CONTAINER LID WITH IMPACT ABSORBING ZONES

Abstract

A lid for a container assembly is disclosed. The lid includes a central panel and a peripheral member. The lid further includes impact absorbing zones disposed within an annular lid space formed between the peripheral member and an intermediate wall that interconnects the peripheral member to the central panel. In some embodiments the impact absorbing zones are rigid impact absorbing zones that redirect and redistribute inwardly directed forces that are applied to the lid away from the central panel. In some embodiments, the impact absorbing zones include a plurality of protuberances that extend from the intermediate wall into the annular lid space that are arranged in an alternating pattern with indentation regions that extend inwardly from the intermediate wall. When the forces applied to the lid of the container meet or exceed a predetermined threshold deforming force, at least some of the protuberances may deform thereby further absorbing some of the impact force.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a lid for a container assembly. In particular, this disclosure relates to a lid for a container assembly wherein the lid includes impact absorbing zones for providing an overall more robust container lid structure.

BACKGROUND

Containers or container assemblies for heavy duty or high performance applications are required to meet performance standards to ensure that the contents of the containers remain sealed and safely contained within the closed container assembly. In the event that the container assembly is dropped, knocked-over, or otherwise mishandled, it is important that the container lid not only remains engaged on the container but that the container remain structurally intact to ensure that the contents of the container does not escape from the container assembly. Ensuring that the container lid remains structurally intact in the event of impact to the container is especially important when the container is used for storing hazardous, toxic and/or dangerous materials. Accordingly, container lids that are able to withstand the shock of impact forces that may be applied to the container assembly, for example in response to industry required drop tests and/or inadvertent mishandling of the container assembly, are desirable.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided lid fora container, comprising: a central panel; a peripheral member extending about the central panel, the peripheral member including an inner wall portion and an outer skirt; and an intermediate wall portion interconnecting the inner wall portion of the peripheral member to a perimeter of the central panel. The central panel, the peripheral member and the intermediate wall portion are cooperatively configured such that: a first annular lid space is defined between the intermediate wall portion and the inner wall portion of the peripheral member; and a second annular lid space is defined between the inner wall portion of the peripheral member and the outer skirt, wherein the second annular lid space is configured for engaging with an upper rim of a container. The lid further comprises lid impact absorbing zones disposed within the first annular lid space, the lid impact absorbing zones resisting deformation in response to inwardly directed forces applied to the outer skirt that are less than a predetermined threshold deforming force, the lid impact absorbing zones including: a plurality of protuberances formed within and extending from the intermediate wall portion and into the first annular lid space, each protuberance sloping outwardly and downwardly away from the perimeter of the central panel and merging with a lower end portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a container assembly, comprising a container having a bottom wall; a container wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and terminating at an upper rim that defines an open top end of the container, the container wall and the bottom wall together defining an open interior space; and a lid configured for removable engagement with at least the upper rim of the container for enclosing the open interior space such that the container is disposed in a closed condition, wherein the lid comprises: a central panel; a peripheral member extending about the central panel, the peripheral member including an inner wall portion and an outer skirt; and an intermediate wall portion interconnecting the inner wall portion of the peripheral member to a perimeter of the central panel. The central panel, the peripheral member and the intermediate wall portion are cooperatively configured such that: a first annular lid space is defined between the intermediate wall portion and the inner wall portion of the peripheral member; and a second annular lid space is defined between the inner wall portion of the peripheral member and the outer skirt, wherein the second annular lid space is configured for engaging with an upper rim of a container. The lid further comprises lid impact absorbing zones disposed within the first annular lid space, the lid impact absorbing zones resisting deformation in response to inwardly directed forces applied to the outer skirt that are less than a predetermined threshold deforming force, the lid impact absorbing zones including: a plurality of protuberances formed within and extending from the intermediate wall portion and into the first annular lid space, each protuberance sloping outwardly and downwardly away from the perimeter of the central panel and merging with a lower end portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container lid according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the bottom side of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the top side of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the rim of the lid as shown in the encircled area of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a further isometric view of the bottom side of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is bottom plan view of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of the rim of the bottom side of the lid as shown in the encircled area shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the container lid of FIG. 1, similar to FIG. 3, including various section lines;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the container lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of FIG. 9 taken along section line A-A;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of FIG. 9 taken along section line B-B;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the container lid of FIG. 9 taken along section line C-C shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a container lid according to the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the PRIOR ART container lid of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the PRIOR ART container lid of FIG. 15 taken along section line P-P shown in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the PRIOR ART container lid of FIG. 15 taken along section line Q-Q shown in FIG. 16.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to lids for container assemblies. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a lid 10 for use with a container or pail that includes a bottom wall, a container wall extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom wall and terminating at an upper rim that defines an open top end of the container. The lid 10 is configured for releasable or removable engagement with the upper rim of the container for enclosing the open interior space defined by the container such that the container becomes disposed in a closed condition. The lid 10 together with the container are, therefore, cooperatively configured for providing a container assembly that provides an enclosed, interior container space for containing and/or transporting liquid and/or solid materials. Heavy duty, high performance container assemblies are required to meet industry standards to ensure that the container assembly is not vulnerable to breakage in the event that the container assembly is dropped from a height and/or is otherwise mishandled resulting in breakage. The overall structural integrity of the container lid is an important factor in the ability of container assemblies to meet industry standards as the container lids, themselves, must not be vulnerable to breakage in the event that the container assembly is dropped from a height and/or is otherwise mishandled. Accordingly, container lids must be able to maintain their overall structural integrity in the event the container assembly is dropped or otherwise mishandled as failure of the container lid, even if the container remains intact, will result in leakage and/or escape of the contents and failure of the container assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-14, there is shown a lid 10 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid 10 is configured for use with any conventional container, or pail. In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is configured for use with conventional containers or pails that are particularly suited for heavy duty applications. In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is configured for use with a container or pail that is specifically configured to cooperate with the lid 10 such that the lid 10 and the corresponding container, together form a container assembly that is specifically suited to a particular application.

