CONTAINER INCLUDING BASE AND LID HAVING RETAINMENT AND ANTI-SHOCK FEATURES

Abstract

A container includes a base including cells each sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein, and a land positioned between adjacent cells, and a lid releasably engaged with the base when the container is in a closed configuration, the lid including a cover and a retaining column extending from the cover to a distal column end. The distal column end engages the land of the base when the container is in the closed configuration, the retaining column includes outwardly-extending retainers. When the container is in the closed configuration, each of the outwardly-extending retainers is located over one of the adjacent cells to limit movement of the food item received in the respective cell. Each outwardly-extending retainer is spaced a distance from the distal column end such that a clearance is defined between the outwardly-extending retainers and the plurality of cells when the container is in the closed configuration.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a base including a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein, and a land positioned between adjacent cells; and a lid releasably engaged with the base when the container is in a closed configuration, the lid including a cover and a retaining column extending from the cover to a distal column end, wherein: the distal column end engages the land of the base when the container is in the closed configuration, the retaining column includes outwardly-extending retainers, wherein, when the container is in the closed configuration, each of the outwardly-extending retainers is located over one of the adjacent cells to limit movement of the food item received in the respective cell, and each outwardly-extending retainer is spaced a distance from the distal column end such that a clearance is defined between the outwardly-extending retainers and the plurality of cells when the container is in the closed configuration.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein recessed portions of the retaining column respectively extend between the distal column end and the outwardly-extending retainers, wherein each outwardly-extending retainer extends outwardly from the respective recessed portion of the retaining column at an oblique angle.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a base rim and the lid includes a lid rim that engages the base rim when the container is in the closed configuration, wherein the plurality of cells are defined in a base surface that is sunk relative to the base rim a depth that is approximately equal to a height of the clearance measured between the base surface and the outwardly-extending retainers.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the base and the lid include complementing S-shaped interlocks that sealingly engage one another outboard of the base rim and the lid rim when the container is in the closed configuration.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the base includes a base sidewall extending from the base rim to the base surface, wherein the lid includes a lid sidewall joined to the lid rim by a lid transition section, the lid transition section including a first portion extending downwardly from the lid rim to a low point and a second portion extending inwardly from the low point to the lid sidewall, and wherein the first portion of the lid transition section is overlapped by the base sidewall when the container is in the closed configuration.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the land includes an anti-shock element that engages the distal column end when the container is in the closed configuration, wherein the anti-shock element is configured to flex in response to a force exerted by the retaining column.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the anti-shock element is a flexible raised structure that includes an interior wall and an exterior wall, wherein the interior wall defines an opening that receives a distal tip of the retaining column protruding from the distal column end, and wherein each of the interior wall and the exterior wall includes a flexure that allows the anti-shock element to flex.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the flexure of the interior wall is a series of drafted and radiused ribs and the flexure of the exterior wall is a series of stepped ribs.

9. A container comprising: a base including a base rim, a base surface that is sunk relative to the base rim, and at least one cell defined in the base surface, wherein the at least one cell is sized and shaped for receiving at least one food item therein; and a lid including a cover, a lid rim that is releasably engaged with the base rim when the container is in a closed configuration, a sidewall extending between the cover and the lid rim, and retainers defined in the lid sidewall, the retainers extending inwardly from the lid sidewall at an oblique angle, wherein, when the container is in the closed configuration, the inwardly-extending retainers are located above the at least one cell to limit movement of the at least one food item received therein and each retainer extends inwardly from the sidewall at the oblique angle to a height from the base surface such that a clearance is defined between the retainers and the at least one cell.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the base surface is sunk relative to the base rim a depth that is approximately equal to the height of the retainers.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the base includes a base sidewall extending from the base rim to the base surface, wherein the lid sidewall is joined to the lid rim by a lid transition section, the lid transition section including a first portion extending downwardly from the lid rim to a low point and a second portion extending inwardly from the low point to the lid sidewall, and wherein the first portion of the lid transition section is overlapped by the base sidewall when the container is in the closed configuration.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the lid sidewall includes indents that lengthen an inward extent of the second portion of the lid transition section to define the inwardly-extending retainers, wherein the second portion of the lid transition section extends from the low point to the lid sidewall at the oblique angle.

13. The container of claim 9, wherein the base and the lid include complementing S-shaped interlocks that sealingly engage one another outboard of the base rim and the lid rim when the container is in the closed configuration.

14. The container of claim 9, wherein the base and the lid include complementing snap features that engage one another outboard of the base rim and the lid rim when the container is in the closed configuration.

15. A container comprising: a base including a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein, and a land positioned between adjacent cells; and a lid releasably engaged with the base when the container is in a closed configuration, the lid including a cover and a retaining column extending from the cover to a distal column end, wherein the distal column end engages the land of the base when the container is in the closed configuration, and wherein the land includes an anti-shock element that is configured to flex in response to a force exerted by the retaining column.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the anti-shock element is a flexible raised structure that includes an interior wall and an exterior wall, wherein the interior wall defines an opening that receives a distal tip of the retaining column protruding from the distal column end.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein at least one of the interior wall and the exterior wall includes a flexure that allows the anti-shock element to flex.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein each of the interior wall and the exterior wall include the flexure.

19. The container of claim 17, wherein the flexure of the interior wall is a series of drafted and radiused ribs.

20. The container of claim 17, wherein the flexure of the exterior wall is a series of stepped ribs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example container in an open configuration.

[0008] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in the open configuration.

[0009] FIGS. 3 and 4 are top plan views of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively.

[0010] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevation views of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section of the container taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3, shown with food items received in cells of the container.

[0012] FIG. 7A is a magnified view of section circle 7A in FIG. 7.

[0013] FIG. 8 is another cross-section of the container taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3, with food items omitted and showing details of an anti-shock element included in the container.

[0014] FIG. 8A is a magnified view of section circle 8A in FIG. 8.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the container taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 9A is a magnified view of section circle 9A in FIG. 9.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the container taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 10A is a magnified view of section circle 10A in FIG. 10.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example container in an open configuration.

[0020] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 11 in the open configuration.

[0021] FIGS. 13 and 14 are top plan views of the container of FIGS. 11 and 12 in a closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively.

[0022] FIGS. 15 and 16 are side elevation views of the container of FIGS. 11 and 12 in the closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively.

[0023] FIGS. 17A and 17B are cross-sections of the container taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 14. FIG. 17A shows the container without an anti-shock element and FIGS. 17B shows the container with an anti-shock element.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a cross-section of the container taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 13.

[0025] FIG. 18A is a magnified view of section circle 7A in FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 19 is another cross-section of the container taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 13, with food items omitted and showing details of anti-shock elements included in the container.

[0027] FIG. 19A is a magnified view of section circle 19A in FIG. 19.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross-section of the container taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 20A is a magnified view of section circle 20A in FIG. 20.

[0030] FIG. 20B is a magnified view of section circle 20B in FIG. 20.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example of a container in an open configuration.

[0032] FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 21 in the open configuration.

[0033] FIG. 23 is top plan view of the container of FIG. 21 in the open configuration.

[0034] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the container of FIG. 21 in the open configuration.

[0035] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 21 in the open configuration.

