US20140091103A1

US20140091103A1 - Lid

Info

Publication number: US20140091103A1
Application number: US14/043,484
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald C. Neitzel
Original assignee: ROCKLINE INDUSTRIES Inc
Current assignee: ROCKLINE INDUSTRIES Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-02
Filing date: 2013-10-01
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

Embodiments of a lid are provided. In one embodiment, the lid may be coupled to a container to provide selective access to the contents of the container. In one embodiment, the lid is configured to be stacked.

Description

IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/708,957, filed on Oct. 2, 2012, which is entitled “Lid,” which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to lids and more particularly to lids configured to be stacked.
Containers are used to hold napkins, facial tissues, wipes, wet wipes, etc. Lids may be provided for the containers to allow selective access to the contents of the containers and to prevent access to the contents of the containers when the lids are in a closed configuration. Various lids may be used to provide resealable closure to containers, e.g., containers containing facial tissues, wet wipes, etc. Lids may be formed separately from the containers and coupled to the container after the container has been filled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, one embodiment of the invention relates to a lid. The lid includes a lower portion. The lower portion has an inner edge defining an aperture. The lid includes an upper portion. The upper portion includes a projecting feature including an upper surface extending between a first wall and a second wall. The lid includes a hinge. The hinge pivotally couples the upper portion to the lower portion. The upper portion is configured to pivot between a closed configuration in which the upper portion covers the aperture and an open configuration in which the upper portion does not cover the aperture. The upper portion includes a first latching portion distal from the hinge. The lower portion includes a second latching portion distal from the hinge. The first and second latching portions are configured to latch the upper portion in a closed configuration. The projecting feature has a perimeter smaller than the perimeter of the inner edge defining the aperture.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a stack of lids. The stack of lids includes a first lid. The first lid includes a first lower portion having a first inner edge defining an aperture. The first lid includes a first upper portion. The first lid includes a first hinge pivotally coupling the first upper portion to the first lower portion. The stack of lids includes a second lid. The second lid includes a second lower portion. The second lid includes a second upper portion including a projecting feature. The second lid includes a second hinge pivotally coupling the second upper portion to the second lower portion. The first lid is stacked on the second lid with the lower portion of the first lid contacting the upper portion. The projecting feature of the second lid projects in the aperture with the projecting feature and the first inner edge configured to inhibit movement of the first lid relative to the second lid in at least one direction.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing lids. The method includes providing a plurality of lids, each lid having an upper portion hinged to a lower portion, the lower portions each including an inner edge defining an aperture, the upper portions each including a projecting feature. The method includes stacking the plurality of lids such that the projecting feature projects into the aperture defined by the inner edge of the above lid. The method includes packaging the stacked plurality of lids for transport.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lid coupled to an exemplary container;

FIG. 2 is a view of the lid of FIG. 1 being opened to allow access to the contents of the container;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lid in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 3 shown rotated 180° along an axis through the hinge portion and latching portion;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the lid of FIGS. 3 and 4 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detail view of the portion 7-7 illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the lid of FIGS. 3-5 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 9 shown from the other side;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 9 shown rotated 180° along an axis through the first end and the second end;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the portion 12-12 illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view showing dimensions of the lid of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an exemplary stack of embodiments of lids;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of providing lids;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a lid coupled to an exemplary container;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a lid in an open configuration;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 18 shown rotated 180° along an axis through the hinge portion and latching portion;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the lid of FIGS. 18 and 19 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary stack of embodiments of lids;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 in FIG. 23; and

