Storage and Cooking Vessel

Abstract

A storage and cooking vessel has a bowl and a lid. The bowl has an interior, and upper and lower ribs that protrude from an outer surface of the bowl adjacent to a top edge of the bowl. The upper rib is spaced apart from the lower rib by a fixed distance with a groove between the ribs. The lid is elastomer and has a downward extending flange having an inner surface and an outer surface. The flange has upper and lower ribs projecting outward from the inner surface with a groove between the ribs. The lid is connectable with the bowl in a first configuration where the lid upper rib is disposed within the groove between the bowl upper and lower ribs, and a second configuration where the lid upper rib is disposed above the bowl upper rib.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to an improvement to the design of food storage vessels and containers that can also be used as cooking vessels usable in both microwave and conventional ovens.

Typical food storage containers are made from at least one of these materials: metal, glass/ceramic, thermoplastic (e.g. polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)). Only glass can be used in both a microwave and conventional oven but suffers from brittleness and will shatter if dropped. Metal containers cannot be used in microwave ovens and thermoplastics cannot be used in a conventional oven. PP plastic resin is brittle in very cold temperatures, and is limited in the kinds of foods that can be cooked in a microwave without damaging the vessel from high localized heating.

Silicone is emerging as a material that is suitable for both conventional ovens, replacing metal bakeware, and for microwave ovens. It is dishwasher safe and is more resistant to staining than plastics and will not break when dropped. Silicone is also favored by users that are concerned about the health issues involved with thermoplastics and the monomers and additives like phthalates and BPA leaching into foodstuffs.

Silicone is already featured in some containers with watertight seals (replacing rubber and thermoplastic elastomers) and entire lids for glass and metal vessels and in a few cases is already being used for the vessels themselves.

In the market are numerous products employing vents and/or silicone in their construction. Some are storage containers with a system of rigid lid with snap locks on the edges. The lids sometimes have a vent mechanism built-in to the lid. Some of the vents are hinged and some are manually displaced along the edge of the lid to permit “burping” the container. Some allow air circulation around the inner basket and some include a built-in compartment for holding desiccant packets to control humidity. Some containers incorporate a proprietary filter to regulate exchange of CO₂ and O₂ between the atmosphere and interior of the vessel to extend storage time.

These conventional prior art container systems all suffer from defects. The excellent air-tightness of LDPE and silicone lids to storage containers poses a problem when they are used as cooking vessels. In such cases, steam builds up while cooking thus increasing the pressure under the lid, causing the lid to blow off the container resulting in the contents splattering throughout the oven. User can lift the lid off and set on the top of the vessel, but splattering can still occur if small steam explosions in the food displace the lid.

Being completely air-tight at all times can be a disadvantage for storage of some fruits and vegetables that benefit from air circulation, but perhaps not needing to be completely open and uncovered. Fermentation is another cooking mode that needs some kind of ventilation to relieve the pressure of gas given off during fermentation (pickles, cabbage) or when yeast-leavened breads are rising. Also, putting hot foods in a container can lock down a lid when a vacuum is created as the air space above the food contracts as it cools.

Many of the above-noted conventional products have vents with small channels and crevices that can trap food that may mold over time, contaminating food stored in them. The vents are typically not integral to the lid, rather they are additional components that must be assembled to the lid (or container).

What is desired is a food storage vessel that can be both air-tight for effective food storage (blocks moisture from leaving and oxygen and microbes from entering) when needed and allows venting during storage or cooking with venting to prevent splattering and displacement of the lid. It would also be advantageous to be able to use the vents for draining off liquids from solids in the container, like draining off marinades, pasta cooking water, or cooking grease.

Another useful feature would be the ability to stack and nest for compact storage and be able to be washed easily and dry quickly.

The following paragraphs will describe an improved storage and cooking container that solves the issues presented in the prior art. The improved storage and cooking container is described below in its various embodiments to fulfill the above-stated objectives.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary food storage vessel including a bowl and lid.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage vessel of FIG. 1 showing the lid in a first orientation relative to the bowl.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage vessel of FIG. 1 showing the lid in a second orientation relative to the bowl.

FIG. 6 is a partial, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the food storage vessel with the lid in a first orientation relative to the bowl.

FIG. 7 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the food storage vessel of FIG. 6 with the lid in a second orientation relative to the bowl.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the food storage vessel with a lid having a transparent window.

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the food storage vessel with the lid in a first orientation relative to the bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an external view of one aspect of the storage and cooking vessel 10 comprising a bowl 12 and a lid 14. The lid 14 may have extension tabs 16 to assist the user in removing the lid 14 from the bowl 12. Although the vessel 10 shown in the drawings is generally round in shape, it may be oval, rectangular, square or another shape.

FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the bowl 12. The bowl has at least two ribs 18, 20. The ribs 18, 20 may be a coaxial pair of ribs (upper and lower) on the outer surface near the opening of the bowl. The upper rib 18 may have a major diameter (D_bu) and the lower rib 20 may have a major diameter (D_bl). The major diameter of the upper rib of the bowl (D_bu) may be dimensionally less than the major diameter of the lower rib of the bowl (D_bl). The ribs may be rounded. Between the ribs 18, 20, a groove 22 may be formed. The groove may have diameter in base or root of the groove of (d_bg). The ribs 18, 20 and the groove 22 of the bowl may be formed and dimensioned to cooperate with grooves and ribs on the lid.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the lid 14 has corresponding ribs 28, 30 and grooves 32, 34, 36 that match with the ribs 18, 20 of the bowl 12. The lid 14 may have a number of ribs 28, 30 that match the bowl 12, for instance, as shown in the drawings, two ribs. The ribs of the lid 28, 30 may be a pair of concentric ribs. The ribs 28, 30 of the lid 14 may be formed on the inner surface of the circumferential flange 38 of the lid. There may be an upper rib 28 of the lid 14 that has a major diameter (D_lu) and a minor diameter (d_lu). There may be a lower rib 30 of the lid 14 that has major diameter (D_ll) and a minor diameter (d_ll). The distance between the ribs as shown in the drawings is the same on both the lid and bowl but this is not required as long as the ribs and grooves engage as described below in both sealing and vented positions, that is, first and second configurations of the lid on the bowl.

The ribs 18, 20 on the bowl 12 and the ribs 28, 30 on the lid 14 are arranged to provide first and second configurations of the lid on the bowl. In the first or sealing configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower rib 30 on the lid 14 fits below and abuts the lower rib 20 of the bowl 12, and the upper rib 28 of the lid 14 fits in the groove 22 formed between the upper and lower ribs 18, 20 of the bowl 12. In the second or venting configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower rib 30 on the lid 14 fits in the groove 22 formed between the upper and lower ribs 18, 20 of the bowl 12, and the upper rib 28 of the lid 14 is positioned above the top opening of the bowl 12. In the second configuration, the lower rib 20 of the bowl may be received in a recess or groove 36 formed in the flange 38 of the lid below the lower rib 30 of the lid. Also, in the second configuration, the upper rib 18 of the bowl 12 may be received in a groove 34 formed between the upper and lower ribs 28, 30 of the lid.

The first configuration provides more sealing between the lid 14 and the bowl 12 in comparison to the second configuration, although in both configurations, the lid 14 is sufficiently engaged with the bowl 12 to contain the contents of the bowl in the interior of the bowl. In the second configuration, with the lower rib 30 of the lid 14 seated in the groove 22 formed between the upper and lower ribs 18, 20 of the bowl 12, the lid 14 is held above the bowl and will engage across at least one circumferential line of contact (that is contact between the lower rib 30 in the groove 22) to seal the bowl 12 using the lid 14. Preferably, the lower rib 30 on the lid 14 has a smaller minor diameter di than the diameter (d_bg) of the groove 22 on the bowl 12 resulting in an interference fit, but with less interference than would result with displacement of the lid up or down relative to the bowl. Thus, the positioning is stable in the vented position or second configuration until substantial force is applied upward on the lid to remove the lid, or downward (by stretching either the bowl and/or the lid) to seat the lid in the lower, sealing position or first configuration. On the bowl 12, the major diameter (D_bu) of upper rib 18 is preferably smaller than the major diameter (D_bl) of the lower rib 20. On the lid 14, the minor diameter (d_lu) of upper rib 28 is preferably larger than the minor diameter (d_ll) of the lower rib 30. This is to provide a more secure fit when the lid is in the upper, vented position.

As a seal may not be desired in a venting mode or second configuration, the lid 14 has a lower rib 30 provided with a number of small vent notches 40, which may be equiangularly spaced around the lower rib 30. The notches 40 may be formed to allow steam to escape or air to circulate when in the venting mode or second configuration. The notches 40 may also be sized to facilitate draining liquids from the bowl 12 like a marinade or cooking grease.

In the first configuration as shown in FIG. 4, the upper rib 28 on the lid 14 fits into the groove 22 between the upper and lower ribs 18, 20 on the bowl 12, and the lower rib 20 on the bowl fits into the groove 34 between the ribs 28, 30 on the lid. In this position, the ribs 18, 20 of the bowl 12 and the grooves 28, 30 of the lid 14 make a seal which is preferably fluid-tight because the upper rib 28 of the lid 14 is not notched and the notches in the lower rib 30 of the lid are positioned sufficiently below the lower rib 20 of the bowl 12. To further improve the sealing, the upper rib 28 on the lid 14 may have concentrating ribs 42 projecting from its surface (also circumferential and concentric to the upper rib 28) that are smaller in profile to provide localized higher contact pressure to improve sealing. The lid 14 may also have a backup rib 44 configured to engage the inner surface of the bowl 12 in the first or sealing configuration.

Preferably, the extension tabs 16 extend below the flange 28 of the lid 14. When the lid 14 is set on a flat surface, air can circulate freely around both top and bottom faces of the lid. When a set of lids of the same design are stacked, they may be aligned by the extension tabs 16 and are less likely to topple over.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial cross-sectional views of the vessel 110 in an alternate configuration where the lid 114 fits into the bowl 112 rather than over the bowl, and the lid 114 has ribs 128, 130 on the outside of the flange 138 with upper, intermediate and lower grooves 132, 134, 136. The bowl 112 has its circumferential ribs 118, 120 on the inside of the bowl with a groove 122 therebetween. FIG. 6 shows the venting position and FIG. 7 shows the sealing position. The construction is otherwise similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1-5 (like features of FIGS. 1-5 use a prefix 1 in FIGS. 6 and 7) except the extension tabs 116 extend from a backup rib 150 instead of the flange 138 of the lid 114 so that the extension tabs 116 can be used as a handle to lift the lid 114 from bowl 112. A vent notch 140 may be provided on the lower rib 130 of the lid. The lid upper groove 132 may have concentrating ribs 142 to assist in providing an additional seal. The bowl 112 may also have a recess 152 on its inner surface to accommodate and receive a portion of the flange 138 in the sealing position.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the storage vessel 210 with a clear window 202 in the lid 214 as an option to improve the visibility of the contents without having to remove the lid from the bowl 212. A soft rim 204 of the lid 214 may be overmolded around the edges of the window 202.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the storage vessel 310 with a different style of vent employing a two-way breather valve 302. Like features of FIGS. 1-5 use a prefix 3 in FIG. 9. The lid 314 has upper and lower ribs 328, 330 on the inside of the flange 338 with corresponding upper, intermediate and lower grooves 332, 334, 336. The bowl 312 has upper and lower ribs 318, 320 on the outside of the bowl with a groove 322 therebetween. The lid may further have a backup rib 344 adapted to contact the inner surface of the bowl in the first or sealing configuration. The valve 302 is comprised of a thin membrane molded as part of the lower rib 330 on the lid 314. The thin membrane 302 extends part way around the circumference of the bowl 312. The lip of the membrane 302 contacts bowl 312 along a narrow area. When the internal pressure of the bowl 312 rises, it pushes the lip of the membrane 302 upward, opening a gap between the membrane 302 and the bowl 312. This gap allows venting until the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the membrane is eased. Conversely, higher pressure above (as would result from a vacuum generated inside the bowl from food cooling) would distend the lip of the membrane 302 downward opening a gap again allowing room air to enter the bowl 312 until the pressure above and below is equalized. In the pressure balanced condition, the membrane seals 302 against the bowl 312 blocking air circulation.

