U.S. patent application number 10/685734 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for container with selectively vented lid.
Invention is credited to Dais, Brian C., Leonard, Stephen B..
Application Number | 20050082305 10/685734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34465473 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050082305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dais, Brian C. ; et
al. |
April 21, 2005 |
Container with selectively vented lid
Abstract
A container (100) comprises a bowl (102) having a rim (106), and
a lid (104) attachable to the bowl (102). The lid (104) is
configured for attachment to the bowl (102) in a plurality of
different orientations, including (we) a first orientation wherein
the lid (104) is attached to the bowl (102) and forms a continuous
seal with the rim (106) along the entire perimeter of the rim
(106), thereby sealing the container (100), and (ii) a second
orientation wherein the lid (104) is attached to the bowl (102) so
as to allow ventilation of the container (100).
Inventors: |
Dais, Brian C.; (Saginaw,
MI) ; Leonard, Stephen B.; (Franksville, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
1525 HOWE STREET
RACINE
WI
53403-2236
US
|
Family ID: |
34465473 |
Appl. No.: |
10/685734 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/785 ;
220/366.1; 220/786; 220/793 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/0062 20130101;
B65D 2543/0074 20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101; B65D 2543/00796
20130101; B65D 2543/00101 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D
2543/00194 20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101; B65D 2543/0025
20130101; B65D 2543/00685 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D
43/021 20130101; B65D 51/1627 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/785 ;
220/366.1; 220/786; 220/793 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/18; B65D
051/16 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A container comprising: a bowl having a rim about its upper
periphery; and a lid having a lip, said lip having a continuous
sealing bead about the periphery of said lid and at least one vent
region, wherein said lid is configured for attachment to said bowl
in a plurality of different orientations, including (we) a first
orientation in which said lid is attached to said bowl with said
sealing bead in continuous contact with said rim along the entire
perimeter of said rim, thereby sealing said container, and (ii) a
second orientation in which said lid is attached to said bowl with
said at least one vent region providing ventilation of said
container.
2. A container according to claim 1, said rim comprising a flange
projecting upward from the upper perimeter of said bowl.
3. A container according to claim 2, said lip having an inverted
V-shape, with said V-shape being sized to accommodate said flange
of said rim.
4. A container according to claim 3, said sealing bead being formed
on the inner surface of said V-shaped lip so as to contact said
flange of said rim.
5. A container according to claim 4, said sealing bead being
positioned adjacent the opening of said V-shaped lip along a first
portion of the perimeter of said lid, and being positioned adjacent
the apex of said V-shaped lip along a second portion of the
perimeter of said lid.
6. A container according to claim 5, said second portion of said
perimeter of said lid corresponding to said at least one vent
region of said lip.
7. A container according to claim 1, said rim including at least
one recessed portion, which aligns with said at least one vent
region when said lid is attached in the second orientation, such
that said sealing bead does not contact said rim along said
recessed portion, thereby allowing venting of said container.
8. A container according to claim 1, said bowl comprising a base
and a peripheral wall extending upward therefrom, said rim being
disposed at a distal end of said peripheral wall.
9. A container according to claim 8, said base of said bowl having
a plurality of raised ridges protruding from said base into the
interior of said bowl.
10. A container according to claim 9, said plurality of ridges
being formed in a parallel arrangement.
11. A container according to claim 10, each ridge of said plurality
of ridges being spaced apart from from each of the other ridges of
said plurality of ridges.
12. A container according to claim 8, wherein said peripheral wall
of said bowl is scalloped.
13. A container according to claim 1, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises one of a dome, a bubble, an expanded
portion, a flared portion, an enlarged portion, and an overhanging
portion.
14. A container according to claim 1, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises a substantially hemispherical dome.
15. A container according to claim 14, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises a plurality of substantially
hemispherical domes.
16. A container according to claim 1, said lip further comprising a
pair of vent regions, each said vent region comprising a plurality
of substantially hemispherical domes.
17. A container according to claim 1, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises one of a through-hole, a notch, a recess,
and an oblong port.
18. A container according to claim 1, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises a through-hole.
19. A container according to claim 18, wherein each said at least
one vent region comprises a plurality of through-holes.
20. A container according to claim 1, said lip further comprising a
pair of vent regions, each said vent region comprising a plurality
of through-holes.
21. A container according to claim 1, wherein when said lid is
attached to said bowl in the first orientation, said container is
hermetically sealed.
22. A container according to claim 1, wherein said lid is
configured for attachment to said bowl in a third orientation in
which said lid is attached to said bowl with said at least one vent
region providing greater ventilation of said container than in the
second orientation.
23. A container according to claim 22, wherein said lid is
configured for attachment to said bowl in a fourth orientation in
which said lid is attached to said bowl with said at least one vent
region providing greater ventilation of said container than in the
third orientation.
24. A container comprising: a bowl having a rim about its upper
periphery; and a lid configured for attachment to said bowl in a
plurality of different orientations, including (we) a first
orientation in which said lid is attached to said bowl and forms a
continuous seal with said rim along the entire perimeter of said
rim, thereby sealing said container, and (ii) a second orientation
in which said lid is attached to said bowl so as to allow
ventilation of said container, wherein the second orientation of
said lid is offset about the vertical axis relative to the first
orientation of said lid.
25. A container according to claim 24, wherein said container is
rectangular, and the second orientation of the lid is offset 180
degrees about the vertical axis relative to the first orientation
of the lid.
26. A container according to claim 24, wherein said container is
square, and the second orientation of the lid is offset 90 degrees
about the vertical axis relative to the first orientation of the
lid.
27. A container according to claim 26, wherein said lid is
configured for attachment to said bowl in a third orientation
wherein said lid is attached to said bowl with said at least one
vent region providing greater ventilation of said container than in
the second orientation, and wherein the third orientation of the
lid is offset 90 degrees about the vertical axis relative to the
second orientation of the lid.
28. A container according to claim 27, wherein said lid is
configured for attachment to said bowl in a fourth orientation
wherein said lid is attached to said bowl with said at least one
vent region providing greater ventilation of said container than in
the third orientation, and wherein the fourth orientation of the
lid is offset 90 degrees about the vertical axis relative to the
third orientation of the lid.
29. A container comprising: a bowl and a lid attachable thereto,
one of said bowl and said lid having a rim extending around the
perimeter thereof, and the other of said bowl and said lid having a
lip with a continuous sealing bead for engagement with said rim,
said sealing bead including at least one stepped portion having a
height offset from a remainder of said sealing bead, wherein said
lid is configured for attachment to said bowl in a plurality of
different orientations, including (we) a first orientation in which
said sealing bead is in continuous contact with said rim along the
entire perimeter of said rim, thereby sealing said container, and
(ii) a second orientation in which said stepped portion does not
contact said rim, thereby providing ventilation of said
container.
30. A container according to claim 29, said rim including at least
one stepped portion having a height offset from a remainder of said
rim, wherein in the second orientation said stepped portion of said
rim is aligned with said stepped portion of said sealing bead.
31. A container comprising: a bowl and a lid attachable thereto,
one of said bowl and said lid having a rim extending around the
perimeter thereof, and the other of said bowl and said lid having a
lip with a continuous sealing bead for engagement with said rim,
said rim including at least one stepped portion having a height
offset from a remainder of said rim, wherein said lid is configured
for attachment to said bowl in a plurality of different
orientations, including (we) a first orientation in which said
sealing bead is in continuous contact with said rim along the
entire perimeter of said rim, thereby sealing said container, and
(ii) a second orientation in which said stepped portion does not
contact said sealing bead, thereby providing ventilation of said
container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Our invention generally relates to the field of containers
having a bowl and a lid attachable thereto. In particular our
invention relates to such containers that are selectively ventable
to allow ventilation of the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers, generally having a bowl and a lid, for storing
food items and the like are well known. In recent years, consumer
demand for more sophisticated containers has resulted in increased
competition in the container industry. For example, today's
consumers want, among other things, containers that are easy to
use, that are adaptable to multiple uses, and are capable of
withstanding extreme temperatures generally associated with
freezing and/or microwaving of the contents of the container.
[0003] Different foods require different storage conditions for
optimum preservation. For example, certain foods, such as fruits
and vegetables, tend to respire and, in the process emit a certain
amount of water vapor. In conventional, un-vented containers, this
water vapor is trapped in the container and contributes to the
premature spoilage of the stored fruits and/or vegetables. In order
to prevent this premature spoilage, it is desirable that fruits and
vegetables be stored in ventilated containers that are tailored to
allow the fruits and vegetables to respire. Other products, such as
desserts, have a tendency to absorb odors from other foods in the
refrigerator or freezer. It is desirable that these products be
stored in a container that is tightly sealed, so that they are not
exposed to undesirable odors.
[0004] Sealed containers are well known in the art; however, they
do not provide suitable means for storing fruits and vegetables
that need to be ventilated. Conversely, various vented containers
also exist; however, these containers do not provide suitable means
of sealing the container for storing, for example, odor absorbent
foods.
[0005] Some strategies that have been used for providing a
ventilated container include covering a bowl with plastic wrap
having holes punched in the top, loosely setting a lid on a
container, placing a plate over a bowl, etc. Each of these
techniques, however, suffers from a number of disadvantages. For
example, in each of these arrangements, since the cover is not
firmly attached, it may be accidentally knocked off, thereby
providing no cover at all. Conversely, the lid may be accidentally
pushed into place so that the bowl becomes tightly sealed and no
respiration is possible. Moreover, these arrangements are not
conducive to stacking of multiple containers, nor are they easily
adaptable to store different types of products.
[0006] Another problem faced by conventional containers is
microwaving a product contained therein. With conventional food
storage containers, if the lid is left sealed to the bowl of the
container when heating food stored within, there is no venting of
the inside of the container to the ambient air. Consequently, as
the container's contents are warmed in a microwave oven, air within
the container expands and the container may deform, or the lid may
burst off, splattering the contents of the container. This may also
cause damage to the container.
