U.S. patent application number 09/829773 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-20 for container.
Invention is credited to Roche, Howard.
Application Number | 20010022304 09/829773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 10860938 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010022304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roche, Howard |
September 20, 2001 |
Container
Abstract
The present invention provides a container (2) comprising a body
(4) having an opening (8) therein and a lid (6) adapted to close
the opening (8). The peripheral edge (10) of the body having a
first tapered section (11) defined by a first interior angle (y)
and the lid (6) having a second tapered section (13) defined by a
second interior angle (z). The first interior angle (y) being
greater than the second interior angle (z) and the second tapered
section (13) enclosing the first tapered section (11) when a
sealing engagement is formed between the lid (6) and the body
(4).
Inventors: |
Roche, Howard; (Marsden,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey J. Schwartz
Adams, Schwartz & Evans, P.A.
2180 Two First Union Center
Charlotte
NC
28282
US
|
Family ID: |
10860938 |
Appl. No.: |
09/829773 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
220/296; 220/716; 220/802 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/249 20130101;
B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 2543/00296
20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D
43/0229 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
220/296; 220/802; 220/716 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22; B65D
043/04; B65D 041/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 1999 |
GB |
0022652.2 |
Claims
1. A container comprising a body, having an opening therein, and a
lid adapted to close said opening, said opening being defined by a
peripheral edge of said body, said peripheral edge comprising a
first tapered section, which first tapered section is defined by a
first interior angle, said lid comprising a lip, which lip
comprises a second tapered section, which second tapered section is
defined by a second interior angle, said first interior angle being
greater than said second interior angle and said lip being adapted
to enclose said first tapered section and form a sealing engagement
with said peripheral edge.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first interior
angle and/or the second interior angle is at least 2.degree..
3. A container as claimed in claim 1, where the first interior
angle and/or the second interior angle is less than 90.degree..
4. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge
is an extension of the body of the container.
5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge
has an inverted substantially V-shaped cross-section providing the
first tapered section.
6. A container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge
has a solid cross-section.
7. A container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge
has a hollow cross-section.
8. A container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge
has a first surface which extends outwards and upwards of the body
of the container, and a second surface which extends outwards and
downwards of the distal end of the first surface to provide the
first tapered section.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral edge
further comprises a third surface, which extends substantially
downwards of the distal is end of the second surface when the
container is arranged in a substantially upright position.
10. A container according to claim 8, wherein the second surface is
situated to the exterior of the container.
11. A container according to claim 9, wherein the third surface is
situated to the exterior of the container.
12. A container according to claim 1 wherein the lip of the lid is
adapted to provide an interference fit with the peripheral edge of
the body of the container, so as to provide the sealing
engagement.
13. A container according to claim 1, wherein in a sealing
engagement with the peripheral edge the lip is spaced apart from a
proportion at least of the first tapered section of the peripheral
edge.
14. A container according to claim 13, wherein in a sealing
engagement with the peripheral edge, the lip is spaced apart from a
proportion at least of the second surface of the peripheral
edge.
15. A container according to claim 9, wherein the lip forms a
sealing engagement with the third surface of the peripheral
edge.
16. A container according to claim 1, wherein a portion at least of
the second surface provides a lip engagement area for the container
when in use as a drinking vessel.
17. A container according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a
base from which said lip extends.
18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the lip comprises a
first surface, which extends upwards and outwards of the base, and
a second surface, which extends outwards and downwards of the
distal end of the first surface to provide a second tapered
section.
19. A container according to claim 17, wherein the lip extends
about the full periphery of the base of the lid.
20. A container according to claim 18, wherein the lip further
comprises a third surface, which extends substantially downwards of
the distal end of the second surface when the container is arranged
in a substantially upright position.
21. A container according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional
shape of the lip corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the
peripheral edge of the body of the container.
22. A container according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the
first surface of each tapered section and a vertical axis running
through the apex of the tapered section is less than the angle
between each second surface and the vertical axis.
23. A container according to claim 1, wherein when the lid and base
are engaged together, the base of the lid extends into the cavity
of the body of the container.
24. A container according to claim 1, wherein an interior surface
of the peripheral edge of the body of the container and the lip of
the lid comprise a coupling means to attach the lid and the body
together.
25. A container according to claim 24, wherein the coupling means
comprises corresponding threaded sections or a ridge and groove
arrangement.
