Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Versatile Square Container Lid
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of and priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,734, filed May 26,
2015, and to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/838,529, filed
August 28, 2015.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a
versatile container lid.
BACKGROUND
A variety of food containers and corresponding lids are
available to consumers in various sizes, shapes (e.g., bowls,
box-shaped containers, and/or the like), and/or
configurations. Consumers often unnecessarily spend their
valuable time looking for a particular lid that fits into a
bowl or other container and/or often sift or search through a
pile of mismatched lids. In other words, the consumer is
often required to rummage through countless lids (or a
relatively high number of lids in the kitchen) in order to
find a lid that fits a particular food container.
Additionally, maintaining a large number of lids does
not allow the consumer to save space in the kitchen, kitchen
cabinets, and/or cupboards. Furthermore, the currently
available tin foil products and plastic wrap products may not
provide a sufficient air-tight cover for food containers, are
disposable products that may harm the environment, and/or
would add to the consumer's expense since new foil products
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and/or plastic wrap products are disposable products that are
required to be re-purchased by the consumer. Therefore, some
consumers are frustrated with the requirement and
inconvenience of having to keep different sized lids that are
associated with different sized food containers and/or with
the unnecessary expense of purchasing disposable food
covers.
Various food container lids are disclosed in, for
example, the following patent-related publications: U.S. Pat.
No. 7,264,135, U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,615, US 2009/0183807, US
2010/0207297, and US D555,982. However, these conventional
products: (1) do not provide a sufficiently rigid cover, (2)
are not able to provide a cover for different sized food
containers, (3) require multiple parts that are subject to
wear-and-tear due to the frequent use of the food containers,
and/or (4) require particular shapes and/or configurations
that lead to additional manufacturing expenses and
complexities. Silicone sealing lids which are reusable and
safe for use in a refrigerator, freezer, and/or dishwasher
are also commercially available. However, any particular
silicone sealing lids is only usable for a corresponding
container size. Therefore, the conventional products have
various disadvantages that are not desirable for the
consumer.
Based on the above discussion, the current technology is
limited in its capabilities and suffers from at least the
above constraints and deficiencies.
SUMMARY
In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile
container lid includes: a lid body; and a plurality of rings
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formed in the lid body; wherein the plurality of rings
includes a first ring that is configured to receive a first
container having a first size and a second ring that is
configured to receive a second container having a second
size.
In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile
container lid includes: a lid body comprising a center
portion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein
the bendable lid portion is between the center portion and
the edge portion; and wherein the bendable lid portion is
configured to bend in an upward direction and bend in a
downward direction.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a versatile lid includes: forming a lid body
from a material, forming a plurality of rings within the lid
body, and forming a top surface of the lid body, wherein the
top surface has a given configuration.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are
exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the
invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one
(several) embodiment(s) of the invention and together with
the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the
invention are described with reference to the following
figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts
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throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number may
identify the drawing in which the reference number first
appears.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a versatile container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a
versatile container lid of FIG. 2, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
container lid, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a
versatile container lid of FIG. 4, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a versatile container lid removably coupled to a first
container of a first size, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a versatile container lid removably coupled to a second
container of a second size, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a foldable versatile container lid, in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention.
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FIG. 9A is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
FIG. 90 is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
FIG. 10A is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10B is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 100 is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10D is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10E is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing
a versatile container lid, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a front perspective view
of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
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FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a front perspective view
of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, wherein a container is detached
or separated from the lid.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a top plan view of a
versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a bottom plan view of a
versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of
a versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a first
size is attached to the lid.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a side elavational view of
a versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a first
size is detached or separated from the lid.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a top plan view of a
versatile square container lid, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a
first size is attached to the lid.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a
first size is de-attached to the lid.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with
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an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a
second size is attached to the lid.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container of a
second size is de-attached to the lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components, materials, parts,
structures, and/or methods, to provide a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in
the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment
of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the
specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, methods,
components, materials, parts, structures, and/or the like. In
other instances, well-known components, materials, parts,
structures, methods, or operations are not shown or described
in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the
invention. Additionally, the figures are representative in
nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the
precise shape or precise size of any element and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will understand that when an
element or part in the drawings is referred to as being "on"
(or "connected" to or "coupled" to or "attached" to) another
element, it can be directly on (or directly attached to) the
other element or intervening elements may also be present.
Furthermore, relative terms such as "inner", "outer",
"upper", "above", "lower", "beneath", "below", "downward",
and "upward" and similar terms, may be used herein to
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describe a relationship of one element relative to another
element. It is understood that these terms are intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in addition to
the orientation depicted in the figures.
