U.S. patent application number 12/238144 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for container with window.
This patent application is currently assigned to TinScape LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas E. Doyle.
Application Number | 20100072206 12/238144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42036581 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100072206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doyle; Thomas E. |
March 25, 2010 |
CONTAINER WITH WINDOW
Abstract
A container with a selectively engageable cover including a
window. A container comprises a base and a cover selectively
engageable with the base. The cover includes a window that covers
an opening in the cover that may permit viewing at least a portion
of the interior of the container while the cover is engaged with
the base. The cover comprises a cover assembly that includes a
first layer and a second layer of material joined together. The
opening is covered by a sheet of material comprising the window.
The window is positioned between the first layer of material and
the second layer of material to form a composite cover
assembly.
Inventors: |
Doyle; Thomas E.; (Aurora,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
321 NORTH CLARK STREET, SUITE 2800
CHICAGO
IL
60654-5313
US
|
Assignee: |
TinScape LLC
|
Family ID: |
42036581 |
Appl. No.: |
12/238144 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/345.2 ;
220/212; 220/662; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/12 20130101;
B65D 25/54 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/345.2 ;
220/212; 220/662; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/12 20060101
B65D043/12; B65D 25/54 20060101 B65D025/54; B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24 |
Claims
1. A container, comprising: a base, the base including a bottom
wall and a sidewall extending from at least a portion of a
perimeter of the bottom wall; a cover assembly adapted for
selective engagement with the base and including an opening, the
cover assembly comprising an inner wall and an outer wall joined to
the inner wall; and a window substantially covering the opening,
the window secured between the inner wall and the outer wall of the
cover assembly.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a
periphery disposed about at least a portion of the sidewall, and
wherein the periphery is adapted for selective engagement with the
cover assembly.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly includes a
side surface disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of
the cover assembly, the side surface extending in a direction
substantial normal to the inner wall.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the side
surface includes an engagement portion disposed about an edge of
the side surface, and wherein the engagement portion is adapted for
engagement with the base.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the engagement portion
comprises a lip formed by rolling a portion of at least one of the
inner wall or the outer wall, and wherein the lip at least in part
joins the inner wall to the outer wall.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly is
slidingly engageable with the base.
7. The container of claim 6, further including a detent disposed on
the inner wall and adapted to selectively engage the sidewall to
provide selective retention of the cover assembly with the
base.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is
substantially parallel to the inner wall.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a
substantially transparent or substantially translucent
material.
10. A container, comprising: a base, the base including a bottom
wall and a sidewall extending from at least a portion of a
perimeter of the bottom wall; a base lip disposed about at least a
portion of the perimeter of the sidewall, the base lip forming a
substantially arcuate profile; a cover assembly adapted for
selective engagement with the base and including an opening, the
cover assembly comprising: an inner wall; an outer wall
substantially opposing the inner wall and the outer wall joined to
the inner wall; and a side surface extending in a direction
substantially normal to the outer wall, the side surface including
a cover lip disposed about at least a portion of the side surface
and configured for sliding engagement with the base lip; and a
material sheet substantially covering the opening, the material
sheet secured between the inner wall and the outer wall.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the material sheet extends
to the side wall.
12. The container of claim 10, wherein the base lip is slidingly
receivable in a region disposed between the cover lip and the inner
wall.
13. The container of claim 10, further including a detent disposed
on the inner wall and adapted to selectively engage the sidewall to
provide selective retention of the cover assembly with the
base.
14. The container of claim 10, wherein the material sheet comprises
a substantially transparent or substantially translucent
material.
