HK1241330B - Container with sealable lid - Google Patents

Description

Container with a sealable lid

Background Art

The present invention relates to a storage container having a lid that is capable of sealing the container. US Patent No. 7,815,067 discloses a similar type of container.

Summary of the Invention

The storage container assembly includes a container having an opening and a lid for covering the opening. The lid includes a top cover, a button, a gasket, a gasket pusher, and an arm. The top cover defines an upper surface of the lid. The button is movable relative to the top cover along a first axial direction between a protruding position and a depressed position. In the protruding position, the top surface of the button deviates from the upper surface of the lid, and in the depressed position, the top surface of the button is closer to the upper surface of the lid than in the protruding position. The gasket is movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The gasket pusher is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. When moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the gasket pusher pushes the gasket into an expanded state. The arm operatively connects the button to the gasket pusher. Movement of the button from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes the arm to pivot and moves the gasket pusher along the second axial direction, which causes the gasket to move toward the expanded state.

A method for assembling a lid includes positioning a cam mechanism on a base and positioning a web on the base. The web includes a gasket pusher and a tensile connector element. Each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent gasket pushers. The method also includes connecting a button to the cam mechanism, positioning a top cover on the base, and connecting the base to the top cover. The top cover includes a button opening for receiving the button. The method also includes attaching the gasket to the base.

A web for expanding a liner includes a hub, a plurality of arms connected to and extending outward from the hub, a plurality of liner pushers connected to corresponding arms, and a plurality of tensile connector elements. Each liner pusher includes a liner contact surface for contacting the liner, and movement of the hub in a first axial direction causes the liner pusher to move in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. Each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent liner pushers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly including a container and a lid sealable with the container.

2 is another perspective view of the container assembly with the lid removed from the container.

3 is an exploded view of the lid for the container assembly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .

4 is a cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , with the lid disposed on the container but not yet in a sealed state.

5 is an exploded view of the lid of the container assembly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , which is different from the perspective view shown in FIG. 3 (being a lower perspective view).

6 is a perspective view of the container assembly with the button in the depressed (and locked) position.

7 and 8 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the positions of the web, base, and liner of the cover when the cover button is in the protruding position.

9 and 10 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the positions of the web, base, and liner of the cover when the cover button has been fully depressed downward past the depressed position.

11 and 12 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the positions of the web, base, and liner of the cover when the button is in the depressed (and locked) position.

13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid sealable with a container.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the cover shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the cover shown in FIG. 13 , which is different from the perspective view shown in FIG. 14 (being a lower perspective view).

16 is a lower perspective view of the web of the cover shown in FIG. 13 .

17 is a perspective view showing the positions of the web, base, and liner of the cover of FIG. 13 with the button of the cover in a protruding position.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the web of the cover shown in FIG. 13 .

19 is a schematic diagram of the displacement of the arms on the web and the button of the cover shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 13 .

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a cover.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the cover shown in FIG. 20 , which is different from the perspective view shown in FIG. 20 (being a lower perspective view).

22 is a perspective view of the button, web, and base of the cover of FIGS. 20 and 21 with the button of the cover in a protruding position.

23 is a perspective view of the button, web, and base of the cover of FIGS. 20 and 21 with the button of the cover in a depressed (locked) position.

24 is a perspective view of the button, top cover, and base of the lid of FIGS. 20 and 21 , with the button of the lid in a depressed (locked) position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 shows a storage container assembly 10 including a container 12 and a lid 14. FIG2 shows the lid 14 removed from the container 12. The container 12 includes a sidewall 16 and a bottom wall 18, the sidewalls being generally rectangular in configuration (in plan view). The sidewalls 16 extend upwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall 18 and define an interior volume 20 in which items can be placed. The sidewalls define an upper opening 22 that is covered by the lid 14. The sidewalls 16 also define an interior surface 24 for the container 12, and against which the lid 14 can be sealed.

FIG3 shows an exploded view of the lid 14 shown in FIG1 and FIG2. The lid 14 includes a button 30, a top cover 32, a web 34, a cam mechanism 36, a base 38, and a liner 40. Movement of the button 30 causes movement of the liner 40. Referring to FIG4, movement of the button 30 in a first axial direction, such as parallel to arrow 42, causes movement of the liner 40 in a second axial direction, such as parallel to arrow 44, wherein the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Actuation of the button 30 causes the liner 40 to move from a contracted state (shown in FIG4) to an expanded state, in which the liner 40 contacts the inner surface 24 of the container 12.

Referring back to FIG3 , the button 30 is shown as having a generally circular configuration, but the button may have other configurations, such as square, rectangular, or other polygonal configurations. The button 30 includes an upper section 50 defining a top surface 52, which is typically the surface pushed by the operator to move the button. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 52 is generally planar and is typically oriented horizontally when the container 12 is placed on a horizontal surface in typical use. The button 30 includes a peripheral skirt 54 extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 50. The peripheral skirt 54 is generally annular or cylindrical in configuration and, in the illustrated embodiment, is vertical when the container 12 is placed on a horizontal surface in typical use. A projection 56 (four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extends radially outwardly from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 54. The projection 56 facilitates connecting the button 30 to the top cover 32. As shown in FIG5 , the button 30 includes an inner annular flange 58 extending downwardly from the upper section 50 and offset radially inwardly from the peripheral skirt 54. The button 30 also includes a barb 60 that is centrally located on and extends downwardly from the upper section 50. The barb 60 includes a cross-shaped base 62 that provides for coupling the button 30 to the cam mechanism 36.

