Lid Assembly for a Container

Abstract

A lid assembly for a container is provided. The lid assembly includes a top panel secured to a frame member via collapsible sides that open one end of the lid while the opposing end pivots in from a closed position. A slot extends along a front side of the lid, sized to receive a utensil with a hook on its upper side which connects to the top panel of the lid. The top panel includes a transparent window for viewing inside the lid and container. A flange along the lower perimeter edge of the frame member is adapted to engage with the upper edge of the container, wherein a latch on the front end locks the lid to the container. In some embodiments, the lid assembly for a container includes the container having a base and collapsible sidewalls that can fold inwardly toward a base to reduce storage volume.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising: a frame member configured to engage an upper edge of the container; a top panel pivotally secured to the frame member at a rear side of the lid assembly, the top panel being movable relative to the frame member between an open configuration and a closed configuration; wherein the pivotal securement allows a front side of the top panel, opposing the rear side, to move away from the frame member to form an access opening when the top panel is in the open configuration; a collapsible wall extending between lateral sides of the top panel and corresponding lateral sides of the frame member, the collapsible wall comprising a plurality of pleats configured to fold when the top panel is moved to the closed configuration and unfold when the top panel is moved to the open configuration; a transparent window integrated into the top panel, configured to allow viewing of contents within the container when the lid assembly is in the closed configuration and engaged with the container; a flange disposed along a lower perimeter edge of the frame member, the flange adapted to engage the upper edge of the container to secure the lid assembly thereto; and

2. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first latch disposed on the front side of the top panel, the first latch configured to selectively engage a portion of the frame member to secure the top panel to the frame member in the closed configuration, wherein the first latch comprises a protrusion configured to frictionally engage or catch an edge of the frame member to maintain the top panel in the closed configuration.

3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration, the top panel is disposed within the frame member such that the top panel and the frame member are substantially coplanar.

4. The lid assembly of claim 1, a slot formed along a front portion of the frame member, the slot being sized to receive at least a portion of a utensil.

5. The lid assembly of claim 4, further comprising the utensil having a hook disposed on an upper side, the hook configured to loop over the top panel of the lid and remain connected to the lid assembly in the open configuration.

6. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising the container, the container having a base and a container sidewall extending upwardly from the base to define an internal cavity and terminating at the upper edge.

7. The lid assembly of claim 6, wherein the container comprises a collapsible sidewall configured to collapse the container for compact storage.

8. The lid assembly of claim 7, wherein the collapsible sidewall comprises a plurality of pleats each having a different length and width, such that smaller pleats are configured to nest within larger pleats during collapse of the container sidewall.

9. The lid assembly of claim 6, wherein the flange engaging the upper edge of the container and the first latch securing the top panel to the frame member collectively contribute to maintaining the lid assembly in a secured state on the container.

10. The lid assembly for a container of claim 6, wherein the plurality of pleats of the collapsible wall of the lid assembly is configured, in the closed configuration, to fold into a compact arrangement allowing the collapsible wall to be substantially contained between the top panel and the internal cavity of the container.

11. The lid assembly for a container of claim 1, wherein the top panel is configured to nest within an interior ledge of the frame member in the closed configuration to create a substantially planar outer surface.

12. The lid assembly for a container of claim 1, wherein the hinge connecting the top panel to the frame member is a living hinge formed integrally with the frame member and the top panel.

13. The lid assembly for a container of claim 2, wherein the first latch comprises an L-shaped member extending from the front side of the top panel, the L-shaped member including a protrusion on an interior surface thereof configured to engage the frame member.

14. The lid assembly for a container of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises at least one vent aperture selectively sealable by a removable or sliding cover disposed in the top panel to allow pressure equalization within the container.

15. The lid assembly for a container of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly is configured to transition between the closed configuration, the open configuration, and a collapsed lid state wherein the collapsible wall is substantially folded and the top panel is secured to the frame member by the first latch.

16. The lid assembly for a container of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises a recessed channel in the frame member, configured such that a handle of a utensil can rest therein when the top panel is in the closed configuration without obstructing the coplanar arrangement of the top panel and the frame member.

17. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the collapsible wall of the lid assembly has a tapered profile when viewed from a side in the open configuration, the collapsible wall being wider at the front side of the top panel and narrower at the rear side of the top panel.

18. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pleats of the collapsible wall are formed with alternating crest and trough geometries.

19. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pleats of the collapsible wall are configured with a geometry that provides mechanical resistance to stabilize the collapsible wall when expanded, thereby maintaining the top panel in the open configuration without requiring a separate locking mechanism for the open configuration.

20. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the access opening formed when the top panel is in the open configuration is generally wedge-shaped, tapering from a wider dimension at the front side of the top panel towards the rear side where the top panel is pivotally secured to the frame member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in an open configuration.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in an open configuration.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in an open configuration.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in a closed configuration.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in a collapsed configuration.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lid assembly for a container.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the lid of the alternate embodiment of the lid assembly for a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for storing, accessing, and covering food within a container to prevent contamination. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to one embodiment, at least one embodiment, an embodiment, one example, an example, for example, and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase in an embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a side view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in an open configuration, respectively. The lid assembly for a container 1000 comprises a lid 1100 having a top panel 1120 pivotally secured to a frame member 1130, wherein the top panel 1120 is movable between a closed and open configuration. The top panel 1120 and frame member 1130 are pivotally secured to one another at a rear side 1140 to allow an opposing front side 1150 of the lid 1100 to form an opening or a mouth 1160 in the open configuration. The frame member 1130 comprises an opening that receives the top panel 1120 in the closed configuration, thus forming the top closure when attached to a container 1200. In some embodiments, the present invention only includes the collapsable lid 1100, wherein other embodiments, the present invention includes both the lid 1100 and the container 1200.

[0029] A collapsible wall 1170 extends between the lateral sides 1175 of the top panel 1120 and the frame member 1130. The collapsible wall 1170 is composed of a flexible material having a plurality of pleats 1180 that enable the collapsible wall 1170 to fold or otherwise collapse. The wall 1170 tapers towards the rear side 1140 of the lid 1100 such that a width of the wall 1170 is larger at the front side 1150 of the lid 1100 compared to the rear side 1140 of the lid. In the illustrated embodiment, each pleat 1180 is formed with alternating crest and trough geometries designed to fold and unfold in a controlled sequence. The pleats are configured with varying widths and angles of inflection, wherein the larger base pleats provide initial support and smaller secondary pleats add reinforcement as the wall expands. This configuration creates an inherent mechanical resistance that stabilizes the expanded wall 1170 and prevents inadvertent collapse under the weight of the top panel 1120. The geometry of the pleats 1180 is optimized to maintain the top panel 1120 in an open, pivoted position without the need for additional locking mechanisms. The collapsible wall 1170 remains extended until the user manually applies downward force to the top panel 1120, overcoming the pleats' resistance and returning the lid to the closed configuration nested within the frame member 1130. The pleat configuration allows for a reliable and repeatable transition between open and closed positions while retaining durability through repeated use cycles.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a slot 1190 extends along the front side 1150 of the lid 1100, wherein the slot 1190 is sized to receive a handle 1310 of a utensil 1300. The slot 1190 is formed along the frame member 1130 such that the handle 1310 of the utensil 1300 can rest therein when the lid 1100 is in the closed configuration. In this way, the top panel 1120 and the frame member 1130 can be disposed along a same plane while unobstructed by the utensil 1300 as a result of the slot 1190. In some embodiments, the lid assembly for a container 1000 comprises the utensil 1300. The utensil 1300 comprises a hook 1320 disposed on an upper side thereof, wherein the hook 1320 is sized to receive the top panel 1120 of the lid 1100 and remain connected to the lid in the open position.

[0031] In the shown embodiment, a transparent window 1400 is formed in the top panel 1120 for viewing inside the lid 1100 and container 1200. The transparent window 1400 allows a user to view the contents of a container 1200 while the lid 1100 is closed. A latch 1410 is disposed on the front end of the top panel 1120 of the lid and is configured to selectively engage an edge of the frame member 1130 to secure the lid in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 1410 comprises an L-shape having a protrusion 1415 disposed on an interior of the latch 1410 configured to catch or frictionally engage with the edge of the frame member 1130 (as seen in FIG. 4).

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of the lid assembly for a container in a closed configuration and a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the collapsible container lid in a collapsed configuration, respectively. The container 1200 is defined by a base 1230 that supports the container in an upright position and a set of collapsible sidewalls 1210 that extend upwardly from the base 1230 to define an internal cavity 1240. The sidewalls 1210 are configured to fold or collapse toward the base 1230 to substantially reduce the container's 1200 overall volume when not in use. The sidewalls 1210 may be formed from flexible polymeric materials, including but not limited to food-grade silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polypropylene, polyethylene, or any combination thereof. The collapsible sidewalls 1210 include a plurality of pleats 1280 or folds, with varying widths and depths, such that smaller pleats nest within larger pleats to enable uniform collapse and expansion. The container sidewalls 1210 may comprise planar, arcuate, or faceted configurations depending on design preference, and the pleat arrangement is intended to ensure repeated and reliable folding without degradation.

[0033] A flange 1420 is disposed along the lower perimeter edge of the frame member 1130 and is configured to engage with an upper edge 1220 of a container 1200 in a mounted configuration. In other embodiments, the lower perimeter of the frame member 1130 is configured to engage with the container 1200 in any suitable manner, such as an interlocking fastener disposed on one or more sides of the container and lid.

[0034] In the closed configuration, the top panel is disposed within the frame member 1130 such that the frame member 1130 and the top panel lie on the same plane. The folds or pleats 1180 of the collapsible wall 1170 fold towards the container 1200 and allow the collapsible wall 1170 of the lid to fold and store within the container in an attached configuration. The top panel and frame member are pivotally secured to each other at a rear portion of the lid assembly. The pivotal attachment allows the front portion of the lid to be lifted away from the container to form an access opening while the rear portion remains secured, providing controlled access to the container's contents. The pivotal connection may be achieved through molded hinge pins, integrated living hinges, or mechanical fasteners.

[0035] The assembly is designed to be dishwasher safe and may be fabricated from materials that withstand typical cleaning temperatures and detergents. Manufacturing methods may include injection molding, compression molding, or a combination of thermoforming and overmolding processes.

[0036] Exemplary use of the lid assembly for a container 1000 comprises providing the container in an expanded configuration with the sidewalls fully extended from the base. A user inserts food or other contents into the container cavity. The lid is positioned such that the flange of the frame member engages the upper edge of the container, and the latch is actuated to secure the assembly in a closed configuration. To access the contents, the user releases the latch and pivots the top panel upward, expanding the collapsible wall and forming an access opening. In some embodiments, the utensil is placed within the slot with the hook attached to the lid for storage. When emptied, the user may collapse the sidewalls toward the base and fold the collapsible wall into the frame, allowing the assembly to be stored in a flattened, compact state.

[0037] Alternative embodiments may include variations in container shape such as rectangular, square, circular, or oval cross-sections. The number and geometry of pleats in both the container sidewalls and collapsible wall of the lid may be adjusted for specific storage capacities and collapse profiles. The latch and hinge configurations may be modified to accommodate different operational preferences or ergonomic considerations. The transparent window may be integrated as a removable or fixed component. The slot and utensil arrangement may be adapted to accommodate a variety of utensil shapes, such as forks, spoons, spatulas, or tongs.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the lid. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 1100 comprises a hinge 2000 pivotally connecting the rear side of the top panel 1120 to the frame member 1130. Further, the pleats 1180 of the collapsible wall 1170 are reconfigured with a more pronounced angular convergence toward the front edge of the lid to produce a reinforced wedge-shaped deployment when in the open configuration. The pleats are contoured and deepened to enhance their stability under load, further preventing undesired collapse. Each pleat is tapered to create structural bias that encourages the wall to remain deployed when the top panel 1120 is pivoted upward. In some embodiments, the pleats of the collapsible sidewall form a straight edge, as opposed to the angular convergence toward the front edge of the lid.

[0039] In some embodiments, the collapsible wall comprises pleats formed from silicone material with selectively varied thickness along their structure to enhance rigidity and positional stability. Specifically, portions of each pleat, such as the crest regions and junctions with the top panel and frame member, are formed with increased material thickness relative to the adjacent fold areas. This localized thickening introduces stiffness at critical points, which resists deformation and helps the wall retain its expanded, open configuration under the weight of the top panel. The enhanced rigidity in these zones functions to structurally support the lid without requiring additional locking elements or user-applied force, thereby enabling the lid to remain reliably open until manually repositioned. This design maintains the collapsible functionality while improving mechanical performance during use.

[0040] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0041] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.