EP0300020B1

EP0300020B1 - Container of the bucket or beaker type with matching lid

Info

Publication number: EP0300020B1
Application number: EP88901570A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Carsten Lund
Original assignee: PANTHER PLAST
Current assignee: PANTHER PLAST
Priority date: 1987-02-02
Filing date: 1988-01-28
Publication date: 1992-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2008-01-28
Also published as: NO172383C; DE3873652T2; NO172383B; DK158084B; EP0300020A1; DK158084C; FI884539A0; AU1346988A; FI884539A; DK53487D0; FI90226C; NO884113D0; NO884113L; WO1988005751A1; DK53487A; FI90226B; DE3873652D1

Abstract

A container (1) of the bucket or beaker type with matching lid (2) comprises a ring insert (3) disposed internally in the container, and which is snapped firmly within the container, in that the internal face of the container wall (4) is formed with two rims (5, 6). In the lid (2) there is provided an annular skirt (16) which tightens the lid against the ring insert (3).

Description

The invention relates to a container with matching lid of the kind presented in the preamble to claim 1. Such containers with lids are known in many different configurations and for many different applications. A frequent application is as a marketing container which is capable of being re-closed.
In the manufacture of containers with matching lids, regard must be paid to the kind of products that are to be packed in the container, the kind of material of which the container and the lid are to be made, and the manner in which the packed product is to be marketed, i.e. whether the product involved is to be sold direct to the consumer, e.g. paint, or whether the product involved is of the industrial kind, e.g. chemicals, which are to be sold for further processing. Furthermore, regard must naturally be paid to the container's price, appearance, durability etc. Therefore, a very large number of containers of the bucket or beaker type are known, especially those made of plastic or metal.
From USA Patent no. 4,619,373 there is known a container with a ring insert which is arranged to engage with one or two annular rims extending around the inside of the container. In order for the ring insert to be inserted, the wall of the container must be heated so much that it is soft and elastic, or one can carry out the assembly immediately after the manufacturing process, when the temperature of the material is still high. The reason for this is partly that the annular rims have a rectangular cross-sectional profile, and partly the solid nature of the ring insert. In order to ensure reasonable tightness between the ring insert and the wall of the container, the ring insert is provided with an annular collar which lies on the top of the container edge.
The object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical container with lid which is configured in such a way that it can be produced in plastic by means of a quite simple moulding process, e.g. injection moulding, and where the parts are configured in such a manner that they can be assembled at any time to provide a very high degree of sealing between the ring insert and the container without the use of adhesive, welding etc. Moreover, it is desirable for the outer side (the cylindrical part) of the container to be quite smooth and even, without any reduction in the strength, rigidity and degree of tightness in relation to the known containers with lids.
This is achieved by designing the container with matching lid according to the invention as presented in more detail and characterized in claim 1.
For reasons of its special shape, the ring insert, which is also produced in plastic by injection moulding, has a very great stiffening effect at the container opening, so that the container can be executed with a very thin wall and yet still retain its rigidity. Moreover, the inclined outside faces of the ring insert give the container good pouring characteristics, so that the liquid runs easily back into the container when one ceases to pour from the container. Since the upper edge of the container plays no part in the actual closing, one has a free hand with regard to the shaping of the edge, so that one can, for example, provide it with a sharp pouring edge, thus reducing or eliminating completely the tendency for the contents to run down the outside of the container. Furthermore, the configuration of the ring insert according to claim 1 provides the possibility of achieving a snap effect between the ring insert and the annular rims on the container wall, and the rims can be disposed at a distance which is less than the distance between the ring parts, so that these sit compressed between the rims. This increases both the tightness and the rigidity. The two annular rims do not need to be larger than that the container can be injection moulded on a core in the normal way, merely providing that the plastic material used is sufficiently elastic to enable the container to be drawn off the core. This has not given rise to any problems in practice.
The upper inclined face on the ring insert also provides room for the introduction of an opening tool, so that the lid can be easily levered off, and is also a great help in the replacing of the lid because it guides the lid into place in the container.
The inclined face on the ring insert which faces towards the bottom of the container ensures a smooth transition to the wall and the lower annular rim, hereby reducing the tendency towards over-splashing of the liquid contents, e.g. in connection with the filling of the container.
By designing a container with lid according to the invention as characterized in claim 2, a smooth and even transition is achieved between the ring insert and the inner wall of the container, so that it is difficult for the contents of the container to settle firmly in the transitions. At the same time, the introduction of the ring insert is made easier, in that the rims can be configured so that the ring insert needs only to be pressed past the upper, annular rim, after which it sits firmly compressed between the two rims.
By designing a container with lid according to the invention as characterized in claim 3, the possibility is provided of double sealing between lid and ring insert, which is important if the container is to be used for products which are to be enclosed in an airtight manner, e.g. paints, dangerous liquids and the like.
By designing the lid according to the invention as presented and characterized in claim 4, the possibility is provided of allowing the top of the lid to be completely smooth and flat, because all of the closing means are disposed on the one side of the lid and at a distance from the lid's edge. One can form the skirt in such a way that it sits pre-stressed in the ring insert, which provides good sealing while still allowing the lid to be removed easily by lifting with a suitable tool, after which the lid easily slips off.
If the lid according to the invention is designed as presented and characterized in claim 5, two annular areas of sealing are achieved, and yet the lid can still be snapped on easily. The closing is effected by the lid's sealing areas entering into snap engagement with the sealing areas on the ring insert, and this takes place in such a way that one can be sure that the lid is closed correctly.
By designing a container with lid according to the invention as presented and characterized in claim 6, it is achieved that the edge of the lid rests on or in the proximity of the edge of the container. The result achieved hereby is that any possible pressure applied on the lid, e.g. from containers stacked on top of one another, will be absorbed by the wall of the container, so that the sealing function remains unaffected. Furthermore, the lid and container can be arranged in such a way that the top of the lid lies completely flush with the upper edge of the container.
By designing the lid according to the invention as presented and characterized in claim 7, the lid can be provided with a pilfer-proof arrangement, and thus one can always ascertain whether the lid has been removed after the container has been filled with its contents. One is also hereby provided with a visual indication of where an opening tool should be introduced for the removal of the lid. Of course, the lid can be removed by introducing a sharp or pointed tool between the lid and the edge of the container, but not.without leaving clear indications herein.
Moreover, the container with lid according to the invention is safeguarded against ingress by children, in that the lid sits so tightly in the ring insert that the use of a tool is always necessary in order to open the container.
Finally, by designing the container with lid according to the invention as presented and characterized in claim 8, the further possibility is provided, after the container has been filled and the putting on of the lid, of the welding or gluing on of a membrane which ensures an absolutely waterproof and airtight enclosing of the contents, and said membrane also provides further guarantee that the packaging is unbroken.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which shows two embodiments of the invention, in that

