Tofu Container Cover and Method of Storage

Abstract

A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising a body having a rim, the rim having an interior surface defining a coupling mechanism constructed and arranged to couple cover to the container. The cover can include at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow when a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body is in a second position. A method of storing tofu in a retail tofu container is also described, whereby a film seal is removed from the container, a cover is coupled and sealed to the container. Liquid is drained and the container is refilled with fresh liquid with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/264,104, filed Nov. 24, 2009 and titled TOFU CONTAINER COVER AND METHOD OF STORAGE. This provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a closure device for use with food packaging containing products stored in liquid, and, more particularly, to a cover that fits and securely couples to a retail film-sealed tofu container, the cover having a strainer device for straining liquid from the tofu product.

2. Related Art

Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, cheese-like food made by coagulating soy milk. Traditionally, the curdling agent used to make tofu is nigari, a compound found in natural ocean water, or calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. Curds also can be produced with acidic foods like lemon juice or vinegar. The curds then are generally pressed into a solid block.

Tofu is a perishable product and it is packaged accordingly in order to preserve its freshness and prevent spoilage. Tofu is commonly sold in water-filled tubs, vacuum packs, or in aseptic brick packages.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a cover for a retail tofu container is provided, the cover comprising a body having a peripheral edge, a rim formed on the peripheral edge of the body, the rim having an interior surface defining a coupling mechanism constructed and arranged to couple cover to a tofu container, at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow, and a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.

In another aspect, a method of storing tofu in a tofu container is provided, the method comprising removing a film seal from the tofu container, coupling and sealing a cover to the container, draining liquid from the tofu container with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container, and filling the container with fresh liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments consistent therewith, which description should be considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a cover according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 having the lid in an open position;

FIG. 3 provides a top view of the cover of FIG. 1 having the lid in an open position;

FIG. 4 provides a bottom view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 coupled to a retail tofu container;

FIG. 6A provides an enlarged sectional view of the cover of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B provides an enlarged sectional view of the cover of FIG. 4, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a cover according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 8 provides a flowchart illustrating a method of storing tofu.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

Tofu is commonly sold in water-filled tubs, vacuum packs, or in aseptic brick packages and usually found in the produce section of most grocery stores. A liquid, such as water, is commonly added to the packages in order to preserve and maintain the freshness of the tofu. However, when preparing the tofu, it is common for the consumer to remove the liquid from the tofu product before emptying the tofu from the container.

Generally, once the tofu container is opened, any leftover tofu should be rinsed and covered with fresh water and kept cold in order to preserve the tofu product and prevent spoilage during storage. It is generally understood that, in order to maintain the tofu's freshness, the tofu needs to be drained and refilled with fresh water daily in order to keep the tofu fresh and moist, which prevents drying out and spoilage, and prevents the tofu from absorbing the flavors and smells of surrounding foods when stored in a refrigerator. Many consumers who prepare tofu are familiar with the inconvenience and challenge of effectively draining the liquid and storing tofu with ease.

Another issue that consumers may encounter is difficulty in storing the tofu product after the tofu container has been opened. Generally, opening a tofu container consists of breaking a film seal. Should a consumer need to store tofu after the container has been opened, they are commonly limited in adequate and convenient storage options. When storing tofu in its original container after the film seal has been broken, it is recommended to seal the container in order to prevent the tofu from drying out and spoiling. Once the film seal has been broken, however, the consumer is unable to reuse the film as an adequate sealing mechanism. The film commonly loses its adhesive properties during the opening process and no longer serves as an adequate seal. A consumer may attempt to use a conventional plastic wrap as a sealing mechanism, however, the container is generally made of a flexible and somewhat flimsy material, thus leading to an inadequate seal with the plastic wrap.

Therefore, an apparatus that can be coupled to a tofu container and allow a consumer to drain packing liquid from the tofu product with ease is desirable and will be readily implemented in the industry. An apparatus that can also serve as an adequate closure for the tofu container and allow the tofu to be stored for extended periods of time after the container has been opened is also desirable.

