U.S. patent application number 10/027778 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-26 for sealing cover for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to World Kitchen, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kell, Jeffrey B., Klock, Paul J., Tanghal, Emmanuel V., Thonis, Paul, Virkus, Timothy K., Vogler, David A..
Application Number | 20030116572 10/027778 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21839735 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030116572 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klock, Paul J. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2003 |
Sealing cover for a container
Abstract
A container comprising a cover and a containing portion, the
cover adapted to fit adjacent a portion of an inner edge of the
containing portion. The cover including a body portion having an
opening therein, and a stopper movable between an open position and
a closed position, the stopper adapted to close the opening when
the stopper is in the closed position, thereby causing an air-tight
seal between the cover and the containing portion and allows the
cover to be removed from the container when the stopper is in the
open position by releasing the air-tight seal.
Inventors: |
Klock, Paul J.; (Rochester,
NY) ; Vogler, David A.; (Rochester, NY) ;
Tanghal, Emmanuel V.; (Rochester, NY) ; Thonis,
Paul; (Corning, NY) ; Kell, Jeffrey B.; (Avon,
NY) ; Virkus, Timothy K.; (Painted Post, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Randy J. Pritzker
Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
Federal Reserve Plaza
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
MA
02210
US
|
Assignee: |
World Kitchen, Inc.
One Pyrex Place
Elmira
NY
|
Family ID: |
21839735 |
Appl. No.: |
10/027778 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/367.1 ;
220/373; 220/804 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1683 20130101;
A47J 47/10 20130101; A47J 36/06 20130101; B65D 2543/00305 20130101;
B65D 2543/00101 20130101; B65D 2543/00546 20130101; B65D 2543/00972
20130101; B65D 43/022 20130101; A47J 36/027 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/367.1 ;
220/804; 220/373 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/16; B65D
043/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cover comprising: a body portion substantially surrounded by
an outer edge, the body portion having an opening therein; and a
stopper movable between an open position and a closed position, the
stopper adapted to close the opening when in the closed position;
wherein the stopper causes a substantially air-tight seal between
the cover and a container when in the closed position, and allows
the cover to be removed from the container when the stopper is in
the open position by releasing the air-tight seal.
2. The cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper includes a
flap having a portion of the flap removably secured to the body
portion of the cover, wherein a remaining portion of the flap
removably fills the opening.
3. The cover as claimed in claim 2, the body portion further
comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface having an outer
periphery adjacent the outer edge; and a sealing ring mounted on a
substantial portion of the outer periphery of the lower surface of
the body portion, wherein the sealing ring in combination with the
stopper effects the air-tight seal between the cover and the
container when the opening is closed by the flap.
4. The cover as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: a flange
attached to the outer periphery of the lower surface, wherein the
flange receives the sealing ring.
5. The cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sealing ring is
removable from the flange.
6. The cover as claimed in claim 3, the flange further comprising:
an arm extending downwardly from the outer periphery of the cover;
a first flange member extending substantially perpendicular from
the arm; and a second flange member provided extending from the arm
and substantially parallel to the first flange member forming a
groove between the first and second flange members, wherein the
groove receives at least a portion of the sealing ring.
7. The cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing ring is
mounted on the outer periphery of the lower surface using
adhesive.
8. The cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing ring is
mounted on an entire outer periphery of the lower surface.
9. The cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a handle
disposed in the body portion.
10. The cover as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: an
indentation in the body portion substantially surrounding the
handle.
11. The cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the handle is set
within the indentation and a top surface of the handle is
substantially flush with an upper surface of the body portion of
the cover.
12. The cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handle is
removable from the body portion.
13. The cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the stopper includes a
flap having a portion of the flap attached to the handle, wherein a
remaining portion of the flap removably fills the opening.
14. The cover as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: an
indentation in the body portion substantially surrounding the
handle and stopper.
15. The cover as claimed in claim 14, wherein the handle and
stopper are set within the indentation and top surfaces of the
handle and the stopper are substantially flush with an upper
surface of the body portion of the cover.
16. The cover as claimed in claim 13, wherein the handle and
stopper are removable from the body portion.
17. A container comprising: a cover having a body portion
substantially surrounded by an outer edge; and a containing portion
including a sidewall attached to a base, the sidewall having an
inner surface; wherein the outer edge of the cover is adapted to
fit adjacent a portion of the inner surface of the sidewall of the
containing portion.