In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is comprised of a plastic material. In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is comprised of a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is formed via injection molding. In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is formed via injection molding such that the lid 10 is of unitary, one-piece construction. In other embodiments, for example, the lid 10 is formed via injection molding and is configured to include and/or accommodate additional, separate components such as a pouring spout and/or vent inserts (not shown) in accordance with principles known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the lid 10 includes a central panel 12 and a peripheral member 14 that is connected to and extends about the periphery of the central panel 12. The central panel 12 and the peripheral member 14 are cooperatively configured such that when the lid 10 is disposed on a corresponding container (not shown), the central panel 12 is configured for closing an open top end of the container with the peripheral member 14 being configured for engaging the upper rim of the container wall that defines the open top end, such that the container (or pail) becomes disposed in a closed condition.

Referring, in particular, to FIGS. 12 and 13, the peripheral member 14 is connected to the central panel 12 by an intermediate wall portion 16. The intermediate wall portion 16 extends generally away from and downwardly relative to the central panel 12. The peripheral member 14 includes an inner wall portion 18 and an outer skirt 20. The inner wall portion 16 of the peripheral member 14 is cooperatively configured with the intermediate wall portion 16 such that the inner wall portion 18 is connected to and extends generally upwardly, relative to a bottom end portion 17 of the intermediate wall portion 16. The inner wall portion 18 is connected to the bottom end portion 17 of the intermediate wall portion 16 such that the inner wall portion 18 is connected to but spaced apart from the intermediate wall portion 16. The inner wall portion 18 is spaced apart from the intermediate wall portion 16 such that a first generally annular lid space 24 is formed intermediate the intermediate wall portion 16 and the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14.

The outer skirt portion 20 of the peripheral member 14 is connected to and cooperatively configured with the inner wall portion 18 such that the outer skirt 20 is connected to and extends downwardly relative to an upper end 19 of the inner wall portion 18. In this respect, the outer skirt portion 20 is connected to the upper end portion 19 of the inner wall portion 18 such that the outer skirt 20 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 18. The outer skirt 20 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 18 such that the outer skirt 20 and the inner wall portion 18 together define a second generally annular lid space 26 intermediate the inner wall portion 18 and the outer skirt 20 of the peripheral member 14.

The second annular lid space 26 is configured for receiving the upper rim of a corresponding container when the lid 10 is disposed on the container for sealing the open top end with effect that the container is disposed in a closed condition. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the second annular lid space 26 is a container rim-receiving space. In this respect, as the lid 10 is disposed on a corresponding container, the upper rim of the container is received within the second annular lid space 26 such that the lid 10 becomes engaged with the upper rim of the container. In some embodiments, for example, the second annular lid space 26 is sized and configured such that as the upper rim of the container is received within the second annular lid space 26, at least a portion of the inner surface of the container wall, that defines the open top end, is disposed in contact with at least a portion of the surface 28 of the inner wall portion 18 that defines the inner wall of the second annular lid space 26. In some embodiments, for example, the second annular lid space 26 is sized and configured such that disposition of the lid 10 on a corresponding container is such that the lid 10 is press fit on to the container for effecting sealing contact between at least a portion of the surface 28 that defines the inner wall of the second annular lid space 26 and at least a portion of the inner surface of the container wall.

In some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 includes a protruding ridge element 30 disposed on the inner surface of the outer skirt 20 of the peripheral member 14. In some embodiments, for example, the protruding ridge element 30 extends continuously about the inner circumference of the outer skirt 20 and is configured for engaging an undersurface of a container lip that extends around the circumference of the upper rim of the container. In other embodiments, for example, the protruding ridge portion 30 may be disposed in discrete, spaced apart sections about the inner circumference of the outer skirt 20 rather than continuously around the inner circumference of the outer skirt 20. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, as the lid 10 is disposed on a corresponding container, the lid 10 is moved downwardly relative the container such that the upper rim of the container is received within the second annular lid space 26. As the lid 10 moves downwardly relative to the container rim, the protruding ridge element 30, passes over the outwardly protruding container lip and becomes disposed underneath the outwardly extending or outwardly protruding container lip such that the protruding ridge element 30 engages the undersurface of the container lip contributing to a secure interlock between the lid 10 and the corresponding container.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-14, the container lid 10 according to the present disclosure is configured for resisting deformation in response to impact forces being applied to a container assembly that would otherwise result in failure of the lid, for example cracking and/or breaking, that would allow the contents of the container assembly to leak and/or escape. In this respect, the container lid 10 according to the present disclosure is configured for absorbing impact forces applied to a container assembly, for example in response to the filled container assembly falling from a height, and re-directing the impact forces in order to reduce the total flexural stress applied to the central panel 12 of the lid 10 in the event of a drop. In particular, lid 10 includes lid impact absorbing zones 32 that are formed within and that are incorporated into the first annular lid space 24 of the container lid 10. The lid impact absorbing zones 32 are specifically configured to improve the overall structural rigidity and structural integrity of container lid 10 and are configured to resist deformation in response to impact forces being applied to the lid 10, and/or to the overall container assembly incorporating the lid 10. In some embodiments, for example, the impact absorbing zones 32 each, independently, serve as a shock absorber for absorbing some of the impact forces that are applied to the lid 10 and/or to the container assembly incorporating lid 10 in response to a fall or drop. By absorbing at least some of the force of the applied impact forces, the total flexural stress experienced by the lid 10, in response to the application of impact forces, F1, that are applied against the outer skirt 20 of the lid 10 and directed inwardly towards the central panel 12 while the lid 10 is mounted on and engaged with the corresponding container, is reduced. By reducing the total flexural stress experienced by the lid 10, the incorporation of the lid impact absorbing zones 32 into the structure of the container lid 10 is with effect that damage to the lid 10 that results in cracking or failure of the central panel 12 in response to inwardly directed impact forces that are applied to the lid 10 and/or container assembly, may ultimately be avoided and/or at least mitigated.

In some instances, for example, impact forces are applied to the lid 10, and/or to the overall container assembly incorporating lid 10, in response to the container assembly being dropped on its side. In order to meet industry standards, especially in respect of container assemblies that are used for heavy duty and/or high performance applications, lids and container assemblies are required to withstand a predetermined range of impact forces in response to drops from a corresponding range of heights in order to satisfy performance requirements. For example, in some instances, in order to meet industry standards, lids and the corresponding container assembly, must be able to withstand the impact forces applied to the container assembly, when the container assembly is dropped from a height between a minimum of 500 mm to a maximum of 3 m, depending on the particular application for the container assembly. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the lid 10 according to the present disclosure, which includes impact absorbing zones 32, serves to improve the overall performance of container assemblies that incorporate the subject lid 10, when the container assembly is subjected to industry standard drop-tests for various applications.

In some embodiments, for example, the lid impact absorbing zones 32 are configured such that the intermediate wall portion 16 is in the form of an undulated wall. In this respect, the undulations that make up the undulated wall are disposed about the periphery of the central panel 12, each of the undulations, independently, spanning or protruding outwardly into at least a portion of the width of the first annular lid space 24. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the lid impact absorbing zones 32 together include a plurality of bulge-like protuberances 34 that are each, independently, integrally formed within and extend outwardly from the intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10 that interconnects the central panel 12 with the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14.

In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of protuberances 34 are disposed about the perimeter 36 of the central panel 12 of the lid 10 within the first annular lid space 24 at spaced apart intervals measured along the outer circumference of the central panel 12 or along a perimeter defined by the intermediate wall portion 16. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of protuberances 34 are sized and shaped such that adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances 34 are disposed next to each other such that there is an absence of a gap or space between adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances 34. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the plurality of protuberances 34 are spaced apart from each other within the first annular lid space 24 by a distance, D1, (see for instance FIG. 4) as measured along the outer circumference or perimeter 36 of the central panel 12, or along a perimeter defined by the intermediate wall portion 16, wherein the distance, D1, is between a minimum of 0.0 inches and a maximum of 1.0 inches.

In some embodiments, for example, the lid impact absorbing zones 32 are configured such that each of the plurality of bulge-like protuberances 34, independently, is integrally formed with and extends from the intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10 such that each protuberance 34, independently, has a first boundary region 38 that merges with a portion of the outer perimeter (or outer edge) 36 of the central panel 12 and with a portion of the intermediate wall portion 16. From the first boundary region 38, each of the protuberances 34, independently, defines a dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 that extends outwardly away from the central panel 12 and the intermediate wall portion 16, and slopes outwardly and downwardly towards a second boundary region 40 that merges with the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14 thereby creating the bulge-like appearance of the respective protuberance 34. The bulge-like protuberances 34 are therefore configured such that the dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 of each protuberance 34, independently, defines a hollow structure or cavity such that when the lid 10 is viewed from the bottom or underside of the lid 10, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 and 6-8, each of the protuberances 34, independently, creates a corresponding cavity region 35 within the profile defined by the undersurface of the dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 of the corresponding one of the bulge-like protuberances 34.

As set out above, in some embodiments, for example, each of the bulge-like protuberances 34 are disposed within the first annular lid space 24 such that each bulge-like protuberance 34, independently, is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the bulge-like protuberances 34 by a distance, D1, as defined along the circumference of the intermediate wall 16 or along the perimeter of the outer edge of the central panel 12. The spacing apart of adjacent ones of the bulge-like protuberances 34 creates a plurality of intermediate regions 42 disposed about the first annular lid space 24 such that an intermediate region 42 is disposed between adjacent ones of the bulge-like protuberances 34 that make-up an adjacent pair of protuberances 34 such that the plurality of bulge-like protuberances 34 and the plurality of intermediate regions 42 are disposed in an alternating arrangement about the periphery of the central panel 12 within the first annular lid space 24. In some embodiments, for example, the intermediate regions 42 are each, independently, configured to have a complementary, opposite configuration to the bulge-like protuberances 34. In particular, in some embodiments, for example, the intermediate regions 42 are each, independently, in the form an indentation or cavity region formed within the intermediate wall portion 16, when viewed from the top side of the lid 10, such that the intermediate regions 42 each, independently, project inwardly relative to the intermediate wall 16 of the lid 10. Accordingly, when the lid 10 is disposed on a corresponding container 10, the intermediate regions 42 are configured such that they project inwardly from the intermediate wall 16 of the lid 10 towards a central longitudinal axis of the container assembly. In this respect, when the lid 10 is viewed from the bottom side or underside, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 and 6-8, the intermediate regions 42, that are viewed as indentations or cavity regions in the intermediate wall portion 16 from the top side or outer side of the lid 10, are viewed as bulge-like protuberances 43 on the underside of the lid 10. The alternating pattern or arrangement of the bulge-like protuberances 34 and indentations or intermediate regions 42 within the first annular lid space 24 creates an alternating pattern of crests and troughs within the intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10. In some embodiments, for example, the alternating pattern or arrangement of the bulge-like protuberances 34 and intermediate regions 42 within the first annular lid space 24 is such that the intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10, that interconnects the central panel 12 to the peripheral member 14, has a corrugated structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, in some embodiments, for example, the bulge-like protuberances 34 are configured such that each protuberance 34 includes a generally planar region 50 that extends from the central panel 12 before the dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 curves and slopes downwardly away from the plane of the central panel 12 towards the second boundary region 40 and merges with and slopes upwardly into the bottom end or lower end portion 17 of the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14.

In some embodiments, for example, the alternating pattern or arrangement of the bulge-like protuberances 34 with the indentations formed in the intermediate regions 42 within the intermediate wall portion 16 that defines a portion of the first annular lid space 24 provides improved structural rigidity to the overall structure of the lid 10 especially in the region between the peripheral member 14 and the central panel 12. In particular, in some embodiments for example, the portion of the outer surface of each of the bulge-like protrusions 34 that is disposed in face-to-face opposition to the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14 within the first annular lid space 24, independently, acts as a bumper surface 52 for resisting inwards deflection of the peripheral member 14 of the lid 10 towards the central panel 12 in response to impact forces applied to the outer skirt 20 of the peripheral member 14. The bumper surface 52 limits inwards displacement of the peripheral member 14 and re-directs and/or limits the resulting forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the central panel 12 of the lid 10. More specifically, in the event that a container assembly incorporating lid 10 is subjected to inwardly directed forces, for example side impact forces applied to the outer skirt 20 of the lid 10 that are of sufficient force to effect initial inward displacement or inward deflection of the outer skirt 20 towards the perimeter of the central panel or towards the central longitudinal axis of the container assembly, the inward deflection of the outer skirt 20 will also effect inward displacement (or inwards deflection) of the container wall that is engaged within the second annular space 26 due to the engagement of the upper rim of the container and the lid 10. Due to the press fit and/or snug-fit relationship between the lid 10 and the upper rim portion of the corresponding container, inwards displacement or inwards deflection of the outer skirt 20 and the container wall that is engaged within the second annular lid space 26 will, in turn, transmit the inwardly directed forces to the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14. The transmission of the inwardly directed forces to the inner wall portion 18 will cause inwards displacement or inwards deflection of the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14 towards to the perimeter of the central panel (or towards the central longitudinal axis of the container assembly). The inwards displacement (or inwards deflection) of the inner wall portion 18 of the peripheral member 14 towards the perimeter of the central panel 12 or intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10 that occurs in response to the application of inwardly directed impact forces applied to the lid 10 or container assembly will bring the inner wall portion 18 into contact with the bumper surface 52 of the bulge-like protuberances 34. Further displacement of the inner wall portion 18, or the peripheral member 14, towards the central panel 12 is limited by the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the impact absorbing zones 32. In instances where the impact forces applied to the outer skirt 20 of the peripheral member 14 of the lid 10 are less than a predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the lid impact absorbing zones 32, the bulge-like protuberances 34 will generally act as rigid impact zones and will maintain their shape and resist deformation in response to contact between the inner wall portion 18 and the bumper surface 52 of the bulge-like protuberances 34 that results from inwards deflection of the peripheral member 14 in response to application of the impact forces. The forces that are transmitted to the bumper surface 52 of the affected ones of the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the impact absorbing zones 32 by the inwardly directed impact forces will be redistributed and redirected by the undulated or dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 of the corresponding protuberance 34 to the intermediate wall portion 16 and away from the central panel 12. In some instances, for example when the forces applied meet the predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34, the dome-shaped surface defining portion 37 and/or bumper surface 52 of the affected ones of the bulge-like protuberances 34 may flatten slightly in response to the impact forces. As well, in some instances portions of the peripheral member 14 and/or central panel 12 may deform and/or distort as the forces applied to the peripheral member 14 are redirected and redistributed to other areas of the lid 10 as the overall width of the first annular lid space 24 is decreased as a result of the inwards deflection of the features of the peripheral member 14. However, the overall undulated and crest and trough formation of the intermediate wall portion 16 is maintained with effect that the deformation and/or distortion of other features of the lid 10 is ineffective to cause cracking and/or failure of the lid 10 that would allow the contents of the container to leak and/or escape. By redistributing and redirecting the forces applied to the outer skirt 20 of the peripheral member 14 of the lid 10 away from the central panel 12 protects the overall structural integrity of the central panel 12 thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the central panel 12, such as cracking, that would result in leakage of the contents of the container and failure of the container assembly. The redistributing and redirecting of forces by the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the impact absorbing zones 32 and/or via the undulated wall structure of the intermediate wall portion 16 within the first annular lid space 24 creates a buffer zone within the first annular lid space 24 about the periphery of the central panel 12 that serves to protect the overall structural integrity of the central panel 12. The buffer zone that is created by the alternating arrangement of bulge-like protuberances 34 and indentation regions 42 that are formed within the intermediate wall portion 16 also serves to increase the deceleration time associated with the impact of the container assembly, due to the increased rigidity provided by the bulge-like protuberances 34, thereby reducing the total effective force that is transmitted to the central panel 12 of the lid 10.

In instances where the impact forces applied to the lid 10 and/or container assembly exceed the predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34, in some embodiments, for example, the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the lid impact absorbing zones 32 will collapse and/or deform more significantly in response to the impact forces applied to the lid 10 and/or container assembly as compared to the deformation that may occur when the forces that are applied only meet the predetermined threshold deforming force. However, in both instances the overall crest and trough, or undulated structure of the intermediate wall portion 16 is generally maintained. As will be understood by those skilled in the art of container assemblies, the predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the impact absorbing zones 32 will vary depending on the particular configuration and application of the container assembly as the overall size of the lid 10 and the corresponding thickness of the various wall portions of the lid 10, as well as the thickness of the wall portions that form the bulge-like protuberances 34 and indentation regions 42 will vary. Accordingly, the specific size and configuration of the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the lid impact absorbing zones 32 will vary depending on the particular size and shape of the lid 10 and the intended application of the overall container assembly to ensure that the lid impact absorbing zones 32 are configured to resist a complete collapse of the bulge-like protuberances 34 in response to industry standard drop tests in order to meet the desired performance requirements required for the particular container assembly.

Accordingly, when the inwardly directed forces applied to the lid 10, and/or container assembly incorporating the lid 10, are less than the predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the lid impact absorbing zones 32 the bulge-like protuberances 34 of the lid impact absorber 32 serve as rigid impact absorbers that do not deform in response to application of the inwardly directed forces, F1, and that that redirect and redistribute the applied forces, F1, away from a direct impact on the central panel 12 in an effort to prevent failure of the central panel 12 of the lid 10, such as cracking, that would allow the contents of the container to leak and/or escape causing failure of the overall container assembly. When the impact forces that are applied to the lid 10 and/or the container assembly incorporating the lid 10, are greater than the predetermined threshold deforming force associated with the bulge-like protuberances 34, at least some of the bulge-like protuberances 34 may deform in response to application of the impact forces, the deformation of which serves to absorb and redirect forces away from the central panel 12 that could otherwise cause cracking and/or breakage of the central panel.

In previous prior art designs, for example as shown FIGS. 15-18, container lids 100 often included planar ribs 110 that extended outwardly away from the intermediate wall 116 to the inner wall portion 118 of the peripheral member 114. The planar ribs 110 were disposed at spaced apart intervals about the perimeter of the central panel 112 and, in some instances, were disposed at an angle relative to an axis that extends radially from or normal to the intermediate wall 116. In such configurations, application of inwardly directed impact forces to the outer skirt 120 would be transmitted to the planar ribs 110 which would concentrate the resulting flexural stress of the applied forces to discrete points around the perimeter of the central panel 112. The concentration of the flexural stress at discrete points about the perimeter of the central panel via the ribs 110 were found to render the lid 100 more susceptible to cracking and failure in response to drop tests. In this respect, the provision of a lid impact absorbing zone 32 in the form of an undulated wall structure with an alternating arrangement of bulge-like protrusions 34 and indentation regions 42 within the intermediate wall portion 16 of the lid 10 has been found to improve performance of container assemblies in industry standard drop tests thereby providing a more robust container assembly.

While various embodiments of the lid 10 and lid deformation resister 32 have been described, it will be understood that certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A lid for a container, comprising: a central panel;a peripheral member extending about the central panel, the peripheral member including an inner wall portion and an outer skirt; andan intermediate wall portion interconnecting the inner wall portion of the peripheral member to a perimeter of the central panel;wherein the central panel, the peripheral member and the intermediate wall portion are cooperatively configured such that: a first annular lid space is defined between the intermediate wall portion and the inner wall portion of the peripheral member; anda second annular lid space is defined between the inner wall portion of the peripheral member and the outer skirt, wherein the second annular lid space is configured for engaging with an upper rim of a container;the lid further comprising: lid impact absorbing zones disposed within the first annular lid space, the lid impact absorbing zones resisting deformation in response to inwardly directed forces applied to the outer skirt that are less than a predetermined threshold deforming force, the lid impact absorbing zones including:a plurality of protuberances formed within and extending from the intermediate wall portion and into the first annular lid space;each protuberance sloping outwardly and downwardly away from the perimeter of the central panel and merging with a lower end portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

2. The lid as claimed in claim 1; wherein:while the lid is disposed on a container such that the container is disposed in a closed condition and the lid is free from inwardly directed impact forces applied to at least a portion of the outer skirt: the inner wall portion of the peripheral member is disposed in a first position relative to the perimeter of the central panel;andwhile the lid is disposed on a container such that the container is disposed in a closed condition and inwardly directed impact forces that are less than the predetermined threshold deforming force are applied to at least a portion of the outer skirt: the inner wall portion of the peripheral member is disposed in a second position that is more inwardly disposed, relative to the perimeter of the central panel, than the first position; andfurther inwards deflection of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member such that the inner wall portion becomes more inwardly disposed relative to the perimeter of the central panel than the second position is resisted by interference between the inner wall portion with at least some of the plurality of protuberances.

3. The lid as claimed in claim 2; wherein:each protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, independently, includes a bumper surface on at least a portion of an outermost surface of the protuberance that is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member, the bumper surface resisting the further inwards deflection of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

4. The lid as claimed in claim 2; wherein: while the lid is disposed on a container such that the container is disposed in a closed condition and inwardly directed impact forces that are greater than the predetermined threshold deforming force are applied to at least a portion of the outer skirt:the at least some of the plurality of protuberances are deformed such that the inwardly directed impact forces are directed away from the central panel.

5. The lid as claimed in claim 1; wherein:the plurality of protuberances are spaced apart from each other within the first annular lid space about the perimeter of the central panel by indentation regions formed within the intermediate wall such that an indentation region is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances with effect that the plurality of protuberances and the indentation regions are disposed in an alternating arrangement about the perimeter of the central panel.

6. The lid as claimed in claim 1; wherein: the plurality of protuberances are configured such that adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances are disposed next to each other such that there is an absence of a gap or space between the adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances.

7. The lid as claimed in claim 5; wherein:each indentation region, independently, extends inwardly relative to the perimeter of the central panel such that each indentation region, independently, has an opposite disposition to that of the plurality of protuberances.

8. The lid as claimed in claim 7; wherein:the plurality of protuberances and the plurality of indentation regions are cooperatively configured such that the intermediate wall portion has an undulated form.

9. The lid as claimed in claim 7; wherein:the plurality of protuberances and the plurality of indentation regions are cooperatively configured such that the intermediate wall portion is comprised of an alternating series of crests and troughs.

10. The lid as claimed in claim 1; wherein:each protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, independently, is a bulge-like protuberance that includes a dome-shaped surface defining portion.

11. The lid as claimed in claim 10; wherein:each protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, independently, includes a planar region that is merged with and extends from the central panel, the dome-shaped surface defining portion sloping outwardly and downwardly away from the planar region and a first boundary region that merges with the perimeter of the central panel towards a second boundary region that merges with the lower end of the inner wall portion of the peripheral.

12. The lid as claimed in claim 11; wherein:the lid defines an outer side and an under side; andeach protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, independently, defines a corresponding cavity region on the underside of the lid.

13. The lid as claimed in claim 11; wherein:each indentation region of the plurality of indentation regions, independently defines a corresponding protuberance on the underside of the lid.

14. The lid as claims in claim 1; wherein:the lid is comprises a plastic material.

15. The lid as claimed in claim 14; wherein:the lid is formed via injection molding.

16. A container assembly, comprising: a container having: a bottom wall;a container wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and terminating at an upper rim that defines an open top end of the container, the container wall and the bottom wall together defining an open interior space;and a lid configured for removable engagement with at least the upper rim of the container for enclosing the open interior space such that the container is disposed in a closed condition, wherein the lid includes: a central panel;a peripheral member extending about the central panel, the peripheral member including an inner wall portion and an outer skirt; andan intermediate wall portion interconnecting the inner wall portion of the peripheral member to a perimeter of the central panel;wherein the central panel, the peripheral member and the intermediate wall portion are cooperatively configured such that: a first annular lid space is defined between the intermediate wall portion and the inner wall portion of the peripheral member; anda second annular lid space is defined between the inner wall portion of the peripheral member and the outer skirt, wherein the second annular lid space is configured for engaging with an upper rim of a container;the lid further comprising: lid impact absorbing zones disposed within the first annular lid space, the lid impact absorbing zones resisting deformation in response to inwardly directed forces applied to the outer skirt that are less than a predetermined threshold deforming force, the lid impact absorbing zones including:a plurality of protuberances formed within and extending from the intermediate wall portion and into the first annular lid space;each protuberance sloping outwardly and downwardly away from the perimeter of the central panel and merging with a lower end portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

17. The container assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lid is configured such that, while the lid is disposed on the container such that the container is disposed in a closed condition and the lid is free from inwardly directed impact forces applied to at least a portion of the outer skirt: the inner wall portion of the peripheral member is disposed in a first position relative to the perimeter of the central panel; andwhile the lid is disposed on a container such that the container is disposed in a closed condition and inwardly directed impact forces that are less than the predetermined threshold deforming force are applied to at least a portion of the outer skirt:the inner wall portion of the peripheral member is disposed in a second position that is more inwardly disposed, relative to the perimeter of the central panel, than the first position; andfurther inwards deflection of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member such that the inner wall portion becomes more inwardly disposed relative to the perimeter of the central panel than the second position is resisted by interference between the inner wall portion with at least some of the plurality of protuberances.

18. The container assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein: each protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, independently, includes a bumper surface on at least a portion of an outermost surface of the protuberance that is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member, the bumper surface resisting the further inwards deflection of the inner wall portion of the peripheral member.

19. The container assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the lid is configured such that the plurality of protuberances are spaced apart from each other within the first annular lid space about the perimeter of the central panel by indentation regions formed within the intermediate wall such that an indentation region is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances with effect that the plurality of protuberances and the indentation regions are disposed in an alternating arrangement about the perimeter of the central panel.

20. The container assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the lid is configured such that the plurality of protuberances are configured such that adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances are disposed next to each other such that there is an absence of a gap or space between the adjacent ones of the plurality of protuberances.