US3499574A - Resilient closure having retaining means - Google Patents

Description

March 10, 1970 G. YATES, JR 3,

RESILIENT CLOSURE HAVING RETAINING MEANS Filed D89. 5, 1968 6 YQTES J2,

United States Patent 3,499,574 RESILIENT CLOSURE HAVING RETAINING MEANS George Yates, Jr., Glendale, Calif., assignor to Bennett Industries, Inc., Peotone, 111., a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 5, 1968, Ser. No. 781,556 Int. Cl. B65d 43/10 US. Cl. 220-60 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A plastic closure assembly adapted for application to an open head container body comprises two flanges forming an inverted U-shaped channel provided with interlocking means adapted to engage the open end of the container body. The outer flange of the closure is slotted to provide tabs which may be sprung outwardly in order to disengage the closure from the container body. A retaining member is provided to normally maintain the closure in engagement with the container body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates to the container arts and particularly to a reusable plastic closure suitable for use with plastic and metal containers.

Description of the prior art Although there has been considerable interest in the adaptation of plastic to containers and particularly shipping containers, the substitution of plastic for metal in the manufacture of such objects has encountered an appreciable number of problems. Certain plastics are soft and pliable, and, when containers are made of such material, it is diflicult to provide a closure which will remain in sealed-tight engagement with the container when it is subjected to rough handling. On the other hand, buckets made of more rigid plastics tend to be fragile and easy to break under such circumstances.

It has been proposed that closures for such containers be reinforced with metal in order to provide the required degree of stiffness and a more permanent seal, as evidenced by applicants co-pending United States Patent application Ser. No. 598,471, filed Dec. 1, 1966, now patent No. 3,425,471.

More recently, a one-piece molded plastic lid has been suggested featuring a depressed center section and a peripheral inverted U-shaped channel, with a detent lug formed on the inner side of the outer leg of the U-shaped channel, the said lug being adapted to lockingly engage a bead formed adjacent the open end of the container body. Although such systems have been known for many years (see, e.g., United States Patents Nos. 2,339,343 and 2,977,019), the more recent efforts to use such known design technology in a plastic container system have encountered much difficulty. Although such an arrangement does provide a relatively secure seal (one of the objectives that must be achieved), by virtue of the design of the system and of the materials from which the closure is fabricated, removal of the sealed closure from the container body has been achieved only with great difliculty, generally involving mutilation of the closure to such a degree that it cannot be reused. Further, because of the depressed center section of the closure, the space between the closure and the contents is insuflicient, possibly resulting in an explosion when the contents are heated or otherwise expand.

It is therefore among the objects of the invention to ice provide a new and improved container closure of plastic material that can be readily applied by hand and can be removed with equal ease by hand and without the use of tools.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved container closure which can be removed easily by hand and wherein, when reapplied to reseal the container, the reappl-ication of the closure to the container is performed in the same manner as the initial application.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved resealable container assembly wherein the sealed connection between the closure and the open end of the container consists of a multiple number of associated parts which reinforce each other and provide a high degree of stiflness at the open end of the container suflicient to withstand the usual rough handling to which shipping containers are subjected.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved resealable container assembly which is relatively simple in form and construction such that both the container and closure can be readily molded by conventional methods and wherein the number of parts comprising the seal is confined to substantially a minimum.

Yet another object is to provide a plastic container closure suitable for use on metal as well as plastic container bodies.

Still further among the objects of the invention is to provide a new and improved resealable container assembly which is not only simple in construction, but also one which is inexpensive to manufacture and quick to apply whether made in small, medium, or large sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention may be achieved with a plastic closure adapted for removable placement over the open end of an open end container body having a side wall structure, the said closure comprising a center section; an inverted U-shaped channel defined by an inner flange, an outer flange, and an integral top section interconnecting the inner and outer flanges, the inner flange being integrally joined to the center section; the lower portion of the outer flange taking the form of a plurality of flexible tabs; interlocking means formed on the interior of the tabs and adapted to lockingly mate with the side wall structure of the container body, the tabs being normally positioned such that the interlocking means engage the container body, with the tabs being outwardly movable from their normal positions so as to disengage the container body, and retaining means for normally retaining the tabs in their normal positions, whereby the closure may be maintained in engagement with the container body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the assembly consisting of the container body and the closure therefor with the closure applied;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken on line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an exploded fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the parts shown in FIGURE 2 but separated one from another;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, but showing the position of parts as the closure approaches final engagement with the container; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified form of the invention.

3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the drawings, a container body and a closure 11 are illustrated. The container is a type of vessel commonly referred to as a bucket or pail and is used for an assortment of contents. Container body 10 is preferably constructed of plastic material such as high density polyethylene, but other plastics and metals may be employed. Inasmuch as the plastic material is relatively inert, the container body is one capable of being utilized for a wide assortment of both liquid and powdered material. The closure 11 is preferably formed of plastic material and, although disclosed as a closure usable with a container body of the same material, the closure is capable of also being used on a container body constructed of metal.

The container body 10 comprises a side wall structure 12 which in the present instance is cylindrical but which under appropriate circumstances may be square, rectangular, or other cross-sectional shape.

At the open end of the container body there is provided a rounded bead 13 which extends preferably in an outward direction at the uppermost edge as viewed in FIGURE 2. Although a solid bead 13 is shown as a preferable construction when the container is formed of plastic, the head could be a rolled bead should the container be one constructed of metal.

The closure member used with the present invention is preferably formed from a suitable semi-rigid plastic having strength sufficient to withstand the abuses to which a shipping container is subjected in normal use. Linear, high-density polyethylene-copolymer is an especially suitable plastic material, although other plastics of the polyolefin or petrochemical family may be employed. An especially preferred plastic is polyethylene having a density ranging between 0.941 and 0.965 grams per cubic centimeter (ASTM test Dl50563T) and a melt index ranging between 0.1 and 25.0 (ASTM test D123862T). Where the latter preferred polyethylene is employed in producing an injection-molded closure, the melt index preferably lies between 4.0 and 25.0. Of course, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the closure member may be constructed or fabricated from various other suitable materials and by a variety of manufacturing processes such as injection molding.

An inverted U-shaped channel 23 is provided about the periphery of closure 11. The U-shaped channel 23 is formed in part by a peripherally continuous and relatively fiat inner flange 15, a lower portion 16 of which lies in contact with an inside surface of the side wall structure 12 of the container body when the closure 11 is positioned thereon. An upper portion 17 of flange includes an angular portion 18 into which extends a groove 19 for the purpose of keeping all portions as near as possible of the same thickness for ease, accuracy, and dependability of molding. A disc-shaped section 20 extends around the interior periphery of the inner flange 15 intermediate axially outer and inner ends of the flange. For additional strength there are provided a series of peripherally spaced gusset plates 21 which extend between the inside surface of the lower portion 16 and the under surface of the section 20.

The outer boundary of the U-shaped channel is formed by a relatively flat outer flange 22 extending substantially parallel to but spaced apart from the inner flange 15 and of comparable length. The channel 23 extends upwardly and terminates in an apex 24 separated from the other portion of the channel 23 by an inwardly extending head 25.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the lower portion of the outer flange 22 contains a relatively large number of perimetrally spaced slots, thereby forming a plurality of spaced tabs 27. As shown in FIGURE 2, the slots extend upwardly from the lower edge to a location adjacent to the channel, thereby cutting through the bead 25. An upper portion 28 of the outer flange 22, as viewed in FIGURE 2, is perimetrally continuous.

Adjacent the upper portion 28 is a radially extending flange 30 which extends around the uppermost perimeter of the closure 11, the upper side 31 of said flange being relatively flat. A perimetral groove 32 is formed in the outer surface of the outer flange 22 immediately adjacent the flange 30. At the opposite end of the outer flange 22 is another radially extending flange 33 which also extends perimetrally around the outer flange 22. Adjacent the flange 33 is another groove 34 in the outer surface of the outer flange 22.

Retaining means, taking the form of a continuous wire ring 35 (see FIGURES 1-4) having a diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of the outer flange 22 is provided. The ring 35 is adapted to be received in the groove 32 when the closure is removed or being applied to the container and is adapted to slide down the outer flange 22 and into the groove 34 when the closure is in closed position on the container. Good practice suggests that the portion of the tabs 27 lying adjacent the flange 33 be slightly thicker so that the tabs are pressed slightly radially inwardly when the ring 35 is positioned in the groove 34. To provide a finger hold for removing the closure, the tabs are provided with rounded portions 36 at the lower ends in order to permit the fingers to grasp the free end of the outer flange.

To ensure that a fluid-tight seal is obtained when the closure is applied to the container body, there is included a substantially annular sealing gasket 37. Gasket 37 may take the form of a separate resilient ring capable of being located in the apex 24 of the U-shaped channel or, on occasions, it may be a flowed-in type gasket of material soft enough to be deformed to spread around mating surfaces of the bead 13 and the apex 24 of the channel.