The present disclosure relates to a cover constructed and arranged to fit and securely couple to a retail film-sealed tofu container and enable the draining of liquid from the tofu product while the cover remains coupled to the container. The cover may also create an adequate seal with the container for sufficient storage. The present disclosure is also concerned with methods of storing tofu.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a cover 100 consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, cover 100 may include a body 102 having a top surface 104, a peripheral edge 106, and a rim 108 formed on the peripheral edge 106. The cover 100 may also include a lid 110 coupled to at least a portion of the body 102, wherein a score line 112 may act as a living hinge between the body 102 and the lid 110, allowing the lid 110 and body 102 to rotate relative to one another along the score line 112. In other embodiments, the lid 110 and body 102 may be connected by other types of flexure bearings, including, but not limited to, a pin hinge, butt hinge, flush hinge. The lid 110 and body 102 may rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation. The hinge may allow a limited angle of rotation between the lid 110 and body 102.

The term “living hinge” refers to a thin flexible hinge, typically made from plastic that joins two parts together, allowing them to bend along the line of the hinge. It is typically manufactured in an injection molding operation that creates all three parts at one time as a single part. The term “flexure bearing” refers to a bearing which allows motion by bending a load element. A typical flexure bearing is just one part, joining two other parts. A flexure bearing relies on the bearing element being made of a material which can be repeatedly flexed without disintegrating.

The lid 110 may be integrally formed as part of the body 102 and connected by a living hinge for pivotal movement along a score line 112. The lid 110 may be pivotally movable between a first position illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the lid obstructs fluid flow through the at least one aperture (not shown) and a second position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in which the lid allows fluid flow from the at least one aperture (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, when the lid 110 is in a first position, the exposed surface thereof is flush with the top surface 104 of the body 102 and the score line 112 and provides a smooth, planar, exposed surface. In other embodiments, the lid 110 may be detachable and separate from the body 102. For instance, the lid 110 may be a screwtop lid constructed and arranged to engage a threaded aperture defined on the cover 100. The lid 110 may also be constructed and arranged to engage a ridged portion of an aperture defined on the cover 100, and create a pressure fit.

The cover 100 and lid 110 can be constructed from any food grade plastic, including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl or polyester. The plastic may be of a uniform material or it may be composed of a blend of two or more resins such as nylon and polyethylene. The cover 100 may be molded as a single piece from a thermoplastic material by injection molding into a mold cavity of the type known to those skilled in the art. The thermoplastic material may be heated to a fluid state prior to injection into the mold and is retained in the mold until it cools a sufficient amount to solidify and hold its shape. The lid 110 can be formed from a monolayer sheet material such as high density polyethylene or a multiple layer sheet material such as one consisting of an outer polypropylene layer, a barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol and an inner sealing layer of polyethylene. The monolayer or multiple layer sheet material can additionally be provided with a barrier coating such as latex saran to improve the barrier properties of the material, particularly to oxygen.

The plastic may be transparent or opaque, or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the lid may be formed from a transparent plastic and the cover may be formed from an opaque plastic. In other embodiments, however, both the lid and cover may be formed of a transparent plastic, or both may be formed of an opaque plastic. In another embodiment, specific portions of the lid and/or cover may be transparent. The plastic may be impervious to fluid with which it may contact. For example, a cover and lid may be impervious to liquid content of a tofu container. The cover and lid may also be oxygen impermeable.

The plastic may also be ultraviolet (UV) resistant. For example, the plastic may have UV resistant compounds integrated throughout entire composition or the plastic may have a protective UV resistant transparent coatings containing UV absorbing compounds, protecting the underlying plastic from damage caused by exposure to UV radiation. The coating compositions may be applied by any conventional technique, such as spraying, dipping or flow coating. The coating may protect the plastic from UV radiation by providing strong and broad absorption in the 240 to 380 nanometer range. The plastic may also be dishwasher and/or microwave safe.

It should be noted that the overall shape of the cover 100 may be constructed and arranged to permit functioning use with a retail tofu container exhibiting a wide range of dimensions. The illustrated embodiment is sized for use with tofu containers having a width of 4 inches and a length of 5 inches, a standard size in the container art for tofu. However, the illustrated embodiment may also be proportioned for use with a range of sizes customarily used for commercial sales of tofu condiments to restaurants and the like. For instance, the cover may have a width and/or length ranging from 1 inch to 10 inches, or 3 inches to 7 inches, or 4 inches to 5 inches. Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, covers can be produced for other sizes of containers conventionally used for the packaging of many materials of this general type.

