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Title:
CAP ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A FOOD CONTAINER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/242575
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a cap assembly for use with a food container where the cap assembly is mountable atop the food container. The cap assembly comprises a base (2) having an outlet (2C), a lid (3), and a pivot hinge (4) comprising a pivot axis configured a spaced distance beyond a perimeter of the base (2) and about which the lid (3) can rotate between a closed lid (3) position and an open lid (3) position. The pivot hinge (4) may comprise a pivot arm (4A) extending from the base (2) and beyond the perimeter of the base (2), and a pivot pin (4B) arranged at a distal end of the pivot arm (4A) and coupled to the lid (3), wherein the pivot pin (4B) defines the pivot axis. The distance between the base (2) and the pivot axis defines the spaced distance. Due to the configuration of the pivot hinge (4), the lid (3) extends from the pivot axis and is arranged below the pivot axis when the lid (3) is arranged in the open lid (3) position. The present invention also relates to a food storage system comprising the food container and the cap assembly.

Inventors:
OKHAI YUSUF (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2023/051562
Publication Date:
December 21, 2023
Filing Date:
June 14, 2023
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
AYDYA LTD (GB)
International Classes:
B65D51/24; A47G19/30; B65D47/08
Foreign References:
EP0616589B11998-06-10
EP2311748B12013-10-09
JP2015006658A2015-01-15
CN205053621U2016-03-02
JP2008125965A2008-06-05
JP2012111498A2012-06-14
JP3937428B22007-06-27
JP2005193944A2005-07-21
DE102006060143B32008-07-24
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MURGITROYD & COMPANY (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS 1. A cap assembly usable with a food container, wherein the cap assembly is mountable atop a food container, the cap assembly comprising: a base having an outlet; a lid; a pivot hinge interconnecting the base and lid, the pivot hinge having a pivot axis configured a spaced distance from a perimeter of the base; wherein the lid is rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge to allow the lid to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the base between a closed lid position and an open lid position without interference with the base; and whereby in the open lid position, the lid is configured to extend from the pivot hinge and is arranged below the pivot axis. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet is arranged in a base upper wall; wherein the pivot axis is configured below the plane of the base upper wall; and whereby in the open lid position, the lid is configured below the plane of the base upper wall. 3. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises a lid abutting portion configured to form a contact engagement with a base side wall when the lid is in the open position. 4. The cap assembly of claim 3, wherein the lid abutting portion has a corresponding profile to the base side wall, whereby the lid abutting portion is flush with the base side wall when the lid is in the open position. 5. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the pivot hinge comprises: a pivot arm extending from the base, the pivot arm defining the spaced distance beyond the base; a pivot pin arranged at a distal end of the pivot arm, the pivot pin defining the pivot axis, and the pivot pin being rotatably coupled to the lid.

6. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the pivot hinge is a spring loaded pivot hinge with an open bias. 7. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a closed lid lock to releasably lock the lid in the closed lid position. 8. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising an open lid lock to releasably lock the lid in the open lid position. 9. The cap assembly of claim 8, wherein the open lid lock comprises a mating member and a recess configured to form a mating engagement when the lid is in the open lid position. 10. The cap assembly of claim 9, wherein the mating member is resiliently deformable under a user force to locate the mating member in the recess when moving the lid to the open lid position and/or the mating member is resiliently deformable under a user force to dislocate the mating member from the recess when moving the lid from the open lid position. 11. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising an intermediate lid lock to releasably lock the lid in an intermediate lid position between the closed lid position and the open lid position. 12. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the intermediate lid lock comprises an abutting member and an abutment configured to form an abutting engagement when the lid is in an intermediate position. 13. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein the abutting member is resiliently deformable under user force to disengage the abutting member from the abutment when moving the lid from the intermediate lid position. 14. The cap assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a handle rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the lid between a first closed handle position and a second closed handle position, the handle having an open handle position there between.

15. The cap assembly of claim 14, whereby the lid comprises a handle recess configured to receive the handle in the first closed handle position. 16. The cap assembly of claim 15, wherein the handle recess comprises an inclined surface to form a first finger access space between the handle recess and handle when the handle is in the first closed handle position within the handle recess. 17. The cap assembly of any of claims 14 to 16, comprises a second finger access space between the base and the handle when the handle is in the second closed handle position. 18. The cap assembly of any of claims 14 to 17, further comprising a first closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the first closed handle position. 19. The cap assembly of any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a second closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the second closed handle position. 20. A food storage system comprising: a food container comprising: an open end; a cap assembly comprising: a base mountable on the food container to cover the open end, the base comprising an outlet; a lid; and a pivot hinge interconnecting the base and the lid, the pivot hinge having a pivot axis configured a spaced distance beyond a perimeter of the base; wherein the lid is rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge to allow the lid to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the base between a closed lid position and an open lid position without interference with the base; and whereby in the open lid position, the lid is configured to extend from the pivot hinge and is arranged below the pivot axis. 21. The food storage system of claim 20, wherein the cap assembly comprises the features as defined in any of claims 2 to 19.

Description:
CAP ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A FOOD CONTAINER Field of Invention The present invention relates to a cap assembly for use with a food, non-drink, storage container, and a food, non-drink, storage system comprising the cap assembly and food storage container. Background to the invention Food, non-drink, storage containers are suitable for storing food. Such food containers are not drink containers for storing a drink and from which a drink can be consumed. Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the present invention relates to a cap assembly for use with a food, non-drink, storage container (a “food container”). In use, the cap assembly is mountable atop an open end of the food container. The cap assembly comprises: a base having an outlet; a lid; and a pivot hinge interconnecting the base and the lid, the pivot hinge having a pivot axis configured a spaced distance beyond a perimeter of the base, and wherein the lid is rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge to allow the lid to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the base between a closed lid position and an open lid position. When the lid is in the closed lid position, the outlet is shrouded by the lid to inhibit the dispensing of food through the outlet. When the lid is in the open lid position, the outlet is accessible by a user to allow for the dispensing of food through the outlet. Configuring the pivot axis the spaced distance beyond the perimeter/periphery/peripheral edge of the base advantageously allows the lid to be rotated around the pivot axis between the closed lid position and the opened lid position without interfering with the base. As such, the lid does not make any restricting contact with the base that may inhibit the rotation of the lid between the closed lid position and the open lid position. Spacing the pivot axis from the base allows the lid to be rotated backwardly relative to the base to the open lid position, whereby the lid extends downwardly from the pivot hinge and the lid is arranged below the pivot axis. As such, the lid is sufficiently located away from the outlet so as not to impair user access to the outlet. Hence, the arrangement of the lid in the open lid position improves the user access, safety of the user and dispensing of food via the cap assembly. Spacing the pivot axis from the base allows the lid to be rotated forwardly relative to the base to the closed lid position, whereby the lid is arranged to extend from the pivot hinge across the base, shrouding the outlet and in sealing engagement with the base. In the open lid position, the lid may be configured to extend downwardly below the pivot axis substantially parallel to a side wall of the base and/or a side wall of the food container. In the open lid position, a portion of the lid may abut the base side wall and/or the food container side wall, forming a contact engagement. The lid abutting portion may have a corresponding profile to the base side wall and/or the food container side wall, whereby the lid abutting portion is configured to sit flush with the base side wall and/or the food container side wall when the lid is in the open lid position. The base may comprise an upper wall in which the outlet is arranged. The pivot axis may be configured below the plane of the base upper wall. As such, the lid is arranged below the plane of the base upper wall when in the open lid position. Hence, the lid is not within the user’s line of vision across the base upper wall when in the open lid position. The pivot hinge may comprise: a pivot arm extending from the base, the pivot arm defining the spaced distance beyond the base; and a pivot pin arranged at a distal end of the pivot arm, the pivot pin defining the pivot axis, and the lid being rotatably coupled to the pivot pin. The pivot hinge may be a spring loaded pivot hinge. The spring loaded pivot hinge may have an open bias so as to bias the lid away