US20150069063A1 - Container lid with ring and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Container lid with ring and method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150069063A1 US20150069063A1 US14/482,702 US201414482702A US2015069063A1 US 20150069063 A1 US20150069063 A1 US 20150069063A1 US 201414482702 A US201414482702 A US 201414482702A US 2015069063 A1 US2015069063 A1 US 2015069063A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- ring
- rim
- insert
- skirt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D45/00—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
- B65D45/32—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying radial or radial and axial pressure, e.g. contractible bands encircling closure member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D45/00—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
- B65D45/02—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
- B65D45/30—Annular members, e.g. with snap-over action or screw-threaded
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00101—Shape of the outer periphery curved square-like or rectangular-like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00231—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces
- B65D2543/0024—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces two pieces, one forming at least the whole skirt, the other forming at least the whole upper part
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/0025—Multi-position closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00527—NO contact
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00814—Dots
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- Containers for food products are well known in the art. Such containers typically include a base and a lid. The lid may be attached to the base in various manners.
- container lids are not without shortcomings. For example, in recent years, continuing efforts have been made to increase the recyclability of packaging, and in particular, food packaging
- Previously known container lids made of multiple materials e.g., paperboard and plastic
- One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a container lid adapted for interlocking attachment with a container base, wherein the lid comprises a lid insert constructed of a paper-based material (e.g., molded fiber, pressed paperboard, etc.) and a peripheral ring constructed of a different material (e.g., plastic).
- the ring is configured to be easily separable from the lid insert upon disposal of the lid.
- the lid insert may comprise a central cover portion and a generally flat and horizontal peripheral rim extending outwardly around at least part of the cover portion.
- the cover portion of the lid insert can include an upwardly projecting central section, which may be generally dome-shaped in one embodiment.
- the ring circumscribes at least part of the lid insert's rim and includes a horizontal outwardly extending flange and a skirt depending downwardly from the flange.
- a first undercut or locking projection extends inwardly from the skirt.
- the first locking projection may be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of the skirt or may be in the form of a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween.
- a first channel is defined between the first locking projection and a bottom surface of the ring's flange.
- the channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the lid insert's rim so as to releasably retain the lid insert's rim between the first locking projection and the bottom surface of the flange.
- the channel is sized and shaped to receive both the outer edge of the lid insert's rim and an outer edge of a peripheral rim extending around the base.
- the ring in another embodiment, includes first and second undercuts or locking projections extending inwardly from the skirt, wherein the second locking projection is located beneath the first locking projection.
- a first channel is defined between the first locking projection and the bottom surface of the lower flange, and a second channel is defined between the second locking projection and the first locking projection.
- the first channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the lid insert rim, while the second channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the base rim.
- the ring may be injected molded either directly onto the lid insert or may be injected molded and then combined with the lid insert. Alternatively, the ring may be thermoformed and then combined with the lid rim.
- the ring has a stepped cross section.
- the ring may include a generally horizontal and outwardly extending upper flange, an upper skirt extending downwardly from the upper flange, a generally horizontal lower flange extending outwardly from the upper skirt, and a lower skirt extending downwardly from the lower flange.
- a first undercut or locking projection extends inwardly from the upper skirt and one or more second locking projections extend inwardly from the lower skirt, optionally at various heights about the lower skirt.
- a first channel is defined between the first locking projection and a bottom surface of the upper flange.
- a second channel is defined between at least one of the second locking projections and a bottom surface of the lower flange.
- a third channel may be defined between two or more of the second locking projections.
- a paper-based material is formed into a lid insert having a peripheral rim.
- the ring may be injection molded directly around at least a portion of the lid insert rim.
- the ring may be injection molded separately from the lid insert and then subsequently combined with the lid insert.
- the ring may be thermoformed separately from the lid insert and then subsequently combined with the lid insert.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring attaching the lid insert to the base in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes two undercuts located at different heights in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a lid insert and ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ring is attached to the lid insert;
- FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a lid insert and ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ring is detached from the lid insert;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes a single undercut in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional outer side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes a plurality of undercuts at various heights in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional inner side perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 6 .
- the present invention is directed generally to a container assembly 10 comprising a lid 12 adapted for interlocking placement over a receptacle or base 14 , wherein the lid 12 includes a lid insert 16 and circumscribing ring 18 .
- the lid 12 is adapted for being removably attached to the container base 14 .
- the ring 18 facilitates attachment of the lid 12 to the container base 14 .
- the lid insert 16 may be constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or pressed paperboard for example, and the ring 10 may be constructed of a recyclable plastic.
- the ring 18 is designed to be easily and cleanly separated from the lid insert 16 by a consumer, such that the base 14 , lid insert 16 and ring 18 can be all be separately recycled or composted upon disposal.
