초록 ▼

The present invention provides a spill-proof container having a two-panel cover such that an upper panel is stationary, while a lower panel is enabled for rotational motion relative to the upper panel. As each panel has an aperture in it, and the lower panel provides a device for manual actuation of

The present invention provides a spill-proof container having a two-panel cover such that an upper panel is stationary, while a lower panel is enabled for rotational motion relative to the upper panel. As each panel has an aperture in it, and the lower panel provides a device for manual actuation of the rotational motion of the lower panel relative to the upper panel, the invention enables one to reach inside of the container when the lower aperture is positioned by the rotative motion adjacent to the upper aperture. Therefore, the food is held fresh and protected from exposure to the undesirable moisture or dryness of the fresh air, while it is easily accessible without removal of the container's cover. This objective is further enhanced by a resilient, snap-action engagement of an L-shaped annular container cover rim with the top annular rim of the container. Additionally, the lower panel aperture is provided with a flexible surface which is split by radial slits into flexible fingers. The flexible fingers are such that they are capable of bending into the container when a hand reaches inside of the container for food, and resiliently return to their initial planar position, automatically closing the container when the hand is removed. Consequently, no food will spill out if the container is tilted too far or accidentally tipped over.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A storage apparatus comprising:a storage container including a side wall integral with a bottom wall, the sidewall providing an annular lip defining an open top of the storage container;a container cover providing a container cover annular rim having an annular groove the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A storage apparatus comprising:a storage container including a side wall integral with a bottom wall, the sidewall providing an annular lip defining an open top of the storage container;a container cover providing a container cover annular rim having an annular groove therewithin, the annular groove adapted for accepting the annular lip of the side wall in snap-action, removable engagement for securing the container cover onto the storage container;the container cover further providing a stationary upper panel positioned for covering the open top of the storage container, the upper panel having an upper panel aperture therein;a lower panel pivotally engaged with the upper panel for rotating relative thereto, the lower panel providing a plurality of radial slits defining a plurality of flexible fingers, the fingers laying contiguously in planar congruence for defining a lower panel aperture in the lower panel;a means for rotational actuation of the lower panel relative to the upper panel to position the lower panel aperture adjacent to the upper panel aperture for providing access to the storage container through the upper and lower panel apertures by hand pressure on the flexible fingers for bending the flexible fingers into the storage container, the flexible fingers enabled by resilient bias thereof for returning to planar congruence when pressure is released therefrom.