US 20070205 1 97Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0205197 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 6, 2007
`Burney
`
`(54) NON-CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER AND LID
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Forrest A. Burney, Raleigh, NC
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS,
`LLP
`1600 MARKET STREET, SUITE 3600
`PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`BWAY CORPORATION,
`Raleigh, NC (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/676,530
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 20, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/775,115, filed on Feb.
`21, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B65D 17/40
`(2006.01)
`B65D 41/18
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`...................................... .. 220/276; 220/780
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A rectangular container and cover are disclosed. The con-
`tainer and cover have complimentary latching feature. An
`inner cover skirt is offset inward toward the cover interior at
`each comer. The offset
`is sufficient
`to permit use of a
`moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners of the
`cover. This allows full formation of latching hooks extend-
`ing around the entire interior of the skirt, such that when the
`cover is placed on the container the cover latching hooks
`engage with container latching ribs to secure the cover on
`the container. A tear strip is also disclosed, the removal of
`which leaves residual flaps at each sidewall intersection and
`at about the lateral center of each sidewall. A portion of the
`cover skirt remains affixed to the container when the tear
`
`strip is removed.
`
`(-100
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1032
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1032
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 6, 2007 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2007/0205197 A1
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 6, 2007 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2007/0205197 A1
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`140
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 6, 2007 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2007/0205197 A1
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`
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`138
`
`120
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

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`US 2007/0205197 A1
`
`Sep. 6, 2007
`
`NON-CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER AND LID
`
`[0001] This application is based on, and claims priority to,
`provisional application having Ser. No. 60/775,115, having
`a filing date of Feb. 21, 2006, entitled, Tri-lock Container
`and Lid.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Square or rectangular containers allow maximum
`[0002]
`use of available pallet, shelving, and warehouse space and
`therefore are often preferred by manufacturers. However,
`because square or rectangular plastic containers and covers
`made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypro-
`pylene (PP) have traditionally performed poorly in industry
`standard drop, stack, and leak tests, their use has generally
`been restricted to non-hazardous dry goods. This poor
`performance is primarily due to design constraints associ-
`ated with the product shape. Latching features can be easily
`molded into the straight sidewalls, but the abrupt change in
`skirt direction at each of the four corners has historically
`prevented adequate latching features from being molded at
`these locations. Traditionally, covers are stripped out of a
`mold. The typical square or rectangular covers, however,
`carmot be so stripped at the corner because the radius is too
`small. The compensations necessary result
`in weakened
`corners for latching purposes and lead to leakage problems.
`Accordingly, there is a need for a container and lid system
`with a superior leak control design that can be used for
`square or rectangular containers.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a
`rectangular, or other angular cross sectional profile container
`and cover. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention,
`the container has three latching ribs and a tear strip retention
`rib disposed on its exterior. A rectangular cover is provided
`that is complimentary to the container, such that when the
`cover is placed on the container at least a portion of the cover
`sidewalls extends outside of the container sidewalls and a
`
`portion of the cover extends into the inside of the container.
`The portion extending inside the container
`sidewalls
`includes an inner cover skirt offset inward toward the cover
`
`interior at each corner. The offset is sufficient to permit use
`of a moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners of
`the cover. This allows full formation of latching hooks
`extending around the entire interior of the skirt, such that
`when the cover is placed on the container the cover latching
`hooks engage with the container latching ribs to secure the
`cover on the container. A tear strip may also be disposed on
`the cover skirt. Removal of the tear strip leaves residual flaps
`at each sidewall intersection and at about the lateral center
`
`of each sidewall. A portion of the cover skirt remains affixed
`to the container when the tear strip is removed.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0004] The invention is best understood from the follow-
`ing detailed description when read with the accompanying
`drawings.
`[0005]
`FIG. 1 shows the underside of a lid according to an
`illustrative embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 2 shows a container according to an illustra-
`[0006]
`tive embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a lid and container
`[0007]
`in an engagement position according to an illustrative
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 depicts a cover 100 according to an illus-
`[0008]
`trative embodiment of the invention. An associated illustra-
`
`tive container 120 is depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 depicts a
`cross section of cover 100 and container 120 in an engage-
`ment position according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0009] Cover 100 has features which permit cover latching
`ribs 102, 104, 106 on cover skirt 108 to be fully formed
`around each of the four corners 112, 114, 116, 118. In this
`particular embodiment, cover skirt 108 has an inner portion
`110 and outer portion 128. The hoop strength necessary for
`consistent cover-to-container latching is found at the corners
`of the container because they are the stilfest portions. Inner
`cover skirt 110 may have support ribs 168 incorporated
`therein or otherwise fastened thereto. Inner cover skirt 110
`
`is interrupted or offset inward toward the cover center at
`each of the four comers 112, 114, 116, 118 in a manner that
`permits the incorporation of a movable mold tooling in each
`corner. The use of a movable mold tooling to form each of
`the four comers of the cover permits the full formation of the
`axially staggered ribs or hooks 102, 104, 106 completely
`around each comer. These fully-formed comer ribs are key
`to the container’s performance. Hooks 102, 104 and 106
`interlock with flanges or latch rings 130, 132, 134 on the pail
`periphery to form the main, first and second interlocks. This
`provides three levels of cover-to-pail latching, adding an
`extra measure of security over standard single and dual latch
`pail and cover designs. Embodiments of the invention may
`also resolve or improve the leakage problems experienced
`with traditional designs of square or rectangular containers.
`[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, a fourth ring 138 may be
`provided which functions as the tear strip retention ring. A
`fifth ring 140 can be provided at a lower distance from the
`three latch rings 132, 134, 136 to function as a stacking ring.
`Container 120 may also have one or more components such
`as pail ears 142, to which a handle may be attached. Handles
`may be, for example, hinged handles or foldaway handles.
`[0011] A gasket channel 144 may be provided, preferably
`at the point where cover 100 meets the top of first latch ring
`132 of the container body. Depending on the container and
`cover materials and the planned use of the container, a
`gasket, made for example from a rubber or rubber-like
`material, may be necessary to adequately seal the cover on
`the container.
`
`If a tear strip 148 is incorporated into the cover, a
`[0012]
`protrusion 146 may be provided between hooks 102, 104 to
`create a seal once tear strip 148 is removed.
`[0013] Embodiments of the invention also provide a cover
`having a unique tear strip 148. A tear strip 148 according to
`an illustrative embodiment of the invention,
`includes a
`central portion 150 that is removable by the user. Once
`removed, an uppermost portion 152 of the tear strip may be
`lifted to gain access to the contents. A lower most portion
`154 of the tear strip remains attached to the container body
`and provides immediate visual evidence of tampering.
`[0014] Optionally, tear strip 148 is an undulating tear strip,
`as shown in the figures. Removal of central portion 150 of
`the tear strip removes alternating segments 156 of the
`
`

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`US 2007/0205197 A1
`
`Sep. 6, 2007
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`remaining cover skirt in a manner that leaves residual flaps
`158, preferably at each of the four corners 112, 114, 116, 118
`and/or centered at each of the sidewall
`locations. This
`
`illustrative corner radii ranges include about 0.5 inches to
`about 2.5 inches; about 1.0 inch to about 2.0 inches; and
`about 1.25 inches to about 1.75 inches.
`
`provides the end user with easy access to the contents and
`enables the end user to reseal the container.
`
`FIGS. 1-3 depict only an illustrative embodiment
`[0015]
`of the invention. Numerous variations, however, are within
`the spirit and scope of the invention. In a broad description
`the invention includes a container and cover with the fol-
`
`lowing features. The container has a bottom and three or
`more sidewalls each extending upward from the bottom. The
`three or more sidewalls intersect one another to form an
`
`uninterrupted container boundary. Accordingly, although the
`container is preferably rectangular for most applications, it
`may have other geometric cross sections, such as hexagonal,
`triangular, etc. The shapes mentioned, however, do not
`necessarily indicate sharp comers at the intersection of the
`sidewalls. The intersections may be rounded as shown in
`FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover has sidewalls complimentary to the
`container sidewalls such that when the cover is placed on the
`container at least a portion of the cover sidewalls extends
`outside of the container sidewalls. By “complimentary” it is
`meant that the cover fits on the container. This complimen-
`tary fit preferably secures the cover onto the container, to at
`least some extent, without use of additional attachment
`mechanisms. The cross sectional profile of the cover does
`not necessarily exactly mirror that of the container. The
`cover and container must, at a minimum, complement one
`another to the extent
`that a seal
`is formed. The cover
`
`sidewalls have an inner cover skirt, which is an important
`feature of the invention.