Although the terms first, second, and the like may be
used herein to describe various elements, components, parts,
regions, layers, chambers, and/or sections, these elements,
components, parts, regions, layers, chambers, and/or sections
should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only
used to distinguish one element, component, part, region,
layer, chamber, or section from another element, component,
part, region, layer, chamber, or section. Thus, a first
element, component, part, region, layer, chamber, or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
part, region, layer, chamber, or section without departing
from the teachings of the present invention.
Embodiments of the invention are described herein with
reference to cross-sectional view illustrations that are
schematic illustrations of representative embodiments of the
invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing
techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the
invention should not be construed as limited to the
particular shapes of the regions, elements, components,
parts, layers, chambers, and/or sections illustrated herein
but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for
example, from manufacturing or particular implementations.
For example, an element illustrated or described as square or
rectangular may typically have rounded or curved features due
to normal manufacturing tolerances or due to a particular
implementation. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures
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are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to
illustrate the precise shape of an element of a device and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of versatile container lid 100 (apparatus 100), in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. The lid 100 includes a
base portion 105 and an upper portion 110 coupled to (or
integrated with) the base portion 105. In other embodiments
of the invention, the base portion 105 and upper portion 105
may be a single piece that forms the lid 100. Other
variations in the components of the lid 100 are possible in
other embodiments of the invention.
In an embodiment of the invention, an upper central
surface 115 (or top center portion 115) of the upper portion
110 is a flat surface 116 or a substantially flat surface
116. In another embodiment of the invention, the upper
central surface 115 may have another configuration, shape,
and/or characteristic such as a non-planar surface 117 which
is shown in dashed (phantom) lines. Although the exemplary
non-planar surface 117 is depicted in FIG. 1 as a hemisphere
configuration, those skilled in the relevant art(s) would
realize based on the discussion herein that the non-planar
surface 117 may have other shapes and/or configuration and/or
may be disposed in another position on any position on a top
surface 118 of the upper portion 110 and/or may be a single
element 117 and/or may be multiple elements 117 or any amount
or number of elements 117. The upper central surface 115 is
disposed within a top surface central area of the lid 100 and
is on the top surface of the lid body 130.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the
lid 100 includes a plurality of rings (which are generally
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referred herein as rings 120). In FIG. 1, the exemplary lid
100 includes the rings 120a and 120b, although the number of
rings 120 may vary in another embodiment of the invention. As
will be discussed below, a ring 120 is a hollow section
between ridges of the lid 100, and each ring 120 can
removably receive and removably attach (and/or removably
secure and/or removably couple) the lid 100 to a container as
will be discussed below. Two components are removably
attached (or removably coupled or removably secured) means
that two different components can be attached together or
detached apart. Therefore, the rings 120a and 120b are formed
by respective openings (or respective hollow portions) in the
solid body portion 130 (or solid body 130) of the lid 100. If
the rings 120a and 120b are circular, then the two rings 120a
and 120b will be concentric or substantially concentric. If
the rings 120a and 120b are non-circular (e.g., square or
rectangular), then adjacent portions of the rings 120a and
120b will be parallel or substantially parallel.
Otherwise stated, the plurality of rings 120 are formed
within the lid body 130 of the lid 100. One exemplary
plurality of rings 120 includes a first ring 120a that is
configured to removably receive a first container 600 (FIG.
6) having a first size D6 and a second ring 120b that is
configured to removably receive a second container 700 (FIG.
7) having a second size D8. As will be discussed below, the
lid 100 can include one or more additional rings among the
plurality of rings 120 so that the lid 100 also has a third
ring that is configured to removably receive a third
container (e.g., container 930a in FIG. 9A) having a third
size D10. The lid 100 can include one or more additional
rings.
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The opening 121 in the ring 120a is between the upright
wall 122a (vertical wall 122a) and the upright wall 122b
(vertical wall 122b) which is opposite to the wall 122a. The
walls 122a and 122b are part of the lid body 130. The opening
121 is also below upper wall 122c which is above the walls
122a and 122b and is typically substantially perpendicular to
the walls 122a and 122b. The upper wall 122c is also part of
the lid body 130.
The opening 123 in the ring 120b is between the upright
wall 124a (vertical wall 124a) and the upright wall 124b
(vertical wall 124b) which is opposite to the wall 124a. The
walls 124a and 124b are part of the lid body 130. The opening
123 is also below upper wall 124c which is above the walls
124a and 124b and is typically substantially perpendicular to
the walls 124a and 124b. The upper wall 124c is also part of
the lid body 130.
In the exemplary lid 100, the ring 120a is disposed
between the ridges 125a and 125b and disposed within the lid
body 130, with the ridge 125a forming an outer edge portion
135 (or edge portion 135) that spans the circumference (or
that spans the outer edge) of the base 105. The ridges 125a,
125b, and 125c are also part of the lid body 130. The ring
120b is disposed between the ridges 125b and 125c, with the
ridge 125c disposed adjacent to (and/or is a part of) the
center portion 115 of the lid 100.
