they can be discarded for use as a consumable. The container can be easily produced by, for example, a conventional thermoforming apparatus. The cover may be made of translucent material to ensure satisfactory visibility of the contents of the container. The container may be suitable for refrigerator, freezer, microwave and mechanical dishwasher applications.

Features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description provided herein with the accompanying drawings.

1 is an isometric view of a container having a cover and a base according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 is an isometric view of the container cover of FIG. 1.

3 is a plan view of the container cover of FIG.

4 is an isometric view of the container base of FIG. 1.

5 is a plan view of the container base of FIG. 1.

6 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.

7 is an enlarged detailed view of the portion of FIG. 6;

8 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 7.

9 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 7.

10 is a side cross-sectional view of a stack of two sealed containers.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a laminate stacking two nested container bases with two locked container covers. FIG.

12 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the laminate of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a laminate stacking two nested container bases with one locked container cover and one aligned cover. FIG.

14 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the laminate of FIG. 13.

15 is a side cross-sectional view of the alignment stack of the container cover and the base.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a laminate stacking two nested container bases with two aligned container covers. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a laminate stack of two nested container bases with one aligned container cover and one locked container cover. FIG.

18 is a side cross-sectional view of a locked stack of two container covers.

19 is an enlarged detail of the portion of FIG. 18;

20 is a cross-sectional side view of an aligned stack of two container covers.

21 is an enlarged detail of the portion of FIG. 20;

22 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary manufacturing method for producing a container according to the present invention.

23 is a process flow diagram of another exemplary manufacturing method for producing a container according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The container 100 has a flexible cover 102 sealed to the base 104. In the example of FIGS. 1-5, the container 100 is shown as a substantially square with rounded corners. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container has another shape, such as rectangular, round or oval.

The container cover 102 can be provided with at least one gripping tab 106 to facilitate removal of the cover 102 from the container base 104. In some embodiments, gripping tabs 106 have one or more cross ribs or textured surfaces to enhance gripping of the user on tabs 106.

The container cover 102 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an engagement that allows the engagement of the cover 200 and the engagement portion 200 of the second cover 102 to form a locked stack of the cover 102. The unit 200 is provided. This locking feature makes the final stack of covers structurally more rigid and therefore less dangerous than a stack of typical non-locking covers.

Although the coupling part 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown as a circle, other shapes are possible, as are the shapes of the containers 100 themselves. In some embodiments, the standard shape and structure of the coupling portion 200 is used with the covers 102 of various shapes and sizes. This improves storage flexibility by allowing different types of covers 102 to be stored together in a locking stack. Coupling 200 also includes a cover 102 for rotational alignment that defines rotation about an axis perpendicular to the point 302 where the midlines 304, 306 of cover 102 intersect as shown in FIG. 3. It may be selected to include or have an element for providing a stack or a locking stack of. For example, a shape that can essentially be aligned prior to joining or self-aligning during the process of joining the join can be a linear or curved side, a vertex or a lobe, such as a triangle, square, rectangular or multiple drawing board shape. It may be a shape having. Additionally, the cover may have one or more elements on or around the coupling that require alignment prior to connection of the coupling, or elements that can be self aligned during the process of connecting the coupling.

The container cover 102 can have a central zone 300 shown in FIG. 3 on top of the coupling 200. Central zone 300 may include an embossed symbol, such as a manufacturer's mark, or may allow a user to record or label information such as date or user's name. When the central zone 300 includes a recordable area, this area may be an opaque area capable of receiving the color contrasted from the writing instrument. The recordable area may be incorporated into the material for the container cover 102 or applied to the material by printing.

The container cover 102 of FIGS. 1-3 can be configured with a thinner wall thickness than the container base 104. The cover 102 can be made of any suitable plastic and can be made by any suitable technique, such as thermoforming. In one embodiment, cover 102 may be formed of polypropylene. Due to the thermoforming process, the wall thickness of the cover 102 can be varied. The thinner container cover 102 increases flexibility to reduce material costs and more easily accommodate removal and bonding from the container base 104. The cover 102 can maintain adequate flexibility for proper sealing even at normal refrigerator temperatures.

