ES2539779T3 - Resealable container system for storing paint - Google Patents

Abstract

A resealable container system for storing paint, the system comprises: a container body (1) having a closed base (11) and a metal side wall (12) extending, in use, upwards from the base for define with the base an inner volume to contain paint, the metal side wall having a top edge portion (13) rolled outwardly to form a container flange (14) defining a mouth of the container body; and a removable cover (2) adapted to be pressed on the container body towards a closed position in which the lid seals said mouth, the lid comprises an inner portion (21) and an outer metal portion (23) surrounding the inner portion, the outer metal portion comprises a sealing portion (23) adapted to engage with at least a portion of an upper surface (141) of the container flange, when the lid is in a closed position to form a seal between the lid and the body of the container, the seal extends around the edge of the container, an outer wall portion (24) connected to the sealing portion and adapted to extend, when the lid is in the closed position, passing under an outer edge of the container flange, and a lid edge portion (25), which extends from a lower end of the outer wall portion, wherein the sealing portion comprises a sealing surface (231) adapted to form said seal with the upper surface (141) of the container flange such that said seal extends over at least one upper outer quadrant of the surface of the container flange, said outer metal portion of the lid is formed of a metal sheet and said sealing surface is a surface of said metal sheet, and said sealing surface (231) is adapted to conform to said upper surface (141) of the container flange, the resealable container system is characterized in that the lid edge portion (25) is rolled inwardly to form a lid flange (26), the lid flange is arranged to engage and grab a portion of the bottom surface of the container flange when the lid is in the closed position to keep the lid in place, and because the system also comprises an opening tool (3) to separate the lid from the container body, the tool (3) comprises a lever portion (31) and a hook portion (32) attached to the lever portion, the lever and hook portions are arranged such that the tool can be arranged in at least one opening position, with respect to to the container body and the closed lid, in which the hook portion engages and engages a portion of the lid flange and the lever portion pivots against at least one pivot point on an outer surface of the outer lid portion, such that when an upper end of the lever portion moves radially inwardly to rotate the lever portion around the pivot point or points, the hook portion moves radially outward, thereby displacing the hooked portion of the lid flange radially outward to release its hook over the container flange and allow separation of the container lid.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Resealable container system for storing paint

Field of the invention 5

The present invention relates to resealable container systems for storing paint and other such substances, and in particular, but not exclusively, with resealable container systems based on sheet metal container bodies commonly referred to in the art as metal tinplates. , metal cans, or metal buckets. 10

Background of the invention

A wide variety of container systems are known for storing paint and other substances such as oils, resins, varnishes, dyes and powders, and food materials, such as powders and syrups. fifteen

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one of these known container systems incorporates a metal container, which is substantially cylindrical, and is formed of a sheet metal. The cylindrical side wall of the container is formed of a suitably bent piece of sheet metal (for example steel or galvanized steel), and the cylindrical wall is formed of the sheet by making a longitudinal seal using techniques well known in the art (for example by bending, curling, or flexing the edges of the sheet). These containers are commonly referred to in the art as metal cubes, and the lower end of the container is closed by another piece of sheet metal. Again, the well known bending, rolling, or bending techniques are used to form a seal between the generally circular piece of sheet metal that forms the bottom of the container and the bottom end of the walls of the container. It is known that these metal cubes in the side walls incorporate one or more radially extending grooves formed by proper deformation of the side wall material. In this first known container system, the metal side wall of the cube is wound on its upper edge, radially outwardly, to form a container flange. A generally circular sheet metal lid is then used to close and seal the container when adjusted and form a seal on the flange of the container. This first type of container lid comprises a plurality of claws arranged around the periphery of the lid. Each of these 30 claws is adapted to be flexed in order to hook it under the flange of the curved outward container. When all the claws are hooked in place, the lid is held securely on the metal bucket, with the lid forming a seal on the flange of the container. Each claw typically comprises a respective groove in which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted to leverage the claw from its closed, sealant, radially outward and upward position such that the claw disengages from the respective 35 container flange portion. When all the claws have been released, that is, they have been opened with bending, in this way, the lid can be removed from the container. Figure 1 shows such a system, with some of the claws hooked in place, some of the claws have been disengaged, and a claw is in the process of being unhooked using a screwdriver. Figure 2 shows the lid with all claws open, the lid being ready to be removed from the hub. 40

This first known container system has a number of disadvantages associated with it. First, the sheet metal used to form the lid incorporates a large number of potentially sharp edges due to the detail required to define the large number of claws and their associated openings. Each of these edges thus has a risky cut for the user. Additionally, the large number of cutting edges increases the potential for the lid to rust, if it is formed of ferrous material. Although the lid can be sprayed, coated, painted or otherwise covered with a material that inhibits rust, the greater the number of edges, and the greater the total length of the combined edges of the lid, the greater the possibility that The oxide inhibitor treatment is not completely successful. Another problem is that typically, once the lid has been removed from the cube, it cannot be used to reseal the cube. Flexing the claws to release the lid typically results in a degree of permanent distortion of the lid, and prevents it from properly resealing the hub. Even if the lid is not substantially distorted when it is first removed, it is very difficult for the user to try to reseal the lid on the container by flexing it back, in its hooked positions, each of the large number of claws. This operation typically requires a degree of resistance, and the container system typically never becomes air tight again. Thus, although this closure system is common in the professional paint market, to close the paint buckets, it has numerous disadvantages. An additional disadvantage is that from a technical point of view it is relatively difficult to automate the adjustment of the covers with the claws to the cubes in a factory or production line. As will be appreciated, an adjustment machine must be specially adapted in order to be able to hook each of the claws in place, typically simultaneously.

 60

In view of the fact that these known container systems use claw caps which, after removal of the cube cannot be resealed, it is known that the lid has a circular opening supplied in its central portion, and for the system it further comprises a second cover adapted to seal this opening. The opening typically has a flange formed by a suitable winding of the sheet metal material, and the second cover is properly arranged such that it can be adjusted by pushing in the opening and sealing it. 65 Then, the container system can be used to contain a large amount of paint of a certain color, for

example, a base color such as white. Then, another colored paint can be added to the paint in the bucket to achieve the desired resulting color simply by removing the second lid (the lid inside a lid) and the colored paint can simply be poured into it, without having to unhook the claws to remove the main cover, which would typically result in a container system that is not air tight again. Through this second opening the base color paint and the added paint can also be mixed, before the second lid is replaced to reseal the container system. Clearly, this construction is more complex than a simple lid without opening, and also requires additional material to make it. The material cut from the main cover to form the opening is wasted, and an additional piece of material has to be used to form the second cover.