15. A method of constructing a container with a window, comprising:
forming a base from a first piece of sheet material, the base
including a bottom surface and a sidewall extending from at least a
portion of a perimeter of the bottom surface; forming an inner
cover from a second piece of sheet material; removing a portion of
material from the inner cover to form a first opening; forming an
outer cover from a third piece of sheet material; removing a
portion of material from the outer cover to form a second opening;
inserting a fourth piece of sheet material between the inner cover
and the outer cover, the fourth piece of sheet material
substantially covering the first opening and the second opening,
where the first opening and the second opening are substantially
aligned; and joining the inner cover and the outer cover to form a
cover assembly adapted for selective engagement with the base,
wherein the fourth piece of sheet material is secured within the
cover assembly by way of the joining the of the inner cover and the
outer cover.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fourth piece of sheet
material comprises a substantially transparent or substantially
translucent material.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the cover assembly is adapted
for sliding engagement with the base.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
container including a window permitting viewing of the container
interior.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context
to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description
herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not
necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued.
Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in
this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this
application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in
this section.
[0003] Containers of various configurations are used to hold or
store a variety of articles, including, for example, candy, chewing
gum, medicine, cosmetics, jewelry, business cards, and bandages.
Containers are sometimes used as product packaging for such items
in a retail environment. The container conveniently stores various
items in an accessible location and protects the items from damage
or loss. A typical container generally comprises a box like
structure that may be rectangular, square, circular, or another
shape. The structure may be constructed from a variety of
materials, but is sometimes made from a metal or metal alloy.
[0004] The types of containers discussed above often comprise a
base portion and a lid or cover that may be selectively opened or
closed and/or engaged or removed from the base portion of the
container. Containers have been developed that use a variety of
covers, for example, hinged covers, sliding covers, or press-on
lids. The lid or cover thus provides access to the contents within
the container while securely maintaining the contents within the
container when the lid or the cover is closed and/or engaged in
relation to the base.
[0005] Some containers also include a window disposed in the main
portion or the cover of the container. This window typically
comprises a transparent covering over an opening in the container.
The window is sometimes bonded to a surface of the cover or
mechanically joined or mounted to the cover. The window allows for
visibility into the interior of the container without requiring the
user to remove or open the cover or the lid from the main portion
of the container. By allowing visual access to the interior of the
container, the contents of the container can be readily determined
as well as the degree of fullness of the container. The window may
also provide marketing advantages when the container is used in a
retail environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a
container that comprises a base and a cover that is selectively
engageable with the base of the container. The cover includes a
window that may permit viewing at least a portion of the interior
of the container while the cover is engaged with the base. The
cover comprises a cover assembly that includes a first layer of
material and a second layer of material joined to the first layer
of material. The cover assembly also includes an opening disposed
in the first layer of material and the second layer of material,
substantially aligned with the opening in the first layer. The
opening is covered by a third sheet of material comprising the
window. The window is sandwiched between the first layer of
material and the second layer of material to form the composite
cover assembly.
[0007] The resulting construction of the cover assembly provides a
sleek structure that also securely maintains the position the
window within the cover assembly. Thus, the construction of the
cover assembly eliminates the need for additional mounting or
joining features to attach the window to the cover assembly. The
window may also be maintained in the cover assembly without the use
of an adhesive. Accordingly, the container may also be efficiently
manufactured. Further, by inserting the window between the layers
of material comprising the cover, the window cannot be easily
removed from the cover, either intentionally or inadvertently,
thereby providing an aesthetic and robust container for use in a
variety of applications.
[0008] These and other advantages and features of the invention,
together with the organization and manner of operation thereof,
will become apparent from the following detailed description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container of the present invention shown in a closed
orientation;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1
shown in an open orientation;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1 shown
in an open orientation;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container through
lines A-A of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIGS. 5 is a right side view of the container of FIG. 1
shown in a closed orientation;
[0014] FIGS. 6 is a right side view of the container of FIG. 1
shown in an open orientation;
[0015] FIGS. 7 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in
an closed orientation;
[0016] FIGS. 8 is a rear view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in
an closed orientation; and
[0017] FIGS. 9 is a bottom plan view of the container of FIG. 1
shown in an open orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a container 10 constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
container 10 comprises a base 100 and a cover assembly 200
selectively engageable with the base 100. The base 100 generally
comprises a five-sided box including a bottom wall 110 and a
sidewall 120 disposed about the perimeter of the bottom wall 110
and extending from an internal surface 112 of the bottom wall 110.
The cover assembly 200 is configured to substantially cover an area
defined by the perimeter of the bottom wall 110. The cover assembly
200 may be adapted for selective engagement with the sidewall 120.
An internal volume 20 of the container 10 is at least partially
defined by the internal surface 112, the sidewall 120, and the
cover assembly 200. The cover assembly 200 further includes a
window 250 covering an opening 255 disposed in a top portion 210 of
the cover assembly 200. The window 250 permits viewing of the
internal volume 20 from outside the container 10 when the cover
assembly 200 is at least partial engaged with the base 100.
[0019] The base 100 may be constructed from a single piece of
material or by joining multiple members. For example, the base 100,
including the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120, may be formed
or molded from a single piece of material. Alternatively, the base
100 may be constructed by joining a separate member comprising the
sidewall 120 to the bottom wall 110. Still further, the sidewall
120 may be formed from a plurality of members. For instance, the
sidewall may comprise a wall assembly joined to the bottom wall 110
that comprises a pair of lateral walls 122 and pair of end walls
124 joined to the lateral walls 122. Additional embodiments of the
sidewall may be constructed, as necessary, to correspond to a
variety of possible geometries of the container 10, including, for
example, a cylinder, prism, polygon, etc.
[0020] The sidewall 120 may extend in a direction substantially
normal from the inner surface or may be angled either outwardly or
inwardly. The sidewall 120 may further include a periphery 130
disposed about at least a part of an upper portion 125 of the
sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may be adapted to engage a portion
of the cover assembly 200 when the cover assembly 200 is
selectively engaged with the sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may be
integral with the sidewall 120 or comprise a separate member joined
to the sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may take on various forms,
including either a continuous or discontinuous lip, rail, ridge,
slot, or other feature. In the depicted embodiment, the periphery
130 comprises a base lip 135 formed by rolling a part of the
sidewall 120 proximate the upper portion 125 outward from the
sidewall 120. The base lip 135 forms a substantially arcuate
cross-section that may be rolled back toward an outer surface 127
of the sidewall 120 with a thickness 137.
[0021] The cover assembly 200 comprises the top portion 210 and may
include a side surface 220 disposed about the perimeter of at least
a portion of the top portion 210. The side surface 220 extends
downwardly from the top portion 210 and may be substantially normal
to, inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the top portion
210. The side surface 220 may include an engagement portion 230
disposed over a least a part of a lower portion 225 of the side
surface 220. The engagement portion 230 may be adapted to engage a
portion of the base 100 when the cover assembly 200 is selectively
engaged with the sidewall 120. The engagement portion 230 may be
integral with the side surface 220 or comprise a separate member
joined to the side surface 220. The engagement portion 230 may take
on various forms, including either a continuous or discontinuous
lip, rail, ridge, slot, or other feature. In the depicted
embodiment, the engagement portion 230 comprises a cover lip 235
formed by rolling a part of the side surface 220 proximate the
lower portion 225 inward from the side surface 220. The cover lip
235 forms an arcuate cross-section that may be rolled back toward
an inner surface 227 of the side surface 220.
[0022] The base lip 135 and the cover lip 235 may be configured to
permit selective engagement of the cover assembly 200 and the base
100 by way of, for example, a slip fit or interference fit where
the cover assembly 200 is pushed downwardly onto the base 100 in a
substantially normal direction. In the depicted embodiment, the
cover assembly 200 is slidingly engageable with the base 100. The
cover lip 235 may be disposed about substantially three sides of
the cover assembly 200 to facilitate sliding engagement of the
cover assembly 200 with the base 100. The portion of the cover
assembly 200 that does not include the cover lip 235 allows the
cover assembly 200 to laterally slide over the base 100. The cover
lip 235 may be disposed a distance 240 from the top portion 210
such that the base lip 135 is slidable in a region 237 disposed
between the cover lip 235 and an inside surface 211 of the cover
assembly 200. In an embodiment, the distance 240 is substantially
equivalent to the thickness 137, such that a relatively secure
sliding engagement is accomplished between the cover assembly 200
and the base 100. The cover assembly 200 may include a detent (not
shown) configured to engage a portion of the base 100. The detent,
which may be disposed, for example, on the inside surface 211,
provides engagement between the cover assembly 200 and the base
100, thereby preventing inadvertent disengagement of the cover 200
from the base 100.
[0023] The cover assembly 200 may comprise one or more pieces of
material joined together. In the depicted embodiment, the cover
assembly 200 includes an inner wall 202 and an outer wall 204. The
inner wall 202 may be configured to substantially oppose the outer
wall 204. The inner wall 202 and outer wall 204 may be joined using
a variety of methods, including adhesive, welding, fasteners, and
mechanical engagement. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner
wall 202 is mechanically engaged with the outer wall 204, in part,
by way of the cover lip 235. At least a portion of the inner wall
202 includes a wing 203 extending from a perimeter of the inner
wall 202. The wing 203 is disposed opposite the side surface 220
and is captured with a portion of the cover lip 235. The side
surface 220 may be formed from the outer wall 204. Further, a
leading portion of the outer wall 204 may be bent over a portion of
inner wall 202 for additional securement between the inner wall 202
and the outer wall 204.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the window 250 is disposed within the
cover assembly 200. The window 250 comprises sheet material
configured to cover the opening 255 disposed in the top portion
210. The window 250 may comprise a substantially transparent or
substantially translucent material, including various plastics. In
a particular embodiment, the window 250 comprises PVC. Placement of
the window 250 in the top portion 210 permits viewing of at least a
portion of the interior of the container 10 when the cover assembly
200 is engaged with the base 100.
[0025] The window 250 may be secured to the cover assembly 200 by a
variety of methods including adhesive, fasteners, and/or mechanical
engagements. In the depicted embodiment, the window 250 is captured
within the cover assembly by the joining of the inner wall 202 and
the outer wall 204. That is, the window 250 is sandwiched between
the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. As shown in FIG. 4, the
width of the window 250 may be extended to substantially the width
of the inner wall 202 to further effectuate securement of the
window 250 within the cover assembly 200. Similarly, the length of
the window 250 may also extend to substantially the length of the
inner wall 202. By using a relatively thin sheet of material for
the window 250, excess thickness of the cover assembly 200 and any
perceptible bulge in the cover assembly 200 may be mitigated. Bulge
is further mitigated by extending the window 250 to substantially
the edges of the inner wall 202.
[0026] By capturing the window 250 within the cover assembly 200 in
this manner, no additional materials, such as adhesive or
fasteners, are needed for securement. Further, additional assembly
steps necessary to secure the window 250 to the cover assembly 200
are also avoided. Still further, the window 250 is securely
assembled within the cover assembly, preventing intentional or
inadvertent removal or delamination of the widow 250 from the cover
assembly 200. The window 250 is placed between the inner wall 202
and the outer wall 204 prior to the joining operation of the inner
wall 202 and the outer wall 204. The joining operation, thereby
forms the cover assembly 200 with the window 250, providing a cover
assembly 200 with appearance of an integrally formed window.
[0027] The container 10 may comprise a variety of dimensions and
shapes. For example, the profile of the container may comprise a
substantially square, rectangular, circular, or other shape. The
container 10 may also be constructed to a variety of depths, as
defined by the height of the sidewall 120 extending from the
internal surface 112. The container 10 may be constructed from
various materials including metals and plastics. In a particular
embodiment, the base 100 and at least a portion of the cover
assembly 200 comprise an aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The
container 10 also may be decorated with various embossments or
molded features that present a variety of designs or messages. The
container 10 may also be painted or otherwise processed, such as by
anodization, to provide the container 10 with a desired color
and/or texture.
[0028] The foregoing description of embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may
be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments
were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present
invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in
the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may
be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus,
modules and systems.
* * * * *