U.S. patent application number 11/024284 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for double ribbed cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Michael D. Stolzman. Invention is credited to Terrence Galvin, Kenneth J. Kuzelka, Michael D. Stolzman.
Application Number | 20060138142 11/024284 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36610202 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060138142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stolzman; Michael D. ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Double ribbed cover
Abstract
A unitary closure is used with a tubular container having an
open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end. The
unitary closure comprises a planar circular wall defining a flat
upper surface having a peripheral edge. A first concentric ring is
radially outwardly of the peripheral edge defining a first upwardly
opening valley. A second concentric ring is radially outwardly of
the first concentric ring at an annular peak and defines a second
upwardly opening valley having a generally planar bottom wall.
Inner and outer concentric ribs extend downwardly from the planar
bottom wall. A connecting flange is radially outwardly of the
second concentric ring including a downwardly opening channel
receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead to close the open end
of the container. The closure has a substantially greater wall
thickness radially outwardly of the peak than radially inwardly of
the peak.
Inventors: |
Stolzman; Michael D.; (Lake
Forest, IL) ; Kuzelka; Kenneth J.; (Round Lake Beach,
IL) ; Galvin; Terrence; (McHenry, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Assignee: |
Stolzman; Michael D.
|
Family ID: |
36610202 |
Appl. No.: |
11/024284 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/321 ;
215/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00416
20130101; B65D 45/34 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D
2543/00092 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/321 ;
215/275 |
International
Class: |
B65D 45/32 20060101
B65D045/32; B65D 45/34 20060101 B65D045/34 |
Claims
1. A unitary closure for use with a tubular container having an
open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end, the
unitary closure comprising: a planar circular wall defining a flat
upper surface having a peripheral edge, a first concentric ring
radially outwardly of the peripheral edge defining a first upwardly
opening valley, a second concentric ring radially outwardly of the
first concentric ring at an annular peak and defining a second
upwardly opening valley having a generally planar bottom wall,
inner and outer concentric ribs extending downwardly from the
planar bottom wall, and a connecting flange radially outwardly of
the second concentric ring including a downwardly opening channel
receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead to close the open end
of the container, the closure having a substantially greater wall
thickness radially outwardly of the peak than radially inwardly of
the peak.
2. The unitary closure of claim 1 wherein the closure comprises a
wall thickness nominally about 0.16 inches radially outwardly of
the peak and a wall thickness nominally 0.09 inches radially
inwardly of the peak.
3. The unitary closure of claim 1 wherein the circular wall and the
first concentric ring have a first wall thickness, the second
concentric ring, radially inwardly of the outer concentric rib has
a second wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness and
the outer concentric rib and the connecting flange have a third
wall thickness greater than the second wall thickness.
4. The unitary closure of claim 1 wherein the closure having a wall
thickness radially outwardly of the peak more than 50% greater then
radially inwardly of the peak.
5. The unitary closure of claim 1 wherein the closure having a wall
thickness radially outwardly of the peak about 2/3 greater then
radially inwardly of the peak.
6. A unitary closure for use with a tubular container having an
open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end, the
unitary closure comprising: a downwardly opening U-shaped wall
portion receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead; a concentric
ring inwardly of the U-shaped wall portion defining an upwardly
opening valley including an outer wall connected to the U-shaped
wall portion, a planar bottom wall and a conical inner wall having
an upper annular edge; inner and outer concentric ribs extending
downwardly from the planar bottom wall; and a circular center wall
connected to the upper annular edge, the closure having a
substantially greater wall thickness radially outwardly of the
upper annular edge than radially inwardly of the upper annular
edge.
7. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the closure comprises a
wall thickness nominally about 0.16 inches radially outwardly of
the upper annular edge and a wall thickness nominally 0.09 inches
radially inwardly of the upper annular edge.
8. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the center wall has a
first wall thickness, the concentric ring, radially inwardly of the
outer concentric rib has a second wall thickness greater than the
first wall thickness and the outer concentric rib and the U-shaped
wall portion have a third wall thickness greater than the second
wall thickness.
9. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the closure having a wall
thickness radially outwardly of the upper annular edge more than
50% greater then radially inwardly of the upper annular edge.
10. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the closure having a
wall thickness radially outwardly of the upper annular edge about
2/3 greater then radially inwardly of the upper annular edge.
11. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the center wall
comprises a planar circular wall defining a flat upper surface
having a peripheral edge and another concentric ring radially
outwardly of the peripheral edge, defining another upwardly opening
valley, and connected to the upper annular edge.
12. The unitary closure of claim 6 further comprising a pair of
recessed bung wells connected to the center wall radially inwardly
of the inner concentric rib.
13. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the U-shaped wall
portion has a diameter to be received on a tubular container having
a 211/2 inch connecting bead.
14. The unitary closure of claim 6 wherein the closure comprises a
unitary wall element of synthetic resin.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a drum closure and, more
particularly, to a double ribbed cover of varying wall
thickness.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In one form of conventional shipping and storage container,
a drum comprises a tubular container having an open end with a
cylindrical connecting bead at the open end. The connecting bead
may be provided by a metal connecting ring rolled onto the side
wall or a plastic connecting ring molded directly to or otherwise
adhered to the side wall. Alternatively, the side wall may be of
molded plastic construction with an integral connecting bead.
[0003] The conventional drum includes a removable closure for
closing the open end of the tubular side wall. A typical closure
includes a central circular wall with a peripheral connecting
flange receivable on the connecting bead so that the circular wall
closes the open end of the container. A locking band secures the
closure on the drum. While such a container may be used for storage
purposes, often the containers must be lifted by lifting equipment
and shipped, such as by truck. Various standards organizations
require that a closure for use on a drum as described have suitable
reinforcement to provide sufficient impact resistance. Typically,
such a closure includes circular channels or rings formed in the
circular wall providing a wave-like appearance. Also, the closures
may include reinforcing ribs.
[0004] A typical closure is formed of molded synthetic resin, such
as high density polyethylene. In designing such a closure,
consideration may be given to minimizing weight and cost of the
closure while also satisfying standards requirements. As such, a
conventional closure is manufactured having a wall thickness
sufficient for impact resistance. A typical closure for a 211/2''
drum has a wall thickness on the order of 0.16'' nominal. As is
known, the wall thickness may narrow to, for example, 0.15'' at the
edges to provide draft for molding. Lesser thickness closures have
been considered, but may not provide the necessary impact
resistance.
[0005] The present invention is directed to solving one or more of
the problems discussed above in a novel and simple manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a
closure for use with a tubular container including areas of
different wall thickness.
[0007] Broadly, in accordance with one aspect of the invention,
there is disclosed a unitary closure for use with a tubular
container having an open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at
the open end. The unitary closure comprises a planar circular wall
defining a flat upper surface having a peripheral edge. A first
concentric ring is radially outwardly of the peripheral edge
defining a first upwardly opening valley. A second concentric ring
is radially outwardly of the first concentric ring at an annular
peak and defines a second upwardly opening valley having a
generally planar bottom wall. Inner and outer concentric ribs
extend downwardly from the planar bottom wall. A connecting flange
is radially outwardly of the second concentric ring including a
downwardly opening channel receivable on the cylindrical connecting
bead to close the open end of the container. The closure has a
substantially greater wall thickness radially outwardly of the peak
than radially inwardly of the peak.
[0008] It is a feature of the invention that the closure comprises
a wall thickness nominally about 0.16'' radially outwardly of the
peak and a wall thickness nominally 0.09'' radially inwardly of the
peak.
[0009] It is another feature of the invention that the circular
wall and the first concentric ring have a first wall thickness, the
second concentric ring, radially inwardly of the outer concentric
rib has a second wall thickness greater than the first wall
thickness and the outer concentric ring and the connecting flange
have a third wall thickness greater than the second wall
thickness.
[0010] It is still another feature of the invention that the
closure has a wall thickness radially outwardly of the peak more
than 50% greater than radially inwardly of the peak.
[0011] It is still another feature of the invention that the
closure has a wall thickness radially outwardly of the peak about
two-thirds greater than radially inwardly of the peak.
[0012] There is disclosed in accordance with another aspect of the
invention a unitary closure for use with a tubular container having
an open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end. The
unitary closure comprises a downwardly opening U-shaped wall
portion receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead. A concentric
ring is inwardly of the U-shaped wall portion defining an upwardly
opening valley including an outer wall connected to the U-shaped
wall portion, a planar bottom wall and a conical inner wall having
an upper annular edge. Inner and outer concentric ribs extend
downwardly from the planar bottom wall. A circular center wall is
connected to the upper annular edge. The closure has a
substantially greater wall thickness radially outwardly of the
upper annular edge than radially inwardly of the upper annular
edge.
[0013] It is a feature of the invention that the center wall
comprises a planar circular wall defining a flat upper surface
having a peripheral edge and another concentric ring radially
outwardly of the peripheral edge, defining another upwardly opening
valley, and connected to the upper annular edge.
[0014] It is a further feature of the invention to provide a pair
of recessed bung wells connected to the center wall radially
inwardly of the inner concentric rib.
[0015] It is still another feature of the invention that the
U-shaped wall portion has a diameter to be received and a tubular
container having a 211/2'' connecting bead.
[0016] It is still a further feature of the invention that the
closure comprises a unitary wall element of synthetic resin.
[0017] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
readily apparent from the specification and from the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container
including a closure according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along a line 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view of a left portion of the
sectional view of FIG. 4; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled
container and closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, as disclosed
in FIG. 1, a shipping and storage container in the form of a drum
12 includes a tubular side wall 14 closed by a bottom wall (not
shown) and having an open end 16 to define an interior space 18. A
cylindrical connecting bead 20 is at the open end 16. The open end
16 is selectively closed by a closure 22 in accordance with the
invention removably secured to the connecting bead 20 with a
locking band 24.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the drum 12
comprises a cylindrical, blow-molded plastic drum. The drum has a
capacity of 55 U.S. gallons and the connecting bead 20 has a
diameter of about 211/2''. However, the present invention is
directed particularly to the closure 22 which can be used with
drums of other construction, such as metal, fiberboard, or
composite construction, as will be apparent.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the closure 22 is illustrated in
greater detail. The closure 22 comprises a unitary wall element of
molded synthetic resin, such as high density polyethylene. The
closure 22 includes a circular center wall 26. The center wall 26
comprises a circular planar wall or panel 28 surrounded by a first
concentric ring 34. The circular panel 28 has a flat upper surface
30 having a peripheral edge 32. The first concentric ring 34 is
radially outwardly of the peripheral edge 32 defining a first
upwardly opening valley 36. Particularly, the first concentric ring
is generally V-shaped. A second concentric ring 38 is radially
outwardly of the first concentric ring 34. The concentric rings 34
and 38 are connected at an annular peak 40. The second concentric
ring 38 defines a second upwardly opening valley 42. The second
upwardly opening valley 42 is more U-shaped having a generally flat
bottom. Particularly, the second concentric ring 38 includes an
outer wall 44, a planar bottom wall 46 and a conical inner wall 48.
An upper annular edge of the conical inner wall 48 comprises the
annular peak 40 connected to the first concentric 34. The
concentric rings 34 and 38 provide a wave like appearance. An inner
concentric rib 50 extends downwardly from the bottom wall 46 at its
junction with the conical wall 48. An outer concentric rib 52
extends downwardly from the bottom wall 46 at its junction with the
outer wall 44. The concentric ribs 50 and 52 are of similar height
and are used to increase stiffness.
[0027] A connecting flange 54 is radially outwardly of the second
concentric ring 38. The connecting flange 54 comprises a downwardly
opening U-shaped wall portion 56 connected at an upper edge of the
outer wall 44. The U-shaped wall portion defines a downwardly
opening channel 58 receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead 20
to close the open end 16 of the container 12. Particularly, and
with reference to FIG. 6, an annular gasket 60 is positioned in the
channel 58. The gasket 60 is seated on the connecting bead 20. The
locking band 24 sandwiches the connecting flange 54, gasket 60 and
connecting bead 20 to retain the closure 22 on the drum 12 in a
conventional manner.
[0028] In accordance with the invention, the closure 22 is adapted
to use a reduced wall thickness in non-critical areas, while
maintaining a standard wall thickness in critical areas.
[0029] Particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the walls
of the connecting flange 54 are shown to include a wall thickness
A. The outer concentric rib 52 is also of the wall thickness A. The
bottom wall 46, inner concentric rib 50 and conical wall 48 are of
a wall thickness B. The annular peak 40, first concentric ring 34
and the circular planar wall 28 are of a wall thickness C. In
accordance with the invention, the wall thickness A is
substantially greater than the wall thickness C. The wall thickness
B may be the same as the wall thickness A, or may be slightly less
than the wall thickness A to provide a transition between the wall
thickness A and the wall thickness C. Particularly, in accordance
with the invention, the wall thickness A is more than 50% greater
than the wall thickness C and in one embodiment of the invention is
about two-thirds greater than the wall thickness C. In an
illustrative embodiment of the invention, the wall thicknesses A
and B are nominally 0.16'' and the wall thickness C is 0.09''. As
will be apparent, the wall thickness at edges of the U-shaped wall
portion 56 and the ribs 50 and 52 may be on the order of 0.15'' to
provide draft for mold purposes. Alternatively, for transition
purposes, the wall thickness B may be on the order of 0.13''
nominally. In either case, the wall thickness radially outwardly of
the annular peak 40 is of substantially greater wall thickness than
radially inwardly of the annular peak 40. The use of a
substantially thicker wall thickness as described provides a
lighter weight closure while maintaining required reinforcement in
critical areas. In fact, a conventional closure of 0.16'' wall
thickness has a weight of about 2.8 lbs. while the described
closure has a weight of about 2.25 lbs.
[0030] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of recessed bung
wells 62 and 64 are connected to the center wall 28 radially
inwardly of the inner concentric rib 40 and the planar bottom wall
46. The bung wells 62 and 64 may be provided with conventional bung
or vent openings. The bung wells are of the thickness A, described
above.
[0031] Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a
unitary double ribbed cover including reduced wall thickness in
non-critical areas to reduce weight.
* * * * *