U.S. patent application number 10/529769 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for multipurpose lids for closing containers, in particular paint containers.
Invention is credited to Benoit Deshaies, Guy Druesne, Philippe Gimenez, Marc Langouet, Antoine Planque.
Application Number | 20060138135 10/529769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32011363 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060138135 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Druesne; Guy ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Multipurpose lids for closing containers, in particular paint
containers
Abstract
A lid for closing a container, particularly a paint container,
provided with a skirt including an upper rim. The lid includes a
dish and a peripheral zone integral with the dish and provided with
an outer edge in sealed co-operation with the upper rim and the
dish includes a side wall and a base, part of the wall forming a
pour spout with height H relative to the peripheral zone, to
facilitate transfer of the product. The base includes an orifice or
recess delimited by a rim and forming an opening, so as to allow
through an instrument, and the lid includes a cap for sealing said
orifice, so as to enable the orifice to be manually closed or
opened as many times as necessary. The invention provides easy use,
reduces paint losses and stains, and enables incorporation of
numerous other functions in the lid.
Inventors: |
Druesne; Guy; (La Fleche,
FR) ; Deshaies; Benoit; (La Fleche, FR) ;
Gimenez; Philippe; (Le Mans, FR) ; Langouet;
Marc; (Saint Coulomb, FR) ; Planque; Antoine;
(Moras En Valloire, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENNISON, SCHULTZ, DOUGHERTY & MACDONALD
1727 KING STREET
SUITE 105
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
32011363 |
Appl. No.: |
10/529769 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 1, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR03/02872 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.1 ;
220/700; 220/733; 220/780 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44D 3/127 20130101;
B44D 3/128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.1 ;
220/780; 220/733; 220/700 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00; B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 3, 2002 |
FR |
0212247 |
Claims
1. Lid (1) that will close a receptacle, typically intended to
contain a fluid product such as a paint or a powder, to be applied
manually using an instrument such as a brush, the said receptacle
comprising a body (2) provided with a bottom (20) typically
provided with a hollow outer part (200), a skirt (21) with an upper
rim (22) delimiting an upper opening (23) with area S typically
varying from 25 cm.sup.2 to 2500 cm.sup.2 and with its largest
dimension D typically varying from 5 cm to 50 cm, and designed to
be closed off by the said lid (1), characterised in that: a) the
said lid (1) comprises a dish (4) with area S' and its largest
diameter D' and a peripheral strip (5) fixed to the said dish (4)
and provided with an outer edge (50) cooperating in a sealed manner
with the said upper ring (22), the said area S' typically varying
from 0.1S to 0.9S and the said largest dimension D' typically
varying from 0.1D to 0.9D, b) the said dish (4) comprises a
sidewall (40) and a bottom (42), a part of the said wall forming a
pouring spout (41) with height H above the said peripheral strip
(5), so as to facilitate pouring of the said product, c) the said
bottom (42) comprises an orifice or a recess (43) delimited by a
rim (44) and forming an opening with area S'' and its largest
dimension D'', the said area S'' typically varying from 0.1S' to
0.9S' and the said largest dimension D'' typically varying from
0.1D' to 0.9D' so as to enable passage of the said instrument, d)
the said lid (1) comprises a manually removable closing means,
typically a cap (6), designed to close off the said orifice (43),
so as to be able to manually close or open the said orifice (43) as
many times as necessary, typically by rotation of the said
removable closing means.
2. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said removable closing
means comprises a means of fixing (60) to the said dish (4) or to
the said peripheral strip (5), the said fixing means (60) being
either permanent or removable.
3. Lid according to claim 2 in which the said fixing means (60) is
permanent and includes a flexible tab (61) typically forming a
single piece part with the said dish (4) or with the said
peripheral part (5).
4. Lid according to claim 2 in which the said fixing means (60)
includes a flexible tab (62), or a rigid arm (63), fitted with an
end (64) comprising means of cooperation (65) with the said dish
(4) or with the said peripheral strip (5), typically by bonding or
click fitting, so as to form a permanent or typically removable
fixing means depending on the case.
5. Lid according to claim 4 in which the said click fitting means
forming the said cooperation means (65) includes male or female
parts, one being fixed to the said removable closing means (650),
the other (450) being fixed to the said dish (4) or the said
peripheral strip (5).
6. Lid according to claim 2 in which the said fixing means (60)
forms a hinge (10) for the said cap (6).
7. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said dish (4) or the said
peripheral strip (5) or the said cap (6) includes a horizontal
positioning means (7), typically a stop, such that when the said
cap (6) is open, its inner surface (66) forms a typically
horizontal plane (70) and this avoids running of the said product
sticking to its inner surface.
8. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said dish (4) typically
forms a vertical positioning means, typically due to the said
sidewall (40), or inclined at an angle >90.degree. such that
when the said cap (6) is open, its inner surface (66) forms a
vertical or inclined plane, enabling the product to flow towards
the said orifice and also providing a wiping surface for the said
instrument.
9. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said sidewall (40)
includes parallel slides (403) and a recess (404) to enable
translation of a drawer sealing means (69) comprising a handle on
the outside of the said dish.
10. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said dish (4) includes a
bar typically passing through the said orifice (43) so as to form a
wiping bar (46) for the said instrument.
11. Lid according to claim 10 in which the said wiping bar (46)
forms a partition of the said orifice (43), a main part (430) of
the said orifice being intended for passage of the said instrument,
a secondary part (431) adjacent to the said pouring spout being
designed to allow flow of the said product when the said product is
transferred.
12. Lid according to claim 11 in which the said secondary part
(431) has a typically triangular section with a vertex forming part
of the said pouring spout (41).
13. Lid according to claim 11 in which the said secondary part
(431) is closed off by a possibly removable grid (47).
14. Lid according to claim 1 in which the height H of the said part
of the sidewall (40) forming the said pouring spout (41) varies
from 5 mm to 30 mm and is typically located at a distance d from
the said upper rim (23) varying from 1 to 50 mm.
15. Lid according to claim 14 in which the said pouring spout (41)
includes a bi-stable flexible tab (412) in the folded down position
when the said lid (1) or the said receptacle fitted with the said
lid forms a stack, in the extended upwards position so that the
said product can be transferred, the said pouring spout (41) having
a thinned upper end (411), with a flexibility and radius of
curvature R adapted so as to obtain a tab (412) with two stable
positions, so that when the said tab is extended, the height
H'>H and is equal to at least 1.30 H.
16. Lid according to claim 1 in which the part of the said wall
(40) forming the said pouring spout includes an inner surface (410)
forming an angle of less than 90.degree. with the horizontal plane,
and typically varying from 45.degree. to 75.degree., to facilitate
transfer of the said product.
17. Lid according to claim 14 in which the said sidewall (40)
includes a so-called "top" part (400) with height H comprising the
said pouring spout (41), the said wall having a length or size L,
so as to form a stacking means (8) of the said lid forming a
thickness shim for stacking the said lid in a stack (3) and/or the
said receptacle in a stack after it has been filled and closed by
the said lid.
18. Lid according to claim 17 in which the said wall (40) includes
a so-called "bottom" part (401) with height H, particularly to
enable or facilitate the said rotation or access to the said
orifice (43).
19. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said bottom (42) is a
bottom (420) inclined towards the said rim (44) like a funnel, such
that the said fluid product that drops inside the said dish (4) or
onto the said bottom (42) can flow by gravity towards the said
orifice (43) and thus drop into the said body (2).
20. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said rim (44) comprises
an inner projection (440) delimiting the said orifice (43), so as
to typically cooperate with the said cap (6) particularly by
forming an axial and/or radial stop for the said cap (6).
21. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said orifice (43) has a
horizontal profile or periphery comprising at least one straight
portion and at least two angular portions with radii of curvature
R1 and R2, such that the said rim and/or the said projection may be
used as a wiping means for a flat brush and for two round brushes
with radii of curvature typically equal to approximately R1 and R2
respectively, where R1 and R2 typically vary from 5 mm to 50
mm.
22. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said peripheral strip (5)
includes an auxiliary stacking means (80) for the said lids (1),
typically formed by one or several pads or elements in relief,
typically with the same height H above the said peripheral strip
(5) as the height of the said top part (400) or the said pouring
spout (41) and at a distance equal to at least D/2 from the said
pouring spout in an average horizontal plane of the said peripheral
strip, such that in particular the said lids (1) can be put into a
stable stack (3) of lids (1) or receptacles (2) fitted with the
said lids.
23. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said auxiliary stacking
means (80) also forms the said vertical positioning means (7).
24. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said upper part (400) of
the said dish and the said element in relief (80) have the same
height H, so as to give an upper stacking plane (81) that is
horizontal, the said height H typically being chosen to be equal to
at least the depth H' of the said hollow outer part (200), and form
or comprise at least three parts at their periphery or radial end
forming the radial stops (402, 82) that will cooperate with the
said outer hollow part, so as to prevent any radial displacement of
one receptacle with respect to another in a stack and thus increase
its stability.
25. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said element in relief
(80) and the said peripheral strip (5) form a single piece
part.
26. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said element in relief
(80) and the said dish (4) form a single piece part.
27. Lid according to claim 22 in which the said element in relief
(80) and the said cap (6) form a single piece part.
28. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said dish (4) and the
said peripheral strip (5) form a single piece part, typically a
plastic moulded or thermoformed part.
29. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said dish (4) and the
said peripheral strip (5) form two parts fixed by an assembly
means, typically using an external projection (48) from the said
dish (4), so as to form a typically scaled junction area (11).
30. Lid according to claim 29 in which the said dish (4) forms a
part made of plastic, and the said peripheral strip (5) forms a
metallic or annular metalloplastic part with an inner edge (51)
fixed to the said dish (4) or to the said outer projection (48),
typically by crimping, bonding, click fitting or insert
moulding.
31. Lid according to claim 29 in which when the said dish (4) and
the said peripheral strip (5) are composed of different materials,
the said assembly means forming the junction (11) is a reversible
assembly means, so as to enable subsequent separation of the said
dish and the said peripheral strip to enable recycling of the
materials from which the said lid is made.
32. Lid according to claim 1 in which a closer (9) covers or closes
at least the said orifice (43), the said closer (9) typically being
a closer made of a barrier material for the said product, the said
closer (9) typically heat sealed to the said lid (1), having to be
removed or torn off the first time that the said lid (1) is
opened.
33. Lid according to claim 30 in which the said closer (9) is a
closer heat sealed on the inner surface (13) of the said lid and
extends beyond the said dish and seals the said junction area (11)
between the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5).
34. Lid according to claim 33 in which the said closer (9)
comprises at least one line of weakness (90) typically running
along the said orifice, such that when manual pressure is applied
on the said closer (9) at the time of the first opening, for
example with the said instrument, the said closer (9) tears so as
to provide access to the said product, the said torn off closer
folding inside the said body.
35. Lid according to claim 30 in which the said closer (9) is a
heat sealed closer on the upper surface of the lid and typically on
the surface (441) of the said inner projection (440), the said
closer comprising a gripping tab (91) that is typically used to
separate the closer (9) from the lid (1).
36. Lid according to claim 1 in which at least the said dish (4) is
composed of a moulded or thermoformed part made of a thermoplastic
material, typically PE, PP, PET, PVC or PA, chosen with a nature
and thickness to have firstly the mechanical properties and
secondly gas barrier properties required for use and an adapted
chemical resistance to the said product.
37. Lid according to claim 1 in which the said outer edge (50) of
the said peripheral strip (5) has a profile capable of cooperating
with the said upper rim (23) of the said receptacle (2) to be
closed, typically by crimping, heat sealing or force fitting, the
said upper rim (23) being either a plane rim (230, 233), or an
inclined rim (231, 234), or a rolled rim (232, 235), the said
plane, inclined or rolled rim possibly being inside or outside the
said skirt, the said outer edge (50) typically comprising a seal or
a sealing layer (54) to make a seal between the said lid (1) and
the said body (2).
38. Lid according to claim 37 in which the said outer edge (50) of
the said peripheral strip (5) has a profile capable of cooperating
with an intermediate part (24) assembled to the said upper rim (23)
of the said body (2).
39. Lid according to claim 1 in which a manual gripping means (14)
is fixed to the said lid (1), to the said dish (4) or to the said
peripheral strip (5) so that there is no longer any need for a
handle fixed to the said receptacle.
40. Receptacle comprising a body (2) closed by a lid (1) according
to claim 1.
Description
DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to closure of receptacles containing
typically fluid products that can be applied manually using an
instrument, and typically paint pots, protective mixes or coloured
coatings, or varnishes or adhesives that can be applied using a
brush or a roller.
[0002] The following description refers to paint pots simply as a
typically example of the domain of this invention.
STATE OF THE ART
[0003] Commercially available paint pots are usually formed by a
body with an opening at the top forming a rim closed by a lid that
click fits into the rim, the only way for the pot to be opened is
to separate the lid from the rim, typically using a tool such as a
screwdriver.
[0004] However, there are patents that describe paint pot lids that
in particular are easier to open and may provide additional
functions.
[0005] Thus, patent GB 2 205 082-A describes a lid comprising lines
of weakness capable of forming an edge at the time of the first
opening, on which the brush can be wiped.