In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 may be
formed by any suitable rigid material or semi-rigid material
such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation,
plastic, rubber, and/or another suitable synthetic material.
In another embodiment of the invention as will be discussed
below in additional details, the lid 100 may be foldable and,
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therefore, the lid is at least partly formed by a suitably
flexible material, substantially flexible material, or
foldable material such as, by way of example and not by way
of limitation, silicone (i.e., silicone rubber).
The lid 100 may be manufactured by standard
manufacturing methods known to those skilled in the relevant
art(s) such as, by way of example and not by way of
limitation, molding, stamping, extrusion processing, casting,
polymer foam processing and forming, and/or other standard
shaping processes of synthetic materials.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
container lid 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The lid 100 has a diameter D1 (or dimension D1)
between the edge portion 135 and is circular in shape or
substantially circular in shape. The diameter D1 may be set
at any suitable length, so that the lid 100 may have
different sizes for covering any variety of sizes of bowls.
As will be discussed below, in other embodiments of the
invention, the lid 100 may have other shapes.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a
versatile container lid 100 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The vertical walls 122a, 122b,
124a, and 124b are circular-shaped walls that are part of the
lid body 130. The vertical wall 122a has a diameter of D2 and
the vertical wall 122b has a diameter of D3, where D1>D2>D3.
The vertical wall 124a has a diameter of D4 and the vertical
wall 124b has a diameter of D5, where D1>D2>D3>D4>D5 and
where the diameters D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 may be set to any
suitable lengths so that the lid 100 can cover any container
of different sizes. The diameters D1 through D5 will be
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discussed further below when the lid 100 is used to cover
different sized containers.
As shown in FIG. 3, the rings 120a and 120b are
substantially circular and are substantially concentric.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
container lid 100, in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention. The lid 100 has a length of Li and width of
Wl, where Li and W1 may be set at any suitable set to any
suitable length, so that the lid 100 may have different sizes
for covering any variety of sizes of containers. If L1=W1,
then the lid 100 will have a substantially square shape. If
Li does not equal W1 (e.g., L1>W1), the lid 100 will have a
substantially non-square shape or substantially rectangular
shape.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a
versatile container lid 100 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The vertical walls 122a, 122b,
124a, and 125b are square-shaped walls that are part of the
lid body 130. The vertical wall 122a has a width (dimension)
of W2 and length (dimension) of L2, and the vertical wall
122b has a width (dimension) of W3 and length (dimension) of
L3, where W1>W2>W3 and L1>L2>L3. The vertical wall 124a has a
width (dimension) of W4 and length (dimension) of L4, and the
vertical wall 124b has a width (dimension) of W5 and length
(dimension) of L5, where L1>L2>L3>L4>L5 and W1>W2>W3>W4>W5,
and where the lengths Li, L2, L3, L4, and L5 and the widths
Wl, W2, W3, W4, and W5 may be set to any suitable lengths so
that the lid 100 can cover different sized containers.
The exemplary lid 100 is square in shape if W1=L1,
W2=L2, W3=L3, W4=L4, and W5=L5. The exemplary lid 100 is non-
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square in shape or is rectangular in shape if at least W1
does not equal Ll.
As shown in FIG. 5, the vertical portions 502a of the
ring 120a and the vertical portions 504a of the ring 120b are
all substantially parallel. The horizontal portions 502b of
the ring 120a and the horizontal portions 504b of the ring
120b are all substantially parallel.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 will illustrate the versatile feature
of the lid 100. In particular, FIGS. 6 and 7 will illustrate
the adaptability or versatility of the lid 100 to function as
a cover for different sized containers (e.g., containers with
different diameters or different dimensions such as different
width dimensions). The containers 600 and 700 in FIGS. 6 and
7, respectively are, by way of example and not by way of
limitation, food containers or other suitable types of
containers used by the consumer in the kitchen or in the
home.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a versatile container lid 100 removably coupled to a first
container 600 of a first size D6, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention. The container 600 includes a
side wall 602 that forms (surrounds) an opening of size D6
(which could be a diameter D6 if the container 600 is
circular in shape or a width D6 if the container 600 is non-
circular such as a square-shaped container or rectangular-
shaped container). A rim 605 is formed at the end or top of
the side wall 602. The rim 605 is removably inserted into the
opening 121 of the ring 120a such that the rim side 606 will
push against the side wall 122a and the side wall 122a will
push against the rim side 606. Since the rim side 606 and the
side wall 122a will push against each other, the lid 100 (and
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lid body 130) are removably secured on the container 600 and
provide a substantially sealed cover on the container 600.
