Container

Abstract

An apparatus for storing and dispensing fluid paint comprising a pail, a ring section permanently attachable to the pail and incorporating an integral circular spout for pouring fluid paint, and a closure adapted to lockingly and sealingly attach to the ring section.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a plastic container having a screw on closure for storing and dispensing paint and other fluid materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A container for storing and dispensing fluid materials such as paint, adhesive and granular substances which behave as fluids typically consists of a metal cylindrical pail that is sealed using a metal closure or lid that secures into a groove running along a top rim of the pail using a press fit. When paint is poured out of the container, it often accumulates in the groove and also drips down the side of the container. In addition to requiring additional cleanup, this creates difficulties when resealing the lid because the paint in the groove spreads out and/or splatters when securing the lid and interferes with the formation of a sealing surface between the groove and lid.

Plastic paint pails and lids are a more recent development. One prior art combination includes a square pail with an integrated handle and a screw on closure or lid. This design incorporates a semi-circular spout for pouring in one direction over threads and a corner of the container. The pouring performance often results in paint covering the threads. This creates difficulties in opening the container after use because, when the closure is reapplied, any paint in the thread area will dry and cause the lid to bind to the pail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a molded plastic container comprising a pail and closure combination for storing and dispensing fluids such as paint. The container comprises a generally cylindrical pail having a flat bottom and an open top. A separately formed ring section is permanently attached to the top of the pail and provides both a threaded annular band and, inwardly of the band, a full circular pouring spout preferably of “crescentoid shape.” In addition, there is provided a closure adapted to lockingly and sealingly attach to the ring section by means of mating threads. The term “crescentoid” as used herein refers to an annular ring with a uniform crescent-shaped section in all quadrants.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a top deck which can be variously configured to provide manual or machine gripping and rotation.

Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The various features, advantages, and other uses of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lockable and resealable container for storing and dispensing fluid paint comprising a pail, a ring section having an integral circular spout, and a lid according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ring section according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the ring section according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the lid according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the assembled pail, ring section, and lid according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 8-10 show alternative lid configurations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, a container 10 for storing and dispensing fluids such as paint comprises a cylindrical pail 12, a ring section 14 which is separately formed, and a closure or lid 16. The pail 12 is generally an open top cylinder in shape. It may, however, be tapered, if desired. The ring section 14 is permanently attached to the pail 12, for example, by spin or ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, it may be attached by adhesive bonding or a mechanical snap lock. Once installed, the ring section 14 provides an annular portion 15 with thread and lock segments. Ring section 14 further includes a full circular pouring spout 22 of crescentoid shape. The pail 12, ring section 14, and lid 16 are formed, for example, of a polymeric material such as high density polyethylene or polypropylene.

The container 10 has two opposed bail-receiving ears 18 integrally formed on a sidewall of the pail 12 for attaching a handle or bail 20. The bail 20 can be formed, by way of example and not limitation, of plastic or metal. The container may also be marketed without a bail.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the ring section 14 contains the spout 22, which is crescentoid in shape and spaced inwardly of the threaded portion 15. The spout 22 is concave on the outside surface and is, therefore, of larger diameter at the top than midway between the top and the bottom. This shape is referred to herein as “crescentoid.” Such shape eliminates any ridges that may restrict flow out of the pail 12. The spout may also be straight sided. The crescentoid spout 22 provides a flexible top edge 24 which seals against the inside of the lid 16 when screwed into place. This eliminates the need for a gasket. The threaded portion 15 of the ring section 14 has at least one external thread 26 to receive the lid 16. The thread 26 incorporates a number of detents 28 that snap to lock in order to ensure closure between the ring section 14 and lid 16. The ring section 14 is provided with internal brush wipes 30 as an optional feature. The brush wipes 30 can accommodate a 4″ brush and can be generally convex, concave, or flat in shape when seen from a top elevational view. The ring section 14 also provides a 360° trough or recess 32 that is positioned outwardly concentric to the spout 22 and inwardly concentric to the threaded portion 15 to further ensure that the paint does not interfere with the threaded portion 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the lid 16 incorporates an integrated twist grip 34. The twist grip 34 generally includes semi-cylindrical concavities 36 on both sides of a cross piece 38 having sidewalls 40. At least one internal thread 42 and a corresponding number of detents 44 (best seen in FIG. 1) close and lock the lid 16 and are complementary to the external threads 26 and detents 28, respectively, of the ring section 14. An inner profile 46 seals against the top edge 24 of the spout 22.

In operation, the container 10, when closed, can be shaken to mix the contents without fear of leakage. It is easily opened by rotation of the lid 16. Paint can be poured from the container 10 by tipping. If any excess paint runs over the spout 22, it will fall into the recess 32 between the spout 22 and the threaded portion 15, where it is trapped. It has no adverse effect on the threads. Paint can be brush-dipped directly from the interior of the container 10, and wiped on the brush wipes 30. The container 10 is easily re-closed by screwing the lid 16 into place.

FIG. 8 shows a first alternative lid 50 in which the cross-bar type grip of FIG. 5 is replaced with a deep annular depression 52 defining a central round knob 54 the edge of which is fluted to enhance a manual gripping action. In addition, an annular pattern 56 of loops and recesses is formed in the outer periphery of lid 50 to accommodate hand or machine tools for turning the lid relative to a pail.

FIG. 9 shows another alternative lid 58 with a cross bar grip 60 defined by kidney-shaped depresses 62 and 64. A peripheral pattern 66 adds aesthetic appeal and may also be used for mechanized procedures.

FIG. 10 shows a lid 70 similar to the lid of FIG. 9 but without the edge configuration.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the storage and dispensing of fluid materials comprising: a pail having an open top; a separately formed ring section permanently attached to the top of the pail and providing an annulus with external threads, and an integral, full circular spout radially internally spaced from said threads for pouring fluid paint; and a closure having circular internal threads and detents adapted to lockingly and sealingly attach to the external threads of the ring section and provides a seal against the top of the spout.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ring section is crescentoid.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the ring section is attached to the pail by one of spin welding, ultrasonic welding and adhesive bonding.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the pail, ring, and closure are formed of injection moldable plastic.

5. The plastic of claim 4 wherein the injection moldable plastic is chosen from a group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pail is cylindrical.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein the pail comprises: an integral flat bottom; an open top; and a vertical sidewall.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the pail has a plurality of ears integrally formed on an outer surface of the sidewall for accommodating a bail.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ring section comprises: a threaded area; a drip catch; and a brush wipe.

10. The ring section of claim 9 wherein the threaded area further comprises: a plurality of external threads and detents.

11. The threaded area of claim 10 wherein the threads further comprise: a means for locking the closure in resealable engagement to the ring.

12. The threads of claim 11 where the locking means further comprises a detent.

13. The ring section of claim 1 wherein the spout comprises: a curved vertical surface; and a top edge.

14. The spout of claim 13 wherein the top edge further comprises a sealing surface complementary to a sealing surface of a closure.

15. The ring section of claim 9 wherein the drip catch further comprises a groove outwardly concentric to the spout and inwardly concentric to the threaded area.

16. The ring section of claim 9 wherein the brush wipe further comprises: a plurality of integral chords formed across part of a circular opening of the spout.

17. The brush wipe of claim 16 wherein the chords are concave with respect to the opening.

18. The brush wipe of claim 16 wherein the chords are convex with respect to the opening.

19. The brush wipe of claim 16 wherein the chords are straight with respect to the opening.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the closure comprises: a handgrip; a threaded area; and a sealing surface.

21. The closure of claim 20 wherein the handgrip further comprises an integral twist grip.

22. The closure of claim 20 wherein the threaded area further is internally threaded.

23. The threaded area of claim 22 further comprising at least one equally spaced thread.

24. The thread of claim 23 further comprising a detent to allow lockable engagement between the closure and the ring section.

25. The closure of claim 20 wherein the sealing surface further comprises a horizontal surface complementary to a top edge of the spout.