US20200122901A1

US20200122901A1 - Lid and Apparatus Including Lid

Info

Publication number: US20200122901A1
Application number: US16/601,819
Authority: US
Inventors: Jolyon T. Frankel
Original assignee: VEGWARE Ltd
Current assignee: VEGWARE Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-19
Filing date: 2019-10-15
Publication date: 2020-04-23
Also published as: GB2578170A; GB201817111D0; GB2578170B

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a first container with a first rim around a first opening, a second container with a second rim around a second opening, and a lid comprising at least a first and an opposite second side. The lid is configured to fit around the outside of the first rim of the first container and is configured to fit against the inside of the second rim of the second container.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to United Kingdom patent application GB1817111.6 filed on Oct. 19, 2018 and having the same title as the instant application, wherein this priority application is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

FIELD

Containers such as bowls and lids for such containers are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Food may be sold in bowls or other containers closed off with lids. In food preparation kitchens and take-away outlets, such as delicatessen counters and self-serve food outlets, it is common to wish to provide a number of different types of bowl of similar size. For example, it may be desirable to provide a bowl made from a plastics material for holding certain types of food and a bowl made from bagasse or another plant material to hold other types of food. These bowls typically have different sizes and different types of rim and require different lids. Even if the rims have similar sizes, lids which are in use to fit around the relatively wide rims of containers made from plastics are unsatisfactory to use with paper containers as, if they are of the correct size to clip around the rim, they will be difficult to remove. Accordingly, commercial kitchens and outlets typically require different lids for different types of container, even where the containers are of similar size. This leads to practical problems, as multiple types of lid must be stocked and made available, and users who may select between two or more different types of containers have to concentrate as to which lid to use with the containers which they select.
The present invention seeks to provide containers and lids which reduce or obviate these problems.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides apparatus comprising a first container with a first rim, a second container with a second rim, and a lid comprising a first (top) and an opposite second (under) side. The lid is configured to fit around the outside of the first rim of the first container, and is configured to fit against the inside of the second rim of the second container. Thus, the lid may have a formation configured to fit around the outside of the first rim of the first container, and a formation configured to fit against the inside of the second rim of the second container. Typically, the lid is configured to form an outside fit with the first container and is configured to form an inside fit with the second container.
Typically, the lid comprises a peripheral channel forming a recess in the second side (underside), wherein the peripheral channel has an innermost and outermost internal wall. The outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is configured to grip around the outside of the rim of the first container when the second side (underside) of the lid is fitted to the opening of the first container, and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is configured to fit against and grip the inside of the rim of the second container when the second side (underside) of the lid is fitted to the opening of the second container.
In other words, the same lid may be fitted onto either the first or second containers, i.e. secured on the openings (i.e. tops) of the containers. That is, the lid fits onto the containers in order to cover (and typically to close off) the opening of the container. Preferably, when fitted, the lid comes into contact with (i.e. fits onto) the first container at one side of the peripheral channel (the outermost internal wall) and fits onto the second container at the other side of the peripheral channel (the innermost internal wall). The lid may therefore be fastened to either the first or second containers. This advantageously leads to the user being able to fit the same lid onto both containers. This therefore removes any selection, or thinking, process from the user when fitting a lid onto either the first or second container. In other words, there is no need to select a particular lid for the first or second containers as the lid of the apparatus may be used for either container. A single lid may be provided for use with either container.
The rim of the first and second containers is the edge or border of the opening of the containers, the opening for example being at the topside of the container. The rim may be considered to have an inner and outer portion, with the inner portion being on the inside of the container and the outer portion being on the outer side of the container. The rim may include an outward protrusion at the outer edge of the opening of the container. The rim may include an inward indentation at the outer edge of the container which exists below the opening of the container, i.e. along the side of the container.
The first and second container may be any combination of food containers. For example, either container or both containers may be a bowl (such as a salad bowl), a shallow depth plate, a takeaway box, a tray, a pot, a mug, or a soup container. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the provided examples are merely exemplary and does not exclude any other suitable containers which are used as a food container.
In some embodiments, the depth of the peripheral channel may be between 0.5 to 1 centimetre. It may be that the depth of the peripheral channel may be 0.9 centimetres. In some embodiments, the rim of the first container may be 0.3 to 0.7 centimetres deep (i.e. from the top of the opening towards the base of the first container). It may be that the rim of the first container may be 0.5 centimetres deep. In some embodiments, the rim of the second container may be 0.3 to 0.7 centimetres deep (i.e. from the top of the opening towards the base of the second container). It may be that the rim of the second container may be 0.5 centimetres deep.
It may be that the thickness of the lid remains constant across the entirety of the lid.
Typically, the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may comprise a clipping formation configured to grip around the outside of the rim of the first container. This allows the lid to be securely fitted onto the first container such that the lid may not accidently fall off the first container when fitted, especially if the first container with the lid fitted onto it is rotated around the different axes of rotation. Typically, the clipping formation is sufficient to maintain a secure fit of the lid onto the first container even when the first container is turned upside down (i.e. the opening of the first container faces the ground); this includes any additional force that the lid may be subjected to from any contents sealed within the first container.
The clipping formation of the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may comprise a lip at a bottom portion of the outmost internal wall to clip around the outside of the rim of the first container.
