FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER SYSTEM

Abstract

Some aspects of the present system include one or more tubs and one or more lids configurable in various arrangements. In some configurations, the tub includes a base, a sidewall extending from the base in a first direction and defining an opening, and a ridge extending from the base in a second direction and defining one or more protrusions. In some configurations, the lid includes a sidewall and a floor cooperating to at least partially define a recess and a plurality of tabs extending from the floor, where each tab is displaceable from a first position to a second position. In some aspects, when the lid is coupled to the tub in a first arrangement, at least one of the one or more protrusions of the ridge engage with a respective one of the plurality of tabs of the lid to couple the lid to the base.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to storage containers, and more specifically, to systems that can facilitate the transportation, storage, and organization of such containers at multiple levels of the supply chain.

BACKGROUND

Food storage containers have been widely used to assist in the packaging, distribution, organization, and display of a variety of edible products. Improvements in the art have led to many benefits, facilitating more efficient transportation, reduced packaging costs, increased longevity of food, and reduced waste associated with the packaging. To help facilitate efficiency in distribution, food storage containers can use a nesting functionality, wherein one unit can be nested inside of another to save space when the container is not actively filled with a food product (e.g., a set of containers being sent to a food packaging facility). Once filled, these containers can stack on one another to help facilitate the transportation of such goods to a distributor, the stacking of which can further increase transportation efficiency. However, containers in the art do not have a dedicated locking system to achieve these goals.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems and apparatuses that are arrangeable to form containers as well as facilitate stacking and provide a low footprint. The system of the present disclosure can utilize one or more tubs and lids, where each tub and lid may be configurable to create a sealable container for food storage purposes. While a container can act as a standalone unit, multiple containers can be stacked together efficiently and in an organized manner as desired (e.g., for transportation purposes or display purposes).

In some aspects, the tub can include a base and a sidewall extending away from the base in a first direction. The sidewall can have a first end (coupled to the base) and a second end which can define an opening of the tub. The opening can allow a user to reach into the tub to grab product inside, or alternatively, to pour product from the container as needed. In some configurations, the tub can include a lip at the second end of the sidewall. In some aspects, the tub can include a ridge that extends from the base in a second direction. The right can define one or more protrusions. In some configurations, a first surface of the ridge can define the one or more protrusions, and a second surface (opposite the first surface) can be unitary with an outer surface of the sidewall of the tub. The ridge and protrusions can be utilized to secure the base of a tub to the top of a lid (e.g., to stack the base on a lid). The base and the sidewall of the tub can cooperate to define a first chamber. The first chamber can be the primary product chamber, where a product can be stored for transport and use. The ridge and base of the tub can cooperate to define a second chamber that can be used to facilitate stacking of tubs, lids, or containers.

The lid can include both a first surface and a second surface. The first surface can define a recess, and the second surface can define one or more lid protrusions. These lid protrusions can engage with the lip included at the second end of the sidewall of the tub to secure the lid to the tub. The lid can additionally include a sidewall and a floor that cooperate to at least partially define the recess in the lid. The sidewall can include a first portion and a second portion, and, in some configurations, the second portion can be offset from the first portion. A ledge can extend from the first portion to the second portion to connect the first and second portions. In some aspects, the first portion can define one or more notches. Additionally, or alternatively, the second portion can have a first thickness at a first section and a second thickness at a second section. In some configurations, the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. In some aspects, the first portion can have a first maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a second maximum transverse dimension of the second portion.

In some of the present systems, the lid can include a projection which extends from the floor in a first direction. The floor can extend from the second portion of the sidewall to the projection such that the floor can at least partially define the recess. The projection can have a side surface which defines one or more indentations. In some configurations, the projection can have a top surface coupled to the side surface that is planar or substantially planar to the floor. In some aspects, a plurality of tabs can extend from the floor of the lid. Each tab may be displaceable such that it can bend when an adequate force it applied. At least one of the plurality of tabs can be disposed in a respective one of the one or more indentations formed by the side surface of the projection. Each tab can be used to facilitate the selective securing of the base of a tub to the lid. In some configurations, the lid can additionally include a tab designed to facilitate the removal of a lid once secured on a tub.