The size D7 of the container 600 between the rim side 606
will be approximately equal to the size (dimension) D2 (for a
circular lid 100) or to the size (dimension) W2 (for a non-
circular lid 100) so that the side wall 122a and the rim side
606 will provide sufficient force against each other. The
size D7 is also greater than the size (dimension) D3 (for a
circular lid 100) or the size (dimension) W3 (for a non-
circular lid 100) so that the rim 605 is removably insertable
into the opening 121. The lid 100 is removably attached to
the container 600 by pressing the lid 100 in a downward
direction 610 toward the container 600 so that the rim 605 is
received by the opening 121 and the rim 605 is removably
contacting at least the side wall 122a of the ring 120a.
Typically, the top wall 122c is also in contact with the rim
605.
The lid 100 is detached from the container 600 by
pulling the lid 100 in the upward direction 615 away from the
container 600, so that the rim 605 is removed from the
opening 121 of the ring 120a. As a result, the lid 100 is
separated from the container 600.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a versatile container lid 100 removably coupled to a
second container 700 of a second size D8, in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention. The container 700
includes a side wall 702 that forms (surrounds) an opening of
size D8 (which could be a diameter D8 if the container 700 is
circular in shape or a width D8 if the container 700 is non-
circular such as a square-shaped container or rectangular-
shaped container). A rim 705 is formed at the end or top of
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the side wall 702. The rim 705 is removably inserted into the
opening 123 of the ring 120b such that the rim side 706 will
push against the side wall 124a and the side wall 124a will
push against the rim side 706. Since the rim side 706 and the
side wall 124a will push against each other, the lid 100 (and
body 130) are removably secured on the container 700 and
provide a substantially sealed cover on the container 700.
The size D9 of the container 700 between the rim side 706
will be approximately equal to the size (dimension) D4 (for a
circular lid 100) or to the size (dimension) W4 (for a non-
circular lid 100) so that the side wall 124a and the rim side
706 will provide sufficient force against each other. The
size D9 is also greater than the size D5 (for a circular lid
100) or the size W5 (for a non-circular lid 100) so that the
rim 705 is removably insertable into the opening 123. The lid
100 is removably attached to the container 700 by pressing
the lid 100 in a downward direction 710 toward the container
700 so that the rim 705 is received by the opening 123 and
the rim 705 is removably contacting at least the side wall
124a of the ring 120b. Typically, the top wall 124c is also
in contact with the rim 705.
The lid 100 is detached from the container 700 by
pulling the lid 100 in the upward direction 715 away from the
container 700, so that the rim 705 is removed from the
opening 123 of the ring 120b. As a result, the lid 100 is
separated from the container 700.
In another embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 is
foldable in the downward direction 720. As a result, when the
lid 100 is removably coupled to the container 700, folding
the lid 100 against the wall 702 will save space and will
allow the lid 100 to be stored in a relatively smaller area.
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Therefore, the lid 100 advantageously provides saves room or
space in the kitchen, kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and/or
cupboards. The foldable feature of the lid 100 will be
discussed below with reference to FIG. 8 in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention.
Referring to both FIGS. 6 and 7, the first container 600
is larger than the second container 700 because D7>D9 and
D6>D8. Therefore, the various rings 120 (e.g., rings 120a and
120b) are configured to removably receive different sized
rims of associated different sized containers and to allow
the lid 100 to be used as a cover for different sized
containers. The exemplary lid 100 can be used to cover a
relatively larger container 600 as shown in FIG. 6 and can
also be used to cover a relatively smaller container 700 as
shown in FIG. 6.
As will be discussed below, in other embodiments of the
invention, the lid 100 can include additional rings 120 so
that the lid 100 can also be used to cover other containers
that may have sizes that differ from the container 600 or
container 700.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view
of a foldable versatile container lid 800 (apparatus 800), in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
foldable lid 800 may include at least some of the features
described above in the lid 100 such as, for example, a
plurality of rings that are formed within the lid body 130.
The lid 800 is removably attached to the container 700 in a
manner as similarly described above with respect to FIG. 7.
After the lid 800 is removably attached to the container 700,
the lid 800 is bent in a downward direction 805 so that the
bottom surface 810 of the bendable lid portion 815 is
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adjacent to (and/or is in contact with) the external surface
820 of the container 700. The bendable lid portion 815 is a
part of the lid body 130 of the lid 800 and is disposed
between the center portion 115 (that includes portion 825
which is adjacent to the ring 120b) of the lid 800 and the
end portion 830 of the lid 800. The center portion 115,
portion 825, bendable portion 815, and end portion 830 are
part of the lid body 130. When the lid 800 is bent in the
downward direction 805, the portion 815 will not be parallel
to the portion 825 and center portion 115. By bending the
portion 815 in the downward direction 805, the lid 800 is
more compact, occupies less space, and can advantageously be
stored in a relatively smaller area.
