Abstract
A storage container comprised of a container bottom, and with multiple sealable covers, configured to connect the covers to the container bottom in both open and closed arrangements. Additionally, each of said covers will seal to the container bottom, and each of said covers will seal to an opposing cover. The containers may be proportioned to stack or nest into other open containers, as well as on top of containers with closed covers. The containers may also allow open covers to rest vertically alongside the container without significantly contacting the surface the container is resting on.
Claims
1. A container, comprising: a container bottom comprising: a container base, a container side extending upwards from a periphery of the container base, the container side defining a continuous sidewall, the container side comprising a perimeter edge opposite the container base, and an opening defined by the perimeter edge of the container side; and at least two lids, wherein each lid of the at least two lids individually smaller than the opening, and wherein each lid of the at least two lids together configured to cover the opening, the at least two lids comprising a first lid and a second lid, the first lid comprising: a perimeter edge of the first lid configured to engage sealably a first portion of the perimeter edge of the opening, and a first cover link element, and the second lid comprising: a perimeter edge of the second lid configured to engage sealably a second portion of the perimeter edge of the opening, and a second cover link element, wherein the perimeter edge of the first lid and the perimeter edge of the second lid are shaped to engage the entirety of the perimeter edge of the container side sealably in a container to lid engagement, wherein the first cover link element and the second cover link element are shaped to engage each other sealably, in a lid to lid engagement, wherein the first cover link element and the second cover link element are shaped to engage each other in tension or in compression in a horizontal direction, and wherein the lid to lid engagement and the container to lid engagement form a continuous seal between the at least two lids, and between the at least two lids and the container bottom.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the first lid and the second lid are engaged, the lid to lid engagement is located within the opening, and the lid to lid engagement is in a plane different from a portion of the first lid not comprising the first cover link element, and a portion of the second lid not comprising the second cover link element.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the engagement of the first cover link element and the second cover link element comprises a first flexible gasket element configured to be sandwiched between the first cover link element and the second cover link element upon being engaged, wherein the first flexible gasket element enhances the seal therebetween.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge of the first lid and the perimeter edge of the second lid overlap at an overlap portion, forming a seal in the overlap portion.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the lid to lid engagement of the first cover link element and the second cover link element interfaces with the overlap portion.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the interface has an elongated hook shape.
7. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least two flexible connection elements formed between the container side and the at least two lids, respectively, each flexible connection element configured to secure each lid of the at least two lids to the container side, while allowing each lid room for movement.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein said lid to container bottom flexible connection is a hinge element.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein at least one of the at least two flexible connections is removable.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two lids comprises at least one raised platform at a same or higher level than the lid to lid engagement over the opening.
11. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least two attachment elements protruding from the container side, each of the at least two attachment elements corresponding to each of the at least two lids, wherein each of the at least two lids has a recess therein to mate with the corresponding attachment element, and wherein each lid of the at least two lids has a dimension equal to or less than the depth of the container bottom.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the first cover link element and the second cover link element engagement comprises a recess shape to receive a human finder to allow manipulation of at least one of the first cover link element or the second cover link element by the human finger, when the first lid and the second lid are engaged sealably over the container bottom.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the engagement of the first cover link element and the second cover link element comprises a first flexible gasket element configured to be sandwiched between the first cover link element and the second cover link element upon being engaged, wherein the first flexible gasket element enhances the seal therebetween.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the engagement of the perimeter edge of the first lid and the first portion of the perimeter edge of the opening comprises a second flexible gasket element configured to be sandwiched between the perimeter edge of the first lid and the first portion of the perimeter edge of the opening upon being engaged, wherein the second flexible gasket element enhances the seal therebetween.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container side extends outwards from the container base.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the container bottom comprises at least one of glass, resin, cellulose, foam, or bioplastic, and wherein the at least two lids comprise at least one of plastic, or rubber.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the first cover link element and the second cover link element are shaped to engage each other in tension or in compression in a horizontal direction.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein when the first lid and the second lid are engaged, the lid to lid engagement is located within the opening, and the lid to lid engagement is in a plane different from a portion of the first lid not comprising the first cover link element, and a portion of the second lid not comprising the second cover link element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
(1) In the drawing figures, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
(2) FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a container with both covers in the closed position. There are raised elements in the center of each lid to form a flat surface in the same plane as the top of the cover to cover link element, so that other containers may rest upon a flat surface. These raised elements also serve to increase the rigidity of the lid.