Each lid of the container is couplable with each tub in a variety of arrangements. To illustrate, in a first arrangement, the first surface of the lid is secured to the first end of the tub. In this manner, at least a portion of the ridge of the tub is disposed within the recess of the lid. This arrangement can be used to stack containers together, which could prove useful for transportation or display. In some aspects (depending on the number of tubs and lids available), a second arrangement can be utilized in which the second surface of the lid is secured to the second end of a tub. In this manner, the tub and lid can cooperate to enclose the first chamber. When in the second arrangement, the one or more protrusions of the second surface of the lid can interact with the lip of the tub to secure the tub to the lid.

In some configurations, when the lid is coupled to the tub in a first arrangement, at least one of the protrusions of the ridge can engage with a respective one of the tabs of the lid, thereby coupling the lid to the base of the tub. In some aspects, when a respective lid and tub are coupled in the first arrangement, a first protrusion of the one or more protrusions of the ridge can displace a first tab of the plurality of tabs in a direction towards the indentation. After the first protrusion has passed a bump of the first tab, the first tab can then move in a direction away from the indentation. As described herein, the protrusions and tabs can facilitate the selective locking of the tub to the lid. When the lid is coupled to the tub in a second arrangement, at least one of the one or more lid protrusions can engage with the lip of the tub to couple the lid thereto.

In some configurations, when more than one tub and more than one lid are available, two or more containers can be made and stacked together. For example, a first lid can be coupled to a first tub in the second arrangement, thereby creating a container which can store a product. Similarly, a second lid can be coupled to a second tub in the second arrangement, creating a second container. In some aspects, the first lid can be coupled to the second tub in the first arrangement, thereby stacking the second container on the first container.

In addition to the stacking of containers on top of one another, each individual component (e.g., the tub or the lid) can be stackable with itself. For example, a first lid can be coupled to a second lid in a third arrangement. In this arrangement, the floor of the second lid can be disposed in the recess of the first lid. Additionally, the second portion of the sidewall of the second lid is at least partially surrounded by the first portion of the sidewall of the first lid. In some configurations, the floor of the second lid can be supported by the ledge of the first lid. In a similar manner, a first tub can be coupled to a second tub in a fourth arrangement. In such an arrangement, the second tub can substantially occupy the volume of the first chamber of the first tub. As such, the sidewalls of the second tub can contact the sidewalls of the first tub, and the ridge of the second tub can contact the base of the first tub.

In some configurations, the lid and tub of the container can be transparent, thereby allowing a user to inspect the product disposed therein. This is important at every stage of the supply chain, as it allows packagers to inspect the product before being packaged, transportation personnel to ensure quality while in transit, retailers to ensure quality before and during stocking, and customers to select their preferred product. The stacking function of the container proves additionally beneficial, as this can allow for more organized transportation and display.

In some of the present methods, the spring type tab systems in the lid of the present containers and a series of protrusions in the base of the tub can allow for the selective securing of one container to another. A user can press the base of a tub into a recess on a lid of the present system, thereby causing the protrusions of the tub to elastically deform the tabs on the lid. Once reaching a certain clearance (e.g., past the protrusions), the tabs can then return to their original positions, locking the protrusions below and effectively securing the tub to the lid. With multiple units, this method can create a stack of containers, all selectively secured to one another through this interaction. While the lip of the tub and the lid can be circular, the base of the tub and recess in the lid can take on other shapes (e.g., a square). The use of an alternative shape can additionally facilitate organization, ensuring that the containers are secured rotationally such that all labels can be forward facing, and rotation can be prevented while in a stack. In this manner, a store displaying a stack of these containers can have all labels facing outward for the customer to view. The food storage system described herein can provide secure engagement of components despite issues that may arise with manufacturing or transportation of the components. To illustrate, components can often be manufactured with slight differences in dimensions as compared to the given specifications, which can result in differing dimensions in the manufactured product that may prevent stacking of conventional containers. Furthermore, food storage containers are often subjected to temperature changes (e.g., manufactured at room temperature, stored at refrigerated or freezing temperatures, shipped or stored at outdoor ambient temperatures, and displayed at room temperatures) that can cause swelling or shrinking or the components. The present system can provide secure engagement of components despite the issues that arise with the manufacture, storage, and handling of food storage products.