18. The container as claimed in claim 17, the body portion further
comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface having an outer
periphery adjacent the outer edge; and a sealing ring mounted on a
substantial portion of the outer periphery of the bottom surface of
the body portion, wherein the sealing ring effects an air-tight
seal between the cover and the containing portion.
19. The container as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: a
ridge provided on the sidewall of the containing portion, wherein
the sealing ring is adapted to engage the ridge.
20. The container as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: a
flange attached to the outer periphery of the bottom surface,
wherein the flange receives the sealing ring.
21. The container as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sealing ring
is removable from the flange.
22. The container as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sealing ring
is mounted on the outer periphery of the bottom surface using
adhesive.
23. The container as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sealing ring
is mounted on the entire outer periphery of the bottom surface.
24. The container as claimed in claim 18, the flange further
comprising: an arm extending downwardly from the outer periphery of
the cover; and a flange member extending substantially
perpendicular from the arm, the sealing ring removably engaged with
at least a portion of the flange member.
25. The container as claimed in claim 24, the flange further
comprising: a second flange member extending from the arm and
provided substantially parallel to the first flange member forming
a groove between the flange members, wherein the groove removably
receives at least a portion of the sealing ring.
26. The container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sealing ring
is secured to the groove with adhesive.
27. The container as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: a
handle disposed in a top surface of the body portion.
28. The container as claimed in claim 27, further comprising: an
indentation in the body portion substantially surrounding the
handle.
29. The container as claimed in claim 28, wherein the handle is set
within the indentation and a top surface of the handle is
substantially flush with the top surface of the body portion of the
cover.
30. The container as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: an
opening defined by the body portion of the cover; and a stopper
movable between an open position and a closed position, the stopper
adapted to close the opening in the closed position, and expose the
opening in the open position; wherein the stopper causes a
substantially air-tight seal between the cover and the containing
portion when in the closed position, and allows the cover to be
removed from the container when the stopper is in the open position
by releasing the airtight seal.
31. The container as claimed in claim 30, wherein the stopper
includes a flap having a portion of the flap removably secured to
the body portion of the cover, wherein the remaining portion of the
flap removably fills the opening.
32. The container as claimed in claim 31, the cover further
comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface having an outer
periphery adjacent the outer edge; and a sealing ring mounted on a
substantial portion of the outer periphery of the bottom surface of
the body portion, wherein the sealing ring in combination with the
stopper effects the airtight seal between the cover and the inner
surface of the containing portion when the opening is closed by the
flap.
33. The container as claimed in claim 32, further comprising: a
flange attached to the outer periphery of the lower surface,
wherein the flange receives the sealing ring.
34. The container as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: a
ridge provided on the sidewall of the containing portion, wherein
the outer edge of the cover is adapted to engage the ridge.
35. A container comprising: a cover having a body portion
substantially surrounded by an outer edge, the body portion having
an opening therein; a stopper and handle combination provided on
the body portion, the stopper movable between an open position and
a closed position, the stopper adapted to close the opening when in
the closed position; and a containing portion including a sidewall
attached to a base, the sidewall having an inner surface, wherein
the outer edge of the cover is adapted to fit against a portion of
the inner surface of the sidewall of the containing portion, and
the stopper is adapted to cause an air-tight seal between the cover
and the containing portion when in the closed position, and allows
the cover to be removed from the containing portion when the
stopper is in the open position by releasing the air-tight seal.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to sealing covers or lids.
More particularly, the invention is directed to sealing covers for
containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers are commonly used for preparing and/or storing
food. Containers may be made from numerous different materials,
including glass, ceramic, plastic or other suitable materials.
Containers also come in many different shapes and sizes. Containers
are typically provided with a cover or lid that fits over a rim
surrounding an opening of the container to seal the opening to
preserve foods, prevent splashing during cooking or heating, or for
other uses. The cover may additionally include a vent to allow
steam to escape from the container during microwave heating.
Providing a vent allows steam to escape without having to remove,
or partially remove, the cover. Vents typically include a hole in
the cover and a stopper provided for closing and exposing the hole.
