Container Including Base and Lid Having Retainment and Anti-Shock Features

The field of the disclosure relates generally to containers for food items and, more particularly, to containers including a base for supporting one or more food items and a lid for enclosing the food items within an interior of the container.

Containers for storing and/or transporting food items may include individual cells that are each sized and shaped for receiving one of the food items. The cells may allow physical separation of the food items in the container, which may be desired if contact between two or more of the food items could damage the aesthetic and/or integrity of the item. For example, baked goods such as cupcakes may have a decorative coating which may be damaged if two or more cupcakes come into contact with each other. The individual cells may additionally or alternatively make it easier for the user to place the food items in the container and remove the food items from the container.

There is an ongoing need for improvements in the manufacturability and/or design of such containers that reduce costs, improve the durability of the container, and/or improve the usability of the container.

In one aspect, a container includes a base including a plurality of cells each sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein, and a land positioned between adjacent cells, and a lid releasably engaged with the base when the container is in a closed configuration, the lid including a cover and a retaining column extending from the cover to a distal column end. The distal column end engages the land of the base when the container is in the closed configuration, the retaining column includes outwardly-extending retainers. When the container is in the closed configuration, each of the outwardly-extending retainers is located over one of the adjacent cells to limit movement of the food item received in the respective cell. Each outwardly-extending retainer is spaced a distance from the distal column end such that a clearance is defined between the outwardly-extending retainers and the plurality of cells when the container is in the closed configuration.

In another aspect, a container includes a base including a base rim, a base surface that is sunk relative to the base rim, and at least one cell defined in the base surface and sized and shaped for receiving at least one food item therein, and a lid including a cover, a lid rim that is releasably engaged with the base rim when the container is in a closed configuration, a sidewall extending between the cover and the lid rim, and inwardly-extending retainers defined in the lid sidewall. When the container is in the closed configuration, the inwardly-extending retainers are located above the at least one cell to limit movement of the at least one food item received therein and each inwardly-extending retainer is spaced a distance from the base surface such that a clearance is defined between the inwardly-extending retainers and the at least one cell.

In another aspect, a container includes a base including a plurality of cells, each sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein, and a land positioned between adjacent cells, and a lid releasably engaged with the base when the container is in a closed configuration, the lid including a cover and a retaining column extending from the cover to a distal column end. When the container is in the closed configuration, the distal column end engages the land of the base. The land includes an anti-shock element that is configured to flex in response to a force exerted by the retaining column.

Corresponding reference numerals used throughout the drawings indicate corresponding elements and components.

Embodiments described herein relate to containers for storing and/or transporting one or more food items. The containers described herein include a base having at least one cell that is sized and shaped for receiving a food item, and a lid that is releasably engageable with the base for selectively closing the container to enclose the food items received in the cells. In some examples, the base includes a plurality of cells and one or more lands that are positioned between adjacent cells and the lid includes one or more retaining columns that have distal column ends which engage the lands when the container is closed. The containers described herein may be suitable for use in various applications such as, for example, storing baked food items such as cupcakes, muffins, cookies, etc. The containers described herein are not limited to baked food storage applications, and the presently disclosed subject matter may be implemented in containers used to store any suitable food item. The containers described herein are also not limited to food storage applications, and may be suitable for use in other applications, such as those where storage of items in a container is desired or useful. The containers may be used for a single food item or multiple food items.

In some examples, the lid of the container includes retainers formed in the retaining column and/or a sidewall of the lid. When the container is closed, the retainers extend over the cell or cells of the container, and operate to limit movement of the food item(s) received in the cell(s). The retainers may be spaced a distance from the cell or cells such that a clearance is defined between the cell(s) and the retainers when the container is closed. The clearance may be sized to accommodate a portion of the food item in each cell that extends above the cell. A number and position of the retainers of the lid may be such that at least two retainers extend over each cell. For each cell, the at least two retainers that extend over the cell when the container is closed are positioned at suitable azimuthal measures from each other to balance the contact locations between the retainers and the food item for limiting movement thereof.