`
`[0016] The inner cover skirt is offset inward toward the
`cover interior at each sidewall-to-sidewall intersection. The
`
`offset is sufiicient to permit use of a moveable mold tooling
`to form each of the comers of the cover, including formation
`of one or more latching features extending around each
`corner. The formation of the latching features around the
`corners can provide increased sealing capabilities as com-
`pared to traditional containers having angular cross sectional
`profiles.
`[0017] The number of latching features disposed on the
`exterior of the container can vary. A single latching feature
`can be sufficient for some container applications, but gen-
`erally additional latching features may be desirable. The
`latching features depicted in FIGS. 1-3 comprise simple
`hooks and rings. Other latching features, such as differently
`shaped hooks and rings can be used. Generally, the latching
`features should allow the cover to be snapped onto the
`container, as opposed to being twisted, and should be
`removable by prying with a tool or lifting by hand.
`[0018] The latching features preferably are disposed com-
`pletely around the container periphery for maximum sealing
`ability. It is possible, however, to form a lid and container
`wherein there are interruptions in the hooks and/or rings.
`[0019] The importance of the invention is the ability to
`form latching features around the corners of the container.
`Although even containers having cross sectional shapes such
`a rectangles, have rounded comers, the radius of the corner
`is usually much smaller that the radius of a cylindrical
`container having a similar capacity.
`It
`is formation of
`latching features around these small radii that embodiments
`of the invention address. Illustrative comer radii ranges of at
`least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection include, less than
`about 2 inches and less than about 1.5 inches. Additional
`
`Preferably the cover skirt has at least one portion
`[0020]
`extending into the interior of the container and at least one
`portion extending on the exterior of the container when the
`cover is positioned on the container to close the container as
`depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3.
`[0021] The configuration of the optional tear strip can also
`vary. As noted above, the tear strip is preferably comprised
`of three portions. An upper portion remains on the cover
`skirt after removal of the tear strip,
`the lower portion
`remains on the container after removal of the tear strip, and
`the central portion is permanently removed. The purpose of
`having the lower portion remain is to provide visual evi-
`dence that there had been a tear strip, which is now removed.
`This can be important for safety reasons. The remainder of
`residual flaps after the tear strip is removed is also optional.
`The remaining flaps can, for example, provide additional
`latching capabilities, and therefore, be desirable.
`[0022] Containers may be made of numerous materials.
`Embodiments of the invention, however, lend themselves to
`use of plastics, such as polypropylene, and high density
`polyethylene. Container size can also vary, but embodiments
`of the invention are particularly applicable to 1-7 gallon
`containers or pails, and may be of significant benefits for use
`with 5 gallon containers.
`[0023] While the invention has been described by illus-
`trative embodiments, additional advantages and modifica-
`tions will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the
`invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific
`details shown and described herein. Modifications may be
`made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not
`be limited to the specific illustrative embodiments, but be
`interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the claimed
`embodiments and their equivalents.
`
`Claimed is:
`
`1. A container and cover comprising:
`a container having a bottom and three or more sidewalls
`each extending upward from the bottom, the three or
`more sidewalls intersecting one another to form an
`uninterrupted container boundary;
`the container having one or more latching features dis-
`posed on the exterior of the container;
`a cover having sidewalls complimentary to the container
`sidewalls such that when the cover is placed on the
`container at
`least a portion of the cover sidewalls
`extends outside of the container sidewalls;
`the cover sidewalls having an inner cover skirt; and
`the inner cover skirt offset
`inward toward the cover
`interior at each sidewall-to-sidewall intersection, the
`offset sufiicient to permit use of a moveable mold
`tooling to form each of the comers of the cover
`including formation of one or more latching features
`extending around each comer, such that when the cover
`is placed on the container the cover latching features
`engage with the container latching features to secure
`the cover on the container.
`
`2. The container and cover of claim 1 further comprising
`a plurality of support ribs disposed around each corner of the
`cover.
`
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`US 2007/0205197 A1
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`Sep. 6, 2007
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`3. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the one or
`
`more latching features are disposed completely around the
`container periphery.