(3) FIG. 2 depicts this same isometric view in cutaway section, exposing the cover to cover link element.
(4) FIG. 3 depicts a blow up of the transition from the perimeter cover to container links, to the cover to cover link. It also shows where one perimeter cover to container link may overlap another perimeter cover to container link.
(5) FIG. 4 depicts this same intersection in section view, showing the plane of the raised element of an individual lid in the same plane as the top of the cover to cover linking element, while the plane of the top of the perimeter cover to container link is higher, thus creating a perimeter ridge to capture the edge of a container stacked on top of this container with the covers closed.
(6) FIG. 5 depicts and underside version of the cover to cover transition, showing how the cover to cover transition creates a continuous connection recess for the container edge condition to mate to.
(7) FIG. 6 depicts the underside of two covers connected together, without the flexible tabs or hinge elements shown for clarity.
(8) FIG. 7 depicts a section of the cover to container perimeter link, with the raised element shown in a lower plane than the perimeter link to create a perimeter ridge to capture other containers stacked above.
(9) FIG. 8 shows section of a container where the central linking elements are pushed together with compression forces, where the linking element is above the plane of the cover which allows a user to pinch the covers closed from the top to seal them together.
(10) FIG. 9 shows an elevation of a container with multiple lids open and resting alongside the container bottom. It also shows a capture element in the form of a protrusion from the container sides, which can mate with a recess in the top of a lid to hold the open cover to the side of the container.
(11) FIG. 10 shows a multiple cover container with the covers closed. This arrangement uses two covers that “hook” together, with tension pulling them to opposite ends of the container. These covers are also connected to the container via a flexible tab element, to ensure that the right cover is always with the right container.
(12) FIG. 11 depicts this same multiple cover container in FIG. 10, in perspective view with a section cut through it. This shows the perimeter edge of the covers as a protrusion of the container edge fitting into a recess of the cover edge, thus sealing around the edge of the container. The elongated hook configuration of the multiple covers pulls on one another as the covers are pulled over the edge of the container.
(13) FIG. 12 depicts a similar “hook” type center sealing element with the covers closed. In the perimeter cover to container link the edge of the cover simply overlaps the sides of the container with tension creating the link or seal.
(14) FIG. 13 shows this same “hook” type of central sealing in cut way, depicting the central link element, and showing the perimeter edges of the covers sealing around the container. In this figure the edge seal of the cover doesn't sandwich over both sides of the container edge as is FIGS. 10 and 11, rather, there is simply an edge that drops down around the outside edge of the container with tension of the covers pulling it towards the center of the container to seal it.
(15) FIG. 14 depicts the container depicted in FIG. 11 in full section view, showing the cover capture of the edge of the container, and the flexible elements/hinges connecting the covers to the container. Here the tension forces are shown pulling in opposite directions, thereby pulling the elongated hook elements together.
(16) FIG. 15 depicts the container embodiment of FIG. 13 in section view, showing the elongated “hook” sealing element in the center and the overlapping cover arrangement over the edges of the container.
(17) FIG. 16 depicts an elongated hooked arrangement in a manner that keeps the top of the cover flat to ease stacking of closed containers.
(18) FIG. 17 depicts the overlapping perimeter cover edge seal of FIGS. 10, 11, and 14 in more detail, where the two cover edge seals overlap each other at the container edge.
