Abstract
A container that includes a container body and a securely attached container lid. The container lid can form an airtight and/or liquidtight seal between the container lid and the container body when the container lid is in the fully closed position and locked position. The container lid is attached to the container body by a hinge. The container lid includes a seal member, cover window portion, and an outer rim portion having a plurality of lid latches. The latches are configured for movement between an unlatched position in which the container contents can be accessed and a latched position in which latch features engage fastening members to secure the container lid in the fully closed and locked position to the container body.
Claims
1. A storage container comprising: a container body, said container body including one or more sidewalls forming an interior and exterior sidewall surface and a body cavity between a base of the container body and the one or more sidewalls, and a container lid, said container lid including an outer rim portion, a center window portion and a sealing member disposed between the outer rim portion and the center window portion, said outer rim portion, said center window portion and said sealing member being separately formed components that have been interconnected together, said outer rim portion including a lid hinge that and a front latch, said lid hinge is connected to said container body, said lid hinge permitting movement of the container lid relative to the container body between an open and a closed position, said front latch configured to move between an unlatched and latched position, said position of said front latch enabling said front latch to engage said container body and to secure said container lid in a closed and locked position.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said sealing member formed of a different material from one or more components selected from the group consisting of said outer rim portion and said center window.
3. The storage container of claim 2, wherein said container body has a peripheral top surface that encircles an opening in said body cavity, said peripheral top surface including a descending wall portion that is spaced from an outer surface of said sidewall of said container body.
4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein said top peripheral surface includes a channel formed therein.
5. The storage container of claim 3, wherein said container body sidewall includes one or more ribs extending between said outer surface of said sidewall to said inner surface of said descending wall portion of said top peripheral surface.
6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said outer rim portion of said container lid includes a plurality of latches, each of said latches is configured to move relative to an outer surface of said outer rim portion between a latched position and an unlatched position.
7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein said container lid includes differently configured latches.
8. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the container lid includes three latches.
9. The storage container of claim 6, wherein two of said latches are configured the same and the other latch is configured differently.
10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the sealing member provides an airtight and/or liquidtight seal between said container lid and said container body when said container lid is in a fully closed and locked position.
11. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is an elastomeric material.
12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the said outer rim portion, said center window, or combinations thereof are formed of an olefin thermoplastic.
13. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the sealing member comprises silicon or thermoplastic elastomer.
14. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said cover window portion of said container lid includes a sealing flange extending downwardly from a bottom surface of said cover window portion, said sealing flange configured to engage an inner surface of said body cavity when said container lid is in said fully closed and lock position.
15. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said lid hinge includes two pivot grooves.
16. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said container body is formed of polycarbonate.
17. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said lid hinge is connectable to said container body to form a permanent connection between said container lid and said container body.
18-26. (canceled)
27. A storage container comprising: a container body, said container body including one or more sidewalls forming an interior and exterior sidewall surface and a body cavity between a base of the container body and the one or more sidewalls, and a container lid, said container lid including an outer rim portion, a center window portion and a sealing member disposed between the outer rim portion and the center window portion, said outer rim portion, said center window portion and said sealing member being separately formed components that have been interconnected together, said sealing member formed of a different material from said center window portion and/or said outer rim portion, said sealing member formed of a more flexible material than said center window portion and/or said outer rim portion, said outer rim portion including a lid hinge and a front latch, said lid hinge is connected to said container body, said lid hinge permitting movement of the container lid relative to the container body between an open and a closed position, said front latch configured to move between an unlatched and latched position, said position of said front latch enabling said front latch to engage said container body and to secure said container lid in a closed and locked position.
28. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said front latch is positioned on an opposite side of said container lid from said lid hinge.
29. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said container lid includes two side latches that are positioned on opposite sides of the container lid from one another, each of said side latches are spaced from said lid hinge and said front latch.
30. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said container body has a peripheral top surface that encircles an opening in said body cavity, said peripheral top surface including a descending wall portion that is spaced from an outer surface of said sidewall of said container body.
