I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to cover assemblies for paint cans and, more particularly, to a cover assembly with improved means for sealing the cover assembly to the paint can.
II. Description of Related Art
There are a number of previously known cover assemblies for paint cans which are dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can. Such cover assemblies include a spout and a cooperating closure which selectively opens and closes the spout. When the spout is open, paint can be dispensed from the can. Otherwise, the closure protects the contents of the paint can from external debris and also minimizes evaporation of the paint.
Many of these previously known cover assemblies are designed for use with automatic paint stirring equipment. As such, they include a stirring assembly rotatably mounted to the cover assembly such that the stirrer is positioned within the can once the cover assembly is mounted onto the can. A drive member extends upwardly from the paint cover assembly and cooperates with the drive member in a rack of the automatic paint stirring equipment in order to continuously stir the paint. Such automatic paint stirring equipment is typically used in automotive body repair shops and the like.
Alternatively, a manually operated arm may be attached to the drive member where the cover assembly is used for paint cans with manual stirring, rather than automatic paint stirring equipment.
In order to seal the cover assembly to the paint can, the previously known cover assemblies have typically used a flat annular seal ring which is attached to the underside of the lid of the cover assembly. Consequently, with the lid positioned over the open end of the paint can, the seal is sandwiched in between the outer annular edge of the paint can at its open end and the lid. These previously known seals, however, have not proven wholly satisfactory in use.
One disadvantage of these previously known seals is that the dimension of paint cans have not been standardized. As such, the actual diameter of the paint cans, as well as the radially inwardly protruding chime at the open end of the paint can, vary in dimension in both height and diameter from one manufacturer to the next. Consequently, although one seal may prove adequate to seal the lid to the paint can for one can manufacturer, an inadequate seal between the lid and the paint can is obtained when the cover assembly with that seal is used with a paint can from a different manufacturer.
A still further disadvantage of these previously known cover assemblies for paint cans is that a portion of the paint is entrapped between the seal and the chime as the paint is poured or dispensed from the paint can. This entrapped portion cannot be easily extracted from the paint can. Furthermore, in view of the high cost of certain automotive paints, even the loss of relatively small amounts of the automotive paint constitutes a significant cost.
The present invention provides a cover assembly for a paint can which overcomes all of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the previously known devices.
In brief, the cover assembly of the present invention comprises a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can. Although any conventional means may be used to detachably secure the lid to the paint can, preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient tabs formed on the paint can engage the outer rim of the paint can around its open end.
A conical resilient seal is attached to an underside of the lid. The seal is dimensioned so that, with the seal positioned over the open end of the paint can, the seal engages an inner annular edge of the chime of the paint can.
Since the conical seal flares outwardly from its lower end and towards the lid, the conical resilient seal achieves a tight seal between the cover assembly and the paint can despite variances in the size or inside diameter of the chime or the height of the chime relative to the paint can.
Although any conventional means may be used to secure the seal to the lid, preferably an annular lock ring is detachably secured to the lid. In its attached position, the lock ring sandwiches an inner peripheral portion of the seal between the lock ring and the lid.
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
With reference first to
The cover assembly 10 includes a lid 22 dimensioned to overlie the open top 18 of the paint can 12. Although any conventional means may be used to detachably secure the lid 22 across the open top 18 of the paint can 12, as illustrated in
The cover assembly 10 illustrated in
Alternatively, a manually operated stirrer arm (not shown) may be substituted for the drive member 30 where the cover assembly 10 is used for paint cans 12 in which the paint will be manually stirred.
The cover assembly 10 also includes a dispensing spout 34 mounted on the lid 22. A closure 36 is slidably mounted to the lid 22 and operated by a lever 38 to selectively open and close the spout 34. A handle 40 also protrudes outwardly from the side of the lid 22 opposite from the spout 34 to facilitate manual manipulation of the cover assembly 10 with its attached can 12.
With reference now to
Still referring to
An annular lock ring 56 is provided to detachably secure the seal 50 to the lid 22. The lock ring 56 includes a tubular portion 58 having an outwardly protruding annular shoulder 60 from its upper end. Additionally, a lip 62 extends outwardly from the lower end of the lock ring 56.
In order to secure the seal 50 to the lid 22, the seal 50 is first positioned over the lower portion of the lid hub 42. The lock ring 56 is then compressed into the hub 42 until the shoulder 60 on the lock ring 56 registers with the hub groove 46. Simultaneously, an inner edge portion 66 of the seal 50 is compressibly sandwiched in between the lock ring 56 and the hub 42 thus detachably securing the seal 50 to the hub 42. Preferably, the seal 50 is dimensioned so that the inner edge portion 66 nests within the hub notch 49. Consequently, the inner edge portion 52 of the seal 50 is subjected both to radial compression between the lock ring 56 and the hub 42, as well as axial compression between the lock ring flanges 62 and the lower end of the hub 42 thus ensuring a complete seal.
With reference now to
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a cover assembly for a paint can having an improved seal which enables the lid 22 to be used with paint cans having chimes of different sizes and different heights. Furthermore, the snap fit engagement between the lock ring 56 and the lid 22 enables the seal 50 to be easily and quickly assembled onto the cover assembly 10 and, if necessary, replaced in the field. Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.