U.S. patent application number 11/330666 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for lid with button.
Invention is credited to Peter Jug, Aaron M. Rees.
Application Number | 20070158354 11/330666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38231784 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jug; Peter ; et al. |
July 12, 2007 |
Lid with button
Abstract
A lid for use with a plastic container is described. The lid
includes a button that assists in securing the lid to the plastic
container. The button is raised from the surface of the lid. The
button includes one or more concentric circles raised from the
button. The raised design of the button assists in transferring the
pressing force supplied by the user concentrically throughout the
lid and to the rim of the lid. The button and the concentric
circles provide a target for the user to press with their finger to
actuate the sealing of the lid to the container.
Inventors: |
Jug; Peter; (Chicago,
IL) ; Rees; Aaron M.; (Newburgh, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSINELLI SHALTON FLANIGAN SUELTHAUS PC
700 W. 47TH STREET
SUITE 1000
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112-1802
US
|
Family ID: |
38231784 |
Appl. No.: |
11/330666 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/780 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00796
20130101; B65D 2543/00648 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101; B65D 2543/00555
20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 2543/00416 20130101; B65D
2543/0074 20130101; B65D 2543/00685 20130101; B65D 2543/00935
20130101; B65D 2543/0037 20130101; B65D 43/0208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/780 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/18 20060101
B65D041/18 |
Claims
1. A lid for use with a plastic container, comprising: a printable
surface; a rim surrounding the printable surface, the rim
comprising a top surface raised from the printable surface; a
button protruding from the printable surface; the button comprising
a plurality of concentric circles; the plurality of concentric
circles are in approximately a same plane as the top surface of the
rim, and whereby pressing the button seals the lid to the plastic
container.
2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button comprises four
concentric circles.
3. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the plastic
container are made from a polypropylene.
4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button transfers a
pushing force.
5. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button transfers a
pushing force concentrically to a rim of the lid.
6. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button provides a
target for a user to press or push.
7. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button provides a
gripping surface or a frictional surface for a finger of a
user.
8. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button reduces contact
of the lid to a food product in the container when the lid is
sealed to the container.
9. The lid according to claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the button
forms an angle of approximately 95 degrees to approximately 115
degrees to the printable surface.
10. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the button extends or
rises from the printable surface.
11. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the concentric circles
are wider at a base of the concentric circles, and the concentric
circles are narrower at an apex of the concentric circles.
12. The lid according to claim 1, wherein pressing the button
causes a lip of the container rim to temporarily deform or causes a
perimeter of the lid rim to temporarily deform.
13. The lid according to claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the rim
covers a container rim.
14. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the rim comprises a
vertical member, a top surface, and a perimeter.
15. The lid according to claim 14, wherein a combination of the
vertical member, the top surface, and the perimeter forms an
annular cavity that receives a container rim of the container.
16. The lid according to claim 1, the lid according to claim 1,
wherein the concentric circles have an inner surface and an outer
surface forming sloped edges to the concentric circles.
17. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the printable surface
provides a planar region for text or other designs to be stamped,
printed, or included in or on the printable surface.
18. A three-pound or a one-pound plastic dairy tub comprising the
lid according to claim 1.
19. A lid for use with a plastic container, comprising: a generally
flat surface; a rim surrounding the generally flat surface, the rim
comprising a top surface raised from the generally flat surface; a
button protruding from the generally flat surface; the button
comprising a plurality of concentric circles; and the plurality of
concentric circles are approximately the same distance above the
generally flat surface as the top surface of the rim, and whereby
pressing the button seals the lid to the plastic container.
20. A method of securing a lid to a plastic container, comprising:
pressing a button protruding from a printable surface of a lid,
wherein the button comprises a plurality of concentric circles; and
transferring the pressing force to a rim surrounding the printable
surface, the rim comprising a top surface raised from the printable
surface, wherein the plurality of concentric circles are in
approximately a same plane as a top surface of the rim, and;
sealing the lid to the plastic container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for use with a
container. The lid includes a button that assists in securing the
lid to the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Plastic food containers have been used for years to store
food products. Specialized plastic containers have been developed
to improve the packaging of food products through lids with
specialized rim structures that provide a better seal for storage
of the food product. These rim structures require a pressing force
to properly seal the lid to the container to avoid food
spoilage.
[0003] Many plastic food containers include lids that must be
sealed to the container. If such a lid is not fully and completely
sealed to the container, then food spoilage may occur. The top
surface of the lid may be slippery from condensation resulting from
the refrigeration of the container. This may hinder the user when
the user is sealing the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A lid for use with a plastic container is described herein.
The lid comprises a printable surface and a button protruding from
the printable surface, the button comprising a plurality of
concentric circles, whereby pressing the button seals the lid to
the plastic container. The button and the concentric circles
improve the sealing of the lid to the plastic container. The
printable surface is a planar region surrounding the button that
may be printed with design, text, or other indicia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a view of the lid.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the button of the lid.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the button of the
lid.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a close-up, side sectional view of the button
of the lid.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of the lid connecting to
the container.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a close-up, side sectional view of the lid
connecting to the container.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the rim of the lid
connecting to the container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] A lid for use with a plastic container is described herein.
The lid comprises a button that assists in securing the lid to the
plastic container. The button is raised from the surface of the
lid. The button includes a plurality of concentric circles raised
from the button.
[0013] The button and the plurality of concentric circles provide
many important advantages:
[0014] The button and the plurality of concentric circles assist
the user in securing the lid to the container, namely, the button
and the concentric circles provide a target for the user to press
with their finger to actuate the sealing of the lid to the
container. The user will visually note the button and will aim
their hand and finger movement toward the button.
[0015] The concentric circles also provide a frictional gripping
surface for the finger of the user. A pad of the finger of the user
will frictionally hold against the concentric circles. This reduces
the tendency for the finger to slip on the surface of the lid.
[0016] The raised design of the button also assists in transferring
the pressing force supplied by the user concentrically throughout
the lid and to the rim of the lid. This promotes a complete closure
of the lid on the container, instead of leaving a portion of the
rim of the lid unclosed and subjecting the food product in the
container to spoilage.
[0017] In addition to helping to transfer the pressing force of the
user, the button design also reduces the likelihood that the lid,
when pressed, will contact the food product contained within the
container. The appearance of the food product is important to
consumers, and it is desired to not disturb the appearance of the
food product by pressing on the lid and forcing the lid into the
food. The button is raised from the remainder of the lid. This
difference in height permits the user to press the button causing
the lid to attach to the container without the lid contacting the
food product within the container.
[0018] As discussed above, the concentric circles provide many
advantages. In a preferred embodiment, the inclusion of four
concentric circles provide said advantages and is still
commercially feasible to manufacture. In other embodiments, fewer
or additional concentric circles may be used.
[0019] The lid finds utility in food packaging containers,
especially dairy packaging containers for butter, margarine,
cottage cheese, sour cream, etc. The container and lid of the
present disclosure may be used with a variety of different sized
containers. Preferred embodiments include one-pound tubs and
three-pound plastic tubs. However, the present invention is not
limited by the particular contents of the container.
[0020] The lid and container may be constructed from a variety of
plastic materials, such as polypropylene, low-density polyethylene,
and high-density polyethylene. A particularly preferred material is
polypropylene, since polypropylene provides a "popping" sound when
the lid securely attaches to the container. The audible signal
reassures the user that they have successfully attached the lid to
the container.
[0021] The lid may be manufactured through conventional plastic
forming techniques. Injection molding is one suitable technique.
The injection molding process generally includes assembling a mold
from one or more mold pieces that will ultimately form the plastic
container or lid. Plastic resin is melted, and the melted plastic
resin is then injected into the mold. After cooling, the mold is
separated and the lid or container is ejected out of the mold.
[0022] The lid with the button design and the container may also be
manufactured via thermal forming processes. Typically, a sheet of
plastic material is heated and placed onto a vacuum mold. Vacuum
suction draws the heated sheet into the mold. After cooling, the
container is released from the mold.
[0023] In operation of the button, the user pushes the button,
typically with their finger. The button transmits this pushing
force concentrically to engage the rim of the lid onto the
container. The button assists in transferring the pushing
force.
[0024] As used herein, the term "button" refers to a raised portion
of the lid that extends or protrudes from the remainder of the lid.
Generally, the button will rise from the flat or planar surface of
the remainder of the lid. The button is approximately circular in
shape. The circular shape of the button concentrically transfers
the pressing force of the user to the rim.
[0025] As used herein, the term "printable surface" refers to the
generally flat or the generally planar region of the lid
surrounding the button. The printable surface may include text,
such as trademarks, product ingredients, nutritional data, designs,
ornamentation, etc. The text may be applied to the printable
surface by stamping, printing, ink application, etc.
[0026] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the Figures. As shown in FIG. 1, a lid 10 is
embodied. The lid 10 includes a button 50 in a center of the lid
10. A close up view of the button 50 is shown in FIG. 2. The button
50 further includes concentric circles 100. The button 50 rises
from the lid 10. In the center of the concentric circles 100, a
flat surface 110 of the button 50 is located. As shown in FIG. 3,
the concentric circles 100 are generally evenly spaced apart from
each other.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the concentric circles 100 rise from the
flat surface 110. In this embodiment, four concentric circles 100
are included on the button 50. Each concentric circle 100 includes
an inner surface 105, an outer surface 106, and a top surface 107.
The concentric circles 100 are wider at their base, i.e., the
region connecting to the flat surface 110. The concentric circles
100 are also narrower at their apex, i.e., at their top 107. The
inner surface 105 and the outer surface 106 form sloped edges to
the concentric circles 100. Since the inner surface 105 and the
outer surface 106 are sloped, the likelihood that the button 50
will stick to its mold during the manufacturing process is reduced.
The sloped nature of the inner surface 105 and the outer surface
106 also assists the finger of the user in frictionally gripping to
the button 50.
[0028] The perimeter of the button 50 is formed by a draft angle
200. The draft angle 200 is approximately 95 degrees to
approximately 115 degrees from a printable surface 300 of the lid
10. The draft angle 200 allows the lid 10 to easily slip from a
mold used in the manufacturing of the lid 10. The flat surface 110
is raised from the printable surface 300 by a first distance 225,
which reduces the likelihood that pressing on the button 50 will
cause the lid 10 to contact a food product in a container 500.
[0029] The printable surface 300 surrounds the button 50. The
printable surface 300 provides a generally flat or planar region
for text or other designs to be stamped, printed, or included in or
on the printable surface 300. The printing of the printable surface
300 may be accomplished by cutting a hole in a pad of a printing
plate. The hole in the printing plate allows the button 50 to
protrude into the hole of the pad, and thus the button 50 does not
interfere with the printing on the printable surface 300.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 5-7, the printable surface 300 connects to
a rim 400. The rim 400 includes a vertical member 330, a top
surface 425, and a perimeter 430. The top surface 425 is the
highest point of the rim 400. The vertical member 330 rises from
the printable surface 300 by a second distance 350. The second
distance 350 is approximately the same length as the first distance
225. The vertical member 330 is integral with the top surface 425,
which is further integral with the perimeter 430. A combination of
the vertical member 330, the top surface 425, and the perimeter 430
forms an annular cavity that receives a container rim 510 of the
container 500.
[0031] The closure of the lid 10 will now be described. As the lid
10 is pressed onto the container rim 510, a lip 511 of the
container rim 510 may temporarily deform toward the container 500
as an annular bump 431 of the perimeter 430 is pressed over the lip
511. At the same time, the perimeter 430 may also temporarily
deform away from the container 500 as the annular bump 431 presses
against the lip 511. The perimeter 430 of the rim 400 covers the
container rim 510 of the container 500. This interaction of the
components of the rim 400 and the container rim 510 seals the lid
10 to the container 500 to preserve the food product within the
container 500. As described, a pressing force is needed to cause
the lip 511 of the container rim 510 to temporarily deform and/or
to cause the perimeter 430 to temporarily deform.
[0032] The top surface 425 of the rim 400 is in approximately the
same place as the top surface 107 of the concentric circles 100.
The second distance 350 is approximately the same as the first
distance 225. The printable surface 300 is in a lower plane than
both the top surface 107 and the top surface 425 of the rim
400.
[0033] This spatial relationship between the top surface 425 of the
rim 400, the printable surface 300, and the top surface 107 of the
concentric circles 100 assists in transferring the pressing force
received by the button 50 through the printable surface 300 and to
the rim 400. The transfer of the pressing force is needed to fully
seal the rim 400 to the container 500. If the transfer of the
pressing force is not accomplished, the user may have to close the
container 500 by pressing on the rim 400 multiple times and in
multiple places. The design of the present invention overcomes this
disadvantage.
[0034] The button 50 provides many advantages. It provides a visual
target or "bulls eye" for the user to press when sealing the lid
10. The button 50, with its concentric circles, provides a
non-stick and non-slip surface for the user to press on the lid 10.
The button 50 provides a target in the center of the container to
help fully seal the lid 10 to the container. Further, the button 50
assists in concentrically transferring the pressing force to the
lid 10 to cause the lid 10 to seal to the container 500.
[0035] As is evident from the foregoing description, certain
aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular
details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore
contemplated that other modifications and applications, or
equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is
accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such
modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *