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US20240262584A1 - Lid for food jar - Google Patents

Lid for food jar Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240262584A1
US20240262584A1 US18/435,167 US202418435167A US2024262584A1 US 20240262584 A1 US20240262584 A1 US 20240262584A1 US 202418435167 A US202418435167 A US 202418435167A US 2024262584 A1 US2024262584 A1 US 2024262584A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sliding door
lid
compartment
food
food jar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/435,167
Inventor
Marvin Lane
Graham Allan
Freddy Aranda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thermos LLC
Original Assignee
Thermos LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thermos LLC filed Critical Thermos LLC
Priority to US18/435,167 priority Critical patent/US20240262584A1/en
Assigned to THERMOS L.L.C. reassignment THERMOS L.L.C. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LANE, MARVIN, ALLAN, GRAHAM, ARANDA, FREDDY
Publication of US20240262584A1 publication Critical patent/US20240262584A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/246Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas
    • B65D51/247Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas located between an inner and an outer closure
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2857Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2892Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it the element, e.g. a valve, opening an aperture of the auxiliary container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/246Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • B65D41/0407Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means
    • B65D41/0414Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a plug, collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the internal surface of a container neck
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/18Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/242Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with means for facilitating lifting or suspending of the container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/72Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/10Jars, e.g. for preserving foodstuffs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0006Upper closure
    • B65D2251/0018Upper closure of the 43-type
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0078Lower closure of the 41-type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lid for a food jar.
  • Food jars or containers are often used to store and transport food items.
  • the food items may include soups, stews, beverages, or other food items that the user prefers to consume with a separate utensil, such as a spoon or fork.
  • the user may prefer to add additional condiments, seasonings, etc. to the food items immediately before eating the food item.
  • Such utensils and/or food items may become lost or separated from the food jar during transportation.
  • a lid for a food jar is described that may be used to store and transport food items or drink items.
  • the lid includes a storage compartment.
  • the lid functions with a variety of containers including insulated or uninsulated structures to store the food items, possibly at warmed or chilled temperatures for later consumption.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the lid for a food jar includes a sliding door and a compartment.
  • the sliding door opens and closes the compartment.
  • the lid fits over a stopper of the food jar.
  • the stopper closes an opening of the container.
  • the container includes an interior to store a food item or could be configured to store beverages.
  • the lid includes the compartment that conveniently holds utensils and/or foods products in proximity to the food jar.
  • a lid for a food jar in another aspect, includes a compartment.
  • the compartment is configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof.
  • the lid includes a sliding door, which is configured to slidably engage to the lid.
  • the sliding door is configured to extend from and retract to the lid.
  • a lid for a food jar in another aspect, includes a compartment.
  • the compartment is configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof.
  • the compartment is formed in an upper surface of the lid.
  • the lid includes a sliding door.
  • the sliding door is configured to slidably engage to the lid.
  • the compartment includes a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall.
  • the first lateral wall is generally opposite of the second lateral wall.
  • the compartment is generally between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall.
  • the sliding door includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge.
  • the first lateral edge slidably engages to the first lateral wall, and the second lateral edge slidably engages to the second lateral wall.
  • the sliding door extends from the lid to open or reveal the compartment, and the sliding door retracts to the lid to cover or conceal the compartment.
  • a food jar in another aspect, includes a lid.
  • the lid includes a compartment and a sliding door.
  • the sliding door is configured to slidably engage to the lid.
  • the sliding door is configured to extend from and retract to the lid.
  • the food jar includes a stopper.
  • the food jar includes a container having an opening and an interior configured to store a food item or beverage.
  • the stopper is configured to close the opening.
  • a lower opening of the lid is configured to fit over a portion of the stopper or the container.
  • a food jar in another aspect, includes a lid.
  • the lid includes a compartment and a sliding door.
  • a lower surface of the compartment includes one or more protrusions.
  • the protrusions extend upwardly from the lower surface.
  • a bottom surface of the sliding door includes one or more fins proximate a front edge of the sliding door.
  • the fins project downwards from the bottom surface of the sliding door.
  • the one or more fins proximate the front edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to bias the sliding door to remain in a closed position.
  • the bottom surface further includes one or more fins proximate a rear edge of the sliding door.
  • the one or more fins proximate the rear edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to stop or prevent a sliding movement of the sliding door beyond a fully extended position.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the door disengaged from the lid.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective of the door extending from the lid to the open position.
  • FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the door extending from the lid to the open position.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the closed position.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the partially open position.
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lid.
  • FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the door.
  • FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of the food jar with the utensil removed from the compartment.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of the utensil.
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the closed position.
  • FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the open position.
  • any terms that describe relative position refer to an embodiment of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.
  • a lid 100 for a food jar 50 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 - 17 .
  • the lid 100 fits over or engages a stopper 400 of the food jar 50 .
  • the stopper 400 closes an opening of a container 500 of the food jar 50 .
  • the container 500 includes an interior 520 to store food items or beverages.
  • the lid 100 includes a sliding door 200 and a compartment 300 .
  • the sliding door 200 may extend from and retract to the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 may extend from the lid 100 to open or reveal the compartment 300 .
  • the sliding door 200 may retract from the lid 100 to cover or conceal the compartment 300 .
  • the sliding door 200 may extend and retract in a direction generally perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the food jar 50 or the container 500 .
