US20170247151A1

US20170247151A1 - Food Container Lid System

Info

Publication number: US20170247151A1
Application number: US15/053,186
Authority: US
Inventors: Joe Yih-Chyuan Chiou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-02-25
Filing date: 2016-02-25
Publication date: 2017-08-31

Abstract

A food container lid system is provided and generally includes a food container and a lid for covering the food container. The lid may include a base portion and a cover that attaches to the base portion via a hinge. According to various aspects, a user may release the cover from the base portion with one hand by actuating a release member located on the base portion. According to various additional aspects, the lid may include one or more air tight seal structures that prevent food in the container from being exposed to outside air and from leaking.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

Field
Example embodiments in general relate to a food container lid system that allows a user to release a lid cover from a base portion of the lid with one hand. Furthermore, the food container lid system may be air-tight and/or water-tight to prevent food included there within from going bad or from leaking.
Related Art
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
A significant cause of food spoilage is oxygen. Oxygen can be colorless and tasteless and is often forgotten or taken for granted as a means for causing food to spoil. When oxygen comes into contact with food, it can have deteriorative effects on fats, food colors, vitamins, flavors, and other food elements. For example, oxygen can cause oxidation, enhance the growth of microorganisms, and cause damage to food by speeding up chemical reactions of enzymes that are naturally present in the food.
In an effort to prevent food from spoiling as a result of being exposed to oxygen, food may be put into containers. Many food containers include lids. When the food container lid is opened, a person is able to access the food included inside the food container. Most food containers have a two piece design. A lid (i.e., first piece) is attached to a container (i.e., second piece) and the lid is pushed down to seal and close the food inside the container.
A related food container typically requires a person to use both hands in order to open the lid from the container. In this type of container, one hand is typically required to brace the container while the other hand is used to remove the lid. For example, the lid may be opened by a user holding the food container with one hand while unscrewing or detaching the lid with the other hand. As another example, the lid may be opened while the user is holding the food container and pulling upward on a wire opening mechanism with the other hand. Recent food containers have attempted to improve the effort required by a user to open a food container by including a release mechanism in the cover of the lid. However, when the release mechanism is actuated by the user, the user must push their hand down on the cover creating a downward force that goes against the opening upward of the cover, thus, getting in the way of the cover when it attempts to open.
In addition, a typical two piece design does not have an air-tight or a water-tight seal at a point of contact between the lid and the container or at a point of contact between a lid cover and a lid base. As a result, oxygen from outside the container may be introduced to food included inside through multiple ways, even if at a slower rate. Furthermore, if the food includes a liquid, for example, milk, juice, water, soup, and the like, when the container is moved or the liquid splashes or rises to the top, the liquid may escape at the point of contact between the lid and the container and/or at the point of contact between the lid cover and the lid base.
In a related food container system, a release latch is included in the cover of the lid. Therefore, to open the lid, a user presses down on the release latch while simultaneously pressing down on the cover. However, because the release latch is included in the cover, the hand of the user gets in the way of the lid while it is opening. In other words, when the user presses down on the release latch, their hand is in contact with the cover of the lid. As a result, the downward force of the user's hand prevents the cover from opening upwards. Therefore, a user must use two hands to open the cover.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a food container that allows a user to open the lid with one hand without the hand being in the way, and that creates an air-tight and water-tight seal for the food included within.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed toward a food container lid that generally includes a base adapted to attach to a top portion of a food container and a cover. The lid base may include a release member that may be actuated by a user and an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container. The lid cover may cover the opening of the lid base and prevent access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state. The lid cover may include a cover connector that removably connects to the release member of the lid base when the lid cover is in the closed state. The lid may also include a hinge connecting the lid base to the lid cover. The release member may be actuated by the user to release the cover connector. Accordingly, the lid cover may open revealing the interior of the food container.
Another example embodiment is directed toward a food container lid including a base adapted to attach to a top portion of the food container and which includes an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container. The food container lid also includes a cover that covers the opening of the lid base and prevents access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state. The food container lid also includes a hinge connecting the lid cover to the lid base. Further, the food container lid includes a flange attached to the lid base or the lid cover, and a channel attached to the other of the lid base or the lid cover. In this example embodiment the channel includes a seal and the seal and the flange form an air-tight seal between the lid cover and the lid base.
Another example embodiment is directed toward a food container lid apparatus including a food container that has a release member therein which may be actuated by a user and an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container. The apparatus may also include a lid cover that covers the opening of the food container and prevents access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state. The lid cover may also include a cover connector that may be removably connected to the release member when the lid cover is in the closed state. The apparatus also includes a hinge connecting the lid base to the lid cover. Furthermore, the release member releases the cover connector when the release member is actuated by the user.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the food container lid system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the food container lid system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the food container lid system in detail, it is to be understood that the food container lid system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The food container lid system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food container lid system with the lid closed in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a food container lid system with the lid in an initially opened state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a food container lid system with the lid fully open in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food container lid system having four locking areas in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the food container lid system of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of the food container lid system of FIG. 4 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a food container lid system in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the food container lid system of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of the food container lid system of FIG. 7 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a food container lid system in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a top portion of the food container lid system of FIG. 9 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view of a rubber hinge between a lid cover and a lid base of a food container lid system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of a rubber spring included in a release button of a food container lid system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a food container lid system in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a food container lid system in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the food container lid system in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

An example food container lid system generally includes a food container having an upper opening and a lid attached to an upper end of the food container for selectively enclosing the upper opening. In various example embodiments, the lid includes a base that may be removably attached or permanently attached to the upper end of the food container and a cover that is pivotally attached to the base by a hinge. The lid base generally includes an access opening that allows access to the interior of the food container when the lid cover is open.
According to various example embodiments, the lid base may include a release member disposed on a side portion thereof that allows a user to easily and conveniently open the lid cover with one hand and without the hand hitting or otherwise interfering with the opening action of the lid cover. For example, the release member may include a release latch or button that may be pressed inwardly by a finger or a hand of the user. The lid cover may include a connector that removably connects the lid cover to the release member of the lid base when the lid cover is closed. In this example, when the release member is actuated by the user (e.g., the user presses on a portion of the release member) the release member may release the cover connector and the biasing hinge may force the lid open by causing the lid cover to move from the closed position to the open position.
According to various example embodiments, the lid may include one or more air tight seals. For example, a first seal may be created between the base of the lid and the food container. In this example, the base may include a channel located on an underneath side thereof and a seal that is positioned within the channel. When the base is attached to the food container, the seal and the upper end of the food container may create an air tight seal between the lid and the food container. A second seal may be created between the lid cover and the lid base. In this example, either the lid base or the lid cover may include a flange that surrounds the access opening. Also, the other of the lid base and the lid cover may include a channel and seal that is positioned within the channel. Accordingly, when the lid cover is closed, the seal and the flange may create an air tight seal between the lid cover and the lid base.
In some examples, the lid base is removably attachable to the food container. In other examples, the lid base may be permanently attached to the food container, for example, through a process of ultrasonic welding. In other examples, the lid base may be integrated and/or molded into the food container such that the food container and the lid base are of one construction as illustrated in FIG. 15. In this example, the release member may be included in the food container and the lid cover may be attached to the food container by the hinge as further shown in FIG. 15. In this example, there might not be a seal between the lid base and the food container because the lid base is integrated with the food container. However, in this example, a seal may be included between the lid cover and the food container.
Accordingly, the food container lid system described herein prevents a user's hand from getting in the way when the user opens the lid cover. In addition, the lid may create a seal that is air tight and/or water tight between the lid cover and the lid base, and between the lid and the food container. As a result, the food container lid may prevent food included in the container from being exposed to outside air and from leaking out of the food container when the lid cover is closed. Accordingly, the food container system described herein may improve user convenience when opening the food container and also improve the freshness and quality of the food stored in the food container.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a food container lid system in which the lid is closed, and FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate examples of the food container lid system in which the lid is open. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 a, and 2 b, food container lid system 10 includes a food container 50 that has a lid removably attached thereto. In this example, the lid includes a lid base 20 and a lid cover 40. The lid base 20 is adapted to attach to a top portion of the food container 50. For example, the lid base 20 may attach to the food container 50 through a threaded mechanism, locking mechanisms, snapping mechanisms, and the like. The food container 50, the lid base 20, and the lid cover 40 may include plastic. For example, the food container 50 may include a clear plastic material and the lid cover 40 and the lid base 20 may include a colored plastic material.
In the example of FIG. 3, food container lid system 11 includes a lid base 20 that attaches to the food container 50 by locking mechanisms 26. In this example, the lid base 20 includes four locking mechanisms 26 (i.e., points of compression) such that there is at least one locking mechanism 26 for each corresponding side of the four-sided food container 50. Similarly, the food container 50 may include locking mechanisms 54 (shown in FIG. 5) that correspond to the locking mechanisms 26 of the lid base 20, and which may lock or hold the locking mechanisms 26 securely. Accordingly, leakage may be prevented from all four sides, in comparison to a situation in which the lid base 20 is attached to the food container 50 on two sides. As another example, food container lid system 13 shown in FIG. 9 includes a threaded feature at an upper end of the food container 50 and a lower end of the lid base 20. In this example, the lid may be attached and/or fastened to the food container 50 by screwing or twisting the lid closed.

B. Release Member FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, 3, 9, 13, 14) and (6, 11 & 12)

According to various aspects, a release member 30 is included within or otherwise attached to the lid base 20, for example, on a side portion or a top portion of the lid base 20. For example, the release member 30 may be a release latch or a push button that is actuated by a user pressing on a contact surface thereof. However, the release member 30 is not limited thereto, and may be any other desired release mechanism, for example, a latch that is pulled downward, outward, and/or upward by a user, a knob or dial that is turned by a user, and the like. Also, although the release member 30 is shown on a side portion of the lid base 20, the release member 30 is not limited to this location with respect to the lid base 20. For example, the release member 30 may be disposed on an upper portion of the lid base 20 and may be aligned on a same plane as the lid cover 40. In some examples, a space may be included between the release member 30 and the lid cover 40. The space may further prevent the user's hand from getting in the way of the lid cover 40 while the user's hand is contacting the release member 30.
The lid base 20 also includes an opening 24 that exposes access to an interior 52 of the food container 50 and a flange 22 surrounding the opening 24. The lid cover 40 may close the opening 24 of the lid base 20 and prevent access to the interior 52 of the food container 50 when in a closed state. The lid cover 40 may be connected to the lid base 20 via a hinge 60. In this example, a single hinge 60 is shown but more than one hinge may be used. The hinge 60 may be a biasing hinge such as a spring hinge, a coil hinge, a rubber hinge, and the like, and may cause the lid cover 40 to move from the closed state to the open state when the lid cover 40 is released by the release member 30.
Also, the hinge 60 may bias the lid cover 40 at an angle with respect to the lid base 20 as shown in FIG. 2a . For example, the hinge 60 may cause the lid cover 40 to move upwards and away from the lid base 20 as a result of a biasing force included in the hinge 60. The biasing force created by the hinge 60 may hold the lid cover 40 at an angle with respect to the lid base 20, for example, an angle between 0° and 90° with respect to the lid base 20, 5° and 60° with respect to the lid base 20, 10° and 45° with respect to the lid base 20, and the like. The user may further open the lid cover 40 by pulling the lid cover 40 over the back of the hinge 60 thereby revealing easier access to the entire opening 24 of the lid base 20 as shown in FIG. 2 b.
According to various exemplary embodiments, when the release member 30 is actuated by the user, the release member 30 releases a connection with the lid cover 40. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate cross-sectional examples of the lid shown in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, and 3, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. As shown, the lid cover 40 may be removably connected to the release member 30 when the lid cover 40 is in the closed state. For example, the lid cover 40 may include a cover connector 42 that removably connects to a release member connector 34 of the release member.
For example, the cover connector 42 and the release member connector 34 may include hook shapes, or partial hook shapes. In the example of FIG. 5, the cover connector 42 includes a partial hook, or L-shaped piece shape that has an approximate right angle shape. Here, the cover connector 42 is a hook that extends downwardly from the lid cover 40. Likewise, the release member connector 34 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cover connector 42 and includes a hook that extends upwardly from the release member 30. Here, the release member connector 34 connects (or contacts) the cover connector 42 preventing the lid cover 40 from being pushed upwards by the force of the hinge 60. The release member 30 may include a tapered upper portion and may be pivotally connected to the lid base 20 by button hinge 32 such that when the lower portion (i.e., the contact portion) of the release member 30 is pushed inwardly the release member connector 34 moves outwardly with respect to the cover connector 42 to disengage from or otherwise release the cover connector 42 thereby allowing the lid cover 40 to be pushed into the open position. It should also be appreciated that the shape of the cover connector 42 and the release member connector 34 is not limited to the examples shown herein and may have any other desired shape and/or construction capable of removably attaching the lid cover 40 to the release member 30.