26. A container according to claim 24, wherein the peripheral edge
comprises a peripheral wall extending between the first tapered
section and the body of the container, at which peripheral wall the
coupling means is located.
27. A container according to claim 24, wherein the lid comprises a
peripheral surface extending between the second tapered section and
the base, at which peripheral surface the coupling means is
located.
28. A container according to claim 1 being a container for
foodstuffs.
29. A container according to claim 1 suitable for use as both a
container for storage of goods and a serving means for said
goods.
30. A container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is adaptable
for attachment to the exterior surface of the container to provide
a base for the container.
31. A container according to claim 30, wherein the container and
the lid comprise fixing means to attach the lid to the base of the
container.
32. A container according to claim 31, wherein the fixing means
comprises a protrusion and a corresponding socket.
33. A container according to claim 32, wherein the socket decreases
in size progressively from the opening to provide for a forced fit
of the protrusion in the socket.
34. A container according to claim 32, wherein the protrusion and
the socket comprise corresponding threaded sections to provide a
fixing means.
35. A container according to claim 32, wherein the protrusion and
socket comprise a ridge and groove arrangement to provide a fixing
means.
36. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is
shaped such that a plurality of containers generally tessellate one
adjacent another when stacked together.
37. A container comprising a body having an opening therein, and a
lid, which lid comprises a projection adapted to fit inside said
opening, said body and said projection comprising a coupling means
so as to provide a means of attaching said body and said lid
together.
38. A container according to claim 37, wherein the coupling means
provides a locking engagement between the body and the
projection.
39. A container according to claim 37, wherein the coupling means
is spaced from a distal end of the peripheral edge defining the
opening in the body.
40. A container according to claim 37, wherein the lid is
attachable to the container to provide a base for the container
when in use.
41. A container according to claim 40, wherein the lid is
attachable to the container by means of a snap fit, interference
fit or a twist fit attachment.
42. A container according to claims 1, having features in
accordance with claim 38.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to containers. In particular,
although not exclusively the present invention relates to closure
means for containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known to package goods in containers from which the
goods can be used directly. For example, water is generally
packaged in bottles with screw fastening lids, carbonated drinks
are packaged in aluminium cans with ring pull openings and soft
drinks are often packaged in cartons sealed with a metal or plastic
foil which is simply pierced or peeled off to facilitate
consumption of the drink.
[0003] For containers in relation to which the goods are to be used
directly from the container, in particular for foodstuffs, it is
important that the opening in the container is hygienically sealed.
A disadvantage of some of the conventional containers described
above is that the peripheral edge of the opening from which the
goods are dispensed is frequently uncovered during storage of the
container. Whilst containers such as the water bottle having the
screw top lid may be considered more hygienic than a ring-pull can,
they are not ideal containers for goods such as foodstuffs which
are intended to be consumed directly from the container, This is
because the threaded section on the lip engagement area of the
container is unpleasant for the consumer.
[0004] It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present
invention to provide an improved container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the present
invention provides a container comprising a body, having an opening
therein, and a lid adapted to close said opening, said opening
being defined by a peripheral edge of said body, said peripheral
edge comprising a first tapered section, which first tapered
section is defined by a first interior angle, said lid comprising a
lip, which lip comprises a second tapered section, which second
tapered section is defined by a second interior angle, said first
interior angle being greater than said second interior angle and
said lip being adapted to enclose said first tapered section and
form a sealing engagement with said peripheral edge.
[0006] Generally, unless otherwise stated, the term "lid" as used
herein means a cover for an opening. The term "lid" is not intended
to be restricted to a top of a container but could also provide a
base or other surface, or part of a surface, of a container.
[0007] Suitably, the first interior angle is at least 2.degree.,
preferably at least 5.degree., more preferably at least 9.degree.
and most preferably at least 12.degree..
[0008] Suitably, the first interior angle is less than 90.degree.,
preferably less than 45.degree., more preferably less than
35.degree. and most preferably less than 30.degree..
[0009] Suitably, the second interior angle is at least 2.degree.,
preferably at least 5.degree. more preferably at least 9.degree.
and most preferably at least 12.degree..
[0010] Suitably, the second interior angle is less than 90.degree.,
preferably less than 45.degree., more preferably less than
35.degree. and most preferably less than 30.degree..
[0011] Suitably, the peripheral edge comprises an extension of the
body of the container.