  • the compartment 300 may be formed in an upper surface 105 of the lid 100 .
  • the compartment 300 may hold an optional utensil, such as a collapsible spoon 110 or other fork, knife, spoon, etc.
  • the compartment 300 may hold two optional eating utensils, such as two collapsible spoons 110 or other forks, knives, spoons, or combinations thereof.
  • the compartment 300 may be configured to hold other food products or items, such as condiments or condiment packages, drink additives, crackers, seasonings, salt, pepper, vitamins, supplements, other foods, etc.
  • the compartment 300 conveniently holds the utensils and/or foods products in close connection with the food jar 50 , such that the utensils and food items are not easily separated and lost. Further, the compartment 300 may contain the utensils and foods items to reduce contamination from exterior sources.
  • the container 500 is configured to hold a first food item or beverage
  • the compartment 300 is configured to hold a second foot item or utensil.
  • the sliding door 200 includes a generally rectangular shape.
  • a front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 is generally opposite of a rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 .
  • the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 may include a curved perimeter to approximately match a curved perimeter of the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 may include a square, triangular, ovular, or other shape.
  • the sliding door 200 further includes a first lateral edge 220 and a second lateral edge 240 .
  • the first lateral edge 220 and the second lateral edge 240 slidably engage to the compartment 300 .
  • an upper surface 260 of the sliding door 200 may be generally flush with the upper surface 105 of the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 is integrated into the upper surface 105 of the lid 100 .
  • the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 forms a portion of an outer circumference of the lid 100 .
  • the upper surface 260 may include an optional detent 263 and/or an optional depression 266 .
  • the detent 263 and the depression 266 provide the user with a gripping surface or gripping point to pull and/or push the sliding door 200 between the open and closed positions.
  • the upper surface 260 may include a patterned or textured surface to provide the gripping surface or other frictional contact surface.
  • the compartment 300 includes a first lateral wall 320 and a second lateral wall 340 .
  • the first lateral wall 320 is generally opposite of the second lateral wall 340
  • the compartment 300 is generally between the first lateral wall 320 and the second lateral wall 340 .
  • the compartment 300 includes an interior 305 suitable for storage.
  • the sliding door 200 is generally slidably engaged to the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include any of a variety of tracks, rails, guide structures, protruding members, protrusions, rims, bearing surfaces, extending members, etc. that provide for the sliding engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 .
  • Such sliding structures may be molded into the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include a sliding engagement where a protruding member or extending member of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 slides under a rim or shelf of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 .
  • the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include a sliding engagement where a protrusion, knob or button of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 rides or slides in a channel or track of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 .
  • the first lateral wall 320 of the compartment 300 includes a first extending rim 322 and second extending rim 326 .
  • a gap 324 is formed between the first extending rim 322 and the second extending rim 326 .
  • the second lateral wall 340 of the compartment 300 includes a first extending rim 342 and second extending rim 346 .
  • a gap 344 is likewise formed between the first extending rim 342 and the second extending rim 346 .
  • the first lateral edge 220 of the sliding door 200 includes a first protruding member 224
  • the second lateral edge 240 of the sliding door 200 includes a second protruding member 244 .
  • the first protruding member 224 and the second protruding member 244 extend outward from the sliding door 200 .
  • the first protruding member 224 generally slides under the first extending rim 322 and the second extending rim 326 of the compartment 300
  • the second protruding member 244 generally slides under the first extending rim 342 and the second extending rim 346 of the compartment 300 to provide a slidable engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 .
  • the engagement of the sliding door 200 to the lid 100 is shown.
  • the first protruding member 224 is dropped, inserted, or otherwise placed into the gap 324
  • the second protruding member 244 is dropped, inserted, or otherwise placed into the gap 344 .
  • the first protruding member 224 may slide under the either of the first extending rim 322 and/or the second extending rim 326
  • the second protruding member 244 may be slid under the first extending rim 342 and/or the second extending rim 346 .
  • This provides a sliding engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 . This also reduces or prevents upward movement of the sliding door 200 relative to the lid 100 .
  • the sliding engagement provides lateral movement for the sliding door 200 relative to the lid 100 .
  • the positioning of the first protruding member 224 and the second protruding member 244 and the extending rims 322 , 326 , 342 , and 346 may be reversed such that the sliding door 200 includes extending rims and the lateral walls 320 and 340 includes protruding members or combinations thereof.
  • the sliding door 200 When the sliding door 200 is fully retracted, the sliding door 200 is moved to a closed position. When the sliding door 200 is fully extended, the sliding door 200 is moved to a fully open position.
  • the sliding door 200 is configured to be maintained or is biased to remain in the retracted position or closed position. This helps to reduce accidental or unintentional opening of the sliding door 200 .
  • the sliding door 200 is configured to prevent over-extension and/or separation of the sliding door 200 from the lid 100 . This helps to reduce loss of the sliding door 200 and maintain the compartment 300 in a closed status. Thus, the sliding door 200 is configured to remain in the closed position, and the sliding door 200 is configured to not extend past the fully open position.
  • a lower surface 310 of the compartment 300 includes one or more protrusions 350 and a bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200 includes one or more fins 276 and 278 or other extending structures.
  • the one or more fins 276 and 278 engage the protrusions 350 in the closed position and in the fully open positions.
  • the protrusions 350 extend upwardly from the lower surface 310 .
  • the lower surface 310 includes two protrusions 350 .
  • the lower surface 310 may include fewer or additional protrusions as preferred.
  • the two protrusions 350 are positioned proximate a front edge 312 of the compartment 300 of the lid 100 .
  • the two protrusions 350 are separated by a front of a first well 360 of the lid 100 .
  • the two protrusions 350 may be separated by a space or flat portion of the lower surface 310 .
  • the protrusions 350 may be combined into a single integral ridge.
  • the bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200 includes the one or more fins 276 and 278 or other extending structures that project downwards from the bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200 .
  • the bottom surface 270 includes two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200
  • the bottom surface 270 includes two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 .
  • the fins 276 and 278 help with holding or maintaining the sliding door 200 in the closed positioned and further help to prevent the 200 from fully separating from the lid 100 when the sliding door 200 is in the fully open position.
  • the one or more fins 276 and 278 extend generally perpendicular to a direction of movement of the sliding door 200 .
  • the bottom surface 270 includes the two fins 276 and the two fins 278 .
  • the bottom surface 270 may include fewer or additional fins 276 and 278 as preferred.
  • the two fins 276 and the two fins 278 may include different or identical structures.
  • the protrusions 350 may include an angled or ramped surface facing the front edge 312 and a squared surface facing a rear portion 314 of the compartment 300 .
  • the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 may include a distal tip with angled or ramped surfaces in both the closing and opening directions of the sliding door 200 such that these two fins will frictionally catch against and still pass over the protrusions 350 .
  • the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 may include distal tips with a squared surface to generally hold or lock against the squared surface of the protrusions 350 and generally reduce further movement.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 show sectional views of the lid 100 and the sliding door 200 in the closed and the fully open positions.
  • the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 are positioned to a right side of the protrusions 350 . This biases the sliding door 200 to remain in the closed position.
  • the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 move from the right side of the protrusions 350 to a left side of the protrusions 350 .
  • the sliding door 200 may continue to move to the fully open position where the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 generally hold or lock against the protrusions 350 to generally prevent further movement of the sliding door 200 .
  • the sliding door 200 is configured to be maintained or is biased to remain in the retracted position or closed position. In order to extend the sliding door 200 from the closed position, the sliding door 200 is pulled an/or pushed with sufficient force to move the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 over the protrusions 350 , which provide some frictional or physical resistance. Thus, when the sliding door 200 is in the closed position, the position of the two fins 276 biases or urges the sliding door 200 to remain in the closed position. This arrangement reduces the inadvertent movement of the sliding door 200 to the open position.
  • this arrangement may provide audible or tactile “click” or indication to the user that sliding door 200 is in the closed position.
  • the relative positions of the protrusions 350 and the fins 276 and 278 may be reversed between the sliding door 200 and the lower surface 310 .
  • the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 help to prevent the inadvertent removal of the sliding door 200 from the lid 100 . As shown in FIG. 17 , these fins 278 generally hold or lock against the protrusion 350 when the sliding door 200 is fully extended from the lid 100 . This reduces a likelihood of the sliding door 200 from being inadvertently completely separated from the lid 100 by a user who over-zealously pulls and/or pushes on the sliding door 200 away from the lid 100 .
  • the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 may be longer than the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 to increase resistance to complete removal of the sliding door 200 . As described above, the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 may include different shapes than the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 to provide different operating characteristics.
  • the stopper 400 closes an opening 510 of the container 500 .
  • the container 500 includes a wide mouth opening to readily accept food items such as stews, chili, soups, beverages, or other foods that might not fit so easily into a narrow mouth container.
  • the container 500 may be vacuum insulated or insulated with an insulating material.
  • the opening 510 leads into the interior 520 of the container 500 that holds the food items.
  • the stopper 400 may include one or more vent passages that provides for gas to pass through the stopper 400 . This allows interior pressure within the container 500 to equalize with ambient pressure.
  • the compartment 300 includes a depression or well to hold the collapsible spoon 110 or items.
  • the compartment 300 includes the first well 360 and a second well 362 that are sized and shaped to hold the collapsible spoon 110 .
  • the first well 360 includes one or more snaps 363 around a perimeter of the first well 360 .
  • the one or more snaps 363 assist in holding a mouth portion of the collapsible spoon 110 .
  • the second well 362 includes a clip 364 to hold an end of the collapsible spoon 110 .
  • the first well 360 is shaped to receive the mouth portion of the collapsible spoon 110 .
  • the compartment 300 may be sized and shaped to accommodate different utensils and/or food related items.
  • the compartment 300 may include a single main well or additional wells.
  • the lid includes an optional handle 170 .
  • the handle 170 is positioned over the compartment 300 .
  • the handle 170 includes a first handle leg 172 and a second handle leg 174 that extend upward from the upper surface 105 of the lid 100 .
  • the handle 170 is fastened to the upper surface 105 and is over the compartment 300 .
  • the handle 170 may be integrally molded to the upper surface 105 .
  • the first handle leg 172 and the second handle leg 174 join a gripping portion 176 .
  • the gripping portion 176 is generally perpendicular to a major length of the compartment 300 .
  • the optional handle 170 may be omitted or orientated in a different direction or manner.
  • the lid 100 may include carrying clips, swivel handles, carrying loops, carabineers, etc.
