U.S. patent application number 10/558575 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for container-closure arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVATIVE DESINGN CO PTY LTD. Invention is credited to David Alexander Woinarski.
Application Number | 20060255040 10/558575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31953762 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060255040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woinarski; David Alexander |
November 16, 2006 |
Container-closure arrangement
Abstract
A container-closure arrangement including a container having a
base and peripheral wall. A rim forms an upper margin of the wall
and surrounds an opening of the container. An external bead is
formed integrally with and surrounds the rim, and an internal bead
is formed integrally with and around the rim. The arrangement
further includes a closure having a closure portion that includes a
central region, with the closure portion being adapted to overlie
the opening of the container. A skirt is formed integrally with the
closure portion and is arranged to surround the rim when the
closure is mounted to the container. The skirt includes a first
portion that is positionable to surround an external upper end of
the rim, and a second portion including a band that is frangibly
connected to and extends downwardly from the first portion to
surround the rim.
Inventors: |
Woinarski; David Alexander;
(New South Wales, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY LLP
224 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60604
US
|
Assignee: |
INNOVATIVE DESINGN CO PTY
LTD
Woollahra
AU
|
Family ID: |
31953762 |
Appl. No.: |
10/558575 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
May 28, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/00718 |
371 Date: |
May 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/276 ;
220/380; 220/780 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/022 20130101;
B65D 2543/00629 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D 2543/00509
20130101; B65D 2543/00518 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D
43/0252 20130101; B65D 43/0249 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101;
B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2543/00685
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/276 ;
220/780; 220/380 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/40 20060101
B65D017/40; B65D 41/18 20060101 B65D041/18; B65D 43/03 20060101
B65D043/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2003 |
AU |
20039022721 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A container-closure arrangement comprising: (i) a container
having a base and peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of
the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, an external
bead formed integrally with and surrounding the rim, and an
internal bead formed integrally with and around the rim to project
inwardly of the container; and (ii) a closure having a closure
portion that is adapted to overlie the opening of the container, a
skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and arranged to
surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container, the
skirt comprising a first portion positionable adjacent to and to
surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion
comprising a band that is frangibly connected to and extends
downwardly from the first portion to surround the rim below its
upper end, the second portion having a first ledge located within
and formed integrally therewith, the first ledge being positionable
to locate in interlocking engagement with the external bead, with a
second ledge being formed integrally with the closure portion and
being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the
internal bead; wherein, when the closure is mounted on the
container, the second portion can be detached from the first
portion to enable its removal from the closure and from its
interlocking engagement with the external bead.
23. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein
a closure flange is formed integrally with and extends out from the
skirt first portion such that, once the skirt second portion has
been detached from the skirt first portion, the second ledge can be
disengaged from the internal bead by lifting the closure flange
away from the rim.
24. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein
a container flange is formed integrally with and extends out from
the container wall below the rim, whereby a distal end of the skirt
second portion is positionable in a close facing relationship to
the container flange when the closure is mounted to the
container.
25. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 24 wherein
the container flange is formed to protrude laterally further from
the container than the skirt, thereby providing protection to the
skirt during transport of the arrangement.
26. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein
the closure portion comprises a land that connects at one end to
the skirt, and from which end the skirt depends, and connects at an
opposite end to a wall section that subtends from this opposite
end, wherein the skirt, land and wall section in combination define
a generally U-shaped channel into which the container rim is
receivable, when mounting the closure thereto, with the first and
second ledges projecting into the U-shaped channel from the skirt
and wall section respectively.
27. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 26 wherein
the second ledge projects into the U-shaped channel from the land
and, additionally, an internal skirt projects from the land or wall
section, with a distal end of the internal skirt being arranged for
engagement with an internal ledge defined in the container
wall.
28. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 22 wherein
a sealing arrangement is provided between the first portion and the
adjacent container rim, the sealing arrangement comprising a
projection on either the first portion or the rim, and a
corresponding recess on either the rim or the first portion
respectively, the recess being adapted for receiving the projection
therein in a close or snug fit when the closure is mounted to the
container.
29. A container-closure arrangement comprising: (i) a container
having a base and peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of
the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, an external
bead formed integrally with, surrounding and spaced from a free end
of the rim, and an internal bead formed integrally with and around
the rim to project inwardly of the container, the internal bead
being defined as part of the rim free end; and (ii) a closure
having a closure portion that is adapted to overlie the opening of
the container, a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion
and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the
container, the skirt having a first ledge located within and formed
integrally therewith, the first ledge being positionable to locate
in interlocking engagement with the external bead, with a second
ledge being formed integrally with the closure portion and being
positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the internal
bead.
30. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 29 wherein
the skirt comprises a first portion positionable adjacent to and to
surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion
comprising a band that is frangibly connected to and extends
downwardly from the first portion to surround the rim below its
upper end, the second portion having a first ledge located within
and formed integrally therewith, the first ledge being positionable
to locate in interlocking engagement with the external bead, with a
second ledge being formed integrally with the closure portion and
being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the
internal bead; wherein, when the closure is mounted on the
container, the second portion can be detached from the first
portion to enable its removal from the closure and from its
interlocking engagement with the external bead.
31. A container-closure arrangement comprising: (i) a container
having a base and peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of
the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, an external
bead formed integrally with and surrounding the rim, and a
container flange formed integrally with and to extend out from and
around the container wall below the rim; and (ii) a closure having
a closure portion that is adapted to overlie the opening of the
container, a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and
arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the
container, the skirt comprising a first portion positionable
adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim, and a
second portion comprising a band that is frangibly connected to and
extends downwardly from the first portion to surround the rim below
its upper end, the second portion having a first ledge located
within and formed integrally therewith, the first ledge being
positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external
bead; wherein, when the closure is mounted on the container, a
distal end of the second portion is positioned in a close facing
relationship to the container flange.
32. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 31 wherein
the container flange is formed integrally with and extends out from
the container wall below the rim, whereby a distal end of the skirt
second portion is positionable in a close facing relationship to
the container flange when the closure is mounted to the container,
and wherein the container comprises an internal bead formed
integrally with and around the rim to project inwardly of the
container, and the closure portion comprises a second ledge formed
integrally therewith and positionable to locate in interlocking
engagement with the internal bead, with the second portion being
detachable from the first portion to enable its removal from the
closure and from its interlocking engagement with the external
bead.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] An improved container-closure arrangement is disclosed, for
example, an arrangement wherein at least the closure (eg. lid) is
moulded from plastic.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Plastic and metal containers such as pails are used for
holding chemicals including paints, solvents, oils, powders etc. It
is desirable that the closure does not become detached from the
container as a result of inadvertent dropping of the container
and/or from shifting loads during handling, transport etc. At the
same time, it is desirable that the closure be readily removable
when access to container contents is required.
SUMMARY
[0003] There is provided a first container-closure arrangement
comprising:
[0004] (i) a container having a base and peripheral wall, a rim
forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of
the container, an external bead formed integrally with and
surrounding the rim, and an internal bead formed integrally with
and around the rim to project inwardly of the container; and
[0005] (ii) a closure having a closure portion that is adapted to
overlie the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally
with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the
closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first
portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper
end of the rim, and a second portion comprising a band that is
frangibly connected to and extends downwardly from the first
portion to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion
having a first ledge located within and formed integrally
therewith, the first ledge being positionable to locate in
interlocking engagement with the external bead, with a second ledge
being formed integrally with the closure portion and being
positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the internal
bead;
[0006] wherein, when the closure is mounted on the container, the
second portion can be detached from the first portion to enable its
removal from the closure and from its interlocking engagement with
the external bead.
[0007] The interlocking engagement of the first ledge with the
external bead can provide a "primary locking" of the closure to the
container, and the interlocking engagement of the second ledge with
the internal bead can provide a "secondary locking" of the closure
to the container. Detachment of the second portion thus releases
this primary locking to allow for closure removal from the
container.
[0008] In this regard, once the primary locking has been
disengaged, only the secondary locking needs to be disengaged for
the closure to be removed from the container. In other words, once
the second portion has been detached from the first portion the
second ledge can be disengaged from the internal bead to release
the closure from the container. Thereafter, upon closure
re-mounting to the container, secondary locking can be re-engaged
(via the second ledge and internal bead) to securely remount the
closure to the container.
[0009] The second portion can thus function as a tear band or
strip, and this band or strip can provide an indication that the
mounting of the closure to the container has been tampered with.
Alternatively, the frangible connection between the first and
second portions can be defined by a line of severance (eg. that can
be readily cut with a knife, blade etc), and again, tampering with
the line of severance can be detected.
[0010] In addition, for transport, storage etc, the provision of
primary and secondary locking facilitates a more secure mounting of
the closure to the container such that, when the closure is
initially mounted on the container, it is secured thereto on either
side of the rim.
[0011] In one embodiment a closure flange can be formed integrally
with and to extend out from the skirt of the closure to facilitate
closure removal from the container. In this embodiment, the closure
flange can be formed integrally with to extend out from the first
portion.. Thus, once the second portion has been detached from the
first portion, the second ledge can disengaged from the internal
bead by lifting the closure flange. This can cause an outward
flexing of the first portion away from the rim and can allow the
second ledge to move past the internal bead.
[0012] In another embodiment the second portion can have a
thickness that causes the first ledge to be urged into interlocking
engagement with the external bead after the first ledge has moved
past the external bead during mounting of the closure to the
container. In this regard, the first ledge can sit under and/or
behind the external bead.
[0013] In a further embodiment a container flange can be formed
integrally with and to extend out from the container wall below the
rim. In this regard, a distal end of the skirt second portion may
be positionable adjacent to the container flange when the closure
is mounted to the container. Locating the distal end of the second
portion adjacent to the container flange can assist with tamper
proofing the arrangement. The container flange can also function to
strengthen the container.
[0014] In combination with the external bead, the container flange
can define an external channel extending around the rim and into
which the first ledge can be received when the closure is mounted
to the container. In addition, the container flange can be formed
to protrude laterally further from the container than the skirt,
thereby providing protection to the skirt during transport of the
arrangement.
[0015] In yet another embodiment the closure portion can comprise a
land that connects at one end to the skirt, and from which end the
skirt depends, and connects at an opposite end to a wall section
that subtends from this opposite end. The skirt, land and wall
section in combination can define a generally U-shaped channel into
which the container rim is receivable, when mounting the closure
thereto. The first and second ledges may then project into the
U-shaped channel from the skirt and wall section respectively.
[0016] In a further embodiment the second ledge may project into
the U-shaped channel from the land and, additionally, an internal
skirt can project from the land or wall section, with a distal end
of the internal skirt being arranged for engagement with an
internal ledge defined in the container wall. The internal skirt
can provide support for the stacking of containers. For example,
when a laden second container is stacked on top of an assembled
first container-closure arrangement, the internal skirt can
transfer the mass of the second container from the first closure to
the first container wall.
[0017] In yet a further embodiment, a sealing arrangement can be
provided between the first portion and the adjacent container rim.
This sealing arrangement can comprise a projection on either the
first portion or the rim, and a corresponding recess on either the
rim or the first portion respectively, the recess being adapted for
receiving the projection therein when the closure is mounted to the
container. The projection can be received in the recess in a close
or snug fit to maximise sealing between the closure and the
container.
[0018] There is also provided a second container-closure
arrangement comprising:
[0019] (i) a container having a base and peripheral wall, a rim
forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of
the container, an external bead formed integrally with, surrounding
and spaced from a free end of the rim, and an internal bead formed
integrally with and around the rim to project inwardly of the
container, the internal bead being defined as part of the rim free
end; and
[0020] (ii) a closure having a closure portion that is adapted to
overlie the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally
with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the
closure is mounted to the container, the skirt having a first ledge
located within and formed integrally therewith, the first ledge
being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the
external bead, with a second ledge being formed integrally with the
closure portion and being positionable to locate in interlocking
engagement with the internal bead.
[0021] By locating the external bead such that is spaced from the
rim free end, and by defining the internal bead as part of the rim
free end, once the first ledge is disengaged from the external
bead, this arrangement makes it easier to disengage the second
ledge from the internal bead.
[0022] In an embodiment of the second arrangement the skirt
comprises first and second portions as defined in the first
arrangement (eg. where the second portion comprises a band that is
frangibly connected to and extends downwardly from the first
portion to surround the rim below its upper end).
[0023] In all other respects the second arrangement may be as
defined in the first arrangement.
[0024] There is also provided a third container-closure arrangement
comprising:
[0025] (i) a container having a base and peripheral wall, a rim
forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of
the container, an external bead formed integrally with and
surrounding the rim, and a container flange formed integrally with
and to extend out from and around the container wall below the rim;
and
[0026] (ii) a closure having a closure portion that is adapted to
overlie the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally
with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the
closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first
portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper
end of the rim, and a second portion comprising a band that is
frangibly connected to and extends downwardly from the first
portion to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion
having a first ledge located within and formed integrally
therewith, the first ledge being positionable to locate in
interlocking engagement with the external bead;
[0027] wherein, when the closure is mounted on the container, a
distal end of the second portion is positioned in a close facing
relationship to the container flange.
[0028] By arranging for the distal end of the second portion to be
in a close facing relationship to the container flange when the
closure is mounted on the container, an additional tamper proof
feature can be provided. For example, an attempt to remove the
closure from the container may require the insertion of an
implement (eg. a blade) between the second portion distal end and
the container flange, which may then be detected (eg. as a
deformation of either of both of the second portion or flange).
[0029] The terminology "close facing relationship" is to be
interpreted to include abutment of the second portion distal end at
the container flange.
[0030] In the third arrangement the container flange may comprise
the features of and be defined by the container flange of the first
arrangement
[0031] In the third arrangement the container can comprise an
internal bead formed integrally with and around the rim to project
inwardly of the container, and the closure portion can comprise a
second ledge formed integrally therewith and positionable to locate
in interlocking engagement with the internal bead, as defined in
the first arrangement.
[0032] In addition, in the third arrangement the second portion can
be detached from the first portion to enable its removal from the
closure and from its interlocking engagement with the external
bead, as defined in the first arrangement.
[0033] In all other respects the third arrangement may be as
defined in the first arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Notwithstanding other embodiments which may incorporate some
or all of the features as outlined in the Summary, a number of
specific container-closure embodiments will now be described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled
container-closure arrangement;
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view through part of the
assembled container-closure arrangement taken on the line 2,3-2,3
of FIG. 1; and
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view through part of another
assembled container-closure arrangement taken on the line 2,3-2,3
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, where like reference numerals are
used to denote similar or like parts, two container-closure
arrangement embodiments (FIGS. 2 and 3) will now be described. Each
arrangement generally comprises a container in the form of a pail
10, and a closure in the form of a lid 11. Whilst the arrangements
can be employed with a circular pail and lid as shown, the
arrangements are equally applicable to square or rectangular pails
and lids etc.
[0039] The pail and lid may be moulded from polypropylene or high
density polyethylene. The pail may be moulded in any desired size
and may have a volumetric capacity in the order of eg. 0.5 to 10
litres. The pail may also be formed from a metal material. In
addition, the lid-pail arrangements are suited to both
straight-sided (FIG. 2) and angle-walled (FIG. 3) containers.
[0040] The pail 10 has a base 13 which is sized so that it can be
located at a closure portion of the lid. In this regard, the
closure portion includes a generally flat central region 14,
whereby the base of an overlying pail can be positioned on region
14, so that a number of the pail-lid arrangements may be stacked
one upon another. The pail has a; peripheral wall 15, and a rim 16
forms an upper margin of the wall 15 and surrounds an opening of
the pail.
[0041] An externally projecting bead 17 is formed integrally with
and surrounds the rim 16, and is spaced from an upper free end 16A
of the rim. The bead 17 has an undersurface 18 that extends from
the outer surface 19 of the peripheral wall 15.
[0042] An internally projecting bead 20 is formed integrally with
and extends internally of and around the rim 16, the bead 20 being
defined as part of the rim upper free end 16A. The bead 20 has an
undersurface 21 that extends from the inner surface 22 of the
peripheral wall 15.
[0043] The spacing of the beads as shown, and the incorporation of
bead 20 into rim upper free end 16A, makes it easier for the lid 11
to removed from container 10 (as described below).
[0044] An annular container flange 24 can be formed integrally with
to surround the peripheral wall 15 of the container. The flange is
located below the level of the bead 17 to define a circumferential
groove 25 for the receipt of a skirt ledge (as described below).
The flange may comprise a first wall portion 26 formed integrally
with, and surrounding and extending out from the outer surface 19
of the peripheral wall 15, and a second wall portion 27 subtending
from the first wall portion 26. The wall portion 26 may be slightly
inclined with respect to the peripheral wall 15 of the container or
may be generally orthogonal thereto.
[0045] The flange 24 can provide for a tamper-proof mounting of the
lid to the pail (as described below). The flange 24 also
strengthens the pail and provides resistance to lateral bumps and
blows during transportation. In this regard, as best shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, because flange 24 projects laterally further than the lid,
it preferentially receives and absorbs bumps, blows etc. and thus
contributes to a secure lid mounting in use.
[0046] The lid 11 comprises a skirt 30 which surrounds the rim 16
when the lid is first mounted to the pail. Skirt 30 can comprise
first 32 and second 34 skirt portions, with the second skirt
portion typically being defined as a removable tear strip or band.
Whilst the skirt may be formed as a continuous (unbroken) wall
depending from and extending peripherally around the lid (eg. for
permanent lid locking to the pail, such as where the arrangement is
employed on oil cans etc and a separate spout is employed with the
lid), in most applications it is configured to be removable to
readily enable lid opening. In this regard, a free strip end 34A
(FIG. 1) can be defined as part of second skirt portion 34, the
free strip end 34A providing a manually accessible point of
initiation for strip., tearing and removal. The strip end 34A may
be moulded or formed so as to protrude slightly for easier access.
Alternatively, at a location along the second skirt portion 34, the
skirt portion may be thinned out, indented or cut to facilitate
initiation of tear strip removal.
[0047] To assist with tamper-proofing the mounting of the lid to
the pail, the second skirt portion 34 may be shaped and sized to
extend down to the flange 24 in a close facing relationship with
wall portion 26 when the lid is first mounted to the pail (see
FIGS. 2 and 3). This close facing relationship (eg. may be
abutment) provides a tamper-proof region between the lid and pail
and can help to prevent the insertion of a knife or other sharp or
bladed instrument between the lid and pail. However, should such an
attempt be made, the close facing relationship ensures that
deformation or other damage results, thereby providing a visual or
tactile indication of tampering.
[0048] The first skirt portion 32 is connected to the central
region 14 by a land in the form of annular bridging web 35,
internal wall 36 and connecting web 37. The web 35 and wall 36
combine with the first skirt portion 32 to define an inverted
U-shaped channel located adjacent to the central region 14 and into
which the rim 16 is received when the lid is mounted to the
pail.
[0049] The second skirt portion 34 depends from and is frangibly
connected to the skirt portion 32 by way of an integrally moulded
thin connecting web 38. Alternatively, web 38 can be defined by a
line of severance between the first and second skirt portions which
can eg. be cut with a knife or separately torn off etc.
[0050] In both the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second skirt
portion comprises an inwardly projecting ledge 40 for interlocking
engagement with the bead 17 when the lid is first mounted to the
pail as shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the internal wall 36
comprises an inwardly projecting ledge 42 for interlocking
engagement with the bead 20 when the lid is mounted to the pail as
shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the web 35 comprises an
inwardly projecting ridge 42' (instead of ledge 42) for
interlocking engagement with the bead 20 when the lid is mounted to
the pail as shown.
[0051] The dual interlocking engagement between beads 17,20 and
ledges 40,42 enables the lid to be securely fastened to the pail in
that, once assembled, the lid is secured around its periphery by
locking on to beads on either side of the rim 16, with the rim then
being locked within the U-shaped channel. Furthermore, the
interlocking engagement of the ledge 40 with the bead 17 provides a
"primary" locking of the closure to the container. The reference to
"primary" is a reference to an interlocking which externally
secures the lid to the pail during transportation and prior to
accessing container contents. The interlocking engagement of the
ledge/ridge 42,42' with the bead 20 is referred to as "secondary"
locking of the lid to the pail, and this locking enables the lid to
be re-secured to the pail after the pail contents have been
accessed.
[0052] For example, when the second skirt portion 34 is provided as
a removable strip that is severable along web 38, removal of
portion 34 facilitates detachment of the lid from the pail. In
addition, because bead 20 is defined as part of rim upper free end
16A, once portion 34 has been removed, it is now relatively easy to
detach the lid at ledge/ridge 42,42' from bead 20 and remove it
from container 10. In this regard, after removal of portion 34, and
when the lid 11 is then lifted, ledge/ridge 42,42' can be easily
urged past bead 20, as ridge 16 can deflect outwardly because first
skirt portion can now be flexed or urged outwardly.
[0053] The first skirt portion 32 may also comprise a flange for
the lid in the form of a projection 44 extending outwardly from and
around the lid. The projection 44 is profiled to accommodate the
fingers of a person who seeks to lift the lid from the pail after
the second skirt portion 34 has been removed. This lifting may
instead be facilitated by an appropriate tool. In either case,
lifting of projection 44 can further promote the outward
flexing/urging of the first skirt portion, to further assist with
detachment of ledge/ridge 42,42' from rim 16 and bead 20.
[0054] As shown, the second skirt portion 34 has a thickness
sufficient to cause the ledge 40 to be urged under (or behind) the
bead 17 (ie. in a kind of snap-lock) once the ledge has moved past
the bead during mounting of the lid to the pail. In this regard,
the thickness and/or skirt material is selected to allow
deformation of the second skirt portion during movement past the
bead 17, but to impart sufficient resilience to cause the skirt
portion to spring back to its original dimension once in the
location shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0055] The beads 17,20 are typically shaped to facilitate sliding
engagement between respective inside surfaces 46 and 47 of the
second and first skirt portions and a surface 48 of the internal
wall 36 (embodiment of FIG. 2) when the lid is mounted to the
pail.
[0056] In this regard, mounting of the lid to the pail may be
facilitated by arranging a ring-shaped tool on projection 44. The
tool can have an internal diameter such that it sits on projection
44 and abuts a wall portion 35A of the lid, with wall portion 35A
extending from web 35 and connecting it to projection 44. A user
(or machine) may then press on the ring-shaped tool to force the
lid onto the pail, with inside surfaces 46 and 47 sliding past bead
17, and (in the embodiment of FIG. 2) with surface 46 sliding past
bead 20.
[0057] As shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, projection 44 and web 35 are
connected by the wall portion 35A such that a peripheral flange 50,
protruding from the intersection of base 13 and wall 15 of an
overlying pail 10', can be accommodated as shown. This
configuration enables secure stacking of such pails.
[0058] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, it will be seen that a lid
stacking skirt 52 can be provided to extend from an underside of
lid 11. The skirt can extend from the annular bridging web 35 (as
shown), or may extend from the internal wall 36 or from the
connecting web 37. A distal end 52A of the stacking skirt 52 can,
when the lid is mounted to the pail, be received at an internal
step 54 defined in wall 15 of container 10. Thus, when one or more
laden (eg. like) containers are stacked on the lid 11, the stacking
skirt 52 can receive the mass of the laden container(s) and
transfer it to the step in the container wall, and the wall then
transfers this mass to its base. This can prevent inward collapse
of the lid under load.
[0059] Referring specifically to FIG. 3 again, it will also be seen
that a sealing arrangement between the lid and pail can be
employed. In this regard, the sealing arrangement may comprise one
or more projections in the form of one or more discrete lobes 56 or
a peripheral bead 56 located on (eg. integral with) the rim 16. The
sealing arrangement may then further comprise one or more
corresponding recesses 58 or a peripheral groove 58 respectively,
each recess or the groove being defined in the first skirt portion
32 and being adapted for receiving each lobe or the bead
respectively therein when the lid is mounted to the pail.
Alternatively, each lobe or bead may be located at the first skirt
portion 32 and each recess or the groove may be located at the rim
16. In addition, each recess or the groove and each lobe or the
bead can be sized such that, when engaged together, a close or snug
fit results. This can further enhance sealing.
[0060] The sealing arrangement thus provides a seal between the lid
and pail, and may in this regard also be adapted such that a gasket
can be provided thereat for eg. hermetic or additional air-tight
sealing of pail contents. The sealing arrangement also provides for
an additional fastening of the first skirt portion 32 to the rim 16
(ie. once second skirt portion 34 has been removed). As required,
the arrangement can be adapted to provide eg. a reduced primary
locking force, ie. once skirt portion 34 has been removed.
[0061] In use, after the container has been filled and the lid has
been mounted to the pail, when a user requires access to the pail
contents, the second skirt portion 34 is removed (eg. as a tear
strip) to detach ledge 40 from bead 17. This releases the lid from
its primary locking position. Then the user by hand or through the
use of an appropriate tool engages projection 44 and lifts it away
from the pail to detach ledge/ridge 42,42' from bead 20 and
effectively peal back the lid 11 from pail 10, allowing access to
pail contents. After such access the lid can be re-mounted by
pushing it back on to the pail until ledge/ridge 42,42'
interlockingly engages with bead 20, thus re-sealing the pail
contents for storage and later use.
[0062] In the embodiments described the lid is formed from
deformable and/or deflectable materials to facilitate its mounting
onto and removal from the pail. On the other hand, and as required,
the pail may be formed from deformable or non-deformable materials
such as plastic, metal etc.
[0063] Whilst a number of embodiments have been described, it will
be appreciated that the container-closure arrangement can be
embodied in many other forms.
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