Abstract:
The present invention relates to container lids, and more specifically multiple compartment containers having a selectively removable dome top lid including a plastic insert which defines two distinct compartments, wherein the container can be used to package and store various commercial products.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to lids for containers, and more specifically dual compartment containers having a selectively removable dome top lid used for efficiently storing multiple products. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Containers are well known in the art and are utilized to store a variety of items. With the introduction of resealable screw top containers, a huge demand has been created for multi-purpose resealable containers which may be used to package and store various commercial products. These containers eliminate the necessity of repackaging the product after use and the inconvenience related thereto, and provide a container which is used multiple times for both packaging the associated product and subsequently storing the product for further use. After each subsequent use, the container may be conveniently resealed for further use. As used herein, the term “commercial products” applies to both solid and liquid commercial items, including but not limited to household products such as lubricants, sealants, and spackles; skin and hair care products such as lotions, pomades, gels, mousses, and cosmetics; human and animal food products; and automotive products such as car polishers, waxes, cleaners, etc. 
         [0003]    In general, metal containers with shaped lids have not been utilized for storing multiple products due to the likelihood of product contamination and spoilage, and the general public misconception that shaped container lids are incapable of convenient stacking and storage. Although previous attempts have been made to design resealable containers with shaped lids, these products have generally been very limited and impractical in their design and use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,060 describes a planar container lid which has a twist opening, and is thus is not practical for housing products within the lid. 
         [0004]    More recent attempts to package and store commercial products in containers have been accomplished by using lids having pull-tab mechanisms, hinges, or rotatably closing screw top lids. Although these products are suitable for many uses, and are generally accepted by the consuming public, they have significant disadvantages when compared to efficiently sealed containers. More specifically, pull-tab, hinged, and screw top lids have very poor oxygen barrier characteristics, and these types of containers promote contamination, allow the product to dry out and result in an unusable and spoiled product. Furthermore, these lids can easily crack and expose the product to the environment. Thus, these types of inefficiently sealed containers are costly because they irreparably damage the product and make it necessary to replace the spoiled product. 
         [0005]    Further, conventional planar lids are suitable for housing individual products; however, these types of lids have numerous disadvantages when compared to containers capable of storing multiple products. In particular, when performing a task requiring more than one product it becomes tedious and time consuming to locate the many individual containers storing necessary products. Thus, these types of single compartment containers are inefficient for performing multi-product tasks. 
         [0006]    Additionally, storing individual products in single compartment containers take up a significant amount of space. These types of conventional containers require even more space because they cannot be stacked efficiently. Traditional planar lid containers easily shift and fall off one another, making it more difficult to confine and locate the containers. Thus, these types of containers are not spatially or organizationally efficient. 
         [0007]    Also, recent attempts to package and store commercial products in containers have been accomplished by using non-metallic plastic and foam type materials. Although suitable for some purposes, they have numerous disadvantages when compared to metallic containers. More specifically, non-metallic containers are not as rigid as metal containers, and thus cannot be stacked as high as metal containers which limits the volume which can be shipped, and thus increases expenses. Furthermore, non-metallic containers are not durable, and are prone to damage and leaking during shipment and placement for sales, thus adding additional expense. Additionally, multi layer barrier plastics and foams are generally not recyclable like metal containers, which fill landfills and are thus not environmentally friendly. 
         [0008]    Finally, conventional container lids are generally very difficult to open and close and thus require additional exertion. Children, physically disabled, or elderly persons may be physically limited and unable to use such containers because they are so burdensome. Thus these types of containers are not easy or practical to use for many. 
