Abstract: A seal for a container, the seal having a base panel with multiple upwardly projecting protuberances on the base panel spaced so as to define recesses complementary to the protuberances for reception of the protuberances within the recesses of a duplicate inverted seal and for selective interlocking engagement of the seals to each other.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a lid having a permanent portion and a removable portion. The permanent portion includes a first tab. The removable portion includes a second tab. In one embodiment a partially cut line extends between the permanent portion and the removable portion. In one embodiment the removable portion includes a latching region for latching to a container. In one embodiment the first tab is coplanar with the second tab. In one embodiment the lid includes a planar region and the second tab is coplanar with the planar region.

Abstract: A stackable container lid comprising a lid member (80) having a center portion (83a), an edge portion (83b) top and bottom surfaces (82, 84) and closure means (88) adapted to cooperate with the closure device of a container bottom, the lid top surface (82) including a raised boss (100), the raised boss (100) being disposed in the lid member center portion (83a) and projecting outwardly from the lid member top surface (82), the lid bottom surface (84) including a boss seat (108) adapted to receive the raised boss (100) of another said lid. The raised boss (100) and the boss seat (108) of another said lid are engagable by exerting a force on the lid top surface (82) of said another lid proximate the raised boss (100) of said another lid.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: A reclosable lid 310 for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover 312 and a rotatable element 50 rotatably supported by the cover 312. The cover 312 has an opening 28 and a slot 30 located in a top wall 14 of the cover 312. The cover 312 also has a tab 323 extending outward from a portion of the cover 312. The rotatable element 50 has at least one aperture 78 and an actuator 54 that is accessible through the slot 30. The element 50 is moveable by manipulation of the actuator 54 between a first position wherein the aperture 78 is misaligned with the opening 28, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28. The cover 312 has at least one support member 102 extending radially inward from an inner surface 100 of the cover 312, wherein the support member 102 rotatably supports the element 50.

Abstract: A leak-resistant hinged polymeric foam container comprises a base and a lid. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom wall. The sidewall comprises a first sealing area and a first generally upwardly projecting wall. The lid includes a second sealing area that is adapted to engage the first sealing area upon securing the lid and the base. The container forms a locking structure for securing the lid and the base. The base and the lid comprise polymeric foams. The container may include a hinge that hingedly connects the base to the lid.

Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.

Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.

Abstract: A container (2) includes a bowl (20) and a lid (10). The lid (10) includes a lid lip (16) having a generally inverted U-shape and the bowl (20) includes a bowl lip (26) having a generally inverted U-shape such that the lid lip (16) and the bowl lip (26) interfit, forming mutually opposing surfaces, with the lid lip (16) superposing the bowl lip (26). At least one of the bowl lip (26) and the lid lip (16) includes a seal in firm contact with the opposing surface, with the seal contacting the opposing surface in a small area relative to a total surface area of the bowl lip (26).

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U in a radial direction. Typically, a container will be thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel.

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U. Typically, a container will he thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel and the crest of the ridge is urged into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: A food container sealing structure is constructed to include a container body having a peripheral coupling flange, and a cover having a peripheral coupling flange coupled to the coupling flange of the container body to seal the container body, the coupling flange of the container body having endless concave portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof, the coupling flange of the cover having endless convex portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof and respectively engaged into the endless concave portions of the container body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container closure with a handle, wherein the handle acts as a lever when squeezed against the neck of the container. The force on the lever handle is transferred to the container closure forcing a portion of the closure to slip over the bead of the container and release the closure's hold on the container's top. Once the closure's hold is released, the closure is easily removed from the container. The closure is reusable and can be replaced over the container opening to secure the container's contents for storage or transport.

Abstract: A protective cap for a threaded valve stem includes a generally cylindrical portion including a closed end, an open end and a cylindrical wall portion therebetween. A plurality of locating ribs are located on an internal surface of the cylindrical wall portion. A plurality of fingers project radially inward from the internal surface between the locating ribs. A tear strip formed by two frangible members, and a pull tab are formed on an external surface of the cylindrical wall portion. Each finger is located between a pair of the locating ribs and has a flexible portion adjacent the internal surface for locating the fingers in unlocked state and a locked state. The fingers in the unlocked state are inclined toward the open end, and the fingers in the locked state curl toward the closed end.

Abstract: A container (2) includes a bowl (20) and a lid (10). The lid (10) includes a lid lip (16) having a generally inverted U-shape and the bowl (20) includes a bowl lip (26) having a generally inverted U-shape such that the lid lip (16) and the bowl lip (26) interfit, forming mutually opposing surfaces, with the lid lip (16) superposing the bowl lip (26). At least one of the bowl lip (26) and the lid lip (16) includes a seal in firm contact with the opposing surface, with the seal contacting the opposing surface in a small area relative to a total surface area of the bowl lip (26).

