FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to containers, more particularly to containers having a snap fit closure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Reliable take-out containers are important to ensure that food, for example, is presented in a form that a restaurant or food service operation desires. Restaurants and other service providers commonly use containers having lids that mash onto a base, but such containers may come open if not closed properly and may result in potential spillage of its contents. Thus, a user is left to guess as to whether the container is closed.
Therefore, there is a need for a container that overcomes the disadvantages of these other containers and is easy to use for the user of the container. The container of the present invention addresses and overcomes these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In various aspects of the invention, a container having two parts and having a snap fit closure for holding contents therein is described herein.
In an aspect of the invention, tabs of a first part may be positioned so that the tabs are received in corresponding openings within a second part. Receipt of the tabs within the openings may assist in retaining the first part in a closed position relative to the second part and thereby provide a snap fit closure between the first part and the second part. In an aspect of the invention, the first part is a base and the second part is a lid. In another aspect of the invention, the first part is a lid and the second part is a base.
The first part and/or second part may comprise plastic, pulp, paper, fiber, metal or a combination of any of the above materials. The first part and/or second part may comprise renewable, compostable, and/or recycled material.
Thus, containers may be provided that are configured to lock the lid and base to form a secure fit between the lid and the base. For example, the lid may be a dome and the base may be a tray, among other configurations. The container may provide a secure fit between the lid and the base of the container when the container is in a closed state such that any leakage from the container may be minimized.
In an aspect of the invention, a container is provided for holding contents therein. The container comprises a first part and a second part. The first part comprises a trim extending outwardly along a perimeter of the first part, the first part also comprises a first tab extending outwardly from the trim at a first side of the first part and the first part also comprises a second tab extending outwardly from the trim at a second side of the first part. The second side of the first part is opposite to the first side of the first part. A second part comprises a rim extending around its perimeter, the second part defining a first opening at the rim at a first side of the second part, the second part defining a second opening at the rim at a second side of the second part. The second side of the second part is opposite to the first side of the second part. The first tab is configured to be received in the first opening and the second tab is configured to be received in the second opening thereby providing a snap fit closure between the first part and the second part. The first part may have any number of tabs. The second part may have any number of openings.
In an aspect of the invention, a container is provided for holding contents therein. The container comprises a base comprising a trim extending outwardly along a perimeter of the base. The base also comprises a first tab extending outwardly from the trim at a first side of the base, and the base also comprises a second tab extending outwardly from the trim at a second side of the base. The second side of the base is opposite to the first side of the base. The container also comprises a lid comprising a rim extending around its perimeter. The lid defines a first opening at the rim at a first side of the lid, and the lid defines a second opening at the rim at a second side of the lid. The second side of the lid is opposite to the first side of the lid. The first tab is configured to be received in the first opening, and the second tab is configured to be received in the second opening.
The base may comprise plastic, pulp, paper, fiber, metal or a combination of any of the above materials. The lid may comprise plastic, pulp, paper, fiber, metal or a combination of any of the above materials. The base and/or lid may comprise renewable, compostable, and/or recycled material.
The second tab may extend outwardly from the trim by a specified distance. In some instances, the second tab may be oversized relative to the second opening so that, when the second tab is received in the second opening, the second tab extends all the way through the second opening and past an outer surface of the rim of the lid.
In some aspects of the invention, the base may comprise a first plurality of tabs including the first tab extending outwardly from the trim at the first side of the base, the base may comprise a second plurality of tabs including the second tab extending outwardly from the trim at the second side of the base, the lid may define a first plurality of openings including the first opening at the rim at the first side of the lid, and the lid may define a second plurality of openings including the second opening at the rim at the second side of the lid.
In some aspects of the invention, the lid may have a rectangular shape. Furthermore, in others, the lid may have rounded corners. In some aspects of the invention, an opening may be positioned at one of the rounded corners.
