U.S. patent application number 10/604776 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for container closure device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEEKER R AND D, INC.. Invention is credited to Meeker, Paul K..
Application Number | 20040104264 10/604776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32393741 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040104264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meeker, Paul K. |
June 3, 2004 |
CONTAINER CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
A container closure device and a method for securely closing a
container includes a container with a first and second flap, said
first flap at least partially overlapping the second flap when the
container is properly closed. Each of said first and second flaps
further comprise at least one opening. The first flap further
comprises a closing means movably mounted in and extending
continuously through the opening of the first flap and, when
properly positioned and the container is closed, through the
opening in the second flap. Upon the closing means extending
continuously through the second flap, the closing means can be
positioned so as to prevent the unintentional or inadvertent
opening of the container, thereby reducing or eliminating the
possibility that the contents of the container will prematurely
exit the container during shipment of storage.
Inventors: |
Meeker, Paul K.; (Hiram,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCKINGHAM, DOOLITTLE & BURROUGHS, LLP
50 S. MAIN STREET
AKRON
OH
44308
US
|
Assignee: |
MEEKER R AND D, INC.
11847 Abbott Road
Hiram
OH
|
Family ID: |
32393741 |
Appl. No.: |
10/604776 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.19 ;
229/117.24; 229/125.39; 229/125.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/6611 20130101;
B65D 5/46032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117.19 ;
229/117.24; 229/125.39; 229/125.41 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/46; B65D
043/22 |
Claims
1. A reclosable and reusable container comprising: (a) a container,
said container further comprises a first flap and a second flap;
(i) said first flap at least partially overlaps said second flap
when the container is closed; (ii) said first flap having at least
one first opening extending therethrough and completely disposed
within said first flap; (iii) said second flap having at least one
second opening extending therethrough and completely disposed
within said second flap; (b) a closure member which comprises: (i)
at least one first member insertable into and rotatable within said
at least one first opening, said at least one first member having
an open position; and (ii) at least one second member fixedly
attached to said at least one first member and extending through
said at least one second opening when the container is closed and
said at least one first member is in the open position.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein (a) said at least one second
opening is larger than said at least one second member.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein (a) the shape of said at least
one second opening is non-uniform in at least one direction.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein (a) said container is made of
one of a group consisting of cardboard, plastic, wood or metal.
5. The container of claim 1 further comprising (a) at least one
handle.
6. The container device of claim 5 wherein (a) said handle is
fixedly attached to the second flap.
7. The container device of claim 5 wherein (a) a leg of said handle
is positioned within at least one aperture in the container.
8. The container of claim 5 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to said container.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein (a) at least one side of said
container has at least one aperture disposed therein.
10. A container comprising: (a) a container; (b) a first flap; (c)
a second flap; and (d) at least one container closure means
disposed within said flaps movably mounted within an aperture of
said first flap and extending continuously through said first and
second flaps when said container is closed, said at least one
container closure means further comprises an open position and a
closed position.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein said at least one container
closure means comprises: (a) at least one first member rotatably
mounted in at least one first opening in said first flap; and (b)
at least one second member fixedly attached to said at least one
first member and extends through at least one second opening in
said second flap when said container closure means is in the open
position.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein said at least one container
closure means comprises: (a) at least one first member slidably
mounted in at least one first opening in said first flap; and (b)
at least one second member fixedly attached to said at least one
first member and extends through at least one second opening in
said second flap when said container closure means is in the open
position.
13. The container of claim 11 wherein (a) said container closure
means prevents the container from opening when said container
closure means extends through said at least one second opening and
is in the closed position.
14. The container of claim 11 wherein (a) said container is
selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastic, wood and
metal.
15. The container of claim 10 further comprising (a) at least one
handle.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to the container.
17. The container of claim 15 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to the second flap.
18. The container of claim 15 wherein (a) a leg of said handle is
positioned within at least one aperture in the container.
19. The container of claim 11 wherein (a) at least one side of said
container has at least one aperture disposed therein.
20. A reclosable container comprising: (a) a container, said
container further comprises a first flap and a second flap; (i)
said first flap at least partially overlaps said second flap when
the container is closed; (ii) said first flap further comprises at
least one first opening extending continuously through the first
flap; (iii) said second flap further comprises at least one second
opening extending continuously through said second flap; and (b) at
least one member disposed of in said at least one first opening and
movably attached to said first flap, said at least one member
having an open position and extending though said at least one
second opening when the container is closed and the member is in
the open position.