The lid 800 can be bent in the upward direction 835 so
that the surface 810 is no longer adjacent with (and/or is no
longer in contact with) the surface 830. As a result, the
portion 815 will be substantially parallel to the portion 825
and center portion 115. The lid 800 can then be separated
from the container 700 that is currently removably attached
to the lid 800.
In an embodiment of the invention, the bendable portion
815 is formed from a substantially bendable material that
maintains the shape that is configured for the bendable
material. For example, the portion 815 may be formed from
silicone (or silicone rubber or polydimethlysiloxane) or
another suitable silicon polymer with rubber-like properties.
As known to those skilled in the relevant art(s), silicone
rubber is a polymer of silicon-containing carbon, hydrogen
and oxygen. Silicone rubber has excellent insulating and
temperature-resistant properties. Silicone rubber is made
through a process known as vulcanization or curing of natural
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rubber. Silicon is injected into the long hydrocarbon chains
of natural rubber through a dual-stage process under high
heat and pressure, thus converting it into silicone rubber.
Additionally, the cured rubber is processed with additional
steps until the final marketable product is obtained.
Silicone rubber maintains all of its properties even at high
temperatures of approximately 300 degrees Celsius as well as
at low temperatures around -55 degrees Celsius. The silicon-
carbon bonds in silicone rubber are resistant to temperature
fluctuations. Additionally, silicone rubber exhibits better
tear strength, tensile strength, elongation and compression
in comparison to natural rubber at high temperatures. To
provide added rigidity to the portion 815 and decreased
elasticity to the portion 815, a suitable amount of sulfur is
added to the liquid rubber during the manufacturing process.
If rigidity is added to (and elasticity is decreased for) the
silicone used to form the portion 815, then the portion 815
can be bent in the downward direction 805 and the portion 815
will not automatically return back to its prior shape in the
upward direction 835, and/or the portion 815 can be bent in
the upward direction 835 and the portion 815 will not
automatically return back to a prior shape in the downward
direction 805. Other standard steps known to those skilled in
the relevant art(s) for setting the characteristics of
silicone may be used in the bendable portion 815. In an
embodiment of the invention, other portions of the lid 800
(such as, for example, the portion 825 and/or center portion
115) may be formed from the same material that forms the
portion 815.
Those skilled in the art will realize, after reading the
discussion herein, that other suitable materials or
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combination of suitable materials can be used for the
components in the lid 100 (or other lids discussed herein
such as the lid 800). Those skilled in the art will also
realize, after reading the discussion herein, that the
assembly, manufacture, and/or construction of the components
of the lid 100 (or other lids discussed herein such as the
lid 800) may be selectively varied based on cost, ease of
manufacturing, or/and other considerations. Additionally, the
parts or components in the lid 100 (or other lids discussed
herein such as the lid 800) can be suitably varied or
substituted with other parts or components or shapes, as
manufacturing and parts technologies improve in the future.
FIGS. 9A through 90 are block diagrams that illustrate
the additional versatile features of a versatile container
lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9A is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The lid 900 may include the various features of
the lid 100 and/or the lid 800 as described with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. The lid 900 includes a plurality
of rings 920a, 920b, and 920c, where all of the rings 920a
through 920c are formed in the lid body 902. As mentioned
above, the number of rings may vary in a lid according to
various embodiments of the invention. The rim 925a of a
container 930a is removably inserted in an opening 935a of
the ring 920a. Therefore, the container 930a is removably
coupled to the lid 900. The container 930a has a dimension
D10 (e.g., diameter or width) that can be of any suitable
size.
FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid 900 in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an
CA 02922300 2016-03-02
embodiment of the invention. The rim 925b of a container 930b
is removably inserted in an opening 935b of the ring 920b.
Therefore, the container 930b is removably coupled to the lid
900. The container 930b has a dimension nil (e.g., diameter
or width) that can be of any suitable size.
FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid 900 in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The rim 925c of a container 930c
is removably inserted in an opening 935c of the ring 920c.
Therefore, the container 930c is removably coupled to the lid
900. The container 930c has a dimension D12 (e.g., diameter
or width) that can be of any suitable size. Since the sizes
of the containers 930a, 930b, and 930c are each different
from each other (e.g., D10>D11>D12), the lid 900 has the
advantageous versatile feature of being able to cover various
containers of different sizes. In another embodiment of the
invention, the lid 900 may have the bendable lid features of
the lid 800 in FIG. 8.
FIGS. 10A through 10E are block diagrams that illustrate
the additional versatile features of a versatile container
lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10A is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
container lid 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The lid 1000 may include the various features of
the lid 100 and/or the lid 800 as described with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. The lid 1000 includes a
plurality of rings 1020a, 1020b, 1020c, 1020d, and 1020e,
where the rings 1020a through 1020e are formed within the lid
body 1002. As mentioned above, the number of rings may vary
in a lid according to various embodiments of the invention.
The rim 1025a of a container 1030a is removably inserted in
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an opening 1035a of the ring 1020a. Therefore, the container
1030a is removably coupled to the lid 1000. The container
1030a has a dimension D13 (e.g., diameter or width) that can
be of any suitable size.
FIG. 10B is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid 1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The rim 1025b of a container
1030b is removably inserted in an opening 1035b of the ring
1020b. Therefore, the container 1030b is removably coupled to
the lid 1000. The container 1030b has a dimension D14 (e.g.,
diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.
FIG. 100 is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid 1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The rim 1025c of a container
1030c is removably inserted in an opening 1035c of the ring
1020c. Therefore, the container 1030c is removably coupled to
the lid 1000. The container 1030c has a dimension D15 (e.g.,
diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.
FIG. 10D is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid 1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The rim 1025d of a container
1030d is removably inserted in an opening 1035d of the ring
1020d. Therefore, the container 1030d is removably coupled to
the lid 1000. The container 1030d has a dimension D16 (e.g.,
diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.
FIG. 10E is a block diagram of a side view of a
versatile container lid 1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The rim 1025e of a container
1030e is removably inserted in an opening 1035e of the ring
1020e. Therefore, the container 1030e is removably coupled to
the lid 1000. The container 1030e has a dimension D17 (e.g.,
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diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size. Since
the sizes (dimensions) of the containers 1030a, 1030b, 1030c,
1030d, and 1030e are each different from each other (e.g.,
D13>D14>D15>D16>D17), the lid 1000 has the advantageous
versatile feature of being able to cover various containers
of different sizes. In another embodiment of the invention,
the lid 1000 may have the bendable lid features of the lid
800 in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 for
manufacturing a versatile container lid in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The blocks in method 1100
(and/or steps in the blocks in method 1100) may vary in order
or sequence than those shown in FIG. 11. For example, the
steps in blocks 1110 and 1115 may be switched in sequence or
order.
In block 1105, a lid body (e.g., lid body 130) is formed
from a material. Various suitable materials for a lid are
discussed above. In block 1110, two or more rings (i.e., a
plurality of rings) are formed within the lid body. The
number of rings in the lid may vary. In block 1115, a top
surface of the lid body is formed, wherein the top surface
has a given configuration. Exemplary configurations for the
top surface are discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.
Additional steps in the method 1100 may be added as
previously discussed above.
One or more of the features of the lids (e.g., lids 100
or 800) disclosed above in Figures 1 through 11 (and
accompanying text for Figures 1 through 11) may also be
incorporated as features included in the embodiments of the
lid 1200 discussed below in Figures 12 through 23. For
example, any of the embodiments disclosed in Figures 12
23
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through 23 may comprise a versatile container lid 1200 that
is bendable upwards and bendable downwards as similarly
discussed above for the lid shown in Figures 7 and 8 which
disclose a bendable versatile container lid 100 or lid 800.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a front perspective view
of a versatile square container lid 1200 (apparatus 1200), in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The lid 1200
includes a body 1205 with a top surface 1210 and a bottom
surface 1215. The top surface 1210 may include a flat top
surface portion (planar portion) 1217 that is formed directly
on the top surface 1210. A square container 1220 is
removably attached to the lid 1200. Two components are
removably attached (or removably coupled or removably
secured) means that two different components can be attached
together or detached apart. The details of the lid 1200 are
discussed further below.
In an embodiment of the invention, the body 1205
comprises a lower portion 1221 (or square base portion 1221)
and a top portion 1222 on the lower portion 1221. The planar
portion 1217 is on the top portion 1222. The top portion
1222 has a first surface area that is less than a second
surface area of the lower portion 1221 so that there is a
planar portion 1223 that is adjacent to all sides of the top
portion 1222.
The top portion 1222 and lower portion 1221 form
concentric square rings or concentric non-circular rings.
In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 1200 is a
square configuration so that the lower portion 1221 is a
square configuration and the top portion 1222 is also a
square configuration. In an embodiment of the invention, the
lower portion 1221 has left side 1225a and a right side 1225b
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wherein the sides 1225a and 1225b are parallel to each other.
The lower portion 1221 has front side 1225c and a back side
1225d wherein the sides 1225c and 1225d are parallel to each
other. The sides 1225a and 1225b are substantially
orthogonal or substantially perpendicular to the sides 1225c
and 1225d.
In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion
1222 has left side 1226a and a right side 1226b wherein the
. sides 1226a and 1226b are parallel to each other. The upper
portion 1222 has front side 1226c and a back side 1226d
wherein the sides 1225c and 1225d are parallel to each other.