In some aspects of the invention, the lid may define a third opening at the rim at a third side of the lid, the lid may define a fourth opening at the rim at a fourth side of the lid, the third side of the lid may be opposite to the fourth side of the lid, the base may comprise a third tab extending outwardly from the trim at a third side of the base, the base may comprise a fourth tab extending outwardly from the trim at a fourth side of the base, the fourth side of the base may be opposite to the third side of the base, the third tab may be configured to be received in the third opening, and the fourth tab may be configured to be received in the fourth opening.
In some aspects of the invention, the lid may have a third side with no openings defined at the third side, the lid may have a fourth side with no openings defined at the fourth side, the base may have a third side with no tabs defined at the third side, and the base may have a fourth side with no tabs defined at the fourth side. Furthermore, in some aspects of the invention, the lid may have two openings defined at the first side of the lid and one opening defined at the second side of the lid, and the base may comprise two tabs at the first side of the base and one tab at the second side of the base. The number of tabs and openings may vary on a given side of the lid or the base.
In some aspects of the invention, the container may be configured to form a seal or locking when in a closed state, with the container being in a closed state when the first tab is received in the first opening and when the second tab is received in the second opening. The seal or locking may be configured to reduce leakage of the material from the container. The container may be configured to hold food therein. Also, in some aspects of the invention, the base may comprise a first handle configured to be grasped to assist in separating the base from the lid.
In another aspect of the invention, a container is provided for holding contents therein. The container comprises a base comprising a rim extending around a perimeter of the base. The base defines a first opening at the rim at a first side of the base, the base defines a second opening at the rim at a second side of the base, and the second side of the base is opposite to the first side of the base. The container also comprises a lid comprising a trim extending outwardly along a perimeter of the lid. The lid comprises a first tab extending outwardly from the trim at a first side of the lid, and the lid also comprises a second tab extending outwardly from the trim at a second side of the lid. The second side of the lid is opposite to the first side of the lid. The first tab is configured to be received in the first opening, and the second tab is configured to be received in the second opening.
In another aspect of the invention, a container is provided for holding contents therein. The container comprises a lid comprising a rim extending around a perimeter of the lid. The lid defines a first opening at the rim at a first side of the lid, the lid defines a second opening at the rim at a second side of the lid, and the second side of the lid is opposite to the first side of the lid. The container also comprises a base comprising a trim extending outwardly along a perimeter of the base. The base also comprises a first tab extending outwardly from the trim at a first side of the base, and the base also comprises a second tab extending outwardly from the trim at a second side of the base, with the second side of the base being opposite to the first side of the base. The first tab is configured to be received in the first opening and the second tab is configured to be received in the second opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an example container with a lid having one opening on one side and having two openings on an opposite side and with a base having one tab on one side and having two tabs on an opposite side, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating the container of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 1C is a rear view illustrating the container of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 1D is a bottom view illustrating the container of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 1E is a bottom view illustrating an alternative container where openings are positioned at corners of the lid and tabs are positioned at corners of the base, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example base of a container, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating the base of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 2C is an enhanced view illustrating a tab on the base of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 2D is a side view illustrating the base of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an example lid of a container having one opening on one side and having two openings on an opposite side, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 3B is a top view illustrating the lid of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 3C is a front view illustrating the lid of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 3D is a side view illustrating the lid of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating an example container, with a lid and a base of the container separated from each other, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4B is a side view illustrating the container of FIG. 4A where some tabs on the base are positioned in openings within the lid, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4C is a perspective view illustrating the container of FIG. 4A where some tabs on the base are positioned in openings within the lid, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4D is a side view illustrating the container of FIG. 4A where some tabs on the base are positioned in openings within the lid and where a force is applied to close the container, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4E is a side view illustrating the container of FIG. 4A when the container is in a closed position, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 4F is a perspective view illustrating the container of FIG. 4A when the container is in a closed position, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating an example