US20200255191A1 - Tamper evident lid - Google Patents
Tamper evident lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200255191A1 US20200255191A1 US16/790,506 US202016790506A US2020255191A1 US 20200255191 A1 US20200255191 A1 US 20200255191A1 US 202016790506 A US202016790506 A US 202016790506A US 2020255191 A1 US2020255191 A1 US 2020255191A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- locking component
- sidewall
- void space
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
- B65D43/0262—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container leaving only an outside friction after removal of the tamper element
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0277—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by rotation before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0283—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by rotation before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00027—Stackable lids or covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00231—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces
- B65D2543/0024—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces two pieces, one forming at least the whole skirt, the other forming at least the whole upper part
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00268—Paper
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00527—NO contact
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00759—Flange or lip
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to lids for containers and particularly to an improved tamper evident lid, which in addition to providing evidence of tampering, also prevents spillage or leakage of contents.
- Tamper evident lids are often used to enclose and secure containers for food items and other contents. These lids incorporate locking features that restrict the ability to remove the lid from the container without deforming the lid or providing evidence of tampering.
- One problem with current tamper evident lids is that they do not provide an effective seal around the perimeter of the container opening and thereby allow excess contents within the container to leak out or otherwise exit the container through the lid. This is in part due to the fact that the tamper evident locking features in current tamper evident lids form gaps and spaces extending from the interior of the lid and through the outer sidewall.
- FIG. 1 provides an illustration of the leaking problem for the tamper evident lids existing in the prior art. As shown, the contents within the container (such as ice cream) can easily leak or ooze out of the locking features in the tamper evident lid due to the gaps and spaces extending from the interior of the lid and through the outer sidewall.
- the present invention is directed generally to an improved tamper evident lid for containers, including without limitation, containers for holding ice creams, dairy products and other food products and consumables.
- the improved tamper evident lid may provide a solution for securely covering a top end of a container with tamper evident indicators that indicate whether the lid has been previously removed from the container.
- the tamper evident lid may include an annular sidewall and cover portion connected to the annular sidewall to create an enclosed upper end of the lid.
- the annular sidewall may include an upper sidewall section and a lower sidewall section connected together along a weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall.
- the weakened portion may be constructed as an indention or gap defined partially through the sidewall to create a line of weakness between the upper and lower sidewall sections.
- the lid may include one or more locking components that are provided on the interior of the annular sidewall and circumferentially spaced around the lid.
- the locking components can operate in connection with the weakened portion of the lid to indicate whether the lid has been removed or attempted to be removed from the container or otherwise tampered with after being secured thereon.
- the locking components may include an inward projecting wall that extends radially inward from the interior surface of the lower sidewall section and a top wall that extends from the projecting wall back toward the interior surface of the sidewall.
- the projecting wall and top wall can operate as a continuous structure that extends the entire length of the locking component and encloses the locking component to separate the interior of the lid.
- the lid may include a void space opposite each locking component, where each void space may be configured as a gap or partial opening extending through the annular sidewall and defined by the projecting wall and top wall of the locking component.
- the top wall of the locking component may extend to and connect to the interior surface of the upper sidewall section bottom edge to completely enclose the void space along the interior of the sidewall, which may restrict contents within the container from exiting, oozing or leaking through the locking components when the lid is secured on the container.
- the void space may be configured as a continuously uninterrupted open space extending into annular sidewall and enclosed along the interior by the projecting wall and the top wall of the locking component.
- the void spaces may be generally aligned with and integral with the weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall to provide a continuous line of weakness around the lid.
- the connecting edge that connects the upper wall of the locking component to the upper sidewall section may further function as a line of weakness coextensive with the weakened portion extending around the sidewall.
- the lid may include a pair of ribs provided on the interior surface of the sidewall adjacent to each locking components.
- Each rib may be configured as a vertically oriented protrusion located near each end of the locking components.
- the ribs may be configured to facilitate aligning and stacking the lid with additional lids.
- the lid can be placed on a container so that the locking components engage the upper rim of the container and be secured underneath upper rim. Once engaged, the lid is restricted from being removed from the container without deforming the annular sidewall and providing evidence of tampering.
- Each locking component may be configured to restrict the lid from being removed from the container without pulling or bending the lower sidewall section.
- the weakened portion provides a line of weakness around the circumference of the annular sidewall such that if the sidewall is pulled away from the container to allow the locking components to be lifted over the container upper rim, the annular sidewall may deform or tear along the weakened portion to provide a visual indication of tampering.
- FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a container with a tamper evident lid as known in the prior art illustrating the leaking problem common with such tamper evidence lids;
- FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a tamper evident lid for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top perspective sectional view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 taken along line 6 ′- 6 ′ in FIG. 4 , illustrating the interior of the lid and the locking components provided on the interior of the lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 , illustrating the construction of the annular sidewall of the lid at line 7 ′- 7 ′ in FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 , illustrating the construction of the annular sidewall and corresponding locking component of the lid at line 8 ′- 8 ′ in FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid of FIG. 2 illustrating the lid placed onto a container and the locking component engaging the container rim in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 10 is a partial interior perspective view of a locking component for a tamper evident lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a partial exterior perspective view of the locking component of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a partial interior cross-sectional perspective view of the locking component of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a partial exterior cross-sectional perspective view of the locking component of FIG. 10 .
- the present invention is directed to a tamper evident lid 10 for use with containers, including without limitation, containers for holding ice creams, dairy products and other food products and consumables.
- Lid 10 may be configured for placement over the open end of a container and secured around the container's top rim so as to cover the container opening and prevent the removal of lid 10 without evidence of tampering.
- lid 10 may be secured over the upper rim of a container and include a tamper-evident feature that snaps underneath the rim in accordance with conventional tamper-evident lids to restrict the removal of lid 10 without permanent deformation of lid 10 , which may indicate evidence of tampering.
- lid 10 of the present invention can include a construction with an improved seal design that can limit excess contents within the container from leaking out or exiting through the lid.
- tamper-evident lid 10 may include an annular sidewall 12 and a cover portion 14 .
- Annular sidewall 12 may be configured as a generally vertically oriented circumferential wall defining the outer perimeter of lid 10 .
- Annular sidewall 12 may further be configured to generally conform to the round, oval, rectangular, or other shape of the upper end of the container to which lid 10 is used.
- annular sidewall 12 may include an upper sidewall section 16 and a lower sidewall section 18 .
