+

US20080149641A1 - Plastic water tight container - Google Patents

Plastic water tight container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080149641A1
US20080149641A1 US11/715,893 US71589307A US2008149641A1 US 20080149641 A1 US20080149641 A1 US 20080149641A1 US 71589307 A US71589307 A US 71589307A US 2008149641 A1 US2008149641 A1 US 2008149641A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
inverted
wall
shaped portion
seal
bowl
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/715,893
Inventor
Alex Segal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20080149641A1 publication Critical patent/US20080149641A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
    • B65D43/0208—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections on both the inside and the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
    • B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
    • B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
    • B65D2543/00361—Dome-like placed on a tray like container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/005—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container both cup and skirt
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00685—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00796—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00953—Sealing means
    • B65D2543/0099—Integral supplemental sealing lips

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to injection molded plastic food containers.
  • Inexpensive plastic containers have been manufactured for several decades. These containers generally include a lid section mated to a bowl section. Both the lid and bowl portions are generally thin walled products manufactured by using injection molding or thermoforming processes. These inexpensive bowls are an important part of the food service industry because they permit food products to be served to the public in a relatively secure container.
  • water tight containers are not simple to construct. The most effective way to ensure a secure water tight seal between the lid and the bowl portion of the container is to provide some sort of rubber sealing gasket at the intersection of lid and bowl. This greatly increases the cost of manufacturing the container.
  • it is possible to design water proof plastic containers provided the plastic walls of the container are relatively thick and the lid and bowl are very closely mated to each other. This design approach, while effective, also results in an expensive container. An improved container having a water tight seal which does not require thick walled products or sealing gaskets is therefore desirable.
  • an improved plastic container wherein the lid and bowl portions of the container fit together to form a water tight seal without the need for sealing gaskets.
  • the plastic lid portion of the container includes a lid lip having a generally sinusoidal shape including a U shaped portion and a first inverted U shaped portion, the first inverted U shaped portion having a first wall, a first upper portion and an interior, a retaining bead projecting from the first wall into the interior of the first inverted U shaped portion, the U shaped portion having a second wall opposite the first wall of the first inverted U shaped portion.
  • the bowl includes a bowl lip having a second inverted U shaped portion.
  • the second inverted U shaped portion has third and fourth walls, a second upper portion and a lip edge.
  • the third wall extends from a terminal end to the second upper portion, the fourth wall being contiguous with the bowl and the lip edge being positioned between the fourth wall and the top portion.
  • the second inverted U shaped portion is dimensioned and configured to fit snugly within the interior of first inverted U shaped portion such that when the second inverted U-shaped portion is fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, a first seal is formed by the terminal end of the third wall bearing against a portion of the first wall immediately above the bead, a second seal is formed by a portion of the fourth wall bearing against a portion of the second wall and a third seal is formed by the lip edge bearing against the upper portion of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of the lid portion of a container made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the bowl portion of a container made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the lip portion of the bowl shown in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the lip portion of the lid shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the lip portions of the lid and bowl portions of the present invention being joined together.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the lip portions shown in FIG. 5 showing force vectors.
  • the present invention is a plastic bowl having lid 12 and bowl 14 .
  • Lid 12 is made of a thin walled lid which is injection molded from a plastic such as polypropylene or the like.
  • Lid 12 has bottom portion 26 and domed portion 28 .
  • Cleats 30 are formed on dome 28 and lip portion 16 is formed on bottom portion 26 .
  • Lip 16 extends all the way around the lid.
  • bowl portion 14 has bottom dome 20 with bottom 22 and top portion 24 .
  • Lip portion 18 extends all the way around top portion 24 of bowl portion 14 .
  • lip portion 16 is sinusoidal in shape having U-shaped portion 32 and first inverted U-shaped portion 34 .
  • Inverted U-shaped portion 34 has a first outer wall 36 , interior 35 and top portion 37 .
  • Interior 39 is formed between first outer wall 36 and second wall 40 of U-shaped member 32 .
  • Bead 38 is formed on first wall 36 and projects into interior 35 .
  • Wall 36 is preferably sufficiently thin to permit it to deform slightly.
  • Lip portion 18 has second inverted U-shaped member 42 .
  • Second inverted U-shaped member 42 has third wall 44 , top portion 46 , terminal end 48 and fourth wall 50 .
  • Fourth wall 50 is contiguous with the rest of the bowl portion.
  • Lip edge 15 is formed between top portion 46 and fourth wall 50 and is oriented towards bowl 14 .
  • Edge 15 is preferably relatively sharp, preferably just over about 90° or so.
  • Lip portion 18 is dimensioned to fit snugly with in interior 35 of first inverted U-shaped portion 34 .
  • first inverted U-shaped portion 34 has an internal diameter measured between first wall 36 and second wall 40
  • second inverted U-shaped portion has an exterior diameter measured by the exterior of third wall 44 and fourth wall 50 .
  • the internal diameter of first inverted U-shaped portion 34 is less than the external diameter of second inverted U-shaped portion 42 .
  • wall 44 is dimensioned such that when fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, terminal end 48 is positioned immediately above bead 38 , thereby preventing the second inverted U-shaped portion from slipping out of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
  • Fist inverted U-shaped portion 34 and second inverted U-shaped portion 42 are dimensioned such that seal formed between walls 40 and 50 is positioned below the seal formed by walls 36 and 44 .
  • portion 42 is sufficiently greater than the inside diameter of portion 34 such that lateral forces represented by vectors E and F are formed.
  • Seals A and B are formed by the lateral forces represented by vectors E and F.
  • Seals A and B are formed as substantially point like seals having relatively small surface areas, ensuring that the seals are tight and water tight.
  • the relative sizes of portions 34 and 42 are such that transverse forces represented by vectors D and G are formed between portion 48 and edge 15 . These forces are balanced and in opposite directions ensuring that portion 42 remains within portion 34 .
  • Edge 15 being relatively sharp, forms a tight seal C as it presses against the intersection of portions 37 and 40 .
  • Seals A, B and C are point seals that are continuous all along lips 16 and 18 , thereby ensuring a continuous seal between lid and bowl.
  • Seals A, B and C are arranged to form a triangular arrangement illustrated by triangle H.
  • seals A, B and C are arranged such that triangle H is approximately an equilateral triangle to ensure that the three seals remain tight and secure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is an improved plastic container wherein the lid and bowl portions of the container fit together to form a water tight seal without the need for sealing gaskets. The plastic lid portion of the container includes a lid lip having a generally sinusoidal shape including a U shaped portion and a first inverted U shaped portion, the first inverted U shaped portion having a first wall, a first upper portion and an interior, a retaining bead projecting from the first wall into the interior of the first inverted U shaped portion, the U shaped portion having a second wall opposite the first wall of the first inverted U shaped portion. The bowl includes a bowl lip having a second inverted U shaped portion. The second inverted U shaped portion has third and fourth walls, a second upper portion and a lip edge. The third wall extends from a terminal end to the second upper portion, the fourth wall being contiguous with the bowl and the lip edge being positioned between the fourth wall and the top portion. The second inverted U shaped portion is dimensioned and configured to fit snugly within the interior of first inverted U shaped portion such that when the second inverted U-shaped portion is fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, a first seal is formed by the terminal end of the third wall bearing against a portion of the first wall immediately above the bead, a second seal is formed by a portion of the fourth wall bearing against a portion of the second wall and a third seal is formed by the lip edge bearing against the upper portion of the first inverted U-shaped portion.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates generally to injection molded plastic food containers.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Inexpensive plastic containers have been manufactured for several decades. These containers generally include a lid section mated to a bowl section. Both the lid and bowl portions are generally thin walled products manufactured by using injection molding or thermoforming processes. These inexpensive bowls are an important part of the food service industry because they permit food products to be served to the public in a relatively secure container. Unfortunately, water tight containers are not simple to construct. The most effective way to ensure a secure water tight seal between the lid and the bowl portion of the container is to provide some sort of rubber sealing gasket at the intersection of lid and bowl. This greatly increases the cost of manufacturing the container. Alternatively, it is possible to design water proof plastic containers provided the plastic walls of the container are relatively thick and the lid and bowl are very closely mated to each other. This design approach, while effective, also results in an expensive container. An improved container having a water tight seal which does not require thick walled products or sealing gaskets is therefore desirable.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved plastic container wherein the lid and bowl portions of the container fit together to form a water tight seal without the need for sealing gaskets. The plastic lid portion of the container includes a lid lip having a generally sinusoidal shape including a U shaped portion and a first inverted U shaped portion, the first inverted U shaped portion having a first wall, a first upper portion and an interior, a retaining bead projecting from the first wall into the interior of the first inverted U shaped portion, the U shaped portion having a second wall opposite the first wall of the first inverted U shaped portion. The bowl includes a bowl lip having a second inverted U shaped portion. The second inverted U shaped portion has third and fourth walls, a second upper portion and a lip edge. The third wall extends from a terminal end to the second upper portion, the fourth wall being contiguous with the bowl and the lip edge being positioned between the fourth wall and the top portion. The second inverted U shaped portion is dimensioned and configured to fit snugly within the interior of first inverted U shaped portion such that when the second inverted U-shaped portion is fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, a first seal is formed by the terminal end of the third wall bearing against a portion of the first wall immediately above the bead, a second seal is formed by a portion of the fourth wall bearing against a portion of the second wall and a third seal is formed by the lip edge bearing against the upper portion of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
  • With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, which includes a description of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention.
    • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1. is a side view of the lid portion of a container made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2. is a side view of the bowl portion of a container made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3. is a cross sectional view of the lip portion of the bowl shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the lip portion of the lid shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the lip portions of the lid and bowl portions of the present invention being joined together.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the lip portions shown in FIG. 5 showing force vectors.
    •
  • In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is a plastic bowl having lid 12 and bowl 14. Lid 12 is made of a thin walled lid which is injection molded from a plastic such as polypropylene or the like. Lid 12 has bottom portion 26 and domed portion 28. Cleats 30 are formed on dome 28 and lip portion 16 is formed on bottom portion 26. Lip 16 extends all the way around the lid. Likewise, bowl portion 14 has bottom dome 20 with bottom 22 and top portion 24. Lip portion 18 extends all the way around top portion 24 of bowl portion 14.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, lip portion 16 is sinusoidal in shape having U-shaped portion 32 and first inverted U-shaped portion 34. Inverted U-shaped portion 34 has a first outer wall 36, interior 35 and top portion 37. Interior 39 is formed between first outer wall 36 and second wall 40 of U-shaped member 32. Bead 38 is formed on first wall 36 and projects into interior 35. Wall 36 is preferably sufficiently thin to permit it to deform slightly.
  • Lip portion 18 has second inverted U-shaped member 42. Second inverted U-shaped member 42 has third wall 44, top portion 46, terminal end 48 and fourth wall 50. Fourth wall 50 is contiguous with the rest of the bowl portion. Lip edge 15 is formed between top portion 46 and fourth wall 50 and is oriented towards bowl 14. Edge 15 is preferably relatively sharp, preferably just over about 90° or so.
  • Lip portion 18 is dimensioned to fit snugly with in interior 35 of first inverted U-shaped portion 34. Preferably, first inverted U-shaped portion 34 has an internal diameter measured between first wall 36 and second wall 40, while second inverted U-shaped portion has an exterior diameter measured by the exterior of third wall 44 and fourth wall 50. Preferably the internal diameter of first inverted U-shaped portion 34 is less than the external diameter of second inverted U-shaped portion 42. When the second inverted U-shaped portion 42 is fully inserted into interior 35 of first inverted U-shaped portion 34, terminal end 48 and portion 51 of first wall 36 bear against each other tightly to form seal A, portion 52 of wall 50 bears against portion 54 of second wall 40 with sufficient force to form seal B and edge 15 bears against top 37 of the first inverted U-shaped portion to form seal C. Preferably, wall 44 is dimensioned such that when fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, terminal end 48 is positioned immediately above bead 38, thereby preventing the second inverted U-shaped portion from slipping out of the first inverted U-shaped portion. Fist inverted U-shaped portion 34 and second inverted U-shaped portion 42 are dimensioned such that seal formed between walls 40 and 50 is positioned below the seal formed by walls 36 and 44.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, the outside diameter of portion 42 is sufficiently greater than the inside diameter of portion 34 such that lateral forces represented by vectors E and F are formed. Seals A and B are formed by the lateral forces represented by vectors E and F. Seals A and B are formed as substantially point like seals having relatively small surface areas, ensuring that the seals are tight and water tight. The relative sizes of portions 34 and 42 are such that transverse forces represented by vectors D and G are formed between portion 48 and edge 15. These forces are balanced and in opposite directions ensuring that portion 42 remains within portion 34. Edge 15, being relatively sharp, forms a tight seal C as it presses against the intersection of portions 37 and 40.
  • Seals A, B and C are point seals that are continuous all along lips 16 and 18, thereby ensuring a continuous seal between lid and bowl. Seals A, B and C are arranged to form a triangular arrangement illustrated by triangle H. Preferably, seals A, B and C are arranged such that triangle H is approximately an equilateral triangle to ensure that the three seals remain tight and secure. By having the three seals in an equilateral triangular arrangement, the lid remains very tightly sealed to the bowl and will resist being dislodged, even if the container drops.
  • A specific embodiment of the present invention peas been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (8)

Therefore, what is claimed is:
1. A plastic container comprising:
a lid including a lid lip having a generally sinusoidal shape including a U shaped portion and a first inverted U shaped portion, the first inverted U shaped portion having a first wall, a first upper portion and an interior, a retaining bead projecting from the first wall into the interior of the first inverted U shaped portion, the U shaped portion having a second wall opposite the first wall of the first inverted U shaped portion;
a bowl including a bowl lip having a second inverted U shaped portion, the second inverted U shaped portion having a third and fourth wall, a second upper portion and a lip edge, the third wall extending from a terminal end to the second upper portion, the fourth wall being contiguous with the bowl and the lip edge being positioned between the fourth wall and the top portion;
the second inverted U shaped portion being dimensioned and configured to fit snugly within the interior of first inverted U shaped portion, the first and second inverted U shaped portions being further dimensioned such that when the second inverted U-shaped portion is fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, a first seal is formed by the terminal end of the third wall bearing against a portion of the first wall immediately above the bead and a second seal is formed by a portion of the fourth wall bearing against a portion of the second wall and a third seal is formed by the lip edge bearing against the upper portion of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first seal is formed above the second seal.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the lip edge is relatively square.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the interior of the first inverted U-shaped portion has an internal diameter measured between the first wall and the second wall and wherein the second inverted U-shaped portion has an exterior diameter measured between the terminal end and the fourth wall, the exterior diameter of the second inverted U-Shaped portion being slightly greater than the interior diameter of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
5. The container of claim 3 wherein the lip edge is just over 90°.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third seals are arranged in a triangular arrangement which is approximately equilateral.
7. A container comprising:
a lid including a lid lip having a generally sinusoidal shape including a U shaped portion and a first inverted U shaped portion, the first inverted U shaped portion having a first wall, a first upper portion and an interior, a retaining bead projecting from the first wall into the interior of the first inverted U shaped portion, the U shaped portion having a second wall opposite the first wall of the first inverted U shaped portion, the second wall being much thicker than then first wall;
a bowl including a bowl lip having a second inverted U shaped portion, the second inverted U shaped portion having a third and fourth wall, a second upper portion and a lip edge, the third wall extending from a terminal end to the second upper portion, the fourth wall being contiguous with the bowl, the lip edge being formed between the fourth wall and the second upper portion, the lip edge being relatively square;
the second inverted U-shaped portion having an external diameter measured between the terminal end and the fourth wall and the first inverted U-shaped portion having an internal diameter measured from the first wall immediately above the bead to the second wall, the outer diameter of the second inverted U-shaped portion and the inner diameter of the first inverted U-shaped portion being selected such that the second inverted U-shaped portion fits snugly within the interior of first inverted U shaped portion, the internal and external diameters of the first and second inverted U-shaped portions, respectively, being further selected such that when the second inverted U-shaped portion is fully inserted into the first inverted U-shaped portion, a first seal is formed by the terminal end of the third wall bearing against a portion of the first wall immediately above the bead and a second seal is formed by a portion of the fourth wall bearing against a portion of the second wall and a third seal is formed by the lip edge bearing against the upper portion of the first inverted U-shaped portion.
8. The container of claim 7 the first, second and third seals are in a triangular arrangement, the triangular arrangement being substantially equilateral.
US11/715,893 2006-12-20 2007-03-09 Plastic water tight container Abandoned US20080149641A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002571965A CA2571965A1 (en) 2006-12-20 2006-12-20 Plastic water tight container
CA2571965 2006-12-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080149641A1 true US20080149641A1 (en) 2008-06-26

Family

ID=39537621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/715,893 Abandoned US20080149641A1 (en) 2006-12-20 2007-03-09 Plastic water tight container

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20080149641A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2571965A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9340330B2 (en) 2010-06-24 2016-05-17 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Storage container lids
US20170369212A1 (en) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Honest Food Co., Ltd. Vapor-tight container
US10407222B2 (en) * 2012-02-16 2019-09-10 David O. Allen Container and closure assembly

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3065875A (en) * 1960-02-19 1962-11-27 Continental Can Co Plastic snap-on reclosure cover
US3358875A (en) * 1965-11-15 1967-12-19 Clark Mfg Co J L Sheet metal container with hemmed body end
US3609263A (en) * 1970-05-06 1971-09-28 Sandro Clementi Plastic containers and cover closures therefor
US3688942A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-09-05 Continental Can Co Container and closure combination
US4235349A (en) * 1979-08-20 1980-11-25 Owens-Illinois, Inc. One-piece safety closure for rigid containers having a bead finish
US4335827A (en) * 1979-09-28 1982-06-22 Lippy Can Company, Ltd. Can or container and lid therefor
US5356026A (en) * 1993-03-22 1994-10-18 Plastics, Inc. Double seal container
US5683008A (en) * 1995-03-31 1997-11-04 Galer; Herbert W. Square container for hazardous powered materials
US6460716B1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-10-08 Nancy Wong Container with food seals
US20030155365A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-08-21 David Llorente Lecue Receptacle

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3065875A (en) * 1960-02-19 1962-11-27 Continental Can Co Plastic snap-on reclosure cover
US3358875A (en) * 1965-11-15 1967-12-19 Clark Mfg Co J L Sheet metal container with hemmed body end
US3609263A (en) * 1970-05-06 1971-09-28 Sandro Clementi Plastic containers and cover closures therefor
US3688942A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-09-05 Continental Can Co Container and closure combination
US4235349A (en) * 1979-08-20 1980-11-25 Owens-Illinois, Inc. One-piece safety closure for rigid containers having a bead finish
US4335827A (en) * 1979-09-28 1982-06-22 Lippy Can Company, Ltd. Can or container and lid therefor
US5356026A (en) * 1993-03-22 1994-10-18 Plastics, Inc. Double seal container
US5683008A (en) * 1995-03-31 1997-11-04 Galer; Herbert W. Square container for hazardous powered materials
US6460716B1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-10-08 Nancy Wong Container with food seals
US20030155365A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-08-21 David Llorente Lecue Receptacle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9340330B2 (en) 2010-06-24 2016-05-17 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Storage container lids
US10407222B2 (en) * 2012-02-16 2019-09-10 David O. Allen Container and closure assembly
US20170369212A1 (en) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Honest Food Co., Ltd. Vapor-tight container
US10464721B2 (en) * 2016-06-22 2019-11-05 Honest Food Co., Ltd. Vapor-tight container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2571965A1 (en) 2008-06-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2388204B1 (en) Storing device
US4079857A (en) Containers and closures
US20220218132A1 (en) Lid Assembly for a Beverage Container
US8899443B2 (en) Container assembly with flexible seal
US4004710A (en) Container and closure therefor
US3527372A (en) Container
CA2789890C (en) Gasketless pail lid
US9725208B2 (en) Container assembly having stacking provisions
US20060076352A1 (en) Container with integral foam gasket and method of making the container
US7475773B2 (en) Container for moisture-sensitive goods
US20100170204A1 (en) Container lids and methods of sealing containers
US20120061409A1 (en) Drinking assembly with integral straw
WO1999061323A3 (en) Barrel with plastic lid
US20170101229A1 (en) Lid structure for container
US20110272405A1 (en) Self Sealing Bag in Box Cap Assembly
CN114174185A (en) Container lids and containers combined therewith
JP4921477B2 (en) Dispensing tap for liquid container
US20080149641A1 (en) Plastic water tight container
US6695160B1 (en) Top load seal protection feature
US20020148847A1 (en) Container lid for wet or dry applications
TWI422515B (en) Covered container
CA3020109C (en) Open end container with improved seal
US7419068B2 (en) Thermoplastic can
AU2008100288A4 (en) Disposable Container
JP2007314233A (en) Highly airtight container with lid

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务，不要输入任何密码和下载