  • the lid 100 includes a generally round shape.
  • the lid 100 includes the upper surface 105 that is generally opposite of a lower rim 180 .
  • a sidewall 190 joins the upper surface 105 and the lower rim 180 .
  • the sidewall 190 is integrally molded with the upper surface 105 , but in other aspects, the upper surface 105 and the sidewall 190 may be formed from two or more components and attached together.
  • the lower rim 180 of the lid 100 includes a snap-fit or frictional engagement to the container 500 .
  • the lid 100 may be urged over the stopper 400 and snapped into place in a removable engagement.
  • the lid 100 and the container 500 may include any complementary engaging structures such as complementary threads, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to removably attach or engage the lid 100 to the stopper 400 and/or the container 500 .
  • threads on an interior of the sidewall 190 of the lid 100 may engage with exterior threads on the stopper 400 or the container 500 .
  • the stopper 400 includes a generally round shape.
  • the stopper 400 includes an upper wall 420 that is generally opposite of a bottom wall 440 .
  • the upper wall 420 is shaped with a depression 424 that may partially receive a lower side of the compartment 300 .
  • a sidewall 460 joins the upper wall 420 and the bottom wall 440 .
  • the sidewall 460 is integrally molded with the bottom wall 440 , but in other aspects, the bottom wall 440 and sidewall 460 may be formed from two or more components and attached together.
  • the stopper 400 may include an interior with insulation.
  • the sidewall 460 includes exterior threads 462 to threadably engage with interior threads 532 of the container 500 .
  • the stopper 400 includes a rim 470 to engage an upper surface 512 of the opening 510 .
  • the sidewall 460 or other portion of the stopper 400 may include interior threads to threadably engage exterior threads of the container 500 of the food jar 50 .
  • the stopper 400 and the container 500 may include any complementary engaging structures such as snap-fit engagement, frictional engagement, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to removably attach the stopper 400 to the container 500 .
  • the stopper 400 is threadably engaged to the container 500 .
  • the stopper 400 seals the container 500 to a closed position.
  • the stopper 400 may include a seal to seal against an internal surface of a neck 530 of the container 500 . As the stopper 400 is screwed to the container 500 , the seal is urged against the internal surface of the neck 530 to seal the container 500 to the generally closed position.
  • the stopper 400 may include a single piece construction or may be formed from multiple components.
  • the stopper 400 includes the upper wall 420 , which is not normally removable during normal use.
  • the upper wall 420 may be glued, welded, mechanically engaged, or otherwise attached to the sidewall 460 .
  • the container 500 has a thermally insulated, double wall construction.
  • the container 500 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multilayer construction or other insulated constructions.
  • the container 500 may be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.
  • the lid 100 may include a hinging door that is hingedly engaged to the lid 100 .
  • a first side or end of the hinging door may include a hingeable connection to the lid 100
  • a second side or end of the door may include a clipping member or other latch that removably engages to the lid 100 to hold the hinging door in a closed position relative to the lid 100 .
  • the hinging door may hingedly open and close the compartment 300 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A lid for a food jar is described that may be used to store and transport food items. The lid includes a storage compartment. A sliding door extends from the lid to open or reveal the compartment, and the sliding door retracts to the lid to cover or conceal the compartment. The lid functions with a variety of containers including insulated or uninsulated structures to store the food items, possibly at warmed or chilled temperatures for later consumption.

Description

  • This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/483,919, filed Feb. 8, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • FIELD OF INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a lid for a food jar.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Food jars or containers are often used to store and transport food items. The food items may include soups, stews, beverages, or other food items that the user prefers to consume with a separate utensil, such as a spoon or fork. The user may prefer to add additional condiments, seasonings, etc. to the food items immediately before eating the food item. Such utensils and/or food items may become lost or separated from the food jar during transportation.
  • SUMMARY
  • A lid for a food jar is described that may be used to store and transport food items or drink items. The lid includes a storage compartment. The lid functions with a variety of containers including insulated or uninsulated structures to store the food items, possibly at warmed or chilled temperatures for later consumption.
  • The illustrated embodiment of the lid for a food jar includes a sliding door and a compartment. The sliding door opens and closes the compartment. The lid fits over a stopper of the food jar. The stopper closes an opening of the container. The container includes an interior to store a food item or could be configured to store beverages. The lid includes the compartment that conveniently holds utensils and/or foods products in proximity to the food jar.
  • In another aspect, a lid for a food jar is described. The lid for the food jar includes a compartment. The compartment is configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof. The lid includes a sliding door, which is configured to slidably engage to the lid. The sliding door is configured to extend from and retract to the lid.
  • In another aspect, a lid for a food jar is described. The food jar includes a compartment. The compartment is configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof. The compartment is formed in an upper surface of the lid. The lid includes a sliding door. The sliding door is configured to slidably engage to the lid. The compartment includes a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall is generally opposite of the second lateral wall. The compartment is generally between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall. The sliding door includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge slidably engages to the first lateral wall, and the second lateral edge slidably engages to the second lateral wall. The sliding door extends from the lid to open or reveal the compartment, and the sliding door retracts to the lid to cover or conceal the compartment.