Typically, the rim of the first container may protrude outwardly from the outermost side of the container and that the lid fits around the rim such that the lip hooks under the rim of the first container to secure the lid onto the first container; in other words, the lid is clipped onto the first container. That is, the lip protrudes inwardly towards the centre of the lid. Typically, the lip is in contact with at least a portion of the underside of the rim of the first container.
The rim of the first container may comprise an inward indentation at the same level as the lip of the lid. When the lid is fitted onto the first container, the lid is clipped onto the first container by the lip of the lid fitting into the inward indentation of the first container. The inward indentation and the lip have similar dimensions (similar angle of curvature and size). The lip of the lid allows the clipping formation to secure the lid onto the first container. This therefore requires a certain degree of force to be applied to the lid to overcome the clipping formation and therefore remove the lid from the first container when securely fitted. A user is required to apply a leverage force to remove the lid.
It may be that when the lid is fitted on the first container, the clipping formation is achieved by the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel being flush with the outside of the rim of the first container. This may, for example, create an interference fit between the lid and the first container. The dimensions of the lid and rim of the first container may be similar in order to achieve a flush fit.
The first container and the lid may be circular, and the opening of the first container may have a diameter of 18 to 19 centimetres and the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may have a diameter of 18 to 19 centimetres. It may be that there is a small discrepancy between the dimensions of the rim of the first container and the lid to allow a more secure fit to be achieved. It may be that the opening of the first container may have a diameter of 18.5 centimetres. It may be that the opening of the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may have a diameter of 18.4 centimetres.
The size of the first and second containers are standard sizes, e.g. within the catering sector. This enables the lid to be fitted onto two different containers, such as food containers, which are known within the catering sector.
The rim of the second container and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may be configured to cooperate together when the lid is fitted onto the opening of the second container. Typically, the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is in contact with the inside of the rim of the second container such that an interference fit, for example, is created between the lid and the second container. This therefore allows the lid to be securely fitted onto the second container.
In some embodiments, the second container and the lid may be circular, and the opening of the second container may have a diameter of 16 to 17 centimetres and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel of the lid may have a diameter of 16 to 17 centimetres. It may be that there is a small discrepancy between the dimensions of the opening of the second container and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel of the lid to allow a more secure fit to be achieved. It may be that the opening of the second container may have a diameter of 16.5 centimetres. It may be that the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel of the lid may have a diameter of 16.4 centimetres.
The inside of the rim of the second container may be slanted such that a bottom portion of the inside of the rim of the second container is further away from the centre of the container than a top portion of the inside of the rim of the second container.
The innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may be slanted such that a bottom portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is further away from the centre of the lid than a top portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.
Having the inside of the rim of the second container and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel slanted to the same degree allows the lid to have a more secure fit onto the second container. This is because the slanted nature of the lid and the rim of the second container creates a further barrier to be overcome in order to remove the lid when fitted. The lid may therefore be fitted securely onto the second container because the slant of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel fits flush with the slant of the inside of the rim of the second container. The interference fit between the lid and the second container has the additional barrier from the slanted fit such that additional force is required to overcome the fit and pry open the lid. This therefore leads to the lid having a more secure fit on the second container. The lid fitted onto the second container may be configured to be secure enough to maintain a secure fit when the second container is rotated around the different axes of rotation. Typically, the fit between the lid and the second container is configured to be secure to maintain a secure fit even when the second container is turned upside down (i.e. the first side of the lid faces the ground); this includes any additional force that the lid may be subjected to from any contents sealed within the second container.
It may be that a flange may be located at an end of an external wall of the peripheral channel. This flange allows the lid to be easily removed when fitted onto either of the containers; particularly when the lid is secured onto the first container which uses the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel. In other words, the flange may be used to separate the lid from a container by exerting, for example, an upward force on the flange of the lid (when the second side of the lid faces the ground). The flange provides a means to open the lid from either the first or second container by leverage.
The peripheral channel may be wider than the rim of the first and second containers. In other words, the spacing of the peripheral channel of the lid is larger than either of the rims of the first and second containers. The outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is sufficient to secure the lid onto the first container without requiring any form of contact with the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel. The innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is sufficient to secure the lid onto the second container (e.g. via an interference fit) without requiring any form of contact with the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel. The spacing therefore allows room for the lid to flex when a force is applied to remove the lid from either the first or second container.
In some embodiments, the peripheral channel may be 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres wide. It may be that the peripheral channel may be 1 centimetre wide. In some embodiments, the peripheral channel may be less than 0.5 to 1 centimetre deep.
The width of the peripheral channel may be such that the outside of the rim of the second container is not in contact with the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel. This allows for easier removal of the lid when fitted on the second container because leverage may be achieved as the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is not in contact with the rim of the second container. In other words, the spacing between the outside of the rim of the second container and the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel provides space for the lid to flex into when a force is applied to remove the lid from the second container.
The inside of the rim of the first container is not in contact with the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel. This allows the lid to be engaged with the first container more easily because there will be more space within the peripheral channel to fit the rim of the first container into. Furthermore, removing the lid will be easier as there is space for the lid to flex into when leveraging the lid off the first container.
The first side (e.g. topside) of the lid may comprise a groove between the innermost external wall of the peripheral channel and the centre of the lid. This may allow objects to be placed, stored or stacked onto the lid.
In some embodiments, the groove may be 0.7 centimetres wide. It may be that the groove is 0.5 to 1 centimetre wide.
The first container may have an underside which may be configured to cooperate with the groove on the first side of the lid. This therefore allows the first container to be stacked on the lid, for example, when the second side (underside) of the lid faces the ground. Preferably, the groove of the lid and underside of the first container should be of similar dimensions such that when stacked (vertically stacked) any lateral movement of the first container is restricted. This preferably prevents the stacked container from falling off the lid when subjected to lateral movements. This is preferably the case where a plurality of first containers are used, each respectively fitted with a plurality of the lid, and are vertically stacked on top of each other.
In some embodiments, the underside of the first container may be 16.5 centimetres wide. It may be that the underside of the first container may be 16 to 17 centimetres wide.
The first side of the lid may comprise a recess at the centre of the lid.
In some embodiments, the recess may be 9 centimetres wide. It may be that the recess may be 8 to 10 centimetres wide. In some embodiments, the recess may have a depth of 0.3 centimetres. It may be that the recess may have a depth of 0.1 to 0.5 centimetres.
The second container has an underside which may be configured to cooperate with the recess of the lid. This allows the second container to be stacked (vertically stacked) on top of the lid when the second side (underside) of the lid faces the ground. Preferably, the recess at the centre of the lid and the underside of the second container are of similar dimensions such that lateral movements are restricted when the second container is stacked (e.g. vertically stacked) on the first side of the lid. This is preferably the case where a plurality of second containers are used, each respectively fitted with a plurality of the lid, and are vertically stacked on top of each other.
In some embodiments, the underside of the second container may be 8 centimetres wide. It may be that the underside of the second container may be 7 to 9 centimetres wide.
The first side (topside) of the lid may comprise a recess at the centre of the lid and may be configured to curve upwards between the groove and the recess. This curvature is configured to allow the first side (topside) of the lid to bear a greater force exerted on it from above, such as heavier weights. This is of particular advantage when the second container, or a further second container, is stacked on top of the lid. Preferably, this is the case when multiple containers are stacked on top of the lid.
In some embodiments, the curvature of the lid is such that the distance between the base and top of the curvature is 1.2 centimetres. It may be that the distance between the base and top of the curvature is 1 to 1.5 centimetres.
The first container may be configured such that the side or sides of the first container extends beyond a bottom of the first container. In other words, there is a space on the underside of the first container between the end of the side or sides of the container and the bottom of the first container.
In some embodiments, the distance between the end of the side or sides and the bottom of the first container is 1 centimetre. It may be that the distance between the end of the side or sides and the bottom of the first container is 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres.
In some embodiments, the bottom of the first container may curve towards the opening of the first container. This allows the bottom of the first container to support greater weights stored within the first container.
The curvature of the first side of the lid between the groove and the recess may be configured to fit into the underside of the first container between the side or sides and the bottom of the first container when the first container is fitted into the groove on the first side of the lid. In other words, the curvature of the lid is configured to fit under the first container, so that the curvature of the lid does not prevent any portion of the underside of the first container from being in contact with the groove on the first side (topside) of the lid. The space between the end of the side or sides and the bottom of the first container is greater than or equal to the curvature of the lid.
The underside of the second container may comprise a protruding channel around the centre of the second container configured to achieve a partial vacuum when the underside of the second container forms a cooperative fit with the lid. In other words, the underside of the second container creates a suction effect when pressed against a surface, preferably a nonporous surface. This may therefore allow the stacking of the second container on the lid to have an additional barrier to prevent any motion from the second container when stacked, particularly any lateral motion. Although the partial vacuum will not prevent the second container from being removed when stacked, it provides an additional aid in preventing at least some movement (typically lateral movement) and therefore allows the recess of the lid to have a similar or larger dimension than the protruding channel of the second container.
In some embodiments, the protruding base channel of the second container may be 0.3 centimetres deep. It may be that the protruding base channel of the second container may be 0.1 to 0.5 centimetres deep. In some embodiments, the protruding base channel of the second container may be 1 centimetre wide. It may be that the protruding base channel of the second container may be 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres wide.
The first container may be compostable. Typically, the first container may be commercially compostable, i.e. the container may be composted with food waste.
It may be that the first container may be made from plants, such as paper board, corn or sugarcane.
It may be that the rim of the first container may be circular.
The second container may be made from plants, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or recycled sugarcane (bagasse).
The rim of the second container may be circular.
The apparatus may be a food retaining apparatus such that the first and second containers are food containers.