The vents do not act to seal and unseal the cover from the
container. Typically, the stopper is attached to the cover and is
pivotable for closing and exposing the hole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one embodiment, there is provided a cover
comprising a body portion substantially surrounded by an outer
edge, the body portion having an opening therein. The cover
includes a stopper that is movable between an open position and a
closed position, the stopper being adapted to close the opening
when in the closed position. The stopper causes a substantially
air-tight seal between the cover and a container when in the closed
position, and allows the cover to be removed from the container
when the stopper is in the open position by releasing the air-tight
seal.
[0004] In one embodiment, the stopper includes a flap having a
portion of the flap removably secured to the body portion of the
cover, wherein a remaining portion of the flap is removably fills
the opening. The cover may further comprise an upper surface and a
lower surface having an outer periphery adjacent the outer edge. A
sealing ring may be mounted on a substantial portion of the outer
periphery of the lower surface of the body portion, wherein the
sealing ring in combination with the stopper effects the airtight
seal between the cover and the container when the opening is closed
by the stopper.
[0005] In one embodiment, the cover includes a flange attached to
the outer periphery of the lower surface, wherein the flange
receives the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be removable from
the flange. The flange may include an arm extending downwardly from
the outer periphery of the cover, a first flange member extending
substantially perpendicular from the arm. A second flange member
may be provided extending from the arm and substantially parallel
to the first flange member to form a groove between the first and
second flange members, wherein the groove receives at least a
portion of the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be mounted on the
outer periphery of the lower surface using adhesive. The sealing
ring may be mounted on an entire outer periphery of the lower
surface.
[0006] A handle may be disposed in the body portion. An indentation
may be provided in the body portion substantially surrounding the
handle. The handle may be set within the indentation and a top
surface of the handle may be substantially flush with an upper
surface of the body portion of the cover. The handle may be
removable from the body portion.
[0007] In one embodiment, the stopper includes a flap having a
portion of the flap attached to the handle, wherein a remaining
portion of the flap removably fills the opening. An indentation in
the body portion may be provided substantially surrounding the
handle and stopper. The handle and stopper may be within the
indentation and top surfaces of the handle and the stopper may be
substantially flush with an upper surface of the body portion of
the cover. The handle and stopper may be removable from the body
portion.
[0008] According to another embodiment, a container is disclosed.
The container includes a cover having a body portion substantially
surrounded by an outer edge, and a containing portion including a
sidewall attached to a base, the sidewall having an inner surface.
The outer edge of the cover is adapted to fit adjacent to a portion
of the inner surface of the sidewall of the containing portion.
[0009] The container may further comprise a top surface and a
bottom surface having an outer periphery adjacent the outer edge. A
sealing ring may be mounted on a substantial portion of the outer
periphery of the bottom surface of the body portion, wherein the
sealing ring effects an air-tight seal between the cover and the
containing portion.
[0010] In one embodiment, a ridge may be provided on the sidewall
of the containing portion, wherein the sealing ring may be adapted
to engage the ridge. A flange may be attached to the outer
periphery of the bottom surface, wherein the flange receives the
sealing ring. The sealing ring may be removable from the flange.
The sealing ring may be mounted on the outer periphery of the
bottom surface using adhesive. The sealing ring may be mounted on
the entire outer periphery of the bottom surface. The flange may
include an arm extending downwardly from the outer periphery of the
cover and a flange member extending substantially perpendicular
from the arm. The sealing ring may be removably engaged with at
least a portion of the flange member. The flange may include a
second flange member extending from the arm and provided
substantially parallel to the first flange member forming a groove
between the flange members, wherein the groove removably receives
at least a portion of the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be
secured to the groove with adhesive.
[0011] A handle may be disposed in a top surface of the body
portion. An indentation in the body portion may substantially
surround the handle. The handle may be set within the indentation
and a top surface of the handle may be substantially flush with the
top surface of the body portion of the cover.
[0012] In one embodiment, the container may include an opening in
the body portion of the cover, and a stopper movable between an
open position and a closed position, the stopper adapted to close
the opening in the closed position, and expose the opening in the
open position. The stopper may cause a substantially air-tight seal
between the cover and the containing portion when in the closed
position, and may allow the cover to be removed from the container
when the stopper is in the open position by releasing the airtight
seal.
[0013] The stopper may include a flap having a portion of the flap
removably secured to the body portion of the cover, wherein the
remaining portion of the flap may removably fill the opening. The
cover may include a top surface and a bottom surface having an
outer periphery adjacent the outer edge of the cover. A sealing
ring may be mounted on a substantial portion of the outer periphery
of the bottom surface of the body portion, wherein the sealing ring
in combination with the stopper effects the air-tight seal between
the cover and the inner surface of the containing portion when the
opening is closed by the flap. A flange may be attached to the
outer periphery of the lower surface, wherein the flange may
receive the sealing ring. A ridge may be provided on the sidewall
of the containing portion, wherein the outer edge of the cover is
adapted to engage the ridge.