  • In another aspect, a food jar includes a lid. The lid includes a compartment and a sliding door. The sliding door is configured to slidably engage to the lid. The sliding door is configured to extend from and retract to the lid. The food jar includes a stopper. The food jar includes a container having an opening and an interior configured to store a food item or beverage. The stopper is configured to close the opening. A lower opening of the lid is configured to fit over a portion of the stopper or the container.
  • In another aspect, a food jar includes a lid. The lid includes a compartment and a sliding door. A lower surface of the compartment includes one or more protrusions. The protrusions extend upwardly from the lower surface. A bottom surface of the sliding door includes one or more fins proximate a front edge of the sliding door. The fins project downwards from the bottom surface of the sliding door. The one or more fins proximate the front edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to bias the sliding door to remain in a closed position. The bottom surface further includes one or more fins proximate a rear edge of the sliding door. The one or more fins proximate the rear edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to stop or prevent a sliding movement of the sliding door beyond a fully extended position.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the food jar.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the door disengaged from the lid.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective of the door extending from the lid to the open position.
  • FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the door extending from the lid to the open position.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the closed position.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the open position.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the partially open position.
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lid.
  • FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the door.
  • FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of the food jar with the utensil removed from the compartment.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of the utensil.
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the closed position.
  • FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the lid with the door in the open position.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
  • For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., “upper”, “middle”, “lower”, “outer”, “inner”, “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, etc.) refer to an embodiment of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.
  • A lid 100 for a food jar 50 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-17 . The lid 100 fits over or engages a stopper 400 of the food jar 50. The stopper 400 closes an opening of a container 500 of the food jar 50. The container 500 includes an interior 520 to store food items or beverages.
  • The lid 100 includes a sliding door 200 and a compartment 300. The sliding door 200 may extend from and retract to the lid 100. The sliding door 200 may extend from the lid 100 to open or reveal the compartment 300. The sliding door 200 may retract from the lid 100 to cover or conceal the compartment 300. In certain aspects, the sliding door 200 may extend and retract in a direction generally perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the food jar 50 or the container 500.
  • The compartment 300 may be formed in an upper surface 105 of the lid 100. The compartment 300 may hold an optional utensil, such as a collapsible spoon 110 or other fork, knife, spoon, etc. In other aspects, the compartment 300 may hold two optional eating utensils, such as two collapsible spoons 110 or other forks, knives, spoons, or combinations thereof. In other aspects, the compartment 300 may be configured to hold other food products or items, such as condiments or condiment packages, drink additives, crackers, seasonings, salt, pepper, vitamins, supplements, other foods, etc. The compartment 300 conveniently holds the utensils and/or foods products in close connection with the food jar 50, such that the utensils and food items are not easily separated and lost. Further, the compartment 300 may contain the utensils and foods items to reduce contamination from exterior sources. As such, the container 500 is configured to hold a first food item or beverage, and the compartment 300 is configured to hold a second foot item or utensil.
  • In this aspect, the sliding door 200 includes a generally rectangular shape. A front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 is generally opposite of a rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200. The front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 may include a curved perimeter to approximately match a curved perimeter of the lid 100. In other aspects, the sliding door 200 may include a square, triangular, ovular, or other shape.
  • The sliding door 200 further includes a first lateral edge 220 and a second lateral edge 240. The first lateral edge 220 and the second lateral edge 240 slidably engage to the compartment 300.
  • In the closed position, an upper surface 260 of the sliding door 200 may be generally flush with the upper surface 105 of the lid 100. In the closed position, the sliding door 200 is integrated into the upper surface 105 of the lid 100. The front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 forms a portion of an outer circumference of the lid 100. The upper surface 260 may include an optional detent 263 and/or an optional depression 266. The detent 263 and the depression 266 provide the user with a gripping surface or gripping point to pull and/or push the sliding door 200 between the open and closed positions. In other aspects, the upper surface 260 may include a patterned or textured surface to provide the gripping surface or other frictional contact surface.
  • The compartment 300 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6 . The compartment 300 includes a first lateral wall 320 and a second lateral wall 340. The first lateral wall 320 is generally opposite of the second lateral wall 340, and the compartment 300 is generally between the first lateral wall 320 and the second lateral wall 340. The compartment 300 includes an interior 305 suitable for storage.
  • The sliding door 200 is generally slidably engaged to the lid 100. The sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include any of a variety of tracks, rails, guide structures, protruding members, protrusions, rims, bearing surfaces, extending members, etc. that provide for the sliding engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100. Such sliding structures may be molded into the sliding door 200 and the lid 100. For example, the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include a sliding engagement where a protruding member or extending member of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 slides under a rim or shelf of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100. For example, the sliding door 200 and the lid 100 may include a sliding engagement where a protrusion, knob or button of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100 rides or slides in a channel or track of the sliding door 200 or the lid 100.
  • In the aspect of FIGS. 1-17 , the first lateral wall 320 of the compartment 300 includes a first extending rim 322 and second extending rim 326. With respect to FIG. 11 , a gap 324 is formed between the first extending rim 322 and the second extending rim 326. Similarly, the second lateral wall 340 of the compartment 300 includes a first extending rim 342 and second extending rim 346. A gap 344 is likewise formed between the first extending rim 342 and the second extending rim 346.