(19) FIG. 18 depicts the overlapping perimeter edge seals in side elevation, showing the smaller male part of one cover seal fitting inside the larger female part of the other cover edge seal.
(20) FIG. 19a depicts a container in operation with the cover to cover hook seal arrangement partially open.
(21) FIG. 19b depicts a container in operation with the cover to cover hook seal arrangement being joined together in the center and pulling to the opposite side.
(22) FIG. 19c depicts a container in operation with the cover to cover hook seal arrangement is joined in tension, and whose edge seal is pressed over the container edge.
(23) FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of a container with a protrusion and recess sealing configuration in a perspective view, showing the multiple covers closed, and the flexible elements connecting the covers to the container. There is a seal formed between the covers and the container around the perimeter, and central sealing in the center where the two covers meet.
(24) FIG. 21 depicts this same embodiment of the container with the multiple covers partially open. This shows the overlapping seal in the center of the container.
(25) FIG. 22 depicts this same embodiment of the container with the covers fully open to either side of the container, allowing them to rest vertically and neatly on either side, and therefore taking up minimal additional space on the surface (i.e. a table or counter) the container is placed on.
(26) FIG. 23 shows a section through the container in perspective view, showing the overlapping covers closed, with the pocket seal in essentially the middle of the container.
(27) FIG. 24 shows a section of the container, depicting overlapping covers and the hinge/tethered elements on either the side. This Figure also shows raised sections of the lid surface, to create a flat plane for another container to stack on top when this container is closed.
(28) FIG. 25a depicts the locking seal arrangement with the female portion over the male portion.
(29) FIG. 25b depicts the elongated protrusion and recess seal arrangement with the recess portion being pressed over the protrusion portion and widening the opening in the recess portion.
(30) FIG. 25c depicts the locking seal arrangement with the recess portion being pressed fully over the protrusion portion showing the opening in the recess portion closing over the protrusion portion.
(31) FIG. 26 shows multiple containers in elevation view, showing their nesting capability. Multiple containers can be stacked together with covers attached and opened, utilizing a storage area only slightly larger than the containers themselves.
(32) FIG. 27 shows a container in section view, with flexible gasket elements in various locations such as the cover to container edge location, or cover to cover location.
(33) FIG. 28 shows an alternate embodiment of the covers where the recess and protrusion seal at the perimeter is reversed, with the recessed element of the container curving downwards in lieu of upwards. The covers seal into the container by pushing down into them, in lieu of over them. This alternate embodiment also shows at least one latching device which can pull from one cover to an attachment element in the other cover, thus locking the two covers together besides the elongated sealing element.
(34) TABLE-US-00001 DRAWINGS REFERENCE NUMERALS 1A Container 2A Container perimeter link/seal element 3A Cover surface bottom plane 4A Cover to container flexible member connection 5A Protrusion and recess link/seal element around perimeter of container 6A Central cover to cover protrusion and recess link/seal element 7A Locking cover to cover link/seal layout 8A Compression type cover to cover link/seal layout 9A Reversed cover to cover link/seal layout 10A Reversed perimeter link/seal layout 11A Tension type cover to cover link/seal layout with elongate hook element 12A Cover to container edge link/seal 13A Overlap configuration of cover to container edge link/seal 14A Hook type cover to cover link/seal 15A Cover to cover overlap edge link/seal recess to receive protrusion element 16A Beveled edge of cover to cover link/seal connection 17A Clamping pull tab link/seal assembly 18A Container edge 19E Pull Tab to release clamping elongated link/seal 20A Recess element at protrusion and recess type link/seal 21A Protrusion element of protrusion and recess type link/seal 22A Protrusion element at cover to cover overlap connection 23A Male cover to cover overlap link/seal element 24A Female cover to cover overlap link/seal element 25E Cover protrusion raised plane 26A Recess at edge of cover to receive the edge of the container. 28A Tension forces pulling cover elements together 29 Compression forces pushing cover elements together 30 Latching element 31 Latching receptacle 32 Container protrusion attachment element 33 Cover recess to link to container protrusion attachment element 34 Flexible gasket element 35 Overlapping cover to cover link/seal at perimeter 36 Part A of a two part cover to cover compressive link/seal arrangement 37 Part B of a two part cover to cover compressive link/seal arrangement 38 Living hinge element
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(35) FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a container 1A with both covers 36 and 37 in the closed position. There are raised elements 25E in the center of each cover 3A which form a flat surface in the same plane as the top of the cover to cover link element 8A, so that other containers may rest upon a flat plane when stacked on a closed container. These raised elements 25E also serve to increase the rigidity of the cover 3A. Flexible connection members connect covers 3A to the container 1A. The perimeter seal element of the covers 5A overlap one another at the center area where they meet 35. Flexible connections 4A connect the covers 3A to the container 1A.
(36) FIG. 2 depicts this same isometric view of FIG. 1 in cutaway section, exposing the cover to cover link element 8A where two lids 36 and 37 meet in the approximate center of the container 1A. Raised elements 25E in the covers 3A create a flat plane across the top of the container with both lids closed. Also visible is the formed edge of the container which forms a protrusion 21A designed to mate to the lid recess 20A. There is also a section where the perimeters of the two lids overlap 35.
(37) FIG. 3 depicts a blow up of the transition from the perimeter cover to container link/seal, to the cover to cover link seal. It also shows where one perimeter cover 37 links to another cover 36, and where the perimeter link/seals from covers to container overlap one another 35.
(38) FIG. 4 depicts this same intersection of multiple lids in section view, showing the plane of the raised element 25E of one individual lid 37 in the same plane as the top of the cover to cover linking element 8A, while the plane of the top of the perimeter cover to container link 39 is higher, thus creating a perimeter ridge to capture the edge of another container stacked on top of this container with the covers closed. There is an overlapping cover to cover link seal 35 at the perimeter.
(39) FIG. 5 depicts an underside viewpoint of the cover 36 to cover 37 transition, showing how the cover to cover transition creates a continuous connection recess 20A for the container edge condition to mate to. The raised element 25E is inverted in this view, and the bottom plane of the lid surface 3A is inverted. The overlapping section of the cover to cover intersection over the perimeter container seal is shown 35.
(40) FIG. 6 depicts the underside of two covers 36 and 37 connected together, without the flexible tabs or hinge elements shown for clarity. The recess 20A is continuous around the perimeter, and the raised element 25E is shown inverted. This shows the overlapping section of cover to cover seal 35 in an inverted view.
(41) FIG. 7 depicts a container 1A with a section of the cover to container perimeter link, with the raised element 25E shown in a lower plane than the perimeter link 39 to create a perimeter ridge to capture other containers stacked above. Here the container edge protrusion 21A is shown mating to the container edge recess 20A.
(42) FIG. 8 shows a container 1A where the central cover to cover sealing element 8A is a working in compression with the compression forces 29 shown. In this figure the recess portion of the cover to cover seal overlaps the protrusion portion essentially parallel to the orientation of the cover 3A. The arrangement of the protrusion and recess elements of the cover to cover link 8A allows the user to pinch the two together for a tight seal because both sides of the seal are above the covers 3A and accessible. There are flexible connections 4A from the covers 3A to the container 1A. The recessed portion 20A of the perimeter seal and the protrusion portion 21A of the perimeter seal are also shown.
(43) FIG. 9 shows an elevation of a container 1A with multiple covers 3A open and resting alongside the container bottom. It also shows a capture element in the form of a protrusion 32 from the container sides, which can mate with a recess 33 in the top of a lid, to hold the open covers to the sides of the container for a neat appearance. The container perimeter link/seal element 2A is shown, along with the living hinge element 38.