The container base 104 of FIGS. 4 and 5 has a bottom 400 and sidewalls extending from the periphery of the bottom 400. The bottom 400 has a raised lower section 404 to receive the engaging portion 200 of the container cover 102 when the containers 100 are stacked together. This feature is further discussed and illustrated below. As the engagement portion of FIG. 3 may include a central zone 300, a similar zone for the manufacturer's trademark or user information may be included in the ridge 404 of the base 104.

The container bases of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 may be made of any suitable plastic having a sufficient thickness to withstand the heat of the upper shelf dish washing and microwave cooking without deformation. It should also be kept strong during ascent while loading hot food. The base 104 can be made of any suitable plastic and can be made by any suitable technique, such as co-extrusion, lamination, injection molding, thermoforming or overmolding. In one embodiment, the container base 104 is formed of polypropylene. The wall thickness of the container base 104 may change due to the manufacturing process.

6-9 illustrate an embodiment of a container 100 whose cover 102 is hermetically coupled with its base 104. 6 shows a cover 102 that cooperates with the base 104 to form a sealed reservoir 600. The cover 102 may be flexible enough to allow a user to create a vacuum in the container 100 upon sealing. To create a vacuum, the user presses the cover 102, for example, during the closure of the container 100. The return force imparted to the cover 102 by the elasticity of the material of the cover 102 pushes the cover 102 back to its vertical position thereby creating a vacuum. In order to facilitate proper sealing engagement of its base 104 with the cover 102, the user may discreetly apply a downward force only to the engaging portion 200 of the container cover 102. The engagement portion 200 is positioned to receive and distribute the force to the first closure 700 of the cover 102 during sealing to the base 104. Coupling 200 may also serve as a suitable handle for gripping cover 102.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, the container 100 uses a locking rim design that includes both inner and outer seals as described. The present invention may be practiced in a variety of closure designs, including external closures and / or internal closures.

7 illustrates an embodiment of a closure used to join the base 102 and cover 102 of the container 100. The cover 102 has a first closure 700 in the form of a raised locking ring. The first closure 700 of the cover 102 can be coupled with the second closure 702 of the base 104 to provide a leak proof resealable closure.

The first closure 700 has an inner wall 704, a retaining bead 706 and an outer wall 708. The inner wall 704, the holding bead 706, and the outer wall 708 form a first sealing surface that is part of the bottom surface of the cover 102. The first closure 700 can include one or more locking ridges 710. Outer wall 708 extends between retention bead 706 and flange 712. The flange 712 may provide a suitable gripping surface to facilitate removal of the cover 102 from the base 104.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second closure 702 of the base 104 is a raised locking ring that extends from the upper edge of the sidewall of the base 104. The second closure 702 includes an inner wall 714, a retention bead 716 and an outer wall 718. The inner wall 714, the holding bead 716 and the outer wall 718 form a second sealing surface that is part of the upper surface of the base 104. The second closure 702 can include one or more locking ridges 720. Outer wall 718 extends between retaining bead 716 and flange 7272. The flange 722 may provide a suitable gripping surface to facilitate removal of the cover 102 from the base 104.

The first and second closures 700, 702 can be configured to be slightly different in size to form an interference fit therebetween. Interference fits between the first and second closures 700, 702 can provide a sealing engagement between the closures. As a result, when the two parts are joined, a positive seal can be formed between the first and second sealing surfaces around the periphery of the cover 102 and the base 104.

The combination of the first and second closures 700, 702 may be accompanied by an audible "snap" indicating that the container is tightly closed.

In the example of FIG. 7, the inner wall 704 of the first closure 700 of the cover 102 extends to the coupling 200. The coupling part 200 includes an upper protrusion 724 and a lower protrusion 726.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the cover 102 has a ridge 728 on the outer wall 708 of the first closure 700. 8 shows another embodiment without this ridge. In general, the first and second closures 700, 702 and engagement 200 shown in FIGS. 6-9 are merely exemplary and many other types of closures and engagements may be used in the present invention. . For example, the coupling part 200 may have a complementary locking ring. Because these and many other types of closures and joints are known in the art, they will not be discussed in detail herein.

9 shows another embodiment of a cover. The cover 102 of FIG. 9 has an alignment ridge 900 disposed on the outer wall 708 of the first closure 700. This alignment ridge 900 is discussed in detail below.

In FIG. 10, the sealed container 100 is located on top of the second sealed container 1000. The raised lower section 404 of the base 104 of the upper vessel 100 receives the engaging portion 200 of the cover 1002 of the lower vessel 1000.