  • The first lateral edge 220 of the sliding door 200 includes a first protruding member 224, and the second lateral edge 240 of the sliding door 200 includes a second protruding member 244. The first protruding member 224 and the second protruding member 244 extend outward from the sliding door 200. When the sliding door 200 is installed to the lid 100, the first protruding member 224 generally slides under the first extending rim 322 and the second extending rim 326 of the compartment 300, while the second protruding member 244 generally slides under the first extending rim 342 and the second extending rim 346 of the compartment 300 to provide a slidable engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100.
  • With respect to FIG. 4 , the engagement of the sliding door 200 to the lid 100 is shown. In this aspect, the first protruding member 224 is dropped, inserted, or otherwise placed into the gap 324, and the second protruding member 244 is dropped, inserted, or otherwise placed into the gap 344. Then, the first protruding member 224 may slide under the either of the first extending rim 322 and/or the second extending rim 326, and the second protruding member 244 may be slid under the first extending rim 342 and/or the second extending rim 346. This provides a sliding engagement between the sliding door 200 and the lid 100. This also reduces or prevents upward movement of the sliding door 200 relative to the lid 100. The sliding engagement provides lateral movement for the sliding door 200 relative to the lid 100. In other aspects, the positioning of the first protruding member 224 and the second protruding member 244 and the extending rims 322, 326, 342, and 346 may be reversed such that the sliding door 200 includes extending rims and the lateral walls 320 and 340 includes protruding members or combinations thereof.
  • When the sliding door 200 is fully retracted, the sliding door 200 is moved to a closed position. When the sliding door 200 is fully extended, the sliding door 200 is moved to a fully open position. In this aspect, as described below, the sliding door 200 is configured to be maintained or is biased to remain in the retracted position or closed position. This helps to reduce accidental or unintentional opening of the sliding door 200. Further, in this aspect, the sliding door 200 is configured to prevent over-extension and/or separation of the sliding door 200 from the lid 100. This helps to reduce loss of the sliding door 200 and maintain the compartment 300 in a closed status. Thus, the sliding door 200 is configured to remain in the closed position, and the sliding door 200 is configured to not extend past the fully open position.
  • With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , a lower surface 310 of the compartment 300 includes one or more protrusions 350 and a bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200 includes one or more fins 276 and 278 or other extending structures. The one or more fins 276 and 278 engage the protrusions 350 in the closed position and in the fully open positions.
  • The protrusions 350 extend upwardly from the lower surface 310. In this aspect, the lower surface 310 includes two protrusions 350. Of course, the lower surface 310 may include fewer or additional protrusions as preferred. In this aspect, the two protrusions 350 are positioned proximate a front edge 312 of the compartment 300 of the lid 100. In this aspect, the two protrusions 350 are separated by a front of a first well 360 of the lid 100. In other aspects, the two protrusions 350 may be separated by a space or flat portion of the lower surface 310. In other aspects, the protrusions 350 may be combined into a single integral ridge.
  • The bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200 includes the one or more fins 276 and 278 or other extending structures that project downwards from the bottom surface 270 of the sliding door 200. In the aspects of FIGS. 16 and 17 , the bottom surface 270 includes two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200, and the bottom surface 270 includes two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200. The fins 276 and 278 help with holding or maintaining the sliding door 200 in the closed positioned and further help to prevent the 200 from fully separating from the lid 100 when the sliding door 200 is in the fully open position. The one or more fins 276 and 278 extend generally perpendicular to a direction of movement of the sliding door 200. In this aspect, the bottom surface 270 includes the two fins 276 and the two fins 278. Of course, the bottom surface 270 may include fewer or additional fins 276 and 278 as preferred. In other aspects, the two fins 276 and the two fins 278 may include different or identical structures.
  • In certain aspect, the protrusions 350 may include an angled or ramped surface facing the front edge 312 and a squared surface facing a rear portion 314 of the compartment 300. The two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 may include a distal tip with angled or ramped surfaces in both the closing and opening directions of the sliding door 200 such that these two fins will frictionally catch against and still pass over the protrusions 350. Meanwhile, the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 may include distal tips with a squared surface to generally hold or lock against the squared surface of the protrusions 350 and generally reduce further movement.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 show sectional views of the lid 100 and the sliding door 200 in the closed and the fully open positions. In FIG. 16 , in the closed position of the sliding door 200, the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 are positioned to a right side of the protrusions 350. This biases the sliding door 200 to remain in the closed position. When moving to the open position, the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 move from the right side of the protrusions 350 to a left side of the protrusions 350. The sliding door 200 may continue to move to the fully open position where the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 generally hold or lock against the protrusions 350 to generally prevent further movement of the sliding door 200.
  • The sliding door 200 is configured to be maintained or is biased to remain in the retracted position or closed position. In order to extend the sliding door 200 from the closed position, the sliding door 200 is pulled an/or pushed with sufficient force to move the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 over the protrusions 350, which provide some frictional or physical resistance. Thus, when the sliding door 200 is in the closed position, the position of the two fins 276 biases or urges the sliding door 200 to remain in the closed position. This arrangement reduces the inadvertent movement of the sliding door 200 to the open position. Further, as the sliding door 200 is moved to the closed position and the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 of the sliding door 200 are moved over the protrusions 350, this arrangement may provide audible or tactile “click” or indication to the user that sliding door 200 is in the closed position. In other aspects, the relative positions of the protrusions 350 and the fins 276 and 278 may be reversed between the sliding door 200 and the lower surface 310.