The top cover 32 includes a generally horizontally disposed upper section 70 that defines an upper surface 72 of the lid 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 72 is generally planar and is generally oriented horizontally when the container 12 is resting on a horizontal support surface (e.g., a table), with the lid 14 covering the upper opening 22 of the container 12 ( FIG. 2 ). A button aperture 74 is provided in the top cover 32 for receiving the button 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the button aperture 74 is circular, as the button 30 is also circular; however, the button aperture 74 may take other shapes, particularly if the buttons have different shapes. An attachment 76 depends downwardly from the upper section 70 adjacent to the button aperture 74. In the illustrated embodiment, four attachments 76 are shown (see FIG. 5 ). Each attachment 76 includes a corresponding channel 78 for receiving a corresponding protrusion 56 on the button 30. When the button 30 is pressed and released, the protrusion 56 moves within the channel 78. The protrusion 56, traveling within the channel 78, prevents rotational movement of the button 30 relative to the top cover 32. The top cover 32 also includes a fastener opening 82, which extends through a nut column 84 (Figure 5) for attachment of the top cover 32 to the base 38. The top cover 32 also includes a vertically oriented peripheral skirt 86, which is suspended downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 70. The peripheral skirt 86 is roughly matched with the configuration of the sidewall 16 of the container 12. An inner vertical wall 88 is suspended downwardly from the upper section 70 and is offset inwardly from the peripheral skirt 86. The shape of the inner vertical wall 88 is the same as that of the peripheral skirt 86, but is smaller. A channel 92 is formed between the peripheral skirt 86 and the inner vertical wall 88. At least a portion of the liner 40 is received in this channel 92, which is visible in Figure 4.

3 , the web 34 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material that includes a hub 100, arms 102, pad pushers 104, and tensile connector elements 106. Each arm 102 connects the hub 100 to a corresponding pad pusher 104. Each tensile connector element 106 connects a corresponding pad pusher 104 to an adjacent pad pusher. Movement of the button 30 causes movement of the hub 100, which causes movement of the arms 102, which causes movement of the pad pushers 104, which causes movement of the pad pushers 40.

The hub 100 includes a central opening 110 for receiving the barbs 60 on the button 30. The cross-shaped base 62 fits over the central opening 110 of the hub 100 in a manner that prevents the button 30 from rotating relative to the hub 100. The hub includes ratchet teeth 112 (shown in cross-section in FIG. 4 ) that cooperate with the cam mechanism 36. The barbs 60 are connected to the cam mechanism 36, which operatively connects the button 30 to the hub 100.

The arms 102 extend radially outward from the lower end of the hub 100 and connect the hub 100 to a corresponding pad pusher 104. The centerlines that bisect each arm 102 are offset 90 degrees from one another, and each centerline passes through the center of the hub 100. Each arm 102 includes a first hinge portion 120 that connects the arm 102 to the hub 100 and a second hinge portion 122 that connects the corresponding pad pusher 104 to the arm 102. Each hinge portion 120 and 122 operates as a flexure. Each hinge portion 120 and 122 has a smaller thickness than the section of each arm 102 located between the hinge portions. As more clearly seen in Figure 4, for the first hinge portion 120, material has been removed from the lower section of the arm 102, and for the second hinge portion 122, material has been removed from the upper section of the arm. In another arrangement, material can be removed from either the lower section of the arm 102 or the upper section of the arm for both the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122. Each arm also includes an elongated hole 126. The elongated hole 126 is positioned between the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122. The elongated hole 126 provides a locating feature for the arm 102 and the web 34 and may also limit movement of the arm.

Each pad pusher 104 is generally triangular in plan view. Each pad pusher 104 includes a pad contact surface 130 that contacts the pad 40. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 130 is generally L-shaped in plan view, and a line emanating from the center point of the hub 100 that bisects the arm 102 coincides with a corner of the L-shaped pad contact surface 130. Each pad pusher 104 includes a central elongated opening 132 centered along a line emanating from the center point of the hub 100 that bisects the arm 102. Each pad pusher 104 also includes an outer pad pusher opening 134 adjacent each respective tensile connector element 106 to which the pad pusher 104 is connected. The openings 132, 134 in the pad pushers 104 provide locating features for the pad pushers 104 and the web 34 and may also limit movement of the pad pushers. The web 34 on each pad pusher 104 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 136 and a flat (planar) lower surface 138, both of which are perpendicular to the first axial direction (parallel to arrow 42 in FIG. 4 ). The pad pusher 104 and the second hinge portion 122 move in a plane parallel to the upper surface 136 or the lower surface 138 to expand and contract the pad 40. The pad pusher 104 is movable between a retracted position (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and an extended position ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). When moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the pad pusher 104 pushes the pad 40 toward the expanded state.

The tensile connector elements 106 interconnect adjacent pad pushers 104. In the illustrated embodiment, four pad pushers 104 are provided and interconnected via the four tensile connector elements 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensile connector elements 106 are annular. When the pad pushers 104 are in the extended position, the tensile connector elements 106 tighten to urge the pad pushers back to the retracted position. However, the cam mechanism 36 maintains the pad pushers 104 in the extended position until the button 30 is pressed again after the button 30 is in the depressed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the web 34 is formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the hub 100 is interconnected with the pad pushers 104 by respective arms 102, and the pad pushers 104 are further interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 106. When the web 34 is molded, the web 34 is molded into the configuration shown in Figure 3, wherein the lower end of the hub 100 is vertically offset above the upper surface 136 and the lower surface 138. This results in the web 34 tending to be urged toward a position relative to where the lower end of the hub 100 is coplanar with the lower surface 138.

The cam mechanism 36 includes a cam 140 and a spring 142 that acts against the base 38 to bias the cam 140 toward the button 30. The cam 140 includes a cylindrical body 144 having a vertical channel 146 and ratchet teeth 148. The cam 140 is connected to the button 30 by inserting the barb 60 into an opening 152 of the cam 140 (Figure 4). The spring 142 biases the button 30 toward the protruding position (Figure 1).

The base 38 is formed from a plate 160 having an upper surface 162 that faces the top cover 32 when the lid 14 is positioned on the container, and a lower surface 164 ( FIG. 5 ) that faces the interior volume 20 of the container 12. As shown in FIG. 3 , a central liner pusher standoff 166 is received within the central elongated opening 132 provided in each liner pusher 104. Outer liner pusher standoffs 168 extend upward from the upper surface 162 and are received in the outer liner pusher openings 134. Arm standoffs 172 extend upward from the upper surface 162 and are received in corresponding elongated holes 126 provided in each arm 102. Standoffs 166, 168, and 172 assist in positioning the web 34 on the base 38. Each central liner pusher standoff 166 in each corresponding corner of the base 38 can also align with a standoff 84 in the top cover 32 to receive a fastener, thereby connecting the top cover 32 to the base 38. The top cover 32 may be connected to the base 38 by other conventional means. The standoffs 166, 168, and 172 are shown extending upwardly from the base 38; however, the standoffs may extend downwardly from the upper section 70 of the top cover 32 if desired.

The base 38 also includes a central annular boss 174 having an inwardly extending protrusion 176 that terminates above a slot 178 extending radially through the central annular boss 174. The cam mechanism 36 is received in the central annular boss 174, and the vertical channel 146 cooperates with the protrusion 176 in a known manner to stabilize the button 30 in a protruding position, in which the top surface 52 of the button is offset from the upper surface 72 of the lid 14 (shown in FIG. 1 ), and a depressed position, in which the top surface 52 of the button 30 is closer to the upper surface 72 of the lid 14 than in the protruding position. When the button 30 is in the depressed position (see FIG. 6 ), it is desirable that the top surface 52 of the button 30 be substantially flush with the upper surface 72 of the lid 14. The ratchet teeth 112 on the hub 100 ( FIG. 4 ) cooperate with the ratchet teeth 148 on the cam 140 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which allows the button to be retained in one of the protruding and depressed positions.

5 , a circular channel 182 is provided in the lower surface 164 of the plate 160 forming the base 38 . An inlet 184 extends inwardly from the channel 182 toward the center of the plate 160 .

The liner 40 includes a base 190 having an opening 192 and a plurality of inwardly extending ears 194. As shown in FIG3 , an annular flange 196 extends upwardly from an upper surface 198 of the base 190. The annular flange 196 is received in a channel 182 formed in the base 38, and each ear 194 is received in a corresponding inlet 184. The liner 40 also includes a generally vertically oriented peripheral section 200. The liner 40 includes an inner surface 202 that fits around the base 38 and the web 34.

The button 30 is movable relative to the top cover 32 along a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 42 in FIG. 4 ) between a protruding position (shown in FIG. 2 ) and a depressed position, in which the top surface 52 of the button 30 is flush with the upper surface 72 of the cover 14 . Because the cam mechanism 36 is similar to a known ballpoint pen mechanism and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 36 and the button 30 , the button 30 can remain in the depressed position until it is pressed again, at which point the spring 142 biases the button 30 from the depressed position toward the protruding position. Movement of the button 30 from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of at least one (in the illustrated embodiment, each) of the arms 102 . When the button 30 is pressed, each arm 102 pivots about the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122 . The first hinge portion 120 of each arm 102 also translates in a downward direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 4 ) parallel to the first axial direction. The second hinge portion 122 of each arm 102 also translates away from the hub 100 in a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction. This movement in each arm 102 causes the liner pusher 104 to move in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second axial direction is parallel to arrow 44 in FIG. 4 and perpendicular to the first axial direction; however, the second axial direction need not be perpendicular to the first axial direction and may be at any angle other than parallel to the first axial direction. Movement of the liner pusher from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the liner 40 to move toward an expanded state, in which it can contact the inner surface 24 of the container 12. When the button 30 is in the depressed state, the liner 40 contacts the inner surface 24 of the container 12 to seal the container. While the button 30 is in the depressed state, it can be pressed again, and the cam mechanism 36 can operate, causing the spring 142 to bias the button 30 toward the protruding position. As the button 30 moves from the depressed position toward the protruding position, each arm pivots at both the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122 as the hub 100 moves upward with the button 30. The first hinge portion 120 of each arm 102 can also translate in an upward direction (in the orientation shown in FIG4 ) parallel to the first axial direction. The second hinge portion 122 of each arm 102 also translates in a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction toward the hub 100. This causes the liner pusher 104 to be pulled toward the hub, so that the liner 40 no longer engages the inner surface 24 of the container 12.

7 and 8 illustrate the web 34, base 38, and pad 40 in a state where the button is about to be in the protruding position. Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate the web 34, base 38, and pad 40 in a state where the button 30 is about to be fully depressed, before moving to a stable depressed position. Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate the web 34, base 38, and pad 40 in a state where the button is in the depressed position. To return to the protruding position, the button 30 needs to be depressed again, i.e., the button 30 is depressed when it is in the stable (locked) depressed position.

13-17 show a lid 214 similar to lid 14. Lid 214 covers an opening of a container similar to upper opening 22 shown in FIG2 , but the container has a different shape. Lid 214 can be sealed against an inner surface of the container (similar to inner surface 24 in FIG2 ).

14 and 15 show exploded views of the lid 214 shown in FIG13 . The lid 214 includes a button 230, a top cover 232, a web 234, a cam mechanism 236, a base 238, and a gasket 240. Referring to FIG13 , movement of the button 230 in a first axial direction (e.g., parallel to arrow 242) causes movement of the gasket 240 in a second axial direction (e.g., parallel to arrow 244), wherein the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Actuation of the button 230 causes the gasket 240 to move from a contracted state (shown in FIG13 ) to an expanded state, in which the gasket 240 contacts the inner surface of the container.

Button 230 is shown as a roughly circular structure, but the button can take other structures, such as square, rectangular or other polygonal structures. Button 230 includes an upper section 250 that limits a top surface 252, which is a surface that is usually pushed by an operator to move the button. Button 230 includes a peripheral skirt 254 that extends downward from the periphery of upper section 250. Different from button 30, for button 230, concave protrusions 256 (wherein four are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extend outwards from the lower free end of peripheral skirt 254. Convex protrusions 258 extend outwards from the lower free end of peripheral skirt 254. Two convex protrusions 258 are shown as being arranged relative to each other at 180 degrees, and are offset 90 degrees with respect to a corresponding pair of concave protrusions 256. Protrusions 256, 258 are convenient for button 230 to be connected to top cover 232. 15 , the button 230 includes an inner annular flange 260 extending downwardly from the upper section 250 and offset radially inwardly from the peripheral skirt 254. The button 230 also includes a barb 262 extending downwardly from the upper section 250. The barb 262 includes a cross-shaped base 264 and is used to connect the button 230 to the cam mechanism 236.

The top cover 232 includes a generally horizontal upper section 270 that defines an upper surface 272 of the lid 214. A button aperture 274 is provided in the top cover 232 for receiving the button 230. A first (wider) appendage 276 depends downwardly from the top cover 270 adjacent to the button aperture 274. The first appendage 276 is received between the concave protrusions 256. In the illustrated embodiment, two first appendages 276 are shown (see FIG. 15 ). A second (thinner) appendage 278 depends downwardly from the top cover 270 adjacent to the button aperture 274. Each second appendage 278 includes a corresponding channel 280 for receiving a corresponding convex protrusion 258 on the button 230. The protrusions 256, 258 cooperate with the appendages 276, 278 to prevent rotational movement of the button 230 relative to the top cover 232. The top cover 232 also includes a fastener opening 282 through which a standoff 284 ( FIG. 15 ) extends to facilitate attachment of the top cover 232 to the base 238. Top cap 232 also comprises a peripheral skirt 286 oriented vertically, which is suspended downwards from the periphery of upper section 270. The peripheral skirt 286 is roughly mated with the structure of the sidewall of the container, so that lid 214 cooperates with the container. An inner vertical wall 288 is suspended downwards from upper section 270 and is inwardly offset from the peripheral skirt 286. The inner vertical wall 288 has the same shape as the peripheral skirt 286, but is less. Between peripheral skirt 286 and the inner vertical wall 288, a passage 292 is formed. At least a portion of liner 240 is received in this passage 292, is similar to liner 40 and is received in the passage 92, as shown in Figure 4.

14 , the web 234 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material that includes a hub 300, arms 302, pad pushers 304, and a tensile connector element 306. Each arm 302 connects the hub 300 to a corresponding pad pusher 304. Each tensile connector element 306 connects a corresponding pad pusher 304 to an adjacent pad pusher. Movement of the button 230 causes movement of the hub 300, which causes movement of the arms 302, which causes movement of the pad pushers 304, which causes movement of the pad pushers 240.

The hub 300 includes a central opening 310 that receives the barbs 262 on the button 230. The cross-shaped base 264 fits within the opening 310 of the hub 300 in a manner that prevents the button 230 from rotating relative to the hub 300. The hub 300 includes ratchet teeth 312 ( FIG. 16 ) that cooperate with the cam mechanism 236. The barbs 262 are connected to the cam mechanism 236 in a manner similar to the connection between the barbs 60 and the cam mechanism 36, thereby operatively connecting the button 230 to the hub 300.

The arms 302 extend outwardly from the lower end of the hub 300 and connect the hub 300 to the corresponding pad pusher 304. The arms 302 are not spaced apart at equal angles from each other as the webs 34 described above. When viewed from a top plan view (see FIG. 18 ), to the left of the vertical centerline of the web 234 (regardless of the orientation of the opening 310), the arms 302 are spaced apart at acute angles from each other. Similarly, to the right of the centerline, the arms 302 are spaced apart at acute angles from each other. In contrast, the arms 302 located above the horizontal centerline of FIG. 18 are spaced apart at obtuse angles from each other. Similarly, the arms 302 located below the horizontal centerline in FIG. 18 are spaced apart at obtuse angles from each other.

17 , each arm 302 includes a first (proximal) hinge portion 320 connecting the arm 302 to the hub 300 and a second (distal) hinge portion 322 connecting the corresponding pad pusher 304 to the arm 302. Each hinge portion 320 and 322 operates as a flexure. Each hinge portion 320 and 322 has a thickness that is smaller than the section of each arm 302 between the hinge portions. For the first hinge portion 320, material has been removed from the bottom of the arm 302. For the second hinge portion 322, material has been removed from the top of the arm 302. Each hinge portion 320, 322 can be formed in the same manner, for example, both can have material removed from the upper section, or both can have material removed from the lower section. Each arm 302 also includes an elongated hole 326. The elongated hole 326 is positioned between the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322. The elongated hole 326 provides a locating feature for the arm 302 and the web 234 and may also limit the movement of the arm.

Each pad pusher 304 includes a pad contact surface 330 that contacts the pad 240. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 330 is generally L-shaped in plan view. However, due to the rectangular configuration of the cover 214, a line emanating from the center point of the hub 300 bisecting the arm 302 is offset relative to the corners of the L-shaped pad contact surface 330 (see FIG. 18 ).

Each pad pusher 304 includes an elongated opening 332, similar to the opening 132 in the pad pusher 104, to provide a locating feature for the pad pusher 304 and the web 234 and also to limit the movement of the pad pusher. The web 234 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 336 and a flat (planar) lower surface 338. The pad pusher 304 and the second hinge portion 322 move in a plane parallel to the upper surface 336 or the lower surface 338 to expand and contract the pad 240. The pad pusher 304 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the pad pusher 304 pushes the pad 240 toward the expanded state.

The tensile connector elements 306 interconnect adjacent pad pushers 304. In the illustrated embodiment, four pad pushers 304 are provided and interconnected via the four tensile connector elements 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensile connector elements 306 are annular. When the pad pushers 304 are in the extended position, the tensile connector elements 306 tighten to urge the pad pushers back to the retracted position. However, the cam mechanism 236 maintains the pad pushers 304 in the extended position until the button 230 is pressed again after the button 230 is in the depressed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the web 234 is formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the hub 300 is interconnected with the pad pusher 304 by respective arms 302, and the pad pushers 304 are also interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 306. The web 234 is molded in the position shown in FIG.

The cam mechanism 236 is identical in all respects to the cam mechanism 36. Therefore, further description is omitted.

The base 238 is formed by a plate 360 having an upper surface 362 that faces the top cover 32 when the cover is positioned on the container and a lower surface 364 that faces the interior volume of the container ( FIG. 15 ). Referring to FIG. 17 , liner pusher standoffs 366 extend upward from the upper surface 362 and are received in an elongated opening 332 provided in each liner pusher 304. Arm standoffs 372 extend upward from the upper surface 362 and are received in a corresponding elongated hole 326 provided in each arm 302. Standoffs 366 and 372 help position the web 234 on the base 238. Each liner pusher standoff 366 in each corresponding corner of the base 238 can also align with a standoff 284 in the top cover 232 to receive a fastener, thereby connecting the top cover 232 to the base 238. The top cover 232 can be connected to the base 238 in other conventional ways. The standoffs 366 and 372 are shown extending upward from the base 238 ; however, the standoffs may extend downward from the upper section 270 of the top cover 232 , if desired.

The base 238 also includes a central annular boss 374 having an inwardly extending protrusion 376 that terminates above a slot 378 extending radially through the central annular boss 374. The cam mechanism 236 is received in the central annular boss 374, and the vertical channel 346 cooperates with the protrusion 376 in a known manner to stabilize the button 230 in a protruding position, in which the top surface 252 of the button is offset from the upper surface 272 of the cover 214 (as shown in FIG. 13 ), and in a depressed position, in which the top surface 252 of the button 230 is closer to the upper surface 272 of the cover 214 than in the protruding position. When the button 230 is in the depressed position, the top surface 252 of the button 230 may be substantially flush with the upper surface 272 of the cover 214. Ratchet teeth 312 ( FIG. 16 ) on hub 300 cooperate with ratchet teeth 348 on cam 340 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which allows the button to be retained in one of the protruding and depressed positions.

15 , a channel 382 is provided in a lower surface 364 of a plate 360 constituting the base 238. An inlet 384 extends inwardly from the channel 382 toward the center of the plate 360.

The liner 240 includes a base 390 and a generally vertically oriented perimeter portion 400. The liner 240 includes an inner surface 402 that fits around the base 238 and the web 234.

The button 230 is movable relative to the top cover 232 along a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 242 in FIG. 13 ) between a protruding position (shown in FIG. 13 ) and a depressed position, in which the top surface 252 of the button 230 is flush with the upper surface 272 of the cover 214. Because the cam mechanism 236 is similar to a known ballpoint pen mechanism and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 236 and the button 230, the button 230 can remain in the depressed position until it is pressed again, at which point the spring 342 biases the button 230 from the depressed position toward the protruding position. Movement of the button 230 from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of at least one of the arms 302 (in the illustrated embodiment, each arm). When the button 230 is pressed, each arm 302 pivots about the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322. The first hinge portion 320 of each arm 302 also translates in a downward direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 14 ) parallel to the first axial direction (arrow 242). The second hinge portion 322 also translates along a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction and moves outwardly away from the hub 300. This movement of each arm 302 causes the liner pusher 304 to move in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second axial direction is parallel to arrow 244 in FIG. 13 and perpendicular to the first axial direction; however, the second axial direction need not be perpendicular to the first axial direction. Movement of the liner pusher from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the liner 240 to move toward an expanded state, in which it can contact the inner surface of the container. When the button 230 is in the depressed state, the liner 240 contacts the inner surface of the container to seal the container. While the button 230 is in the depressed state, it can be pressed again, and the cam mechanism 236 can be operated, causing the spring 342 to bias the button 230 toward the protruding position. As the button 230 moves from the depressed position toward the protruding position, each arm pivots at both the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322 as the hub 300 moves upward with the button 230. The first hinge portion 320 of each arm 302 also translates in an upward direction (in the orientation shown in FIG14 ) parallel to the first axial direction (arrow 242). The second hinge portion 322 also translates in a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction and moves inward toward the hub 300. This causes the liner pusher 304 to be pulled toward the hub 300, causing the liner 240 to no longer engage the inner surface 24 of the container 12. FIG17 shows the web 234, base 238, and liner 240 with the button in the protruding position.

The above-mentioned covers 14 and 214 can be made to be relatively short in the vertical direction (parallel to the arrow 42 in Figure 4 and the central axis 442 in Figure 20). Figure 19 schematically shows that the button 30, 230 is displaced in the vertical direction as "y" and each pad pusher 104, 304 is displaced in the horizontal direction as "x". The length of the arm 102, 302 on the web 34, 234 is "a". It is desirable that the displacement "x" of the pad pusher is less than twice the length of the arm, that is, x<2a. In addition, it is desirable that the angle θ is less than 45 degrees so that the horizontal component of the horizontal force acting on the pad pusher 104, 304 is greater than the vertical component.

The lids 12 and 214 can be assembled in an easy manner. The method for assembling the lids 14 and 214 includes arranging the cam mechanism 36 and 236 on the base 38 and 238 and arranging the web 34 and 234 on the base 38 and 238. The method also includes connecting the button 30 and 230 to the cam mechanism 36 and 236, arranging the top cover 32 and 232 on the base 38 and 238, and connecting the base 38 and 238 to the top cover 32 and 232. The attachment method of the base 38 and 238 to the top cover 32 and 232 can use fasteners or be connected via a snap-fit connection. The method also includes attaching the pad 40 and 240 to the base 38 and 238, which can be achieved by stretching the pad 40 and 240 around the base 38 and 238.

The method for assembling the lid 14, 214 can easily stack the components on top of each other, which facilitates the assembly process. The sequence of the above steps does not need to be performed in the exact order described. In addition, positioning the cam mechanism 36, 236 on the base 38, 238 can include inserting the spring 142, 342 into the central annular boss 174, 374 (or into a boss of a different shape) and positioning the cam 140, 340 on the spring 142, 342.

20 and 21 show a state where a lid 414 having a shape similar to lid 214 (see FIG. 24 ) is assembled. Lid 414 covers an opening of a container similar to upper opening 22 shown in FIG. 2 , but the container may have a different shape. Lid 414 can be sealed against the inner surface of the container (similar to inner surface 24 in FIG. 2 ).

20 and 21 illustrate exploded views of lid 414. Lid 414 includes a button 430, a cap 432, a web 434, a cam mechanism 436, a base 438, and a gasket 440. Movement of button 430 in a first axial direction, e.g., parallel to center 442, causes gasket 440 to move in a second axial direction, e.g., parallel to arrow 444, wherein the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Similar to the above-described embodiments, downward actuation of button 430 causes gasket 440 to move from a contracted state to an expanded state, in which gasket 440 contacts the interior surface of the container.

The button 430 includes an upper section 450 defining a top surface 452. The button 430 includes a peripheral skirt 454 extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 450. Tabs 456 (four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extend radially outwardly from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 454. The tabs 456 facilitate coupling the button 430 to the top cover 432. Referring to FIG21 , the button 430 includes an inner annular flange 460 and barbs 462 extending downwardly from the upper section 450. The barbs 462 include a cross-shaped base (not visible here, but similar to the cross-shaped base 64, 264) and are used to couple the button 430 to the cam mechanism 436. The button 430 is similar to the buttons 30, 230 described above; however, the button 430 includes an arm contact element 466 disposed on the inner annular flange 460. In the illustrated embodiment, four arm contact elements 466 are provided and are equiangularly spaced from one another in a manner similar to the arm 302 shown in FIG. 18 .

The top cover 432 includes an upper section 470 that defines an upper surface 472 of the lid 414. A button hole 474 is provided in the top cover 432 for receiving the button 430. An annular flange 476 depends downwardly from the upper section 470 and surrounds the button hole 474. A channel 478 is provided in the annular flange 476 to receive the protrusion 456. The top cover 432 also includes a fastener opening 482, through which a nut standoff 484 (Figure 21) extends for attachment of the top cover 432 to the base 438. The top cover 432 also includes a vertically oriented peripheral skirt 486 and an inner vertical wall 488, both of which depend downwardly from the upper section 470 to define a channel 492 similar to the top covers 32 and 232 described above.

14 , web 434 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material similar to webs 34 and 234 described above; however, web 434 lacks a hub (similar to hubs 100 and 300) and integral arms (similar to arms 102 and 302). Web 434 includes a pad pusher 504 and a tensile connector element 506. Web 434 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 526 and a flat (planar) lower surface 528, both of which are perpendicular to central axis 442.

Each pad pusher 504 includes a pad contact surface 530 that contacts the pad 440. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 530 is generally L-shaped in plan view. Each pad pusher 504 includes an elongated opening 532, similar to the elongated opening 332 in the pad pusher 304, to provide a locating feature for the pad pusher 504 and the web 434 and also to limit the movement of the pad pusher. The pad pusher 504 moves in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 442 and parallel to the upper surface 526 or the lower surface 528 to expand and contract the pad 440. Each pad pusher 504 is also provided with a wall 536 that provides a vertical contact surface 538 that faces inwardly toward the central opening 540 of the web 434.

The tensile connector elements 506 interconnect adjacent pad pushers 504. In the illustrated embodiment, four pad pushers 504 are provided and are interconnected by four tensile connector elements 506. In the illustrated embodiment, the web 434 is formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the pad pushers 504 are interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 506.

Cam mechanism 436 is similar to a known ballpoint pen mechanism. Instead of ratchet teeth 112 ( FIG. 4 ) on hub 100 ( FIG. 3 ) or ratchet teeth 312 ( FIG. 16 ) on hub 300 , a gear 544 having ratchet teeth 546 (similar to ratchet teeth 112 and 312 ) is retained between upper section 450 of button 430 and a cam 548 that is similar in all respects to cam 140 of FIG. 4 . Barb 462 extends through gear 544 , and gear 544 is rotatable relative to button 430 .

The base 438 is formed by a plate 560 having an upper surface 562 that faces the top cover 432 when the cover is in place on the container, and a lower surface 564 that faces the interior volume of the container ( FIG. 21 ). Liner pusher standoffs 566 extend upward from the upper surface 562 and are received in an elongated opening 532 provided in each liner pusher 504. Each of the liner pusher standoffs 566 in each corresponding corner of the base 438 can also align with a standoff 484 in the top cover 432 to receive a fastener, thereby connecting the top cover 432 to the base 438. The top cover 432 can be connected to the base 438 in other conventional manners. The standoffs 566 are shown as extending upward from the base 438; however, if desired, the standoffs can extend downward from the upper section 470 of the top cover 432. Arm mounting members 572 extend upward from the upper surface 562. In the illustrated embodiment, four pairs of arm mounting members 572 are provided. Each arm mount includes a shaft recess 574 .

The base 438 also includes a central annular boss 576 having an inwardly extending protrusion 578 that terminates above a slot 580 extending radially through the central annular boss 576. The cam mechanism 436 is received in the central annular boss 576, and the vertical channel 550 of the cam 548 cooperates with the protrusion 578 in a known manner to maintain the button 430 stable in a protruding position, in which the top surface 452 of the button is offset from the upper surface 472 of the cover 414 (similar to the button 230 shown in FIG13), and in a depressed position, in which the top surface 452 of the button 430 is closer to the upper surface 472 of the cover 414 than in the protruding position. When the button 430 is in the depressed position, the top surface 452 of the button 430 can be substantially flush with the upper surface 472 of the cover 414 (see FIG24). Ratchet teeth 546 on gear 544 cooperate with ratchet teeth 552 on cam 548 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which enables the button to be maintained in one of the protruding and depressed positions.

The gasket 440 is a generally vertically oriented annular body 590. The annular body 590 of the gasket 440 includes an inner surface 592 that fits around the base 438 and the web 434.

20 and 21 , a plurality of arms 602 are provided that are separate from, i.e., not integrally formed with, the web 434. Each arm 602 operatively connects the button 430 with a corresponding pad pusher 504. Movement of the button 430 results in movement of the arm 602, which results in movement of the pad pusher 504, which in turn results in movement of the pad 440.

18 , the arms 602 are equiangularly spaced apart from one another. Each arm 602 includes a proximal contact surface 620 that contacts a corresponding arm contact element 466 on the button 430. Each arm 602 includes a distal contact surface 622 that contacts a corresponding pad pusher 504. Each arm 602 also includes a shaft post 624, each of which is received in a corresponding shaft recess 574 for connecting the arm 602 to the base 438. When a downward force (parallel to the central axis 442) is applied to the proximal contact surface 620, or when a force perpendicular to the central axis 442 is applied to the distal contact surface 622, each arm 602 pivots about an axis centered relative to the corresponding shaft post 624.

The button 430 is movable relative to the top cover 432 along a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 442 in FIG. 20 ) between a protruding position (shown in FIG. 22 , and similar to the button 230 shown in FIG. 13 ) and a depressed position, in which the top surface 452 of the button 430 is flush with the upper surface 472 of the cover 414 (see FIG. 24 ). Because the cam mechanism 436 is similar to a known ballpoint pen mechanism and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 436 and the button 430, the button 430 can remain in the depressed position until it is pressed again, at which point the spring 554 biases the button 430 from the depressed position toward the protruding position. Movement of the button 430 from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes at least one of the arms 602 (in the illustrated embodiment, each arm) to pivot. When the button 430 is pressed, each arm 602 pivots on the shaft 624. 20 , the camming mechanism 436 is adapted to move the camming mechanism 436 toward the protruding position. As the button 430 moves from the depressed position toward the protruding position, the resilient force exerted by the web 434, which desires to return to its original shape, and the gasket 440, which also desires to return to its original shape, acts on the distal contact surface 622 of each arm through the vertical contact surface 538 on the wall 536 of each gasket pusher 504. This causes each arm 602 to pivot in opposite directions at the shaft 624 as the button 430 moves. When the gasket pusher 504 is pulled toward the central opening 540 of the web 434, the gasket 440 no longer engages the inner surface of the container.

It should be understood that the various embodiments disclosed above and other features and functions or their alternatives or variations can be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. In addition, those skilled in the art may subsequently make various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements that are not currently anticipated or foreseen in this document, which will be covered by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A storage container assembly comprising: a container having an opening; A cover for covering the opening, comprising a top cover defining an upper surface of the lid; a button movable relative to the top cover along a first axial direction between a protruding position and a depressed position, wherein in the protruding position, a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the cover, and in the depressed position, the top surface of the button is closer to the upper surface of the cover than in the protruding position; a liner movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state; pad pushers; characterised in that: the liner pusher is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction, wherein when moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the liner pusher pushes the liner toward the expanded state; An arm operatively connects the button to the pad pusher, wherein movement of the button from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of the arm and movement of the pad pusher in the second axial direction, thereby causing the pad to move toward the expanded state. 2 . The storage container assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lid further comprises a spring biasing the button toward the protruding position. 3 . The storage container assembly of claim 2 , wherein the lid further comprises a cam mechanism comprising a cam and the spring. 4. A storage container assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cam mechanism is configured to cooperate with the button so that when moving from the protruding position to the pressed position, the button remains in the pressed position, and the button remains in the pressed position until it is pressed again when in the pressed position. 5. A storage container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the liner pusher is one of a plurality of liner pushers and the arm is one of a plurality of arms, wherein the lid further comprises a web, the web being an integrally formed sheet of plastic material comprising a plurality of liner pushers and a plurality of stretch connector elements, wherein each stretch connector element connects adjacent liner pushers to each other. 6. The storage container assembly of claim 5, wherein each tensile connector element is annular. 7. The storage container assembly of claim 6, wherein the web further comprises a hub and the plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms being connected to the hub and a corresponding liner pusher. 8. The storage container assembly of claim 7, wherein each arm includes a first hinge portion connecting the respective arm to the hub and a second hinge portion connecting the respective pad pusher to the respective arm. 9. The storage container assembly of claim 8, wherein each liner pusher includes a lower surface perpendicular to the first axial direction, and each liner pusher and the corresponding second hinge portion move in a plane parallel to the lower surface to expand and contract the liner. 10. The storage container assembly of claim 8, wherein each liner pusher includes a liner contact surface that contacts the liner, wherein the liner contact surface defines a corner, and a line extending from a center point of the hub that bisects the corresponding arm coincides with the corresponding corner. 11. A storage container assembly according to claim 8, wherein each liner pusher includes a liner contact surface that contacts the liner, wherein the liner contact surface defines a corner, and a line emanating from a center point of the hub that bisects the corresponding arm is offset relative to the corresponding corner. 12. A method of assembling a lid, the method comprising: The cam mechanism is arranged on a base; disposing a web on the base, wherein the web includes pad pushers and tensile connector elements, wherein each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent pad pushers; connecting the button to the cam mechanism; placing a top cover on the base and coupling the base to the top cover, wherein the top cover includes a button opening for receiving the button; and A pad is attached to the base. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein disposing the cam mechanism on the base further comprises inserting a spring into or onto a boss disposed on the base, and disposing a cam on the spring. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the web is an integrally formed plastic piece comprising a hub and a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms being coupled to the hub and a corresponding pad pusher, and coupling the button to the cam mechanism comprises inserting a barb on the button into the hub through a central opening. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each pad pusher includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the method further comprising molding the web in a configuration with the lower end of the hub vertically offset above the upper surface of each pad pusher. 16. A web for an expansion liner, the web comprising: hub; a plurality of arms connected to the hub and extending outwardly from the hub; a plurality of pad pushers, each pad pusher coupled to a respective arm, each pad pusher comprising a pad contact surface for contacting a pad, wherein movement of the hub in a first axial direction causes movement of the pad pusher in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction; and A plurality of tensile connector elements each interconnect adjacent pad pushers. 17. The web of claim 16, wherein each arm includes a first hinge portion connecting the respective arm to the hub and a second hinge portion connecting the respective pad pusher to the respective arm. 18. The web of claim 17, wherein each pad pusher includes a lower surface perpendicular to the first axial direction, and each pad pusher and corresponding second hinge portion move in a plane parallel to the lower surface. 19. The web of claim 17, wherein the pad contact surface defines a corner, and a line emanating from a center point of the hub bisecting the respective arm coincides with the respective corner. 20. The web of claim 17, wherein the pad contact surface defines a corner, and a line emanating from a center point of the hub bisecting the respective arm is offset relative to the respective corner.