- the ring 18 may include one or more undercuts, ribs, barbs, lugs or projections to facilitate mechanical attachment to the lid insert 16 and base 14 without the use of any adhesive bond.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the container assembly 10 .
- the lid 12 includes a lid insert 16 having an upwardly projecting central cover portion 22 and a horizontal peripheral rim 24 extending radially and outwardly at least partially or fully around the cover portion 22 .
- the lid insert 16 is sized and shaped to generally cover at least a portion of the base 14 .
- the lid insert 16 may take form in a variety of shapes, including round, square, oval, rectangular or other suitable shapes.
- the cover portion 22 of the lid insert 16 is generally dome-shaped. However, it will be appreciated that the cover portion 22 need not be dome-shaped and may take on any other suitable shape.
- the cover portion 22 and rim 24 of the lid insert 16 may be integrally formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to a cellulosic or fiber-containing material, a paper-based material, a plastic material, a metallic material or any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed.
- the lid insert 16 is constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or paperboard.
- the lid insert 16 may be produced in a process that results in a generally flat rim 24 or in a process that results in a variable, wavy or bowed rim 24 .
- paper or paper-based” as used herein, are broad terms and include without limitation all types of paper products, such as paperboard, kraft paperboard, reprocessed paperboard, molded paper, cellulosic fiber, molded fiber, pulp slurry, corrugated paper, cardboard, coated paper, paper laminates and multi-ply paper.
- pulp slurry as used herein, is a broad term and includes without limitation an aqueous slurry containing cellulose or cellulosic fiber derived from a plant or wood pulping process or paper recycling process.
- pressed paperboard as used herein, is a broad term and includes without limitation paper that is constructed from a generally planar paperboard blank and deformed into shape under pressure.
- radial score lines may be formed in the paperboard blank prior to the blank being formed into shape.
- the blank can then be formed into shape by a forming press that includes upper and lower heated dies having corresponding male and female surfaces. During the forming process, pleats may be formed at the score lines.
- the lid insert 16 may further include printing or other graphics on an exterior surface of the cover portion 22 .
- One or more of the inside and outside surfaces of the lid insert 16 may be coated with a polymeric coating, a polymeric film or another material or liner suitable for impeding liquids or moisture from penetrating therethrough.
- the container base 14 to which the lid 12 may be releasably attached, may take any suitable shape and may be in the form of a bowl, carton, box, tray, cup or other receptacle.
- the container base 14 can be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to a cellulosic or fiber-containing material, a paper-based material, a plastic material, a metallic material or any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed.
- One or more of the inside and outside surfaces of the container base 14 may be coated with a polymeric coating, a polymeric film or another material or liner suitable for impeding liquids or moisture from penetrating therethrough.
- the container base 14 is constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or paperboard.
- the container base 14 may be produced in a process that results in a generally flat rim 20 or in a process that results in a variable, wavy or bowed rim 20 .
- one embodiment of the container base 14 includes a generally flat and horizontal peripheral rim 20 extending radially and outwardly at least partially or fully therearound that corresponds generally to the rim 24 of the lid insert 16 .
- the rim 24 of the lid insert 16 at least partially mates with the rim 20 of the container base 14 .
- the lid insert's rim 24 may include a circumscribing outer edge 38 that is generally identical or similar in size and/or shape to a circumscribing outer edge 40 of the container base's rim 20 .
- the base 14 may take form in a variety of shapes, including round, square, oval, rectangular or other suitable shapes.
- the lid insert 16 is generally identical to the container base 14 .
- the lid insert 16 may simply be an inverted or overturned container base 14 , both of which may be constructed of a pressed paperboard material or a molded fiber material, for example.
- the lid insert 16 may be a mirror image of, and interchangeable with, the container base 14 .
- the ring 18 may be constructed of a recyclable material, such as a plastic material, polymeric material, molded fiber material, metallic material or other suitable material now known or hereafter developed.
- the ring 18 may be formed in an injection molding process or a thermoforming process.
- the ring 18 may circumscribe all or a portion of the lid insert's rim 24 .
- FIG. 2 A first embodiment of the ring 18 is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the ring 18 includes a generally horizontal flange 26 and a downwardly extending skirt 28 .
- the ring 18 can include upper and lower inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 30 , 32 .
- the undercuts 30 , 32 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections.
- the undercuts 30 , 32 may each be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of the skirt 28 or may include a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween where no projection is present.
- an upper channel 34 is formed between the top side of the upper undercut 30 and the bottom surface of the ring's flange 26 .
- a lower channel 36 is formed between the top side of the lower undercut 32 and the bottom side of the upper undercut 30 .
- the outside edge 38 of the lid insert's rim 24 snaps into the upper channel 34 and is retained in the upper channel 34 so as to releasably lock the ring 18 to the lid insert 16 .