[0007] Of course, to avoid such deformation, the lid could be
removed from the bowl during microwaving. As the open bowl is
warmed, however, it is not uncommon for liquid contents to
splatter. Thus, without a lid, this splattering could again lead to
a soiled microwave oven.
[0008] Conventional attempts to avoid these problems typically
involve removing the lid and setting it loosely on the bowl, prior
to heating the contents of the container. However, if the lid is
not offset relative to the bowl during heating, a vacuum can be
created between the lid and the bowl, and the aforementioned
problem of container deformation is not averted. Additionally,
offsetting the lid on the bowl lessens, but may not eliminate the
splattering problem. Also, when the lid rests loosely on the bowl,
two items (we.e., the bowl and the lid) need to be removed from the
microwave oven, both having the potential of being hot and,
therefore, difficult to handle.
[0009] Various attempts have been made in the art to provide a
vented container. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,241,064; 4,600,117;
5,065,889; and 5,388,714, are each directed to a selectively
ventable container. None of these patents, however, discloses that
the container can be suitably sealed. Instead these containers each
utilize a lid that covers, but does not seal, a container.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,694 is directed to a container that may
be sealed, or selectively vented during use, depending on whether
the lid is placed on the container in a raised or lowered position.
However, a container according to this patent may be difficult to
use and may not provide a secure attachment of the lid to the bowl.
In particular, it may be difficult to place the lid on the bowl in
the vented condition, since pressure applied to the lid will seal
the container. Consequently, this arrangement has a further
disadvantage in that it does not readily allow for stacking of
multiple containers. If an object, such as another container, were
placed on top of the vented container, the lid could be pressed
downward, thereby sealing the bottom container.
[0011] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an
adaptable container that can be selectively sealed or vented, or
improvements thereon depending on the product that is to be stored
therein. In addition, there is a need for a container that can
effectively be used in a microwave to heat a product held
therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Our invention remedies these and other deficiencies in the
prior art and provides an inexpensive container that is selectively
ventable and can be safely and easily used to heat products in the
microwave.
[0013] According to one aspect, our invention relates to a
container comprising a bowl having a rim about its upper periphery
and a lid having a lip. The lip has a continuous sealing bead about
its periphery, and at least one vent region. The lid is configured
for attachment to the bowl in a plurality of different
orientations, including (we) a first orientation in which the lid
is attached to the bowl with the sealing bead in continuous contact
with the rim along the entire perimeter of the rim, thereby sealing
the container, and (ii) a second orientation in which the lid is
attached to the bowl with the at least one vent region providing
ventilation of the container.
[0014] As used herein, the term "bowl" should be interpreted
broadly to include any receptacle for holding goods, regardless of
size, shape, material, construction or the like.
[0015] According to another aspect, our invention relates to a
container comprising a bowl having a rim about its upper periphery
and a lid configured for attachment to the bowl in a plurality of
different orientations. The various orientations include (we) a
first orientation in which the lid is attached to the bowl and
forms a continuous seal with the rim along the entire perimeter of
the rim, thereby sealing the container, and (ii) a second
orientation in which the lid is attached to the bowl so as to allow
ventilation of the container. The second orientation of the lid is
offset about the vertical axis relative to the first orientation of
the lid.
[0016] According to yet another aspect, our invention relates to a
container comprising a bowl and a lid attachable thereto. One of
the bowl and the lid has a rim extending around the perimeter
thereof, and the other of the bowl and the lid has a lip with a
continuous sealing bead for engagement with the rim. The sealing
bead includes at least one stepped portion having a height offset
from a remainder of the sealing bead. The lid is configured for
attachment to the bowl in a plurality of different orientations,
including (we) a first orientation in which the sealing bead is in
continuous contact with the rim along the entire perimeter of the
rim, thereby sealing the container, and (ii) a second orientation
in which the stepped portion does not contact the rim, thereby
providing ventilation of said container.
[0017] According to still another aspect, our invention relates to
a container comprising a bowl and a lid attachable thereto. One of
the bowl and the lid has a rim extending around the perimeter
thereof, and the other of the bowl and the lid has a lip with a
continuous sealing bead for engagement with the rim. The rim
includes at least one stepped portion having a height offset from a
remainder of the rim. The lid is configured for attachment to the
bowl in a plurality of different orientations, including (we) a
first orientation in which the sealing bead is in continuous
contact with the rim along the entire perimeter of the rim, thereby
sealing the container, and (ii) a second orientation in which the
stepped portion does not contact the sealing bead, thereby
providing ventilation of the container.
[0018] A better understanding of these and other aspects, features,
and advantages of the invention may be had by reference to the
drawings and to the accompanying description, in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a bowl of a first
embodiment of our invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bowl of the first
embodiment of our invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front, partial section view of the bowl of the
first embodiment of our invention, the section being taken along
line 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the bowl of the
first embodiment of our invention taken along line 4-4 in FIG.
2.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lid of the first
embodiment of our invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid of the first embodiment
of our invention.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a front view of the lid of the first embodiment
of our invention.
[0026] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the first
embodiment of our invention taken along line 7B-7B in FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the first
embodiment of our invention taken along line 7C-7C in FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 8A is a side view of the lid of FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the first
embodiment of our invention taken along line 8B-8B in FIG. 6.
[0030] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the first
embodiment of our invention taken along line 8C-8C in FIG. 6.
[0031] FIG. 9A is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the lip
taken at 9A in FIG. 8B.
[0032] FIG. 9B is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the lip
taken at 9B in FIG. 8C.
[0033] FIG. 10A is a front, partial cut-away view of the container
of the first embodiment of our invention showing the lid attached
to the bowl in an orientation such that the container is
sealed.
[0034] FIG. 10B is a front, partial cut-away view of the container
of the first embodiment of our invention showing the lid attached
to the bowl in an orientation that allows ventilation of the
container.
[0035] FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of a bowl according
to a second embodiment of our invention.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a lid of the second embodiment of
our invention.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional front view of the lid of the
second embodiment of our invention, taken along line 13-13 in FIG.
12.
[0038] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a container
according to a third embodiment of our invention.
[0039] Throughout the figures, like or corresponding reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Generally, a container according to our invention comprises
a bowl and a lid attachable thereto in a plurality of different
orientations. In at least one orientation, the lid is attached to
the bowl in a sealed condition, while in at least one other
orientation the lid is attached to the bowl in a vented condition.
The seal formed between the lid and the bowl in the first
orientation should substantially prevent transfer of air between
the interior of the container and the environment. The seal may be
a hermitic seal, but need not be such. For applications that
require a hermetic seal, it may be desirable to provide a more
robust sealing surface, e.g., by providing a larger sealing bead,
multiple sealing beads, other seal enhancing features, or
combinations thereof.
[0041] The container may be made of any of polypropylene,
polyethylene, and polycarbonate, but is preferably made of
polypropylene. Preferably the container is manufactured by
injection molding; however, any other suitable manufacturing
technique may also be used, such as thermoforming or
blowmolding.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, a container 100 according to one
preferred embodiment of our invention generally comprises a bowl
102 and a lid 104 attachable thereto. The lid 104 is configured for
attachment to the bowl in a plurality of different orientations,
including (we) a first orientation (see FIG. 10A) in which the lid
is attached to the bowl so as to seal the container, and (ii) a
second orientation (see FIG. 10B) in which the lid is attached to
the bowl so as to allow ventilation of the container.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and particularly FIG. 3, the
bowl 102 is delimited at its bottom by a base 124 and at its sides
by a peripheral wall 126 that projects generally upward from around
the periphery of the base 124. The peripheral wall 126 is
preferably scalloped, so as to lend structural support to the bowl
102. As shown in FIG. 1, the scallops 134 are essentially convex,
vertical panels arranged about the perimeter of the bowl 102.
[0044] Preferably, plural elongated, raised ridges 130 are arranged
in parallel in the bottom of the bowl 102. As best seen in FIGS. 2
and 4, each of the ridges 130 is spaced apart from the peripheral
wall 126 of the bowl 102 and/or from the next adjacent ridge 130.
This spaced apart arrangement results in the bottom of the bowl 102
generally consisting of a series of interconnected troughs 142. The
ridges 130 support the product stored in the bowl 102 in an
elevated position relative to the base 124 of the container. Thus,
if any water drains from the stored product--as might be the case
with, for example, frozen meats, rinsed fruits and vegetables, or
the like--the water will flow into the troughs 142 and will be kept
away from the stored product. The ridges 130 also keep the product
raised out of contact with any moisture that may collect as a
result of transpiration from the product. Additionally, the ridges
130 allow the bowl 102 to be used as a steamer, as discussed in
greater detail below. A ridge 130 running through the center of the
bowl 102 is discontinuous and has a center foot 132 which is at
substantially the same level as the troughs 142. The center foot
132 provides additional rigidity to the bowl 102 and also provides
a center support for the bowl 102. During manufacturing, the center
foot 132 is the location where the plastic enters the mold. The
flat surface of the foot 132 allows the plastic to enter and be
evenly distributed in the mold. It will be understood that any
number, shape, spacing, and orientation of raised features could
also be used, so long as the bottom surface of the bowl 102 is able
to support a product at a level higher than the base 124. For
example, any number of raised bumps, frustums, linear ridges,
curved ridges, or the like, may effectively be use. Alternatively,
a separate platform or stage element could be placed in the bottom
of the bowl 102 in order to support a product in a raised
position.
[0045] A rim 106 is disposed around the perimeter of the upper,
distal end 128 of the peripheral wall 126. As best seen in FIGS. 3
and 4, the rim 106 comprises an upward flange 116 projecting
vertically from the rim 106 for engaging with the lid 104 and an
outward flange 118 extending horizontally outward from the rim 106.