The sides 1226a and 1226b are substantially orthogonal or
substantially perpendicular to the sides 1226c and 1226d.
Other variations in the components of the lid 1200 are
possible in other embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a front perspective view
of a versatile square container lid 1200, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention, wherein a square container
1220 is detached or separated from the lid 1200.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
container square lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. The planar portion 1223 (or planar surface
1223) of the lower portion 1221 is adjacent to all sides
1226a, 1226b, 1226c, and 1226d of the top portion 1222. The
planar portion 1223 is lower in elevation than the planar
portion 1217 of the upper portion 1222.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a
versatile container lid 1200, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The bottom surface 1508 of the
top portion 1222 is shown on the lid 1200. A ledge 1501 (or
protrusion 1501) extends from (or protrudes from) the bottom
CA 02922300 2016-03-02
surface 1510 in a perpendicular direction. The ledge 1501
comprises a right side 1502a and a left side 1502b wherein
the sides 1502a and 1502b are parallel to each other. The
ledge 1501 also comprises a front side 1502c and back side
1502d wherein the sides 1502c and 1502d are parallel to each
other. The sides 1502a and 1502b are substantially
orthogonal or substantially perpendicular to the sides 1502c
and 1502d. The ledge 1501 is higher in height from the
surface 1508 than the height of the surface 1508 itself.
The bottom surface 1503 of the planar portion 1223 is
also shown in Figure 15. The bottom surface 1503 is
substantially planar and is adjacent to the sides 1502a,
1502b, 1502c, and 1502d of the ledge 1501. A second ledge
1505 is along the sides 1225a, 1225b, 1225c, and 1225d of the
lid 1200. The ledge 1505 extends from (or protrudes from)
the surface 1503 in a perpendicular direction. The height of
the ledge 1505 is substantially the same height as the height
of the ledge 1501, in one embodiment of the invention. The
ledge 1501 and ledge 1505 are higher in height from the
surface 1503 than the height of the surface 1503 itself.
Therefore, the surface 1503 is between the ledges 1501 and
1505 and the surface 1504 is a valley in between the ledges
1501 and 1505. The bottom surface 1508 is also a valley
surrounded by the edges 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, and 1502d of the
ledge 1501.
The sides 1225a, 1225b, 1502a, and 1502b are parallel to
each other. The sides 1225c, 1225d, 1502d, and 1502c are
parallel to each other.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
square container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment
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of the invention, wherein a container 1220 of a first size is
attached to the bottom surface 1215 of the lid 1200.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile
square container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention, wherein a container 1220 of a first size is
detached or separated from the lid 1220.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile
square container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. The reference arrows A-A are shown in
Figure 18 as the boundary of the cross-sectional views of
Figures 19-22 below.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid 1200, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container
1220a of a first size Li (e.g., maximum length L1) is
attached to the bottom surface 1508 of the lid 1200. The
inner wall 1905a of the ledge 1501 and bottom surface 1508 of
the upper portion 1222 of the lid 1200 are in contact with
and removably secured against the container 1220a.
In the discussion herein, the containers sizes Li and L2
are as follows: Li < L2.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid 1200, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container
1220a of a first size Li is de-attached to the lid 1200.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid 1200, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container
1220b of a second size L2 (e.g., maximum length L2) is
attached to the bottom surface 1503 of the lid 1200. The
inner wall 1905b of the ledge 1505 and bottom surface 1503 of
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the lower portion 1221 of the lid 1200 are in contact with
and removably secured against the container 1220b. In the
discussion herein, the containers sizes Li and L2 are as
follows: Li < L2.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side
view of a versatile square container lid 1200, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a container
1220b of a second size L2 is de-attached to the lid 1200.
Other variations in the components of the lid 1200 are
possible.
In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 1200 (or lid
100 or other embodiments of the lid disclosed herein) may be
formed by any suitable rigid material or semi-rigid material
such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation,
plastic, rubber, and/or another suitable synthetic material.
In another embodiment of the invention as will be discussed
below in additional details, the lid 1200 (or lid 100 or
other embodiments of the lid disclosed herein) may be
foldable and, therefore, the lid is at least partly formed by
a suitably flexible material, substantially flexible
material, or foldable material such as, by way of example and
not by way of limitation, silicone (i.e., silicone rubber).
The lid 1200 (or lid 100), or other embodiments of the
lid disclosed herein may be manufactured by standard
manufacturing methods known to those skilled in the relevant
art(s) such as, by way of example and not by way of
limitation, molding, stamping, extrusion processing, casting,
polymer foam processing and forming, and/or other standard
shaping processes of synthetic materials.
In an embodiment of the invention, a bendable portion of
the lid 1200 (or lid 100 or other embodiments of the lid
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disclosed herein) is formed from a substantially bendable
material that maintains the shape that is configured for the
bendable material. For example, the bendable portion may be
formed from silicone (or silicone rubber or
polydimethlysiloxane) or another suitable silicon polymer
with rubber-like properties. As known to those skilled in the
relevant art(s), silicone rubber is a polymer of silicon-
containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Silicone rubber has
excellent insulating and temperature-resistant properties.
Silicone rubber is made through a process known as
vulcanization or curing of natural rubber. Silicon is
injected into the long hydrocarbon chains of natural rubber
through a dual-stage process under high heat and pressure,
thus converting it into silicone rubber. Additionally, the
cured rubber is processed with additional steps until the
final marketable product is obtained. Silicone rubber
maintains all of its properties even at high temperatures of
approximately 300 degrees Celsius as well as at low
temperatures around -55 degrees Celsius. The silicon-carbon
bonds in silicone rubber are resistant to temperature
fluctuations. Additionally, silicone rubber exhibits better
tear strength, tensile strength, elongation and compression
in comparison to natural rubber at high temperatures. To
provide added rigidity to the bendable portion and decreased
elasticity to the bendable portion, a suitable amount of
sulfur is added to the liquid rubber during the manufacturing
process. If rigidity is added to (and elasticity is decreased
for) the silicone used to form the bendable portion, then the
bendable portion can be bent in the downward direction and
the bendable portion will not automatically return back to
its prior shape in the upward direction, and/or the portion
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815 can be bent in the upward direction and the bendable
portion will not automatically return back to a prior shape
in the downward direction. Other standard steps known to
those skilled in the relevant art(s) for setting the
characteristics of silicone may be used in the bendable
portion. In an embodiment of the invention, other portions of
the lid 1200 may be formed from the same material that forms
the bendable portion.
In an embodiment of the invention, the surface 1503 and
.surface 1223 of the lid 1200 are bendable portions as
described above.
Those skilled in the art will realize, after reading the
discussion herein, that other suitable materials or
combination of suitable materials can be used for the
components in the lid 1200. Those skilled in the art will
also realize, after reading the discussion herein, that the
assembly, manufacture, and/or construction of the components
of the lid 1200 may be selectively varied based on cost, ease
of manufacturing, or/and other considerations. Additionally,
the parts or components in the lid 1200 can be suitably
varied or substituted with other parts or components or
shapes, as manufacturing and parts technologies improve in
the future.
In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile square
lid comprises: a lid body comprising a square configuration;
and a plurality of square rings formed in the lid body;
wherein the plurality of square rings includes a first square
ring that is configured to receive a first square container
having a first size and a second square ring that is
configured to receive a second square container having a
second size.
CA 02922300 2016-03-02
In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile
square lid comprises: a square base (lower) portion; a square
upper portion coupled to the base portion; a planar element
on a top surface of the upper square portion; a square lid
body comprising a center portion, a bendable lid portion, and
an edge portion; wherein the lid body includes and is between
the base portion and the upper portion; wherein the plurality
of square rings comprises a plurality of hollow square
portions formed in the lid body and wherein each hollow
portion is formed from the base portion to the upper portion
and wherein each hollow portion forms a respective opening
between two vertical walls; wherein the bendable lid portion
is between the center portion and the edge portion; and
wherein the bendable lid portion is configured to bend in an
upward direction and bend in a downward direction.
In an embodiment of the invention, the bendable lid
portion comprises silicone.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a versatile square lid, the method comprises:
forming a square base portion, as square upper portion
coupled to the base portion, a non-planar element on a top
surface of the upper portion, and a lid body including and
between the base portion and the upper portion from a
material; forming a plurality of square rings within the lid
body, wherein the plurality of square rings comprises a
plurality of hollow portions formed in the lid body and
wherein each hollow portion is formed from the base portion
to the upper portion and wherein each hollow portion forms a
respective opening between two vertical walls; and forming
the top surface of the upper portion of the lid body, wherein
the top surface has a given configuration.
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In embodiment of the invention, the plurality of square
rings includes a first square ring that is configured to
receive a first square container having a first size and a
second square ring that is configured to receive a second
square container having a second size.
In an embodiment of the invention, the lid body (or lid)
comprises a bendable lid portion and wherein the bendable lid
portion is configured to bend in an upward direction and bend
in a downward direction.
Other variations and modifications of the above-
described embodiments and methods are possible in light of
the teaching discussed herein.
The above description of illustrated embodiments of the
invention, inCluding what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of,
and examples for, the invention are described herein for
illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled
in the relevant art will recognize.
These modifications can be made to the invention in
light of the above detailed description. The terms used in
the following claims should not be construed to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the
invention is to be determined entirely by the following
claims, which are to be construed in accordance with
established doctrines of claim interpretation.
32