[0012] Suitably, the peripheral edge has an inverted substantially
V-shaped cross-section providing the first tapered section. The
peripheral edge may comprise a solid cross-section. Alternatively,
the peripheral edge may comprise a hollow cross-section.
[0013] Suitably, the peripheral edge has a first surface, which
extends outwards and upwards of the body of the container, and a
second surf ace, which extends outwards and downwards of the distal
end of the first surface to provide the first tapered section. The
peripheral edge may further comprise a third surface, which extends
substantially downwards of the distal end of the second surface
when the container is arranged in a substantially upright
position.
[0014] Suitably, the second surface is situated to the exterior of
the container. Suitably, the third surface is situated to the
exterior of the container.
[0015] A portion at least of the second surface suitably provides a
lip engagement area for the container when in use as a drinking
vessel.
[0016] Suitably, the lip of the lid is adapted to provide an
interference fit with the peripheral edge of the body of the
container so as to provide the sealing engagement.
[0017] Suitably, when in a sealing engagement with the peripheral
edge the lip is spaced apart from a proportion at least of the
first tapered section of the peripheral edge. Suitably, when in a
sealing engagement with the peripheral edge, the lip is spaced
apart from a proportion at least of the second surface of the
peripheral edge.
[0018] Suitably, the lip of the lid forms a sealing engagement with
the third surface of the peripheral edge.
[0019] Suitably, the lid comprises a base from which said lip
extends. Preferably, the lip extends about the full periphery of
the base of the lid.
[0020] Suitably, the lip comprises a first surface, which extends
upwards and outwards of the base, and a second surface, which
extends outwards and downwards of the distal end of the first
surface to provide a second tapered section. The lip may further
comprise a third surface, which extends substantially downwards of
the distal end of the second surface when the container is arranged
in a substantially upright position.
[0021] Suitably, the lip has an inverted, substantially V-shaped
cross-section. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the lip
corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the peripheral edge
of the body of the container.
[0022] When in use, the lid is placed over the opening in the body
of the container such that the second tapered section of the lip
covers the first tapered section of the peripheral edge of the
body. A sealing engagement between the lid and the peripheral edge
is provided by application of a force to push the lid and the body
of the container together. Upon application of such a force, the
convergent surfaces of the second tapered section of the lip are
forced apart due to contact with the convergent surfaces of the
first tapered section of the peripheral edge. A sealing engagement
is formed between the lid and the peripheral edge by way of a
compression fit between the first tapered section and the second
tapered section,
[0023] When the container is in a closed condition and the base of
the lid is horizontal, the first tapered section and the second
tapered section are suitably asymmetric relative to the vertical
axis running through the apex of each respective tapered section.
Suitably the angle between the first surface of each tapered
section and the vertical axis running through the apex of the
tapered section is less than the angle between each second surface
and the vertical axis. In this case, when the lip of the lid is
placed over the peripheral edge, the outer surface of the tapered
section of the lip will contact the outer surface of the tapered
section of the peripheral edge drawing the inner surface of the
tapered section of the lip across towards the inner surface of the
peripheral edge. The lid is therefore self-centring.
[0024] Suitably when the lid and base are engaged together, the
base of the lid extends into the cavity of the body of the
container. Preferably, the base of the lid extends towards the
surface of any foodstuff contained in the cavity of the body of the
container. Such a lid design advantageously eliminates as much air
as possible from the container when closed.
[0025] The interior surface of the peripheral edge of the body of
the container and the lip of the lid of the container may comprise
a coupling means to attach the lid and the body together. The
coupling means may comprise corresponding threaded sections or a
ridge a groove arrangement, for example.
[0026] Suitably, the peripheral edge comprises a peripheral wall
extending between the first tapered section and the body of the
container, at which peripheral wall the coupling means is
located.
[0027] Suitably, the lid comprises a peripheral surface extending
between the second tapered section and the base, at which
peripheral surface the coupling means is located.
[0028] A container in accordance with the present invention may be
a container for foodstuffs, in particular for beverages.
[0029] Suitably, a container in accordance with the present
invention may be used as both a container for storage of goods and
a serving means for said goods. Preferably, a container in
accordance with the present invention provides a container for
storage of beverages which can also serve as a drinking vessel.
[0030] If the container is intended to provide both a container and
drinking vessel for a beverage, the lid of the container may be
used to provide a base for the container when in use as drinking
vessel.