The individual components of the present system (e.g., the tub and the lid) can additionally prove beneficial in terms of transportation, storage, and organization. For example, each component is designed such that it can nest with additional units of itself. To illustrate, a set of tubs can be stacked with one another to create a condensed stack for transportation (e.g., from the manufacturer to the packing facility, where the individual components may be delivered and then subsequently filled with product before being combined with a lid to create a final product container). In this manner, a tub can be placed in the cavity of another tub, slightly extending the height of the set but utilizing substantially the same space as a single tub. This method can be repeated, allowing for a large number of tubs to occupy a relatively small space. The lids of the present system can utilize a similar method in which multiple units can be nested with one another to facilitate the efficient use of space when transporting or storing the lids. In a similar manner to the stacking of a complete container system, both the tubs and lids can be stacked with their respective units such that rotation is prevented, allowing the stack to stay oriented as desired during transportation. In these manners, the containers of the present disclosure can greatly facilitate the efficient transportation, storage, and organization of such food containers at all levels of the supply chain.

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other or may be connected to one another via one or more intermediate components or elements.

The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. Additionally, the use of the plural version of an element does not necessarily indicate two or more of those elements, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. For example, a description of “elements” could include a single element or multiple elements.

The term “substantially” or “approximately” is defined as largely, but not necessarily wholly, what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed configuration, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 percent.

The terms “comprise” (and any form thereof such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form thereof such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form thereof such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form thereof such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, something that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole or fractions, within the range, inclusive of the ends of the ranges. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth. Additionally, the use of between when describing two endpoints of a numerical range should be understood to include those endpoints. For example, a disclosure of between 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range including 1 and including 10.

Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context, and can have the same meaning as “and/or.” To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

Any configuration of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/have—any of the described steps, elements, or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

The feature or features of one configuration may be applied to other configurations, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the configurations. Further, an apparatus or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described. Some details associated with the configurations described above and others are described below.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a container system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a tub of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the tub of FIG. 2A taken along line 2B-2B.

FIGS. 3A-3D are top perspective, bottom perspective, top, and bottom views, respectively, of a lid of the system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3E and 3F are front, and side views of the lid of FIG. 3A taken along lines 3E-3E and 3F-3F, respectively.

FIG. 3G is an enlarged side view of the lid of FIG. 3F.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the container system of the present disclosure, arranged in a first arrangement.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are perspective and front views, respectively, of the container system of FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the container system of the present disclosure, arranged in a second arrangement.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the container system of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B.

FIG. 6A is an example of the container system of the present disclosure having three containers stacked on top of one another.

FIG. 6B is a side section view of an example of the container system of the present disclosure in a third arrangement.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example of the container system of the present disclosure having two lids stacked on one another.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are sectional perspective and front views, respectively, of the lids of FIG. 7A taken along line 7B-7B.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example of the container system of the present disclosure having two tubs stacked on one another.

FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the container system of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 10 is a container system that can be used to store or contain products. As described herein, container system 10 can be configured as a container that is used to store edible contents or contain culinary products. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, system 10 can comprise a tub 14 and a lid 18, each of which can be removably coupled to the other to form a container. A product, such as an herb, ingredient, condiment, or other food product, can be disposed within the container (e.g., 10) and thereafter sealed within the container to improve storage of the product and facilitate the transportation, display, and distribution of the product. In some configurations, tub 14 or lid 18 can include a unity body defining one or more of the features described herein; while in other configurations, various components may be coupled together to define the tub or the lid. As will be described further herein, components of system 10 can be selectively coupled to one another (e.g., fixedly stacked on one another) in a variety of arrangements to facilitate the transportation and organization of the system.