11 and 12 illustrate the usefulness of embodiments of the present invention when the container is being stored. In the figure, a stack of two nested container bases 104, 1100 is joined to a locked stack of covers 102, 1102. Lower cover 102 is hermetically coupled with upper base 104 to form a structurally rigid stack.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the two covers 102, 1102 are locked together by their coupling 200. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the coupling part 200 may include an upper protrusion 724 and a lower protrusion 726, respectively. Each protrusion 724, 726 is convex on one side and concave on the other side. The lower protrusion 726 of the upper cover 1102 fits into and receives the upper protrusion of the lower cover 102, thus locking the covers 102 and 1102 together. In this way, covers 102 and 1102 are held together to form a structurally stable cover stack. Other embodiments of couplings may include the following features: convex or ribs, recesses or ribs, linear or curved undercuts, individual snap elements or buttons, interference fits, textures to enable engagement. It may include one or more of the elements that modify the surface friction or tack at or around the forming surface or bond. The joining region that creates the locked state is either contiguous to the join or discontinuously divided about the join. In some embodiments, the force required to connect the cover may be substantially different than the force required to detach the cover. For example, it may be advantageous during manufacturing that the force required to connect the cover is less than the force required to separate the cover. As a result, the covers are relatively easy to connect during manufacture and still they will be firmly locked and undesirably separated during the manufacturing process. To achieve this, projections on the coupling can be designed, wherein for a given projection the upper projection edge comprises a gradual taper while the lower projection edge comprises a more protruding shape. For example, in one embodiment, the shape of the protrusion has a gradual taper on the top edge of the barb that can impart some resistance during engagement and on the bottom edge of the hook that can impart relatively high resistance during separation. It may be similar to hooks formed with protruding shapes. Conversely, the force that needs to be applied to attach the cover is greater than the force required to detach the cover, since the user may perceive that it is equal to satisfactory locking integrity, while the weak connection force is the structural It may be advantageous to design the coupling to induce the user to perceive the lack of integrity required to ensure this. Thus, high connection forces provide a perceived advantage, and low separation forces do not require the user to improperly struggle during the removal of the cover. To achieve this, projections on the coupling can be designed where the upper projection edge comprises a protruding shape for a given projection while the lower projection edge comprises a more progressive taper. For example, in one embodiment, the shape of the protrusion has a protruding shape on the top edge of the hook that can impart a relatively high resistance during engagement and has a progressive taper on the bottom edge of the hook that can impart less resistance during separation. It can be reversed hooks. Moreover, during the process of applying a force to the cover aligned in a direction perpendicular to the general cover plane for the user to lock the cover together, the engagement portion can provide tactile or audible feedback upon locking. In this way the user senses that the cover is connected and that no additional force needs to be applied.

The container bases 104, 1100 are shown stacked in FIGS. 11 and 12 but not locked together. In many applications, nesting container bases without locking them together provides sufficient structural rigidity to the stack of bases. However, it is possible to apply the technique of the invention to the base itself and thus to provide a mechanism for locking the base together. The same type of closures and engagements available for locking the cover together or for locking the cover to the base may be applied to lock with the base.

The container covers 102, 1102 of FIG. 11 have a ridge 728 described in connection with FIG. 7, and the cover of FIG. 12 does not include this feature. Ridge 728 provides a reinforcing function for outer wall 708 and also provides a retaining ledge to support unfolding of the cover during manufacture.

13 and 14 show different positions for the stack of covers of FIGS. 11 and 12. The container bases 104, 1100 are folded together and the lower cover 102 is locked on the upper base 104. However, the top cover 1102 is not locked to the bottom cover 102. Instead, top cover 1102 is located on and aligned with bottom cover 102. In this structure, the two covers 102, 1102 are said to form a "aligned" stack to distinguish it from the locking stack of FIGS. 11 and 12. The ability to form aligned but unlocked laminates is important for manufacturing because it allows the cover to be transported in bulk before being separated for individual packaging. The alignment stack is stable enough to resist vertical, lateral or rotational movement induced by forces generally acting during the manufacturing operation, but the cover is so tightly connected that it prevents unfolding when necessary.