  • Further, the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 of the sliding door 200 help to prevent the inadvertent removal of the sliding door 200 from the lid 100. As shown in FIG. 17 , these fins 278 generally hold or lock against the protrusion 350 when the sliding door 200 is fully extended from the lid 100. This reduces a likelihood of the sliding door 200 from being inadvertently completely separated from the lid 100 by a user who over-zealously pulls and/or pushes on the sliding door 200 away from the lid 100. The two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 may be longer than the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 to increase resistance to complete removal of the sliding door 200. As described above, the two fins 278 proximate the rear edge 210 may include different shapes than the two fins 276 proximate the front edge 205 to provide different operating characteristics.
  • With reference to FIG. 3 , the stopper 400 closes an opening 510 of the container 500. In this aspect, the container 500 includes a wide mouth opening to readily accept food items such as stews, chili, soups, beverages, or other foods that might not fit so easily into a narrow mouth container. The container 500 may be vacuum insulated or insulated with an insulating material. The opening 510 leads into the interior 520 of the container 500 that holds the food items.
  • The stopper 400 may include one or more vent passages that provides for gas to pass through the stopper 400. This allows interior pressure within the container 500 to equalize with ambient pressure.
  • The compartment 300 includes a depression or well to hold the collapsible spoon 110 or items. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-17 , the compartment 300 includes the first well 360 and a second well 362 that are sized and shaped to hold the collapsible spoon 110. In this aspect, the first well 360 includes one or more snaps 363 around a perimeter of the first well 360. The one or more snaps 363 assist in holding a mouth portion of the collapsible spoon 110. In this aspect, the second well 362 includes a clip 364 to hold an end of the collapsible spoon 110. In this aspect, with respect to FIG. 14 , the first well 360 is shaped to receive the mouth portion of the collapsible spoon 110. In other aspects, the compartment 300 may be sized and shaped to accommodate different utensils and/or food related items. The compartment 300 may include a single main well or additional wells.
  • In the aspect of FIGS. 1-17 , the lid includes an optional handle 170. The handle 170 is positioned over the compartment 300. The handle 170 includes a first handle leg 172 and a second handle leg 174 that extend upward from the upper surface 105 of the lid 100. In this aspect, the handle 170 is fastened to the upper surface 105 and is over the compartment 300. In other aspects, the handle 170 may be integrally molded to the upper surface 105. The first handle leg 172 and the second handle leg 174 join a gripping portion 176. In this aspect, the gripping portion 176 is generally perpendicular to a major length of the compartment 300. In other aspects, the optional handle 170 may be omitted or orientated in a different direction or manner. In other aspects, the lid 100 may include carrying clips, swivel handles, carrying loops, carabineers, etc.
  • In this aspect, the lid 100 includes a generally round shape. The lid 100 includes the upper surface 105 that is generally opposite of a lower rim 180. A sidewall 190 joins the upper surface 105 and the lower rim 180. In this aspect, the sidewall 190 is integrally molded with the upper surface 105, but in other aspects, the upper surface 105 and the sidewall 190 may be formed from two or more components and attached together.
  • In this aspect, the lower rim 180 of the lid 100 includes a snap-fit or frictional engagement to the container 500. The lid 100 may be urged over the stopper 400 and snapped into place in a removable engagement. In other aspects, the lid 100 and the container 500 may include any complementary engaging structures such as complementary threads, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to removably attach or engage the lid 100 to the stopper 400 and/or the container 500. For example, threads on an interior of the sidewall 190 of the lid 100 may engage with exterior threads on the stopper 400 or the container 500.
  • In this aspect, the stopper 400 includes a generally round shape. The stopper 400 includes an upper wall 420 that is generally opposite of a bottom wall 440. In this aspect, the upper wall 420 is shaped with a depression 424 that may partially receive a lower side of the compartment 300. A sidewall 460 joins the upper wall 420 and the bottom wall 440. In this aspect, the sidewall 460 is integrally molded with the bottom wall 440, but in other aspects, the bottom wall 440 and sidewall 460 may be formed from two or more components and attached together. The stopper 400 may include an interior with insulation. In this aspect, the sidewall 460 includes exterior threads 462 to threadably engage with interior threads 532 of the container 500. In this aspect, the stopper 400 includes a rim 470 to engage an upper surface 512 of the opening 510.
  • In other aspects, the sidewall 460 or other portion of the stopper 400 may include interior threads to threadably engage exterior threads of the container 500 of the food jar 50. In other aspects, the stopper 400 and the container 500 may include any complementary engaging structures such as snap-fit engagement, frictional engagement, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to removably attach the stopper 400 to the container 500.
  • In this aspect, the stopper 400 is threadably engaged to the container 500. The stopper 400 seals the container 500 to a closed position. The stopper 400 may include a seal to seal against an internal surface of a neck 530 of the container 500. As the stopper 400 is screwed to the container 500, the seal is urged against the internal surface of the neck 530 to seal the container 500 to the generally closed position.
  • The stopper 400 may include a single piece construction or may be formed from multiple components. In this aspect, the stopper 400 includes the upper wall 420, which is not normally removable during normal use. The upper wall 420 may be glued, welded, mechanically engaged, or otherwise attached to the sidewall 460.