[0014] In another embodiment, a container is disclosed. A cover has
a body portion substantially surrounded by an outer edge, the body
portion defining an opening. A stopper and handle combination are
provided on the body portion, the stopper movable between an open
and a closed position and the stopper adapted to close the opening
in the closed position. A containing portion includes a sidewall
attached to a base, the sidewall having an inner surface. The outer
edge of the cover is adapted to fit against a portion of the inner
surface of the sidewall of the containing portion, and the stopper
is adapted to cause an air-tight seal between the cover and the
containing portion when in the closed position, and allows the
cover to be removed from the containing portion when the stopper is
in the open position by releasing the air-tight seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be more
fully appreciated from the following detailed description when
taken in connection with the following drawings. It is to be
understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration
only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention.
[0016] In the drawings, in which like numerals represent like
elements:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
container according to the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with
the cover removed;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cover shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container of FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container along line
5-5 of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the handle,
stopper and a portion of the cover; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the handle and stopper according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a container
10 is illustrated comprising a containing portion 12 and a cover or
lid 14. In FIG. 1, the cover 14 is sealed onto the containing
portion 12. The container 10 may be used for a variety of
applications, such as the preparation or storage of food or other
items. According to one example, the containing portion 12 is made
of a ceramic material, and the cover 14 is made of plastic.
However, the container 10 is not so limited, and both the
containing portion 12 and the cover 14 may be made of any suitable
material, and may be made of the same or different materials. When
the cover 14 is placed on the containing portion 12, an outer edge
16 (FIG. 2) of the cover 14 fits against an inside edge 18 (FIG. 2)
of the containing portion 12, thereby sealing the container 10
shut. The cover 14 may include a handle 20 for placing the cover 14
on and removing the cover 14 from the containing portion 12. The
cover 14 may feature a vent 22 having an opening 24 sealable by a
stopper 26. When the stopper 26 closes or fills the opening 24, it
causes an air-tight seal between the cover 14 and containing
portion 12. Removal of the stopper 26 from the opening 24 releases
the air-tight seal and allows the cover 14 to be removed merely by
lifting the cover 14 away from the containing portion 12. The vent
22 also allows steam to escape during heating or cooking without
requiring complete or partial removal of the cover 14. Various
features and characteristics of various embodiments of the
container 10 will be described in more detail below.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the container 10 of FIG. 1 with
the cover 14 removed from the containing portion 12. The containing
portion 12 includes a sidewall 28 attached to and surrounding a
base 30 forming a containing space 32. The sidewall 28 has an inner
surface 34 and an outer surface 36. An upper edge 38 of the
sidewall 28 forms a surrounding rim 40 and at least portions of the
rim may extend substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 28. The
containing portion 12 may additionally include handles 42. For
example, as shown, the rim 40 extends on two opposing ends 44 and
46 of the containing portion 12 to form the handles 42 to
facilitate lifting the container 10. Although the containing
portion 12 is illustrated throughout this disclosure as being
substantially rectangular, the containing portion 12 is not so
limited, and may be any desired shape. For example, the containing
portion 12 may be round, square, oval or any other shape. Moreover,
the containing portion 12 may be any desired depth. The shape of
the container 10 is immaterial, provided only that the containing
portion 12 and cover 14 have complementary shapes such that the
cover 14 will mate against a portion of the inside surface 34 of
the containing portion 12. As shown, the containing portion 12 is
substantially rectangular with the two opposed ends 44 and 46 and
two elongated sides 48 and 50 connecting the opposed ends 44 and
46. The inner surface 34 of the sidewall 28, spaced from the rim
40, may include a ridge 52 that facilitates sealing the cover 14 to
the containing portion 12.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the cover 14 comprises a body portion
54 substantially surrounded by the outer edge 16. The outer edge 16
of the cover 14 is adapted to fit adjacent a portion of the inner
surface 34 of the sidewall 28 of the containing portion 12, such
that the cover 14 itself sits inside the opening of the containing
portion 12. As illustrated, the cover 14 is substantially
rectangular to mate with the illustrated containing portion 12. The
cover 14 includes two cover ends 58 and 60 and two cover sides 62
and 64 connecting the cover ends 58 and 60. The cover 14
additionally has an outer surface 66 and an inner surface 68. When
the cover 14 is sealingly engaged with the containing portion 12,
the inner surface 68 acts to enclose the containing space 32 of the
containing portion 12. The body portion 54 of the cover 14 may
define the vent 22 with the opening 24 sealable by the stopper 26.
The vent 22 may be particularly useful when the container 10 is
used for microwave reheating or cooking of food in the container
10. As discussed above, the provision of the vent 22 allows steam
to escape without having to remove, or partially remove, the cover
14 from the containing portion 12.
[0027] The opening 24 may be provided anywhere on the body portion
54 of the cover 14. As shown, the opening 24 is provided centered
between the first and second sides 62 and 64, but is not centered
between the two opposed ends 44 and 46 of the cover 14. The opening
24 extends through the cover from the outer surface 66 fully
through to the inner surface 68. As shown, the opening 24 is round.
It should be appreciated, however, that the opening 24 may have any
desired shape or size so long as it is within the body portion 54
of the cover 14. The stopper 26 is provided to engage the edge of
the opening 24 thereby sealing the opening 24. The stopper 26
features an extension 70 that mates with the opening 24 and has an
end 72 that fits through the opening 24 with an interference-fit.
An extending rim 74 may be provided surrounding the end 72 of the
extension 70 to provide the interference-fit. The stopper 26 may be
a separate piece from the cover 14, as shown, or formed unitarily
with the cover 14. If the stopper 26 is separate from the cover 14,
the stopper 26 may be removably connected to the cover 14 and/or
may be pivotally attached to the cover 14 to close the opening 24
or remove the extension 70 from the opening 24. It is preferable to
have the stopper 26 removably connected with the cover 14 so that
the stopper 26 will not be easily lost.
[0028] The stopper 26 is movable between an open position (FIG. 2)
and a closed position (FIG. 1). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of
the container 10 and cover 14, showing engagement of the cover 14
with the containing portion 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a sealing
ring 76 adjacent the inner surface 34 of the containing portion 12
and adjacent the outer edge 16 of the cover 14, may be adapted to
engage the ridge 52 provided on the inner surface 34 of sidewall 28
of the containing portion 12. The sealing ring 76 will be discussed
in more detail below. When the stopper 26 is in the open position,
the substantially air-tight seal between the cover 14 and the
containing portion 12 is released and the cover 14 is removable
from the containing portion 12, as shown in FIG. 2, by lifting
cover 14 in an upwardly direction. In order to close and seal the
container 10, the cover 14 may be placed such that the outer edge
16 of the cover 14 fits adjacent the inner edge 18 of the inner
surface 34 of the containing portion 12, preferably against the
ridge 52. The stopper 26 may then be moved to the closed position,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, such that the extension 70 closes and
blocks the opening 24, causing the substantially air-tight seal
between the cover 14 and the containing portion 12. Thus, the vent
22 acts to seal and unseal the cover 14 from the containing portion
12. Of course, it will be appreciated that the opening 24 may be
closed by the stopper 26 prior to mating the cover 14 with the
containing portion 12 and still provide a seal between the cover 14
and the containing portion 12.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the cover 14 may also include
the cover handle 20. As shown, the stopper 26 and handle 20 may be
made as a one-piece unit which will be discussed in more detail
below. However, it will be appreciated that the stopper 26 and
handle 20 could be separate pieces. The cover handle 20 may be
formed unitarily with the cover 14 or, as shown in FIG. 4, as a
separate piece removable from the cover 14. The cover handle 20 may
have any suitable shape. The handle 20 is preferably an oval shape
that may be grasped by a user's fingers to hold the cover 14. As
shown, the handle 20 is located in the center of the body portion
54 of the cover 14. It will be appreciated that the handle 20 may
be placed in any desired location on the cover 14. As shown in
FIGS. 4-6, the cover 14 may further include an indentation 78
surrounding the handle 20 to facilitate gripping the handle 20.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a top surface 80 of the handle 20 may
be substantially flush with an outer surface 66 of the body portion
54 of the cover 14 such that the handle 20 resides within the
indentation 78.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner surface 68 of the
cover 14 has an outer periphery 82 that is adapted to fit adjacent
the inner surface 34 of the containing portion 12. The sealing ring
76 may be mounted on a substantial portion of the outer periphery
82 of the inner surface 68 of the body portion 54. The sealing ring
76 is substantially flat and shaped to mate against the inner
surface 34 of the sidewall 28--for example, against the ridge 52 as
shown in FIG. 5. A bottom surface 84 of the sealing ring 76 rests
against the ridge 52. The sealing ring 76 includes an inner edge 86
defining a hollow center 88 and an outer edge 90. The sealing ring
76 assists in providing an air-tight seal between the cover 14 and
the containing portion 12 when the opening 24 is closed by the
stopper 26.
[0031] In the illustrative embodiment, the sealing ring 76 is
mounted on the entire outer periphery 82 of the inner surface 68 of
the cover 14. As shown, a flange 92 is attached to the outer
periphery 28 of the inner surface 68 to receive the sealing ring
76. The flange 92 includes an arm 94 extending downwardly from the
outer periphery 82 and a flange member 96 extending substantially
perpendicular from the arm 94. As illustrated, two flange members
96 are provided extending perpendicular to the arm 94. The flange
members 96 are substantially parallel to one another. A groove 98
is provided between the flange members 96 and receives the inner
edge 86 of the sealing ring 76 to removably locate the sealing ring
76 to the cover 14. Removing the sealing ring 76 facilitates
cleaning the container. Alternatively, the sealing ring 76 may be
attached to the outer periphery 82, the flange 92 or to the groove
98 by any suitable manner, including use of adhesive. The sealing
ring 76 may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the
sealing ring 76 is made of a flexible rubber or plastic material to
provide the air-tight seal between the cover 14 and the containing
portion 12.
[0032] The illustrated handle 20 and stopper 26 combination will
now be discussed in greater detail. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the
stopper 26 and the cover handle 20 are formed as a one-piece unit.
The combination may be formed unitarily with the cover 14 or
attached to the cover 14 in any suitable manner. The stopper 26 has
a portion 100 attached to the cover handle 20. The stopper 26
further includes a flap 102 extending from portion 100. The
extension 70 extends from a lower surface 103 of the flap 102 and
is engagable with the edge of the opening 24 to close or fill the
opening 24. As discussed above, it will be appreciated that the
handle 20 and stopper 26 may be formed from at least two separate
elements either unitarily with the cover or attached to the cover
in any suitable manner. As shown in FIG. 6, the one-piece handle 20
and stopper 26 combination is removable from the cover 14. The body
portion 54 of the cover 14 may include holes 104a and 104b, as well
as the opening 24. As shown, the holes 104a and 104b may be
provided on a raised portion 105 provided within the indentation
78. The additional holes 104a and 104b may receive portions 106
extending from a base 108 of the handle 20 to secure the handle 20
and stopper 26 to the cover 14.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a removable handle 20
and stopper 26 combination. In this embodiment, the handle includes
projections 110a and 110b extending from the base 108 recessed
within the handle 20 and designed to mate with corresponding holes
104a and 104b in the cover 14 to removably secure the handle and
stopper combination to the cover 14. The handle 20 includes
sidewall 112 surrounding the recessed base 108 of the handle 20 and
provides side surfaces 114 for gripping the handle 20. As shown in
FIG. 6, the raised portion 105 of the cover 14 interfits within the
recessed base 108 of the handle 20 when the projections 110a and
110b are inserted through the holes 104a and 104b of the raised
portion 105. Typically, an interference-fit is provided between the
holes 104a and 104b and the projections 110a and 110b. The holes
104a and 104b and projections 110a and 110b are round. However, the
holes and projections may be any suitable shape so long as they
mate with one another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that one or
more corresponding hole and projection sets could be provided to
removably secure the handle 20 and/or stopper 26 to the cover 14.
It will also be appreciated that the handle and stopper may be
attached to the cover in any suitable manner other than that
illustrated.
[0034] Having thus described various illustrative embodiments and
examples, variations and modifications may be apparent to those of
skill in the art. For example, the handle and/or stopper may be
permanently attached to the cover 14. Such variations and
modifications, including altering the shape or material of the
container, or providing additional structures adapted for use in
combination with the container, for example a roasting rack, are
intended to be included in this disclosure which is by way of
example only and not intended to be limiting. The scope of the
invention should be determined from proper construction of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
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