from the closed lid position. The pivot hinge may comprise a biasing spring mounted on the pivot pin, wherein the biasing spring is configured to exert an open biasing force on the lid away from the closed lid position. The cap assembly may comprise a closed lid lock to releasably lock the lid in the closed lid position. The cap assembly may comprise an open lid lock to releasably lock the lid in the open lid position. The open lid lock may comprise a mating member and a recess configured to form a mating engagement when the lid is in the open lid position, and thereby maintain the lid in the open lid position. The mating member may be resiliently deformable under a user force to locate the mating member in the recess when moving the lid to the open lid position. The mating member may be resiliently deformable under a user force to dislocate the mating member from the recess and thereby allow the lid to move from the open lid position. The mating member may be arranged on the lid, and the recess may be arranged on the pivot hinge. The cap assembly may comprise an intermediate lid lock to releasably lock the lid in an intermediate lid position between the closed lid position and the open lid position. The intermediate lid lock may comprise an abutting member and an abutment configured to form an abutting engagement when the lid is in the intermediate position, and thereby maintain the lid in the intermediate position. The abutting member may be resiliently deformable under a user force to disengage the abutting member from the abutment and thereby allow the lid to move beyond the intermediate lid position to the open lid position or the closed lid position, depending on the rotating direction of the lid about the pivot axis. The abutting member may be arranged on the lid, and the abutment may be arranged on the pivot hinge. The abutment may comprise a protrusion, a ridge or an edge. The cap assembly may comprise a handle. The handle may be coupled to the pivot hinge and separately rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the lid. The handle may be rotatable to a closed handle position where the user cannot hold the cap assembly via the handle. The handle may be rotatable to an open handle position where the user can hold the cap assembly via the handle. The handle may be rotatable about the pivot axis between a first closed handle position and a second closed handle position, the handle having in an open handle position there between. In the first closed handle position, the handle may be arranged a first finger access space (distance) from the lid to allow user finger access to the handle. As such, the user can access the handle to move the handle from the first closed handle position. The lid may comprise an inclined surface to form the first finger access space between the handle and the lid. The lid may comprise a handle recess to receive the handle in the first closed handle position. The handle may be configured to be flush with the lid when it is received in the handle recess in the first closed handle position. The handle recess may comprise the inclined surface to form the first finger access space between the handle recess and the handle when the handle is arranged in the first closed handle position within the handle recess. In the second closed handle position, the handle may be arranged a second finger access space (distance) from the base to allow user finger access to the handle. As such, the user can access the handle to move the handle from the second closed position. The cap assembly may comprise a first closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the first closed handle position. The cap assembly may comprise a second closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the second closed handle position. The cap assembly may comprise an open handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the open handle position. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a food storage system comprising: a food container having an open end; a cap assembly mountable atop the open end of the food container and according to the first aspect of the invention. The food container may be configured to store any suitable type of food. For example, the food container may be configured to store solid food, liquid food, a solid-liquid food mixture, cooked food, raw food, hot food, cold food, frozen food, and/or one or more food ingredient. The food container is a non-drink, food storage container. Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a food storage system comprising cap assembly mounted atop a food container, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figure 2 depicts a side view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figure 3 depicts a side view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the open lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figure 4 depicts a rear view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the open lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figures 5, 9 and 14 depict a perspective view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figures 6 and 13 depict a perspective view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the open lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figures 7 and 10 depict a perspective view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the intermediate lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figures 8, 11, 15 depict a cross-sectional view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figure 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the open lid position and the cap handle is in the first closed handle position; Figures 16 and 17 depict a perspective