U.S. patent application number 14/043484 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for lid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rockline Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Rockline Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Donald C. Neitzel.
Application Number | 20140091103 14/043484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384233 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140091103 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neitzel; Donald C. |
April 3, 2014 |
Lid
Abstract
Embodiments of a lid are provided. In one embodiment, the lid
may be coupled to a container to provide selective access to the
contents of the container. In one embodiment, the lid is configured
to be stacked.
Inventors: |
Neitzel; Donald C.;
(Petersburg, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rockline Industries, Inc. |
Sheboygan |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rockline Industries, Inc.
Sheboygan
WI
|
Family ID: |
50384233 |
Appl. No.: |
14/043484 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61708957 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/833 ;
206/508; 53/447 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2575/586 20130101;
B65D 83/0805 20130101; B65D 21/0223 20130101; B65D 2543/00027
20130101; B65D 43/22 20130101; B65B 5/06 20130101; B65D 77/2004
20130101; B65D 77/2076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/833 ;
206/508; 53/447 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/22 20060101
B65D043/22; B65B 5/06 20060101 B65B005/06; B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. A lid comprising: a lower portion having an inner edge defining
an aperture; an upper portion including a projecting feature
including an upper surface extending between a first wall and a
second wall; and a hinge pivotally coupling the upper portion to
the lower portion, the upper portion configured to pivot between a
closed configuration in which the upper portion covers the aperture
and an open configuration in which the upper portion does not cover
the aperture; wherein the upper portion includes a first engagement
portion distal from the hinge; wherein the lower portion includes a
second engagement portion distal from the hinge, the first and
second engagement portions configured to latch the upper portion in
a closed configuration; wherein the projecting feature has a
perimeter smaller than the perimeter of the inner edge defining the
aperture.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the aperture is generally
oval-shaped; and wherein the projecting feature is generally
oval-shaped.
3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the upper
portion is arched.
4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the upper surface includes a first
end, a center point and a second end; wherein the upper surface
extends upwardly from the first end to the center point; and
wherein the upper surface extends downwardly from the center point
to the second end.
5. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper portion has a first end, a
middle point, and a second end; wherein the first engagement
portion includes an arched portion with a width increasing in the
direction from the first end toward the middle point and from the
second end toward the middle point; and wherein the arched portion
is configured to receive upward force to release the first
engagement portion from the second engagement portion.
6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a
downwardly extending wall; and wherein the downwardly extending
wall is configured to contact the lower portion when the lid is in
a closed configuration.
7. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes an
upwardly extending wall located radially outwardly from the inner
edge.
8. A stack of lids comprising: a first lid including: a first lower
portion having a first inner edge defining an aperture; a first
upper portion; a first hinge pivotally coupling the first upper
portion to the first lower portion; a second lid including: a
second lower portion; a second upper portion including a projecting
feature; and a second hinge pivotally coupling the second upper
portion to the second lower portion; wherein the first lid is
stacked on the second lid with the lower portion of the first lid
contacting the upper portion; and wherein the projecting feature of
the second lid projects in the aperture with the projecting feature
and the first inner edge configured to inhibit movement of the
first lid relative to the second lid in at least one direction.
9. The stack of lids of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of
additional lids staked on the first lid and the second lid;
packaging surrounding the stacked first lid, second lid, and
additional lids, the packaging having an inner volume; wherein the
lids are arranged and configured such that when stacked between
approximately 30% and approximately 35% more lids may be placed
within the inner volume of the packaging than if the lids are
unstacked.
10. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the projecting feature
includes an upper surface extending between a first wall and a
second wall, the first wall being configured to interact with the
first inner edge of the first lower portion to inhibit movement of
the first lid relative to the second lid in a first direction, and
the second wall being configured to interact with the first inner
edge of the first lower portion to inhibit movement of the first
lid relative to the second lid in a second direction.
11. The stack of lids of claim 10, wherein the upper surface is
arched.
12. The stack of lids of claim 11, wherein the second lid includes
a first end, a middle point, and a second end; and wherein the
height of the first wall increases from the first end toward the
middle point and decrease from the middle point toward the second
end.
13. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first upper portion
of the first lid includes a downwardly extending wall; and wherein
the downwardly extending wall is configured to seal against the
first lower portion when the lid is in a closed configuration.
14. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first lower portion
includes an upwardly extending wall located radially outwardly from
the first inner edge and radially inwardly from the outer periphery
of the first lower portion.
15. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the second lower portion
includes a second inner edge defining an aperture.
16. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first upper portion
includes a downwardly extending wall located radially outwardly
from and adjacent the outer periphery of the first lower portion
when the first lid is in a closed configuration.
17. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first lower portion
of the first lid is generally oval-shaped, including a first
diameter and a second diameter disposed in a first plane; wherein
the second lower portion of the second lid is generally
oval-shaped, including a third diameter and a fourth diameter
disposed in a second plane; and wherein the first plane is parallel
to the second plane.
18. A method of manufacturing lids, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of lids, each lid having a upper portion
hinged to a lower portion, the lower portions each including an
inner edge defining an aperture, the upper portions each including
a projecting feature; stacking the plurality of lids such that the
projecting feature projects into the aperture defined by the inner
edge of the above lid; and packaging the stacked plurality of lids
for transport.
19. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, further
comprising shipping the plurality of lids to a location where
containers are filled to be coupled to the containers.
20. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the
projecting features and the inner edges defining the apertures into
which the projecting features project are configured to interact to
inhibit movement of the stacked lids in at least one direction
relative to one another.
21. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the
projecting features each include an arched upper surface.
22. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the lids
include a latching portion configured to latch the upper portion in
a closed configuration relative to the lower portion.
23. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the
packaging defines an inner volume; and wherein the step of stacking
the lids includes configuring the lids such that between
approximately 15% and approximately 50% more stacked lids are
packaged with the inner volume of the packaging than if the lids
are not stacked.
Description
IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/708,957, filed on Oct. 2, 2012, which is
entitled "Lid," which patent application is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to lids and more
particularly to lids configured to be stacked.
[0003] Containers are used to hold napkins, facial tissues, wipes,
wet wipes, etc. Lids may be provided for the containers to allow
selective access to the contents of the containers and to prevent
access to the contents of the containers when the lids are in a
closed configuration. Various lids may be used to provide
resealable closure to containers, e.g., containers containing
facial tissues, wet wipes, etc. Lids may be formed separately from
the containers and coupled to the container after the container has
been filled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Generally, one embodiment of the invention relates to a lid.
The lid includes a lower portion. The lower portion has an inner
edge defining an aperture. The lid includes an upper portion. The
upper portion includes a projecting feature including an upper
surface extending between a first wall and a second wall. The lid
includes a hinge. The hinge pivotally couples the upper portion to
the lower portion. The upper portion is configured to pivot between
a closed configuration in which the upper portion covers the
aperture and an open configuration in which the upper portion does
not cover the aperture. The upper portion includes a first latching
portion distal from the hinge. The lower portion includes a second
latching portion distal from the hinge. The first and second
latching portions are configured to latch the upper portion in a
closed configuration. The projecting feature has a perimeter
smaller than the perimeter of the inner edge defining the
aperture.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a stack of
lids. The stack of lids includes a first lid. The first lid
includes a first lower portion having a first inner edge defining
an aperture. The first lid includes a first upper portion. The
first lid includes a first hinge pivotally coupling the first upper
portion to the first lower portion. The stack of lids includes a
second lid. The second lid includes a second lower portion. The
second lid includes a second upper portion including a projecting
feature. The second lid includes a second hinge pivotally coupling
the second upper portion to the second lower portion. The first lid
is stacked on the second lid with the lower portion of the first
lid contacting the upper portion. The projecting feature of the
second lid projects in the aperture with the projecting feature and
the first inner edge configured to inhibit movement of the first
lid relative to the second lid in at least one direction.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
manufacturing lids. The method includes providing a plurality of
lids, each lid having an upper portion hinged to a lower portion,
the lower portions each including an inner edge defining an
aperture, the upper portions each including a projecting feature.
The method includes stacking the plurality of lids such that the
projecting feature projects into the aperture defined by the inner
edge of the above lid. The method includes packaging the stacked
plurality of lids for transport.