A second aspect of the invention provides for a lid comprising at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first and second sides are at opposite sides of the lid. The lid is configured to fit around the outside of a rim of a (e.g. first) container, and is configured to fit against the inside of a rim of a different (e.g. second) container. Thus, the lid may have a formation configured to fit around the outside of the rim of the (e.g. first) container, and a formation configured to fit against the inside of the rim of the different (e.g. second) container. Typically, the lid is configured to form an outside fit with the (e.g. first) container and is configured to form an inside fit with the different (e.g. second) container.
Typically, the lid comprises a peripheral channel on the second side (underside) of the lid, the peripheral channel having an outermost internal wall and an innermost internal wall, wherein the innermost internal wall is configured to engage with a rim of a (e.g. first) container and the outermost internal wall is configured to engage with a rim of a different (e.g. second) container.
The outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may be configured to have a clipping formation. This allows the lid to grip around the outside of a rim of a first container. The lid may be securely fitted onto the first container such that the lid may not accidently fall off the first container when fitted, especially if the first container with the lid fitted onto it is rotated around the different axes of rotation. Typically, the clipping formation is sufficient to maintain a secure fit of the lid onto the first container even when the first container is turned upside down (i.e. the opening of the first container faces the ground); this includes any additional force that the lid may be subjected to from any contents sealed within the first container.
The clipping formation may comprise a lip at the bottom portion of the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.
Typically, the lid fits around the rim such that the lip hooks under the rim of the first container to secure the lid onto the first container; in other words, the lid is clipped onto the first container. That is, the lip protrudes inwardly towards the centre of the lid. Typically, the lip is in contact with at least a portion of the underside of the rim of the first container.
It may be that the rim of the first container may comprise an inward indentation at the same level as the lip of the lid. When the lid is fitted onto the first container, the lid is clipped onto the first container by the lip of the lid fitting into the inward indentation of the first container. The inward indentation and the lip have similar dimensions (similar angle of curvature and size).
The lip of the lid allows the clipping formation to secure the lid onto the first container. This therefore requires a certain degree of force to be applied to the lid to overcome the clipping formation and therefore remove the lid from the first container when securely fitted. A user is required to apply a leverage force to remove the lid.
The innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel may be slanted such that a bottom portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is further away from the centre of the lid than a top portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.
If the rim of a second container is also slanted, the lid is configured to cooperate with the rim of the second container such that a secure fit is achieved. Having the inside of the rim of the second container and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel slanted to the same degree allows the lid to have a more secure fit onto the second container. This is because the slanted nature of the lid and the rim of the second container creates a further barrier to be overcome in order to remove the lid when fitted. The lid may therefore be fitted securely onto the second container because the slant of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel fits flush with the slant of the inside of the rim of the second container. The slanted fit requires a force to overcome the secure fit and pry open the lid, therefore leading to the lid having a more secure fit on the second container. The lid fitted onto the second container may be configured to be secure enough to maintain a secure fit when the second container is rotated around the different axes of rotation. Typically, the fit between the lid and the second container is configured to be secure to maintain a secure fit even when the second container is turned upside down (i.e. the first side of the lid faces the ground); this includes any additional force that the lid may be subjected to from any contents sealed within the second container.
The lid may comprise a groove on the topside of the lid between the innermost external wall of the peripheral channel and the centre of the lid. This may allow objects to be placed, stored or stacked onto the lid.
In some embodiments, the groove may be 0.7 centimetres wide. It may be that the groove may be 0.5 to 1 centimetre wide.
The lid may comprise a recess on the topside of the lid at the centre of the lid.
In some embodiments, the recess is 9 centimetres wide. It may be that the recess is 8 to 10 centimetres wide. In some embodiments, the recess has a depth of 0.3 centimetres. It may be that the recess has a depth of 0.1 to 0.5 centimetres.
The first side (topside) of the lid may be configured to curve upwards between the groove and the recess. This curvature is configured to allow the first side (topside) of the lid to bear a greater force exerted on it from above, such as heavier weights. This is of particular advantage when the second container, or a further second container, is stacked on top of the lid. Preferably, this is the case when multiple containers are stacked on top of the lid.
In some embodiments of the second aspect, the curvature of the lid has a height of 1.2 centimetres. It may be that the curvature of the lid has a height of 1 to 1.5 centimetres.
The lid may be made from plants. The lid may, for example, be made from polylactic acid (PLA).
The lid may be circular. This may allow the lid to be of a similar shape as the opening of the containers if they are also circular. Having the lid and the opening of the containers all circular results in less protrusion of the lid when fitted on either container. I.e. less material is required for the lid to fit on both containers when the openings of both containers are of a similar dimension and shape. The lid may be circular even if the openings of the containers are of a different size. I.e. the containers may be of a different shape provided that the peripheral channel of the lid is configured to grip the rims of the first and second containers.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the lid remains constant across the entirety of the lid.
A third aspect of the invention provides for a method of providing the apparatus of the first aspect, selecting between the first and second containers, putting food in the selected container, and closing the selected container with the lid to enclose the food.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides for a building comprising a room, wherein the room has (one or more of) both the first and second containers and (one or more of) the lid of the first aspect, and food. Typically, the room is for putting food into either the first or second container and fitting the container with the lid. It may be that the room is a takeaway food vendor. It may be that the only lids in the room that fit either of the two containers is said lid according to the first aspect. In some embodiments, the method of the third aspect of the invention is carried out in a building according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus comprising a lid, a first container and a second container;