container with a lid having three openings on each side and with a base having three tabs on each side, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5B is an enhanced, perspective view illustrating an example tab positioned on a base of the container of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5C is a front view illustrating the container of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5D is an enhanced, front view illustrating a tab of the base extending through an opening within the lid of the container of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5E is a side view illustrating the container of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 5F is an enhanced, side view illustrating a tab of the base extending through an opening within the lid of the container of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6A is a bottom, perspective view illustrating the lid of FIG. 5A in isolation, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating the lid of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6C is a side view illustrating the lid of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6D is an enhanced, side view illustrating an opening within the lid of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6E is a front view illustrating the lid of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6F is a perspective view illustrating the lid of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6G is a bottom, perspective view illustrating an alternative lid in isolation that has tabs positioned on the lid, with the tabs extending inwardly from the rim of the lid, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 6H is a bottom, perspective view illustrating an alternative lid in isolation that has tabs positioned on the lid, with the tabs extending outwardly from an internal surface on the lid, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 7A is a top view illustrating the base of FIG. 5A in isolation, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 7B is a top view illustrating an alternative base of in isolation that has openings positioned on the base, with the openings positioned on the trim of the base, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 7C is a top view illustrating an alternative base of in isolation that has openings positioned on the base, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8A is a top view illustrating another example container with a lid having ten openings and with a base having ten tabs, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8B is a bottom, perspective view illustrating the container of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8C is a bottom view illustrating the base of the container of FIG. 8A in isolation, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8D is an enhanced, bottom view illustrating the base of FIG. 8C, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8E is a bottom, perspective view illustrating the lid of the container of FIG. 8A in isolation, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8F is a bottom view illustrating the lid of FIG. 8E, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8G is a front view illustrating the lid of FIG. 8E, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8H is a side view illustrating the lid of FIG. 8E, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein;
FIG. 8I is an enhanced, side view illustrating an opening within the lid of the container of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for assembling a container, in accordance with some aspects of the invention discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout. For example, reference number 100, 500, and 800 each refer to a container. Additionally, any connections or attachments may be direct or indirect connections or attachments unless specifically noted otherwise.
Further, the term “or” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural references, and the meaning of “in” may include “in,” “at,” and/or “on,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.
FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various views of a container 100, with FIG. 1A providing a perspective view, with FIGS. 1B and 1C providing different side view, and with FIG. 1D providing a bottom view. The container 100 comprises a lid 102 and a base 120. The base 120 is illustrated in isolation within FIGS. 2A-2C, and the lid 102 is illustrated in isolation in FIGS. 3A-3D.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2C, and 3A-3D, the lid 102 and the base 120 both comprise molded fiber material. However, the lid 102 and the base 120 may comprise other materials in other embodiments. For example, the lid 102 and/or the base 120 may comprise plastic material or some other material in other embodiments. In some aspects of the invention, the base and/or the lid may comprise plastic, pulp, paper, fiber, metal or a combination of any of the above materials. The base and/or the lid may comprise renewable, compostable, and/or recycled material. The base and/or the lid may comprise a renewable, compostable, or recycled material.
Details regarding the base 120 may be seen in FIGS. 2A-2D, which illustrate the base 120 in isolation. In these figures, FIG. 2A provides a perspective view, FIG. 2B provides a top view, and FIG. 2D provides a side view. The base 120 comprises a trim extending outwardly in a radial direction from the remainder of the base. The trim extends around four sides of the base 120. The trim comprises a first trim portion 124A on a first side, a second trim portion 124B on a second side, a third trim portion 124C on a third side, and a fourth trim portion 124D on a fourth side. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2C, the trim portions 124A-124D each generally extend within the same plane, but the trim portions 124A-124D may extend in other angles in other embodiments.
The base 120 generally comprises a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The base comprises a length A1 and a width B1. The length A1 and/or the width B1 may be different in other embodiments. The curvature at the corners may differ in various embodiments. For example, the curvature may be radial, parabolic, sinusoidal, etc., and the magnitude of curvature may differ in various embodiments.