The lid and the base of example containers described herein may each include rims that are engaged when the container is in the closed configuration. The lid and the base may include complementing interlocks that extend outwardly from the rims and sealingly engage one another when the container is closed. A base sidewall may extend between the base rim and the cell or cells and may overlap a transition section of the lid that joins the lid rim to a lid sidewall. The overlap between the base sidewall and the lid transition section may create a debris barrier inboard of the engaging base rim and lid rim.

In some examples, in addition to or in the alternative to the above-described retainers, interlocks, and/or debris barrier features, the land(s) of the base that are engaged by the distal column end of a respective retaining column of the lid may include an anti-shock element that absorbs energy and/or compensates for changes in pressure within the closed container at different temperatures. The anti-shock element(s) of the land(s) may facilitate reducing or eliminating the propensity for the container to become damaged or prematurely opened, for example, when the container subjected to an externally applied force (e.g., when dropped) and/or when the pressure in the container changes (e.g., when exposed to low temperatures). Each anti-shock element engages the distal column end of the respective retaining column and includes flexures that enable movement of the anti-shock element. The movement of the anti-shock element allows the retaining column to also move, thereby absorbing energy exerted by the retaining column or allowing the lid to expand and contract, without the retaining column becoming overly compressed which may lead to damage or breakage and without the lid prematurely releasing from the base.

Advantages provided by embodiments described herein may include, but are not limited to only including: (i) reducing or eliminating the likelihood for food items stored within the container to be damaged during storage, shipping, and handling of the container, (ii) preventing undesired movement of the food items stored in the container during shipping and handling of the container, (iii) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening of the container during storage, shipping, and handling of the container when subjected to an externally applied force (e.g., when dropped), (iv) preventing breakage, damage, and premature opening at various temperature conditions that may be experienced during storage, shipping, and handling, (v) increasing manufacturability and durability of the container, (vi) providing a reliable seal between the lid and the base of the container, and/or (vii) preventing air infiltration and exposure to debris of the food items stored in the container. Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of example embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings,depict an example containerthat may be suitable for use in applications for storing and/or transporting multiple items, such as multiple food items. The example containermay in some examples be used for storing and/or transporting multiple baked goods, such as cupcakes. The containerincludes a baseand a lid. In the orientation shown in, the baseis located vertically below the lidwhen the containeris in use. Elements and components of the containerare described relative to the orientation of the containershown in, but the containeris not limited to any particular orientation. Directional terms used to describe spatial relation between any of the components herein, including the baseand the lidand elements and components of the baseand the lid, are used solely for convenience of description. For example, the terms “horizontally,” “vertically,” “outer,” “peripheral,” “outwardly,” “upper,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and similar or other directional terms are not limiting with regard to a particular orientation of any component, including the containerand the other elements and features described herein.

The lidreleasably engages the baseto selectively move the containerbetween an open configuration () and a closed configuration ().are various cross-sections of the containertaken along lines shown in, and depict engagement between the baseand the lidwhen the containeris in the closed configuration. Engagement between the baseand the lidto close the containerwill be described below. The baseand the lidmay be joined by a hingethat allows the baseand the lidto move between the open and closed configurations of the containerwithout becoming fully separated from each other. In other examples, the hingemay be omitted and the baseand the lidmay fully separate from each other when the containeris in the open configuration.

In the example container, the baseand the lidare each rectangular in shape, and form a rectangular shape of the containerin the closed configuration. The baseand the lidmay have any shape depending on a desired shape of the container. For example, the baseand the lidmay have a square shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or any other suitable shape.

The baseand the lidmay be made of any suitable material. For example, the baseand the lidmay be made of resins or plastic materials including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”). The baseand the lidmay be thermoformed, blow-molded, or injection molded, or may be made using any other suitable technique. The baseand the lidmay be transparent or translucent, and may be colored or dyed in either instance. The baseand the lidmay be made of the same material or of a different material. In some examples, the baseand the lidmay be made integral from one sheet of material (e.g., one sheet of resin or plastic material).

