Patent Publication Number: US-8985386-B2

Title: Container having a pre-curved lid

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/239,049, filed Sep. 21, 2011, which is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/963,469, filed Dec. 8, 2010, which is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/822,688, filed Jun. 24, 2010, the entire teachings and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to reclosable containers and more particularly to reclosable containers having permanently attached lids and even more particularly to reclosable containers having lids attached to a container body by a living hinge. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many containers exist in the art for storing objects, such as around the home in the kitchen. The containers will typically have a removable lid such that the interior of the container can be repeatedly accessed, but then reclosed to maintain the contents within the container. However, containers that utilize fully removable lids suffer from the problem that the lid is often lost or is buried within a pile of different lids such that the appropriate lid cannot be located. 
     Further, many containers are formed from thin plastic materials. However, when thin plastic is formed, it will tend to shrink and warp after the molding process. This warping is typically uncontrolled such that mating surfaces of the container, such as at seals, will not adequately mate creating potential leak paths. 
     The present invention relates to improvements in the container art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a new and improved container including a container lid permanently attached to a container body by a living hinge. The container lid is pre-curved such that it has at least one defined curvature when in an open position and when in the closed position, this curvature becomes substantially planar. This transition from curved to planar allows for biasing various portions of the container lid into the container body. This biasing can maintain various portions of the container lid against the container body that in previous containers would have otherwise flared away from the container body. 
     In one particular embodiment, a plastic container including a container body, a container lid and a living hinge coupling the lid to the body is provided. The cup-shaped container body has a generally annular sidewall defining an open end. Opposite the open end is a container bottom. The container lid has a main body sized large enough to close the open end of the container body. An annular sealing flange extends from a bottom surface of the main body and into the annular sidewall in a closed position. The bottom surface of the main body includes a seat portion radially outward from the sealing flange. In the closed state, the bottom surface faces the container body. The living hinge couples the container lid and container body into a one-piece construction. The container lid pivots through the living hinge between an open position and the closed position via the living hinge. The seat portion includes a pair of side portions and a front portion. The pair of side portions being pre-curved in a convex manner in the open position and the front portion being pre-curved curved in a concave manner in the open position. 
     In a more particular embodiment, these pre-curved portions become substantially planar in a closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the sealing flange includes a pair of side portions adjacent the side portions of the seat portion, the side portions of the sealing flange bow radially outward. The side portions of the sealing flange extend between a rear portion of the sealing flange and a front portion of the sealing flange. The rear portion of the sealing flange is adjacent to the living hinge and the front portion of sealing flange is adjacent the front portion of the seat portion. A catch arrangement may be formed near the front portion of the seat portion in some embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, the pair of side portions of the sealing flange are biased radially outward and away from one another when the container lid is in the closed position. This biasing radially biases the pair of side portions into the annular sidewall of the container body to increase a radial seal therebetween. The sealing flange may be in the form of a plug seal. 
     In one embodiment, the height of the sealing flange from the bottom surface is substantially constant such that a free end, which is axially spaced away from the main body, of each side portion is convex in the open position and a free end, which is axially spaced away from the main body, of the front portion is concave. 
     In a further embodiment, the seat portion is substantially planar when the container lid is in the closed position. In a further embodiment, the container further includes a catch mechanism proximate the front portion of the seat portion. The catch mechanism engaging the container body to hold the container lid in the closed position and to oppose any forces generated by biasing the pre-curved lid into a planar shape. 
     In one embodiment, the seat portion includes a pair of corner portions. One corner portion is interposed between and transitions one of the side portion into the front portion. The other corner portion is interposed between and transitions the other side portion into the front portion. The seat portion is configured such that the corner portions contact the container body prior to the midpoint of the front portion as the container body transitions from the open position to the closed position such that the corner portions are axially biased into a top axial end of the annular sidewall. This promotes improved seating of the container lid relative to the container body. 
     In a further embodiment, the side portions of the seat portion contact the top axial end of the annular sidewall prior to the front portion as the container body transitions from the open position to the closed position such that the side portions are axially biased into the top axial end of the annular sidewall. 
     In one embodiment, the container lid further includes a reinforcing flange extending axially outward from the bottom surface of the main body. The reinforcing flange is spaced radially outward from the sealing flange. The reinforcing flange, sealing flange and seat portion define a channel that receives at least a portion of three sides of the container body when the container lid is in the closed position. This channel faces away from the bottom surface of the container lid. In one embodiment, the reinforcing flange and sealing flange have a corresponding pre-curved shape as the adjacent portions of the seat portion in the open position. 
     In one embodiment, the seat portion is substantially planar in the closed position. 
     In a further embodiment, the seat portion includes a pair of rear corner portions. One corner portion is interposed between and transitions one of the side portions into a rear portion of the seat portion. The other corner portion is interposed between and transitions the other side portion into the rear portion. The seat portion being configured such that the rear corner portions contact the container body prior to the midpoint of the front portion as the container body transitions from the open position to the closed position such that the rear corner portions are axially biased into a top axial end of the annular sidewall. 
     In one embodiment, the catch arrangement for securing the container lid in a closed position is provided by a radially inward extending catch or rib formed by the container lid and a radially outward extending top flange formed by the top end of the annular sidewall of the container body. 
     In one embodiment, the reinforcing flange and the sealing flange extend axially from the bottom surface a same height. 
     In a further embodiment, a further plastic container including a container body, a container lid, a living hinge and a catch arrangement is provided. The container body has a bottom and a generally annular sidewall extending from the bottom. The annular sidewall defines an open end. The container lid has a main body sized large enough to close the open end of the container body. The living hinge couples the container lid and container body into a one-piece construction. The container lid pivots through the living hinge between an open position and a closed position. The catch arrangement secures the container lid in the closed position. The main body is configured such that a pair of spaced apart front corner portions of the main body abut a top end of the annular sidewall prior to a front middle portion of the main body interposed between the pair of front corner portions as the container lid is transitioned to the closed position. 
     In a further embodiment, the catch arrangement is adjacent the middle portion of the main body. 
     Further yet, in one embodiment, the main body includes a pair of side portions extending rearward relative to the corner portions and the front middle portion toward the living hinge. The main body is configured such that the side portions abut the top end of the annular sidewall prior to the front middle portion or the pair of front corner portions. 
     In one embodiment, the top end of the annular sidewall is substantially planar and the portion of the main body adjacent the top end is substantially planar when the container lid is in the closed position due to the main body being axially biased into the top end of the annular sidewall. 
     In another embodiment, a plastic container having increased seal integrity is provided. A plastic container according to this embodiment includes a generally cup shaped container body. The cup shaped container body has a bottom and a sidewall depending upwardly from the bottom. The bottom and the sidewall define a storage area. The container body also includes a flange formed on the sidewall. The flange extends radially outward from the sidewall. A lid is coupled to the container body by a living hinge. The lid is adapted to rotate about the living hinge between an open and closed position. The lid includes a sealing flange and a skirt each of which depends downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid. A receiving channel is formed between the sealing flange and the skirt. A projection is formed on the container lid. The projection resiliently engages the flange between the open and the closed positions. The flange and the projection are disposed within the receiving channel when the lid is in the closed position. 
     In another embodiment, the projection is disposed below the flange in the closed position within the receiving channel. In another embodiment, the projection extends radially inward from an inner surface of the skirt and into the receiving channel. The skirt is adapted to resiliently deflect radially away from the flange upon engagement of the flange by the projection. In another embodiment, there is a clearance gap between the projection and the flange when the lid is in the closed position. 
     In yet another embodiment, the projection comprises a plurality of detents. The plurality of detents extend radially inward from the inner surface of the skirt. In another embodiment, the plurality of detents are symmetrically arranged about a center axis of the container lid in an opposed spaced relation. 
     In another embodiment, the skirt has a front wall and a pair of sidewalls extending away from the front wall. The inner surface extends along the front wall and sidewalls. The plurality of detents are formed on the sidewalls. 
     In another embodiment, the detents are positioned on one sidewall are aligned with the detents positioned on the opposed sidewall. In another embodiment, each one of the plurality of detents is movable relative to the flange independently of each other one of the plurality of detents. In another embodiment, each one of the plurality of detents is generally dome shaped. 
     In another embodiment, a plastic container having a lid that can be positioned in various configurations is provided. A plastic container according to this embodiment includes a lid having a plurality of detents formed thereon in an opposed spaced relation. The container also includes a container body having a bottom and a sidewall with a flange formed at an end of the sidewall. The lid and container body are connected by a living hinge. Each one of the plurality of detents are moveable relative to the flange independently of each other one of the plurality of detents. 
     In another embodiment, the lid has an open position relative to the container body. In the open position, all of the plurality of detents are above the flange. In another embodiment, the lid has an intermediate position. In the intermediate position, at least one of the plurality of detents is positioned below the flange, and at least one other one of the plurality of detents is positioned above the flange. In another embodiment, the lid has a closed position. In the closed position, all of the plurality of detents are positioned below the flange. 
     In another embodiment, the plurality of detents are formed on an inner surface of a skirt, the skirt adapted to resiliently deflect away from the flange to position any one of the plurality of detents below the flange. In another embodiment, the plurality of detents are symmetrically arranged along the skirt relative to a center axis of the lid. In another embodiment, the skirt depends downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid and includes a front wall and a pair of sidewalls extending rearwardly therefrom. The plurality of detents are regularly spaced along the pair of sidewalls. 
     In another embodiment, each one of the plurality of detents extends radially inward from the inner surface of the skirt and into a receiving channel formed between the skirt and a ceiling flange depending downwardly from the bottom surface of the lid. 
     In another aspect, a plastic container is provided. The plastic container includes a generally cup-shaped container body, having a bottom and a sidewall depending upwardly from the bottom, the bottom and the sidewall defining a storage area, the container body including a flange formed on the sidewall, the flange extending radially outward from the sidewall. A lid is coupled to the container body by a living hinge. The lid is adapted to rotate about the living hinge between an open and a closed position. The lid includes a sealing flange and a skirt each depending downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid, wherein a receiving channel is formed between the sealing flange and the skirt. A carrying feature is formed on at least one of the container body and the lid. The carrying feature is configured to receive and position an article carried within an internal cavity provided by the container body in a fixed location. 
     In another aspect, a plastic container is provided. The plastic container includes a lid having a sealing flange depending downwardly from an interior surface of the lid. The plastic container also includes a container body having a bottom and a sidewall with a flange formed at an end of the sidewall. The lid and container body are connected by a living hinge. A sealing chamfer is formed on an interior side of the sidewall of the container body at the distal end, the sealing chamfer is configured to sealingly engage sealing flange when the container is in a closed position. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective illustration of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial side view illustration of a the container of  FIG. 1  in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view illustration of the container of  FIG. 1  in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional illustration of the container lid of the container of  FIG. 1  taken about line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional illustration of the container lid of the container of  FIG. 1  taken about line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view illustration of the container lid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view illustration of the container lid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustration of the container lid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top illustration of the container lid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view illustration of the container lid of the container of  FIG. 1  in a partially open orientation, with the container lid rotated such that it begins to seat on a top surface of the container body of the container; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the beginning of the seating of the container lid to the container body; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom illustration of the container lid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view illustration of the container of  FIG. 1  in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional illustration of the container of  FIG. 1  in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the container lid of  FIG. 1  including at least one detent; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of the at least one detent of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross section of the lid of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 18-20  are partial cross sections of several positions of the lid of  FIG. 15  relative to the container body; 
         FIGS. 21-24  are partial side views of several positions of the lid of  FIG. 15  relative to the container body; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container; 
         FIG. 26  is side cross section of the container of  FIG. 25 , carrying ammunition; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial view of a sealing arrangement of the container of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a front cross section of the container of  FIG. 25 , carrying ammunition; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 29  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 31  is a front cross section of the container of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 32-33  are partial views of a connection arrangement of the container of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a partial view of a sealing arrangement of the container of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 35  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 37  is a front cross section of the container of  FIG. 35 ; and 
         FIG. 38  is a partial view of a sealing arrangement of the container of  FIG. 35 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a representative embodiment of a container  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The container  100  is generally used to store household objects, for example, food objects or other objects. However, it will be recognized from the following that embodiments of the invention described herein may be utilized in containers in commercial settings. Further, it will also be recognized that the aspects of the invention described relative to the disclosed embodiments may be extended to containers of various sizes and shapes, and are not limited to the particular size or shape of the containers illustrated and described herein. 
     The container  100  generally includes a container lid  102  and a container body  104 . The container lid  102  is formed with the container body  104  as a one-piece construction and is not formed as a plurality of parts separately attached together. 
     A living hinge  106  attaches the container lid  102  to the container body  104 . The living hinge  106  allows the container lid  102  to pivot relative to the container body  104  between open and closed positions while permanently securing the lid  102  to the container body  104 . In the open position ( FIG. 1 ), contents stored within the container  100  can be accessed. In a preferred embodiment, the container lid  102  seals relative to the container body  104  in the closed position ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Further, the living hinge  106  permanently attaches the container lid  102  to the container body  104  such that the container lid  102  cannot be lost or displaced from the container body  104 . This prevents the recurring problem of losing the lid  102  in a closet or cabinet, as often occurs with lids that are not permanently attached to the container body  104 . 
     The container body  104  generally includes a cup shaped body portion that generally includes a generally annular sidewall portion  110  that extends upward from a bottom portion  112  forming the cup-shaped body portion. The cup shaped body portion is the portion that generally holds the products stored within container  100 . The annular sidewall portion  110  and bottom portion  112  are formed into a one piece construction with the container lid  102 , typically by injection molding. As such, the entire container  100  is a single piece of material and not a plurality of pieces separately snapped together or otherwise secured to one another. The full container  100  is preferably formed from a clarified polypropylene. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the container body  104  includes a radially extending top flange  114  that has a top surface  116  upon which a bottom surface  120  of the container lid  102  seats when the container lid  102  is in the closed position. The radially extending top flange  114  defines a region  121  that interacts with a catch arrangement, illustrated as a radially inward extending latch segment  122 , for securing the container lid  102  in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the top surface  116  of flange  114  is planar when the container  100  is in both the open and closed positions. 
     While the cross-section of the annular sidewall portion  110  is generally rectangular, the opposed lateral sides  123 ,  125  that extend between the rear and front sides  127 ,  129  are generally bowed radially outward. However, other designs could use generally straight sides. Adjacent ones of the sides are connected by a radius corner. In preferred embodiments, the top flange  114  extends outward beyond the outer surface of the adjacent sides  123 ,  125 ,  127 ,  129  by between about 0.050 and 0.070 inches and preferably between about 0.055 and 0.065 inches. 
     Further, the sides  123 ,  125 ,  127 ,  129  taper outward from each other when moving away from the bottom portion  112 . This taper is typically between about 91 degrees and 100 degrees and most typically between about 94 degrees and 98 degrees. The outer surfaces of the radiused corners between adjacent sides  123 ,  125 ,  127 ,  129  include abutments formed therein that abut the top surface  116  of a second container body  104  when a plurality of containers are stacked together. This prevents the stacked container bodies from locking together. 
     The container lid  102  includes a main body  130  that covers the open end of annular sidewall  110  to close the container  100 . The main body  130  provides bottom surface  120  that seats against top surface  116  of the top flange  114 . In some embodiments, the container lid  102  is maintained axially compressed against top flange  114  such that an axial seal is provided between top surface  116  and bottom surface  120 . 
     The container  100  further includes a sealing flange  132 . The sealing flange  132  may be considered part of the container lid  102 . The sealing flange  132  extends axially from the main body  130  and more particularly from bottom surface  120  of main body  130 . 
     The sealing flange  132  forms a radial seal with inner surface  136  of annular sidewall  110 . As such, the sealing flange  132  is generally annular in shape as well. 
     The sealing flange  132  is preferably wedge shaped such that it has a wider base portion  137  proximate main body  130  and a narrower distal tip portion  138  spaced axially away from main body  130 . The radially outer surface  140  of the sealing flange  132  is preferably canted relative to bottom surface  120  at an angle of between about ninety (90) degrees and one-hundred (100) degrees. More preferably, the angle is between about ninety-two (92) and ninety-five (95). This canted relationship allows for easer insertion of the sealing flange  132  into annular sidewall  110  during closing operations of the container lid  102 . 
     The inner surface  141  is preferably canted relative to bottom surface  120  at an angle of between about ninety (90) degrees and one-hundred (100) degrees. More preferably, the angle is between about ninety (90) and ninety-three (93) and is preferably about ninety-one (91) degrees. 
     The sealing flange  132  preferably has a width of between about 0.030 and 0.045 at the base portion  137  (measured parallel to bottom surface  120  of main body  130 ) and a width of between about 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches at the distal tip portion  138 . In a preferred embodiment, the height H 1  of the sealing flange  132  is substantially constant the entire circumference of the annular sealing flange  132 , i.e. along all for sides of the container lid  102 . Preferably, height H 1  is between about 0.225 inches and 0.325 inches and more preferably between about 0.250 inches and about 0.285 inches. 
     The wall thickness T 1  of the main body portion is preferably between about 0.058 and 0.070 inches and more preferably between about 0.060 and 0.067 inches. 
     The container lid  102  also includes a reinforcing skirt  170 . The reinforcing skirt  170  extends axially away from the main body  130  and is in generally constant spaced relation radially outward from the sealing flange  132 . The reinforcing skirt  170  extends along at least part of three sides of the container lid  102 . The reinforcing skirt  170  increases the rigidity of the container lid  102 . In the closed position, the reinforcing skirt  170  is radially outward of the top flange  114  of the container body  104  and depends downward overlapping a portion of the adjacent sides of the container body  104 . 
     The sealing flange  132  and reinforcing skirt  170  form a receiving channel  172  therebetween. The receiving channel  172  axially receives the top end of the annular sidewall  110  of the container body  104 . More particularly, it receives a portion of the top flange  114  of sides  123 ,  125  and  129  of the container body  104 , when the container  100  is in the closed position. 
     The catch segment  122  is formed as a nib extending radially inward from an inner surface of the reinforcing skirt  160  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The main body  130  includes a seat portion  143  that is radially between the sealing flange  132  and reinforcing skirt  170 . The seat portion  143  forms the bottom of receiving channel  172 . The shape and configuration of this portion of the main body is configured to promote improved sealing of the container lid  102  to the container body  104  as will be further described below. 
     The container lid  102  is designed to provide an improved seal and seat with the container body  104 . The applicants of the present application have determined that problems occur when securing a container lid to a container body using clasps or catch arrangements such as that of the instant invention. When the clasp or catch arrangement is in the middle of a side, the corners of the lid will tend to lift away from the container body creating a leak path. Further, in some embodiments, when the catch or clasps are only on the front side of the lid (i.e. the side opposite the living hinge), the lid may bow axially away from the lateral sides extending between the front and rear sides such that the container lid does not seat well on the top surface of those lateral sides. The present invention has been configured to improve the seal and seat between the container lid  102  and container body  104 , such that in one embodiment a water tight seal is provided, as will now be explained. As used herein, a water tight seal is provided when the container can be filled with water, turned upside down, and placed resting on the container lid  102  and the container  100  does not leak water. 
     The main body  130  of the present invention is pre-curved when the container lid  102  is in the open position. However, when the container lid  102  is in the closed position, the main body  130  is substantially planar. The particular portion of the main body that transitions from this pre-curved arrangement to a substantially planar arrangement is the portion of the main body adjacent the sealing flange  132  and at least the seat portion  143  of the main body  130  that is radially outward of the sealing flange  132  that is axially biased against the top surface  114  of the container body  104  in the closed position. It should be noted that some deviation is permitted from being perfectly planar, however, in the closed position, this seat portion  143  will be, at least, more planar than it was in the open position. 
     Thus, as the container lid  102  transitions from being fully open (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) to a fully closed position (see  FIG. 2 ), the container lid  102 , and particularly the relevant portions thereof, can be seen as “unrolling” to a more planar arrangement. 
     The pre-curvature of the front portion  144  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4-8 . Because the reinforcing skirt  170  has a constant height H 2  (see  FIG. 4 ) from seat portion  143 , the curvature of distal end of the reinforcing skirt  170  will follow the curvature of seat portion  143 . Further, the curvature of seat portion  143  can be seen when comparing the various distances D 2  of the seat portion from reference plane  153 . Reference plane  153  is defined by a plane that is parallel to living hinge  106  but that passes through the intersection of the base portions  137  of the sealing flange  132  and the seat portion  143 . Further, the plane includes the two points at the midpoint of the front portion  144  of the seat portion  143  and the rear portion of the seat portion  143 . Both of these points would be on line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 12 . 
     The seat portion  143  is pre-curved in two separate directions. A front portion  144  of the main body  130  is curved such that the corner portions  146 ,  148  are vertically upward relative to the center portion  150  thereof proximate the catch  122 . Vertically upward is a relative term used based on the orientation in  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the container lid  102  in an open position. In  FIG. 7 , the illustration of corners  146 ,  148  is downward; however, the lid  102  is illustrated in a closed orientation relative to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . But, as can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the front of the container lid  102  varies relative to reference plane  153  when traveling from side to side of the container lid  102 . 
     In this arrangement, seat portion  143  of bottom surface  120  is generally concave when extending laterally from side to side from one corner portion  146  to the other corner portion  148 . This concave profile causes the two corner portions  146 ,  148  to be biased into the corresponding corner locations of the top surface  116  of the container body  104  when the container lid  102  is in the closed position relative to the container body  104 . The catch  122  of the container lid  102  provides the force biasing the curved portions of the container lid  102  into the top surface  116 . 
     This curved profile can also be seen by  FIG. 5 , wherein a top surface  152  of the main body  130  is visible from a side profile view (see  FIG. 8 ) of the container lid  102 . 
     In this configuration, when the catch  122  snap engages radially extending top flange  114  to secure the container lid  102  in the closed position, the center portion  150  of the main body  130  is drawn down onto the top surface  116  of the container body  104  after the corner portions  146 ,  148  contact top surface  116 . This biases the corner portions  146 ,  148  into the top surface  116  causing the corner portions  146 ,  148  to flex relative to center portion  150  such that the seat portion  143  of the front portion  144  becomes more planar. 
     The seat portion  143  of a rear portion  156  of the container lid has a similar concave profile, but to a lesser extent. The portion of the seat portion  143  directly adjacent the living hinge  106  is substantially straight. Only corner portions  158 ,  160  are curved providing the concave shape. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 8 , not only are the front and rear portions  144 ,  156  of the container lid  102  curved extending from lateral side to lateral side, the container lid  102  and more particularly main body  130  is pre-curved in the open position from the rear portion  156  (i.e. proximate rear corners  158 ,  160  and living hinge  106 ) to the front portion  144  (i.e. proximate front corners  146 ,  148 ). This curvature is convex, i.e. opposite of the curvature from one side to side. More particularly, when transitioning from the one front corner  146 ,  148  to a rear corner  158 ,  160  on the same lateral side, the top surface  152  is generally concave and the bottom surface formed by seat portion  143  is generally convex. Again, this concavity is at least present on the portion of the top surface that is radially outward from sealing flange  132 . 
     This curvature assists in maintaining the middle of lateral side portions  162 ,  164  (see  FIG. 9 ) of the container lid  102  and more particularly the main body  130  axially seated against top surface  116  in the closed position. 
     As the container lid  102  closes relative to the container body  104 , the middle of lateral side portions  162 ,  164  will seat onto the top surface  116  prior to corner portions  144 ,  146 . Consequently, the middle portion of the lateral sides portion  162 ,  164  will contact top surface  116  prior to the catch  122  engages radially extending top flange  114 . When the container lid  102  closes, it can almost be viewed as if the container lid  102  is “un-rolling.” 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the container lid in an open state right as it begins to close.  FIG. 10  illustrates when the seat portion  143  has begun to rest on the top surface  116  of top flange  114  proximate living hinge  106 . As the container lid  102  closes relative to container body  104 , the rear portions of the container lid  102  and container body  104  will contact first. This is illustrated in  FIG. 10  as the front portion  144  of the container lid  102  is lifted off of top surface  116  of top flange  114  while the rear portion  156  of the container lid  102  is pressed axially into top surface  116 . In one embodiment, the container lid  102  will be open at an angle α of between about 5 and 20 degrees when the rear portion of the seat portion  143  adjacent living hinge  106  is seated against top surface  116 . This angle α is defined between the top surface  116  of the top flange  114  and an theoretical plane  153  defined by the intersection of the base  137  of the sealing flange  132  adjacent the living hinge and the center point  150  of the front portion  144  at the base  137  of the sealing flange  132 . 
     It can be seen that the combination of curves formed into the container lid  102  will promote improved seating of the seat portion  143  of bottom surface  120  onto top surface  116  at all locations and particularly those locations that are not directly adjacent to one or more catches  122 . 
     For completeness, other embodiments may use latches at different locations such as at the corners (i.e. corners  146 ,  148  rather than the middle portion  150 . In this instance, the front curvature would be the opposite such that the middle portion would contact the top of the container body before the portions with the latches. This is because the latches would be used to pull the corners down tight after the free portions to the container lid were biased into the top of the container body  104 . 
     In general it can be seen that embodiments of instant invention relates to pre-curving the main body of the container lid such that the portions that are not adjacent to a catch arrangement contact the top surface of the container body prior to the main body proximate the catches being biased against the top surface. This causes an improved axial seat of the bottom surface of the main body of the container lid onto the container body. 
     A further feature of embodiments of the present invention relate to the bowed side portions of the portion of the sealing flange  132  adjacent side portions  162 ,  164  (i.e. the portions extending between the front portion  144  and rear portion  156  between the corresponding corners  146 ,  158  and  148 ,  160 ). By having the sealing flange bowed radially outward, as the main body  130 , and consequently sealing flange  132 , flattens during the closing operation, the bowed side portions of sealing flange  132  will want to deform radially outward forcing them into increased engagement with the inner surface of the sides  123 ,  125  of annular sidewall  110  of the container body  104 . By having the sealing flange  132  bowed radially outward, the construction of the sealing flange predetermines the direction of deformation for these portions of the sealing flange  132  during the closing operation. 
     In one embodiment, as the container lid  102  transitions from the open position to the closed position, the center portions  180 ,  182  of the opposed sides (see  FIGS. 4 and 13 ) are biased radially away from one another. In one embodiment, if the container lid  102  were transitioned to the open position without being installed into the annular wall  110  of the container body  104 , the distance D measured at center points  180 ,  182  of sides  162 ,  164  would increase by between about approximately 0.001% and 0.01%. In one embodiment, the incremental increase in distance D is between about 0.005 and 0.020 inches. However depending on the length of the side portions  162 ,  164  the absolute amount of flexure radially outward will vary. Notably, this amount of deviation in distance D may vary depending on the size of the container and the angle α discussed above. 
     In one particular embodiment, all portions of the sealing flange are on the same side of or included in the reference plane  153 . 
     The container lid  102  and container body  104  include stacking channels for promoting stackability of containers  100  when they are in the closed condition. Other embodiments may not include these features. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 15-24 , a further embodiment of the container  100  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the container  100  incorporates at least one, and preferably, a plurality of projections in the form of detents  202  arranged along the skirt  170 . The detents  202  provide for additional seal integrity between the container lid  102  and container body  104  (see  FIG. 1 ) by resiliently engaging the radially extending top flange  114 . Additionally, and as will be further detailed below, the detents  202  also allow for the container  102  to remain partially open in a generally controlled manner for venting and other purposes. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , the detents  202  are arranged symmetrically about center line  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are six detents  202  present on the skirt  170 . However, it is recognized that fewer or more detents  202  can be present. Additionally, the detents  202  can be arranged in an asymmetrical fashion about the skirt  170  in other embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , the detents  202  project radially inward from an inner surface  204  of the skirt  170  into the receiving channel  172  formed between the skirt  170  and the sealing flange  132 . As illustrated, the detents  202  are generally dome-shaped, however, other structures are contemplated, e.g. tabs, ramp-structures, etc. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17 , each detent  202  is positioned along the inner surface  204  such that it is generally spaced apart from a distal end  206  of the skirt  170  as illustrated. However, it will be recognized that the detents  202  can be positioned at different locations along the inner surface  204  in other embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 18 , when the detents  202  are positioned above the flange  114  as illustrated, the lid  102  can freely move relative to the container body  104 . However, it is possible to selectively position certain ones of the plurality of detents  202  above the flange  114 , and position certain other ones of the plurality of detents below the flange  114  to partially open the container  100 . In such a configuration, the lid  102  will be partially constrained relative to the body  104 . 
     As the lid  102  moves in direction  208 , the detents  202  positioned above the flange  114  will come into contact therewith. With reference to  FIG. 19 , once these detents  202  contact the flange, the skirt  170  will elastically flex radially away from the flange  114  to allow the lid  102 , and particularly the detents  202 , to move axially relative to the flange  114 . With reference to  FIG. 20 , once the detents  202  move past the flange  114 , the seat  143  will contact the top surface  116  of the flange  114  as illustrated, and the skirt  170  will elastically return to its original configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , when the detents  202  are positioned below the flange  114 , there is a slight clearance gap  212  therebetween. It is recognized that in other embodiments, the clearance gap  212  can be larger, or omitted entirely such that the detents  202  rest against a bottom surface of the flange  114 . 
     Further, when the detents  202  move below the flange, a tactile and audible response is provided in the form of a snapping noise. This response provides an indication that the detents  202  are positioned below the flange. 
       FIGS. 21-24  illustrate various configurations of the lid  102  relative to the body  104 . In  FIG. 21 , the container  100  is illustrated in an open position. By “open” it is meant that none of the detents  202  are positioned below the flange  114 . In this configuration, the lid  102  is free to move relative to the body  104 . 
     In  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the container  100  is illustrated in an intermediate position. By intermediate it is meant that at least one detent  202  is positioned below the flange  114 . Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the detents  202  (see also  FIG. 15 ), typically aligned pairs of detents  202  in opposed spaced relation to one another are positioned above or below the flange  114  simultaneously. However, it is possible to selectively position each detent  202  relative to the flange  114  independently of each other detent  202 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 23 , only the detents  202  closest to the latch segment  122  remain positioned above the flange  114 . This partially open configuration is ideal for the heating of food items within the container  100  that require venting for proper heating. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 24 , the container  100  is illustrated in a closed configuration. By “closed” it is meant that all of the detents  202  are positioned below the flange  114 . In this configuration, the lid  102 , and more particularly the sealing flange  132  (see  FIG. 1 ) fully seals against the container body  104  as described above. The positioning of the detents  202  reduces the likelihood that the seal formed between the lid  102  and the body  104  will be inadvertently broken in the event the container  104  is dropped or otherwise subjected to an impact loading. 
       FIGS. 25-38  illustrate three additional embodiments of the above described container  100 . Each of these embodiments can employ the same dimensional and material specifications and can include each of the above described features.  FIGS. 25-28  illustrate a container  300  particularly suited for (but not limited to) carrying ammunition such as shotgun shells.  FIGS. 29-24  illustrate a container  400  particularly suited for (but not limited to) carrying food items such as salad and a salad dressing.  FIGS. 35-38  illustrate a container  500  particularly suited for (but not limited to) carrying sanitary items such as wet wipes or the like. 
     In  FIG. 25 , a container  300  is illustrated. The container  300  includes a lid  302  and a body  304 . A living hinge  306  connects the lid  302  to the body  304  such that the container  300  is manufactured as a one piece construction, similar to that described above.  FIG. 26  illustrates a side cross section of the container  300 . The body  304  includes an annular sidewall portion  310  that extends upwardly from a bottom portion  312  of the body  304 . The sidewall portion  310  terminates in a top flange  314 . As will be described in greater detail below, the container body  304 , and more particularly the sidewall portion  310  forms a portion of a sealing arrangement  318  formed at a terminal end of the sidewall portion  310 . 
     A carrying feature  308  is formed in the bottom portion  312  of the container body  304 . The carrying feature  308  aids in carrying a plurality of ammunition illustrated in the form of shotgun shells  326  in a neat and organized fashion. The particular container illustrated is designed to carry 12 gauge shotgun shells  326 . Additionally, the overall internal dimensions of the cavity of the container are such that they can carry a typical box of 12 gauge shells, i.e. 25 shells. Further, the cavity is dimensions such that the shells may be carried loosely as illustrated, or the entire box of shells can be carried therein. However, it will be readily recognized that the dimensions of the carrying feature  308  as well as the cavity can be modified to accommodate different sizes of ammunition and is not necessarily limited to that illustrated. 
     The lid  302  includes a downwardly depending reinforcing skirt  370  similar to skirt  170  described above. A catch segment  322  is formed on an interior side of the skirt  370  to resiliently interact with the top flange  314  formed in the body  304  to close the container via a snap connection. The lid  302  also includes a sealing flange  332  depending downwardly from an internal side of the lid  302 . The sealing flange  332  is similar to flange  132  described above. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a partial magnified view of the sealing arrangement  318  formed by the sealing flange  332  and a sealing chamfer  324  formed adjacent the terminal end of the sidewall portion  310  of the body  304 . As illustrated, the sealing chamfer  324  provides an angled surface that is not co-planer with the remainder of the interior surface of the container body. This chamfered surface provided by sealing chamfer  324  allows for the close sliding engagement of the variable width sealing flange  332  as illustrated. It will be recognized that the sealing chamfer  324  will be angled relative to the remainder of the internal surface of the body  304  at a variety of angles dependent upon the shape of the sealing flange  332 . In operation, the sealing flange  332  slidingly engages the sealing chamfer  324  when closing the lid  302  upon the body  304 . Such operation provides for an enhanced seal substantially reducing or preventing entirely the ingress of material into the internal cavity of the container  300 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a front cross section of the container  300 . In this illustration, the carrying feature  308  is illustrated as an undulating surface having regularly spaced undulations thereon presenting a plurality of peaks and valleys. The valleys receive a portion of the outer periphery of the shells  326  as shown, while the peaks maintain spacing between adjacent rows of shells  326 . It will be recognized that the carrying feature  308  thus maintains the shells  326  in a neat and organized fashion within the container  300 . 
       FIGS. 29-34  illustrate another embodiment of a container  400 . This embodiment can equally employ the dimensional and material characteristics of the containers described above. With particular reference to  FIG. 29 , the container  400  includes a lid  402  and a body  404 . A lidding hinge  406  joins the lid  402  to the body  404  such that the container is manufactured as a one piece construction. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates the container  400  in an open configuration. The body  404  is generally rectangular in shape. The body can also include, but is not required to include, a sealing chamfer  424  to enhance the sealing capabilities of the container  400  as described above relative to sealing chamfer  324 . 
     The lid  402  includes a downwardly depending skirt  470 . A catch segment  422  is provided internally on the skirt  470  for resiliently engaging a top flange  414  formed at a terminal end of the body  404 . The lid  402  also includes a sealing flange  432  for sealingly engaging an internal surface of the body  404 , or sealingly engaging a sealing chamfer  424  formed at the terminal end of the body  404  when so provided. 
     The container  400  also includes a carrying feature  408  formed by detents  408   a  depending upward from a bottom wall of the container body  404  and a sealing ring  408   b  depending downwardly from an internal surface of the lid  402 . The carrying feature  408  formed by detents  408   a  and sealing ring are dimensioned to constrain a cup  426  within the container  400 . The cup  426  in operation can provide a means for carrying a food condiment such as salad dressing to be associated with a food such as salad carried by the container  400 . 
       FIG. 31  illustrates the above described carrying feature  408  in greater detail. As can be seen in this view, the cup  426  is resiliently constrained to the bottom of the container body  404  by way of the detents  408   a . The sealing ring  408   b  is positioned internally within the upper edge of the sidewall of the cup  426 . As such, and when the container  400  is closed, the sealing ring  408   b  prevents leakage of the condiment carried within the cup  426  into the remainder of the internal cavity of the container  400 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates the detents  408   a  engaging a bottom portion of the cup  426  in greater detail. As shown in this view, the bottom portion of the cup  426  includes radially outwardly projecting detents, which are configured to interact with the detents  408   a  by way of a twist and turn connection.  FIG. 33  illustrates the interaction of the sealing ring  408   b  with the internal surface of the cup  426 . As shown, the sealing ring  408   b  interacts with the internal surface of the cup  426  in a similar manner as sealing flange  432  interacts with the internal surface of the container body  404 . As will be recognized, this twist and turn configuration allows the cup  426  to be removed from the container  400  to allow for filling or emptying of the contents of the cup  426 . 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a magnified view of the interaction between the sealing flange  432  and the sealing chamfer  424 . As described above, the container body  404  can incorporate an angled sealing chamfer  424  as described above relative to sealing chamfer  324 , or the container body  404  can omit a sealing chamfer  424  entirely and nevertheless, provide for sealing engagement with the sealing flange  432 . 
       FIGS. 35-38  illustrate another embodiment of a container  500  particularly suited for (but not limited to) carrying sanitary items such as wet wipes or the like. AS illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the container  500  includes a lid  502  and a body  504 . The lid  502  is joined to the body  504  by a living hinge  506 . With reference to  FIG. 36 , the body  504  also includes a carrying feature in the form of an upwardly extending skirt  508 , which defines an internal carrying region  554 . The carrying region  554  is particularly suited for carrying a stack of folded or non-folded sanitary items such as a stack of tissue or the like. 
     The lid  502  incorporates a skirt  570  as well as a sealing flange  532  that function in a same or similar manner as the sealing flanges or skirts described above. The lid  502  also includes a catch segment  522  configured to snapidly engage a top flange  514  formed on the body  504  when the container  500  is in a closed position. 
       FIG. 37  illustrates a front cross section of the container  500  and more particularly the carrying region  554 . The carrying region  554  is generally cordoned off from a remainder of the internal cavity of the container  500 . The outer side of the upwardly depending skirt  508  is supported by a plurality of a support ribs  534  to enhance the strength thereof. Although not illustrated, the internal side of the lid  502  can also incorporate an additional sealing flange that sealingly engages an internal side of the skirt  508  to sealingly enclose the carrying region  554 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 38 . The interaction between the sealing flange  532  and the internal side of the container body  504  is illustrated in greater detail. As can be seen in this view, the container body  504  can include a sealing chamfer  524  similar to sealing chamfer  324  described above. This sealing chamfer  524  sealingly engages the sealing flange  532  in a like manner as described above relative to the interaction between sealing chamfer  324  and sealing flange  332 . As also shown at  FIG. 38 , the terminal end of the skirt  508  is higher than the top face of the flange  514  such that it is configured to receive a removable film seal (e.g. an RF or heat seal) once wet wipes have been placed within the carrying region  354 . As a result, the wipes will be preserved until the seal is removed. Once this seal is removed, however, the container  500 , and more particularly the sealing flange  532  and sealing chamfer  532  will continue to provide a seal for the wipes. Thus, the film seal operates as a shelf life seal that preserves the integrity of the wet wipes prior to first use, and the seal by the container is a usage seal, preserving the integrity of the wet wipes once the film has been removed from skirt  508 . As such, the container  500  thus provides a double seal that advantageously preserves the integrity of the wipes therein for substantially longer than existing designs. 
     The carrying features  308 ,  408 ,  508  described above advantageously provide a means for receiving and positioning an article carried within their respective containers  300 ,  400 ,  500  in a fixed location. By fixed location, it is meant that the article is substantially constrained within the internal cavity of the container  300 ,  400 ,  500 . In the case of a shotgun shell  326 , the same is received by the undulations of the carrying feature  308  such that the same is not free to readily roll within the container  300 . In the context of the cup  426 , the same is constrained within the internal cavity of the container  400  such that the same is not free to move within the internal cavity of the container  400  when the container  400  is in the open or the closed position. In the context of the sanitary items carried by the container  500 , the same are constrained within the carrying region  554  within the internal cavity of the container  500 . 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.