Container apparatus and method for using the same

RELATED APPLICATIONS

p-0002This utility patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application titled “PRODUCT CONTAINER CUP WITH A FOLD-DOWN HINGED LID” (Ser. No. 61/161,112) that was filed on Mar. 18, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0003The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus and a method for using the same.

p-0004Many products cannot be stored, transported, sold, and/or used without first being secured in some type of container. Some types of products, such as many types of food products and virtually all beverage products, require some type of container for the product to be handled or consumed. As the number of products offered to consumers and businesses continues to grow, the shapes, sizes, configurations, and numbers of containers also grow.

p-0005A wide variety of different containers can be used to secure a wide range of different product types. The purposes of product containers can include preventing damage to or disbursement of the contained product. A container can product the product, the user of the product, or collateral property or people. The attributes of a product will often impact the attributes of a container used to house the product, and vice versa. For example, a container for a beverage product will typically need to be watertight while a container used for storing office supplies need not be watertight or even fully closed. Similarly, a container suitable for use in the context of sterilized medical supplies will have different attributes than a container used to store spare change or golf tees.

p-0006Different containers can have different anticipated users of different skill levels, and thus proper usage of a container can vary widely depending on whether or not the anticipated user of the container is a consumer. For example, a beverage container used in fast food restaurants will need to be suitable for use by individual consumers, a wide cross section of the population that includes persons with disabilities as well as individuals of below average physical and mental capabilities. In contrast, a container used by locksmiths or mechanics to store their tools can utilize far more complex designs and operating procedures.

p-0007Containers also vary widely in terms of their anticipated duration of service. Many containers are disposed of after a single use. For example, a cup of ice cream sold in a grocery store or drug store is intended to be thrown away after the contents are consumed by a consumer. In contrast, a thermos can be emptied and filled repeatedly for many years.

p-0008Many consumer products are sold in disposable containers that are not biodegradable or that otherwise involve negative environmental implications. Many consumer product containers end up as litter that is both an eyesore and damaging to the environment. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is also often referred to as the Pacific Trash Vortex is made up of high concentrations of plastics and other debris trapped by the currents of the North Pacific Gyre. Whether or not the size of the Pacific Trash Vortex is currently as large as the state of Texas, there is no disputing that the area is large and the damage to that area is significant. Moreover, there are four other large places in the world's oceans where winds trap floating debris. Whether discarded in a land fill or on a body of water, plastic containers such as water bottles, plastic lids for paper cups, and other once-used disposable containers for consumer products can take centuries to degrade, while doing significant damage to the surrounding eco-system in the interim. Billions of plastic bottles end in U.S. landfills each year. If those bottles are laid end-to-end, there are plastic bottles disposed of each year to circle the equator hundreds of times or to reach the moon and back multiple times. Old habits die hard, and it is difficult to change both business and consumer behavior with regards to disposable containers. There are thousands of coffee shops in the U.S. who in the aggregate sell millions of coffee servings each year with paper or Styrofoam cups that utilize plastics lids.

p-0009It would be desirable for better containers to be used to store products, including but not limited to the context of disposable containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0010The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus and a method for using the same.

p-0011The container includes a plate that connects the lid of the container to the body of the container. The lid, plate, and body of the container can be implemented in a wide variety of different configurations to properly store a wide variety of different products. The container can be made of a wide variety of different materials including but not limited to paper or paperboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0012The following drawings illustrate different examples of various embodiments of the apparatus:

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a container in a fully closed state.

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a container in a fully closed state except for an opened opening.

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a container in a partially open and partially closed state.

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d </i>is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a container in a fully open state.

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>a </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container.

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container.

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>c </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container.

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of a top view of container.

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom view of a container.

p-0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref><i>b </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom view of a container.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a container.

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>b </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a container.

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>c </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a closed container with a horizontal score line functioning a lid channel seat groove to secure the lid in a closed position.

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is diagram illustrating an example of a front view of a container and an example of tab in various positions.

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of a back view of a container.

p-0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of skid locks facilitating a vertical stack of closed containers.

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a vertical stack of open containers.

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>b </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a vertical stack of open containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0031The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus (the “container”) and a method for using the same.

I. Overview

p-0032The container apparatus (the “container”) can be implemented in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, and configurations. Different embodiments of the container can be used for the storage, transportation, and/or use of a wide variety of different products. A container can be used to store food products, beverages, money, office supplies, electronics, tools, chemical products, cleaning detergents, fabric softeners, and virtually any other type of solid, liquid, or even in certain circumstances, gas product.

p-0033Different embodiments of the container can be comprised of a wide variety of different materials. For example, in the context of a container serving as a cup, the cup could be comprised of paper, paperboard, stainless steel, metal, ceramics, plastics, or other types of materials. Different types of coatings such as polymer coatings, high barrier polymer coatings (including but not limited to high carrier silver coatings), polyethylene coatings (including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate coatings), biopolymer coatings (including but not limited to polyactide polymers), biodegradable polyester, and other types of coatings can be used with respect to the container.

p-0034Containers provide an excellent opportunity for businesses and other organizations to facilitate communications. In many instances, the container will include text, graphics, and other indicia to communicate brand identity, product information, marketing information, or public service announcements. As miniature electronic components become increasingly easy and inexpensive to incorporate into containers, some containers can be configured to provide audio communications using technology similar to that used to play music when someone opens a greeting card. A container can also be configured to use powered electronics to flash lights or otherwise generate visual indicia. For example, a coffee cup container could be configured to play a song, flash a light, and/or generate some other response upon the opening or closing of the lid.

p-0035In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of the container have been explained and illustrated in a variety of embodiments and configurations. However, it must be understood that this inventive container may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

II. Introduction of Elements and Definitions

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a container <b>20</b> in a fully closed and sealed state. The container <b>20</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>is a cup that can be machined from and/or into a single piece of paperboard. Different embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can involve different types of products, different material compositions, and different manufacturing processes. Each embodiment of the container <b>20</b> will include a container body (the “body” <b>22</b>) and a lid <b>28</b>. The body <b>22</b> and lid <b>28</b> can be implemented in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes. All other components in the various Figures are optional and need not be included in all embodiments of the container <b>20</b>. Most embodiments of the container <b>20</b> will also include a plate <b>24</b> that is connected to both the lid <b>28</b> and to the body <b>22</b>, with one end of the plate <b>24</b> being connected to the lid <b>28</b> and the other end of the plate being connected to the body <b>22</b>. In some embodiments, the lid <b>28</b> and even the plate <b>24</b> can be configured to be removable from the container <b>20</b>, such as through perforated edges to a paperboard material that can be removed by hand. In other embodiments, the body <b>22</b>, lid <b>28</b>, and plate <b>24</b> are integral to each other and are not configured to be separable from each other.

p-0037A. Body

p-0038The body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> typically constitutes the majority of the surface area of the container <b>22</b>. The body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> also typically defines the shape, size, and contours of the container <b>20</b>. For example, in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> the container <b>20</b> is a coffee cup that is substantially cylindrical in shape. The shape of the container <b>20</b> is the result of a substantially cylindrical body <b>22</b>. The body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> may include various score lines for the purposes of reinforcing the structural strength and integrity of the container <b>20</b>. Unlike other components of the container <b>20</b>, the body <b>22</b> is not designed to be movable or otherwise configurable by the user of the container <b>20</b>. In other words, the body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> remains the same regardless of which operating state or configuration that the container <b>20</b> is in. In contrast, the lid <b>28</b>, the plate <b>24</b>, and their respective components can be moved and configured by the user of the container <b>20</b>.

p-0039The bottom portion of the body <b>22</b> typically serves as the base of the container <b>20</b> with the lid <b>28</b> being placed in a vertical position that is higher than most or even all of the body <b>22</b>, depending on the particular embodiment of the container <b>22</b>. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the uppermost portion of a tab <b>30</b> (which can extend off of and be part of the lid <b>28</b>) represents the highest vertical point on the container <b>20</b> in a conventional orientation of the container <b>20</b> when the container <b>20</b> is in a fully closed operating configuration/state. Conversely, the lowest vertical portion of the container <b>20</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a base surface <b>40</b> of the body <b>22</b> upon which the container <b>20</b> sits when placed on a flat surface such as a table.

p-0040The body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> can itself be broken down further into various components and elements.

p-00411. Cavity

p-0042A cavity <b>46</b> (which can also be referred to as a chamber <b>46</b>) is the empty space within the body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> that is used to store the product. For example, in the context of a coffee cup container <b>20</b>, the cavity <b>46</b> is the space within the body <b>22</b> that houses the coffee. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the cavity <b>46</b> is illustrated with a dotted line because an exterior surface <b>42</b> of the body <b>22</b> blocks the view of the cavity <b>46</b> within the body. In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the cavity <b>46</b> will be shaped in a substantially identical manner to the outer appearance of the body <b>22</b>. However, in alternative embodiments, different shapes and configurations can be implemented, particularly if the container <b>20</b> requires structural reinforcements to maintain the integrity of the body <b>22</b>. In such instances, reinforcing structures may be placed within the body <b>22</b>, altering its interior shape, i.e. the shape of the cavity <b>46</b>.

p-0043Some embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can include multiple cavities <b>46</b> for separating two or more products within the container <b>20</b>. Such embodiments can include internal structures to mix the contents if desired, or to keep them permanently separate. For example a container <b>20</b> could be configured to hold <b>2</b> different and separate drinks, with the cavity <b>46</b> being split into two separate holding areas.

p-00442. Rim

p-0045As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>a rim <b>34</b> can represent the highest vertical position of the body <b>22</b>. The rim <b>34</b> is typically a reinforced exterior surface at the top of the body <b>22</b>. Some embodiments of the container <b>20</b> will not include a rim <b>34</b>, but the rim <b>34</b> is often useful for strengthening and reinforcing the structural integrity of the container <b>20</b>. Rims <b>34</b> can also aid users in the use of the container <b>20</b>. For example, in the context of a cup container <b>20</b> used to hold a beverage, the rim <b>34</b> can assist a drinker in avoiding a spill as well as making the coffee cup container more comfortable to use. The rim <b>34</b> can also insulate the drinker from a beverage that is particular hot or particular cold.

p-0046In the illustration of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the rim <b>34</b> is on top of a portion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b> that is vertically higher than the lid <b>28</b> when the lid <b>28</b> is in a fully closed configuration/state. The top portion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b> often includes a variety of score lines, which can be vertical, horizontal, or a combination thereof.

p-0047In some embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the rim <b>34</b> will cover the entire portion of the body <b>22</b> that is not covered by the plate <b>24</b> or a flap <b>54</b>. In other embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, coverage of the rim <b>34</b> is not comprehensive, allowing in certain embodiments, the portion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b> closest to the flaps <b>54</b> to be folded inwardly to reinforce the functionality provided by the flaps <b>54</b>. To maximize the flexibility of the plate <b>24</b> and or flaps <b>54</b>, it is often desirable for at least a couple of millimeters of the top portion <b>36</b> to not be covered by the rim <b>34</b>.

p-0048In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b> that involve a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical body <b>22</b>, the rim <b>34</b> forms an arc between approximately 299 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b> that involve cylindrical or substantially cylindrical body <b>22</b>, the lid <b>28</b> will form between approximately between 180 degrees and 299 degrees of a circle.

p-00493. Surfaces

p-0050A body <b>22</b> is made up of both exterior surfaces and interior surfaces. An exterior surface is a surface of the body that faces outward from the container <b>20</b>. An interior surface is a surface of the body <b>22</b> that faces inward towards the body <b>22</b>, typically the cavity <b>46</b> or another interior surface.

p-0051In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>one exterior surface <b>42</b> of the body <b>22</b> is the portion of the body <b>22</b> that is substantially cylindrical in shape that runs from a bottom to the top of the body <b>22</b>. A corresponding interior surface <b>44</b> that is illustrated with a dotted line because it is not visible from the exterior of the container <b>20</b> is also cylindrical in shape and runs from a bottom to the top of the container <b>20</b>.

p-0052The portion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b> that extends upwards from the closed lid includes both an exterior surface as well as an interior surface. The portion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b> that extends upwards in a vertically higher position than the lid <b>28</b> in a closed state can be referred to as a vertical protrusion <b>36</b> of the body <b>22</b>. The rim <b>34</b> rests on the vertical protrusion <b>36</b>.

p-0053The bottom portion of the body <b>22</b> includes both interior surfaces (facing upwards towards the cavity <b>46</b>) and exterior surfaces (facing downwards towards the surface on which the container <b>20</b> rests). The bottommost exterior surface of the body <b>22</b> is referred to as a base <b>40</b>. The bottommost interior surface of the body <b>22</b> (which can also be thought of as the bottommost exterior “surface” of the cavity <b>46</b>) is referred to as a floor <b>48</b>. The floor <b>48</b> of the cavity is illustrated with a dotted line in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>because the cavity <b>46</b> is not visible from the outside of the container <b>20</b>. A wide variety of different designs can be incorporated into the base <b>40</b> of the container. Two different examples are provided in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref><i>a </i>and <b>4</b><i>b</i>, which are discussed below.

p-00544. Score Lines

p-0055Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> can include a variety of different score lines to reinforce the strength of the body <b>22</b> or for other purposes. The lid <b>28</b> and plate <b>24</b> components can also include score lines. In the body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b>. In the context of the plate <b>24</b> or lid <b>28</b>, a score line can be used to facilitate the ability of a user to move a particular component, to transition the container <b>20</b> from one operating state to another. In the context of the body <b>22</b>, the purpose of a score line is prohibit movement or deformation.

p-0056Score lines can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Score lines can be full or only partial. For example, a full horizontal score line could run across the entire circumference of a cylindrical body <b>22</b>. In contrast, a partial horizontal score line may be limited to running under only through the portions of the body <b>22</b> that are directly under the plate <b>24</b>, the plate <b>24</b> and flaps <b>54</b>, the rim <b>34</b>, or some other component or element. A horizontal score line <b>56</b> (which can also be referred to as a fold <b>56</b> or connector <b>56</b>) is often used to connect the plate <b>24</b> to the body <b>22</b>. The boundary between a flap <b>54</b> and the body <b>22</b> can also be marked by the connector <b>56</b> or fold <b>56</b>, although different score lines could be used. It is often helpful to include horizontal score lines on the body <b>22</b> of the container <b>20</b> that are parallel to the score line serving as the connector <b>56</b> between the plate <b>24</b> and the body <b>22</b> because the connector <b>56</b> between the plate <b>24</b> and the body <b>22</b> is often important in supporting the ability of the plate <b>24</b> to support the movement of the lid <b>28</b>.

p-0057Some embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can include horizontal score line <b>52</b> (which can also be referred to as the lid groove <b>52</b> or a lid channel seat groove <b>52</b>) to better secure the position of the lid <b>28</b> in a closed configuration/state. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>c </i>provides one example of a shape of a lid groove <b>52</b> that can be incorporated into the container <b>20</b>. Different shapes of lid grooves <b>52</b> and score lines can be incorporated into different embodiments of the container <b>20</b>.

p-0058Vertical score lines can similarly be full (running from top to bottom) or merely partial. As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>vertical score lines <b>38</b> in the body <b>22</b> can run extend upwards to the plate <b>38</b> to reinforce the structural integrity of the plate <b>24</b> and the ability of the plate <b>24</b> to assist in securing the lid <b>28</b> in a closed position. Some embodiments of the container <b>20</b> may include full vertical score lines spaced evenly throughout portion of the body <b>22</b> covered by the rim <b>34</b>.

p-0059B. Plate and Flaps

p-0060A plate <b>24</b> is a surface area of the container <b>20</b> that is configured to support the movement of the lid <b>28</b>. Just as the body <b>22</b> can have exterior surfaces facing in an outward direction and interior surfaces facing in an inward direction, the plate <b>24</b> can include but an outward surface and an inward surface. Similarly, the plate <b>24</b> can also include both vertical and horizontal score lines with the boundaries of the plate <b>24</b> being typically marked by score lines. A plate <b>24</b> can include vertical score lines and horizontal score lines. The plate <b>24</b>, as well as the flaps <b>54</b> (if any), serve collectively as a hinge mechanism that allows the lid <b>28</b> to be opened and closed.

p-0061In many embodiments, two flaps <b>54</b> will be located horizontally adjacent to the plate <b>24</b>, with one flap <b>54</b> to each side of the plate.

p-0062The plate <b>24</b> and two flaps <b>54</b> that are illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>facilitate the ability of users to open and close the lid <b>28</b> while facilitating the strength and tightness of the container <b>20</b>. If the lid <b>28</b> cannot be secured in a closed position, then the ability to utilize the container <b>20</b> is compromised because an unfastened lid <b>28</b> can result in the unintended change of an operating configuration/state from closed to open. For example, in the context of a beverage container <b>20</b>, a container <b>20</b> that cannot be closed and sealed in a watertight manner is of only limited use.

p-0063Embodiments of the container <b>20</b> that include a plate <b>24</b> allow for the lid <b>28</b> to be open or closed without altering the structure of the lid <b>28</b>. By leaving the structure of lid <b>28</b> unchanged, the structural integrity of the lid <b>28</b> and the ability of a closed Id <b>28</b> to seal the contents of the cavity <b>46</b> are enhanced. The motion of the lid <b>28</b> is facilitated by the plate <b>24</b> or the plate <b>24</b> in conjunction with the flaps <b>54</b>. A variety of score lines are typically used to delineate the boundaries of the plate <b>24</b> and flaps <b>54</b>. A score line <b>26</b> between the plate <b>24</b> and the lid <b>28</b> can be referred to as a hinge <b>26</b>. However, whatever the plate <b>24</b> an/or flap <b>54</b> configuration is utilized with respect to a particular container <b>20</b>, the aggregate effect of that plate <b>24</b> and flap <b>54</b> configuration is to serve as a hinge.

p-0064As discussed above, different embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can utilize different types of score lines at different locations with different attributes.

p-00651. Flaps

p-0066A flap <b>54</b> is a surface horizontally adjacent to the plate <b>24</b>, but separate from the plate <b>28</b> by a vertical or substantially vertical score line. The boundaries of the flaps <b>54</b> are often demarcated by vertical and horizontal score lines. As discussed above, one or more flaps <b>54</b> may be used to support and enhance the ability of the plate <b>24</b> to function as a hinge for the lid <b>28</b>. Some embodiments of the flaps <b>54</b> can be configured to be further twisted or pushed in by the user to further secure the lid <b>28</b> in a closed position. Such twisting or pushing in may render the container <b>20</b> undesirable for subsequent opening and refilling.

p-0067An embodiment of the container <b>20</b> that uses a plate <b>24</b> need not include any flaps <b>54</b>, but a combination of one plate <b>24</b> with one flap <b>54</b> on each side is often desirable.

p-00682. Skid locks

p-0069Some embodiments of the plate <b>24</b> can include one or more skid locks <b>58</b> to facilitate the ability of users to stack the containers <b>20</b> on top of each other even if the lids <b>28</b> are closed. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates an example of a container <b>20</b> with <b>2</b> skid locks <b>58</b> configured to support a stack <b>90</b> of closed containers <b>20</b>.

p-00703. Score Lines

p-0071Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>score lines can be used to delineate the plate <b>24</b> from other components. The connector <b>56</b> as discussed above is used to connect the body <b>22</b> to the plate <b>24</b>. A hinge score line <b>26</b> (which can also be referred to as the hinge <b>26</b>) can be used as the boundary between the lid <b>28</b> and the plate <b>24</b>. In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the hinge <b>26</b> is configured to be more maneuverable than the connector <b>56</b> because the relative motion of the lid <b>28</b> with respect to the plate <b>24</b> is typically far greater than the relative motion of the plate <b>24</b> with respect to the body <b>22</b>. The purpose of the plate <b>24</b> is to insulate the body <b>22</b> from the magnitude of movement required by the lid <b>28</b>.

p-0072C. Lid

p-0073A lid <b>28</b> is the means by which a container <b>20</b> is closed and in some cases, sealed (such as the case with watertight containers). In some embodiments, a grove <b>52</b> in the body <b>22</b> helps secure the lid <b>28</b> when it is moved to a closed/sealed position. Although the position of the lid <b>28</b> determines whether the container <b>20</b> is in a closed state/configuration or an open state/configuration, the change in the position of the lid <b>32</b> is not achieved through any structure change to the lid <b>32</b>. To the contrary, it is the plate <b>24</b> (sometimes in conjunction with the flaps <b>54</b>) that serve as the hinge upon which the lid <b>28</b> can be moved. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the lid <b>28</b> moves by being rotated around the hinge <b>26</b>.

p-0074In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the lid <b>28</b> is substantially circular in shape and need not be very thick. In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the lid <b>28</b> is substantially parallel to the surface on which the container <b>20</b> rests when the lid is in a closed operating configuration/state.

p-0075The lid <b>28</b> can be in an open position, a closed position, or in some instances, a partially open/partially closed position. In many embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, the lid <b>28</b> is integral to the plate <b>24</b>, and the plate <b>24</b> is integral to the body <b>22</b>. The lid <b>28</b> can be comprised of the same material as the plate <b>24</b> and body <b>22</b>.

p-00761. Tab

p-0077Some embodiments of the lid <b>28</b> can include a tab <b>30</b> which serves as a handle for opening and closing the lid <b>28</b>. Different embodiments of the tab <b>30</b> can include a different number of score lines. In many embodiments, the number of score lines in the tab <b>30</b> will depend on whether the tab <b>30</b> is used to seal an opening <b>32</b> in the lid <b>28</b>. As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the tab <b>30</b> includes a score line <b>48</b> at the base of the tab <b>30</b> as well as a score line at the segment <b>50</b> of the tab <b>30</b> that transitions from a primarily horizontal orientation to a primarily vertical orientation. This allows the tab <b>20</b> to facilitate the sealing and closing of the opening <b>32</b> as well as the opening and closing of the lid <b>28</b>. In many beverage embodiments of the container <b>20</b>, an additional third tab score line <b>60</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) can be used to facilitate the ability of the user to push the tab <b>30</b> down into the opening <b>32</b> so that the tab <b>30</b> does not interfere with the comfort of the user in drinking the beverage in the container <b>20</b>.

p-0078Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>the tab <b>30</b> is fastened to the lid <b>28</b> at a tab base <b>48</b>. The location of the tab base <b>48</b> can depend on whether or not the lid <b>28</b> includes an opening <b>32</b>. If the lid <b>28</b> does include an opening <b>32</b>, then the tab base <b>48</b> is typically the innermost edge of the opening <b>32</b>. If the lid <b>28</b> does not include an opening <b>32</b>, then the tab base <b>48</b> is typically located close to the outermost edge of the top surface of the lid <b>28</b>.

p-0079The container <b>20</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>includes both a tab <b>30</b> and an opening <b>32</b>. The shape of the tab <b>30</b> can vary widely, but the tip of the tab <b>30</b> should serve to facilitate movement by the user and the shape of the lower portion of the tab <b>30</b> will typically depend on the shape of the opening <b>32</b>.

p-00802. Opening

p-0081Some embodiment of the lid <b>28</b> will include an opening <b>32</b> to selectively expose the contents of the container <b>20</b>. For example, in the context of a beverage container, the opening <b>32</b> can allow the user to drink the contents of the container <b>20</b> (through use of a straw or by simply tipping the container in close proximity to an open mouth) while the lid <b>28</b> remains in a closed position. The opening <b>32</b> can be closed/sealed using the tab <b>30</b>. The opening <b>32</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>is illustrated with a dotted line because the opening <b>32</b> is not visible. The opening <b>32</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>is filled up and sealed by the tab <b>30</b>. The bottom portion of the tab <b>30</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>from the tab base <b>48</b> to the fold <b>50</b> is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the container <b>20</b> and the top portion of the tab <b>30</b> from the fold <b>50</b> upwards protrudes straight upwards in the air where it can be most easily grasped.

p-0082The shape of the opening <b>32</b> and of the portion of the tab <b>30</b> used to plug the opening <b>32</b>, can vary widely from embodiment to embodiment. Some embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can include more than one opening <b>32</b>. For example, some embodiments of a beverage container <b>20</b> could include two or more openings <b>32</b> for the insertion of straws.

p-0083Additional illustrations of the movement of the tab <b>30</b> and the opening <b>32</b> covered by the tab <b>30</b>, can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

p-0084D. Additional Elements/Components

p-0085Different embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can include a wide variety of additional elements/components. As discussed above, different score line configurations can be incorporated into the container <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, a tear back adhesive can be place on the lid <b>28</b> to facilitate the pulling open of the lid <b>28</b>. The structure and shape of the lid channel seat groove <b>52</b> can be modified to provide extra reinforcement analogous to that of a girdle. For example, additional structural components could be added to prevent the lid <b>28</b> from moving beyond a particular closed position.

p-0086In some embodiments, a vertical body seam running up from the bottom of the body <b>22</b> to the outermost portion of the lid <b>28</b> and the location of the tab <b>30</b> could be used to further strengthen the container <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, the vertical body seam can include a lateral tab to facilitate the opening and closing of the container <b>20</b>.

p-0087For embodiments involving the storage of food, the flaps <b>54</b> can include a cold seal adhesive that is water based. Pressure from the fingers of the users can then form a bond that will enhance the ability of the container <b>20</b> to satisfy specification 276.170 FDA compliance as it pertains to direct food contact with respect to aqueous and fatty foods.

III. Operating Configurations/States/Positions

p-0088Depending on the product that a container <b>20</b> is designed to secure, the container <b>20</b> can be configured in a variety of different states or positions. For example, in the context of a beverage container <b>20</b>, the container <b>20</b> can be in a fully closed and sealed position to minimize the ability of the beverage to escape from the container. An example of the fully closed and sealed configuration is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a, </i>where the lid <b>28</b> is closed and the opening <b>32</b> is also sealed by the tab <b>30</b> which can include a variety of score lines designed to facilitate the ability of the tab <b>30</b> to fill the opening <b>32</b>.

p-0089<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>illustrates an example of a lid <b>28</b> that is fully closed, but an opening <b>32</b> that is not blocked by the tab <b>30</b>, permitting the beverage to be consumed, but otherwise limiting the ability of the beverage to be spilled. As illustrated in the Figure, the tab <b>30</b> is straightened out into a vertical or substantially vertical position as the opening <b>32</b> is unsealed. As discussed below with respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, some embodiments of the tab will include an additional score line <b>60</b> designed to facilitate the pushing of the tab <b>30</b> into the opening <b>32</b> so that the tab <b>30</b> does not interfere with the drinking of the beverage through the opening <b>32</b>. The transition from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>can occur solely with the movement of the tab <b>30</b>.

p-0090<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>illustrates an example of a lid <b>28</b> that is partially open. Although the position of the plate <b>24</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>is identical to the position of the plate <b>28</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>because the plate <b>24</b> is fixed, the lid <b>28</b> is nonetheless not in a closed position. In many contexts, the filling or refilling of the beverage container <b>20</b> is performed while the container <b>20</b> is in the configuration of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c. </i>In some contexts, a user may drink from the container <b>20</b> while in the state illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c. </i>The transition from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>involves movement of the lid <b>28</b> but not the movement of the plate <b>24</b>.

p-0091<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d </i>illustrates an example of a container <b>20</b> in a state of maximum openness. The illustrated configuration can be highly desirable for the purposes of stacking empty containers <b>20</b> on top of each other. The illustrated configuration can also be desirable in the filling or refilling of the container <b>20</b>, and in some instances, such as trying to clear out a cup of the remaining portions of a milk shake, for consuming the contents of the container <b>20</b>. The transition from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d </i>involves primarily the moving of the plate <b>24</b> from its substantially horizontal position to its substantially vertical position.

p-0092Different embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can include a wide variety of different positions, states, and operating configurations.

IV. Method of Making

p-0093Many paperboard embodiments of the container <b>20</b> can be machined from either pre-printed, pre-punched blanks or optional pre-printed roll stock. The blank can be precisely positioned and tightly wrapped around the folding mandrel. The design of some cup embodiments of the container <b>20</b> allows for the body <b>22</b> wrapping with the punched and drawn cup bottom inserted prior to sidewall sealing or optional insertion of the cup bottom after the side wall sealing. Sealing of the side-seam and bottom seam is completed by utilizing e.g. flame, hot air or ultrasonic. Sealing parameters related to temperature, pressure and registration is critical within the forming process. The cup shells can be designed to facilitate easy transfer between multiple turret stations positioned on the cup forming machine. The partially finished cup can then transferred to the top curl turret, incorporating multiple stations to form the top curl rim <b>34</b>: lubrication, pre-curl, finishing curl and calibration.

V. Method of Using

p-0094Different containers <b>20</b> can involve different components and different steps for the opening and closing of the container <b>20</b>.

A. Example #1

p-0095<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>a </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container <b>20</b>. At <b>100</b>, the plate <b>24</b> is moved into the position that the plate would be in if the container <b>20</b> is closed. An example of step <b>100</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c. </i>

p-0096Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>a</i>, at <b>102</b>, the lid <b>28</b> is moved into the position that the lid <b>38</b> would be in the container <b>20</b> is closed. An example of the step <b>102</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b. </i>

p-0097Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>a</i>, at <b>104</b>, the opening <b>32</b> is closed with the tab <b>30</b>. An example of step <b>104</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a. </i>

p-0098The loading or filling to the container <b>20</b> could occur while in potentially any of the states identified above.

p-0099The closing/sealing process ends after the closing of the opening <b>32</b>.

B. Example #2

p-0100<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container <b>20</b>. At <b>110</b>, the plate <b>24</b> is secured into the position that the plate <b>24</b> would be in if the container <b>20</b> is closed. This typically involves the user pressing down on the plate <b>24</b>, pivoting the position of the plate <b>24</b> along the boundary <b>56</b> between the body <b>22</b> and the plate <b>24</b>. An example of step <b>110</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c. </i>It is often desirable to load or fill the container <b>20</b> before performing this step.

p-0101Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b</i>, at <b>112</b>, the lid <b>28</b> is closed. This can be done by pressing down on the lid <b>28</b> and rotating the lid <b>28</b> around the hinge <b>26</b> marking the boundary between the lid <b>28</b> and the plate <b>24</b>. An example of the step <b>112</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b. </i>

p-0102Returning to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b</i>, at <b>114</b>, the opening <b>32</b> is closed and sealed with the pushing in of the tab <b>30</b>. Alternative embodiments may include additional mechanisms by which the opening <b>32</b> is sealed. An example of step <b>114</b> would be the transition from the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>to the configuration illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a. </i>

p-0103The closing/sealing process is completed with the sealing of the opening <b>32</b> at <b>114</b>.

C. Example #3

p-0104<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>c </i>is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for loading and closing a container <b>20</b>. At <b>120</b>, cavity <b>46</b> of the container <b>20</b> is loaded or filled with the applicable product. This step is typically performed while the container <b>20</b> is in a state of maximum openness.

p-0105At <b>122</b>, the user grabs the tab <b>30</b>.

p-0106At <b>124</b>, the user presses down on the tab to move the plate <b>24</b> to a closed position, to move the lid <b>28</b> to a closed position, and to fill the opening <b>32</b> with the bottom portion of the tab <b>30</b>. This can be done in one motion by the user.

p-0107The process ends with the fully closed and sealed container <b>20</b>.

VI. Additional Views

p-0108A. Top view

p-0109<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of a top view of container <b>20</b>. In this example of the container <b>20</b>, the tab <b>30</b> includes three score lines (<b>48</b>, <b>60</b>, and <b>50</b>) to facilitate the ability of a user to push the tab <b>30</b> down into the opening <b>32</b> so that the tab <b>30</b> does not enter the users mouth or otherwise interfere with the consumption of the beverage.

p-0110The illustration in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> also includes two skid locks <b>58</b> to facilitate the stacking of closed containers <b>20</b> as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

p-0111B. Bottom View

p-0112<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom view of a container <b>20</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref><i>b </i>is a diagram illustrating another example of a bottom view of a container <b>20</b>. Each illustration shows the base <b>40</b> as well as the bottom exterior surface <b>48</b> of the cavity <b>46</b>. As illustrated in the Figures, different base <b>40</b> configurations can be incorporated into different embodiments of the container <b>20</b>. The type of material used to comprise the container <b>20</b> and the type of contents anticipated to be held in the container <b>20</b> can influence the appropriate design of the bottom of the container <b>20</b>.

p-0113C. Side View

p-0114<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a container <b>20</b>. The container <b>20</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a </i>is in a similar operating state/configuration as the container <b>20</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d</i>, but from a different perspective. In this position, the portions of the tab <b>30</b>, lid <b>28</b>, and plate <b>28</b> that are most exterior to the container <b>20</b> form a substantially vertical line segment extending upwards from the exterior surface <b>42</b> of the body <b>22</b>.

p-0115Although the lid <b>28</b> is substantially flat when closed, the curvature of the container <b>20</b> does not appear substantially as a line segment in a side view of the container <b>20</b> when the lid <b>28</b> is in a full upright position.

p-0116However, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>b</i>, as the lid <b>28</b> moves more closely to a closed position, the side view of the lid <b>28</b> takes on a more two-dimensional appearance.

p-0117<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>c </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a interior body surface that includes a lid channel seat groove <b>52</b> to secure the lid <b>28</b> in a closed position. Different geometric shapes can be incorporated into the groove <b>52</b>. Additional structures can also be added to preclude the lid <b>28</b> from moving beyond an optimal closed position.

p-0118D. Front View

p-0119<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of a front view of a container <b>20</b>. The Figure also illustrates the different positions of the tab <b>30</b> as the container <b>20</b> transitions from closed and sealed (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a</i>), to closed and unsealed (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b</i>), open lid/plate secure (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>c</i>), and fully open (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>d</i>).

p-0120E. Back View

p-0121<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of a back view of a container <b>20</b>. The container <b>20</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is in a fully closed and sealed position.

p-0122F. Stacked Containers

p-0123<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of skid locks <b>58</b> facilitating the vertical stacking of closed containers <b>20</b>. The number of closed containers <b>20</b> that can be included into a stack <b>90</b> will depend on a variety of factors, including the design of the container <b>20</b>, the structural strength of the container <b>20</b>, and the contents (if any) in the container <b>20</b>.

p-0124<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>a </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of the vertical stacking of open containers <b>20</b>. A stack <b>94</b> of open containers <b>20</b> can typically include far more containers <b>20</b> than a stack <b>90</b> of closed containers <b>20</b>.

p-0125<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>b </i>is a diagram illustrating an example of a stack <b>94</b> of open containers <b>20</b> from a different perspective.

VII. Alternative Embodiments

p-0126The container can be implemented in a wide variety of different embodiments, configurations, and contexts. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in a variety of embodiments and configurations. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The container and methods for using the container can be implemented in a wide variety of different components, component configurations, and component compositions.