U.S. patent application number 13/009092 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for jar storage container.
Invention is credited to Rickie BARNETT.
Application Number | 20110174657 13/009092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276752 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110174657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARNETT; Rickie |
July 21, 2011 |
Jar Storage Container
Abstract
A container for a plurality of generally cylindrical objects
apparatus, said container comprises a base portion and a mating top
portion. The base portion defines a plurality of recesses adapted
to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each
recess including a bottom wall which is flexible and convex in
shape. The top portion defines a similar plurality of recesses
adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects,
each recess including a top wall which comprises a flexible, convex
area and includes a retaining flange surrounding said convex
area.
Inventors: |
BARNETT; Rickie; (Englewood,
TN) |
Family ID: |
44276752 |
Appl. No.: |
13/009092 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61296506 |
Jan 20, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/505 ;
206/561; 220/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2501/24152
20130101; B65D 2501/24636 20130101; B65D 1/24 20130101; B65D
2501/24108 20130101; B65D 2501/2414 20130101; B65D 11/188 20130101;
B65D 2501/24254 20130101; B65D 2501/24019 20130101; B65D 1/243
20130101; B65D 2501/24082 20130101; B65D 2501/24229 20130101; B65D
2501/24859 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/505 ;
206/561; 220/324 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 1/36 20060101 B65D001/36; B65D 45/16 20060101
B65D045/16 |
Claims
1. A container for a plurality of generally cylindrical objects
apparatus , said container comprising: a base portion; a mating top
portion; said base portion defining a plurality of recesses adapted
to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each
recess including a bottom wall which is flexible and convex in
shape; said top portion defining a similar plurality of recesses
adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects,
each recess including a top wall which comprises a flexible, convex
area and includes a retaining flange surrounding said convex
area.
2. The container of claim 1 further including clips securing said
top portion to said bottom portion.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein said recesses are defined by
columns and walls within said top portion and said bottom
portion.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein said container includes nesting
means for mounting upon another similar container.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein top wall comprises a flexible
flange surrounding said flexible convex area.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein said top portion and said
bottom portion comprise molded polypropylene.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein said bottom portion is
transparent to allow identification of the contents of the
container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No 61/296,506 filed Jan. 20, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention pertains to containers for generally
cylindrical objects.
[0004] More particularly, this invention pertains to containers for
generally cylindrical objects having an open or closed end.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] In the field of canning jars, for example, glass jars are
generally sold in cardboard half cartons containing 12 jars. The
filled carton is generally shrink- wrapped in plastic film. After
the jars are filled, they are frequently stored back in the half
cartons (without shrink-wrap). Then, after they have been emptied
and cleaned, they are frequently stored again in the half cartons
and often stacked, potentially damaging the jars or lids.
[0007] Empty quart-sized jars weigh 8 ounces, so that a carton
containing 12 jars weighs about 6 pounds, a manageable weight for
most people. However, 12 filled jars weigh about 20 pounds, a
substantial weight to be lifted onto storage shelves, especially
when the cardboard half-carton does not have structural integrity.
Also, stacking cartons can adversely affect the integrity of the
seals on the filled jars.
[0008] Canning jars are usually manufactured in either a standard
size or a wide-mouth size. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide
a container which is adaptable to securing either size jar. It is
also desirable to provide a container which is adaptable to both
empty and filled jars and jars with and without lids. In addition,
it is desirable to provide a container which is securely stackable
and protective of the glass contained therein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
container for generally cylindrical objects includes a base
portion, a mating top portion and clip handles adapted to securing
the top portion to the base. The base portion defines a plurality
of recesses adapted to receive a generally cylindrical object, such
as a canning jar or drinking glass, for example. The bottom wall of
each recess is flexible and convex in shape. The top portion
defines a similar plurality of recesses adapted to receive the same
generally cylindrical object. The top wall of each recess in the
top portion is flexible, centrally convex and includes a retaining
flange surrounding the central convex area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become
more clearly understood from the following detailed description of
the invention read together with the drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed container embodying
various of the features of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base portion of the
container of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
container of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cutaway elevation view of the container of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to the drawings, in which similarly numbered parts
refer to similar parts, a container 10 for storing generally
cylindrical objects is disclosed.
[0016] The container 10, which is preferably molded polypropylene
but may be formed from various thermoplastic materials, includes a
base portion 15 and a top portion 20. The base portion 15 includes
a bottom wall 16, side walls 17a and 17b and end walls 18a and 18b.
The top portion includes a top wall 21, side walls 22a and 22b and
end walls 23a and 23b. A peripheral flange 24 extends around the
outboard edge of the side walls 22a and 22b and end walls 23a and
23b. The flange 24 is adapted to nest around the outboard
peripheral edge of the side walls 17a and 17b and end walls 18a and
18b to close the container 10. Clip handles 19a and 19b are hinged
upon the end walls 18a and 18b. Rotation of the clip handles brings
them into or out of engagement with the flange 24, thus providing a
locking mechanism for the base portion 15 and top portion 20.
[0017] The base portion 15 defines six similar recesses 25. One of
the recesses 25 will be described in detail and it will be
recognized that a similar description applies to the remaining
recesses 25. Similarly, the top portion 20 defines six similar
recesses 30. One of the recesses 30 will be described in detail and
it will be recognized that a similar description applies to the
remaining recesses 30.
[0018] The recesses 25 in the base portion 15 are defined by six
generally triangular side columns 35, two central columns 40 and a
plurality of separating walls 45 extending between each of the
columns 35 and 40. The sides of the columns 35 and 40 are curved to
receive a generally cylindrical object.
[0019] The recesses 30 in the top portion 20 are defined by six
generally triangular side columns 50, two central columns 55 and a
plurality of separating walls 60 extending between each of the
columns 50 and 55. The sides of the columns 50 and 55 are curved to
receive a generally cylindrical object.
[0020] As depicted in FIG. 4, the recesses 25 and 30 are adapted to
receive both a standard jar 60 and a wide mouth jar 65. In the case
of the standard jar 60, regardless whether it includes an attached
lid, is secured between a flexible convex section 70a of the bottom
wall 16 and a flexible convex section 75 of the top wall 21. In the
case of the wide mouth jar 80, regardless whether it includes an
attached lid, is secured between a flexible convex section 70b of
the bottom wall 16 and a flexible peripheral flange of the top wall
21.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 is adapted to nest upon
another similar container so that they may be securely stacked.
[0022] When closed the container 10 maintains the contents in a
clean, though not sterile condition.
[0023] In some embodiments, the bottom portion 15 and/or top
portion 20 may be transparent to allow identification of the
contents without opening the container.
[0024] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that a container providing secure storage
of generally cylindrical objects, even when the objects vary in
size and shape, has been provided.
[0025] The flexible convex sections in the base portion and top
portion provide contact with both ends of the jar, securing each
jar from lateral movement and preventing contact with adjacent
jars, regardless of the exact height of the jars and regardless of
whether the jar is open or closed.
[0026] In addition, the container is strong and when stacked,
static loading is not transferred to the jars.
[0027] While the present invention has been illustrated by
description of several embodiments and while the illustrative
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not
the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to
the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
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