- Annular sidewall 12 may also include weakened portion or residual line 20 extending generally horizontally around the circumference of annular sidewall 12 that may segment, break, or otherwise provide a distinction of annular sidewall 12 into its upper and lower sidewall sections 16 and 18 .
- Weakened portion 20 may be positioned between the top end of lower sidewall section 18 and the bottom end of upper sidewall section 16 and connect lower sidewall section 18 to upper sidewall section 16 .
- weakened portion 20 may be configured as a reduced thickness region of annular sidewall 12 (as shown in the figures) or as any other suitable means for creating a circumferential line of weakness having a reduced strength relative to the remainder of annular sidewall 12 .
- weakened portion 20 may further comprise a visual tamper evident indication, to provide visual proof if lid 10 has been, or has been attempted to be, removed.
- the tamper evident indication may be without limitation discoloration, disfigurement, bending, breaks, or other visual indicators known in the art.
- cover portion 14 may be configured with a disc-type shape that spans across the interior of lid 10 and may be secured to upper sidewall section 16 using any suitable means. It will be appreciated that cover portion 14 may be configured with alternate shapes to conform to alternate shapes of a container including without limitation oval, triangular, rectangular, or other desired shapes. Cover portion 14 may be constructed from paperboard, lined paperboard, plastic or any other suitable material depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention and application of lid 10 . Cover portion 14 may be configured to enclose the top end opening of the container when lid 10 is secured onto the container and restrict the spillage, leakage, or otherwise removal of contents from the container.
- lid 10 may include one or more locking components 22 provided on annular sidewall 12 and circumferentially spaced around lid 10 .
- Locking components 22 can operate in connection with weakened portion 20 to indicate whether lid 10 has been removed or attempted to be removed from the container after being secured thereon as described in greater detail below.
- FIG. 6 illustrates lid 10 according to one embodiment with five circumferentially spaced locking components 22 ; however, it is recognized that any number of desired locking components 22 may be utilized in various embodiments of the present invention.
- the one or more locking components 22 may be configured to snap under or otherwise lock beneath the upper rim of a container and restrict the removal of lid 10 from the container (see FIG. 9 ). It will be appreciated that lid 10 may utilize a snapping method of securing to container; however, any other suitable method of securing or attaching lid 10 may also be used, including a twisting, or screwing method of attachment.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 provide schematic sectional views of lid 10 illustrating the configuration and arrangement of annular sidewall 12 and cover portion 14 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- upper sidewall section 16 may include an annular ridge or projection 24 that extends circumferentially around the upper end of annular sidewall 12 and projects slightly inward toward the interior of lid 10 .
- the inward projection of annular projection 24 can create a ledge or engaging surface 26 to which cover portion 14 may be secured.
- Beneath annular projection 24 upper sidewall section 16 may extend downward and include one or more protrusions or ridges 28 extending circumferentially around the inner surface of upper sidewall section 16 . Ridges 28 may be configured to engage the upper rim of a container when lid 10 is secured onto the container.
- Upper sidewall section 16 may then terminate at a bottom edge 30 defined by weakened portion 20 extending around the circumference of annular sidewall 12 .
- weakened portion 20 may not extend completely through the thickness or width of annular sidewall 12 and as a result, bottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 may be partially connected to an upper edge 34 of lower sidewall section 18 toward the interior portion of annular sidewall 12 .
- weakened portion may be configured as an indention or gap defined into and partially through annular sidewall 12 to create a line of weakness circumferentially around annular sidewall 12 and between upper sidewall section 16 and lower sidewall section 18 .
- the weakened portion 20 may be perforated or be of various thicknesses and/or widths.
- upper sidewall section 16 may further include an inwardly projecting lip 32 that may be configured to engage the lower portion of a container upper rim 102 (see also FIG. 9 ). As further illustrated in FIG. 7 , inwardly projecting lip 32 may be spaced slightly above bottom edge 30 and project inward from annular sidewall 12 toward the interior of lid 10 .
- upper and lower sidewall sections 16 and 18 may be integrally connected to one another by a portion of annular sidewall 12 located laterally adjacent to weakened portion 20 on the interior of annular sidewall 12 , but can otherwise remain spatially separated from one another by means of weakened portion 20 .
- lower sidewall section 18 may include an upper edge 34 that connects to bottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 along the interior of annular sidewall 12 via weakened portion 20 .
- Weakened portion 20 may further spatially separate upper edge 34 (of lower sidewall section 18 ) and bottom edge 30 (of upper sidewall section 16 ) toward the outer portion of annular sidewall 12 and function to separate annular sidewall 12 into upper and lower sidewall sections 16 and 18 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- Beneath upper edge 34 (and weakened portion 20 ) lower sidewall section 18 may extend downward toward to a bottom terminal edge 36 .
- lower sidewall section 18 may include an inner surface 38 that extends from bottom terminal edge 36 to upper edge 34 of lower sidewall section 18 and bottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 .
- FIG. 8 provides a schematic sectional view of annular sidewall 12 of lid 10 illustrating the configuration and arrangement of one of the locking components 22 provided on the interior of annular sidewall 12 .
- lid 10 may have one or more locking components 22 depending on the particular embodiment, and it will be appreciated that lid 10 may include a plurality of locking components 22 (see FIG. 6 ).
- locking components 22 may be positioned on inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 in a circumferentially-spaced arrangement (see also FIG. 6 ).
- each locking component 22 can project inwardly and angularly away from inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 and into the interior of lid 10 .
- each locking component 22 may further include visual indicators of tampering. The tamper evident indication may be without limitation discoloration, disfigurement, deformation, bending, breaks, cracks, or other visual indicators known in the art.
- each locking component 22 can include a projecting surface wall 40 extending inward from inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 and an upper or top wall 42 connected to projecting wall 40 and extending outward back toward annular sidewall 12 .
- projecting wall 40 may have an angled/sloped surface that extends from inner surface 38 at an upward angle and top wall 42 may extend generally horizontally outward from the terminal edge of projecting wall 40 back toward inner surface 38 and annular sidewall 12 .
- projecting surface wall 40 may alternatively extend generally horizontally away from inner surface 38 and then upward in a general vertical arrangement in certain embodiments.
- Locking component 22 and projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 may also have any other suitable configuration, including without limitation, a rounded, rectangular or other suitable shape depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention.
- top wall or membrane 42 may alternatively have a slightly angled configuration while extending from projecting surface wall 40 back toward sidewall 12 .
- Both projecting surface wall 40 and top wall 42 may comprise a solid structure lacking gaps, holes, or other spacing which may prevent the leaking, oozing or spillage of contents from the container.