FIG. 2 is an expanded front view of the lid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the lid fitted on the first container;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the lid fitted on the second container;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a close-up of the peripheral channel of the lid of FIG. 1 with a lip on the outermost internal wall and a slanted innermost internal wall;

FIG. 4B is a front view of a close-up of an alternative peripheral channel of the lid of FIG. 1 which comprises only a lip on the outermost internal wall;

FIG. 4C is a front view of a close-up of an alternative peripheral channel of the lid of FIG. 1 which comprises only a slanted innermost internal wall;

FIG. 5A is a front view of an alternative lid with only groove on the top side of the lid;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the alternative lid including an upward curvature between the groove on the top side of the lid and the centre of the lid;

FIG. 5C is a front view of an alternative lid with only a recess on the top side of the lid; and

FIG. 5D is a front view of an alternative lid with only a flange at an end of the outermost external wall of the peripheral channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1, there is a kit of parts 100 comprising a lid 102, a first container 104 and a second container 106. The lid 102 is configured to fit on either the first container 104 or the second container 106. The first container 104 comprises an outward protruding rim and the second container 106 comprises a slanted rim. The rim of the second container 106 may also comprise an outward overhang which allows a user to easily handle the second container 106. The lid comprises a first side and second opposite side, herein referred to as a topside and underside, respectively. The opening of the first container may be wider than the bottom. The second container may be more curved than the first container and be more resemblant to a bowl than the first container. The first container and the second container may already be in use in catering sectors with established dimensions and uses.
FIG. 2 illustrates the lid 102. The lid 102 comprises a peripheral channel 200 on the underside of the lid 102 which forms a recess around the perimeter of the lid 102. The peripheral channel 200 exists around the entire perimeter of the lid 102 regardless of the shape of the lid 102, e.g. whether the lid 102 is rectangular or circular. The peripheral channel 200 has an outermost external wall 202, an outermost internal wall 204 and an innermost internal wall 206. The peripheral channel 200 also has an innermost external wall 208. The lid 102 further comprises a lip 210 and a slanted innermost internal wall 212, each configured to cooperate with a rim of the first container 104 and the second container 106, respectively.
The topside of the lid 102 also comprises a groove 214 between the innermost external wall 208 of the peripheral channel 200 and the centre of the lid 102. The groove 214 is configured to cooperate with an underside of a container, such as the first container 104, so that the container may be stacked on top of the lid 102 (not shown).
The lid comprises an upward curvature 216 between the groove 214 and the centre of the lid 102. The curvature 216 is configured to allow the topside of the lid to bear greater forces exerted on it from above, such as heavier weights. This is particularly important when the second container 106, or a further second container, is stacked on top of the lid 102. Preferably, the curvature 216 aids in preventing deformation of the lid 102 when multiple filled and sealed second containers are stacked on top of the lid 102.
The topside of the lid 102 further comprises a recess 218 about the centre of the lid 102. The recess 218 is configured to cooperate with an underside of a container, such as the second container, so that the container may be stacked on top of the lid 102 (not shown).
Lid 102 also comprises a flange 220 at an end of the outermost external wall 202 of the peripheral channel 200. The flange 220 is to be used to aid in removing the lid 90 when fitted on a container. This is of particular use when the lid 102 is secured onto a container such that the outermost internal wall 204 is used to cooperatively fit on the container, such as the first container 104. That is, the flange 220 allows the lid 90 to be easily removed, i.e. through leverage.
It is noted that the features of the lid 102 of FIG. 2 are not illustrated to scale. Preferably, the lid 102 is circular with a diameter of 18 to 19 centimetres. The innermost internal wall has a diameter of 16 to 17 centimetres. The outermost internal wall has a diameter of 18 to 19 centimetres. The peripheral channel 200 may have a width of 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres and have a depth between 0.5 to 1 centimetre. The groove 214 is 0.5 to 1 centimetre wide and 0.5 to 1 centimetre deep. The lid 102 has a height of 1 to 2 centimetres, preferably 1.5 centimetres. The recess 218 has a diameter of 8 to 9 centimetres and is 0.1 to 0.5 centimetres deep. The length of the flange 220 may be 0.1 to 0.2 centimetres. Preferably, the lid 102 has a uniform thickness of 0.3 millimetres.
FIG. 3 illustrates the lid 102 fitted on the first container 104 (FIG. 3A) and fitted on the second container 106 (FIG. 3B). Securing the lid 102 onto either the first container 104 or the second container 106 requires the use of force to ensure a secure fit. For example, to secure the lid onto the first container 104, a force is required to make the lip of the lid 102 fit around the rim of the first container 104. Similarly, a force is required to make the slanted innermost internal wall of the lid 102 fit around the rim of the second container 106.
With reference to FIG. 3A, the peripheral channel 200 is configured such that the lid 102 is fitted on the first container 104 by contact between the outermost internal wall 204 of the peripheral channel 200 and the outside of the rim of the first container 104. In other words, the lid 102 is configured to cooperate with the outside of the opening of the first container 104. The lid 102 may form an outside fit around the outside of the opening of the first container 104. The lid 102 cooperates with the first container 104 to cover and close off the opening of the first container 104. That is, the lid 102 is secured onto the first container 104.
The lid 102 may be secured onto the first container 104 by placing the lid on top of the opening of the first container 104, aligning the peripheral channel and the rim of the first container 104, and applying a downward force on the lid 102 such that the rim fits inside the peripheral channel 200. The rim of the first container 104 fits inside the peripheral channel 200 such that the lip 210 of the lid 102 grips the underside of the rim. When fitted, the lid closes the entire opening of the first container 104 thus preventing any contents, such as food, within the sealed first container 104 from escaping.
When fitted on the first container 104, the lid 102 can be removed by the user applying an upward force on the flange at the end of the outermost external wall of the lid. By applying leverage to the lid, the user is capable of removing the rim of the first container from the lip of the lid 102. The lid can be made of a flexible material, such as plastic. This can allow the lid to flex when such an upward force is applied to the lid 102, further allowing the lid 102 to be removed from the first container 104.
The first container 104 comprises a space underneath the bottom of the container. In particular, this space is configured to allow the first container to be stacked on the topside of the lid. In particular, the space underneath the first container is such that the curvature of the lid fits within said space. This therefore allows a plurality of first containers to be stacked on one another without the need to change lid 102.
Similarly, with reference to FIG. 3B, the peripheral channel of the lid 102 is configured such that the lid 102 is fitted on the second container 106 by contact between the innermost internal wall 206 of the peripheral channel 200 which cooperates with the inside of an opening of the second container 106. That is, the lid 102 may form an inside fit around the inside of the opening of the second container 106. It may be that the opening of the second container 106 comprises a rim which the lid 102 cooperates with to cover and close off the opening of the second container 106. That is, the lid 102 is secured onto the second container 106.
The lid 102 may be secured onto the second container 106 by placing the lid 102 on top of the opening of the second container 106, by aligning the peripheral channel and the rim of the second container 106, and applying a downward force on the lid 102. The rim of the second container 106 fits inside the peripheral channel 200 such that the slanted innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel grips against the slanted rim of the second container 106. When fitted, the lid closes the entire opening of the second container 106 thus preventing any contents, such as food, within the sealed first container 106 from escaping.
When fitted on the second container 106, the lid 102 can be removed by the user applying an upward force on the flange at the end of the outermost external wall of the lid. By applying leverage to the lid, the user is capable of removing the rim of the second container from the lip of the lid 102. The lid can be made of a flexible material, such as plastic. This can allow the lid to flex when such an upward force is applied to the lid 102, further allowing the lid 102 to be removed from the second container 104. A flange on the lid 102 is not necessarily required to allow for easy removal of the lid 102 when fitted on the second container 106. This is because the outermost internal wall of the lid 102 is not in contact with the rim of the second container 106 and can therefore be used to achieve leverage when removing the lid 102 from the second container 106. Therefore, although the flange of the lid 102 assists removal, it is not necessary to achieve easy removal of the lid 102.
The bottom of the second container 106 may comprise a protruding channel. This protrusion is configured to allow the second container to be stacked on the topside of the lid. That is, the protruding channel is such that it cooperates with the recess on the topside of the lid 102. This therefore allows a plurality of second containers to be stacked on one another without the need to change the lid 102.
It may be that the peripheral channel 200 of the lid 102 is configured such that when fitted on the first container 104, the innermost internal wall 206 is not in contact with the rim of the first container 104. The peripheral channel 200 of the lid 102 may be such that when fitted on the second container 106, the outermost internal wall 204 is not in contact with the rim of the second container 106. That is, when fitted on either the first container 104 or the second container 106, the peripheral channel 200 is wide enough to completely house the rim of either the first container 104 or the second container 106. In other words, when fitted, the rim of the container is only in contact with one side of the peripheral channel 200. This allows the lid 102 space to flex into when a user applies leverage to remove the lid 102 when fitted on a container. Particularly, it allows the peripheral channel space to flex because the peripheral channel has at least one internal wall which is not in contact with the container.
The lid 102 is configured to fit onto both the first container 104 and the second container 106 by using either the outermost 204 or innermost 206 internal wall of the peripheral channel 200 of the lid 102, respectively. That is, the lid is capable of fitting onto two different containers by two different means.