fig. 1 shows the upper part of a container with lid in accordance with a first embodiment, partly from the side and partly in section,
fig. 2 shows the lid alone, seen from underneath and on a smaller scale,
fig. 3 shows a container with lid as in fig. 1, but seen from above and on a smaller scale,
fig. 4 shows a section as in fig. 1, but on a larger scale, and
fig. 5 shows a container with lid, membrane and dust cover in accordance with a second embodiment, and shown as an exploded view.

In figs. 1 to 4 is seen the upper part of a container 1 with lid 2, where the container is a cylindrical container with circular cross-sectional profile, and with a diameter at the top and the bottom which is as uniform as moulding of the container will allow if it is to be moulded in one with the bottom on a normal core.
The bottom is not shown in the drawing, in that this can be shaped in many different ways.
The upper third part of the container wall 4 is provided with at least one but preferably two internal, annular rims 5 and 6. The rims are of limited height above the inner side of the wall and, since they are disposed in the upper third of the wall, there are no problems in drawing the container off the mould core, merely providing that the moulding material is slightly elastic. The rims 5 and 6 have inclined side edges 8 and 9 which face towards the bottom of the container and form an angle of approx. 30° - 60° in relation to the wall 4, which contributes towards the easy withdrawal of the mandrel or the core after moulding.
The upper rim 5 also has an upwardly-directed inclined edge surface 7, and the top of the rim is substantially plane, so that the upper rim has a cross-sectional profile which is trapezoidal, possibly isosceles trapezoidal. The lower rim 6 has an edge surface 11 which stands substantially at right angles to the wall 4, and the top of this rim has a plane surface 10 which is almost parallel with the wall 4.
The container 4 is completed by the insertion of a ring insert 3, this having a central part from which two herewith formed ring parts extend towards the rims of the container wall 4, namely an upper ring part 12 and a lower ring part 13, both of which have a rectilinear profile which partially surrounds an annular cavity 25, said cavity 25 having increasing diameter in the direction towards the wall 4, see fig. 4. The two parts 12 and 13 of the ring insert 3 which face towards the wall have annular profile edges which correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the rims 5 and 6, so that the ring insert can be pressed down into the container and snapped into place as shown in the drawing, after which the ring insert sits immovably firm and tight against the wall 4. The outer diameter of the ring insert 3 is slightly over-dimensioned in relation to the internal diameter of the container 4, so that the ring insert sits firmly under tension and forms a seal against the container wall 4.
The ring insert has a central opening which is formed with two annular and substantially vertical, cylindrical sealing surfaces 15 and 24, one of which is staggered so that two ring-shaped sealing surfaces are provided, where the upper surface 24 has a smaller diameter than the lower surface 15.
The lid 2 comprises a plane, circular part and in one herewith a circular and concentric skirt 16 with a smaller diameter than the ring-shaped part. The skirt 16 is substantially at right angles to the plane part and, furthest away from said plane part, it has a flange 26 with a slightly larger diameter than the skirt 16 itself, this being arranged to engage in snap connection with the ring insert 3. The skirt 16 has two annular sealing surfaces 14 and 17, so that when put on, the lid has a double seal against the ring insert which, as explained earlier, has double sealing against the wall 4. Between the two sealing areas 14, 24 and 15, 17, there is an annular cavity 18 for the equalizing of tolerances, and thus enabling the skirt and herewith the lid to move slightly in the vertical direction in relation to the ring insert, without the sealing effect being ruined.
The lid 2 rests on the upper rim 5 of the container wall 4, in that an annular, inclined edge 19 on the lid rests on the inclined edge surface 7 on the rim 5. It thus becomes possible to form the container 1 with lid 2 as shown in figs. 1 and 4, i.e. so that edge 20 of the wall 4 lies flush with the top of the lid 2.
One opens the lid by lifting the lid's edge with a suitable tool, e.g. a screwdriver. For this purpose, an area 21 can be provided with reduced thickness which can be broken through for the opening of the lid. The reduced thickness 21 is made preferably from the top of the lid as shown in fig. 3. The area 21 of reduced thickness is formed in the lid outside the skirt 16, and thus has no influence on the sealing function and can be formed as shown in fig. 4, so that the user receives direct help and direction in the correct introduction of the opening tool. Between the lid 2 and the upper part 12 of the ring insert 3, there is an annular space with a cross-sectional profile which is substantially triangular, thus providing ample room for the introduction of an opening tool.
In a second embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the ring insert 3 is disposed in such a manner that the upper edge 20′ of the container 1′ lies slightly raised above the top of the lid 2, thus enabling a membrane 22, preferably of surface-treated aluminium foil, to be welded or glued in a known manner to the edge 20′, whereby an airtight sealing is ensured. For the protection of the membrane 22, there can be used a dust cover 23 which by friction or press-fitting with the outside 4 of the container can be secured over the lid and membrane.

Claims

1. Container (1) of the bucket or beaker type and with matching lid (2) which is arranged for sealing engagement with the inside of the container wall (4) in the proximity of the container's opening, in that internally in the container's upper third part there is disposed and retained a ring insert (3) with an outer edge or edges in sealing contact with two parallel, annular rims (5,6) formed in one with the internal wall of the container, and where the central opening of the ring insert (3) has at least one sealing surface (24,15) arranged to engage in a sealing and locking manner with an annular skirt (16), on the underside of the lid (2), characterized in that the central opening of the ring insert (3) is defined by a central part from which two annular ring parts (12,13) extend towards the rims (5,6) on the container wall (4), thus defining an intermediate cavity (25) which has increasing diameter in the direction towards the container wall (4), so that the outer surfaces of the ring parts (12,13) of the ring insert form an obtuse angle to the plane of the container wall.

2. Container with lid according to claim 1, characterized in that an upwardly-directed, annular edge surface (7) on the upper rim (5) and a downwardly-directed, annular edge surface (9) on the lower rim (6) form an angle varying from 0° and 90° with the container wall (4), and are shaped to provide an even transition from the ring insert (3) to the inner wall (4).

3. Container with lid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central opening of the ring insert (3) is configured with two annular sealing surfaces (24,15) which are staggered in relation to each other.

4. Container with lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (2) consists of a substantially plane, circular disc and, formed in one herewith, a concentric skirt (16) with a diameter which is smaller than the plane disc, said skirt being so shaped that it can enter into sealing snap-engagement in at least one place with the central opening of the ring insert (3).

5. Container with lid according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the skirt (16) is configured with an annular flange (26) which has a larger diameter than the skirt itself, said flange having a sealing surface (17) for tightening against one of the sealing surfaces (15) on the ring insert (3), and in that the skirt (16) between the flange (26) and the disc part has a further annular sealing surface (14) for tightening against the second sealing surface (24) on the ring insert.

6. Container with lid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper rim (5) in the container wall has an upwardly-directed, annular edge surface (7), on which rests the edge (19) of the lid (2), e.g. by the downwardly-directed edge having an inclined, annular edge surface (19) in relation to the plane of the lid.

7. Container with lid according to any one of the claims 1-6, characterized in that in the lid (2), in a ring-formed area between the edge and the skirt, or at the edge, there is provided a limited area (21) with reduced thickness for the purpose of being broken through.

8. Container with lid according to any one of the claims 1-7, characterized in that the upper rim (5) is disposed at such a distance from the edge (20′) of the container that when the lid (2) is put on correctly (fig. 5), the top of the edge lies above the plane of the lid (2), said container edge (20′) being arranged for the securing of a membrane (22).