U.S. patent application number 11/899104 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for container lid removal facilitator.
Invention is credited to Donald J. SR. Booty.
Application Number | 20080067173 11/899104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46329261 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080067173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Booty; Donald J. SR. |
March 20, 2008 |
Container lid removal facilitator
Abstract
A thin, deformable polymer sheet is configured to be placed
between an opening in a container and the container lid,
particularly when the lid is to be refastened to the container. The
sheet creates a barrier between the container and the lid, and more
particularly, between the lid and any residual contents of the
container, such as paint, that may be on the lid engagement
surfaces. The residual content, when it dries, will therefore not
adhere the lid to the container and inhibit subsequent removal of
the lid.
Inventors: |
Booty; Donald J. SR.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul D. Amrozowicz, Esq.
1683 S. Boulder Street
Gilbert
AZ
85295
US
|
Family ID: |
46329261 |
Appl. No.: |
11/899104 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11208466 |
Aug 20, 2005 |
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11899104 |
Sep 4, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/022 20130101;
B65D 2543/00861 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/270 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/34 20060101
B65D017/34 |
Claims
1. A device that facilitates removal of a container lid from a
container that includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that
surround, and define an outer boundary of, a container opening
within the container, the container lid configured to be disposed
on the container and seal the container opening by engaging the one
or more container lid engagement surfaces, the device comprising: a
deformable polymer sheet that is dimensioned to extend entirely
over the container opening, the sheet configured to be disposed
between the container lid and the one or more lid engagement
surfaces and having an inner surface, an outer surface, an outer
peripheral edge between the inner and outer surfaces, and a
thickness of 0.001-inches or less, the sheet dimensioned such that,
when installed, (i) an entirety of the outer surface of the sheet
within the outer boundary of the container opening is always
disposed proximate the container lid and (ii) the outer peripheral
surface is exposed when the container lid is disposed to seal the
container opening.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: placement indicia on
the outer surface, the placement indicia supplying information
representative of instructions as to positioning the deformable
sheet over the container opening.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the placement indicia supplies
information representative of instructions as to positioning the
deformable sheet over a plurality of different sized container
openings.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: data recording
indicia on the outer surface, the data recording indicia defining a
region in which data may be printed using a handwriting
instrument.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the region defined by the data
recording indicia is disposed in an area of the outer surface that
is exposed when the sheet is installed.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the deformable polymer sheet
comprises a material suitable for printing indicia thereon.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformable polymer sheet is
configured to have a non-circular in shape.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformable polymer sheet is
configured to have a circular shape.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformable polymer sheet
comprises a material having sufficient strength to resist tearing
upon subsequent removal of the container lid from the
container.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the polymer sheet comprises
polyethylene.
11. A device that facilitates removal of a container lid from a
container that includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that
surround a container opening within the container, the container
lid configured to be disposed on the container and seal the
container opening by engaging the one or more container lid
engagement surfaces, the device comprising: a deformable polymer
sheet that is dimensioned to extend entirely over the opening in
the container, the sheet configured to be disposed between the
container lid and the one or more lid engagement surfaces and
having an outer peripheral edge that is exposed when the container
lid is disposed to seal the container opening; and placement
indicia on the outer surface, the placement indicia supplying
information representative of instructions as to positioning the
deformable sheet over the container opening.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the placement indicia supplies
information representative of instructions as to positioning the
deformable sheet over a plurality of different sized container
openings.
13. The device of claim 1, further comprising: data recording
indicia on the outer surface, the data recording indicia defining a
region in which data may be printed using a handwriting
instrument.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the region defined by the data
recording indicia is disposed in an area of the outer surface that
is exposed when the sheet is installed.
15. A device that facilitates removal of a container lid from a
container that includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that
surround a container opening within the container, the container
lid configured to be disposed on the container and seal the
container opening by engaging the one or more container lid
engagement surfaces, the device comprising: a deformable polymer
sheet that is dimensioned to extend entirely over the opening in
the container, the sheet configured to be disposed between the
container lid and the one or more lid engagement surfaces and
having an outer peripheral edge that is exposed when the container
lid is disposed to seal the container opening; placement indicia on
the outer surface, the placement indicia supplying information
representative of instructions as to positioning the deformable
sheet over the container opening; and data recording indicia on the
outer surface, the data recording indicia defining a region in
which data may be printed using a handwriting instrument.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the placement indicia supplies
information representative of instructions as to positioning the
deformable sheet over a plurality of different sized container
openings.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the region defined by the data
recording indicia is disposed in an area of the outer surface that
is exposed when the sheet is installed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 11/208,466, filed Aug. 20, 2005.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to container removal devices
and, more particularly, to a device that facilitates the removal of
a lid from a container that includes matter that may inhibit
repeated lid removal. The device also increases the sealing
properties of the container lid.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Liquid coating materials such as paint, varnish, adhesives
and the like are commonly distributed in resealable cans or other
types of containers. Providing resealable containers enables end
users to use only a portion of the container contents, and then
reseal the container to prevent evaporation or drying of the
remaining contents. In practice, the ability to reuse the container
contents depends, at least in part, on the ability of the end user
to effectively reopen the container.
[0004] Practically speaking, many end users dip a brush directly
into the can, or else pour the can contents into another container,
such as a sprayer or rolling pan. When a brush is used, many times
it is first wiped against the sealing surfaces of the can lid to
remove excess content from the brush. Similarly, when the content
is poured from the container, a portion of content inevitably
contacts the container seal surfaces. In both instances, upon
completion of use, the content on the container seal surfaces may
spread throughout the sealing surface when the container lid is
replaced. When the content subsequently dries on the sealing
surface, the lid may stick to the dried content, making it
difficult or impossible to re-open the can for subsequent use.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for a device that will allow the lid
of a container to be more readily removed following initial use of
the container contents, and/or to effectively reseal the can after
subsequent use. The present invention addresses at least this
need.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides a device that facilitates
removal of a container lid following initial and subsequent use of
the container contents.
[0007] In one embodiment, and by way of example only, a device is
provided that facilitates removal of a container lid from a
container that includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that
surround, and define an outer boundary of, a container opening
within the container, the container lid configured to be disposed
on the container and seal the container opening by engaging the one
or more container lid engagement surfaces. The device includes a
deformable polymer sheet that is dimensioned to extend entirely
over the container opening. The sheet is configured to be disposed
between the container lid and the one or more lid engagement
surfaces and has an inner surface, an outer surface, an outer
peripheral edge between the inner and outer surfaces, and a
thickness of 0.001-inches or less. The sheet is dimensioned such
that, when installed, an entirety of the outer surface of the sheet
within the outer boundary of the container opening is always
disposed proximate the container lid and the outer peripheral
surface is exposed when the container lid is disposed to seal the
container opening.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a device is provided that
facilitates removal of a container lid from a container that
includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that surround a
container opening within the container, wherein the container lid
is configured to be disposed on the container and seal the
container opening by engaging the one or more container lid
engagement surfaces. The device includes a deformable polymer sheet
that is dimensioned to extend entirely over the opening in the
container. The sheet is configured to be disposed between the
container lid and the one or more lid engagement surfaces, and has
an outer peripheral edge that is exposed when the container lid is
disposed to seal the container opening. Placement indicia on the
outer surface of device supply information representative of
instructions as to positioning the deformable sheet over the
container opening.
[0009] In still another exemplary embodiment, a device is provided
that facilitates removal of a container lid from a container that
includes one or more lid engagement surfaces that surround a
container opening within the container, wherein the container lid
is configured to be disposed on the container and seal the
container opening by engaging the one or more container lid
engagement surfaces. The device includes a deformable polymer sheet
that is dimensioned to extend entirely over the opening in the
container. The sheet is configured to be disposed between the
container lid and the one or more lid engagement surfaces, and has
an outer peripheral edge that is exposed when the container lid is
disposed to seal the container opening. Placement indicia on the
outer surface of device supply information representative of
instructions as to positioning the deformable sheet over the
container opening. Data recording indicia on the outer surface of
the device define a region in which data may be printed using a
handwriting instrument.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the preferred
container lid removal facilitator will become apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a container assembly that
includes an embodiment of a lid removal facilitator according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows the container assembly of FIG. 1 in a
fully-assembled state;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a close-up cross section view of a portion of
the container assembly of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a close-up cross section view of an alternate
container that includes an embodiment of the lid removal
facilitator shown in FIGS. 1-3;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the lid removal facilitator
according to an alternate embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an assembly of a plurality of
the lid removal facilitator shown in FIG. 5 in a packaging
environment;
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the lid removal facilitator
according to yet another alternate embodiment; and
[0018] FIGS. 8 and 9 depict usage of the lid removal facilitator of
FIG. 7 with a container assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2, exploded and
assembled views, respectively, of a container assembly 100 are
shown. The container assembly 100 includes a container 102, a lid
104, and a lid removal facilitator 106. In the depicted embodiment,
the container 102 is a substantially cylindrical container that is
configured similar to a conventional paint can. To this end, the
container 102 has an inner peripheral surface 108 that defines an
internal volume 112 for containing material, such as paint or other
liquid material, therein. The container 102 additionally includes
an opening 114 and lid engagement surfaces 116. The container
opening 114 extends through container 102 and into the internal
volume 112, which allows various devices, such as brushes or
stirrers, to be dipped into the contained material, or for the
contained material to be poured from the container 102. The lid
engagement surfaces 116, as will be described more fully below, are
coupled to the lid 104, via the lid removal facilitator 106, to
sealingly enclose the contained material within the container 102
for subsequent use.
[0020] The removable container lid 104, as was just noted, is
configured to seal the container opening 114 to prevent removal of
the contained material, and to allow for its subsequent use. The
lid 104 includes one or more container engagement surfaces 118
that, when the container assembly 100 is assembled, are coupled to
the lid engagement surfaces 116 via the lid removal facilitator
106.
[0021] The lid removal facilitator 106 is dimensioned to extend
entirely over the container opening 114, and when the container lid
104 is used to seal the container 102, to provide one or more
exposed outer peripheral edges 122. The lid removal facilitator 106
is preferably formed of a deformable material that will not readily
adhere to the container content, is substantially non-porous, and
will function as a barrier between the container lid 104 and any
residual container content that may remain on the lid engagement
surfaces 116. In a particular preferred embodiment, the lid removal
facilitator 106 comprises a polymer material that is formed into a
deformable polymer sheet. It will be appreciated that any one of
numerous polymer materials may be used for the lid removal
facilitator 106, so long as it is sufficiently deformable, and
chemically impervious to the contents of the container 102. For
example, in a particular preferred embodiment, the polymer is
polyethylene.
[0022] As was previously noted, and as is shown in FIG. 2, the lid
removal facilitator 106 is disposed between the container lid 104
and the container 102 when the lid 104 seals the container opening
114. In this position, the lid facilitator 106 engages the lid
engagement surfaces 116 on the container 102 and the container
engagement surfaces 118 on the lid 104. Because the lid removal
facilitator 106 is deformable and substantially non-porous, even
though it forms a barrier between the container 102 and the lid
104, it also allows sufficient coupling between the lid engagement
surfaces 116 and the container engagement surfaces 118 to seal the
container content.
[0023] The above-described arrangement is shown most clearly in
FIG. 3, in which the lid engagement surface 116 is configured as a
groove 302 that extends around the circumference of the container
opening 114, and the container engagement surface 118 is configured
as a notch 304 that protrudes from a lower surface of the container
lid 104. The groove 302 and notch 304 are configured such that the
notch 304 will snugly fit within the groove 302 to form a tight
seal. As is also shown, the lid removal facilitator 106 is disposed
between the container 102 and lid 104, and is pressed into the
groove 302 by the notch 304. The lid removal facilitator outer
peripheral edge 122 extends beyond the container-lid interface, and
is thus exposed. When the lid removal facilitator 106 is in place,
standard devices such as a key or screwdriver may be used to easily
pry the lid 104 off.
[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the container 102 and
lid 104 were configured with groove-and-notch type engagement
surfaces 116, 118. It will be appreciated that the lid removal
facilitator 106 can also be used with containers configured with
other types of engagement surfaces. For example, as shown in FIG.
4, the container 102 and lid 104 could be configured to include
threaded lid engagement surfaces 402 and threaded container
engagement surfaces 404, respectively.
[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lid removal
facilitator 106 was illustrated as having a non-circular shape.
However, this is merely exemplary, and any one of numerous other
shapes could be used. For example, as is shown in FIG. 5, the lid
facilitator could have a circular shape. No matter the specific
shape, the lid removal facilitator 106 is preferably provided in a
packaged environment along with a plurality of other lid removal
facilitators 106. An example of the this is shown in FIG. 6, in
which an exemplary package assembly 600 is shown. The package
assembly 600 includes a first cover 602, a second cover 604, and a
plurality of lid removal facilitators 106. The first and second
covers 602, 604 may be made of any one of numerous materials, but
in the depicted embodiment are foldable cardboard-type devices. The
plurality of lid removal facilitators 106 are disposed and fastened
between the covers 602, 604 by, for example, a staple or other
fastener that allows ready and easy removal of one or more
facilitator 106.
[0026] In addition to being supplied in any one of numerous shapes,
the lid removal facilitator 106 may also have a thickness of any
one of numerous values. Preferably, the lid removal facilitator 106
has a thickness of 0.001-inches or less. A thickness of
0.001-inches or less permits proper resealing of the container 102,
and prevents subsequent accidental spillage, should the container
assembly 100 be unintentionally tipped. It will be appreciated that
minor tearing of the lid removal facilitator 106 while the lid 104
is being placed on the container 102 will not inhibit the desired
ease of lid removal.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 7, in another embodiment the lid removal
facilitator 106 has various indicia thereon. The specific type and
amount of indicia may vary. In the depicted embodiment, the indicia
includes placement indicia 702 and data recording indicia 704. As
depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the placement indicia supplies
information representative of instructions to an end-user regarding
positioning of the lid removal facilitator 106 over the container
opening 114. Preferably, the placement indicia 702 supplies
information representative of instructions regarding the optimal
positioning of the lid removal facilitator 106. Preferably, a
plurality of placement indicia 702 are provide to facilitate
optimal placement of the lid removal facilitator 106 on a plurality
of different sized containers 102. For example, in the depicted
embodiment the placement indicia 702 includes indicia for accurate,
easy centering of the lid removal facilitator 106 over the opening
114 of a one gallon container 702-1 and a one quart container
702-2. Again, various placement indicia configurations and sizes
are contemplated.
[0028] As may be appreciated, the container 102 and its contents
may be stored over an extended period of time. Thus, the lid
removal facilitator 106 also preferably includes the data recording
indicia 704. The data recording indicia 704 defines a region 706 on
the lid removal facilitator 106 in which data may be printed using
a handwriting instrument, such as a pen. The region defined by the
data recording indicia 704 is preferably disposed in an area of the
lid removal facilitator 106 that is exposed when the lid removal
facilitator 106 is disposed between a container 102 and lid 104.
The region 706 defined by the data recording indicia 704 may be a
surface of the lid removal facilitator 106 itself, or may be a
separate material that is disposed on the lid removal facilitator
106.
[0029] The lid removal facilitator 106, when placed between a
container 102 and lid 104 upon resealing the container 102, creates
a barrier between any residual container material on the container
102 and the container engagement surfaces 118 on the lid, making
subsequent removal of the lid 104 much easier.
[0030] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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