U.S. patent application number 12/751557 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for spin lock container having an inner seal.
Invention is credited to Edward B. Tucker.
Application Number | 20110240648 12/751557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44708414 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110240648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tucker; Edward B. |
October 6, 2011 |
Spin Lock Container Having an Inner Seal
Abstract
A spin lock container comprising a container member having a
bottom, an upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side
wall extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the
bottom and side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim
including a first member skirt having a plurality of first threads,
the plurality of first threads having substantially equidistant
engagement points; and a closure member having a peripheral sealing
portion, the sealing portion including a sealing liner and a skirt
having a plurality of second threads adapted and positioned to
cooperate with the first threads, wherein sealable engagement of
the container member and closure member is effectuated when the
first and second threads are fully aligned.
Inventors: |
Tucker; Edward B.;
(Yorkville, IL) |
Family ID: |
44708414 |
Appl. No.: |
12/751557 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00296
20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D
2543/00537 20130101; B65D 43/0231 20130101; B65D 2543/00509
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00694 20130101; B65D
2543/00972 20130101; B65D 2543/00351 20130101; B65D 2543/00731
20130101; B65D 2543/00518 20130101; B65D 2543/0062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Claims
1. A container, comprising: a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
plurality of first threads, wherein the plurality of first threads
are discontinuous around the container member, the plurality of
first threads comprises at least two threads and the plurality of
first threads has substantially equidistant engagement points, and
a closure member having a peripheral sealing member with a
circumference, said sealing member including an inner skirt portion
having a substantially vertical outer wall, a connecting bead, and
an outer skirt portion having a substantially vertical inner wall
and connecting to the inner skirt portion at the connecting bead,
and a sealing liner of different material than the inner skirt
portion and the outer skirt portion wherein the sealing liner is
situated between the inner skirt portion outer wall and the outer
skirt portion inner wall, the outer skirt portion inner wall having
a plurality of second threads adapted and positioned to cooperate
with the first threads, wherein the plurality of second threads are
discontinuous around the closure member and the plurality of second
threads comprises at least two threads, wherein sealable engagement
of the container member and the closure member is effectuated when
the sealing liner is in contact with the rim over a substantial
length thereof.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein said sealing liner is attached
around the entire circumference of the peripheral sealing
member.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein said sealing liner is attached
to the closure outer skirt portion inner wall.
4. The container of claim 2, wherein said sealing liner is attached
to the closure inner skirt portion outer wall.
5. The container of claim 2, wherein said sealing liner is attached
to the connecting bead.
6. The container of claim 2, wherein said sealing liner is attached
to the closure outer skirt portion inner wall and the connecting
bead.
7. The container of claim 2, wherein said sealing liner is attached
to the closure inner skirt portion outer wall and the connecting
bead.
8. A container, comprising: a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
threaded closure means, and a closure member having a peripheral
sealing member with a circumference, said sealing member including
an inner skirt portion having a substantially vertical outer wall,
a connecting bead, and an outer skirt portion having a
substantially vertical inner wall and connecting to the inner skirt
portion at the connecting bead, and a sealing liner of different
material than the inner skirt portion and the outer skirt portion
wherein the sealing liner is situated between the inner skirt
portion outer wall and the outer skirt portion inner wall, the
outer skirt portion inner wall having a threaded closure means,
wherein sealable engagement of the container member and the closure
member is effectuated when the sealing liner is in contact with the
rim over a substantial length thereof.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the sealing liner is of lower
durometer hardness that the closure member.
10. The container of claim 8, wherein the sealing liner is of lower
density that the closure member.
11. The container of claim 8, wherein the sealing liner is attached
to the closure member by a method from the group consisting of
insertion, welding, and overmolding.
12. The container of claim 8, wherein the sealing liner is in a
form from the group consisting of a hollow form, a foamed form, and
a solid form.
13. A container, comprising: a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
plurality of first threads and a sealing liner of different
material than the rim, wherein the plurality of first threads are
discontinuous around the container member, the plurality of first
threads comprises at least two threads and the plurality of first
threads has substantially equidistant engagement points, and a
closure member having a peripheral sealing member with a
circumference, said sealing member including an inner skirt portion
having a substantially vertical outer wall, a connecting bead, and
an outer skirt portion having a substantially vertical inner wall
and connecting to the inner skirt portion at the connecting bead,
the outer skirt portion inner wall having a plurality of second
threads adapted and positioned to cooperate with the first threads,
wherein the plurality of second threads are discontinuous around
the closure member and the plurality of second threads comprises at
least two threads, wherein sealable engagement of the container
member and the closure member is effectuated when the sealing liner
is in contact with the rim over a substantial length thereof.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein said sealing liner is
attached around the entire circumference of the rim.
15. The container of claim 13, wherein the sealing liner is of
lower durometer hardness that the rim.
16. The container of claim 13, wherein the sealing liner is of
lower density that the rim.
17. The container of claim 13, wherein the sealing liner is
attached to the rim by a method from the group consisting of
insertion, welding, and overmolding.
18. The container of claim 13, wherein the sealing liner is in a
form from the group consisting of a hollow form, a foamed form, and
a solid form.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a plastic
reclosable containers, and to plastic reclosable containers having
a cover and a base, where the cover and base are rotationally
sealingly engaged together form a sealed storage area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Rigid, thermoplastic food containers are generally known.
These containers are substantially airtight when fully closed.
Numerous types of bowl and lid assemblies and means for effecting
sealable engagement of a lid on a bowl have been devised.
Illustrative are the containers and engagement means disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,696. One type of container is a spin lock
container as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,839, where the cover
is secured to the base with a rotational threaded mechanism.
[0003] The present invention has as a general aim to provide
containers that solve the problems of the current food containers,
which lack the ability to controllably ensure complete sealing of
the container. The present invention substantially reduces or
eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with prior
art thermoformed container bowl and lid assemblies. As discussed in
detail herein, the spin lock container of the invention generally
includes engagement means comprising a bowl having a plurality of
threads disposed proximate the rim of the container bowl and a lid
having a matching, but inverted, plurality of cooperating threads
formed on the lid inner skirt. The noted engagement means also
includes sealing liner that allows a consumer to confirm that the
container is fully sealed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The spin lock container in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention comprises a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
plurality of first threads, wherein the plurality of first threads
are discontinuous around the container member, the plurality of
first threads comprises at least two threads and the plurality of
first threads has substantially equidistant engagement points, and
a closure member having a peripheral sealing portion with a
circumference, said sealing portion including an inner skirt
portion having a substantially vertical outer wall, a connecting
bead, and an outer skirt portion having a substantially vertical
inner wall and connecting to the inner skirt portion at the
connecting bead, and a sealing liner of different material than the
inner skirt portion and the outer skirt portion wherein the sealing
liner is situated between the inner skirt portion outer wall and
the outer skirt portion inner wall, the outer skirt portion inner
wall having a plurality of second threads adapted and positioned to
cooperate with the first threads, wherein the plurality of second
threads are discontinuous around the closure member and the
plurality of second threads comprises at least two threads, wherein
sealable engagement of the container member and the closure member
is effectuated when the sealing liner is in contact with the rim
over a substantial length thereof.
[0005] The spin lock container in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention comprises a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
threaded closure means, and a closure member having a peripheral
sealing portion with a circumference, said sealing portion
including an inner skirt portion having a substantially vertical
outer wall, a connecting bead, and an outer skirt portion having a
substantially vertical inner wall and connecting to the inner skirt
portion at the connecting bead, and a sealing liner of different
material than the inner skirt portion and the outer skirt portion
wherein the sealing liner is situated between the inner skirt
portion outer wall and the outer skirt portion inner wall, the
outer skirt portion inner wall having a threaded closure means,
wherein sealable engagement of the container member and the closure
member is effectuated when the sealing liner is in contact with the
rim over a substantial length thereof.