[0036] Corresponding reference numerals used throughout the drawings indicate corresponding elements and components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Embodiments described herein relate to containers for storing and/or transporting one or more food items. The containers described herein include a base having at least one cell that is sized and shaped for receiving a food item, and a lid that is releasably engageable with the base for selectively closing the container to enclose the food items received in the cells. In some examples, the base includes a plurality of cells and one or more lands that are positioned between adjacent cells and the lid includes one or more retaining columns that have distal column ends which engage the lands when the container is closed. The containers described herein may be suitable for use in various applications such as, for example, storing baked food items such as cupcakes, muffins, cookies, etc. The containers described herein are not limited to baked food storage applications, and the presently disclosed subject matter may be implemented in containers used to store any suitable food item. The containers described herein are also not limited to food storage applications, and may be suitable for use in other applications, such as those where storage of items in a container is desired or useful. The containers may be used for a single food item or multiple food items.

[0038] In some examples, the lid of the container includes retainers formed in the retaining column and/or a sidewall of the lid. When the container is closed, the retainers extend over the cell or cells of the container, and operate to limit movement of the food item(s) received in the cell(s). The retainers may be spaced a distance from the cell or cells such that a clearance is defined between the cell(s) and the retainers when the container is closed. The clearance may be sized to accommodate a portion of the food item in each cell that extends above the cell. A number and position of the retainers of the lid may be such that at least two retainers extend over each cell. For each cell, the at least two retainers that extend over the cell when the container is closed are positioned at suitable azimuthal measures from each other to balance the contact locations between the retainers and the food item for limiting movement thereof.

[0039] The lid and the base of example containers described herein may each include rims that are engaged when the container is in the closed configuration. The lid and the base may include complementing interlocks that extend outwardly from the rims and sealingly engage one another when the container is closed. A base sidewall may extend between the base rim and the cell or cells and may overlap a transition section of the lid that joins the lid rim to a lid sidewall. The overlap between the base sidewall and the lid transition section may create a debris barrier inboard of the engaging base rim and lid rim.

[0040] In some examples, in addition to or in the alternative to the above-described retainers, interlocks, and/or debris barrier features, the land(s) of the base that are engaged by the distal column end of a respective retaining column of the lid may include an anti-shock element that absorbs energy and/or compensates for changes in pressure within the closed container at different temperatures. The anti-shock element(s) of the land(s) may facilitate reducing or eliminating the propensity for the container to become damaged or prematurely opened, for example, when the container subjected to an externally applied force (e.g., when dropped) and/or when the pressure in the container changes (e.g., when exposed to low temperatures). Each anti-shock element engages the distal column end of the respective retaining column and includes flexures that enable movement of the anti-shock element. The movement of the anti-shock element allows the retaining column to also move, thereby absorbing energy exerted by the retaining column or allowing the lid to expand and contract, without the retaining column becoming overly compressed which may lead to damage or breakage and without the lid prematurely releasing from the base.

[0041] Advantages provided by embodiments described herein may include, but are not limited to only including: (i) reducing or eliminating the likelihood for food items stored within the container to be damaged during storage, shipping, and handling of the container, (ii) preventing undesired movement of the food items stored in the container during shipping and handling of the container, (iii) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening of the container during storage, shipping, and handling of the container when subjected to an externally applied force (e.g., when dropped), (iv) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening at various temperature conditions that may be experienced during storage, shipping, and handling, (v) increasing manufacturability and durability of the container, (vi) providing a reliable seal between the lid and the base of the container, and/or (vii) preventing air infiltration and exposure to debris of the food items stored in the container. Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of example embodiments.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 depict an example container 100 that may be suitable for use in applications for storing and/or transporting multiple items, such as multiple food items. The example container 100 may in some examples be used for storing and/or transporting multiple baked goods, such as cupcakes. The container 100 includes a base 102 and a lid 104. In the orientation shown in FIGS. 1-6, the base 102 is located vertically below the lid 104 when the container 100 is in use. Elements and components of the container 100 are described relative to the orientation of the container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6, but the container 100 is not limited to any particular orientation. Directional terms used to describe spatial relation between any of the components herein, including the base 102 and the lid 104 and elements and components of the base 102 and the lid 104, are used solely for convenience of description. For example, the terms horizontally, vertically, outer, peripheral, outwardly, upper, inner, inwardly, upwardly, downwardly, and similar or other directional terms are not limiting with regard to a particular orientation of any component, including the container 100 and the other elements and features described herein.

[0043] The lid 104 releasably engages the base 102 to selectively move the container 100 between an open configuration (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6) and a closed configuration (FIGS. 3 and 5). FIGS. 7-10 are various cross-sections of the container 100 taken along lines shown in FIG. 3, and depict engagement between the base 102 and the lid 104 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. Engagement between the base 102 and the lid 104 to close the container 100 will be described below. The base 102 and the lid 104 may be joined by a hinge 106 that allows the base 102 and the lid 104 to move between the open and closed configurations of the container 100 without becoming fully separated from each other. In other examples, the hinge 106 may be omitted and the base 102 and the lid 104 may fully separate from each other when the container 100 is in the open configuration.

[0044] In the example container 100, the base 102 and the lid 104 are each rectangular in shape, and form a rectangular shape of the container 100 in the closed configuration. The base 102 and the lid 104 may have any shape depending on a desired shape of the container 100. For example, the base 102 and the lid 104 may have a square shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or any other suitable shape.

[0045] The base 102 and the lid 104 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the base 102 and the lid 104 may be made of resins or plastic materials including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The base 102 and the lid 104 may be thermoformed, blow-molded, or injection molded, or may be made using any other suitable technique. The base 102 and the lid 104 may be transparent or translucent, and may be colored or dyed in either instance. The base 102 and the lid 104 may be made of the same material or of a different material. In some examples, the base 102 and the lid 104 may be made integral from one sheet of material (e.g., one sheet of resin or plastic material).

[0046] The base 102 includes a plurality of cells 108 that are each sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein. In the illustrated example, each cell 108 has a disk shape or a frusto-conical shape, corresponding to the shape of a body of a cupcake or muffin. The cells 108 may have other shapes depending on the intended application of the container 100. For example, the cells 108 may have a shallower design for shorter food items (e.g., cookies). The base 102 includes at least two cells 108 which are located adjacent one another. Depending on the number of cells 108, the cells may be arranged in adjacent rows of cells 108. For example, in the example container 100, the base 102 includes six cells 108, which are arranged in two adjacent rows of three cells 108 each. In other examples, the base 102 may include four cells 108 which are arranged in two adjacent rows of two cells 108 each, eight cells 108 which are arranged in two adjacent rows of four cells 108 each, ten cells 108 which are arranged in two adjacent rows of five cells 108 each, or twelve cells 108 which are arranged in three adjacent rows of four cells 108 each. The base 102 may include any suitable number of cells 108 in any suitable arrangement depending on the intended application of the container 100.