view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the open handle position. Figure 18 depicts a cross sectional view of the food storage system of Figure 1, wherein the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the second closed handle position; Figure 19 depicts a side view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the second closed handle position; Figure 20 depicts a perspective view of the food storage system of Figure 1, where the cap lid is in the closed lid position and the cap handle is in the second closed handle position. One skilled in the art will readily recognise from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1 to 20 depict an embodiment of a food storage system comprising a food container S and a cap assembly C for use with the food container S. The food container S is a vessel for storing food suitable for consumption. The food container S may be suitable for storing any suitable type of food. For example, the food container S may be configured to store solid food, liquid food, a solid-liquid food mixture, cooked food, raw food, and/or one or more food ingredient. The food container is not a drink container for storing a drink and from which a drink can be consumed. The cap assembly C is mountable atop the food container S. Together, the food container S and cap assembly form the food system. The food system has a longitudinal axis LL’. When the cap assembly is open, foodcan be dispensed from the food container through an outlet of the cap assembly. When the cap assembly is closed, the foodis sealed within the food container. In the present invention, the food container S comprises a body 1 having an open end or mouth. The body comprises an internal cavity in which food can be stored. Food can be added or removed from the internal cavity through the open end. The body may be defined by walls having any suitable construction and material. For example, the walls may have a single or double-walled construction. The walls may have a thermally insulated construction. The food container may have any suitable configuration, for example a cuboid or cylindrical configuration. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures (e.g. see Figures 1 to 4), the food container has an open top cylinder configuration. The food container has a cylindrical shaped body comprising a circular side wall 1a and a flat lower wall 1b. The side wall narrows forming a neck 1c. A top edge of the neck 1c defines the open end (not shown). Food can be stored in an internal cavity 1d defined by the walls. In the present invention and as shown in the Figures, the cap assembly C comprises a base 2 having an outlet, a lid 3 and a pivot hinge 4. The pivot hinge 4 comprises a pivot axis AA’ about which the lid 3 can rotate relative to the base 2. As shown in the Figures (e.g. Figures 1 to 4), the cap assembly C is mountable atop the food container S to cover the open end of the food container. The base 2 of the cap assembly C is configured to form a fluid-tight/air-tight engagement (sealing engagement) with the food container S and cover the open end. By establishing the sealing engagement, the cap assembly restricts food from being dispensed from the food container other than through the outlet. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the base 2 may comprise a base seal (not shown) to engage and seal the neck 1c when the base is mounted on the neck 1c to cover the open end of the food container S. The base 2 of the cap assembly C may have any suitable configuration. The base preferably corresponds to the shape of the food container S to provide a continuous profile. The base may comprise a side wall and an upper wall. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the base has a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical food container, and comprises a circular side wall 2a and an upper wall 2b. The perimeter of the base is defined by the circular side wall 2a. The outlet of the cap assembly C allows food to be dispensed from the food container S through the cap assembly C. The outlet is configured to allow a user to dispense food directly from the outlet. The outlet may be configured to allow a user access to food stored in the food container via the outlet. The outlet may be located on the base upper wall 2b. The outlet may have any suitable configuration. The outlet may comprise an aperture formed in the base upper wall. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures (e.g. see Figure 7), the outlet comprises a generally circular aperture 2c formed in the base upper wall 2b. The base 2 of the cap assembly C may be releasably mountable on the food container S to allow for the removal and remounting of the cap assembly C on the food container S. The cap assembly and/or food container may comprise a releasable attachment to releasably attach the base 2 of the cap assembly and the food container S, forming a releasable sealing engagement. In the embodiment depicted (e.g. see Figure 8), the attachment comprises an internal thread 2d arranged on an inner surface of the base to form a releasable sealing engagement with a corresponding external thread (not shown) arranged on the neck 1c of the food container. The lid 3 of the cap assembly C is interconnected to the base 2 via the pivot hinge 4. The lid 3 is rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge 4 and is rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ relative to the base 2 between a closed lid position and an open lid position relative to the base 2. The lid 3 of the cap assembly C is configured to cover the outlet 2c and close the cap assembly when arranged in the closed lid position. The lid is configured to open the cap assembly and provide