[0006] The spin lock container in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention comprises a container member having a bottom, an
upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall
extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom
and the side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim having a
plurality of first threads and a sealing liner of different
material than the rim, wherein the plurality of first threads are
discontinuous around the container member, the plurality of first
threads comprises at least two threads and the plurality of first
threads has substantially equidistant engagement points, and a
closure member having a peripheral sealing portion with a
circumference, said sealing portion including an inner skirt
portion having a substantially vertical outer wall, a connecting
bead, and an outer skirt portion having a substantially vertical
inner wall and connecting to the inner skirt portion at the
connecting bead, the outer skirt portion inner wall having a
plurality of second threads adapted and positioned to cooperate
with the first threads, wherein the plurality of second threads are
discontinuous around the closure member and the plurality of second
threads comprises at least two threads, wherein sealable engagement
of the container member and the closure member is effectuated when
the sealing liner is in contact with the rim over a substantial
length thereof.
[0007] The spin lock container in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention comprises a container member as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,523,839, and incorporated in its entirety herein. The
container has a bottom, an upper annular rim and a substantially
continuous side wall extending from the bottom and terminating at
the rim, the bottom and side wall defining a first member cavity,
the rim including a first member skirt having a plurality of first
threads, the plurality of first threads having substantially
equidistant engagement points; and a closure member having a
peripheral sealing portion, the sealing portion including a sealing
liner and a skirt having a plurality of second threads adapted and
positioned to cooperate with the first threads and including a seal
liner, wherein sealable engagement of the container member and
closure member is effectuated when the first and second threads are
fully aligned.
[0008] In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of first
threads comprises a raised projection that projects outwardly from
the container member skirt and each of the plurality of second
threads comprises a guide adapted to receive one of the plurality
of threads. In another embodiment of the invention, a closure
system for closing an opening in a container is provided, the
closure system comprising a substantially U-shaped
circumferentially extending guiding channel defined by an inner
wall and an outer wall that are located and configured to receive
between them the sealing member of the container, the sealing
member having a corresponding configuration as the guiding channel
and including an inner wall and an outer wall and a sealing liner,
the guiding channel outer wall including a plurality of first
threads having substantially equidistant engagement points, the
sealing member outer wall having a plurality of second threads
adapted and positioned to cooperate with the first threads. In
another embodiment of the invention, the closure system comprises a
substantially U-shaped circumferentially extending guiding channel
having a sealing liner attached to the interior of the guiding
channel, wherein the interior of the guiding channel is defined by
an inner wall and an outer wall that are located and configured to
receive between them the sealing member of a container, the sealing
member having a corresponding configuration as the guiding channel
and including an inner wall and an outer wall, the guiding channel
inner wall including a plurality of first threads having
substantially equidistant engagement points, the sealing member
inner wall having a plurality of second threads adapted and
positioned to cooperate with the first threads and the sealing
liner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further features and advantages will become apparent from
the following and more particular description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer
to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a container, according to the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a exploded view of a container of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a partial front plane, sectioned view of the
container shown in FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention; and
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a container of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
numerals refer to like parts throughout. For ease of description,
the components of this invention are described in the normal
(upright) operating position, and terms such as upper, lower,
horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will
be understood, however, that the components embodying this
invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold
in an orientation other than the position described.
[0025] Figures illustrating the components of this invention show
some conventional mechanical elements that are known and that will
be recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions
of such elements are not necessary to an understanding of the
invention, and accordingly, are herein presented only to the degree
necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel features of
the present invention.
[0026] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0027] As used herein and in the claims, the term "comprising" is
inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited
elements, compositional components, or method steps. Accordingly,
the term "comprising" encompasses the more restrictive terms
"consisting essentially of" and "consisting of".
[0028] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "surfactant" includes two or more
such surfactants.
[0029] Unless define otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein. 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 can 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 indicated.
