LID WITH SEALING PROTUBERANCES

Abstract

A pail includes a container and a lid. The container includes a base, a container sidewall extending upwardly from the base to an upper rim, and a sealing rib extending from the container sidewall adjacent to the upper rim. The lid includes a channel for receiving the upper rim of the container, the channel includes a channel base, a plurality of protuberances arranged spaced apart on an inner surface of the channel base and extending downwardly therefrom, a first channel sidewall, and a sealing shoulder that projects inwardly from the first channel sidewall. When the upper rim of the container is received by the channel of the lid, the protuberances abut the upper rim and the sealing rib engages the first channel sidewall and the sealing shoulder. The protuberances can urge the sealing rib downwardly against the sealing shoulder, to thereby form a seal.

Claims

1. A pail, comprising: a container comprising a base, a container sidewall extending upwardly from the base to an upper rim, and a sealing rib extending from the container sidewall adjacent to the upper rim; and a lid comprising a channel for receiving the upper rim of the container, the channel comprising a channel base, a plurality of protuberances arranged spaced apart on an inner surface of the channel base and extending downwardly therefrom, a first channel sidewall, and a sealing shoulder that projects inwardly from the first channel sidewall, wherein, when the upper rim of the container is received by the channel of the lid, the protuberances abut the upper rim and the sealing rib engages the first channel sidewall and the sealing shoulder.

2. The pail of claim 1, wherein the protuberances urge the sealing rib downwardly against the sealing shoulder, to thereby form a seal.

3. The pail of claim 2, wherein the channel base comprises an inner end and an outer end, and the first channel sidewall extends downwardly from the outer end of the channel base.

4. The pail of claim 3, wherein the sealing rib extends outwardly from the container sidewall.

5. The pail of claim 4, wherein the sealing rib comprises an upper rib surface, a lower rib surface, and a distal rib surface that extends between upper and lower rib surfaces.

6. The pail of claim 5, wherein, when the upper rim of the container is received by the channel of the lid, the lower rib surface abuts the sealing shoulder and the distal rib surface abuts the first channel sidewall, to thereby form the seal.

7. The pail of claim 6, wherein the upper rib surface defines a topmost surface of the upper rim.

8. The pail of claim 7, wherein the protuberances bear against upper rib surface, which thereby urges the lower rib surface downwardly against the sealing shoulder.

9. The pail of claim 8, wherein the channel comprises a second channel sidewall, and the second channel sidewall extends downwardly from the inner end the channel base.

10. The pail of claim 9, wherein the second channel sidewall urges the distal rib surface outwardly against the first channel sidewall.

11. The pail of claim 10, wherein a channel width is smaller than a rib dimension so that there is an interference fit therebetween.

12. The pail of claim 11, wherein the second channel sidewall includes at least one wiper element that projects outwardly to cause the distal rib surface to bear outwardly against the first channel sidewall.

13. The pail of claim 1, wherein the protuberances are spaced apart regularly within the channel so that a pitch distance between adjacent protuberances is generally uniform about a perimeter of the lid.

14. The pail of claim 13, wherein: the lid has between 50 to 250 of the protuberances disposed within the channel; and/or the lid has between 150 to 180 of the protuberances disposed within the channel.

15. The pail of claim 14, wherein: each of the protuberances has a height of between about 0.05 inches to 0.07 inches from the inner surface of the channel base; and/or each of the protuberances is generally circular in cross section and has a diameter of between about 0.04 inches to 0.051 inches; and/or each of the protuberances is generally cylindrical in shape and has a generally hemispherical outer end.

16. The pail of claim 1, wherein the lid does not comprise a gasket.

17. A lid for sealing an open end of a container, the container comprising an upper rim and a sealing rib, the lid comprising: a channel comprising a channel base, a plurality of protuberances arranged spaced apart on an inner surface of the channel base and extending downwardly therefrom, a first channel sidewall, and a sealing shoulder that projects inwardly from the first channel sidewall, wherein, when the upper rim of the container is received by the channel of the lid, the protuberances abut the upper rim and the sealing rib engages the first channel sidewall and the sealing shoulder.

18. The lid of claim 17, wherein the channel base comprises an inner end and an outer end, and the first channel sidewall extends downwardly from the outer end of the channel base.

19. The lid of claim 18, wherein the channel comprises a second channel sidewall, and the second channel sidewall extends downwardly from the inner end the channel base.

20. The lid of claim 19, wherein the second channel sidewall includes at least one wiper element that projects outwardly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0017] FIG. 1 is top perspective view of an example lid;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the lid of FIG. 3 taken at area 4;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the lid of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a pail, including the lid of FIG. 3 (taken along line 6-6) and a container;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pail of FIG. 6, in which the lid is shown connected to the container;

[0024] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the pail of FIG. 7 taken at area 8;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of another example lid;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 9;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 9 taken along line

[0028] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the lid of FIG. 11 taken at area 12;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another example of a pail, including the lid of FIG. 9 (taken along line 11-11) connected to a container, the pail shown stacked on top of another lid; and

[0030] FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial view of the pail of FIG. 13 taken at area 14.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Various apparatuses will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses having all of the features of any one apparatus described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0032] A pail typically includes a container and a removable lid that can be used to close an open end of the container. Pails can be used to ship and store a variety of materials, including fluids and flowable materials. Some pails have a fluid tight seal between the container and the lid. The structure and components of the pail can affect the quality of seal that is formed between the container and the lid. Some pails use a gasket to form a seal between the container and the lid.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to lids for closing an open end of a container. The lids, when used to cover the open end of a container, may provide a fluid tight seal without the use of a gasket.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a lid is shown generally at reference numeral 100. In the example illustrated, the lid 100 includes a panel 102 and a channel 104. The channel 104 is open from the bottom side of the lid 100, and extends about the panel 102 along a perimeter of the lid 100.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the lid 100 includes a plurality of protuberances 106.

[0036] In the example illustrated, the protuberances 106 are disposed within the channel 104 and are spaced apart along the perimeter of the lid 100. In the example illustrated, the lid 100 and the channel 104 are each generally circular in shape; however, other shapes are possible.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the protuberances 106 can be spaced apart regularly within the channel 104 so that a pitch distance 108 between adjacent protuberances, e.g. 106a and 106b, can be generally uniform about the perimeter of the lid 100. In other examples, the distance 108 between adjacent protuberances can vary.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the channel 104 can be defined by a plurality of molded walls 110. In the example illustrated, the channel 104 includes a channel base 112 and a first channel sidewall 114. As shown, the protuberances 106 are arranged on an inner surface of the channel base 112 and extend downwardly therefrom. The channel base 112 as shown has an inner end 116 and an outer end 118. In the example illustrated, the first channel sidewall 114 extends downwardly from the outer end 118 of the channel base 112. In the example illustrated, a hook or sealing shoulder 122 projects inwardly from the first channel sidewall 114. In the example illustrated, the channel 104 further includes a second channel sidewall 120, which extends from the inner end 116 of the channel base 112.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a container is shown generally at reference numeral 124. In the example illustrated, the container 124 includes a base 126 and a container sidewall 128 that extends upwardly from the base 126 to an upper rim 130. The upper rim 130 defines an open end 132 of the container 124. The channel 104 of the lid 100 is configured to receive the upper rim 130 of the container 124 so that the lid 100 covers the open end 132 of the container 124. In the example illustrated, the container sidewall 128 is generally cylindrical in shape; however, other shapes are possible.

[0040] In the example illustrated, the container 124 further includes a sealing rib 134 that extends from the container sidewall 128. In the example illustrated, the sealing rib 134 extends outwardly from the container sidewall 128, adjacent to the upper rim 130.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, in a closed position, the lid 100 and the container 124 together form a pail 136.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, when the upper rim 130 of the container 124 is received by the channel 104, the protuberances 106 abut the upper rim 130 and the sealing rib 134 engages the first channel sidewall 114 and the sealing shoulder 122. In the example illustrated, the protuberances 106 urge the sealing rib 134 downwardly against the sealing shoulder 122, which can thereby form a seal.

[0043] In the example illustrated, the sealing rib 134 includes an upper rib surface 138, a lower rib surface 140, and a distal rib surface 142 that extends between the surfaces 138, 140. In the example illustrated, the upper rib surface 138 defines a topmost surface of the upper rim 130. In the example illustrated, the protuberances 106 bear against upper rib surface 138, which thereby urges the lower rib surface 140 downwardly against the sealing shoulder 122.

[0044] In the example illustrated, the second channel sidewall 120 urges the distal rib surface 142 outwardly against the first channel sidewall 114. A channel width 144 (see FIG. 5) can be selected to be smaller than a rib dimension 146 (see FIG. 6) so that there is an interference fit between these components. An interference dimension 148 is shown in FIG. 8. For example, and not intended to be limiting, the dimension 148 can be about 0.005 inches.

[0045] In the example illustrated, the second channel sidewall 120 includes wiper elements 150, 152 that project outwardly and further cause the distal rib surface 142 to bear outwardly against the first channel sidewall 114. In the example illustrated, the wiper elements 150, 152 are spaced apart and offset downwardly from the sealing shoulder 122.

[0046] Accordingly, with the upper rim 130 received by the channel 104, the lower rib surface 140 abuts the sealing shoulder 122 and the distal rib surface 142 abuts the first channel sidewall 114. As illustrated, this arrangement can result in an effective seal between the lid 100 and the container 124 when in the closed position. In some examples, the seal between the lid 100 and the container 124 can be fluid tight.

[0047] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, because the protuberances 106 do not form a continuous rib about the perimeter of the lid 100, the lid 100 can generally maintain its flexibility, which can reduce the amount of force that is required to close the lid 100 onto the container 124 and/or open it again. Although fewer protuberances 106 can increase flexibility of the lid 100, the number of protuberances 106 must not be so few that engagement between the protuberances 106 and the upper rim 130 is insufficient to promote a desired seal.

[0048] The number of protuberances can vary and can depend on the size of the lid. For example, a lid for covering a large container can require more protuberances than a lid for covering a small container. Moreover, the number of protuberances can depend on the size and shape of each of the protuberances, which can also determine the surface area of each protuberance contacting the upper rim of the container.

[0049] For example, and not intended to be limiting, for lids having a diameter between 7 inches and 13 inches, the number of the protuberances can range between 50 and 250. In the specific example illustrated, the lid 100 has a bottom edge diameter 154 (see FIG. 3) of about 8.352 inches and there are 150 of the protuberances 106 spaced about the perimeter of the lid 100. In the specific example illustrated, the pitch distance 108 (see FIG. 4) is about 0.125 inches, and each of the protuberances 106 has a diameter 156 (see FIG. 4) of about 0.04 inches and a height 158 (see FIG. 5, measured from the inner surface of the channel base 112) of about 0.05 inches. Therefore, in the example illustrated, the space between the protuberances is about 3 times the diameter of each.

[0050] It should also be appreciated that the shape of the protuberances can vary. In the example illustrated, each of the protuberances 106 consists of a cylinder with a hemispherical outer end. In some examples, not shown, the protuberances can be block-shaped, or pyramidal. In some examples, not shown, the protuberances can be connected by a web of material that extends between adjacent protuberances so that, when viewed from the side, the protuberances and the web can take the form of a wave. Various configurations are possible.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another example of a lid is shown generally at reference numeral 200. In the example illustrated, the lid 200 includes a panel 202 and a channel 204. The channel 204 is open from the bottom side of the lid 200, and extends about the panel 202 along a perimeter of the lid 200. The lid 200 includes a plurality of protuberances 206. In the example illustrated, the protuberances 206 are disposed within the channel 204 and are spaced apart along the perimeter of the lid 200. In the example illustrated, the lid 200 and the channel 204 are each generally circular in shape; however, other shapes are possible.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the channel 204 includes a channel base 212 and a first channel sidewall 214. As shown, the protuberances 206 are arranged on an inner surface of the channel base 212 and extend downwardly therefrom. In the example illustrated, the first channel sidewall 214 extends downwardly from an outer end of the channel base 212. In the example illustrated, a hook or sealing shoulder 222 projects inwardly from the first channel sidewall 214.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 13, an example of a container is shown generally at reference numeral 224. In the example illustrated, the container 224 has a sidewall that is generally cylindrical in shape; however, other shapes are possible. In a closed position, the lid 200 and the container 224 together form a pail 236. In the example illustrated, the container 224 has a base that is received by the top side of the lid 200. Thus, a plurality of the pails 236 can be stored in a stacked arrangement.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 14, the protuberances 206 abut an upper rim 230 and a sealing rib 234 engages the first channel sidewall 214 and the sealing shoulder 222. As illustrated, there can be interference fit between various components. As illustrated, this arrangement can result in an effective seal between the lid 200 and the container 224 when in the closed position. In some examples, the seal between the lid 200 and the container 224 can be fluid tight.

[0055] In the specific example illustrated, the lid 200 has a bottom edge diameter 254 (see FIG. 10) of about 12.388 inches and there are 180 of the protuberances 206 spaced about the perimeter of the lid 200. In the specific example illustrated, each of the protuberances 206 has a diameter 256 (see FIG. 12) of about 0.051 inches and a height 258 (see FIG. 12, measured from the inner surface of the channel base 212) of about 0.07 inches.

[0056] Again, the present disclosure relates to lids for closing an open end of a container, without the use of a gasket. However, in alternative examples, the lids disclosed herein may include a flow-in gasket to improve the seal between it and the container. In such examples, the protuberances can help receive the gasket material and maintain its position during manufacture and use.

[0057] While the above description provides examples of one or more apparatuses and/or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses and/or methods may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.