21. The container of claim 20 wherein (a) said at least one second
opening is larger than said at least one first opening.
22. The container of claim 20 wherein (a) the shape of said at
least one second opening is non-uniform in at least one
direction.
23. The container of claim 20 wherein (a) said container is
selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastic, wood and
metal.
24. The container of claim 20 further comprising (a) at least one
handle.
25. The container of claim 22 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to the second flap.
26. The container of claim 24 wherein (a) a leg of said handle is
positioned within at least one aperture in the container.
27. The container of claim 24 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to said container.
28. The container of claim 20 wherein (a) at least one side of said
container has at least one aperture disposed therein.
29. A container comprising: (a) a container; (b) an overlying first
flap; (c) an underlying second flap; and (d) at least one container
closure means, said container closure means being positionable
between an open position and a closed position and completely
disposed within said flaps.
30. The container of claim 29 wherein (a) said container closure
means comprises at least one first member and at least one second
member, said at least one second member being fixedly attached to
said at least one first member.
31. The container device of claim 30 wherein (a) said at least one
first member is movably mounted in at least one opening in said
first flap.
32. The container of claim 28 wherein (a) said at least one second
member extends through at least one second opening in said second
flap when the container is closed and the container closure means
is positioned in the open position.
33. The container of claim 29 wherein (a) said container is
selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastic, wood and
metal.
34. The container of claim 26 further comprising (a) at least one
handle.
35. The container of claim 31 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to the container.
36. The container of claim 34 wherein (a) said handle is fixedly
attached to the second flap.
37. The container of claim 29 wherein (a) at least one side of said
container has at least one aperture disposed therein.
38. A method of closing a container, said container having at least
one wall, a bottom, a first flap, a second flap, a first opening, a
second opening, at least one first member movably positioned in
said first opening, said at least one first member having an open
position and a closed position, at least one second member fixedly
attached to said at least one first member, said method comprising
the steps of: (a) folding the second flap inward toward the bottom
until said second flap is approximately perpendicular to said at
least one wall; (b) positioning said at least one first member in
the open position and folding the first flap inward toward the
second flap until the first flap is approximately parallel with the
second flap and said at least one second member extends
continuously through said at least one second opening; and (c)
positioning said at least one first member in the closed
position.
39. A device comprising: (a) a generally circular top member having
a peripherally extending ledge at one end; (b) a bottom member in
mating engagement with said top member at one end, said bottom
member having at least one peripherally extending latch at an
opposed end.
40. The device of claim 39 which further comprises: (a) at least
one turning means positioned about a top of said top member.
41. The device of claim 40 wherein (a) said turning means is a
ridge on said top member.
42. The device of claim 39 wherein said top member further
comprises (a) a gear having a plurality of teeth for meshing
engagement with a track in said bottom member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a container closure device that
allows a user to repeatedly open and securely close a container,
and a method of securely closing the container. In particular, the
present invention is directed to a reusable container closure
device that is durable, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive to
manufacture. More particularly, the present invention is directed
to a container having a first and second flap, said first flap
being generally parallel to and at least partially overlaps the
second flap when the container is properly closed, at least one
first opening extending continuously through said first flap, a
corresponding number of second openings extending continuously
through the second flap and at least partially aligned with the
first opening when the container is properly closed, a
corresponding number of first members rotatably disposed of in the
first openings and which can be positioned in an "Open" or "Closed"
position, a corresponding number of second members attached to the
first members, said second member extending continuously through
said second opening in said second flap when the first members are
in the "Open" position and being non-uniformly shaped in at least
one direction so as to serve as a latch to prevent the container
from opening when the first members are in the "Closed"
position.
[0002] Containers, and particularly corrugated cardboard
containers, are well-known in the shipping art. More particularly,
many different types of items are shipped in containers, including
fragile items, and it is therefore essential that the container
remain securely closed or sealed during shipment to eliminate or
reduce the likelihood that the contents will prematurely exit the
container. Additionally, there have been a variety of different
types of carton closures and box fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 289,161
discloses a retaining strip for securing opposing flaps which are
essentially parallel to each other. U.S. Pat. No. 933,454 discloses
a slotted connector strip. U.S. Pat. No. 1,076,897 discloses an
arrowhead geometry for a box fastener. U.S. Pat. No. 1,176,457
discloses a fastener which employs two tongues for overlapping
alignment with various interfacing edges of the box. U.S. Pat. No.
2,828,905 discloses a fastening means containing hooks on opposed
ends and a "T-shaped" key in the middle of the fastener. U.S. Pat.
No. 3,019,500 discloses a dual-channel device with inwardly biased
opposed ends for fastening flaps of the container. U.S. Pat. No.
3,189,250 discloses a bent single wire rod having a triangular
portion configured therein for securing carton flaps between the
leg and triangular portions. U.S. Pat. No. 3,545,801 discloses a
fastening means having two essentially parallel circular portions
which are cylindrically joined in the middle for securing four
inwardly folding upper flaps of a container. U.S. Pat. No.
3,624,673 discloses a double-ended, one-piece clothespin which
includes a pair of juxtaposed, spaced apart leg members joined by
an integrally formed, transverse web at the midpoint of the leg
members to provide box closure. U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,977 discloses a
pair of rotatable channels for attachment to a carton edge and
closing engagement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,009 discloses a mechanical
interlocking flap arrangement by which the flaps of a box can be
folded together for closing engagement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,935
discloses a clip arrangement having one flange being substantially
the size of a large central opening in the other flange so that the
inner flange has a rest position which extends slightly through the
opening of the outer flange so that the clip springs back to this
position and exerts a clamping force on the carton flaps. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,768,704 discloses a button fattener for use with a storage
carton having a stud on one button member which is extended through
the side wall of the storage carton. U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,343
discloses a reclosable container having a non-circular scored
portion on the top lid and an opening a resealing device pivotally
fastened on the scored portion for selectably separating it from
the top lid to provide an aperture, and selectably resealing the
aperture by putting the separated portion back into the aperture
and rotating it so as to lock it under the inner surface of the top
lid. U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,461 discloses a retainer which is slidable
in a channel between container flaps and for engagement therewith
to hold the flaps in horizontal positions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,965
discloses a one-piece closure for a a container in which a portion
of a lower member extends to the front of a flap and serves as a
platform for receiving a portion of the lower flap without
interference from the upper member, upon the release of the lower
flap by a separate flap pull. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,126
discloses an "H-shaped" sliding closure which fits in the slot
between opposing flaps of a box.
[0003] All of the prior art devices and closure systems are
designed for use with a container, particularly a corrugated one,
and which permit multiple re-use applications of the same
container, thereby eliminating the need for gluing of the flaps of
the container or the use of tape to seal the flaps. This has great
value with items which are only occasionally used, such as a tool
or kitchen appliance, which may be conveniently stored in the
container that they were purchased or shipped in, or the container
of another item. A conveniently closable container can also be used
to transport or store an item in, for example, the trunk of an
automobile or the bed of a truck. However, in each of these
examples, it is important that the user be able to securely close
the container when the item is not in use so as to reduce or
eliminate the possibility that the contents will prematurely exit
the container.
[0004] Yet one additional common closure means for closing a
container, and particularly a corrugated cardboard container has
been the use of die-cut tabs. More particularly, die-cut tabs have
been used to secure the end flaps of a cardboard container when the
flaps of the container are in the closed position. However, these
tabs are awkward to use, and are not very durable. More
specifically, die-cut tabs tend to deteriorate and will eventually
fail, which could in turn lead to the premature opening of the
container during shipment and the contents spilling out, which is
undesirable.
[0005] Yet still another known alternative to the use of die-cut
tabs as a container closure device has been the use of a string
attached to the exterior of the container flap. More particularly,
once the container flap is placed in the closed position, the
string is wrapped around a washer in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction, said washer typically being fixedly
attached to the side of the container. However, similar to the
die-cut tabs, the string/washer container closure device is not
particularly easy to use and tends to deteriorate after repeated
use, and will eventually fail. Moreover, containers that cannot be
repeatedly opened and securely closed are typically discarded,
which is wasteful and inefficient.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention solves the above-noted problems
through the use of a container closure device that permits the
container to be repeatedly opened and securely closed, and that is
easy to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and durable
enough to withstand repeated opening and closing.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
disclose a reclosable and reusable container comprising a first and
second flap wherein the first flap at least partially overlaps the
second flap when the container is closed, the first flap having at
least one first opening extending therethrough and completely
disposed within the first flap, the second flap having at least one
second opening extending therethrough and completely disposed
within the second flap, in conjunction with a closure member which
comprises at least one first member insertable into and rotatable
within the at least one first opening, the at least one first
member having an open position, and at least one second member
fixedly attached to the at least one first member and extending
through the at least one second opening when the container is
closed and the at least one first member is in the open
position.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved container closure device and method for repeatedly opening
and securely closing a container, which results in the safe and
secure shipment of the container's contents.
[0009] A further objective of the present invention is to provide
such an improved container closure device that, because of its
ability to be repeatedly opened and securely closed, serves as an
efficient and easy to operate storage device.
[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
such an improved container closure device that is durable, easy to
use and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
[0011] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide such an improved container closure device which eliminates
or reduces the problems associated with the container prematurely
opening during shipping or storage.
[0012] These objectives and advantages are obtained by the
container closure device and method of securely closing a container
of the present invention, the general nature of which may be stated
as including a container and closure member which permits reuse of
the container in a manner which facilitates the life of the
container.
[0013] These and other objects of the present invention will become
more readily apparent from a reading of the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts, and with
further reference to the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container closure device
of the present invention, showing a container with a first and
second flap in a partially opened position, and a pair of second
members spaced apart along the bottom of the first flap;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container closure device
of FIG. 1, showing the container and first and second flaps in the
closed position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container
closure device of FIG. 1, but showing an exploded view of the first
and second members; FIG. 3A is a side view of the first or top
member of FIG. 3; FIG. 3B is a side view of the second or bottom
member of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the bottom
portion of the second flap of the container closure device of FIG.
1 in the closed position, and showing the pair of second openings
and a pair of second members spaced apart along the first flap and
protruding through the second flap, one of said pair of second
members being positioned in the Closed position and the other of
said pair of second members being positioned in the Opened
position; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of a latch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the Figures show a
preferred embodiment of the invention which utilizes at least one
closure device which is capable of repeated use with a container.
Similar reference numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
[0021] The objectives of the present invention are achieved in the
following manner. A reclosable, reusable container 10 with a
closure device 50 of the present invention is shown generally in
FIG. 1. In one embodiment, container 10 with closure device 50
includes a container 11 capable of receiving at least one article
for transporting from a first to a second destination or simply for
storage of the article, and has first and second overlapping flaps
12, 13 respectively, at least one and preferably two or more
closure devices 50 positioned in a corresponding number of first
and second openings 16, 17 respectively, optionally with a handle
18. Unless otherwise noted, all components of container 11 are
preferably made of a durable cardboard, such as corrugated
cardboard. Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that container 11
could also be made of wood, plastic, steel or any other durable
material without affecting the overall concept of the present
invention.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, best
illustrated in FIG. 1, container 11 is generally rectangular in
shape and of a type well known in the container art. More
particularly, container 11 includes first flap 12, second flap 13,
a pair of spaced apart longitudinal side walls 20, 21, a front wall
22 extending between said side walls and essentially perpendicular
thereto, a back wall 23 also extending between said side walls and
essentially parallel thereto and spaced apart from front wall 22,
and a bottom 24 (not shown).
[0023] As illustrated in one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first flap
12 is an extension of back wall 23 and second flap 13 is an
extension of front wall 22, extending in the same direction as
first flap 12. To properly close container 11, second flap 13 is
folded inwardly, i.e., rotated counterclockwise along fold line 29
and toward the bottom of container 11 until second flap 13 is
generally parallel to the bottom of the container. First flap 12 is
then folded inwardly, i.e., rotated clockwise along fold line 30
until it at least partially overlaps, and is generally parallel to,
second flap 13, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Notwithstanding, it
is contemplated that first and second flaps 12, 13 could
alternatively extend from any two of the walls (i.e., side, front
or back), without impacting the overall concept of the present
invention provided that the flaps extend upwardly in a parallel
direction and both flaps are rotated inwardly so as to become
generally parallel to each other and at least partially overlap
when container 11 is closed.
[0024] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
first or overlying flap 12 is formed with at least one, and
preferably two or more, first openings 16 for the receipt of a
corresponding number of first members 14, as best illustrated in
FIG. 3. More particularly, FIG. 3 illustrates a first flap 12 with
two spaced apart generally circular first openings 16, and a pair
of first members 14 rotatably mounted therein, as indicated by
double-ended arrow R in FIG. 2. In particular, first members 14 can
be positioned or rotated a full 360.degree. within first openings
16 although in some embodiments of this invention, this degree of
rotation may be significantly less, often 90.degree., although this
is not a lower limit to the degree of rotation required, as
discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B below. First flap 12
may optionally contain the markings "Open" and "Closed," adjacent
to each of first members 14, to properly indicate two of the
positions which first member 14 can occupy, as more fully described
below.
[0025] As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, first member 14 is generally
circular and further comprises upper retaining ledge 31 and lower
portion 32. The diameter of lower portion 32 is slightly smaller
than the diameter of first opening 16 to permit the lower portion
of first member to be disposed in and to rotate within first
opening 16. By contrast, upper retaining ledge 31 has a diameter
that is slightly larger than the diameter of first opening 16 and
prevents first member 14 from passing completely through first
opening 16. Upper portion 31 optionally includes a means for
turning or rotating first member 14 in first opening 16, such as a
ridge 33, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. First member 14 is
preferably formed of a durable material, such as plastic, though it
is contemplated that other durable materials could also be used,
such as wood or metal, without affecting the overall concept of the
invention.
[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, and after the lower
portion 32 of first member 14 has been inserted in first opening
16, a second member 15 is fixedly attached to lower portion 32 of
the first member by any suitable means, including such known
fastening means such as screws, threaded engagement, glue, etc., so
that when first member 14 is rotated within first opening 16,
second member 15 will also correspondingly rotate. Second member 15
further comprises a generally circular base 41 and a latch 42
extending outwardly from the bottom of base 41, as best illustrated
in FIG. 3B. Base 41 is circular in shape, and has an inside
diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of lower
portion 32, thereby allowing base 41 to slip over lower portion 32.
Second member 15 is preferably formed of a durable material, such
as plastic, though it is contemplated that other materials could
also be used, such as wood or metal, without affecting the overall
concept of the invention.
[0027] In accordance with yet another important feature of the
present invention, second flap 13 comprises a number of second
openings 17, which correspond to the number of first openings 16 in
first flap 12, and which at least partially align with first
openings 16 when container 11 is properly closed. Second opening 17
is complementary shaped and sized to receive second member 15, more
specifically latch 42 Of second member 15 when container 11 is
properly closed and first member 14 is positioned in the "Open"
position. It of course is recognized in the art that the
relationship of the diameters discussed with regard to base 41 and
lower portion 32 could easily be reversed without departing from
the general scope of this invention. As mentioned previously, the
required degree of rotational movement to effect closure of
container 10 is dependent upon the width of latch 42. If this latch
occupies approximately one-quarter of the circumference of base 41,
then approximately 90.degree. will be required to effect closure.
Obviously, the greater the outward extension of the latch as well
as the degree of circumference coverage, the stronger the closure,
although it is recognized that this degree of strength required is
dependent upon the end-use application.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
container 11 further comprises optional handle 18. Handle 18 is
preferably C-shaped and can be fixedly attached to second flap 13
by any suitable means, such as by inserting the ends of the handle
into perforations in second flap 13, as better illustrated in FIG.
4. First flap 12 further comprises a handle opening 19 which
extends continuously through and is positioned along first flap 12
to accommodate handle 18. When container 11 is closed, handle 18
extends far enough beyond the top surface of first flap 12 to allow
a user to grip the handle, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. In one
embodiment, handle 18 has a pair of downwardly extending legs 27
and at least one, preferably two arrow-shaped extensions 26
pivotable about fold lines 28. In yet another embodiment, handle 18
is inserted through a pair of apertures dimensioned to accommodate
legs 27 when the arrow-shaped extensions are folded. These
apertures 25, shown only in lid 13, could equally be used in place
of handle opening 19 in overlaying flap 12 thereby resulting in a
structure with apertures in both flap 12 as well as lid 13.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, other types of handles, such as
apertures 26 in the side walls 20, 21 of container 11 are also
contemplated and would not affect the overall concept of the
invention that being to provide an improved container closure
device that is easy to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture
and which is capable of being repeatedly opened and securely closed
without premature failure.
[0029] Having described the improved container closure device 10 of
the present invention, the method for properly closing the
container closure device will now be described in detail. Following
the placement of the contents to be stored or shipped into
container 11, second flap 13 is folded inward toward the bottom 24
of container 11. More particularly, second flap 13 is folded
(rotated counterclockwise) inwardly until it is approximately
perpendicular to front wall 22. The user then rotates or positions
each of first members 14 into the "Open" position, the "Open"
position being written or designated on top of first flap 12, as
described above.
[0030] Once each of the first members 14 are in the "Open"
position, first flap 12 is folded inward toward second flap 13
until first and second flaps are approximately parallel to each
other and make contact. As first flap 12 is being folded onto
second flap 13 with first member 14 in the "Open" position, a
portion of second member 15 and, in particular, latch 42, will
extend through second opening 17 in second flap 13. Once first flap
12 makes contact with and is approximately parallel to second flap
13, the user then rotates or positions first members 14 into the
"Closed" position, as written or designated on top of first flap
12, which simultaneously rotates or positions latch 42 into the
closed position, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. More particularly,
FIG. 4 illustrates the left latch in the "Closed" position, latched
against the bottom of second flap 13, which prevents a user from
opening first flap 12.
[0031] Once each of the first members 14, and the corresponding
second members 15 are in the "Closed" position, container 11 is
securely closed and ready for storage or shipment. Moreover, a user
desiring to open container 11 need only rotate or position first
members 14 into the "Open" position, as designated on top of first
flap 12, lift first flap 12 and lift second flap 13 and container
11 is open. Additionally, because container 11 is comprised of
durable parts as described above, container 11 can be repeatedly
opened and securely closed without deteriorating the improved
container closure device of the present invention.
[0032] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention reduces or
eliminates the possibility that the contents of the container will
prematurely exit reclosable container 11 during shipment or
storage. Additionally, improved container closure device 10 also
reduces or eliminates the problems associated with the container
closure devices of the prior art including, but not limited to,
premature failure.
[0033] Though the present invention is intended for use with
corrugated shipping containers, it is contemplated that the
improved container closure device and method of the present
invention could also be used on just about any type of container
including, but not limited to wooden, metal or plastic containers
of virtually any shape or size. More specifically, and without
limitation, it is also contemplated that improved container closure
device 10 can be used on containers that are rectangular, square,
cylindrical, circular, triangular, or some other geometric shape,
it being understood that the flaps would be complementary shaped to
each other to permit the flaps to essentially overlap from opposed
directions and have the at least one closure device 50 disposed
entirely within one or both of the overlapping flaps.
[0034] It is also contemplated that the first and second members of
the present invention could be slidably mounted, as opposed to
rotatably mounted, within first opening 16 without affecting the
overall concept of the invention provided that second member 15 is
capable of extending through second opening 17 and serving as a
latch that, when engaged, will prevent first and second flaps 12,
13 from opening. Moreover, the present invention contemplates that
the first and second members 14, 15, and the respective functions
that they perform, could be combined to form one member which could
be rotatably or slidably mounted into first opening 16 and capable
of latching onto the bottom side of second flap 13 through second
opening 17 to prevent container 11 from opening when container 11
is properly closed and first member 14 is in the "Closed"
position.
[0035] It is further contemplated that in a manner described in the
preceding paragraph, the first 14 and second 15 members of the
invention are slidably mounted via a gear drive as illustrated in
FIG. 5 illustrating a slidable latch 42a having a plurality of
teeth 46 disposed internally for mating engagement with meshing
gears 44. In operation, rotational movement of ridge 33 positioned
about a periphery of the lower portion 32 of first member 14 will
effect "in" and "out" sliding movement of latch 42a.
[0036] Accordingly, the improved container closure device and
method of the present invention is simplified, provides an
effective, safe, inexpensive and efficient device and method which
achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating or
reducing the difficulties encountered with previous container
closure devices, provides a method for repeatedly opening and
securely closing a container, and solves problems and obtains new
results in the art.
[0037] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description
and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the
scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or
described.
[0038] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0039] This invention has been described in detail with reference
to specific embodiments thereof, including the respective best
modes for carrying out each embodiment. It shall be understood that
these illustrations are by way of example and not by way of
limitation.
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