31. The storage container as defined in claim 29, wherein said top peripheral surface includes a channel formed therein.
32. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said container body sidewall includes one or more ribs extending between said outer surface of said sidewall to said inner surface of said descending wall portion of said top peripheral surface.
33. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said sealing member provides an airtight and/or liquidtight seal between said container lid and said container body when said container lid is in a fully closed and locked position.
34. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said cover window portion of said container lid includes a sealing flange extending downwardly from a bottom surface of said cover window portion, said sealing flange configured to engage an inner surface of said body cavity when said container lid is in said fully closed and lock position.
35. The storage container as defined in claim 27, including the further step of connecting said lid hinge to said container body prior to fully closing and locking said container lid to said container body.
36. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said container body has a peripheral top surface that encircles an opening in said body cavity, said peripheral top surface including a descending wall portion that is spaced from an outer surface of said sidewall of said container body, said top peripheral surface includes a channel formed therein, said container body sidewall includes one or more ribs extending between said outer surface of said sidewall to said inner surface of said descending wall portion of said top peripheral surface.
37. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein said side latches are configured the same and the front latch is configured differently from said two side latches.
38. The storage container as defined in claim 27, wherein the said outer rim portion, said center window portion, or combinations thereof are formed of an olefin thermoplastic, said sealing member is formed of an elastomeric material, said elastomeric material is silicon or a thermoplastic elastomer, said container body is formed of polycarbonate.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of one non-limiting lockable container according to the present invention wherein the container lid is in the fully closed and locked position;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the lockable container of FIG. 1 wherein the container lid is on the open position;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the lockable container of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the lockable container of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the lockable container of FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of the lockable container of FIG. 2 wherein the container lid is detached from the container body;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of the lockable container of FIG. 2 wherein the container lid is connected to the container body;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the container body of the lockable container of FIG. 1 without the container lid;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a section view of the container body of the lockable container of FIG. 2 without the container lid;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of the bottom side of the container lid of FIG. 2 without the container body;
[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective illustration of the top side of the container lid of FIG. 2 without the container body;
[0050] FIG. 12 is a different perspective illustration of the bottom side of the container lid of FIG. 2 without the container body;
[0051] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the container lid of FIG. 2;
[0052] FIG. 14 is bottom plan view of the container lid of FIG. 2; and,
[0053] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the container lid of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a lockable container 10 comprising a container body 20 and a container lid 30 that can be used in and/or in conjunction with the storage and preservation of foodstuffs and/or other materials.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the lockable container of the present invention can be designed to be used in conjunction with food storage; however, it can be appreciated that the present invention is also amenable to other applications (e.g., general storage, etc.). The lockable container includes a container body 20. The container body has a base or bottom 22, one or more sidewalls 24 that are connected to the base and extend upwardly from the top surface of the base, and a body cavity 26 that is defined by the top surface of the base and the inner surface of the one or more sidewalls. The cavity has an opening in the top which can be covered by the container lid as will be discussed in more detail below. The container body is illustrated as being generally bowl-shaped with four sidewalls; however, the container body can have other shapes and/or a different number of sidewalls. The container lid 30 includes a hinge 40 such as, but not limited to a living hinge, that couples the container lid to the container body. The hinge can be formed such that the hinge is permanently and/or securely connected to the container lid and the container body and would be required to be cut or otherwise damaged to separate the container lid from the container body. Alternatively, the hinge can be permanently formed on the container lid and be connectable to the container body such that once the hinge is connected to the container body, the hinge is not intended to ever be subsequently disconnected from the container body and the forcing of such disconnection would result in damage to the hinge and/or the container body. Alternatively, the hinge can be permanently formed on the container body and be connectable to the container lid such that, once the hinge is connected to the container lid, the hinge is not intended to ever be subsequently disconnected from the container lid and the forcing of such disconnection would result in damage to the hinge and/or the container lid. Alternatively, the hinge can be configured to be connectable to both the container lid and the container body such that once the hinge is connected to both the container lid and the container body, the hinge is not intended to ever be subsequently disconnected from the container body and the container lid and the forcing of such disconnection would result in damage to the hinge and/or the container body, and/or the hinge and/or the container lid.