[0007] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features
and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] This application will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
elements in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lid
coupled to an exemplary container;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a view of the lid of FIG. 1 being opened to allow
access to the contents of the container;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lid in an
open configuration;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 3 shown
rotated 180.degree. along an axis through the hinge portion and
latching portion;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of the lid of FIGS. 3 and 4 in a closed
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in
FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a detail view of the portion 7-7 illustrated in
FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in
FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the lid of FIGS. 3-5 in a
closed configuration;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 9 shown from
the other side;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 9 shown
rotated 180.degree. along an axis through the first end and the
second end;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a detail view of the portion 12-12 illustrated in
FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 13 is an isometric view showing dimensions of the lid
of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an exemplary stack of
embodiments of lids;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15
in FIG. 14;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
method of providing lids;
[0025] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a lid
coupled to an exemplary container;
[0026] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a lid
in an open configuration;
[0027] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 18 shown
rotated 180.degree. along an axis through the hinge portion and
latching portion;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a top view of the lid of FIGS. 18 and 19 in a
closed configuration;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21
in FIG. 20;
[0030] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22
in FIG. 20;
[0031] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary stack of
embodiments of lids;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24
in FIG. 23; and
[0033] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25-25
in FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the
exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the
present application is not limited to the details or methodology
set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It
should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose
of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0035] Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a lid
is disclosed. Generally, the lid is configured to be coupled to a
container (e.g., facial tissues container, wet wipes container,
etc.) to provide selective access to the contents of the container
and selective sealing of the container. The container may be a
soft-sided container, a hard-sided container, or any other suitable
type of container. The container may be formed from any suitable
material. The lid may be coupled to the container by any suitable
mechanism (e.g., adhesive, heat-sealing, fasteners, etc.).
[0036] In some embodiments, the lid may not be made at the same
location as the container or at the same location that the
container is filled. Thus, lids may be transported to a location
for coupling to filled containers.
[0037] One embodiment of a lid 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The lid
20 is coupled to a soft-sided container 22.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the lid 20
includes an upper portion 24 coupled to a lower portion 26 by a
hinge, illustrated as a living hinge 28 in FIG. 2. In other
embodiments, the upper portion 24 may be pivotally coupled to the
lower portion 26 by any suitable mechanism.
[0039] The lower portion 26 includes a substantially flat base
portion 30. The inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 defines an
aperture 34. The inner edge 32 defines the perimeter of the
aperture 34. When the lid 20 is coupled to the container 22, the
lid 20 may be positioned such that an opening of the container 22
is aligned with the aperture 34.
[0040] The base portion 30 has a lower side 36 (illustrated in FIG.
4) and an upper side 38. The lower side 36 is coupled to the
container 22. The lower portion 26 includes a wall portion 40
extending generally perpendicularly to the base portion 30 from the
upper side 38 of the base portion 30. The wall portion 40 extends
around the aperture 34 and is located radially outwardly from the
inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 and radially inwardly from the
outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30.
[0041] The upper portion 24 is displaceable relative to the lower
portion 26 between a first closed configuration, illustrated in
FIG. 1, in which the upper portion 24 covers the aperture 34 and
access to the opening of the container 22 is prevented by the upper
portion 24 and a second open configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2,
in which the upper portion 24 does not cover the aperture 34 and
access to the opening of the container 22 is allowed.
[0042] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the lid 20 in an open
configuration.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, which illustrates the lid 20 in a
closed configuration, the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 extends
generally from a first end 44 to a second end 46 and from the
living hinge 28 to a latching portion 47 of the lid 20.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper portion 24 of the
lid 20 includes a downwardly extending outer wall portion 48. The
outer wall portion 48 extends downwardly and radially outwardly of
the outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30. The outer periphery
42 of the base portion 30 is located proximate the interior surface
of the outer wall portion 48 when the lid 20 is in a closed
configuration. The outer wall portion 48 is located radially
adjacent to the outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30.
[0045] A rounded portion 50 extends from the portion of the
downwardly extending wall portion 48 distal from the base portion
30 to a substantially flat portion 52 extending radially inwardly.