`4. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the corner
`radius of at least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection is less
`than about 2 inches.
`5. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the corner
`radius of at least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection is less
`than about 1.5 inches.
`6. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the corner
`radius of at least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection is in
`
`a range of about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.
`7. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the corner
`radius of at least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection is in
`
`a range of about 1.0 inches to about 2.0 inches.
`8. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the corner
`radius of at least one sidewall-to-sidewall intersection is in
`
`a range of about 1.25 inches to about 1.75 inches.
`9. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the cover
`
`skirt has at least one portion extending into the interior of the
`container and at least one portion extending on the exterior
`of the container when the cover is positioned on the con-
`tainer to close the container.
`
`10. The container and cover of claim 1 further comprising
`a tear strip disposed on the cover skirt.
`11. The container and cover of claim 10 wherein the tear
`
`strip removes alternating segments of a portion of the tear
`strip such that residual flaps remain at each sidewall inter-
`section.
`12. The container and cover of claim 11 wherein residual
`
`flaps also remain at about the lateral center of each sidewall.
`13. The container and cover of claim 10 wherein when the
`
`tear strip is removed a portion of the cover skirt remains
`affixed to the container.
`14. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the
`
`latching features on the cover are hooks and the latching
`features on the container are ribs.
`15. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the cover
`
`latching features
`has a plurality of substantially parallel
`disposed around the periphery of the cover skirt and the
`container has a plurality of substantially parallel latching
`features around the periphery of the exterior of the container
`such that when the cover is placed on the container, the
`cover latching features engage with the container latching
`features.
`
`16. The container and cover of claim 1 further comprising
`a stacking ring disposed are around the container exterior.
`17. The container and cover of claim 1 further comprising
`a hinged handle secured to the container.
`18. The container and cover of claim 1 further comprising
`a gasket charmel in the cover.
`19. The container and cover of claim 1 wherein the
`
`container and cover are rectangular.
`20. A container cover comprising:
`a cover skirt;
`the cover skirt having a tear strip, the tear strip having an
`upper end and a lower end;
`
`the cover skirt having a primary interlock above the tear
`strip upper end to secure the cover to a container before
`and after removal of a tear strip;
`the cover skirt having a secondary interlock on the tear
`strip to secure the tear strip to the container prior to
`removal of the tear strip;
`the cover skirt having a tertiary interlock below the tear
`strip lower end to secure a lower portion of the cover
`skirt to the container such that when the tear strip is
`removed, the lower cover skirt portion remains secured
`to the container; and
`wherein when the tear strip is removed a portion of the
`cover skirt remains on the container.
`21. The container cover of claim 20 wherein the cover is
`
`rectangular and the residual flaps remain at intersections of
`sidewalls of the container.
`
`22. The container of claim 20 wherein the tear strip
`removes alternating segments of a portion of the tear strip
`such that residual flaps remain dispersed around and secured
`to the container.
`23. The container cover of claim 22 wherein the residual
`
`flaps remain at about the lateral center of each sidewall.
`24. A container and lid comprising:
`a rectangular container;
`the container having three latching ribs and a tear strip
`retention rib disposed on the exterior of the container;
`a rectangular cover complimentary to the container such
`that when the cover is placed on the container at least
`a portion of the cover sidewalls extends outside of the
`container sidewalls and a portion of the cover extends
`into the inside of the container;
`the cover having an inner cover skirt; and
`the inner cover skirt offset
`inward toward the cover
`
`interior at each comer, the offset sufficient to permit use
`of a moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners
`of the cover including formation of three latching
`hooks extending around the entire interior of the skirt,
`such that when the cover is placed on the container the
`cover latching hooks engage with the container latching
`ribs to secure the cover on the container;
`a tear strip disposed on the cover skirt, wherein the tear
`strip removes alternating segments of a portion of the
`tear strip such that residual flaps remain at each side-
`wall intersection and at about the lateral center of each
`
`sidewall, and wherein when the tear strip is removed a
`portion of the cover skirt remains affixed to the con-
`tainer.
`
`25. A method of forming a container cover comprising:
`offsetting the inner cover skirt inward toward the cover
`interior at each corner; and
`using a moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners
`of the cover including formation of one or more latch-
`ing features hooks extending around the interior of the
`skirt.