U.S. patent application number 12/476405 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for lid for tobacco container.
This patent application is currently assigned to J.L. CLARK, INC.. Invention is credited to Gregg Hoffman.
Application Number | 20100012534 12/476405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41529343 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100012534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoffman; Gregg |
January 21, 2010 |
LID FOR TOBACCO CONTAINER
Abstract
An improved lid for a tobacco container is provided. The lid
includes a top and a circumferential sidewall transverse thereto.
The sidewall is unitarily formed with the top and depends
downwardly therefrom. The sidewall includes a strengthening
feature. In an embodiment, the strengthening feature allows the lid
to be interlocked to a tobacco container. In a further embodiment,
the strengthening feature permits a thin walled sheet metal to be
utilized to manufacture of the lid.
Inventors: |
Hoffman; Gregg; (Rockford,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN P.C.
2215 PERRYGREEN WAY
ROCKFORD
IL
61107
US
|
Assignee: |
J.L. CLARK, INC.
Rockford
IL
|
Family ID: |
41529343 |
Appl. No.: |
12/476405 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61081925 |
Jul 18, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/265 ;
206/242; 72/370.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0212 20130101;
B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 15/18 20130101; B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 15/06 20130101; B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D
2543/00527 20130101; B65D 2543/00629 20130101; B65D 2543/00037
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B21D 51/52 20130101; B65D
2543/00277 20130101; B65D 2543/0075 20130101; B21D 51/44
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/265 ;
72/370.1; 206/242 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10; B21D 41/00 20060101 B21D041/00 |
Claims
1. A metal lid for a tobacco container comprising: a sheet metal
body having a thickness of less than 0.007 inches, the sheet metal
body being formed into a lid for a tobacco container and having an
annular periphery of between about two and about four inches with a
sidewall depending downward and having a strengthening feature
formed thereon to accommodate the reduced gauge thickness.
2. The metal lid of claim 1 wherein the sidewall maintains a
constant radial distance from a center of the lid while depending
downward from the upper wall.
3. The metal lid of claim 1 wherein the sheet metal body is formed
of a double reduced sheet steel having a reduced gauge of less than
sixty five pounds to provide a thickness of less than 0.007
inches.
4. The metal lid of claim 1 wherein the sidewall depends downward a
distance of between about 1/16 to about 1 inch.
5. The metal lid of claim 1 wherein the strengthening feature is a
curl, having a first curved section extending radially inward from
an outer annular wall segment of the sidewall to a radially
innermost radial apogee, a second curved section beginning at the
radial apogee and transitioning from extending radially inward to
radially outward, and a third curved section extending radially
inward and terminating proximate the outer annular wall segment,
wherein the first, second, and third curved sections define an
annular channel such that the radial apogee is radially inward of
the outer annular wall segment a distance greater than a thickness
of the sheet metal body.
6. The metal lid of claim 5 wherein the curl is partially flattened
to include top and bottom curved segments and a flattened extension
segment joining the two, the flattened extension being flatter
relative to the top and bottom curved segments.
7. The tobacco container of claim 1 wherein the lid has an outer
diameter of between about 2 and 51/2 inches.
8. The tobacco container of claim 1 wherein the lid is formed from
a single unitary piece of sheet metal.
9. The tobacco container of claim 5 wherein the outer annular wall
segment and the curl form a hook shaped profile.
10. A method for manufacturing a metal lid for a tobacco container
comprising the steps of: selecting a sheet metal that is less than
sixty five pound double reduced steel sheet material; forming a lid
having a circular periphery and a sidewall from the sheet steel;
and curling a distal end of the sidewall.
11. The method of claim 10 further including the step of folding a
portion of the sidewall radially inward displacing the curl
therewith.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of folding a portion of
the sidewall radially inward is accomplished by using a single
tool.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of folding a portion of
the sidewall radially inward is accomplished by using a plurality
of tooling, said plurality progressively decreasing an angle
between the folded portion of the sidewall.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the steps of forming a sheet
metal body and forming a curl are done using a single tool.
