Tofu Container Cover and Method of Storage

Abstract

A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising a body having a rim, the rim having an interior surface defining a coupling mechanism constructed and arranged to couple cover to the container. The cover can include at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow when a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body is in a second position. A method of storing tofu in a retail tofu container is also described, whereby a film seal is removed from the container, a cover is coupled and sealed to the container. Liquid is drained and the container is refilled with fresh liquid with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container.

1 . A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising:
 a body having a peripheral edge and a top surface and a bottom surface;   a rim formed on the peripheral edge of the body, the rim having an exterior surface and an interior surface;   at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow; and   a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.   
     
     
         2 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the rim is orthogonal to the body. 
     
     
         3 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the body defines a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         4 . The cover of  claim 1  further comprising a groove formed on the interior surface of the rim, the groove constructed and arranged to provide a snap-fit seal with at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container. 
     
     
         5 . The cover of  claim 4  wherein the groove extends along a periphery of the interior surface. 
     
     
         6 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the rim extends along the entire peripheral edge of the body. 
     
     
         7 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the rim extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body. 
     
     
         8 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the rim extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body and further comprising a slot formed on the interior surface of the rim, the slot constructed and arranged to couple the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container. 
     
     
         9 . The cover of  claim 8  wherein the slot extends along a periphery of the interior surface of the rim. 
     
     
         10 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the bottom surface of the body defines at least one ridge. 
     
     
         11 . The cover of  claim 10  wherein the at least one ridge extends orthogonally from the bottom surface. 
     
     
         12 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the lid is coupled directly to the body by a bearing, the lid is coupled to at least a portion of the top surface the body. 
     
     
         13 . The cover of  claim 12  wherein the bearing is a hinge. 
     
     
         14 . The cover of  claim 1  wherein the lid is coupled to at least a portion of the top surface the body and the top surface of the body defines at least one pair of elongated tracks extending from the top surface, the tracks constructed and arranged to slideably engage at least one set of corresponding channels defined on the lid. 
     
     
         15 . A method of storing tofu provided in a retail tofu container containing a tofu product and packing liquid, the method comprising:
 removing a film seal from the tofu container;   providing a cover constructed and arranged to fit and securely couple to the container;   coupling and sealing the cover to the container;   draining liquid from the tofu container with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container; and   filling the container with fresh liquid.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cover comprises a body having a peripheral edge, a rim formed on the peripheral edge, at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow, and a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein coupling the cover to the container comprises directly coupling a groove formed on the interior surface of the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the container, the groove constructed and arranged to provide a snap-fit seal with the flange. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein coupling the cover to the tofu container comprises directly coupling a slot formed on a interior surface of the rim to at least a portion of a flange surrounding an opening of the retail tofu container, the slot constructed and arranged to slideably engage and retain flange. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein opening the lid comprises removing the lid from obstructing the at least one aperture. 
     
     
         20 . A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising:
 a body that is planar and having a peripheral edge and a top surface and a bottom surface defining at least one ridge;   a rim formed on the peripheral edge of the body, the rim having an exterior surface and an interior surface and extending along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the body;   at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow;   a slot formed on the interior surface of the rim with the slot slideably engaging and retaining a flange, the slot constructed and arranged to couple the rim to at least a portion of the flange surrounding an opening of the tofu container; and   a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body, the lid constructed and arranged to obstruct fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a first position and allow fluid flow through the at least one aperture in a second position.