U.S. patent application number 13/972406 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for popcorn lid.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bric Simpson. Invention is credited to Bric Simpson.
Application Number | 20140217096 13/972406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258449 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140217096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simpson; Bric |
August 7, 2014 |
POPCORN LID
Abstract
A popcorn container lid can include a concave upper surface that
is connected to a side wall surface. The sidewall surface extends
from the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a
lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The rim interface can
include a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around
at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid.
Additionally, the rim interface can comprise an air channel
extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge of the
popcorn container lid. The air channel can comprise a portion of
the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage with
a lip of the popcorn container.
Inventors: |
Simpson; Bric; (Eagle
Mountain, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Simpson; Bric |
Eagle Mountain |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51258449 |
Appl. No.: |
13/972406 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29444707 |
Feb 1, 2013 |
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13972406 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212.5 ;
220/780; 264/299 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00351
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D
43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D 2543/00851 20130101; B65D
2543/00527 20130101; B65D 51/1622 20130101; A47G 19/03
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212.5 ;
220/780; 264/299 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/03 20060101
A47G019/03; B65D 25/28 20060101 B65D025/28; B65D 45/18 20060101
B65D045/18 |
Claims
1. A popcorn container lid, the lid comprising: a concave upper
surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid, the concave
upper surface connecting to a side wall surface; the side wall
surface extending from the concave upper surface to a rim interface
disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid; the rim
interface comprising a semi-circular channel extending
circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of
the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular channel configured to
engage with a lip on a popcorn container; and the rim interface
comprising an air channel extending from the side wall surface to a
bottom edge of the popcorn container lid, the air channel
comprising a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that
it does not engage the lip of the popcorn container, wherein the
air channel is configured to connect the interior of the popcorn
container lid with air outside of the popcorn container lid.
2. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, further
comprising: a handle integrated into a surface of the popcorn
container lid.
3. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, further
comprising: a popcorn container lid receptacle, wherein the popcorn
container lid receptacle comprises a plurality of popcorn container
lids stacked on top of each other; and wherein the handle of each
respective popcorn container lid is configured to allow one popcorn
container lid to be removed from the receptacle at a time.
4. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 3, wherein the
popcorn container lid receptacle comprises a box having a width
approximately equal to the diameter of the popcorn container
lid.
5. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, wherein the
handle is integrated into the concave upper surface.
6. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 2, wherein the
handle comprises: a first indent portion that extends into the
popcorn container lid from an outer portion of the surface of the
popcorn container lid a second indent portion that extends into the
popcorn container lid from an outer portion of the surface of the
popcorn container lid; and wherein the first indent portion and the
second indent portion are separated by a handle ridge.
7. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 6, wherein the
handle ridge is at least equal height with the highest point of the
concave upper surface
8. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 7, wherein the
handle ridge protrudes from the concave upper surface.
9. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 6, wherein the
handle ridge comprises a width extending from the first indent
portion to the second indent portion.
10. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 9, wherein the
width of the handle ridge is defined by a first strength feature
disposed on a border between the handle ridge and the first indent
portion and a second strength feature disposed on a border between
the handle ridge and the second indent portion, wherein the first
strength feature and the second strength feature are configured to
increase the rigidity of at least a portion of the popcorn
container lid.
11. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the
first strength feature and the second strength feature both extend
across the concave upper surface.
12. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the
first strength feature and the second strength feature comprise a
first ridge and a second ridge, respectively, both of which
protrude from a surface of the popcorn container lid.
13. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 10, wherein the
first strength feature and the second strength feature comprise a
first channel and a second channel, respectively, both of which
protrude into a surface of the popcorn container lid.
14. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, wherein the
concave upper surface and the side wall surface comprise the same
radius of curvature.
15. The popcorn container lid as recited in claim 1, wherein the
concave upper surface comprises a smaller radius of curvature than
the side wall surface.
16. A method for creating a popcorn container lid, the method
comprising: creating within a mold a popcorn container lid, the
popcorn container lid comprising: a concave surface defining a
portion of a popcorn container lid, the concave surface connecting
to a rim interface; the rim interface comprising a semi-circular
channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the
lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular
channel configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container; and
the rim interface comprising an air vent extending from an interior
of the popcorn container lid to a bottom edge of the popcorn
container lid, the air vent comprising a portion of the rim
interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the lip of
the popcorn container; and fully forming the air vent within the
mold.
17. A popcorn container lid, the lid comprising: a concave upper
surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid, the concave
upper surface connecting to a side wall surface; the side wall
surface extending from the concave upper surface to a skirt
disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid; the skirt
comprising one or more popcorn container lid interfaces extending
circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of
the popcorn container lid, the one or more popcorn container lid
interfaces are configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn
container; and the skirt comprising an air vent formed within a
continuous portion of a surface of the popcorn container lid.
18. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, wherein the one
or more popcorn container lid interfaces comprise one or more nubs
that are configured to expand over the lip of the popcorn container
and contract to a resting point with the one or more nubs
positioned below the lip of the popcorn container.
19. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, wherein the one
or more popcorn container lid interfaces comprise a semi-circular
channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the
lower portion of the popcorn container lid, the semi-circular
channel configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn container
20. A popcorn container lid as recited in claim 17, further
comprising a handle integrated into the concave upper surface,
wherein the handle is formed within a continuous portion of a
surface of the popcorn lid container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design
Application Ser. No. 29/444,707, entitled "Popcorn Lid", filed on
Feb. 1, 2013, which application is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a lid for a
popcorn container.
[0004] 2. Background and Relevant Technology
[0005] In many movie theaters, sporting events, fairs, and other
entertainment events, popcorn is provided as a snack item.
Oftentimes, the popcorn is provided in a large popcorn bucket that
is purchased from a concession stand. In some circumstances,
condiments are available to be placed on the popcorn, either by a
salesperson or by a customer. For example, a common condiment for
popcorn is melted butter.
[0006] Generally, the butter is poured or drizzled onto the
popcorn, which has been placed in a bucket. One will appreciate,
however, that applying butter, or other seasoning, in this way can
create an uneven distribution of the butter throughout the popcorn.
In particular, the butter can oversaturate the top layers of
popcorn, while leaving the lower layers of popcorn under seasoned.
Accordingly, a customer may desire to spread the butter or
seasoning throughout the entire container of popcorn by shaking or
stirring the popcorn. One will understand, however, that difficult
that can be involved in shaking or stirring a full bucket of
popcorn without spilling popcorn.
[0007] In addition to problems relating to the distribution of
butter, and other seasonings, throughout popcorn, another frequent
difficulty relates to spilled popcorn. In many places where popcorn
is sold there is a high amount of human traffic. This traffic can
increase the likelihood of a bucket of popcorn being bumped, and
can make it more difficult to clean up spilled popcorn. In
particular, the spilled popcorn may remain on the floor until the
event has ended and customers have left. During this time the
popcorn may be stepped on and ground into the carpet creating a
more difficult mess to clean and potentially creating stains.
[0008] Accordingly, there are a number of problems in the art
relating to the purchase and transportation of popcorn buckets.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Implementations of the present invention overcome one or
more problems in the art with apparatuses and methods directed
towards a popcorn container lid. In particular, at least one
embodiment of the present invention includes an air vent that
allows moisture to exit the lid. Additionally, at least one
embodiment comprises a handle disposed on an upper surface of the
lid. The handle may allow lids to be individually retrievable from
a dispenser.
[0010] As an example, an apparatus in accordance with at least one
embodiment of a popcorn container lid can include a concave upper
surface defining a top of a popcorn container lid. The concave
upper surface can connect to a side wall surface that extends from
the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a lower
portion of the popcorn container lid. The rim interface can include
a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least
a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The
semi-circular channel can be configured to engage with a lip on a
popcorn container. Additionally, the rim interface can comprise an
air channel extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge
of the popcorn container lid. The air channel can comprise a
portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not
engage the lip of the popcorn container, as such the air channel
can connect the interior of the popcorn container lid with air
outside of the popcorn container lid.
[0011] In an additional or alternative example, a method in
accordance with at least one embodiment for creating a popcorn
container lid comprises creating within a mold a popcorn container
lid. The popcorn container lid can comprise a concave surface
defining a portion of a popcorn container lid. The concave surface
can connect to a rim interface that includes a semi-circular
channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the
lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The semi-circular
channel can be configured to engage with a lip on a popcorn
container. The rim interface can comprise an air vent extending
from an interior of the popcorn container lid to a bottom edge of
the popcorn container lid. The air vent can include a portion of
the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage the
lip of the popcorn container. The air vent can be fully formed by
the mold, such that it does not need to be cut out after the
molding process.
[0012] In another embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the
present invention can include a concave upper surface defining a
top of a popcorn container lid. The concave upper surface can
connect to a side wall surface that extends from the concave upper
surface to a skirt disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn
container lid. The skirt can comprise one or more popcorn container
lid interfaces extending circumferentially around at least a part
of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The one or more
popcorn container lid interfaces can be configured to engage with a
lip on a popcorn container. Additionally, the skirt can comprise an
air vent formed within a continuous portion of a surface of the
popcorn container lid.
[0013] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted
that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of
similar structure or function are generally represented by like
reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the
figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered
to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
popcorn container lid of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a popcorn container lid of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of a
popcorn container lid depicted in FIG. 2A;
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a popcorn container lid of
the present invention attached to a popcorn container;
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a
popcorn container lid and popcorn container being shaken;
[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates another depiction of the popcorn
container lid and popcorn container from FIG. 4A being shaken;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of an air
vent disposed within a portion of an embodiment of a popcorn
container lid;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a
dispenser of popcorn container lids
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a popcorn
container lid comprising reinforcement ridges;
[0024] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a
popcorn lid;
[0025] FIG. 9 depicts an upper plan view of the popcorn lid of FIG.
8;
[0026] FIG. 10 depicts a bottom plan view of the popcorn lid of
FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the popcorn lid of FIG.
8;
[0028] FIG. 12 depicts another side view of the popcorn lid of FIG.
8;
[0029] FIG. 13 depicts yet another side view of the popcorn lid of
FIG. 8; and
[0030] FIG. 14 depicts still another side view of the popcorn lid
of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Implementations of the present invention extend to
apparatuses and methods directed towards a popcorn container lid.
In particular, at least one embodiment of the present invention
includes an air vent that allows moisture to exit the lid.
Additionally, at least one embodiment comprises a handle disposed
on an upper surface of the lid. The handle may allow lids to be
individually retrievable from a dispenser.
[0032] For example, in at least one embodiment of the present
invention, the popcorn container lid can comprise a vent that is
completely formed during a molding process. Specifically, the air
vent can be formed without requiring any additional cutting or
stamping after the molding process has been completed. This can be
accomplished by creating an air vent that is continuous with the
surface of the popcorn container lid. One will understand that the
ability to create an air vent without having to perform additional
operations after the molding process can result in significant
reduction in the cost of manufacturing the popcorn container
lids.
[0033] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the present
invention can also include a handle disposed on the surface of the
popcorn container lid. The handle can provide an easy gripping
surface for handling the popcorn container lid, and also for
removing an individual popcorn container lid from a dispenser. Not
providing a gripping surface, such as a handle, can make it
difficult to pull a popcorn container lid from a dispenser that has
been tightly packed to eliminate excess space. This can be
particularly troublesome because in many concession stands where
popcorn is sold, space is at a premium. As such, providing a
popcorn container lid that can easily be stored within a dispenser
and quickly accessed can provide significant benefits to
individuals working within concession stands.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
popcorn container lid 100 of the present invention. The popcorn lid
100 can include a concave upper surface 120 defining a top of a
popcorn container lid 100. In at least one implementation the
concave upper surface 120 comprises a domed shape. In other
embodiments, however, the concave upper surface 100 can comprise a
flat upper surface. The concave upper surface 120 can connect to a
side wall surface 130 that extends from the concave upper surface
100 to a rim interface 140 disposed near the bottom of the popcorn
container lid 100. The side wall surface 130 can comprise a rounded
and sloped surface, a flat slanted surface, a flat vertical
surface, or some other surface configuration connecting the concave
upper surface 120 to the rim interface 140.
[0035] The popcorn lid 100 can comprise dimensions such that the
side wall 130, which is measured from the top of the rim interface
140 to the point where the side wall 130 and the concave upper
surface 120 meet, is between 1 cm and 8 cm tall, between 2 cm and 7
cm tall, between 3 cm and 6 cm tall, or between 4 cm and 5 cm tall.
Additionally, the popcorn lid 100 can comprises a diameter that is
between20 cm and 27 cm in length, between 21 cm and 26 cm in
length, between 22 cm and 25 cm in length, or between 23 cm and 24
cm in length.
[0036] FIG. 1 also depicts a handle 110 integrated into the concave
upper surface 120 of the popcorn container lid 100. In the depicted
embodiment, the handle 110 can comprise a first indent portion 114
that projects into the concave upper surface 120 of the popcorn
container lid 100, and a second indent portion 116 that similarly
projects into the concave upper surface 120 of the popcorn
container lid 100. In at least one embodiment, the first indent
portion 114 and the second indent portion 116 both project into the
concave upper surface a depth of between 0.1 cm to 1 cm in depth.
