Expandable and Collapsible Lid System and Method

Abstract

An expandable and collapsible lid system and method thereof. The system includes at least one container including an opening and at least one corresponding lid. The lid may be operable between an expanded state, a middle state and a collapsed state. The lid includes a flange having a circumscribing lip for releasably sealing the opening of the container and concentric segments. Each concentric segment may be flexibly coupled to an adjacent concentric segment, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, a diameter of the concentric segments decreasing inversely with the distance of the concentric segment from the flange, a concentric segment having a largest diameter being flexibly coupled to the flange. When positioned atop the container, the lid increases a storage volume of the at least one container in the expanded state and forms a pool within the container for nesting of a further container when in the collapsed state.

Claims

1. An expandable and collapsible lid system comprising: at least one container including an opening on one side thereof; at least one corresponding lid, said lid being operable between one of an expanded state, a middle state and a collapsed state, said lid includes a flange having a circumscribing lip for releasably sealing the opening of the at least one container, and a plurality of concentric segments each concentric segment being flexibly coupled to an adjacent concentric segment, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, a diameter of the concentric segments decreasing inversely with the distance of the concentric segment from the flange, a concentric segment having a largest diameter being flexibly coupled to the flange, wherein, when positioned atop the at least one container, said lid increases a storage volume of the at least one container in said expanded state and forms a pool within the container for nesting of a further container when in said collapsed state.

2. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is formed of at least one of silicon, plastic and a combination of plastic and silicone.

3. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein, in said expanded state, said concentric segments of said lid are displaced relative to each other to extend from the flange in a direction opposite the lip, said lid in said expanded state increasing a volume of a container on which it is releasably sealed.

4. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein, in said collapsed state, said concentric segments of said lid are displaced relative to each other to extend from the flange in a same direction as the lip, said lid in said collapsed state being received within said container being releasably sealed by said lid forming a pool for receiving a further container and lid pair for storage of said expandable and collapsible lid system.

5. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid includes an aperture for venting at least one of steam and air from the container being sealed thereby.

6. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein in a middle state, said concentric segments of said lid are aligned in a plane with said flange.

7. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is resistant to heat.

8. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is resistant to cold.

9. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid further includes tabs extending from said lip for assisting in securing the lid to said container and removing said lid from said container.

10. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said opening in said container is one of round, square, rectangular, oval and triangular and said corresponding lid is one of round, square, rectangular, oval and triangular.

11. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is formed of a single material and said concentric segments are formed by folds in the single material.

12. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said container is a waste receptacle.

13. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of concentric segments are foldably coupled together.

14. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of concentric segments are formed from a single piece of material and said concentric segments are formed from folds in said single piece of material.

15. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid may be operable in any position between said expanded state, said middle state and said collapsed state.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. A method of using an expandable and collapsible lid system, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether said expandable and collapsible lid system will operate in an expanded state, a middle state or a collapsed state; if it is determined to operate said expandable and collapsible lid system in an expanded state, applying a force to a bottom side of said lid causing concentric segments of the lid to be displaced away from a flange of the lid; inserting an item to be stored in the container; and placing the lid over an opening of the container to releasably seal the lid in the container, increasing an available volume of the container for storage; if it is determined to operate said expandable and collapsible lid system in a middle state, applying a force to said lid causing the concentric segments of the lid to be arranged in a plane with the flange of the lid; inserting an item to be stored in the container; and placing the lid over an opening of the container to releasably seal the lid in the container; and if it is determined to operate said expandable and collapsible lid system in a collapsed state, applying a force to a top side of the lid causing concentric segments of the lid to extend through and be displaced away from the flange of the lid; placing the lid over an opening of the container to releasably seal the lid on the container, forming a pool within and decreasing an available volume of the container for storage; and nesting a further container within the pool.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of nesting a second-container within said first container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an expandable and collapsible lid system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the expandable and collapsible lid system during an in-use condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a container and lid pair of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1 with the lid in a middle state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a container and lid pair of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1 with the lid in an expanded state.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1 with the lid in a collapsed state.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system in an expanded state.

[0018] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system in a middle state.

[0019] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system in a collapsed state.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using an expandable and collapsible lid system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to modifiable volume containers and more particularly to an expandable and collapsible lid system and method as used to improve storage capabilities and enable varying the volume of containers to provide additional storage.

[0023] The expandable and collapsible lid system may include a stackable set of containers. The system provides an extremely portable means of keeping lidded containers organized. A primary function of the expandable and collapsible lid system is the ability to compactly store large volume containers with the lids attached. This functionality allows for volumes of containers to be recessed by a modifiable lid, allowing for stacking of similar sized containers and lids attached thereto in small spaces. Unlike any existing lidded container art, the expandable and collapsible lid system allows lids to remail atop containers while nesting with other containers for storage. The ability to store the containers with the lids attached thereto minimizes the possibility of losing or misplacing the lid when stored. The expandable and collapsible lid system also allows a user to increase the volume of a container by expanding the lid when desired enabling the container to hold an increased amount of an item being stored, the item being able to extend above a rim of the container.