user access to the outlet and allow for dispensing of food when arranged in the open lid position. The pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 is arranged at a spaced distance beyond the perimeter/periphery/peripheral edge of the base 2. This spaced arrangement of the pivot axis AA’ allows the lid 3 to rotate without interference with the base 2. The lid 3 is rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ in a direction towards the outlet 2c (and the base upper wall 2b) to arrange the lid 3 in the closed lid position. Rotation of the lid in the direction towards the outlet may be referred to as rotation in a “forwards direction” about the pivot axis AA’. Due to the pivot AA’ being arranged at the spaced distance beyond the perimeter of the base 2, the lid can be rotated forwardly to the closed lid position without interference with the base side wall 2a. The lid 3 is rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ in a direction away from the outlet (and the base upper wall 2b) to arrange the lid in the open lid position. Rotation of the lid in the direction away from the outlet may be referred to as rotation in a “backwards direction” about the pivot axis AA’. Due to the pivot axis AA’ being arranged at the spaced distance beyond the perimeter of the base 2, the lid can be rotated backwardly to the open lid position without interference with the base upper wall 2b. As such, the lid 3 can be rotated between the closed lid position and the open lid position without interference (restricting contact) with the base 2. The pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 may be arranged below the plane of the base upper wall. For example, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 is arranged below the plane of base upper wall 2b. The pivot hinge 4 of the cap assembly C may have any suitable pivot configuration. The pivot hinge 4 may comprise a pivot pin to define the pivot axis AA’, whereby the lid is rotatably coupled to the pivot pin to allow for the rotation of the lid 3 about the pivot axis AA’ relative to the base 2. The pivot pin may be rotatable or fixed. The pivot hinge 4 of the cap assembly C may comprise a pivot arm extending from the base where the pivot pin is arranged at a distal end of the pivot arm. Due to the configuration of the pivot arm extending from the base, the pivot axis is arranged a spaced distance beyond the periphery of the base. The distance along the pivot arm between the base and the pivot axis AA’ defines the spaced distance. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the pivot hinge comprises a pivot arm 4a extending from the base side wall 2a, and a pivot pin 4b arranged at a distal end of the pivot arm. The pivot pin 4b extends through a pivot hole formed in the distal end of the pivot arm. A first end of the pivot pin protrudes from one end of the pivot hole, and a second end of the pivot pin protrudes from the other, opposing, end of the pivot hole. The pivot pin 4b defines the pivot axis AA’ and is rotatable within the pivot hole. As shown in the Figures, the pivot arm 4a extends generally perpendicularly from the base side wall 2a. The pivot arm 4a arranges the pivot pin 4b (defining the pivot axis AA’) a spaced distance from the base side wall 2a, and thereby beyond the perimeter of the base 2. An upper surface of the pivot arm 4a is generally flush with the base upper wall 2b. As such, the pivot pin 4b in the pivot hole, and thereby the pivot axis AA’, are arranged below the plane of the base upper wall 2b. The pivot hinge 4 of the cap assembly C may be a spring loaded pivot hinge. The spring loaded pivot hinge may have an open bias so as to bias the lid away from the closed lid position or a closed bias so as to bias the lid away from the open lid position. The pivot hinge may comprise a biasing spring mounted on the pivot pin, wherein the biasing spring is configured to exert a biasing force on the lid. For example, in the embodiment shown (e.g. see Figures 7 and 10), the pivot hinge 4 comprises a biasing spring 4c mounted on the pivot pin 4b to exert a biasing force on the lid 3 away from the closed lid position. The lid 3 of the cap assembly C may have any suitable shape. The lid shape preferably corresponds to the shape of the base 2. The lid 3 may comprise at least one arm to connect with the pivot hinge 4. The lid may comprise a side wall and an upper wall. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the lid comprises a side wall 3a and a sloping upper wall 3b. The lid also comprises a pair of parallel arms, first lid arm 3c and second lid arm 3d. The first lid arm 3c is coupled to the first end of the pivot pin 4b and the second lid arm 3d is coupled to the second end of the pivot pin 4b. When the lid 3 of the cap assembly C is arranged in the closed lid position, the lid 3 extends from the pivot axis AA’ across the base 2. The lid 3 shrouds the outlet and engages with the base, thereby closing the cap assembly C. The lid 3 preferably forms a fluid-tight/air-tight engagement (sealing engagement) with the base 2 and/or the outlet 2c to prohibit the leakage of food from the closed cap assembly. Due to the spaced distance of the pivot AA’ from the perimeter of the base, the lid extends from the pivot axis AA’ and across the base without interference with the base. In the embodiment shown in the Figures (e.g. see Figures 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9), the lid 3 extends from the pivot axis AA’ across the base upper wall 2b. The lid upper wall 3b covers the outlet 2c. A lower edge (rim) of the lid side wall 3a abuts the base upper wall 2b, forming a contact engagement. Since the pivot axis AA’ is arranged below the plane of the base upper wall 2b the lid 3 is thereby arranged substantially above the pivot axis AA’ when in the closed lid position. The lid 3 of the cap assembly C may comprise a lid seal to form a sealing engagement with the base 2 when the lid is arranged in the closed lid position. The cap assembly C may comprise a closed lid lock to releasably maintain the lid 3 in the closed lid position relative to the base 2, and thereby maintain closure of the cap assembly (maintain the sealing engagement between the lid and the base). The closed lid lock may be any suitable locking means. The closed lid lock may be user activated and/or automatically activated. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures (e.g. see Figures 2, 7 & 8), the cap assembly comprises a closed lid lock 5 having a fastener 5a to receive and hold a corresponding catch 3e of the lid in the closed lid position relative to the base. The fastener 5a is mounted on the base side wall 2a and the catch 3e is mounted on the lid side wall 3a. When the closing of the cap assembly C is desired, the lid 3 is rotated forwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 towards the closed lid position and the fastener 5a is activated to engage the catch 3e to hold the lid 3 in the closed lid position in sealing engagement with the base 2. In this embodiment, the fastener 5a is automatically activated to engage the catch 3e as the lid is located in the closed lid position. When the opening of the cap assembly is desired, a user can activate the fastener 5a to release the catch 3e, and thereby allow for the lid to be rotated backwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 towards the open lid position. When arranged in the open lid position, the lid 3 extends backwardly and away from the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 in a direction below the pivot axis AA’. As such, the lid is arranged at least substantially below the pivot axis AA’. Extending away from the pivot axis AA’ in a direction below the pivot axis AA’ may be referred to as extending in a “downwardly” direction. Due to the spaced distance of the pivot axis AA’ from the perimeter of the base 2, the lid 3 extends downwardly below the pivot axis AA’ without interference with the base upper wall 2b. See, for example, Figures 3, 4, 6, 12 and 13. As in the embodiment shown in the Figures, where the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 may be arranged below the plane of the base upper wall 2b, the lid 3 is thereby arranged below the plane of the base upper wall when in the open lid position. When the lid 3 is in the open lid position, the cap assembly C is open and the outlet 2c is accessible to the user to allow the user to dispense food from the food container S via the cap assembly C. Due to the configuration of the lid 3 in the open lid position, the user is able to view and/or access food from the outlet with minimal interference between the user and the lid 3, and with minimal visibility of the lid 3. As such, the lid 3 in the open lid position does not impair the user’s access to the outlet or impair the user’s visibility when dispensing food from the outlet. In the open lid position, the lid 3 may extend in a direction generally parallel to the base side wall 2a and/or the food container side wall 1a. As in the embodiment shown (e.g. see Figures 3 and 12), a portion 3f of the lid upper wall 3b may abut the base side wall 2a and/or the food container side wall 1a when the lid is arranged in the open lid position. As such, the lid abutting portion 3f forms a contact engagement with the base side wall 2a and/or the food container side wall 1a. As depicted in the Figures, the lid abutting portion 3f may have a concave profile that is configured to correspond to the circular profile of the base side wall 2a and/or the food container side wall 1a to allow the lid to sit flush against the base 2 and/or the food container S when in the open lid position. The cap assembly C may comprise an open lid lock to releasably maintain the lid 3 in the open lid position relative to the base 2, and thereby maintain the opening of the cap assembly C. The open lid lock may be any suitable locking means. The open lid lock may be user activated and/or automatically activated. The open lid lock may comprise a mating member and a recess configured to receive and form a mating engagement with the corresponding mating member. The mating member may be resiliently deformable under a user force to engage and/or disengage with the recess. The mating member may comprise any suitable resiliently deformable material, including plastic or rubber. The mating member and recess may comprise any suitable configuration. The mating member may be arranged on the lid 3, and the recess may be arranged on the pivot hinge 4. In the embodiment depicted (e.g. see Figures 6, 9, 12 and 13, the mating member of the open lid lock comprises a pair of parallel mating protrusions, a first protrusion 6a and a second protrusion 6b, extending from the lid. As shown in the Figures, the first protrusion 6a and second protrusion 6b extend outwardly from the lid 3 in a gap space between the first lid arm 3c and second lid arm 3d. The protrusions are formed from a resiliently deformable plastic and are resiliently deformable under a user force. The recess of the open lid lock comprises an indent 6c arranged on the pivot hinge 4, and configured to receive the first protrusion 6a and second protrusion 6b. In this embodiment, the indent 6c is an underside recessed portion of the pivot arm 4a between the base side wall 2a and a bullnose abutment 7a at the distal end of the pivot arm 4a. The indent 6c extends the width of the pivot arm 4a. When opening the cap assembly C is desired, the lid 3 is rotated backwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 towards the open lid position, whereby when the lid 3 is in the open lid position the protrusions 6a, 6b extend in a direction towards the underside of the pivot arm 4a. As such, the indent 6c receives and forms a mating engagement with the protrusions 6a, 6b to hold the lid 3 in the open lid position. When the closing of the cap assembly is desired, a user can apply a force to resiliently deform and disengage the protrusions 6a, 6b from the indent 6c, and thereby allow for the lid 3 to be rotated forwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 towards the closed lid position. The cap assembly C may further comprise an intermediate lid lock to releasably lock the lid 3 in an intermediate lid position between the closed lid position and the open lid position. The intermediate lid lock may lock the lid in the intermediate position as the lid 3 is rotated between the closed lid position and the open lid position. The intermediate lid lock may lock the lid 3 in the intermediate position as the lid is rotated backwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 from the closed lid position towards the open lid position. The intermediate lock may lock the lid 3 in the intermediate position as the lid is rotated forwardly about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4 from the open lid position towards the closed lid position. The intermediate lid lock may be user activated and/or automatically activated. When arranged in the intermediate lid position, the lid 3 extends backwardly and away from the pivot axis AA’ in an outwardly direction away from the pivot hinge 4 and the base 2. Due to the spaced distance of the pivot axis AA’ from the perimeter of the base, the lid 3 extends outwardly from the pivot axis AA’ in a direction away from the base without interference with the base. As shown in the embodiment depicted in the Figures (e.g. see Figures 7 and 10), the lid 3 may extend away from the pivot axis AA’ in a direction generally parallel with the pivot arm 4a and generally perpendicular to the base side wall 2a when in the intermediate lid position. The intermediate lid lock may be any suitable locking means. The intermediate lid lock may comprise an abutting member and an abutment configured to form an abutting engagement when the lid 3 is in the intermediate position, and thereby maintain the lid 3 in the intermediate lid position. The abutting member may be resiliently deformable under a user force to disengage the abutting member from the abutment and thereby allow the lid 3 to move beyond the intermediate lid position to the open lid position or the closed lid position, depending on the rotating direction of the lid about the pivot axis AA’ of the pivot hinge 4. The abutting member may comprise any suitable resiliently deformable material, including plastic or rubber. The abutting member and abutment may have any suitable configuration. The abutting member may be arranged on the lid 3, and the abutment may be arranged on the pivot hinge 4. The mating member of the open lid lock and the abutting member of the intermediate lid lock may be the same or different components. The abutment may comprise a protrusion, a ridge or an edge formed on the pivot hinge 4. In the embodiment depicted (e.g. see Figures 7, 10 and 11) the first protrusion 6a and the second protrusion 6b extending from the lid in the gap space between the first lid arm 3c and second lid arm 3d also act as abutting members for the intermediate lid lock. The abutment of the intermediate lid lock comprises the bullnose 7a formed at the distal end of the pivot arm 4a. The bullnose 7a has a curved or teardrop shape, and it extends from the underside of the distal end of the pivot arm 4a. The bullnose 7a extends the width of the pivot arm 4a. As the lid 3 is rotated about the pivot axis AA’, the protrusions 6a, 6b will abut the bullnose 7a and form an abutting engagement thereby stopping any further rotation of the lid and holding the lid 3 in the intermediate lid position. The protrusions 6a, 6b may be configured to slide across the pivot arm surface as the lid rotates about the pivot axis AA’ until the protrusion 6a, 6b abuts the bullnose 7a. The protrusions 6a, 6b and bullnose 7a are configured to abut to hold the lid in the intermediate lid position as the lid is rotated backwardly about the pivot axis AA’ from the closed lid position towards the open lid position. Likewise, the protrusions 6a, 6b and bullnose 7a are configured to abut to hold the lid in the intermediate lid position as the lid is rotated forwardly about the pivot axis AA’ from the open lid position towards the closed lid position. To release the lid from the intermediate lid position, a user can apply a force to resiliently deform the protrusions 6a, 6b and push them beyond the bullnose 7a. Once released, the lid can then continue to be rotated about the pivot axis AA’ to the open lid position or the closed lid position as desired. To further assist the user, the cap assembly C may comprise a handle. The handle may be coupled to the pivot hinge 4 and separately rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ relative to the lid 3 to allow the handle to rotate relative to the lid. The lid is rotatable to a closed handle position, where the handle is unusable by the user to hold the cap assembly. The lid is rotatable to an open handle position where the handle is usable by the user to hold the cap assembly. As in the embodiment shown (e.g. see Figures 14 to 20), the cap assembly C may comprise a handle 8 having an aperture 8a through which a user can extend one or more finger. The handle 8 is rotatably coupled to the pivot hinge 4 to rotate about the pivot axis AA’. The handle 8 is separately rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ relative to the lid 3. The handle may comprise a pair of parallel arms, a first handle arm 8b and a second handle arm 8c. The first handle arm 8b is coupled to the first end of the pivot pin 4b and the second handle arm 8c is coupled to the second end of the pivot pin 4b. The handle 8 is rotatable about the pivot axis AA’ in a forwards direction towards the lid 3 and in a backwards directions away from the lid. As in the embodiment shown, the handle 8 may be rotatable between a first closed handle position and a second closed handle position. The handle may be rotatable to an open handle position there between the first closed handle position and the second closed handle position. When the handle 8 is arranged in the first closed handle position, the handle may extend from the pivot axis AA’ across the lid. See Figures 14 and 15. As in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the lid 3 may comprise a handle recess 9 in which to receive the handle 8 when arranged in the first closed handle position. The handle recess 9 is configured so that the handle can sit flush within the recess when the handle is arranged in the first closed handle position. In the embodiment shown, the recess is formed in the lid abutting portion 3f with the concave profile. The handle 8 has a corresponding concave profile such that when the handle is arranged in the first closed handle position, the lid abutting portion 3f and the closed handle form a homologous concave surface. The lid 3 may comprise a first finger access space to provide a finger sized gap space between the lid and the handle when arranged in the first closed handle position. The first finger access space allows the user to access and lift the handle to rotate it away from the lid. A wall of the handle recess 9 may be indented to form the first finger access space, for example a side wall of the recess. A wall of the handle recess 9 may be inclined to form the first finger access space between the lid and the handle. In the embodiment depicted (e.g. see Figures 15 & 17), the rear wall 9a of the handle recess is inclined such that a first finger access space 10 is formed between the lid 3 and the handle 8 when the handle is arranged in the first closed handle position within the handle recess 9. As such, the user can extend one or more finger through the handle aperture 8a and under the handle 8 to raise and rotate the handle from the first closed handle position when desired. When the handle 8 is arranged in the open handle position, the handle 8 extends outwardly from the pivot axis AA’ in a direction away from the lid 3 and the base 2. In the embodiment shown, the handle extends from the pivot axis AA’ in an upwardly direction away from the lid. The handle 8 may be rotated about the pivot axis AA’ to the open handle position from the first closed handle position or the second closed handle position as desired. A user can extend one or more finger through the aperture 8a to hold the cap assembly. See Figures 16 and 17. When the handle 8 is arranged in the second closed handle position, the handle 8 may extend backwardly and away from the pivot axis AA’ in a direction below the pivot axis AA’. In the second closed handle position, the handle 8 may extend in a generally parallel direction to the base side wall 2a. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20, the handle may abut the base side wall 2a, forming a contact engagement, when arranged in the second closed handle position. A second finger access space may be formed between the handle 8 and the base 2, when the handle is in the second closed handle position, to allow use access to the handle. In the embodiment as shown, the second finger access space may be formed due to the concave profile of the handle 8. The cap assembly C may comprise a closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle 8 in the closed handle position. The closed handle lock may have any suitable configuration. As in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the cap assembly C may comprise a first closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the first closed handle position. In the embodiment depicted (e.g. see Figure 17), the first closed handle lock comprises a protrusion 11 formed in the recess 9 to form an abutting engagement with the handle 8 when the handle is located in the first closed lid position within the recess 9. The cap assembly may comprise a second closed handle lock to releasably lock the handle in the second closed handle position. The cap assembly C may comprise an open handle lock to releasably lock the handle 8 in the open handle position. The open handle lock may have any suitable configuration. In the embodiment shown (e.g. see Figure 17), the open handle lock comprises a protrusion 12 arranged on an outside surface of one or more of the handle arms 8b, 8c to form an abutting engagement with the corresponding adjacent lid arm 3c, 3d. Although the invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the defined claims. Optional features described in relation to the invention can be combined. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form any combination. The embodiment described herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa. Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention. In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non-essential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention. References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower and directions e.g. “forwardly”, “backwardly”, “downwardly” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.