As depicted in FIG. 1, tub 14 can include a first end 22 and a second end 26 that can define an opening 30. Tub 14 can define a product chamber 34 (or primary chamber) extending from, and in communication with, opening 30. Chamber 34 can be configured to receive or store products, such as food products, which may be accessible via opening 30. Tub 14 and lid 18 can be configured to be removably coupled to one another to define a cavity (e.g., FIG. 4C) for storing products. To illustrate, a product can be disposed within chamber 34 of tub 14 and lid 18 can then be coupled to second end 26 of the tub to create a container for the transportation, display, and sale of the aforementioned product.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, tub 14 is depicted from a perspective view and from a section view, respectively. Tub 14 can comprise a base 38 (near first end 22 of tub 14) and a sidewall 42 coupled to and extending from the base in a first direction D1. Sidewall 42 can extend from a proximal end 46 that is coupled to base 38 to a distal end 50. In at least this way, base 38 and sidewall 42 can act to define chamber 34 within which products can be housed (e.g., for transportation or storage). In some configurations, distal end 50 of sidewall 42 can define opening 30 and may correspond to second end 26 of tub 14. In some aspects, tub 14 can include a lip 54. As depicted in FIG. 2B, lip 54 can extend outward from distal end 50 of sidewall 42. In some configurations, at least a portion of lip 54 can extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to base 38. Additionally, or alternatively, lip 54 can be curved (or include a curved portion) at its end. Lip 54 can act to create a larger contact surface when lid 18 is coupled to tub 14, thereby improving the seal between the two. Additionally, lip 54 can facilitate the securing of lid 18 to tub 14 (as can be seen in FIGS. 4B and 4C).

As depicted, sidewall 42 can circumscribe base 38 wherein the base and sidewall can cooperate to define chamber 34. In some configurations, sidewall 42 extends from base 38 at an angle, such as an obtuse angle (e.g., substantially greater than, equal to, or between any two of: 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, or 130 degrees). The angle between sidewall 42 and base 38 can facilitate dispensing of the product stored in chamber 34. To illustrate, the obtuse angle can assist in pouring of the product or enable a user's hand to be able to access the product while also taking up less shelf space at base 38. In some configurations, one or more other structural features can, but need not, extend from base 38. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2B, a plurality of support members 58 can be seen connecting sidewall 42 and base 38. Support members 58 can extend inwardly from sidewall 42 and upwardly (e.g., in first direction D1) from base 38. Support members 58 can provide stability to tub 14. In some configurations, such as that shown in FIG. 8B, support member can facilitate the stacking of tubs (e.g., 14) on top of one another (e.g., by creating a stacking distance between the base of one tub and the base of one other tub).

A ridge 62 can be coupled to and extend from base 38 in a second direction D2. As shown, an end of ridge 62 furthest from base 38 can correspond to first end 22 of tub 14. Ridge 62 can include a first surface 66 and a second surface 70 opposing the first surface. In some configurations, second surface 70 can be unitary with a surface (e.g., outer surface) of sidewall 42. First surface 66 of ridge 62 can extend from and cooperate with a surface (e.g., bottom surface) of base 38 to define a secondary chamber 74. In some configurations, first surface 66 can define one or more protrusions 78. As depicted in FIG. 2B, first surface 66 defines a plurality of protrusions 78 spaced equidistantly around ridge 62. Ridge 62 and protrusions 78 can be used to interact with lid 18 to facilitate stacking of the system (e.g., 10), as will be depicted explicitly in FIGS. 5A-6B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3G, lid 18 is depicted in multiple views. Lid 18 can comprise a lip 82, which may extend circumferentially around the lid (or lid body). Lip 82 can be used to facilitate a secure fit with tub 14 once appropriately secured thereon. For example, lip 82 of lid 18 can interact with lip 54 of tub 14 to secure the lid and tub together. In some configurations, lid 18 can comprise one or more tabs 86 configured to assist in handling the lid. For example, tab 86 can be manipulated by a user to facilitate the decoupling of lid 18 from other components of the system (e.g., 10), such as removing the lid from tub 14 or other lids.

Lid 18 includes a first surface 90, shown in FIG. 3C, and a second surface 94, shown in FIG. 3D, which is opposite the first surface. First surface 90 can define a recess 98 that can act as both a guide and foundation to facilitate the stacking of a tub 14 thereon. As best depicted in FIGS. 3E and 3F, lid 18 can include a sidewall 102 that defines recess 98. Sidewall 102 can include both a first portion 106 and a second portion 110. First portion 106 and second portion 110 can be offset from one another and may be connected via a ledge 114. First portion 106 can extend downward from an uppermost surface of lid 18 to ledge 114. As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3C, first portion 106 can form a substantially rectangular shape (e.g., recess 98 defined by the first portion 106 can be substantially rectangular). However, in other configurations, first portion 106 can form other shapes including rounded or sharp corners. Additionally, first portion 106 can define one or more notches 122. In some configurations, such as that depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B, notches 122 can help facilitate the stacking of one or more lids (e.g., 18) on top of one another. To illustrates, a first notch (e.g., 122) from a first lid can be aligned with a second notch (e.g., 122) from a second lid when the first and second lids are coupled together. In some such configurations, the first and second notches can nest together to mitigate rocking or rotation of the first and second lids relative to one another.

