EP1549512B1 - Multipurpose lids for closing containers, in particular paint containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A lid for closing a container, particularly a paint container, provided with a skirt including an upper rim. The lid includes a dish and a peripheral zone integral with the dish and provided with an outer edge in sealed co-operation with the upper rim and the dish includes a side wall and a base, part of the wall forming a pour spout with height H relative to the peripheral zone, to facilitate transfer of the product. The base includes an orifice or recess delimited by a rim and forming an opening, so as to allow through an instrument, and the lid includes a cap for sealing said orifice, so as to enable the orifice to be manually closed or opened as many times as necessary. The invention provides easy use, reduces paint losses and stains, and enables incorporation of numerous other functions in the lid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of closing containers containing products, typically fluid, manually applicable using an instrument, typically pots of paints, protective mixtures or colored coatings, or varnishes or adhesives applicable to the aid. a brush or a roller.
In what follows, the pots of paint will be referred to only as an example typical of the field of the present invention.

STATE OF THE ART

The commercial paint pots are usually formed by a body with an upper opening forming a closed rim by a lid snapped into the rim, the pot can only be opened by separating the lid of the rim, typically using a tool such as a screwdriver.

However, there are known patents which disclose lids for paint jars having in particular a greater ease of opening and possibly additional functions such as for example GB-A-2103589 .
Thus, the patent GB 2,205,082-A discloses a cover comprising lines of weakening so as to be able to form at a first opening an edge allowing a spin of the brush.

• d'une part, les pots "standards" peuvent comprendre des accessoires pour faciliter l'application de la peinture, comme décrit par exemple dans les brevets US 5 730 331 ou 3298561 ,
• d'autre part, ces accessoires peuvent être indépendants des pots de peintures et utilisables en les plaçant sur les pots de peintures après ouverture, comme décrit dans les brevets US 4 240 568 , US 5 195 662 , US 4 009 802 , US 6 213 338 , US 5 853 107 , US 3 596 813 , US 3 400 867 , US 4 911 319 , et US 4 247 013 .

Moreover, there are also numerous patents relating to accessories adaptable to paint cans, so as to facilitate their use, accessories that are of two types:

• on the one hand, the "standard" pots may include accessories to facilitate the application of the paint, as described for example in patents US 5,730,331 or 3298561 ,
• on the other hand, these accessories may be independent of the paint pots and usable by placing them on the paint pots after opening, as described in the patents US 4,240,568 , US 5,195,662 , US 4,009,802 , US 6,213,338 , US 5,853,107 , US 3,596,813 , US 3,400,867 , US 4,911,319 , and US 4,247,013 .

PROBLEMS POSED

Although the state of the art includes a large number of achievements, this state of the art leaves without solutions a certain number of problems, because if each realization can solve a particular problem, it leaves unsolved another problem or, worse, she can pose a new problem herself.

Indeed, as regards the accessories, it should be considered that they form additional parts whose cost is added to that of the "standard pot", with, it is true, a contribution of specific functions.
Providing one accessory per paint bucket is a very expensive solution, but, on the other hand, not providing and using a specific accessory is not a practical solution since, most often, specific accessories, such as all objects used occasionally, have, as everyone knows, an annoying tendency to get lost!
Moreover, as regards the functions provided by the known covers, for example by the patent GB 2,205,082-A they are very limited because they mainly concern only the possibility of spinning the brush.

• ne soit pas un accessoire et assure donc en tant que tel la fonction de fermeture étanche du pot, de manière à ce que le coût global soit peu différent du coût d'un "pot standard",
• comprenne plusieurs des fonctions souhaitées par l'utilisateur et notamment, au moins trois des moyens ou fonctions indiquées ci-dessous sous a) à g), et éventuellement encore d'autres fonctions comme cela apparaîtra par la suite:
  1. a) moyen pour faciliter le transvasement du récipient,
  2. b) moyen ouvrir le récipient sans l'aide d'outils,
  3. c) moyen pour rouvrir et refermer à volonté le récipient,
  4. d) moyen d'essorage pour le pinceau,
  5. e) moyen d'empilage ou de gerbage des pots et des couvercles,
  6. f) moyen de récupération de produit et de suppression des salissures,
  7. g) moyen de préhension manuelle.
• soit compatible avec la fabrication industrielle des couvercles et des récipients, en particulier des pots de peinture, les couvercles étant typiquement stockés en pile, avec leur utilisation dans l'industrie de la peinture (fermeture des pots remplis avec ces couvercles), et encore avec le stockage des pots une fois remplis.

The subject of the invention is a lid for pots which, simultaneously:

• is not an accessory and therefore ensures as such the sealing function of the pot, so that the overall cost is little different from the cost of a "standard pot",
• includes several of the functions desired by the user and in particular, at least three of the means or functions indicated below under a) to g), and possibly other functions as will appear below:
  1. a) means for facilitating the transfer of the container,
  2. b) open the container without tools,
  3. (c) means to reopen and close the container at will,
  4. d) means of wringing for the brush,
  5. e) means of stacking or stacking pots and lids,
  6. f) means of product recovery and soil removal,
  7. g) manual gripping means.
• is compatible with the industrial manufacture of lids and containers, especially pots of paint, the lids are typically stored in piles, with their use in the paint industry (closing pots filled with these lids), and again with the storage of the pots once filled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. a) ledit couvercle comprend une cuvette d'aire S' et plus grande dimension D' et une plage périphérique solidaire de ladite cuvette et dotée d'un bord extérieur coopérant de manière étanche avec ledit rebord supérieur, ladite aire S' allant typiquement de 0,1.S à 0,9.S et ladite plus grande dimension D'allant typiquement de 0,1.D à 0,9.D,
2. b) ladite cuvette comprend une paroi latérale et un fond, une partie de ladite paroi formant un bec verseur de hauteur H par rapport à ladite plage périphérique, de manière à faciliter tout transvasement dudit produit,
3. c) ledit fond comprend un orifice ou évidement délimité par un rebord et formant une ouverture d'aire S" et de plus grande dimension D", ladite aire S" allant typiquement de 0,1.S' à 0,9.S' et ladite plus grande dimension D" allant typiquement de 0,1.D' à 0,9.D', de manière à permettre le passage dudit instrument,
4. d) ledit couvercle comprend un moyen de fermeture amovible manuellement, typiquement un bouchon, destiné à obturer ledit orifice, de manière à pouvoir manuellement obturer ou ouvrir ledit orifice autant de fois que nécessaire, typiquement par une rotation dudit moyen de fermeture amovible.

The lid according to the invention is intended to close a container, typically intended to contain a fluid, such as a paint or a powder, for manual application using an instrument, such as a brush, said container comprising a body having a bottom, a skirt with an upper rim delimiting an upper opening of area S typically ranging from 25 cm ² to 2500 cm ² , and larger dimension D typically ranging from 5 cm to 50 cm , and intended to be closed by said lid.
This cover is characterized in that:

1. a) said lid comprises an area cup S 'and larger dimension D' and a peripheral zone integral with said bowl and provided with an outer edge cooperating sealingly with said upper flange, said area S 'typically ranging from 0 , 1.S to 0.9.S and said larger dimension typically ranging from 0.1.D to 0.9D,
2. b) said bowl comprises a side wall and a bottom, a part of said wall forming a spout height H relative to said peripheral range, so as to facilitate any transfer of said product,
3. c) said bottom comprises an orifice or recess delimited by a flange and forming an opening of area S "and of larger dimension D", said area S "typically ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 to 0.9. and said larger dimension D "typically ranging from 0.1.D 'to 0.9D', so as to allow the passage of said instrument,
4. d) said lid comprises manually removable closure means, typically a plug, for closing said orifice, so as to manually cap or open said orifice as many times as necessary, typically by a rotation of said removable closure means.