In addition, the first indent portion 114 and the second indent
portion 116 can be separated by a handle ridge 112. Similar to the
air channel 144, in at least one embodiment, the handle 110 can be
completely formed within the same mold that forms the popcorn
container lid 100.
[0037] In various embodiments, the dimensions of the handle 110 can
vary based upon design decisions. For example, in at least one
embodiment, the handle ridge 112 can be at least equal in height
with the highest point of the concave upper surface 120.
Specifically, in at least one embodiment the handle ridge 112 can
align with the slope and shape of the concave upper surface 120. In
another embodiment, the handle ridge 112 can protrude from the
concave upper surface 120 such that a portion of the handle 110
sits above the concave upper surface 120. In particular, in at
least one embodiment, the highest point of the handle 112 can
extend 1 cm to 2 cm above the highest point of the concave upper
surface 120.
[0038] In at least one embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100
can also comprise a rim interface 140 that includes a semi-circular
channel 142 extending circumferentially around at least a part of
the lower portion of the popcorn container lid 100. The
semi-circular channel 142 can be shaped and configured to engage
with a lip (not shown) on a popcorn container (not shown).
Specifically, the semi-circular channel 142 can be shaped and
configured to engage with the lips of a plurality of different
popcorn container sizes. In at least one implementation, the rim
interface 140 can comprise additional or alternate connection
interfaces from the semi-circular channel 142 described.
[0039] The rim interface 140 can also comprise an air channel 144
extending from the side wall surface 130 to a lower portion of the
rim interface 140. The air channel 144 can comprise a portion of
the rim interface 140 that protrudes such that it does not engage
the lip of the popcorn container. As depicted, the air channel 144
can be created out of a continuous portion of the popcorn container
lid 100 surface. Specifically, the air channel 144 can be created
such that no additional cutting or stamping is required.
Accordingly, the depicted air channel 144 can be completely formed
within the same mold the forms the popcorn container lid 100.
[0040] The air channel 144 can help limit the amount of
condensation that builds up within a popcorn container and popcorn
container lid 100 by allowing moist air to vent out of the air
channel 144. The air channels 144 can be equally spaced around the
rim interface 140. In at least one embodiment, the popcorn lid 100
can comprise a single air channel 144, two air channels 144, three
air channels 144, four air channels 144, or a greater number of air
channels, but not so many that the rim interface 140 is no longer
able to securely grip a lip of a popcorn bucket.
[0041] FIG. 2A depicts another embodiment of a popcorn container
lid 100 of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the
popcorn container lid 100 is constructed of a transparent material,
such as plastic. A transparent material popcorn container lid 100
may be desirable for both marketing purposes and for convenience.
In particular, a transparent material can allow workers to easily
identify whether a popcorn bucket including a popcorn container lid
100 has already been filled with popcorn. Additionally, a
transparent popcorn container lid 100 can serve a marketing
function by clearly displaying the popcorn to customers.
[0042] The illustrated embodiment also depicts a rim interface 140
that comprises interface nubs 146. The interface nubs 146 can
include portions of the rim interface 140 that are indented such
that the indented portions fit below a lip of the popcorn
container. In at least one embodiment, the rim interface 140 can
include both the interface nubs 146 and the semi-circular channel
142, while in alternate embodiments the interface rim 140 can only
one of the interface nubs 146 or the semi-circular channel 142.
[0043] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the embodiment of a popcorn
container lid depicted in FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2B depicts a
side view of embodiments of the first indent portion 114, the
second indent portion 116, and the handle ridge 112. As depicted,
the first indent portion 114 and the second indent portion 116 are
shown extending into an interior volume of the popcorn container
lid 100.
[0044] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a popcorn container lid 100
attached to a popcorn container 300 full of popcorn 310. As shown
in the depiction, the rim interface 140 comprises an air channel
142 that vents the interior of the popcorn container 300 and
popcorn container lid 100. The depicted popcorn container lid 100
also includes an embedded handle 110 disposed on a top of the
popcorn container lid 100.
[0045] In at least one embodiment, the popcorn container lid 100
fits onto the popcorn container 300 tightly enough that the popcorn
container 300 can be shaken without the popcorn container lid 100
being dislodged. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the popcorn
container 300 and popcorn container lid 100 of FIG. 3 being shaken.