Second portion 110 of sidewall 102 can extend downward from ledge 114. In some configurations, second portion 110 can be offset from first portion 106 such that it is positioned inward from the first portion. In such configurations, a maximum transverse dimension of recess 98 at second portion 110 can be less than a maximum transverse dimension of the recess at first portion 106. In some aspects, second portion 110 can be arranged such that is substantially parallel to first portion 106. In this way and others, second portion 110 can define a shape substantially similar to that defined by first portion 106 (e.g., substantially rectangular as depicted). Second portion 110 can vary in thickness in at least one point. For example, second portion 110 can have a first thickness at a first section and a second thickness at a second section, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness. Ledge 114 can extend from and connect first portion 106 to second portion 110. In some configurations, ledge 114 may be substantially orthogonal to first portion 106, second portion 110, or both. As shown best in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the differing first and second portions (e.g., 106 and 110, respectively) can facilitate the placement of tub 14 into recess 98 of lid 18, thereby assisting in the proper placement and stacking of the system (e.g., 10). To illustrate, the specific shape defined by first portion 106, second portion 110, ledge 114, or combination thereof, can correspond to a shape of tub 14 (e.g., ridge 62) to secure the tub and lid 18 such as by preventing the rotation of a tub 14 stacked on top of a lid 18.

Referring to FIGS. 3E and 3F, lid 18 can include a floor 126 extending from sidewall 102 (e.g., at second portion 110). Floor 126 can cooperate with sidewall 102 to at least partially defines recess 98. As shown, a projection 130 and one or more tabs 134 can extend upwardly from floor 126. Projection 130 can be disposed within recess 98 and can include a side surface 138 and an upper surface 142. Side surface 138 of projection 130 can define a shape similar to that of first portion 106 or second portion 110 of sidewall 102. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3C, side surface 138 can be substantially rectangular with rounded corners. In other configurations, side surface 138 can form an alternative shape (similar to first and second portions 106 or 110, respectively).

Side surface 138 can define a plurality of indentations 146. As best shown in FIG. 3C, side surface 138 can include four indentations 146 that can be spaced equidistantly around the surface. However, in other configurations, any other suitable number of indentations 146 can be used and spaced along side surface 138 in any suitable arrangement. Indentations 146 can allow space for tabs 134 to protrude from floor 126 in first direction D1. In some configurations, a respective tab 134 can be disposed within or partially within a respective indentation 146. Indentations 146 and tabs 134 can be used to facilitate the selective locking of tub 14 to lid 18. For example, each tab 134 can be displaceable/flexible, which can facilitate the secure stacking of tub 14 on lid 18, as described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 5A-6B. In this way and others, tabs 134 may spring back to their original position after being displaced (e.g., via the coupling of components together). Each tab 134 can additionally include one or more bumps 154 to help further facilitate the secure stacking of tub 14 on lid 18.

Upper surface 142 of projection 130 can be disposed within recess 98 and, in some configurations, can define a center of lid 18. Upper surface 142 can be substantially perpendicular to first direction D1, floor 126, sidewall 102, or combination thereof. As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, upper surface 142 can extend between and connect side surface 138 to define a support surface. In some configurations, upper surface 142 can be substantially planar and can interact with base 38 of tub 14 to facilitate securement of the tub to lid 18.

Side surface 138 and sidewall 102 can define the outer and inner bounds, respectively, for a valley 150. Floor 126 can additionally define the lower bound of valley 150. Valley 150 can act to facilitate the proper stacking of tub 14 on lid 18. More specifically, valley 150 can accommodate ridge 62 of tub 14 such that the ridge is guided into the valley (e.g., by the varying dimensions of first portion and second portion 106 and 110, respectively). For example, as a user presses tub 14 into lid 18, first and second portions (106 and 110, respectively) will guide second surface 70 of ridge 62 to properly place the tub. First surface 66 of ridge 62 can than contact substantially all of side surface 138 of projection 130, thereby ensuring contact on both surfaces (e.g., 66 and 70) of ridge 62 to facilitate further stability.