- the outside edge 40 of the base's rim 20 snaps into the lower channel 36 and is retained in the lower channel 36 so as to releasably lock the ring 18 to the base 14 .
- the ring 18 releasably locks the lid insert 16 to the base 14 .
- the lid insert 16 and base 14 may be in snapping engagement with one another via the ring 18 .
- the consumer may grasp a lower portion 42 of the ring's skirt 28 and simultaneously pull outwardly and upwardly in order to disengage the outer edge 40 of the base's rim 20 from the ring's lower channel 36 .
- the outer edge 38 of the lid insert's rim 24 may also optionally be disengaged from the ring's upper channel 34 during this process or may otherwise remain engaged in the upper channel 34 .
- FIG. 5 A second embodiment of the ring 18 is illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the second embodiment is similar in nature to the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 2 ), except for that the second embodiment includes only a single locking projection or undercut 44 .
- the undercut 44 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections.
- the undercut 44 may be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of the skirt 28 or may include a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween where no projection is present.
- a single channel 46 is formed between the top side of the undercut 44 and a bottom surface of the ring's flange 26 . As demonstrated in FIG.
- the outer edge 38 of the lid insert's rim 24 and the outer edge 40 of the base's rim 20 may both be retained in the channel 46 so as to releasably lock the lid insert 16 to the base 14 via the ring 18 .
- the consumer may grasp a lower portion 42 of the ring's skirt 28 and simultaneously pull outwardly and upwardly in order to disengage the outer edge 40 of the base's rim 20 from the ring's channel 46 .
- the outer edge 38 of the lid insert's rim 24 may also optionally be disengaged from the ring's channel 46 during this process or may otherwise remain engaged in the channel 46 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 demonstrate a third embodiment of the present invention.
- the ring 18 has a stepped cross section.
- the ring 18 may include a generally horizontal and outwardly extending upper flange 48 , a downwardly extending upper skirt 50 , a generally horizontal and outwardly extending lower flange 52 , and a downwardly extending lower skirt 54 .
- the periphery of the lid insert's rim 24 may be smaller than the periphery of the base's rim 20 .
- the upper skirt 50 may include one or more inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 56 and the lower skirt 54 may include one or more inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 58 .
- the undercuts 56 , 58 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections.
- the undercuts 56 , 58 may each be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of their respective skirts 50 , 54 or may include a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween where no projection is present.
- the undercuts 58 of the lower skirt 54 may be positioned at various heights.
- the undercuts 58 of the upper skirt 50 may also be position at various heights.
- a channel is formed between the top side of each undercut 56 and the bottom surface of the ring's upper flange 48 , wherein the channel is suitable for receiving the outer edge 38 of the lid insert's rim 24 therein for releasably locking the ring 18 to the lid insert 16 .
- a plurality of channels are formed between the top side of undercuts 58 and the bottom side of other undercuts 58 and/or the bottom surface of the ring's lower flange 52 , wherein such channels are suitable for receiving the outer edge 40 of the base's rim 20 therein for releasably locking the ring 18 to the base 14 .
- this embodiment is particularly beneficial in retaining the ring 18 to a wavy base rim 20 .
- multiple channels are formed at various heights about the lower skirt 54 , whether formed between the undercuts 58 and the bottom surface of the lower flange 52 or formed between two or more of the undercuts 58 , thereby permitting the base rim 20 to be captured in a channel regardless of variations in its height due to its waviness.
- skirts 28 , 50 , 54 of the various ring 18 embodiments discussed above may be slightly outwardly flared in order to guide and center the ring 18 with respect to the lid insert 16 and base 14 .
- the undercuts 30 , 32 , 44 , 56 , 58 may be made in other various shapes and depths to adjust the ring's degree of hold, ease of insertion and ease of removal.
- the undercuts 30 , 32 , 44 , 56 , 58 can have ramped or chamfered bottoms sides in order to facilitate the ring's 18 attachment to the lid insert 16 and base 14 .
- the plastic ring 18 is such that it can be attached to the lid insert 16 during use (see FIG. 3 ) and then easily and cleanly separated from the lid insert 16 by a consumer after use (see FIG. 4 ), so that a paper-based lid insert 16 and plastic ring 18 can be separately recycled or composted separately upon disposal.
- the undercuts 30 , 44 , 56 are designed to bite and hold the lid insert's rim 24 strongly enough that the ring 18 will stay in position through the consumer's end use.
- the ring 18 is preferably not glued or melted to the lid insert 16 , the consumer can very easily remove or punch the lid insert 16 from the ring 18 , such that the two components are separated for disposal.
- the lid insert 16 and the base 14 may be placed in one recycle bin, while the plastic ring 18 may be placed in a separate recycle bin.