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25-25 in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a lid is disclosed. Generally, the lid is configured to be coupled to a container (e.g., facial tissues container, wet wipes container, etc.) to provide selective access to the contents of the container and selective sealing of the container. The container may be a soft-sided container, a hard-sided container, or any other suitable type of container. The container may be formed from any suitable material. The lid may be coupled to the container by any suitable mechanism (e.g., adhesive, heat-sealing, fasteners, etc.).
In some embodiments, the lid may not be made at the same location as the container or at the same location that the container is filled. Thus, lids may be transported to a location for coupling to filled containers.
One embodiment of a lid 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The lid 20 is coupled to a soft-sided container 22.
With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the lid 20 includes an upper portion 24 coupled to a lower portion 26 by a hinge, illustrated as a living hinge 28 in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the upper portion 24 may be pivotally coupled to the lower portion 26 by any suitable mechanism.
The lower portion 26 includes a substantially flat base portion 30. The inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 defines an aperture 34. The inner edge 32 defines the perimeter of the aperture 34. When the lid 20 is coupled to the container 22, the lid 20 may be positioned such that an opening of the container 22 is aligned with the aperture 34.
The base portion 30 has a lower side 36 (illustrated in FIG. 4) and an upper side 38. The lower side 36 is coupled to the container 22. The lower portion 26 includes a wall portion 40 extending generally perpendicularly to the base portion 30 from the upper side 38 of the base portion 30. The wall portion 40 extends around the aperture 34 and is located radially outwardly from the inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 and radially inwardly from the outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30.
The upper portion 24 is displaceable relative to the lower portion 26 between a first closed configuration, illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the upper portion 24 covers the aperture 34 and access to the opening of the container 22 is prevented by the upper portion 24 and a second open configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the upper portion 24 does not cover the aperture 34 and access to the opening of the container 22 is allowed.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the lid 20 in an open configuration.
With reference to FIG. 5, which illustrates the lid 20 in a closed configuration, the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 extends generally from a first end 44 to a second end 46 and from the living hinge 28 to a latching portion 47 of the lid 20.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 includes a downwardly extending outer wall portion 48. The outer wall portion 48 extends downwardly and radially outwardly of the outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30. The outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30 is located proximate the interior surface of the outer wall portion 48 when the lid 20 is in a closed configuration. The outer wall portion 48 is located radially adjacent to the outer periphery 42 of the base portion 30.
A rounded portion 50 extends from the portion of the downwardly extending wall portion 48 distal from the base portion 30 to a substantially flat portion 52 extending radially inwardly. Extending downwardly from the substantially flat portion 52 is an inner wall portion 54. The inner wall portion 54 contacts the substantially flat base portion 30 of the lower portion 26 when the lid 20 is in a closed configuration. The inner wall portion 54 is located radially outwardly from the wall portion 40. In one embodiment, the inner wall portion 54 prevents entry of moisture into or egress of moisture from a container when the lid 20 is in a closed configuration. In another embodiment, the inner wall portion 54 prevents entry of contaminants into a container when the lid 20 is in a closed configuration.
Radially inwardly from the substantially flat portion 52 the upper portion 24 includes a downwardly arched portion 56.
With reference to FIG. 6, radially inwardly from the downwardly arched portion 56, the upper portion 24 includes a projecting feature 57, which includes an arched portion 58. The arched portion 58 extends upwardly in the direction from the first end 44 toward the center point 60 of the upper portion 34 and in the direction from the second end 46 toward the center point 60. The projecting feature 57 includes a perimeter extending around the peripheral edge of the arched portion 58. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the projecting feature 57 is smaller than the perimeter of the aperture 34 defined by the inner edge 32 of the base portion 30.
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid 20 taken along the axis between the hinge 28 and the latching portion 47, illustrated as the line 8-8 in FIG. 5. The projecting feature 57 also includes, extending upwardly from the downwardly arched portion 56, a first upwardly extending wall portion 62 proximate the hinge 28 and a second upwardly extending wall portion 64 proximate the latching portion 47. The upwardly extending wall portions 62 and 64 extend from the downwardly arched portion up to the arched portion 58. In one embodiment, the height of the arched portion 58 does not vary in the direction between the hinge 28 and the latching portion 47.