It should also be noted that the cover 100 may be constructed and arranged to permit stacking of additional tofu containers on top of the cover 100. For instance, top surface 104 of cover 100 may configure to a base portion of an additional tofu container and hold tofu container in a secure and stationary position. The cover 100 may also be constructed and arranged to permit stacking of additional covers. The cover 100 may also permit stacking of other products.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cover 100 of FIG. 1 having the lid 110 in a second position 116. In this embodiment, a cover 100 may include a body 102 having a top surface 104, a peripheral edge 106, and a rim 108 formed on the peripheral edge 106. The cover 100 may also include at least one aperture 114 defined on the body 102, through which liquid can flow. The cover 100 may also include a lid 110 coupled to at least a portion of the body 102, wherein a score line (shown in FIG. 1) may act as a living hinge between the body 102 and the lid 110, allowing the lid 110 and body 102 to rotate relative to one another. The lid 110 may be constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture 114 when in a first position (shown in FIG. 1). The lid 110 may allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture 114 when in a second position 116.

In one embodiment, the aperture(s) may be sized to allow adequate flow of liquid while obstructing any transfer of solid tofu product. The body 102 may define a plurality of apertures that may have a uniform circumference or vary in circumference.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the cover of FIG. 1 having the lid in a second position. As shown in FIG. 3, a cover 100 may include a body 102 having a top surface 104, and a lid 110 coupled to at least a portion of the body 102, wherein the lid is in an open position. The cover 300 may also include at least one aperture 114 defined on the body 102, through which liquid can flow.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the cover of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a cover 100 may include a body 102 having a bottom surface 122, a peripheral edge 106, and a rim 108 formed on the peripheral edge 106. The cover 100 may also include at least one aperture 114 defined on the body 102, through which liquid can flow. The bottom surface 122 may define at least one ridge 123, wherein the at least one ridge 123 may extend orthogonally from the bottom surface 122. In one embodiment, the at least one ridge 123 may extend along a portion of the bottom surface 122. In other embodiments, the at least one ridge 123 may extend along the entire width or length of the bottom surface 122. The ridge 123 may have a substantially uniform thickness throughout its entire length or the ridge 123 may vary in thickness along its entire length. The ridge 123 may be constructed and arranged to make contact with and prevent solid tofu product from obstructing the at least one aperture 114.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 coupled to a retail tofu container 118 and having the lid in a second position 116. As shown in FIG. 5, a cover 100 may include a body 102 having a top surface 104, a peripheral edge 106, and a rim 108 formed on the peripheral edge 106. The cover 200 may also include at least one aperture 114 defined on the body 102, through which liquid can flow. The cover 100 may also include a lid 110 coupled to at least a portion of the body 102, wherein a score line (shown in FIG. 1) may act as a living hinge between the body 102 and the lid 110, wherein the lid 110 and body 102 may rotate relative to one another. The lid 110 may be constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture 114 when in a first position (shown in FIG. 1). The lid 110 may allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture 114 when in a second position 116. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 100 may be constructed and arranged to be coupled to the tofu container 118.

FIG. 6A depicts an enlarged sectional view of the cover of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment. As can most clearly be seen in FIG. 6A, body 102 may have a bottom surface 122 and may include a rim 108, the rim having an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 126. The interior surface 126 may define a groove 128 formed on the interior surface 126 of the rim 108, the groove 128 constructed and arranged to provide a snap-fit seal with at least a portion of a flange 120 surrounding an opening of the tofu container 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 128 may extend along a periphery of the interior surface 126. In other embodiments, the groove 128 may extend along specific portions and lengths of a periphery of the interior surface 126.

The term “snap-fit” seal refers to a mechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment is accomplished with locating and locking features (constraint features) that are homogenous with one or the other of the components being joined. Joining requires the (flexible) locking features to move aside for engagement with the mating part, followed by return of the locking feature toward its original position to accomplish the interference required to latch the components together. Locator features, the second type of constraint feature, are inflexible, providing strength and stability in the attachment. In this embodiment, the groove 128 may be a locator feature and the flange 120 may be a locking feature, as define above.