The tabs 106 (see FIG. 1) can be designed so that the tabs overlap in a manner that engages each other when in the stack of covers so that the covers remain in an aligned structure. In one embodiment, the design of the tabs 106 allows for stable cover-to-cover stacking about the middle of the tabs 106 in the locked state, so that portions of the tabs 106 for additional laminate compression. It is positioned at the portion of the cover below it in the stack to provide resistance.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, covers 102 and 1102 are aligned by contact in two areas. First, the engaging portion 200 of the cover (102, 1102) has a lower shoulder 1300 and an upper shoulder 1302, respectively. The lower shoulder 1300 of the upper cover 1102 is located at the upper shoulder 1302 of the lower cover 102. Secondly, the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 is located on the outer wall 708 of the bottom cover 102. These two contact areas have less structural stiffness than locked laminates, but serve to align covers 102 and 1102 with laminates that are rigid enough for many purposes. The comparison of FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 shows how the ordered laminate can be converted to a locked rotationally aligned laminate by the application of pressure on the stacked article. FIG. 11 illustrates that the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 further pushes down the outer wall 708 of the bottom cover 102 when a force is applied to the aligned stack of FIG. 13 to form a locked stack. Shows that. Cover alignment is further enhanced by contact of the covers 102, 1102 at the inner wall of the closure. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, cover inner wall 704 has an upper shoulder 1104 located directly above top locking ridge 710 and a lower shoulder 1106 located directly below bottom locking ridge 710. do. Thus, in this pair of locked covers, the lower shoulder 1106 of the cover 1102 is located at the upper shoulder 1104 of the cover 102. 11 and 13, the flange 712 forming the aligned state can be continuous along the peripheral path of the first closure 700 or along the peripheral path of the first closure 700. Discontinuously divided; Referring to FIG. 12, the contact shoulders 1104, 1106 of the inner wall 704 forming an aligned state between the locked covers can be continuous along the peripheral path of the first closure 700 or the first closure. It may be divided separately along the peripheral path of the part 700. In some embodiments, this alignment feature may be desirable to be able to ensure that the connected covers are rotationally aligned about an axis perpendicular to the centers of the covers, especially when the covers have couplings that allow rotation between the covers. In some embodiments, without the alignment feature, the cover can rotate freely. Free rotation can have undesirable consequences because the cover stack may be inadequate to facilitate manufacturing or may be inadequate to provide a user with the organization benefits.

The embodiment of FIG. 14 illustrates that the flanges 712 of the top cover 1102 do not lower as much as they can contact the bottom cover 102 when the covers 102 and 1102 are in the aligned stack. It is different from the embodiment of. Variations such as these between the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 can be selected to alter the amount of stiffness present in the aligned stack. Although the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 is not lowered enough to contact the bottom cover 102 in this less rigid aligned stack, the lower shoulder 1300 and the bottom of the joint of the top cover 1102 are lowered. Contact between the upper shoulders 1302 of the cover 102 can provide concentric or rotational alignment to assist the user in aligning the engagement portion 200 during the process of connecting the cover. The comparison of FIGS. 12 and 14 shows how the aligned laminates can be converted to locked and rotationally aligned laminates by the application of pressure on the stacked articles. FIG. 12 shows that cover alignment is further enhanced by contact of covers 102 and 1102 in two regions when a force is applied to the aligned stack of FIG. 14 to form a locked stack. First, the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 is located on the outer wall 708 of the bottom cover 102. Secondly, the lower shoulder 1106 of the upper cover 1102 is located at the upper shoulder 1104 of the lower cover 102. In some embodiments, this alignment feature may be desirable to ensure that the connected covers are rotationally aligned about an axis perpendicular to the center of the cover, especially when the covers include an engaging portion that allows rotation between the covers.

FIG. 15 shows that the container cover 102 can be aligned on top of the container base 104 without locking. FIG. 16 shows an aligned stack of two covers 102, 1102 on top of a nested stack of bases 104, 1100. FIG. 17 differs from FIG. 16 in that the top cover 1102 is locked on the bottom cover 102. The comparison of FIGS. 16 and 17 shows how the ordered stack can be converted to the locked stack by the application of pressure on the stacked article.

16 also shows another embodiment of the alignment of the container covers 102, 1102. Alignment ridge 900 is located on outer wall 708 of covers 102 and 1102. When in the aligned stack, the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 is located on the alignment ridge 900 of the bottom cover 102 to increase the rigidity of the stack. FIG. 17 shows that the flange 712 of the top cover 1102 is pressed past the alignment ridge 900 of the bottom cover 102 when pressure is applied to the stack aligned to form a locked stack.

18 and 19 emphasize the compactness of the locked stack of container covers 102 and 1102, while FIGS. 20 and 21 emphasize the compactness of the aligned stack of container covers. Aligned stacks are not quite as compact as locked stacks, but if each stack is compact it is a significant advantage for the present invention when the cover is stored for later use.

A high level summary of an exemplary manufacturing method that can be used to make a container according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 22. An extruded sheet of plastic (step 2200) is thermoformed into a rough base (step 2202). The excess plastic is trimmed from the coarse base (step 2204) and the finished base is then stacked into a stack for further handling (step 2206).

In parallel with the above steps, the cover is made in a similar process (steps 2212-2218). In steps 2216 and 2218, the finished covers do not need to be locked together because the aligned cover stacks have sufficient rigidity for bulk handling.

To package the finished base and cover, an appropriate number of bases (steps 2208 and 2210) and covers (steps 2220 and 2222) are removed from their respective stacks. The base and cover are combined with the packaging to stack to form individual retail units 2230 (which may include multiple bases and covers). The individual retail units are then packaged together in bulk for shipment to the retail store (step 2232).

FIG. 23 shows a variation of the manufacturing process of FIG. 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the base is processed through the same steps 2200-2210. However, in step 2316 of FIG. 23, the covers are locked together in the stack, instead of forming the aligned stack of step 2216 of FIG. 22. In some manufacturing environments, increased structural stiffness makes locked cover laminates more suitable than aligned cover laminates. The locked stack of covers is processed through steps 2318, 2220 and 2322. In step 2224 of FIG. 23, an appropriate number of locked covers are combined with the base and packaging to form individual retail units (2330).

The container is reusable, but can also be configured at a low enough price for consumers to recognize as a disposable item with exchange covers and bases available separately for retail sale. The base and cover can be made by thermoforming the clarified polypropylene homopolymer material. In another embodiment, the container can be made by thermoforming the clarified random copolymer polypropylene material. Other plastic materials that may be suitable for making containers by thermoforming include PS (polystyrene), CPET (crystalline polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ), PC (polycarbonate) and expanded polypropylene. The material used may generally be transparent so that the user can see the contents of the container.

The container may include a visual indication of closure between the container cover and the container base. The visual indicator may change color within the area where the cover engages the base. In one embodiment, the closure on the cover may be of a first color and the closure of the base may be of a second color. When the closures are engaged, the first and second colors produce a third color that is visible to the user to indicate that the container is to be sealed.

The container may include a rough outer surface to improve gripping and reduce slippage by the user, especially when the user's hand is wet or slippery.

The container may comprise a self breathable form. The pressure in the sealed container may increase as the sealed container and contents are heated in the microwave. Thus, the vessel cover may have its own venting mechanism that opens when the pressure in the vessel exceeds a predetermined value.

The container may be divided to isolate foods in the container. The divider may be integral with the container or may be a separate part. The base may only have a divider or both the base and the cover may each have a divider. The divider located within the cover may be only partially coupled to the divider at the base to provide splash protection or may be fully coupled to the divider at the base to provide varying internal compartment leakage resistance.

The container may have a strip indicating the temperature of the container and its contents.

The gripping tab may have a relief portion with low interference contact with the base during removal or engagement of the cover while still providing a suitable closure to maintain proper sealing of the container. The relief portion of the gripping tab allows aeration by unsealing a portion of the cover from the base while still maintaining a seal around the rest of the container. This feature is useful for microwave cooking by preventing the food from splashing onto the inner surface of the microwave while the container is still ventilated. By using the gripping tab, less force is required to remove the cover from the base. This low opening force also reduces the likelihood of vessel failure from stress and fatigue. The low opening force can improve the user's ability to maintain control over the container parts while removing the cover from the base and thus reduce the possibility of spillage of the contents stored in the container.

The use of the singular and similar reference expression in the context of the present invention (particularly in the context of the claims below) should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or the context clearly contradicts. The citation of a range of values herein is intended to serve only as a shorthand for individually referring to each individual value within a range unless otherwise indicated herein, wherein each individual value is individually referred to herein. As incorporated herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (eg, "to", etc.) is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, to limit the scope of the invention. It is not.

Although the invention has been described herein in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. Conversely, various changes and modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description, and recognize that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. do. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate use of such variations, and the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, any combination of the foregoing elements of all possible variations is encompassed by the present invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (31)

A first cover comprising a first closure portion, a coupling portion and an alignment portion; A bottom, a base comprising a peripheral sidewall extending from the bottom, an open top and a second closure, The first closure portion is sealably engageable with a second closure portion of the base such that when the first and second closure portions are joined to each other, the first cover and the base form a substantially sealed storage area, and the engagement The container is engageable with the engaging portion of the second cover, wherein the alignment portion is engageable with the alignment portion of the second cover. According to claim 1, Wherein the first cover and the base comprise a thermoformed plastic. According to claim 1, Wherein the first and second closure portions comprise locking rings, and wherein the locking rings of the first and second closure portions comprise an inner wall, a retaining bead and an outer wall, respectively. According to claim 1, And a first closure portion of the first cover is engageable with a first closure portion of the second cover. According to claim 1, The engaging portion includes a rib and a detent groove, wherein the rib of the engaging portion of the first cover is engageable with the detent groove of the engaging portion of the second cover. According to claim 1, The first cover includes a gripping tab. According to claim 1, The bottom, the peripheral side wall and the open top of the base form a cavity, the base partially insertable into the cavity of the second base. According to claim 1, And the alignment of the first cover comprises an element selected from the set consisting of a flange, a protrusion and a locking ring. According to claim 1, An alignment of the first cover is disposed on the first closure. According to claim 1, An alignment portion of the first cover is disposed on the coupling portion. According to claim 1, And the alignment portion of the first cover is engageable with the second alignment portion of the base. A first closure; Coupling part; And Including an alignment part, The first closure portion is sealably engageable with a second closure portion of the base such that when the first and second closure portions are joined to each other, the first cover and the base form a substantially sealed storage area, and the engagement portion A first cover for a container that is engageable with the engaging portion of the second cover, wherein the alignment portion is engageable with the alignment portion of the second cover. The method of claim 12, The first cover for a container comprising a thermoformed plastic. The method of claim 12, Said first closure comprising a locking ring, said locking ring of said first closure comprising an inner wall, a retaining bead and an outer wall, respectively. The method of claim 12, A first cover for a container that can be coupled to the first closure of the first cover of the first cover. The method of claim 12, Wherein the engaging portion comprises a rib and a detent groove, wherein the rib of the engaging portion of the first cover is engageable with the detent groove of the engaging portion of the second cover. The method of claim 12, The first cover for a container comprising a gripping tab. The method of claim 12, The first cover of claim 1, wherein the alignment of the first cover comprises an element selected from the set consisting of a flange, a protrusion and a locking ring. The method of claim 12, Alignment of the first cover is a first cover for a container disposed on the first closure. The method of claim 12, Alignment portion of the first cover is a first cover for a container disposed on the coupling portion. The method of claim 12, Alignment of the first cover is a first cover for a container engageable with the second alignment of the base. A first cover comprising a first closure, a coupling and an alignment, wherein the first closure is sealably engageable with a second closure of the base such that when the first and second closures are engaged with each other, the first cover And a first cover defining a storage area in which the base is substantially sealed, wherein the engaging portion is engageable with the engaging portion of the second cover; And A second cover comprising a first closure, a coupling and an alignment; And the alignment portion of the first cover is engageable with the alignment portion of the second cover. The method of claim 22, Wherein the first cover and the second cover each comprise a thermoformed plastic. The method of claim 22, Said first closure comprising a locking ring, said locking ring of said first closure comprising an inner wall, a retaining bead and an outer wall. The method of claim 22, And a first closure of the first cover is engageable with a first closure of the second cover. The method of claim 22, And the engaging portion includes a rib and a detent groove, wherein the rib of the engaging portion of the first cover is engageable with the detent groove of the engaging portion of the second cover. The method of claim 22, Wherein the first cover and the second cover each comprise a gripping tab. The method of claim 22, And the alignment portion of the first cover comprises an element selected from the set consisting of a flange, a protrusion and a locking ring. The method of claim 22, And the alignment of the first cover is disposed on the first closure. The method of claim 22, And the alignment portion of the first cover is disposed on the engagement portion. The method of claim 22, Further comprising a third cover comprising a first closure, a coupling and an alignment, And the alignment portion of the third cover is engageable with the alignment portion of the second cover.

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