- each of the three components may be placed in their own dedicated recycle bins so that paperboard, molded fiber and plastic materials are all separate from one another.
- the lid insert 16 is formed in a molding or press process and then placed into an injection molding machine.
- the plastic ring 18 may be formed around the lid insert's rim 24 and particularly around its outer edge 38 to form the lid 12 .
- the undercuts 30 , 44 , 56 of the ring 18 entrap the rim's outer edge 38 .
- the lid insert 16 and ring 18 are formed in separate processes.
- the lid insert 16 may be formed in a fiber molding process or a paperboard pressing process
- the ring 18 may be formed in a thermoforming process or an injection molding process and then combined with the lid insert 16 by an automated machine to form the lid 12 .
- the thermoforming process may result in a cost savings over the injection molding process.
- the lids 12 may be kept separate from the bases 14 until a product (e.g., food) is placed in the bases 14 . At that time, the lids 12 may be snappingly engaged with the bases 14 to cover and contain the contents within the bases 14 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container lid is provided having a lid insert constructed of a paper-based material and a peripheral ring constructed of a plastic material. The ring is configured to be separated from the lid insert upon disposal. The lid insert includes a peripheral rim extending outwardly from a central cover portion. The ring includes an outwardly extending flange and a skirt depending downwardly from the flange. A first undercut extends inwardly from the skirt defining a channel sized and shaped for receiving an outer edge of the lid insert's peripheral rim. The channel may alternatively be sized and shaped for also receiving an outer edge of a peripheral rim of a container base to which the lid is attached. Another embodiment includes a second undercut located beneath the first undercut and defining a second channel into which an outer edge of the rim of the container base may be received.
Description
- This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/876,067, filed on Sep. 10, 2014, to Keegan Y. Yang et al. entitled “Molded Fiber Lid with Plastic Ring and Method of Manufacture,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Containers for food products are well known in the art. Such containers typically include a base and a lid. The lid may be attached to the base in various manners. However, such previously known container lids are not without shortcomings. For example, in recent years, continuing efforts have been made to increase the recyclability of packaging, and in particular, food packaging Previously known container lids made of multiple materials (e.g., paperboard and plastic) have not been recyclable due to containing such multiple materials and have therefore, upon disposal, been placed in waste that is directed for landfills.
- Accordingly, a need exists for a lid made of multiple materials that can be separated so that the various different materials can be recycled or composted apart from one another.
- One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a container lid adapted for interlocking attachment with a container base, wherein the lid comprises a lid insert constructed of a paper-based material (e.g., molded fiber, pressed paperboard, etc.) and a peripheral ring constructed of a different material (e.g., plastic). The ring is configured to be easily separable from the lid insert upon disposal of the lid. The lid insert may comprise a central cover portion and a generally flat and horizontal peripheral rim extending outwardly around at least part of the cover portion. The cover portion of the lid insert can include an upwardly projecting central section, which may be generally dome-shaped in one embodiment.
- The ring circumscribes at least part of the lid insert's rim and includes a horizontal outwardly extending flange and a skirt depending downwardly from the flange. A first undercut or locking projection extends inwardly from the skirt. The first locking projection may be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of the skirt or may be in the form of a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween. A first channel is defined between the first locking projection and a bottom surface of the ring's flange. The channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the lid insert's rim so as to releasably retain the lid insert's rim between the first locking projection and the bottom surface of the flange. In one embodiment, the channel is sized and shaped to receive both the outer edge of the lid insert's rim and an outer edge of a peripheral rim extending around the base.
- In another embodiment, the ring includes first and second undercuts or locking projections extending inwardly from the skirt, wherein the second locking projection is located beneath the first locking projection. In this embodiment, a first channel is defined between the first locking projection and the bottom surface of the lower flange, and a second channel is defined between the second locking projection and the first locking projection. The first channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the lid insert rim, while the second channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of the base rim. It will be appreciated that the ring may be injected molded either directly onto the lid insert or may be injected molded and then combined with the lid insert. Alternatively, the ring may be thermoformed and then combined with the lid rim.
- In a further embodiment, the ring has a stepped cross section. In that embodiment, the ring may include a generally horizontal and outwardly extending upper flange, an upper skirt extending downwardly from the upper flange, a generally horizontal lower flange extending outwardly from the upper skirt, and a lower skirt extending downwardly from the lower flange. A first undercut or locking projection extends inwardly from the upper skirt and one or more second locking projections extend inwardly from the lower skirt, optionally at various heights about the lower skirt. A first channel is defined between the first locking projection and a bottom surface of the upper flange. A second channel is defined between at least one of the second locking projections and a bottom surface of the lower flange. A third channel may be defined between two or more of the second locking projections.
- Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing the lid. In the method, a paper-based material is formed into a lid insert having a peripheral rim. In one embodiment of the method, the ring may be injection molded directly around at least a portion of the lid insert rim. In another embodiment of the method, the ring may be injection molded separately from the lid insert and then subsequently combined with the lid insert. In a further embodiment of the method, the ring may be thermoformed separately from the lid insert and then subsequently combined with the lid insert.
- Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
- In the accompanying drawing, which fowls a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring attaching the lid insert to the base in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes two undercuts located at different heights in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a lid insert and ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ring is attached to the lid insert; -
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a lid insert and ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ring is detached from the lid insert; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes a single undercut in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional outer side perspective view of a container assembly comprising a lid insert, a base and a ring securing the lid insert with the base, wherein the ring includes a plurality of undercuts at various heights in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional inner side perspective view of the container assembly ofFIG. 6 . - The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
- The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
- The present invention is directed generally to a
container assembly 10 comprising alid 12 adapted for interlocking placement over a receptacle orbase 14, wherein thelid 12 includes alid insert 16 andcircumscribing ring 18. Thelid 12 is adapted for being removably attached to thecontainer base 14. As discussed in greater detail below, thering 18 facilitates attachment of thelid 12 to thecontainer base 14. In one embodiment, thelid insert 16 may be constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or pressed paperboard for example, and thering 10 may be constructed of a recyclable plastic. - The
ring 18 is designed to be easily and cleanly separated from thelid insert 16 by a consumer, such that thebase 14,lid insert 16 andring 18 can be all be separately recycled or composted upon disposal. In that regard, as discussed in more detail below, thering 18 may include one or more undercuts, ribs, barbs, lugs or projections to facilitate mechanical attachment to thelid insert 16 andbase 14 without the use of any adhesive bond. Each of these three components (i.e., thebase 14,lid insert 16 and ring 18) will be discussed in further detail below. - Referring to the figures,
FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of thecontainer assembly 10. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thelid 12 includes alid insert 16 having an upwardly projectingcentral cover portion 22 and a horizontalperipheral rim 24 extending radially and outwardly at least partially or fully around thecover portion 22. Thelid insert 16 is sized and shaped to generally cover at least a portion of thebase 14. Thelid insert 16 may take form in a variety of shapes, including round, square, oval, rectangular or other suitable shapes. In one embodiment, thecover portion 22 of thelid insert 16 is generally dome-shaped. However, it will be appreciated that thecover portion 22 need not be dome-shaped and may take on any other suitable shape. Thecover portion 22 and rim 24 of thelid insert 16 may be integrally formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to a cellulosic or fiber-containing material, a paper-based material, a plastic material, a metallic material or any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed. In one preferred embodiment, thelid insert 16 is constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or paperboard. Thelid insert 16 may be produced in a process that results in a generallyflat rim 24 or in a process that results in a variable, wavy or bowedrim 24. - The terms “paper” or paper-based” as used herein, are broad terms and include without limitation all types of paper products, such as paperboard, kraft paperboard, reprocessed paperboard, molded paper, cellulosic fiber, molded fiber, pulp slurry, corrugated paper, cardboard, coated paper, paper laminates and multi-ply paper. The term “pulp slurry,” as used herein, is a broad term and includes without limitation an aqueous slurry containing cellulose or cellulosic fiber derived from a plant or wood pulping process or paper recycling process. The term “pressed paperboard,” as used herein, is a broad term and includes without limitation paper that is constructed from a generally planar paperboard blank and deformed into shape under pressure. In an embodiment wherein the
lid insert 16 is formed of pressed paperboard, generally radial score lines may be formed in the paperboard blank prior to the blank being formed into shape. The blank can then be formed into shape by a forming press that includes upper and lower heated dies having corresponding male and female surfaces. During the forming process, pleats may be formed at the score lines. - The
lid insert 16 may further include printing or other graphics on an exterior surface of thecover portion 22. One or more of the inside and outside surfaces of thelid insert 16 may be coated with a polymeric coating, a polymeric film or another material or liner suitable for impeding liquids or moisture from penetrating therethrough. - The
container base 14, to which thelid 12 may be releasably attached, may take any suitable shape and may be in the form of a bowl, carton, box, tray, cup or other receptacle. Like thelid insert 16, thecontainer base 14 can be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to a cellulosic or fiber-containing material, a paper-based material, a plastic material, a metallic material or any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed. One or more of the inside and outside surfaces of thecontainer base 14 may be coated with a polymeric coating, a polymeric film or another material or liner suitable for impeding liquids or moisture from penetrating therethrough. In one preferred embodiment, thecontainer base 14 is constructed of a recyclable or compostable material, such as molded fiber or paperboard. Thecontainer base 14 may be produced in a process that results in a generallyflat rim 20 or in a process that results in a variable, wavy or bowedrim 20. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , one embodiment of thecontainer base 14 includes a generally flat and horizontalperipheral rim 20 extending radially and outwardly at least partially or fully therearound that corresponds generally to therim 24 of thelid insert 16. When thelid insert 16 is attached to or is otherwise covering thecontainer base 14, therim 24 of thelid insert 16 at least partially mates with therim 20 of thecontainer base 14. The lid insert'srim 24 may include a circumscribingouter edge 38 that is generally identical or similar in size and/or shape to a circumscribingouter edge 40 of the container base'srim 20. Like thelid insert 16, thebase 14 may take form in a variety of shapes, including round, square, oval, rectangular or other suitable shapes. In fact, in one optional embodiment, thelid insert 16 is generally identical to thecontainer base 14. In other words, thelid insert 16 may simply be an inverted or overturnedcontainer base 14, both of which may be constructed of a pressed paperboard material or a molded fiber material, for example. In such an embodiment, thelid insert 16 may be a mirror image of, and interchangeable with, thecontainer base 14. - Turning attention now to the
ring 18, it will be understood that thering 18 may be constructed of a recyclable material, such as a plastic material, polymeric material, molded fiber material, metallic material or other suitable material now known or hereafter developed. Thering 18 may be formed in an injection molding process or a thermoforming process. Thering 18 may circumscribe all or a portion of the lid insert'srim 24. - A first embodiment of the
ring 18 is illustrated inFIG. 2 . In that embodiment, thering 18 includes a generallyhorizontal flange 26 and a downwardly extendingskirt 28. As shown, thering 18 can include upper and lower inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 30, 32. The undercuts 30, 32 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections. The undercuts 30, 32 may each be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of theskirt 28 or may include a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween where no projection is present. As depicted, anupper channel 34 is formed between the top side of the upper undercut 30 and the bottom surface of the ring'sflange 26. Alower channel 36 is formed between the top side of the lower undercut 32 and the bottom side of the upper undercut 30. As demonstrated inFIG. 2 , theoutside edge 38 of the lid insert'srim 24 snaps into theupper channel 34 and is retained in theupper channel 34 so as to releasably lock thering 18 to thelid insert 16. Similarly, theoutside edge 40 of the base'srim 20 snaps into thelower channel 36 and is retained in thelower channel 36 so as to releasably lock thering 18 to thebase 14. As such, thering 18 releasably locks thelid insert 16 to thebase 14. Put differently, thelid insert 16 andbase 14 may be in snapping engagement with one another via thering 18. When a consumer desires to gain access to the contents (e.g., food) within thebase 14, the consumer may grasp alower portion 42 of the ring'sskirt 28 and simultaneously pull outwardly and upwardly in order to disengage theouter edge 40 of the base'srim 20 from the ring'slower channel 36. Theouter edge 38 of the lid insert'srim 24 may also optionally be disengaged from the ring'supper channel 34 during this process or may otherwise remain engaged in theupper channel 34. - A second embodiment of the
ring 18 is illustrated inFIG. 5 . The second embodiment is similar in nature to the first embodiment (shown inFIG. 2 ), except for that the second embodiment includes only a single locking projection or undercut 44. The undercut 44 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections. The undercut 44 may be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of theskirt 28 or may include a plurality of peripherally-spaced projections having gaps therebetween where no projection is present. Asingle channel 46 is formed between the top side of the undercut 44 and a bottom surface of the ring'sflange 26. As demonstrated inFIG. 5 , theouter edge 38 of the lid insert'srim 24 and theouter edge 40 of the base'srim 20 may both be retained in thechannel 46 so as to releasably lock thelid insert 16 to thebase 14 via thering 18. When a consumer desires to gain access to the contents (e.g., food) within thebase 14, the consumer may grasp alower portion 42 of the ring'sskirt 28 and simultaneously pull outwardly and upwardly in order to disengage theouter edge 40 of the base'srim 20 from the ring'schannel 46. Theouter edge 38 of the lid insert'srim 24 may also optionally be disengaged from the ring'schannel 46 during this process or may otherwise remain engaged in thechannel 46. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 demonstrate a third embodiment of the present invention. In that embodiment, thering 18 has a stepped cross section. Thering 18 may include a generally horizontal and outwardly extendingupper flange 48, a downwardly extendingupper skirt 50, a generally horizontal and outwardly extendinglower flange 52, and a downwardly extendinglower skirt 54. In this embodiment, the periphery of the lid insert'srim 24 may be smaller than the periphery of the base'srim 20. - As depicted, the
