Container assemblies with releasable locking feature

Abstract

A container assembly comprises first and second containers. The first container includes a first body portion and a first rim. The first rim has a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The first rim has a generally convex shape. The second container includes a second body portion and a second rim. The second rim has a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second rim has a generally concave shape. The second container is shaped substantially the same as the first container. The first and second rims have shapes that correspond with each other when locked. The first and second containers are adapted to be releasably lockable by fitting the first plurality of ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of ribs into respective first spaces.

1 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first rim having a generally convex shape; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second rim having a generally concave shape, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container,    wherein the first rim and the second rim have shapes that correspond with each other when being releasably lockable to each other, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       2 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first and second containers are bowls.  
   
   
       3 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first and second containers are plates.  
   
   
       4 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first container is a bowl and the second container is a plate.  
   
   
       5 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first and second containers are platters.  
   
   
       6 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       7 . The container assembly of  claim 6  wherein the first and second containers are made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.  
   
   
       8 . The container assembly of  claim 6  wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.  
   
   
       9 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second containers is paper or metal.  
   
   
       10 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs are generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.  
   
   
       11 . The container assembly of  claim 10  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs are perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.  
   
   
       12 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls spaced apart that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the first rim and a generally first flat surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, and wherein the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls spaced part that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the second rim and generally second flat surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls.  
   
   
       13 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.  
   
   
       14 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       15 . The container assembly of  claim 14  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       16 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the first container and each of the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the second container.  
   
   
       17 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 20 ribs.  
   
   
       18 . The container assembly of  claim 17  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.  
   
   
       19 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       20 . The container assembly of  claim 19  wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       21 . The container assembly of  claim 19  wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       22 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 2 sets of ribs.  
   
   
       23 . The container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first and second containers are thermoformed.  
   
   
       24 . A method of forming a container assembly, the method comprising the acts of: 
 providing a first container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first rim having a generally convex shape;    providing a second container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second rim having a generally concave shape, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container;    flipping one of the first container and the second container such that the first container and second container are generally aligned, the first and second rims are next to each other, and the first and second rims correspond with each other such that the first and second rims are either both in a generally concave orientation or a generally convex orientation; and    fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces such that the first container and the second container are releasably lockable to each other.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  further including placing a food article on at least one of the first container and the second container before fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first and second containers are bowls.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first and second containers are plates.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs are generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 24  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the first container and each of the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the second container.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       36 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of upwardly projecting features with first spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly projecting features, the first rim having a generally convex shape; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the rim having a second plurality of downwardly projecting features with second spaces being formed between adjacent downwardly projecting features, the second rim having a generally concave shape, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container,    wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly projecting features into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly projecting features into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       37 . The container assembly of  claim 36  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       38 . The container assembly of  claim 36  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       39 . The container assembly of  claim 38  wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       40 . The container assembly of  claim 38  wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       41 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a generally convex shape, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a generally concave shape, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container,    wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       42 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein the first and second containers are bowls.  
   
   
       43 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein the first and second containers are plates.  
   
   
       44 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       45 . The container assembly of  claim 44  wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.  
   
   
       46 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       47 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       48 . The container assembly of  claim 41  wherein each of the first plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts and each of the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.  
   
   
       49 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first rim having a generally convex shape; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second rim having a generally concave shape,    wherein the first rim and the second rim have shapes that correspond with each other when being releasably lockable to each other, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       50 . The container assembly of  claim 49  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       51 . The container assembly of  claim 50  wherein the first and second containers are made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.  
   
   
       52 . The container assembly of  claim 50  wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.  
   
   
       53 . The container assembly of  claim 49  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs are generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.  
   
   
       54 . The container assembly of  claim 49  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.  
   
   
       55 . The container assembly of  claim 49  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       56 . The container assembly of  claim 55  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       57 . The container assembly of  claim 49  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 20 ribs.  
   
   
       58 . The container assembly of  claim 57  wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.  
   
   
       59 . A method of forming a container assembly, the method comprising the acts of: 
 providing a first container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first rim having a generally convex shape;    providing a second container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second rim having a generally concave shape;    flipping one of the first container and the second container such that the first container and second container are generally aligned, the first and second rims are next to each other, and the first and second rims correspond with each other such that the first and second rims are either both in a generally concave orientation or a generally convex orientation; and    fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces such that the first container and the second container are releasably lockable to each other.    
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 59  further including placing a food article on at least one of the first container and the second container before fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       65 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a first plurality of upwardly projecting features with first spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly projecting features, the first rim having a generally convex shape; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the rim having a second plurality of downwardly projecting features with second spaces being formed between adjacent downwardly projecting features, the second rim having a generally concave shape,    wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly projecting features into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly projecting features into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       66 . The container assembly of  claim 65  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       67 . The container assembly of  claim 65  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.  
   
   
       68 . The container assembly of  claim 67  wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       69 . The container assembly of  claim 67  wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.  
   
   
       70 . A container assembly comprising: 
 a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the first rim having a generally convex shape, the first rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut; and    a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a generally concave shape, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally downwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the first container being shaped substantially the same as the second container,    wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.    
   
   
       71 . The container assembly of  claim 70  wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.  
   
   
       72 . The container assembly of  claim 70  wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of downwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.  
   
   
       73 . The container assembly of  claim 70  wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.