- both projecting surface wall 40 and top wall 42 may form a continuous enclosure that encloses the interior of annular sidewall 12 around the space or gap formed between upper sidewall section 16 and lower sidewall section 18 and the weakened portion 20 formed therebetween.
- top wall 42 may extend away from projecting wall 40 back toward the inner surface of annular sidewall 12 to define an enclosed upper boundary of locking component 22 .
- Top wall 42 may further be configured as a continuous top wall that extends the entire length of locking component 22 to separate the interior space within lid 10 from the exterior environment around lid 10 .
- locking component 22 may connect to both lower sidewall section 18 and upper sidewall section 16 .
- Projecting wall 40 may extend away from inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 in a radially inward orientation and top wall 42 may extend away from projecting wall toward the inner surface of upper sidewall section 16 adjacent bottom edge 30 .
- upper sidewall section 16 may have an increased thickness at its lower end (between bottom edge 30 and lip 32 ) that extends into the interior of lid 10 . This increased thickness can form an inward projection 44 along the interior of upper sidewall section 16 immediately above locking component 22 .
- FIG. 8 shows that has an increased thickness at its lower end (between bottom edge 30 and lip 32 ) that extends into the interior of lid 10 . This increased thickness can form an inward projection 44 along the interior of upper sidewall section 16 immediately above locking component 22 .
- top wall 42 may connect to inward projection 44 at a connecting edge 45 between the lateral ends of locking component 22 (top wall 42 may also connect to lower sidewall section 18 along its upper edge 34 at the ends of locking component 22 ).
- Connecting edge 45 may extend along the entire length of locking component 22 (and top wall 42 ) in order to separate the interior of lid 10 from its exterior.
- Connecting edge 45 may also be generally aligned with weakened portion 20 extending circumferentially around annular sidewall 12 and may operate as a continued line of weakness around annular sidewall 12 along with weakened portion 20 .
- annular sidewall 12 may include at least one rib or bar 46 located on the interior surface of the annular sidewall 12 and adjacent to an end portion of each locking component 22 .
- annular sidewall 12 may include a pair of ribs or bars 46 provided adjacent to each lateral end of each locking component 22 .
- Ribs 46 may be utilized to assist in aligning lid 10 when stacked or nested with a second or lower lid 10 by engaging with annular upper ridge 24 of a second or lower lid 10 .
- the ribs 46 are configured to facilitate the stacking of the lid 10 with another second lid 10 by engaging an annular projection of said second lid 10 .
- ribs 46 may be vertically orientated and provided on the inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 . Ribs 46 may also be slightly spaced away from locking components 22 and not directly connected to locking components 22 . In one embodiment, ribs 46 and annular upper ridge 24 are shaped and positioned such that the ribs 46 of a first or upper lid 10 engage the chamfered, angled or sloped surface 50 of the annular upper ridge 24 of a second or lower lid 10 .
- lid 10 may include a void space 48 extending into an exterior surface of annular sidewall 12 that corresponds to each locking component 22 .
- each void space 48 may be defined into the outer surface of lower sidewall section 18 that is aligned with and corresponds to a locking component 22 .
- void space 48 may also be generally aligned and be integral with the circumferential, weakened portion 20 extending circumferentially around annular sidewall 12 .
- Void space 48 may extend through lower sidewall section 18 and into locking component 22 and may form a larger gap or spacing into sidewall 12 relative to the height/width of weakened portion 20 .
- void space 48 may have a width greater than the width of the adjacent weakened portion 20 .
- the upper and interior boundary of void space 48 may be defined by bottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 (toward the exterior of annular sidewall 12 ) and by projecting surface wall 40 and top wall 42 of locking component 22 (toward the interior of annular sidewall 12 ) so that void space 48 is isolated from the interior of lid 10 .
- Top wall 42 of locking component 22 may extend to and connect to bottom edge 30 (via inward projection 44 and connecting edge 45 ) to completely enclose void space 48 or seal an inner portion thereof along locking component 22 and separate void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 .
- Void space 48 may further be constructed as a continuously uninterrupted space defined into or through the exterior surface of lower sidewall section 18 (and annular sidewall 12 ) and enclosed along its interior by projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 of locking component 22 .
- voice space 48 may be without any obstructions within the open space formed into annular sidewall 12 along the entire length of voice space 48 .
- void space 48 may be without any braces or supports (or other obstructions) extending vertically at intermediate positions along the length of void space 48 and its corresponding locking component 22 .
- void space 48 may correspond in location to a locking component 22 located along the annular sidewall 12 .
- the surface wall 40 and top wall 42 of locking component 22 may act as an enclosed upper boundary of void space 48 along the interior of sidewall 12 .
- top wall 42 of locking component 22 can be configured as a continuous wall or thin membrane that seals or encloses or otherwise prevents direct exposure of the void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 and can prevent any contents within the container from spilling, oozing, or leaking out through locking components 22 , thereby separating the void space 48 from the interior of the lid 10 .
- connecting edge 45 that connects top wall 42 of locking component 22 to upper sidewall section 16 can function to provide a continuous connection along the upper boundary of void space 48 .
- Void space 48 may be configured to provide flexibility to lid 10 during the attachment and removal process.
- the gap or space in the annular sidewall 12 as defined by void space 48 may provide flexibility to the annular sidewall 12 to prevent complete breaking or loss of functionality of lid 10 during removal or attachment.
- Void space 48 may further provide flexibility to the corresponding locking component 22 and support to the locking component 22 during attachment and removal process.
- FIG. 9 provides a schematic sectional illustration of lid 10 after being secured onto a container 100 with an upper rim 102 .
- upper sidewall section 16 of lid 10 can engage rim 102 of container 100 and locking component 22 can be secured underneath rim 102 .
- lid 10 is restricted from being removed from container 100 without deforming annular sidewall 12 by tearing away lower sidewall section 18 of annular sidewall 12 .
- Each locking component 22 may be configured to restrict lid 10 from being removed from container 100 after being secured to container 100 by preventing the removal of lid 10 without pulling or bending lower sidewall section 18 .
- Weakened portion 20 (along with connecting edges 45 connecting each locking component 22 ) may provide a line of weakness around the circumference of sidewall 12 such that if sidewall 12 is pulled away from container 100 to allow locking components 22 to be lifted over container upper rim 102 , annular sidewall 12 may deform or tear along weakened portion 20 to provide a visual indication of tampering. Other visual indications of tampering may also be utilized and provided by the configuration of locking components 22 and weakened portion 20 .
- FIGS. 10-13 provide partial views of lid 10 to illustrate the configuration of locking components 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- angled projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 may project inward from inner surface 38 of lower sidewall section 18 and connect together to form a fully enclosed and continuous projection (along with extension portion 44 of upper sidewall section 16 that connects to top wall 42 along connecting edge 45 ) within the interior of lid 10 .
- two ribs 46 can be positioned next to the ends of locking component 22 , while remaining separated and not in contact with angled projecting wall 40 .
- void space 48 can extend into annular sidewall 12 along the same height and position of the one or more locking component 22 along inner surface 38 .
- void space 48 can extend into annular sidewall 12 with a similar shape as locking component 22 and be defined along its interior by angled projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 (and bottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 ).
- void space 48 may be defined into an exterior surface of a corresponding locking component 22 , wherein the void space 48 extends through the annular sidewall 12 and into the locking component 22 .
- both projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 can provide a continuous barrier between the interior of lid 10 and the exterior of lid 10 and separate void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 .
- the solid structures of both projecting wall 40 and top wall 42 can provide a continuous barrier, devoid of any gaps or spacing, between the interior of lid 10 and the exterior of lid 10 and separate void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 .
- This continuous barrier may prevent contents from the container from spilling, leaking, or otherwise coming in contact with the void space 48 , and prevent spillage, leaking, oozing, or other exiting from the lid 10 , while lid 10 is secured to container.
- lid 10 of the present invention also provides advantages over previously designed tamper evident lid constructions in the manufacturing process.
- the continuous top wall 42 of locking component 22 (which seals void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 ) enables more efficient manufacturing of lid 10 by eliminating or reducing the metal-on-metal slide action within the manufacturing mold.
- the metal-on-metal slide action is eliminated or reduced by allowing a gap between the moving tool components.
- the continuous opening along the length of the voice space 48 allows for increased spacing, thereby reducing tool wear during the manufacturing process of lid 10 .
- the present invention can prevent the contents of container 100 (such as ice cream or other food products) from leaking out through the locking components 22 of lid 10 from the continuous top wall 42 and sealing of void space 48 from the interior of lid 10 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
An improved tamper evident lid for a container is provided. The lid includes an annular sidewall with an upper section and a lower section connected together by a weakened portion. The lid includes one or more tamper evident locking components for securing the lid to the container. Each locking component extends inward from an interior surface of the lower sidewall section with a top wall that connects the locking component to the upper sidewall section. The lid includes a void space defined into the exterior of the annular sidewall and corresponding to each locking component. Each locking component forms a continuous enclosure separating the void spaces from the interior of the lid and preventing leakage of contents through void spaces. The void spaces and the weakened portion create a line of weakness that can provide visual evidence of tampering once the lid has been secured to a container.
Description
- This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/804,871, filed on Feb. 13, 2019, to Michael Liming et al., entitled “Improved Tamper Evident Lid,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates generally to lids for containers and particularly to an improved tamper evident lid, which in addition to providing evidence of tampering, also prevents spillage or leakage of contents.
- Tamper evident lids are often used to enclose and secure containers for food items and other contents. These lids incorporate locking features that restrict the ability to remove the lid from the container without deforming the lid or providing evidence of tampering. One problem with current tamper evident lids is that they do not provide an effective seal around the perimeter of the container opening and thereby allow excess contents within the container to leak out or otherwise exit the container through the lid. This is in part due to the fact that the tamper evident locking features in current tamper evident lids form gaps and spaces extending from the interior of the lid and through the outer sidewall.
FIG. 1 provides an illustration of the leaking problem for the tamper evident lids existing in the prior art. As shown, the contents within the container (such as ice cream) can easily leak or ooze out of the locking features in the tamper evident lid due to the gaps and spaces extending from the interior of the lid and through the outer sidewall. - Another problem with current tamper evident lids is that they present several manufacturing difficulties. In particular, the construction of the locking features in current tamper evident lids require the forming tool parts to contact and slide across one another during the molding of the lid, which causes excessive wear on the forming components of the manufacturing process. This is in part because current tamper evident lids utilize several projections and ribs within the locking features to support the locking features and provide visual representations of possible tamper evidence, which requires additional molding operations that require the forming tool parts to contact and slide across one another.
- Accordingly, a need exists for a tamper evident lid that can effectively secure a container and restrict leakage of contents from the container. In addition, a need exists for a tamper evident container and manufacturing method thereof that can prevent excessive forming tool wear due to sliding contacts between forming tool parts during the molding of the tamper evident lid.
- The present invention is directed generally to an improved tamper evident lid for containers, including without limitation, containers for holding ice creams, dairy products and other food products and consumables. The improved tamper evident lid may provide a solution for securely covering a top end of a container with tamper evident indicators that indicate whether the lid has been previously removed from the container. The tamper evident lid may include an annular sidewall and cover portion connected to the annular sidewall to create an enclosed upper end of the lid. The annular sidewall may include an upper sidewall section and a lower sidewall section connected together along a weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall. The weakened portion may be constructed as an indention or gap defined partially through the sidewall to create a line of weakness between the upper and lower sidewall sections.
- The lid may include one or more locking components that are provided on the interior of the annular sidewall and circumferentially spaced around the lid. The locking components can operate in connection with the weakened portion of the lid to indicate whether the lid has been removed or attempted to be removed from the container or otherwise tampered with after being secured thereon. The locking components may include an inward projecting wall that extends radially inward from the interior surface of the lower sidewall section and a top wall that extends from the projecting wall back toward the interior surface of the sidewall. The projecting wall and top wall can operate as a continuous structure that extends the entire length of the locking component and encloses the locking component to separate the interior of the lid.
- The lid may include a void space opposite each locking component, where each void space may be configured as a gap or partial opening extending through the annular sidewall and defined by the projecting wall and top wall of the locking component. The top wall of the locking component may extend to and connect to the interior surface of the upper sidewall section bottom edge to completely enclose the void space along the interior of the sidewall, which may restrict contents within the container from exiting, oozing or leaking through the locking components when the lid is secured on the container. According to one embodiment, the void space may be configured as a continuously uninterrupted open space extending into annular sidewall and enclosed along the interior by the projecting wall and the top wall of the locking component.
- The void spaces may be generally aligned with and integral with the weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall to provide a continuous line of weakness around the lid. The connecting edge that connects the upper wall of the locking component to the upper sidewall section may further function as a line of weakness coextensive with the weakened portion extending around the sidewall.