Second surface 94 of lid 18 can mirror first surface 90 and may assist in defining some of the features of lid 18, as described herein. For example, as best shown in FIG. 3B, second surface 94 can define one or more projections or protrusions that correspond to the recesses, indentations, or notches of first surface 90. Second surface 94 of lid 18 can also include or define or more independent features from first surface 90. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3D-3F, second surface 94 can define one or more protrusions 158, each of which can be configured to engage with lip 54 of tub 14. Additionally, or alternatively, second surface 94 can define one or more other protrusions. For example, referring to FIG. 3B, second surface 94 can define one or more raised portions 162 on a back surface of second portion 110 of sidewall 102. As depicted, raised portions 162 may extend along a corner of sidewall 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, system 10 is depicted with lid 18 placed and secured on top of tub 14 to form a container. As can be seen best by FIGS. 4B and 4C, protrusions 158 of lid 18 can be used to selectively couple the lid to tub 14 (e.g., via elastic deformation). For example, a user can press lid 18 onto lip 54 of tub 14, wherein the lid can be elastically deformed to allow protrusions 158 to pass over the lip. Once protrusions 158 have passed by lip 54, lid 18 can then be allowed to elastically return to its original structure and shape, wherein the protrusions will be disposed beneath the lip and prevent the unintended removal of the lid from tub 14. However, a user can remove lid 18 from tub 14 by applying pressure to a part of lip 82 (or to tab 86) in a first direction. The applied pressure can elastically deform first surface 90 and lip 82 to allow protrusions 158 to pass over lip 54 of the tub, thereby opening the container. Chamber 34 of tub 14 can therefore be filled with a product, lid 18 can be easily disposed onto and selectively coupled to the tub for packaging and transportation, and a user can then remove the lid when ready to use the product housed therein. System 10 can be opened and closed repeatedly such that a user can keep products housed within fresher for a longer duration of time (as compared to a one-time-use package that cannot be resealed).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, an example of system 10 is depicted with tub 14 and lid 18 arranged in an open configuration in which the tub is placed on top of the lid. The detailed structure of lid 18 (e.g., valley 150, first portion 106, second portion 110, side surface 138, indentations 146, tabs 134, or bumps (e.g., 154)) can be used to selectively couple the lid to the base of tub 14. As described previously, first portion 106, second portion 110, and side surface 138 can be used to facilitate the proper placement of ridge 62 of tub 14 within the valley (e.g., 150) of lid 18. Furthermore, indentations 146, tabs 134, and bumps (e.g., 150) can interact with protrusions 78 of tub 14 to selectively lock the tub to the lid. To illustrate, as tub 14 is urged downward into recess 98, protrusions 78 may displace respective tabs 134 from a first position to a second, deformed position. As tub 14 is continued to be urged into recess 98 (e.g., within valley 150), protrusions 78 will move past bumps 154 of tabs 134 and the tabs will move from the second, deformed position towards the first position (e.g., return back to the first position).