upper skirt 50 may include one or more inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 56 and thelower skirt 54 may include one or more inwardly extending locking projections or undercuts 58. The undercuts 56, 58 may be in the form of ribs, barbs, lugs or other projections. The undercuts 56, 58 may each be in the form of a single projection that extends substantially continuously around the entire interior periphery of theirrespective skirts undercuts 58 of thelower skirt 54 may be positioned at various heights. Likewise, while not shown, theundercuts 58 of theupper skirt 50 may also be position at various heights. - In the same general manner as the embodiments described above, a channel is formed between the top side of each undercut 56 and the bottom surface of the ring's
upper flange 48, wherein the channel is suitable for receiving theouter edge 38 of the lid insert'srim 24 therein for releasably locking thering 18 to thelid insert 16. Similarly, a plurality of channels are formed between the top side ofundercuts 58 and the bottom side ofother undercuts 58 and/or the bottom surface of the ring'slower flange 52, wherein such channels are suitable for receiving theouter edge 40 of the base'srim 20 therein for releasably locking thering 18 to thebase 14. As demonstrated best inFIG. 7 , this embodiment is particularly beneficial in retaining thering 18 to awavy base rim 20. Specifically, as depicted best inFIG. 7 , multiple channels are formed at various heights about thelower skirt 54, whether formed between theundercuts 58 and the bottom surface of thelower flange 52 or formed between two or more of theundercuts 58, thereby permitting thebase rim 20 to be captured in a channel regardless of variations in its height due to its waviness. - It will be appreciated that the
skirts various ring 18 embodiments discussed above may be slightly outwardly flared in order to guide and center thering 18 with respect to thelid insert 16 andbase 14. Further, theundercuts lid insert 16 andbase 14. - In all of the above-referenced embodiments, the
plastic ring 18 is such that it can be attached to thelid insert 16 during use (seeFIG. 3 ) and then easily and cleanly separated from thelid insert 16 by a consumer after use (seeFIG. 4 ), so that a paper-basedlid insert 16 andplastic ring 18 can be separately recycled or composted separately upon disposal. - As described above, the
undercuts rim 24 strongly enough that thering 18 will stay in position through the consumer's end use. However, since thering 18 is preferably not glued or melted to thelid insert 16, the consumer can very easily remove or punch thelid insert 16 from thering 18, such that the two components are separated for disposal. Thelid insert 16 and the base 14 may be placed in one recycle bin, while theplastic ring 18 may be placed in a separate recycle bin. Alternatively, each of the three components may be placed in their own dedicated recycle bins so that paperboard, molded fiber and plastic materials are all separate from one another. - Turning now to the method of manufacture, in one embodiment, the
lid insert 16 is formed in a molding or press process and then placed into an injection molding machine. Theplastic ring 18 may be formed around the lid insert'srim 24 and particularly around itsouter edge 38 to form thelid 12. When formed, theundercuts ring 18 entrap the rim'souter edge 38. - In another embodiment, the
lid insert 16 andring 18 are formed in separate processes. For example, thelid insert 16 may be formed in a fiber molding process or a paperboard pressing process, whereas thering 18 may be formed in a thermoforming process or an injection molding process and then combined with thelid insert 16 by an automated machine to form thelid 12. The thermoforming process may result in a cost savings over the injection molding process. Once complete, thelids 12 may be kept separate from thebases 14 until a product (e.g., food) is placed in thebases 14. At that time, thelids 12 may be snappingly engaged with thebases 14 to cover and contain the contents within thebases 14. - From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
- The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (20)
1. A container lid adapted to interlock with a container base having a peripheral rim, said lid comprising:
a lid insert including a central cover portion and a generally flat and horizontal peripheral rim extending outwardly around at least part of said cover portion;
a ring circumscribing at least part of said lid insert rim, said ring including a horizontal flange and a skirt depending downwardly therefrom; and
a first locking projection extending inwardly from said skirt.
2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said cover portion has an upwardly projecting central section.
3. The lid of claim 2 , wherein said cover portion is generally dome-shaped.
4. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said lid insert rim is releasably retained between said first locking projection and said flange.
5. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said ring is configured to be separated from said lid insert upon disposal of said lid.
6. The lid of claim 1 further comprising a channel defined between said first locking projection and a bottom surface of said flange.
7. The lid of claim 6 , wherein said channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of said lid insert rim.
8. The lid of claim 6 , wherein said channel is sized and shaped to receive both an outer edge of said lid insert rim and an outer edge of said base rim.
9. The lid of claim 1 further comprising a second locking projection extending inwardly from said skirt, said second locking projection being located beneath said first locking projection.
10. The lid of claim 1 further comprising a first channel defined between said first locking projection and a bottom surface of said flange, and a second channel defined between a second locking projection and said first locking projection.
11. The lid of claim 10 , wherein said first channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of said lid insert rim and said second channel is sized and shaped to receive an outer edge of said base rim.
12. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said lid insert is constructed of a paper-based material and said ring is constructed of a plastic material.
13. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said ring is constructed of plastic and is injected molded onto said lid insert rim.
14. The lid of claim 1 , wherein said ring is thermoformed and then combined with said lid insert rim.
15. A container lid adapted to interlock with a container base having a peripheral rim, said lid comprising:
a lid insert including a central cover portion and a generally flat and horizontal peripheral lid rim extending around at least part of said cover portion;
a ring circumscribing at least part of said lid insert rim, said ring including:
a generally horizontal and outwardly extending upper flange;
an upper skirt extending downwardly from said upper flange;
a generally horizontal lower flange extending outwardly from said upper skirt;
a lower skirt extending downwardly from said lower flange;
a first locking projection extending inwardly from said upper skirt; and
one or more second locking projections extending inwardly from said lower skirt.
16. The lid of claim 15 further comprising a first channel defined between said first locking projection and a bottom surface of said upper flange.
17. The lid of claim 16 further comprising a second channel defined between at least one of said second locking projections and a bottom surface of said lower flange.
18. The lid of claim 17 further comprising a third channel defined between two said second locking projections.
19. A method of manufacturing a lid adapted to interlock with a container base having a peripheral rim, said method comprising the steps of:
forming a paper-based material into a lid insert having a peripheral rim; and
forming an injection molded plastic ring around at least a portion of said lid insert rim, wherein said plastic ring includes a horizontal flange, a skirt depending downwardly from the horizontal flange and a locking projection extending inwardly from said skirt.
20. A method of manufacturing a lid adapted to interlock with a container base having a peripheral rim, said method comprising the steps of:
forming a paper-based material into a lid insert having a peripheral rim; and
thermoforming a molded plastic ring that includes a horizontal flange, a skirt depending downwardly from the horizontal flange and a locking projection extending inwardly from said skirt; and
combining said plastic ring and said lid insert.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/482,702 US20150069063A1 (en) | 2013-09-10 | 2014-09-10 | Container lid with ring and method of manufacture |
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US201361876067P | 2013-09-10 | 2013-09-10 | |
US201461876067P | 2014-09-10 | 2014-09-10 | |
US14/482,702 US20150069063A1 (en) | 2013-09-10 | 2014-09-10 | Container lid with ring and method of manufacture |
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US20150069063A1 true US20150069063A1 (en) | 2015-03-12 |
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US14/482,702 Abandoned US20150069063A1 (en) | 2013-09-10 | 2014-09-10 | Container lid with ring and method of manufacture |
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USD776942S1 (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2017-01-24 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Display base |
US20180229923A1 (en) * | 2015-08-19 | 2018-08-16 | Luigi Lavazza S.P.A. | Cartridge for preparing a liquid product, and method for production thereof |
USD837591S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-01-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd. | Container lid |
USD837590S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-01-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd. | Container lid |
USD888556S1 (en) * | 2018-09-05 | 2020-06-30 | Joseph Mahon | Divider panel for food storage container |
USD892635S1 (en) * | 2018-09-05 | 2020-08-11 | Joseph Mahon | Combined divider panel and food storage container |
USD897841S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2020-10-06 | The Decor Corporation Pty, Ltd. | Container lid |
USD904106S1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2020-12-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd | Container lid |
US11147309B2 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2021-10-19 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Container for smokeless tobacco products comprising a pulp material and related packaged product assembly and method |
USD1020370S1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2024-04-02 | Taishan Pcm Packing Material Co., Ltd. | Container lid |
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USD776942S1 (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2017-01-24 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Display base |
US11147309B2 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2021-10-19 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Container for smokeless tobacco products comprising a pulp material and related packaged product assembly and method |
US11622575B2 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2023-04-11 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Container for smokeless tobacco products comprising a pulp material and related packaged product assembly and method |
US20180229923A1 (en) * | 2015-08-19 | 2018-08-16 | Luigi Lavazza S.P.A. | Cartridge for preparing a liquid product, and method for production thereof |
US10913596B2 (en) * | 2015-08-19 | 2021-02-09 | Luigi Lavazza S.P.A. | Cartridge for preparing a liquid product, and method for production thereof |
USD837591S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-01-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd. | Container lid |
USD837590S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-01-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd. | Container lid |
USD897841S1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2020-10-06 | The Decor Corporation Pty, Ltd. | Container lid |
USD904106S1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2020-12-08 | The Decor Corporation Pty Ltd | Container lid |
USD888556S1 (en) * | 2018-09-05 | 2020-06-30 | Joseph Mahon | Divider panel for food storage container |
USD892635S1 (en) * | 2018-09-05 | 2020-08-11 | Joseph Mahon | Combined divider panel and food storage container |
USD1020370S1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2024-04-02 | Taishan Pcm Packing Material Co., Ltd. | Container lid |
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