Patent Publication Number: US-10308401-B2

Title: Food storage unit

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/239,074 filed on Oct. 8, 2015 and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/288,946 filed on Oct. 7, 2016. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to storage containers. In particular, the present invention relates to a food container and cover with specifically angled lip components which prevent the cover from coming loose and detaching in unwanted circumstances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Food containers are devices used for the storage and transportation of food. These objects often incorporate the use of lids which attach over the top of the container in order to cover and preserve contents of the container for longer periods of time. The lid also serves to inhibit the buildup of harmful bacteria and prevent unwanted leakage. Tupperware (a colloquial name for food storage containers) and devices alike are often made of microwaveable plastic and commonly use various lip designs which allow lids to snap onto corresponding containers. Problems exist, however, as the lids often come loose and detach during unwanted circumstances. Most noticeably, this occurs during transportation, when containers are knocked around or when being heated up in microwaves, as the increase in temperature leads to material expansion and deformation. 
     It is therefore an objective of the present invention to introduce a new food container and lid device. The present invention includes uniquely shaped container and cover lips which snap together, but will not come loose due to various outwards sloping angles. The present invention is stackable, allowing multiple containers to be seated on top of each other, with tight snap-on covers (lids). The cover and container lips utilize stronger and thicker edges compared to other inventions, especially at the bottom where the cover locks in. Unlike other devices, the cover will not snap off when the container is heated up. Overall, the present invention is sturdy, safe, reliable, practical, and suited for mass production. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view showing a container of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view showing the container of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view showing the container of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view showing a cover of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view showing the cover of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view showing the cover of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a magnified cross section view showing how the cover attaches to the container. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a food storage unit that includes a food container  1  and cover  2 . The present invention is uniquely shaped, such that the container  1  and cover  2  easily snap together in a secure fashion. Thanks to the angles and slopes of several components, the container  1  and cover  2  remain secured to each other, once attached. They do not accidentally loosen from each other during normal use. Of course, a user can still easily separate the container  1  and cover  2  when desired by disengaging certain components of the container  1  and the cover  2 . Further, the present invention is constructed to be stackable, allowing multiple containers (with attached covers  2 ) to be positioned atop each other into a vertical stack. It is noted that while the present invention is primarily intended to be used for the purpose of storing and transporting food or similar contents, the present invention may be utilized in other settings, situations, and scenarios. The container  1  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 - FIG. 3 , the cover  2  in  FIG. 4 - FIG. 6 , and their attachment via  FIG. 7 . 
     The present invention is a food receptacle with lid. The present invention comprises a container  1  and a cover  2 . The cover  2  can be attached to the container  1  to create an enclosed region with the container  1 . The container  1  comprises a base  11 , a first lateral body  12 , a channel  14 , and a first lip  13 . The cover  2  comprises a top surface  21 , a second lateral body  22 , a sealing insert  24 , and a second lip  23 . The second lip  23  interfaces with the first lip  13  in a manner that supports attachment of the cover  2  to the container  1 . Effectively, a snap connection allows the first lip  13  to interface with the second lip  23 , resulting in attachment of the cover  2  to the container  1 . 
     The basic operating principle of the present invention is the flexing of the cover  2  (more specifically the second lip  23  and the sealing insert  24 ) to fit to the container  1  (more specifically the first lip  13  and the channel  14 ). When the cover  2  is attached atop the container  1 , the sides of the cover  2  flex to match the contour of the container  1 . This results in an interference fit (i.e. the snap connection earlier reference) between the cover  2  and container  1 , which securely engages the cover  2  to the container  1  during storage and transport. 
     Further defining the container  1 , the channel  14  is perimetrically connected to the first lateral body  12 . Additionally, the first lip  13  is perimetrically connected to the channel  14 . The first lateral body  12  itself is perimetrically connected to the base  11 ; this creates the basic structure of the container  1 , allowing for items to be placed atop the base  11  within the first lateral body  12 . The region bounded by the first lateral body  12  and the base  11  is a receptacle for contents, for example food or other items. 
     The first lip  13  and the channel  14  allow the container  1  to receive a matching part from the cover  2  (i.e. the second lip  23  and the sealing insert  24 ) in order to secure the cover  2  to the container  1 . Thus, the channel  14  is preferably positioned at an upper end of the first lateral body  12 . The base  11 , conversely, is positioned at a lower end of the first lateral body  12 . In short, the base  11  and the channel  14  are positioned opposite each other across the first lateral body  12 . 