First end 22 of tub 14 (including base 38, ridge 62, and protrusions 78) can interact with projection 130, indentations 146, the valley (e.g., 150), tabs 134, and first and second portions (e.g., 106 and 110, respectively) of lid 18 to secure the tub to the lid. To illustrate, a user can press ridge 62 of tub 14 into the valley (e.g., 150) of lid 18, wherein the ridge can be disposed and secured within the valley. Second portion 110 of lid 18, being offset inwardly in relation to first portion 106, can assist with the guiding of ridge 62 into valley 150 (e.g., by guiding the slope of ridge 62 into the valley along first portion 106 first, followed by second portion 110) and can facilitate a stable fit between base 38 and lid 18 (e.g., by means of frictional contact between the ridge and each of the first and second portions). To selectively secure tub 14 to lid 18, the system of protrusions 78, indentations 146, and tabs 134 can be utilized. To illustrate, when a user presses tub 14 into lid 18, protrusions 78 on ridge 62 can interact with tabs 134, thereby elastically deforming the tabs and bending them toward the center of the lid to allow the protrusions to pass by the tabs. Once the protrusions 78 pass by the bump (e.g., 150) of tabs 134 each tab can elastically return to its original position, effectively securing the protrusions underneath the bump and securing ridge 62 to lid 18. Thus, lid 18 and tub 14 can be selectively coupled to one another to facilitate the stacking functionality previously mentioned. A user can separate tub 14 from lid 18 by pulling the tub in a first direction away from the lid, or alternatively, by pulling the lid in a second direction D2 from the tub. The applied pressure can elastically deform tabs 134 to allow protrusions 78 and ridge 62 to be removed from valley 150, thereby separating lid 18 from tub 14. As described herein, the lid 19 and tub 14 can be configured to be securely engaged with one another and can overcome any fit issues that may arise from manufacturing tolerances or temperature changes during manufacture, storage, shipping, or handling of the components.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict another example of system 10. As shown in FIG. 6A, three containers, each formed of a respective lid 18 and tub 14 coupled together, are arranged in a stacked configuration. As shown in FIG. 6A, tub 14 can be made from a material that is translucent or semi-translucent. In some configurations, tub 14 can include a label that can include branding or product information. This can prove beneficial for a user, for example, by allowing a user to see into the container to examine a product housed within. The containers of system 10 (e.g., formed from tub 14 and lid 18) can be stackable with other sets of tubs 14 and lids 18 to facilitate the organization, transportation, and appearance of the container (and therefore, the product housed within). FIG. 6B depicts a partial section view of system 10 with two tubs 14 coupled to lid 18. As shown, lid 18 can be used to selectively create a container when placed on tub 14 while simultaneously acting as a base for another tub by selectively securing the base 38 of said tub to the lid. In this manner, multiple units can be stacked on top of one another to facilitate the packing, transportation, and organization of multiple containers of system 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, the stacking functionality of lid 18 is depicted. Lid 18 can be stacked with multiple other lids, thereby saving space and facilitating more secure and efficient transportation, storage, and use. In addition to the space-saving benefits that accompany the stacking of lid 18, recess 98 of the lid can also assist in organizing the lids for use. As can be seen by FIGS. 7B and 7C, the recess of one lid 18 will allow space for the projection 130, floor 126, and sidewall 102 of a secondary lid. Recess 98, first portion 106, and second portion 110 can align and interact with their respective components on a second lid 18, thereby allowing each lid to secure the next lid in the stack and prevent rotational movement between the lids (e.g., the rotation of one lid respective to another). In this way, all lids can be kept front-facing, facilitating the packaging and use of system 10. In configurations in which multiple lids 18 can be stacked together, ledge 114 can abut another section of an adjacent lid (e.g., floor 126, second section 110, sidewall 102, or the like) to create a stacking distance that separates the lids. Additionally, or alternatively, notches 122 of one lid 18 can be configured to rest within the notches of another lid. The features of lid 18, described herein, can facilitate stacking of multiple lids (e.g., 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100, 125, or 150 lids) while minimizing stability concerns, such as the lids rocking or rotating relative to one another or the lids sticking together.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, and in a similar manner to lid 18 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, tub 14 can be stacked with multiple other tubs to facilitate secure and efficient transportation, storage, and use. Sidewall 42 of each tub 14 can be used to guide and contact the sidewall of another tub, wherein the next tub can occupy at least part of chamber 34 of the first tub. Tub 14 can be dimensioned such that this nesting ability can be carried on with each successive tub, allowing for a large stack of multiple units to be created. For example, each tub 14 can include one or more support members 58 that are configured to abut other support members of another tub. Support members 58 can create a stacking distance between bases 38 of each tub 14 and prevent tubs from sticking together (e.g., via friction from sidewalls 42, pressure differential in chamber 74, or the like). Similar to lid 18 mentioned previously, this can not only facilitate more efficient and secure transportation, storage, and use, but additionally facilitate the organization of tub 14 to assist in the packaging of a product within the system. For example, sidewalls 42 can prevent rotation of one tub 14 in relation to another tub, thereby keeping all tubs oriented as desired during transportation.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative configurations. Although certain configurations have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual configurations, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed configurations without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative configurations of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and configurations other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted configurations. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, connections may be substituted, or both. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties or functions and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one configuration or may relate to several configurations. Accordingly, no single implementation described herein should be construed as limiting and implementations of the disclosure may be suitably combined without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The previous description of the disclosed implementations is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed implementations. Various modifications to these implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope possible consistent with the principles and novel features as defined by the following claims.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.