[0056] The container body and the container lid include a plurality of structures that are configured to secure the container lid in the fully closed and locked position on the container body.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a non-limiting lockable container 10 in a fully closed and locked position according to the invention. The lockable container 10 can include a locking mechanism that creates an airtight and/or liquidtight seal between the container lid and container body when the container lid is on the fully closed and locked position on the container body. The container body can be partially or fully formed by injection molding with a transparent or translucent synthetic resin; however, this is not required. Likewise all or some portion of the container lid can also formed by injection molding with a transparent or translucent synthetic resin; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting configuration, at least a portion of the container lid plastic can be formed of an olefin thermoplastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, block copolymer polypropylene, etc.); however, it can be appreciated that one or more portions of the container lid can be formed of other or additional materials. In another non-limiting configuration, the container body can at least partially or fully formed of polycarbonate; however, it can be appreciated that the container body can be formed of other or additional materials. In another non-limiting configuration, the container body can at least partially or fully formed of polycarbonate, and the container lid plastic can be at least formed of an olefin thermoplastic, and the sealing member can be formed of an elastomeric material, and the container lid does not container polycarbonate.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2, the lockable container 10 is in an open/unlatched position. The container lid is still connected to the container body in such position; however, the body cavity 26 is not accessible so that materials (e.g., food items, etc.) can be easily inserted into or removed from the body cavity. The container lid includes a plurality of lid latches 42, 43, and 44. The latches are moveable between an open and locked position. FIG. 1 illustrates the latches in the locked or latched position. FIG. 2 illustrates the latches in the open or unlatched position. The latches can be connected by a living hinge to the rim or some other portion of the container lid; however, this is not required. Generally, the latches are permanently connected to the rim or some other portion of the container lid; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the latches, when in the locked position, releasably connect to arrangement on the container body which will be discussed in more detail below.
[0059] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are front and back perspective view illustrations, respectively, of the container body. One or more sidewalls 24 can include markings 41 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The type of markings is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the markings are cup measurement markings that provide information about how much of a liquid material is contained in the body cavity 26 of the container body. As can be appreciated, metric measurement markings can be located on the same or different sidewall of the container body. As can be appreciated, other or additional types of markings can be included on the container body and/or container lid (e.g., Do not fill above this line, Microwaveable, brand name, etc.).
[0060] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a living hinge 40 connects the container lid 30 to the container body 20. The living hinge 40 allows the container lid system 30 to pivot relative to the container body 20 between the open and closed position. The living hinge can include one or more pivot points. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the living hinge includes two pivot points 40a, 40b that are spaced on sidewall 24 of the container body and outer rim portion 32 of container lid 30. As can be appreciated, a pivot point can optionally exist at the connection point of hinge 40 outer rim portion 32 of container lid 30 and/or the connection point of hinge 40 the container body. The pivot point can be in the form of a groove, a thin later, flexible material, etc. that enables movement so that the hinge can allow the container lid to move between the fully open position (as illustrated in FIG. 2) and the fully closed and locked position (as illustrated in FIG. 1).The configuration of hinge 40, in combination with the configuration of the container lid and the container body, enables the container lid to lie substantially flat over the perimeter of the cavity opening of the container body, thereby inhibiting or preventing the container lid from bowing upwards when the container lid is moved to the closed position and then ultimately moved to the fully closed and lock position. The use of one or more pivot points in the hinge allows the container lid to be closed flat onto the container body thus improving the seal between the container lid system and the container body. As such, the hinge can be used to improve the sealing between the container lid and the container body.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, during manufacturing, the container lid 30 can be manufactured or assembled as one separate component and the container body can be manufactured or assembled as a second separate component. These two separate components can subsequently be connected together via hinge 40 as illustrated in FIG. 7 during the first use of the container. The attachment of the hinge to the container body can be permanent and/or secure; however, this is not required. The permanent and/or secure attachment of the container lid to the container body prevents the recurring problem of losing the container lid as often occurs with lids that are not permanently connected to the container body. As can be appreciated, the container body and container lid can be manufactured as a single component that requires no further assembly.