The rim 106 also includes a number of "denesting lugs" 114
positioned about the perimeter of the rim 106. These denesting lugs
114, as their name suggests, prevent the bowl 102 from becoming
jammed together when several bowls 102 are nested. Alternatively,
or in addition, the rim 106 may include an enlarged ring (not
shown), which extends around the perimeter of the bowl 102, and
provides additional structural support to the bowl 102.
[0046] The rim 106 provides structural support to the bowl 102 and
acts as a firm base from which the upward and outward flanges 116,
118 extend. The upward flange 116 provides a surface against which
the lid 104 can seal when the lid 104 is sealingly engaging the
bowl 102. The upward flange 116 has a pair of notched or recessed
portions 122 formed along the periphery of the upward flange 116 on
opposite sides of the bowl 102. When viewed from the side, recessed
portions 122 of the upward flange 116 have a lower overall height
than the remainder of the upward flange 116 (we.e., the upward
flange 116 has "stepped portions"). These recessed portions 122
work in combination with vent regions 112 in the lid 104 to
selectively provide ventilation to the interior of the container
100 when the lid 104 is placed in a predetermined orientation
relative to the bowl 102. The outward flange 118 provides a
grasping surface and facilitates easy handling of the bowl 102. The
outward flange 118 is extended somewhat at the two longitudinal
ends of the bowl 102 so as to form handles 136 for grasping and
transporting the bowl 102.
[0047] The outward flange 118 of the bowl 102 is preferably labeled
"VENT" and "SEALED," as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the lid 104 is
preferably marked with indicator 148, to indicate which orientation
of the lid 104 will result in a sealed condition and which
orientation will result in a vented condition. That is, when the
indicator 148 is aligned with the VENT label the container will be
vented, whereas when the indicator 148 is aligned with the SEALED
label the container will be sealed. Alternatively, the label could
be placed in a different location on the bowl 102, such as on the
peripheral wall 126, or on the upward flange 116. Moreover, the
labels and the indicator 148 could be reversed, such that the
indicator 148 is positioned on the bowl 102 and the labels are
positioned on the lid 104. Furthermore, while the labels are shown
as being the words SEALED and VENT, other suitable words, numbers,
symbols, colors, and/or pictures could also effectively be used.
For example, a picture of a fan could be used to indicate a vented
condition, while a zipper could be used to indicate a sealed
condition.
[0048] The lid 104 is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 as being a
substantially rectangular panel having a lip 108 disposed around
its perimeter. It will of course be understood that the lid 104 may
be any of a variety of shapes, and will typically mimic the shape
of the bowl 102. A tab 140 is formed at one corner of the lid 104
for grasping by a user to manipulate and remove the lid 104 from
the bowl 102. The location of the tab 140 is not critical; however,
it has been found that locating the tab at a corner of the lid 104
allows the container 100 to be easily opened and closed.
[0049] A pair of vent regions 112 is disposed along the lip 108 at
one end of the lid 104. Each of the vent regions 112 preferably
comprises a plurality of substantially hemispherical domes or
bubbles 144. Alternatively, the vent regions 112 could be comprised
of one or more elongated, flared, expanded, enlarged, or
overhanging portions. Still further, the vent regions 112 could
each take the form of one or more through holes (as illustrated at
312 in FIG. 14), oblong ports, recesses, or notchs removed from the
outer portion of the lip 108, or any other feature that would
enable the lip 108 to provide venting of the interior of the
container 100. Furthermore, while a pair of vent regions 112 is
shown, any number of vent regions could be provided as desired for
a given application.
[0050] FIG. 7A is a front view of the lid 104, showing the
peripheral lip 108 around the edge of the lid 104. FIG. 7B is a
cross-sectional view of the lid 104 taken along line 7B-7B in FIG.
6. The lip 108 has an inverted V-shaped cross section, with the
apex 120 of the V-shape at the top of the lip 108. A continuous
sealing bead 110 is formed on the inner face of the lip 108 to seal
against the upward flange 116 of the bowl 102. In FIG. 7B, the
sealing bead 110 is shown adjacent to the opening of the V-shaped
lip 108. Referring to FIG. 7C, which is a cross-sectional view of
the lid 104 taken along line 7C-7C in FIG. 6, the sealing bead 110
is positioned adjacent to the opening of the inverted V-shaped lip
108 over a majority of the perimeter of the lid 104 (right side in
FIG. 7C), but transitions to a position adjacent the apex 120 of
the inverted V-shaped lip 108 along the length of the vent region
112 (left side in FIG. 7C). Thus, as viewed in profile, the sealing
bead 110 includes a stepped portion having a different height
relative to the remainder of the sealing bead. Thus, the sealing
bead 110 is positioned at two or more different heights around the
perimeter of the lid 104.
[0051] FIGS. 8A-8C respectively show a right side view of the lid
104, and cross-sectional views taken along lines 8B-8B and 8C-8C in
FIG. 6. FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged, detail views of the lip 108
of the lid 104. As shown in FIG. 9A, the sealing bead 110 is
positioned above the hemispherical dome 144, adjacent the apex 120
of the V-shaped lip 108. FIG. 9B shows the sealing bead 110
positioned adjacent the opening of the inverted V-shaped lip 108 on
a portion of the lid 104 that is not in the vent region 112. Thus,
when the vent regions 112 of the lid are aligned with the recessed
portion 122 of the rim (we.e., the stepped portions of the rim 106
and the sealing bead 110 are aligned), the sealing bead 110 will be
positioned near the apex 120 of the V-shaped lip 108 (as shown in
FIG. 9A) and will not contact the recessed portion 122 of the rim
106. However, when the vent regions 112 are not aligned with the
recessed portions 122 of the rim 106, the sealing bead 110 will be
positioned near the opening of the V-shaped lip 108 (as shown in
FIG. 9B) and will therefore contact and seal against the bottom
part of the upward flange 116, even along the recessed portion 122
(as best seen in FIG. 10A).
[0052] The lid 104 of this embodiment is attachable to the bowl 102
in two different orientations. In a first orientation, illustrated
in FIG. 10A, the lid 104 is attached to the bowl 102 such that the
container 100 is sealed. In this orientation, the vent region 112
of the lid 104 is positioned opposite the recessed portion 122 of
the rim 106 of the bowl 102. Thus, the sealing bead 110 is in
contact with the upward flange 116 around the entire perimeter of
the rim 106. Specifically, because the sealing bead 110 is located
adjacent the opening of the inverted V-shape over the portion of
the lip 108 that aligns with the recessed portion 122 of the upward
flange 116, a seal is still formed between the sealing bead 110 and
the recessed portion 122 of the upward flange 116. The portion of
the sealing bead 110 that is positioned adjacent the apex 120 of
the inverted V-shape is aligned with the full (we.e., not recessed)
portion of the upward flange 116 and, thus, also forms a seal
between the sealing bead 110 and the upward flange 116.
[0053] In the second orientation, shown in FIG. 10B, the lid 104 is
rotated by approximately 180 degrees about an axis substantially
normal to the plane of the lid (we.e., "the vertical axis"),
relative to the first orientation. In this second orientation, the
vent region 112 of the lid 104 is aligned with the recessed portion
122 of the rim 106 of the bowl 102, such that the sealing bead 110
is not in contact with the upward flange 116 along the length of
the vent region 112, thereby allowing ventilation of the interior
of the container 100. Specifically, because the portion of the lid
104 having the sealing bead 110 positioned near the apex 120 of the
inverted V-shaped lip 108 corresponds to the portion of the rim 106
having the recessed portion 122, no seal is formed over this region
and the container 100 is vented. That is, the inside of the
container 100 is in flow communication with the ambient environment
over the top of the recessed portion 122 and under the
hemispherical domes 144, as shown by the broken arrows.
[0054] As best seen in FIG. 10B, the recessed portions 122 of the
rim 106 of the bowl 102 are shorter in length than the vent regions
112 of the lid 104, such that only the center four hemispherical
domes 144 actually serve to vent the container 100. This difference
is primarily for aesthetic purposes, consumers preferring the
greater number of hemispherical domes 144 on the lid 104. Of
course, the recessed portions 122 of the rim 106 may be the same
length, shorter, or longer than the vent regions 112 of the lid
104. Accordingly, all or only a portion of the hemispherical domes
144 provided may actually be used to vent to container 100.
[0055] While the rim 106, having the upward flange 116 and the
recessed portion 122, is shown as being a part of the bowl 102, and
the V-shaped lip 108, with the continuous, stepped sealing bead
110, is shown as being a part of the lid 104, these features could
be rearranged and/or reversed. For example, the bowl 102 could be
configured to have a lip with a sealing bead while the lid 104
could be configured to have the corresponding stepped rim formed
thereon. Furthermore, each of the bowl 102 and the lid 104 may have
any number of such features formed thereon.
[0056] In use, a user simply places the lid 104 on the container
102 in the desired orientation--the first orientation if the user
wishes to seal the contents, or the second orientation if the user
wishes the contents to be vented. To change the orientation of the
lid, the user simply grasps the tab 140 of the lid 104 and pulls
upward to remove the lid. The user then turns the lid to the
desired orientation, by orienting the indicator 148 on the lid 104
with the desired one of the VENT/SEALED labels on the bowl 102, and
presses the lid 104 downward into place. Thus, the container 100
can easily be adapted to store a wide variety of products,
including fruits and vegetables that may require a vented
container, and odor absorbing foods that may require a sealed
container. Furthermore, the container 100 may be used in a
microwave to heat food contained therein with the lid 104 firmly
attached to the bowl 102. A user simply has to attach the lid 104
to the bowl 102 in the second orientation, such that the container
100 is vented. Then, the container 100 may be heated until the food
reaches a desired temperature, moisture and hot air being able to
safely escape through the vent regions 112. Because the lid 104 is
firmly attached to the bowl 102, there is less of a risk that the
lid 104 will fall off during heating or removal of the container
100 from the microwave. Also, since the lid 104 is attached to the
bowl 102, it is not likely to become deformed during heating. It is
worth noting that certain fruits and vegetables may not respire as
much as others. When such vegetables are stored in the container
100, it may de desirable to attach the lid 104 to the bowl 102 in
the SEALED position.
[0057] Another feature of our invention is the ability to stack
other containers or objects on top of the container 100. Because
the container 100 is vented around its periphery--and not through
the top--stacking other things onto top of the container 100 will
not block the vents. Thus, even when two or more containers 100 are
stacked, the contents of the containers can still be
ventilated.
[0058] As mentioned above, the container 100 may also be used as a
steamer to cook, for example, vegetables, crabs, etc. Specifically,
water is poured in the bottom of the bowl 102 to a level below the
tops of the raised ridges 130. The item to be cooked is then placed
on top of the ridges 130 so that it is out of contact with the
water. The lid 104 is then placed on the bowl 102 in the vented
orientation and the container 100 is placed in a microwave oven and
cooked for a desired period of time. As the food and water in the
container 100 is heated, steam is generated within the container
100. The steam then quickly cooks the food in the container 100.
Because the container 100 is vented, the steam is allowed to escape
from the interior of the container 100 and no significant pressure
builds up inside the container 100. If the container 100 is
intended to be used as a steamer, it may be desirable to make the
vent regions 112 of the lid 104 and/or the recessed portions 122 of
the bowl 102 smaller, so that the steam escapes the container more
slowly.
[0059] The container 100 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
1, has a generally rectangular perimeter, when viewed from above.
Of course, other shapes may also be used. For example, the
perimeter of the container could be generally square (as shown in
FIGS. 11-14), circular, rhomboid, trapezoidal, oval, or any other
shape, geometric or otherwise, that is desirable for practical
and/or aesthetic reasons. If, for example, the container 100 were
to be constructed with a circular perimeter, the container could be
constructed so that the amount of venting of the container is
infinitely adjustable. That is, the container could be made such
that when the lid is attached to the bowl in a first orientation
the container is sealed, but as the lid is rotated relative to the
bowl the amount of venting is gradually and smoothly increased up
to some maximum venting orientation. This infinitely adjustable
container could be realized, for example, by making a recessed
portion or notch in the upward flange of the bowl, the recessed
portion extending slightly less than half way around the perimeter
of the bowl. The lid could then be constructed having a vent region
extending a distance around the perimeter of the lid corresponding
in length to the length of the recessed portion of the bowl. When
the lid is attached to the bowl, the amount of venting of the
container could be gradually varied between a sealed condition
(when the vent region of the lid and the recessed portion of the
bowl do not overlap) and a completely vented condition (when the
vent region of the lid and the recessed portion of the bowl
completely overlap) or any intermediate venting condition
therebetween.
[0060] A second embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIGS.
11-13. The container of the second embodiment is similar to that of
this first embodiment, except that it has a substantially square
perimeter. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the container comprises a
bowl 202 and a lid 204. The bowl has a rim 206 with an outward
flange 218 and an upward flange 216. The upward flange 216 has a
pair of notched or recessed portions 222 formed on opposite sides
of the rim 206.
[0061] The lid 204 has an inverted V-shaped lip 208 about its
perimeter, and a tab 240 for grasping the lid 204. The lip 208
includes a pair of vent regions 212 disposed on opposite edges of
the lid 204. Each of the vent regions 212 comprises a plurality of
substantially hemispherical domes 244. As best seen in FIG. 13, a
sealing bead 210 is formed on the inner face of the lip 208 to seal
against the upward flange 216 of the bowl 202. The sealing bead 210
is adjacent to the opening of the V-shaped lip 208 over part of the
perimeter of the lid 204 (the sides of the lid having no vent
regions in FIG. 13), but transitions to a position adjacent the
apex 220 of the inverted V-shaped lip 208 along the length of the
vent region 212 (the central portion of FIG. 13).
[0062] The container of the second embodiment functions
substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except
that, due to its square shape, the lid is attachable to the
container in four different orientations. In two of these
orientations the lid 204 will be attached to the bowl 202 in a
sealed condition, while in the other two orientations the lid 204
will be attached to the bowl 202 in a vented condition. Because the
lid 204 has vent regions 212 on opposite sides of the lid 204 and
the bowl 202 has recessed portions 222 on opposite sides of the
bowl 202, the container will always be either sealed on all four
sides or vented on two of the four sides. That is, the container of
the second embodiment has a first (sealed) orientation, a second
(vented) orientation offset from the first orientation by
approximately 90 degrees about the vertical axis, a third (sealed)
orientation offset from the second orientation by approximately 90
degrees about the vertical axis, and a fourth (vented) orientation
offset from the third orientation by approximately 90 degrees,
about the vertical axis. These angle measurements are measured in
the positive (we.e., clockwise) direction.
[0063] Alternatively, the bowl 202 of the second embodiment could
be configured to have recessed portions in the upward flange 216 on
three of the bowl's four sides, each of these recessed portions
being of a different height and/or width. The lid 204 could then be
configured to have a vent region on only one side thereof. With
this alternative arrangement, the lid 204 could be attached to the
bowl 202 in four different orientations, each orientation having a
different degree of venting. For example, the first orientation
might correspond to a sealed condition, the second orientation
might correspond to a slightly ventilated condition, the third
orientation might correspond to a moderately ventilated condition,
and the fourth orientation might correspond to a greatly ventilated
condition. In embodiments such as this, where the amount of
ventilation is variable, the amount of ventilation of the container
may be selected in accordance with the respiration rate of the
product stored.
[0064] In yet another variation, a single recessed portion could be
formed in the upright flange of the bowl 202 and three vent regions
could be formed on three of the four different sides of the lid
204, each of the three vent regions being of a different size.
Accordingly, the lid 204 could be attached to the bowl 202 in four
different orientations, each orientation again having a different
degree of venting.
[0065] A third embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIG.
14. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in many
respects. The container of the third embodiment comprises a bowl
302 and a lid 304. The bowl has a rim 306 including an upward
flange 316 and an outward flange 318. In this embodiment, however,
instead of the notched or recessed portion like the first and
second embodiments, this embodiment has a plurality of flange holes
311 formed in a portion of the upward flange 316. While the flange
holes 311 are shown as being positioned along about half the
perimeter of the rim 306, the number, size, and position of the
flange holes 311 may be varied depending on other design
considerations.
[0066] The lid 304 of the third embodiment includes a lip 308 about
its perimeter, and a tab 340 for manipulation by a user. The lip
has a vent region 312 formed around about half of the perimeter of
the lip 308. While not shown, the third embodiment may employ a
sealing bead similar to those of the first two embodiments. Instead
of the hemispherical domes used in the first two embodiments,
however, the vent region 312 of the third embodiment comprises a
plurality of through-holes 344 formed in the outer surface of the
lip 308.
[0067] When the lid 304 is attached to the bowl 302 in a first
orientation, with the flange holes 311 positioned opposite from
(we.e., not aligned with) the through-holes 344 of the vent region
312, the container is sealed. When the lid 304 is attached to the
bowl 302 in a second orientation, with the flange holes 311 aligned
with the through-holes 344 of the vent region 312, the container is
vented.
[0068] In a variation of the third embodiment, flange holes could
be formed in the upward flange 316 on three sides of the bowl 302,
each side of the bowl 302 having a different number of flange
holes. The lid 304 could be configured with through-holes on only
one side thereof, the number of through-holes equal to the number
of flange holes on the side of the bowl 302 with the greatest
number of flange holes. In this arrangement, the lid 304 would be
attachable to the container 302 in four different orientations,
each orientation providing a different degree of venting.
Alternatively, the placement of the holes in the bowl 302 and the
lid 304 could be reversed, such that the lid 304 has holes on three
sides thereof and the bowl has holes on only one side. Either of
these arrangements would be equally effective.
[0069] While the present invention has been described with respect
to several preferred embodiments, these embodiments are provided
for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention. In particular, WE envision that the various
features of the several embodiments of our invention may be
combined and modified to suit the needs of a particular
application. For example, the bowl and the lid might be used
independently of one another, or in combination with other lids
and/or bowls. In addition, the size, shape, color, and/or material
of the container may be modified to accommodate a certain type of
product or class of user. For example, the shape of the container
may be chosen to accommodate a certain type/shape of product, such
as using a long rectangular container for carrots, celery, or the
like, and using a round container for a head of lettuce.
Alternatively, the shape might be dictated by the amount of
ventilation needed or the need for the ventilation of the container
to be adjusted.
[0070] In addition, while several specific venting features are
disclosed, numerous other shapes and configurations of vent regions
could instead be used. For example, instead of the plural
hemispherical domes disclosed in the first embodiment, a single
elongated flared portion could be used, one or more oblong domes
could be used, a portion of the lid or bowl could simply be cut
away or notched to form the vent region, or any other suitable
feature that could provide venting of the lid portion could be
employed. Furthermore, while the lid is disclosed as having a lip
that fits over a rim of the bowl, these features could easily be
reversed, such that the rim is disposed on the lid and the lip is
disposed on the bowl.
[0071] One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that these and
other various modifications and variations are possible within the
spirit and scope of our invention, which is intended to be limited
in scope only by the accompanying claims, which should be accorded
the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications, equivalent structures and functions.
[0072] Industrial Applicability
[0073] Our invention is generally applicable to containers with
lids. In particular, our invention is applicable to containers
intended for storing food, and, in some circumstances, cooking the
same.
* * * * *