[0030] The term "container", as used herein, is meant to mean and
include any storage container for storing food in a refrigerator. A
container may be made of any suitable material, depending upon the
product therein. For example, a container may be made of
plastic.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of
the spin lock container, designated generally 100. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the container 100 includes a container member 102 and a
selectively detachable, cylindrical closure member 104. The
container 100 has a bottom 106, an upper annular rim 108 and a
substantially continuous side wall 110 extending from the bottom
106 and terminating at the rim 108. The bottom 106 and the side
wall 110 define a cavity 112. The rim 108 has a plurality of
threads 114 that have substantially equidistant engagement points
116. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure member 104 has a
peripheral and circumferential sealing member 118 where the sealing
member 118 has an inner skirt portion 120 having a substantially
vertical outer wall 122. The sealing member 118 has a connecting
bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126 having a substantially
vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to the inner skirt portion
120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing liner 130 is situated
between the inner skirt portion outer wall 122 and the outer skirt
portion inner wall 128 along the connecting bead 124 and the
sealing liner 130 is attached around the entire circumference of
the peripheral sealing member 118. The outer skirt portion inner
wall 128 has a plurality of threads 132 that are positioned to
cooperate with the plurality of threads 114 of the rim 108. When
the container member 102 and the closure member 104 are engaged
with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing liner 130 is in contact
with the rim 108 over a substantial length of the rim 108.
[0032] Referring now to the spin lock container 300 of FIG. 3, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is situated on the inner skirt portion outer wall 122.
The outer skirt portion inner wall 128 has a plurality of threads
132 that are positioned to cooperate with the plurality of threads
114 of the rim 108. When the container member 102 and the closure
member 104 are engaged with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing
liner 130 is in contact with the rim 108 over a substantial length
of the rim 108.
[0033] Referring now to spin lock container 400 of FIG. 4, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is situated on the inner skirt portion outer wall 122 and
attached to the connecting bead 124. The outer skirt portion inner
wall 128 has a plurality of threads 132 that are positioned to
cooperate with the plurality of threads 114 of the rim 108. When
the container member 102 and the closure member 104 are engaged
with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing liner 130 is in contact
with the rim 108 over a substantial length of the rim 108.
[0034] Referring now to spin lock container 500 of FIG. 5, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is attached to the connecting bead 124 only. The outer
skirt portion inner wall 128 has a plurality of threads 132 that
are positioned to cooperate with the plurality of threads 114 of
the rim 108. When the container member 102 and the closure member
104 are engaged with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing liner 130
is in contact with the rim 108 over a substantial length of the rim
108.
[0035] Referring now to spin lock container 600 of FIG. 6, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is situated on the outer skirt portion inner wall 128 and
attached to the connecting bead 124. The outer skirt portion inner
wall 128 has a plurality of threads 132 that are positioned to
cooperate with the plurality of threads 114 of the rim 108. When
the container member 102 and the closure member 104 are engaged
with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing liner 130 is in contact
with the rim 108 over a substantial length of the rim 108.
[0036] Referring now to spin lock container 700 of FIG. 7, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is situated on the outer skirt portion inner wall 128
only. The outer skirt portion inner wall 128 has a plurality of
threads 132 that are positioned to cooperate with the plurality of
threads 114 of the rim 108. When the container member 102 and the
closure member 104 are engaged with the treads 132 and 114, the
sealing liner 130 is in contact with the rim 108 over a substantial
length of the rim 108.
