Abstract:
Disclosed is a thermoplastic, container for storage of solids, viscous or semi-viscous fluids that permit stacking one upon another for easy shipment and/or display. The container utilizes projections and recesses to engage similarly constructed containers for vertical stacking. Additionally, the container includes vertical ribs for enhanced strength. The removable caps used to seal the container include through holes to permit a rigid member to be passed through the length of the openings to apply the necessary torque to loosen the cap. The containers may be variably sized and can be reused.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit of the filing date of the following provisional patent applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 60/469,692, filed May 12, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/484,230 filed Jun. 30, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/516,013 filed Oct. 31, 2003; and U.S. Patent Application No. 60/533,573 filed Dec. 31, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention is directed to blow molded type containers for storage of solids, viscous or semi-viscous fluids, such as paint, particularly to receptacles adapted to permit stacking one upon another for easy shipment and/or display and most particularly to containers reinforced with vertical ribs for enhanced the mechanical strength.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The classic paint can assembly has been in use for many years with little change in the composition or construction. Here the lid is often difficult to remove and requires special equipment or a screw driver and hammer. Screwdrivers often damage paint can lids and ruin the seal. Moreover, the lid is difficult to replace adequately without splattering the paint or other liquids, usually some strong force is necessary to secure the edges of the lid to the can and this can result in additional contamination of contained products. Reopening the lid another time can be extremely difficult.  
         [0004]     The typical paint can wire handle is uncomfortable when carrying the usual gallon can filled with paint. Once used the apparatus has little further use and is discarded. Moreover, the cylindrical construction of the conventional paint receptacle permits them to roll off any surface and provides no means to allow them to stack vertically without falling.  
         [0005]     The metallic material of the typical paint can allows for them to be easily bent and susceptible to rusting. The rust can then spread to the contents of the can, adjacent shelving, or even result in the subsequent leakage of the can&#39;s contents. The paint label can easily become difficult to read once obscured by paint or the label may contain false information as to the contents. Thereby the contents of the container can only be determined by removing the lid and stirring.  
         [0006]     What is needed is a reusable container that is constructed from a durable, translucent/transparent, inert plastic material. Such a container could store most fluids and most any form of solid or semisolid substance. Additionally, substances in such a container would be easily identifiable without opening the container. A lid which provides secure, yet ready access to the contents would further increase usefulness. Moreover, space savings would increase if the containers could safely and securely be stacked one on top of another.  
       PRIOR ART  
       [0007]     Representative of prior art patents which disclose thermoplastic containers include U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,525, U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,500, U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,858, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,345, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,438, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,793, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,926, 4,014, 465 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,465.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The current invention discloses a receptacle assembly that overcomes the above mentioned objections. The body of the container is formed from a transparent/translucent, high strength thermoplastic material with reinforcing struts for increased strength. Access to the fluids contained therein is via a large threaded cap that is positioned so as permit access to the contents through a large opening in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the screw on cap comprises a sleeve with a small opening through which an instrument, such as a cannon screw driver, can be passed to enable sufficient torque to be applied to screw or unscrew the cap onto the container. It is recommended that a non-adherent material be lightly applied to the threads of the screw apparatus after initially opening the container.  
         [0009]     A comfortable handle is placed in the appropriate location approximately midway on the body of the container so that the vessel is easy to transport. In order that the containers can be stacked vertically, the cap, handle and/or projections on the upper surface of the container are arranged so as to cooperate with indentations formed on the bottom wall of a corresponding container to facilitate consistent, and stable stacking. In addition, pouring the container contents is facilitated by the formation of the indentation in the middle portion of the bottom of the container such that the user&#39;s fingers can be placed in a manner to stabilize and secure the pouring more accurately.  
         [0010]     A primary objective of the instant invention, accordingly, is to provide a new and improved storage container adapted for reliable and compact stacking.  
         [0011]     A further objective of the instant invention is to provide container closure means adapted for easy opening and closing.  
         [0012]     An additional objective of the instant invention is provide a container wherein the contents are easily ascertained. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled and closed receptacle which is formed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a fragmented sectional frontal view of the second embodiment of the receptacle assembly perpendicular to the handle portion, wherein the cap is attached to the container body;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is illustrating a top view of the second embodiment seen in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a fragmented sectional side view of second embodiment in  FIG. 2 , parallel to the handle portion, wherein the cap is attached to the container body,  FIG. 4  illustrates the location of the container opening proximate the front sidewall.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a fragmented sectional postural view of second embodiment in  FIG. 2 . of the receptacle assembly perpendicular to the handle portion, wherein the cap is attached to the container body.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom view of the second embodiment seen in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a third embodiment;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is illustrates a bottom view of a third embodiment;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a fragmented sectional side view of third embodiment in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , parallel to the handle portion, wherein the cap is attached to the container body;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is top view of a plurality of the third embodiment showing containers vertically stacked. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     All of the various embodiments of the container assemblies are comprised of a blow molded thermoplastic that is at least semi-transparent. The container assemblies are generally shaped as an empty cube with rounded edges, or as a hollow rectangular box. The containers can be made in various sizes, including pint, ¾ pint, or gallon sizes. Referring now to the drawings, the first embodiment of the receptacle assembly is shown in  FIG. 1 . The container assembly  10  is shown having continuous sidewalls, a bottom and upper surface both integral with the sidewalls. On the upper surface and proximate to opposite corners are elevated threaded pouring spouts  1  and  2 . These spouts  1  and  2  provide access to the interior of the container and are fitted with plastic screw caps of conventional design (not shown). The diameter of spouts  1 ,  2  can be varied to serve specific purposes.  
         [0024]     Between these two spouts  1  and  2  is placed an integrally formed handle  3  that is generally longitudinally located in a perpendicular direction to the line between the midpoints of the spouts  1  and  2 . The handle  3  should be located at the balance point for ease of transporting and of sufficient size to admit the human hand. The bottom surface of the container has recesses, or indentions,  1 A and  2 A formed therein that accommodate the insertions of the spouts  1  and  2  and an indentation  3 A that accommodates the handle  3  of a bottom container of similar construction, when the containers are stacked vertically.  
         [0025]     Throughout the general construction of the container sidewalls various stress areas are reinforced with a plurality of vertically oriented plastic material, e.g. ribs or struts,  4  which enhance the strength of the receptacle body such that the containers can be stacked or dropped on a hard surface without rupturing. The ribs  4  can be made such that the additional material are formed externally or internally.  
         [0026]     The filling of the container  10  of the first embodiment with liquid is accomplished through either or both of the spouts  1  and  2 . The placement of the spouts  1  and  2  proximate opposite corners of the receptacle  10  permit a variety of filling and pouring methods with a minimal of spillage onto the upper surface or container body  14 . Preferably, at least one of the spouts is large enough to permit mixing and an access for brushes or cleaning materials inside the container. By holding the handle  3  and placing the other hand on the bottom opposite to the active spout, a controlled and spillage free transfer of the contents can be achieved.  
         [0027]     The screw caps on the spouts, or the elevated spouts  1  and  2 , may be treated with a non-adherent material, for example VASELINE or silicone grease. This will ensure the caps are sealed as well, prevent adherence of the fluid contents to the spout, facilitate pouring into another container and make cap removal easier. When stacking a plurality of container assemblies  10  one simply places the superior apparatus external spouts indentions  1 A and  2 A and handle indention  3 A onto the corresponding spouts projections  1 ,  2  and handle  3  on the upper surface of a geometrically similar receptacle assembly underneath. In this manner a number of containers can be stored vertically and side by side with a great saving in space. Identification labels, instructions, and other indicia is legible on any outwardly facing side.  
         [0028]     Referring now to the second embodiment of the receptacle assembly  10  as shown in FIGS.  2  to  6 , the assembly  10  is illustrated as a rectangular structure consisting of clear thermoplastic material. It contains a hollow body  14  that has an elevated threaded opening  13  to which is attached a removable cap  11 . The opening  13  should have a diameter large enough to permit access to a four inch paint brush or a large human hand. The diameter of the opening  13  should also be of such a diameter as to permit pouring of the contents without the necessity of an air intake vent. As shown from top view in  FIG. 3 , and sideview of  FIG. 4 , the cap  11  extends a short distance from the front sidewall edge of the body  14  of the apparatus  10 . This feature permits the pouring edge of the threaded extension, or opening,  13  to be in direct alignment with the body  14 . The location of the pouring edge of the opening  13  along the front sidewall permits the pouring of the container  10  contents with a minimal amount of spillage onto the container body  14 .  
         [0029]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , through the body of the cap  11  are formed at least two openings  12 , or sleeves, that extend the entire length of the cap  11 . These openings are perpendicular to one another. These cap openings  12  permit a rigid tubular member (not shown), such as a screwdriver to be inserted within the openings to apply the necessary torque to loosen the cap  11  should the cap  11  become strongly adherent to the body  14  of the container due to thermal expansion, dried paint or other contaminates.  
         [0030]     As seen from the bottom view of the container assembly,  FIG. 6 , longitudinal extensions  16  of the body  14  are integrally formed, or separately adhered, to the bottom surface of the container and about the inferior periphery of the body  14 . The peripheral extensions  16  do not extend completely across the front, bottom surface such that a space  21  is left for the cap  11  of a lower container to extend outside the encirclement for a distance of the depth of the wall of the cap, when a plurality of container assemblies are stacked vertically. This feature permits the entire stacking procedure to occur without increasing the volume of the container.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the longitudinal depressions, or recesses,  15  are similarly formed about the superior periphery of the body  14 . When vertically stacking the container assemblies  10 , the longitudinal extensions  16  on the bottom surface of the upper container engages the longitudinal depressions  15  of the lower container to laterally locate and stabilize the relative positions of the two containers. Additionally, the longitudinal extensions  16  can be used to facilitate gripping the container with one hand while pouring the contents from the container.  
         [0032]     A corrosion-resistant metal swing handle  17  is attached to the sidewalls of the container body  14  similar to the construction of the conventional paint can known in the art. A soft plastic material  18  encircles the middle of the handle  17 . The soft plastic material  18  allows for comfortable handling of the filled container such that the handle does not create discomfort through direct contact with the user&#39;s hand.  
         [0033]     As seen in the first embodiment, the second embodiment can comprise numerous reinforcing struts  4  for increased strength of the container. These struts can be formed externally or internally on the sidewall, and are located for maximal strength.  
         [0034]     When pouring a liquid from the container of the second embodiment, the swing handle  17  is held with one hand and the fingers of the other hand are placed on the longitudinal extension  16  of the bottom surface of the body  14 , on the side opposite to the threaded extension  13 . This permits increased control of the pouring action and also helps to prevent spillage. The cap  11  extends a short distance on one edge from the body  14  of the container  10 . This feature permits the pouring edge of the threaded extension  13  to be in direct alignment with body  14 .  
         [0035]     The third embodiment seen in  FIGS. 7-10 , is substantially the same construction as that seen in the second embodiment with the addition of a rectangular protrusion  19 , which is formed integrally, or separately adhered, to the top surface of the container body  14 . This protrusion  19  should be of a size such that it will fit between the elongated extensions of geometrically similar containers, thereby providing additional stability when vertically stacked. The protrusion  19  height can be lower, even with, or higher than the top surface of the elevated threaded opening  13 . In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion  19  is higher than that of the opening  13  such that a paint brush can be rested thereon. The bottom view of the third embodiment, seen in  FIG. 8 , clearly shows the area  20  on the longitudinal extensions  16  which can be used to facilitate gripping the bottom of the container when pouring the contents from the container.  
         [0036]     The basic design of the above embodiments permit almost any volume to be achieved and the gallon is merely representative of a most common volume. As illustrated, the volume of the container closely approximates that of a standard gallon of fluid. Such standard gallon represents 231 cubic inches and the volume of the instant container as demonstrated is 237 cubic inches. If necessary, small variations in dimensions of the container can more exactly approximate that of the true gallon.  
         [0037]     The container assembly of all the above mentioned embodiments have the potential to be used repeatedly with the same or other liquids. While it may be used for the storage of liquids initially, at another time it could be used for the storage of most any other material. This feature can make for great savings of materials and money.  
         [0038]     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Any compounds, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.