[0024] The design of the expandable and collapsible lid system allows for a multitude of uses. In one embodiment the expandable and collapsible lid system may be used with conventionally sized containers to store food. Further embodiments include trash receptacles, storage totes, and commercial packaging. While the function of the present system is clear, the employment of such a system to modify volumes of containers is subject to necessity.

[0025] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 during an in-use condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include at least one container 120 and corresponding lid 110 pair. The container 120 may be a cup, box, receptacle, storage container, or any device used for storing and retaining items therein. The container 120 may include an opening on a top side thereof and the corresponding lid 110 may be of a size and shape able to cover and releasably seal the opening on the top side of the container 120. Here, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be beneficial for varying a storage volume of the container 120. The lid 110 may operate between an expanded state 112 (see FIG. 3A), a middle state 113 (see FIG. 2) and a collapsed state 114 (see FIG. 3B). The lid 110 may include a flange 116 having a circumscribing lip 122 configured for engaging with an edge of the opening in the container 120 to releasably seal the opening in the container 120. The circumscribing lip 122 may have a perimeter or circumference substantially similar to a perimeter or circumference of the opening in the container 120 with which it may be engaged. The lid 110 may be formed from a plurality of concentric segments 118 each flexibly coupled together, inner diameter to outer-diameter, the outer diameter of one concentric segment being substantially equal to the inner diameter of an adjacent concentric segment coupled thereto. The plurality of concentric segments may surround a central section 124. The concentric segments may be individual segments connected together. Alternatively, the lid 110 may be formed from a single piece of material including folds forming the concentric segments being formed in the single piece of material. The circumscribing lip 122 may extend around an outer periphery of the largest concentric segment 118 forming the lid. The concentric segments 118 and central section 124 may be formed from an at least semi-flexible, substantially waterproof material able to retain a liquid or solid within the container 120. The circumscribing lip 122 of the lid 110 may be formed of a semi-rigid material able to engage with and be releasably secured to the container 120 covering the opening. The circumscribing lip 122 may be formed from silicone and/or a more rigid plastic to provide a more stable and durable product. The container 120 including the opening that when releasably sealed by the lid 110 defines a volume for the container 120, the volume being variable based on whether the lid 110 is in the expanded state 112, middle state 113 or collapsed state 114.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include a plurality of container 120 and lid 110 pairs, each container 120 being paired with a corresponding lid 110 having a size able to cover and seal an opening in its respective container 120. The container and lid pairs of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may have a plurality of functional relationships in relation to the structure of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 such that the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner. FIG. 1 illustrates first and second containers 120, 126, each with a respective lid 110, 128 thereon. The lid 110 of a first container 120 may be in a collapsed state extending into the container 120 being releasably sealed thereby. A second container 126 has a lid 128 positioned thereatop and shown in a middle state forming a substantially flat surface atop the container 126. The second container 126 may be received within the first container 120 and collapsed lid 110, seated above the lid 110 of the first container 120 in a nesting relationship. The lid 128 of the second container 126 may be placed in the collapsed state, similar to the first container 120 and lid 110 pair, for receiving a further container within the second container 126.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a container 120 and lid 110 pair of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, the lid 110 is shown in the middle state 113 forming a flat top for the container 120. As discussed above, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include the container 120 and corresponding a lid 110 pair. The lid 110 may be operable between an expanded state 112 (see FIG. 3A), a middle state 113 (see FIG. 2) and a collapsed state 114 (see FIG. 3B). The lid 110 may be manipulated between the expanded state, middle state and collapsed state by applying a force to either a top side or bottom side of the lid 110 modifying the position of concentric segments 118 relative to each other. The lid 110 may include a flange 116 having a circumscribing lip 122 configured for engaging with a perimeter of an opening in a container 120 to releasably seal the opening in the container 120. Tabs 140 may extend from the circumscribing lip 122 of the flange 116 at points around a circumference thereof. The tabs 140 may provide assistance in sealing the lid 110 to the container 120 by placing the lid 110 atop the container 120 and applying a force on the tabs 140 towards the container 120. The tabs 140 may also provide assistance in removing the lid 110 from atop the container 120 by grasping the tabs 140 and applying a force away from the container 120. Various embodiments of the tabs 140 may include any suitable means to assist in securing the lid 110 to the container 120 and removing the lid 110 from atop the container 120. Noted embodiments of the interaction between the lid 110 and the container 120 for releasably securing the lid 110 to the container 120 may include, traction, vacuum, and pressure. Embodiments of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 that include tabs 140 may have further conceived methods of releasably securing the lid 110 to and removing the lid 110 from the container 120 as future conceived features are developed.

[0029] The lid 110 may further include an aperture 130 allowing for venting, enabling steam and/or air to escape the container and prevent contents within the container from becoming soggy. The aperture 130 also facilitates movement of the lid 110 between the expanded state 112, middle state 113 and collapsed state 114 when positioned atop a container 120 providing a passage for air to leave or enter the container 120 depending on the desired state for the container 120 and lid 110 pair. Further, the aperture 130 may be used to remove liquids or solids from within the container 120 for example by pouring out or drinking. The aperture 130 may be scalable, creating a fluid-proof barrier that impedes the passage of solid matter, vapors, liquids, and gasses. The aperture 130 may be useful for adjusting the volume defined by the lid 110 and the container 120 when the lid 110 is in one of an expanded state 112, a middle state 112, and a collapsed state 114. In operation, the lid 110 may be releasably attached to a container 120, the aperture 130 may be opened, the lid 110 may be modified to an expanded state 112, a middle state 113 or a collapsed state 114, and the aperture 130 may then be closed. The aperture 130, when open, may allow for a pressure to equalize when modifying the volume defined by the lid 110 and the container 120. The aperture 130 further may act as a heat and pressure release. The expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be resistant to heat. The material and design of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may endure microwave radiation. Further, the lid 110, and accompanying container 120, may be resistant to cold temperatures. Disparate temperature conditions may be accommodated by the unique composition and method of manufacture. In a standard embodiment, the lid 110 may comprise materials including silicon, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. Further conceived compositions are considered using materials suitable for providing an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 as described.

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates a view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1 with the lid 110 in an expanded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid 110 is expanded so the concentric segments extend above the lip 116 and, when positioned atop the container 120, outwardly from and above the opening in the container 120, thereby increasing the volume defined by the container 120 and the lid 110. In this expanded state, when the lid 110 is positioned to releasably seal the opening in the container 120, the concentric segments 118 are displaced relative to each other, increasing in distance from the container 120 sequentially as the segments decrease in size. In some embodiments, adjacent segments may be connected by a flexible material positioned therebetween facilitating the movement between the expanded state, middle state and collapsed state. Alternatively, the lid 110 may be formed from a single piece of material with folds forming the concentric segment being formed in the material. As shown, while in an expanded state 112, the flange 116 is releasably sealed to a top of the container 120 to cover the opening and form a fluid-proof connection with the container 120.

[0031] FIG. 3B illustrates a view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1 with the lid 110 in a collapsed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, the lid 110 is collapsed inwardly where the concentric segments extend through the flange 116 and circumscribing lip 122 of the lid 110 and, when positioned atop the container 120, through the opening and into the container 120. In this collapsed state, when the lid 110 is positioned to releasably seal the opening in the container 120, the concentric segments 118 are displaced relative to each other, decreasing in distance from a base of the container 120 sequentially as the segments decrease in size. While in a collapsed state 114, the circumscribing lip 122 of the lid 110 may be releasably sealed to the container 120 forming a pool within the container 120 able to receive a further container and lid pair of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100. When positioned atop the container 120 in a collapsed state, the concentric segments of the lid 110 may be spaced from the walls of the container 120 decreasing the volume inside the container. Shown in FIG. 4, the collapsed state configuration of the lid 110 and container 120 may be useful for stacking multiple container and lid pairs of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As previously noted, one immediate innovation of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system is storage through nestability. Shown here is a view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 in a nested configuration. Illustrated are three container 120 and lid 110 pairs of various sizes, each container 120 having a corresponding lid 110 in a collapsed state 114 positioned thereatop and extending into the container. The concentric segments 118 of the lid 110 in a collapsed state 114 are shown as stepped recessions. Each lid 110 is connected to a container 120 while in a collapsed state 114, defining a substantially small volume. The containers are positioned in nesting fashion to reduce the space occupied by the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 when stored.

[0033] FIGS. 5A-5C show the lid 110 of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 in an expanded state, a middle state and a collapsed state, respectively. FIG. 5A illustrates a top perspective view of the lid 110 in the expanded state. As can be seen from this view, the concentric segments 118 are displaced from the flange 116, extending above the flange 116 in a direction opposite the lip 122 of the flange 116. When positioned atop a container, the lip 122 will engage the rim of the opening of the container 120 and the expanded concentric segments 118 will extend from the opening of the container in a direction opposite the storage area of the container 120 to increase the storage volume of the container 120 and enable items to be stored within the container 120 and extending above the rim of the container. The concentric segments 118 are displaced relative to each other, increasing in distance from the container 120 sequentially as the segments decrease in size, tapering to the central section 124.

[0034] FIG. 5B shows the lid 110 of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 in a middle state 113 forming a substantially flat surface for covering a container. In this state, the flange 116 and concentric segments may be on a same plane. When in this state and positioned to releasably seal a container, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be used to drink a liquid out of or to store items that are able to fit within the volume defined by the container 120.

[0035] FIG. 5C shows the lid 110 of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 in a collapsed state. As can be seen from this view, the concentric segments 118 are displaced from the flange 116, extending below the flange 116 in a same direction as the lip 122 of the flange 116. When positioned atop a container, the lip 122 will engage the rim of the opening of the container and the collapsed concentric segments 118 will extend from the opening of the container into the storage area of the container to decrease the storage volume of the container and provide a seat for receiving additional container and lid pairs of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100.

[0036] While the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system is illustrated in the present document as being substantially circular in shape, alternative sizes and shapes of the lid(s) 110 may be considered. Shape and size may be defined and manifested through necessity, availability, and function. In the presented embodiments the container and corresponding lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be substantially circular. However, in other embodiments the container and corresponding lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be any known shape able to store the desired items, for example the container may be in the shape of a cube, a rectangle, an oval, pyramidal or any desired shape and the corresponding lid will be of an appropriate shape to releasably seal the opening in the container. Function and usage may also dictate the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system. For instance, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be employed as a waste receptacle. Further, the container and corresponding lid of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be of any size able to receive a desired volume of an item, the volume able to be increased or decreased based on the expanded or collapsed size of the corresponding lid.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for using the expandable and collapsible lid system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 600 for using an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include one or more components or features of the expandable and collapsible lid 100 as described above. As discussed above, the expandable and collapsible lid system includes at least one container and a corresponding lid pair; the lid is able to operate between an expanded state, a middle state and a collapsed state. The lid may be manipulated to any size between the expanded, middle and collapsed states thereby enabling variation of the volume of the container to any size between the fully collapsed and fully expanded states. The lid 110 may include a flange 116 having a circumscribing lip 122 configured for releasably sealing an opening in the container 120, the lid 110 may also include a plurality of concentric segments 118, each concentric segment being flexibly coupled, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with an adjacent concentric segment, a diameter of the concentric segments decreasing inversely with the distance of the concentric segment from the flange 116. The container includes the opening for receiving items to be stored therein or other containers when the expandable and collapsible lid system is to be stored away. Positioning the lid atop the opening in the container so a lip of the flange engages a rim of the opening to releasably seal the container defines a volume of the container.

[0038] As illustrated, the method 600 for using an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include determining whether the expandable and collapsible lid system will be used in an expanded state, a middle state or a collapsed state in step 601. If it is decided to use the expandable and collapsible lid system in an expanded state, a force may be applied to a bottom side of the concentric segments of the lid causing the concentric segments to be displaced to extend from the flange in a direction opposite the lip as described in step 602. An item to be stored by the expandable and collapsible lid system may be placed in the container as described in step 603. The item to be stored in the container may extend above the opening in the container. The lid may be placed over the container causing the lip of the flange to engage with and form a releasable seal with the rim of the opening in the container. In the expanded state, the concentric segments may extend above the container to increase a storage volume of the container and accommodate and store any items extending above the opening in the container as discussed in step 604. The container and lid pair may now be stored away with the items contained therein as stated in step 605. When it is desired to use the items stored by the container and lid pair, the lid may be removed from the container and the items removed as described in step 606.

[0039] If it is decided to use the expandable and collapsible lid system in a middle state such as when drinking a liquid from the container, the concentric segments may be aligned in an even plane with the flange to form a substantially flat lid as discussed in step 607. An item to be stored by the expandable and collapsible lid system may be placed in the container as described in step 608. The lid may be placed over the container causing the lip of the flange to engage with and form a releasable seal with the rim of the opening to seal the item such as a liquid within the container as discussed in step 609. The items in the container may be stored away or if a liquid drink is stored in the container, a user may drink the liquid from the container through a recess in the lid.

[0040] If it is decided to use the expandable and collapsible lid system in a collapsed state such as when storing the container and lid pairs, a force may be applied to a top side of the lid forcing the concentric segments through the flange and displaced to extend from the flange in a same direction as the lip as described in step 610. The lid may then be placed over the container causing the lip of the flange to engage with and form a releasable seal with the rim of the opening such that the concentric segments extend into the container forming a pool therein as discussed in step 611. A further container and lid pair may then be placed within the container in a nested position atop the lid in the collapsed state as stated in step 612. If it is desired to nest further container and lid pairs within the container, the lid of each container and lid pair may be placed in a collapsed state and positioned atop its corresponding container to form a seat within the container for a further container. The further container may then be positioned within another container and lid pair having the lid in a collapsed state.

[0041] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of step of should not be interpreted as step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using an expandable and collapsible lid system, are taught herein.

[0042] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.