[0047] Each cell 108 includes a mouth 110, a bottom 112, and a cell sidewall 114. The cell sidewall 114 depends downwardly from a surface 116 of the base 102 to the bottom 112. The mouth 110 of each cell 108 is an opening in the base surface 116 sized and shaped for receiving the respective food item. The mouth 110, the bottom 112, and the cell sidewall 114 form the disk or frusto-conical shape of the cell 108. As described above, the shape of the cell 108, and therefore the shape of the mouth 110, the bottom 112, and the cell sidewall 114, may vary depending on the intended application of the container 100. The cell sidewall 114 may have an accordion contour to complement an accordion-style of a liner or wrapper that may surround the body of the food item (e.g., a cupcake, muffin, cookie, etc.) that is received in the cell 108. Alternatively, the cell sidewall 114 may be substantially smooth.

[0048] The base surface 116 is sunk or recessed relative to a base rim 118. A base sidewall 120 extends downwardly from the base rim 118 and terminates at the base surface 116. The base surface 116 extends across the base sidewall 120, and is interrupted by the mouth 110 of each cell 108. The base surface 116 forms dividers 122 that are positioned between each pair of adjacent cells 108. Each divider 122 may include a thumb cut 124 that is formed as a recess in the base surface 116. The thumb cuts 124 may enable a user to more easily remove a food item from the respective cell 108.

[0049] The base surface 116 also forms one or more lands 126 that are each positioned between (or in a center of) a group of four adjacent cells 108. The land 126 interconnects or extends between each one of the four adjacent cells 108. The number of lands 126 may depend on the number and arrangement of cells 108 included in the base 102. In the example container 100, in which six cells 108 are included in the base 102 and arranged in two adjacent rows of three cells 108 each, there are two lands 126, each land 126 positioned between one of the two groups of four adjacent cells 108. As another example, where four cells 108 are included in the base 102 and arranged in two adjacent rows of two cells 108 each, there may be one land 126 positioned between the one group of four adjacent cells 108. One or more of the lands 126 may include a raised structure 128 that may be formed as an anti-shock element 180 (FIGS. 9 and 9A). The anti-shock elements 180 may facilitate reducing or eliminating the propensity for the container 100 in the closed configuration to become damaged or prematurely opened, for example, when the container 100 is subjected to an externally applied force and/or when the pressure in the container 100 changes. The anti-shock elements 180 will be described in more detail below.

[0050] The cells 108 may be sized such that a portion of the food item received therein extends beyond the mouth 110 and the base surface 116. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cell sidewall 114 of each cell 108 has a height H.sub.1 between the bottom 112 and the mouth 110. The height H.sub.1 defines a depth of the cell 108. The height H.sub.1 may be shorter than a height H.sub.2 of a food item 300 (FIG. 7A). As shown in FIG. 7, food items 300 (e.g., cupcakes) that are received in each cell 108 include a body 302 having a shape (e.g., a disk or frusto-conical shape) corresponding to a shape of the cell 108. The body 302 has the height H.sub.2 that is taller than the height H.sub.1 of the cell 108. As a result, an upper portion 304 of the body 302 extends beyond the mouth 110 of the cell 108 and beyond the base surface 116. As described above, the base surface 116 is sunk relative to the base rim 118, which is at a height H.sub.3 measured from the bottoms 112 of the cells 108. The height H.sub.3 of the base rim 118 is greater than the height Hi of the cells 108, such that a clearance 132 is defined between the plurality of cells 108 and the base rim 118. The clearance 132 accommodates the upper portion 304 of the body 302 of each food item 300 that extends beyond the base surface 116 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The food items 300 may also include a decorative coating 306 on a top surface 308 of the body 302. The decorative coating 306 may extend a height above the clearance 132 or the decorative coating 306 may be accommodated in the clearance 132.

[0051] The base 102 also includes a peripheral base flange 134 that extends outwardly from the base rim 118. The base flange 134 is connected to the base rim 118 by a base interlock member 136. The base interlock member 136 extends downwardly from the base rim 118 to the base flange 134 such that the base flange 134 is lowered relative to the base rim 118. The base interlock member 136 has an S-shape profile and facilitates a sealing engagement between the base 102 and the lid 104 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0052] The lid 104 of the container 100 includes a cover 138, a lid rim 140, and a lid sidewall 142 extending between the cover 138 and the lid rim 140. The lid rim 140 engages the base rim 118 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The lid 104 also includes a peripheral lid flange 135 that extends outwardly from the lid rim 140. The lid flange 135 is connected to the lid rim 140 by a lid interlock member 137. The lid interlock member 137 extends downwardly from the lid rim 140 to the lid flange 135 such that the lid flange 135 is lowered relative to the lid rim 140 when the container 100 is closed and oriented as illustrated. The lid interlock member 137 also has an S-shape profile that complements the S-shape profile of the base interlock member 136, and facilitates a sealing engagement between the base 102 and the lid 104 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0053] The lid sidewall 142 is rounded or curved in extent between the lid rim 140 and the cover 138, such that the cover 138 spans a smaller area than the lid rim 140. The lid sidewall 142 is also contoured such that the lid sidewall 142 defines bulbous regions or bulbs 143 and concave regions or connectors 147 extending between adjacent bulbs 143. The number of bulbs 143 of the lid sidewall 142 corresponds to a number of cells 108 of the base 102 that are located adjacent the base sidewall 120. In the example container 100, each of the six cells 108 of the base 102 is located adjacent the base sidewall 120, and the lid sidewall 142 includes six bulbs 143. The bulbs 143 are positioned over a respective one of the cells 108 located adjacent the base sidewall 120 when the container 100 is closed.

[0054] The lid sidewall 142 is connected to the lid rim 140 by a lid transition section 144. The lid transition section 144 includes a first portion 146 extending downwardly from the lid rim 140 to a low point 148 and a second portion 150 extending inwardly from the low point 148 to the lid sidewall 142. The first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 also extends inwardly such that the low point 148 of the lid transition section 144 is located inboard of the lid rim 140. As described below and shown, for example, in FIG. 10, the lid transition section 144 is overlapped by the base sidewall 120 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration and the lid rim 140 engages the base rim 118. The first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 and the base sidewall 120 may cooperate to create a debris barrier 145 that is located inboard of the engaging base rim 118 and lid rim 140.

[0055] The inward extent of the second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144 varies due to the contour of the lid sidewall 142. The second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144 has a relatively longer inward extent at locations where the second portion 150 extends from the low point 148 to a concave connector 147 of the lid sidewall 142. The second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144 has a relatively shorter inward extent at locations where the second portion 150 extends from the low point 148 to a bulb 143 of the lid sidewall 142. The bulbs 143 of the lid sidewall 142 may be shaped such that the second portion 150 is omitted from certain areas of the lid transition section 144 at which the lid transition section 144 transitions immediately to the lid sidewall 142 from the low point 148.

[0056] The lid 104 also includes one or more retaining columns 152 extending from the cover 138. Each retaining column 152 extends to a distal column end 154 from a proximal column end 156 adjacent the cover 138. Each retaining column 152 is positioned such that the distal column end 154 engages one of the lands 126 of the base 102 when the container 100 is closed. A number of retaining columns 152 included in the lid 104 may be the same as the number of lands 126, such that each land 126 engages a retaining column 152 when the container is closed. In the example container 100, the lid 104 includes two retaining columns 152 corresponding to and engaging the two lands 126 of the base 102 when the container 100 is closed. Alternatively, the lid 104 may include fewer retaining columns 152 than the number of lands 126 of the base 102, such that some of the lands 126 do not engage a retaining column 152 when the container 100 is closed.

[0057] Each retaining column 152 extends a distance or height H.sub.4 (FIG. 8A) measured between the proximal column end 156 and the distal column end 154. The height H.sub.4 is greater than a distance or height H.sub.5 (FIG. 6) measured between the cover 138 and the lid rim 140, such that the retaining column 152 extends beyond the lid rim 140. The height H.sub.4 may also be greater than a distance or height H.sub.6 (FIG. 6) measured between the cover 138 and the lid flange 135, such that the retaining column 152 extends beyond the lid flange 135. Each of the retaining columns 152 have the same height H.sub.4 in the example container 100. In other examples, for example where the lands 126 are located at different depths, measured relative to the base rim 118.

[0058] Each retaining column 152 is hollow and defines a corresponding opening in the cover 138. Each retaining column 152 includes a column sidewall 158 that extends from the cover 138 to the distal column end 154. The column sidewall 158 defines the corresponding opening formed in the cover 138 by the retaining column 152. Each distal column end 154 includes a distal end surface 160 and a distal tip protrusion 162, or a distal tip 162 that protrudes from the distal end surface 160. The distal tip 162 is received by an opening 188 defined by the corresponding one of the lands 126 that engages the distal column end 154 of the retaining column 152.

[0059] The column sidewall 158 has a generally rounded cross-sectional shape proximate the proximal column end 156. The rounded cross-sectional shape of the column sidewall 158 proximate the distal column end 154 is interrupted by inwardly-extending recesses 164 (or recessed column portions 164) defined in the column sidewall 158. A number of recessed column portions 164 included in the column sidewall 158 may correspond to the number of adjacent cells 108 that are interconnected by the land 126 that engages the distal column end 154 of the retaining column 152. In the example container 100, each retaining column 152 engages a land 126 that interconnects four adjacent cells 108, and each column sidewall 158 includes four recessed column portions 164. The recessed column portions 164 are arcuate in shape and provide a shape of the distal end surface 160 that complements a shape of the mouths 110 of the cells 108 interconnected by the corresponding land 126 that engages the retaining column 152. Alternatively stated, the recessed column portions 164 prevent the distal end surface 160 of the retaining column 152 from extending outwardly over the cells 108. This allows the upper portion 304 of the body 302 of each food item 300 to extend beyond the base surface 116 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration and into the clearance 132 without the distal end surface 160 interfering with the top surface 308 of the food item 300.

[0060] Each recessed column portion 164 extends from the distal end surface 160 to a column retainer 166 defined in the column sidewall 158. Each column retainer 166 includes a retaining surface 168 that extends outwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the cells 108 interconnected by the corresponding land 126 that engages the retaining column 152 when the container 100 is closed. A number of column retainers 166 included in the column sidewall 158 may correspond to the number of recessed column portions 164 and the number of adjacent cells 108 that are interconnected by the corresponding land 126. In the example container 100, each retaining column 152 engages a land 126 that interconnects four adjacent cells 108, and each column sidewall 158 includes four column retainers 166, with each column retainer 166 extending outwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the four adjacent cells 108. As described in more detail below, the outwardly-extending column retainers 166 operate to limit or inhibit movement of the food item 300 received in the respective one of the cells 108.

[0061] The distance spanned by each column recessed portion 164 between the distal end surface 160 and a respective one of the column retainers 166 translates to a height H.sub.7 (FIG. 8) of the column retainers 166 above the base surface 116 and the respective one of the cells 108 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The height H.sub.7 may suitably be the same for each column retainer 166. The height H.sub.7 may be approximately equal to the height of the clearance 132 above the cells 108. Alternatively stated, when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, the column retainers 166 may be at approximately the same height as the base rim 118, and the lid rim 140 engaged with the base rim 118. In this regard, the column retainers 166 may be approximately coplanar with the lid rim 140, as well as the base rim 118 when engaged with the lid rim 140. Approximating language such as the modifier approximately used to describe the relative heights of the column retainers 166, the clearance 132, the base rim 118, and the lid rim 140, means that the components are within an approximate height range of one another. For example, the retainers 166 being at approximately the same height as the height of the clearance 132, the lid rim 140, and the base 118 may refer to the retainers 166 being within +/10%, within +/5%, or within +/1% of a height of each of these components.

[0062] In addition to and/or in the alternative to the column retainers 166, the lid sidewall 142 may also include sidewall retainers 170 that also operate to limit or inhibit movement of the food items 300 received in the cells 108. Each sidewall retainer 170 is defined by an indent in a bulb 143 of the lid sidewall 142 that lengthens the inward extent of the second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144. The second portion 150 extends to the indent defining each sidewall retainer 170 to define a retaining surface 172 that extends inwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the cells 108 when the container 100 is closed.

[0063] In the example container 100, each bulb 143 includes one sidewall retainer 170 defined therein, such that a number of sidewall retainers 170 corresponds to the number of bulbs 143 of the lid sidewall 142. As described above, the example container 100 includes six bulbs 143, corresponding to the six cells 108 of the base 102 that are located adjacent the base sidewall 120. Accordingly, in the example container 100, each sidewall retainer 170 extends inwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the cells 108 located adjacent the base sidewall 120 when the container 100 is closed.

[0064] In the example container 100, one column retainer 166 and at least one sidewall retainer 170 extend over each one of the six cells 108 of the base 102. This provides at least two points of contact for limiting or inhibiting movement of the food item 300 received in each cell 108. When the container 100 is closed, some of the cells 108 include two column retainers 166 and one sidewall retainer 170, while some other cells 108 include one sidewall retainer 170 and one column retainer 166. For the cells 108 that include two column retainers 166, the column retainers 166 are located an azimuthal measure 174 (FIG. 4) of about 90 from one another and each column retainer 166 is located an azimuthal measure 176 (FIG. 4) of about 135 from the sidewall retainer 170. For the cells 108 that include one column retainer 166, the column retainer 166 is located an azimuthal measure 178 (FIG. 4) of about 180 from the sidewall retainer 170. Such positioning of the retainers 166 and 170 for each cell 108 may suitably provide sufficient coverage of the top surface 308 of the food item 300 for limiting or inhibiting movement thereof when the container 100 is closed.

[0065] Each sidewall retainer 170 is located a height H.sub.8 (FIG. 8A) above the base surface 116 and the respective one of the cells 108 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The height H.sub.8 may suitably be the same for each sidewall retainer 170. The height H.sub.8 may be approximately equal to the height H.sub.7 of the column retainers 166. Additionally and/or alternatively, the height H.sub.8 may be approximately equal to the height of the clearance 132 above the cells 108. Alternatively stated, as described above for the column retainers 166, when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, the column retainers 166 may be at approximately the same height as the base rim 118, and the lid rim 140 engaged with the base rim 118, and the sidewall retainers 170 may be approximately coplanar with the lid rim 140, as well as the base rim 118 when engaged with the lid rim 140. Approximating language such as the modifier approximately used to describe the relative heights of the sidewall retainers 170, the column retainers 166, the clearance 132, the base rim 118, and the lid rim 140, means that the components are within an approximate height range of one another. For example, the sidewall retainers 170 being at approximately the same height as the height of the clearance 132, the lid rim 140, the base 118, and the column retainers 166 may refer to the retainers 170 being within +/10%, within +/5%, or within +/1% of a height of each of these components.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8A, one of the column retainers 166 and one of the sidewall retainers 170 are shown in greater detail. FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sections of the container 100 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3, with FIG. 7 showing food items 300 received in cells 108 of the container and the food items 300 being omitted from FIG. 8. FIG. 7A is a magnified view of section circle 7A in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8A is a magnified view of section circle 8A in FIG. 8. The description of the column retainer 166 and the sidewall retainer 170 applies equally to the other column retainers 166 and sidewall retainers 170 not shown in these views.

[0067] As described above, the cells 108 and the base surface 116 are sunk relative to the base rim 118, and the clearance 132 is defined between the mouths 110 of the cells 108 and the base rim 118. The cells 108 are sized with the height H.sub.1 such that the upper portion 304 of the body 302 of each food item 300 (e.g., cupcakes) received in each cell 108 extends beyond the mouth 110 of the cell 108 and the base surface 116 and is accommodated in the clearance 132. When the container 100 is closed, the column retainer 166 and the sidewall retainer 170 each extend over the cell 108 at approximately the same height as the clearance 132, such that the retainers 166 and 170 are positioned over the top surface 308 of the food item 300. The retainers 166 and 170 may come into contact with the top surface 308 of the food item 300 when the container 100 is closed, or a small gap may exist between the retainers 166 and 170 and the top surface 308. Suitably, when the container 100 is closed, the retainers 166 and 170 may contact the top surface 308 of the food item 300 to limit or inhibit movement thereof. Movement of the food item 300 may other occur, for example, when the container 100 is moved during handling or transport (e.g., the container 100 may be tilted or inverted, creating the likelihood that the food item 300 will move relative to the cell 108). Each of the column retainer 166 and the sidewall retainer 170 may terminate at a suitable length over the respective cell such that the retainers 166, 170 contact or extend over a portion of the top surface 308 of the food item 300 that is not covered by a decorative coating 306.

[0068] In the example container, as seen best in FIGS. 7A and 8A, the column retainer 166 extends outwardly from the respective recessed column portion 164 at an oblique angle and the sidewall retainer 170 extends inwardly from the low point 148 of the lid transition section 144 at an oblique angle . The angles and may be the same or different from one another. The angle may be selected to bring a terminal end of the column retainer 166 to the height H.sub.7 above the cells 108 and the base surface 116. Similarly, the angle may be selected to bring a terminal end of the sidewall retainer 170 to the height H.sub.8 above the cells 108 and the base surface 116. The angles and may be independently selected from within a range of between about 5 to about 45, such as between about 5 to about 30, between about 10 to about 25, or between about 10 to about 20.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A, the example container 100 also includes anti-shock elements 180 located on the lands 126 that engage the distal column ends 154 of the retaining columns 152. The anti-shock elements 180 may be included in one, some, or all the lands 126. The anti-shock elements 180 may be included in addition or in the alternative to the column retainers 166 and/or the sidewall retainers 170 described above. Each anti-shock element 180 is configured to flex in response to a downward force exerted on the anti-shock element 180 by the engaging retaining column 152. In this way, the anti-shock element 180 facilitates downward movement of the retaining column 152 when the container 100 is closed in response to applied forces on the container 100 or pressure changes within the closed container 100. The anti-shock elements 180 thereby absorb energy that concentrates between the retaining column 152 and the land 126 and/or allow the lid 104 to expand and contract without the retaining column 152 becoming overly compressed. As such, the anti-shock elements 180 may facilitate reducing the propensity for the container 100 to become damaged, broken, or otherwise prematurely opening when a force is applied to the container 100 (e.g., when dropped) or when the pressure within the container 100 changes (e.g., at relatively lower temperatures that may be experienced during transport).

[0070] Each anti-shock element 180 includes a raised structure 182 protruding from the land 126. The anti-shock element 180 may be made integral with the land 126 or may be a separate component that is attached to the land 126. The raised structure 182 is annular in shape in this example and includes an interior wall 184 and an exterior wall 186. The interior wall 184 defines an opening 188 that receives the distal tip 162 of the retaining column 152. The opening 188 is sized and shaped to complement a size and shape of the distal tip 162. In the example container 100, each of the distal tip 162 and the opening 188 are circular in shape.

[0071] At least one of the interior wall 184 and the exterior wall 186 includes a flexure 190, or flexing feature, that provides flexibility to the raised structure 182 and allows the anti-shock element 180 to flex as described above. In the example container 100, the interior wall 184 and the exterior wall 186 each include a flexure 190a and 190b, respectively. As seen best in FIG. 9A, the flexure 190a of the interior wall 184 is a series of drafted and radiused ribs 192 and the flexure 190b of the exterior wall 186 is a series of stepped ribs 194.

[0072] The drafted and radiused ribs 192 of the flexure 190a include three ribs 192 stepped upwardly from a surface 127 of the land 126. The number of ribs 192 included in the flexure 190a may vary depending on the dimensions of the container 100. For example, more than three ribs 192, such as four, five, six, or more than six ribs 192 may be included. The ribs 192 extend upwardly from a portion of the land surface 127 that is circumscribed by the interior wall 184 and the ribs 192. A first of the ribs 192 extends from a radius 193a between the first rib 192 and the land surface 127. A second of the ribs 192 extends from a radius 193b between the first and second ribs 192. A third of the ribs 192 extends from a radius 193c between the second and third ribs 192. Each of the ribs 192 extends from the respective radius 193a-c at an oblique draft angle. The radii 193a-c and the draft angles are selected to enable the drafted and radiused ribs 192 to provide flexibility to the interior wall 184 and enable the flexible raised structure 182 to function as described. In particular, the drafted and radiused ribs 192 are configured to rotate in two directions, downwardly relative to the distal column end 154 and outwardly relative to the distal tip 162, to thereby facilitate absorbing energy that concentrates between the retaining column 152 and the land 126 and/or allow the lid 104 to expand and contract without the retaining column 152 becoming overly compressed between the cover 138 and the land 126.

[0073] The stepped ribs 194 of the flexure 190b include four ribs 194 stepped upwardly from the surface 127 of the land 126. The number of ribs 194 included in the flexure 190b may vary depending on the dimensions of the container 100. For example, more or fewer than four ribs 194, such as three, five, six, or more than six ribs 194 may be included. The ribs 194 extend upwardly from a portion of the land surface 127 that surrounds the exterior wall 186 and the ribs 194. A first of the ribs 194 is stepped from the land surface 127. The remaining ribs 194 are progressively stepped from the first rib 194. Each step of the ribs 194 may be a substantially angular step (e.g., each rib 194 being stepped at about) 90. Alternatively, each step of the ribs 194 may include a radius and/or an upwardly extent at a draft angle. The stepped ribs 194 suitably provide flexibility to the exterior wall 186 and enable the flexible raised structure 182 to function as described. In particular, the stepped ribs 194 enable the flexible raised structure 182 to collapse and/or articulate inwardly, relative to the portion of the land surface 127 surrounding the ribs 194. Thereby, the stepped ribs 194 facilitate absorbing energy that concentrates between the retaining column 152 and the land 126 and/or allow the lid 104 to expand and contract without the retaining column 152 becoming overly compressed between the cover 138 and the land 126.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 10A, engagement between the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration is shown in greater detail. The base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 engage at approximately the same height as the clearance 132 above the mouths 110 of the cells 108. Each of the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 may be substantially flat and are in face-to-face contact when engaged. The first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 extends downwardly and inwardly, as described above, such that the low point 148 is inboard of the engaging base rim 118 and lid rim 140, as the first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 is overlapped by the base sidewall 120 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. A small gap may exist between the first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 and the base sidewall 120, but suitably the gap is small enough such that the first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 and the base sidewall 120 cooperate to create a debris barrier 145. As shown in FIG. 10A, the debris barrier 145 is located inboard of the engaging base rim 118 and lid rim 140 and, together with the engaging rims 118 and 140, the debris barrier 145 operates to limit or prevent debris from infiltrating the interior of the container 100.

[0075] As seen best in FIG. 10A, the base 102 and the lid 104 also include the complementing interlock members 136 and 137, respectively, also referred to as interlocks 136 and 137. The interlocks 136 and 137 sealingly engage one another when the lid 104 engages the base 102 to provide a perimeter seal of the container 100 in the closed configuration. The sealing engagement of the interlocks 136 and 137 is outboard of the engagement between the rims 118 and 140. The seal between the interlock members 136 and 137 may facilitate maintaining a freshness of the food items 300 in the container 100, for example, by sealing the container 100 to limit or prevent debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed container 100 and/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed container 100 from escaping.

[0076] Each interlock 136 and 137 has an S-shape profile that complements the S-shape profile of the other interlock. Each S-shaped interlock 136, 137 includes a first arcuate segment 195, 196 extending downwardly in an arcuate manner from the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140, respectively. The first arcuate segments 195, 196 define a convex portion of the respective interlock 136, 137, and may also be referred to as a first interlock bead 195, 196. A second arcuate segment 197, 198 extends downwardly in an arcuate manner from the first interlock bead 195, 196, respectively. The second arcuate segments 197, 198 define a concave portion of the respective interlock 136, 137, and may also be referred to as a second interlock bead 197, 198. The base flange 134 extends from the second interlock bead 197 of the base interlock 136 and the lid flange 135 extends from the second interlock bead 198 of the lid interlock 136.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10A, when the container 100 is closed, the lid interlock 137 overlaps the base interlock 136. The first interlock bead 195 of the base interlock 136 is received by the first interlock bead 196 of the lid interlock 137, and the second interlock bead 198 of the lid interlock 137 is received by the second interlock bead 197 of the base interlock 136. To bring the container 100 to the closed configuration, the lid 104 may be pressed down onto the base 102, and the lid interlock 137 may articulate outwardly about the lid rim 140 to enable the lid interlock 137 to overlap the base interlock 136. The lid interlock 137 then snaps over the base interlock 136 to form the sealing engagement. When the sealing engagement between the base interlock 136 and the lid interlock 137 is formed, the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 may be in face-to-face contact, and the lid flange 135 and the base flange 134 may also be in face-to-face contact. The engagement between the flanges 134, 135, the interlocks 136, 137, the rims 118, 140, and the debris barrier 145 may form a tortuous path to facilitate limiting or preventing debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed container 100 and/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed container 100 from escaping.

[0078] FIGS. 11-16 depict another example container 200 that includes a base 202 and a lid 204. FIGS. 17-20 are various cross-sections of the container 200 taken along lines shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The container 200 includes similar elements and features as the container 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, and description of the container 100 and the components thereof above applies equally to the container 200 and the components thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. The base 202 of the container 200 includes similar elements and features as the base 102 of the container 100, and the lid 204 of the container 200 includes similar elements and features as the lid 104 of the container 100. Components of the container 200 that correspond to components of the container 100 shown in and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10 are identified in FIGS. 11-20 using the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-10. Although specific features of the container 100 described herein may be shown in FIGS. 1-10 and not in FIGS. 11-20 for the container 200, and/or vice versa, this is for convenience only, and is not intended to limit any of the embodiments described herein to the features shown or omitted for that embodiment. Any feature of a drawing and/or described herein for the container 100 may be implemented in combination with, or substituted for, any feature of the container 200, and vice versa.

[0079] The lid 204 releasably engages the base 202 to selectively move the container 200 between an open configuration (FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 16) and a closed configuration (FIGS. 13 and 15). FIGS. 18-20 depict engagement between the base 202 and the lid 204 when the container 200 is in the closed configuration. Engagement between the base 202 and the lid 204 is similar to the engagement between the base 102 and the lid 104 to close the container 100 as described above. In particular, the base 202 includes the base rim 118, the base flange 134, and the base interlock 136 and the lid 204 includes the lid rim 140, the lid flange 135, and the lid interlock 137, which facilitate engagement between the base 202 and the lid 204 to close the container 200. When the container 200 is closed, the lid interlock 137 of the lid 204 overlaps the base interlock 136 202, such that the first interlock bead 195 of the base interlock 136 is received by the first interlock bead 196 of the lid interlock 137, and the second interlock bead 198 of the lid interlock 137 is received by the second interlock bead 197 of the base interlock 136, as is described above. When the sealing engagement between the base interlock 136 and the lid interlock 137 is formed, the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 may be in face-to-face contact, and the lid flange 135 and the base flange 134 may also be in face-to-face contact. The engagement between the flanges 134, 135, the interlocks 136, 137, and the rims 118, 140 may form a tortuous path between the lid 204 and the base 202, as described above, to facilitate limiting or preventing debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed container 200 and/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed container 200 from escaping. Additionally, the base 202 includes the base sidewall 120 that extends downwardly from the base rim 118 to the sunk base surface 116, the lid 204 includes the lid transition section 144 extending between the lid rim 140 and the lid sidewall 142, and the first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 of the lid 204 is overlapped by the base sidewall 120 when the container 200 is closed to form the debris barrier 145.

[0080] The base 202 also includes the plurality of cells 108 that are each sized and shaped as described above. In this embodiment, the base 202 includes twelve cells 108 which are arranged in three adjacent rows of four cells 108 each. In other embodiments, the base 202 may include any suitable number of cells 108 in any suitable arrangement depending on the intended application of the container 200. Each cell 108 includes the mouth 110, the bottom 112, and the cell sidewall 114 as described above. The mouths 110 of the cells 108 are defined in the base surface 116 that is sunk or recessed relative to the base rim 118, with the base sidewall 120 extending between the base surface 116 and the base rim 118. The clearance 132 is defined between the plurality of cells 108 and the base rim 118. The base surface 116 forms the lands 126 that are positioned between groups of four adjacent cells 108. In the example base 202, there are six lands 126, corresponding to the six groups of four adjacent cells 108.

[0081] The lid sidewall 142 of the lid 204 is shaped and contoured as described above, and includes the bulbs 143 and connectors 147 extending between adjacent bulbs 143. In the example container 200, the lid sidewall 142 of the lid 204 includes ten bulbs 143 which, when the container 200 is closed, are each positioned over one of the ten cells 108 that are located adjacent the base sidewall 120. The lid sidewall 142 of the lid 204 is connected to the lid rim 140 by the lid transition section 144, which includes the first portion 146 extending downwardly from the lid rim 140 to the low point 148 and the second portion 150 extending inwardly from the low point 148 to the lid sidewall 142.

[0082] In the example container 200, the lid 204 includes three retaining columns 152 extending from the cover 138. Each retaining column 152 includes the distal column end 154 that engages one of the lands 126 of the base 202 when the container 200 is closed. In this example, there are fewer retaining columns 152 than the number of lands 126 of the base 202. As such, some of the lands 126 of the base 202 do not engage a retaining column 152 when the container 200 is closed.

[0083] As described above, each retaining column 152 includes the column sidewall 158 that extends from the cover 138 to the distal end surface 160 at the distal column end 154. The column sidewall 158 includes the four recessed column portions 164 which allow the upper portion 304 of the body 302 of each food item 300 to extend beyond the base surface 116 when the container 200 is in the closed configuration and into the clearance 132 without the distal end surface 160 interfering with the top surface 308 of the food item 300. Each retaining column 152 also includes the four column retainers 166. As described above, each column retainer 166 of the retaining column 152 includes the retaining surface 168 extending outwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the four adjacent cells 108 interconnected by the corresponding land 126 when the container 200 is closed. The outwardly-extending column retainers 166 operate to limit or inhibit movement of the food item 300 received in the respective one of the cells 108 as described above.

[0084] In addition to and/or in the alternative to the column retainers 166, the lid sidewall 142 of the lid 204 may also include the sidewall retainers 170 that are each defined by an indent in a bulb 143 of the lid sidewall 142 that lengthens the inward extent of the second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144. As described above, each sidewall retainer 170 includes the retaining surface 172 defined by the second portion 150 and extending inwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the cells 108 when the container 200 is closed.

[0085] As described above, in the example container 200, there are fewer retaining columns 152 than lands 126. As a result, in this example, some of the cells 108 do not include a column retainer 166 extending over the mouth 110 when the container 200 is closed. For the cells 108 without a corresponding column retainer 166, the bulb 143 positioned over the cell 108 includes multiple (e.g., three) sidewall retainers 170 defined therein. For the cells 108 with a corresponding column retainer 166, the bulb 143 positioned over the cell 108 includes one sidewall retainer 170. Moreover, in the example container 200, there are three rows of cells 108 with four cells 108 each, such that two of the cells 108 are not located adjacent the base sidewall 120 and, when the container 200 is closed, no bulbs 143 are positioned over these cells 108. As such, some of the cells 108 do not include a sidewall retainer 170 extending over the mouth 110 when the container 200 is closed. For the cells 108 without a corresponding sidewall retainer 170, two retaining columns 152 are positioned adjacent the cells such that two column retainers 166 are positioned over the cell when the container 200 is closed. In this way, the container 200 maintains at least two points of contact for limiting or inhibiting movement of the food item 300 received in each cell 108.

[0086] For each of the two cells 108 located in a center of the arrangement of cells 108, two column retainers 166 and no sidewall retainer 170 extend over the mouth 110 of the cell 108. For these cells 108, the two column retainers 166 are located an azimuthal measure 206 (FIG. 14) of about 180 from one another. For each of the cells 108 that do not have a corresponding column retainer 166 extending over the cell 108 when the container 200 is closed, three sidewall retainers 170 extend over the mouth 110 of the cell 108 when the container is closed. For these cells 108, the three sidewall retainers 170 are located an azimuthal measure 208 (FIG. 14) of about 90 from an adjacent one of the sidewall retainers 170, such that the three sidewall retainers 170 provide three points of contact spanning an azimuthal measure of about 180. For each of the remaining cells 108, one column retainer 166 and one sidewall retainer 170 extend over the mouth 110 of the cell 108. For these cells 108, depending on the location in the arrangement of cells 108 as shown in FIG. 14, the column retainer 166 is located an azimuthal measure 210 (FIG. 14) of about 135 from the sidewall retainer 170 or an azimuthal measure 212 (FIG. 14) of about 180. Such positioning of the retainers 166 and 170 for each cell 108 may suitably provide sufficient coverage of the top surface 308 of the food item 300 for limiting or inhibiting movement thereof when the container 200 is closed.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 17B, 20, and 20B, the example container 200 may include the anti-shock elements 180 located on the lands 126 that engage the distal column ends 154 of the retaining columns 152. The anti-shock elements 180 may be included in one, some, or all the lands 126. In the example container 200, the anti-shock elements 180 are included on the three lands 126 that engage the three retaining columns 152 of the lid 204 when the container 200 is closed, and are not included on the lands 126 that do not engage a retaining column 152 when the container 200 is closed.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 17A, in some examples of the container 200, the anti-shock elements 180 may be excluded from one or more of the lands 126 that engage a retaining column 152. For these lands 126, the opening 188 may be defined in the land surface 127 and receives the distal tip 162 of the retaining column 152 when the container 200 is closed.

[0089] FIGS. 21-25 depict another example container 400 that includes a base 402 and a lid 404. The container 400 includes similar elements and features as the container 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10 and the container 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 11-20, and description of the containers 100 and 200 and the components thereof above applies equally to the container 400 and the components thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. The base 402 of the container 400 includes similar elements and features as the base 102, 202 of the container 100, 200, respectively, and the lid 404 of the container 400 includes similar elements and features as the lid 104, 204 of the container 100, 200, respectively. Components of the container 400 that correspond to components of the container 100, 200 shown in and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10 and FIGS. 11-20, respectively, are identified in FIGS. 21-25 using the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-20. Although specific features of the container 100 described herein may be shown in FIGS. 1-10 and/or FIGS. 11-20 and not in FIGS. 21-25 for the container 400, and/or vice versa, this is for convenience only, and is not intended to limit any of the embodiments described herein to the features shown or omitted for that embodiment. Any feature of a drawing and/or described herein for the container 100 and/or 200 may be implemented in combination with, or substituted for, any feature of the container 400, and vice versa.

[0090] The lid 404 releasably engages the base 402 to selectively move the container 400 between an open configuration (shown in FIGS. 21-25) and a closed configuration (not shown). In this example, engagement between the base 402 and the lid 404 is facilitated via discrete snap features 436, 437 of the base 402 and the lid 404, respectively. When the container 400 is in the closed configuration, each one of the lid snap features 437 engages one of discrete base snap features 436 to maintain the container 400 in a releasably closed state. The snap features 436, 437 are included in the container 400 in lieu of the interlocks 136, 137 that are included in the containers 100, 200. The snap features 436, 437 may be included in the containers 100, 200 in some examples. Additionally or alternatively, the interlocks 136, 137 may be included in the container 400 to facilitate engagement between the base 402 and the lid 404.

[0091] The base snap features 436 are positioned on an outer base sidewall 408 of the base 402. The outer base sidewall 408 is located outwardly relative to the base sidewall 120, and the base rim 118 extends between the base sidewall 120 and the outer base sidewall 408. The outer base sidewall 408 extends downwardly between the base rim 118 and the base flange 134. The base snap features 436 are defined by inwardly extending notches in the outer base sidewall 408. The base snap features 436 are positioned at discrete locations along the outer base sidewall 408, each corresponding to the location of one of the lid snap features 437.

[0092] The lid snap features 437 are positioned on a peripheral skirt 406 of the lid 404. The skirt 406 extends upwardly between the lid flange 135 and the lid rim 140. The lid snap features 437 are defined by inwardly extending members positioned at discrete locations along the skirt 406, each corresponding to the location of one of the base snap features 436. The number of lid snap features 437 correspond to the number of base snap features 436, and each lid snap feature 437 engages one of the base snap features 436 to form a pair. In particular, each lid snap feature 437 extends inwardly into (is received by) the notch defining the corresponding one of the base snap features 436. In the example container 400, there are eight pairs of snap features 436, 437. In other examples, any number of pairs of snap features 436, 437 may be included to facilitate engagement between the base 402 and the lid.

[0093] When the container 400 is closed, the lid snap features 437 are received by the base snap features 436 and are retained in the corresponding base snap features 436 by friction to prevent the container 400 from becoming prematurely or inadvertently opened. The snap features 436, 437 are sized and shaped to provide sufficient friction to maintain the container 400 in the closed configuration while also enabling the lid 404 to be released from the base 402 to open the container 400 upon the application of sufficient force (e.g., by a user pulling the lid 404 from the base 402). When the engagement between the snap features 436, 437 is formed, the base rim 118 and the lid rim 140 may be in face-to-face contact, and the lid flange 135 and the base flange 134 may also be in face-to-face contact. The engagement between the flanges 134, 135, the snap features 436, 437, and the rims 118, 140 may form a tortuous path between the lid 404 and the base 402, as described above, to facilitate limiting or preventing debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed container 400 and/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed container 400 from escaping. Additionally, the base 402 includes the base sidewall 120 that extends downwardly from the base rim 118 to the sunk base surface 116, the lid 404 includes the lid transition section 144 extending between the lid rim 140 and the lid sidewall 142, and the first portion 146 of the lid transition section 144 of the lid 404 is overlapped by the base sidewall 120 when the container 400 is closed to form a debris barrier.

[0094] In this example, the container 400 is used to store a single food item (e.g., a food item 300). The base 402 includes a single cell 108 that is sized and shaped as described above for receiving the food item. The cell 108 includes the mouth 110, the bottom 112, and the cell sidewall 114 as described above. The mouth 110 of the cell 108 is defined in the base surface 116 that is sunk or recessed relative to the base rim 118, with the base sidewall 120 extending between the base surface 116 and the base rim 118. The clearance 132 is defined between the plurality of cells 108 and the base rim 118. In this example, since there is only one cell 108 included in the base 402, there are no lands formed by the base surface 116. There are also no retaining columns in the lid 404 in this example.

[0095] The lid sidewall 142 of the lid 404 in this example includes a single bulb 143. The bulb 143 is positioned over the single cell 108 of the base 402 when the container 400 is closed. The lid sidewall 142 of the lid 404 is connected to the lid rim 140 by the lid transition section 144, which includes the first portion 146 extending downwardly from the lid rim 140 to the low point 148 and the second portion 150 extending inwardly from the low point 148 to the lid sidewall 142.

[0096] The lid sidewall 142 of the lid 404 includes the sidewall retainers 170 that are each defined by an indent in the bulb 143 of the lid sidewall 142. Each indent lengthens the inward extent of the second portion 150 of the lid transition section 144 to define the retainer 170. As described above, each sidewall retainer 170 includes the retaining surface 172 defined by the second portion 150 and extending inwardly over the mouth 110 of one of the cells 108 when the container 400 is closed. The retaining surface 172 is located above and spaced a distance from the mouth 110 of the cell 108, such that the clearance 132 being defined between the retainer 170 and the cell 108.

[0097] In the example container 400, the lid 404 includes two sidewall retainers 170 that extend over the mouth 110 of the single cell 108 of the base 402. Any number of sidewall retainers 170 may be included in other examples (e.g., three or four sidewall retainers 170). As described above, there are no retaining columns included in the lid 404, and so there are no column retainers in this example. The sidewall retainers 170 operate to limit or inhibit movement of a food item (e.g., the food item 300) received in the cell 108. In the example container 400, the two sidewall retainers 170 are located an azimuthal measure 410 (FIG. 23) of about 180 from one another. In other examples, the azimuthal measure 410 varies depending on the number of sidewall retainers 170 that are included. For example, where the container 400 includes three sidewall retainers 170, each adjacent pair of sidewall retainers 170 may be located an azimuthal measure of about 135 from each other. Where the container 400 includes four sidewall retainers 170, each adjacent pair of sidewall retainers 170 may be located an azimuthal measure of about 90 from each other. Such positioning of the retainers 170 over the cell 108 may suitably provide sufficient coverage of the top surface 308 of the food item 300 for limiting or inhibiting movement thereof when the container 400 is closed.

[0098] The above-described embodiments described herein relate to containers that include a base having a plurality of cells for receiving food items therein, and a lid that is releasably engageable with the base for selectively closing the container to enclose the food items received in the cells. The base includes one or more lands that are positioned between adjacent cells and the lid includes one or more retaining columns that have distal column ends which engage the lands when the container is closed. In some embodiments, the lid includes retainers formed in the retaining column and/or a sidewall of the lid, and when the container is closed, the retainers extend over the plurality of cells and operate to limit movement of the food items received in the cells. The retainers are spaced a distance from the plurality of cells such that a clearance is defined between the retainers and the cells, where the clearance is sized to accommodate a portion of the food item in each cell that extends above the cell. The retainers may be strategically positioned to balance the contact locations between the retainers and the food item for limiting movement thereof. In some embodiments, the lid and the base have complementing features, such as rims, peripheral interlocks, and peripheral flanges, that engage one another to seal the interior of the closed container, prevent debris infiltration, and otherwise maintain a freshness of the closed container. In some embodiments, the land(s) of the base that are engaged by the distal column end of a respective retaining column of the lid may include an anti-shock element that absorbs energy and/or compensates for changes in pressure within the closed container at different temperatures.

[0099] Advantages provided by the above-described embodiments described herein may include, but are not limited to only including: (i) reducing or eliminating the likelihood for food items stored within the container to be damaged during storage, shipping, and handling of the container, (ii) preventing undesired movement of the food items stored in the container during shipping and handling of the container, (iii) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening of the container during storage, shipping, and handling of the container when subjected to an externally applied force (e.g., when dropped), (iv) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening at various temperature conditions that may be experienced during storage, shipping, and handling, (v) increasing manufacturability and durability of the container, (vi) providing a reliable seal between the lid and the base of the container, and/or (vii) preventing air infiltration and exposure to debris of the food items stored in the container. Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of example embodiments.

[0100] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word a or an should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. References to example embodiment or one embodiment are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, although specific features of various embodiments described herein may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing and/or embodiment described herein may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing and/or embodiment described herein. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments including or having an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

[0101] Unless otherwise indicated, approximating language, such as generally, substantially, approximately, and about, as used herein indicates that the term so modified may apply to only an approximate degree, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or perfect degree. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as about, approximately, and substantially is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

[0102] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, for example, a second item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a first or lower-numbered item or a third or higher-numbered item.

[0103] The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as means for or step for language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

[0104] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.