Tabs are included at some of the trim portions to help facilitate attachment between the base 120 and the lid 102. The attachment between base 120 and lid 102 and the attachment between other bases and lids described herein may be snap fit closure attachments. No tabs are included at the first trim portion 124A or the third trim portion 124C. However, the second trim portion 124B comprises a tab 126A, with this tab 126A positioned proximate to the center of the second trim portion 124B. Furthermore, the fourth trim portion 124D comprises a tab 126B and a tab 126C, with these tabs 126B, 126C spaced apart from each other on the fourth trim portion 124D.
FIG. 2C is an enhanced view illustrating a tab 126A on the base 120 of FIG. 2A. The tab 126A extends out from the second trim portion 124B on the second side of the base 120. The tab 126A extends outwardly from the second trim portion 124B by a distance C1. The distance C1 may vary.
Details regarding the lid 102 may be seen in FIGS. 3A-3D, which illustrate the lid 102 in isolation. FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 3B illustrates a top view, and FIG. 3C illustrates a front view, and FIG. 3D illustrates a side view. The lid 102 comprises a rim with four sides. The rim comprises a first rim portion 104A on a first side, a second rim portion 104B on a second side, a third rim portion 104C (see FIG. 1D, 3A) on a third side, and a fourth rim portion 104D (see FIG. 1D, 3A) on a fourth side. No openings are included at the first rim portion 104A or the third rim portion 104C. However, an opening 106A is defined in the second rim portion 104B, with the opening 106A positioned proximate to the center of the second rim portion 104B. Furthermore, an opening 106B and an opening 106C are defined in the fourth rim portion 104D, with the openings 106B, 106C spaced apart from each other on the fourth rim portion 104D.
Openings 106A-106C and other openings in other embodiments described herein may be provided in various forms. The openings 106A-106C generally possess a rectangular shape with rounded corners. However, the openings 106A-106C and other openings described herein may be slots. The openings may have an oblong shape, a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, a polygonal shape, an asymmetrical shape, or other geometrical shapes.
The tabs 126A-126C and the openings 106A-106C may work together to at least temporarily attach the lid 102 to the base 120. The engagement between tabs 126A-126C and the openings 106A-106C is illustrated in FIG. 1D. To attach the lid 102 to the base 120, the tab 126A may be received in the opening 106A on one side for engagement. On the opposite side, the tab 126B may be received in opening 106B and the tab 126C may be received in opening 106C. In some aspects of the invention, once each of the tabs 126A-126C are received in the openings 106A-106C, the trim portions 124A-124D may abut the rim portions 104A-104D to form an effective seal between the lid 102 and the base 120, minimizing the risk of leakage of contents from the container 100.
The lid 102 may be easily assembled to the base 120. FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate the lid 102 being assembled to the base 120. The lid 102 and the base 120 are first provided, and the lid 102 and the base 120 may be aligned in the Z-direction. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, forces F1, F2 may be applied to assist in moving the fourth rim portion 104D towards the fourth trim portion 124D and in moving the tabs 126B, 126C into the openings 106B, 106C. By positioning the tabs 126B, 126C in the openings 106B, 106C, the position of the lid 102 relative to the base 120 may be partially controlled, with the fourth trim portion 124D remaining proximate to the fourth rim portion 104D due to the receipt of the tabs 126B, 126C in the openings 106B, 106C.
Once the tabs 126B, 126C are received in the openings 106B, 106C, the opposite side of the lid 102 may be shifted towards the base 120 as illustrated in FIGS. 4D-4E. This may be accomplished by applying a force F3 on the lid 102 and/or by applying forces F4, F5 at the base 120 as illustrated. The second side of the lid 102 may be shifted towards the base 120 until the second trim portion 124B is positioned proximate to the second rim portion 104B. Once the second trim portion 124B is properly positioned, the tab 126A may shift into the opening 106A as illustrated in FIGS. 4E and 4F.
In some embodiments, the container may be provided with tabs and openings at some or all of the corners. An example of this is illustrated in the container 100′ of FIG. 1E. This container 100′ includes a lid 102′ and a base 120′. The lid 102′ includes a rim with four sides. The rim comprises a first rim portion 104A′ on a first side, a second rim portion 104B′ on a second side, a third rim portion 104C′ on a third side, and a fourth rim portion 104D′ on a fourth side. No openings are included at the first rim portion 104A′ or the third rim portion 104C′. However, an opening 106A′ is defined in the second rim portion 104B′, with the opening 106A′ positioned proximate to the center of the second rim portion 104B′. Furthermore, an opening 106B′ and an opening 106C′ are defined in the fourth rim portion 104D′, with the openings 106B′, 106C′ spaced apart from each other on the fourth rim portion 104D′.
The lid 102′ includes a first corner opening 107A′ between the fourth rim portion 104D′ and the first rim portion 104A′, a second corner opening 107B′ between the first rim portion 104A′ and the second rim portion 104B′, a third corner opening 107C′ between the second rim portion 104B′ and the third rim portion 104C′, and a fourth corner opening 107D′ between the third rim portion 104C′ and the fourth rim portion 104D′. The base 120′ includes a first corner tab 127A′ between the fourth trim portion 124D′ and the first trim portion 124A′, a second corner tab 127B′ between the first trim portion 124A′ and the second trim portion 124B′, a third corner tab 127C′ between the second trim portion 124B′ and the third trim portion 124C′, and a fourth corner tab 127D′ between the third trim portion 124C′ and the fourth trim portion 124D′. The first corner tab 127A′ may be received in the first corner opening 107A′, the second corner tab 127B′ may be received in the second corner opening 107B′, the third corner tab 127C′ may be received in the third corner opening 107C′, and the fourth corner tab 127D′ may be received in the fourth corner opening 107D′. While corner tabs and corner openings are included at each of the corners, some corner tabs and corner openings may be omitted from some or all of the corners in other embodiments.
Other containers are also contemplated. One example container 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5F, with this container 500 comprising a lid 502 and a base 520. The lid 502 of the container 500 is illustrated in isolation in FIGS. 6A-6F. Additionally, the base 520 of the container 500 is illustrated in isolation in FIG. 7A.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B and in FIG. 6F, the lid 502 comprises a rim with a first rim portion 504A on a first side, a second rim portion 504B on a second side, a third rim portion 504C on a third side, and a fourth rim portion 504D on a fourth side. Three openings are positioned on each of the rim portions 504A-504D-openings 506A-506C are positioned at the first rim portion 504A, openings 506D-506F are positioned at the second rim portion 504B, openings 506G-506I are positioned at the third rim portion 504C, and openings 506J-506L are positioned at the fourth rim portion 504D.
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the lid 502 generally comprises a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The lid 502 comprises a length A2 and a width B2. The length A2 and/or the width B2 may vary.
In FIG. 6C, a side view is illustrated where the fourth rim portion 504D is visible. The center of opening 506J and the center of opening 506L are each positioned a distance D1 from the extreme edges of the lid 502. The centers of the openings 506J, 506L are separated by a distance D2. Additionally, the opening 506K is positioned proximate to the center of the fourth rim portion 504D. The distances D1, D2 may vary.
In FIG. 6D, an enhanced view of the opening 506J is illustrated. The opening 506J defines a width E1 and a length E2, and the opening 506J is separated from the edge of the fourth rim portion 504D by a distance E3. The width E1, the length E2, and the distance E3 may vary.
In FIG. 6E, a front view of the lid 502 is illustrated where the first rim portion 504A is visible. The center opening 506A and the center opening 506C are each positioned a distance D3 from the extreme edges of the lid 502. The center of the opening 506A is separated from the center of the opening 506B by a distance D4, and the center of the opening 506B is separated from the center of the opening 506C by a distance D5. The distance D4 and the distance D5 may vary. Additionally, the lid 502 may define a cross-sectional thickness D6. In some embodiments, the material for the base may have a similar cross-sectional thickness. In some embodiments, a lid and base may both maintain a uniform thickness throughout, but the lid and base may have variable thicknesses in some embodiments (e.g., to provide increased strength at certain locations). The lid 502 also defines a height D7. Values of D3-D7 may vary. While the first rim portion 504A and the openings 506A-506C are illustrated in FIG. 6E, the third rim portion 504C and the openings 506G-506I may possess similar dimensions.