     The first lip  13  itself comprises, a first inner wall  15 , a first outer wall  16 , and a first ridge  17 . The channel  14  is positioned adjacent to the first lateral body  12 . Accordingly, the channel  14  is delineated by the first lateral body  12 , and the first inner wall  15 . The channel  14  serves as a receptacle for the sealing insert  24  of the second lip  23 , as later described. Additionally, the channel  14  comprises a floor  18 , a channel ridge  141 , and a third lateral body  142 . The channel ridge  141  is perimetrically connected to the first lateral body so that the channel ridge  141  retains the channel in a position advantageous for receiving the sealing insert  24 . The third lateral body  142  is perimetrically connected to the channel ridge  141 . Further, the channel ridge  141  is positioned in between the third lateral body  142  and the first lateral body  12 . As a result, the channel ridge  141  and the third lateral body  142  maintain the floor  18  in a position that facilitates engaging the sealing insert  24 . Specifically, the floor  18  is perimetrically connected to the third lateral body  142 . Moreover, the first inner wall  16  is perimetrically connected to the floor  18 . Accordingly, the floor  18  forms the bottom of a circular groove that is delineated by the third lateral body  142  and the first inner wall  16 . This circular groove functions as a receptacle that the sealing insert  24  engages into when the cover  2  is attached to the container  1 . Additionally, the floor  18  is positioned offset from the channel ridge  141  and the first ridge  17 . As a result, the floor  18  is maintained in a position that facilitates establishing a detachable connection between the container  1  and the cover  2 . 
     The channel  14  is shaped to facilitate establishing a robust-yet-detachable connection between the container  1  and the cover  2 . Specifically, the channel ridge  141  is positioned parallel to the base  11 . Additionally, the third lateral body  142  is angularly offset from the channel ridge  141  by an obtuse angle. Furthermore, the floor  18  is angularly offset from third lateral body  142  by an obtuse angle. As a result, the floor  18 , is angled to maintain the first lip  13  in a position that facilitates engaging the second lip  23 . In addition to facilitating the formation of a connection between the container  1  and the cover  2 , the channel  14  is designed to support the weight of the cover  2  and any storage containers stacked thereon. To facilitate this, the present invention comprises a plurality of container-support tabs  7 . Each of the plurality of container-support tabs  7  is a rigid member that is integrated into the container  1 . Specifically, the plurality of container-support tabs  7  is connected across the channel  14  and adjacent to the first lateral body  12 . Additionally, the plurality of container-support tabs  7  is radially distributed around the first lateral body  12 . Consequently, the plurality of container-support tabs  7  are able to support the underside of the channel  14 . Thus, preventing the channel  14  and the first lip  13  from becoming irreparably deformed when the cover  2  is attached to the container  1  or when storage containers are stacked upon the cover  2 . 
     Connected adjacent to the first inner wall  15 , at a top edge, is the first ridge  17 . The first ridge  17  is thus positioned opposite the floor  18  along the first inner wall  15 . Further, the first ridge  17  is orientated away from the first inner wall  15 , such that it protrudes away from the first inner wall  16  and first lateral body  12 . Restated, the first ridge  17  is positioned adjacent to the first inner wall  15 , opposite the floor  18 . The first outer wall  16  is adjacently connected to the first ridge  17 . The first outer wall  16  is positioned at the outermost area of the container  1 ; effectively, the first ridge  17  is connected between the first inner wall  15  and the first outer wall  16 . 
     The above describes a basic configuration of components for the container  1  of the present invention. Different embodiments may be derived from this core setup, as later described. Addressing the cover  2 , the second lip  23  is adjacently and perimetrically connected around the second lateral body  22 . The second lateral body  22  is likewise adjacently and perimetrically connected around the top surface  21 . This results in the basic configuration for the cover  2 . The top surface  21  serves to completely enclose an interior volume of a container  1  (when the cover  2  and the container  1  are in an attached configuration) while the second lip  23  enables attachment of the cover  2  to the container  1 . 
     The second lip  23  is very similar to the first lip  13 , in that the second lip  23  comprises a second inner wall  25 , a second ridge  27 , and a second outer wall  26 . The second lip  23  also comprises a sealing insert  24 , which interfaces with the channel  14  of the first lip  13 . The sealing insert  24  is adjacently connected to the second lateral body  22 . The sealing insert  24  is positioned exterior to the second lateral body  22 , and just below a bottom edge of the second lateral body  22 . In short, the sealing insert  24  is contoured to fit into the channel  14  of the first lip  13 , allowing for the cover  2  to attach to the container  1 . 
     The second inner wall  25  is adjacently connected to the sealing insert  24 , opposite the second lateral body  22 . Resultantly, the sealing insert  24  is positioned between the second lateral body  22  and the second inner wall  25 . Paralleling the first lip  13 , the second ridge  27  serves as a rim that connects the second outer wall  26  to the second inner wall  25 . The second ridge  27  is adjacently connected to an upper edge of the second inner wall  25 , opposite the sealing insert  24 . The second outer wall  26  is offset from the second inner wall  25 , the latter separated from the former by the second ridge  27 . Thus, the second outer wall  26  is adjacently connected to the second ridge  27 , at an end opposite the second inner wall  25 . 
     In addition to the above components, the second lip  23  further comprises a latching member  28  and a lateral-release ridge  5 . The latching member  28  is adjacently connected to a bottom edge of the second outer wall  26 . The latching member  28  presses against the first outer wall  15  of the container  1  to lock the cover  2  to the container  1 , as later described. Further, the lateral-release ridge  5  is adjacently connected to the latching member  28 . Additionally, the latching member  28  is positioned in between the lateral-release ridge and the second outer wall  26 . Thus positioned, the lateral-release ridge  5  facilitates connecting and disconnecting the cover  2  and container  1 . The present invention further comprises a plurality of cover-support tabs  6  that bolster the structural integrity of the connection formed between the second lateral body  22  and the second lip  23 . Specifically, the plurality of cover-support tabs  6  is connected in between the second lateral body  22  and the second inner wall  25 . Additionally, the plurality of cover-support tabs  6  is connected adjacent to the sealing insert  24 . Furthermore, the plurality of cover-support tabs  6  is radially distributed around the second lateral body  22 . As a result, the plurality of cover-support tabs  6  prevents the sealing insert  24  and the second lip  23  from becoming irreparably deformed when the cover  2  is attached to the container  1 . 
     The above describes a basic configuration of components for the cover  2  of the present invention. In combination with the basic configuration for the container  1 , a user is able to attach and detach the cover  2  from the container  1 . This supports storage and retrieval of foodstuffs, as well as other items that a person might wish to place within the container  1  of the present invention. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the various walls are offset at specific angles. More specifically, the first inner wall  15  is offset from the first ridge  17  by an obtuse angle  3  of 95 degrees. Correspondingly, the second inner wall  25  is angularly offset from the second ridge  27  by an obtuse angle  3  of 95 degrees. 
     Mirroring this, the first outer wall  16  is angularly offset from the first ridge  17  by an obtuse angle  3  of 95 degrees. The second outer wall  26 , is also offset from the second ridge  27 ; however, this offset is at a right angle  4  (90 degrees) rather than an obtuse angle  3 . 
     The preferred 95 and 90 degree offsets result in the inner walls and outer walls being orientated at a slight slant, relative to a supporting surface (e.g. a table), rather than perfectly perpendicular. Thus, the second lip  23  squeezes the first lip  13 . This helps to securely attach the cover  2  to the container  1 , creating an enclosed storage region interior to said container  1  and cover  2 . 
     Another property of the present invention, when the cover  2  is attached to the container  1 , is the second outer wall  26  being offset from the first outer wall  16 . Put more simply, there is a small gap between the outside edge of the first lip  13  and the inside edge of the second lip  23 . 
     In one possible embodiment, a base-receiving indent  29  is positioned into the top surface  21 . This indent  29  is a depression that is sized to receive the base  11  of a similarly sized container  1 . This feature enables “stacking” of the present invention, in which the base  11  of one container  1  is placed into the indent  29  of an adjacent cover  2 . 
     While the illustrated embodiment shows the container  1  as having a circular shape, in other embodiments different shapes may be used. Regarding food storage, one of the most common alternatives are rectangularly shaped containers  1 , but ultimately any shape may be used within the scope of the present invention. 
     Further, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, different values may be provided for the obtuse angles  3  previously referenced. For example, the first inner wall  15  may be angularly offset from the first ridge  17  by an obtuse angle  3  of 110 degrees, rather than 95 degrees. Other values for the obtuse angle  3  remain possible, as long as they are greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. 
     Addressing material construction for the present invention, a number of materials are suitable as long as they meet a few requirements. One requirement is a pliable construction for the cover  2 , as it is necessary for the cover  2  to flex in order to fit onto the container  1 . Also, as the present invention is primarily intended for food storage, the material used for the container  1  and the cover  2  is preferably food safe. As people often like to reheat stored food prior to consumption, in some embodiments it may be desirable to use a microwave-safe material for the container  1 , the cover  2 , or both. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.