Extending downwardly from the substantially flat portion 52 is an
inner wall portion 54. The inner wall portion 54 contacts the
substantially flat base portion 30 of the lower portion 26 when the
lid 20 is in a closed configuration. The inner wall portion 54 is
located radially outwardly from the wall portion 40. In one
embodiment, the inner wall portion 54 prevents entry of moisture
into or egress of moisture from a container when the lid 20 is in a
closed configuration. In another embodiment, the inner wall portion
54 prevents entry of contaminants into a container when the lid 20
is in a closed configuration.
[0046] Radially inwardly from the substantially flat portion 52 the
upper portion 24 includes a downwardly arched portion 56.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 6, radially inwardly from the
downwardly arched portion 56, the upper portion 24 includes a
projecting feature 57, which includes an arched portion 58. The
arched portion 58 extends upwardly in the direction from the first
end 44 toward the center point 60 of the upper portion 34 and in
the direction from the second end 46 toward the center point 60.
The projecting feature 57 includes a perimeter extending around the
peripheral edge of the arched portion 58. In one embodiment, the
perimeter of the projecting feature 57 is smaller than the
perimeter of the aperture 34 defined by the inner edge 32 of the
base portion 30.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid 20
taken along the axis between the hinge 28 and the latching portion
47, illustrated as the line 8-8 in FIG. 5. The projecting feature
57 also includes, extending upwardly from the downwardly arched
portion 56, a first upwardly extending wall portion 62 proximate
the hinge 28 and a second upwardly extending wall portion 64
proximate the latching portion 47. The upwardly extending wall
portions 62 and 64 extend from the downwardly arched portion up to
the arched portion 58. In one embodiment, the height of the arched
portion 58 does not vary in the direction between the hinge 28 and
the latching portion 47.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 9, the first upwardly extending wall
portion 62 extends from a first end 66 proximate the first end 44
of the lid 20 to a second end 68 proximate the second end 46 of the
lid 20.
[0050] The height of the first upwardly extending wall portion 62
varies between the first end 66 and the second end 68. The height
H1 of the first wall portion 62 is at a maximum adjacent the center
point 60. For example, the height H1 is greater than the height H2
of the first wall portion 62 between the portion adjacent the
center point 60 and the first end 66 and greater than the height H3
between the portion of the first wall portion 62 adjacent the
center point 60 and the second end 68.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 10, the second upwardly extending
wall portion 64 extends from a first end 70 proximate the first end
44 of the lid 20 to a second end 72 proximate the second end 46 of
the lid 20. In one embodiment, the first end 70 of the second wall
portion 64 is spaced apart from the first end 66 of the first wall
portion 62, and the second end 72 of the second wall portion 64 is
spaced apart from the second end 68 of the first wall portion
62.
[0052] The height of the second upwardly extending wall portion 64
varies between the first end 70 and the second end 72. The height
H4 of the second wall portion 64 is at a maximum adjacent the
center point 60. For example, the height H4 is greater than the
height H5 of the second wall portion 64 between the portion
adjacent the center point 60 and the first end 70 and greater than
the height H6 between the portion of the second wall portion 64
adjacent the center point 60 and the second end 72.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper portion 24
includes an arched portion 74 extending upwardly from a first end
76 proximate the first end 44 of the lid 20 to a peak 78 adjacent
the center point 60 and downwardly from the peak 78 to a second end
80 proximate the second end 46 of the lid 20.
[0054] The width dimension (perpendicular to an axis between the
first end 76 and the second end 80) of the arched portion 74 varies
between the first end 76 and the second end 80. The width of the
arched portion 74 is greatest at the peak 78 and reduces proceeding
towards each of the first end 76 and the second end 80. Projecting
downwardly from the arched portion 74 is an upper engagement
portion 82.
[0055] Projecting upwardly from the base portion 30 of the lower
portion 26 of the lid 20 is a lower engagement portion 84.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 12, the upper engagement portion 82
includes a downwardly projecting wall portion 86 and a radially
inwardly extending retaining projection 88. The retaining
projection 88 extends generally radially inwardly from the wall
portion 86 distal from the arched portion 74 toward the lower
engagement portion 84.
