Locking tab for container lid

Abstract

A lid for reclosably covering a container is disclosed. In an illustrative implementation, the lid comprises a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container, and a central section bordered by the gripping portion. The lid also has a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section. The reclosable flap is bordered on a first side by a first frangible line of separation, and on a second side by a second frangible line of separation, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion. The lid also includes a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A lid for reclosably covering a container, comprising: 
 a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container;    a central section bordered by the gripping portion;    a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section, bordered by a first frangible line of separation on a first side of the reclosable flap, and by a second frangible line of separation on a second side of the reclosable flap, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion; and    a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.    
     
     
         2 . The lid of  claim 1  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel.  
     
     
         3 . The lid of  claim 2  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel from an edge of the arcuate portion.  
     
     
         4 . The lid of  claim 2  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab is oriented at an angle of about thirty degrees from a line substantially parallel to a central axis of the lid.  
     
     
         5 . The lid of  claim 1  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, a cross-section of the locking tab contacts a cross-section of the rim at approximately a tangent to an arc formed by the rim.  
     
     
         6 . The lid of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a lifting tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending laterally outwardly from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion.  
 
     
     
         7 . A reclosable flap for a lid of a container, comprising: 
 a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container;    a bendable portion of a section of the lid, wherein the section is bordered by the gripping portion;    the bendable portion being bordered by a first frangible line of separation on a first side, and by a second frangible line of separation on a second side, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion; and    a locking tab that extends from the gripping portion and is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.    
     
     
         8 . The reclosable flap of  claim 7  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel.  
     
     
         9 . The reclosable flap of  claim 7  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel from an edge of the gripping portion.  
     
     
         10 . The reclosable flap of  claim 7  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab is oriented at an angle of about thirty degrees from a line substantially parallel to a central axis of the lid.  
     
     
         11 . The reclosable flap of  claim 7  wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, a cross-section of the locking tab contacts a cross-section of the rim at approximately a tangent to an arc formed by the rim.  
     
     
         12 . The reclosable flap of  claim 7  further comprising a lifting tab extending laterally outwardly from the gripping portion.  
     
     
         13 . A method for using a reclosable flap of a lid covering a container, comprising: 
 pulling a lifting tab upward from a closed position,    separating a reclosable flap along a first and second frangible line of separation,    securing the reclosable flap in an open position,    returning the reclosable flap to a closed position, and    engaging a bottom side of a rim of the container with a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein pulling the lifting tab upward further comprises bending the reclosable flap at a bendable portion, allowing the locking tab to move upward along the rim and disengage from the rim.