[0037] Referring now to spin lock container 800 of FIG. 8, the
closure member 104 has a peripheral and circumferential sealing
member 118 where the sealing member 118 has an inner skirt portion
120 having a substantially vertical outer wall 122. The sealing
member 118 has a connecting bead 124 and an outer skirt portion 126
having a substantially vertical inner wall 128 and connecting to
the inner skirt portion 120 at the connecting bead 124. A sealing
liner 130 is situated on the top of the rim 108. The outer skirt
portion inner wall 128 has a plurality of threads 132 that are
positioned to cooperate with the plurality of threads 114 of the
rim 108. When the container member 102 and the closure member 104
are engaged with the treads 132 and 114, the sealing liner 130 is
in contact with the rim 108 over a substantial length of the rim
108.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a container 1000 of the invention comprising a
container member 1002 having a bottom 1006, an upper annular rim
1008 and a substantially continuous side wall 1010 extending from
said bottom 1006 and terminating at said rim 1008, said bottom 1006
and side wall 1010 defining a first member cavity 1012, said rim
1008 including an inner wall 1030 and an outer skirt 1032, said
skirt 1032 having a plurality of first threads 1034, wherein said
plurality of first threads 1034 are discontinuous around the
container member 1002, said plurality of first threads 1034
comprises at least two threads and said plurality of first threads
has substantially equidistant engagement points 1036, said inner
wall 1030 of said container member 1002 having a length extending
in a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to
define a first sealing surface 1038, and a closure member 1040
having a peripheral sealing portion 1042, said sealing portion 1042
including an inner wall 1044 and an outer skirt 1046, said skirt
1046 having a plurality of second threads 1048 adapted and
positioned to cooperate with said first threads 1034, wherein said
plurality of second threads 1048 are discontinuous around the
closure member 1040 and said plurality of second threads 1048
comprises at least two threads, said inner wall 1044 of said
closure member 1040 having a length extending in a substantially
vertically downward direction sufficient to define a second sealing
surface 1050, wherein a sealing liner 1052 (shown in FIG. 10) is
attached between said closure inner wall 1044 and said closure
skirt 1046, wherein sealable engagement of said container member
1002 and closure member 1040 is effectuated when said first threads
1034 and second threads 1048 are in a sealing position with said
first sealing surface 1038 in contact with said second sealing
surface 1050 over a substantial length thereof, and said rim 1008
is sealingly engaged with said sealing liner 1052.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the
container 1000 comprising a container member 1002 having an upper
annular rim 1008 and a substantially continuous side wall 1010
terminating at said rim, said rim 1008 including an inner wall 1030
and an outer skirt 1032, said skirt 1032 having a plurality of
first threads 1034, said inner wall 1030 of said container member
1002 having a length extending in a substantially vertically
downward direction sufficient to define a first sealing surface
1038, and a closure member 1040 having a peripheral sealing portion
1042, said sealing portion 1042 including an inner wall 1044 and an
outer skirt 1046, said skirt 1046 having a plurality of second
threads 1048 adapted and positioned to cooperate with said first
threads 1034, said inner wall 1044 of said closure member having a
length extending in a substantially vertically downward direction
sufficient to define a second sealing surface 1050, wherein a
sealing liner 1052 is attached between said closure inner wall 1044
and said closure skirt 1046, wherein sealable engagement of said
container member 1002 and closure member 1040 is effectuated when
said first threads 1034 and second threads 1048 are in a sealing
position with said first sealing surface 1038 in contact with said
second sealing surface 1050 over a substantial length thereof, and
said rim 1008 is sealingly engaged with said sealing liner
1052.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a container 1100 comprising a container member
1002 having an upper annular rim 1008 and a substantially
continuous side wall 1010 terminating at said rim 1008, said rim
1008 including an inner wall 1030 and an outer skirt 1032, said
skirt 1032 having a plurality of first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1030 of said container member 1002 having a length extending
in a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to
define a first sealing surface 1038, and a closure member 1040
having a peripheral sealing portion 1042, said sealing portion 1042
including an inner wall 1044 and an outer skirt 1046, said skirt
1046 having a plurality of second threads 1048 adapted and
positioned to cooperate with said first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1044 of said closure member 1040 having a length extending in
a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to define
a second sealing surface 1050, wherein a sealing liner 1054 is
attached to said closure inner wall 1044, wherein sealable
engagement of said container member 1002 and closure member 1040 is
effectuated when said first threads 1034 and second threads 1048
are in a sealing position with said first sealing surface 1038 in
contact with said second sealing surface 1050 over a substantial
length thereof, and said rim 1008 is sealingly engaged with said
sealing liner 1054.
[0041] FIG. 12 shows a container 1200 comprising a container member
1002 having an upper annular rim 1008 and a substantially
continuous side wall 1010 terminating at said rim 1008, said rim
1008 including an inner wall 1030 and an outer skirt 1032, said
skirt 1032 having a plurality of first threads 1034 said inner wall
1030 of said container member 1002 having a length extending in a
substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to define a
first sealing surface 1038, and a closure member 1040 having a
peripheral sealing portion 1042, said sealing portion 1042
including an inner wall 1044 and an outer skirt 1046, said skirt
1046 having a plurality of second threads 1048 adapted and
positioned to cooperate with said first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1044 of said closure member 1040 having a length extending in
a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to define
a second sealing surface 1050, wherein a sealing liner 1056 is
attached to said closure skirt 1046, wherein sealable engagement of
said container member 1002 and closure member 1040 is effectuated
when said first threads 1034 and second threads 1048 are in a
sealing position with said first sealing surface 1038 in contact
with said second sealing surface 1050 over a substantial length
thereof, and said rim 1008 is sealingly engaged with said sealing
liner 1056.
[0042] FIG. 13 shows the container 1300 comprising a container
member 1002 having an upper annular rim 1008 and a substantially
continuous side wall 1010 terminating at said rim 1008, said rim
1008 including an inner wall 1030 and an outer skirt 1032, said
skirt 1032 having a plurality of first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1030 of said container member 1002 having a length extending
in a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to
define a first sealing surface 1038, and a closure member 1040
having a peripheral sealing portion 1042, said sealing portion 1042
including an inner wall 1044 and an outer skirt 1046, said skirt
1046 having a plurality of second threads 1048 adapted and
positioned to cooperate with said first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1044 of said closure member 1040 having a length extending in
a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to define
a second sealing surface 1050, wherein a sealing liner 1058 is
between said closure inner wall 1044 and said closure skirt 1046
but not attached to either, wherein sealable engagement of said
container member 1002 and closure member 1040 is effectuated when
said first threads 1034 and second threads 1048 are in a sealing
position with said first sealing surface 1038 in contact with said
second sealing surface 1050 over a substantial length thereof, and
said rim 1008 is sealingly engaged with said sealing liner
1058.
[0043] FIG. 14 shows the container 1400 comprising a container
member 1002 having an upper annular rim 1008 and a substantially
continuous side wall 1010 terminating at said rim 1008, said rim
1008 including an inner wall 1030 and an outer skirt 1032, said
skirt 1032 having a plurality of first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1030 of said container member 1002 having a length extending
in a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to
define a first sealing surface 1038, and a closure member 1040
having a peripheral sealing portion 1042, said sealing portion 1042
including an inner wall 1044 and an outer skirt 1046, said skirt
1046 having a plurality of second threads 1048 adapted and
positioned to cooperate with said first threads 1034, said inner
wall 1044 of said closure member 1040 having a length extending in
a substantially vertically downward direction sufficient to define
a second sealing surface 1050, wherein a sealing liner 1060 is
attached to the rim 1008, wherein sealable engagement of said
container member 1002 and closure member 1040 is effectuated when
said first threads 1034 and second threads 1048 are in a sealing
position with said first sealing surface 1038 in contact with said
second sealing surface 1050 over a substantial length thereof, and
said sealing portion 1042 is sealingly engaged with said sealing
liner 1060.
[0044] As stated, although the invention is described with respect
to a cylindrical bowl and lid assembly, the engagement means of the
spin lock container can be employed on various containers having
cylindrical openings. Such containers include, by way of example,
soda bottles, milk containers, bleach bottles, etc.