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: A leak-resistant plastic container and closure are disclosed, where the container has an open end, an inner periphery, an outer periphery, and a container flange extending around the inner periphery at the open end. The closure has a generally planar and circular inner lid, a spring extending around an outer circumference of the inner lid, an arcuate flange receptacle extending around an outer circumference of the closure at a circumference outside the spring, where the flange receptacle has an inner surface and an outer surface, a secondary sealing bead, positioned on the inner surface of the flange receptacle, and a primary sealing bead, positioned on an outer surface of the flange receptacle and opposite the secondary sealing bead, where the spring exerts a sealing pressure against the container flange when the closure is placed on the open end of the container.

Abstract: A plastic lid with removal tab made to fit 3 ounce cat food cans, is a new offering for the pet food purchasing consumer. Various plastic lids are available for various pet food cans, including a plastic lid that fits two sizes of pet food cans. However, this is the first plastic lid to my knowledge, that will fit a 3 ounce cat food can.

Abstract: A container includes a bowl, a lid for the bowl, and a cup that is detachably securable to the underside of the lid. When the lid is positioned so as to cover the bowl, the cup is securable within the interior of the bowl, and when the lid is placed underneath the bowl, the bowl is supported at a height above at least a portion of the lid such that an air pocket is defined between the bowl and that portion of the lid. When the container is heated in a microwave, for example, the air pocket heats up to keep the contents of the container warm.

Abstract: A closure and container combination provide a child resistant package. The closure has a top wall and a skirt depending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall. The container has a bottom, a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and an open top. An annular flange projects outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the container proximate the top of the container. This annular flange has a flexible tab and is positioned below the skirt when the closure and container are mated together. To remove the closure from the container, the flexible tab is pushed upwardly against the skirt thereby lifting the closure off of the container. The flexible tab prevents undesired access through the annular flange and provides leverage to aid removal of the closure. In addition, a child is inhibited by the inflexible flange from using his or her teeth or fingernail to pry open the closure from the container.

Abstract: A food container sealing structure is constructed to include a container body having a peripheral coupling flange, and a cover having a peripheral coupling flange coupled to the coupling flange of the container body to seal the container body, the coupling flange of the container body having endless concave portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof, the coupling flange of the cover having endless convex portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof and respectively engaged into the endless concave portions of the container body.

Abstract: A closure for a container cover opening, said opening defined by an upstanding cylindrical wall with a beaded rim, said closure comprising a circular closure bottom, inner wall, top wall, outer skirt and outer flange presenting an annular recess for engaging said cylindrical wall and said beaded rim; a pull ring; said pull ring connected to the exterior of said top wall; said closure to be removed by inserting a finger through said pull ring and lifting said closure off said beaded rim.

Abstract: A food storage container has a base with a bottom surface and a wall extending upward from a base perimeter of the bottom surface. The wall terminates at a top edge and defines an open top of the base. A rim extends at least partially around the base and extends radially outward from the upstanding wall. A lid is removably received over the open top of the base. The lid has a generally horizontal section with a lid perimeter that engages the top edge of the wall. An opening tab extends radially outward from part of the lid perimeter a sufficient distance to define an exposed tab segment adjacent a portion of the rim.

Abstract: Resealable closures are disclosed for use in connection with open topped containers. The closure includes a metal lid for closing the container opening and including a peripheral portion for sealingly engaging the rim, and a plastic ring secured to the metal lid and engaging the peripheral portion of the metal lid, the plastic ring including a bead element for engaging the radially outward formation of the container to retain the peripheral portion of the metal lid in sealed engagement on the rim, the plastic ring also including a depending portion extending interiorally of the container when the closure is assembled on the container so that manual manipulation of the depending portion is operative on the bead element to facilitate removal of the closure from the container.

Abstract: A live bait container for earthworms and the like includes a cylindrical housing with open ends, a cover for each end and aeration provisions in the central portion of the housing between the two ends. The configuration permits the bedding to fall to the bottom and the bait will generally seek the cool and moist bedding at the very bottom. To extract bait the container is inverted and the upper cover removed. The bedding has fallen to the bottom of the container and the earthworms are exposed at the top of the bedding in a very convenient and facile manner.

Abstract: Several embodiments of overcaps for containers are shown for protecting lid portions of container during shipment, storage, and heating. The overcaps are readily releasable from the containers without undue stress.

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U. Typically, a container will be thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel and the crest of the ridge is urged into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination, in which the interface between the lid and container provides a liquid-tight seal without the need for a separate gasket member or device. Various embodiments include corresponding tongue and groove elements, and mating tapered channels and edges. Detents or engagement structures may be provided to hold the lid to the container in the desired relationship.

Abstract: The plastic container includes a container top and a container bottom. The container utilizes a cut-back closure device which maintains the container top in a secure position relative to the container bottom and also forms a nearly leak proof seal. The container top includes gripping tabs which facilitate the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use.

Abstract: A resilient microwavable container including a bowl and a selectively detachable snap on lid is disclosed. The lid includes a plurality of protrusions which snap over a pair of annular flanges extending outwardly from the bowl whereby a distinct clicking sound can be heard to verify the lid is properly attached.

Abstract: A new storage container with attachable lid for preventing the lid from being lost when removed from the container. The inventive device includes a container having a generally cylindrical configuration. The container has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. A lid portion is adapted for selective snap engagement to both the open upper end and the closed lower end of the container.

Abstract: A plug for a threaded port is formed of resilient elastomeric material and has upper and lower ends. A smooth non-threaded outer cylindrical wall is disposed between the ends. The outer cylindrical wall has an outer diameter sufficient to frictionally engage the threads of the port. An outwardly protruding collar is disposed between the upper end and the outer cylindrical wall. An annular bead is integrally formed on the collar and is adapted to sealingly engage an inner peripheral surface of the port.

Abstract: A disposable plastic lid with folding side tabs for holding and drinking from hot beverage cups. The lid is applied in the usual fashion to the pre-filled beverage cup. A shorter tab adjacent the drinking spout accommodates the user's thumb. A longer tab opposite the spout accommodates a multi-finger opposing grip. There is a additional top side finger grip in the lid opposite the drinking spout. The side tabs are attached by two point hinge mechanisms with a slit running between the hinge points along the radius of the flange dividing the tab from the flange. The flange retains its full diameter about the circumference of the lid. The tabs are pre-formed with a raised rib pattern and shaped to fit the curvature of the sidewall of the cup. The two point hinge allows the tabs to be folded down and inward below the lid flange into contact with the sidewall of the cup, providing thermal insulation to the user's grip.

Abstract: A hot beverage lid having thermal protective flex-guards or flaps extending from opposite sides of a cover portion of the lid for protecting a consumer's fingers from heat emanating from the side of a cup. A first flap extends a first distance from under a drinking opening having sufficient area for a thumb. A second flap extends a second distance which is greater than the first flap from the opposite side of the lid and has sufficient area for at least two fingers. Each flap is contoured to conform to the curvature or the sidewall of the cup and each flap comprises swirled rib embossing for improved retention against fingers holding the cup. The top of the cover portion is concave with a hole in the center to allow liquid spillage to reenter the cup. Also, a channel surrounding the base of a circular plateau on top of the cover of the lid is provided for collecting fluid spillage.

Abstract: A container including a combination of a bowl and a selectively detachable lid is disclosed. The bowl is a unitary structure including an upwardly projecting wall having a peripherally extending substantially U-shaped sealing lip. The selectively detachable lid is also a unitary structure including a body having a peripheral sealing lip which mates with the sealing lip of the bowl and at least one laterally extending tab member to assist in removing the lid from the bowl. Both the bowl and lid portions are preferably made from a resilient polymeric material suitable for both freezing and microwave reheating.

Abstract: A catering container assembly for storing, transporting, and presenting food is presented having a tray and a domed cover. The tray has a base and side walls extending upwardly from said base. The domed cover has a top and cover walls extending downwardly from said top. The tray has a plurality of recessed platforms disposed adjacent its side walls while the domed cover has a plurality of indentations adjacent its cover walls. Each indentation abuts a respective one of the recessed platforms for transferring a force from the domed cover into said tray. Both the tray and domed cover preferably have stiffening elements joining and strengthening the side walls and cover walls, respectively. The tray is preferably hexagonal to allow for modular positioning. A bowl similar to the tray is also presented which has longer side walls for containing more food.

Abstract: Plastic bucket provided with a lid, the bucket having a single upper edge, a circumferential rib, and a depending edge connecting to the circumferential rib, the circumferential rib and the depending edge having such a profile that in sealed condition gripping the free lower edge of the lid is impossible. After removal of the sealing lip, gripping the free lower edge of the lid at the sealing position is possible in that the shape of the circumferential rib, and the depending edge connecting thereto, at the sealing position deviates from the shape thereof at the other circumferential positions, this deviating shape, however, in each case being such that the circumferential rib, throughout the circumference and hence also at the sealing position, extends adjacent to the upper edge of the bucket, so that the stiffness of the bucket is substantially the same throughout the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container system having a lid fitting over a container and a pull-tab attached to the lid along frangible lines. The pull-tab angles inwardly and upwardly from a peripheral rim of the lid and terminates below the topmost portion of the lid. The pull-tab joins to the adjacent walls of the lid rim along thin integrally formed webs which are easily severed upon displacement of the pull-tab to provide highly visible evidence of tampering. The webs extend from an inner section of the rim and across at least a portion of an upper bridge formed on the rim, further enhancing the visibility of any tampering. The pull-tab forms a small angle with a vertical inner wall of a recess of the lid and extends circumferentially around the inner wall without extending above the rim. A sealing ring formed on the lid below the pull-tab enables the container system to be resealed by the consumer after opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable protective cover which securely yet releasably attaches to a conventional plumbing fixture via locking tabs, thereby reserving an annular space around the fixture and the underlying pipe during floor construction and allowing easy and rapid access to the fixture once the floor construction has been completed.

