EP2468656A1

EP2468656A1 - A device for removing a lid from a container and a lid and a container comprising such device

Info

Publication number: EP2468656A1
Application number: EP10197062A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johan Strandberg
Original assignee: Metalvarefabriken Baltic AS
Current assignee: Metalvarefabriken Baltic AS
Priority date: 2010-12-27
Filing date: 2010-12-27
Publication date: 2012-06-27

Abstract

A device (12) for removing a lid (11) from a container (10), comprising a grip portion (17), a protrusion (18) and an intermediate portion (19) connecting the grip portion (17) and the protrusion (18), wherein the intermediate portion (19) is arranged for extending between a flange (13) of the lid (11) and a rim (16) of the container (10), and wherein the protrusion (18) extends at an angle from the intermediate portion (19) to engage a bottom surface of the flange (13) and to extend at least partially along the bottom surface of the flange (13), so that the lid (11) is removed from the container (10) when the grip portion (17) is pulled. The invention also relates to a lid provided with such device and a container with such lid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for removing a lid from a container. Containers of this type can contain various types of products, such as liquids, semi liquids, solids, powders etc. Containers of this type can for example contain liquids, such as paint, solvents, stain, glaze, glue and similar. Containers of this type can also contain various types of foodstuff, such as corn flakes, chocolate milk, etc. Such containers and lids can be made of sheet metal. Alternatively, such containers and lids can be made of plastic materials, fibre materials, cellulose based materials or any other suitable material.
The invention also relates to a lid connected to the device for removal thereof and also to a container having a lid connected to such device.

PRIOR ART

Conventionally a tool is used for removing a lid from a container, such as a sheet metal container for paints and similar. Such tools comprise a grip portion, a tip to be inserted under a flange of the lid, and an intermediate portion for engaging the rim of the container, so that the lid can be elevated and detached from the container when the grip portion is pushed downwards.

SUMMARY

One object of the present invention is to provide a device for removing a lid from a container which eliminates the requirement of a separate tool for removal thereof. The device for removing a lid from a container can comprise a grip portion, a protrusion and an intermediate portion connecting the grip portion and the protrusion, wherein the intermediate portion is arranged for extending in a gap between a flange of the lid and a rim of the container, and wherein the protrusion extends at an angle from the intermediate portion to engage a bottom surface of the flange of the lid and to extend at least partially along the bottom surface of the flange, so that the lid is removed from the container when the grip portion is pulled. Hence, the lid is displaced together with the device, so that the lid is removed when the grip portion of the device is pulled. The device can be arranged on the lid before mounting of the lid to the container, wherein no separate tool is necessary for opening the container.
The device can extend along the entire bottom surface of the flange. For example, the device can be annular forming a closed loop for extending along the entire bottom surface of the flange. For example, the protrusion can be annular forming a closed loop for extending along the entire bottom surface of the flange. The protrusion can enclose the entire circumference of a sealing wall of the lid to form a strong and durable device. Alternatively, the protrusion can arranged as an open loop extending around a substantial portion of the lid.
The protrusion can extend substantially perpendicular to the intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion can extend between the flange and the top portion of the container to connect the protrusion with the grip portion while the protrusion engages the bottom side of the flange.
The intermediate portion can comprise a bead for engaging a top surface of the flange, so that the protrusion, the intermediate portion and the bead partially enclose a peripheral part of the flange to form a snap locking of the device to the flange of the lid. Hence, the device can be attached to the lid, wherein the bead reduces the risk of the device slipping off the lid unintentionally. The bead can extend continuously around the flange of the lid when the device is attached to the lid. Alternatively, the bead can be interrupted, wherein a plurality of beads can be distributed around the flange when the device is attached to the lid.
According to one embodiment the lid with the flange is provided with the device for removing the lid from the container. According to one further embodiment a container is provided with the lid carrying the device for removing the lid from the container
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the device for removing a lid from a container according to this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container and a lid provided with a device for removing the lid from the container according to one embodiment,
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the container, lid and device for removing the lid from the container according to one embodiment,
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 is a schematic section view of a portion of the container, lid and device according to one embodiment, wherein the container is sealed by means of the lid, and
Figs. 5-7 is a series of schematic section views of a portion of the container, lid and device according to Fig. 4, showing removal of the lid from the container by means of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