With reference to FIG. 4, close-up views of embodiments of the peripheral channel 200 are provided. FIG. 4A illustrates a peripheral channel 200 which has a lip 210 at the outermost internal wall 204 and a slanted innermost wall 212, as illustrated previously. The lip 210 can be used to grip around a rim of a container, such as a rim around the opening of the first container 104. That is, the rim of the container may protrude outwardly from the edge of the container. Alternatively, the lip 210 may grip around an inward indentation that exists on the edge of the container, such as on the first container 104. The position of the lip 210 on the outermost internal wall is configured such that the lid 102 cooperates with the rim of the first container 104, whether the rim protrudes outwardly such that the lip 210 is to grip around, or whether an inward indentation such that the lip 210 is to cooperate with. That is, this embodiment of the peripheral channel is capable of cooperating with two different containers with different types of rims. This allows a user to achieve a secure fit on different containers using the same lid.
FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative peripheral channel 200 with only a lip 210 at the outermost internal wall 204. The lip is configured to operate in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 4A. However, the innermost internal wall 206 is not slanted and instead is flat. In this embodiment, the innermost internal wall 206 is configured to create an interference fit when fitted onto a container requiring the innermost internal wall 206 to secure the lid. That is, the innermost internal wall 206 is configured to cooperate with a flat rim of a container. The interference fit is configured to secure the lid 102 onto the flat-rimmed container.
FIG. 4C illustrates an alternative peripheral channel 200 with only a slanted innermost internal wall 212. The peripheral channel 200 can be used to cooperate with a slanted rim of a container, such as the second container 106 as described in reference to FIG. 4A. That is, the slanted rim of the container can have a similar slant to the peripheral channel 200 such that the lid 102 can be secured onto the container. Similar to FIG. 4B, the outermost internal wall 204 of the peripheral channel 200 is configured to create an interference fit when fitted onto a container requiring the outermost internal wall 204 to secure the lid. That is, the outermost internal wall 206 is configured to cooperate with a flat rim of a container. The interference fit is configured to secure the lid 102 onto the flat-rimmed container.
Although not shown, it may be that each of the peripheral channels of FIG. 4 also comprise a flange, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2. This would preferably be the case for the alternative peripheral channel as illustrated in FIG. 4C because, without a flange, it would be difficult for a user to remove the lid when fitted on a flat-rimmed container. In other words, it would be difficult for the user to achieve leverage and pry off the lid from the container due to there being little to grip on the outermost external wall 202.
It will be understood that the lid may comprise any number and combination of the previously described features. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of alternative lids, each comprising a peripheral channel 200 with both a lip 210 at the outermost internal wall 14 and a slanted innermost internal wall 212, but missing one or more of the other features. These illustrations are not intended to limit the possible combination of features, but rather provide examples of alternative lids. It will be appreciated that any combination of the peripheral channels of FIG. 4 may also be used to achieve an alternative lid in accordance with the examples illustrated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5A illustrates a lid with a groove 214 between an innermost external wall of the peripheral channel 200 and the centre of the lid. The groove 214 is such that an underside of a container, such as the first container 104, may be stacked on top of the lid 102 (not shown). That is, the underside of the container cooperates with groove 214. It may be that the thickness of the lid is uniform. This could be achieved by either having the topside depressed towards the underside of the lid, or have the underside of the lid follow the topside.
FIG. 5B illustrates an example of the underside following the topside of the lid. In this embodiment, the lid comprises the groove 214 and the curvature 216 between groove 214 and the centre of the lid. This allows for additional space inside a container when the lid is secured on the container. The curvature further allows the lid 70 to bear a greater force from above, i.e. force applied to the topside of the lid.
With reference to FIG. 5C, the topside of lid 80 also comprises the recess 218 at the centre of the lid. The recess 218 is such that an underside of a container may be stacked on top of the lid 80 (not shown). That is, the underside of the container cooperates with recess 218.
With reference to FIG. 5D, the lid only comprises the flange 220 at an end of the outermost external wall 202 of the peripheral channel 200. The flange 220 is to be used to aid in removing the lid 90 when fitted on a container. This is of particular use when the lid 90 is secured onto a container such that the outermost internal wall 204 is used to cooperatively fit on the container, such as the first container 104. That is, the flange 220 allows the lid 90 to be easily removed, i.e. through leverage.
In use, a user may have a stock of the first container 104, second container 106 and lid 102. The containers may be placed next to each other, for example, in a room. The user can put food inside a container and the lid 102 is used to secure the container. It may be that the user puts food inside a plurality of containers and secures the containers with a plurality of the lid 102. Accordingly, apparatus 100 is useful for takeaway or similar food vendors. The food placed in the container may be salad, or more generally food from a buffet. The user can fit the lid 102 on the container without thinking about which lid to use for their selection of container.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a first container with a first rim around a first opening;

a second container with a second rim around a second opening; and

a lid comprising at least a first and an opposite second side;

wherein the lid is configured to fit around the outside of the first rim of the first container and is configured to fit against the inside of the second rim of the second container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a peripheral channel forming a recess in the second side, wherein the peripheral channel has an innermost and outermost internal wall, the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is configured to grip around the outside of the rim of the first container when the second side of the lid is fitted to the opening of the first container, and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is configured to fit against and grip the inside of the rim of the second container when the second side of the lid is fitted to the opening of the second container.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel comprises a clipping formation configured to grip around the outside of the rim of the first container, wherein the clipping formation comprises a lip at a bottom portion of the outermost internal wall to clip around the outside of the rim of the first container.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, when the lid is fitted on the first container, the clipping formation is achieved by the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel being flush with the outside of the rim of the first container.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rim of the second container and the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel are configured to cooperate together when the lid is fitted onto the opening of the second container.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inside of the rim of the second container is slanted such that a bottom portion of the inside of the rim of the second container is further away from the centre of the container than a top portion of the inside of the rim of the second container, and wherein the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is slanted such that a bottom portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is further away from the centre of the lid than a top portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel, such that when the lid is fitted onto the opening of the second container the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel fits flush with the inside of the rim of the second container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a flange is located at an end of an external wall of the peripheral channel.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the peripheral channel is wider than the rim of the first and second containers, wherein the width of the peripheral channel is such that the outside of the rim of the second container is not in contact with the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel and the inside of the rim of the first container is not in contact with the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the lid comprises a groove between the innermost external wall of the peripheral channel and the centre of the lid, and the first container has an underside which is configured to cooperate with the groove on the first side of the lid.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the lid comprises a recess at the centre of the lid and the second container has an underside which is configured to cooperate with the recess of the lid.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first side of the lid comprises a recess at the centre of the lid and wherein the first side of the lid is configured to curve upwards between the groove and the recess.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first container is configured such that the side or sides of the first container extends beyond a bottom of the first container, and wherein the curvature of the first side of the lid between the groove and the recess is configured to fit into the underside of the first container between the side or sides and the bottom of the first container when the first container is fitted into the groove on the first side of the lid.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim 1, wherein the underside of the second container comprises a protruding channel around the centre of the second container configured to achieve a partial vacuum when the underside of the second container forms a cooperative fit with the lid.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container is compostable, the second container is made from plants, and the rim of the first container and the rim of the second container are circular.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a food retaining apparatus such that the first and second containers are food containers.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container, the second container and the lid are made from plants, and are circular with a diameter between 16 and 19 centimetres.

17. A lid comprising:

at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first and second sides are at opposite sides of the lid;

wherein the lid is configured to fit around the outside of a rim of a container and is configured to fit against the inside of a rim of a different container.

18. The lid of claim 17, wherein the lid comprises a peripheral channel on the second side of the lid, the peripheral channel having an outermost internal wall and an innermost internal wall, wherein the innermost internal wall is configured to engage with the rim of the container and the outermost internal wall is configured to engage with the rim of the different container.

19. The lid of claim 18, wherein the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is configured to have a clipping formation, wherein the clipping formation comprises a lip at the bottom portion of the outermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.

20. The lid of claim 18, wherein the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is slanted such that a bottom portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel is further away from the centre of the lid than a top portion of the innermost internal wall of the peripheral channel.

21. The lid of any one of claims 18, wherein the lid comprises a groove on the topside of the lid between the innermost external wall of the peripheral channel and the centre of the lid.

22. The lid of any one of claims 18, wherein the lid comprises a recess on the topside of the lid at the centre of the lid, and wherein the first side of the lid is configured to curve upwards between the groove and the recess.

23. The lid of any one of claims 18, wherein the lid is made from plants and is circular.

24. A method comprising:

providing the apparatus of claim 1;

selecting between the first and second containers;

putting food in the selected container;

closing the selected container with the lid to enclose the food.

25. A building comprising a room, wherein the room comprises the apparatus of claim 1, and food.