Claims

1. A container for storing edible contents or contain culinary products, the container comprising:

a tub comprising: a base; a sidewall coupled to and extending from the base in a first direction, the sidewall having: a first end coupled to the base; and a second end defining an opening; and a ridge coupled to and extending from the base in a second direction, the ridge having one or more protrusions;

a lid comprising: a sidewall; a floor, the sidewall and floor cooperating to at least partially define a recess; and a plurality of tabs extending from the floor, each tab being displaceable from a first position to a second position;

wherein, when the lid is coupled to the tub in a first arrangement, at least one of the one or more protrusions of the ridge engage with a respective one of the plurality of tabs of the lid to couple the lid to the base.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes:

a first surface that defines the recess; and

a second surface that defines one or more lid protrusions.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein:

the tub includes a lip at the second end of the sidewall; and

when the lid is coupled to the tub in a second arrangement, at least one of the one or more lid protrusions engage with the lip to couple the lid to the base.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the lid includes:

a first portion defining one or more notches;

a second portion offset from the first portion; and

a ridge extending from the first portion to the second portion.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the second portion has a first thickness at a first section and a second thickness at a second section, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the lid includes a projection extending from the floor in a first direction, the projection having: a side surface defining one or more indentations; and a top surface coupled to the side surface, the top surface being planar or substantially parallel to the floor; and

at least one of the plurality of tabs being disposed in a respective one of the one or more indentations.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a tab.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the ridge of the tub includes a first surface that has the one or more protrusions and a second surface that is unitary with an outer surface of the sidewall of the tub.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid and tub are transparent.

10. A system comprising:

one or more tubs having: a base; a sidewall coupled to and extending from the base in a first direction, wherein the base and the sidewall cooperate to define a first chamber; and a ridge coupled to and extending from the base in a second direction, the ridge having one or more protrusions and wherein the base and the ridge cooperate to define a second chamber;

one or more lids having: a first surface defining a recess; and a second surface defining one or more protrusions;

wherein each lid is couplable with each tub in: a first arrangement in which the first surface of the lid is secured to a first end of the tub such that at least a portion of the ridge is disposed within the recess; and a second arrangement in which the second surface of the lid is secured to a second end the tub such that the tub and lid cooperate to enclose the first chamber.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein

each tub includes a lip at the second end; and

wherein a respective lid and tub are coupled in the second arrangement, the one or more protrusions of the second surface of the lid interact with the lip of the tub to secure the tub to the lid.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first surface of the lid includes:

a sidewall;

a floor extending from the sidewall, wherein the sidewall and floor cooperate to at least partially define the recess;

a projection having a side surface defining a plurality of indentations; and

a plurality of tabs extending from the floor, at least one of the tabs being disposed within a respective one of the plurality of indentations.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein when a respective lid and tub are coupled in the first arrangement, a first protrusion of the one or more protrusions of the ridge displaces a first tab of the plurality of tabs in a direction toward the indentation.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein after the first protrusion has passed a bump of the first tab, the first tab moves in a direction away the indentation.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein:

the one or more tubs include a first tub and a second tub; and

the one or more lids include a first lid and a second lid.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein:

the first lid is coupled to the first tub in the second arrangement;

the second lid is coupled to the second tub in the second arrangement; and

the first lid is coupled to the second tub in the first arrangement.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein:

the first lid is couplable to the second lid in a third arrangement; and

the first tub is couplable to the second tub in a fourth arrangement.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second lid includes:

a sidewall having: a first portion having a first maximum transverse dimension; a second portion having a second maximum transverse dimension that is less than the first maximum transverse dimension; and a ledge extending from the first portion to the second portion; and

a floor extending from the second portion of the sidewall of the lid, wherein the sidewall and floor cooperate to at least partially define the recess.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein, when the first and second lid are in the third arrangement:

the floor of second lid is disposed in the recess of the first lid; and

the second portion of the sidewall of the second lid is at least partially surrounded by the first portion of the sidewall of the first lid.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, when the first and second lid are in the third arrangement the floor of the second lid is supported by the ledge of the first lid.