With reference to FIG. 9, the first upwardly extending wall portion 62 extends from a first end 66 proximate the first end 44 of the lid 20 to a second end 68 proximate the second end 46 of the lid 20.
The height of the first upwardly extending wall portion 62 varies between the first end 66 and the second end 68. The height H1 of the first wall portion 62 is at a maximum adjacent the center point 60. For example, the height H1 is greater than the height H2 of the first wall portion 62 between the portion adjacent the center point 60 and the first end 66 and greater than the height H3 between the portion of the first wall portion 62 adjacent the center point 60 and the second end 68.
With reference to FIG. 10, the second upwardly extending wall portion 64 extends from a first end 70 proximate the first end 44 of the lid 20 to a second end 72 proximate the second end 46 of the lid 20. In one embodiment, the first end 70 of the second wall portion 64 is spaced apart from the first end 66 of the first wall portion 62, and the second end 72 of the second wall portion 64 is spaced apart from the second end 68 of the first wall portion 62.
The height of the second upwardly extending wall portion 64 varies between the first end 70 and the second end 72. The height H4 of the second wall portion 64 is at a maximum adjacent the center point 60. For example, the height H4 is greater than the height H5 of the second wall portion 64 between the portion adjacent the center point 60 and the first end 70 and greater than the height H6 between the portion of the second wall portion 64 adjacent the center point 60 and the second end 72.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper portion 24 includes an arched portion 74 extending upwardly from a first end 76 proximate the first end 44 of the lid 20 to a peak 78 adjacent the center point 60 and downwardly from the peak 78 to a second end 80 proximate the second end 46 of the lid 20.
The width dimension (perpendicular to an axis between the first end 76 and the second end 80) of the arched portion 74 varies between the first end 76 and the second end 80. The width of the arched portion 74 is greatest at the peak 78 and reduces proceeding towards each of the first end 76 and the second end 80. Projecting downwardly from the arched portion 74 is an upper engagement portion 82.
Projecting upwardly from the base portion 30 of the lower portion 26 of the lid 20 is a lower engagement portion 84.
With reference to FIG. 12, the upper engagement portion 82 includes a downwardly projecting wall portion 86 and a radially inwardly extending retaining projection 88. The retaining projection 88 extends generally radially inwardly from the wall portion 86 distal from the arched portion 74 toward the lower engagement portion 84.
The lower engagement portion 84 includes an upwardly projection wall portion 90 and a radially outwardly extending retaining projection 92. The retaining projection 92 extends generally radially outwardly from the wall portion 90 distal from the base portion 30 toward the upper engagement portion 82.
The upper and lower engagement portions 82 and 84 are configured such that when the lid 20 is closed, the upper surface of the retaining projection 88 engages the lower surface of the retaining projection 92 thus inhibiting upward movement of the downwardly projecting wall portion 86 (and thus inhibiting pivotal movement of the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 relative to the lower portion 26).
To open the lid 20, a user may apply upward pressure on the underside of the arched portion 74 which causes displacement of the upper engagement portion 82 such that the retaining projection 88 is moved radially outwardly away from and out of contact with the lower engagement portion 84, allowing the upper portion 24 of the lid 20 to be pivotally displaced away from the lower portion 26 of the lid.
In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and configuration of the latching portion 47 of the lid generally and the arched portion 74 in particular, allow for convenient opening of the lid 20.
With reference to FIG. 13, in one embodiment the arched portion 58 is generally oval-shaped and has a diameter D1 along the long axis of the oval (extending generally in the direction between the first end 44 and the second end 46 of the lid). In one embodiment, the diameter D1 extends between approximately 2 inches and approximately 5 inches. In another embodiment the diameter D1 is between approximately 3 inches and approximately 4 inches.
In another embodiment, the diameter D1 is approximately 3 and 7/16 inches.
In one embodiment, the arched portion 58 has diameter D2 along the short axis of the oval (extending generally in the direction between the hinge 28 and the latching portion 47, generally perpendicular to diameter D1) between the tallest portion of the first wall portion 62 and the tallest portion of the second wall portion 64 through the center point 60. In one embodiment, the diameter D2 is between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D2 is between approximately 1 and ½ inches and approximately 2 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D2 is approximately 1 and ⅞ inches.
In one embodiment, the base portion 30 is a substantially oval-shaped ring. In the illustrated embodiment, the oval-shaped aperture 34 defined by the inner edge 32 of the base portion 30 has a diameter D3 along the long axis of the oval-shaped aperture 34.
In the illustrated embodiment, the oval-shaped aperture 34 defined by the inner edge 32 of the oval-shaped ring base portion 30 has a diameter D4 along the short axis of the oval-shaped aperture 34 extending generally in the direction between the hinge 28 and the lower engagement portion 84 (generally perpendicular to the diameter D3). In one embodiment, the diameter D3 is generally the same as the diameter D1. In another embodiment, the diameter D3 is larger than diameter D1. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 is generally the same as the diameter D2. In another embodiment, the diameter D4 is larger than diameter D2.
In one embodiment, the diameter D3 extends between approximately 2 inches and approximately 5 inches. In another embodiment the diameter D3 is between approximately 3 inches and approximately 4 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D3 is approximately 3 and 7/16 inches.
In one embodiment, the diameter D4 is between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3 inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D4 is between approximately 1 and ½ inches and approximately 2 and ½ inches. In another embodiment, the diameter D4 is approximately 2 inches.
With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the lid 20 is configured to be stacked with other generally similar lids 120, 220, and 320. The inner edges 32, 132, 232, and 332 of the base portions 30, 130, 230, 330 are sized such that the projecting features such as 57, 157, 257, and 357, including in the illustrated embodiment arched portions 58, 158, 258, and 358, of another lid may be received within the apertures defined by the inner edges such as 32, 132, 232, and 332.
The base portion 130 of the lid 120 is supported on the substantially flat portion 52 of the lid 20 and the projecting feature 57 of the lid 20 projects in the aperture defined by the inner edge 132 and past the base portion 130 of the lid 120 when the lids 20 and 120 are stacked. Similarly, the base portion 230 of the lid 220 is supported on the substantially flat portion 152 of the lid 120, and the base portion 330 of the lid 320 is supported on the substantially flat portion 252 of the lid 220 when the lids are stacked. The projecting feature 157 extends in the aperture defined by the inner edge 232 and past the base portion 230 of the lid 220 when the lids 120 and 220 are stacked. The projecting feature 257 extends in the aperture defined by the inner edge 332 and past the base portion 330 of the lid 320 when the lids 220 and 320 are stacked.
When lids 20 and 120, for example, are stacked, the inner edge 132 and first wall portion 62 inhibit movement of lid 20 relative to lid 120 in the direction of the hinges 28 and 128. The inner edge 132 and the second wall portion 64 inhibit movement of lid 20 relative to lid 120 in the direction of latching portions 47 and 147.
Similarly, when lids 120 and 220 are stacked, the inner edge 232 and first wall portion 162 inhibit movement of lid 120 relative to lid 220 in the direction of the hinges 128 and 228. The inner edge 232 and the second wall portion 164 inhibit movement of lid 120 relative to lid 220 in the direction of latching portions 147 and 247.
Similarly, when lids 220 and 320 are stacked, the inner edge 332 and first wall portion 262 inhibit movement of lid 220 relative to lid 320 in the direction of the hinges 228 and 328. The inner edge 332 and the second wall portion 264 inhibit movement of lid 220 relative to lid 320 in the direction of latching portions 247 and 347.
Thus, the lids 20, 120, 220, and 320 may be configured in a stack and are configured to deter falling of the stack of lids. Embodiments of lids that are stacked and packaged may provide space-savings over lids that are not stacked and packaged. For example, in one embodiment lids are formed at one location and transported to a second location to be attached to filled containers. The lids may be packaged to be transported from the one location to the second location. Cost of shipping may be dependent on the volume of the packaged lids (e.g., in one embodiment, weight difference may have low to no impact on shipping cost, while volume difference may have higher impact on shipping cost).
While FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate four lids stacked, this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments any suitable number of lids may be stacked.
FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of providing lids. The method includes step 400 of providing a plurality of lids each having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hinge pivotally coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, with the upper portion including a projecting feature and the lower portion defining an aperture, with the apertures arranged and configured to receive the projecting features to inhibit movement of the lids relative to one another in at least one direction. The method also includes step 402 of stacking the plurality of lids. The method also includes step 404 of packaging the stacked plurality of lids for transport to a location for coupling to containers.
In one embodiment, the stacked lids are packaged in boxes. In another embodiment, the stacked lids are wrapped in packaging material. In other embodiments, the stacked lids may be packaged in any suitable packaging.