15. A tobacco container comprising: a sheet metal body formed into
a lid for the tobacco container, said lid having an upper wall with
a radius of between about 1 to about 3 inches, an annular sidewall
depending downward from the upper wall and having a terminating
end, wherein a radially inward extending curl is formed by the
terminating end.
16. The tobacco container of claim 15 wherein the curl has a first
curved section extending radially inward from an outer annular wall
segment of the sidewall to a radially innermost radial apogee of
the curl, the radial apogee is radially inward of the outer annular
wall segment a distance greater than a thickness of the annular
sheet metal body, a second curved section beginning at the radial
apogee and extending to an axial apogee, and a third curved section
extending radially inward from the axial apogee and terminating
proximate the outer annular wall segment, wherein the first,
second, and third curved sections define an annular channel such
that the radial apogee is radially inward of the outer annular wall
segment a distance greater than a thickness of the sheet metal
body.
17. The tobacco container of claim 15 wherein the curl is partially
flattened and includes top and bottom curved segments and a
flattened extension segment joining the two, the flattened
extension being generally parallel to and radially inward of an
outer wall segment of the sidewall, the bottom curved segment
connects the curl to an outer wall segment of the annular
sidewall.
18. The tobacco container of claim 16 wherein the third curved
section of the curl contacts an inner surface of the outer annular
wall segment.
19. The tobacco container of claim 15 further comprising a
container bottom comprising: a bottom wall; an annular sidewall
depending axially upward from the bottom wall; and a bead located
on the annular sidewall of the container bottom and adapted to
interlock with the curl to secure the lid to the container
bottom.
20. The tobacco container of claim 19 wherein the curl releasably
interlocks with the bead.
21. The tobacco container of claim 20 wherein the lid sidewall
forms a cylindrical outer surface when the lid is interlocked with
container bottom.
22. The tobacco container of claim 19 wherein the container bottom
is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of
cardboard, plastic, and metal.
23. The tobacco container of claim 16 wherein the lid sidewall
forms a cylindrical outer surface having a constant diameter.
24. The tobacco container of claim 16 further including an inner
annular wall segment extending generally parallel to the outer
annular segment, the inner annular wall segment coupled to the
outer annular wall segment by a fold, the inner annular wall
segment axially positioning the curl between the fold and the upper
wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/081,925, filed Jul. 18, 2008,
the disclosure and teachings of which are incorporated herein, in
their entireties, by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to lids for containers and,
more particularly, to a lid for a tobacco container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Loose tobacco and related tobacco products are typically
packaged and sold in disc-shaped containers. In many cases, the
containers comprise a metal lid seated upon either a metal, plastic
or cardboard container bottom. Often, a band-type label is
adhesively secured over the seam between the lid and container to
securely fasten the lid and the container. The band type label also
typically will positively impact the freshness of the product. The
label also typically includes print, images, and information
regarding the tobacco product for a potential customer.
[0004] Conventionally, the lid includes a relatively flat top cover
portion and a surrounding sidewall. The sidewall terminates in a
cut edge. Considering that lids are often formed from metal
(plastic lids are also common), a metal edge has the potential to
be relatively sharp. If the sharp edges are not properly made
smooth, a purchaser of the container may potentially risk suffering
a laceration in one of their fingers when prying the lid from the
container using the edges.
[0005] The interface between the container and the lid typically
will have a snap fit to facilitate removal and attachment of the
lid and the container. The interface between the lid and the
container affects breathability and therefore freshness of the
tobacco product contained therein. Thus, the interface between the
lid and the container includes multiple configurations.
[0006] Further, the lid must be sufficiently strong to prevent
flexure that can compromise the connection of the lid to the
bottom. Typically, the strength of the lid is provided by using
sheet metal material having a thickness of greater than or equal to
0.007 inches.
[0007] The present invention is directed towards improvements over
the state of the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An improved lid for a tobacco container is provided. The lid
includes a strengthening feature that allows for a thin gauge sheet
metal to be utilized. In an embodiment, the strengthening feature
may be configured to be used to additionally interlock the lid to
the container bottom.
[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the metal lid has a sheet
metal body having a reduced gauge thickness of less than 0.007
inches. In a further embodiment, the sheet metal is double reduced
sheet steel. The sheet metal body is formed into a lid for a
tobacco container and has a circular periphery of between about two
and about four inches with a sidewall depending downward therefrom.
The sidewall has a strengthening feature formed thereon to
accommodate the reduced gauge thickness. The strengthening feature
may be located at any height along the sidewall, from a distal end
of the sidewall to any appropriate height to accommodate
interlocking the lid to the container bottom.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for
manufacturing a metal lid for a tobacco container comprising the
steps of first selecting a sheet metal that is less than sixty five
pound double reduced sheet steel material. A lid having a circular
periphery is then formed from the sheet steel material, the lid
having an upper wall and a sidewall with a distal end. The distal
end of the sidewall is then curled radially inward. A further
subsidiary step of this method may include folding a portion of the
sidewall radially inward thereby displacing the curl therewith.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a tobacco container is provided.
The tobacco container comprises a sheet metal body formed into a
lid for a tobacco container. The lid has an upper wall with a
radius of between about 1 inch to about 23/4 inches and annular
sidewall depending downward from the upper wall, and having a
terminating end. A curl is formed on the terminating end, a curl is
then formed on the terminating end. A further subsidiary feature of
this embodiment may include a container bottom having a bottom wall
and an annular sidewall having a bead located on the sidewall that
is adapted to interlock with the lid. The curl may be partially
flattened to include top and bottom curved segments and a flattened
extension segment joining the two, the flattened extension being
flatter relative to the top and bottom curved segments.
[0012] In one implementation, the curl functions as a strengthening
feature allowing for a sheet metal with a gauge thickness of less
than 0.007 inches to be used. In another implementation, the curl
also functions as a connecting portion for cooperating with a
corresponding connecting feature of the container bottom. In an
even more preferred implementation, the strengthening feature is
generally hook shaped in cross-section, having an arcuate head
portion. More particularly, the hook shape of the illustrated
embodiment is a circular hook shape.
[0013] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top and front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a tobacco container including a lid accordance with
the teachings of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the container of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the lid of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the
lid of the container of FIG. 1 further illustrating the lid
installed on a container bottom;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the lid of FIG. 1
illustrating an alternative embodiment of the lid; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the
lid of FIG. 7.
[0023] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a container 10 is illustrated. The
container 10 is typically employed to house chewing tobacco or
other goods suitable for retail purchase by a consumer. In that
regard, the container 10 has an overall size that allows a consumer
to comfortably hold the container within the palm of a hand and to
store the container within a shirt pocket or in the rear pocket of
a pair of blue jeans. Typically the size for facilitating these
tobacco container functions is approximately 21/2 inches in
diameter and approximately 1 inch in axial thickness. However, the
container could be larger or smaller such as between 11/2 and
inches in diameter and between 1/2 and 11/2 inches in axial
thickness.
[0025] The tobacco container 10 may include features that make the
container more aesthetically pleasing such as, for example, color,
images or prints, labels, embossing, and the like. The container 10
may also be secured together by, for example, a band-type adhesive
label (not shown) during a packaging process. After the label has
been broken, the container 10 may be repeatedly opened and closed
such that the consumer may access, as often as desired, a chosen
amount of the contents stored in the container 10.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 is formed when a
generally cylindrical container bottom 12 receives a generally
cylindrical lid 14 (a.k.a., cover). The container bottom 12 may be
suitably formed from a variety of different materials, or
combinations thereof, such as metal, plastic, cardboard, and the
like. In the illustrated embodiment, the container bottom 12 is
formed from a plastic material. The plastic of the container bottom
12 may be either transparent, translucent, or opaque depending on
the desired use of the container 10 and whether the contents, or
lack of contents, within the container are to be externally
viewable.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 2, the container bottom 12 is
illustrated as generally cylindrical, having a bottom 94 and a
sidewall 90 generally transverse to the bottom 94. The sidewall 90
has an inner and an outer face 91, 92. As will be described in more
detail below, the container bottom 12 is adapted to receive and
interlock with the lid 14.
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment the
lid 14 is formed from a relatively thin piece of metal (e.g., sheet
metal). Preferably, the lid is manufactured from a double reduced
sheet steel that has a reduced gauge of less than sixty five
pounds, thereby allowing the lid 14 to have a thickness of
approximately no greater than 0.007 inches. However, due to the
configuration of features of the lid 14 that are more fully
described below, other metals such as, by way of non-limiting
example only, aluminum or other steel materials may be used to
produce the lid 14.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 14 includes an upper wall
16 and a skirt in the form of a cylindrical sidewall 20. The
juncture of the sidewall 20 and the upper wall 16 defines a
shoulder 18 that may provide an optional upper annular recessed
pocket for receiving an upper end of the container bottom 12. In
the illustrated embodiment, the upper wall 16, shoulder 18, and
sidewall 20 form a one piece construction, i.e. formed from a
continuous single blank of material not from an assembly of parts.
However, the upper wall 16 and sidewall 20 may be mechanically
joined by welding, brazing, or other similar methods forming
shoulder 18 such that the lid is an assembly of parts. As shown in
FIG. 2, when the lid 14 is positioned or seated upon the container,
an enclosed storage cavity 24 is defined within the container 10.
The storage cavity 24 is where the tobacco products are held until
removed by the consumer.
[0030] As depicted in FIG. 3, because the lid 14 and the container
bottom 12 are both generally circular in shape, they define and
share a common center point 26. The upper wall 16 of the lid 14
generally extends radially outwardly from the center point 26
between about 1/2 inch and about 2 inches. Therefore, the lid has a
diameter 47 of between about one inch and about 4 inches. However,
the diameter may be larger or smaller in other embodiments. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the diameter 47 of the lid 14 is
about 2.3 inches. Although a generally circular shape is
illustrated, in other embodiments, the lid 14 and the container
bottom 12 may be provided in other shapes.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 2, the upper wall 16 includes both a
bottom and a top surface 15, 17 (i.e., interior and exterior
surface) facing in opposing directions. As the lid 14 is formed
from sheet metal, the bottom and top surfaces 15, 17 are parallel
to each other such that the upper wall 16 may be considered
generally planar or flat. Although not shown, the upper wall 16 may
include embossed letters, numbers, images, and the like
(collectively "characters"). The embossed characters may project
upwardly away from the container or project downwardly into the
storage cavity 24. In that regard, the embossed characters either
have a height or depth of about 0.015 of an inch or less.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, any embossed
characters formed on the upper wall 16 are situated radially inward
of an embossing limit 32 (represented by a dashed line) and within
an embossing portion 34 of the upper wall 16. As shown, the
embossing limit 32 generally extends radially outwardly from the
center point 26 of the upper wall 16 about half an inch to about
one inch. Therefore, a diameter 49 of the embossing limit 32 is
about one inch to about two inches. In the illustrated embodiment
of FIG. 3, the diameter 49 of the embossing limit 32 is 1.85
inches.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, an
annular non-embossed flat portion 36 of the upper wall 16 separates
the shoulder 18 and the embossing portion 34. The purpose of this
flat non-embossed portion 36 is to facilitate proper bending and
folding operations (a.k.a. hemming operations) of the lid 14
sidewall 20 within tight tolerances during metal forming operations
for proper interface, snap-fit and freshness functions. The inside
diameter of the annular flat portion 36 is spaced apart from the
center point 26 of the upper wall 16 between about 3/4 inch and
about 11/4 inches.
[0034] Moving to FIG. 4, as illustrated, the shoulder 18 is
unitarily formed with the upper wall 16 and the sidewall 20. The
shoulder 18 extends radially between about 0.05 of an inch and
about 0.3 of an inch, and upwardly from the upper wall about 0.01
of an inch and about 0.2 inches. Alternatively, when there is no
optional recessed section, the shoulder will not extend upwardly
from the upper wall 16 at all and will merge directly into the
upper wall 16.
[0035] Although illustrated in FIG. 5 as including the shoulder 18
having a radius 100 and a ramped portion 102 causing a recess to be
formed in the upper wall 16, the upper wall 16 and sidewall 20 may
form a juncture at the radius 100 and not incorporate a ramped
portion 102. See for example FIGS. 7 and 8. In such an embodiment,
the upper wall 16 is generally planar from the center of the lid 14
to its circular periphery. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a
flat may be formed between the radius and the ramped portion.
[0036] Returning to FIG. 5, an enlarged, partial cross-section of
the lid 14 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the
shoulder 18 includes the ramped segment 102 and the radius 100 that
facilitates the transition from the upper wall 16 to sidewall 20.
Extending circumferentially about the center 26 (See FIG. 3) and
downwardly from the shoulder 18 is the sidewall 20. The sidewall 20
includes an outer annular wall segment 54, a fold 40, an inner
annular wall segment 52, a transitional segment 112, and a curl
114, all of which also extend circumferentially about the center
26, forming generally annular features. As used herein annular may
encompass more than circular and can include, for example, oblong,
oval, elliptical, etc.
[0037] The inner and outer annular wall segments 52, 54 radially
overlap and are joined by the fold 40. The outer annular wall
segment 54 extends axially straight and away from the upper wall 16
and terminates at the fold 40. The inner annular wall segment 52
extends axially straight and toward the upper wall 16 starting from
the fold 40 and terminating at the transitional segment 112. In a
preferred embodiment, the inner annular wall segment 52 is
generally parallel to the outer annular wall segment 54, albeit
radially spaced inward therefrom. The inner annular wall segment 52
may extend axially upward a distance that may be varied in
different embodiments in order to adjust the strength and rigidity
of the lid, as well as accommodate interlocking with various
configurations of container bottom 12. Further, the inner annular
wall segment 52 may be entirely omitted, as will be discussed in
more detail below.
[0038] Interposed between the inner and outer annular wall segments
52, 54 is an annular gap 110, due to the wall segments 52, 54 being
generally parallel to one another and radially overlapping.
However, in alternative embodiments the gap 110 could be eliminated
such that wall segments 52, 54 radially contact and/or the inner
and outer annular wall segments 52, 54 be skewed and not parallel.
Further, wall segments 52, 54 may extend at slight angles relative
to one another.
[0039] The transitional segment 112 extends radially inward of and
away from the inner annular wall segment 52, and terminates at the
curl 114. Once in its folded configuration described above, lid 14
has an overall height extending from the shoulder 18 to the fold 40
of between about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches, and more preferably about
0.25 inches.
[0040] Fold 40 provides a periphery that is rounded and smooth.
Therefore, because the sidewall 20 incorporates the fold 40, it
need not be smoothed, ground, buffed, or otherwise machined to
eliminate a sharp edge. The fold 40 may therefore serve as a safety
at the bottom of the lid 14. Also, the fold 40 allows the lid 14 to
be more quickly, easily, and cost-effectively fabricated since
there is no additional machining required to remove a sharp
edge.
[0041] Still referring to FIG. 5, the curl 114, as illustrated, is
hook shaped and includes a first curl segment 118, a radial apogee
120, a second curl segment 122, and a third curl segment 124. In
the illustrated embodiment, the curl 114 is formed by a terminating
end of sidewall 20. The curl 114 acts as a strengthening feature as
well as a connecting feature for connecting the lid 14 to container
bottom 12 as will be more fully described.
[0042] The first curl segment 118 is arcuate generally and extends
generally radially inward. The first curl segment 118 begins at the
transitional segment 112 and terminating at the radially inward
radial apogee 120. The second curl segment 122 is arcuate generally
and begins at the radial apogee 120 and extends radially outward to
an axial apogee, closest to shoulder 18.
[0043] The third curl segment 124 begins at the axial apogee and
bends axially back towards fold 40 and axially away from shoulder
18. The third curl segment 124 includes a portion that is generally
tangent to an inner surface 126 of the outer annular wall segment
54. In one embodiment, the third curl segment 124 maintains
engagement with the inner surface 126 of the outer annular wall
segment 54. However, in other embodiments, third curl segment 124
need not contact sidewall 54. The first, second, and third curl
segments 118, 122, 124 together define an annular channel 116.
[0044] While, as illustrated, curl 114 generally has a hook shape,
it may be formed into a variety of other configurations. Typically,
the radial apogee 120 of the curl 114 is radially inward from the
inner surface 126 a distance of about 0.015 to about 0.15 inches,
but is preferably about 0.025 inches. The curl 114 is typically
interposed between the upper wall 16 and the transitional segment
112.
[0045] Further, the hook shape formed by the curl 114 and inner
annular wall segment 52 radially inwardly offsets the radially
inner apogee 120 of curl 114 inward from an inner surface of the
inner annular wall segment 52. Thus, the hook shape, in
cross-section, forms a generally "?" profile. These hook shapes are
only when viewed in cross-section, and are actually annular
structures.
[0046] The sidewall 20 and particularly the inclusion of the
strengthening feature in the illustrated form of curl 114 provide a
sufficient amount of strength and rigidity to allow the lid 14 to
have a reduced wall thickness t than that of typical lids,
preferably less than 0.007 inches thick.
[0047] Further, as the curl 114 is formed from a distal end portion
of the inner annular wall segment 52, rather than a bead formed in
the outer annular wall segment 54, the outer annular wall segment
54 has an outer surface that is substantially cylindrical (i.e.
excluding the portions of the shoulder 18 and fold 40) with a
constant radius at all axial locations along the outer annular wall
segment 54. Thus, the container 10, when assembled, can form a
substantially cylindrical container (i.e. excluding the shoulder
18, fold 40 and any gaps formed between the container lid 14 and
container bottom 12).
[0048] The lid 14 is typically manufactured by forming the lid 14
in stages using a plurality of progressive tooling, such as
progressive dies, rollers and the like. These stages may also be
referred to as hemming.
[0049] After forming a generally cup-shaped member, a first tool is
typically used to form the curl 114. A second tool may then be used
to form fold 40 thereby defining the inner and outer annular wall
segments 52, 54 such that they are in an angular relationship and
generally transverse and typically perpendicular to one another. A
third tool may then be used to orient the inner and outer annular
wall segments 52, 54 such that they are generally parallel to one
another. A fourth tool may be used to form the transitional segment
112 and place the inner annular wall segment 52 proximate to the
inner surface 126 of the outer annular wall segment 54 and the
third curled segment 124 against and in engageable contact with the
inner surface 126.
[0050] In other embodiments, a single tool may be used to form the
curl 114 and fold the inner and outer annular wall segments 52, 54
such that they are generally transverse and typically perpendicular
to one another. Also in other embodiments, and as opposed to using
a progressive tooling process for locating the curl 114 in its
final position, a single tool may be used to orient the inner and
outer annular wall segments 52, 54 such that they are parallel and
the third curl segment 124 is located in contact with the inner
surface 126 of the outer annular wall segment 54, thus removing the
need for the third tool as described above.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the inner surface
15 of the upper wall 16, interior surface 126 of the outer annular
wall segment 54, the inner annular wall segment 52, and the curl
114 are coated with a gold phenolic finish. Even so, in other
embodiments other types of coatings or finishes may be applied to,
or formed on, these interior surfaces.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 6, the lid 14 is illustrated installed
on the container bottom 12. An outer surface 92 of the container
bottom 12 contains a circumferential bead 78. As such, when the lid
14 is installed and interlocked on the container 12, the curl 114
and the bead 78 are in direct contact and engaged with one another.
As such, the curl 114 of the illustrated embodiment acts as both a
strengthening feature as indicated above as well as a connector
(a.k.a. a connecting feature) for securing the lid 14 to the
container bottom 12. Once installed, there is an annular gap 56
radially between the inner annular wall segment and the outer
surface 92 of the container 12. The annular gap 56 is typically
between about 0.005 and about 0.050 of an inch.
[0053] The gap 56 aids in guiding the lid 14 onto the container 12.
As illustrated, the lid 14 and the container bottom 12 may be
telescopically coupled together to form the container 10 and hold
the product. In addition, the gap 56 enables the consumer to better
grasp or grab the lid 14, particularly the fold 40, with their
fingers when separating the lid 14 from the container 12. To secure
the lid 14 to the container, the lid 14 is biased axially downward
until the curl 114 slips over the bead 78 forming an axial snap fit
and/or interference fit therebetween.
[0054] An inner surface 93 of the shoulder 18 is in contact with a
distal end 19 of the container sidewall 90, preventing the lid 14
from further downward axial movement. However, as described above,
the lid 14 may also be supplied in a configuration that does not
incorporate a shoulder 18 as illustrated. When supplied as such,
the bottom surface 15 of the upper wall 16 may be in contact with
the distal end 19 when the lid 14 is installed upon the container
bottom 12. This contact provides a seal between the container
bottom 12 and the lid 14.
[0055] To separate the lid 14 from the container bottom 12, the lid
is biased axially upward until the curl 114 again slips over the
bead 78. Once the curl 114 is vertically above the bead 78, the lid
14 may be freely lifted clearly of the container bottom 12 without
further interference. The process of securing and removing the lid
14 to and from the container 12 may be repeated as often as access
to the contents of the storage cavity 24 is desired. The bead 78
may be defined by a single continuous rib, projection or shoulder
extending circumferentially about the container sidewall 90 or
alternatively by a plurality of angularly spaced intermittent ribs,
shoulders or projections.
[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of
the lid 214 is illustrated. A terminating end of the sidewall 220
is curled radially inward at fold 240 forming curl 252. In this
embodiment, the upper wall 216 of lid 214 does not incorporate a
recess. In this embodiment as illustrated, the upper wall 216 of
the lid 214 meet at a junction defined by a shoulder 153.
[0057] Referring particularly to FIG. 8, a more detailed view of
the curl 252 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the
curl 252 has been mechanically flattened. As such, curl 252
includes fold 240 (a.k.a. a bottom curved segment), a flattened
extension segment 258, and a top curved segment 260. The flattened
extension segment 258 is thereby radially inward of the outer
annular wall segment 254 a distance greater than at least the
thickness of the sidewall 220. As illustrated, top curved segment
260 of the sidewall 220 does not engage the outer annular wall
segment 254, thereby creating a radial gap 253 between a distal end
of top curved segment 260 and the outer annular wall segment 254.
The distal end of the top curved segment radially faces the inner
surface of outer annular wall segment 254. However, the curl 252
may also be formed such that the top curved segment 260 engages the
outer annular wall segment 254. The fold 240, the flattened
extension segment 258, and the top curved segment 260 together
define an annular channel 262 having a width greater than the
thickness of the sidewall 20.
[0058] Still referring to FIG. 8, although illustrated as a
flattened curl 252, the curl may also remain in an unflattened
state, as shown in FIG. 6, i.e. by not flattening extension segment
258.
[0059] From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the lid for the tobacco container has an improved
strengthening feature, the curl, that allows for the lid to be
machined from a sheet metal having wall thickness less then 0.007
inches, thus reducing overall material cost.
[0060] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0061] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein container be performed
in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all
examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein,
is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0062] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *