Universal Lids and Methods for Making and Using the Same

Abstract

Universal lids, as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided. Universal lids of the invention are compliant and to accommodate multiple different sizes of containers, such that they may effectively cover at least two different containers that differ from each other in terms of size of the opening of the container. In certain embodiments, the lids are fabricated from a compliant material. In certain embodiments, the lids include an undercut. Embodiments of the lids include one or more of a detector component, e.g., for detecting temperature, time, etc.; a gas permeable component, e.g., for allowing certain gases to pass into and out of the sealed container; etc.

1 . A compliant lid configured to seal at least two different containers that differ from each other by container opening size, wherein said compliant lid further comprises a detector component. 
   
   
       2 . The lid according to  claim 1 , wherein said two different containers have container opening sizes that differ from each other by 5% or more. 
   
   
       3 . The lid according to  claim 2 , wherein said compliant lid comprises an elastomeric component. 
   
   
       4 . The lid according to  claim 3 , wherein said detector component is a temperature detector component. 
   
   
       5 . The lid according to  claim 3 , wherein said detector component is a time detector component. 
   
   
       6 . The lid according to  claim 3 , wherein said detector component is an analyte detector component. 
   
   
       7 . The lid according to  claim 3 , wherein said detector component provides a visual signal. 
   
   
       8 . The lid according to  claim 7 , wherein said visual signal is a color signal. 
   
   
       9 . The lid according to  claim 1 , wherein said compliant lid further comprises a gas permeability component. 
   
   
       10 . The lid according to  claim 1 , wherein said compliant lid is disc-shaped. 
   
   
       11 . The compliant lid according to  claim 1 , wherein said compliant lid comprises an undercut. 
   
   
       12 . A method of sealing a container, said method comprising:
 a) providing a container having an opening; and   b) placing a lid according to  claim 1  over said opening of said container in order to seal said container.   
   
   
       13 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A sealed container comprising:
 a container having an opening; and   a compliant lid configured to seal at least two different containers that differ from each other by container opening size, wherein said lid is sealing said opening and further comprises a detector component.   
   
   
       19 . The sealed container according to  claim 18 , wherein said two different containers have container opening sizes that differ from each other by 5% or more. 
   
   
       20 . The sealed container according to  claim 19 , wherein said compliant lid comprises an elastomeric component. 
   
   
       21 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector component is a temperature detector component. 
   
   
       22 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector component is a time detector component. 
   
   
       23 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector component is an analyte detector component. 
   
   
       24 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said detector component provides a visual signal. 
   
   
       25 . The sealed container according to  claim 18 , wherein said visual signal is a color signal. 
   
   
       26 . The sealed container according to  claim 18 , wherein said lid further comprises a gas permeability component. 
   
   
       27 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said lid is disc shaped. 
   
   
       28 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said lid comprises an undercut. 
   
   
       29 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said container contains food. 
   
   
       30 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said container is a disposable container. 
   
   
       31 . The sealed container according to  claim 20 , wherein said container is a reusable container. 
   
   
       32 . A kit comprising:
 a container having an opening; and   a compliant lid according to  claim 1 .   
   
   
       33 - 35 . (canceled)