- The lid may include a pair of ribs provided on the interior surface of the sidewall adjacent to each locking components. Each rib may be configured as a vertically oriented protrusion located near each end of the locking components. The ribs may be configured to facilitate aligning and stacking the lid with additional lids.
- The lid can be placed on a container so that the locking components engage the upper rim of the container and be secured underneath upper rim. Once engaged, the lid is restricted from being removed from the container without deforming the annular sidewall and providing evidence of tampering. Each locking component may be configured to restrict the lid from being removed from the container without pulling or bending the lower sidewall section. The weakened portion provides a line of weakness around the circumference of the annular sidewall such that if the sidewall is pulled away from the container to allow the locking components to be lifted over the container upper rim, the annular sidewall may deform or tear along the weakened portion to provide a visual indication of tampering.
- Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawing figures.
- In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:
-
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a container with a tamper evident lid as known in the prior art illustrating the leaking problem common with such tamper evidence lids; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a tamper evident lid for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top perspective sectional view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 taken alongline 6′-6′ inFIG. 4 , illustrating the interior of the lid and the locking components provided on the interior of the lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 , illustrating the construction of the annular sidewall of the lid atline 7′-7′ inFIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 , illustrating the construction of the annular sidewall and corresponding locking component of the lid atline 8′-8′ inFIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tamper evident lid ofFIG. 2 illustrating the lid placed onto a container and the locking component engaging the container rim in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a partial interior perspective view of a locking component for a tamper evident lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a partial exterior perspective view of the locking component ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a partial interior cross-sectional perspective view of the locking component ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 13 is a partial exterior cross-sectional perspective view of the locking component ofFIG. 10 . - The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
- The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
- Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed to a tamper
evident lid 10 for use with containers, including without limitation, containers for holding ice creams, dairy products and other food products and consumables.Lid 10 may be configured for placement over the open end of a container and secured around the container's top rim so as to cover the container opening and prevent the removal oflid 10 without evidence of tampering. As described herein,lid 10 may be secured over the upper rim of a container and include a tamper-evident feature that snaps underneath the rim in accordance with conventional tamper-evident lids to restrict the removal oflid 10 without permanent deformation oflid 10, which may indicate evidence of tampering. As described in greater detail below,lid 10 of the present invention can include a construction with an improved seal design that can limit excess contents within the container from leaking out or exiting through the lid. - Turning to
FIGS. 2-6 , tamper-evident lid 10 according to one embodiment may include anannular sidewall 12 and acover portion 14.Annular sidewall 12 may be configured as a generally vertically oriented circumferential wall defining the outer perimeter oflid 10.Annular sidewall 12 may further be configured to generally conform to the round, oval, rectangular, or other shape of the upper end of the container to whichlid 10 is used. As best shown inFIGS. 2-4 ,annular sidewall 12 may include anupper sidewall section 16 and alower sidewall section 18.Annular sidewall 12 may also include weakened portion orresidual line 20 extending generally horizontally around the circumference ofannular sidewall 12 that may segment, break, or otherwise provide a distinction ofannular sidewall 12 into its upper andlower sidewall sections portion 20 may be positioned between the top end oflower sidewall section 18 and the bottom end ofupper sidewall section 16 and connectlower sidewall section 18 toupper sidewall section 16. Depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention, weakenedportion 20 may be configured as a reduced thickness region of annular sidewall 12 (as shown in the figures) or as any other suitable means for creating a circumferential line of weakness having a reduced strength relative to the remainder ofannular sidewall 12. According to certain embodiments, weakenedportion 20 may further comprise a visual tamper evident indication, to provide visual proof iflid 10 has been, or has been attempted to be, removed. The tamper evident indication may be without limitation discoloration, disfigurement, bending, breaks, or other visual indicators known in the art. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-6 ,cover portion 14 may be configured with a disc-type shape that spans across the interior oflid 10 and may be secured toupper sidewall section 16 using any suitable means. It will be appreciated thatcover portion 14 may be configured with alternate shapes to conform to alternate shapes of a container including without limitation oval, triangular, rectangular, or other desired shapes.Cover portion 14 may be constructed from paperboard, lined paperboard, plastic or any other suitable material depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention and application oflid 10.Cover portion 14 may be configured to enclose the top end opening of the container whenlid 10 is secured onto the container and restrict the spillage, leakage, or otherwise removal of contents from the container. - As best shown in
FIGS. 3-6 and described in greater detail below,lid 10 may include one ormore locking components 22 provided onannular sidewall 12 and circumferentially spaced aroundlid 10. Lockingcomponents 22 can operate in connection with weakenedportion 20 to indicate whetherlid 10 has been removed or attempted to be removed from the container after being secured thereon as described in greater detail below.FIG. 6 illustrateslid 10 according to one embodiment with five circumferentially spaced lockingcomponents 22; however, it is recognized that any number of desiredlocking components 22 may be utilized in various embodiments of the present invention. The one ormore locking components 22 may be configured to snap under or otherwise lock beneath the upper rim of a container and restrict the removal oflid 10 from the container (seeFIG. 9 ). It will be appreciated thatlid 10 may utilize a snapping method of securing to container; however, any other suitable method of securing or attachinglid 10 may also be used, including a twisting, or screwing method of attachment. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 provide schematic sectional views oflid 10 illustrating the configuration and arrangement ofannular sidewall 12 andcover portion 14 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As best shown inFIG. 7 ,upper sidewall section 16 may include an annular ridge orprojection 24 that extends circumferentially around the upper end ofannular sidewall 12 and projects slightly inward toward the interior oflid 10. As shown inFIG. 7 , the inward projection ofannular projection 24 can create a ledge or engagingsurface 26 to whichcover portion 14 may be secured. Beneathannular projection 24,upper sidewall section 16 may extend downward and include one or more protrusions orridges 28 extending circumferentially around the inner surface ofupper sidewall section 16.Ridges 28 may be configured to engage the upper rim of a container whenlid 10 is secured onto the container.Upper sidewall section 16 may then terminate at abottom edge 30 defined by weakenedportion 20 extending around the circumference ofannular sidewall 12. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , weakenedportion 20 may not extend completely through the thickness or width ofannular sidewall 12 and as a result,bottom edge 30 ofupper sidewall section 16 may be partially connected to anupper edge 34 oflower sidewall section 18 toward the interior portion ofannular sidewall 12. As best shown inFIG. 7 , according to certain embodiments, weakened portion may be configured as an indention or gap defined into and partially throughannular sidewall 12 to create a line of weakness circumferentially aroundannular sidewall 12 and betweenupper sidewall section 16 andlower sidewall section 18. In other embodiments, the weakenedportion 20 may be perforated or be of various thicknesses and/or widths. Slightly abovebottom edge 30,upper sidewall section 16 may further include an inwardly projectinglip 32 that may be configured to engage the lower portion of a container upper rim 102 (see alsoFIG. 9 ). As further illustrated inFIG. 7 , inwardly projectinglip 32 may be spaced slightly abovebottom edge 30 and project inward fromannular sidewall 12 toward the interior oflid 10. In addition, as shown inFIG. 7 (as well asFIG. 8 ) upper andlower sidewall sections annular sidewall 12 located laterally adjacent to weakenedportion 20 on the interior ofannular sidewall 12, but can otherwise remain spatially separated from one another by means of weakenedportion 20. - As further shown in
FIG. 7 ,lower sidewall section 18 may include anupper edge 34 that connects tobottom edge 30 ofupper sidewall section 16 along the interior ofannular sidewall 12 via weakenedportion 20. Weakenedportion 20 may further spatially separate upper edge 34 (of lower sidewall section 18) and bottom edge 30 (of upper sidewall section 16) toward the outer portion ofannular sidewall 12 and function to separateannular sidewall 12 into upper andlower sidewall sections FIG. 7 . Beneath upper edge 34 (and weakened portion 20),lower sidewall section 18 may extend downward toward to abottom terminal edge 36. As further shown inFIG. 7 ,lower sidewall section 18 may include aninner surface 38 that extends from bottomterminal edge 36 toupper edge 34 oflower sidewall section 18 andbottom edge 30 ofupper sidewall section 16. -
FIG. 8 provides a schematic sectional view ofannular sidewall 12 oflid 10 illustrating the configuration and arrangement of one of the lockingcomponents 22 provided on the interior ofannular sidewall 12. As described above,lid 10 may have one ormore locking components 22 depending on the particular embodiment, and it will be appreciated thatlid 10 may include a plurality of locking components 22 (seeFIG. 6 ). As best shown inFIG. 8 , lockingcomponents 22 may be positioned oninner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18 in a circumferentially-spaced arrangement (see alsoFIG. 6 ). As best shown inFIG. 8 , each lockingcomponent 22 can project inwardly and angularly away frominner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18 and into the interior oflid 10. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, each lockingcomponent 22 may further include visual indicators of tampering. The tamper evident indication may be without limitation discoloration, disfigurement, deformation, bending, breaks, cracks, or other visual indicators known in the art. - As further shown in
FIG. 8 , each lockingcomponent 22 can include a projectingsurface wall 40 extending inward frominner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18 and an upper ortop wall 42 connected to projectingwall 40 and extending outward back towardannular sidewall 12. According to one embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 8 , projectingwall 40 may have an angled/sloped surface that extends frominner surface 38 at an upward angle andtop wall 42 may extend generally horizontally outward from the terminal edge of projectingwall 40 back towardinner surface 38 andannular sidewall 12. It will also be appreciated that projectingsurface wall 40 may alternatively extend generally horizontally away frominner surface 38 and then upward in a general vertical arrangement in certain embodiments. Lockingcomponent 22 and projectingwall 40 andtop wall 42 may also have any other suitable configuration, including without limitation, a rounded, rectangular or other suitable shape depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention. In addition, according to certain embodiments top wall ormembrane 42 may alternatively have a slightly angled configuration while extending from projectingsurface wall 40 back towardsidewall 12. - Both projecting
surface wall 40 andtop wall 42 may comprise a solid structure lacking gaps, holes, or other spacing which may prevent the leaking, oozing or spillage of contents from the container. In particular, both projectingsurface wall 40 andtop wall 42 may form a continuous enclosure that encloses the interior ofannular sidewall 12 around the space or gap formed betweenupper sidewall section 16 andlower sidewall section 18 and the weakenedportion 20 formed therebetween. As best shown inFIG. 8 ,top wall 42 may extend away from projectingwall 40 back toward the inner surface ofannular sidewall 12 to define an enclosed upper boundary of lockingcomponent 22.Top wall 42 may further be configured as a continuous top wall that extends the entire length of lockingcomponent 22 to separate the interior space withinlid 10 from the exterior environment aroundlid 10. - As further shown in
FIG. 8 , lockingcomponent 22 may connect to bothlower sidewall section 18 andupper sidewall section 16. Projectingwall 40 may extend away frominner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18 in a radially inward orientation andtop wall 42 may extend away from projecting wall toward the inner surface ofupper sidewall section 16adjacent bottom edge 30. As best shown inFIG. 8 , at the position of each lockingcomponent 22,upper sidewall section 16 may have an increased thickness at its lower end (betweenbottom edge 30 and lip 32) that extends into the interior oflid 10. This increased thickness can form aninward projection 44 along the interior ofupper sidewall section 16 immediately above lockingcomponent 22. As best shown inFIG. 8 ,top wall 42 may connect toinward projection 44 at a connectingedge 45 between the lateral ends of locking component 22 (top wall 42 may also connect tolower sidewall section 18 along itsupper edge 34 at the ends of locking component 22). Connectingedge 45 may extend along the entire length of locking component 22 (and top wall 42) in order to separate the interior oflid 10 from its exterior. Connectingedge 45 may also be generally aligned with weakenedportion 20 extending circumferentially aroundannular sidewall 12 and may operate as a continued line of weakness aroundannular sidewall 12 along with weakenedportion 20. - As further shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 ,annular sidewall 12 may include at least one rib or bar 46 located on the interior surface of theannular sidewall 12 and adjacent to an end portion of each lockingcomponent 22. As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 , according to one embodiment,annular sidewall 12 may include a pair of ribs or bars 46 provided adjacent to each lateral end of each lockingcomponent 22.Ribs 46 may be utilized to assist in aligninglid 10 when stacked or nested with a second orlower lid 10 by engaging with annularupper ridge 24 of a second orlower lid 10. As such, theribs 46 are configured to facilitate the stacking of thelid 10 with anothersecond lid 10 by engaging an annular projection of saidsecond lid 10. This stacking may be utilized during transport or storage oflids 10. As shown,ribs 46 may be vertically orientated and provided on theinner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18.Ribs 46 may also be slightly spaced away from lockingcomponents 22 and not directly connected to lockingcomponents 22. In one embodiment,ribs 46 and annularupper ridge 24 are shaped and positioned such that theribs 46 of a first orupper lid 10 engage the chamfered, angled or slopedsurface 50 of the annularupper ridge 24 of a second orlower lid 10. - As further shown in
FIG. 8 ,lid 10 may include avoid space 48 extending into an exterior surface ofannular sidewall 12 that corresponds to each lockingcomponent 22. As shown, eachvoid space 48 may be defined into the outer surface oflower sidewall section 18 that is aligned with and corresponds to alocking component 22. As shown inFIG. 8 ,void space 48 may also be generally aligned and be integral with the circumferential, weakenedportion 20 extending circumferentially aroundannular sidewall 12.Void space 48 may extend throughlower sidewall section 18 and into lockingcomponent 22 and may form a larger gap or spacing intosidewall 12 relative to the height/width of weakenedportion 20. According to one embodiment,void space 48 may have a width greater than the width of the adjacent weakenedportion 20. - As best shown in
FIG. 8 , the upper and interior boundary ofvoid space 48 may be defined bybottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16 (toward the exterior of annular sidewall 12) and by projectingsurface wall 40 andtop wall 42 of locking component 22 (toward the interior of annular sidewall 12) so thatvoid space 48 is isolated from the interior oflid 10.Top wall 42 of lockingcomponent 22 may extend to and connect to bottom edge 30 (viainward projection 44 and connecting edge 45) to completely enclosevoid space 48 or seal an inner portion thereof along lockingcomponent 22 and separatevoid space 48 from the interior oflid 10.Void space 48 may further be constructed as a continuously uninterrupted space defined into or through the exterior surface of lower sidewall section 18 (and annular sidewall 12) and enclosed along its interior by projectingwall 40 andtop wall 42 of lockingcomponent 22. In such an embodiment,voice space 48 may be without any obstructions within the open space formed intoannular sidewall 12 along the entire length ofvoice space 48. Accordingly,void space 48 may be without any braces or supports (or other obstructions) extending vertically at intermediate positions along the length ofvoid space 48 and itscorresponding locking component 22. - As best shown in
FIG. 8 , according to one embodiment,void space 48 may correspond in location to alocking component 22 located along theannular sidewall 12. Thesurface wall 40 andtop wall 42 of lockingcomponent 22 may act as an enclosed upper boundary ofvoid space 48 along the interior ofsidewall 12. In particular, as best shown inFIG. 8 ,top wall 42 of lockingcomponent 22 can be configured as a continuous wall or thin membrane that seals or encloses or otherwise prevents direct exposure of thevoid space 48 from the interior oflid 10 and can prevent any contents within the container from spilling, oozing, or leaking out through lockingcomponents 22, thereby separating thevoid space 48 from the interior of thelid 10. As shown, connectingedge 45 that connectstop wall 42 of lockingcomponent 22 toupper sidewall section 16 can function to provide a continuous connection along the upper boundary ofvoid space 48. -
Void space 48 may be configured to provide flexibility tolid 10 during the attachment and removal process. The gap or space in theannular sidewall 12 as defined byvoid space 48 may provide flexibility to theannular sidewall 12 to prevent complete breaking or loss of functionality oflid 10 during removal or attachment.Void space 48 may further provide flexibility to thecorresponding locking component 22 and support to thelocking component 22 during attachment and removal process. -
FIG. 9 provides a schematic sectional illustration oflid 10 after being secured onto acontainer 100 with anupper rim 102. As shown,upper sidewall section 16 oflid 10 can engagerim 102 ofcontainer 100 and lockingcomponent 22 can be secured underneathrim 102. As a result,lid 10 is restricted from being removed fromcontainer 100 without deformingannular sidewall 12 by tearing awaylower sidewall section 18 ofannular sidewall 12. Each lockingcomponent 22 may be configured to restrictlid 10 from being removed fromcontainer 100 after being secured tocontainer 100 by preventing the removal oflid 10 without pulling or bendinglower sidewall section 18. Weakened portion 20 (along with connectingedges 45 connecting each locking component 22) may provide a line of weakness around the circumference ofsidewall 12 such that ifsidewall 12 is pulled away fromcontainer 100 to allow lockingcomponents 22 to be lifted over containerupper rim 102,annular sidewall 12 may deform or tear along weakenedportion 20 to provide a visual indication of tampering. Other visual indications of tampering may also be utilized and provided by the configuration of lockingcomponents 22 and weakenedportion 20. -
FIGS. 10-13 provide partial views oflid 10 to illustrate the configuration of lockingcomponents 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As best shown inFIGS. 10 and 12 , from the interior oflid 10, angled projectingwall 40 andtop wall 42 may project inward frominner surface 38 oflower sidewall section 18 and connect together to form a fully enclosed and continuous projection (along withextension portion 44 ofupper sidewall section 16 that connects totop wall 42 along connecting edge 45) within the interior oflid 10. Additionally, as best shown inFIG. 10 , tworibs 46 can be positioned next to the ends of lockingcomponent 22, while remaining separated and not in contact with angled projectingwall 40. - As best shown in
FIGS. 11 and 13 , from the exterior surface oflid 10,void space 48 can extend intoannular sidewall 12 along the same height and position of the one ormore locking component 22 alonginner surface 38. As best shown inFIG. 13 ,void space 48 can extend intoannular sidewall 12 with a similar shape as lockingcomponent 22 and be defined along its interior by angled projectingwall 40 and top wall 42 (andbottom edge 30 of upper sidewall section 16). Further,void space 48 may be defined into an exterior surface of acorresponding locking component 22, wherein thevoid space 48 extends through theannular sidewall 12 and into thelocking component 22. As further shown inFIG. 13 , both projectingwall 40 andtop wall 42 can provide a continuous barrier between the interior oflid 10 and the exterior oflid 10 and separatevoid space 48 from the interior oflid 10. As further shown inFIGS. 10-13 , the solid structures of both projectingwall 40 andtop wall 42 can provide a continuous barrier, devoid of any gaps or spacing, between the interior oflid 10 and the exterior oflid 10 and separatevoid space 48 from the interior oflid 10. This continuous barrier may prevent contents from the container from spilling, leaking, or otherwise coming in contact with thevoid space 48, and prevent spillage, leaking, oozing, or other exiting from thelid 10, whilelid 10 is secured to container. - The configuration of
lid 10 of the present invention also provides advantages over previously designed tamper evident lid constructions in the manufacturing process. The continuoustop wall 42 of locking component 22 (which sealsvoid space 48 from the interior of lid 10) enables more efficient manufacturing oflid 10 by eliminating or reducing the metal-on-metal slide action within the manufacturing mold. The metal-on-metal slide action is eliminated or reduced by allowing a gap between the moving tool components. Contrary to previous tamper evident lid designs that rely on a plurality of teeth vertically oriented along the length of the voice space, the continuous opening along the length of thevoice space 48 allows for increased spacing, thereby reducing tool wear during the manufacturing process oflid 10. This increased spacing allows the manufacturing tools to be spaced further apart, and prevents any sliding, cross cutting, or other contact between tools while manufacturing thelid 10. This can be achieved in manufacturing methods requiring molds as well as manufacturing methods that do not require molds. The manufacturing advantages of the present invention are in addition to the other advantages as described above. In addition to the manufacturing advantages, the present invention can prevent the contents of container 100 (such as ice cream or other food products) from leaking out through the lockingcomponents 22 oflid 10 from the continuoustop wall 42 and sealing ofvoid space 48 from the interior oflid 10. - From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
- The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (20)
1. A tamper-evident lid for a container, the lid comprising:
an annular sidewall defining a perimeter of the lid, the annular sidewall including an upper sidewall section and a lower sidewall section connected together along a weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall;
a cover portion connected to the upper sidewall section; and
a locking component provided on an interior surface of the lower sidewall section, wherein the locking component comprises a projecting wall extending inward from the interior surface and a top wall connected to the projecting wall and extending back toward the annular sidewall and defining an enclosed upper boundary of the locking component.
2. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a void space extending into an exterior surface of the annular sidewall and corresponding to the locking component, wherein the void space extends through the annular sidewall and into the locking component and is defined by the projecting wall and the top wall of the locking component.
3. The lid of claim 2 , wherein the projecting wall and the top wall seal an inner portion the void space and separate the void space from an interior of the lid.
4. The lid of claim 3 , wherein the top wall of the locking component comprises a continuous top wall extending from the projecting wall to an interior surface of the upper sidewall section along an entire length of the locking component to separate the void space from the interior of the lid.
5. The lid of claim 4 , wherein the continuous top wall of the locking component restricts contents in the container from exiting the lid through the locking component and void space.
6. The lid of claim 2 , wherein the void space comprises a continuously uninterrupted open space formed into the annular sidewall and defined along an interior of the lid by the locking component, wherein the open space is without obstructions along an entire length of the void space.
7. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the weakened portion connecting the upper sidewall section and the lower sidewall section extends circumferentially around the perimeter of the lid.
8. The lid of claim 7 , wherein the weakened portion comprises a gap defined partially through the annular sidewall between the lower sidewall section and the upper sidewall section.
9. The lid of claim 8 , further comprising a void space extending into an exterior surface of the annular sidewall and corresponding to the locking component, wherein the void space extends through the annular sidewall and into the locking component and is defined by the projecting wall and top wall of the locking component, wherein the void space is generally aligned with and is integral with the weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall of the lid.
10. The lid of claim 9 , wherein the void space has a width greater than a width of the weakened portion.
11. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising an inward projection defined on an interior surface of the upper sidewall section adjacent a lower edge of the upper sidewall section, wherein the continuous top wall of the locking component extends from the projecting wall toward the inward projection and connects to the inward projection along a connecting edge defined along a length of the locking component.
12. The lid of claim 11 , wherein the connecting edge of the locking component creates a line of weakness around the circumference along with the weakened portion.
13. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the locking component is configured to be positioned under an upper rim of the container when the lid is secured onto the container.
14. The lid of claim 13 , wherein locking component restricts the lid from being removed from the container after being secured to the container without deforming the annular sidewall along the weakened portion of the lid.
15. The lid of claim 13 , wherein the locking component restricts the lid from being removed from the container after being secured to the container without providing a visual indication of tampering.
16. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of ribs provided on the interior surface of the lower sidewall section adjacent to the locking component, wherein each rib is positioned next to an end portion of the locking component.
17. The lid of claim 16 , wherein the pair of ribs are configured to facilitate stacking of the lid with another second lid by engaging an annular projection of the second lid.
18. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid comprises five locking components circumferentially spaced around the annular sidewall.
19. The lid of claim 18 , further comprising a void space corresponding to each locking component, wherein each void space extends through the annular sidewall and into the locking component and is defined by the projecting wall and the top wall of the locking component.
20. A tamper-evident lid for a container, the lid comprising:
an annular sidewall defining a perimeter of the lid, the annular sidewall including an upper sidewall section and a lower sidewall section;
a weakened portion extending circumferentially around the annular sidewall and partially through the annular sidewall, the weakened portion connecting the upper sidewall section and the lower sidewall section together;
a cover portion connected to the upper sidewall section;
one or more locking components provided on an interior surface of the lower sidewall section, wherein each locking component comprises:
a projecting wall extending radially inward from the interior surface of the lower sidewall at an upward angle; and
a top wall extending from the projecting wall toward a lower edge of the upper sidewall section;
wherein the top wall connects to an interior surface of the upper sidewall section along the lower edge to form an enclosed upper boundary of the locking component; and
a void space corresponding to each locking component of the one or more locking components, wherein each void space extends into and through the annular wall at a location corresponding to the locking component and is defined along an interior of the lid by the projecting wall and the top wall of the locking component;
wherein the void space is generally aligned with and integral with the weakened portion to form a continuous line of weakness for tamper evidence around the circumference of the lid;
wherein the projecting wall and top wall form a continuous enclosure separating each void space from the interior of the lid.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/790,506 US20200255191A1 (en) | 2019-02-13 | 2020-02-13 | Tamper evident lid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962804871P | 2019-02-13 | 2019-02-13 | |
US16/790,506 US20200255191A1 (en) | 2019-02-13 | 2020-02-13 | Tamper evident lid |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200255191A1 true US20200255191A1 (en) | 2020-08-13 |
Family
ID=71944926
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/790,506 Abandoned US20200255191A1 (en) | 2019-02-13 | 2020-02-13 | Tamper evident lid |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200255191A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3072437A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2020001753A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220087217A1 (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2022-03-24 | Brandon D. Pierce | Portable pet travel cup with prefilled water and sealable lid |
-
2020
- 2020-02-13 CA CA3072437A patent/CA3072437A1/en active Pending
- 2020-02-13 MX MX2020001753A patent/MX2020001753A/en unknown
- 2020-02-13 US US16/790,506 patent/US20200255191A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220087217A1 (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2022-03-24 | Brandon D. Pierce | Portable pet travel cup with prefilled water and sealable lid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2020001753A (en) | 2020-12-10 |
CA3072437A1 (en) | 2020-08-13 |
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