  • In this aspect, the container 500 has a thermally insulated, double wall construction. In other aspects, the container 500 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multilayer construction or other insulated constructions. The container 500 may be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.
  • In other aspects, the lid 100 may include a hinging door that is hingedly engaged to the lid 100. For example, a first side or end of the hinging door may include a hingeable connection to the lid 100, and a second side or end of the door may include a clipping member or other latch that removably engages to the lid 100 to hold the hinging door in a closed position relative to the lid 100. The hinging door may hingedly open and close the compartment 300.
  • As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Further, many other advantages of applicant's disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A lid for a food jar, comprising:
a compartment, the compartment configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof;
a sliding door;
the sliding door configured to slidably engage to the lid; and
the sliding door configured to extend from and retract to the lid.
2. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge slidably engage to the compartment.
3. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the compartment includes a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall, the first lateral wall is generally opposite of the second lateral wall, and the compartment is generally between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall.
4. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is formed in an upper surface of the lid.
5. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door extends from the lid to open or reveal the compartment, and the sliding door retracts to the lid to cover or conceal the compartment.
6. The lid for a food jar according to claim 5, wherein the sliding door extends and retracts in a direction generally perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the lid.
7. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door is generally flush with an upper surface of the lid, and a front edge of the sliding door forms a portion of an outer circumference of the lid.
8. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door is configured to be maintained or is biased to remain in a retracted position.
9. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door includes a protruding member, the protruding member is configured slide under an extending rim of the compartment to provide a slidable engagement between the sliding door and the lid.
10. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door includes a first protruding member and a second protruding member, the first protruding member and the second protruding member extend outward from the sliding door on opposite lateral sides of the sliding door, the first protruding member is configured slide under a first extending rim of the compartment, and the second protruding member is configured to slide under a second extending rim of the compartment to provide a slidable engagement between the sliding door and the lid.
11. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein a first lateral edge of the sliding door includes a first protruding member, and a second lateral edge of the sliding door includes a second protruding member, the first protruding member and the second protruding member extend outward from the sliding door, wherein the first protruding member is configured to slide under a first extending rim and a second extending rim of a first wall of the compartment, while the second protruding member is configured to slide under a first extending rim and a second extending rim of a second wall of the compartment to provide a slidable engagement between the sliding door and the lid.
12. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the compartment includes one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions extend upwardly from the lower surface, wherein a bottom surface of the sliding door includes one or more fins, the one or more fins project downwardly from the bottom surface of the sliding door, and the one or more fins are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to bias the sliding door to a closed position.
13. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the compartment includes one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions extend upwardly from the lower surface, wherein a bottom surface of the sliding door includes one or more fins, the one or more fins project downwardly from the bottom surface of the sliding door, and the one or more fins are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to stop a sliding movement of the sliding door beyond a fully extended position.
14. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the compartment includes one or more protrusions, wherein a bottom surface of the sliding door includes one or more fins proximate a front edge of the sliding door, wherein the one or more fins proximate the front edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to bias the sliding door to remain in a closed position, wherein the bottom surface further includes one or more fins proximate a rear edge of the sliding door, and the one or more fins proximate the rear edge of the sliding door are configured to engage the one or more protrusions to stop a sliding movement of the sliding door beyond a fully extended position.
15. The lid for a food jar according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the sliding door includes a detent or a depression.
16. A food jar comprising the lid according to claim 1, the food jar further comprising a container and a stopper, wherein the container defines an interior to store a food product, the container having an opening, and the stopper configured to close the opening of the container.
17. A lid for a food jar, comprising:
a compartment, the compartment configured to hold an eating utensil, a food product, or a combination thereof;
the compartment is formed in an upper surface of the lid;
a sliding door, and the sliding door configured to slidably engage to the lid;
wherein the compartment includes a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall, the first lateral wall is generally opposite of the second lateral wall, and the compartment is generally between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall;
the sliding door includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and the first lateral edge slidably engages to the first lateral wall, and the second lateral edge slidably engages to the second lateral wall; and
the sliding door extends from the lid to open or reveal the compartment, and the sliding door retracts to the lid to cover or conceal the compartment.
18. A food jar, comprising:
a lid for a food jar, comprising:
a compartment;
a sliding door;
the sliding door configured to slidably engage to the lid; and
the sliding door configured to extend from and retract to the lid;
a stopper;
a container comprising an opening and an interior configured to store a food item or beverage;
the stopper configured to close the opening; and
a lower opening of the lid configured to fit over a portion of the stopper or the container.
19. The food jar according to claim 18, wherein the container is configured to hold the food item or beverage, and the compartment is configured to hold a second food item or utensil.
20. The food jar according to claim 18, wherein a utensil is held in the compartment.
US18/435,167 2023-02-08 2024-02-07 Lid for food jar Pending US20240262584A1 (en)

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US18/435,167 US20240262584A1 (en) 2023-02-08 2024-02-07 Lid for food jar

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JP (1) JP2024112790A (en)
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KR100911706B1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-08-11 한밭대학교 산학협력단 Portable Bibimbap Container Set
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JP5748875B1 (en) * 2014-03-04 2015-07-15 サーモス株式会社 Beverage container lid structure
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KR20240124190A (en) 2024-08-16
WO2024168018A1 (en) 2024-08-15
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TWI876719B (en) 2025-03-11
TW202438404A (en) 2024-10-01

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