With reference to FIGS. 17-24, another embodiment of a lid 520 is illustrated. The lid 520 includes many features similar to the lid 20. Therefore, differences from the lid 20 are the focus of the description below. The lid 520 includes an upper portion 524. The upper portion 524 includes a downwardly extending outer wall portion 548. The upper portion 524 also includes a rounded portion 550 extending from the downwardly extending wall portion 548 to a generally planar portion 552. Extending radially inwardly from the generally planar portion 552 is an angularly downwardly extending portion 556 which extends radially inwardly to the projecting feature 557. In contrast with the previous embodiment, the upper portion 524 includes an axial projection 555 extending upwardly from the generally planar portion 552. The axial projection 555 extends circumferentially around the projecting feature 557 radially outwardly from the angularly downwardly extending portion 556. As is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the axial projection 555 extends an axial distance less than the projecting feature 557, e.g., the upper axial periphery of the axial projection 555 is lower than the upper axial periphery of the projecting feature 557.
With reference to FIGS. 23-25, lids 520, 620, 720, and 820 are illustrated in a stacked configuration. The base portion 530 of the lid 520 is supported on the axial projection 655 of the lid 620 when the lids 520 and 620 are stacked. Thus, in a stacked configuration, the base portion 530 of the lid 520 is separated from the generally planar portion 655 of the lid 620 by a distance S_D. The separation between the base portion 530 of the lid 520 and the generally planar portion 655 of the lid 620 may allow of easy access by a user to the base portion 530 of the lid 520 to allow the user to remove the lid 520 from the stack. The projecting feature 657 of the lid 620 extends in the aperture defined by the inner edge 532 and axially past the base portion 530 of the lid 520 when the lids are stacked. The inner edge 532 and the projecting feature 657 inhibit movement of the lid 520 relative to the lid 620 in the radial direction. The lid 520 is allowed to be displaced axially relative to the lid 620 by applying axially upwardly directed force to the base portion 530 of the lid 520.
Embodiments of lids may be generally oval in shape. Other embodiments of lids may be generally circular, ellipse-shaped, triangular, rectangular, or any other suitable polygonal or non-polygonal shape. Embodiments of the base portion 30 may be oval-shaped. In other embodiments, the base portion may be any suitable shape with an open portion which can be aligned with an opening of a container including, for example, a circular ring, oval-shaped ring, ellipse-shaped ring, triangle-shaped ring, rectangle-shaped ring, or any other polygonally-shaped or non-polygonally shaped suitable structure.
In some embodiments, the projecting feature may be any suitable shape to fit the open portion of a base portion of another stackable lid to inhibit movement of the lids relative to one another when stacked including, for example a circular shape, oval-shaped, ellipse-shaped, triangle-shaped, rectangle-shaped, or any other polygonally-shaped or non-polygonally-shaped suitable structure. In one embodiment the projecting feature includes an arched portion. In another embodiment the projecting feature includes a domed, convexly-shaped portion. In another embodiment the projecting feature includes sidewalls and a generally flat (e.g., not arched, not domed) upper surface.
In one embodiment, by providing stacked lids, a volume savings of between approximately 15% and approximately 50% may be realized over other unstacked lids (e.g., stacking feature of lids allows stacking such that approximately 15% to approximately 50% more lids may be packaged in the same volume than unstacked lids could be placed in the same volume).
In one embodiment, by providing stacked lids, a volume savings of between approximately 30% and approximately 35% may be realized over other unstacked lids (e.g., stacking feature of lids allows stacking such that approximately 30% to approximately 35% more lids may be packaged in the same volume than unstacked lids could be placed in the same volume).
One embodiment of a lid may inhibit movement of another lid stacked therewith in one direction. In other embodiments, a lid may inhibit movement of another lid stacked therewith in two directions. In other embodiments, a lid may inhibit movement of another lid stacked therewith in more than two directions. In other embodiments, a lid may inhibit movement of another lid stacked therewith in all radial directions.
In one embodiment, a lid may be formed from a suitable type of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE, nylon, PET, HDPE, etc.). In other embodiments, a lid may be formed from any other suitable material.
In one embodiment, a lid may be formed by 3D printing (e.g., selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, laminated object manufacturing, electron beam melting, power bed and inkjet head 3D printing, etc.). In another embodiment, a lid may be molded. In other embodiments, a lid may be formed by any suitable method.
In one embodiment, a lid is formed as a single, unitary piece. In other embodiments, a lid may be multiple pieces formed and coupled together.
Unless the meaning is clearly to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein are deemed to be inclusive of the endpoints.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the various embodiments discussed herein, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be claimed alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lid comprising:

a lower portion having an inner edge defining an aperture;

an upper portion including a projecting feature including an upper surface extending between a first wall and a second wall; and

a hinge pivotally coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, the upper portion configured to pivot between a closed configuration in which the upper portion covers the aperture and an open configuration in which the upper portion does not cover the aperture;

wherein the upper portion includes a first engagement portion distal from the hinge;

wherein the lower portion includes a second engagement portion distal from the hinge, the first and second engagement portions configured to latch the upper portion in a closed configuration;

wherein the projecting feature has a perimeter smaller than the perimeter of the inner edge defining the aperture.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the aperture is generally oval-shaped; and

wherein the projecting feature is generally oval-shaped.

3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the upper portion is arched.

4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the upper surface includes a first end, a center point and a second end;

wherein the upper surface extends upwardly from the first end to the center point; and

wherein the upper surface extends downwardly from the center point to the second end.

5. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper portion has a first end, a middle point, and a second end;

wherein the first engagement portion includes an arched portion with a width increasing in the direction from the first end toward the middle point and from the second end toward the middle point; and

wherein the arched portion is configured to receive upward force to release the first engagement portion from the second engagement portion.

6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a downwardly extending wall; and

wherein the downwardly extending wall is configured to contact the lower portion when the lid is in a closed configuration.

7. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes an upwardly extending wall located radially outwardly from the inner edge.

8. A stack of lids comprising:

a first lid including:

a first lower portion having a first inner edge defining an aperture;

a first upper portion;

a first hinge pivotally coupling the first upper portion to the first lower portion;

a second lid including:

a second lower portion;

a second upper portion including a projecting feature; and

a second hinge pivotally coupling the second upper portion to the second lower portion;

wherein the first lid is stacked on the second lid with the lower portion of the first lid contacting the upper portion; and

wherein the projecting feature of the second lid projects in the aperture with the projecting feature and the first inner edge configured to inhibit movement of the first lid relative to the second lid in at least one direction.

9. The stack of lids of claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of additional lids staked on the first lid and the second lid;

packaging surrounding the stacked first lid, second lid, and additional lids, the packaging having an inner volume;

wherein the lids are arranged and configured such that when stacked between approximately 30% and approximately 35% more lids may be placed within the inner volume of the packaging than if the lids are unstacked.

10. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the projecting feature includes an upper surface extending between a first wall and a second wall, the first wall being configured to interact with the first inner edge of the first lower portion to inhibit movement of the first lid relative to the second lid in a first direction, and the second wall being configured to interact with the first inner edge of the first lower portion to inhibit movement of the first lid relative to the second lid in a second direction.

11. The stack of lids of claim 10, wherein the upper surface is arched.

12. The stack of lids of claim 11, wherein the second lid includes a first end, a middle point, and a second end; and

wherein the height of the first wall increases from the first end toward the middle point and decrease from the middle point toward the second end.

13. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first upper portion of the first lid includes a downwardly extending wall; and

wherein the downwardly extending wall is configured to seal against the first lower portion when the lid is in a closed configuration.

14. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first lower portion includes an upwardly extending wall located radially outwardly from the first inner edge and radially inwardly from the outer periphery of the first lower portion.

15. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the second lower portion includes a second inner edge defining an aperture.

16. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first upper portion includes a downwardly extending wall located radially outwardly from and adjacent the outer periphery of the first lower portion when the first lid is in a closed configuration.

17. The stack of lids of claim 8, wherein the first lower portion of the first lid is generally oval-shaped, including a first diameter and a second diameter disposed in a first plane;

wherein the second lower portion of the second lid is generally oval-shaped, including a third diameter and a fourth diameter disposed in a second plane; and

wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

18. A method of manufacturing lids, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of lids, each lid having a upper portion hinged to a lower portion, the lower portions each including an inner edge defining an aperture, the upper portions each including a projecting feature;

stacking the plurality of lids such that the projecting feature projects into the aperture defined by the inner edge of the above lid; and

packaging the stacked plurality of lids for transport.

19. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, further comprising shipping the plurality of lids to a location where containers are filled to be coupled to the containers.

20. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the projecting features and the inner edges defining the apertures into which the projecting features project are configured to interact to inhibit movement of the stacked lids in at least one direction relative to one another.

21. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the projecting features each include an arched upper surface.

22. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the lids include a latching portion configured to latch the upper portion in a closed configuration relative to the lower portion.

23. The method of manufacturing lids of claim 18, wherein the packaging defines an inner volume; and

wherein the step of stacking the lids includes configuring the lids such that between approximately 15% and approximately 50% more stacked lids are packaged with the inner volume of the packaging than if the lids are not stacked.