As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the base 520 comprises a trim with a first trim portion 524A on a first side, a second trim portion 524B on a second side, a third trim portion 524C on a third side, and a fourth trim portion 524D on a fourth side. Tabs 526A-526L are positioned around the perimeter of the trim, and each of the trim portions 524A-524D comprise three tabs. The first trim portion 524A comprises tabs 526A-526C, the second trim portion 524B comprises tabs 526D-526F, the third trim portion 524C comprises tabs 526G-526I, and the fourth trim portion 524D comprises tabs 526J-526L.
Additionally, the base 520 comprises handles 528A, 528B extending outwardly from the trim, with the handle 528A positioned between the first trim portion 524A and the second trim portion 524B and with the handle 528B positioned between the third trim portion 524C and the fourth trim portion 524D. The handles 528A, 528B may be configured to aid the user in attaching and/or disengaging the base 520 and the lid 502. For example, when the lid 502 is attached to the base 520 so that tabs 526A-526L of the base 520 are received within the openings 506A-506L, a user may grasp the handle 528A or the handle 528B to urge the base 520 and the lid 502 apart from each other. In some aspects of the invention, handles may additionally or alternatively be positioned on a lid.
In FIGS. 5A-5F, the container 500 is illustrated with the lid 502 of FIGS. 6A-6F and the base 520 of FIG. 7A. Looking first at FIG. 5A, the receipt of certain tabs within openings of the lid is visible. For example, on a first side of the container 500, the tab 526A is received within the opening 506A, the tab 526B is received within the opening 506B, and the tab 526C is received within the opening 506C. The receipt of tabs 526A-526C within the openings 506A-506C is also visible in FIG. 5C. On a second side of the container 500, the tab 526D is received within the opening 506D, the tab 526E is received within the opening 506E, and the tab 526F is received within the opening 506F. The receipt of tabs 526D-526F within the openings 506D-506F is also visible in FIG. 5E. While not visible in FIG. 5A, the tabs 526G-526I may be received within openings 506G-506I on the third side of the container 500, and the tabs 526J-526L may be received within openings 506J-506L on the fourth side of the container 500.
The handle 528A is also illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C. This handle 528A may extend underneath the rim of the lid 502, and a force may be applied at the handle 528A by grasping the handle to separate the lid 502 and the base 520. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the handle 528B may also extend underneath the rim of the lid 502, and the handle 528B may be used in a manner similar to the handle 528A.
FIG. 5D is an enhanced, front view illustrating a tab 526D of the base 520 extending through an opening 506D within the lid 502 of the container 500 of FIG. 5A. The opening 506D is positioned at the second side and at a second rim portion 504B of the lid 502. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, the tab 526D extends past the exterior surface of the second rim portion 504B by a distance C2. The distance C2 may vary. FIGS. 5E-5F also illustrate an enhanced, side view of a tab 526E extending through an opening 506E. Other tabs may extend through openings in a similar manner.
In some embodiments, tabs may be positioned on the lid, openings may be positioned on the base, and the tabs may be received in the openings to close a container. Examples of lids having tabs are illustrated in FIGS. 6G and 6H, and two examples of bases having openings are illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C.
As illustrated in FIG. 6G, the lid 502′ comprises a trim comprising a first trim portion 504A′, a second trim portion 504B′, a third trim portion 504C′, and a fourth trim portion 504D′. Tabs are positioned on the inwardly facing surfaces 533′ of the trim portions 504A′-504D′, and the tabs extend inwardly towards the center of the lid 502′. For example, tabs 526G′, 526H′, and 526I′ are positioned at the third trim portion 504C′, and tabs 526J′, 526K′, and 526L′ are positioned at the fourth trim portion 504D′. Additional tabs can be positioned similarly at the first trim portion 504A′ and the second trim portion 504B′, with three tabs on each of these trim portions. While three tabs are included on each of the trim portions 504A′-504D′ in the lid 502′, a different number of tabs may be included on the trim portions in other embodiments.
The lid 502′ of FIG. 6G may be configured to be attached to the base 520′ of FIG. 7B, with tabs of the lid 502′ received in corresponding openings on the base 520′. The base 520′ comprises a first rim portion 524A′, a second rim portion 524B′, a third rim portion 524C′, and a fourth rim portion 524D′. Openings are positioned on each of the rim portions 524A′-524D′. Openings 506A′-506C′ are positioned on the first rim portion 524A′, openings 506D′-506F′ are positioned on the second rim portion 524B′, openings 506G′-506I′ are positioned on the third rim portion 524C′, and openings 506J′-506L′ are positioned on the fourth rim portion 524D′. While three openings are positioned on each of the rim portions 524A′-524D′, a different number of openings may be included on the various rim portions in other embodiments. Openings may be positioned on each of the rim portions so that tabs of the lid 502′ may be easily received within the openings of the base 520′.
An alternative lid 502″ is illustrated in FIG. 6H. The lid 502″ comprises a trim comprising a first trim portion 504A″, a second trim portion 504B″, a third trim portion 504C″, and a fourth trim portion 504D″. Tabs are positioned on the surfaces 535″ of the base 502″, with the surfaces 535″ being positioned inwardly from the trim portions 504A″-504D″, and the tabs extend outwardly away from the center of the lid 502″. For example, tabs 526A″, 526B″, and 526C″ are positioned proximate to the first trim portion 504A″, and tabs 526D″, 526E″, and 526F″ are positioned proximate to the second trim portion 504B″. Additional tabs can be positioned similarly proximate to the third trim portion 504C″ and the fourth trim portion 504D″, with three tabs positioned proximate to both of these trim portions. While three tabs are positioned proximate to each of the trim portions 504A″-504D″ in the lid 502″, a different number of tabs may be included on the trim portions in other embodiments.
The lid 502″ of FIG. 6H may be configured to be attached to the base 520″ of FIG. 7C, with tabs of the lid 502″ received in corresponding openings on the base 520″. The base 520″ comprises a first rim portion 524A″, a second rim portion 524B″, a third rim portion 524C″, and a fourth rim portion 524D″. Openings are positioned on each of the rim portions 524A″-524D″. Openings 506A″-506C″ are positioned on the first rim portion 524A″, openings 506D″-506F″ are positioned on the second rim portion 524B″, openings 506G″-506I″ are positioned on the third rim portion 524C″, and openings 506J″-506L″ are positioned on the fourth rim portion 524D″. While three openings are positioned on each of the rim portions 524A″-524D″, a different number of openings may be included on the various rim portions in other embodiments. Openings may be positioned on each of the rim portions so that the tabs of the lid 502″ may be easily received within the openings of the base 520″.
In other embodiments, tabs or openings may be positioned on each side of the base and the lid respectively, with a different number of tabs and openings on the sides. An example of such a container 800 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B. This container 800 comprises a lid 802, which is also illustrated in isolation in FIGS. 8E and 8F. The lid 802 comprises a rim with a first rim portion 804A on a first side, a second rim portion 804B on a second side, a third rim portion 804C on a third side, and a fourth rim portion 804D on a fourth side. Openings are positioned on each of the rim portions—openings 806A-806C are positioned on the first rim portion 804A, openings 806D, 806E are positioned on the second rim portion 804B, openings 806F-806H are positioned on the third rim portion 804C, and openings 8061, 806J are positioned on the fourth rim portion 804D.
The lid 802 generally comprises a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The lid 802 comprises a length A3 and a width B3. The length A3 and the width B3 may vary.
The container 800 also comprises a base 820, which is illustrated in isolation in FIG. 8C. The base 820 includes a trim with a first trim portion 824A, a second trim portion 824B, a third trim portion 824C, and a fourth trim portion 824D. Tabs are positioned on each of the trim portions—tabs 826A-826C are positioned on the first trim portion 824A, openings 826D, 826E are positioned on the second trim portion 824B, openings 826F-826H are positioned on the third trim portion 824C, and openings 8261, 826J are positioned on the fourth trim portion 824D.
The base 820 also includes a handle 828A and a handle 828B. The handle 828A is positioned between the first rim portion 804A and the second rim portion 804B. The handle 828B is positioned between the third rim portion 804C and the fourth rim portion. The handle 828A may extend underneath the rim of the lid 802, and a force may be applied at the handle 828A by grasping the handle to separate the lid 802 and the base 820. The handle 828B may also extend underneath the rim of the lid 802, and the handle 828B may be used in a manner similar to the handle 828A.
FIG. 8D is an enhanced view illustrating a tab 826F on the base 820 of FIG. 8D. The tab 826F extends out from the third trim portion 824C on the third side of the base 820. The tab 826F extends a length C3 along the third trim portion 824C. The length C3 and the distance C4 may vary.
FIG. 8G is a front view of the lid 802 where the first rim portion 804A is visible. The center of opening 806C is separated from an extreme edge of the lid 802 (e.g., on the far left in FIG. 8G) by a distance G1. The distance G1 may vary. The center of opening 806B is separated from the center of opening 806C by a distance G2. The center of opening 806A is also separated from the center of opening 806B by a distance G3. The center of opening 806A may also be separated from an extreme edge of the lid 802 (e.g., on the far right in FIG. 8B) by a distance equal to the distance G1. The material that forms the lid 802 may define a thickness G4. The thickness G4 may vary. The lid 802 may also define a height G5 which may vary.
In FIG. 8H, a side view is illustrated where the second rim portion 804B is visible. A center of the opening 806D is separated from an extreme edge of the lid 802 by a distance G6, and a center of the opening 806D is separated from the opposite extreme edge of the lid 802 by the same distance G6. The center of the opening 806E is also separated from the center of the opening 806D by a distance G7. The distances G6 and G7 may vary.
In FIG. 8I, an enhanced view of the opening 806E is illustrated. The opening 806E defines a width G8 and a length G9, and the opening 806E is separated from the extreme edge of the second rim portion 804B by a distance G10. The distances G8-G10 may vary.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 900 for assembling a container. At operation 902, the base and the lid are aligned. The base and the lid may be aligned by positioning the lid relative to the base so that the sides of the lid are proximate to corresponding sides of the base.
At operation 904, tabs are moved into openings on one side of the lid. By doing so, the position of the lid relative to the base may generally be fixed at the side of the lid where tabs have been inserted, but the opposite side of the lid may be free to rotate.
At operation 906, the opposite side of the lid is pushed down towards the base. This opposite side of the lid may be pushed down until tabs on the opposite side of the lid are received in openings on the opposite side. To the extent tabs are present on all four sides of the base and to the extent that openings are present on all four sides of the lid, the opposite side of the lid may be pushed down until all tabs in the base have been received within a corresponding opening in the lid.
At operation 908, a user may ensure that the tabs are received in each of the openings. For example, the user may ensure that tabs are received in the openings by visually inspecting the openings, or a user may ensure that tabs are engagingly received in the openings by feeling the openings to confirm that tabs have been properly received therein.
The method 900 is merely provided as an example. Various operations of the method 900 may be performed in different orders. In some embodiments, some operations may be performed simultaneously—for example, operation 906 and operation 908 may partially overlap. In some embodiments, certain operations may be added to the method 900. Additionally, some of the operations may be omitted from the method 900 in some embodiments.
Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Patent Application
20250121988