The baseincludes a plurality of cellsthat are each sized and shaped for receiving a food item therein. In the illustrated example, each cellhas a disk shape or a frusto-conical shape, corresponding to the shape of a body of a cupcake or muffin. The cellsmay have other shapes depending on the intended application of the container. For example, the cellsmay have a shallower design for shorter food items (e.g., cookies). The baseincludes at least two cellswhich are located adjacent one another. Depending on the number of cells, the cells may be arranged in adjacent rows of cells. For example, in the example container, the baseincludes six cells, which are arranged in two adjacent rows of three cellseach. In other examples, the basemay include four cellswhich are arranged in two adjacent rows of two cellseach, eight cellswhich are arranged in two adjacent rows of four cellseach, ten cellswhich are arranged in two adjacent rows of five cellseach, or twelve cellswhich are arranged in three adjacent rows of four cellseach. The basemay include any suitable number of cellsin any suitable arrangement depending on the intended application of the container.

Each cellincludes a mouth, a bottom, and a cell sidewall. The cell sidewalldepends downwardly from a surfaceof the baseto the bottom. The mouthof each cellis an opening in the base surfacesized and shaped for receiving the respective food item. The mouth, the bottom, and the cell sidewallform the disk or frusto-conical shape of the cell. As described above, the shape of the cell, and therefore the shape of the mouth, the bottom, and the cell sidewall, may vary depending on the intended application of the container. The cell sidewallmay have an accordion contour to complement an accordion-style of a liner or wrapper that may surround the body of the food item (e.g., a cupcake, muffin, cookie, etc.) that is received in the cell. Alternatively, the cell sidewallmay be substantially smooth.

The base surfaceis sunk or recessed relative to a base rim. A base sidewallextends downwardly from the base rimand terminates at the base surface. The base surfaceextends across the base sidewall, and is interrupted by the mouthof each cell. The base surfaceforms dividersthat are positioned between each pair of adjacent cells. Each dividermay include a thumb cutthat is formed as a recess in the base surface. The thumb cutsmay enable a user to more easily remove a food item from the respective cell.

The base surfacealso forms one or more landsthat are each positioned between (or in a center of) a group of four adjacent cells. The landinterconnects or extends between each one of the four adjacent cells. The number of landsmay depend on the number and arrangement of cellsincluded in the base. In the example container, in which six cellsare included in the baseand arranged in two adjacent rows of three cellseach, there are two lands, each landpositioned between one of the two groups of four adjacent cells. As another example, where four cellsare included in the baseand arranged in two adjacent rows of two cellseach, there may be one landpositioned between the one group of four adjacent cells. One or more of the landsmay include a raised structurethat may be formed as an anti-shock element(). The anti-shock elementsmay facilitate reducing or eliminating the propensity for the containerin the closed configuration to become damaged or prematurely opened, for example, when the containeris subjected to an externally applied force and/or when the pressure in the containerchanges. The anti-shock elementswill be described in more detail below.

The cellsmay be sized such that a portion of the food item received therein extends beyond the mouthand the base surface. Referring to, the cell sidewallof each cellhas a height Hbetween the bottomand the mouth. The height Hdefines a depth of the cell. The height Hmay be shorter than a height Hof a food item(). As shown in, food items(e.g., cupcakes) that are received in each cellinclude a bodyhaving a shape (e.g., a disk or frusto-conical shape) corresponding to a shape of the cell. The bodyhas the height Hthat is taller than the height Hof the cell. As a result, an upper portionof the bodyextends beyond the mouthof the celland beyond the base surface. As described above, the base surfaceis sunk relative to the base rim, which is at a height Hmeasured from the bottomsof the cells. The height Hof the base rimis greater than the height Hi of the cells, such that a clearanceis defined between the plurality of cellsand the base rim. The clearanceaccommodates the upper portionof the bodyof each food itemthat extends beyond the base surfacewhen the containeris in the closed configuration. The food itemsmay also include a decorative coatingon a top surfaceof the body. The decorative coatingmay extend a height above the clearanceor the decorative coatingmay be accommodated in the clearance.

The basealso includes a peripheral base flangethat extends outwardly from the base rim. The base flangeis connected to the base rimby a base interlock member. The base interlock memberextends downwardly from the base rimto the base flangesuch that the base flangeis lowered relative to the base rim. The base interlock memberhas an “S-shape” profile and facilitates a sealing engagement between the baseand the lidwhen the containeris in the closed configuration, described in more detail below with reference to.