[0045] As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art, numerous suitable materials may be chosen to fabricate the
spin lock container of the invention. Preferably, the container
comprises polyolefin or like material. The noted material is
sufficiently resiliently deformable to facilitate cooperation
between the container threads and the closure threads. The noted
material also readily accommodates the preferred thermoforming
process. The container can be made from any suitable plastic and
can be made by any suitable technique, such as co-extrusion,
lamination, injection molding, vacuum thermoforming, or
overmolding. Vacuum thermoforming is typically the most economical
means for forming the container. As is well know in the art, vacuum
thermoforming involves heating a suitable plastic sheet of material
to a temperature at which the sheet becomes formable into a shape
that is set as the plastic sheet cools. As used herein, a suitable
plastic sheet is a plastic sheet that may be readily used by the
vacuum thermoforming process. The heated plastic sheet is made to
conform to the surface features of a single surface "male" tool by
drawing the heated sheet of plastic to the surface of the tool by
the force of a vacuum applied to the tool. In vacuum thermoforming,
the sealed air space between the heated plastic and mold is
evacuated to draw the heated plastic to contact the single male
surface of the mold. Injection molding of a plastic article
involves heating suitable plastic material in the form of pellets
or granules until a melt is obtained. The melt is next forced into
a split-die mold, sometimes referred to as a split-die tool, where
it is allowed to "cool" into the desired shape. Both the bottom
surface and the top surface of the plastic article are formable by
the split-die mold. Thus, articles may by formed by the injection
molding process that have side cross-sectional profiles of varying
non-uniform thickness. After the plastic melt cools, the split-die
mold is opened and the article is ejected. Since, the mold is
separable, undercut surface on the plastic article may be relieved
from the split-die mold when it is opened. Injection molding, well
know in the art, is typically used to form plastic articles that
have large undercuts and substantially varying thicknesses in side
cross-sectional profile. As used herein undercuts are said to be
large if a molded plastic article having undercut features is
difficult or impossible to remove from a single-surface vacuum
thermoforming mold after it is formed and cooled.
[0046] The container can be fabricated by vacuum thermoforming a
clarified polypropylene homopolymer material. In another
embodiment, the container may be fabricated by vacuum thermoforming
a clarified random copolymer polypropylene material. Other plastic
materials which would be suitable for fabricating the container by
vacuum thermoforming include PS (polystyrene), CPET (crystalline
polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene
terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl
chloride), PC (polycarbonate), and foamed polypropylene. The
material used can be generally transparent to allow a user to view
the contents of the container.
[0047] The sealing liner is of a different softer material from the
container or the rim of the container member. One measure of the
properties of the different materials is Shore hardness. The
sealing liner preferably has a lower Shore hardness than the
container or rim of the container member. The Shore hardness is
measured with an apparatus known as a Durometer and consequently is
also known as `Durometer hardness`. The hardness value is
determined by the penetration of the Durometer indenter foot into
the sample. Because of the resilience of rubbers and plastics, the
indentation reading my change over time--so the indentation time is
sometimes reported along with the hardness number. The ASTM test
method designation is ASTM D2240 00 and is generally used in North
America. The results obtained from this test are a useful measure
of relative resistance to indentation of various grades of
polymers. However, the Shore Durometer hardness test does not serve
well as a predictor of other properties such as strength or
resistance to scratches, abrasion, or wear, and should not be used
alone for product design specifications. Shore hardness is often
used as a proxy for flexibility (flexural modulus) for the
specification of elastomers. The correlation between Shore hardness
and flexibility holds for similar materials, especially within a
series of grades from the same product line, but this is an
empirical and not a fundamental relationship. For example,
polypropylene homopolymer has a Shore D hardness of 78. Typical
olefin copolymers of polypropylene can have a Shore D hardness of
about 73. Low density polyethylene has a Shore D hardness of about
55. Elastomers are in the range of Shore A hardness below the
hardness level measured by Shore A hardness.
[0048] The sealing liner can be hollow, for example a tubular
structure. The sealing liner can be foamed, for example a foamed
elastomer, or can be solid, for example a polypropylene copolymer
overmolded film. The sealing liner can be attached to the container
by insertion, welding including adhesive welding, or
overmolding.
[0049] Without departing from the spirit and scope of this
invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and
modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and
conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly,
equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence
of the following claims. 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. While the invention is described herein in
connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent
to limit the present invention to those embodiments.
* * * * *