CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A container assembly includes a storage container, a ring, a lid and a seal. The storage container has a ring attachment portion. The ring has internal threads and an alignment mark aligned with an end of the thread. The ring is attachable to the ring attachment portion. The lid has external threads and an alignment mark aligned with an end of the thread such that when the lid is inserted into the ring with the two alignment marks aligned with one another, the lid is easily inserted into the ring without interference from the threads and can be rotated for sealing the lid to the ring. The seal is formed on to the ring and provides an air and water tight seal between the lid and the ring.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a container assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to storage container that includes a lid assembly with a ring and a removable/re-attachable lid, the ring being attached to the storage container.

Background Information

Containers that are easily washed between loading with content are becoming very useful in, for example, pet food storage applications.

SUMMARY

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage container with a ring and a lid in which the lid can be easily installed to and removed from the ring.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a transparent or partially transparent to a storage container that stores, for example, pet food such that a person or pet owner can at least partially see through the lid and determine the contents of the storage container and the amount of contents within the storage container.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a container assembly with a storage container, a ring, a lid and a seal. The storage container has a ring attachment portion. The ring has internal threads and an alignment mark aligned with an end of the thread. The ring is attachable to the ring attachment portion. The lid has external threads and an alignment mark aligned with an end of the thread such that when the lid is inserted into the ring with the two alignment marks aligned with one another, the lid is easily inserted into the ring without interference from the threads and can be rotated for sealing the lid to the ring. The seal is formed on to the ring and provides an air and water tight seal between the lid and the ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly having a storage container and a lid assembly that includes a ring fixedly attached to the storage container and a removable lid in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a first side view of the container assembly with the ring of the ring assembly attached to the storage container and the lid attached to the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the container assembly with the ring of the ring assembly attached to the storage container and the lid attached to the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the container assembly showing a first alignment arrow on the ring and a second alignment arrow on the lid in alignment with one another indicating that the lid can be removed or inserted into the ring and thereafter rotated such that the lid is threadedly attached to the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another top view of the container assembly showing the first alignment arrow on the ring and the second alignment arrow on the lid mis-alignment with respect to one another indicating that the lid is in threaded engagement with the ring and cannot be removed from the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lid and a portion of the ring showing the first and second alignment marks in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view showing the storage container, the ring and the lid in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the storage container and the ring separated from one another in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lid assembly showing the lid installed to the ring of the ring assembly in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ring assembly showing the ring, a seal of the ring and the lid separated from one another in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the seal separated from the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the ring separated from the seal in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the seal showing indicia formed therewith, the ring having an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected to one another by posts or connecting portions that are overmolded into openings of the ring in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the ring assembly showing details of the ring such as openings through which the posts or connecting portions of the seal extend, the upper and lower portions of the seal and portions of the lid in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is another perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the ring assembly showing details of the ring, seal and lid in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is yet another perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the ring assembly showing details of the ring, seal and lid and in particular the upper and lower portions of the seal in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of portions of the ring and seal showing openings in the ring defining indicia and the indicia formed as part of the seal in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a top surface of the lid shown removed from the ring and the storage container in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the lid shown removed from the ring and the storage container in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a container assembly similar to FIG. 4, showing the storage container and a ring assembly having a ring and a transparent lid or and an at least partially transparent lid in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the transparent lid in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a chart showing the effects of surface treatments of the lid and their effect on transparency and translucent characteristics of the lid when provided with the surface treatments in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the ring assembly with transparent lid and transparent ring showing details of the seal in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ring assembly with transparent lid and transparent ring showing further details of the seal in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 25 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the ring assembly with transparent lid and transparent ring showing further details of the seal in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lid assembly removed from the container in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the lid assembly showing a ring 214, a seal 240 and a lid 216 in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 28 a bottom perspective view of the ring with the seal and the lid removed showing a snap-fitting attachment members and a thread or threads used to screw the lid to the ring in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 29 a top perspective view of the ring with the seal and the lid removed showing a plurality of opening that are filed with posts of the seal after the seal is overmolded to the ring, a thread or threads used to screw the lid to the ring and indicia that includes an alignment mark used to align the lid with the ring during installation and removal of the lid from the ring in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the ring with the seal and the lid removed in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 31 an enlarged cross-sectional view showing one end of the ring (the left end of FIG. 30) in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 32 another enlarged cross-sectional view showing another end of the ring (the right end of FIG. 30) in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the ring with the seal and the lid removed in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the ring with the seal and the lid removed in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the seal removed from the ring in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the seal removed from the ring in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of the seal showing indicia formed at a portion of the outer periphery of the seal in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of the seal in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a side view of the seal in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the seal (the left side of FIG. 39) in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged side view of another portion of the seal (the right side of FIG. 39) in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a top view of the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a side cross-sectional view of the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a first side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly showing the physical relationships between the ring, the seal and the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a second side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly showing the physical relationships between the ring, the seal and the lid in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid assembly (the left side of FIG. 47) in accordance with the third embodiment; and

FIG. 50 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another portion of the lid assembly (the right side of FIG. 47) in accordance with the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7, a container assembly 10 having a storage container 12, a ring 14 and a lid 16 is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment.

The container assembly 10 can be for industrial purposes or for storing food. The container assembly 10 shown is not limited to the size and shape depicted. For example, the container assembly 10 can be a large five-gallon bucket type container with the ring 14 installed to the top of the storage container 12 or can be a small hand-held version, or any size therebetween. The container assembly 10 can be used for storing food materials, such as dry pet food, or any material that needs to be stored in a sealed container. The storage container 12, the lid 16 and the ring 14 can be correspondingly re-dimensioned such that a plurality of differing sizes of container assemblies 10 can be manufactured and marketed.

The ring 14 (also referred to as a sealing ring 14) can be manufactured or molded in a process separate from the storage container 12. Thereafter, the ring 14 is fixedly attached to an annular flange 20 (FIG. 8) of the storage container 12 via a snap fitting attachment ring 15 or a plurality of snap-fitting attachment members 15 (FIG. 15). Alternatively, or additionally, an adhesive or sealant material can be used to permanently fix the ring 14 to the annular flange 20 formed on the storage container 12. Regardless of the material or method of securing the ring 14 to the annular flange 20, the ring 14 is not readily or easily removed from the storage container 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Further, the ring 14 is attached to the annular flange 20 (also referred to as the ring receiving lip 20) of the storage container 12 such that the attachment or bond between the ring 14 and the ring receiving lip 20 of the storage container 12 is air tight and water tight. Further, when the lid 16 is installed to the ring 14, the storage container 12 is air and water tight.

The lid 16 is designed to be easily installed and easily removed from the ring 14 and consequently, the storage container 12.

FIG. 9 shows the ring assembly removed from the storage container 12. The ring assembly includes the ring 14, the seal 40 and the lid 16.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 12 and 14-16, the ring 14 has an internal thread or threads 22 and the lid 16 has an external thread or threads 24. As shown in FIG. 12, the threads 22 and 24 are generally equivalent or similar to mechanical threads of a bolt and nut arrangement. As is also shown in FIG. 12, the ring 14 has an alignment mark 30. The internal thread 22 of the ring has a starting point 22a that is aligned with the alignment mark 30.

As shown in FIG. 10, the external thread 24 of the lid 16 has a starting point 24a that is aligned with an alignment mark 32 of the lid 16. The starting points 22a and 24a of the threads 22 and 24a of the ring 14 and the lid 16 are located and oriented such that when the alignment mark 32 of the lid 16 and the alignment mark 30 of the ring 14 are aligned as shown in FIG. 4, the lid 16 can easily fit inside the ring 14 such that the thread 24 of the lid 16 can begin to engage the thread 22 of the ring 14 upon rotation of the lid 16 in a clockwise direction. Once inside the ring 14, the lid 16 is rotated in a closed direction Dc. The threads 22 and 24 are designed such that the lid can be rotated approximately 360+ degrees and is tight to the ring 14. FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10, show the alignment marks aligned with one another ready for tightening of the lid to the ring. FIGS. 1 and 5 show the lid 16 fully tightened (rotated slightly more than 360 degrees) to the ring 14. To open the storage container 12, the lid 16 can be rotated 360+ degrees in the open direction Do until the alignment marks 30 and 32 are again aligned. Thereafter, the lid 16 can be lifted away from the ring 14.

The ring 14 includes a seal 40 that is compressed by the lid 16 when the lid 16 is attached to the ring 14. The seal 40 is made using an overmolding process.

First the ring 14 is manufactured using, for instance a molding process. Thereafter, the seal 40 is overmolded to the ring 14.

The ring 14 is first produced (molded) with a series of openings 14b (see FIG. 14) along a top surface thereof. Optionally, the outer annular side of the ring 14 can be provided with a plurality of indicia receiving openings 14a. Thereafter, the seal 40 is overmolded onto and around annular inner portions of the ring 40. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 the overmolded seal 40 includes an upper ring 40a (upper seal), a lower ring 40b (lower seal), connecting posts 40c and optional logo indicia 40d. FIG. 13 shows the seal 40 separated from the ring 14. However this is for demonstration purposes in order to show the connecting posts 40c that are formed with (and fixed to) each of the upper seal 40a and the lower seal 40b. The seal 40 is overmolded to the ring 14 such that the connecting posts 40c extend through openings 14b in the ring 14 and the logo indicia 40d extend through the openings 14a of the ring 14 making the seal 40 a non-removable portion of the ring 14. In other words, the seal 40 can only be removed from the ring 14 by cutting or breaking the seal 40 into separate pieces.

The upper ring 40a of the seal 40 includes several annular ridges that contact an outer underside of the lid 16 when the lid 16 is installed to the ring 14. This upper ring 40a defines an upper seal that is contacted by the lid 16 and slightly compressed when the lid 16 is tightened to the ring 14. The lower seal 40b anchors the seal 40 to the ring 14 and defines a lower annular seal between the ring 14 receiving lip 20 of the storage container 12 and the ring 14. The connecting posts 40c keep the upper ring 40a and the lower ring 40b attached to one another being formed with both the upper and lower rings 40a and 40b (the upper and lower seals). The optional logo indicia 40d is attached to the lower ring 40b. The logo indicia 40d is formed within logo shaped openings 14a in an outer surface of the ring 14 during the over molding process.

There are many features present in the ring 14 and the lid 16 design. The lid 16 has more “lead in” for easier installation and alignment. The lid 16 and ring 14 both have respective alignment identifiers 30 and 32 such that the alignment mark 32 (alignment identifier) of the lid 16 easily lines up the alignment identifier 30 (alignment mark) of the ring 14a a start position when the lid 16 is inserted into ring 14. The end or start 24a of the thread 24 on lid 16 is at or below the starting point 22a of the thread 22 on ring 14 so lid 16 is in position to start engagement with the thread 24 of lid 16 when the lid 16 is rotated. The alignment marks 32 and 30 on the lid 16 and ring 14 also provide a reference point after 360 degrees of rotation providing an indication of when it has been rotated enough to engage and compress the seal 40 (also referred to as a gasket or an overmolded gasket).

Since the seal 40 is made using an over molding process, stretching, dislodging and/or movement of seal or gasket is reduced and is a great improvement over prior art designs.

The lower seal 40b of the seal 40 has ridges that enable the ring 40 (and lid) to fit to a variety of food bins. The ring 14 and lid 16 can be used with generic bins such as a home improvement store's five gallon buckets.

In the first embodiment, the storage container 12, the ring 14 and the lid 16 are preferably translucent such that a person cannot see through the container assembly 10 to see what is inside. The lid 16, in particular is manufactured such that a user cannot see through the lid 16, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Since the container assembly 10 is intended to be used outdoors and possibly exposed to sunlight, the elements of the container assembly 10 are also made of materials that provide protection from sunlight (sun blocking materials such as UV resisting materials). The protection from sunlight is to provide an extended life to the container assembly 10 and also to protect the contents of the container assembly 10.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 20-25, a container assembly 110 in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The container assembly 110 includes the storage container 12, a ring 114 and a lid 116. The storage container 12 is preferably identical to the storage container 12 of the first embodiment. The ring 114 can be identical to the ring 14 of the first embodiment, but can alternatively be provided with features described below with respect to the lid 116.

The lid 116 is removable from and installable to the ring 114 (and hence the storage container 12) in a manner that is identical to that described above with respect to the lid 16 and ring 14 of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the lid 16 and the ring 14 are translucent such that it is not possible to see the contents of the storage container 12. However, in the second embodiment, at the lid 116 (and optionally the ring 114) can be made of a transparent material such that the contents of the storage container 12 can be seen or partially see through the lid 116.

In the second embodiment, the container assembly 110 is preferably used for storing food products.

The lid 116 can be clear, completely transparent or can be translucent with a low level of opacity such that a person can see through the lid 116 with sufficient clarity to ascertain the level of the contents of the storage bin. With more translucent characteristics (more transparency) a person looking through the lid can also determine the contents of the storage container 12.

In other words, the lid 116 of the storage container 12 can be provided with any of a variety of transparency levels, as needed or desired. The ring 114 can match the coloration of the storage container 12 or can match the coloration of the lid 116.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the lid 116 is tinted such that a predetermined percentage light is prevented (or filtered) from passing therethrough, while still allowing the consumer to see the food level or content level within the storage container 12 without needing to open the storage container 12 (without removing the lid 116). The tint can be changed in opacity to adjust the amount of light that comes through. The tint can be molded in during the manufacturing process or added as a secondary coating or a mixture of the two.

The blocking of at least some light entering the container assembly 110 is advantageous when storing food products. The moisture content affects the physical and microbial aspects of dry pet food. This relates to freshness and shelf-life stability. Freshness impacts taste of food that appeals to pets.

Direct sunlight can cause food to dry out prematurely, contributing to food spoilage and become less appealing to the pet by negatively impacting the food flavor. The container assembly 110 depicted in the drawings protect food by maintaining the correct moisture within the kibble by providing a lid sealing system via the lid 116 and the ring 114 that prevents ambient moisture from going into the container. Moisture content and freshness date is critical to food stability; both being required for all dry pet food labeling by the FDA.

The clear or translucent lid 116 can also have a UV protection added to it to further add in protecting the food inside. The UV coating could be applied to the outside, molded into the lid during the manufacturing process or a mixture of the two.

There are many possible transparency levels possible for the lid 116. The lid 116 can be completely transparent (clear) such that the contents and the height of the contents relative to the storage container 12 can easily be determined. For example, if a storage bin user needs to determine how full the storage container 12 (storage bin) is, a clear transparent lid 116 provides an unfiltered and unobstructed view of the contents of the storage container 12.

In environments where the contents of the storage assembly 110 might be sensitive to strong light, the lid 116 can include a manufacturing material that causes the lid 116 to be slightly opaque or translucent such that a person looking through the lid 116 can ascertain the height of the contents of the material in the storage bin (how full or how empty the storage container 12 is), and can still ascertain what type of material is in the storage container 12.

In environments where the contents of the storage container 12 are definitely sensitive to strong light, the lid 116 can include a manufacturing material that causes the lid 116 to be more opaque or more translucent and less transparent such that a person looking through the lid 116 can ascertain the height of the contents of the material in the storage container 12 (how full or how empty the storage container 12 is), and but will likely not be able to ascertain what type of material is in the storage container 12 without removing the lid 116.

The lid 116 can be tinted with any of a variety of shades of coloring to provide a pleasing appearance.

There are multiple methods of preventing sunlight from passing through a clear version of the lid 116:

• • Apply a liquid UV spray on coating to the surface of storage container 12 and lid 116;
  • Apply a UV protective film to the surface of the storage container 12 and lid 116;
  • Change the physical surface of the plastic that defines the storage container 12 and the lid 116 through structure, thickness, or engraving, which defuses the sunlight;
  • Add polymer stabilizers directly to the resin that forms the storage container 12 and the lid 116
    • UV Absorbers & Hydroxybenzoates
    • Stabilizers
    • Antioxidants
    • HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers)
  • Adding Colorant in varying densities, hues and effects such as pearls.

Resins can impact the clarity of the lid 116. Crystal clear resins include but are not limited to: Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylic (PMMA), Amorphous Copolyester (PETG), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Styrene Acrylonitrile Resin (SAN or ABS), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Other Clear resins, that are not generally rated as CRYSTAL clear include, Polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Transparent Polypropylene (PP)

The lid 116 can be molded from any of the resins listed above in a clarified form.

Polymer stabilizers can be used with the resins listed above to prevent degradation when the plastic is exposed to heat and/or UV light. These are commonly referred to as UV inhibitors or UV stabilizers. Phenolic Antioxidants (AO) are primary antioxidants and are known to reduce decolorization. Examples of types of antioxidants include any of the following: Phosphite, Thioester, Aminic and Binary Blends; Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) protect polymers from UV exposure by neutralizing; UV Absorbers & Hydroxybenzoates (UVA) absorb energy from UV radiation and through a reversible chemical rearrangement dissipate the energy as heat.

As shown in FIG. 22, Colorant, Texture & Wall Thickness Can Be Used to Limit Sunlight Penetration through the storage container 12 and/or lid 116. The image in FIG. 22, shows three (3) possible variations of colorant: Black/Grey colors will tend to absorb light; White Colors will reflect light, preventing penetration; and A thicker wall section will also impact the amount of blockage or filtering out UV light.

Pearl Grey/Translucent (PET)

• • a. Illustrates tinted clear appearance by adding both grey colorant and pearlized effect
    • i. Let down ratio of grey is 2/100
  • b. Pearl additives are created by adding or micron sized thin mylar plastic pieces; these also aid in reflecting sunlight

Pearl White/Translucent (CLPP)

• • a. Provides the most hazing, without adding colorant.
  • b. The Clarified PP resin is naturally less clear, sometimes ranging from white to off white
  • c. Pearl additives made from micron sized mylar reflects sunlight

Translucent Night (SAN)

• • a. Illustrates tinted clear appearance by adding both dark grey-no pearl
    • i. Let down ratio of grey is 1/100

The circle enlargement to the right of FIG. 22 is an enlargement that illustrates the impact of texture, thick to thin wall and dark grey tint of the lid 116.

Consequently, the predetermined amount of light filtering and UV blockage provided to the lid 116 (level of transparency or level of translucent characteristic, aka opacity) can be achieved in the lid 116 using one of the following or combinations of the following or all of the following in combination with one another: additives, molded finishes and wall thickness.

The most desirable combination of features can be added to a CLEAR lid 116 would allow the consumer to view the level of food in their storage container 12 without removing the lid 116 while maintaining a good seal that will protect the freshness of their food while providing protection from UV rays that could damage the pet food.

Texture and Engraving:

• • The handle areas of the lid 116 (the central area thereof) should will remain high polish on a draft no less than zero and no greater than 15 degrees.
  • Both core and cavity sides of the mold should be high polish except in areas requiring instructions or logo; resulting no less than 50% of the lid being high polish.

Nominal wall thickness should fall within 1.4 mm to 30 mm

Additives and Resin

• • The lid 116 can be molded from multiple types of resin including PC, PMMA, PETG, PET, SAM, COC, PE, HDPE or PP.
  • Colorant could be added to any resin ranging from 0.5/100 let down ratio (colorant to resin) or 0.5% to as high as 10%.
  • The less colorant, the less impact to clarity. The more colorant, the greater protection from UV sunlight.
  • Pearlescent effects could be added in the same ratios as colorant.

As described above with respect to the first embodiment and shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the ring 114 includes the over molded seal 40 with the upper seal portion 40a, connecting posts 40c and lower seal portion 40b. The seal 40 is molded to the overmolded ring 114. The upper seal portion 40a has raised details to give multiple sealing points.

The overmolding of the seal 40 to the ring 114 can be achieved in different overmolded processes but provides the same functionality regardless of the method employed.

A first method is to injection mold a plastic material to form the ring 114 which has details in it to allow for the formation of the overmolded seal 40, including openings 14b for the connecting posts 40c.

As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 23, the overmolded seal 40, is produced by 1) injecting an elastomeric material in a mold to form top groove detail of the upper seal portion 40a, 2) the elastomeric material then flows through openings 14b in top of ring 114 to form the posts 40c and then 3) to the underside of the ring 40 to form the lower seal portion 40b.

In a second process, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 24, the overmolded seal 40 is produced by 1) placing the elastomeric lower portion 40b which is in the mold, 2) plastic ring is placed in the mold, 3) mold is closed and the elastomeric material is molded into the top groove detail of ring 114, 2) then flows through openings 14b in top of ring 114 and then 3) to the underside of the placed ring that forms the lower portion 40b.

As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 25, the overmolded seal can be produced by 1) injecting an elastomeric material in top groove detail of ring 114, 2) then flows through openings 14b in top of ring 114 and then 3) placing an elastomeric bottom gasket after the overmolded ring comes out of the mold.

Alternatively, the upper seal portion 40a and/or the lower seal portion 40b can have a round cross-section (not shown) that is flattened upon tightening of the lid 116 to the ring 114.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 26-50, a lid assembly 208 for use with the storage container 12 in accordance with a third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The lid assembly 208 is shown fully assembled in FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 27 in an exploded view, the lid assembly 208 includes a sealing ring 214, a seal 240 and a lid 216. The sealing ring 214 of lid assembly 208 attaches to the storage container 12.

As shown in FIGS. 28-34, the sealing ring 214 is similar to the ring 14 of the first embodiment but includes modifications as compared to the sealing ring 14 of the first embodiment. The sealing ring 214 includes the internal thread or threads 22, as described above with respect to the first and second embodiments. However the sealing ring 214 has been modified, as compared to the first and second embodiments, in that indicia opening 230 receives an alignment mark 230a of the seal 240. The alignment mark 230a includes indicia and is positioned for aligning the lid 216 with the ring 214 during installation and removal of the lid 216 to the ring 214. The internal thread 22 of the ring 214 has a starting point 22a and an ending point 22b that are approximately aligned with the alignment mark 30.

The ring 214 is fixedly attached to an annular flange 20 (see description of FIG. 8 of the first embodiment) of the storage container 12 via a plurality of snap-fitting attachment members 15 shown in FIGS. 28 and 30-32. As is also shown in FIGS. 27, 29 and 31, the ring 214 includes a plurality of openings 14b, as described above with reference to FIG. 14 of the first embodiment, and described further below with the description of the seal 240.

The seal 240 is shown removed from the ring 214 and the lid 216 in FIGS. 35-41. The seal 240 is similar to the seal 40 described above in the first embodiment in that it is overmolded to the ring 214. The (overmolded) seal 240 includes an upper ring 240a (upper seal), a lower ring 240b (lower seal), connecting posts 240c and the logo indicia 230a. The upper ring 240a and the lower ring 240b are spaced apart from one another with the posts 240c extending therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. In other words, the posts 240c connect the upper ring 240a to the lower ring 240b. Also, since the plurality of connecting posts 240c extend through corresponding ones of the plurality of openings 14b, the seal 240 is fixedly connected to the ring 214. As mentioned above, the logo indicia 230a of the seal 240 includes one of the above described alignment marks.

A description of the lid 216 is now provided with reference to FIGS. 42-46. The lid 216 is removable from and installable to the ring 214 (and hence the storage container 12) in a manner that is identical to that described above with respect to the lid 16 and ring 14 of the first embodiment.

As with the second embodiment, the lid 216 of the third embodiment can be clear, completely transparent or can be translucent with a low level of opacity such that a person can see through the lid 216 with sufficient clarity to ascertain the level of the contents of the storage bin. With less translucent characteristics (more transparency) a person looking through the lid can also determine the contents of the storage container.

The lid 216 includes an outer wall 260 that includes the external thread or threads 24. As described above with reference to the first embodiment, the threads 22 and 24 are generally equivalent or similar to mechanical threads of a bolt and nut arrangement. The internal thread or threads 22 of the ring 214 has the starting point 22a that is aligned with the alignment mark 230 and the lid 216 has external threads 24. Interaction between the threads 22 and 24 are described above with reference to the first embodiment and are identical in the third embodiment. Consequently description of the threads 22 and 24 are omitted for the sake of brevity.

The upper exposed surface of the lid 216 includes X-shaped protrusions 262 with recesses 264 defined therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 44. The upper surface of the lid 216 further includes an alignment mark 268 that is used during the installation and removal of the lid 216, as described in the first embodiment. The recesses 264 are convenient for insertion of a users finger in order to rotate the lid 216. As shown in FIG. 45 where the underside or lower surface of the lid 216 is visible, the lid 216 includes a plurality of radially extending ribs 266 that provide strength stiffness and rigidity to the lid 216.

FIGS. 47-50 show the ring 214, the seal 240 and the lid 216 in cross-section, with the lid 216 removably attached to the ring 214 and compressing the seal 240.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the container lid assembly. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the container lid assembly.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container assembly, comprising: a storage container having a ring attachment portion;a ring having internal threads and an alignment mark aligned with a beginning end of the thread, the ring being attachable to the ring attachment portion;a lid having external threads and an alignment mark aligned with a beginning of the thread such that when the lid is inserted into the ring with the two alignment marks aligned with one another, the lid is easily inserted into the ring without interference from the threads and can be rotated for sealing the lid to the ring; anda seal formed on to the ring that provides an air and water tight seal between the lid and the ring with the lid installed to the ring.

2. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid is opaque such that a person cannot see through the lid.

3. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid is translucent such that a person can at least partially see contents of the storage container.

4. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid is transparent such that a person can see unhindered the contents of the storage container.

5. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the lid is provided with surface texturing providing the lid with translucent characteristics.

6. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the lid is provided with surface texturing providing the lid with an opaque characteristic.

7. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ring has internal threads and the lid has external threads such that the internal threads and external threads engage one another during rotation of the lid attaching the lid to the ring.

8. The container assembly according to claim 7, wherein the ring has a first alignment mark aligned with an end of the internal threads, andthe lid has a second alignment mark aligned with an end of the external threads such that when the lid is rotated to a position where the first and second alignment marks align the thread are spaced apart and dis-engaged from one another such that the lid can be lifted out of the ring and inserted into the ring.

9. The container assembly according to claim 7, wherein when the lid is rotated within the ring to a position where the first and second alignment marks are not aligned with one another, the thread are engaged from one another such that the lid cannot be lifted out of the ring.

10. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ring attachment portion of the storage container is an annular flange that extends away from an adjacent surface of the storage container, andthe ring has an inner portion and an outer portion that fit over the annular flange.

11. The container assembly according to claim 10, wherein the ring includes a snap-fitting protrusion that snaps to a corresponding part of the annular flange of the ring attachment portion.

12. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ring includes a seal that is molded to the ring.

13. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ring includes a seal that is overmolded to the ring.

14. The container assembly according to claim 12, wherein the seal includes an upper portion and a lower portion separated from one another by a plurality of posts that are molded into corresponding openings in the ring,the upper portion providing sealing between a portion of the lid and the ring andthe lower portion provides sealing between the ring and the ring attachment portion of the storage container.