Operating container lid with integrated vent blocking mechanism

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a container lid with vent holes that are blocked for storage but automatically unblocked when a container attached to the container lid is heated. The heating of the container lid causes the pressure to build in the container, which pushes up an upper portion of the container lid. When the upper portion of the container lid is pushed up, the vent holes are unblocked and enable air or vapor to escape through the vent holes. In this way, the container lid may seal the container during storage but enables automatic venting during the heating of the container to prevent buildup of excessive pressure within the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 blocking one or more vent holes formed in a peripheral portion of an upper portion of a container lid by deforming the peripheral portion downward so that the peripheral portion is lowered onto a lower portion of the container lid that extends inward and download from a flange of the container lid that attached onto a top of the container;   increasing a pressure within a container attached with the container lid above a threshold;   unblocking the one or more vent holes by deforming the peripheral portion upward so that the peripheral portion is detached from the lower portion of the container lid, responsive to increasing the pressure above the threshold; and   relieving the pressure within the container by venting air or vapor through the unblocked one or more vent holes.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more vent holes are blocked by having the lower portion contact the peripheral portion, and wherein the one or more vent holes are unblocked by separating the lower portion and the peripheral portion. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure in the container is increased by heating content of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving pressing force on a top portion of the upper portion to block the one or more vent holes by deforming the peripheral portion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least the peripheral portion is made of a flexible material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion is bistable at a first state where the one or more vent holes are blocked and a second state where the one or more vent holes are unblocked. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein an inner end of the lower portion define a hole open towards the container. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flange, the lower portion and the upper portion are integrated as a single body. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising fitting the container lid onto the top of the container so that an annular body of the flange extending outwards and a hook of the flange sealingly engage the container.