(44) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a round container 1A with the covers 3A closed and hooked together 11A. These covers 3A are also connected via a flexible member 4A to the container 1A, to ensure that the right covers 3A are always with the right container. This figure also shows the cover to cover seal 11A, and cover to container edge seal 12A.
(45) FIG. 11 depicts this same multiple cover container 1A as in FIG. 10, in perspective view with a section cut through it. This shows the perimeter edge of the covers 3A sealing around the edge of the container 1A, and the hook configuration 11A of the multiple covers pulling on one another with tension forces as the covers are pulled over the outside edge 18A of the container 1A. In this embodiment the edge 12A of the cover 3A seals on the container 1A edge 18A by compressing over it. The overlap of the container edges where they join together is shown in more detail in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The covers 3A are connected to the container 1A with a flexible connection element 4A.
(46) FIG. 12 depicts a similar elongated “hook” type cover to cover sealing element 13A, with a cover 3A that simply overlaps the sides of the container 1A. The covers 3A are connected to the container 1A with a flexible connection element 4A.
(47) FIG. 13 shows a similar elongated “hook” type of cover to cover seal in perspective section, depicting the hooking element 14A, and showing the perimeter edges 13A of the covers overlapping over and sealing around the edge of the container 18A. In this figure the edge seal 13A of the cover doesn't sandwich over both sides of the container edge as is FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, rather, there is simply an edge that drops down around the outside edge of the container 18A. As the two lids pull against each other in tension to create a seal at the hooked area 14A, the outside perimeter of the lids also pull in tension towards the center and a seal is created at the overlapped area 13A. The covers 3A are connected to the container 1A with a flexible connection element 4A.
(48) FIG. 14 depicts the container 1A depicted in FIG. 11 in elevation section view, showing the cover edge seal 12A of a cover 3A over the edge of the container 1A, and the flexible connection elements 4A connecting the covers 3A to the container 1A. This also shows the hook type seal of the cover to cover seal 11A working in tension forces 28A.
(49) FIG. 15 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 12 in elevation section view, showing an elongated hook type cover to cover seal 14A in the center and the overlapping cover arrangement 13A over the edges of the container 1A. This also depicts the tension forces 28A pulling the cover to cover seal 14A together. The covers 3A are connected to the container 1A with a flexible connection element 4A.
(50) FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment that features a hooked arrangement cover to cover seal 14A, in a configuration that keeps the top of the cover 3A flat to ease stacking of closed containers. The covers 3A are connected to the container 1A with a flexible connection element 4A. Also depicted is the overlap configuration of cover to container edge link/seal.
(51) FIG. 17 depicts the overlapping perimeter edge seal of FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 in more detail, where the two cover edge recesses 15A overlap each other to join together over the container edge protrusion. The edges are joined by beveling the leading edge 16A to allow the edge to compress tightly over the container edge without creating an open seam. There is a recess 15A in the female portion of the cover edge 24A which accepts a protrusion 22A on the male section 23A to lock into place holding the two sections together in compression which aids preventing the overlapping sections from pulling apart in tension. Also depicted is the recess at the edge of the cover 26A to receive the edge of the container.
(52) FIG. 18 depicts the same overlapping seal 12A as in the FIG. 17 in side elevation, showing the smaller male element 23A of one cover seal fitting inside the larger female 24A element of the other cover edge seal. The bevel on the edge of the male part 16A helps create a tight seal at the join and prevent leaks. In this elevation you can see the line of the edge of the cover 18A running through the joined edge seals, and the hook arrangement 11A of the central portions of the covers 3A.
(53) FIG. 19A depicts a container with the cover to cover hook seal 11A arrangement partially open. In this figure you can see the open cover 3A resting substantially to the side of the container 1A, with the flexible connection element 4A attaching the cover to the container. The arrow depicts the motion of closing this cover over the container. Also depicted is the cover to container edge link/seal 12A.