[0057] The lower engagement portion 84 includes an upwardly
projection wall portion 90 and a radially outwardly extending
retaining projection 92. The retaining projection 92 extends
generally radially outwardly from the wall portion 90 distal from
the base portion 30 toward the upper engagement portion 82.
[0058] The upper and lower engagement portions 82 and 84 are
configured such that when the lid 20 is closed, the upper surface
of the retaining projection 88 engages the lower surface of the
retaining projection 92 thus inhibiting upward movement of the
downwardly projecting wall portion 86 (and thus inhibiting pivotal
movement of the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 relative to the
lower portion 26).
[0059] To open the lid 20, a user may apply upward pressure on the
underside of the arched portion 74 which causes displacement of the
upper engagement portion 82 such that the retaining projection 88
is moved radially outwardly away from and out of contact with the
lower engagement portion 84, allowing the upper portion 24 of the
lid 20 to be pivotally displaced away from the lower portion 26 of
the lid.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and configuration
of the latching portion 47 of the lid generally and the arched
portion 74 in particular, allow for convenient opening of the lid
20.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 13, in one embodiment the arched
portion 58 is generally oval-shaped and has a diameter D1 along the
long axis of the oval (extending generally in the direction between
the first end 44 and the second end 46 of the lid). In one
embodiment, the diameter D1 extends between approximately 2 inches
and approximately 5 inches. In another embodiment the diameter D1
is between approximately 3 inches and approximately 4 inches.
[0062] In another embodiment, the diameter D1 is approximately 3
and 7/16 inches.
[0063] In one embodiment, the arched portion 58 has diameter D2
along the short axis of the oval (extending generally in the
direction between the hinge 28 and the latching portion 47,
generally perpendicular to diameter D1) between the tallest portion
of the first wall portion 62 and the tallest portion of the second
wall portion 64 through the center point 60. In one embodiment, the
diameter D2 is between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3
inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D2 is between
approximately 1 and 1/2 inches and approximately 2 inches. In
another embodiment, the diameter D2 is approximately 1 and 7/8
inches.
[0064] In one embodiment, the base portion 30 is a substantially
oval-shaped ring. In the illustrated embodiment, the oval-shaped
aperture 34 defined by the inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 has
a diameter D3 along the long axis of the oval-shaped aperture
34.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the oval-shaped aperture 34
defined by the inner edge 32 of the oval-shaped ring base portion
30 has a diameter D4 along the short axis of the oval-shaped
aperture 34 extending generally in the direction between the hinge
28 and the lower engagement portion 84 (generally perpendicular to
the diameter D3). In one embodiment, the diameter D3 is generally
the same as the diameter D1. In another embodiment, the diameter D3
is larger than diameter D1. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 is
generally the same as the diameter D2. In another embodiment, the
diameter D4 is larger than diameter D2.
[0066] In one embodiment, the diameter D3 extends between
approximately 2 inches and approximately 5 inches. In another
embodiment the diameter D3 is between approximately 3 inches and
approximately 4 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D3 is
approximately 3 and 7/16 inches.
[0067] In one embodiment, the diameter D4 is between approximately
1 inch and approximately 3 inches. In another embodiment, the
diameter D4 is between approximately 1 and 1/2 inches and
approximately 2 and 1/2 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter
D4 is approximately 2 inches.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the lid 20 is configured
to be stacked with other generally similar lids 120, 220, and 320.
The inner edges 32, 132, 232, and 332 of the base portions 30, 130,
230, 330 are sized such that the projecting features such as 57,
157, 257, and 357, including in the illustrated embodiment arched
portions 58, 158, 258, and 358, of another lid may be received
within the apertures defined by the inner edges such as 32, 132,
232, and 332.
[0069] The base portion 130 of the lid 120 is supported on the
substantially flat portion 52 of the lid 20 and the projecting
feature 57 of the lid 20 projects in the aperture defined by the
inner edge 132 and past the base portion 130 of the lid 120 when
the lids 20 and 120 are stacked. Similarly, the base portion 230 of
the lid 220 is supported on the substantially flat portion 152 of
the lid 120, and the base portion 330 of the lid 320 is supported
on the substantially flat portion 252 of the lid 220 when the lids
are stacked. The projecting feature 157 extends in the aperture
defined by the inner edge 232 and past the base portion 230 of the
lid 220 when the lids 120 and 220 are stacked. The projecting
feature 257 extends in the aperture defined by the inner edge 332
and past the base portion 330 of the lid 320 when the lids 220 and
320 are stacked.
[0070] When lids 20 and 120, for example, are stacked, the inner
edge 132 and first wall portion 62 inhibit movement of lid 20
relative to lid 120 in the direction of the hinges 28 and 128. The
inner edge 132 and the second wall portion 64 inhibit movement of
lid 20 relative to lid 120 in the direction of latching portions 47
and 147.
[0071] Similarly, when lids 120 and 220 are stacked, the inner edge
232 and first wall portion 162 inhibit movement of lid 120 relative
to lid 220 in the direction of the hinges 128 and 228. The inner
edge 232 and the second wall portion 164 inhibit movement of lid
120 relative to lid 220 in the direction of latching portions 147
and 247.
[0072] Similarly, when lids 220 and 320 are stacked, the inner edge
332 and first wall portion 262 inhibit movement of lid 220 relative
to lid 320 in the direction of the hinges 228 and 328. The inner
edge 332 and the second wall portion 264 inhibit movement of lid
220 relative to lid 320 in the direction of latching portions 247
and 347.
[0073] Thus, the lids 20, 120, 220, and 320 may be configured in a
stack and are configured to deter falling of the stack of lids.
Embodiments of lids that are stacked and packaged may provide
space-savings over lids that are not stacked and packaged. For
example, in one embodiment lids are formed at one location and
transported to a second location to be attached to filled
containers. The lids may be packaged to be transported from the one
location to the second location. Cost of shipping may be dependent
on the volume of the packaged lids (e.g., in one embodiment, weight
difference may have low to no impact on shipping cost, while volume
difference may have higher impact on shipping cost).
[0074] While FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate four lids stacked, this is
merely exemplary. In other embodiments any suitable number of lids
may be stacked.
[0075] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method of providing lids. The method includes step 400 of providing
a plurality of lids each having an upper portion, a lower portion,
and a hinge pivotally coupling the upper portion to the lower
portion, with the upper portion including a projecting feature and
the lower portion defining an aperture, with the apertures arranged
and configured to receive the projecting features to inhibit
movement of the lids relative to one another in at least one
direction. The method also includes step 402 of stacking the
plurality of lids. The method also includes step 404 of packaging
the stacked plurality of lids for transport to a location for
coupling to containers.
[0076] In one embodiment, the stacked lids are packaged in boxes.
In another embodiment, the stacked lids are wrapped in packaging
material. In other embodiments, the stacked lids may be packaged in
any suitable packaging.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 17-24, another embodiment of a lid
520 is illustrated. The lid 520 includes many features similar to
the lid 20. Therefore, differences from the lid 20 are the focus of
the description below. The lid 520 includes an upper portion 524.
The upper portion 524 includes a downwardly extending outer wall
portion 548. The upper portion 524 also includes a rounded portion
550 extending from the downwardly extending wall portion 548 to a
generally planar portion 552. Extending radially inwardly from the
generally planar portion 552 is an angularly downwardly extending
portion 556 which extends radially inwardly to the projecting
feature 557. In contrast with the previous embodiment, the upper
portion 524 includes an axial projection 555 extending upwardly
from the generally planar portion 552. The axial projection 555
extends circumferentially around the projecting feature 557
radially outwardly from the angularly downwardly extending portion
556. As is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the axial projection 555
extends an axial distance less than the projecting feature 557,
e.g., the upper axial periphery of the axial projection 555 is
lower than the upper axial periphery of the projecting feature
557.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 23-25, lids 520, 620, 720, and 820
are illustrated in a stacked configuration. The base portion 530 of
the lid 520 is supported on the axial projection 655 of the lid 620
when the lids 520 and 620 are stacked. Thus, in a stacked
configuration, the base portion 530 of the lid 520 is separated
from the generally planar portion 655 of the lid 620 by a distance
S.sub.D. The separation between the base portion 530 of the lid 520
and the generally planar portion 655 of the lid 620 may allow of
easy access by a user to the base portion 530 of the lid 520 to
allow the user to remove the lid 520 from the stack. The projecting
feature 657 of the lid 620 extends in the aperture defined by the
inner edge 532 and axially past the base portion 530 of the lid 520
when the lids are stacked. The inner edge 532 and the projecting
feature 657 inhibit movement of the lid 520 relative to the lid 620
in the radial direction. The lid 520 is allowed to be displaced
axially relative to the lid 620 by applying axially upwardly
directed force to the base portion 530 of the lid 520.
[0079] Embodiments of lids may be generally oval in shape. Other
embodiments of lids may be generally circular, ellipse-shaped,
triangular, rectangular, or any other suitable polygonal or
non-polygonal shape. Embodiments of the base portion 30 may be
oval-shaped. In other embodiments, the base portion may be any
suitable shape with an open portion which can be aligned with an
opening of a container including, for example, a circular ring,
oval-shaped ring, ellipse-shaped ring, triangle-shaped ring,
rectangle-shaped ring, or any other polygonally-shaped or
non-polygonally shaped suitable structure.
[0080] In some embodiments, the projecting feature may be any
suitable shape to fit the open portion of a base portion of another
stackable lid to inhibit movement of the lids relative to one
another when stacked including, for example a circular shape,
oval-shaped, ellipse-shaped, triangle-shaped, rectangle-shaped, or
any other polygonally-shaped or non-polygonally-shaped suitable
structure. In one embodiment the projecting feature includes an
arched portion. In another embodiment the projecting feature
includes a domed, convexly-shaped portion. In another embodiment
the projecting feature includes sidewalls and a generally flat
(e.g., not arched, not domed) upper surface.
[0081] In one embodiment, by providing stacked lids, a volume
savings of between approximately 15% and approximately 50% may be
realized over other unstacked lids (e.g., stacking feature of lids
allows stacking such that approximately 15% to approximately 50%
more lids may be packaged in the same volume than unstacked lids
could be placed in the same volume).
[0082] In one embodiment, by providing stacked lids, a volume
savings of between approximately 30% and approximately 35% may be
realized over other unstacked lids (e.g., stacking feature of lids
allows stacking such that approximately 30% to approximately 35%
more lids may be packaged in the same volume than unstacked lids
could be placed in the same volume).
[0083] One embodiment of a lid may inhibit movement of another lid
stacked therewith in one direction. In other embodiments, a lid may
inhibit movement of another lid stacked therewith in two
directions. In other embodiments, a lid may inhibit movement of
another lid stacked therewith in more than two directions. In other
embodiments, a lid may inhibit movement of another lid stacked
therewith in all radial directions.
[0084] In one embodiment, a lid may be formed from a suitable type
of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride, PTFE, nylon, PET, HDPE, etc.). In other
embodiments, a lid may be formed from any other suitable
material.
[0085] In one embodiment, a lid may be formed by 3D printing (e.g.,
selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, fused
deposition modeling, stereolithography, laminated object
manufacturing, electron beam melting, power bed and inkjet head 3D
printing, etc.). In another embodiment, a lid may be molded. In
other embodiments, a lid may be formed by any suitable method.
[0086] In one embodiment, a lid is formed as a single, unitary
piece. In other embodiments, a lid may be multiple pieces formed
and coupled together.
[0087] Unless the meaning is clearly to the contrary, all ranges
set forth herein are deemed to be inclusive of the endpoints.
[0088] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is
to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and
arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are
illustrative only. While the current application recites particular
combinations of features in the various embodiments discussed
herein, various embodiments of the invention relate to any
combination of any of the features described herein, and any such
combination of features may be claimed in this or future
applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any
of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be claimed alone
or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components
of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
[0089] While the current application recites particular
combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various
embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of
the features described herein whether or not such combination is
currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be
claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features,
elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments
discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the
features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments
discussed above.
[0090] Although only a few embodiments have been described in
detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the
position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the
nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered
or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm,
or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *