US20110226768A1

US20110226768A1 - Lid Assembly for a Storage Container

Info

Publication number: US20110226768A1
Application number: US12/728,106
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph M. Sexton; Michael P. Dawson; Ian W. Cunningham; Radmond Vincent Arceta
Original assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Current assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC; Rubbermaid Inc
Priority date: 2010-03-19
Filing date: 2010-03-19
Publication date: 2011-09-22

Abstract

A lid assembly for a storage container base with an interior storage space and an open top end. The lid assembly has a closure section positionable over the open top end of the base. The closure section has a top panel, an access opening through the top panel or formed by the top panel with the closure section installed on the storage container, and a perimeter extending around at least a portion of the closure section and being removably attachable to the base. The lid assembly also has a hub and a cover section mounted to the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position uncovering the access opening. A transparent part of the cover section can be positioned over the access opening in the closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates generally to storage containers, and more particularly to a lid assembly for a storage container.
2. Description of Related Art
Large size storage containers, such as Rubbermaid's Brute container products, are well known for use in collecting trash, yard waste, and the like. However, such large sized containers are sometimes used in commercial kitchens as a bulk food or bulk ingredient storage container. In one example, bakeries and the like utilize a high volume of ingredients on a regular basis. The various ingredients may be stored in bulk in these types of large volume containers. Although such containers are approved for food storage, a typical container of this type includes a standard, one-piece, opaque lid that does not promote safe and productive handling of ingredients when compared to other types of ingredient storage products.
In one example, such containers do not employ a lid storage feature of any kind. This can lead to inefficient work flow. A kitchen worker is frequently required to find a safe and clean place to store the lid when removing ingredients or refilling the container. If the lid is not stowed in a clean, safe location, there is a risk of cross-contaminating the food stuff stored in the container.
In another example, these types of storage containers typically do not have a scoop storage feature. This can often lead to improper storage of a portioning scoop. The scoop is often stored either on top of the lid or inside the container directly in the ingredients. These storage methods can also lead to cross-contamination of the stored food stuff. If stored on top of the lid, the scoop can become contaminated by touching the lid's outer surface. If stored in the ingredients, the kitchen worker will have to reach into and touch the ingredients each time the scoop is retrieved, creating a potential cross contamination risk. In addition, when the scoop is stored directly in the ingredients within the container, it can become more difficult to reach as the fill level is reduced.
In a further example, a typical container of this type has an opaque side wall and an opaque lid. Thus, there is no visibility into the container when the lid is attached. Since the entire container is opaque, a kitchen worker may have difficulty quickly identifying the particular ingredients in each container when taking inventory or when a particular ingredient is needed. The worker will have to remove the lid to identify the particular type of ingredients stored in the container and to determine the fill level within the container. This can further lead to work flow inefficiency within the kitchen environment.
There are a number of manufacturers, including Rubbermaid, Cambro, Carlisle, Continental, and the like that manufacture specific types of food ingredient bins that are particularly configured for storing food ingredients. These bins generally offer safe, clean, and productive, relatively efficient ingredient storage. However, these types of containers are specialized and, thus, can be relatively expensive. These types of containers are also typically not particularly large for high volume, bulk food storage needs.

SUMMARY

A lid assembly is disclosed herein for a storage container base having an interior storage space and an open top end. In one example, a lid assembly according to the teachings of the invention has a closure section that is positionable over the open top end of the base. The closure section has a top panel, an access opening through the top panel or formed by the top panel with the closure section installed on the storage container, and a perimeter extending around at least a portion of the closure section. The perimeter can be removably attachable to the base open top end of the base. The lid assembly also has a hub and a cover section mounted to the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position uncovering the access opening.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the cover section of a lid assembly can have a transparent part that can be positioned over the access opening in the closed position.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a perimeter of the closure section can be circular.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a perimeter of the closure section can be a continuous circular perimeter and the access opening can be formed through the top panel within the perimeter.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a lid assembly can have a continuous lip that extends around a perimeter of the access opening and protrudes upward from the top panel.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a lid assembly can have a lip that is adjacent and extending along the entirety of an edge of the top panel that forms the access opening. The lip can protrude upward from the top panel.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the hub of the lid assembly can have a boss that protrudes from one of the closure section and the cover section. A receiver can have an open entry and a hollow interior on the other of the closure section and the cover section. The boss can be fitted within the hollow interior through the open entry and permit relative rotation between the boss and the receiver about a hub axis.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the hub can have a boss that protrudes upward from the top panel of the closure section and an open entry into a receiver that can be on the underside of the cover section.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the entire cover section can be transparent.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the closure section can be formed of an opaque material.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a lid assembly can have a stop flange that extends circumferentially around and protrudes radially outward from the closure section, the perimeter of which can define a circle. The lid assembly can also have a catch flange that extends along at least one edge of the cover section and protrudes radially outward therefrom. The catch flange and stop flange can be configured and positioned to overlie one another and retain the cover section attached to the closure section in both the open and closed positions.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the cover section can be mounted on top of the closure section. The closure section can have a stop flange that is positioned directly above a catch flange on the cover section.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the cover section can be configured to drop down and register with part of the closure section in the closed position. A gap can exist between a stop flange on the closure section and a catch flange on the cover section in the closed position.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the cover section can be configured to drop down and register with part of the closure section in the open position. A gap can exist between a stop flange on the closure section and a catch flange on the cover section in the open position.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a gap can exist between a stop flange on the closure section and a catch flange on the cover section in the open and closed positions. The cover section can be raised until the catch flange contacts the stop flange. The cover section can be configured to rise, reducing the gap size, while being rotated between the open and closed positions.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the hub can define a generally vertical axis about which the cover section can rotate between the open and closed positions.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a lid assembly can have a bumped up region protruding upward on the closure section and can have a corresponding depression formed upward on an underside of the cover section. The bumped up region can be configured to register and nest with the corresponding depression with the cover section in the open position.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a lid assembly can have a ramped surface that lies between a bumped up region on the top panel of the closure section and the access opening.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, an edge of the cover section, in the closed position, can lie at a base of a ramped surface that is positioned between a bumped up region on the top panel of the closure section and the access opening.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, the cover section and the access opening can each have a generally semi-circular shape.
In one example according to the teachings of the invention, a storage container can have a base and a lid assembly. The base can have a bottom, a side wall, an interior storage space, and an open top end. The lid assembly can be removably attached to the open top end of the base. The lid assembly can have a closure section positioned over the open top end. The closure section can have a top panel, an access opening through the top panel, and a lid skirt coupled to the base and extending around the closure section. The lid assembly can also have a hub and a cover section mounted on the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position exposing the access opening. An annular stop flange can protrude outward from and extend around the perimeter of the lid skirt. An annular catch flange can protrude outward from an outer edge of the cover section. The catch flange can be spaced directly below the stop flange in the open and closed positions to retain the cover section connected to the closure section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of a storage container with a lid assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the storage container in FIG. 1 with the lid assembly in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the storage container in FIG. 3 with the lid assembly in a completely open configuration.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-section taken along line VA-VA in FIG. 1 of the lid assembly in the closed configuration.

FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of a hub portion of the lid assembly in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3 of the lid assembly in the partially open configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4 of the lid assembly in the completely open configuration.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the top portion of the storage container, including the opened lid assembly of FIG. 4, and shows two alternate scoop storage configurations.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8 of one example of a scoop in a ready-to-use condition.

FIG. 10 shows the scoop and lid assembly of FIG. 9 with the lid assembly in the closed configuration of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed lid assembly of the invention solves or improves upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior known storage containers. In one example, a lid assembly disclosed herein has a closure section and a movable cover section, which can be opened or closed relative to an access opening formed through or created by the closure section. In one example, the cover section can be clear or transparent in order to inspect the interior of the container with the lid closed. In one example, the lid assembly has a raised lip surrounding the access opening to prevent liquid spilled onto the lid assembly from entering the storage space of the container. In one example, the lid assembly can provide one or more scoop storage options that inhibit cross-contamination of food or other product stored in the container. In one example, the disclosed lid assembly need not be removed from the container in order to access the interior storage space.
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show one example of a storage container 20 including a lid assembly 22 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the storage container 20 generally has a container base 24 of a conventional construction. The base 24 has a closed bottom (not shown), a perimeter side wall 26 extending up from the bottom, an open top end 28, and an interior storage space defined above the bottom and within the side wall. In this example, the side wall 26 is a generally circular cylinder, although such a wall is typically tapered so as to increase slightly in diameter moving up from the bottom toward the open top end 28. A rim 30 is formed on the top of the side wall 26 and surrounds the open top end 28. The rim 30 can be provided to enhance the structural rigidity of the base 24 as well is to provide or define a snap or lid attachment feature for retaining the lid assembly 22 on the base. The base 24 also has a pair of handles 32 that protrude from opposite locations on the upper end of the side wall 26. The handles 26 can be configured for ease of grasping and carrying the base 24 during use. The disclosed handles 32 include a pair of spaced apart trusses 36 protruding from the side wall and a grip extending horizontally between the trusses. In this example, a stepped-out, larger diameter region 34 is formed near the upper end of the side wall 26. The stepped out region 34 can also be provided to enhance the strength and rigidity of the overall base construction, improve the aesthetic appearance of the base, or both.
As will become evident to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, the configuration and construction of the base 24, including the bottom, side wall 26, rim 30, stepped out region 34, handles 32, and the like, can vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Though the base 24 is disclosed herein as being essentially a tapered circular cylinder, the shape and configuration of the base can vary from the disclosed example. The base cross section can be square, rectangular, oblong, elliptical, or the like and yet function adequately in accordance with the teachings of the invention. The height of the base and its storage capacity can also vary. Based on the construction of the lid assembly 22, described in greater detail below, a generally circular configuration may perform or function better than other base shapes and configurations. However, these other shapes and configurations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the base 24 can be formed using any suitable process and from any suitable material. In one example, the base can be a molded component and formed of a plastic or thermoplastic material inclusive of thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, or the like.
With reference to FIG. 2, the lid assembly 22 in this example has two primary components including a closure section 40 and a cover section 42. The closure section 40 is attachable directly to the base 24 and generally has a top panel 44 and a lid skirt 46 depending from a perimeter of at least a portion of the top panel 44. The lid skirt 46 can be configured to mate with and, therefore, follow the contour of, at least a portion of the open top end 28 and rim 30 of the base 24. In this example, the lid skirt 46 is a continuous element that extends completely and continuously around the lid assembly 22.
The closure section 40 in this example also includes or defines an access opening 48 through a portion of the top panel 44. In the disclosed example, the access opening 48 is generally a half-circle shape and is sized to be about, but a little less than, half of the area of the closure section 40. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the size and position of the access opening 48 can vary from the example shown and described herein. For example, if the closure section 40 had a discontinuous lid skirt and a missing segment, the access opening would not necessarily be formed through the top panel 44. Instead, the access opening would be formed or created by the missing segment adjacent an edge of the top panel with the closure section attached to the open top end 28 of the base 24. Such an access opening construction is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, in this example there is no discontinuous portion of the closure section 40 that does not contact the base 24 when attached. In the disclosed example the access opening 48 is formed through a portion of the top panel 44 because the perimeter structure of the closure section 40 is a continuous structure, as is the lid skirt 46.
In one example, the closure section 40 can be molded from an ABS plastic material using a suitable molding process. However, the closure section 40 can also be fabricated from other suitable materials and processes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this example, the closure section 40 has a pair of depending alignment tabs 49 that protrude down from the lid skirt 46. The tabs are sized and positioned to seat between the handle trusses 36 in this example. As discussed below, the lid assembly 22 can be secured to the base 24 via these tabs or the lid skirt can be configured to connect to and engage with the rim 30 to secure to the base.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the cover section 42 is also essentially a half-circle in this example, though it has a footprint that is somewhat larger than the access opening. The cover section 42 is sized to close off the access opening 48 when in a closed position relative to the closure section 40. This closed configuration of the lid assembly 22 is shown in FIG. 1. In the disclosed example, the cover section 42 has a perimeter with a linear portion 50 and a curved portion 52 along the remaining portion of its perimeter. Similarly, the access opening 48 in the closure section 40 has a linear segment 54 forming part of its perimeter and a curved segment 56 forming the remainder of its perimeter. As noted above, the shape and configuration of these features on the closure section and cover section correspond with one another so that the access opening can be closed off by the cover section. Further details of the access opening and cover section are described below.