The lidof the containerincludes a cover, a lid rim, and a lid sidewallextending between the coverand the lid rim. The lid rimengages the base rimwhen the containeris in the closed configuration. The lidalso includes a peripheral lid flangethat extends outwardly from the lid rim. The lid flangeis connected to the lid rimby a lid interlock member. The lid interlock memberextends downwardly from the lid rimto the lid flangesuch that the lid flangeis lowered relative to the lid rimwhen the containeris closed and oriented as illustrated. The lid interlock memberalso has an “S-shape” profile that complements the S-shape profile of the base interlock member, and facilitates a sealing engagement between the baseand the lidwhen the containeris in the closed configuration, described in more detail below with reference to.

The lid sidewallis rounded or curved in extent between the lid rimand the cover, such that the coverspans a smaller area than the lid rim. The lid sidewallis also contoured such that the lid sidewalldefines bulbous regions or “bulbs”and concave regions or “connectors”extending between adjacent bulbs. The number of bulbsof the lid sidewallcorresponds to a number of cellsof the basethat are located adjacent the base sidewall. In the example container, each of the six cellsof the baseis located adjacent the base sidewall, and the lid sidewallincludes six bulbs. The bulbsare positioned over a respective one of the cellslocated adjacent the base sidewallwhen the containeris closed.

The lid sidewallis connected to the lid rimby a lid transition section. The lid transition sectionincludes a first portionextending downwardly from the lid rimto a low pointand a second portionextending inwardly from the low pointto the lid sidewall. The first portionof the lid transition sectionalso extends inwardly such that the low pointof the lid transition sectionis located inboard of the lid rim. As described below and shown, for example, in, the lid transition sectionis overlapped by the base sidewallwhen the containeris in the closed configuration and the lid rimengages the base rim. The first portionof the lid transition sectionand the base sidewallmay cooperate to create a debris barrierthat is located inboard of the engaging base rimand lid rim.

The inward extent of the second portionof the lid transition sectionvaries due to the contour of the lid sidewall. The second portionof the lid transition sectionhas a relatively longer inward extent at locations where the second portionextends from the low pointto a concave connectorof the lid sidewall. The second portionof the lid transition sectionhas a relatively shorter inward extent at locations where the second portionextends from the low pointto a bulbof the lid sidewall. The bulbsof the lid sidewallmay be shaped such that the second portionis omitted from certain areas of the lid transition sectionat which the lid transition sectiontransitions immediately to the lid sidewallfrom the low point.

The lidalso includes one or more retaining columnsextending from the cover. Each retaining columnextends to a distal column endfrom a proximal column endadjacent the cover. Each retaining columnis positioned such that the distal column endengages one of the landsof the basewhen the containeris closed. A number of retaining columnsincluded in the lidmay be the same as the number of lands, such that each landengages a retaining columnwhen the container is closed. In the example container, the lidincludes two retaining columnscorresponding to and engaging the two landsof the basewhen the containeris closed. Alternatively, the lidmay include fewer retaining columnsthan the number of landsof the base, such that some of the landsdo not engage a retaining columnwhen the containeris closed.

Each retaining columnextends a distance or height H() measured between the proximal column endand the distal column end. The height His greater than a distance or height H() measured between the coverand the lid rim, such that the retaining columnextends beyond the lid rim. The height Hmay also be greater than a distance or height H() measured between the coverand the lid flange, such that the retaining columnextends beyond the lid flange. Each of the retaining columnshave the same height Hin the example container. In other examples, for example where the landsare located at different depths, measured relative to the base rim.

Each retaining columnis hollow and defines a corresponding opening in the cover. Each retaining columnincludes a column sidewallthat extends from the coverto the distal column end. The column sidewalldefines the corresponding opening formed in the coverby the retaining column. Each distal column endincludes a distal end surfaceand a distal tip protrusion, or a distal tipthat protrudes from the distal end surface. The distal tipis received by an openingdefined by the corresponding one of the landsthat engages the distal column endof the retaining column.

The column sidewallhas a generally rounded cross-sectional shape proximate the proximal column end. The rounded cross-sectional shape of the column sidewallproximate the distal column endis interrupted by inwardly-extending recesses(or recessed column portions) defined in the column sidewall. A number of recessed column portionsincluded in the column sidewallmay correspond to the number of adjacent cellsthat are interconnected by the landthat engages the distal column endof the retaining column. In the example container, each retaining columnengages a landthat interconnects four adjacent cells, and each column sidewallincludes four recessed column portions. The recessed column portionsare arcuate in shape and provide a shape of the distal end surfacethat complements a shape of the mouthsof the cellsinterconnected by the corresponding landthat engages the retaining column. Alternatively stated, the recessed column portionsprevent the distal end surfaceof the retaining columnfrom extending outwardly over the cells. This allows the upper portionof the bodyof each food itemto extend beyond the base surfacewhen the containeris in the closed configuration and into the clearancewithout the distal end surfaceinterfering with the top surfaceof the food item.

Each recessed column portionextends from the distal end surfaceto a column retainerdefined in the column sidewall. Each column retainerincludes a retaining surfacethat extends outwardly over the mouthof one of the cellsinterconnected by the corresponding landthat engages the retaining columnwhen the containeris closed. A number of column retainersincluded in the column sidewallmay correspond to the number of recessed column portionsand the number of adjacent cellsthat are interconnected by the corresponding land. In the example container, each retaining columnengages a landthat interconnects four adjacent cells, and each column sidewallincludes four column retainers, with each column retainerextending outwardly over the mouthof one of the four adjacent cells. As described in more detail below, the outwardly-extending column retainersoperate to limit or inhibit movement of the food itemreceived in the respective one of the cells.

The distance spanned by each column recessed portionbetween the distal end surfaceand a respective one of the column retainerstranslates to a height H() of the column retainersabove the base surfaceand the respective one of the cellswhen the containeris in the closed configuration. The height Hmay suitably be the same for each column retainer. The height Hmay be approximately equal to the height of the clearanceabove the cells. Alternatively stated, when the containeris in the closed configuration, the column retainersmay be at approximately the same height as the base rim, and the lid rimengaged with the base rim. In this regard, the column retainersmay be approximately coplanar with the lid rim, as well as the base rimwhen engaged with the lid rim. Approximating language such as the modifier “approximately” used to describe the relative heights of the column retainers, the clearance, the base rim, and the lid rim, means that the components are within an approximate height range of one another. For example, the retainersbeing at approximately the same height as the height of the clearance, the lid rim, and the basemay refer to the retainersbeing within +/−10%, within +/−5%, or within +/−1% of a height of each of these components.

In addition to and/or in the alternative to the column retainers, the lid sidewallmay also include sidewall retainersthat also operate to limit or inhibit movement of the food itemsreceived in the cells. Each sidewall retaineris defined by an indent in a bulbof the lid sidewallthat lengthens the inward extent of the second portionof the lid transition section. The second portionextends to the indent defining each sidewall retainerto define a retaining surfacethat extends inwardly over the mouthof one of the cellswhen the containeris closed.

In the example container, each bulbincludes one sidewall retainerdefined therein, such that a number of sidewall retainerscorresponds to the number of bulbsof the lid sidewall. As described above, the example containerincludes six bulbs, corresponding to the six cellsof the basethat are located adjacent the base sidewall. Accordingly, in the example container, each sidewall retainerextends inwardly over the mouthof one of the cellslocated adjacent the base sidewallwhen the containeris closed.

In the example container, one column retainerand at least one sidewall retainerextend over each one of the six cellsof the base. This provides at least two “points of contact” for limiting or inhibiting movement of the food itemreceived in each cell. When the containeris closed, some of the cellsinclude two column retainersand one sidewall retainer, while some other cellsinclude one sidewall retainerand one column retainer. For the cellsthat include two column retainers, the column retainersare located an azimuthal measure() of about 90° from one another and each column retaineris located an azimuthal measure() of about 135° from the sidewall retainer. For the cellsthat include one column retainer, the column retaineris located an azimuthal measure() of about 180° from the sidewall retainer. Such positioning of the retainersandfor each cellmay suitably provide sufficient coverage of the top surfaceof the food itemfor limiting or inhibiting movement thereof when the containeris closed.

Each sidewall retaineris located a height H() above the base surfaceand the respective one of the cellswhen the containeris in the closed configuration. The height Hmay suitably be the same for each sidewall retainer. The height Hmay be approximately equal to the height Hof the column retainers. Additionally and/or alternatively, the height Hmay be approximately equal to the height of the clearanceabove the cells. Alternatively stated, as described above for the column retainers, when the containeris in the closed configuration, the column retainersmay be at approximately the same height as the base rim, and the lid rimengaged with the base rim, and the sidewall retainersmay be approximately coplanar with the lid rim, as well as the base rimwhen engaged with the lid rim. Approximating language such as the modifier “approximately” used to describe the relative heights of the sidewall retainers, the column retainers, the clearance, the base rim, and the lid rim, means that the components are within an approximate height range of one another. For example, the sidewall retainersbeing at approximately the same height as the height of the clearance, the lid rim, the base, and the column retainersmay refer to the retainersbeing within +/−10%, within +/−5%, or within +/−1% of a height of each of these components.

Referring now to, one of the column retainersand one of the sidewall retainersare shown in greater detail.are cross-sections of the containertaken along line-in, withshowing food itemsreceived in cellsof the container and the food itemsbeing omitted from.is a magnified view of section circleA inandis a magnified view of section circleA in. The description of the column retainerand the sidewall retainerapplies equally to the other column retainersand sidewall retainersnot shown in these views.

As described above, the cellsand the base surfaceare sunk relative to the base rim, and the clearanceis defined between the mouthsof the cellsand the base rim. The cellsare sized with the height Hsuch that the upper portionof the bodyof each food item(e.g., cupcakes) received in each cellextends beyond the mouthof the celland the base surfaceand is accommodated in the clearance. When the containeris closed, the column retainerand the sidewall retainereach extend over the cellat approximately the same height as the clearance, such that the retainersandare positioned over the top surfaceof the food item. The retainersandmay come into contact with the top surfaceof the food itemwhen the containeris closed, or a small gap may exist between the retainersandand the top surface. Suitably, when the containeris closed, the retainersandmay contact the top surfaceof the food itemto limit or inhibit movement thereof. Movement of the food itemmay other occur, for example, when the containeris moved during handling or transport (e.g., the containermay be tilted or inverted, creating the likelihood that the food itemwill move relative to the cell). Each of the column retainerand the sidewall retainermay terminate at a suitable length over the respective cell such that the retainers,contact or extend over a portion of the top surfaceof the food itemthat is not covered by a decorative coating.

In the example container, as seen best in, the column retainerextends outwardly from the respective recessed column portionat an oblique angle α and the sidewall retainerextends inwardly from the low pointof the lid transition sectionat an oblique angle β. The angles α and β may be the same or different from one another. The angle α may be selected to bring a terminal end of the column retainerto the height Habove the cellsand the base surface. Similarly, the angle β may be selected to bring a terminal end of the sidewall retainerto the height Habove the cellsand the base surface. The angles α and β may be independently selected from within a range of between about 5° to about 45°, such as between about 5° to about 30°, between about 10° to about 25°, or between about 10° to about 20°.

Referring to, the example containeralso includes anti-shock elementslocated on the landsthat engage the distal column endsof the retaining columns. The anti-shock elementsmay be included in one, some, or all the lands. The anti-shock elementsmay be included in addition or in the alternative to the column retainersand/or the sidewall retainersdescribed above. Each anti-shock elementis configured to flex in response to a downward force exerted on the anti-shock elementby the engaging retaining column. In this way, the anti-shock elementfacilitates downward movement of the retaining columnwhen the containeris closed in response to applied forces on the containeror pressure changes within the closed container. The anti-shock elementsthereby absorb energy that concentrates between the retaining columnand the landand/or allow the lidto expand and contract without the retaining columnbecoming overly compressed. As such, the anti-shock elementsmay facilitate reducing the propensity for the containerto become damaged, broken, or otherwise prematurely opening when a force is applied to the container(e.g., when dropped) or when the pressure within the containerchanges (e.g., at relatively lower temperatures that may be experienced during transport).

Each anti-shock elementincludes a raised structureprotruding from the land. The anti-shock elementmay be made integral with the landor may be a separate component that is attached to the land. The raised structureis annular in shape in this example and includes an interior walland an exterior wall. The interior walldefines an openingthat receives the distal tipof the retaining column. The openingis sized and shaped to complement a size and shape of the distal tip. In the example container, each of the distal tipand the openingare circular in shape.

At least one of the interior walland the exterior wallincludes a flexure, or flexing feature, that provides flexibility to the raised structureand allows the anti-shock elementto flex as described above. In the example container, the interior walland the exterior walleach include a flexureandrespectively. As seen best in, the flexureof the interior wallis a series of drafted and radiused ribsand the flexureof the exterior wallis a series of stepped ribs.

The drafted and radiused ribsof the flexureinclude three ribsstepped upwardly from a surfaceof the land. The number of ribsincluded in the flexuremay vary depending on the dimensions of the container. For example, more than three ribs, such as four, five, six, or more than six ribsmay be included. The ribsextend upwardly from a portion of the land surfacethat is circumscribed by the interior walland the ribs. A first of the ribsextends from a radiusbetween the first riband the land surface. A second of the ribsextends from a radiusbetween the first and second ribs. A third of the ribsextends from a radiusbetween the second and third ribs. Each of the ribsextends from the respective radius-at an oblique draft angle. The radii-and the draft angles are selected to enable the drafted and radiused ribsto provide flexibility to the interior walland enable the flexible raised structureto function as described. In particular, the drafted and radiused ribsare configured to rotate in two directions, downwardly relative to the distal column endand outwardly relative to the distal tip, to thereby facilitate absorbing energy that concentrates between the retaining columnand the landand/or allow the lidto expand and contract without the retaining columnbecoming overly compressed between the coverand the land.

The stepped ribsof the flexureinclude four ribsstepped upwardly from the surfaceof the land. The number of ribsincluded in the flexuremay vary depending on the dimensions of the container. For example, more or fewer than four ribs, such as three, five, six, or more than six ribsmay be included. The ribsextend upwardly from a portion of the land surfacethat surrounds the exterior walland the ribs. A first of the ribsis stepped from the land surface. The remaining ribsare progressively stepped from the first rib. Each step of the ribsmay be a substantially angular step (e.g., each ribbeing stepped at about) 90°. Alternatively, each step of the ribsmay include a radius and/or an upwardly extent at a draft angle. The stepped ribssuitably provide flexibility to the exterior walland enable the flexible raised structureto function as described. In particular, the stepped ribsenable the flexible raised structureto collapse and/or articulate inwardly, relative to the portion of the land surfacesurrounding the ribs. Thereby, the stepped ribsfacilitate absorbing energy that concentrates between the retaining columnand the landand/or allow the lidto expand and contract without the retaining columnbecoming overly compressed between the coverand the land.

Referring to, engagement between the base rimand the lid rimwhen the containeris in the closed configuration is shown in greater detail. The base rimand the lid rimengage at approximately the same height as the clearanceabove the mouthsof the cells. Each of the base rimand the lid rimmay be substantially flat and are in face-to-face contact when engaged. The first portionof the lid transition sectionextends downwardly and inwardly, as described above, such that the low pointis inboard of the engaging base rimand lid rim, as the first portionof the lid transition sectionis overlapped by the base sidewallwhen the containeris in the closed configuration. A small gap may exist between the first portionof the lid transition sectionand the base sidewall, but suitably the gap is small enough such that the first portionof the lid transition sectionand the base sidewallcooperate to create a debris barrier. As shown in, the debris barrieris located inboard of the engaging base rimand lid rimand, together with the engaging rimsand, the debris barrieroperates to limit or prevent debris from infiltrating the interior of the container.

As seen best in, the baseand the lidalso include the complementing interlock membersand, respectively, also referred to as interlocksand. The interlocksandsealingly engage one another when the lidengages the baseto provide a perimeter seal of the containerin the closed configuration. The sealing engagement of the interlocksandis outboard of the engagement between the rimsand. The seal between the interlock membersandmay facilitate maintaining a “freshness” of the food itemsin the container, for example, by sealing the containerto limit or prevent debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed containerand/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed containerfrom escaping.

Each interlockandhas an “S-shape” profile that complements the S-shape profile of the other interlock. Each S-shaped interlock,includes a first arcuate segment,extending downwardly in an arcuate manner from the base rimand the lid rim, respectively. The first arcuate segments,define a convex portion of the respective interlock,, and may also be referred to as a first interlock bead,. A second arcuate segment,extends downwardly in an arcuate manner from the first interlock bead,, respectively. The second arcuate segments,define a concave portion of the respective interlock,, and may also be referred to as a second interlock bead,. The base flangeextends from the second interlock beadof the base interlockand the lid flangeextends from the second interlock beadof the lid interlock.

As shown in, when the containeris closed, the lid interlockoverlaps the base interlock. The first interlock beadof the base interlockis received by the first interlock beadof the lid interlock, and the second interlock beadof the lid interlockis received by the second interlock beadof the base interlock. To bring the containerto the closed configuration, the lidmay be pressed down onto the base, and the lid interlockmay articulate outwardly about the lid rimto enable the lid interlockto overlap the base interlock. The lid interlockthen “snaps” over the base interlockto form the sealing engagement. When the sealing engagement between the base interlockand the lid interlockis formed, the base rimand the lid rimmay be in face-to-face contact, and the lid flangeand the base flangemay also be in face-to-face contact. The engagement between the flanges,, the interlocks,, the rims,, and the debris barriermay form a tortuous path to facilitate limiting or preventing debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed containerand/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed containerfrom escaping.

depict another example containerthat includes a baseand a lid.are various cross-sections of the containertaken along lines shown in. The containerincludes similar elements and features as the containerdescribed above with reference to, and description of the containerand the components thereof above applies equally to the containerand the components thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. The baseof the containerincludes similar elements and features as the baseof the container, and the lidof the containerincludes similar elements and features as the lidof the container. Components of the containerthat correspond to components of the containershown in and described above with reference toare identified inusing the same reference numerals as used in. Although specific features of the containerdescribed herein may be shown inand not infor the container, and/or vice versa, this is for convenience only, and is not intended to limit any of the embodiments described herein to the features shown or omitted for that embodiment. Any feature of a drawing and/or described herein for the containermay be implemented in combination with, or substituted for, any feature of the container, and vice versa.

The lidreleasably engages the baseto selectively move the containerbetween an open configuration () and a closed configuration ().depict engagement between the baseand the lidwhen the containeris in the closed configuration. Engagement between the baseand the lidis similar to the engagement between the baseand the lidto close the containeras described above. In particular, the baseincludes the base rim, the base flange, and the base interlockand the lidincludes the lid rim, the lid flange, and the lid interlock, which facilitate engagement between the baseand the lidto close the container. When the containeris closed, the lid interlockof the lidoverlaps the base interlock, such that the first interlock beadof the base interlockis received by the first interlock beadof the lid interlock, and the second interlock beadof the lid interlockis received by the second interlock beadof the base interlock, as is described above. When the sealing engagement between the base interlockand the lid interlockis formed, the base rimand the lid rimmay be in face-to-face contact, and the lid flangeand the base flangemay also be in face-to-face contact. The engagement between the flanges,, the interlocks,, and the rims,may form a tortuous path between the lidand the base, as described above, to facilitate limiting or preventing debris and air from a surrounding environment from infiltrating the interior of the closed containerand/or by limiting or preventing gases inside the closed containerfrom escaping. Additionally, the baseincludes the base sidewallthat extends downwardly from the base rimto the sunk base surface, the lidincludes the lid transition sectionextending between the lid rimand the lid sidewall, and the first portionof the lid transition sectionof the lidis overlapped by the base sidewallwhen the containeris closed to form the debris barrier.