One will understand that shaking popcorn container 300 can agitate
the popcorn 300 in a way that encourages the distribution of butter
and/or seasonings throughout the popcorn 310 that is disposed
within the popcorn bucket 300. Additionally, one will understand
that shaking a popcorn container 300 with a user's hands 400 as
depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B would be difficult and messy without a
popcorn container lid 100 placed on the popcorn container 300.
[0046] As mentioned above, in at least one embodiment the popcorn
container lid 100 can also comprise an air channel 142. For
example, FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an air channel 142
disposed within rim interface 140 on a popcorn container lid 100.
In the depicted embodiment, the air channel 142 comprises a portion
of the popcorn container lid 100 that protrudes over a lip of a
popcorn container 300. For example, the air channel 142 can appear
to be a bump in the surface of the popcorn container lid 100.
[0047] In at least one implementation, it can provide significant
benefit to create an air channel as described. In particular, it
can lower manufacturing costs to create an air channel that does
not require additional post-molding work. For example, alternate
embodiments of the present invention can use air channels 142 that
require slits or holes to be cut into the surface of the popcorn
container lid 100. In at least some implementations, the additional
actions of cutting or trimming the air channel 142 can
significantly increase the per unit cost of the popcorn lids
100.
[0048] Also, providing an air channel 142 as described and shown
can provide an additional benefit of maintaining the integrity of
the popcorn container lid 100. For example, in some embodiments,
users of the popcorn container lid 100 may desire to split the
popcorn 310 between the popcorn container 300 and the inverted
popcorn container lid 100 (i.e., using the popcorn container lid
100 as a bowl). This may make sharing a single container of popcorn
much more enjoyable between a large group of individuals--for
example, a large group of individuals spread down a movie theater
row. Placing slits or holes in the top of the popcorn container lid
100 may make this use significantly less desirable because the
slits and/or holes may allow butter and oil to drain out of the
popcorn 310 and drip on the user's clothes. One will understand
that because the embodiment of an air channel 142 described is
continuous with the surface of the popcorn lid 100 no butter or
oils would leak from the air channel 142.
[0049] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a dispenser 600 containing a
group of popcorn container lids 100. As depicted, the popcorn
container lids 100 are stacked within a tightly fitting box, and
are accessible from an open top. The dispenser 600 can be placed on
a counter, under a counter, or in some other accessible location
where popcorn container lids 100 can quickly and easily be
accessed. One will understand that the handle 110 on the top of the
popcorn container lids 100 will allow an individual to easily
withdraw a single lid from the dispenser 600. In contrast, a
popcorn container lid 100 without a handle may be significantly
more difficult to withdraw from a dispenser 600.
[0050] In other embodiments, the dispenser 600 can be configured to
allow a user to withdraw the popcorn container lids 100 from the
bottom of the dispenser 600. Additionally, the dispenser can be
configured to easily attach to a wall or counter such that the
dispenser 600 will not be easily overturned and, yet, will remain
readily accessible to customers or employees. Also, in alternate
embodiments, the dispenser 600 can be circular, hexagonal, or some
other shape that securely holds the popcorn container lids 100
within the dispenser 600.
[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a depiction of an embodiment of a popcorn
container lid comprising reinforcement ridges 700. The
reinforcement ridge 700 may comprise an area of thick plastic or a
ridge running across the popcorn container lid 100. The
reinforcement ridge 700 can provide additional strength and support
to the surface of the lid 100.
[0052] FIGS. 8-14 depict various views of another embodiment of a
popcorn lid 100. In this particular embodiment, the popcorn
container lid 100 comprises reinforcement channels 800 that extend
across the top of the popcorn container lid 100 and border the
handle 110. More specifically, two different reinforcement channels
800 each respectively form a portion of the first indent portion
114 and the second indent portion 116, which are separated by a
handle ridge 112. As shown, the reinforcement ridge 800 can add
additional support and structure to the popcorn container lid 100.
One will appreciate that at least some of the depicted features of
the popcorn lid can comprise physical ornamentation. Additionally,
one will appreciate that the various depicted features can vary in
size, location, and presence and still remain within the
embodiments described herein.
[0053] Accordingly, methods and apparatus are provided which are
directed towards the creation and structure of popcorn container
lids 100. The popcorn container lids 100 provide several benefits
including, but not limited to, allowing customers to shake their
popcorn and distribute butter and seasonings more uniformly,
lessening clean up costs by decreasing the amount of spilled
popcorn, and allowing user to more easily share popcorn by using
the popcorn container lid 100 as a bowl.
[0054] The concepts and features described herein may be embodied
in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or
descriptive characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated
by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.
All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *