FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to containers, and in more particular applications to containers with sealing lids, such as for food and the like.
BACKGROUND
Containers are known for storing a wide variety of items such as miscellaneous hardware, school supplies, toys and the like. Additionally containers are used for storing food, including dry food, wet food and even liquids. However, it is oftentimes desired to keep dry foods dry and keep wet or moist foods wet. Furthermore, it is oftentimes desired to prevent liquids from leaking into or out of the container while in storage.
For such applications, it is known to use containers having gaskets and other forms of seals to keep liquids and moisture in the container. However, the gaskets and seals in such containers may not always seal correctly and may develop localized areas where liquid can enter and/or escape from the container.
Furthermore, it can be difficult to determine if a lid has completely sealed around the entire opening of the container. This can be especially problematic with wet foods as liquid can escape from the container if the lid is not sealed properly and/or evenly. For example, if the lid is not sealed evenly, a slight bumping or jarring of the lid or container may cause the lid to separate sufficiently separate and permit liquid to escape.
SUMMARY
In one form, a releasably sealable container system is provided. The container system includes a container, a lid, a gasket and a locking arm. The container includes a lip defining an opening. The lid is configured to engage the opening. The lid includes a body and a frame. The gasket is configured to cooperate with the lid and the lip to seal the opening. The locking arm is coupled to the body and configured to move between an engaging position to lock the lid to the container and a disengaging position permitting the lid to be removed from the container. The body cooperates with the locking arm to move the locking arm from the disengaging position to the engaging position.
According to one form, a releasably sealable container system is provided. The container system includes a container, a lid, a gasket and a locking arm. The container includes a lip defining an opening. The lip includes a sealing portion and an engaging portion. The lid is configured to engage the opening. The lid includes a body and a frame. The gasket is configured to cooperate with the lid and the sealing portion of the lip to seal the opening. The locking arm is coupled to the body. The body is configured such that movement of the body in a downward direction causes the locking arm to move inwardly and engage the engaging portion and movement of the body in an upward direction permits the locking arm to move outwardly and disengage from the engagement portion.
In accordance with one form, the system further includes a plurality of locking arms.
In one form, the system further includes at least one release grip located on the frame.
According to one form, the locking arm includes a flexible hinge connecting the locking arm to the body to permit the locking arm to pivot relative to the body.
In accordance with one form, the system further includes a retaining arm coupled to the body to contact at least one of the locking arm and the lip to retain the body on the container.
In one form, the lip includes a sealing portion and an engaging portion, and the locking arm includes a cammed portion, the cammed portion contacting the engaging portion when in the engaging position.
According to one form, the locking arm includes a hook-shaped portion and a disengagement portion, and the frame including a pulling arm, the pulling arm cooperating with the disengagement portion to move the locking arm to the disengaging position.
In accordance with one form, a method of sealing a container system is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a container having a lip defining an opening, the lip including a sealing portion and an engaging portion; providing a lid configured to engage the opening, the lid comprising a body, a frame and a locking arm; positioning a gasket between the lid and the sealing portion of the lip; and moving the body in a downward direction causing the locking arm to move inwardly and engage the engaging portion.
In one form, the step of moving the body in a downward direction causing the locking arm to move inwardly includes causing a cammed portion of the locking arm to engage the engaging portion.
According to one form, the step of moving the body in a downward direction causing the locking arm to move inwardly includes causing a hook-shaped portion of the locking arm to engage the engaging portion.
In accordance with one form, the method includes the further step of moving the body in an upward direction permitting the locking arm to move outwardly and disengage from the engaging portion.
Other forms are also contemplated as understood by those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its constructions and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a container system;
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the container system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial cut away, exploded view of one form of a container system;
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container system in a disengaging position;
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container system moving from the disengaging position to an engaging position;
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container system taken along line 4C-4C of FIG. 4B as moving from the engaging position to the disengaging position;
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container system moving from the engaging position to the disengaging position;
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of one form of a lid body;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of one form of a lid body;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lid body;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lid frame, lid body, gasket and container lip in an engaging position;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a different form of a lid frame, lid body, gasket and container lip in an engaging position;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further form of a container system;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a further form of a lid body;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the lid body of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further form of a lid frame with a container shown in phantom;
FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of a further form of a lid body;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the lid body of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one form of a lid frame and lid body in a disengaging position;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one form of a lid frame, lid body and container lip in an engaging position;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid frame, lid body and counter lip being moved from the engaging position to the disengaging position; and
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid frame, lid body and counter lip in the disengaging position.
Various figures are presented to further aid one skilled in the art in understanding the various forms of the multi-tiered shelf system. However, the present invention should not be construed to be limited to the forms depicted in the figures and described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4D, one form of a container system 30 is illustrated. The system 30 includes a container 32 and a lid 34. As best seen in FIG. 3, the system 30 also includes a gasket 36 and a locking arm. The system 30 may also include other features and structures as will be discussed below as well as other features and structures understood by those skilled in the art.
The container 32 generally includes an opening 40 defined by a lip 42 and at least one wall 44. The size and shape of the opening 40, as well as the size and shape of the container 32 can vary in accordance with the size and shape of the wall(s) 44, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the container 32 is generally rectangularly shaped having five walls (four side walls and a bottom wall). However, it should be understood that the container can be square, round and the like and may also be configured in any desired size.
The lip 42 can include a sealing portion 46 and an engaging portion 48. Referring to FIGS. 4A-D, in one form, the sealing portion 46 is located towards the top of the lip 42 and is positioned outwardly from the container 32 while the engaging portion 48 is located towards an opposite portion of the lip 42. As shown in this form, the engaging portion 48 and the sealing portion 46 each include generally flat surfaces. However, as described below regarding other embodiments, these portions can include other shapes and surfaces, such as rounded surfaces and the like.
In one form, the lid 34 generally includes a body 50 and a frame 52. The body 50 and frame 52 can be included as a single integral unit or may be two separable units, as shown in FIG. 3. Generally, the frame 52 is positioned around and cooperates with the body 50 to seal the container 32, as will be discussed in more detail below.
In one form, the body 50 includes a skirt 54 which can be used to help align the body 50 as it is positioned on the container 32. For example, the skirt 54 can be sized and positioned on the body 50 to fit just inside the opening 40 when the body 50 is properly aligned. The body 50 can also include one or more locking arms 56. As shown in FIG. 3, in one form, the system 30 includes four locking arms 56. It should be understood that greater or fewer locking arms 56 can be utilized as desired. Furthermore, in FIG. 3, there are locking arms 56 on only two sides of the system 30. It should be noted that the locking arms 56 can be located on greater or fewer than two sides of the system 30 and need not be located on opposite sides.
The locking arms 56 are movable and can be used to help seal the system 30. In one form, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D, the locking arms 56 include a cammed portion 58 and a living hinge or film hinge 60. The locking arms 56 can also take other shapes and forms as will be discussed herein regarding other embodiments and as understood by those skilled in the art.
The body 50 can also include a gasket channel 62 for receiving a portion of the gasket 36. It should be noted that the gasket channel 62 can be configured to permanently retain and/or releasably retain the gasket 36. The body 50 also includes a cover portion 64 that generally covers the opening 40. In one form, the cover portion 64 is transparent so that a user can view the interior of the container 32.
The frame 52 generally includes a top portion 66 and a side portion 68. In one form, as best seen in FIG. 3, the top portion 66 defines an opening 70 whereby the body 50 can be viewed when installed. In one embodiment, the frame 52 also includes one or more grips or release handles 72 that can be used to help manipulate the frame 52 when in use. Furthermore, the frame 52 can include one or more retaining arms 74. The retaining arms 74 can be used to help maintain the frame 52 on the container 32. In one form, the frame 52 includes two release handles 72 on opposite sides of the frame 52 and includes two retaining arms 74 located adjacent each release handle 72. In this form, the release handles 72 can be used to help manipulate the retaining arms 74. The retaining arms 74 can be used to contact the body 50, the locking arms 56, the container 32, the lip 42 or other structure to retain the frame 52 on the container 32. It should be understood that the frame 52 can include any number of release handles 72 and retaining arms 74 and further that these structures can be located in any number of different locations on the frame 52. Furthermore, it should be noted that while the retaining arms 74 are located adjacent to the release handles 72, the retaining arms 74 can be located elsewhere and can even be included without the use of release handles 72. Moreover, in other forms, neither the release handles 72 nor the retaining arms 74 need to be included.
The frame 52 can take any number of different sizes, shapes and orientations as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4D, the frame 52 is generally rectangular. Furthermore, as best seen in FIG. 4A, in one form, the side portion 68 extends somewhat outwardly and away from the container 32. In this regard, the shape of the side portion 68 can be used to help cooperate with the body 50 and the locking arms 56.
The gasket 36 can be any conventional gasket as understood by those skilled in the art. As discussed above, the gasket 36 is generally positioned between the lid 34 and the container 32. Furthermore, in one form, the gasket 36 is positioned between the body 50 and the lip 42. In this regard, the gasket 36 can be releasably secured to the body 50 such as by being located in the groove 62. Alternatively, the gasket 36 can be located in other regions and coupled, releasably or otherwise, to other structures. For example, the gasket 36 could form a portion of the container 32 and/or the lip 42 or be a separate component from the lid 34 and the container 32. Other locations and methods of securing the gasket 36 are also contemplated as understood by those skilled in the art.
The operation of the structures illustrated in FIGS. 1-4D will now be discussed in more detail. Referring to FIG. 4A, to seal the system 30, the frame 52 is positioned about the body 50 and the body 50 is positioned on the container 32 with the gasket 36 between the lid 34 and the container 32. The skirt 54 is utilized to help position the body 50 to cover the opening 40. Once positioned, the frame 52 is pushed downwardly generally in a direction indicated by arrows 80, as shown in FIG. 4B. The frame 52 contacts the body 50, and more particularly, the locking arms 56 to move the locking arms 56 inwardly towards the container 32. In one form, as shown in FIG. 4B, the film hinge 60 helps the locking arms 56 move. In this form, the locking arms 56 substantially pivot about the location of the film hinge 60.
As the frame 52 is pushed downwardly, the locking arms 56 being to engage the lip 42. In the form illustrated in FIG. 4A-D, the cammed surface 58 begins to contact the engaging portion 46. The movement of the locking arms 56 helps to compress the gasket 36 between the lid 34 and the container 32.
Once the frame 52 has been displaced downwardly a sufficient distance, the retaining arms 74 engage at least one of the locking arms 56 and/or the container 32 to retain the frame 52 on the container 32 in the engaging position. As best seen in FIG. 2, in the engaging position, the locking arms 56 have engaged the lip 42 and are maintained in contact with the lip 42 by the side portion 68 of the frame 52 while the retaining arms 74 maintain the frame on the container 32. Once in the engaging position, the gasket 36 maintains a substantially air tight and/or liquid tight seal on the container 32.
The lid 34 can be removed from the container 32 to permit access to the interior of the container 32. FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system 30, but the system 30 has been rotated 90 degrees compared to FIG. 4B to illustrate the release handles 72 and retaining arms 74. Specifically, to remove the lid 34, one or more of the release handles 72 is pulled outwardly, away from the container 32, such as illustrated by arrows 82. In this regard, the release handles 72 help pull the retaining arms 74 away from the container 32 and/or locking arms 56 to disengage the retaining arms 74. Once the retaining arms 74 have been disengaged, the frame 52 can either be pulled upwardly or the gasket 36 and/or body 50 can push the frame 52 upwardly, as illustrated by arrows 84 in FIG. 4D.
As the frame 52 is displaced upwardly, the body 50 and gasket 36 are permitted to also extend upwardly and decompress. As the body 50 moves upwardly, the locking arms 56 are permitted to move outwardly away from the container 32, as illustrated by arrows 86. The shape of the cammed surface 58 can help the locking arms 56 slide out from engaging the lip 42. Once the locking arms 56 disengage from the container 32, the lid 34, including the body 50 and frame 52 can be removed from the container 32.
Other forms of the system 30 will now be discussed in more detail with the understanding that structures similar to those discussed above will not be discussed in detail for these alternative embodiments for the sake of brevity. One alternative form of a lid is shown in FIG. 5. As seen in FIG. 5, a body 100 is illustrated as having eight locking arms 56. In one form, these locking arms 56 are substantially the same as described with respect to FIGS. 1-4D. However, in this form, there are two locking arms 56 per side of the body 100. In certain circumstances, it may be preferable to include multiple locking arms 56 per side, especially when the sides and/or containers are large, to provide sufficient clamping force to maintain the seal. Furthermore, the body 100 includes an inner skirt 102 for helping align the body 100 on a container and an outer skirt 104 for helping align and guide the frame (not shown) on the body.
Another form of a body 106 is illustrated in FIG. 6. This form is similar to the body 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 as there are eight locking arms 56, with two per side. However, this body 106 does not have an outer skirt 104 and includes a smaller inner skirt 108 compared to the body 100 in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of yet another body 110 having locking arm 56. This body 110 includes the locking arm 56 including the cammed surface 58 and film hinge 60. The body 110 also includes an inner skirt 112, a gasket channel 114 and a raised frame engaging portion 116. The raised frame engaging portion 116 may be utilized in some embodiments to provide a more defined portion for the frame to engage and help provide a clamping force. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the raised frame engaging portion 116 is located substantially adjacent the gasket channel 114 to help ensure that the maximum clamping force is provided to the gasket (not shown).
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one form of a system 120 utilizing the body 110 of FIG. 7. As seen in FIG. 8, the system 120 includes the body 110, a frame 122, a container 124 and a gasket 126. The frame 122 includes a top portion 128 that is used to help contact the frame engaging portion 116. The container 124 includes a rolled lip 130, having a rounded sealing portion 132 and an engaging portion 134.
FIG. 9 also illustrates the system 120, but focuses instead on a release grip 136. The release grip 136 includes a retaining arm 138 which can be used to engage at least one of the locking arm 56 and the container 124. Just as discussed with respect to the forms shown in FIGS. 1-4D, the release grip 136 can be pulled outwardly and away from the container 124 to disengage the retaining arm 138 and remove the frame 122 from the container 124. In this regard, the frame 122 can include one or more open portions 140 adjacent one or more of the release grip 136 to permit the release grip 136 to flex inwardly and outwardly from the container to engage and disengage the frame 122 to the container 124.
Yet another form of a system 150 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The system 150 includes a lid 152 including a frame 154 and a body 156. The system 150 also includes a gasket 158 and a container 160. As best seen in FIG. 12, the body 156 includes two large locking arms 162 on opposite sides of the body 156. The frame 154 includes release grips in the form of handles 164. Furthermore, the frame 154 includes retaining arms 166 adjacent the handles 164. As best seen in FIG. 11, the retaining arms 166 engage an insert 168 located on the container 160. The insert 168 can be positioned such that it extends slightly beyond the lip 170 so that the lip 170 is not contacted or worn down by the retaining arms 166 or the locking arms 162. In one form, the insert 168 is made of a low friction material to minimize wear and resistance. However, it should be understood that the insert 168 can be made from any material as understood by those skilled in the art.
Yet another form of a system 180 is illustrated in FIGS. 15-21. The system 180 includes a lid 182 having a frame 184 and a body 186, a gasket 187 and a container 188. The frame 184 includes release grips 190 and a plurality of apertures 192 having at least one pulling arm 194. The body 186 includes a plurality of locking arms 196, with each of the locking arms 196 including a hook-shaped portion 198 and at least one disengagement portion 200. The disengagement portions 200 are located and configured to cooperate with the pulling arms 194. The container 188 includes a lip 202 having a channel 204 for receiving the hook-shaped portion 198. The hook-shaped portion 198 and the channel 204 cooperate to retain the lid 182 on the container 188.
The operation of the system 180 will now be briefly discussed with reference to FIGS. 18-21. Referring to FIG. 18, the system 180 is illustrated in the disengaging position whereby the lid 182 is separated from the container 188. FIG. 19 illustrates the system 180 moving towards the engaging position. In this regard, the frame 184 cooperates to urge the locking arms 196 inwardly towards the container 188, as shown by arrow 210. In the engaging position, the hook-shaped portion 198 is positioned in the channel 204 to retain the lid 182 on the container 188.
FIG. 20 illustrates the system 180 moving from the engaging position to the disengaging position. In this regard, the locking arms 196 must be disengaged from the container 188. In many of the previously described systems, by removing the frame, the locking arm may inherently disengage from the container due to the cammed surface. In the present embodiment, the hook-shaped portion 198 will not function in exactly the same manner as the cammed surface, so the frame 184 cooperates with the locking arms 196 to manipulate the locking arms 196. In this regard, when the frame 184 is moved upwardly, as indicated by arrow 212, the pulling arms 194 will contact the disengagement portion 200 and urge the locking arm 196 upwardly and outwardly, as illustrated by arrow 214.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the systems described herein may be utilized to provide fluid and/or air tight seals for containers. Furthermore, the systems can provide a positive form of feedback to let the user know that the system is sealed. For example, the frame can positively engage the body and/or frame to ensure that a suitable seal has been secured and may provide an audible or physical “click” type confirmation.
It should be understood that the structures described herein can be manufactured in a variety of different manners from a variety of different materials, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the lid and container can be formed from plastic and other similar materials. Additionally, the structures can be formed by molding and other processes. Finally, it should be understood that the structures can be opaque, translucent and/or transparent as desired. In one form, the container and the body are transparent to permit the use to see the contents inside the container.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
Patent Application
20090289066