With reference to Fig. 1 a container 10 having a lid 11 provided with a device 12 for removing the lid 11 from the container 10 is illustrated. The container 10 is for example arranged for containing a liquid, such as paint, solvents, stain, glaze, glue and similar. Alternatively, the container 10 is arranged for containing solid materials or powder materials. For example, the container 10 and the lid 11 are made of sheet metal. Alternatively, the container 10 and the lid 11 are made of another suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials, cellulose based materials or any other suitable material. According to one embodiment, the container 10 is a conventional sheet metal container for a liquid, i.e. a conventional paint can, comprising a conventional sheet metal lid.
With reference also to Fig. 2 the container 10, the lid 11 and the device 12 for removing the lid 11 from the container 10 have been separated for the purpose of illustration. The lid 11 comprises a flange 13 forming a peripheral portion of the lid. The flange 13 is, for example, a conventional circumferential flange 13. The lid 11 also comprises a sealing wall 14 connected to the flange 13. For example, the sealing wall 14 is terminated with the flange 13. The sealing wall 14 is arranged for interfacing with the container 10 for sealing thereof. For example, the sealing wall 14 extends at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular, to the flange 13. Hence, normally the flange 13 extends substantially horizontally and the sealing wall 14 extends substantially vertical. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sealing wall 14 is cylindrical following the shape of the lid 11 and the container 10. However, other shapes can be used, such as an oval, elliptic or rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. For example, the sealing wall 14 can be formed by a U-shaped folding of the lid 11, which is described in more detail below.
The container 10 is for example provided with an open top portion 15 having a rim 16 for interfacing with the lid 11 to seal the container 10. The rim 16 interfaces with the sealing wall 14 of the lid 11, which is described in more detail below. The container 10 can be arranged for receiving the lid 11, so that the lid 11 is arranged substantially level with the top portion 15 of the container 10, wherein top portion 15 encloses the circumference of the flange 13 when the lid 11 is mounted on the container 10. For example, the top portion 15 wider than at least the adjacent portion of the container 10. For example, the top portion 15 wider than the rest of the container 10.
With reference also to Fig. 3, the device 12 comprises a grip portion 17, a protrusion 18 and an intermediate portion 19 connecting the grip portion 17 and the protrusion 18. The grip portion 17 is arranged to be gripped by a person for removing the lid 11 from the container 10 by means of manual handling of the device 12. For example, the grip portion 17 is arranged to be pulled by a person for opening the container 10. According to the drawings, the grip portion 17 extends substantially horizontally, i.e. in parallel to or in line with the lid 11, wherein the grip portion 17 projects beyond the circumference of the top portion 15 of the container 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the grip portion 17 extends substantially vertical. For example, the grip portion 17 is formed as an annular pull handle, which is not illustrated in the drawings. The grip portion 17 extends for example around a section of the circumference of the device 12.
The protrusion 18 is connected to the grip portion 17 by means of the intermediate portion 19. The protrusion 18 is arranged for projecting under the flange 13 of the lid 11, which is described in more detail below. The protrusion 18 projects in a radial direction towards the centre of the device 12. According to Fig. 3, the protrusion 18 projects substantially in parallel to the grip portion 17 and substantially horizontally when the lid 11 with the device 12 is mounted on a conventional paint can. Further, the protrusion 18 extends around at least a portion of the device 12 or around the centre of the device 12. According to Fig. 3, the protrusion 18 is formed as a closed loop. For example, the protrusion 18 is annular. Alternatively, the protrusion 18 is formed as an open loop. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 18 are distributed around the device 12, supported by the intermediate portion 19.
The intermediate portion 19 connects the grip portion 17 and the protrusion 18 and extends substantially vertical when the device 12 is connected to the lid 11 of a conventional paint can. According to Fig. 3, the intermediate portion 19 extends substantially perpendicular to the grip portion 17 and the protrusion 18, wherein the grip portion 17 extends in a radial direction from the exterior side of the intermediate portion 19 and the protrusion 18 extends in a radial direction from the interior side of the intermediate portion 19. For example, a plurality of intermediate portions 19a-d is distributed around the device 12 forming one or more recesses 20 for receiving a conventional tool for removal of the lid 11 and opening the container 10 in a conventional manner. Hence, the tip of a conventional tool can be inserted through the recess 20 and under the flange 13 to displace the flange 13 and the lid 11 upwards for removal of the lid 11 from the container 10. The intermediate portions 19a-d can be supported by the protrusion 18 as disclosed in Fig. 3. Alternatively, one continuous intermediate portion 19 extends in a closed loop. The intermediate portion 19 is provided with a bead 21 extending from the interior side of the intermediate portion 19 substantially in a radial direction in parallel to the protrusion 18 towards the centre of the device 12. The bead 21 is arranged a distance from the protrusion 18 forming a space between the bead 21 and the protrusion 18 for receiving a peripheral part of the flange 13. The bead 21 also extends along at least a portion of the intermediate portion 19. The bead 21 is described in more detail below.
With reference to Fig. 4 a portion of the container 10 with the lid 11 and the device 12 is disclosed, wherein the lid 11 is mounted on the container 10 and the device 12 is attached to the lid 11. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the container 10 is provided with the rim 16. The rim 16 comprises an interior sealing portion 22 for interfacing with the sealing wall 14 of the lid 11. For example, the sealing portion 22 and the sealing wall 14 are substantially level and vertical surfaces. The sealing portion 22 and/or the sealing wall 14 can be resiliently flexible so as to provide a sealing force in a conventional manner. The rim 16 can also comprise an exterior portion 23 forming a shoulder 24 on the exterior side of the top portion 15 of the container 10. Alternatively, the shoulder 24 can be arranged directly on the outside of the container 10. For example, a top portion of the flange 13 is arranged at substantially the same level as the top portion 15 of the container 10, wherein the flange 13 is circumferentially enclosed by the top portion 15 of the container 10. The flange 13 is arranged at a distance from the interior side of the top portion 15 or the rim 16 in a conventional manner, forming a gap between the flange 13 and the interior side of the container 10.
The device 12 extends from the outside of the container 10, over the rim 16, into the gap between the flange 13 and the top portion 15 or rim 16 of the container 10 and further into a space under the flange 13 between the bottom surface of the flange 13 and the sealing portion 22 of the rim 16, wherein the grip portion 17 is arranged outside the container 10 and the protrusion 18 is arranged under the flange 13 of the lid 11. For example, the protrusion 18 engages the bottom surface of the flange 13. For example, the protrusion 18 is arranged between the bottom surface of the flange 13 and the sealing portion 22 of the rim 16, wherein the protrusion 18 substantially extends to the sealing wall 14 of the lid 11. Hence, the protrusion 18 extends in a radial direction towards a centre of the device 12 and a centre axis of the container 10.
The intermediate portion 19 extends from the protrusion 18, through the gap between the outside of the flange 13 and the rim 16 and to the grip portion 17. Hence, the intermediate portion 19 is arranged between the periphery of the flange 13 and the interior of the top portion 15 or the rim 16 of the container 10. According to the drawings, the grip portion 17 extends over the top portion 15 of the container 10 and the rim 16 and projects in a radial direction from the container 10, so that it can be gripped by a person.
According to the drawings, the intermediate portion 19 is provided with the bead 21. The bead 21 projects from the intermediate portion 19 in a direction parallel to the protrusion 18 to engage a top surface of the flange 13, forming a snap lock for fastening the device 12 to the lid 11. Hence, the bead 21 projects in a radial direction towards a centre axis of the container 10 and towards a centre of the device 12. The protrusion 18 and the bead 21 engage substantially opposite sides of the flange 13 to fasten the device 12 to the lid 11 by means of a snap lock mechanism. The protrusion 18 and the bead 21 can be somewhat resilient due to the material of the device 12.
According to Fig. 4, the grip portion 17 is provided with a projection 25 for interfacing with the shoulder 24, so that the grip portion 17 can be snapped over the top portion 15 of the container 10 and fastened. The projection 25 projects substantially in a radial direction towards the centre of the device 12 and towards the container 10 to engage the shoulder 24. The projection 25 is arranged under the shoulder 24 to reduce the risk of unintentional movement of the grip portion 17 upwards and thus reduce the risk of unintentional opening of the lid 11.
Figs. 4-7 illustrate removal of the lid 11 from the container 10 by means of the device 12 according to one example. In Fig. 4 the lid 11 is attached to the container 10, wherein the container 10 is sealed by means of the lid 11 and the device 12 is connected to the lid 11. For example, the device 12 is mounted on the lid 11 before the lid 11 is arranged on the container 10. To remove the lid 11 from the container 10 by means of the device 12, the grip portion 17 is gripped by a person and pulled and turned upwards as illustrated by means of arrow A in Fig. 5. When the grip portion 17 is pulled upwards and bent or rotated inwards, as illustrated by means of arrow A in Fig. 5, the projection 25 is disengaged from the shoulder 24. Further, the protrusion 18 is displaced upwards together with the grip portion 17, wherein the protrusion 18 arranged around at least a portion of the bottom side of the flange 13 force the lid 11 upwards. Hence, the lid 11 is forced upwards, wherein the sealing wall 14 is displaced along the sealing portion 22. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the sealing wall 14 comprises an indentation 26 at its lower portion to facilitate the upwards movement of the lid 11. The lid 11 can also be provided with a bead interfacing with the rim 16, which bead not is illustrated in the drawings. Said bead can extend around the lid 11 adjacent the indentation 26, except where the grip portion 17 is arranged. Hence, said bead is interrupted in the area of the grip portion 17. When the device 12 is further displaced upwards the indentation 26 passes the sealing portion 22 of the rim 16, as disclosed in Fig. 6. The lid 11 with the device 12 is completely disengaged from the container 10 in Fig. 7.

Claims

A device (12) for removing a lid (11) from a container (10), comprising a grip portion (17), a protrusion (18) and an intermediate portion (19) connecting the grip portion (17) and the protrusion (18), wherein the intermediate portion (19) is arranged for extending in a gap between a flange (13) of the lid (11) and a rim (16) of the container (10), and wherein the protrusion (18) extends at an angle from the intermediate portion (19) to engage a bottom surface of the flange (13) and to extend at least partially along the bottom surface of the flange (13), so that the lid (11) is removed from the container (10) when the grip portion (17) is pulled.
A device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (18) is arranged to extend along the entire bottom surface of the flange (13).
A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion (18) extends substantially perpendicular to the intermediate portion (19).
A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a recess (20) for receiving a conventional tool for removal of the lid (11).
A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip portion (17) projects substantially perpendicular to the intermediate portion (19).
A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (19) comprises a bead (21) for engaging a top surface of the flange (13), so that the protrusion (18), the intermediate portion (19) and the bead (21) partially enclose the flange (13) to form a snap locking of the device (12) to the flange (13) of the lid (11).
A device according to claim 6, wherein the bead (21) is continuous or interrupted.
A lid (11) for a container (10), comprising a flange (13) and being connected to a device (12) according to any of claims 1-7.
A lid according to claim 8, wherein the flange (13) is circumferential and is connected to a sealing wall (14) for engaging a sealing portion (22) of a rim (16) of the container (10).
A lid according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion (18) engages a bottom surface of the flange (13) and extends at least partially around the circumference of the sealing wall (14).
A lid according to any of claims 8-10, wherein a bead (21) on the intermediate portion (19) engages a top surface of the flange (13) forming a snap lock for fastening the device (12) to the lid (11).
A lid according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the sealing wall is formed by a substantially U-shaped portion of the lid.
A container (10) having a lid (11) connected to a device (12) according to any of claims 1-7.
A container according to claim 13, wherein the container (10) comprises a rim (16) having a sealing portion (22), wherein the lid (11) comprises a flange (13) and a sealing wall (14) for engaging the sealing portion (22) of the rim (16), wherein the protrusion (18) engages a bottom surface of the flange (13) and extends at least partially around the circumference of the sealing wall (14), and wherein the intermediate portion (19) extends between the flange (13) of the lid (11) and the top portion (15) of the container (10).
A container according to claim 14, wherein a bead (21) on the intermediate portion (19) engages a top surface of the flange (13), so that the protrusion (18) and the bead (21) of the intermediate portion (19) form a snap lock for fastening the device (12) to the lid (11).