Abstract:
A device providing a flexible tether between food storage containers and their specific lids, to aid in organization of and to prevent loss of the individual components. The ends of said tether have attachment means which may be affixed to a lid and to a container by a selection of several attachment systems. The device functions effectively in organizing containers and lids that have no manufactured tethering or retaining means, such that may already exist in a disorganized fashion in a consumer&#39;s inventory, where implementation of the device will maintain an organization for the future of the components.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/904,135 filed on Feb. 27, 2007 by applicant Ross N. Weene and entitled “Lid and Container Organization Method and Apparatus.” The content of such application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to jars and containers having lids and means of retaining the lids associated with the jars or container to which the lids fit. 
       FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP 
       [0003]    No Federal funds were used to develop the present invention. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed methods and apparatus to hold lids and covers in association with ajar or container. This document will use the term “lid” and “cover” interchangeably to mean a closure device for a container or jar. The terms “container” or “jar” are also used interchangeably to denote a vessel for holding material. 
         [0005]    Containers and lids are often specific for each other. For example, there are several manufacturers of plastic containers and lids for addressing kitchen and other household needs. The lids from one manufacturer are specific for the containers of that manufacturer. And, manufacturers vary the features of the containers and lids over time such that the lids associated with containers purchased at one point in time may not work with containers purchased at a second time. 
         [0006]    This often leads to the frustrating situation where individuals have many containers and lids and none of the lids seem to fit the containers. It takes time and trial and error to identify a cover that will fit securely on a container. 
         [0007]    There is a need to associate and hold lids with containers to promote order, reduce clutter and minimize frustration. However, merely securing the lid to the opening of the container interferes with the possible ability to nest and stack the containers. Furthermore, many containers and lid sets are not presently manufactured with any other means of retaining lid to container and there exists a need for an apparatus that can be easily affixed to an existing lid and container pair, to subsequently keep the two parts in association. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus for retaining a lid in association with a container. As used herein, the word “association” means joined or linked but specifically excluding a closed position wherein the lid is fitted to the opening of the container. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus comprising at least one lid attachment member, one container attachment member and one line member. The lid attachment member has means for being affixed to at least one lid. The container attachment member has means for being affixed to at least one container. The flexible line member has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the lid attachment member. The second end is attached to the container attachment member. The flexible member has a length to allow the first end to be secured to a lid by the lid attachment member and the second end secured to a container by the container attachment member while the lid is in a first open position and in a second closed position. 
         [0009]    Thus, the lid is associated with the container by the attachment members and the flexible member. The container still maintains the potential ability to nest and stack into a compact form with the lid close at hand. Embodiments of the present invention are ideally suited for containers and lid commorily used to store food and the like. Such containers and lids are sold by numerous vendors under trademarks such as RUBBERMAID, TUPPERWARE and ZIPLOCK. 
         [0010]    Preferably at least one of, and even more preferably both, the lid attachment member and the container attachment member is a pad having an adhesive for sticking to a lid. The pad is preferably molded with the flexible member as an integral unitary structure to reduce manufacturing costs. A preferred adhesive is a gummy adhesive that is non-toxic and dishwasher safe, such that would allow the attachment pad to be removed and repositioned on the lid or container. In the alternative the attachment pads are manufactured with a permanent adhesive. In this embodiment the attachment pads would be subsequently affixed to a lid and container and remain in position for the life of the individual components. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a protective strip. The protective strip covers the adhesive to prevent the adhesive from attaching to material and things other than a lid or container. The protective strip is removable to expose the adhesive at the time it is desired to affix the lid or container attachment member to a respective lid or container. The protective strip may be removed and discarded after exposing the adhesive. 
         [0012]    In the alternative the protective strip is integral to the attachment member to allow one or both of the attachment members to be removed from a lid or container and the protective strip to re-cover the adhesive, to prepare for future use. For example, without limitation, one embodiment of the -present invention features an attachment member having a protective strip section and an adhesive section. The adhesive section has surface to which an adhesive is affixed. The protective strip is substantially non-sticky to the adhesive. The protective strip section and said adhesive section are separated by a connective strip or a fold. The protective strip section and the adhesive section have at least two positions. In a first position, the protective strip is folded in a closed position covering the adhesive section position and the adhesive. In the second position the protective strip is folded away from the adhesive on the adhesive section for exposing the adhesive to a lid or container. In this second position, an integral mechanical feature such as a molded clip or press-snap may maintain the protective strip in this position, so as to minimize the length of unsupported material that could potentially interfere with the nesting or otherwise normal use scenario of the lid or container. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus having a flexible line member and at least one attachment member integrating a means with which to mechanically join an end of the flexible line member. For example without limitation, the flexible line member has an end that joins mechanically with the lid attachment member such that the lid attachment member can be subsequently detached. The flexible line member may also have an end that joins mechanically with the container attachment member, such that the container attachment member can be subsequently detached. Preferably at least one of the lid attachment member and the container attachment member is a pad having an adhesive for sticking to a lid or container. The adhesive bond between the attachment member and the lid and/or container may be either permanent or non-permanent such that the attachment member is repositionable. The adhesive may be covered by a removable protective strip. The means of mechanical connection between the flexible line member and the lid and/or container attachment member will allow for one or both ends of the flexible line member to be subsequently removed and reattached to the joining mechanism integral to the respective attachment member. For example, the lid and/or container attachment member may be molded with a cup-shaped recess. The flexible line member may be molded with at least one spherical end intended to mate with the cup-shaped recess as in a ball and socket snap-fit arrangement. The ends of the flexible line member and the attachment members could also be molded with other mechanical mechanisms such as hook-and-loop mechanism, press-fit, or press-snap. With any of these possible arrangements the flexible line member can be separated from at least one attachment member at the mechanical interface, thusly leaving at least one attachment member still affixed to the lid and/or container, and the lid now separated from the container. As this embodiment of the invention requires a greater quantity of distinct pieces that are individually complicated, it is presented as an option for organizing higher-quality and/or larger and heavier containers and lids. 
         [0014]    A further embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus having a flexible line member and a lid attachment member, container attachment member and a lid and container. The features described with respect to the attachment members can be incorporated into the lid and container. For example without limitation, the lid and the container have attachment member retaining means. The attachment member retaining means is molded into the lid or the container such as a molded snap-fit socket element, a molded clip opening, a molded attachment stud, a latch, or a hole. One embodiment features a lid or container or both having an adhesive retaining surface. This adhesive retaining surface may be an area of a smoother texture than the surrounding regions designed for receiving an adhesive mounting pad as embodied in the present invention. 
         [0015]    Thus, I have described an apparatus for organizing and retaining a lid in association with a container. The apparatus is used in a method of the present invention with respect to such containers and lids. One embodiment of the method comprises the step of providing an apparatus having at least one lid attachment member, at least one container attachment member and a flexible line member. The lid attachment member can be affixed to at least one lid. The container attachment member can be affixed to at least one container. The flexible line member has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the lid attachment member and the second end is attached to the container attachment member. The flexible member has a length to allow the first end to be secured to a lid by the lid attachment member and the second end secured to a container by the container attachment member while the lid is in a first open position and in a second closed position. The method further comprises the step of affixing the container attachment member to the container and the lid attachment member to the lid to organize and retain the lid in association with a container. 
         [0016]    Embodiments of the present invention that feature a pad having an adhesive with means for sticking to a lid or container comprise the step of sticking the attachment member to a lid or container. This easy series of steps can save time and frustration in sorting through vast collections of lids and containers. 
         [0017]    These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reviewing the drawings of the invention and studying the description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  depicts in perspective an apparatus embodying features of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  depicts in plan view an apparatus embodying features of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  depicts in plan view an alternative geometry for the attachment members of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  depicts in perspective alternative orientations for the integral adhesive protective sections; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  depicts an attachment member with integral protective strip section in a closed or protective position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  depicts in cross-section the present invention with protective strips in other positions; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  depicts one embodiment of the present invention attached to a lid and to a container with said lid in a closed position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  depicts one embodiment of the present invention attached to a lid and to a container with said lid in an open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  depicts two embodiments of the present invention attached to two respective lid and container sets wherein said sets are shown associated with the present invention and subsequently nested; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  depicts one embodiment of the present invention with a snap-fit ball-and-socket mechanism providing a detachable joining means between a flexible line member and an attachment pad; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  depicts in plan view an attachment member featuring a socket; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5C  depicts in section view an attachment member featuring a socket and a mating snap-fit spherical end; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5D  depicts one embodiment of the present invention with two snap-fit ball-and-socket mechanisms providing two points of detachment between ends of a flexible line member and attachment pads; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  depicts one embodiment of the present invention with a hook-and-loop mechanism providing a detachable joining means between ends of a flexible line member and attachment pads; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6B  depicts in more detail a flexible line member with an end having a hook-and-loop element; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6C  depicts in more detail an attachment pad having a hook-and-loop element; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  depicts one embodiment of the present invention with press-snap mechanisms providing detachable joining means between a flexible line member and attachment pads; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  depicts a lid and container having attachment member retaining means and the present invention attached to said means. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    The present invention is an apparatus for retaining a lid to a storage container comprising, in reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a lid attachment member  11   a  featuring a flexible pad  21  molded with flexible line member  15   a  and having an integral adhesive  13 . Flexible line member  15   a  is preferably a durable plastic, rubber or elastomeric material able to withstand repeated bending and may be built to any length to suit specific applications. The material thickness and width of flexible line member  15   a  shall be such to allow it to bend easily and repeatedly without fatiguing. 
         [0037]    The invention further comprises a container attachment member  17   a  featuring a flexible pad  23  molded with flexible line member  15   a  and having an integral adhesive  19 . In this embodiment of the invention, attachment members  11   a , 17   a  are identical and can be applied interchangeably on either lids or containers; therefore their designation as either lid or container attachment members is arbitrary. Preferably the pads  21 , 23  carry a gummy, repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive; however in the alternative a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used. Adhesives  13 , 19  shall also be non-toxic and dishwasher-safe as the intended use of the present invention is for organizing food storage container and lids. Pads  21 , 23  can be molded to varying diameters to carry more or less adhesive suiting specific application strength requirements, but they shall not be limited in geometry and an elliptical shape as shown in  FIG. 2A  would also be satisfactory and would perform better on containers and lids with compound curved walls. 
         [0038]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  the attachment members  11   a,    17   a  are shown to have integral protective strip sections  31 , 33  separated by connective strips or folds  35 ,  37 . This embodiment of the present invention is such that the attachment members  11   a,    17   a  may be removed from a lid or container and the protective strip sections  31 , 33  used to re-cover the adhesive sections  13 , 19  to maintain their stickiness in preparation for future use. The protective strip sections  31 , 33  are substantially non-sticky to the adhesive sections  13 , 19 . Extension tabs  39 , 41  may be molded with protective strip sections  31 , 33  to facilitate the operation of peeling them away from the adhesive sections  13 , 19 . Furthermore, as in  FIG. 2B , said integral protective strip sections  31 , 33  are not limited in their orientation and may be attached to any quadrant circumferentially around attachment members  11   a , 17   a.    
         [0039]    The protective strip sections  31 , 33  have at least two positions. In a first position, as shown in  FIG. 3A , a protective strip section  31  is folded in a closed position covering the attachment member  11   a  and its respective adhesive  13  but not flexible line member  15   a.  In alternative positions; as shown in  FIG. 3B  as well as in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, a protective strip section  31 , 33  is folded away from and subsequently exposing adhesive sections  13  for attachment to a lid or container. Furthermore, a mechanical feature such as a molded clip or press-snap may be used to maintain the protective strip sections  31 , 33  in a position away from the adhesive  13 , 19  so as to minimize the length of unsupported material that could potentially interfere with the nesting or otherwise normal use scenario of the lid or container. Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  the stud  45  of said press-snap is shown molded with the protective strip section  31  and the respective mating socket  47  of said press-snap is shown molded with pad  21 , such that when said stud  45  is mated  43  with socket  47  the protective strip section  31  will organize in close adjacency with the pad  21 . Said mated position  49  is depicted in  FIG. 3B ; protective strip section  33  is folded away from adhesive  19  and is organized adjacent to pad  23 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4A  an embodiment of the present invention is shown in use affixed to a container  51  and a mating lid  53 . The lid attachment member  11 a is affixed via its adhesive  13  to lid  53 , the container attachment member  17   a  is affixed via its adhesive  19  to container  51 , and thus the flexible line member  15   a  establishes a tether between container  51  and lid  53 . Protective strip section  31  is shown in an open position with its protective surface laying flat on lid  53 . Protective strip section  33  is shown in a position with its mechanical retention (not in view) engaged and subsequently organized neatly with the attachment member  17   a.    
         [0041]    Furthermore, if lid  53  is subsequently removed from container  51  as shown in  FIG. 4B , the lid  53  remains associated with the container  51  until it is desired to once again mate the two parts together. Thus the present invention  55  will maintain the association between a lid  53  and container  51  through any use, including storage of food or other items, hand or dishwasher washing, and opening and closing operations. If the adhesives  13 , 19  are a permanent adhesive then the present invention may remain in association with the container  51  and lid  53  for the life of the components. In the alternative if the adhesives  13 , 19  are a gummy or other non-permanent adhesive then one or both of the container attachment member  17   a  and lid attachment member  11   a  can be repositioned or removed entirely such that the present invention  55  can be stored for future use or affixed to a different container and lid set. Furthermore a user may desire to leave the present invention  55  affixed to container  51  but detach lid  53 , or vice versa, to wash or store the components separately. In such case a removed attachment member may now be covered by its adjacent protective strip section until re-use is desired. Referring still to  FIG. 4B  protective strip section  33  is shown in a position with its mechanical retention (not in view) engaged and subsequently organized neatly with the attachment member  17   a,  protruding minimally from the outer surface of container  51 , enabling the operation of stacking multiple nesting containers. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 4C  container  51  is shown nested with container  57 . Lids  53 , 59 , tethered in association to their respective containers  51 , 57  via the present invention  55 , 61 , stack neatly as well. 
         [0043]    The present invention may embody at least one of several means by which to mechanically join and subsequently detach the flexible line member from at least one attachment member, one of said means being a ball-and-socket arrangement. Referring now to  FIG. 5A , lid attachment member  11   b  is shown having a pad  21   b  with integral socket recess  65  and affixed to lid  53  with adhesive  13 . Container attachment member  17   a  is shown molded integrally with flexible line member  15   b  and affixed to container  51  with adhesive  19 . Flexible line member  15   b  has at least one spherical end  63  intended to mate with socket recess  65  in a snap-fit ball-and-socket arrangement.  FIG. 5B  shows attachment member  11   b  in plan view and refers to  FIG. 5C  showing attachment member  11   b  in section, detailing the snap-fit mechanism between the spherical end  63  and recess  65 . Referring to  FIG. 5D  an alternative is shown wherein flexible line member  15   c  has two spherical ends  63 , 67  such that either or both ends may be attached and subsequently detached from attachment pads  11   b  and  17   c  if the user so desires. Such embodiments of the present invention as described in  FIGS. 5A-5D  would function well in arranging heavier and/or higher quality lid and container sets, though said embodiments should not be limited as such in their use. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 6A  the present invention is shown to embody a hook-and-loop means by which to mechanically join and subsequently detach the flexible line member  15   d  from lid  53  and container  51 . At least one end  71  of flexible line member  15   d  is molded with an integral and preferably circular or elliptical pad  21   d  with a surface on which a loop element  75  of said hook-and-loop mechanism is affixed as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The other end  77  of flexible member  15   d  may be identical to first end  71  or may comprise as in  FIGS. 4A and 5A  a single-part attachment member  17   a.  Referring to  FIG. 6C , lid attachment member  11   d  is a pad comprising a hook element  73  of said hook-and loop mechanism and adhesive  13 , and has similar surface area to loop element  75  affixed to pad  21   d  as in  FIG. 6C . Hook-and-loop elements  73 , 75  preferably have submersible geometry such that a secure attachment can still be made if said hook-and-loop surfaces are wet; one specification of said elements being 3M DUAL-LOCK. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 7  a further embodiment of the present invention comprises a flexible line member  15   e  with at least one press-snap end  81 . At least one attachment member lie comprises a press-snap socket  83  preferably molded with circular pad  21   e  having adhesive  13  for affixing to lid  53 . Said end  81  has a press-snap button  85  with geometry allowing it to mate with press-snap socket  83  providing a mechanical join, and also allowing subsequent separation if the user desires. The flexible line member  15   e  may also have a second press-snap end  87 , here shown mated with attachment pad  17   e,  said attachment pad  17   e  having a press-snap socket  89  preferably molded with circular pad  23   e  and affixed to container  51  with adhesive  19 . 
         [0046]    The present invention may also used in conjunction with containers and lids having attachment member retaining means as shown in  FIG. 8 . Lid  91  is molded with an attachment stud  93 , and container  95  is shown to have a smooth non-textured region  97  such that would allow better adhesive adhesion of attachment member  17   a.  Flexible line member  15   f  is shown molded integrally with container attachment member  17   a  and lid attachment member  11   f.  Attachment member  11   f  has a hole and slot  99  sized to clip around attachment stud  93  thusly completing the tether between container  93  and lid  91 . There may exist other embodiments of lids and containers having attachment member retaining means, and the attachment of the appropriate embodiment of the present invention to said means shall not be limited to the scenario just described. 
         [0047]    Thus, I have described the preferred embodiments of the invention with respect to the best mode with the understanding that features of the present invention are capable of being modified and altered without departing from the teaching hereof. Therefore the present invention should not be limited to the precise details herein but should encompass the subject matter of the claims that follow and their equivalents.