(54) FIG. 198 depicts a container 1A with the cover to cover hook seal 11A arrangement being joined together in the center. Here you can see the motion of hooking one cover 3A into the other cover 3A at the hook seal location 11A, and then pulling the cover in an opposing direction to align over the perimeter edge seal 12A over the opposing container perimeter edge 18A. Also depicted is the flexible connection element 4A between the cover and the container.
(55) FIG. 19C depicts a container 1A with the cover to cover hook seal 11A arrangement being pressed down over the opposing container edge seal 12A. This motion of pulling over and down fully joins one cover to the other by pulling tension on the hook seal 11A, and it joins the now joined covers 3A to the container 1A. Also depicted is the flexible connection element 4A between the cover and the container.
(56) FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of the container 1A in a perspective view, showing the multiple covers 3A closed, and the flexible connection elements 4A connecting the covers to the container. There is a cover link/seal around the perimeter 5A to the container 1A, and a cover to cover link/seal 6A in the approximate center of the width of the container.
(57) FIG. 21 depicts this same embodiment of the container 1A with the multiple covers 3A partially open. The perimeter sealing protrusion element of the container 2A is shown, as well as the perimeter sealing recess element of the covers 5A which fits over the protrusion portion 2A. This figure shows the cover to cover protrusion and recess link seal 6A of the covers, which when closed line up in the approximate center of the container 1A. Also depicted is the flexible connection element 4A between the cover and the container.
(58) FIG. 22 depicts this same embodiment of the container 1A with the covers 3A fully open to either side of the container, allowing them to rest vertically on either side of the container 1A and therefore taking up minimal additional space on whatever surface (i.e. a table or counter) the container is placed on. This figure again shows the flexible connection elements 4A, the protrusion perimeter sealing element of the container 2A, the recess edge seal of the covers 5A, and the cover to cover sealing element 6A.
(59) FIG. 23 shows a section through the container 1A in perspective view, showing the overlapping covers 3A closed, with the cover to cover protrusion and recess seal 6A in essentially the middle of the container. It also shows the flexible connection elements 4A, and the perimeter recess seal of the cover 5A fitting over the protrusion perimeter seal of the container 2A.
(60) FIG. 24 shows a section of the container 1A, depicting the multiple covers 3A with an overlapping cover to cover seal element 17A in the approximate center with a locking tab 19E, which when pulled opens up the recess element 20A to allow the protrusion element 21A to be released. This operation is shown in more detail in FIG. 25A, FIG. 25B, and FIG. 25C. The lids also depict the raised elements 25E to create a flat plane at the top surface when closed. The container 1A shows the protrusion portion of the perimeter edge seal 2A, along with the flexible connection elements 4A connecting the covers 3A to the container 1A.
(61) FIG. 25A depicts the locking seal arrangement shown FIG. 24 as the central cover 3A to cover sealing arrangement (noted as 17A in FIG. 24) in an expanded view with the recess portion 20A over the protrusion element 21A. In this detail the geometry of the connection shows the recessed portion closing over and slightly around the protrusion portion, which when closed will resist separation. There is a tab element or elongated edge 19E which when pulled will open the recess 20A to accept the protrusion 21A.
(62) FIG. 25B depicts the locking seal arrangement with the recess element 20A of a cover 3A being pressed over the protrusion element 21A and widening the opening in the recess element. You can see the elongated tab element 19E being forced away from the protrusion element 21A to allow the opening in the recess element 20A to widen to the point of overlapping the protrusion element as the recess element is pressed down.
(63) FIG. 25C depicts the locking seal arrangement with the recess element 20A of a cover 3A being pressed fully over the protrusion element 21A, showing the opening in the recess element 20A closing over and slightly around the protrusion element 21A as the elongated tab element 19E now retracts inwards towards the protrusion element 21A in a spring type of action due to the flexible material of the recess element 20A. This retraction forms a locking of the two elements in place, requiring the elongated tab 19E to be pulled out to help release the locked elements.