[0031] Suitably, the lid is removable from the container, thus
uncovering the opening in the container. Suitably, the lid is
adaptable for attachment to an exterior surface of the container to
provide a base for the container.
[0032] Alternatively, the container may be so shaped as to be
self-supporting and thus requiring no additional base to support
it. In this case, the lid may simply be removed and discarded.
[0033] Suitably, the lid may be retained for re-sealing the
container.
[0034] If the lid is to be used as a base, then the container and
the lid suitably comprise fixing means to attach the lid to the
base of the container. The fixing means may be either temporary or
permanent fixing means, as appropriate. Suitably, the fixing means
comprises a protrusion and a corresponding socket.
[0035] Suitably, the protrusion is provided on the container and
the socket is provided in the lid. However, the protrusion may be
provided on the lid and the socket may be provided in the
container.
[0036] The protrusion and socket may comprise a circular
cross-section. The protrusion and socket may comprise a polygonal
cross-section.
[0037] The interior cross-section of the socket may decrease in
size progressively from the opening to provide for a forced
(interference) fit of the protrusion in the socket. Alternatively,
the protrusion and the socket may comprise corresponding threaded
sections to provide a twist fit fixing means. As a further
alternative, the protrusion and the socket may comprise a ridge and
groove arrangement to provide snap fit fixing means.
[0038] Suitably, the container is shaped such that a plurality of
containers generally tessellate one adjacent another when stacked
together for transport and/or storage thereof. Suitably, the
containers are shaped such that a plurality of containers may be
arranged to nest one inside another, when open.
[0039] Advantageously, the lid may provide a coaster when detached
from said container, which lid may carry advertising material.
[0040] Suitably, the shape of the container is such that it is
strong enough to withstand any crushing forces to which it is
likely to be exposed during packaging, storage, transport and
use.
[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a container comprising a body having an opening
therein, and a lid, which lid comprises a projection adapted to fit
inside said opening, said body and said projection comprising a
coupling means so as to provide a means of attaching said body and
said lid together.
[0042] Suitably said coupling means provides a locking engagement
between said body and said projection.
[0043] Said coupling means may be provided by a threaded section on
an interior surface of said body and a corresponding threaded
section on said projection.
[0044] Alternatively, said coupling means may be provided by a
groove and corresponding projection to provide a snap fit closing
engagement.
[0045] Suitably, the coupling means is spaced from a distal end of
a peripheral edge defining the opening in the body.
[0046] The coupling means may comprise a click such as the
arrangements used in pharmaceutical packing etc, which indicate
that a container is being opened for the first time The click is
also used to avoid over-pressure when re-sealing the container with
the lid.
[0047] Containers in accordance with the present invention are
suitably comprised of polyethylene teraphthalate (PET),
polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon,
polythene, polypropylene, composites thereof, or glass. Preferably,
the containers are comprised of PET, PEN or mixtures thereof.
Preferably, the container body and the container lid are comprised
of different materials. Containers in accordance with the present
invention may be produced using conventional injection moulding or
blow moulding techniques, which may be carried out with or without
the use of a preform.
[0048] The thickness of the walls of a container in accordance with
the present invention may be adapted to suit the particular
application of the container and the type of material.
[0049] Suitably, the lid may be attached to the container to
provide a base for the container when in use as a drinking vessel
by means of a snap fit, interference fit or a twist fit
attachment.
[0050] In order to extend the shelf life of product stored in a
container in accordance with the present invention, the container
may be back filled with an inert gas such as carbon dioxide or
nitrogen, to expel the air from the container once the product to
be stored has been charged into the container.
[0051] A third aspect of the present invention provides a container
in accordance with the first aspect of the invention having
features in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.
[0052] The present invention finds particular advantage as a
container for drinks such as, wine, beer, minerals, fruit juices,
water, milk and spirits. Furthermore, the present invention may
provide containers for hot drinks such as coffee, tea and hot
chocolate for reheating when required for consumption.
[0053] The present invention finds particular advantage in
providing containers for goods to be stored in areas where space is
limited for example in aeroplanes or on trains. The need for a
separate container and drinking vessel is negated. Furthermore, the
shape of the container can be adapted such that the containers
tessellate when packed in trays for transport and storage.
[0054] A container in accordance with the present invention
advantageously provides a drinking vessel which has a lip
engagement area which is smooth and free from attachment means and
has been hygienically packaged for direct consumption of the
packaged beverage.
[0055] Furthermore, a container in accordance with the present
invention can advantageously be used to contain a single measure of
a drink, for example a glass of wine or a measure of a spirit
pre-mixed with a suitable mixer.
[0056] The present invention advantageously provides a means of
hygienically sealing an opening in a container.
[0057] A container in accordance with the present invention may
advantageously be provided with a larger opening than a
conventional container for use is low pressure atmospheres.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a container in accordance with
the present invention with the lid positioned to close the opening
in the container body;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a cut away section of the container as shown in
FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a side view of the container body of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 4 is a cut away section of the container body of FIG.
3;
[0063] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the lid of the container of FIG.
1;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a cross-section along A-A FIG. 5;
[0065] FIG. 7 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1, where the
lid has been removed from the opening of the container body and is
providing a base for the container body; and
[0066] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the ringed section of FIG.
2.
[0067] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the section shown in FIG.
8.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0068] FIG. 1 shows a container 2 in accordance with the present
invention having a body 4 and a lid 6.
[0069] FIG. 2 shows more clearly how the lid 6 is attached to the
body 4. The body 4 has an opening 8 and the lid 6 serves to close
the opening 8 as shown. The opening 8 is defined by a peripheral
edge 10 of the body 4.
[0070] The peripheral edge 10 has an inverted, substantially
V-shaped cross-section, providing a first tapered section 11. The
first tapered section 11 comprises a first surface 42, extending
outwardly and upwardly of the body 4 and a second surface 44,
extending outwards and downwards of the distal end of the first
surface 42. The peripheral edge 10 further comprises a third
surface 43, extending substantially downwards of the distal end of
the second surface 44 and a peripheral wall 21.
[0071] The first tapered section 11 has an interior angle Y, which
is about 18.degree..
[0072] The first surface 42 and the second surface 44 of the first
tapered section 11 may be separated by a solid body of the
peripheral edge 10, as shown in the drawings. Alternatively, the
peripheral edge 10, may comprise a first tapered section 11 which
is (not shown). In this case, the first surface 42 is suitably
spaced apart from the second surface 44 of the first tapered
section 11.
[0073] The lid 6 comprises a lip 12, which lip 12 forms a sealing
engagement with said peripheral edge 10. The lip 12 has an
inverted, substantially V-shaped cross-section providing a second
tapered section 13.
[0074] The second tapered section 11 comprises a first surface 15,
extending outwards and upwards of a base 32 and a second surface 17
extending downwards and outwards of the distal end of the first
surface. The lip 12 further comprises a third surface 19, extending
substantially downwards of the distal end of the second surface
17.
[0075] The second tapered section 13 has an interior angle Z, which
is about 16.4.degree..
[0076] The lid 8 further comprises a base 32 and a peripheral edge
34.
[0077] The ringed section of FIG. 2 is more clearly shown in FIG.
8. It can be clearly seen from FIGS. 2 and 8 that the tapered
section 13 of the lip 12 is spaced apart from a proportion at least
of the second surface 44 of the tapered section 11 of the
peripheral edge 10.
[0078] FIG. 8 also clearly shows the sealing engagement between the
lip 12 and the peripheral edge 10.
[0079] When then lid 6 is placed on the body 4 of the container 2,
the base 18 of the lid 6 fits into the opening 8 of the body 4. The
tapered section 13 of the lip 12 fits over the tapered section 11
of the peripheral edge 10.
[0080] When an external force is applied to the lid 6 and the body
4 the first surface 15 of the second tapered section 13 contacts
the first surface 42 of the first tapered section 11 and the second
surface 17 of the second tapered section 13 contacts the second
surface 44 of the first tapered section 11, as shown in FIGS. 2 and
8. The second surface 17 of the second tapered section 13 is pushed
away from the first surface 15, in the direction indicated by arrow
A. This occurs because the interior angle Y of the first tapered
section 11 is greater than the interior angle Z of the second
tapered section 13.
[0081] A sealing engagement is thereby formed by way of a
compression fit between the lower regions of the second surfaces
17,44 of the first and second tapered sections 11,13 and the upper
regions of the first surfaces 15,42 of the first and second tapered
sections 11,13. A sealing engagement by way of compression fit is
also formed between the third surfaces 19,43 of the lip 12 and the
peripheral edge 10 respectively.
[0082] FIGS. 2 and 8 further illustrate coupling means suitable for
attaching the lid 4 to the body 6 when the lid 4 is in sealing
engagement with the peripheral edge 10.
[0083] The coupling means comprises a first threaded section 14 on
the peripheral wall 21 of the peripheral edge 10 of the body 4,
which first threaded section 14 can be more clearly seen in FIG. 4.
The coupling means further comprises a second threaded section 16
on the peripheral edge 34 of the lip 12, which can be more clearly
seen on FIG. 6. The first threaded section 14 and the second
threaded section 16 are adapted to engage together to provide a
means of attaching the body 4 and the lid 6 together.
[0084] As can be seen from the figures, providing the coupling
means on the interior surface of the peripheral edge 10 of the
opening 8, allows for the second surface 44 of the first tapered
section 11 to be smooth. A proportion at least of the second
surface 44 of the first tapered section 11 provides the lip
engagement area if the container is used to provide a drinking
vessel, and thereby provides a more pleasant surface to drink from
as well as one that is hygienically cleaner.
[0085] FIG. 7 shows the container 2 with the lid 6 arranged to
provide a base for the body 4. In this arrangement the opening 8 in
the body is not sealed and the container 2 can be used as a
drinking vessel or the like.
[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates the plan view of the lid 6 as the lid
would be seen from direction B of FIGS. 1 or 6. As can be seen most
clearly from FIGS. 2 and 6, the protrusion 18 of the lid 6 is
substantially hollow being open at the upper surface 20 thereof. A
socket 22 is provided inside the protrusion 18 by means of insert
24. The insert 24, may provide a socket having any cross-sectional
shape, but is preferably polygonal. In this case the insert 24
provides a socket 22 with a hexagonal cross-section.
[0087] The insert 24 may be a separate article which is fixed into
the protrusion 18, or the insert 24 may be formed as an integral
part of the lid 6. Furthermore, whilst the insert is shown here as
comprising a socket supported by three supporting arms 26. The
socket 22 could be a self-supporting integral part of the
protrusion 18.
[0088] As can be seen from FIG. 6, the interior diameter of the
socket 22 decreases slightly from the opening towards the base of
the socket 22.
[0089] As show clearly in FIGS. 1-4, the body 4 is provided with a
protrusion 28, which protrusion has a cross-section which
corresponds with the cross-section of the socket 22 of the lid.
Such that, when arranged as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 28 of
the body 4 fits into the socket 22 of the lid 6 as a force
(interference) fit.
[0090] The protrusion 28 of the body 4 may be an integral part of
the body 4 as shown in the drawings. Alternatively, the protrusion
28 of the body 4 may be a separate article which is fixed onto the
body 4.
[0091] Furthermore, although the figures show the body 4 being
provided with a protrusion 28 to fit into socket 22 on the lid 6,
it is feasible, and may even be preferred, that the protrusion is
provided in the lid 6 and the socket is provided in the body 4 (not
shown).
[0092] As a further alternative (not shown) the body 4 may be
provided with a base 30 which is sufficiently wide to support the
container. In which case the protrusion 28 may be omitted and the
lid may be either discarded once the container has been opened, or
retained for resealing the container. In this case, the socket 22
need not be provided in the lid 6.
[0093] Whilst the figures show a protrusion 28 and socket 22 which
attach together by means of a force fit, it is feasible that a
ridge and groove arrangement may be used to provide a snap fit
attachment means. Alternatively, the protrusion 28 and the socket
22 may have threaded contacting surfaces to provide a twist fit
attachment means, or a bayonet fitting may be used.
[0094] FIG. 9 more clearly shows the interior angles Y and Z of the
first tapered section 11 and the second tapered section 13, of FIG.
8.
[0095] The tapered section 11 is asymmetric relative to the
vertical axis X. The angle Q between the inner surface 42 and the
vertical axis X is about 3.degree.. The angle P between the second
surface 44 and the vertical axis X is about 15.degree..
[0096] The second tapered section 13 is asymmetrical relative to
the vertical axis X. The angle S between the first surface 15 and
the vertical axis X is about 3.degree.. The angle R between the
second surface 17 and the vertical axis X is about
13.4.degree..
[0097] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this
specification in connection with this application and which are
open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents
of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0098] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0099] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0100] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *