초록 ▼

A selectively detachable container lid includes a center panel and a peripheral sealing lip surrounding the panel. The peripheral sealing lip has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which a bowl rim fits. The lid also includes at least one ridge formed between

A selectively detachable container lid includes a center panel and a peripheral sealing lip surrounding the panel. The peripheral sealing lip has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which a bowl rim fits. The lid also includes at least one ridge formed between the panel and the peripheral sealing lip. The ridge is interrupted by at least one gap. The ridge and the peripheral sealing lip partially overlap when viewed in a direction substantially normal to the panel. The ridge also abuts the bowl when the lid is placed loosely on the bowl. Also disclosed is a container that includes such a lid.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A container comprising: a bowl having a sidewall terminating in a rim; and a lid, said lid including: (i) a center panel; (ii) a peripheral sealing lip surrounding said panel, said peripheral sealing lip having a generally U-shaped cross section defined by an inner wall, an outer wa

We claim: 1. A container comprising: a bowl having a sidewall terminating in a rim; and a lid, said lid including: (i) a center panel; (ii) a peripheral sealing lip surrounding said panel, said peripheral sealing lip having a generally U-shaped cross section defined by an inner wall, an outer wall, and an annular web disposed between said inner wall and said outer wall, the inner wall, the outer wall, and the annular web defining a channel into which the rim fits; and (iii) venting and denesting means disposed between said panel and said inner wall for venting said container when said lid is loosely positioned on the bowl such that the channel is substantially aligned with the rim of the bowl, and for abutting a corresponding lid to impede nesting when said lid is stacked upon the corresponding lid, said venting and denesting means comprising at least one ridge that is interrupted by at least one gap, said ridge having a circumferential length that is greater than the circumferential length of gap. 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said venting and denesting means defines at least one air passageway between the bowl and lid when said lid rests loosely on the bowl. 3. A container according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said ridges are separated by a plurality of said gaps and are distributed substantially evenly about said lid. 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the circumferential length of each of said gaps is about 0.25 inches. 5. A container according to claim 3, wherein said ridges have a different radius of curvature than that of said gaps, with said ridges projecting above said gaps by about 0.025 inches. 6. A container according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral sealing lip further defines receiving means for receiving said venting and denesting means of an adjacently stacked lid. 7. A container according to claim 6, wherein said receiving means comprises a seat surrounded by a generally upstanding wall, wherein when said lid is stacked upon a second such lid, said venting and denesting means rests upon said seat of said second lid. 8. A container according to claim 7, wherein said receiving means further comprises an inwardly extending shelf, and said seat is disposed on said shelf. 9. A container according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral sealing lip further comprises a rigid tab member extending from said outer wall. 10. A container comprising: a bowl, having a sidewall terminating in a rim; and a selectively detachable lid, said lid including: (i) a center panel; (ii) a peripheral sealing lip surrounding said panel, said peripheral sealing lip having a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which said bowl rim fits; and (iii) at least one ridge formed between said panel and said peripheral sealing lip, said ridge being interrupted by at least one vent opening, said ridge having a circumferential length that is greater than the circumferential length of said vent opening, wherein said ridge and said peripheral sealing lip at least partially overlap when viewed in a direction substantially normal to said panel, and wherein said ridge abuts the bowl rim when said lid is placed loosely on said bowl, and wherein said vent opening defines an air passageway between the bowl and ambient air when said lid rests loosely on the bowl such that the channel is substantially aligned with the bowl rim. 11. A container according to claim 10, wherein said peripheral sealing lip further comprises a seat surrounded by a generally upstanding wall, wherein when said lid is stacked upon a second such lid, said at least one ridge rests upon said seat of said second lid. 12. A container according to claim 11, wherein said peripheral sealing lip further comprises an inwardly extending shelf, and said seat is disposed on said shelf. 13. A container according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of said ridges are separated by a plurality of said vent openings and are distributed substantially evenly about said lid. 14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the circumferential length of each of said vent openings is about 0.25 inches. 15. A container according to claim 13, wherein said ridges have a different radius curvature than that of said vent openings, with said ridges projecting above said vent openings by about 0.025 inches. 16. A container according to claim 10, wherein the generally inverted U-shaped cross section of said peripheral sealing lip includes an outer wall from which a rigid tab member extends. 17. A container according to claim 3, wherein the total circumferentail length of said ridges is greater than the total circumferential length of said gaps. 18. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is round. 19. A container according to claim 13, wherein the total circumferential length of said ridges is greater than the total circumferential length of said vent openings. 20. A container according to claim 10, wherein the container is round.