U.S. patent application number 10/605800 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for lidded container.
Invention is credited to Smith, Randall J..
Application Number | 20050087543 10/605800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34520388 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050087543 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Randall J. |
April 28, 2005 |
LIDDED CONTAINER
Abstract
A moist product dispenser (10) comprising a lid (12) coupled
with a container (14) is disclosed. The lid (12) comprises a
circumferential seal slidably received on the container sidewall
(18) for preventing moisture loss from the container interior. The
seal generally comprises a circumferential ridge (20) having top
and bottom faces (24, 26) and is configured for nonthreaded
engagement with the container sidewall (18).
Inventors: |
Smith, Randall J.; (North
Kansas City, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
2405 GRAND BLVD., SUITE 400
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
34520388 |
Appl. No.: |
10/605800 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/0062 20130101;
B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101; B65D 2543/0099
20130101; B65D 43/0231 20130101; B65D 2543/00379 20130101; B65D
2543/00685 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101; B65D 2543/0074
20130101; B65D 47/0838 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D
43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; A47K 2010/3266
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/063 |
International
Class: |
B65H 001/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. The dispenser of claim 7, said lid presenting a product
dispensing port formed therein, said product dispensing port
communicating with said container interior.
3. The dispenser of claim 2, said lid including a hinged flap
moveable between a closed position wherein said flap is in covering
relationship to said port and an open position whereby said port is
uncovered.
4. The dispenser of claim 7, said lid comprising a channel defined
by said bottom face and said lid sidewall interior surface.
5. The dispenser of claim 7, said lid having unitary construction
and being formed of an injection-molded, synthetic resin
material.
6. (canceled)
7. A moist product dispenser comprising: a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall; and a lid coupled with said
container, said lid comprising a circumferential lid sidewall
presenting an interior surface, said interior surface including a
circumferential, protruding ridge presenting top and bottom faces,
said top and bottom faces obliquely and substantially
co-directionally sloping away from the lid sidewall interior
surface said ridge adapted for contacting said container sidewall
and forming a flexible seal between said container and said lid,
said container presenting a top orifice, a bottom wall, and an
outwardly protruding rib formed in the container sidewall proximate
said top orifice, said ridge engaging the container sidewall
between the top orifice and said rib.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, said ridge being in nonthreadable
engagement with said container sidewall.
9. A moist product dispenser comprising: a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall; and a lid coupled with said
container, said lid comprising a circumferential lid sidewall
presenting an interior surface, said interior surface including a
circumferential, protruding ridge presenting top and bottom faces,
said top and bottom faces obliquely and substantially
co-directionally sloping away from the lid sidewall interior
surface, said ridge adapted for contacting said container sidewall
and forming a flexible seal between said container and said lid,
said container sidewall and said lid comprising complimentary
threading for securing said lid to said container.
10. A moist product dispenser comprising: a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall; and a lid coupled with said
container, said lid comprising a circumferential lid sidewall
presenting an interior surface, said interior surface including a
circumferential, protruding ridge presenting top and bottom faces,
said top and bottom faces obliquely and substantially
co-directionally sloping away from the lid sidewall interior
surface, said ridge adapted for contacting said container sidewall
and forming a flexible seal between said container and said lid,
said container presenting a top orifice and said container sidewall
including a beveled section proximate said top orifice.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, said beveled section presenting a
downwardly divergent slope away from said top orifice.
12-13. (canceled)
14. In a moist product dispenser comprising a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall, and a lid coupled with the
container and presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface, the improvement comprising: a circumferential,
inwardly protruding ridge provided on the lid sidewall interior
surface, said ridge presenting top and bottom faces which slope
obliquely and substantially co-directionally away from the lid
sidewall interior surface, said ridge engaging the container
sidewall and providing a flexible seal between the container and
the lid for preventing moisture loss from the container interior,
the container presenting a top orifice and a bottom wall, and an
outwardly protruding rib formed in the container sidewall section
proximate the top orifice, said ridge engaging the container
sidewall section between the top orifice and the rib.
15. The dispenser of claim 14, the lid being of unitary
construction.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, the lid being formed of an
injection-molded, synthetic resin material.
17. The dispenser of claim 14, said ridge being in nonthreadable
engagement with said container sidewall.
18. In a moist product dispenser comprising a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall, and a lid coupled with the
container and presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface, the improvement comprising: a circumferential,
inwardly protruding ridge provided on the lid sidewall interior
surface, said ridge presenting top and bottom faces which slope
obliquely and substantially co-directionally away from the lid
sidewall interior surface, said ridge engaging the container
sidewall and providing a flexible seal between the container and
the lid for preventing moisture loss from the container interior,
said container sidewall and said lid comprising complimentary
threading for securing said lid to said container.
19. In a moist product dispenser comprising a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall, and a lid coupled with the
container and presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface, the improvement comprising: a circumferential,
inwardly protruding ridge provided on the lid sidewall interior
surface, said ridge presenting top and bottom faces which slope
obliquely and substantially co-directionally away from the lid
sidewall interior surface, said ridge engaging the container
sidewall and providing a flexible seal between the container and
the lid for preventing moisture loss from the container interior,
said container presenting a top orifice and said container sidewall
including a beveled section proximate said top orifice.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, said beveled section presenting a
downwardly divergent slope away from said top orifice.
21. (canceled)
22. The dispenser of claim 25, said flexible ridge presenting top
and bottom faces which obliquely and substantially co-directionally
slope away from the lid sidewall interior surface.
23. The dispenser of claim 25, said port comprising a plurality of
intersecting slots.
24. The dispenser of claim 26, said lid secured to said container
by a snap-down fastening system.
25. A moist product dispenser comprising: a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall, and a lid coupled with the
container and presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface, said lid further presenting a top wall, said lid
comprising a dispensing port formed in said top wall communicating
with said container interior and a hinged flap moveable between a
closed position wherein said flap is in covering relationship to
said port and an open position whereby said port is uncovered, said
lid further comprising a flexible ridge protruding inwardly from
said lid sidewall interior surface and in nonthreaded engagement
with said container sidewall and providing a seal between said
container and said lid for preventing moisture loss from said
container interior, said lid secured to said container by a
screw-down fastening system.
26. A moist product dispenser comprising: a container having an
interior for storing the moist product and presenting a
circumferential container sidewall, and a lid coupled with the
container and presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface, said lid further presenting a top wall, said lid
comprising a dispensing port formed in said top wall communicating
with said container interior and a hinged flap moveable between a
closed position wherein said flap is in covering relationship to
said port and an open position whereby said port is uncovered, said
lid further comprising a flexible ridge protruding inwardly from
said lid sidewall interior surface and in nonthreaded engagement
with said container sidewall and providing a seal between said
container and said lid for preventing moisture loss from said
container interior, said container presenting a top orifice and
said container sidewall including a beveled section proximate said
top orifice.
27. The dispenser of claim 26, said beveled section presenting a
downwardly divergent slope away from said top orifice.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is generally directed toward an
improved lidded container particularly suited for storing and
dispensing a moist product such as a moist cleaning wipes. The
dispenser lid comprises an improved seal to prevent moisture loss
from inside the container.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Premoistened cleaning wipes have become increasingly popular
because of the convenience they provide. Such wipes generally
comprise a web material (natural or synthetic fibers) moistened
with a quantity of cleaning fluid suitable for a particular
purpose. Oftentimes, this cleaning fluid comprises a relatively
volatile chemical, like alcohol, which tends to evaporate when left
exposed to the atmosphere. The wipes are generally provided in a
resealable, plastic container with the container also serving to
assist in dispensing the wipes in a selective manner. An exemplary
wipe dispenser is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,156.
[0005] Conventional wipe dispensing containers are not particularly
suited for extended storage of the moist product in that moisture
tends to escape from the container interior causing the product to
dry out. Not only does this present an inconvenience to the
consumer, but also results in increased expense in that the
dried-out product is no longer suitable for the purpose for which
it was intended and must be discarded.
[0006] There exists a real and unfulfilled need in the art for a
moist product dispenser that prevents moisture loss from the
container interior. Furthermore, such a moisture loss prevention
system should not substantially increase the manufacturing costs of
the dispenser and should be able to operate effectively with
dispensers manufactured according to varying tolerances.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes the foregoing problems and
provides a moist product dispenser comprising a specially adapted
seal for preventing moisture loss from the container interior.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the moist product dispenser
comprises a container having an interior for storing the moist
product and presenting a circumferential sidewall. The dispenser
further comprises a lid coupled with the container. The lid
comprises a circumferential lid sidewall presenting an interior
surface. The interior surface includes a circumferential,
protruding ridge presenting top and bottom faces. The top and
bottom faces obliquely and substantially co-directionally slope
away from the lid sidewall interior surface. The ridge is adapted
for contacting the container sidewall and forms a flexible seal
between the container and the lid.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the moist product
dispenser comprises a container having an interior for storing the
moist product and presenting a circumferential container sidewall.
The dispenser further comprises a lid coupled with the container,
the lid presenting a circumferential lid sidewall having an
interior surface. The lid further presents a top wall and includes
a dispensing port formed in the top wall which communicates with
the container interior. The lid comprises a hinged flap moveable
between a closed position wherein the flap is in covering
relationship to the port and an open position whereby the port is
uncovered. The lid further comprises a flexible ridge protruding
inwardly from the lid sidewall interior surface and is in
nonthreaded engagement with the container sidewall and provides a
seal between the container and the lid for preventing moisture loss
from the container interior.
[0010] As noted above, in one aspect of the invention, the flexible
ridge presents top and bottom faces which obliquely and
substantially co-directionally slope away from the lid sidewall
interior surface. Preferably, the top and bottom faces slope in a
generally downward direction away from the lid sidewall interior
surface and lie in converging planes. However, it is within the
scope of the present invention for each face to lie in spaced but
parallel planes that obliquely slope away from the lid sidewall
interior surface. It is also preferred for the inner diameter of
the flexible ridge to be less than the outer diameter of the
container sidewall proximate the container orifice. Furthermore,
the bottom face and lid sidewall interior surface cooperatively
define a circumferential channel which allows for flexing of the
ridge when slidably engaged with the container sidewall. This
particular arrangement allows the ridge to accommodate and provide
an effective seal with containers manufactured according to
relatively unexacting tolerances.
[0011] Preferably, the product dispensing port formed in the top
wall of the lid comprises a plurality of intersecting slots serving
to hold the product as it is being dispensed, however, any suitable
shape is acceptable.
[0012] The lid and container may be secured together by any
conventional means, however, snap-down fastening systems and
screw-down fastening systems are preferred. In embodiments
employing a snap-down fastening system, the container presents an
outwardly protruding rib formed in the container sidewall proximate
the orifice. A second ridge is provided on the interior surface of
the lid sidewall which cooperates with the protruding rib to lock
the lid in place over the container. Preferably, the flexible ridge
nonthreadably engages the container sidewall between the top
orifice and the rib.
[0013] In embodiments employing a screw-down fastening system, the
container sidewall and lid comprise complimentary threading for
securing the lid to the container. As the lid threads engage the
container threads, the flexible ridge is forced down over the
container sidewall and forms a seal between the lid and
container.
[0014] Preferably, the container sidewall comprises a beveled
section proximate the container top orifice. The beveled section
presents a downwardly divergent slope away from the top orifice and
helps to facilitate coupling of the lid and the container. The
beveled section also assists in maintaining the orientation of the
flexible ridge during the coupling process so that an effective
seal between the lid and container is formed.
[0015] The lid is preferably formed of a synthetic resin material
through an injection molding process. Likewise, the container is
preferably formed of a synthetic resin material, however a blow
molding process is the preferred method of manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary dispenser
according to the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
dispenser with the lid secured to the container with a snap-down
fastening system.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser lid
detached from the container.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of the lid with the
lid flap in the open position.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lid with
the lid flap in the open position.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser container
detached from the lid.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser container.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid is secured
to the container with a screw-down fastening system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description sets forth preferred moist product
dispensers in accordance with the present invention. It is to be
understood, however, that this description is provided by way of
illustration and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation
upon the overall scope of the invention.
[0025] Turning now to the figures, and particularly FIG. 1, a
dispenser 10 comprising a lid 12 and container 14 is shown. Lid 12
and container 14 each comprise respective sidewall sections 16, 18.
As described in further detail below, lid 12 may be secured to
container 14 using any means known in the art, detachable or fixed,
however snap-down and screw-down fasteners are preferred.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 10 showing
lid 12 and container 14 secured with a snap-down type fastener. Lid
12 presents two circumferential, inwardly-protruding ridges 20, 22.
As shown in FIG. 3, ridge 20 comprises two faces 24, 26 which slope
downwardly away from lid sidewall 16. As shown in FIG. 2, faces 24,
26 lie in converging planes, however, it is within the scope of the
invention for faces 24, 26 to lie in parallel planes which are
oblique with respect to the interior surface of lid sidewall 16.
Face 26 cooperates with the interior surface of lid sidewall 16 to
form a circumferential undercut channel 28. The internal diameter
of ridge 20 is less than the outer diameter of container sidewall
section 18 proximate container top orifice 30. When lid 12 is
placed over container 14, ridge 20 flexes so as to accommodate the
greater diameter of the container sidewall section 18. In so doing,
ridge 20 forms a flexible seal between lid 12 and container 14 for
preventing moisture loss from a product (not shown) inside
container 14.
[0027] Lid 12, as shown, is of unitary construction and is
preferably formed of a synthetic resin material through an
injection molding process. The process wherein ridge 20 is formed
is commonly referred to as undercut molding.
[0028] In one embodiment, lid 12 is secured to container 14 by a
snap-down fastening system 32 comprising ridge 22 and a rib 34
protruding from container sidewall 18. As lid 12 is placed down
over container sidewall 18 proximate container orifice 30, ridge 22
encounters rib 34, lid sidewall 16 slightly deforms and ridge 22 is
forced over rib 34 into a final locked position shown in FIG. 2. At
the same time, ridge 20 is slidably received over container
sidewall section 18. Because the internal diameter presented by
ridge 20 is less than the outer diameter presented by container
sidewall 18 proximate container orifice 30, ridge 20 can
accommodate variances in container sidewall 18 outer diameter and
effectively provide a seal even though the dimensions of container
14 are not entirely uniform or within previously acceptable
manufacturing tolerances.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, lid 12 is secured to
container 14 by a screw-down fastening system 36. System 36
comprises a plurality of helically flighted threads 38 formed in
the interior surface of lid sidewall 16 and a complimentary set of
helically flighted threads 40 formed in container sidewall 18. As
lid 12 is placed over container 14 and lid 12 rotated resulting in
the mating of threads 38, 40, ridge 20 slidably engages the outer
surface of container sidewall 18 thereby forming a nonthreaded,
flexible seal between lid 12 and container 14.
[0030] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict top and bottom perspective views of lid
12. Lid 12 comprises a hinged flap 42 moveable between an open
position (as shown in FIG. 4) and a closed position (shown in FIG.
1). In closed position, flap 42 covers product dispensing port 44
which communicates with the container interior to allow a product
stored therein (such as a moist towelette) to be removed.
Dispensing port 44 comprises a plurality of intersecting slots 46
formed in a recessed portion 48 of lid 12. It is understood that
port 44 could comprise any suitable shape in addition to that
depicted in the present figures. The exact design employed in a
particular application is dependent upon the material used to make
the lid and the product being dispensed from the container. Recess
48 is defined by an upstanding circumferential wall 50 having a
flared outermost ridge 52. Flap 42 also comprises a ridge 54 which
is slidably received over ridge 52 and locks flap 42 in closed
position. Ridges 52 and 54 cooperatively provide a seal to inhibit
moisture loss from the container interior through port 44.
[0031] Lid 12 also comprises a rib 56 formed in the top wall 58
thereof. Rib 56 acts as a stop in order to prevent lid 12 from
being forced too far down container 14. Rib 56 engages the rim 60
of container sidewall 18 proximate orifice 30. Rib 56 also
functions to space lid 12 from container 14 and maintain lid 12 in
level engagement with container 14.
[0032] Container sidewall 18 also comprises a beveled section 62
proximate and downwardly divergent away from rim 60. Beveled
section 62 helps facilitate coupling of lid 12 to container 14 and
maintains the generally downward sloping orientation of ridge 20
while lid 12 is coupled to container 14. As noted above, generally,
container sidewall 18 presents a diameter that is greater than the
internal diameter of ridge 20. During coupling of lid 12 and
container 14, beveled section 62 enables ridge 20 to slide down
over container sidewall 18 while maintaining its downwardly sloping
orientation. In the particular embodiment shown, the downwardly
sloping orientation of ridge 20 provides the most effective seal
between lid 12 and container 14. In the absence of beveled section
62, ridge 20 may frictionally catch on sidewall 18 and distort the
orientation of ridge 20 thereby reducing the efficacy of the seal
formed between lid 14 and container 14 by ridge 20.
[0033] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate container 14 detached from lid 12.
In particular, the embodiment shown is equipped with rib 34 for use
in a snap-down fastening system 32. Container 14 may be made of any
material chemically compatible with the particular product being
stored therein. Preferably, container 14 comprises a synthetic
resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) formed by a conventional blow molding
process.
* * * * *