• de faciliter le transvasement du récipient, grâce à la présence d'un bec verseur,
• d'ouvrir le récipient sans l'aide d'outils grâce à la présence d'un moyen de fermeture amovible manuellement,
• de rouvrir et refermer à volonté le récipient à l'aide de ce même moyen de fermeture amovible (moyen c),
• de récupérer du produit et de supprimer des salissures dues à ce produit, grâce à la présence d'une cuvette autour de l'orifice.
  De plus cette combinaison de moyens permet, comme cela apparaîtra ensuite de former des moyens incorporant des fonctions complémentaires.
  En outre, l'invention constitue une réponse économique adaptée au marché de grande consommation représenté typiquement par le marché de la peinture en pot.
  Enfin, l'invention renouvelle entièrement le domaine des couvercles pour boîtes, pots ou seaux de peinture, et ouvre la voie à une grande variété de modalités pratiques, comme cela apparaîtra dans la description détaillée de l'invention et dans les figures qui l'accompagnent.

The combination of means a) to d) according to the invention solves the problems posed. Indeed, this combination of means on the one hand already allows:

• to facilitate the transfer of the container, thanks to the presence of a spout,
• to open the container without the aid of tools thanks to the presence of a manually removable closure means,
• to reopen and close at will the container using the same removable closure means (means c),
• to recover the product and to remove soiling due to this product, thanks to the presence of a bowl around the orifice.
  Moreover, this combination of means makes it possible, as will subsequently appear, to form means incorporating complementary functions.
  In addition, the invention is an economic response adapted to the consumer market typically represented by the pot paint market.
  Finally, the invention completely renews the field of lids for cans, pots or buckets of paint, and opens the way to a wide variety of practical modalities, as will appear in the detailed description of the invention and in the figures which illustrate it. accompany.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1b représente un rebord plan intérieur (233).
• La figure 1c représente un rebord incliné extérieur (231).
• La figure 1d représente un rebord incliné intérieur (234).
• La figure 1e représente un rebord roulé extérieur (232).
• La figure 1f représente un rebord roulé intérieur (235).
• La figure 1g représente un rebord avec pièce intermédiaire (24) à bord roulé intérieur.

Figure la shows schematically in axial section along the axis of symmetry (15), a body (2) container for receiving a lid (1) according to the invention. This body (2) comprises an upper flange (23), shown in an enlarged manner and with a skirt portion (21) in the dashed rectangle. The upper flange (23) of Figure la corresponding to an outer plane top flange (230).
Variants of an upper flange (23), corresponding to the part in the dashed rectangle of the figure 1a , are represented on the Figures 1b to 1g .

• The figure 1b represents an inner plane rim (233).
• The figure 1c represents an inclined outer rim (231).
• The figure 1d represents an inclined inner rim (234).
• The figure 1e represents an outer rolled edge (232).
• The figure 1f represents an inner rolled rim (235).
• The figure 1g is a flange with an intermediate piece (24) with an inner rolled edge.

The Figures 2a to 2h are partial axial sections which schematically represent the sealed cooperation between said upper flange (23) and an outer edge (50) of the cover (1), the views shown corresponding substantially to the portion in the dashed rectangle of the figure 1a .
The Figures 2a, 2c, 2e and 2g on the left represent said upper rim (23) and said outer edge (50) before cooperation, whereas the corresponding figures 2b, 2d, 2f and 2h on the right represent the sealed cooperation between said upper flange (23) and said outer edge (50). ).
On the Figures 2a and 2b , said cooperation is by crimping, the outer edge (50) forming a crimping hook (53) comprising a seal (54). On the Figures 2c and 2d , said cooperation is by snapping, said outer edge (50) comprising a snap hook (52).
On the figures 2nd to 2h , said cooperation is by gluing or sealing or heat sealing, or because said outer edge (50) comprises or forms an adhesive layer (55), as shown in FIGS. Figures 2e and 2f because the rim upper (23) itself comprises or forms an adhesive layer (26), said adhesive layer being able to be constituted by a varnish coating said lid (1) and / or said body (2).

The Figures 3a and 3b , similar to Figures 2a to 2h , illustrate the case of the cooperation between an outer edge (50) comprising a snap hook (52) and an upper flange (23) forming an outer plane flange (230), the two materials forming the outer edge (50) and the upper rim (23) possibly being able to be sealed to one another, typically by means of heating jaws exerting a pressure as represented by the arrows of the figure 3b .
The figure 3c , analogous to the figure 3a , illustrates the case of cooperation between an outer edge (50) comprising a snap hook (52) and an upper flange (50) comprising an intermediate piece (24) comprising an inner rolled edge and a seal (25). ).
On the Figures 1a to 3c the metal container bodies (2) or covers (1) have been represented by a fine line, while the plastic covers (in the case of Figures 2c to 2h and 3a to 3c ) have been represented in thickness.

• des formes extérieures ou pourtours correspondant à celles du bord extérieur (50), et à celles correspondantes des rebords supérieurs (23) des corps de récipient (2) à obturer, sont illustrées sur les figures 4a, 5a et 6a correspondant respectivement à des formes rectangulaire, ronde et ovale. Ces pourtours délimitent une surface S de plus grande dimension D.
• des formes extérieures ou pourtours de cuvette (4) sont représentées, en trait foncé, sur les figures correspondantes 4b, 5b et 6b. Ces pourtours délimitent une surface S' de plus grande dimension D'.
• des formes ou pourtours d'orifice (43) délimités par des rebords (44) sont représentés sur les figures correspondantes 4c, 5c et 6c. Ces rebords (44), qui délimitent une surface S" de plus grande dimension D" sont destinés à coopérer avec les bouchons de forme correspondante (6) non représentés sur ces figures . Sur ces figures, le bec verseur (41) a été représenté notamment avec la surface interne inclinée (410).
  La figure 4c illustre le cas d'un orifice (43) dont le rebord (44) forme des arcs avec trois rayons de courbure différents R1, R2 et R3.
  La figure 4d est une vue en coupe axiale correspondant à la figure 4c.
  La figure 5c illustre le cas d'un orifice (43) obturé en partie par une plaque support (49) comprenant des orifices latéraux (490) de manière à pouvoir encliqueter des brosses ou pinceaux en position verticale, notamment lors d'une interruption momentanée de leur utilisation.

The Figures 4a to 6c are schematic top views of lids (1) - without plugs (6) - to illustrate typical lids shapes:

• outer or outer shapes corresponding to those of the outer edge (50), and corresponding ones of the upper flanges (23) of the container body (2) to be closed, are illustrated on the Figures 4a , 5a and 6a corresponding respectively to rectangular, round and oval shapes. These edges delimit a surface S of larger dimension D.
• outer shapes or cup edges (4) are shown in dark lines in the corresponding figures 4b, 5b and 6b. These edges delimit a surface S 'of larger dimension D'.
• orifice shapes or edges (43) delimited by flanges (44) are shown in corresponding figures 4c, 5c and 6c. These flanges (44), which delimit a surface S "of larger dimension D" are intended to cooperate with the plugs of form corresponding (6) not shown in these figures. In these figures, the spout (41) has been shown in particular with the inclined inner surface (410).
  The figure 4c illustrates the case of an orifice (43) whose rim (44) forms arcs with three different radii of curvature R1, R2 and R3.
  The figure 4d is an axial sectional view corresponding to the figure 4c .
  The figure 5c illustrates the case of an orifice (43) closed in part by a support plate (49) comprising lateral openings (490) so as to be able to snap brushes or brushes in a vertical position, in particular during a momentary interruption of their use .

The Figures 7a to 7d illustrate a cover mode (1) in which the bowl (4) and the peripheral area (5) form a single-piece molded or thermoformed piece. The figure 7a is a top view of the lid (1), its cap (6) being closed.
The wall (40) of the bowl (4) has been shown in dark line: solid line for the "high" part (400), and dotted line for the "low" part (401). The auxiliary stacking means (80), which forms with said "high" part (400), an upper plane (81) horizontally, in particular, allowing the stacking of the covers as shown in FIG. figure 8a .
The figure 7b is a side view of the lid (1) of the figure 7a .
The Figure 7c is a section along the vertical plane AA of the figure 7a .
The figure 7d is a view, similar to the Figure 7c , but with the plug (6) open, said plug being shown in part only.

The figure 8a is a view in axial section of a stack (3) of lids (1) similar to those of the Figure 7c , so as to illustrate the stacking of the lids (1).
The lids (1) of the figure 8a comprise as permanent securing means (60) a flexible tongue (61) integral with the wall (40) of the bowl (4) according to a first modality - or a flexible tongue (62) bonded to the wall (40) according to a second modality.

The Figures 8b and 8c are partial axial sections illustrating methods of cooperation of the removable closing means or plugs (6) with the flange (44) of the orifice (43).
On the figure 8b , the orifice (43) is closed by a cover (9) provided with a grip tab (91) heat-sealed on the upper surface (441) of the inner projection (440) of the flange (44). A plug (6) having a detent means (65) with a male portion (650) cooperates with the detent means (45) comprising a female portion (450) on the upper portion of the rim (44) of the orifice (43), so as to seal the orifice after removal of the lid (9) at the first opening of the lid (1).
On the figure 8c , analogous to the figure 8b , the lid (9) is sealed to the bottom surface (13) of the lid, the lid comprising a line of weakness (90), so that the simple pressure with a brush, according to the movement indicated by the arrow, tear the operculum (9) along its line of weakness, line which follows said rim (44) on its major part, the lid remaining hooked inside the body (2) to the not torn part of the lid, so as to exclude any possibility of soiling.
In addition, on the figure 8c , the plug (6) comprises an annular seal (68) sealing.

The Figures 9a to 12c are partial schematic representations of lids (1) on which the plug (6) has not been shown, these lids being formed by assembling a bowl (4), typically molded or thermoformed plastic, with a peripheral range (5), typically stamped metal (tinplate, aluminum, etc ...).
The Figures 9a to 9c are similar axial sections that illustrate three ways of assembling the bowl (4) and the peripheral pad (5) to form a sealed annular junction (11).
On the figure 9a , the junction (11) is formed by overmolding the bowl on the inner edge (51) of said peripheral pad (5), said inner edge (51) thus being embedded in the outer projection (48).

On the figure 9b the junction (11) is formed by sealing or heat sealing the inner edge (51) on the upper surface (480) of the outer projection (48).
On this figure 9b , there is shown a tongue portion (61) solidarisant the cap (6) - not shown - to the bowl (4) and forming with the latter a single piece.
On the Figure 9c the junction (11) is formed by sealing or heat sealing the inner edge (51) on the lower surface (481) of the outer projection (48). According to the modality shown in this figure, a lid (9), typically heat-sealed, internally covers a portion of the lower surface (13) of the lid and in particular said junction (11).
The Figure 9c is an axial section along the vertical plane DD of the figure 9d which is a partial view from above.
On the Figures 9a to 9d said vertical positioning (7) and stacking means (8) are formed by an arc-shaped deformation - typically by stamping - of said peripheral area (5), so as to obtain an upper plane of stacking (81) .

The Figures 10a and 10b are simplified versions of the figure 9d which represent lids comprising the same bowl (4) assembled at different peripheral areas: the peripheral areas noted (5) on the figure 9d , (5 ') on the figure 10a and ( 5 ") on the figure 10b are all different in shape or surface.

• selon une première modalité, une couche de scellage (84) rend le moyen de gerbage auxiliaire (80) - élément parallélépipédique en matière plastique, solidaire de surface supérieure de la plage périphérique (5), une languette flexible (62) rendant le bouchon (6) solidaire du moyen de gerbage (80). Dans ce cas, l'ouverture du bouchon (6) peut s'effectuer en tirant sur la languette (67).
• selon une seconde modalité, la couche de scellage (84) est absente, le moyen de gerbage (80) étant alors solidarisé au bouchon (6) par un bras typiquement rigide (83). Dans ce cas, ni le bouchon (6) ni le moyen de gerbage (80) ne sont solidaires du couvercle (1) puisqu'ils en sont séparés lors de l'ouverture du bouchon (6) qui peut s'effectuer par exemple en tirant sur le moyen de gerbage (80).

Selon la figure 11b, comme dans la seconde modalité de la figure 11a, le moyen de gerbage (80) et le bouchon (6) sont solidarisés par un bras typiquement rigide (83), mais dans ce cas, le bouchon (6) est solidarisé à la cuvette (4) par une charnière (10), de sorte que la bouchon (6) est ouvert en tirant sur le moyen de gerbage (80) comme illustré par une flèche. La partie supérieure du moyen de gerbage (80) forme le moyen de positionnement vertical (7), cette partie reposant sur la plage périphérique (5) du couvercle une fois le bouchon (6) ouvert.The Figures 11a to 11c schematically illustrate other embodiments of lids (1). The Figures 11a and 11b are analogous to the Figure 9c particularly as regards the assembly of the peripheral area (5) and the bowl (4).
The figures 11 a and 11b represent lids (1) whose cap (6) is integral with the auxiliary stacking means (80), and typically forms a one-piece piece with the latter.
The Figures 11b and 11c represent the same cover modality, the figure 11c being a view from above, and the figure 11b being an axial section along the vertical plane CC of the figure 11c .
The figure 11a illustrates two types of lids (1):

• according to a first embodiment, a sealing layer (84) makes the auxiliary stacking means (80) - parallelepipedal plastic element, integral with the upper surface of the peripheral region (5), a flexible tongue (62) making the cap ( 6) integral with the stacking means (80). In this case, the opening of the plug (6) can be effected by pulling on the tongue (67).
• in a second embodiment, the sealing layer (84) is absent, the stacking means (80) then being secured to the cap (6) by a typically rigid arm (83). In this case, neither the plug (6) nor the stacking means (80) are integral with the lid (1) since they are separated during the opening of the plug (6) which can be carried out for example by pulling on the stacking means (80).

According to figure 11b , as in the second modality of the figure 11a , the stacking means (80) and the plug (6) are secured by a typically rigid arm (83), but in this case, the cap (6) is secured to the bowl (4) by a hinge (10), so that the plug (6) is opened by pulling on the stacking means (80) as illustrated by an arrow. The upper part of the stacking means (80) forms the vertical positioning means (7), this part resting on the peripheral area (5) of the lid once the plug (6) open.

• d'une part, le moyen de gerbage (80) est solidaire de la cuvette (4) par une languette (85),
• d'autre part, le moyen de gerbage (80) comprend un moyen de préhension manuelle, par exemple un orifice (800) permettant au moins le passage d'un ou de plusieurs doigts, comme illustré sur la figure 12c,
• en outre, ledit verseur (41) comprend une languette bi-stable (412) grâce à une partie amincie (411) présentant un rayon de courbure R adapté. La languette (412) est représentée rabattue sur la figure 12a et déployée sur la figure 12b.
• enfin, les figures 12a et 12b illustrent une modalité de bouchon (6) dont la charnière (10) est située dans ladite cuvette (4) et présente un ouverture supérieure, de sorte que ledit bouchon puisse être encliqueté par un mouvement axial, comme représenté par une flèche sur la figure 12a représentant le bouchon (6) en position fermée, alors que le bouchon est en position ouverte sur la figure 12b, le bouchon (6) étant maintenu en position verticale typiquement par encliquetage d'un moyen de positionnement vertical (600) solidaire du bouchon (6) dans un évidemment (405) formé dans la paroi latérale (40) de la cuvette (4), notamment de manière à offrir sa surface intérieure (66) comme surface d'essorage pour ledit instrument. Sur la figure 12b, on a représenté par une flèche double la possibilité de séparer le bouchon (6) du couvercle (1), le bouchon (6) étant en position ouverte, puis de l'assembler de nouveau au couvercle par encliquetage réversible.
  La figure 12d est une vue partielle de dessus montrant le raccordement de la languette (412) et de la surface interne inclinée (410).
  Les figures 13a et 13b illustrent une autre modalité de couvercle (1).
  La figure 13a, analogue à la figure 7a, représente, dans le cas d'une pile de récipients dotés de couvercles selon l'invention, la coopération entre un couvercle (1) et un fond (20) dont le bord d'appui (201) - typiquement un bourrelet de sertissage comme illustré sur la figure 13b, est représenté par deux cercles concentriques en pointillés, de manière à avoir un blocage radial de tous les récipients formant ladite pile, ledit blocage radial étant réalisé par au moins trois zones de contact radial : deux butées radiales (82) formant les extrémités du moyen de gerbage auxiliaire (80) et une butée radiale (402) formée par le bord le plus extérieur de la cuvette (4) ou de sa projection extérieure (48). La figure 13 représente en coupe axiale un fond (20) de corps de récipient (2) placé au-dessus d'un couvercle (1).
  Les figures 14a à 14c illustrent une autre modalité de couvercle (1), analogue à celui représenté sur la figure 9b.
  La figure 14a est une vue de dessus, alors que les figures 14b et 14c sont des coupes axiales.
  Dans cette modalité de couvercle (1), le moyen de fermeture amovible comprend un bouchon obturateur formant tiroir (403), deux côtés parallèles de la paroi (40) portant de glissières (403) permettant la translation du tiroir selon les flèches des figures 14b et 14c.
  Sur les figures 14a et 14b, le tiroir (403) est fermé, alors qu'il est partiellement ouvert sur la figure 14c. Un opercule (9) est thermoscellé sur la projection intérieure (440) du rebord (44).

The Figures 12a and 12b are analogous to the Figure 9c and schematically represent a lid (1) but which differs from that of the Figure 9c by several distinct elements, associated on the same figure so as not to multiply the figures:

• on the one hand, the stacking means (80) is secured to the bowl (4) by a tongue (85),
• on the other hand, the stacking means (80) comprises a manual gripping means, for example an orifice (800) allowing at least the passage of one or more fingers, as illustrated in FIG. figure 12c ,
• in addition, said pourer (41) comprises a bi-stable tongue (412) through a thinned portion (411) having a radius of curvature R adapted. The tongue (412) is shown folded on the figure 12a and deployed on the figure 12b .
• finally, Figures 12a and 12b illustrate a plug mode (6) whose hinge (10) is located in said bowl (4) and has an upper opening, so that said plug can be latched by an axial movement, as represented by an arrow on the figure 12a representing the plug (6) in the closed position, while the plug is in the open position on the figure 12b , the plug (6) being held in a vertical position, typically by latching a vertical positioning means (600) integral with the plug (6) in a recess (405) formed in the side wall (40) of the bowl (4) , in particular so as to offer its inner surface (66) as a spinning surface for said instrument. On the figure 12b it is represented by a double arrow the possibility of separating the cap (6) of the lid (1), the plug (6) being in the open position, and then reassembly to the lid by reversible snap.
  The figure 12d is a partial view from above showing the connection of the tongue (412) and the inclined inner surface (410).
  The Figures 13a and 13b illustrate another type of cover (1).
  The figure 13a , analogous to the figure 7a , represents, in the case of a stack of containers with lids according to the invention, the cooperation between a lid (1) and a bottom (20) whose bearing edge (201) - typically a crimping bead as illustrated on the figure 13b , is represented by two concentric circles dotted, so as to have a radial blocking of all the containers forming said stack, said radial blocking being achieved by at least three radial contact zones: two radial stops (82) forming the ends of the means auxiliary stacking device (80) and a radial abutment (402) formed by the outermost edge of the bowl (4) or its outer projection (48). The figure 13 represents in axial section a bottom (20) of container body (2) placed above a lid (1).
  The Figures 14a to 14c illustrate another type of cover (1), similar to that shown on the figure 9b .
  The figure 14a is a view from above, while the Figures 14b and 14c are axial sections.
  In this type of cover (1), the removable closure means comprises a shutter plug forming drawer (403), two parallel sides of the wall (40) bearing slides (403) allowing the translation of the drawer according to the arrows of the Figures 14b and 14c .
  On the Figures 14a and 14b , the drawer (403) is closed, while it is partially open on the figure 14c . A cap (9) is heat sealed to the inner projection (440) of the flange (44).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said removable closure means (6) may comprise a securing means (60) to said bowl (4) or to said peripheral pad (5), said securing means being permanent or removable.
Indeed, depending on the case, it may be advantageous for this closing means (6) can not be separated from the lid (1) - unless otherwise intention, to avoid any risk of seeing it fall or go astray.
However, as illustrated by the second modality of the figure 11a , some types of lids (1) may not include securing means (60).
As illustrated on Figures 12a and 12b , certain lid arrangements (1) may comprise a removable fastening means, said closure means (6) possibly optionally being temporarily separated from said lid (1).
This securing means (60) may be permanent and comprise a flexible tongue (61) typically forming with said bowl (4) or with said peripheral pad (5) a one-piece piece, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8a , according to its first modality, and the figure 9b .
According to another embodiment, said securing means (60) may comprise a flexible tongue (62), or a rigid arm (63), provided with an end (64) comprising a means of cooperation (65) with said bowl (4). ) or to said peripheral area (5), typically by gluing or latching, so as to form, as the case, a permanent or typically removable fastening means.
Bonding, a means of permanent bonding, was illustrated by the second modality of the figure 8a and on the first modality of the figure 11a .

The detent, securing means that can be removable, has been illustrated on Figures 12a and 12b .
As illustrated on figures 7c and 11b , or on Figures 12a and 12b , said detent forming said engagement means (65) comprises male or female parts, one being integral with said removable closure means (650), the other (450) being secured to said bowl (4) or said range peripheral (5).
Preferably, and as illustrated on the figures 7c , 11b and 12a or 12b said securing means (60) can form a hinge (10) for said plug (6).
Advantageously this hinge (10) can be formed by simple axial clipping of the plug (6) in the bowl (4).

According to the invention, and as illustrated for example on the figure 7d said bowl (4), or said peripheral pad (5), or said stopper (6) may comprise horizontal positioning means (7), typically a stop, so that, said stopper (6) being open, its inner surface (66) forms a typically horizontal plane (70) and thus avoids a sagging of said product adhering to its inner surface.
However, the disadvantages associated with this type of sag are also avoided when the hinge is in the bowl, as shown in the drawings. Figures 12a and 12b , and that any sagging of the lid can join the product, so as to avoid any loss and soiling.

According to the invention, and as illustrated on the Figures 12a and 12b said bowl (4) can form, typically by means of said lateral wall (40), a vertical positioning means, or possibly inclined with an angle> 90 °, so that, said plug (6) being open, its inner surface (66) forms a vertical or inclined plane allowing a flow of flow to flow to said orifice, and further providing a wringing surface for said instrument.

According to another embodiment of the lid of the invention shown in Figures 14a to 14c , said side wall (40) of the bowl (4) may comprise parallel runners (403) and a recess (404) to permit translation of a slide gate (69) including a handle outside said bowl.
Preferably, the slide shutter (69) comprises at its end an extra thickness with a low enough resistance to be able to introduce it into the recess (404) at the bottom of the wall (40), but sufficient to oppose its separation from said wall (40) when it is opened.

Whatever the modalities of the invention, and as illustrated 7d-8c, said bowl (4) may comprise a bar typically passing through said orifice (43), so as to form a spin bar (46) for said instrument.
This wiper bar (46) can form a partition of said orifice (43), a main part (430) of said orifice being intended for the passage of said instrument, a secondary part (431), adjacent to said pouring spout, being intended for the flow of said product in case of transfer of said product.
Said abutment (431) may have a typically triangular section with an apex forming part of said spout (41), in the manner of that which is illustrated in FIG. figure 5c where there is no spin bar (46).
As illustrated on the figure 8b , said secondary portion (431) can be closed by a grid (47), possibly removable.

According to the invention, said side wall portion (40) forming said spout (41) may have a height H ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm and may be typically located at a distance d from said upper rim (23) from 1 to 50 mm, and typically ranging from 5 to 15 mm. See it Figure 9c or 12b .

As illustrated on Figures 12a to 12d said pouring spout (41) may comprise a bi-stable flexible tongue (412), in the downwardly folded position when said lid (1) or said container provided with said lid, forms a stack, in the upwardly extended position in view transferring said product, said spout (41) having an upper end (411) thinned, of flexibility and of radius of curvature R adapted to obtain a tongue (412) at two stable positions, so as to obtain, when said tongue is deployed, a height H '> H and at least equal to 1.30.H.
This radius of curvature R is typically from 30 mm to 100 mm.

Preferably, and as illustrated on many figures (4c , 5c , 6c , 7a, 7b , etc.), the portion of said wall (40) forming said pouring spout may comprise an inner surface (410) forming with an horizontal plane, for example the horizontal mean plane (12), an angle less than 90 ° and typically ranging from 45 ° to 75 °, so as to facilitate the transfer of said product.

According to the cover-(1), said lateral wall (40) may comprise a so-called "high" part (400), of height H, comprising said spout (41), said wall being of length or extent L, of so as to form a stacking means (8) of said cover forming a shim for stacking said stack lid (3) and / or said stacked container after filling and closing by said lid.
Said wall (40) may comprise a so-called "low" portion (401), of height less than H, in particular to allow or facilitate said rotation or access to said orifice (43).
In the figures, said upper part (400) has been represented by a dark and continuous line, whereas the lower part (401) has been represented by a discontinuous dark line, as appears on the figures 7a , 9d , 10a, 10b and 13a .

Typically, said bottom (42) may be a bottom (420) inclined towards said rim (44), in the manner of a funnel, so that any fluid product falling inside said bowl (4) or on said bottom (42) can flow by gravity to said orifice (43) and thus fall into said body (2).

As illustrated in many figures, and especially in the figures, for example on the Figures 8b, 8c or 14b said flange (44) may comprise an inner projection (440) delimiting said orifice (43), so as to typically cooperate with said plug (6) forming in particular an axial abutment and / or radial for said plug (6).

As illustrated on the figure 4c for example, said orifice (43) may have a profile or horizontal circumference comprising at least one straight portion and at least two angular portions of radius of curvature R1 and R2, so that said flange and / or said projection may be used as a means of wringing, respectively, a flat brush and two round brushes radius typically R1 and R2, R1 and R2 typically ranging from 5 mm to 50 mm.

According to the invention, especially when said bowl (4) has a surface S 'much smaller than S, and typically with S / S'> 2, or when said bowl (4) is eccentric at the maximum relative to the lid (1 ), said peripheral area (5) may comprise an auxiliary stacking means (80) of said covers (1), typically formed by one or more pads or raised element, typically of same height H with respect to said peripheral area (5) than that of said upper part (400) or said spout (41) and spaced apart from said spout by a distance, in an average horizontal plane of said peripheral range, of at least equal to D / 2, so as to what said lids (1) are particularly suitable for forming a stable stack (3) of lids (1) or container (2) provided with said lids.
Indeed, when the bowl is of large relative area S with respect to the surface S of the lid, and more centrally with respect to the lid - for example the Figures 5c or 6c , an auxiliary stacking means (80) is not necessary to ensure the stacking of the lids (1) or containers with these lids.
On the other hand, if not, as illustrated in figures 7a , 9a to 9d , 10a to 13a , it is preferable to incorporate in the cover (1) auxiliary stacking means (80).

It is advantageous, as illustrated on the Figures 7c and 7d said auxiliary stacking means (80) can also form said vertical positioning means (7).

Typically, said upper part (400) of said bowl and said raised element (80) can be of same height H, in order to obtain an upper plane of horizontal stacking (81), said height H being typically chosen at least equal to the depth H 'of said hollow outer portion (200), and form or comprise, at their periphery or radial end, at least three radial stop portions (402, 82) intended to cooperate with said hollow outer portion, so as to prevent any radial displacement of one container relative to another in a stack and thus increase its stability.

As illustrated on Figures 7a to 10b said raised element (80) and said peripheral region (5) can form a single piece, typically either because, as in the case of Figures 7a to 8a the embossed element forms a projection which is molded or thermoformed together with said peripheral band, or because, as in the case of Figures 9a to 10b , the raised element (80) is obtained by local deformation of said peripheral strip, for example by stamping when said peripheral strip (5) is metallic.
As illustrated on Figures 12a and 12b said raised element (80) and said bowl (4) can form a single piece.
As illustrated on figures 1 the at 11c, said raised element (80) and said plug (6) can form a one-piece piece.

According to a modality of the invention illustrated for example on Figures 7a to 8c said bowl (4) and said peripheral pad (5) can form a one-piece piece, typically a molded or thermoformed piece of plastics material.
According to another modality illustrated in particular on Figures 9a to 12b said bowl (4) and said peripheral pad (5) can form two pieces secured by means of assembly, typically by means of an external projection (48) of said bowl (4), so as to form a junction zone (11) typically sealed.
Typically, said bowl (4) can form a plastic part, and said peripheral area (5) can form an annular metal or metalloplastic part having an inner edge (51) secured to said bowl (4) or to said external projection ( 48), typically by crimping, gluing, latching, or overmolding.

But it is also possible to form elements of the cover either of plastic, by molding or thermoforming, or metal-based, and to assemble them, typically by heat-sealing. Indeed, plastic elements such as a polyolefin (PE, PP for example) may be heat sealed to each other, just like a metal-based material, typically multilayer type PE / metal / PE, the outer layers PE or thermoplastic material then allowing assembly by heat sealing. It is also possible to assemble the elements of the lid by gluing, thanks to an adhesive supply between the elements to be assembled.
However, it is advantageous, when said bowl (4) said peripheral pad (5) consist of different materials, said assembly means forming the junction (11) is a reversible assembly means, so as to allow separation subsequent of said bowl (4) and said peripheral pad (5) for recycling materials constituting said lid.
This can be obtained by joining said bowl (4) and said peripheral strip (5) to a level of mechanical strength F - for example a pulling force to separate these two elements - predetermined, for example by playing on the width 1 of the overlap area (110) between said bowl (4) or its outer projection (48) and the inner edge (51) of said peripheral pad (5) - see FIG. figure 9b , so that F is greater than the mechanical stresses or wear constraints Fo encountered by the cover from its manufacture to its end use. Typically, the value of F is taken close to 2.Fo, and it is sufficient to apply a voluntary effort - manual or mechanical - separation at least equal to F to obtain the separation of the two elements (4) and (5).

• illustrent le cas de couvercles dotés d'opercules. Il convient de noter que ces figures peuvent inclure des moyens ou des éléments dont la présence est indépendante de celle de opercules.
  Ledit opercule (9) peut être une opercule thermoscellé sur la surface inférieure (13) dudit couvercle, s'étend au-delà de ladite cuvette et assure l'étanchéité de ladite zone de jonction (11) entre ladite cuvette (4) et ladite plage périphérique (5). Voir par exemple les figures 8c, 9c.
  Dans ce cas, comme illustré par exemple sur la figure 9c, ledit opercule (9) peut comprendre au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (90) longeant typiquement ledit orifice, de manière à ce que, par pression manuelle sur ledit opercule (9) lors d'une première ouverture, par exemple avec ledit instrument, ledit opercule (9) se déchire de manière à donner accès audit produit, ledit opercule déchiré se repliant à l'intérieur dudit corps.
  Comme illustré sur les figures 8b et 14b, ledit opercule (9) peut être un opercule thermoscellé sur la surface supérieure du couvercle et typiquement sur celle (441) de ladite projection intérieure (440), ledit opercule comprenant une languette de préhension (91) permettant typiquement de séparer manuellement l'opercule (9) du couvercle (1).

According to the invention, and depending in particular on the nature of the packaged product or the sealing or permeability requirements of the lid, a lid (9) may cover or seal at least said orifice (43), said lid (9) being typically a barrier material seal for said product, said seal (9), typically heat-sealed to said cover (1), to be removed or torn upon first opening of said cover (1). Many figures - see the Figures 8b, 8c , 9c not 11a, 11b , 12a and 12b

• illustrate the case of lids with lids. It should be noted that these figures may include means or elements whose presence is independent of that of operculas.
  Said cover (9) can be a heat-sealed cover on the lower surface (13) of said cover, extends beyond said bowl and seals said junction zone (11) between said bowl (4) and said peripheral beach (5). See for example the figures 8c , 9c .
  In this case, as illustrated for example on the Figure 9c said lid (9) may comprise at least one weakening line (90) typically along said orifice, so that, by manual pressure on said lid (9) during a first opening, for example with said instrument , said lid (9) is torn so as to give access to said product, said torn operculum folding inside said body.
  As illustrated on figures 8b and 14b said lid (9) may be a heat-sealed lid on the upper surface of the lid and typically on that (441) of said inner projection (440), said lid comprising a gripping tongue (91) typically for manually separating the lid (9) of the lid (1).

Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to have a lid (1) with two levels of sealing: during the storage of the packaged product - for example a paint rich in volatile solvents, an "absolute" seal can be obtained at using a foil seal, given the greater or lesser duration of storage or variable storage conditions, whereas after the first opening, the operculum being torn is the cap that will to ensure the watertightness to a possibly lower level, insofar as the pots or pails of paint, once opened, are made to be used within a more or less brief time.
Thus, according to the invention, taking into account the possibility of using a lid, and especially when the paints are aqueous dispersions, it is possible to have a less leakproof cap, and which may simply constitute a mechanical obstacle to the introduction of any foreign body into the painting, so that the extra cost incurred by the cover (9) can be compensated by a more economical manufacture of the assembly formed by the bowl (4) and the plug (6).

According to the invention, at least said bowl (4) may consist of a molded or thermoformed piece of thermoplastic material, typically PE, PP, PET, PVC, PA, chosen in nature and in thickness to present on the one hand mechanical characteristics and secondly the gas barrier properties required by the use and a chemical resistance adapted to said product.

The lids according to the invention apply to any type of body (2) of containers. Indeed, said outer edge (50) of said peripheral area (5) may have a profile adapted to cooperate, typically by crimping, heat sealing, snap-fastening, with said upper rim (23) of said container (2) to be closed, said upper flange (23) being a plane flange (230, 233), inclined flange (231, 234), or rolled flange (232, 235), said flat, inclined or rolled flange being able to be inside or outside said skirt, said outer edge (50) typically comprising a seal or sealing layer (54), so as to seal between said cover (1) and said body (2).
As illustrated on the figure 3c said outer edge (50) of said peripheral strip (5) may have a profile adapted to cooperate with an intermediate piece (24) joined to said upper flange (23) of said body (2).
See the figures 1 to 1 g with regard to the profiles of the upper flanges (23) of the container bodies (2).
See the Figures 2a to 2b and 3a to 3c with regard to the sealed cooperation of these upper edges (23) with the outer edges (50) of the peripheral areas (5).

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a manual gripping means (14) can be secured to said cover (1), to said bowl (4) or to said peripheral area (5), so as to allow the removal of a handle secured to said container, as is generally the case for pots or buckets of 2 liters or more capacity. It is even more advantageous that this gripping means is formed using another means already present in the lid, for example the stacking means (8), as illustrated on the Figures 12a to 12c , where it is seen that the auxiliary stacking means (80) integral with the bowl (4) comprises a gripping ring (800) through which can pass one or more finger phalangettes. This gripping means (14) could of course take all kinds of forms, the modality represented on the Figures 12a to 12c being an example.

Another object of the invention is constituted by a container whose body (2) is closed by a lid (1) according to the invention.

EXAMPLES OF REALIZATION

The Figures 2a to 14c are examples of embodiments of lids (1) according to the invention.

Lids according to Figures 7a to 8c and 13a were made of PE by molding. The combination "bowl (4) and peripheral pad (5)" was molded separately on the one hand. However, in the case of the lid (1) of the figure 8a the entire lid, including the plug (6), is also molded.

With regard to lids according to Figures 9a to 12b , and 14a to 14c, firstly the standard peripheral areas (5) made of steel for the lids of paint pots, steel which comprises an inner lining, usually a lacquer, and an outer covering forming a decoration or a impression. These peripheral areas (5) were obtained by cutting and shaping, particularly by stamping, from web material or format.
These peripheral areas have been manufactured in particular by taking standard steel covers of the state of the art and by cutting the surface S 'corresponding to the bowl (4).
Thus, a series of lids (1) has been manufactured by cutting the same surface S 'in a series of lids of different shapes and sizes, and assembling a same bowl (4), to obtain a whole series of lids (1) as illustrated on the Figures 9d , 10a and 10b .

According to the three modes of assembly of the peripheral areas (5) and the cuvettes (4), as illustrated by way of example on the Figures 9a to 9c in order to form these peripheral areas (5), it is preferable to use multilayer materials comprising PE-sealable inner and / or outer coatings so as not to require a specific adhesive layer.

On the other hand, the different types of bowls (4) which can have their incorporated stoppers have been manufactured - see figure 9b - by molding PE.
In the case where the plug (6) forms a separate part, it is then manufactured apart and assembled by a simple axial snap, as appears on the figures 7b , 11b and 12a , which is advantageous in terms of production cost.

However, in the case of assembly according to figure 9a the inner edge (51) of the peripheral region (5) is introduced into the mold so as to form the bowl by overmolding the inner edge (51). In this case, it is not necessary that the bowl comprises an outer projection (48) - not shown in a figure.
In the cases represented on the Figures 9b and 9c the inner edge (51) on or below the outer projection (48) of the bowl (4) has been heat-sealed by means of axial pressure with heating jaws.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

• une cuvette (4) formant un "bac de rétention" entourant l'orifice, de manière à limiter les risques de perte de peinture et les risques de salissure, les deux étant typiquement liés,
• un bouchon amovible (6) typiquement solidaire du couvercle pour ne pas être égaré,
• un bec verseur (41) intégré à ladite cuvette permettant d'éviter des coulures de peinture sur le corps du récipient,
• un moyen de gerbage des pots conduisant à des piles stables, de manière à limiter l'encombrement au sol des pots de peintures,
• un moyen pour éviter la coulure du bouchon en position ouverte,
• un moyen d'essorage des brosses, pinceaux, ou rouleaux,
• un moyen de support transitoire de ces brosses et pinceaux,
• une facilité de recyclage des couvercles.

The lids (1) according to the invention have many advantages, because, on the one hand, they simultaneously solve many problems encountered by the users of paints, offering in particular for each container body (2) closed by these lids (1):

• a bowl (4) forming a "retention tank" surrounding the orifice, so as to limit the risk of loss of paint and the risk of contamination, both of which are typically linked,
• a removable cap (6) typically secured to the lid so as not to be lost,
• a spout (41) integrated in said bowl to prevent paint dripping on the container body,
• a means of stacking pots leading to stable stacks, so as to limit the footprint of the paint pots,
• means for preventing the plug from running in the open position,
• a means for wiping brushes, brushes, or rollers,
• transient support means for these brushes and brushes,
• ease of recycling lids.

• l'adaptation de ces couvercles (1) à tout type de corps de récipient,
• l'adaptation de ces couvercles (1) à tout type de produit contenu, en ce qui concerne l'étanchéité souhaité durant le stockage et/ou durant son utilisation,
• la fabrication industrielle sur ligne à grande cadence aisée par son côté modulaire, par l'assemblage axial des éléments constituant le couvercle (1),
• le gerbage des couvercles (1),
• la possibilité de fabriquer un grand nombre de couvercles (1) de dimensions et formes différentes à partir d'un modèle unique de cuvette (4) et de bouchon (6),
• la possibilité d'incorporer un nombre plus ou moins grand des moyens qui résolvent les problèmes des utilisateurs, en fonction de l'ordre de priorité de ces problèmes, ordre qui peut varier selon les pays ou les continents,
• la possibilité de présenter une offre totalement renouvelée dans un domaine relativement traditionaliste en faisant varier l'apparence du couvercle, ou encore la possibilité d'offrir à la commercialisation des couvercles (1) dont le haut niveau technique peut apparaître visuellement, ce qui est très avantageux dans une domaine qui est notamment celui de la grande consommation où l'achat d'un produit n'est pas seulement conditionné par des considérations d'ordre technique sur le contenu mais également par l'aspect visuel ou les performances techniques du contenant.

On the other hand, these lids also have advantages for the manufacturer and designer of lids and packaging for the conditioning of the paint, namely:

• adapting these lids (1) to any type of container body,
• the adaptation of these lids (1) to any type of product contained, as regards the desired sealing during storage and / or during its use,
• the industrial production on line at high rate easy by its modular side, by the axial assembly of the elements constituting the lid (1),
• the stacking of the lids (1),
• the possibility of manufacturing a large number of covers (1) of different sizes and shapes from a single model of bowl (4) and plug (6),
• the possibility of incorporating a greater or lesser number of means that solve the problems of the users, according to the order of priority of these problems, order which can vary according to the countries or the continents,
• the possibility of presenting a completely renewed offer in a relatively traditionalist field by varying the appearance of the lid, or the possibility of offering the marketing of lids (1) whose high technical level can appear visually, which is very advantageous in an area that It is notably that of mass consumption where the purchase of a product is not only conditioned by considerations of a technical nature on the content but also by the visual aspect or the technical performance of the container.

LIST OF REFERENCES

Lid 1 Hinge between 6 and 4 or 5 10 Junction between 4 and 5 11 Recovery area 110 Average plan of 5 - horizontal 12 Lower surface of 1 13 Manual gripping means 14 Vertical axis perpendicular to 12 15 Container body 2 Background 20 Hollow outer part 200 Support edge - crimping bead 201 Jape 21 Superior opening 22 Upper edge - cooperates with 50 23 Outside plane edge 230 Outside inclined edge 231 Outside rolled edge 232 Inside edge 233 Inside inclined edge 234 Inside rolled edge 235 Intermediate piece 24 Rolled seam 240 joint 25 Sealant layer 26 Stack of lids 1 3 Bowl of 1 4 Side wall 40 Upper part" 400 Lower part" 401 Radial abutment 402 Slide 403 Obviously at the bottom of the wall for 69 404 Obviously cooperating with 600 405 Spout 41 Inclined internal surface 410 Upper end 411 Bi-stable tongue 412 Background 42 Inclined bottom 420 Orifice - obviously 42 43 Main part 430 Secondary part 431 Edge of 43 44 Indoor projection 440 440 upper surface 441 Snap-in means - cooperates with 65 45 Female part 450 Spin Bar 46 Wire rack 47 Outdoor projection 48 Upper surface 480 Lower surface 481 Support plate 49 Lateral orifice 490 Peripheral range of 1 5, 5 ', 5 " Outer edge - cooperates with 23 50 Inner edge (cooperates with 4 - 49) 51 Snap hook 50 52 Crimp hook 50 53 Seal of 50 54 Sealing layer of 50 55 Removable closure means - cap 6 Means of solidarity 60 Vertical positioning means of 6 600 One-piece flexible tongue with 4 or 5 or 8 61 Flexible tongue assembled at 4 or 5 or 8 62 Rigid arm assembled to 4 or 5 or 8 63 End of 62 or 63 64 Snap-in means - cooperates with 45 65 Male part 650 Inner surface 66 Gripping means - tongue 67 Ring seal 68 Stopper - shutter with drawer cooperating with 403 69 Handle 690 Horizontal positioning means - stop 7 Horizontal plane of the cap 6 70 Stacking means - shim formed by 400 8 Auxiliary stacking means - stud or element in relief 80 Gripping means - ring 800 Upper plane of stacking 81 Radial abutment 82 Arm or tongue fastening to the cap 6 83 Sealing layer 84 Arm or tab for securing to the bowl 4 85 operculum 9 Line of weakening 90 Gripping tab 91

Claims (40)

1. Lid (1) that will close a receptacle, typically intended to contain a fluid product such as a paint or a powder, to be applied manually using an instrument such as a brush, the said receptacle comprising a body (2) provided with a bottom (20) typically provided with a hollow outer part (200), a skirt (21) with an upper rim (22) delimiting an upper opening (23) with area S typically varying from 25 cm² to 2500 cm² and with its largest dimension D typically varying from 5 cm to 50 cm, and designed to be closed off by the said lid (1), characterised in that:

   a) the said lid (1) comprises a dish (4) with area S' and its largest diameter D' and a peripheral strip (5) fixed to the said dish (4) and provided with an outer edge (50) cooperating in a sealed manner with the said upper rim (22), the said area S' typically varying from 0.1S to 0.9S and the said largest dimension D' typically varying from 0.1 D to 0.9D,

   b) the said dish (4) comprises a sidewall (40) and a bottom (42), a part of the said wall forming a pouring spout (41) with height H above the said peripheral strip (5), so as to facilitate pouring of the said product,

   c) the said bottom (42) comprises an orifice or a recess (43) delimited by a rim (44) and forming an opening with area S" and its largest dimension D", the said area S" typically varying from 0.1S' to 0.9S' and the said largest dimension D" typically varying from 0.1D' to 0.9D' so as to enable passage of the said instrument,

   d) the said lid (1) comprises a manually removable closing means, typically a cap (6), designed to close off the said orifice (43), so as to be able to manually close or open the said orifice (43) as many times as necessary, typically by rotation of the said removable closing means.
2. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said removable closing means comprises a means of fixing (60) to the said dish (4) or to the said peripheral strip (5), the said fixing means (60) being either permanent or removable.
3. Lid according to claim 2 in which the said fixing means (60) is permanent and includes a flexible tab (61) typically forming a single piece part with the said dish (4) or with the said peripheral part (5).
4. Lid according to claim 2 in which the said fixing means (60) includes a flexible tab (62), or a rigid arm (63), fitted with an end (64) comprising means of cooperation (65) with the said dish (4) or with the said peripheral strip (5), typically by bonding or click fitting, so as to form a permanent or typically removable fixing means depending on the case.
5. Lid according to claim 4 in which the said click fitting means forming the said cooperation means (65) includes male or female parts, one being fixed to the said removable closing means (650), the other (450) being fixed to the said dish (4) or the said peripheral strip (5)
6. Lid according to any one of claims 2 to 5 in which the said fixing means (60) forms a hinge (10) for the said cap (6).
7. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the said dish (4) or the said peripheral strip (5) or the said cap (6) includes a vertical positioning means (7) , typically a stop, such that when the said cap (6) is open, its inner surface (66) forms a typically horizontal plane and this avoids running of the said product sticking to its inner surface.
8. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the said dish (4) typically forms a vertical positioning means, typically due to the said sidewall (40), or inclined at an angle > 90° such that when the said cap (6) is open, its inner surface (66) forms a vertical or inclined plane, enabling the product to flow towards the said orifice and also providing a wiping surface for the said instrument.
9. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said sidewall (40) includes parallel slides (403) and a recess (404) to enable translation of a drawer sealing means (69) comprising a handle on the outside of the said dish.
10. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the said dish (4) includes a bar typically passing through the said orifice (43) so as to form a wiping bar for the said instrument.
11. Lid according to claim 10 in which the said wiping bar (46) forms a partition of the said orifice (43), a main part (430) of the said orifice being intended for passage of the said instrument, a secondary part (431) adjacent to the said pouring spout being designed to allow flow of the said product when the said product is transferred.
12. Lid according to claim 11 in which the said secondary part (431) has a typically triangular section with a vertex forming part of the said pouring spout(41).
13. Lid according to either claim 11 or 12 in which the said secondary part (431) is closed off by a possibly removable grid (47).
14. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in which the height H of the said part of the sidewall (40) forming the said pouring spout (41) varies from 5 mm to 30 mm and is typically located at a distance d from the said upper rim (23) varying from 1 to 50 mm.
15. Lid according to claim 14 in which the said pouring spout (41) includes a bi-stable flexible tab (412) in the folded down position when the said lid (1) or the said receptacle fitted with the said lid forms a stack, in the extended upwards position so that the said product can be transferred, the said pouring spout (41) having a thinned upper end (411), with a flexibility and radius of curvature R adapted so as to obtain a tab (412) with two stable positions, so that when the said tab is extended, the height H' > H and is equal to at least 1.30 H.
16. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in which the part of the said wall (40) forming the said pouring spout includes an inner surface (410) forming an angle of less than 90° with the horizontal plane, and typically varying from 45° to 75°, to facilitate transfer of the said product.
17. Lid according to any one of claims 14 to 16 in which the said sidewall (40) includes a so-called "top" part (400) with height H comprising the said pouring spout (41), the said wall having a length or size L, so as to form a stacking means (8) of the said lid forming a thickness shim for stacking the said lid in a stack (3) and/or the said receptacle in a stack after it has been filled and closed by the said lid.
18. Lid according to claim 17 in which the said wall (40) includes a so-called "bottom" part (401) with height lower than H, particularly to enable or facilitate the said rotation or access to the said orifice (43).
19. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 18 in which the said bottom (42) is a bottom (420) inclined towards the said rim (44) like a funnel, such that any fluid product that drops inside the said dish (4) or onto the said bottom (42) can flow by gravity towards the said orifice (43) and thus drop into the said body (2) .
20. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in which the said rim (44) comprises an inner projection (440) delimiting the said orifice (43), so as to typically cooperate with the said cap (6) particularly by forming an axial and radial stop for the said cap (6) .
21. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in which the said orifice (43) has a horizontal profile or periphery comprising at least one straight portion and at least two angular portions with radii of curvature R1 and R2, such that the said rim and/or the said projection may be used as a wiping means for a flat brush and for two round brushes with radii of curvature typically equal to approximately R1 and R2 respectively, where R1 and R2 typically vary from 5 mm to 50 mm.
22. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 21 in which the said peripheral strip (5) includes an auxiliary stacking means (80) for the said lids (1), typically formed by one or several pads or elements in relief, typically with the same height H above the said peripheral strip (5) as the height of the said top part (400) or the said pouring spout (41) and at a distance equal to at least D/2 from the said pouring spout in an average horizontal plane of the said peripheral strip, such that in particular the said lids (1) can be put into a stable stack (3) of lids (1) or receptacles (2) fitted with the said lids.
23. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said auxiliary stacking means (80) also forms the said vertical positioning means (7).
24. Lid according to either claim 22 or 23 in which the said upper part (400) of the said dish and the said element in relief (80) have the same height H, so as to give an upper stacking plane (81) that is horizontal, the said height H typically being chosen to be equal to at least the depth H' of the said hollow outer part (200), and form or comprise at least three parts at their periphery or radial end forming radial stops (402, 82) that will cooperate with the said outer hollow part, so as to prevent any radial displacement of one receptacle with respect to another in a stack and thus increase its stability.
25. Lid according to any one of claims 22 to 24 in which the said element in relief (80) and the said peripheral strip (5) form a single piece part.
26. Lid according to any one of claims 22 to 24 in which the said element in relief (80) and the said dish (4) form a single piece part.
27. Lid according to any one of claims 22 to 24 in which the said element in relief (80) and the said cap 6 form a single piece part.
28. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 27 in which the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5) form a single piece part, typically a plastic moulded or thermoformed part.
29. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 27 in which the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5) form two parts fixed by an assembly means, typically using an external projection (48) from the said dish (4), so as to form a typically sealed junction area (11) .
30. Lid according to claim 29 in which the said dish (4) forms a part made of plastic, and the said peripheral strip (5) forms a metallic or annular metalloplastic part with an inner edge (51) fixed to the said dish (4) or to the said outer projection (48), typically by crimping, bonding, click fitting or insert moulding.
31. Lid according to either claim 29 or 30 in which when the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5) are composed of different materials, the said assembly means forming the junction (11) is a reversible assembly means, so as to enable subsequent separation of the said dish and the said peripheral strip to enable recycling of the materials from which the said lid is made.
32. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 31 in which a closer (9) covers or closes at least the said orifice (43), the said closer (9) typically being a closer made of a barrier material for the said product, the said closer (9) typically heat sealed to the said lid (1), having to be removed or torn off the first time that the said lid (1) is opened.
33. Lid according to either claim 29 or 30, and according to claim 30 in which the said closer (9) is a closer heat sealed on the inner surface (13) of the said lid and extends beyond the said dish and seals the said junction area (11) between the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5).
34. Lid according to claim 33 in which the said closer (9) comprises at least one line of weakness (90) typically running along the said orifice, such that when manual pressure is applied on the said closer (9) at the time of the first opening, for example with the said instrument, the said closer (9) tears so as to provide access to the said product, the said torn off closer folding inside the said body.
35. Lid according to either claim 29 or 30, and according to claim 30 in which the said closer (9) is a heat sealed closer on the upper surface of the lid and typically on the surface (441) of the said inner projection (440), the said closer comprising a gripping tab (91) that is typically used to separate the closer (9) from the lid (1).
36. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 35 in which at least the said dish (4) is composed of a moulded or thermoformed part made of a thermoplastic material, typically PE, PP, PET, PVC or PA, chosen with a nature and thickness to have firstly mechanical properties and secondly gas barrier properties required for use and an adapted chemical resistance to the said product.
37. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 36 in which the said outer edge (50) of the said peripheral strip (5) a profile capable of cooperating with the said upper rim (23) of the said receptacle (2) to be closed, typically by crimping, heat sealing or force fitting, the said upper rim (23) being either a plane rim (230, 233), or an inclined rim (231, 234), or a rolled rim (232, 235), the said plane, inclined or rolled rim possibly being inside or outside the said skirt, the said outer edge (50) typically comprising a seal or a sealing layer (54) to make a seal between the said lid (1) and the said body (2) .
38. Lid according to claim 37 in which the said outer edge (50) of the said peripheral strip (5) has a profile capable of cooperating with an intermediate part (24) assembled to the said upper rim (23) of the said body (2).
39. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 38 in which a manual gripping means (14) is fixed to the said lid (1 to the said dish (4) or to the said peripheral strip (5) so that there is no longer any need for a handle fixed to the said receptacle.
40. Receptacle comprising a body (2) closed by a lid (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

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