In summary, the disclosure provides the following advantages and characteristics:

Embodiment 1. A storage and cooking vessel comprises a bowl and a lid. The bowl is configured for containing a volume of foodstuffs, and is further comprised of a pair of parallel circumferential ribs raised on the outer surface adjacent to the top edge of the bowl spaced apart by a fixed distance where the pair of ribs form a groove between the ribs. The lid is comprised of an elastomeric material. The lid has a downward extending flange with a pair of parallel circumferential ribs raised on the inner surface of the flange spaced apart by a fixed distance. The pair of ribs forms a groove between the ribs. The lid can take one of two configurations or aligned positions when mounted to the bowl. The first or upper position (vented) aligns the lower rib on the lid with the groove between the ribs on the outer surface of the bowl. The second or lower position (sealed) aligns the upper rib on the outer surface of the bowl with the groove between the ribs on the inside of the lid. When in either of the aligned position(s), the lid is supported on the top of the bowl, the respective ribs and grooves touch without a gap around the circumference so as to form a continuous seal feature to prevent leakage (interference fit). The ribs are configured so that when the lid is set on the top of the bowl, some force is required to expand the flange on the lid to fit the lower rib of the lid into the groove on the bowl and additional force is required to push the upper rib on the lid into the groove on the bowl.

Embodiment 2. This embodiment includes the features of embodiment 1 and further includes the feature that the lower rib on the lid is further comprised of at least one notch to permit fluid (liquid or gas) leakage between the interior of the bowl and outside when the lid is in the upper position. This is to allow cooking in a microwave or conventional oven to prevent the build-up of steam blowing the lid off.

Embodiment 3. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, at least one notch of lower rib on the lid is made wide enough to allow fluids to be drained through the notch with the lid in the upper position (to drain marinades, cooking grease, etc. without losing contents).

Embodiment 4. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the lower rib on the lid is further comprised of at least one breather valve to permit fluid (liquid or gas) leakage between the interior of the bowl and outside when the lid is in the upper position. (This is to allow cooking in a microwave or conventional oven to prevent the build-up of steam blowing the lid off, and also for venting for fermentation).

Embodiment 5. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the breather valve is further comprised of a thin membrane formed into the lower rib that makes contact along a line with the outer face of the bowl that will distend to open a gap between the lid and bowl when there is a pressure difference inside and outside the bowl.

Embodiment 6. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the lid is further comprised of a backup rib extending into the interior of the bowl and contacting the inner edge of the bowl to resist the edge of the bowl from collapsing inward (when squeezed, thereby breaking the seal).

Embodiment 7. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the bowl is made from a rigid material or an elastomer material.

Embodiment 8. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the bowl is further made with a diameter (or minimum opening for non-round bowls) greater than the depth of the bowl.

Embodiment 9. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the bowl is further made sloped or with stepped sides so that they can be compactly nested (with one on top of the other).

Embodiment 10. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the bowl is further comprised of capacity markings on the interior wall at the completely full volume with additional different fractional levels marked in conventional volume units (ml, oz.)

Embodiment 11. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the lid is further made from platinum catalyst type silicone rubber with Durometer Shore A 73+/−3 uncured, 78+/−3 cured.

Embodiment 12. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the bowl is further made from platinum catalyst type silicone rubber with a Durometer of Shore A 75+/−3 uncured, 80+/−3 cured.

Embodiment 13. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the ribs may be further comprised of at least one circumferential rib of smaller cross section extending from the surface of the rib that provides increased interference between the ribs on the bowl with the groove on the lid for better sealing.

Embodiment 14. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the flange is further comprised of at least one extension tab that extends below the flange (to facilitate removal of the lid and drying when washed and set on a counter).

Embodiment 15. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, there are at least three extension tabs to facilitate alignment during stacking.

Embodiment 16. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the interference between the upper rib on the lid and groove on the bowl is greater than the interference between the lower rib on the lid and the groove on the bowl (to make it easier to take on and off).

Embodiment 17. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the minor diameter of the lower rib on the lid is greater than the minor diameter of the upper rib (to facilitate easier removal and insertion and tighter seal in the sealed position).

Embodiment 18. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features discussed in the previous embodiments. Further, the lid is further comprised of a window (plastic, glass) where the silicone is overmolded to make a composite material lid (to provide a better view of contents).

Embodiment 19. A storage and cooking vessel comprises a bowl and a lid. The bowl is configured for containing a volume of foodstuffs and is further comprised of a pair of parallel circumferential ribs raised on the inner surface adjacent to the top edge of the bowl spaced apart by a fixed distance. The pair of ribs forms a groove between the ribs. The lid is comprised of an elastomeric material, and is further comprised of a downward extending flange with a pair of parallel circumferential ribs raised on the outer surface of the flange. The pair of ribs form a groove between the ribs spaced apart by a fixed distance. The lid can take one of two positions relative to the bowl. The first or upper position (vented) aligns the lower rib on the lid with the groove between the ribs on the inner surface of the bowl. The second or lower position (sealed) aligns the upper rib on the inner surface of the bowl with the groove between the ribs on the outside of the lid. When in either of the aligned position(s), the lid is supported on the top of the bowl, and the respective ribs and grooves touch without a gap around the circumference so as to form a continuous seal feature to prevent leakage (interference fit). The ribs are configured so that when the lid is set on the top of the bowl, some force is required to contract the flange on the lid to fit the lower rib on the lid into the groove on the bowl and additional force is required to push the upper rib on the lid into the groove on the bowl.

Embodiment 20. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiment 19. Further, the lid is further comprised of a backup rib extending to the exterior of the bowl and contacting the outer edge of the bowl to resist the edge of the bowl from spreading outward (when squeezed, thereby breaking the seal).

Embodiment 21. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiment 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the lower rib on the lid is further comprised of at least one notch to permit fluid leakage between the interior of the bowl and outside when the lid is in the upper position. (This is to allow cooking in a microwave or conventional oven to prevent the build-up of steam blowing the lid off).

Embodiment 22. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiment 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the bowl is further made from an elastomeric material.

Embodiment 23. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. The bowl is further made with a diameter (or minimum opening for non-round bowls) greater than the depth of the bowl.

Embodiment 24. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the lid is further made from platinum catalyst type silicone rubber with Durometer Shore A 73+/−3 uncured, 78+/−3 cured.

Embodiment 25. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the bowl is further made from platinum catalyst type silicone rubber with a Durometer of Shore A 75+/−3 uncured, 80+/−3 cured.

Embodiment 26. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the ribs may be further comprised of at least one smaller circumferential rib that provides increased interference between the ribs on the bowl with the groove on the lid for better sealing.

Embodiment 27. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the lid of this section is further comprised of at least one extension tab (to facilitate removal of the lid)

Embodiment 28. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the interference between the upper rib on the lid and groove on the bowl is greater than the interference between the lower rib on the lid and the groove on the bowl (to make it easier to take on and off).

Embodiment 29. This embodiment may include any one or more of the features of embodiments 19 or a latter embodiment. Further, the lid is further comprised of a window (plastic, glass) where the silicone is overmolded to make a composite material lid.

A couple of possible implementations of a food storage and cooking vessel with integral vents have been presented. They address the problems addressed in the early sections.

Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations or sub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be advantageously made. The example arrangements of components are shown for purposes of illustration and it should be understood that combinations, additions, re-arrangements, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Thus, while the invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A storage and cooking vessel comprising: a bowl having an interior adapted and configured for containing a volume of foodstuffs, the bowl having an upper rib and lower rib, each of the ribs protruding from an outer surface of the bowl adjacent to a top edge of the bowl, the upper rib being spaced apart from the lower rib with a groove between the ribs; anda lid comprised of an elastomeric material, said lid having a downward extending flange, the flange having an inner surface and an outer surface, the flange having an upper rib and a lower rib projecting away from the inner surface with a groove between the ribs, the lid being connectable with the bowl in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed below the lower rib of the bowl and the upper rib of the lid is disposed in the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl; and wherein the second configuration, the upper rib of the lid is disposed above the upper rib of the bowl and the lower rib of the lid is disposed in the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl.

2. The storage container of claim 1 wherein in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl with an interference fit.

3. The storage container of claim 1 wherein in the first configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl around an entirety of the lower rib of the lid.

4. The storage container of claim 1 wherein in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl around an entirety of the upper rib of the lid.

5. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the lid includes at least one notch on the lower rib configured to form a passageway between the lower rib of the lid and the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl when the lid is in the second configuration.

6. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the lower rib on the lid includes at least one breather valve formed on the lower rib of the lid, the valve being moveable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state with the lid in the second configuration, the breather valve makes contact between the lower rib of the lid and the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl, and wherein in the open state with the lid in the second configuration, the breather valve creates an opening between the lower rib of the lid and the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl.

7. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the lid includes a backup rib extending into the interior of the bowl, the backup rib is configured to contact an inner edge of the bowl in the first configuration.

8. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the lid includes at least one circumferential rib, the at least one circumferential rib has a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the upper rib of the lid, the at least one circumferential rib is configured to contact an upper portion of the bowl adjacent an opening of the bowl in the first configuration.

9. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the flange comprises at least one extension tab projecting outward from the flange.

10. The storage container of claim 1 wherein: in the first configuration, the upper rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl with a first interference fit;in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl with a second interference fit; andthe second interference fit is tighter than the first interference.

11. The storage container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the lid and the bowl is made from a platinum catalyst type silicone rubber.

12. The storage container of claim 11 wherein the lid is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 70 and about 76 uncured on a Shore A durometer scale.

13. The storage container of claim 11 wherein the lid is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 75 and about 81 cured on a Shore A durometer scale.

14. The storage container of claim 11 wherein the bowl is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 72 and about 78 uncured on a Shore A durometer scale.

15. The storage container of claim 11 wherein the bowl is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 77 and about 83 cured on a Shore A durometer scale.

16. A storage and cooking vessel comprising: a bowl adapted and configured for containing a volume of foodstuffs, the bowl having a pair of circumferential ribs, each of the ribs projecting from an inner surface of the bowl adjacent to a top edge of the bowl defining an opening of the bowl, the ribs being parallel to each other and spaced apart with a groove between the ribs; anda lid comprised of an elastomeric material, the lid having a downward extending flange, the flange having a pair of circumferential ribs raised on the outer surface of the flange, the ribs being parallel to each other and spaced apart with a groove between the ribs, the lid being connectable with the bowl in a first configuration and a second configuration;wherein in the first configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed below the lower rib of the bowl and the upper rib of the lid is disposed in the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl; and wherein the second configuration, the upper rib of the lid is disposed above the upper rib of the bowl and the lower rib of the lid is disposed in the groove between the upper and the lower ribs of the bowl.

17. The storage container of claim 16 wherein in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl with an interference fit.

18. The storage container of claim 16 wherein in the first configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl around an entirety of the lower rib of the lid.

19. The storage container of claim 16 wherein in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl around an entirety of the upper rib of the lid.

20. The storage container of claim 16 wherein the lid includes at least one notch on the lower rib configured to form a passageway between the lower rib of the lid and the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl when the lid is in the second configuration.

21. The storage container of claim 16 wherein the lid further comprises a backup rib projecting radially outward from the lid, the backup rib is configured to extend over and contact an outer edge of the bowl adjacent to the opening of the bowl in the first configuration.

22. The storage container of claim 16 wherein the lid includes at least one circumferential rib, the at least one circumferential rib has a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the upper rib of the lid, the at least one circumferential rib is configured to contact an upper portion of the bowl adjacent the opening of the bowl in the first configuration.

23. The storage container of claim 16 wherein the lid includes at least one extension tab.

24. The storage container of claim 16 wherein: in the first configuration, the upper rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs of the bowl with a first interference fit;in the second configuration, the lower rib of the lid is disposed within the groove between the upper and lower ribs with a second interference fit; andthe second interference fit is tighter than the first interference fit.

25. The storage container of claim 16 wherein at least one of the lid and the bowl is made from a platinum catalyst type silicone rubber.

26. The storage container of claim 25 wherein the lid is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 70 and about 76 uncured on a Shore A durometer scale.

27. The storage container of claim 25 wherein the lid is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 75 and about 81 cured on a Shore A durometer scale.

28. The storage container of claim 25 wherein the bowl is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 72 and about 78 uncured on a Shore A durometer scale.

29. The storage container of claim 25 wherein the bowl is made from a material having a Shore hardness of between about 77 and about 83 cured on a Shore A durometer scale.