In applying the closure to the container body the inner and outer flanges 15 and 22 are pressed against respective inner and outer sides of the bead 1.3. Since the thickness of the bead is relatively greater than the breadth of the channel 23, this results in a temporary spreading of the flanges apart from each other as shown in FIGURE 4. Since the outer flange 22 is separated into the tabs 27, the tabs readily flex outwardly as necessary to have the flange 22 and especially the raised portion 25 pass over the bead 13. Once the bead is received in the top end 24 of the pocket, the flanges snap back to substantially the positions shown in FIGURE 2 due to the inherent resiliency of the material. The same movement causes the gasket 37 to be compressed into sealing relationship with the bead and the bottom wall of the pocket. While this application of the closure is taking place, the ring 35 is located in the groove 32, as shown in FIGURE 4, thereby permitting free and unrestricted flexing of the tabs 27. Once the tabs have returned to approximately the positions of FIGURE 2, the ring 35 is pushed out of the groove 32 downwardly along the outside surface of the tabs until it is lodged in the groove '34, while at the same time being stopped against further movement by the stop 33. For ease in mechanically pushing the ring to the sealing position of FIGURE 2, there may be provided a series of spaced cutouts 38- in the flange 30 through which fingers of an appropriate machine (not shown) may extend. Once in the position of FIGURE 2, the ring 35 serves to prevent outward flexure of the tabs 27, thereby serving to maintain the sealed relationship of the closure 11 on the container body 10.

When the closure is to be removed, the ring 35 is dislodged from the groove 34, by hand or otherwise, and is slid upwardly along the outer surface of the outer flange 22 until it is lodged against the flange 30 and in the groove 32. Certain of the tabs 27 may be flexed outwardly far enough to disengage the bead 25 from engagement with the bead 13. It is suflicient if no more than two or three of the tabs 27 are in this manner pulled free. Meanwhile, inasmuch as the ring 35 has been shifted to a position against the stop 30, no interference is offered in the free flexing of the tabs outwardly. Once the tabs have been freed from the head, the closure 11 can *be lifted free of the container body 10.

Inasmuch as there has been no more than a mere flexing of some of the tabs 27 for removal of the closure, the closure can be reapplied with equal effectiveness in the same manner as it was applied initially by pressing the outer and inner flanges against the bead 13 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 4 until the bead 25 of each of the tabs has passed over the bead, whereupon the tabs again assume the position of FIGURE 2, whereupon the ring 35 can again be shifted out of the groove 32 and into the groove 34 to make an effective reseal of the closure on the container. Because of the inherent flexibility and resilience of the plastic from which the closure is formed, the closure can be removed and reapplied as many times as may be necessary.

In a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 5, an alternative version of the retaining means is shown. A band 40 of stiff flat material which can be applied over the tabs 27 after the closure has been applied to the container body to thereby hold the tabs in closed position is provided. Ends 41 and 42 of the band 40 may be interlocked by having the end 42 extend through a slot 43 in the end 41 and thereafter bent over to hold the band in place. Since the band is present for the purpose only of holding the tabs 27 in the closed position, no special tightening means need to be provided. It is only necessary to fasten the ends of the band together in order to hold the band flat around the outer flange 22, from which it can be readily removed when the closure is to be lifted clear of the container body.

In addition to the embodiment shown in FIGURES l-4 (in which the side wall 12 of container body terminates in a bead 13), the subject invention further comprehends an arrangement in which the upper end of the container body side wall structure is substantially straight, with one or more perimetral grooves being formed in the outer surface thereof, with which grooves one or more beads (such as bead 25) lockingly comate as the closure is applied to the container body.

In sum, the subject invention provides a safe, reliable plastic closure which can conveniently, yet securely, be applied and reapplied to the open end of a container body.

I claim:

1. A plastic closure adapted for removable placement over the open end of an open end container body having a side wall structure, the said closure comprising:

a center section; and

an integrally formed peripheral inverted U-shaped channel defined by an inner flange, an outer flange, and an integral top section interconnecting the inner and outer flanges,

the inner flange being formed integrally with the center section, the lower portion of the outer flange taking the form of a plurality of flexible tabs with the upper portion of the outer flange being peripherally continuous,

interlocking means being formed on the interior of the tabs, with the tabs being normally positioned in locking engagement with the side wall structure of the container body, and with the tabs being flexible outwardly from their respective normal positions so as to disengage the interlocking means from the side wall structure of the container body; and

retaining means for maintaining the tabs in their respective normal positions,

whereby the closure may be maintained in engagement with the container body.

2. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inter- 6. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises a band adapted for placement over the tabs, the ends of said band being removably joined to one another.

7. A plastic closure adapted for removable placement over the open end of an open end container body having a side wall structure, the said closure comprising:

a center section;

an integrally formed peripheral inverted U-shaped channel defined by an inner flange, an outer flange, and an integral top section interconnecting the inner and outer flanges,

the inner flange being formed integrally with the center section,

the lower portion of the outer flange taking the form of a plurality of flexible tabs,

interlocking means being formed on the interior of the tabs, with the tabs being normally positioned in locking engagement with the side wall structure of the container body, and with the tabs being flexible outwardly from their respective normal positions so as to disengage the interlocking means from the side wall structure of the container body; and

retaining means comprising a continuous perimetral member extending around the exterior of the outer flange and movable between a first position, in which it maintains the tabs in their normal positions, and a second position, wherein the tabs are free to flex out of their respective normal positions so as to disengage the side wall structure of the container body,

whereby the closure may be maintained in engagement with the container body.

8. A closure, as claimed in claim 7, and further comprising first and second means provided in association with the outer flange for limiting the movement of the perimetral member beyond its first and second positions.

9. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising sealing means provided at the apex of the inverted U-shaped channel.

10. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising a plurality of perimetrally spaced gusset members extending between the inner flange and the center section.

11. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the free end of each tab is undercut to facilitate disengagement of the tab from the side wall structure of the container body.

12. A closure, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center section is integrally joined with the inner flange at a point intermediate the upper and lower ends of the inner flange.

13. A plastic closure adapted for removable placement over the open end of an open end container body having a side wall structure, the said closure comprising:

a peripherally continuous relatively flat inner flange adapted to engage an inside surface of the side wall structure of the container body;

a transverse closure wall positioned intermediate th upper and lower ends of the inner flange;

a relatively flat outer flange spaced substantially uniformly from the inner flange and forming an inverted U-shaped channel therebetween, the apex of the U-shaped channel having a shape complementary to the upper end of the side wall structure of the container body;

interlocking means on the interior of one of the flanges and adapted to lockingly mate with the Side wall structure of the container body;

a plurality of perimetrally spaced slot-s provided in the lower portion of the outer flange and thereby defining a plurality of tabs, the upper portion of the outer flange being peripherally continuous; and

a continuous perimetral retaining member extending around the outer flange,

whereby the closure may be maintained in engagement with the container body.

14. A closure, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the continuous perimetral retaining member is movable axially between a first position, wherein the tabs are positioned such that the interlocking means engages the side wall structure of the container body, and a second position, wherein the tab means are free to flex away from the container body whereby to disengage the closure therefrom.

15. A closure, as claimed in claim 14, and further comprising:

a first outwardly extending flange integrally formed with the outer flange adjacent the first position of the perimetral retaining member; and

a second outwardly extending member on the exterior of the outer flange adjacent the second position of the continuous perimetral member, I

whereby the retaining member may not be moved beyond its first and second positions.

16. A closure, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the closure is annular.

17. A resealable container assembly comprising:

a container body; and

a plastic closure therefor,

the container body having a side wall structure with a peripheral edge surrounding an open end; and

the closure comprising:

a transverse closure wall;

a peripherally continuous relatively flat inner flange formed integrally with the closure wall and adapted to engage an inside surface of the side wall structure of the container body;

a relatively flat outer flange spaced substantially uniformly from said inner flange and forming an inverted U-shaped channel therebetween, the apex of the channel having a shape complementary relative to the periphery of the side wall structure;

interlocking means on the interior of one of the flanges forming the channel and adapted to lockingly engage the side wall structure of the container body;

said outer flange having a plurality of perimetrally spaced slot means extending downwardly from a free edge thereof whereby to 'form a plurality of tabs; and

a continuous perimetral retaining member for maintaining the tabs in engagement with the side wall structure of the container body,

the continuous perimetral retaining member being movable axially between a first position, wherein the tabs are positioned such that the interlocking means engages the side wall structure of the container body, and a second position, wherein the tabs are free to flex away from the container body whereby to disengage the closure therefrom,

whereby the closure may be maintained in engagement with the container body.

18. A container assembly, as claimed in claim 17, and

further comprising:

a first outwardly extending flange integrally formed with the outer flange adjacent the first position of the perimetral retaining member; and

a second outwardly extending member on the exterior of the outer flange adjacent the second position of the continuous perimetral member,

whereby the retaining member may not be moved beyond its first and second positions.

19. A container assembly, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the interlocking means comprises a bead extending radially into the U-shaped channel from the inner surface of the outer flange.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1968 Davis 22060 1/1969 Rocher 220-- GEORGE T. HALL, Primary Examiner

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