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 8, container body 20 is illustrated as having a bowl shape and includes four sidewalls 24, which extend upwardly from the base or bottom wall 22. In one non-limiting arrangement, the sidewalls can be configured to bow outward such that the open end of the container body is larger than the base of the container body as illustrates in FIG. 5; however, this is not required. The sidewalls are connected continuously to the base or via corners 19. The corners (when used) can be rounded; however, this is not required.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the container body 20 includes a top flange 25 that is connected at or near the top edge of the sidewalls. The top flange is illustrated as extending about the complete perimeter of the top edge of the sidewalls. The top flange is illustrated as extending outwardly from the outer surface of the side at an angle that is perpendicular or generally perpendicular (e.g., 85-95) to the top portion of the sidewall; however, this is not required. The top surface of the top flange forms a top peripheral surface. The top peripheral surface is illustrated as including a groove/channel 29; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the top peripheral surface can alternatively be flat or include one or more ribs or other structures extending upwardly from the top peripheral surface. In one non-limiting arrangement, channel 29 generally has a V-shape or U-shape and is configured to at least partially receive a sealing member 34 on the container lid when the container lid is moved to the closed position. When the container lid is in the fully closed and locked position, the sealing member in channel 29 can partially or fully form the airtight and/or liquidtight seal between the container lid and the container body. As can be appreciated, the airtight and/or liquidtight seal between the container lid and the container body can be partially or fully formed by the sealing member with a top peripheral surface that is absent a channel and/or includes other structures.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer edge of the top flange 25 can extend downwardly from the top peripheral surface to form a descending sidewall 27; however, this is not required. Generally, the descending sidewall 27 extends downwardly at an angle that is perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the top peripheral surface. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the descending sidewall 27 includes one or more connection openings 31 that are configured to receive connection tabs 37 on the end of hinge 40 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The end of the hinge can include an end flange 33 that can include the one or more connection tabs 37; however, this is not required. The connection tabs are typically configured to be at least partially inserted into connection openings 31 and, once connected, are not designed to be disconnected from the connection openings. However, it can be appreciated that the connection tabs can be configured to be releasably connected to the connection openings. The shape and size of the connection tabs and connection openings are non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the descending sidewall 27 is spaced from the outer surface of sidewall 24 so that the end flange 33 of the hinge can be inserted in the space between the outer surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the descending sidewall 27 so that the connection tabs and connection openings can be aligned with one another and thereafter connected together.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 9, one or more spaced ribs 21 can be optionally provided between the descending wall portion 27 and the sidewall of the container body. The one or more ribs can be used to provide strength to the top flange 25 and the descending wall portion 27. The one or more ribs (when used) include generally flat bottom edges. One non-limiting advantage of using such ribs is that, when securing latch hooks of the container lid system are pulled off of the container body (i.e., unlatching and/or opening the container), the securing lip of the container body is not malformed, altered, or distorted. Thus, the longevity and durability of the container is increased.
[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the end flange 33 can include a guide slot 39 that is configured to receive a rib 21 when the end flange 33 is inserted in the space between the outer surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the descending sidewall 27. As such the guide slot is used to facilitate in properly positioning the end flange 33 relative to the descending sidewall 27 when connecting the hinge to the container body.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the bottom surface of the base wall 22 can include ridges and/or bevels; however, this is not required. The ridges and/or bevels can be used as a means of stacking other bases together; however, this is not required.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the container body includes a latch connector 45. As illustrated, the latch connector 45 is positioned on the front sidewall of the container body and is configured to connect to front thumb latch 43 on the container lid. When the container lid is in the closed position, the container lid can be locked to the container body by securing the front thumb latch 43 to the latch connector 45. Latch connector 45 can be a continuous extension of the descending sidewall 27. Additionally or alternatively, latch connector 45 can be connected to the outer surface of sidewall 24. The latch connector can include at its distal end a hook-like portion 51 capable of inhibiting or preventing the front thumb latch 43 from becoming unlatched from the latch connector 45 without excessive force. The front thumb latch 43 can include one or more tabs 53 that are configured to engage the hook-like portion 51 when the front thumb latch 43 is releasably connected to latch connector 45.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 10 and 15, the container lid 30 is formed of three components, namely an outer rim portion 32, a sealing member 34, and a center window 36. The sealing member is positioned between the center window and the outer rim portion.
