MX2007009205A

MX2007009205A - Closure lid for open mouth containers.

Info

Publication number: MX2007009205A
Application number: MX2007009205A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Dimitri M C J Backaert
Original assignee: Dart Ind Inc
Priority date: 2006-07-31
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: ATE449010T1; KR20080012188A; CA2592732A1; JP2008030859A; EP1884479B1; EP1884479A1; DE602007003273D1; CN101117164A; RU2007129157A; US20080041869A1; JP4790674B2; DK1884479T3; AU2007203517A1

Abstract

A container lid for engagement within an open mouth container including upper and lower panels with the lower panel including a peripheral upwardly directed flexible flange seal, the upper panel being upwardly convex and, in cooperation with positioning posts on the lower panel, being selectively downwardly flexed toward the lower panel for an outward movement of the peripheral edge of the upper panel against the flange seal by an enhanced fulcrum action of the upper panel about a fulcrum extending upward from the lower panel in closely spaced inward relation to the flange seal.

Description

LOCK COVER FOR OPEN MOUTH CONTAINERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to lock caps for open mouth food containers and the like. These covers are known in the prior art and include, generally, the provision for a manipulation of the lid in relation to the container, in order to provide a positive seal of this lid to the container. This usually involves a rather elaborate manipulation of selected lid components, in mutual relation, in a manner not easily apparent or easily effected. In addition, in many cases, in order to produce a positive seal, the open mouth area of the container must, by itself, be configured only to accommodate the specific lock cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the intention of the present invention to provide a closure cap, which is unique, both in structure and in the manner of use. This lid, which couples the inner surface of a container to the inside of its open mouth, functions as much as a lock easily inserted into the container and removed from it, as well as a lid sealed intimately to the wall of the container. The nature of the contents of the container will determine how to use the lock lid. This lock lid, regardless of its use, will assume the same central position of the container seated in a shallow interior support, formed as a part of the wall of the container. It is significant that the insertion of the lock lid inside the container does not require manipulation of the components of the lid, in mutual relation. Rather, the cap is merely inserted into the container on the positioning support. When a positive seal is to be made, the user only needs to flex down the upper panel, or member, which has an upward dome, normally using a central button, to attach and push to the outside a peripheral seal, integral with the panel lower or member. This top panel will lock automatically in its position that provides a bent seal down, and will be held in this position, until released manually by a simple finger pressure. In the release it will go up without bending, or it will move to its position in a normal way or supported upwards, and thus release the pressure of the seal. Structurally, the lock lid of the invention is formed simply and economically by only two components, preferably molded of suitable synthetic resinous materials. The components comprise panels, upper and lower, coupled only as a unitary assembly and, as desired, easily disassembled for cleaning or other related purposes. The lower panel includes an outer peripheral area, having a rib, projecting upwards, and, spaced outwardly thereof, at the extreme periphery of the bottom panel, a sealing flange, which extends upwards. The lower panel, between the generally parallel rib and the flange, is pressed or forms a groove below the level of the central area of the lower panel, with this rib and flange extending generally at the same height, above the central area. The sealing flange has a greater degree of elastic flexibility, relative to the rest of the lower panel, which includes the rib for its outward flexing in engagement with the wall of the container, as will be explained subsequently.

The lower panel is completed by a pair of positioning posts, internally spaced, that extend upwards, there centered. These posts are flexible elastically with each other in the application of physical pressure and, in the release of such pressure, return to the original positions, due to an inherent elastic memory. The upper panel has a higher degree of elastic or resilient flexibility, that the bottom panel and forms an upward dome or is convex to selectively flex down the lower panel in the downward pressure thereof. The upper panel, through the inherent elastic memory, in the release, will return to its upper convex position. The two positioning posts in the lower panel are received through a central opening in the upper panel. The opening of the upper panel, has or defines opposite locking edges, which, in the upper or unfolded position of the upper panel, are coupled below the upper tabs, which project to the outside, on the opposite positioning posts. The outer peripheral edge portion of the top panel engages the rib of the bottom panel with the outer peripheral edge end of the top panel placed adjacent to the flange seal of the lower panel, under a retaining lip on this flange. In this way, the panels, upper and lower, are assembled to define this lock lid of the invention. In order to achieve and maintain the desired sealing action, the positioning posts include a pair of lower locking tabs, one on each post, spaced below the upper tabs. A downward pressure in the top panel will move, through a pressing action, the locking edges below the lower tabs with the edges locked under the lower tabs and retaining the upper panel in a sealing position bent downwards, with relation to the lower panel. This downward movement of the top panel will cause corresponding movement of the fulcrum (fulcrum) of the outer edge of the top panel, around the rib in the bottom panel and an outward extension of the peripheral edge of the top panel against the flange seal, in conjunction with its slight upward displacement against the retaining lip, to produce the desired bending outwardly of the flange seal in engagement with the wall of the container. When the release of the seal effect is desired, one needs merely to move the posts laterally to the inside, with each other, to release the inner locking tabs with the elastic memory of the top panel upwards, moving the panel to its initial convex configuration with a corresponding retraction of the sealing pressure in the flange seal. The panels, top and bottom, will remain assembled as the locking edges of the top panel sit below the top post tabs. In order to facilitate a lid handling and manipulation of the top panel, a button, directed upwards, will be formed around the central opening in its upper panel and around the up projecting posts, received through the same. The peripheral wall of the button will include opposed access openings aligned with the locking edges of the upper panel for movement of and access to the tabs of the post therethrough, as they cooperate with the locking edges of the panel. The button also includes cameras that open downwards, aligned with each wall opening of the button, to accommodate the two poles. These cameras and have an internal wall, which helps in the alignment of the posts with the button and the locking edges of the top panel, as the panels are assembled and also prevents the excess of distortion lateral to the interior or the movement of the posts, as these posts are manipulated. As will be appreciated, in the preferred embodiment, the lid and the inner wall of the container are circular, the application of the characteristics of the invention to other configurations is also considered feasible and within the experience of the artisan. Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view, with separate pieces, of an open-mouth container, and the lock lid of the invention aligned for reception there; Figure 2 is a perspective view, with separate parts, of the two components of the lock lid and a container below it; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the top panel of the lock lid; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lock lid, received inside the container and in a sealing position locked there; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap received within the container, prior to engagement of the peripheral seal; Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail of the area indicated in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 5, but with the lid in its locked position; Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area indicated in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view, further illustrating the locked position of the lid within the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more specifically to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates the lock lid 10 and an underlying associated container 12. As noted, this container 12 is open-mouthed and includes a peripheral support backing 14, directed to the interior, on its inner wall surface. The support 14 is spaced down from the upper edge 16 of the wall of the container, for a telescopic reception of the lid 10, inside the container, in supported coupling on the support 14; note, for example, Figures 5 or 6. As will be noted, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the lock lid 10 is circular and can be engaged within a corresponding cylindrical container 12. Also, as seen in Figure 2 and the various cross-sectional details, the lid 10 needs to be comprised of only two members, a lower seal panel 18 and an upper control panel 20, each molded of an appropriate synthetic resinous material. The lower panel 18 includes a central portion 22, which is slightly convex upwards with a peripherally continuous rib 24, around its outer end. The lower panel 18 extends beyond the rib 24, as a portion of the outer side of the rib 24, downward and slightly to the outside, below the general level of the central area 22 and then turns laterally outward to define a base 28. , which sits on the holder 14 of the container. A vertically extending peripheral sealing flange 30 formed integrally with the outer edge of the peripheral base 28 extends slightly lower than the upper extremity of the rib. 24 and ends in a lip 32, directed laterally to the interior. The sealing flange 30 of the lower panel has a greater degree of flexible resilience for lateral bending to the outside in engagement with a wall of the container, in the application of pressure there, in a manner that will be explained subsequently. This flange also incorporates a substantial degree of elastic memory, thus returning to an original position in the release of pressure. As illustrated, this increased flexibility can be achieved by means of a molding of the flange of a thickness less than the rest of the lower, relatively stiffer honeycomb. The lower panel 18 further includes a pair of laterally spaced erect laying posts 34 in the center of the panel. Each post 34 includes a retention tab 36, upper, projecting to the outside, and, spaced downwardly therefrom, a locking tab 38, which projects to the outside. The upper tab 36 defines a lower retaining spine 40. A similar retention lug 42, directed downward, is provided by the lower tab 38. This lower tab 38 also includes an upper cam surface 44 which is inclined.

The posts 34 have a degree of flexibility and an elastic memory, which allows the posts to be laterally flexed to each other by a retraction into the tabs and, in the release of pressure on the posts, these posts and tabs automatically return to their original position. The resilient flexibility can be increased by a narrowing of the posts, as in 46, between the panel body itself and the lower locking tab 38, placed upwards. As noted from Figure 2, in particular, a rib 48 for providing rigidity may be provided on the upper surface of the central area 22 of the lower panel 18, along arcs, between and on both sides of the posts 34. Returning now to the top panel 20, this panel has an upward dome or is convex, to a degree relatively greater than the central area of the lower panel 18 and includes an edge 50 which orientates the outer peripheral seal. A central opening 52 is provided through the upper panel 20 and is of a size to receive the posts 34 for positioning the lower panel upwards through a slight flexion into the poles from each other. The opposite edge portions 54 of the opening 52 are adapted to be delineated with the positioning pots 34 and mated selectively below the tabs, 36 and 38, of positioning and retention. These opening edge portions 54 define locking edges and are made stiff by an underlying reinforcing rib 56, which is integrally dependent on the lower surface of the upper panel 20 around and slightly outwardly of the opening 52, defined therein, and the edges thereof. 54 of lock defined by the opening. A driving button 56, integral with the upper panel 20, surrounds and extends upwardly from the opening 52 of the upper panel, the peripheral wall 60 of the button 58 is discontinuous at the locking edges 54, to expose the exterior of the poles to the outside. placement through it. The upper part 62 of the button will also be slightly lowered, as in 64, in alignment with the wall openings, to ensure free manual access to the positioning posts. It will also be noted that the button 58 of the upper panel 20 has a pair of cameras 66, which open downwards, there formed within the openings of the wall 60. Each chamber includes opposite side walls 68 and an inner wall 70. These cameras 66 receive the positioning posts, stabilize the posts relative to the upper panel 20 and ensure their proper alignment with the locking edges 54.

Looking at Figure 5 in particular, in assembling the two components of the lid 10, the top panel 20 is positioned to receive the positioning posts 34 through the opening 52. This will involve a slight resilient bending to the interior of the posts in mutual relation, so as to move the upper positioning tongues 34, through the opening and engage the opposite locking edges 54, immediately below in the release of the pressure inside the positioning posts. At the same time or thereafter, the peripheral edge 60 of the panel 10 is peripherally coupled with or positioned closely adjacent to the inner face of the sealing flange 30 of the lower panel below the upper retaining lip 32. The arc of the upper panel 20 is such as to, in the assembled position, settle on the rib 24 projecting upwards, in the lower panel, which defines a fulcrum or fulcrum point. The closure cap, thus assembled, is adapted to freely enter the open mouth of the container and settle, in a relationship, generally non-sealing, in the holder 14 of the container, providing an effective lock in those cases, in which a positive seal it is not required. This non-sealing relationship will be noted in the enlarged detail of Figure 6.

When a sealed relationship is desired, the top panel 20, preferably through direct pressure on the button 58 projecting upward, is flexed downwardly in its central area to the sealing position. This will move the locking edges of the opening in the upper panel, along the upper cam surfaces 44 of the lower tabs 38, which cause slight flexion to the corresponding interior of the positioning posts until the locking edges 54 they are placed under pressure below the lower tabs 38. The posts 34, through their elastic memory, will then move outwardly at the locking edges in their extreme bottom position. The actual movement of the locking edges 54 below the lower retaining tabs 38 can, if desired, be effected by a slight manual pressure to the interior on the positioning tabs 36 of the positioning posts, as the pressure is applied to down to the button. This sealed position of the lock lid will be noted in Figures 7 and 9. With continued reference to these figures and the details of Figure 8, it will be noted that, as the top panel 20 is folded down centrally and locked in position, the outer edge portion thereof will tend to extend to the outside and slightly move upwards around the fulcrum, defined by the rib 24, so as to flex the upper portion of the peripheral flange seal 30 with the edge 50 of the upper panel, which is retained against the flange seal by the retaining lip 32 in the flange seal 30. The provision of the fulcrum rib 24 provides a positive, controlled outward movement of the peripheral pressure edge 50 of the top panel to ensure a positive sealing action through a single-action simple manipulation of the top panel downwards, relative to to the bottom panel. When the seal of the lid is to be released, one merely needs to physically move the positioning posts 34 into each other, by engaging against upper tabs 36, relatively wider and thicker, until the locking edges 54 of the panel The upper memory will be released from the lower tabs 38. The elastic memory of the upper panel 20 will then automatically move up the central portion of the upper panel and the locking edges up there until these edges engage an un-flexed condition, under the 36 deepest upper positioning tabs. This movement will drive inward the peripheral pressure edge 50 of the upper panel in remoteness of flange seal 32 and will release the seal from the peripheral wall of the container for free removal of the lid from this container. The foregoing is considered illustrative of the principles of the invention. Modifications and changes may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and manner of use, as shown and described. Rather, suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to in order to be within the scope of the invention, as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS A container lid, adapted to be coupled and peripherally sealed to the inner surface of a container wall, said lid comprises a lower seal panel, and an upper control panel, said lower panel having an upward, peripheral seal and continuous, said upper panel is convex upward and has a peripheral pressure edge, immediately inside of, and generally co-extensive with, said seal, whereby the selective movement outwardly of the pressing edge of the upper panel will engage or move to the outside said seal, for the sealing coupling with a wall of the container, said convex upper panel being flexible downward relative to said lower panel, between an upper position with minimal coupling, between the pressure edge and the seal, and a pressure lower flexed sealant, in which the pressure edge is moved to the outside to effect the movement to the outside of said seal , in sealing engagement with a container wall, and means for releasably locking said upper panel in said sealing position. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a sealing flange, having a lower edge attached to said lower panel and an upper edge spaced vertically above said lower edge. The container lid of claim 2, wherein said lower panel includes a fulcrum or point of support, directed upwards, into and generally parallel to said peripheral seal, in a closely spaced relation therein, said upper panel being underlying said fulcrum, whereby the downward pressure on said convex upper panel, centrally within said fulcrum, will effect an upward movement of said pressing edge, in conjunction with its movement to the outside, against said seal flange. The container lid of claim 3, wherein said seal flange includes a retaining lip, directed laterally to the interior, along its upper edge, said pressing edge of the upper panel engages said seal flange beneath said lip of retention, this lip of The retainer retains said engagement of the pressing edge with said seal flange. The container lid of claim 4, wherein the upper panel in its upper position, is generally seated at the fulcrum with the seal edge positioned below and generally adjacent to the retaining lip of the seal flange. The container lid of claim 5, wherein said lower panel and the flange seal are of a unitary molded construction, with said flange seal being resiliently flexible, said lower panel within said flange seal, being generally of greater rigidity in relation to said flange seal. The container lid of claim 6, wherein said means for resiliently locking said top panel in said sealing position comprises pole means on and extending upwardly from said bottom panel, generally at its center, an aperture aligned in said panel. upper, which receives said pole means through it, said upper panel being vertically adjustable in said means of post, towards said lower panel, which flexes below said upper panel, and cooperating locking means, in said post means and said upper panel, to retain, releasably, said upper panel downwardly, flexed towards said panel lower. The container lid of claim 7, wherein said pole means extends above said top panel and includes means for retaining said top panel to said bottom panel in the upper non-flexed position of said top panel. The container lid of claim 8, wherein said post means comprises a pair of laterally spaced posts, said posts being resiliently resilient laterally from a non-flexed position in a mutual manner, in the application of a physical pressure, directed to the Inside these posts, these poles have an elastic memory and return to their non-flexed position in the release of said physical pressure. The container lid of claim 9, wherein said bolt means comprises a bolt tongue, on and extending outwardly from each pole to an intermediate position, said bolt means further comprising opposite latch edges, defined by said latch means. opening of the upper panel and aligned aligned posts, for the coupling below said latch tabs in the downward flexing of the upper panel and the flexing inside said posts, to allow the movement of said locking edges below said latch tabs . The container lid of claim 10, wherein said means for retaining said top panel in the non-flexed position includes retention tabs, projecting to the outside, on said positioning posts in a spaced relation to said latch tabs. The container lid of claim 11, which includes a handle button, extending upwardly from said top panel and having a peripheral wall around said opening of the top panel and said posts being received at through it, this peripheral wall has opposite access openings there, aligned with said locking edges of said upper panel and said posts for physical access to said posts for handling. The container lid of claim 12, wherein said button includes a chamber that opens downwards, which receives each post, each chamber has an internal wall, generally parallel to the corresponding access opening, for a housing of the corresponding pot they. The container lid of claim 3, wherein said means for releasably locking said top panel in said sealing position comprises pole means in and extending upwardly from said lower panel, generally at its center, an aperture aligned in said top panel, which receives said pole means therethrough, said top panel being vertically adjustable in said pole means towards the bottom panel in the downward flexing of said top panel and cooperating with the means of bolt in said pole means and said upper panel, for releasably retaining said upper panel downwardly flexed toward said lower panel. The container lid of claim 14, wherein said post means comprises a pair of laterally spaced posts, said posts being resiliently resilient laterally, from a non-flexed position to each other, in the application of a physical pressure directed to the interior on said posts, these poles have an elastic memory and negress their non-flexed position in the release of said physical pressure. The container lid of claim 15, wherein said latch means comprises a latch tongue and extends to the outside of each post in a position there intermediate, said latch means further comprising opposite locking edges, defined by said latch opening. upper panel and aligned with said posts for the coupling below said latch tongues, in the flexing downwardly of said upper panel and the flexing inside said posts, for to allow the movement of said locking edges below said lock tongues. The container lid of claim 16, including a handle button, extending upwardly from said top panel, with a peripheral wall around said top panel opening and said posts being received therethrough, said wall peripheral has opposite access openings, aligned with said locking edges of said upper panel and said poles for physical access to said post for handling, this button includes a camera that opens down, which receives each post, each camera it has an internal wall, generally parallel to the corresponding access opening for a corresponding post housing between them. The container lid, which comprises a lower panel and an upper panel, said lower panel has a peripheral continuous flange seal, directed upwards, defined around its peripheral edge, said upper panel being convex upward and having an edge of Pressure peripheral immediately inside said flange seal, a fulcrum, directed upwards, on said lower panel, in a relation spaced to the interior to said flange seal, this upper panel is adjacent to said fulcrum inside said flange seal, whereby, the downward flexing of said upper panel, centrally inside said fulcrum, produces an upward and outward orientation of said pressing edge of the upper panel against said flange seal, for its sealant movement to the exterior. The container lid of claim 18, including means for locking, in the form of release, said top panel in said sealing position, these means comprise pole elements in and extending upwardly from said bottom panel, generally at its center, an aperture aligned in said top panel, which receives said pole means therethrough, said top panel being vertically adjustable in said pole means towards said bottom panel in the downward flexing of said top panel and engaging bolt elements in said post means and said upper panel, for releasably retaining said upper panel flexed downwardly toward said lower panel. The container lid of claim 19. wherein said latch means comprises at least one latch tongue, on and extending outwardly from said pole means, in an intermediate position, said latch means further comprising an edge of said latch. locked, defined by said upper panel opening and aligned with said pole means, for coupling below said latch tongue in the downward flexing of said upper panel and the movement of said locking edge below said latch tongue, and means for retaining said top panel in said pole means, in the release of said bolt means, which includes a tongue, projecting to the outside, on said pole means, in an upwardly spaced relation to said latch tongue. , and selectively coupled by said locking edge of the upper panel.