 10

Another known container system that is resealable comprises a relatively simpler lid to fit on the flange rolled out of the metal hub. To seal the lid on the bucket and keep it securely in place, a ring assembly is used which incorporates a latch or lever. To adjust the ring on the assembled lid and the flange of the container the lever is rotated to an open position to expand the ring. In this expanded position the ring fits over the edge of the loosely assembled lid and the flange of the container. Then, the lever is closed to contract the diameter of the ring and thus hold and seal the lid and the container. As will be appreciated, the lever is attached to the dividing ring component by suitable means, such as a cam arrangement, such that when the latch is in its closed position it cannot jump open. To remove the cover the latch has to be rotated to its open position, expanding the division ring again. Although this system supplies a resealable container system, the ring assembly, which incorporates the latch is relatively expensive to produce, and represents an increase in complexity (this is an additional assembly to the lid and the container). Also, the adjustment of the ring and the mounting of the latch to the lid and the body of the container is difficult to automate, and if this requires manipulation it results in the increase in costs.

An example of another known resealable container system for syrup, paint, or similar materials, is described in GB 488, 243. This document describes a jar configuration that is familiar to syrup consumers, and consumers who buy Paint tinplates from do-it-yourself providers. Instead of the lid fitting on a rib formed at the upper end of the metal side wall of the jar, the container body has a more complicated construction. A ring of material, which can also be described as an annular flange, is attached to the upper end of the side wall of the container by appropriate means, and that the ring or flange itself has a central circular opening in which a lid of Pressed steel can be inserted to seal the jar. The lid can thus form a releasable seal between itself and the annular flange. To make the seal, the lid simply has to be pushed into place. To remove the lid a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted under the lip of the lid, and pivoted on the edge of the container body forming the seal between the side wall of the container and the annular flange. The tool can then be rotated to leverage by removing the lid. 35 The problems with this known configuration is that with repeated use the lid can become more difficult to seal properly in the container body. The incorporation of the annular flange, attached to the metal side walls and defining the opening or mouth that is sealed by the lid, represents an increasing complexity compared to the metal cube arrangements in which the hub mouth is defined by a flange simply formed by winding on a top edge portion of the metal side wall. The cut material removed to form the circular opening of the ring or annular flange is wasted. Additionally, the ring or flange inhibits the user from being able to completely empty the jar; When the jar is tilted to pour the contents, the ring or flange tends to retain some material in it.

Other forms of containers incorporating a metal ring sewn to the body are known, the ring defines a mouth to be closed by a pressure closed system, such as a lid adapted to adjust compression within the mouth. In such systems, the lid closes the mouth / opening in the ring; The lid does not close directly on the side wall of the body.

Document GB 400, 008 describes another known resealable container system. The described container system 50 uses a container that has a metal side wall, an upper end portion which is wound to define a container flange that projects outwardly, near that flange, the side wall of the container is deformed to supply a stretch mark or rib that extends radially. A lid adapts to fit over the container and form a resealable seal. The lid comprises a portion that is wound around the edge of the container, and then an edge portion of the lid is rolled outwardly to form a flange. The flange is arranged in such a way that when the lid is closed, the flange is closed in the groove on the wall of the container. Then, to open the container system, a tool is inserted into the space between the side wall rib and the flange of the lid from below, and is leveraged, pivoting on the radially outermost part of the rib, and thus pushing the flange of the container radially outward. A problem with this system is that the side wall of the container can be damaged by the leverage action used to decouple the lid. Additionally, the groove 60 provided by a sizing in the side wall of the container results in the container being susceptible to deformation when the lid is pressed down on it from above. Under an axial compression force, the shrinkage is responsible for flexing further, and this can close the space between the rib of the container and the flange of the lid, inhibiting the use of the screwdriver to open the system. Additionally, the supply of a sizing or rib on the side wall of the container represents an increase in the processing complexity on the flat or straight side metal container. Also, the supply of the shrinkage

To define the rib or stretch mark of the container you need the use of a slightly increasing amount of material to make the body of the container compared to a straight side equivalent.

WO 2011/066635 A1 describes a closure arrangement for jar. Document FR2 935 976 A1 describes a multi-purpose lid opening device. 5

US 3410448 A describes a resealable container system having the characteristics of the precharacterizing portion of claim 1.

Summary of the invention 10

It is an objective of the embodiments of the invention to provide a resealable container system for storing paint and other similar materials, and for supplying lids for such container systems, which solve, at least partially, one or more of the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art Certain embodiments aim to provide a resealable container system for storing paint that has a relatively simple construction 15, which forms a good air-tight seal, and that can be repeatedly opened and closed, forming a good seal at each closure, without damaging or distort the lid and / or container. For example, certain embodiments are therefore reusable for a long period of time, and can be refilled a large number of times.

According to a first aspect of the invention a resealable container system for storing paint is supplied, the system comprises:

a container body that has a closed base (which can also be described as a lower part of the container) and a metal side wall that extends, in use, upwards from the base to define with the base an interior volume to contain paint , the metal side wall has an upper edge portion rolled outwardly (i.e., with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container body, or equivalently with respect to the interior of the container body) to form a container flange (which thus it actually extends outwardly from a portion of the metal side wall immediately adjacent to the edge portion) that defines a mouth of the container body;

 30

a removable lid adapted to be pressed on the container body to a closed position in which the lid seals said mouth, the lid comprises an inner portion and an outer metal portion surrounding the inner portion, the outer metallic portion comprises a sealing portion adapted to engage with at least a portion of an upper surface of the container flange, when the lid is in the closed position to form a seal between the lid and the container body, the seal extends around the container flange, a portion external wall 35 connected to the sealing portion and adapted to extend, when the lid is in the closed position, downwardly passing an outer edge of the container flange, and a lid edge portion, which extends from (ie connected a) a lower end of the outer wall portion, wherein the sealing portion comprises a sealing surface adapted for fo said seal with an upper surface of the flange of the container such that said seal extends over at least one upper outer quadrant of the surface of the flange of the container, said outer metal portion of the lid is formed of the metal sheet and said sealing surface is a surface of said metal sheet, and said sealing surface is adapted to conform to said upper surface of the container flange,

The system is characterized in that the cover edge portion (25) is rolled inwardly to form a cover flange (which thus extends radially inwards), the cover flange is arranged to engage and grasp (ie exercise a gripping force) a portion of the bottom surface of the container flange when the lid is in the closed position to hold the lid in place, and because the system further comprises an opening tool for separating the lid from the container body, The tool comprises a lever portion and a hook portion attached to the lever portion, the lever and hook portions are arranged in such a manner that the tool can be arranged in at least one opening position, relative to the body of the container and the closed lid, in which the hook portion engages and couples a portion of the lid flange and the lever portion pivots against at least one pivot point so on an outer surface of the outer portion of the lid, such that when an upper end of the lever portion moves radially inward (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container body) to rotate the lever portion around the pivot point or points, the hook portion moves radially outward, thereby displacing the hooked portion of the lid flange really outwardly to release its hook over the container flange and enable separation of the lid from the container .

It will be appreciated that the hook portion engages and engages the lid flange portion from a position 60 radially outwardly from the lid flange. In certain embodiments the lever or arm portion is arranged such that when in the open position the arm pivots on an external surface of the outer portion of the lid and extends from the pivot point in a direction radially outward to a position radially outward from the cover flange. Then, the hook portion extends radially inward from that position to engage and engage the cover flange portion. In certain embodiments, the hook portion is arranged for 65

engage, when the opening tool is in the open position, a lower internal quadrant of the cover flange cross section.

It will be appreciated that, in general, leverage of the flange of the lid using an opening tool in this manner will distort / flex the outer wall portion and the connected sealing portion and thus break the seal between the lid and the container body. Leverage of the lid in this way with the opening tool produces a slight flexion of the lid and its subsequent removal can be considered as involving a limited peeling action. However, advantageously, the limited flexing of the lid caused by the leverage and subsequent removal of the container does not permanently distort or damage the lid.

 10

It will be appreciated that this system provides numerous advantages. For example, no special tool is required to reseal the lid on the container body. Instead, to seal the lid on the body of the container, it simply has to be pressed down such that the flange of the lid is first that everything is moved slightly radially outward as it is forced on the flange. of the container and then the flange of the spring cover backward, radially inwardly, to engage and grab a lower surface of the container flange after it has passed over the radially outermost points of the container rib. This adjustment or seal of the lid to the container body can easily be automated in a factory, simply requiring that a downward force be applied on the sealing portion of the full lid, for example by pushing down on a plate covering the top. Similarly, the lid can be easily resealed on the body of the container by a subsequent user by pressing down on the entire lid sealing means 20 simultaneously, or by pressing down on a point to engage the lid flange in place in that point, and then work around the circumference of the lid until the flange of the lid grasps around the flange of the entire container.

Another advantage is that the lid has no sharp edges. This helps to avoid risks for the user, and also prevents the formation of rust, in embodiments where the metal of the lid is a ferrous metal and the lid is filtered or coated with some oxide inhibitor substance.

Advantageously, the lid can be removed from the container body using an opening tool without distorting or permanently damaging the lid. This is achieved by using the opening tool that adapts 30 to pivot around an outer surface of the outer portion of the lid itself. In general, this outer surface will be supported by an underlying container flange, and thus is rigid and resistant to distortion. This is in contrast to prior art techniques in which the leverage tools separating the lid were applied between the edge of the lid and a side wall of the container, resulting in distortion. 35

Advantageously, the container system capable of being received from this first aspect of the invention avoids the disadvantages associated with the prior art system that incorporates a plurality of claws, and also avoids the disadvantages associated with the type of ring and latch of prior art Additionally, the container system of this first aspect of the present invention can employ relatively simple container bodies, having 40 metal side walls with simple outer portions of top edge rotated forming the edges of the container. Thus, the disadvantages associated with syrup jars and DIY paint jars with ring members attached to their side walls are avoided.

Additionally, as the resealable container system allows the lid to be repeatedly sealed to the container, removed, and then resealed, it provides access to the container body, which can have a relatively simple construction, and thus avoid the need for a lid structure inside the lid.

In certain embodiments, the metal side wall is formed of sheet metal.

 fifty

It will be appreciated that the metal side wall can be formed from a wide variety of materials. For example, the metal side wall may be formed of a sheet steel, a tin galvanized steel, a non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum, or any other suitable rigid metal in accordance with the intended use of the container system. It will also be appreciated, for example, that the metal side wall can be coated, painted, or otherwise covered with some other material, such as a non-metallic paint. In embodiments where the wall of the container is formed of a ferrous material, a cover or coating can be applied to inhibit the formation of rust.

Additionally, suitable coatings can be applied to the metal side walls to prevent contamination of the contents, such as liquids, to be stored in the container by the wall material, or in fact avoid any reaction between the stored material and the walls lateral. 60

It will be appreciated that although the resealable container system is suitable for storing paint, it is not limited to such applications. The embodiments of the invention can be used to store other substances, such as other liquids, powders, solids, gels, etc.

 65

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments the base and the metal side wall can be integral, for example formed of a single metal sheet. However, in alternative embodiments, the base may comprise one or more additional components, such as a metal sheet attached to the metal side wall by suitable means (by suitable winding or bending techniques on the sheet and wall edge portions ) to close the bottom of the container (ie supply a fluid tight seal). It will also be appreciated that the metal side wall 5 will be supplied with a seamless metal tubular structure, or it may incorporate one or more seams, such as an axial seam that runs from the base of the container body to the edge of the container, formed by a bending / curl etc.

In certain embodiments, the metal side wall is substantially cylindrical. However, it will be appreciated that the alternative embodiments may comprise other shapes and sizes of the container bodies, including, but not limited to, conical jars; cone-shaped bodies; thimble shaped bodies.

In certain embodiments, the metal side wall has a substantially circular cross section.

 fifteen

In certain embodiments, the metal side wall is substantially straight, having no ridges or circumferential folds.

Advantageously, this helps in the development of a distortion-resistant metal side wall, such as creases or warps, when the lid is pressed on the container body to seal the mouth. This is in contrast 20 to certain prior art arrangements described above.

In certain embodiments, the upper edge portion is rolled at an angle of not less than 270 °.

In certain embodiments, the upper edge portion is wound such that its leading edge 25 substantially meets the metal side wall.

Rolling over the upper edge portion to these extensions provides the advantage that the edge of the resulting container presented to a user is smooth, and the user is not exposed to any sharp edge. Additionally, the leading edge can be saved, helping to inhibit the formation of rust. Additionally, the rolled edge is substantially rigid. Additionally, winding the upper edge portion at this extension allows the flange of the container to provide a curved surface that can be hooked by the sealing means onto the lid of the container and also a curved bottom surface that can be hooked and grabbed by the flange of the lid The curved top surface of the container flange provides a guide surface that can gradually force the flange of the lid radially outward as long as the lid is pressed into the closed position.

In certain embodiments, the outwardly wound upper edge portion that forms the edge of the container is generally circular in cross section.

 40

In certain embodiments, the flange of the container is annular, for example circular.

In certain embodiments, the inner portion of the lid and the outer metallic portion are formed of a single sheet of metal.

 Four. Five

In certain embodiments, as with the metal side wall of the container body, the metal lid can be coated, painted, or otherwise covered with a material or substance to fit the particular application.

In embodiments of the invention, the sealing portion comprises a sealing surface adapted to form said seal with the upper surface of the container flange such that said seal extends over at least an upper outer quadrant of the surface of the container flange. Thus, an extensive seal is supplied, without the need to insert, the ring, or gasket in the lid. Additionally, to the extent that the opening tool is rotated to open the lid, and the pivot point moves over the upper outer quadrant of the sealing means, the lid material is held by the surface of the underlying container flange ( external quadrant, upper) in such a way that the lid is not damaged. In certain embodiments, the seal may have an even greater extent, extending more than 180 °, for example, in embodiments employing sealing surfaces that have semicircular cross sections.

In embodiments of the invention the metal outer portion of the lid is formed of a metal sheet and said sealing surface is a surface of said metal sheet (which can be a surface covered or painted in 60 additional embodiments).

In certain embodiments, the sealing portion has an inverted U shape.

In certain embodiments, the sealing portion has a substantially semicircular cross section. 65

The sealing surface of the lid and the sealing surface of the container flange are adapted to conform to each other. For example, the upper surface of the container flange may have a substantially semicircular cross section, and the inner surface facing downward of the sealing portion can be adapted to form the upper surface of the container flange. Thus, the sealing surface of the cover of the sealing surface of the container flange may, in the cross section, have the same radius of curvature (at least 5 when it is in the sealed, closed position). In certain embodiments, the radius of curvature of the sealing surface of the lid may be arranged such that it is slightly smaller than that of the sealing surface of the container flange when the lid is separated from the container, such that in The extent to which the lid is applied to the container the sealing portion of the lid has to be slightly bent and then grab the sealing surface of the flange as a result of its elasticity. 10

Advantageously, this conformity allows an extensive seal to be formed between the sealing portion of the container flange, and additionally results in the container flange that holds the sealing portion from below when the lid is in the closed position. The curved upper (ie external) surface of the sealing means then supplies a smooth curved surface on which the lever portion of the opening tool can pivot or rotate when the tool is used to pry the lid. The closed support of the underlying container flange allows this operation to be performed without distorting the lid or body of the container.

In certain embodiments, the outer wall portion extends from an outer arm of the inverted U.

 twenty

In certain embodiments, the portion of the outer wall is substantially cylindrical.

In certain embodiments, the outer wall portion extends substantially in a straight line from the sealing means to the lower end of the outer wall portion.

 25

In certain embodiments, the edge portion of the lid is rolled at an angle of at least 270 °.

In certain embodiments, the lid edge portion is wound such that its leading edge is substantially on an inner surface of the outer wall portion.

 30

By winding the edge portion of the lid on these extensions, no sharp edges are presented to the user, and in certain embodiments oxidation / rust can be inhibited. Additionally, a smooth, curved surface of the lid flange is provided to engage and grasp the container flange when the lid is in the closed position.

In certain embodiments, the edge portion of the lid wound on the shape of the lid flange has a substantially circular cross-section.

In certain embodiments, the flange of the lid is annular, for example at least substantially circular.

In certain embodiments, the container flange and the lid flange are both substantially circular, the inner radius of the lid flange is smaller than the outer radius of the container flange.

Thus, in order to press the lid to a closed position, the flange of the lid has to be deflected at least slightly radially outwardly to fit over the widest part of the container flange and then spring back into position, to grab the bottom side of the container flange and keep the lid in place. Four. Five

In certain embodiments, the flange of the container and the flange of the lid with each substantially circular in the cross section, and the engagement between the flange of the lid and the flange of the container when the lid is in the closed position is such that a portion of the outer lower quadrant of the container flange is in contact with a potion of an inner upper quadrant of the lid flange. fifty

As will be appreciated, the force exerted by the flange of the lid on the flange of the container when the lid is in the closed position has a radial component inwardly and an axial component upwardly.

In certain embodiments, the flange of the container and the flange of the lid are each substantially circular in the cross section. In certain such embodiments a ratio of the diameter (ie the cross-sectional diameter) of the container flange to the lid flange is in the range of 6.0: 3.0 to 7.0: 2.0, and optionally is substantially 6.5: 2.5.

In certain embodiments in which the container and the lid flanges are substantially circular in the cross section 60, the diameter in the cross section of the body flange is in the range of 1 mm to 9 mm and the diameter of the cross section of the Cap flange is in the range of 1mm to 9mm.

In certain embodiments, the lid further comprises at least one groove provided in the portion of the outer wall and arranged to enable the tool of suitable size, for example, a screwdriver, to be inserted into the groove when the lid is in position. closed to leverage a portion of the lid flange immediately by

under the groove away from its grip coupling with the flange of the container, by means of which the lid can be leveraged by separating the body from the container without using the opening tool.

This feature of at least one groove is advantageous since, if the dedicated opening tool is lost or unavailable, the lid can be removed anyway. The slot typically provides access to a defined volume 5 between the flange of the container, the flange of the lid, and the portion of the outer wall of the lid. In certain embodiments, a single groove is provided at a single site around the circumference of the portion of the outer wall to the lid to minimize the impairment of the integrity of the lid.

In certain embodiments, the lid further comprises a support wall that extends downwardly from the inner edge 10 of the sealing portion and is arranged to engage and support from the inside an upper end portion of the metal sidewall when the lid is in the closed position. However, in alternative embodiments, a support wall cannot be supplied.

In certain embodiments, the sealing portion has an inverted U-shape, and the support wall extends downward from the inner arm of the U.

In certain embodiments, the support wall is substantially cylindrical.

In certain embodiments, the support wall is substantially in the shape of a truncated cone. twenty

In certain embodiments, the support wall extends downwardly from the sealing means a distance D1, the outer wall portion extends downwardly from the sealing means a distance D2. In certain embodiments D1 is greater than D2.

 25

Thus, in certain embodiments the support wall may be substantially cylindrical, such that it forms an interference fit with an upper end portion or the metal side wall section when the lid is adjusted to the container in a closed position. . Thus, the support wall can provide an internal support ring, which supports the upper end of the container and increases the rigidity of the assembled structure. In certain embodiments, instead of the support wall being perfectly cylindrical, it can be truncated cone-shaped, that is, to the extent that the support wall extends downward from the sealing means this is also radially inward. Thus, the lower surface of the support wall (on the lower side of the lid) can provide a ramp surface to engage an internal surface of the container flange to the extent that the lid is placed on it, thereby helping to guide the lid to the closed position as it is pressed down. 35

Advantageously, in certain embodiments the support wall extends downwardly from the sealing means substantially lower than what the lower wall portion carrying the flange of the lid does. Thus, the support wall and the flange of the lid can be arranged such that the lid is introduced into the body of the container the support wall engages the inner surface of the outer wall (or an inner portion of the flange of the container) and 40 guides the lid into place before or at the same time that the flange of the lid engages an upper outer surface of the container flange. Thus, the support wall provides an internal support to the body of the container (ie, to the upper section of the side wall and / or to the edge of the container) while the lid is pressed into the closed position, which requires that the flange from the lid it moves radially outward, and thus at the same time it is obtained that a force is exerted radially inwardly from the lid flange 45 of the container.

In certain embodiments, the support wall is an outer wall of a channel formed in the lid, the channel comprises an internal wall, which faces the support wall.

 fifty

In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the outer portion of the lid on which the pivot lever portion is an outer surface of the sealing means.

In certain embodiments, said outer surface of the sealing means has an inverted U-shape.

 55

In certain embodiments, said outer surface is substantially circular in cross section.

In certain embodiments, said outer surface comprises an outer half of the semicircular surface.

In certain embodiments, the lever portion comprises a substantially flat lever surface adapted 60 to pivot against the pivot point or points, and the hook portion comprises a flat hook surface for engaging said portion of the lid flange.

In certain embodiments, the flat hook surface is arranged at an angle of 45 ± 15 ° with the flat surface of the lever. 65

In certain embodiments, the lid and the flange of the container are substantially symmetrical in rotation about an axis, such that said opening position can be anywhere around the circumference of the lid.

In certain embodiments, the lever portion comprises an opening adapted to accommodate part of the outer portion 5 of the lid when the opening tool is in the open position, such that the lever portion pivots around two pivot points, one on each side of the opening, when in the open position.

In certain embodiments, the lever portion comprises a curved pivot surface adapted to rotate on the outer surface of the outer portion of the lid to the extent that the opening tool is used to remove the lid.

In certain embodiments, the opening tool comprises a second hook portion connected to an opposite end of the lever portion with the first hook portion, the system further comprises a container handle, pivotally connected to the container body, the second hook portion is adapted 15 to engage on the handle when the opening tool is in the open position and such that the rotation of the handle operates the opening tool to move the hooked portion of the lid flange radially outward .

An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that the construction of the lid enables the lid to be made of a thinner sheet metal than is required for the covers of prior art systems. Similarly, the embodiments may use container bodies that have side walls that do not incorporate grooves or folds (which can also be described as grooves), which are therefore more resistant to deformation under axial compression, and which are also they can make a thinner sheet metal material than the containers of prior art systems. 25

In embodiments of the invention, the lid closes directly on the flange of the body, provided at the top of the side wall, thus eliminating the metal ring of certain prior art systems, which require a less component, and thus They are environmentally friendlier.

 30

Brief description of the drawings

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

 35

Figure 1 is a drawing of a prior art container system in the process of being opened;

Figure 2 is a drawing of a prior art container system with claws folded outward to allow removal of the lid from the container;

 40

Figure 3 is a drawing, partially in cross section, of a container body and lid of a releasable container system of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross section of part of the body of the container of Figure 3;

 Four. Five

Figure 5 is a cross section of a lid of a container system of an embodiment of the invention, the lid is for joining the body of the container shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross section of part of the lid shown in Figure 5;

 fifty

Figure 7 is a plan view of the lid of Figs. 5 and 6 of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a drawing of part of a container system incorporating the container body of Figure 3 and the lid of Figure 5, illustrating the lid in the closed position and the opening tool in an open position;

 55

Figure 9a, b, and c are perspective, side, and front views respectively of an opening tool of a resealable container system of an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 10a, b, and c are perspective, front, and side views of another opening tool for a resealable container system of an embodiment of the invention; 60

Figs. 11a, b and c are side and front perspective views respectively of another opening tool for a container system of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a drawing of a resealable container system of an embodiment of the invention, showing the lid that is pressed onto the body of the container to form the resealable seal; Y

Figure 13 is a drawing of a part of a container system of an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a groove or opening provided in the portion of the outer wall of the lid.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention

 5

Referring now to Figure 3, this shows a container, which can also be referred to as a container or bucket body 1, and a lid 2 of a resealable container system of an embodiment of the invention. The container body 1 has a generally cylindrical metal side wall 12, which may, in certain embodiments, be slightly tapered along part or all of its length, and may therefore be partially truncated cone-shaped, and a base 11 closed. In this embodiment, the base 11 is formed of a generally circular single piece of 10 metal foil, having its edges bent around the bottom or bottom flange of the metal side wall 12 to form a seal or rib 121. The union between the base 11 of the container and the side wall 12 can be achieved using a variety of known techniques to supply a container body that is capable of storing liquids, such as paint. It will be appreciated that in the alternative embodiments, the closed base of the container may take alternative forms. For example, in certain embodiments the side walls 12 and the base 11 are both formed of sheet metal materials, but in alternative embodiments the base 11 can be formed of a different material. In certain embodiments the base 11 can be supplied by a separate component, attached to the side wall 12. However, in alternative embodiments the side wall12 and the base 11 can be integral, for example formed by stamping or pressing a sheet of single material. In certain embodiments the base 11 may be formed of a material other than the metal side wall 12. The side wall 12 and the base 11 can be painted, coated, or otherwise supplied with a suitable covering to inhibit rust, the reaction between stored contents and the container, or contamination of the contents by the container. The metal side wall extends, when the body of the container is resting on the base, upwards from the base to define, together with the base, an interior volume V to contain paint. The metal side wall 12 has an upper edge portion 13 having an outward winding (that is, with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the body of the container, to form a container flange 14). This flange 14 defines a mouth M of the container body. The flange 14 thus extends radially outwardly from the portion of the metal side wall 12 immediately adjacent to the edge portion 13. In this example, the upper edge portion 13 has been wound in a proportion such that its leading edge 15 substantially meets an inner surface of the wound flange 14. Thus, the outer edge portion 13 has been wound at an angle greater than 270 °, and the resulting container flange 14 is substantially circular in cross section. Figure 4 shows the container flange in more detail, and the flange 14 has an outer surface that can be divided into an internal upper quadrant Q1, an external upper quadrant Q2, an external lower Q3 quadrant, and an internal lower Q4 quadrant. In this example, the upper quadrants Q1 and Q2 together form a sealing surface 141 of the container flange, which seals against the correspondingly shaped sealing surface of the lid. This sealing surface of the container flange is substantially semicircular in cross section, and extends, uninterruptedly, around the mouth of the container. Thus, the seal formed between the lid and the container is substantially semitoroidal. In this example, the diameter of the semicircular sealing surface of the container flange is 6.5 mm. In other words, the radius of curvature of the winding to form the upper sealing surface of the container flange is 3.25 mm.

 40

The body 1 of the container also includes a pair of metal housings 18 joined and extending radially outwardly from the metal side wall 12, these housings are adapted to receive the flexed ends of a metal handle 16, in this example formed of a metal rod or rod These housings are diametrically opposed to the body 1 of the container. The housings 18 are arranged in such a way that the handle 16 can rotate around the R axis through the centers of the housings 18 such that they can take a position at which the handle 17 of the handle is located directly by above the center of the container to lift it. When the handle is released, it will typically adopt a position in which the handle 17 rests against one side of the metal wall 12.

Referring back to Figure 4, the sheet metal material used to form the metal side wall 12 in 50 this example has a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.40 mm. The generally circular cross-section of the flange 14 of the container has a diameter of 6.5 mm. It will be appreciated that different embodiments may employ different flanges in diameter. For example, smaller diameters may use smaller diameter flanges. The flange 14 of the container as a whole is circular in this example, providing an annular flange defining the mouth M. In this example, the internal diameter of the container flange (and thus the mouth M) is 285 55 mm, and The outer diameter of the flange 14 of the container (ie the diameter of its widest point) is 298 mm. Again, alternative embodiments may, of course, comprise container bodies and lids of different sizes and shapes. Certain embodiments comprise, for example, container bodies having external diameters ranging from 45 mm to 400 mm.

 60

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, these show a lid (ie the lid of Figure 3) of a container system that is an embodiment of the invention for releasably joining the body 1 of the container of Figs. 3 and 4. The cover 2 comprises an inner portion 21, which in this example is concave down, and the outer portion 22 surrounding the inner portion. The lid in this example is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, such that the inner and outer portions are integral parts of the single metal component. It will be appreciated that, for example, 65 although the lid is described as metal, it may have a coating, or the like, applied to one or more of its

surfaces to inhibit rust formation, reaction with contents, or corrosion of dead material. The outer portion 22 of the lid comprises a sealing portion 23 that is adapted to engage with an upper surface (i.e., the corresponding sealing surface) of the flange 14 of the container. The sealing means 23, in this example, have an inverted U-shape, and are substantially semicircular in the cross section. This cross section is adapted to conform to the substantially semi-circular upper surface of the flange 14 5 of the container. Thus, in this example, the radius of curvature of the inner sealing surface 231 (ie, lower) of the sealing portion 23 of the lid is 3.25 mm. The sealing surface of the lid is substantially semicircular in the cross-section, extends, uninterruptedly, around the lid, and in total is substantially semitoroidal. The closing interference fit between the lower surface (sealant) of the sealing means 23 and the upper external surface (sealant) of the flange 14 of the container provide a seal between the lid and the container when the lid 10 is in position closed. The lid also comprises an outer wall portion 24 extending in a straight line, directly downward in this example, from the outer arm of the inverted U-shaped sealing means 23. In this example the portion of the outer wall is substantially cylindrical in total, and extends, uninterruptedly, around the perimeter of the lid. The lid also comprises a lid edge portion 25 which is a continuation of the outer wall portion 24 and which has been rolled inwardly to form the lid flange 26. Thus, this cover flange 26 actually extends inwardly from the portion 24 of the outer wall. The arrangement is such that when the sealing means 23 borders the edge of the container. The portion 24 of the outer wall extends downwardly passing the flange of the container such that the flange of the lid engages and grabs a portion of a lower surface of the container flange (i.e. when the lid is in the closed position) . The force exerted on the flange of the container by the flange of the lid keeps the lid in place. In this example the lid edge portion 25 has been wound at an angle greater than 270 °, to an extent such that the leading edge 27 of the lid edge portion substantially encounters an inner surface of the portion 24 of the outer wall . The flange of the lid is generally circular in cross section. The outer surface of the flange 26 of the lid can therefore be described as generally comprising four quadrants, a quadrant LQ1 exterior or inferior, a quadrant LQ2 inferior interior, a quadrant LQ3 superior interior, and a quadrant LQ4 superior exterior . When the lid is in the closed position, quadrant LQ3 of the flange of the lid is in contact, and exerts a force on quadrant Q3 of the flange of the container. This exerted force has components in the radially inward direction and the axially upward direction. The flange of the lid in this example has a total circular shape, that is to say annular. The outer diameter of the cover flange, which is the same as the outer diameter of the outer wall portion 24, is 299.5 mm. The diameter of the circular cross-section 30 of the flange 26 of the lid is 2.5 mm in this example, although the internal diameter of the flange of the lid as a whole is 294.5 mm. Thus, the outer diameter of the container flange is larger than the inner diameter of the lid flange. Thus, when the lid is first placed on the container, before pressing down to adopt the closed position, the lid flange first engages the upper surface of the container flange. In particular, quadrant LQ2 of the lid flange engages quadrant Q2 of the container flange. Then, to the extent that the lid is pressed down, the flange of the container moves radially outward, flexing the portion 24 of the outer wall such that the flange of the lid can pass over the widest part of the container flange. To the extent that the lid is further pushed down, the flange of the lid then springs back toward its normal position, immediately grasping the flange of the container below and holding the lid in place with the sealing means 23 forming a seal against upper surface 40 of container flange.

Looking at Figure 6, it will be seen that in this example the cover 2, in addition to having the generally cylindrical outer wall portion 24, also comprises an internal, or supporting wall 28 extending downward from an inner arm of the means 23 U-shaped sealing inverted. In this example the support wall 28 substantially straight in cross section, but has a slightly inward angle such that the inner surface of the support wall 28 is generally in the form of a truncated cone. The support wall 28 further extends downward from the sealing means 23 more than the outer wall portion 24. The support wall 28 supplies support to the inner surface of the side wall 12 of the container to the extent that the lid is pushed into the closed position, and when the lid is in the closed position. To the extent that the support wall 50 28 has an angle, it provides a guide surface for guiding the lid to the correct position to the extent that it is pushed into the closed position. To the extent that the support wall 28 is larger than the portion 24 of the outer wall, in the axial direction, when the lid is first placed in the container the support wall engages and supports the inner surface of the side wall 12 (right inside your mouth) before or at the same time that the flange of the lid is required to be deflected radially outward to fit over the widest part of the flange of the container. The support wall 28 is advantageous because it gives rigidity to the assembly of the container and the lid in the closed position, helping to avoid distortion of the flange of the container and the lid when the opening tool is used to separate the lid. In this example, the support wall 28 is an outer wall of a groove 201 provided in the cover 2. An inner wall 29 of the groove faces the support wall 28, and a groove base is defined by a portion 30 of flat annular wall. 60

The lid, formed of this tin plate in this example, also comprises a plurality of reinforcing features 200. These features 200, each supplied by deforming the tin plate sheet used to form the lid, provide additional rigidity.

 65

Referring now to Figure 8, this is a schematic representation of a part of a resealable container system of an embodiment of the invention. The figure shows the lid 2 in the closed position on the container body, with the sealing portion 23 forming a seal with the upper surface of the container flange, the flange 25 of the lid that engages and grips a lower surface of the flange of the container. container (which exerts a grip force in general radially inwards and axially upwards), and the support wall 28 of the lid that limits and supports a portion of the lateral wall 12 of the container internally. Although a small space is shown between the sealing surface 231 of the lid and the sealing surface 141 of the flange of the container (comprising the upper quadrants Q1 and Q2), it will be appreciated that this is for illustrative purposes only, and in practice, when the cover is in the sealing position, the grip action of the cover flange pushes the sealing surface 231 to direct contact with the sealing surface 141, with no space between them, forming a semitoroidal seal 10 extending around the mouth of the container. Thus, an air tight seal is formed, without the need for any gasket, sealing ring or other insert within the sealing portion 23 of the lid. In certain embodiments, one or both sealing surfaces 231, 141 may be the surface of a covering or coating (eg paint) applied to the metal surface. The cross section of the sealing portion 23 of the lid is continuously curved, it does not have a straight portion, such as the upper portion with the corresponding shape of the flange of the container that supplies the container with sealing surfaces 141. It will be appreciated that the contact between the support wall 28 and the side wall 12 will generally be an annular portion (a ring) of the side wall material, generally at its upper end. Also shown in the figure is an opening tool 3 comprising a lever portion 31 and a hook portion 32. In this example, the lever portion 31 is in the form of a generally straight arm or bar that has a substantially flat surface 33 for resting and pivoting on the outer surface of the lid. In this example the surface 33 of the lever is adapted to engage and pivot about the pivot point P on the outer surface of the sealing means of the lid. In the figure, the opening tool is in the open position, and the initial pivot point P is in the outer upper quadrant of the outer surface of the curved sealing means. It will be appreciated that, to the extent that the lever is rotated around this pivot point, the position of the pivot point P will change slightly, to the extent that the lever rolls around the curved outer surface of the sealing means of top. In particular, the pivot point P will move upward, and radially inwardly over the outer surface of the sealing portion of the lid, but no distortion of the sealing portion of the lid will occur because of the sealing portion, for this full range of pivot point positions, is supported by the underlying surfaces 141 of the container flange. In this example, the generally straight lever portion 31 is adapted such that, in the open position 30, it extends from its upper end both in the downward direction and in the radially outward direction, such that the portion 31 of the lever extends radially outwardly from the radial end of the lid, and downwardly passing the lower end of the flange of the lid. The hook portion 32 is attached to the nominal lower end of the lever portion 31, and extends from that lower end such that a hook surface 34 (which in this example is substantially flat) extends upwardly and radially towards 35 in order to engage and engage a portion of the flange surface of the lid. In this example, the opening tool is adapted such that the hook surface 34 engages the lower quadrant, internal to the flange surface of the lid. To open the lid, the upper end of the lever 31 moves radially inwardly, such that the lever 31 pivots around the pivot point P, and the lower end of the lever 31 moves radially outward, such that the hook surface 34 pushes the flange 25 of the lid 40 radially outward to disengage it from its handle on the flange 13 of the container. The portion 24 of the outer wall flexes in a smaller proportion to the extent that this action is performed, and the sealing portion 23 extending from the portion 24 of the outer wall is also elastically deformed, thereby breaking the seal between it and the flange 13 of the container. In this example the angle between the substantially flat hook surface 34 and the substantially flat lever surface 33 is marked as x. In this example 45 x is approximately 45 ° but in alternative embodiments x can take alternative values, such as values that fall in the range of 30 to 60 °.

In Figure 8, it will be appreciated that both the lid sealing surface 231 and the container sealing surface 141 have substantially semicircular cross sections, having substantially the same 50 diameters, such that the seal formed between them extends in an angle of substantially 180 degrees around a point in the center of the flange 14 of the rolled container. In certain other embodiments, however, the sealing surface may have a different extension. For example, the sealing surface of the lid can be adapted to engage just the outer quadrant Q2, upper of the flange of the container, such that the seal then extends at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. However, in such embodiments the flange 14 of the container still supports the lever over its full range of pivot points and prevents damage to the lid or permanent distortion. In still further embodiments, the sealing surface may extend at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees.

Referring now to Figure 9, this shows another opening tool for use with container systems 60 representing an embodiment of the invention. The dimensions of the tool are shown in millimeters (because they are dimensions of other characteristics of container systems that show an embodiment of the invention in other figures). Again, the tool has a lever portion 31 that supplies a flat lever surface 33. The lever portion and the hook portion 32 are formed into a single piece of sheet metal. An edge portion of the sheet metal piece has been flexed to form the hook portion 32, which has a flat hook surface 34. As will be seen in Figure 9, the hook portion is very wide

greater than the thickness of the thickness of the sheet metal. In this example, the width of the hook portion is 21 mm, and the thickness of the metal material used to form the tool is 1.5 mm. Thus, the hook surface 34 can engage an extended portion of the flange of the container, helping to enable removal of the lid without distorting or permanently damaging it. The tool 3 also comprises a loop of material 35, which passes through an opening provided in the lever portion 31, this lever 35 allows the tool to be attached to another entity to keep it secure.

Referring now to Figure 10, this shows another opening tool 3 for use in the container systems of an embodiment of the invention. Again, the tool comprises a lever portion 31 and a hook portion 32 formed in a single piece of sheet metal. Additionally, the tool 3 comprises a handle portion 310 10 attached to one end of the lever portion 31 opposite the end to which the hook portion 32 is attached. The lever portion 31 also comprises an opening 301 which, when the tool is in the open position, can receive and accommodate a portion of the outer portion of the container lid such that the lever portion 31 pivots in two portions 33a and 33b of its flat lever surface, those portions 33a and 33b are located on either side of the central opening 301. Again, the hook portion 32 has an extended width 15, and supplies a substantially flat hook surface 34 to engage and engage the flange of the lid. The supply of a central opening 301 such that the lever pivots around two portions of its lever surface (and thus at two pivot points on the outer surface of the lid) therefore decreases half of the applied force at each pivot point on the lid for a given opening force that is applied to the flange of the lid and thus helps prevent damage to the lid or the container in the process of removing the lid. In this example, the internal surface of the lever 31 defining the opening 301 is adapted in such a way that the tool can also be used for a further purpose, in this example the opening of bottles with an upper crown element.

Referring now to Figure 11, this shows another opening tool for use with a container system 25 of an embodiment of the invention. This tool 3 comprises a lever portion 31 having a curved lever surface 33 for rolling over the curved outer surface of the lid sealing means when the tool is being used to open the lid. A hook portion 32 is provided at a first end of the lever portion 31, and has an inclined hook surface 34 for engaging and engaging the flange of the lid to open the lid. A second hook portion 36 is supplied at the opposite end of the lever means 31, this second hook portion has a surface 361 which in the cross section is partially circular. This second hook portion is adapted to engage on the handle 17 of the container, with the surface 361 engaging the outside, generally circular on the cross-sectional surface of the handle 17. This tool 3 is adapted to fit on the lid in one position. open in which the arm or lever 31 pivots around its curved surface 33, while at the same time the hook surface 34 engages the cover flange 35 to the extent that the second hook portion 36 is hooked onto the handle.

To open the lid the handle is then generally pulled upwards, the handle portion 17 thus follows a circular path. The attached opening tool 3 (joined by means of its second hook portion 36 hooked on the handle) is thus both rotated and pulled up, to release the grip of the lid on the container and break the seal in the appropriate part around the edge of the container.

Referring now to Figure 12, this is a photograph showing the closure of the container system of an embodiment of the invention. The lid is being manually pressed down in two positions around its circumference on the container to engage the lid in place. The points at which the pressure is applied can thus move around the circumference of the lid until it is completely in the closed position. Thus, the lid can be released over the container over and over again, and without the need for special tools or additional equipment.

Referring now to Figure 13, this is a photograph of part of a container system of an embodiment of the invention. The photograph shows the container lid in the closed position, and the generally cylindrical outer wall portion 24 can be seen extending around, and covering from view, the container flange. An opening, which can also be described as a groove, a recess, or crack, 240, is provided in the outer wall portion 24. This opening 240 is arranged in such a way that it communicates with a volume included between the flange of the container, the flange of the lid, and the inner surface of the outer wall portion 24. The opening is sized to allow the insertion of a tool of suitable size, such as the tip of a screwdriver, into this space to allow the use of a screwdriver to leverage the opening of the lid if the dedicated opening tool is not available. . It is preferable to use the dedicated opening tool of the invention, which incorporates the lever and hook, insofar as it can open the lid without damaging the lid or the container, but the screwdriver can also be used in conjunction with the opening 240 if the dedicated 60 aperture tool has been lost. It will be appreciated that the outer wall portion 24 is uninterrupted, except for slot 240. Unlike certain prior art systems, there are no separate tabs or claws. The substantially unbroken wall portion, together with the unbroken lid flange, and the unbroken sealing portion 23, form a strong perimeter portion of the lid, which can exert a strong grip force on the container flange in this manner. A good seal. In certain embodiments it is at least very difficult for a person to remove the lid without using a tool; In practice, the dedicated opening tool may be necessary to open the system. This

It is in contrast to certain prior art systems in which the lid is to be adapted to enable removal without the use of tools.

It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention a number of advantages over the prior art are provided, including the following. The container system showing an embodiment of the invention is easy to open, 5 and additionally it can be opened without distorting or damaging the container lid permanently. The lid can be resealed on the container and can form a seal on the container again and again. The container system is safer for consumer use because there are no potentially sharp cutting edges presented to the user. The container system of the invention provides better oxidation prevention. The container system can be filled on conventional filling lines without requiring substantial investment to adapt these filling lines. The lids of the embodiment of the invention can be used without container designs. The resealable lid and container system is suitable for use with mixing machines to the extent that the lid can be opened to allow the addition of color and mixing, and can be used to easily reseal the container. Therefore a cover without a cover structure is not required. The covers of the embodiment of the invention are easy to remove; An opening tool can be used to leverage by removing the lid in only a circumferential position 15, and then the lid can be exfoliated. The covers of the embodiment of the invention can be easily closed on the containers to seal those containers, by a manual application of force in one or more positions around the circumference, working these positions around, or by simultaneous downward pressure on the circumference. complete with the sealing portion of the lid, with a flat plate or a suitably sized ring having a flat pressure surface, in, for example, an automated filling and closing line.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprises" and "contains" and variations of the words, for example, "comprising" and "comprising," mean "including but not limited to", and not intends (and does not) exclude other portions, additives, components, integers or stages. 25

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular comprises the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where an indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

 30

The features, integers, features, compounds, chemical portions or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention should be understood as applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless it is incompatible with it.

It will also be appreciated that, through the description and claims of this specification, language in the general form of "X for Y" (where Y is some action, activity or stage and X are some means to carry out that action , activity or stage) comprises means X adapted or arranged specifically, but not exclusively, to do Y.

40

Claims (13)

1. A resealable container system for storing paint, the system comprises: a container body (1) having a closed base (11) and a metal side wall (12) extending, in use, 5 upwards from the base to define with the base an interior volume to contain paint, the metal side wall having an upper edge portion (13) rolled outwardly to form a container flange (14) defining a mouth of the container body; Y a removable lid (2) adapted to be pressed on the container body to a closed position in which the lid seals said mouth, the lid comprises an inner portion (21) and an outer metal portion (23) surrounding the inner portion, the outer metal portion comprises a sealing portion (23) adapted to engage with at least a portion of an upper surface (141) of the container flange, when the lid is in a closed position to form a seal between the lid and the body of the container, the seal extends around the edge of the container, a portion (24) of outer wall connected to the sealing portion and adapted to extend, when the lid is in the closed position, passing under an outer edge of the container flange, and a lid edge portion (25), which extends from a lower end of the outer wall portion, wherein the sealing portion comprises a sealing surface (231) adapted to form said seal with the upper surface (141) of the container flange such that said seal extends over at least one upper outer quadrant 20 of the flange surface of the container, said outer metal portion of the lid is formed of a metal sheet and said sealing surface is a surface of said metal sheet, and said sealing surface (231) is adapted to conform to said upper surface (141) of the flange of the container, The resealable container system is characterized in that the lid edge portion (25) is rolled inwardly 25 to form a lid flange (26), the lid flange is arranged to engage and grab a portion of the lower surface of the container flange when the lid is in the closed position to hold the lid in place, and because the system further comprises an opening tool (3) to separate the lid from the container body, the tool (3) comprises a portion ( 31) lever and a hook portion (32) attached to the lever portion, the lever and hook portions are arranged such that the tool can be arranged in at least one opening position, relative to the body of the container and the closed lid, in which the hook portion engages and engages a portion of the lid flange and the lever portion pivots against at least one pivot point on an outer surface of the porc external lid ion, such that when an upper end of the lever portion moves radially inwardly to rotate the lever portion around the pivot point or points, the hook portion moves radially outwardly, displacing from it way the hooked portion 35 of the lid flange radially outwardly to release its hook over the container flange and allow separation of the container lid. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the upper edge portion (13) is wound such that its leading edge substantially meets the metal side wall, and / or wherein the outwardly wound upper edge portion that forms the flange of the container is generally circular in the cross section 3. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said sealing surface (231) is a painted coated surface of said metal sheet. 4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealant portion (23) has an inverted U-shape, and / or  fifty wherein the sealing portion has a substantially semicircular cross section. 5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the upper surface (141) of the container flange has a substantially semicircular cross section, and the internal surface (231) facing downward of the sealing portion is adapted to conform to the upper surface of the container flange. 55 6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wall portion (24) is substantially cylindrical. 7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (2) further comprises at least 60 a groove (240) provided in the outer wall portion (24) and arranged to enable a tool of suitable size, by For example, a screwdriver is inserted into the groove when the lid is in the closed position to leverage a portion of the flange of the lid immediately below the groove away from its engagement coupling with the flange of the container, whereby the lid It can be leveraged by separating the body from the container without using the opening tool. 65 8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (2) further comprises a support wall (28) substantially shaped as truncated extending downwardly from an inner edge of the sealing portion (23) and arranged to engage and support from within an upper end portion of the metal side wall when the lid is in the closed position.  5 9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said outer surface of the outer portion of the lid in which the pivot lever portion is an outer surface of the sealing portion (23). 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said outer surface is substantially arched in the cross section, for example semicircular. 10 11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lever portion (31) comprises a substantially flat lever surface (33) adapted to pivot against the pivot point or points, and the hook portion comprises a surface ( 34) flat hook to couple said portion of the flange of the lid.  fifteen 12. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid (2) and the flange (14) of the container are rotationally symmetric about an axis, such that said open position can be anywhere around the circumference of the lid. 13. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lever portion (31) comprises an opening (301) adapted to accommodate part of the outer portion (22) of the lid when the opening tool is in position open, such that the lever portion pivots around two pivot points, one on each side of the opening, when in the open position, and / or wherein the lever portion (31) comprises a curved pivot surface (33) adapted to roll on the outer surface of the outer portion of the lid to the extent that the opening tool is used to remove the lid, and /or wherein the opening tool (3) comprises a second hook portion (36) connected to an opposite end of the lever portion to the first hook portion, the system further comprises a container handle (16), connected to pivotally to the body (1) of the container, the second hook portion is adapted to engage on the handle when the opening tool is in the open position and in such a way that the rotation of the handle operates the opening tool to move the hooked portion of the lid flange radially outward.  35