POPCORN LID

Abstract

A popcorn container lid can include a concave upper surface that is connected to a side wall surface. The sidewall surface extends from the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The rim interface can include a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. Additionally, the rim interface can comprise an air channel extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid. The air channel can comprise a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage with a lip of the popcorn container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a lid for a popcorn container.

2. Background and Relevant Technology

In many movie theaters, sporting events, fairs, and other entertainment events, popcorn is provided as a snack item. Oftentimes, the popcorn is provided in a large popcorn bucket that is purchased from a concession stand. In some circumstances, condiments are available to be placed on the popcorn, either by a salesperson or by a customer. For example, a common condiment for popcorn is melted butter.

Generally, the butter is poured or drizzled onto the popcorn, which has been placed in a bucket. One will appreciate, however, that applying butter, or other seasoning, in this way can create an uneven distribution of the butter throughout the popcorn. In particular, the butter can oversaturate the top layers of popcorn, while leaving the lower layers of popcorn under seasoned. Accordingly, a customer may desire to spread the butter or seasoning throughout the entire container of popcorn by shaking or stirring the popcorn. One will understand, however, that difficult that can be involved in shaking or stirring a full bucket of popcorn without spilling popcorn.

In addition to problems relating to the distribution of butter, and other seasonings, throughout popcorn, another frequent difficulty relates to spilled popcorn. In many places where popcorn is sold there is a high amount of human traffic. This traffic can increase the likelihood of a bucket of popcorn being bumped, and can make it more difficult to clean up spilled popcorn. In particular, the spilled popcorn may remain on the floor until the event has ended and customers have left. During this time the popcorn may be stepped on and ground into the carpet creating a more difficult mess to clean and potentially creating stains.

Accordingly, there are a number of problems in the art relating to the purchase and transportation of popcorn buckets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention overcome one or more problems in the art with apparatuses and methods directed towards a popcorn container lid. In particular, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes an air vent that allows moisture to exit the lid. Additionally, at least one embodiment comprises a handle disposed on an upper surface of the lid. The handle may allow lids to be individually retrievable from a dispenser.

As an example, an apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of a popcorn container lid can include a concave upper surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid. The concave upper surface can connect to a side wall surface that extends from the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The rim interface can include a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The semi-circular channel can be configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container. Additionally, the rim interface can comprise an air channel extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid. The air channel can comprise a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container, as such the air channel can connect the interior of the popcorn container lid with air outside of the popcorn container lid.

In an additional or alternative example, a method in accordance with at least one embodiment for creating a popcorn container lid comprises creating within a mold a popcorn container lid. The popcorn container lid can comprise a concave surface defining a portion of a popcorn container lid. The concave surface can connect to a rim interface that includes a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The semi-circular channel can be configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container. The rim interface can comprise an air vent extending from an interior of the popcorn container lid to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid. The air vent can include a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container. The air vent can be fully formed by the mold, such that it does not need to be cut out after the molding process.

In another embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a concave upper surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid. The concave upper surface can connect to a side wall surface that extends from the concave upper surface to a skirt disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The skirt can comprise one or more popcorn container lid interfaces extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The one or more popcorn container lid interfaces can be configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container. Additionally, the skirt can comprise an air vent formed within a continuous portion of a surface of the popcorn container lid.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a popcorn container lid of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of a popcorn container lid depicted in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a popcorn container lid of the present invention attached to a popcorn container;

FIG. 4A illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid and popcorn container being shaken;

FIG. 4B illustrates another depiction of the popcorn container lid and popcorn container from FIG. 4A being shaken;

FIG. 5 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of an air vent disposed within a portion of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid;

FIG. 6 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a dispenser of popcorn container lids

FIG. 7 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid comprising reinforcement ridges;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a popcorn lid;

FIG. 9 depicts an upper plan view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 depicts a bottom plan view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 depicts another side view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 depicts yet another side view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 14 depicts still another side view of the popcorn lid of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Implementations of the present invention extend to apparatuses and methods directed towards a popcorn container lid. In particular, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes an air vent that allows moisture to exit the lid. Additionally, at least one embodiment comprises a handle disposed on an upper surface of the lid. The handle may allow lids to be individually retrievable from a dispenser.