The cover section 42 also includes a partial cover skirt 58 carried on and depending from the curved portion 52 of the perimeter. A hub receiver 60 protrudes upward from the cover section 42 near the linear portion 50 of the perimeter and located centrally along the linear portion. A pair of upturned tabs 62 is carried on the edge of the linear portion 50 of the cover section 42. The tabs 62 are spaced from and flank the hub receiver 60. The hub receiver 60 in this example is open at its bottom end and upwardly hollow.
In one example, the entire cover section 42 can be formed of a clear or transparent material. In another example, a portion of an otherwise opaque cover section can include a clear or transparent window. In either case, the transparent aspect of the cover section 42 can provide advantages over prior art storage containers of this type, as is discussed below. In one example, the cover section 42 can be made from a polycarbonate material or the like. However, the material and process used to fabricate the cover section can vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The cover section 42, as with the closure section 40 and the base 24, is not intended to be limited to any particular material or manufacturing process.
Still referring to FIG. 2, the closure section 40 includes a hub boss 64 that protrudes upward. In this example, the boss 64 is positioned at the center of the closure section relative to the circular shape of the lid assembly 22. The boss 64 is positioned closely adjacent to the linear segment 54 of the access opening 48. The boss 64 is configured to seat within the hub receiver 60 to form a pivot hub for the lid assembly 22 as described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cover section 42 can be rotated to a closed position covering and closing off the access opening 48. The cover section 42 can be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the hub boss 64 from the closed position through a range of partly opened positions to a completely open position. FIG. 3 depicts the cover section half opened or closed and FIG. 4 depicts the cover section in a completely open position. The cover section 42 is positioned directly over the top panel 44 when completely open and exposes the entire access opening 48. In a partly open position, the cover section 42 can be positioned partly over the access opening leaving a portion of the opening exposed for use, if desired (see FIG. 3).
Various details of the lid assembly 22 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7. FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of the lid assembly 22 in the completely closed configuration of FIG. 1. The rim 30 has a rim shoulder 70 that projects radially outward from the top end of the side wall 26 and extends circumferentially around the base 24. The rim 30 also has a rim skirt 72 that depends from the outermost edge of the rim shoulder 70. Thus, the rim skirt 72 is spaced outwardly from the side wall section 34 at the open top end 28. An annular catch rib 74 protrudes radially inward from each of the tabs 49 of the closure section 40 nearer the tab lower ends. When the closure section 40 is attached to the base 24, the catch ribs 74 snap or seat under the bottom edge of the rim skirt 72 between the trusses 36 of the handles 32 to retain the closure section on the base. As noted above, the catch rib structure and function can be provided on any part of the lid skirt 46 and/or can extend completely around the closure section 40, if desired.
An annular stop flange 76 extends radially outward from and circumferentially around the lid skirt 46 on the closure section. A corresponding annular catch flange 78 protrudes radially inward from and extends circumferentially around the curved portion 52 on the cover skirt 58 of the cover section 42. With reference to FIG. 5B, the hub boss 64 is seated within the hollow interior of the hub receiver 60 when the cover section 42 is attached to the closure section 40. A bearing rib 80 faces downward at the lower end of the hub receiver 60 and, with the cover section closed, bears against a surface 82 of the closure section 40 that surrounds the hub boss 64. When the cover section 42 is attached to the closure section 40 in this manner, the catch flange 78 on the cover section is seated directly below the stop flange 76 on the closure section. These two flanges 76, 78 are separated by a vertical gap or spacing relative to one another with the cover section 42 in the closed position. The gap between the two flanges 76, 78 allows the cover section to move vertically upward until the catch flange 78 hits and bears against the stop flange 76.
With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5A, the top panel 44 of the closure section 40 has a bumped up region 84 over a majority of its surface area. The bumped up region is also generally semi-circular in shape, matching but smaller than the closed portion of the top panel. A ramped surface 86 transitions between the lower level of the bearing surface 82 and the elevated surface of the bumped up region 84. The ramped surface 86 is angled as shown in FIG. 5B. As the cover section 42 is pivoted from the closed position of FIGS. 1 and 5A to a partly open position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a leading edge of the linear portion 50 on the cover section 42 bears against and rides up the ramped surface 86. This raises the elevation of the cover section, as shown in FIG. 6. The cover section 42 can rise until the catch flange 78 comes into contact with the stop flange 76 on the closure section 40. This arrangement assists in retaining the cover section 42 connected to the closure section 40 and yet allows the cover section to rotate freely about the hub.
The cover section 42 can be further rotated until it is positioned completely over the top panel 44 and exposes the entire access opening 48. The lid assembly 22 in this example can thus remain attached to the base 24 during use and regardless of whether the cover section 42 is open or closed. The cover section 42 in this example also has a semi-circular bumped up section 90 that corresponds in shape and size, though it is slightly larger, in comparison to the bumped up region 84 on the closure section 40. When the cover section 42 is completely open as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the bumped up section 90 registers with and nests over the bumped up region 84 on the top panel 44 to help retain the cover section in the open position. In this position, the cover section 42 drops back downward onto the top panel 44 once the bumped up section 90 is seated on the bumped up region 84. The catch flange 78 lowers downward relative to the stop flange 76 on the closure section 40.
When the cover section 42 is in the closed position of FIGS. 1, 5A, and 5B, the cover section is also in the lowered elevation. The linear portion 50 is positioned adjacent to ramped surface 86 along the one edge of the bumped up region 84 and is below the top surface of the top panel. When the cover section 42 is opened, it is a leading edge of the linear portion 50 that bears against and rides up the ramped surface 86 to raise the elevation of the cover section. Some force is thus required to begin opening the cover section 42. Contact between the linear portion 50 on the cover section 42 and the base of the ramp 86 assists in retaining the cover section in the closed position in this example.
As shown in FIGS. 5A-7, a lip 92 surrounds the access opening 48 and protrudes upward. The lip 92 acts as a drip barrier around the access opening and particularly when the cover section 42 is in the open position. If a liquid is spilled on the closure section 40, the lip 92 will prevent the liquid from entering the storage space within the base 24. In the above-noted alternate embodiment having a discontinuous lid perimeter and skirt, the lip would protrude upward along the edges of the cut out segment of the top panel that would form the access opening. Spills would be directed away from the opening in either embodiment.
The lid assembly 22 disclosed here in is also shown having two optionally different scoop support features. In one example as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, a removable scoop hook 100 can be removably or permanently attached to either the lid assembly 22 or the base 24. In this example, the scoop hook 100 can be attached to the base top end or rim 30 and be sandwiched between the base and closure section 40 during use. The hook 100 can include a scoop hangar 102 that protrudes from a part of the container. A scoop 104, shown in phantom in FIG. 8, can have a scoop receptacle 106 and a handle 108 extending from the receptacle. In this example, the receptacle 106 can easily be hung from the hangar 102 during use. By employing the hook 100, the scoop 104 can be stored within the container 20 when not used, but without the scoop being stored directly in or coming into contact with ingredients or other products stored therein. This helps to minimize or reduce the risk of cross-contaminating the container contents.
In another example, a U-shaped elongate scoop hook 110 is integrally connected to the closure section 40. In this example, the hook 110 protrudes from the linear segment 54 within the access opening 48 as shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 8. A different type of scoop 112 can be hung or suspended from the hook 110 as depicted in FIGS. 8-10. The scoop 112 in this example has an elongate handle 114 protruding from a back end 116 of a scoop section 118. The scoop section 118 has a hood with a curved edge 120 that is positioned at the top of the scoop section 118 on the back end 116. The curved edge 120 extends transversely across the scoop 110 and, in this example, is curved forward and downward. The curved edge 120 can be hung on the elongate hook 110 during use. In this example, the geometry and center of gravity of the scoop 110 is such that the handle 114 bears against an underside of the cover section 42, as depicted in FIG. 10, when the cover section is closed. When the cover section 42 is moved to the open position, the handle 114 pivots upward into the access opening 48 and is readily accessible for grasping within the access opening for use. In this example, the scoop 110 is also stored within the container 20 but not directly in contact with the food ingredients or other product stored therein.
The scoops 104 and/or 110 can each be stowed within the container when not being used. Each of the scoops is positioned such that it can be readily grasped and retrieved upon opening the cover section 42. Each scoop is also stowed in a way that it does not require a user to dig the scoop out of the ingredients within the container. Cross-contamination can thus be reduced, minimized, or avoided.
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the specific details of the base, lid assembly, scoops, and hooks can vary from those of the disclosed examples. Details of the lid hub can vary as well. The hub can include a snap or detent function whereby the cover section receiver snaps onto the closure section hub boss, while still allowing vertical movement as described above. It is possible that the hub be formed with a downward protruding structure instead of an upward protrusion of the disclosed example. The hub can be a more complex device, if desired, including the bearing or contact points between the cover and closure sections. The construction of the base rim and the various base and lid skirts, catches, stops, and other flanges can also vary from the examples shown.
In one alternate example, the lid assembly could have a unitary, conventional construction, but be clear or transparent or have a transparent window therein. The base and/or lid could be provided with a hanger allowing the lid to be removed from the base and then hung from the hanger. This would provide a solution to avoid lid cross-contamination during use. In such an example, a hook device could be provided that snaps onto the base for scoop management, lid management, or both. In another alternate embodiment, the cover section could be mounted beneath the closure section instead of on top of the closure section. Registration and nesting, relative vertical movement, and the like would still be possible, although some biasing device might be required to bias the cover section upward in order to register and nest in the open and/or close positions.
Although certain lid assemblies and features have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a storage container base with an interior storage space and an open top end, the lid assembly comprising:

a closure section positionable over the open top end of the base, the closure section having

a top panel,

an access opening through the top panel or formed by the top panel with the closure section installed on the storage container, and

a perimeter extending around at least a portion of the closure section and being removably attachable to the base;

a hub; and

a cover section mounted to the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position uncovering the access opening,

wherein a transparent part of the cover section is positioned over the access opening in the closed position.

2. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the closure section is circular.

3. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the closure section is a continuous circular perimeter and the access opening is formed through the top panel within the perimeter.

4. A lid assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a continuous lip extending around the perimeter of the access opening and protruding upward from the top panel.

5. A lid assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lip adjacent and extending along the entirety of an edge of the top panel that forms the access opening, the lip protruding upward from the top panel.

6. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hub comprises:

a boss protruding from one of the closure section and the cover section; and

a receiver with an open entry and a hollow interior on the other of the closure section and the cover section, the boss fitted within the hollow interior through the open entry and permitting relative rotation between the boss and the receiver about a hub axis.

7. A lid assembly according to claim 6, wherein the boss protrudes upward from the top panel of the closure section and the open entry of the receiver is on the underside of the cover section.

8. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the entire cover section is transparent.

9. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the closure section is formed of an opaque material.

10. A lid assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a stop flange extending circumferentially around and protruding radially outward from the closure section, the perimeter of the closure section defining a circle; and

a catch flange extending along at least one edge of the cover section and protruding radially outward therefrom, the catch flange and stop flange configured and positioned to overlie one another and retain the cover section attached to the closure section in both the open and closed positions.

11. A lid assembly according to claim 10, wherein the cover section is mounted on top of the closure section and the stop flange is positioned directly above the catch flange.

12. A lid assembly according to claim 11, wherein the cover section can drop down and register with part of the closure section in the closed position with a gap between the stop flange and the catch flange.

13. A lid assembly according to claim 11, wherein the cover section can drop down and register with part of the closure section in the open position with a gap between the stop flange and the catch flange.

14. A lid assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a gap between the stop flange and the catch flange in the open and closed positions, whereby the cover section, while being rotated about the hub between the open and closed positions, can rise until the catch flange contacts the stop flange.

15. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hub defines a generally vertical axis about which the cover section can rotate between the closed and open positions.

16. A lid assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a bumped up region protruding upward on the closure section; and

a corresponding depression formed upward on an underside of the cover section, wherein the bumped up region registers and nests with the corresponding depression with the cover section in the open position.

17. A lid assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a ramped surface between the bumped up region on the closure section and the access opening.

18. A lid assembly according to claim 17, wherein an edge of the cover section lies at a base of the ramped surface in the closed position.

19. A lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover section and the access opening each have a generally semi-circular shape.

20. A storage container comprising:

a base with a bottom, a side wall, an interior storage space, and an open top end; and

a lid assembly removably attached to the open top end of the base, the lid assembly having

a closure section positioned over the open top end and having a top panel, an access opening through the top panel, and a lid skirt coupled to the base and extending around the closure section;

a hub;

a cover section mounted on the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position exposing the access opening;

an annular stop flange protruding outward from and extending around the perimeter of the lid skirt; and

an annular catch flange protruding outward from an outer edge of the cover section,

wherein the catch flange is spaced directly below the stop flange in the open and closed positions to retain the cover section connected to the closure section.