EP1084960B1 - Container with a non-planar seal between base and lid - Google Patents
Container with a non-planar seal between base and lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1084960B1 EP1084960B1 EP00119589A EP00119589A EP1084960B1 EP 1084960 B1 EP1084960 B1 EP 1084960B1 EP 00119589 A EP00119589 A EP 00119589A EP 00119589 A EP00119589 A EP 00119589A EP 1084960 B1 EP1084960 B1 EP 1084960B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- lid
- base
- rim
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
- B65D43/0222—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/021—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
- B65D43/0218—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity on both the inside and the outside of the mouth of the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
- B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00388—Bent or angled, i.e. central part presents two main planes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00527—NO contact
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
- B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to sealed containers for storage.
- the present invention relates to an improved arrangement for sealing a container about a locus of points defining a non-planar surface.
- a container of this type is disclosed in FR-A-2 693 172.
- Sealed containers in general are well known, especially for household use and for storing of food.
- Such containers are exemplified by Tupperware® brand containers having a base defining a volume for receiving a quantity of material, typically food, and a lid secured to the base to close same.
- the fit between the base and lid is typically designed to provide a liquid-tight seal, and possibly a gas-tight seal. This seal is achieved in a number of different ways well known in the art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a improved container having a base with sealing lid in which the seal between the two is along a locus of points defining a non-planar surface.
- the base has an rim which includes a first seal component.
- the lid has a rim which includes a second seal component.
- the first and second seal components interact to provide a seal, for example a water-tight seal, when the lid is mounted to the container to thus protect the contents of the container.
- the seal is formed along a locus of points defining a non-linear plane, or curved surface.
- the first and second seal components are oriented so as to be substantially normal to the non-planar surface at any given point along the seal. This arrangement permits greater design possibilities due to fewer restraints on seal component placement, while still providing excellent sealing properties for the container.
- a first embodiment of a container according to the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10.
- the container 10 includes a base 12 and a lid 14.
- the base 12 and lid 14 together define an interior 16 (Fig. 3) which will receive material for storage within the container 10.
- the interior 16 is formed by one or both of the base 12 and lid 14 having a concave configuration, typically the base 12, as shown in Fig. 1.
- the base 12 includes a bottom wall 18 having an outer periphery, and one or more side walls 20 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 18 to form a base rim 22.
- the lid 14 includes a top wall 24 having an outer periphery which defines a lid rim 26. It will be apparent that these components could be inverted such that the lid 14 acts as the base, and the base 12 acts as the lid. Alternatively or additionally, the lid 14 could have a depth which contributes appreciably to the interior 16 by addition of side walls (not shown) in a manner similar to that shown for base 12.
- the base rim 22 and lid rim 26 are configured to form a mating seal when assembled together.
- the base rim 22 includes a first seal component 28 and the lid rim 26 includes a second seal component 30.
- the first seal component 28 takes the form of a vertically extending rib
- the second seal component 30 takes the form of a downward opening groove which closely receives this rib.
- this groove With a variation in width, such as by a protrusion 32.
- this protrusion will serve to pinch the rib when assembled. While the rib may be closely received within the groove at all points, it is at this protrusion 32 that the actual seal is formed for strong seals, such as water-tight.
- At least one of the first seal component 28 and/or second seal component 30 at least include a material having elasticity. This elasticity may be relatively minor, and be provided by forming the second seal component 30 from sheet metal. For ease of manufacture and maintenance, it is preferred however that this elastic material be a plastic.
- the lid 14 may be formed of a monolithic piece of plastic material such a polyethylene.
- the locus of points defining the seal i.e., the contact points between the protrusion 32 and base rim 22
- the seal components i.e., the base rim 22 and lid rim 26
- the curvature of the plane is gentle and small, and the seal components still extend in a parallel, vertical direction.
- the first seal component 28 and second seal component 30 may take various other forms known in the art. Examples of other seal components are shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
- a prior art container 34 includes a base 36 and lid 38.
- the base 36 includes an upper rim 40
- the lid 38 includes a depending skirt 42 sized to closely surround the upper rim 40.
- the first seal component 28 in this embodiment is a peripheral projection 44 extending laterally outward from the upper rim 40
- the second seal component 30 is the inner face of the skirt 42.
- the projection 44 will press against the inner face of the skirt 42 to form the actual seal.
- the locus of points defining the seal again forms a linear, horizontal plane, and the seal components (i.e., the upper rim 40 and skirt 42) again extend in a parallel, vertical direction.
- a container 46 includes a base 48 and a lid 50.
- the base 48 again includes an upper rim 52, which in this case includes a inward extending peripheral rim forming a downward directed shoulder 54.
- the lid 50 includes a lid rim 56 surrounding a depressed top wall 58.
- the inner face of the lid rim 56 includes a ridge 60 positioned to seat beneath the shoulder 54 when the lid 50 is assembled to the base 48. This abutment of the projection 60 against the shoulder 54 forms the seal in this arrangement.
- the locus of points defining the seal define a linear, horizontal plane, and the seal components (i.e., the upper rim 52 and lid rim 56) extend in a parallel, vertical direction.
- seal component structures are known in the prior art. In each case however, the locus of points defining the seal is believed to lie within a linear, typically horizontal, plane. Further, the seal components are believed to extend in a parallel, typically vertical, direction. To the extent, however, that these other seal components may be used according to the present invention, they are intended to be encompassed hereby.
- the description of the container 10 has focused on those aspects which are identical to the prior art.
- the present invention differs from the prior art in an important respect. This difference is the formation of the seal components such that the locus of points forming the seal defines a non-linear plane, and that the seal components extend in a direction normal to such plane at any particular point along the seal.
- the side walls 20 have a reduced height adjacent the left end, such that the base rim 22 slopes downward toward this end.
- the lid 14 and lid rim 26 slope downward as well.
- the locus of points defining the seal will thus be a non-linear plane.
- the non-planar surface includes a single line of curvature between two linear planar portions. Other, more complex, forms are of course possible.
- This non-planar surface is a first aspect of the present invention.
- the second aspect is the orientation of the seal components, which is best illustrated in Fig. 7.
- the base rim 22 and lid rim 26 slope downward adjacent this end of the container.
- the seal components do not extend vertically, however, but instead extend substantially normal to the non-planar surface at each point along the seal.
- a true normal N to the non-linear plane extends perpendicular to the edge of the base rim 22.
- the seal components may, however, be offset from this true normal N by the small angle A to increase the operability of the seal as is known in the art.
- the seal components extend substantially normal, as defined above. This offset may not be required in all configurations, however, and true normal orientation is of course also encompassed within "substantially normal”.
- this is a simple example showing only a single line of curvature between two linear planar portions.
- the principle of the present invention may however, be applied to more complex forms having multiple lines of curvature extending in multiple directions with multiple radii.
- the locus of points defining the seal will define a non-linear plane, and in each case the seal components will extend in a direction substantially normal to such plane at any point along the seal. This arrangement permits a good seal to be formed about the entirety of the base, while greatly increasing the design possibilities for containers.
Description
- The present invention relates in general to sealed containers for storage. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved arrangement for sealing a container about a locus of points defining a non-planar surface. A container of this type is disclosed in FR-A-2 693 172.
- Sealed containers in general are well known, especially for household use and for storing of food. Such containers are exemplified by Tupperware® brand containers having a base defining a volume for receiving a quantity of material, typically food, and a lid secured to the base to close same. The fit between the base and lid is typically designed to provide a liquid-tight seal, and possibly a gas-tight seal. This seal is achieved in a number of different ways well known in the art.
- These containers have taken a variety of shapes, with outer peripheries ranging from relatively square to round, with bases ranging from relatively flat platforms to deep concavities, and with lids ranging from deep inverted concavities to relatively flat covers. Despite this variety in shape, however, the actual points of contact between the base and lid, i.e., the actual seal, has typically been along a locus of points which defines a plane. In other words, regardless of the shape of the assembled base and lid, the base and lid joined along a linear plane passing through this assembly. This linear plane permitted the lid to be placed on the base by moving in a direction normal to such plane.
- This has limited design potential for the containers. It has been known to place this plane at an angle, and at various vertical positions. It has also been known to provide a gentle curvature to the plane about one axis. Each of these variations has expanded design possibilities, but has had limits. In particular, even with the gently curved seal the components forming the seal were oriented vertically. In other words, the lid was still placed on the base (i.e., the sealing direction) by pure vertical movement (discounting the radial flexing of the plastic components). While this is acceptable for minimal curvature in the sealing plane, more pronounced curvatures resulted in poor seal fits. With the present invention, the design possibilities are expanded further. With the present design, the curvatures of the plane may be much more radical, as the sealing direction varies about the plane. This variation in sealing direction requires variation in the sealing components, generally such that they are normal to the plane of the seal.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a improved container having a base with sealing lid in which the seal between the two is along a locus of points defining a non-planar surface.