Referring again to the examples in FIGS. 2a and 2b , the lid base 20 includes a housing or cavity therein for accommodating at least a portion of the release member 30. In these examples, the lower half of the release member 30 is housed in a cavity on the side portion of the lid base 20. Furthermore, the top portion of the release member 30 extends above an upper surface of the lid base 20 enabling a cover connector 42 included within the lid cover 42 and positioned above the lid base 20 to be received by the release member 30 when the lid cover 40 is closed. In addition, a space exists on the lid base 20 between the flange 22 and the release member 30. As a result, an external edge of the lid cover 40 may align flush with an external edge of the lid base 20 when the lid is closed.
The food container 50 and the lid shown in FIGS. 1-5 have a four-sided shape, however, the shape of the food container 50 and the lid is not limited thereto. In the example of FIG. 9, food container lid system 13 includes a circular shaped food container 50 and a lid having the same shape. As another example, the food container 50 and the lid may have an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a five-sided shape or more, and the like.
Furthermore, in some examples, the food container 50 and the lid may have a different shape with respect to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, food container system 14 may include a food container 50 that has an elliptical shape such as a cereal container, and the lid may have a circular shape. Here, the lid base 20 is significantly larger than the opening 24 and the lid cover 40. As another example, as shown in FIG. 14, food container system 15 may include a food container 50 that has a fish bowl shape and the lid may have a circular shape. It should also be appreciated that any combination of sizes and shapes of lids and food containers 50 are capable of being used.
According to various aspects, the hinge 60 and the button hinge 32 may be spring hinges, coil hinges, biasing hinges, and the like. The hinge 60 may force the lid cover 40 from the open position to the closed position. The button hinge 32 may partially resist the release member 30 being actuated by a user. For example, the button hinge 32 may receive a force from the release member 30 being pressed by the user. Accordingly, the button hinge 32 may deform enough to allow the cover connector 42 to disengage from the release member connector 34. The button hinge 32 may also force the release member 30 back to its original position when the user stops exerting the pressing force. Furthermore, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, the hinge 60 and the button hinge 32 may be made of a microwavable material, for example, rubber, silicone, a polymer, and the like.
In some examples herein, instead of the lid including a removably attachable lid base 20, the features of the lid base may be integrated into the food container itself. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an example of food container lid system 12 in which food container 50 includes the features of a lid base integrated therein. In this example, the food container 50 includes release member 30 that may be actuated by a user. Also, food container 50 may include and an opening (not shown) that exposes access to an interior 52 of the food container 50. In this example, the lid cover 40 may cover the opening of the food container 50 and prevent access to the interior 52 of the food container 50 when in a closed state. In this example, the lid cover 40 may include a cover connector 42 that may be removably connected to the release member 30 of the food container 50 when the lid cover 40 is in the closed state. In addition, a hinge 60 may connect the food container 50 to the lid cover 40.

C. Seal Structure

According to various aspects, the lid may include one or more seal structures that prevent air from entering and food from leaking out of the food container 50. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a side view of food container lid systems 10 and 11 shown in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side view of the food container lid system 12 shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the food container lid system 13 shown in FIG. 9. In these examples, a first seal 46 is included between the lid cover 40 and the lid base 20. Also, in the examples of FIGS. 4, 5, and 10, a second seal 28 is further included between the lid base 20 and the food container 50. As a non-limiting example, the first seal 46 and the second seal 28 may include silicone rubber, a polymer, and the like. Referring to FIG. 2b , the flange 22 may be a wall that extends outward and above the rest of the lid base 20 and is approximately parallel to the side walls of the food container 50. In the example of FIG. 2b , the flange 22 is located on an interior of the lid base 20 surrounding the opening 24 and extends upward at a height that is similar to a depth of the lid cover 40. Accordingly, when the lid cover 40 is pulled down on top of the lid base 20, an exterior edge of the lid cover 40 surrounds the exterior area of the flange 22, and the exterior edge of the lid cover 40 is aligned with an exterior edge of the lid base 20.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, a first channel 44 is included in an underneath side of the lid cover 40. For example, the first channel 44 may include a slit or a groove that aligns with the flange 22 of the lid base 20. A first seal 46 is included within the first channel 44 and may be deformable. As another example, the seal 46 may be included on an edge of the flange 22 (shown in FIG. 9) instead of within the first channel 44. According to various aspects, when the lid cover 40 is placed in the closed position, the seal 46 may contact the flange 22 causing the seal 46 to partially deform. As a result, a contact area between the seal 46 and the flange 22 may form an air tight and/or a water tight seal between the lid cover 40 and the lid base 20.
In these examples, the flange 22 is included in the lid base 20 and the first channel 44 is included in the lid cover 40. It should be appreciated that the flange 22 and the first channel 44 are not limited to these locations. As another example, the flange 22 may be included in the lid cover 40 and may extend downwardly from the lid cover 40. Accordingly, the first channel 44 may be included in the lid base 20 and be aligned with a location of the flange 22.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 10, the lid and the food container 50 include a second seal structure. In these examples, the lid base 20 includes a second channel 27 included on an underneath side of the lid base 20. The second channel 27 may correspond to an upper edge wall of the food container 50. Also, a second seal 28 may be included in the second channel 27. According to various aspects, when the lid base 20 is attached to the food container 50, the seal 28 may be brought into contact with the upper edge wall of the food container 50 causing the seal 28 to partially deform. As a result, a contact area between the seal 28 and the upper edge wall of the food container 50 may form an air tight and/or a water tight seal between the lid base 20 and the food container 50.
In these examples, the channels (e.g., first channel 44 and second channel 27) have a three-sided shape with an opening on the lower portion thereof for receiving the corresponding seals 46 and 28, respectively. The size and shape of the channels 47, 27 may be based on the width of the flange 22 and/or the upper edge of the food container 50. For example, a width of the first channel 44 may be slightly wider than the flange 22 to enable the flange 22 to be inserted (at least partially) within the first channel 44 as the lid cover 40 is closed. Here, the strength of the air tight seal created by the first seal 46 and the flange 22 may be strengthened or increased as the pressure from the flange 22 on the first seal 46 is increased causing the first seal 46 to be pressed against and throughout the interior of the first channel 44. Likewise, a width of the second channel 27 may be slightly wider than the upper edge wall of the food container 50 to enable the upper edge wall to be at least partially inserted within the second channel 27 as the lid base 20 is attached to the food container 50. Accordingly, the strength of the air tight seal created by the second seal 28 and the upper edge wall may be strengthened or increased as the pressure from the upper edge wall on the second seal 28 is increased causing the second seal 28 to be pressed against and throughout the interior of the second channel 27.
As another example, the first and second channels 44, 27 may have a different shape than shown, for example, a semi-circular shape or other desired shape. Also, a space may be included in the underneath side of the lid cover 40 between the first channel 44 and an external edge of the lid cover 40. Accordingly, the external edge of the lid cover 40 may align with an external edge of the lid base 20, the first channel 44 may align flush with the flange 22.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

The lid may be manufactured such that the lid is integrated with the food container 50 as shown in the example of FIG. 6. As another example, the lid may be subsequently attached to the food container 50 by a user as shown in the examples of the food container lid systems in FIGS. 1 and 9. For example, the lid may be attached by the user pushing down on the top of the lid until locking mechanisms 26 of the lid snap into place with corresponding locking mechanisms on the food container 50. As another example, the lid may be attached by the user screwing a threaded feature of the lid base 20 into a threaded feature of the food container 50.
In use, a user may place food inside the food container 50. The food may be added to the food container 50 before or after the lid has been attached to the container. If the lid has previously been attached to or is integrated with the food container 50, food may be inserted through the opening 24 of the lid base 20 while the lid cover 40 is open as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b . With the food inside, the lid cover 40 may be closed to cover the opening 24 of the lid base 20 as shown in FIG. 1. When the lid is closed, the seal structure may provide an air tight and water tight seal for the food included inside.
When a user desires to access the interior 52 of the food container 50 (e.g., to gain access to the food stored inside) the user may actuate the release member 30 and cause the lid cover 40 to open or partially open. For example, the user may press on the contact surface of the release member 30 shown in FIG. 5 with one hand causing the release member connector 34 to slide away from the cover connector 42. As a result, the lid cover 40 may be released from the release member 30 and the hinge 60 may push the lid cover 40 away from the lid base 20 providing access to the opening 24 of the lid base 20. In this example, the lid cover 40 may pop open such as shown in the open state of FIG. 2 a.
Accordingly, the food container lid system 10 described herein prevents a user's hand from getting in the way when the user opens the lid cover 40. In addition, the lid may create a seal that is air tight and/or water tight between the lid cover 40 and the lid base 20, and between the lid and the food container 50. Accordingly, the food container system 10 described herein may improve user convenience when opening the food container 50 and also improve the freshness and quality of the food stored in the food container 50.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the food container lid system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The food container lid system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A food container lid, comprising:

a lid base adapted to attach to a top portion of the food container, wherein the lid base comprises a release member configured to be actuated by a user and an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container;

a lid cover that covers the opening of the lid base and prevents access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state, wherein the lid cover comprises a cover connector configured to be removably connected to the release member when the lid cover is in the closed state; and

a hinge connecting the lid base to the lid cover;

wherein the release member releases the cover connector when the release member is actuated by the user.

2. The food container lid of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a biasing hinge that causes the lid cover to move from the closed state to the open state when the cover connector is released by the release member.

3. The food container lid of claim 2, wherein the biasing hinge is configured to hold the lid cover at an angle of between 10° and 45° with respect to the lid base.

4. The food container lid of claim 1, wherein the release member comprises a release button that is actuated by the user pressing the release button.

5. The food container lid of claim 4, wherein the release button comprises a button hinge, a contact surface, and a button connector configured to be removably connected to the cover connector, and when the user presses inward on the contact surface of the release button, the button connector moves outwardly with respect to the cover connector thereby releasing the cover connector.

6. The food container lid of claim 5, wherein the button connector comprises a hook and the cover connector comprises a corresponding hook.

7. The food container lid of claim 1, further comprising a flange attached to the lid base or the lid cover, and a channel attached to the other of said lid base or lid cover, wherein the channel includes a seal, and the seal and the flange form an air-tight seal between the lid cover and the lid base.

8. The food container lid of claim 7, wherein the seal comprises silicone rubber.

9. The food container lid of claim 1, wherein the lid base further comprises a channel corresponding to an upper edge wall of the food container and a seal included in the channel, and the seal and the upper edge wall form an air-tight seal between the lid base and the food container.

10. A food container lid, comprising:

a lid base adapted to attach to a top portion of the food container, wherein the lid base comprises an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container;

a lid cover that covers the opening of the lid base and prevents access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state;

a flange attached to the lid base or the lid cover, and a channel attached to the other of said lid base or lid cover, wherein said channel includes a seal, and the seal and the flange form an air-tight seal between the lid cover and the lid base; and

a hinge connecting the lid base to the lid cover.

11. The food container lid of claim 10, wherein the flange is attached to the lid base and surrounds the opening, and the channel is attached to the lid cover.

12. The food container lid of claim 10, wherein the channel is attached to the lid base and surrounds the opening, and the flange is attached to the lid cover.

13. The food container lid of claim 10, wherein the lid base further comprises a second channel corresponding to an upper edge wall of the food container and a second seal included in the second channel, and when the lid base is attached to the food container, the second seal and the upper edge wall form an air-tight seal between the lid base and the food container.

14. The attachable lid of claim 13, wherein the seal and the second seal each comprise silicone rubber.

15. The attachable lid of claim 10, wherein the lid base further comprises a release member configured to be actuated by a user, and the lid cover further comprises a cover connector configured to be removably connected to the release member.

16. The attachable lid of claim 15, wherein the hinge comprises a biasing hinge that causes the lid cover to move from the closed state to the open state when the cover connector is released by the release member.

17. The attachable lid of claim 16, wherein the release member comprises a release button including a button hinge, a contact surface, and a button connector configured to connect to the cover connector, and when the user presses inward on the contact surface of the release button, the button connector moves outwardly with respect to the cover connector thereby releasing the cover connector.

18. A food container lid apparatus comprising:

a food container comprising a release member configured to be actuated by a user and an opening that exposes access to an interior of the food container;

a lid cover that covers the opening of the food container and prevents access to the interior of the food container when in a closed state, wherein the lid cover comprises a cover connector configured to be removably connected to the release member when the lid cover is in the closed state; and

a hinge connecting the food container to the lid cover;

19. The food container lid apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a flange attached to the lid base or the lid cover, and a channel attached to the other of said lid base or lid cover, wherein the channel includes a seal, and the seal and the flange form an air-tight seal between the lid cover and the food container.

20. The food container lid system of claim 18, wherein the release member comprises a release button that is actuated by the user pressing the release button.