[0006] Furthermore, there are many patents related to accessories
adaptable to paint pots to facilitate their use, including two
types of accessories: [0007] firstly, "standard" pots may include
accessories to facilitate application of the paint, for example as
described in patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,331 or 3,298,561, [0008]
secondly, these accessories may be independent of the paint pots
and can be used by putting them on paint pots after opening, as
described in patents U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,568, U.S. Pat. No.
5,195,662, U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,802, U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,338, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,853,107, U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,813, U.S. Pat. No.
3,400,867, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,319, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,247,013.
PROBLEMS THAT ARISE
[0009] Although the state of the art includes a large number of
manufactured products, this state of the art leaves a number of
problems unsolved, since although every manufactured product is
designed to solve a particular problem, it leaves another problem
unsolved or worse it may itself introduce a new problem.
[0010] Concerning accessories, they should be considered to form
complementary parts with a cost additional to the cost of the
"standard pot", although it is true that other specific functions
are added.
[0011] Providing an accessory for each paint pot is a very
expensive solution, but not providing it and using a specific
accessory is not a practical solution to the extent that, like all
objects only used occasionally, special accessories unfortunately
have a nasty habit to get lost!
[0012] Furthermore, concerning the functions provided by known
lids, for example as described in patent GB 2 205 082-A, they are
very limited because they mainly concern the possibility of wiping
the brush.
[0013] The purpose of the invention is a lid for pots that
simultaneously: [0014] is not an accessory and therefore performs
the sealed closure function of the pot, such that the total cost is
very little different from the cost of a "standard pot", [0015]
includes several of the functions required by the user and
particularly at least three of the means or functions described
below in a) to g), and possibly other functions as will become
clear later: [0016] a) means of facilitating pouring paint from the
receptacle, [0017] b) means of opening the receptacle without the
use of tools, [0018] c) means of reopening and reclosing the
receptacle at will, [0019] d) means of wiping the brush, [0020] e)
means of stacking pots and lids, [0021] f) means of recovering the
product and preventing unwanted dripping, [0022] g) means of manual
gripping. [0023] be compatible with industrial manufacturing of
lids and receptacles, particularly paint pots, the lids typically
being stored in a stack, with their use in the paint industry
(closure of pots filled with these lids) and also with the storage
of pots once they have been filled.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The lid according to the invention will close a receptacle,
typically intended to contain a fluid product such as a paint or a
powder, to be applied manually using an instrument such as a brush,
the said receptacle comprising a body provided with a bottom, a
skirt with an upper rim delimiting an upper opening with area S
typically varying from 25 cm.sup.2 to 2500 cm.sup.2 and with its
largest dimension D typically varying from 5 cm to 50 cm, and
designed to be closed off by the said lid.
[0025] This lid is characterised in that: [0026] a) the said lid
comprises a dish with area S' and its largest diameter D' and a
peripheral strip fixed to the said dish and provided with an outer
edge cooperating in a sealed manner with the said upper ring, the
said area S' typically varying from 0.1S to 0.9S and the said
largest dimension D' typically varying from 0.1D to 0.9D, [0027] b)
the said dish comprises a sidewall and a bottom, a part of the said
wall forming a pouring spout with height H above the said
peripheral strip, so as to facilitate pouring of the said product,
[0028] c) the said bottom comprises an orifice or a recess
delimited by a rim and forming an opening with area S'' and its
largest dimension D'', the said area S'' typically varying from
0.1S' to 0.9S' and the said largest dimension D'' typically varying
from 0.1D' to 0.9D' so as to enable passage of the said instrument,
[0029] d) the said lid comprises a manually removable closing
means, typically a cap, designed to close off the said orifice, so
as to be able to manually close or open the said orifice as many
times as necessary, typically by rotation of the said removable
closing means.
[0030] The combination of means a) to d) according to the invention
solves the problems that arise. This combination of means firstly:
[0031] facilitates pouring from the receptacle, due to the presence
of a pouring spout, [0032] enables the receptacle to be opened
without the use of tools due to the presence of a manually
removable closing means, [0033] enables the receptacle to be
reopened and reclosed at will using this same removable closing
means (means c), [0034] recovers the product and eliminates
unwanted dripping of this product, due to the presence of a dish
around the orifice.
[0035] As will become clear later, this combination of means also
makes it possible to form means providing complementary
functions.
[0036] The invention also provides an economic solution adapted to
the general consumer market typically represented by the paint pot
market.
[0037] Finally, the invention provides a completely new solution to
the domain of lids for paint cans, pots or buckets, and opens up
the way for a wide variety of practical embodiments as will become
clear from the detailed description of the invention and the
figures that accompany it.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0038] FIG. 1a diagrammatically shows an axial sectional view along
the axis of symmetry (15), of a body (2) of a receptacle on which a
lid (1) according to the invention will be fitted. This body (2)
comprises an upper rim (23) shown in an enlarged view with a
portion of skirt (21) in the rectangle shown in chain dotted lines.
The upper rim (23) of FIG. 1A shows a flat outer upper rim
(230).
[0039] Variants of the upper rim (23) corresponding to the part
inside the rectangle shown in chain dotted lines in FIG. 1A, are
shown in FIGS. 1b to 1g.
[0040] FIG. 1b shows a plane inner rim (233).
[0041] FIG. 1c shows an inclined outer rim (231).
[0042] FIG. 1d shows an inclined inner rim (234).
[0043] FIG. 1e shows a rolled outer rim (232).
[0044] FIG. 1f shows a rolled inner rim (235)
[0045] FIG. 1g shows a rim with an intermediate part (24) with a
rolled inner edge.
[0046] FIGS. 2a to 2h show partial axial sections that
diagrammatically represent the sealed cooperation between the said
upper rim (23) and an outer edge (50) of the lid (1), the views
shown substantially corresponding to the part located in the
rectangle shown in chain dotted lines in FIG. 1a.
[0047] FIGS. 2a, 2c, 2e and 2g at the left show the said upper rim
(23) and the said outer edge (50) before cooperation, while the
corresponding FIGS. 2b, 2d, 2f and 2h at the right show sealed
cooperation between the said upper rim (23) and the said outer edge
(50).
[0048] In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the said cooperation is made by
crimping, the outer edge (50) forming a crimping hook (53)
including a seal (54).
[0049] In FIGS. 2c and 2d, the said cooperation is made by click
fitting, the said outer edge (50) comprising a click fitting hook
(52).
[0050] In FIGS. 2e to 2h, the said cooperation is made by bonding
or sealing or heat sealing, either because the said outer edge (50)
comprises or forms an adhesive layer (55) like that shown in FIGS.
2e and 2f, or because the upper rim (23) itself includes or forms
an adhesive layer (26), the said adhesive layer possibly consisting
of a varnish coating the said lid (1) and/or the said body (2).
[0051] FIGS. 3a and 3b correspond to FIGS. 2a to 2h, and illustrate
the case of cooperation between an outer edge (50) comprising a
click fitting hook (52) and an upper rim (23) forming a plane outer
rim (230), the two materials forming the outer edge (50) and the
upper rim (23) possibly being sealed to each other, typically using
heating jaws applying a pressure as shown by the arrows in FIG.
3b.
[0052] FIG. 3c corresponds to FIG. 3a, and illustrates the case of
cooperation between an outer edge (50) comprising a click fitting
hook (52) and an upper rim (50) comprising an intermediate part
(24) comprising an inner rolled edge and a seal (25).
[0053] In FIGS. 1a to 3c, the bodies of receptacles (2); or metal
lids (1) are shown in thin lines, while the plastic lids (cases in
FIGS. 2c to 2h and 3a to 3c) are shown in thick lines.
[0054] FIGS. 4a to 6c are diagrammatic top views of lids
(1)--without the caps (6)--so as to illustrate typical lid shapes:
[0055] external shapes or peripheries corresponding to the shapes
of the outer edge (50), and to the shapes of the upper rims (23) of
the bodies of the receptacles (2) to be closed, are illustrated in
FIGS. 4a, 5a and 6a corresponding to rectangular, round or oval
shapes respectively. These peripheries delimit a surface S with
largest dimension D; [0056] external shapes or peripheries of a
dish (4) are shown in a dark line on the corresponding FIGS. 4b, 5b
and 6b. These peripheries delimit an area S' with largest dimension
D'; [0057] shapes or peripheries around the orifice (43) delimited
by rims (44) are shown on the corresponding FIGS. 4c, 5c and 6c.
These rims (44) that delimit an area S'' with largest dimension D''
are designed to cooperate with caps with a corresponding shape (6)
not shown on the figures. In these Figures, the pouring spout (41)
is shown particularly with an inclined inner surface (410).
[0058] FIG. 4c illustrates the case of an orifice (43) in which the
rim (44) forms arcs with three different radii of curvature R1, R2
and R3.
[0059] FIG. 4d is an axial sectional view corresponding to FIG.
4c.
[0060] FIG. 5c illustrates the case of an orifice (43) partly
closed off by a support plate (49) comprising lateral orifices
(490) so as to click fit brushes in the vertical position,
particularly during a short term interruption of their use.
[0061] FIG. 7a to 7d illustrate an embodiment of the lid (1) in
which the dish (4) and the peripheral strip (5) form a moulded part
or a single piece thermoformed part.
[0062] FIG. 7a shows a top view of the lid (1), its cap (6) being
closed.
[0063] The wall (40) of the dish (4) is shown in a thick line, with
a full line for the "top" part (400) and a dashed line for the
"bottom" part (401). The auxiliary stacking means (80) is shown in
a thick full line, and forms a upper horizontal plane (81) with the
said "top" part (400), in particular so that lids can be stacked as
illustrated in FIG. 8a.
[0064] FIG. 7b shows a side view of the lid (1) in FIG. 7a.
[0065] FIG. 7c shows a section along the vertical plane A-A in FIG.
7a.
[0066] FIG. 7d shows a view corresponding to FIG. 7c but with the
cap (6) open, only part of the said cap being represented.
[0067] FIG. 8a shows an axial sectional view through a stack (3) of
lids (1) similar to those in FIG. 7c, so as to illustrate stacking
of lids (1).
[0068] The lids (1) in FIG. 8a include a flexible tab (61) acting
as a permanent fixing means (60), forming a single piece with the
wall (40) of the dish (4) according to a first embodiment--or a
flexible tab (62) assembled by bonding to the wall (40) according
to a second embodiment.
[0069] FIGS. 8b and 8c are partial axial sections illustrating
means of cooperation of removable closing means or caps (6) with
the rim (44) of the orifice (43).
[0070] In FIG. 8b, the orifice (43) is closed off by a closer (9)
provided with a gripping tab (91) heat sealed on the upper surface
(441) of the inner projection (440) of the rim (44). A cap (6)
provided with a click fit means (65) with a male part (650)
cooperates with the click fit means (45) comprising a female part
(450) on the upper part of the rim (44) of the orifice (43), so as
to close off the orifice in a sealed manner after the closer (9)
has been removed the first time that the lid (1) is opened.
[0071] In FIG. 8c corresponding to FIG. 8b, the closer (9) is
sealed on the lower surface (13) of the lid, the closer including a
line of weakness (90) such that simple pressure with a brush along
the movement indicated by the arrow tears off the closer (9) along
its line of weakness that goes around most of the said rim (44),
the closer remaining fixed inside the body (2) to the non-torn part
of the closer to prevent unwanted dripping.
[0072] Furthermore in FIG. 8c, the cap (6) includes an annular seal
(68).
[0073] FIGS. 9a to 12c show partial diagrammatic views of lids (1)
on which the cap (6) is not shown, these lids being formed by an
assembly of a dish (4), typically made of a moulded or thermoformed
plastic material with a typically stamped metallic peripheral strip
(5) made of tinplate, aluminium, etc.
[0074] FIGS. 9a to 9c show similar axial sections that illustrate
three assembly embodiments of the dish (4) and the peripheral strip
(5) to form a sealed annular junction (11).
[0075] In FIG. 9a, the junction 11 is formed by insert moulding of
the dish on the inner edge (51) of the said peripheral strip (5),
the said inner edge (51) thus being embedded in the outer
projection (48).
[0076] In FIG. 9b, the junction (11) is formed by sealing or heat
sealing the inner edge (51) on the upper surface (480) of the outer
projection (48).
[0077] This FIG. 9b shows a portion of tab (61) fixing the cap
(6)--not shown--to the dish (4) and forming a single piece part
with this dish.
[0078] In FIG. 9c, the junction (11) is formed by sealing or heat
sealing the inner edge (51) on the inner surface (481) of the outer
projection (48). According to the embodiment shown in this Figure,
a closer (9), typically heat sealed, covers the inside part of the
inner surface (13) of the lid and particularly the said junction
(11).
[0079] FIG. 9c shows an axial section along the vertical plane D-D
of FIG. 9d, which is a partial top view.
[0080] In FIGS. 9a to 9d, the said vertical positioning means (7)
and the stacking means (8) are formed by an arc-shaped
deformation--typically by stamping--of the said peripheral strip
(5) so as to obtain a top stacking plane (81).
[0081] FIGS. 10a and 10b are simplified versions of FIG. 9d that
show lids comprising the same dish (4) assembled to different
peripheral strips: the peripheral strips denoted (5) in FIG. 9d,
(5') in FIG. 10a and (5'') in FIG. 10b all have a different shape
or surface area.
[0082] FIGS. 11a to 11c diagrammatically illustrate other
embodiments of lids (1). FIGS. 11a and 11b correspond to FIG. 9c
particularly concerning assembly of the peripheral strip (5) and
the dish (4).
[0083] FIGS. 11a and 11b show lids (1) for which the cap (6) is
fixed to the auxiliary stacking means (80), and typically forms a
single piece part with this stacking means.
[0084] FIGS. 11b and 11c show the same embodiment of the lid, FIG.
11c being a top view and FIG. 11b being an axial view along the
vertical plane C-C in FIG. 11c.
[0085] FIG. 11a illustrates two embodiments of lids (1): [0086]
according to a first embodiment, a sealing layer (84) makes the
auxiliary stacking means (80)--a parallelepiped shaped element made
of plastic, fixed to the upper surface of the peripheral strip (5),
a flexible tab (62) making the cap (6) fixed to the stacking means
(80). In this case, the cap (6) can be opened by pulling on the tab
(67). [0087] according to a second embodiment, the sealing layer
(84) is missing, the stacking means (80) is then fixed to the cap
(6) by a typically rigid arm (83). In this case, neither the cap
(6) nor the stacking means (80) are fixed to the lid (1) since
there are separated from it when the cap (6) is opened, for example
by pulling on the stacking means (80).
[0088] According to FIG. 11b, as in the second embodiment of FIG.
11a, the stacking means (80) and the cap (6) are fixed by a
typically rigid arm (83), but in this case, the cap (6) is fixed to
the dish (4) by a hinge (10), such that the cap (6) is opened by
pulling on the stacking means (80) as illustrated by an arrow. The
top part of the stacking means (80) forms the vertical positioning
means (7), this part resting on the peripheral strip (5) of the lid
once the cap (6) has been opened.
[0089] FIGS. 12a and 12b correspond to FIG. 9c, and
diagrammatically show a lid (1) but which is different from the lid
in FIG. 9c by several distinct elements, shown together on the same
Figure to avoid an excessive number of Figures: [0090] firstly, the
stacking means (80) is fixed to the dish (4) by a tab (85), [0091]
secondly, the stacking means (80) includes a manual gripping means,
for example an orifice (800) through which at least one or several
fingers can pass, as illustrated in FIG. 12c, [0092] the said
pouring spout (41) also comprises a bi-stable tab (412) due a
thinned part (411) with an appropriate radius of curvature R. The
tab (412) is shown folded down in FIG. 12a and extended in FIG.
12b. [0093] finally FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate an embodiment of
the cap (6) in which the hinge (10) is located in the said dish (4)
and has an upper opening, such that the said cap can be click
fitted by an axial movement as shown by an arrow in FIG. 12a
representing the cap (6) in the closed position, while the cap is
in the open position in FIG. 12b, the cap (6) being held in its
vertical position typically by click fitting or a vertical
positioning means (600) fixed to the cap (6) into a recess (405)
formed in the sidewall (40) of the dish (4), particularly so as to
offer its inner surface (66) as a surface for wiping the said
instrument. FIG. 12b shows a double arrow showing the possibility
of separating the cap (6) from the lid (1), the cap (6) being in
the open position, and then once again assembling it to the lid by
reversible click fitting.
[0094] FIG. 12d shows a partial top view showing the connection of
the tab (412) and the inclined inner surface (410).
[0095] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate another embodiment of the lid
(1).
[0096] FIG. 13a corresponds to FIG. 7a and applies to the case of a
stack of receptacles fitted with lids according to the invention,
and shows cooperation between a lid (1) and a bottom (20) of which
the support edge (201) (typically a crimping bead like that shown
in FIG. 13b) is represented by two concentric circles in dashed
lines, so as to provide radial blockage for all receptacles forming
the said stack, the said radial blockage being done by at least
three radial contact areas; two radial stops (82) forming the ends
of the auxiliary stacking means (80) and one radial stop (402)
formed by the outermost edge of the dish (4) or its external
projection (48).
[0097] FIG. 13 shows an axial section through a bottom (20) of the
receptacle body (2) placed on top of a lid (1).
[0098] FIGS. 14a to 14c illustrate another embodiment of the lid
(1) corresponding to that shown in FIG. 9b.
[0099] FIG. 14a is a top view, while FIGS. 14b and 14c are axial
sections.
[0100] In this embodiment of a lid (1), the removable closing means
comprises a closing cap forming a drawer (403), two parallel sides
of the wall (40) being fitted with slides (403) along which the
drawer translates along the direction of the arrows in FIGS. 14b
and 14c.
[0101] The drawer (403) is closed in FIGS. 14a and 14b, while it is
partially open in FIG. 14c. A closer (9) is heat sealed onto the
inner projection (440) of the rim (44).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0102] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
said removable closing means (6) may comprise a means of fixing
(60) to the said dish (4) or to the said peripheral strip (5), the
said fixing means being either permanent or removable.
[0103] Depending on the case, it may be advantageous for this
closing means (6) to be inseparable from the lid (1) (unless it is
deliberately separated) so as to eliminate the risk of it falling
off or getting lost.
[0104] However, as illustrated by the second embodiment in FIG.
11a, some embodiments of lids (1) may not include fixing means
(60).
[0105] As illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b, some embodiments of
lids (1) may include a removable fixing means, the said closing
means (6) possibly being temporarily separated from the said lid
(1).
[0106] This fixing means (60) may be permanent and include a
flexible tab (61) typically forming a single piece part with the
said dish (or with the said peripheral part (5)) as illustrated in
FIG. 8a according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9d.
[0107] According to another embodiment, the said fixing means (60)
may include a flexible tab (62), or a rigid arm (63), fitted with
an end (64) comprising means of cooperation (65) with the said dish
(4) or with the said peripheral strip (5), typically by bonding or
click fitting, so as to form a permanent or typically removable
fixing means depending on the case.
[0108] Bonding, as a permanent fixing means, was illustrated by the
second embodiment in FIG. 8a and the first embodiment in FIG.
11a.
[0109] Click fitting as a possible removable fixing means was
illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b.
[0110] As illustrated in FIGS. 7c and 11b, and in FIGS. 12a and
12b, the said click fitting means forming the said cooperation
means (65) includes male or female parts, one being fixed to the
said removable closing means (650), the other (450) being fixed to
the said dish (4) or the said peripheral strip (5).
[0111] Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 7c, 11b and 12b, the
said fixing means (60) can form a hinge (10) for the said cap
(6).
[0112] Advantageously, this hinge (10) may be formed by simple
axial click fitting of the cap (6) in the dish (4).
[0113] According to the invention and as illustrated for example in
FIG. 7d, the said dish (4) or the said peripheral strip (5) or the
said cap (6) may include a horizontal positioning means (7),
typically a stop, such that when the said cap (6) is open, its
inner surface (66) forms a typically horizontal plane (70) and this
avoids running of the said product sticking to its inner
surface.
[0114] However, the disadvantages related to this type of run are
also avoided when the hinge is located in the dish, as illustrated
in FIGS. 12a and 12b, and thus any drips or running from the lid
can return into the said product to avoid any loss and unwanted
dripping.
[0115] According to the invention and as illustrated in FIGS. 12a
and 12b, the said dish (4) may typically form a vertical
positioning means, typically due to the said sidewall (40), or it
may possibly be inclined at an angle >90.degree. such that when
the said cap (6) is open, its inner surface (66) forms a vertical
or inclined plane, enabling the product to flow towards the said
orifice and also providing a wiping surface for the said
instrument.
[0116] According to another embodiment of the lid according to the
invention shown in FIGS. 14a to 14c, the said sidewall (40) of the
dish (4) may include parallel slides (403) and a recess (404) to
enable translation of a drawer sealing means (69) comprising a
handle on the outside of the said dish.
[0117] Preferably, the drawer sealing means (69) comprises an
overthickness at its end with fairly low strength so that it can be
inserted into the recess (404) at the bottom of the wall (40), but
strong enough to prevent it from being separated from the said wall
(40) when it is opened.
[0118] Regardless of the embodiments of the invention and as
illustrated in FIGS. 7d to 8c, the said dish (4) may include a bar
typically passing through the said orifice (43) so as to form a
wiping bar (46) for the said instrument.
[0119] This wiping bar (46) may form a partition of the said
orifice (43), a main part (430) of the said orifice being intended
for passage of the said instrument, a secondary part (431) adjacent
to the said pouring spout being designed to allow flow of the said
product when the said product is transferred.
[0120] The said secondary part (431) may have a typically
triangular section with a vertex forming part of the said pouring
spout (41) as illustrated in FIG. 5c, in which the wiping bar (46)
does not appear.
[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 8b, the said secondary part (431) may
be closed off by a possibly removable grid (47).
[0122] According to the invention, the height H of the said part of
the sidewall (40) forming the said pouring spout (41) may vary from
5 mm to 30 mm and typically be located at a distance d from the
said upper rim (23) varying from 1 to 50 mm, and typically varying
from 5 to 15 mm. See FIG. 9c or 12b.
[0123] As illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12d, the said pouring spout
(41) may include a bi-stable flexible tab (412) in the folded down
position when the said lid (1) or the said receptacle fitted with
the said lid forms a stack, in the extended upwards position so
that the said product can be transferred, the said pouring spout
(41) having a thinned upper end (411), with a flexibility and
radius of curvature R adapted so as to obtain a tab (412) with two
stable positions, so that when the said tab is extended, the height
H'>H and is equal to at least 1.30 H.
[0124] This radius of curvature R will typically vary from 30 mm to
100 mm.
[0125] Preferably, and as illustrated in many FIGS. (4c, 5c, 6c,
7a, 7b, etc.), the part of the said wall (40) forming the said
pouring spout may include an inner surface (410) forming an angle
of less than 90.degree. with the horizontal plane, for example the
average horizontal plane (12), and typically varying from
45.degree. to 75.degree., to facilitate transfer of the said
product.
[0126] Depending on the embodiment of the lid (1), the said
sidewall (40) may include a so-called "top" part (400) with height
H comprising the said pouring spout (41), the said wall having a
length or size L, so as to form a stacking means (8) of the said
lid forming a thickness shim for stacking the said lid in a stack
(3) and/or the said receptacle in a stack after it has been filled
and closed by the said lid.
[0127] The said wall (40) may include a so-called "bottom" part
(401) with height H, particularly to enable or facilitate the said
rotation or access to the said orifice (43).
[0128] In the Figures, the said upper part (400) has been shown by
a continuous thick line, while the lower part (401) is shown by a
discontinuous dark line, as can be seen in FIGS. 7a, 9d, 10a, 10b
and 13a.
[0129] Typically, the said bottom (42) may be a bottom (420)
inclined towards the said rim (44) like a funnel, such that the
said fluid product that drops inside the said dish (4) or onto the
said bottom (42) can flow by gravity towards the said orifice (43)
and thus drop into the said body (2).
[0130] As illustrated in many Figures, and for example particularly
in FIG. 8b, 8c or 14b, the said rim (44) may comprise an inner
projection (440) delimiting the said orifice (43), so as to
typically cooperate with the said cap (6) particularly by forming
an axial and/or radial stop for the said cap (6).
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 4c as an example, the said orifice
(43) may have a horizontal profile or periphery comprising at least
one straight portion and at least two angular portions with radii
of curvature R1 and R2, such that the said rim and/or the said
projection may be used as a wiping means for a flat brush and for
two round brushes with radii of curvature typically equal to
approximately R1 and R2 respectively, where R1 and R2 typically
vary from 5 mm to 50 mm.
[0132] According to the invention, and particularly when the said
dish (4) has a surface area S' very much less than S and typically
where S/S'>2, or when the said dish (4) is offset by a maximum
amount with respect to the lid (1), the said peripheral strip (5)
may include an auxiliary stacking means (80) for the said lids (1),
typically formed by one or several pads or elements in relief,
typically with the same height H above the said peripheral strip
(5) as the height of the said top part (400) or the said pouring
spout (41) and at a distance equal to at least D/2 from the said
pouring spout in an average horizontal plane of the said peripheral
strip, such that in particular the said lids (1) can be put into a
stable stack (3) of lids (1) or receptacles (2) fitted with the
said lids.
[0133] When the dish has a large surface area S' compared with the
surface area S of the lid, and is also well centred with respect to
the lid--for example FIG. 5c or 6c, there is no need for an
auxiliary stacking means (80) to stack the lids (1) or receptacles
fitted with these lids.
[0134] However if this is not the case, as shown in FIGS. 7a, 9a to
9d, 10a to 13a, it is preferable to include an auxiliary stacking
means (80) in the lid (1).
[0135] As shown in FIGS. 7c and 7d, it is preferable if the said
auxiliary stacking means (80) can also form the said vertical
positioning means (7).
[0136] Typically, the said upper part (400) of the said dish and
the said element in relief (80) may have the same height H, so as
to give an upper stacking plane (81) that is horizontal, the said
height H typically being chosen to be equal to at least the depth
H' of the said hollow outer part (200), and form or comprise at
least three parts at their periphery or radial end forming the
radial stops (402, 82) that will cooperate with the said outer
hollow part, so as to prevent any radial displacement of one
receptacle with respect to another in a stack and thus increase its
stability.
[0137] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a to 10b, the said element in
relief (80) and the said peripheral strip (5) may form a single
piece part, typically either because as in the case in FIGS. 7a to
8a, the element in relief forms a projection that is moulded or
thermoformed at the same time as the said peripheral strip, or
because as in the case in FIGS. 9a to 10b, the element in relief
(80) is obtained by local deformation of the said peripheral strip,
for example by stamping when the said peripheral strip (5) is
metallic.
[0138] As illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the said element in
relief (80) and the said dish (4) may form a single piece part.
[0139] As illustrated in FIGS. 11a to 11c, the said element in
relief (80) and the said cap (4) may form a single piece part.
[0140] According to one embodiment of the invention illustrated for
example in FIGS. 7a to 8c, the said dish (4) and the said
peripheral strip (5) may form a single piece part, typically a
plastic moulded or thermoformed part.
[0141] According to another embodiment illustrated, particularly in
FIGS. 9a to 12b, the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip
(5) may form two parts fixed by an assembly means, typically using
an external projection (48) from the said dish (4), so as to form a
typically sealed junction area (11).
[0142] Typically, the said dish (4) may form a part made of
plastic, and the said peripheral strip (5) may form a metallic or
annular metalloplastic part with an inner edge (51) fixed to the
said dish (4) or to the said outer projection (48), typically by
crimping, bonding, click fitting or insert moulding.
[0143] But it is also possible to form elements of the lid either
made from a plastic material by moulding or thermoforming or based
on metal, and to assemble them typically by heat sealing.
[0144] Plastic elements such as polyolefin (for example PE, PP) may
be heat sealed to each other in the same way as a metal based
material, typically a PE/metal/PE type of multiple layer, the outer
layers or PE or thermoplastic material then enabling assembly by
heat sealing. Elements of the lid can also be assembled by bonding,
due to the addition of an adhesive between the elements to be
assembled.
[0145] However when the said dish (4) and the said peripheral strip
(5) are composed of different materials, it is advantageous if the
said assembly means forming the junction (11) is a reversible
assembly means, so as to enable subsequent separation of the said
dish (4) and the said peripheral strip (5) to enable recycling of
the materials from which the said lid is made.
[0146] This can be achieved by solidarising the said dish (4) and
the said peripheral strip (5) at a predetermined mechanical force F
(for example these two elements can be separated by applying a
tension force), for example by varying the width 1 of the overlap
area (110) between the said dish (4) or its outer projection (48)
and the inner edge (51) of the said peripheral strip (5)--see FIG.
9b, such that F is greater than mechanical forces or stresses Fo
applied to the lid during use between when it is manufactured and
when it is finally used. Typically, the value of F is approximately
equal to 2.times.Fo, and all that is necessary to separate the two
elements (4) and (5) is to apply a deliberate (manual or
mechanical) separation force equal to at least F.
[0147] According to the invention, and particularly as a function
of the nature of the packaged product or the sealing or
permeability requirements for the lid, a closer (9) may cover or
close at least the said orifice (43), the said closer (9) typically
being a closer made of a barrier material for the said product, the
said closer (9) typically heat sealed to the said lid (1), has to
be removed or torn off the first time that the said lid (1) is
opened. Many Figures (see FIGS. 8b, 8c, 9c, 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b)
illustrate the case of lids fitted with closers. It should be noted
that these figures may include means or elements, that may be
present independently of closers.
[0148] The said closer (9) may be a closer heat sealed on the inner
surface (13) of the said lid and extends beyond the said dish and
seals the said junction area (11) between the said dish (4) and the
said peripheral strip (5). For example, see FIGS. 8c, 9c.
[0149] In this case, and as illustrated for example in FIG. 9c, the
said closer (9) may comprise at least one line of weakness (90)
typically running along the said orifice, such that when manual
pressure is applied on the said closer (9) at the time of the first
opening, for example with the said instrument, the said closer (9)
tears so as to provide access to the said product, the said torn
off closer folding inside the said body.
[0150] As illustrated in FIGS. 8b and 14b, the said closer (9) may
be a heat sealed closer on the upper surface of the lid and
typically on the surface (441) of the said inner projection (440),
the said closer comprising a gripping tab (91) that is typically
used to separate the closer (9) from the lid (1).
[0151] Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to have a
lid (1) with two sealing levels: an "absolute" seal can be achieved
during storage of the packaged product (for example a paint rich in
volatile solvents) using an aluminium sheet closer to cater for a
variable storage duration or variable storage conditions, while
after the closer has torn at the time of the first opening, the
seal will be made by the cap but possibly to a lesser degree
because once paint pots or buckets have been opened, they will be
used within a fairly short time.
[0152] Thus, according to the invention, considering the
possibility of using a closer and particularly when the paints are
aqueous dispersions, it is possible to have a cap with a much lower
quality seal that simply forms a mechanical obstacle to prevent any
foreign body from getting into the paint, such that the extra cost
necessary for the closer (9) can be compensated by a more economic
production of the assembly formed by the dish (4) and the cap
(6).
[0153] According to the invention, at least the said dish (4) may
be composed of a moulded or thermoformed part made of a
thermoplastic material, typically PE, PP, PET, PVC or PA, chosen
with a nature and thickness to have firstly the mechanical
properties and secondly gas barrier properties required for use and
an adapted chemical resistance to the said product.
[0154] The lids according to the invention are applicable to any
type of receptacle body (2). The said outer edge (50) of the said
peripheral strip (5) may have a profile capable of cooperating with
the said upper rim (23) of the said receptacle (2) to be closed,
typically by crimping, heat sealing or force fitting, the said
upper rim (23) being either a plane rim (230, 233), or an inclined
rim (231, 234), or a rolled rim (232, 235), the said plane,
inclined or rolled rim possibly being inside or outside the said
skirt, the said outer edge (50) typically comprising a seal or a
sealing layer (54) to make a seal between the said lid (1) and the
said body (2).
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 3c, the said outer edge (50) of the
said peripheral strip (5) may have a profile capable of cooperating
with an intermediate part (24) assembled to the said upper rim (23)
of the said body (2).
[0156] See FIGS. 1a to 1g for illustrations of profiles of upper
rims (23) of receptacle bodies (2).
[0157] See FIGS. 2a to 2b and 3a to 3c for illustrations of the
sealed cooperation between these upper edges (23) and the outer
edges (50) of the peripheral strips (5).
[0158] According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, a
manual gripping means (14) may be fixed to the said lid (1), to the
said dish (4) or to the said peripheral strip (5) so that there is
no longer any need for a handle fixed to the said receptacle as is
usually the case for 2-litre or larger pots or buckets.
[0159] It is even more advantageous if this gripping means is
formed using another means already present in the lid, for example
the stacking means (8) as illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12c, which
show that the auxiliary stacking means (80) fixed to the dish (4)
comprises a gripping ring (800) through which one or several
fingers can pass. This gripping means (14) may obviously be in many
different forms, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12a to 12c simply
being an example.
[0160] Another purpose of the invention consists of a receptacle
for which the body (2) is closed by a lid (1) according to the
invention.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0161] FIGS. 2a to 14c form example embodiments of lids (1)
according to the invention.
[0162] The lids according to FIGS. 7a to 8c and 13a were made from
PE by moulding. The "dish (4) and peripheral strip (5)" assembly
were moulded separately. However, in the case of the lid (1) in
FIG. 8a, the lid assembly including the cap (6) was also
moulded.
[0163] For lids according to FIGS. 9a to 12b and 14a to 14c, the
peripheral strips (5) were firstly made from stainless steel for
paint pot lids, comprising an inner coating (usually a varnish) and
an outer coating forming a decor or printing. These peripheral
strips (5) were obtained by cutting and shaping, particularly by
stamping, using strip or shaped material.
[0164] These peripheral strips were made particularly using
standard lids made of steel according to the state of the art, and
cutting out the area S' corresponding to the dish (4).
[0165] A series of lids (1) was thus made by cutting out the same
surface area S' from a series of lids with different shapes and
dimensions, and assembling with the same dish (4) to obtain a
complete series of lids (1) as illustrated in FIGS. 9d, 10a and
10b.
[0166] According to the three methods of assembly of the peripheral
strips (5) and dishes (4) (as shown for example in FIGS. 9a to 9c)
these peripheral strips (5) were formed preferably using
multi-layer materials comprising inner and/or outer coatings that
can be sealed on PE so that there is no need for a special adhesive
layer.
[0167] Furthermore, different types of dishes (4) were manufactured
in which the cap could be built in (see FIG. 9b) by moulding
PE.
[0168] If the cap (6) forms a separate part, it is then made
separately and assembled by simple axial click fitting as can be
seen in FIGS. 7b, 11b and 12a, which is advantageous in terms of
production cost.
[0169] However, in the case of the assembly shown in FIG. 9a, the
inner edge (51) of the peripheral strip (5) is inserted into the
mould so as to form the dish by insert moulding of the inner edge
(51). In this case, there is no need for the dish to form an outer
projection (48)--embodiment not shown in the Figure.
[0170] In the cases shown in FIGS. 9b and 9c, the inner edge (51)
was heat sealed by axial pressure with heating jaws, onto or under
the outer projection (48) of the dish (4).
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0171] The lids (1) according to the invention have very many
advantages, firstly because they simultaneously solve the many
problems encountered by paint users, and in particular offer the
following for every receptacle body (2) closed by these lids (1):
[0172] a dish (4) forming a "retention tank" surrounding the
orifice, so as to limit risks of losing paint and causing drips,
the two usually being related, [0173] a removable cap (6) typically
fixed to the lid so that it cannot get lost, [0174] a pouring spout
(41) integrated into the said dish to avoid paint runs onto the
body of the receptacle, [0175] a means of stacking pots leading to
stable stacks, to limit the floor occupancy of paint pots, [0176] a
means of preventing runs from the cap in the open position, [0177]
a means of wiping brushes, and rollers, [0178] a means of temporary
support for these brushes, [0179] a means of recycling lids.
[0180] Furthermore, these lids also have advantages for the
manufacturer and designer of lids and packagings for conditioning
of paint, namely: [0181] adaptation of these lids (1) to any type
of receptacle body, [0182] adaptation of these lids (1) to any type
of product contained in the pot, to achieve the required seal
during storage and/or during use, [0183] high speed industrial
manufacturing on a production line simplified by its modular
aspect, by axial assembly of the elements making up the lid (1),
[0184] stacking of the lids (1), [0185] the possibility of
manufacturing a large number of lids (1) with different dimensions
and shapes starting from a single model of a dish (4) and cap (6),
[0186] the possibility of incorporating a variable number of means
that solve user problems, as a function of the order of priority of
these problems, which can vary depending on the country or the
continent, [0187] the possibility of having a completely renewed
offer in a relatively traditional domain by varying the appearance
of the lid, or having the possibility of offering lids (1) in which
the high technology used is clearly visible, for marketing, which
is very advantageous in a particularly consumer-oriented domain in
which a product is purchased not only as a result of technical
considerations about the content, but also depending on the visual
aspect or technical performances of the container.
LIST OF MARKS
[0188] TABLE-US-00001 Lid 1 Hinge between 6 and 4 or 5 10 Junction
between 4 and 5 11 Overlap area 110 Average plane of 5 - horizontal
12 Lower surface of 1 13 Manual gripping means 14 Vertical axis
perpendicular to 12 15 Receptacle body 2 Bottom 20 Hollow outer
part 200 Support edge - crimping bead 201 Skirt 21 Upper opening 22
Upper rim - cooperates with 50 23 Plane outer rim 230 Inclined
outer rim 231 Rolled outer rim 232 Plane inner rim 233 Inclined
inner rim 234 Rolled inner rim 235 Intermediate part 24 Rolled rim
240 Seal 25 Sealing layer 26 Stack of lids 1 3 Dish of 1 4 Sidewall
40 "Top" part 400 "Bottom" part 401 Radial stop 402 Slide 403
Recess at bottom of wall for 69 404 Recess cooperating with 600 405
Pouring spout 41 Inclined inner surface 410 Upper end 411 Bi-stable
tab 412 Bottom 42 Inclined bottom 420 Orifice - recess of 42 43
Main part 430 Secondary part 431 Rim of 43 44 Inner projection 440
Upper surface of 440 441 Click fit means - cooperates with 65 45
Female part 450 Wiping bar 46 Grid 47 Outer projection 48 Upper
surface 480 Lower surface 481 Support plate 49 Lateral orifice 490
Peripheral strip of 1 5, 5', 5'' Outer edge - cooperates with 23 50
Inner edge (cooperates with 4-49) 51 Click fit hook of 50 52
Crimping hook of 50 53 Seal of 50 54 Sealing layer of 50 55
Removable closing means - cap 6 Fixing means 60 Vertical
positioning means of 6 600 Single piece flexible tab with 4, 5, 8
61 Flexible tab assembled to 4 or 5 or 8 62 Rigid arm assembled to
4 or 5 or 8 63 End of 62 or 63 64 Click fit means - cooperates with
45 65 Male part 650 Inner surface 66 Gripping means - tab 67
Annular seal 68 Cap - drawer sealing means cooperates with 403 69
Handle 690 Horizontal positioning means - stop 7 Horizontal plane
of cap 6 70 Stacking means-thickness shim formed by 400 8 Auxiliary
stacking means - pad or element 80 in relief Gripping means - ring
800 Radial stop 82 Arm or tab fixing to the cap 6 83 Sealing layer
84 Arm or tab fixing to the dish 4 85 Closer 9 Line of weakness 90
Gripping tab 91
* * * * *