For example, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the popcorn container lid can comprise a vent that is completely formed during a molding process. Specifically, the air vent can be formed without requiring any additional cutting or stamping after the molding process has been completed. This can be accomplished by creating an air vent that is continuous with the surface of the popcorn container lid. One will understand that the ability to create an air vent without having to perform additional operations after the molding process can result in significant reduction in the cost of manufacturing the popcorn container lids.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the present invention can also include a handle disposed on the surface of the popcorn container lid. The handle can provide an easy gripping surface for handling the popcorn container lid, and also for removing an individual popcorn container lid from a dispenser. Not providing a gripping surface, such as a handle, can make it difficult to pull a popcorn container lid from a dispenser that has been tightly packed to eliminate excess space. This can be particularly troublesome because in many concession stands where popcorn is sold, space is at a premium. As such, providing a popcorn container lid that can easily be stored within a dispenser and quickly accessed can provide significant benefits to individuals working within concession stands.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid 100 of the present invention. The popcorn lid 100 can include a concave upper surface 120 defining a top of a popcorn container lid 100. In at least one implementation the concave upper surface 120 comprises a domed shape. In other embodiments, however, the concave upper surface 100 can comprise a flat upper surface. The concave upper surface 120 can connect to a side wall surface 130 that extends from the concave upper surface 100 to a rim interface 140 disposed near the bottom of the popcorn container lid 100. The side wall surface 130 can comprise a rounded and sloped surface, a flat slanted surface, a flat vertical surface, or some other surface configuration connecting the concave upper surface 120 to the rim interface 140.

The popcorn lid 100 can comprise dimensions such that the side wall 130, which is measured from the top of the rim interface 140 to the point where the side wall 130 and the concave upper surface 120 meet, is between 1 cm and 8 cm tall, between 2 cm and 7 cm tall, between 3 cm and 6 cm tall, or between 4 cm and 5 cm tall. Additionally, the popcorn lid 100 can comprises a diameter that is between20 cm and 27 cm in length, between 21 cm and 26 cm in length, between 22 cm and 25 cm in length, or between 23 cm and 24 cm in length.

FIG. 1 also depicts a handle 110 integrated into the concave upper surface 120 of the popcorn container lid 100. In the depicted embodiment, the handle 110 can comprise a first indent portion 114 that projects into the concave upper surface 120 of the popcorn container lid 100, and a second indent portion 116 that similarly projects into the concave upper surface 120 of the popcorn container lid 100. In at least one embodiment, the first indent portion 114 and the second indent portion 116 both project into the concave upper surface a depth of between 0.1 cm to 1 cm in depth. In addition, the first indent portion 114 and the second indent portion 116 can be separated by a handle ridge 112. Similar to the air channel 144, in at least one embodiment, the handle 110 can be completely formed within the same mold that forms the popcorn container lid 100.

In various embodiments, the dimensions of the handle 110 can vary based upon design decisions. For example, in at least one embodiment, the handle ridge 112 can be at least equal in height with the highest point of the concave upper surface 120. Specifically, in at least one embodiment the handle ridge 112 can align with the slope and shape of the concave upper surface 120. In another embodiment, the handle ridge 112 can protrude from the concave upper surface 120 such that a portion of the handle 110 sits above the concave upper surface 120. In particular, in at least one embodiment, the highest point of the handle 112 can extend 1 cm to 2 cm above the highest point of the concave upper surface 120.

In at least one embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100 can also comprise a rim interface 140 that includes a semi-circular channel 142 extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid 100. The semi-circular channel 142 can be shaped and configured to engage with a lip (not shown) on a popcorn container (not shown). Specifically, the semi-circular channel 142 can be shaped and configured to engage with the lips of a plurality of different popcorn container sizes. In at least one implementation, the rim interface 140 can comprise additional or alternate connection interfaces from the semi-circular channel 142 described.

The rim interface 140 can also comprise an air channel 144 extending from the side wall surface 130 to a lower portion of the rim interface 140. The air channel 144 can comprise a portion of the rim interface 140 that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container. As depicted, the air channel 144 can be created out of a continuous portion of the popcorn container lid 100 surface. Specifically, the air channel 144 can be created such that no additional cutting or stamping is required. Accordingly, the depicted air channel 144 can be completely formed within the same mold the forms the popcorn container lid 100.

The air channel 144 can help limit the amount of condensation that builds up within a popcorn container and popcorn container lid 100 by allowing moist air to vent out of the air channel 144. The air channels 144 can be equally spaced around the rim interface 140. In at least one embodiment, the popcorn lid 100 can comprise a single air channel 144, two air channels 144, three air channels 144, four air channels 144, or a greater number of air channels, but not so many that the rim interface 140 is no longer able to securely grip a lip of a popcorn bucket.

FIG. 2A depicts another embodiment of a popcorn container lid 100 of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100 is constructed of a transparent material, such as plastic. A transparent material popcorn container lid 100 may be desirable for both marketing purposes and for convenience. In particular, a transparent material can allow workers to easily identify whether a popcorn bucket including a popcorn container lid 100 has already been filled with popcorn. Additionally, a transparent popcorn container lid 100 can serve a marketing function by clearly displaying the popcorn to customers.

The illustrated embodiment also depicts a rim interface 140 that comprises interface nubs 146. The interface nubs 146 can include portions of the rim interface 140 that are indented such that the indented portions fit below a lip of the popcorn container. In at least one embodiment, the rim interface 140 can include both the interface nubs 146 and the semi-circular channel 142, while in alternate embodiments the interface rim 140 can only one of the interface nubs 146 or the semi-circular channel 142.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the embodiment of a popcorn container lid depicted in FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2B depicts a side view of embodiments of the first indent portion 114, the second indent portion 116, and the handle ridge 112. As depicted, the first indent portion 114 and the second indent portion 116 are shown extending into an interior volume of the popcorn container lid 100.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a popcorn container lid 100 attached to a popcorn container 300 full of popcorn 310. As shown in the depiction, the rim interface 140 comprises an air channel 142 that vents the interior of the popcorn container 300 and popcorn container lid 100. The depicted popcorn container lid 100 also includes an embedded handle 110 disposed on a top of the popcorn container lid 100.

In at least one embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100 fits onto the popcorn container 300 tightly enough that the popcorn container 300 can be shaken without the popcorn container lid 100 being dislodged. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the popcorn container 300 and popcorn container lid 100 of FIG. 3 being shaken. One will understand that shaking popcorn container 300 can agitate the popcorn 300 in a way that encourages the distribution of butter and/or seasonings throughout the popcorn 310 that is disposed within the popcorn bucket 300. Additionally, one will understand that shaking a popcorn container 300 with a user's hands 400 as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B would be difficult and messy without a popcorn container lid 100 placed on the popcorn container 300.

As mentioned above, in at least one embodiment the popcorn container lid 100 can also comprise an air channel 142. For example, FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an air channel 142 disposed within rim interface 140 on a popcorn container lid 100. In the depicted embodiment, the air channel 142 comprises a portion of the popcorn container lid 100 that protrudes over a lip of a popcorn container 300. For example, the air channel 142 can appear to be a bump in the surface of the popcorn container lid 100.

In at least one implementation, it can provide significant benefit to create an air channel as described. In particular, it can lower manufacturing costs to create an air channel that does not require additional post-molding work. For example, alternate embodiments of the present invention can use air channels 142 that require slits or holes to be cut into the surface of the popcorn container lid 100. In at least some implementations, the additional actions of cutting or trimming the air channel 142 can significantly increase the per unit cost of the popcorn lids 100.

Also, providing an air channel 142 as described and shown can provide an additional benefit of maintaining the integrity of the popcorn container lid 100. For example, in some embodiments, users of the popcorn container lid 100 may desire to split the popcorn 310 between the popcorn container 300 and the inverted popcorn container lid 100 (i.e., using the popcorn container lid 100 as a bowl). This may make sharing a single container of popcorn much more enjoyable between a large group of individuals—for example, a large group of individuals spread down a movie theater row. Placing slits or holes in the top of the popcorn container lid 100 may make this use significantly less desirable because the slits and/or holes may allow butter and oil to drain out of the popcorn 310 and drip on the user's clothes. One will understand that because the embodiment of an air channel 142 described is continuous with the surface of the popcorn lid 100 no butter or oils would leak from the air channel 142.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a dispenser 600 containing a group of popcorn container lids 100. As depicted, the popcorn container lids 100 are stacked within a tightly fitting box, and are accessible from an open top. The dispenser 600 can be placed on a counter, under a counter, or in some other accessible location where popcorn container lids 100 can quickly and easily be accessed. One will understand that the handle 110 on the top of the popcorn container lids 100 will allow an individual to easily withdraw a single lid from the dispenser 600. In contrast, a popcorn container lid 100 without a handle may be significantly more difficult to withdraw from a dispenser 600.

In other embodiments, the dispenser 600 can be configured to allow a user to withdraw the popcorn container lids 100 from the bottom of the dispenser 600. Additionally, the dispenser can be configured to easily attach to a wall or counter such that the dispenser 600 will not be easily overturned and, yet, will remain readily accessible to customers or employees. Also, in alternate embodiments, the dispenser 600 can be circular, hexagonal, or some other shape that securely holds the popcorn container lids 100 within the dispenser 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a popcorn container lid comprising reinforcement ridges 700. The reinforcement ridge 700 may comprise an area of thick plastic or a ridge running across the popcorn container lid 100. The reinforcement ridge 700 can provide additional strength and support to the surface of the lid 100.

FIGS. 8-14 depict various views of another embodiment of a popcorn lid 100. In this particular embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100 comprises reinforcement channels 800 that extend across the top of the popcorn container lid 100 and border the handle 110. More specifically, two different reinforcement channels 800 each respectively form a portion of the first indent portion 114 and the second indent portion 116, which are separated by a handle ridge 112. As shown, the reinforcement ridge 800 can add additional support and structure to the popcorn container lid 100. One will appreciate that at least some of the depicted features of the popcorn lid can comprise physical ornamentation. Additionally, one will appreciate that the various depicted features can vary in size, location, and presence and still remain within the embodiments described herein.

Accordingly, methods and apparatus are provided which are directed towards the creation and structure of popcorn container lids 100. The popcorn container lids 100 provide several benefits including, but not limited to, allowing customers to shake their popcorn and distribute butter and seasonings more uniformly, lessening clean up costs by decreasing the amount of spilled popcorn, and allowing user to more easily share popcorn by using the popcorn container lid 100 as a bowl.

The concepts and features described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or descriptive characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A popcorn container lid, the lid comprising: a concave upper surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid, the concave upper surface connecting to a side wall surface;the side wall surface extending from the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid;the rim interface comprising a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular channel configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container; andthe rim interface comprising an air channel extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid, the air channel comprising a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container, wherein the air channel is configured to connect the interior of the popcorn container lid with air outside of the popcorn container lid.

2. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a handle integrated into a surface of the popcorn container lid.

3. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a popcorn container lid receptacle, wherein the popcorn container lid receptacle comprises a plurality of popcorn container lids stacked on top of each other; andwherein the handle of each respective popcorn container lid is configured to allow one popcorn container lid to be removed from the receptacle at a time.

4. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 3, wherein the popcorn container lid receptacle comprises a box having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the popcorn container lid.

5. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, wherein the handle is integrated into the concave upper surface.

6. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, wherein the handle comprises: a first indent portion that extends into the popcorn container lid from an outer portion of the surface of the popcorn container lida second indent portion that extends into the popcorn container lid from an outer portion of the surface of the popcorn container lid; andwherein the first indent portion and the second indent portion are separated by a handle ridge.

7. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 6, wherein the handle ridge is at least equal height with the highest point of the concave upper surface

8. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 7, wherein the handle ridge protrudes from the concave upper surface.

9. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 6, wherein the handle ridge comprises a width extending from the first indent portion to the second indent portion.

10. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 9, wherein the width of the handle ridge is defined by a first strength feature disposed on a border between the handle ridge and the first indent portion and a second strength feature disposed on a border between the handle ridge and the second indent portion, wherein the first strength feature and the second strength feature are configured to increase the rigidity of at least a portion of the popcorn container lid.

11. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the first strength feature and the second strength feature both extend across the concave upper surface.

12. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the first strength feature and the second strength feature comprise a first ridge and a second ridge, respectively, both of which protrude from a surface of the popcorn container lid.

13. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the first strength feature and the second strength feature comprise a first channel and a second channel, respectively, both of which protrude into a surface of the popcorn container lid.

14. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, wherein the concave upper surface and the side wall surface comprise the same radius of curvature.

15. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, wherein the concave upper surface comprises a smaller radius of curvature than the side wall surface.

16. A method for creating a popcorn container lid, the method comprising: creating within a mold a popcorn container lid, the popcorn container lid comprising: a concave surface defining a portion of a popcorn container lid, the concave surface connecting to a rim interface;the rim interface comprising a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular channel configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container; andthe rim interface comprising an air vent extending from an interior of the popcorn container lid to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid, the air vent comprising a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container; andfully forming the air vent within the mold.

17. A popcorn container lid, the lid comprising: a concave upper surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid, the concave upper surface connecting to a side wall surface;the side wall surface extending from the concave upper surface to a skirt disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid;the skirt comprising one or more popcorn container lid interfaces extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the one or more popcorn container lid interfaces are configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container; andthe skirt comprising an air vent formed within a continuous portion of a surface of the popcorn container lid.

18. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more popcorn container lid interfaces comprise one or more nubs that are configured to expand over the lip of the popcorn container and contract to a resting point with the one or more nubs positioned below the lip of the popcorn container.

19. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more popcorn container lid interfaces comprise a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular channel configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container

20. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, further comprising a handle integrated into the concave upper surface, wherein the handle is formed within a continuous portion of a surface of the popcorn lid container.