[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 15, the center window includes a top surface 60, a bottom surface 62 and a center window flange 38. The center window flange 38 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 62. Generally, the center window flange 38 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 62 at an angle that is perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the plane of the bottom surface; however, this is not required. The center window flange 38 is generally positioned at or near the peripheral edge of the center window and generally extends about the complete periphery of the center window; however, this is not required. The center window flange can be configured to be inserted into the container cavity 26 when the container lid is in the closed position. The exterior surface of center window flange 38 (i.e., the surface of the center window flange that is facing the inner surface of the container body sidewall when the container lid is in the closed position) can be optionally configured to frictionally engage with at least a portion of the interior surface of a container body sidewall thereby improving the seal between the container lid 30 and the container body 20 and/or to facilitate in positioning the container lid relative to the container body when closing the container lid on the container body.
[0071] The peripheral surface of the center window can optionally include one or more grooves or other structures that can be used to facilitate in the connection of the sealing member to the center window. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the peripheral surface of the center window includes a plurality of grooves and/or ribs; however, this is not required.
[0072] The center window can optionally include a printed design, ribs that form a design etc. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the center window includes a plurality of ribs that radiate from a central circular rib. As can be appreciated, other designs can be used. The ribs can also be configured to improve the structural integrity and/or rigidity of the center window; however, this is not required. The top and/or bottom surface of the center window can optionally include other or additional structures for purposes of aesthetics, rigidity, strength etc.
[0073] The center window can optionally include one or more ridges or bevels as a means of stacking other container lids together; however, this is not required. The center window can be formed from substantially transparent materials so as to allow the user to see the contents stored within the container; however, this is not required.
[0074] Sealing member 34 is configured to connect to the outer periphery of the center window. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., melted connection, molded connection, adhesive connection, friction connection, etc.). Generally, the inner surface of the sealing member is connected to the outer periphery of the center window; however, it can be appreciated that other or additional surfaces of the sealing member can be connected to the center window. A portion of the sealing member can be configured to extend over a portion of the top and/or bottom surface of the center window; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a portion of the sealing member extends over a portion of the top of the center window. The bottom surface 35 of the sealing member can include one or more sealing structures (e.g., glove, rib, slot, etc.) that are configured to engage with the container body to create and/or facilitate in creating an airtight and/or liquidtight seal between the container lid and the container body when the container lid is in the fully closed and locked position. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the bottom surface of the sealing member includes a rib or downwardly protruding extension 64 that is configured to at least partially fit into channel 29 of the top flange 25 of container body 20 when the container lid is in the fully closed and locked position. The rib or downwardly protruding extension can have a corresponding shape as channel 29; however, this is not required. The rib or downwardly protruding extension 64 can be configured to compress in channel 29 so as to improve the seal formed between the rib or downwardly protruding extension 64 and channel 29 when the container lid is moved to the fully closed and locked position on the container body. The rib or downwardly protruding extension 64 is generally positioned about the complete periphery of the sealing member; however, this is not required. The rib or downwardly protruding extension 64 is illustrated as being spaced from the outer edge and the inner edge of the sealing member; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the sealing member can include more than one downwardly protruding extension 64. The height of the downwardly protruding extension 64 is generally greater than the depth of channel 29; however, this is not required. The bottom surface 35 of the sealing member can also be configured to contact the top flange 25 of container body 20 on one or both sides of channel 29 when the container lid is moved to the fully closed and locked position on the container body; however, this is not required. Such contact arrangement (when used) facilitates in the sealing between the container lid and container body when the container lid is moved to the fully closed and locked position on the container body. The bottom surface 35 of the sealing member can be configured to compress when contacting the top flange 25 of container body 20 on one or both sides of channel 29 when the container lid is moved to the fully closed and locked position on the container body; however, this is not required.
[0075] The sealing member can be an extruded or molded elastomeric material (e.g., Natural polyisoprene: cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber (NR) and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha; synthetic polyisoprene (IR for isoprene rubber); polybutadiene (BR for butadiene rubber); chloroprene rubber (CR), polychloroprene, neoprene, baypren, butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, IIR), halogenated butyl rubbers (chloro butyl rubber: CIIR; bromo butyl rubber: BIIR), styrene-butadiene rubber (copolymer of styrene and butadiene, SBR), nitrile rubber (copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubbers (HNBR), therban, zetpol, EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene), EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ), fluoroelastomers (FKM, and FEPM), viton, tecnoflon, fluorel, aflas, dai-El, perfluoroelastomers (FFKM), tecnoflon PFR, kalrez, chemraz, perlast, polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), (Hypalon), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), proteins resilin and elastin, polysulfide rubber, elastolefin); however, this is not required. In one non-limiting configuration, the sealing member is an injection-molded unitary part. The seal member can be made of a silicon or thermoplastic elastomer; however, it can be appreciated that other materials can be used. Generally, the material that is used to form the sealing member is different from the material of the center window and/or the outer rim portion. In one non-limiting configuration, the material that is used to form the sealing member is different from both the center window and the outer rim portion. In one non-limiting arrangement, the sealing member is formed of a material that is softer and more malleable or deformable than the center window and the outer rim portion. Generally, the center window and the outer rim portion are formed of a rigid material; however, this is not required. Generally, the center window and the outer rim portion are formed of the same material; however, this is not required. Generally the center window and the outer rim portion of the container lid and the container body are formed of the same material; however, this is not required. The color of the sealing member can optionally be different from the color of the center window and/or the outer rim portion. The transparency of the sealing member can optionally be different from the transparency of the center window and/or the outer rim portion.
[0076] The outer rim portion 32 of container lid 30 can also serve the purpose of a sealing flange; however, this is not required. The outer rim portion is connected to the sealing member as illustrated in FIG. 14. The connection between the sealing member and the outer rim portion is non-limiting (e.g., melted connection, molded connection, adhesive connection, friction connection, etc.). Generally, the connection between the sealing member and the container lid and the outer rim portion can be a melted connection or molded connection. The sealing member, when connected to the outer rim portion, can be configured to contact at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer rim portion, at least a portion of the top surface of the outer rim portion, and/or at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer rim portion. In one non-limiting arrangement, the sealing member engages the top surface of the outer rim portion and the inner surface of the outer rim portion, but not the outer surface of the outer rim portion. In another non-limiting arrangement, the sealing member engages only the inner surface of the outer rim portion, but not the outer surface of the outer rim portion. As can be appreciated, other connection configurations can be used between the sealing member and the outer rim portion.
[0077] The outer rim portion can optionally include one or more connection channels 66 that are configured to receive a rib or downwardly protruding extension on the bottom surface of the sealing member so as to facilitate in the connection between the sealing member and the outer rim portion; however, this is not required. The connection channel 66 (when used) is positioned at or near the inner surface of the outer rim portion. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the inner surface of the outer rim portion forms one side of connection channel 66. The connection channel 66 (when used) is generally spaced form the top and/or bottom edge of the outer rim portion as illustrated in FIG. 15; however, this is not required.
[0078] The outer rim portion can be optionally configured such that the inner surface of the outer rim portion frictionally engages the outer surface of the sidewalls of the container body when the container lid is in the closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the inner surface of the outer rim portion can be provided with one or more surface projections 46. The surface projections can be used to hold the container lid on the container body when the container lid is at least partially in the closed position. The surface projections 46 are generally spaced between the top and bottom edges of the outer rim portion as illustrated in FIG. 15; however, this is not required. The surface projections 46 are illustrated as being positioned below the connection channel 66.
[0079] During manufacturing of the container lid, the outer rim portion 32, center window 36, and sealing member 34 can be formed together in a one-piece construction; however, this is not required. Hinge 40 can be formed together with outer rim portion 32, center window 36, and sealing member 34; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the center window is formed as a single piece, the sealing member is formed a single separate piece, and the outer rim portion that includes hinge 40 and latches 42, 43, 44 is formed of a single separate piece. The sealing member is then connected to both the center window and the outer rim portion to form the container lid. The connection between the sealing member and the outer rim portion and the center member is designed to be a permanent and/or secure connection. As such, the container lid would be damaged and unable to form an airtight and/or water-tight seal if the sealing member were forced to be separated from the outer rim portion and/or center window.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, the container lid 30 is provided with one or more latches for the purpose of fastening the container lid 30 to the container body 20. The container lid 30 is designed and configured to improve the seal and seat between the container lid 30 and the container body 20 such that, in one non-limiting configuration, an airtight and/or liquidtight seal is created between container lid 30 and container body 20 when in the fully closed and locked position.
[0081] Latches 42, 43, and 44 are integrally formed with the outer rim portion 32 of container lid 30. Each of the latches 42, 43, and 44 are illustrated as being connected at or near the top edge of the outer rim portion; however, it can be appreciated that one or more of the latches can be connected between the top and bottom edges or connected at or near the bottom edge of the outer rim portion. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the latches includes a pivot channel 42a, 43a, 44a and enables each of the latches to be movable relative to the outer surface of the outer rim portion so that the latches can be moved between the latched and unlatched positions.
[0082] Side latches 42 and 44 are illustrated as being similarly configured, whereas front thumb latch 43 has a different configuration; however, this is not required. Front thumb latch 43 is illustrated as being positioned on the opposite side of the container lid from hinge 40; however, this is not required. Side latches 42 and 42 are illustrated as being positioned on the opposite side of the container lid from another and generally equally spaced from hinge 40 and/or front thumb latch 43; however, this is not required. Although the container lid is illustrated as including three latches, it can be appreciated that the container lid can be configured to include only front thumb latch 43. Also, it can be appreciated that the container lid can be configured to include a front thumb latch 43 and a single side latch or more than two side latches.
[0083] The front thumb latch 43 that is configured to be releasably secured to a latch connector 45 of container body 20is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. The first and second side latches 42 and 44 are configured to be releasably secured to the descending wall portion 27 of container body 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Side latches 42 and 44 are provided with a hook feature 49 that is configured to releasably engage and secure to the descending wall portion 27 of the top flange 25 on the container body. The hook feature 49 is configured to at least partially extend in an upward direction into the gap between the container body sidewall and the descending sidewall portion 27 when the side latch is in the latched position as illustrated in FIG. 3; however, this is not required. The side latches can optionally include one or more latch ribs 68 to provide structural support to the hook feature as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0084] The latches are configured for movement to an open/unlatched position as illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the container lid can be pivoted on hinge 40 between the open and closed position so that materials can be added and/or removed from the container cavity of the container body. The latches are also configured for movement to a locked/latched position as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 in which the container lid is secured in a fully closed and locked position and an airtight and/or liquidtight seal is formed between the container lid and the container body.
[0085] The outer surface of one or more latches can include markings as illustrated in in FIG. 11; however, this is not required.
[0086] Other embodiments may use latches at different locations such as at the corners rather than the middle portion. While the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures employs three latches in the middle of each of the three sides of the lid, other embodiments may employ a fewer or greater number of latches.
[0087] The lockable container of the present invention can be designed to accommodate the storage of food items; however, it can be appreciated that the lockable container of the present invention can be designed to accommodate the storage of other items (e.g., office supplies, hardware, pet supplies, pet food, etc.). The lockable container of the present invention has the following advantages 1) the lockable container is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, 2) provides an airtight seal when in a closed position, 3) can be lockable, 4) can be substantially leak-proof, 5) can be microwavable, 6) can be repeatedly and releasably securable, 7) can be easily and conveniently stored, 8) can be configured and/or customized in a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or 9) can be configured and/or customized to accommodate the storage of food items.
[0088] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment and alternatives thereof. It is believed that many modifications and alterations to the embodiment disclosed will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed description of the invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention.