- This object is achieved by a container according to
claim 1. The base has an rim which includes a first seal component. The lid has a rim which includes a second seal component. The first and second seal components interact to provide a seal, for example a water-tight seal, when the lid is mounted to the container to thus protect the contents of the container. The seal is formed along a locus of points defining a non-linear plane, or curved surface. The first and second seal components are oriented so as to be substantially normal to the non-planar surface at any given point along the seal. This arrangement permits greater design possibilities due to fewer restraints on seal component placement, while still providing excellent sealing properties for the container. - The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container according to the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a side view of the container of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the assembly of Fig. 3;
- Figs. 5 and 6 are exploded detail views similar to Fig. 4, showing alternative prior art sealing arrangements; and
- Fig. 7 is a detail view along line 7-7 of Fig. 1, with components exploded.
-
- With reference to Fig. 1, a first embodiment of a container according to the present invention is generally designated by
reference numeral 10. Thecontainer 10 includes abase 12 and alid 14. Thebase 12 andlid 14 together define an interior 16 (Fig. 3) which will receive material for storage within thecontainer 10. Theinterior 16 is formed by one or both of thebase 12 andlid 14 having a concave configuration, typically thebase 12, as shown in Fig. 1. - In the first embodiment, the
base 12 includes abottom wall 18 having an outer periphery, and one ormore side walls 20 extending upwardly from thebottom wall 18 to form abase rim 22. Thelid 14 includes atop wall 24 having an outer periphery which defines alid rim 26. It will be apparent that these components could be inverted such that thelid 14 acts as the base, and thebase 12 acts as the lid. Alternatively or additionally, thelid 14 could have a depth which contributes appreciably to theinterior 16 by addition of side walls (not shown) in a manner similar to that shown forbase 12. - The
base rim 22 andlid rim 26 are configured to form a mating seal when assembled together. To this end, thebase rim 22 includes afirst seal component 28 and thelid rim 26 includes asecond seal component 30. In the first embodiment, thefirst seal component 28 takes the form of a vertically extending rib, and thesecond seal component 30 takes the form of a downward opening groove which closely receives this rib. As best shown in Fig. 4, it is known in the prior art to form this groove with a variation in width, such as by aprotrusion 32. As may be envisioned, this protrusion will serve to pinch the rib when assembled. While the rib may be closely received within the groove at all points, it is at thisprotrusion 32 that the actual seal is formed for strong seals, such as water-tight. - To achieve a tight fit, and thus produce a good seal, it is preferred that at least one of the
first seal component 28 and/orsecond seal component 30 at least include a material having elasticity. This elasticity may be relatively minor, and be provided by forming thesecond seal component 30 from sheet metal. For ease of manufacture and maintenance, it is preferred however that this elastic material be a plastic. For example, thelid 14 may be formed of a monolithic piece of plastic material such a polyethylene. - As noted above, in the prior art these seal components would lie along a linear plane (as do the portions of the seal components shown in Figs. 3 and 4). Further, in the prior art it is known to provide a better seal by providing the seal components with a slight angle with respect to vertical. This is illustrated by the angle A in Fig. 4. In terms of the present invention, it is seen that prior art seal components are placed at a slight angle with respect to the plane of the seal (i.e., a horizontal plane in Figs. 3 and 4), and are thus not normal to such plane. For the purposes of this invention, this angle is encompassed by the phrase "substantially normal" when referring to the locus of points defining the seal. As such, the portion of the seal components shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is substantially normal to the linear horizontal plane.
- In the prior art the locus of points defining the seal (i.e., the contact points between the
protrusion 32 and base rim 22) would typically form a linear horizontal plane. Further, the seal components (i.e., thebase rim 22 and lid rim 26) extend in a parallel, vertical direction. In the one prior art container known to applicants in which the locus of points defining the seal is not a linear plane, the curvature of the plane is gentle and small, and the seal components still extend in a parallel, vertical direction. - The
first seal component 28 andsecond seal component 30 may take various other forms known in the art. Examples of other seal components are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In Fig. 5, aprior art container 34 includes abase 36 andlid 38. Thebase 36 includes anupper rim 40, and thelid 38 includes a dependingskirt 42 sized to closely surround theupper rim 40. Thefirst seal component 28 in this embodiment is aperipheral projection 44 extending laterally outward from theupper rim 40, and thesecond seal component 30 is the inner face of theskirt 42. As may be envisioned, upon assembly theprojection 44 will press against the inner face of theskirt 42 to form the actual seal. - In this arrangement the locus of points defining the seal again forms a linear, horizontal plane, and the seal components (i.e., the
upper rim 40 and skirt 42) again extend in a parallel, vertical direction. - The arrangement of Fig. 5 may also be reversed, such that the skirt is received within the upper rim, and the skirt includes a ridge which abuts the inner face of the upper rim. This is similar to the prior art arrangement shown in Fig. 6. In this arrangement a
container 46 includes abase 48 and alid 50. The base 48 again includes anupper rim 52, which in this case includes a inward extending peripheral rim forming a downward directedshoulder 54. Thelid 50 includes alid rim 56 surrounding a depressedtop wall 58. The inner face of thelid rim 56 includes aridge 60 positioned to seat beneath theshoulder 54 when thelid 50 is assembled to thebase 48. This abutment of theprojection 60 against theshoulder 54 forms the seal in this arrangement. - Here again the locus of points defining the seal define a linear, horizontal plane, and the seal components (i.e., the
upper rim 52 and lid rim 56) extend in a parallel, vertical direction. - Various other seal component structures are known in the prior art. In each case however, the locus of points defining the seal is believed to lie within a linear, typically horizontal, plane. Further, the seal components are believed to extend in a parallel, typically vertical, direction. To the extent, however, that these other seal components may be used according to the present invention, they are intended to be encompassed hereby.
- To this point the description of the
container 10 has focused on those aspects which are identical to the prior art. The present invention, however, differs from the prior art in an important respect. This difference is the formation of the seal components such that the locus of points forming the seal defines a non-linear plane, and that the seal components extend in a direction normal to such plane at any particular point along the seal. - As shown in Fig. 2, the
side walls 20 have a reduced height adjacent the left end, such that thebase rim 22 slopes downward toward this end. In a similar manner, thelid 14 and lid rim 26 slope downward as well. As may be envisioned, the locus of points defining the seal will thus be a non-linear plane. In this simple example, the non-planar surface includes a single line of curvature between two linear planar portions. Other, more complex, forms are of course possible. This non-planar surface is a first aspect of the present invention. The second aspect is the orientation of the seal components, which is best illustrated in Fig. 7. - As shown, the
base rim 22 and lid rim 26 (with associated protrusion 32) slope downward adjacent this end of the container. The seal components do not extend vertically, however, but instead extend substantially normal to the non-planar surface at each point along the seal. In other words, a true normal N to the non-linear plane extends perpendicular to the edge of thebase rim 22. The seal components may, however, be offset from this true normal N by the small angle A to increase the operability of the seal as is known in the art. As such, the seal components extend substantially normal, as defined above. This offset may not be required in all configurations, however, and true normal orientation is of course also encompassed within "substantially normal". - As noted, this is a simple example showing only a single line of curvature between two linear planar portions. The principle of the present invention may however, be applied to more complex forms having multiple lines of curvature extending in multiple directions with multiple radii. In each case the locus of points defining the seal will define a non-linear plane, and in each case the seal components will extend in a direction substantially normal to such plane at any point along the seal. This arrangement permits a good seal to be formed about the entirety of the base, while greatly increasing the design possibilities for containers.
- While this principle is relatively simple, the actual production of containers according to the present invention is more problematic. Specifically, molding such containers using injection molding techniques presents issues of blockage and release. For example, in Fig. 7 it may be seen that for the base the typical parting line between mold portions would be at the edge of the
base rim 22. This presents no problems. However, the outward extendinglip 62 does. The upper face of thislip 62 extends inward, such that the mold portion forming this upper face would tend to block release of the base from the mold (i.e., movement in the vertical direction in Fig. 7). Similar problems may be seen with regard to molding thelid 14, and in particular thelid rim 26. These problems may be eliminated, however, by use of movable mold portions as are known in the art. While the use of movable mold portions is not feasible for all applications, it will still permit a wide range of container forms to be produced according to the present invention. - From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.
- Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (3)
- Container having a base (12) and a lid (14), with the base having a first seal component and the lid having a second seal component, the first and second seal components interacting to form a seal when said lid is mounted to said base, said seal extending along a locus of points defining a non-planar surface characterised in that said first and second seal components extend substantially normal to said non-planar surface at any particular point along said seal.
- Container according to claim 1, wherein said base (12) includes a base rim and said lid (14) includes a lid rim, and wherein said first seal component comprises a face of said base rim and wherein said second seal component comprises a projection extending from said lid rim to abut said face of said base rim.
- Container according to claim 1, wherein said base (12) includes a base rim and said lid (14) includes a lid rim, and wherein said second seal component comprises a face of said lid rim and wherein said first seal component comprises a projection extending from said base rim to abut said face of said lid rim.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US39459999A | 1999-09-13 | 1999-09-13 | |
US394599 | 1999-09-13 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1084960A1 EP1084960A1 (en) | 2001-03-21 |
EP1084960B1 true EP1084960B1 (en) | 2004-12-01 |
Family
ID=23559641
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00119589A Expired - Lifetime EP1084960B1 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-09-07 | Container with a non-planar seal between base and lid |
Country Status (18)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1084960B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001114318A (en) |
AR (1) | AR025637A4 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE283803T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5500400A (en) |
BR (1) | BR0004122A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2317267A1 (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ294738B6 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60016340T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2233261T3 (en) |
HR (1) | HRP20000593A2 (en) |
HU (1) | HUP0003628A3 (en) |
IL (1) | IL138169A0 (en) |
IS (1) | IS5607A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20004472L (en) |
PL (1) | PL198976B1 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1084960E (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200004522B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003082690A2 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2003-10-09 | Alain Guigan | Packaging system |
DE102004035111A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-02-16 | Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Bretten Gmbh | Testing device for sealing bodies |
JP2006077862A (en) * | 2004-09-08 | 2006-03-23 | Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd | Seal structure |
JP5639767B2 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2014-12-10 | 入江工研株式会社 | Seal groove |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2693172B1 (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1994-10-14 | Vynex Sa | Device for fixing a cover to a plastic box. |
US5425467A (en) * | 1993-12-28 | 1995-06-20 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Bowl lid having integral lever mechanism |
-
2000
- 2000-08-29 IS IS5607A patent/IS5607A/en unknown
- 2000-08-30 ZA ZA200004522A patent/ZA200004522B/en unknown
- 2000-08-30 IL IL13816900A patent/IL138169A0/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-08-30 CA CA002317267A patent/CA2317267A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-08-30 AU AU55004/00A patent/AU5500400A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-09-07 ES ES00119589T patent/ES2233261T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-09-07 HR HR20000593A patent/HRP20000593A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-09-07 EP EP00119589A patent/EP1084960B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-09-07 DE DE60016340T patent/DE60016340T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-09-07 PT PT00119589T patent/PT1084960E/en unknown
- 2000-09-07 NO NO20004472A patent/NO20004472L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-09-07 AT AT00119589T patent/ATE283803T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-09-12 BR BR0004122-0A patent/BR0004122A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-09-12 AR ARM000104774U patent/AR025637A4/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-09-12 PL PL342482A patent/PL198976B1/en unknown
- 2000-09-12 CZ CZ20003322A patent/CZ294738B6/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-09-13 HU HU0003628A patent/HUP0003628A3/en unknown
- 2000-09-13 JP JP2000277495A patent/JP2001114318A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CZ294738B6 (en) | 2005-03-16 |
HUP0003628A3 (en) | 2002-01-28 |
PL342482A1 (en) | 2001-03-26 |
IS5607A (en) | 2001-03-14 |
ZA200004522B (en) | 2001-02-28 |
AU5500400A (en) | 2001-03-22 |
PT1084960E (en) | 2005-03-31 |
PL198976B1 (en) | 2008-08-29 |
BR0004122A (en) | 2001-06-19 |
DE60016340D1 (en) | 2005-01-05 |
NO20004472D0 (en) | 2000-09-07 |
HU0003628D0 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
NO20004472L (en) | 2001-03-14 |
ATE283803T1 (en) | 2004-12-15 |
JP2001114318A (en) | 2001-04-24 |
HUP0003628A2 (en) | 2001-12-28 |
IL138169A0 (en) | 2001-10-31 |
EP1084960A1 (en) | 2001-03-21 |
CA2317267A1 (en) | 2001-03-13 |
ES2233261T3 (en) | 2005-06-16 |
HRP20000593A2 (en) | 2001-06-30 |
DE60016340T2 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
CZ20003322A3 (en) | 2001-12-12 |
AR025637A4 (en) | 2002-12-04 |
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