FIG. 6B depicts an enlarged sectional view of the cover of FIG. 5, according to another embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5, and like components have been assigned like reference numerals. As can most clearly be seen in FIG. 6B, body 202 may have a bottom surface 222 and may include a rim 208, the rim having an exterior surface 224 and an interior surface 226. The interior surface 226 may define a slot 230 formed on the interior surface 226, the slot 230 constructed and arranged to couple the rim 208 to at least a portion of a flange 220 surrounding an opening of the tofu container 218.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 230 may slideably engage and retain at least a portion of the flange 220, the slot 230 may extend along a periphery of the interior surface 226 of the rim 208. In other embodiments, the slot 230 may extend along specific portions and lengths of a periphery of the interior surface 226.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a cover according to another embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, and like components have been assigned like reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, a cover 300 may include a body 302 having a top surface 304, a peripheral edge 306, and a rim 308 formed on the peripheral edge 306. The cover 300 may also include at least one aperture 314 defined on the body 302, through which liquid can flow. The cover 300 may also include a lid 310 coupled to at least a portion of the top surface 304 of the body 302. The top surface 304 may define at least one pair of elongated tracks 334 extending from the top surface 304. The tracks 334 may be constructed and arranged to slideably engage at least one set of corresponding channels 332 defined on the lid 310 and retain at least a portion of the lid 310, wherein the lid may be capable of moving along the tracks 334 from the first position (shown in FIG. 1) to the second position 316.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tracks 334 may be parallel to one another and orthogonal to the body 302. The tracks 334 may be uniform along the entire length of the top surface 304 of the body 302 and may extend the entire length of the top surface 304. In other embodiments, the tracks 334 may partially extend along portions of the top surface 304 of the body 302.

The channels 332 of the lid 310 may be formed integrally with the lid 310 and may be parallel to one another. The channels 332 may be uniform along the entire length of the lid 310 and may extend the entire length of the lid 310. In other embodiments, the channels 332 may partially extend along portions of the lid 310.

It should be appreciated that, while the descriptions above are an example directed to a cover adapted for sealing and draining retail film-sealed tofu containers, other food containers that contain liquid packaging can be sealed and drained by the device disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a method of storing tofu. As shown in FIG. 8, a method of storing tofu in a retail tofu container may include removing a film seal from the container, providing a cover constructed and arranged to fit and securely couple to the container, and coupling and sealing the cover to the container. The method may include draining any liquid from the container while the cover remains securely sealed to the container, and refilling the container with fresh liquid. The method may also include using the same cover on a new tofu container and repeating the steps described above.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

Claims

1. A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising:

a body having a peripheral edge and a top surface and a bottom surface;

a rim formed on the peripheral edge of the body, the rim having an exterior surface and an interior surface;

at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow; and

a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the rim is orthogonal to the body.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body defines a plurality of apertures.

4. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a groove formed on the interior surface of the rim, the groove constructed and arranged to provide a snap-fit seal with at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container.

5. The cover of claim 4 wherein the groove extends along a periphery of the interior surface.

6. The cover of claim 1 wherein the rim extends along the entire peripheral edge of the body.

7. The cover of claim 1 wherein the rim extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body.

8. The cover of claim 1 wherein the rim extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body and further comprising a slot formed on the interior surface of the rim, the slot constructed and arranged to couple the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container.

9. The cover of claim 8 wherein the slot extends along a periphery of the interior surface of the rim.

10. The cover of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the body defines at least one ridge.

11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the at least one ridge extends orthogonally from the bottom surface.

12. The cover of claim 1 wherein the lid is coupled directly to the body by a bearing, the lid is coupled to at least a portion of the top surface the body.

13. The cover of claim 12 wherein the bearing is a hinge.

14. The cover of claim 1 wherein the lid is coupled to at least a portion of the top surface the body and the top surface of the body defines at least one pair of elongated tracks extending from the top surface, the tracks constructed and arranged to slideably engage at least one set of corresponding channels defined on the lid.

15. A method of storing tofu provided in a retail tofu container containing a tofu product and packing liquid, the method comprising:

removing a film seal from the tofu container;

providing a cover constructed and arranged to fit and securely couple to the container;

coupling and sealing the cover to the container;

draining liquid from the tofu container with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container; and

filling the container with fresh liquid.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the cover comprises a body having a peripheral edge, a rim formed on the peripheral edge, at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow, and a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein coupling the cover to the container comprises directly coupling a groove formed on the interior surface of the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the container, the groove constructed and arranged to provide a snap-fit seal with the flange.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein coupling the cover to the tofu container comprises directly coupling a slot formed on a interior surface of the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the retail tofu container, the slot constructed and arranged to slideably engage and retain flange.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein opening the lid comprises removing the lid from obstructing the at least one aperture.

20. A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising:

a body that is planar and having a peripheral edge and a top surface and a bottom surface defining at least one ridge;

a rim formed on the peripheral edge of the body, the rim having an exterior surface and an interior surface and extending along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body;

at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow;

a slot formed on the interior surface of the rim with the slot slideably engaging and retaining a flange, the slot constructed and arranged to couple the rim to at least a portion of the flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container; and

a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.