         [0009]    Thus there is a significant need in the container industry to provide an economical, easy to use, stackable multi-compartment container which may be used for packaging and storing a variety of commercial products and which eliminate many of the sealing, storage, spatial, and practical problems described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a dome top metallic lid for a container which is sealed and capable of storing multiple commercial products for extended periods of time. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, a metallic container is provided with male projections on the interior surface of a lid that rotatably engage a plurality of lugs on the upper end of a base sidewall. Preferably, the angle of rotation drives the male projections to engage the lugs. Upon rotation of the lid, the male projections engage a plurality of lugs, to create a long lasting, substantially airtight seal and locking mechanism. More preferably, the container and lid are sealed to prevent the stored commercial product, such as car wax, from drying out and becoming unusable. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a dome top metallic lid for a container that generally provides additional storage space. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, a container with a unique dome lid shape is provided, rather than the conventional planar lid shape. The extruded dome shape lid provides storage for additional commercial products. More specifically, the dome shape lid in one embodiment accommodates a substantially disk geometric shape sponge, and thus the dome shape lid acts as a sponge retainer which facilitates efficient multi-product storage of the products contained therein. 
         [0011]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a dome top metallic lid for a container which provides compartmentalized storage. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a dual compartment container is provided, rather than a single compartment container. More specifically, a plastic insert is provided with an outer band having a compressible feature to retain a product in the dome shape lid. Preferably, the plastic insert is retained in the dome shape lid by an inward bead feature that seals a product within the dome shape lid. Alternatively, the bead feature may be altered with dimples or threads or eliminated. In one embodiment, the plastic insert forms a separate and distinct compartment to store a disk shape sponge. More preferably, the plastic insert creates dual compartment storage for car wax and a sponge which facilitates efficient compartmentalization of the container and thus an efficient container for performing multi-product tasks. 
         [0012]    Alternatively, it is another aspect of the present invention to provide a plastic insert which is easily removable. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention a plastic insert including finger engagement depressions is provided. Preferably, the plastic insert in one embodiment has two radially opposing finger engagements to promote easy insertion and removal. After engaging the finger engagements of the plastic insert, a user squeezes and bends the plastic liner to change the diameter of the plastic insert and disengage the plastic insert from a retaining bead seam, thereby allowing removal of a plastic insert from the lid. 
         [0013]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a dome top metallic lid that is easy to open. Preferably, the dome top metallic lid in one embodiment has a knurled portion that enhances a user&#39;s grip during opening and closing so that children, physically disabled, and the elderly can open the container without tools or assistance. More preferably, the upper portion of the dome top metallic lid is knurled. Further, in one embodiment, the vertical height of the knurled portion is about 0.25 inches. Most preferably, the knurled portion of the dome top metallic lid is used in conjunction with the aforementioned closure mechanism to create a secure container that is easy to open and close and thus usable by all persons. Alternatively, a knurled portion on the dome lid may be utilized to facilitate automated capping at a container manufacturing plant. 
         [0014]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a dome top metallic lid that is space efficient. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a container with a profiled base is provided. More specifically, the base of the container in one embodiment is profiled to facilitate vertical shelf stacking. Preferably, the base is profiled with a circular indentation to interface with a dome shaped lid to create a safe, stable, and spatially efficient means of stacking containers. 
         [0015]    Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a dome top metallic lid is provided, and which comprises: 
         [0016]    a dual compartment container adapted for storing a car wax and a sponge; 
         [0017]    a selectively removable lid rotatably interconnected to said upper end of said base sidewall to create a seal, wherein a substantially dome shaped portion houses a sponge and wherein a main compartment houses a car wax; 
         [0018]    a plastic insert including a compressible feature to retain a sponge in said dome shaped lid; and 
         [0019]    a profiled base to facilitate stable vertical stacking. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a dome top lid for a container; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective view of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and identifying the various components thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the dome lid configuration of the container shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0026]    For clarity, the following is a list of components and the associated numbering used in the drawings: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Components 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Dual compartment container 
               
               
                 4 
                 Dome lid 
               
               
                 6 
                 Main compartment 
               
               
                 8 
                 Base 
               
               
                 10 
                 Base sidewalls 
               
               
                 12 
                 Sidewall upper portion 
               
               
                 14 
                 Sidewall lower portion 
               
               
                 16 
                 Closure mechanism 
               
               
                 18 
                 Lid upper portion 
               
               
                 20 
                 Lid sidewalls 
               
               
                 22 
                 Lid sidewall interior surface 
               
               
                 24 
                 Knurls 
               
               
                 26 
                 Secondary storage compartment 
               
               
                 28 
                 Insert 
               
               
                 30 
                 Retaining bead seam 
               
               
                 32 
                 Finger projections 
               
               
                 34 
                 Insert perimeter edge 
               
               
                 36 
                 Sponge 
               
               
                 38 
                 Wax material 
               
               
                 40 
                 Base stacking profile 
               
               
                 42 
                 Male projections 
               
               
                 44 
                 Lugs 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-6  depict various embodiments of a dome top metallic lid for a container. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a dual compartment container  2  of the present invention is provided in a front perspective view, and which identifies a dome lid  4  which is positioned thereon. In use, the dome lid  4  can be removed from the base sidewalls  10  to access the compartments therein. After use, the dome lid  4  is repositioned on the sidewall upper portion  12  of the container to close and seal the contents of the container from the outside environment to improve the lifespan of the products by, for example, generally preventing the products from drying out. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a closure mechanism  16  is integrally interconnected to the dome lid  4  and the sidewall upper portion  12  of the base sidewalls  10  to facilitate closure and sealing. Furthermore, the dual compartment container  2  is generally comprised of a metallic material. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded front elevation view of one embodiment of the dual compartment container  2  is provided herein. More specifically, the dual compartment container comprises a base  8  that includes a base sidewalls  10 , a sidewall lower portion  14 , a sidewall upper portion  12 , and a main compartment  6 , an insert  28  that includes an insert perimeter edge  34  and finger projections  32 , a sponge  36 , a dome lid  4  including knurls  24 , and a closure mechanism  16  which includes male projections  42  and lugs  44 . A main compartment  6  comprises a base  8  and base sidewalls  10  extending upwardly therefrom. A secondary storage compartment  26  comprises a dome lid  4  having a lid upper portion  18  and lid sidewalls  20  extruding downwardly therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main compartment houses a wax material  38  and the secondary storage compartment houses a sponge  36 . Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the closure mechanism  16  is integrally interconnected to lid sidewalls  20  which engage the base sidewalls  10  and thus allow the dome lid  4  to be selectively and repeatedly removed from the main compartment  6 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an insert  28  operably sized to engage a lid sidewall interior surface  22  to isolate a main compartment  6  from a secondary storage compartment  26  is shown. More specifically, the insert  28  forms a substantially airtight seal by engaging the lid sidewall interior surface  22 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the insert  28  retains the sponge  36  in the dome lid  4  of the dual compartment container  2 . Additionally, the insert  28  is comprised of a hard plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or other substantially impermeable plastic material, and as appreciated by one skilled in the art can comprise any number of materials that provide a barrier to oxygen or other gases. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insert  28  is comprised of a substantially transparent material to allow a user to visually identify the retained sponge  36  while keeping the sponge  36  clean and ready to use. In one embodiment of the present invention, the insert  28  further comprises radially opposing finger projections  32  which are adapted to engage a user&#39;s fingers to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the insert  28  from the dome lid  4 . More specifically, the finger projections  32  allow a user to easily grasp and remove/replace the insert  28  to access the secondary storage compartment  26  and sponge  36 . In an alternative embodiment, an insert  28  may further comprise a pull-ring or finger tab to facilitate removal of an insert from a lid. Further, alternative embodiments may also provide an insert comprising means for screwing an insert in and out of a container lid. However, as appreciated by one skilled in the art the liner may be removed by any number of ways which provide easy removal, or other removal methods known in the art. 
         [0030]    Moreover, and again referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the insert  28  comprises an insert perimeter edge  34  which provides a compressible feature that retains the sponge  36  in the lid upper portion  18  of the dome lid  4  and also seals the dome lid  4  of the dual compartment container  2 . The compressible feature of the insert perimeter edge  34  reduces air exchange between the atmosphere outside the dual compartment container  2  and the environment within the dual compartment container  2 . More specifically, the insert perimeter edge  34  prevents the sponge  36  and wax material  38  from drying out and cracking during storage and thus prolongs the lifespan and usability of the sponge  36  and wax material  38 . Alternatively, the insert  28  may be treated with a gasket material positioned proximate to the insert perimeter edge  34  which is compressed as the lid is tightened to enhance sealing performance and thereby prevents oxygen leakage between the environment external to the dual compartment container  2  and the internal environment of the dual compartment container  2 . However, as appreciated by one skilled in the art the gasket material may also be comprised of any number of materials which provide efficient sealing including rubber, silicone, plastic polymers, or other gasketing materials known in the art. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , a dual compartment container  2  further comprises a sponge  36  sized for positioning in a secondary storage compartment  26 . More specifically, the sponge  36  is retained in a lid upper portion  18  of a dome lid  4  and is isolated from a main compartment  6  by an insert  28 . As aforementioned, the dual compartment container  2  prolongs the lifespan of the sponge  36  by effectively sealing the dual compartment container  2 . Preferably, the sponge  36  is cleaned and replaced in the secondary storage compartment  6  of the dome lid  4  after each use and thus the sponge  36  is prevented from becoming brittle because it is not exposed to sunlight and dry air. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the main compartment  6  is adapted to store a wax material  38 . The longevity of the wax material  38  is enhanced because the wax material  38  is isolated and stored in the main compartment  6  and is sealed from the drying effects of the outside atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sponge  36  is complementary to and used in connection with the wax material  38  and thus both products necessary to waxing an automobile are readily available and easily stored together in the dual compartment container  2 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a detailed cross-sectional view of a dome lid  4  of a dual compartment container  2  is provided herein. More specifically, the dome lid  4  comprises a lid upper portion  18  which includes knurls  24  and a secondary storage compartment  26 , lid sidewalls  20  which includes a lid sidewall interior surface  22  and a retaining bead seam  30 , and a closure mechanism  16  including male projections  42 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid upper portion  18  comprises a lower portion having knurls  24  to facilitate engagement with a user&#39;s fingers. The knurls  24  are preferably located around a substantial portion of the outer perimeter of a lid upper portion  18  of a dome lid  4 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the knurls  24  are approximately 0.25 inches in height. Preferably, the knurls  24  provide a better grip and allow persons of all physical abilities to easily open and close the dual compartment container  2 . In an alternative embodiment, the top surface of a dome lid  4  may further comprise a knurled portion. In a further alternative embodiment, the lid sidewalls  20  and/or base sidewalls  10  may further comprise knurled portions. However, as appreciated by one skilled in the art a knurled portion or other gripping means known in the art may also be positioned on any exterior portion of the container to facilitate an easy grip. Alternatively, the knurls  24  may be utilized to facilitate automated capping at a container manufacturing plant. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, and again referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment of the present invention the upper portion of the lid sidewalls  20  comprises an inward retaining bead seam  30  which retains the insert  28  in the dome lid  4 . More specifically, the insert  28  is operably retained within the dome lid  4  with the retaining bead seam  30  extending at least partially on the lid sidewall interior surface  22 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining bead seam  30  is located continuously around the perimeter of the lid sidewall interior surface  22 . The retaining bead seam  30  securely engages the insert  28  to efficiently construct the secondary storage compartment  26 . Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining bead seam  30  is engaged by pressing the insert  28  into the retaining bead seam  30 . When the dome lid  4  is securely fastened to the base sidewalls  10  the insert  28  is compressed into the retaining bead feature  30  creating a substantially airtight seal and prolonging the usable life of the products contained in the dual compartment container  2 . Alternatively, the retaining bead seam  30  may be altered or eliminated. In an alternate embodiment, a series of dimples or segmented beads could be utilized to form the retention feature. Moreover, in an alternate embodiment, the retaining bead seam  30  could be eliminated and instead threads could perform the retention function. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front elevation view of one embodiment of the dual compartment container  2  is provided herein that depicts the integral interconnection of the dome lid  4  to the sidewall upper portion  12  of the base sidewalls  10 . More specifically, the closure mechanism  16  comprises at least one of a thread, an offset lug, or a snap fit. Moreover, the closure mechanism  16  is increasingly tightened or released with selective rotation of the dome lid  4 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure mechanism  16  comprises male projections  42  located on the lid sidewall interior surface  22  of the dome lid  4  and lugs  44  located on the sidewall upper portion  12  of the base  8 . In one embodiment, to engage the closure mechanism  16 , the dome lid  4  is positioned on the base sidewalls  10  and then a downward rotational pressure is applied to interconnect the dome lid  4  to the base sidewalls  10 . Further, upon rotation of the dome lid  4 , the male projections  42  integrally interconnect the plurality of lugs  44  to seal the dual compartment container  2 . Preferably, when a downward rotational pressure is applied the lugs  44  are forced at least partially under the male projections  42  and further rotation tightens the interconnectedness of the male projections  42  and the lugs  44 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lugs  44  are located equidistantly around the outer perimeter of the sidewall upper portion  12 . However, as appreciated by one skilled in the art the closure mechanism may also be comprised of any number of closure means including snap fits, hinges, threads or other closure mechanisms known in the art. 
         [0035]    Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the dome lid  4  is interconnected to the sidewall upper portion  12  by rotatably coupling a plurality of male projections  42  with a plurality of lugs  44 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to close and seal the dual compartment container  2 , the user applies a rotationally downward pressure to drive the male projections  42  on the dome lid  4  to securely engage the corresponding lugs  44  on the base sidewalls  10  and thus creates a long lasting, airtight seal and closure mechanism. Additionally, the closure mechanism  16  can be disengaged to open the dual compartment container  2  by rotating the dome lid  4  to uncouple the male projections  42  from the lugs  44 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the closure mechanism  16  of the dual compartment container  2  is engaged the seal prevents the sponge  36  and wax material  38  from drying out and becoming unusable. 
         [0036]    In another aspect of the present invention, the closure mechanism  16  is used in connection with the knurls  24  to create a dual compartment container  2  that is easy to open/close because the knurls  24  provide an easier and better grip and the closure mechanism is easy to engage/disengage. Alternatively, the dome lid  4  is interconnected to the sidewall upper portion  12  by a conventional double seam commonly used in the container manufacturing industry. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a top and a bottom view, respectively, of one embodiment of the dual compartment container  2  of  FIG. 1  are provided herein. More specifically, the base  8  comprises a base stacking profile  40  to facilitate vertical shelf stacking. The base stacking profile  40  is profiled with a circular indentation to interface with a dome shaped lid. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base stacking profile  40  of one dual compartment container  2  interconnects to a dome lid  4  of another dual compartment container  2  to securely and efficiently stack multiple containers vertically on top of one another. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base stacking profile  40  is utilized at various times to stack multiple dual compartment containers including packaging and shipping processes, commercial display aspects, and individual user storage of the dual compartment container  2 . 
         [0038]    For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the dual compartment container is utilized to retain car wax and a sponge. More specifically, the wax material  38  is located in the main compartment  6  while the sponge  36  is retained in the dome lid  4  by the insert  28 . To access the products, the user grasps the knurls  24  on the lid upper portion  18  of the dome lid  4 , twists the dome lid  4  to disengage the closure mechanism  16  by uncoupling the male projections  42  from the lugs  44 , and separates the dome lid  4  away from the main compartment  6 . Then, the user engages the finger projections  32  to remove the insert  28  from the retaining bead seam  30  of the lid sidewall interior surface  22  to remove the sponge  36 . Once the insert  28  is removed the user can easily access both the sponge  36  and the wax material  38  necessary to wax an automobile. The user saves time and energy because both products are co-located in a single container. Having both products at hand, the user then can wax his or her automobile. 
         [0039]    After use, the sponge is cleaned and then stored individually by replacing the sponge  36  in the lid upper portion  18  of the dome lid  4  and pressing the insert  28  into the retaining bead seam  30  by utilizing the finger projections  32 . Then, the user places the dome lid  4  on the sidewall upper portion  12  of the base  8  and while applying pressure rotates the dome lid  4  downwardly to engage the closure mechanism  16  by integrally interconnecting the male projections  42  with the lugs  44  to securely fasten the dome lid  4  to the base sidewalls  10 . The sealed dual compartment  2  can then be stacked vertically with other dual compartment containers  2  having dome lids  4  by means of the base stacking profile  40  located on the bottom of the base  8  to efficiently store the dual compartment containers until their next use. 
         [0040]    Although the dome shape configuration provided in  FIGS. 1-6  have proven to be effective, numerous other variations may be provided as appreciated by one skilled in the art and which may be dictated by preferred geometric shapes, material costs, and/or manufacturing concerns. 
         [0041]    While one of the primary uses for the present invention relates to car wax, it is to be expressly understood that the invention has application in the packaging of other products including other commercial and noncommercial packaged products. Moreover, it is contemplated that the insert also will have use in connection with the storage of other objects desired to be isolated from the main compartment. 
         [0042]    While an effort has been made to describe various alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. Present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given herein.