(64) FIG. 26 shows three (3) separate containers in elevation view, showing their nesting capability with the covers 3A attached by living hinge elements 38. Multiple containers 1A can be stacked together with covers 3A attached and opened, utilizing a storage area only slightly larger than the containers themselves.
(65) FIG. 27 shows a container 1A in section view, with flexible gasket elements 34 in various locations such as the cover 3A to container edge location 12A, or cover to cover location 11A. Also depicted is the flexible connection element 4A between the cover and the container.
(66) FIG. 28 shows an alternate embodiment of the covers 3A with the perimeter sealing arrangement in a reversed layout. The container 1A perimeter seal is a recess 20A and the cover link/seal 21A fits within. The covers 3A a′re connected to the container 1A with living hinges 38. This embodiment also features at least one latching element 30, which can be pulled over a counter attachment (or latch) element 31 on the opposing lid. This serves as another connection element between a plurality of covers to keep them from separating. Also depicted is the reversed cover to cover link/seal element 9A.
Operation
(67) FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 depict the operation of the recess and protrusion elements in the closed, partially open, and open conditions. Essentially, the covers 3A are placed over the edge seals 2A. One cover is pushed down first with the central protrusion element. The other cover with a recess element at the center link/seal is then pushed over the container edge 2A and the other covers protrusion element, thus overlapping and linking to the other cover. There are various configurations of the link element between the covers and the container, or between a cover and another cover that can be utilized.
(68) FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 depict edge seal conditions utilizing tension in the plurality of covers to create a cover to cover seal. The edge seal condition can be various configurations, such as an overlapped seal as in FIG. 13, or a protrusion and recess seal such as FIG. 11. In this arrangement, the two covers are hooked together 11A, and then the edge seal is pushed down around the edge of the container. This provides a tension element across the cover to cover seal 11A, “pulling” the elements tightly together, providing the seal.
(69) FIG. 19A, FIG. 19B, and FIG. 19C depict this type of operation in section and in sequence.
(70) FIG. 19A depicts the container 1A with one of the covers 3A partially on, and the other cover 3A open and resting to the side. The flexible connection element 4A holds the open cover 3A to the container 1A.
(71) FIG. 19B depicts the second cover 3A hooking 11A into the first cover 3A and then pulling towards the opposing container edge 18A. Here the arrow depicts the hooking motion, and then pulling the opposing cover 3A away from the other cover 3A.
(72) FIG. 19C depicts the second cover 3A now hooked to the first cover 3A and being pressed down onto the container 1A.
(73) FIG. 26 depicts the nesting nature of a plurality of containers with the open covers attached. This nesting arrangement is suitable for either round, square/rectangular, or other shapes of containers. Because there is more than one covers, each cover be ½ or less in width as the depth of the container. This allows the covers to rest virtually alongside a single container when opened, and allows multiple containers with open covers to stack and nest within one another without needing to remove the attachment of the covers.
(74) FIG. 25A, FIG. 25B, and FIG. 25C depict the operation of a protrusion and recess link/seal arrangement, where the recess clamps over the protrusion, thus locking them together. This features an elongated tab to pull the recess portion open to couple and de-couple it from the protrusion element. In FIG. 25A you can see the recess link/seal element 20A curve of one cover 3A closes to an opening not big enough to fit over the protrusion seal element 21A of another cover 3A. In FIG. 25B as the recess element 20A of one cover 3A is pressed down upon the protrusion element 21A of an alternate cover 3A, and the recess element 20A curve is forced to open to a larger size. The tab element 19E is pushed outward, away from the protrusion seal element 21A. In FIG. 25C as the recess seal element 20A of one cover 3A is pushed down fully, the curve closes again over the protrusion element 21A of an alternate cover 3A, where the tab element 19E retracts inward towards the protrusion element 21A. This is now “locked” or snapped into place over the protrusion element. In order to release the recess cover element 20A the tab element 19E of this cover 3A needs to be pulled away and up from the protrusion element 21A of the alternate cover 3A.