Abstract: An electric parts storage casing is mounted on an electric junction box, and includes a storage casing body, and a cover engaged with this body. The cover includes a protruding portion which projects sidewise therefrom, and has an operating portion formed at a distal end thereof. Flexing portions are formed respectively at those portions of a peripheral wall of the cover respectively forming side corner portions of the protruding portion so that the cover can be smoothly and easily attached to and detached from the storage casing body merely by applying a lifting force to the operating portion.

Abstract: A two-piece container including a plate having a peripheral rim and a cover having a peripheral flange. The flange of the cover has a depending portion adapted to overlappingly engage the rim of the plate in a releasable interlocking relationship. In one aspect of the invention, an indexing cut-out portion is formed in either the plate rim or the cover flange, and an indexing protrusion extends inwardly from the other of the plate rim and cover flange. To facilitate alignment of the cover and the plate during releasable attachment of the cover to the plate, the indexing protrusion is configured to engage the indexing cut-out portion. In another aspect of the invention, the plate has a bottom, a side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom, and a raised rib-like partition extending upwardly from the bottom to define separate plate compartments for holding and separating food items thereon. The partition has an inverted V-shape with a rounded apex.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided including a cover and a container. The cover is securely engaged to the container by means of a primary lock to prevent removal of the cover from the container during handling. A secondary lock is also provided between the cover and the container. The secondary lock can be disengaged only after disengagement of the primary lock. The cover is readily removed by an end user of the container assembly.

Abstract: An anti-spill liquid container is disclosed and taught wherein the center of gravity of the container/liquid combination causes the container to inherently roll to a predetermined, non-spill, position if the container is inadvertently "knocked over." The invention disclosed and taught is applicable to any generally cylindrical container and is particularly suitable for drinking cups as commonly used in the fast food industry.

Abstract: A sealing device for opened cans including an elongated strip dimensioned for placement over the top of and engaging a rim of the beverage can. A plug is secured to a lower surface of the elongated strip inwardly of one of opposing end portions of the elongated strip whereby when the elongated strip is secured to the top of the beverage can, the plug is sealingly disposed over an opening in the top thereby precluding the unwanted escape of carbonation from the liquid.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing mug and an adapter top for a beverage dispensing mug which is capable of receiving a conventional beverage can whereby the contents of the can may be maintained in a chilled condition and/or consumed without emptying the contents of the can into the mug.

Abstract: A vacuum lid for a round thermoplastic paint container that includes a domed lid (20) with a valve cavity (22), a circumferential lip (38), and a peripheral flange (40). An O-ring (42) is positioned between the lip and flange to seal the container. A pair of lifting tabs (44) hold the lid onto the container by snapping into place onto the container's top lip (24). A one-piece unitary resilient valve (48) is located in the valve cavity and a vacuum pump (56) is attached to the valve. Air is evacuated from the covered container to prevent drying of the paint and utensils stored inside. The pump, in the manual form, is stored in brackets (66) on the surface of the lid, as well as a roller handle extension (70) retained in like brackets (68) for the convenience. One or more hooks (62) are mounted within the lid to hang wet brushes.

Abstract: A lid for a plastic food container includes a continuous body portion and a continuous rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion. The body portion includes a peripheral region, a transition region, and a central region. The peripheral region encompasses the transition region and the central region, extends between the continuous rim and the transition region, and slopes downward at a first acute angle from the continuous rim to the transition region. The transition region encompasses the central region, extends between the peripheral region and the central region, and includes first and second transition portions. The first transition portion intersects the peripheral region and slopes upward at a second acute angle from the peripheral region to the second transition portion. The second transition portion intersects the central region and slopes upward at a third acute angle from the first transition portion to the central region.

Abstract: A tabless container closure for a compartmentalized container with a cover and a base. The cover includes a sidewall and a rim coupled thereto. The rim has a depression that fits within an opening in a sidewall of the base. The rim depression and opening provide a snap-fit closure to releasably connect the cover and base. In a second aspect, the compartments of the container are closed off from one another such that the contents of a given compartment substantially remain therein, even after a perturbation of the container. In a third aspect, a divider separating the compartments is bowed to enhance the structural integrity of the base.