Abstract:
A port assembly for a paint or similar can, in which a port in the lid is fitted with a threaded collar and a threaded stopper that fits into it. The port assembly allows easy access to the contents of the can while maintaining a good seal around the rim. If the threaded stopper is transparent and colorless, a user may view the contents of the can.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to paint can lids. More particularly, it relates to a removable port assembly allowing easy access to the contents of the can while maintaining a good seal around the rim.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Paint is commonly tinted by opening the metal lid of a can containing a coating base, which may already have some tint in it, and adding concentrated colorant to match a color specified by a customer. One problem with this system is that the lids on cans do not close properly, in many instances. A paint spill may therefore occur when the container is subsequently agitated, typically by shaking, due to the force of the liquid pushing against the lid. If a tint/stain system is used, wherein the colorant is added to a low-viscosity coating base for applications such as for example stains for wooden decks, the problem is more pronounced, particularly since paint cans and lids are not manufactured to tight tolerances, thus allowing the potential for leakage.  
           [0003]    Additionally, the above-mentioned procedure requires that the paint can then be opened so that the customer can check the color of the paint for accuracy, usually by painting a swatch on top of the lid, and may require a further addition of concentrated colorant and resealing, followed by additional shaking of the can. All of this is time-consuming and potentially messy.  
           [0004]    Beyond these issues, paint cans are then opened by the user once the painting task begins, with the paint being typically poured out of the can, during which the paint tends to run into the gutter in the rim of the can. The result is that dried paint builds up in this location, preventing proper sealing of the can thereafter. Due to this, air gets into the can, causing deterioration of the paint in storage, and the presence of paint in the gutter may also cause rusting, which may contaminate the paint. As well, depending on the toxicity of the materials present in the can, issues of environmental exposure may be created by the poor seal, including the risk of accidental opening of the can during the disposal process.  
           [0005]    Although the discussion herein concentrates on the structure of paint cans, it will be appreciated that a number of materials can be stored in such cans, with some of the same problems noted above. Therefore use of the term “paint can” herein means the kind of can traditionally known for storing paint, but not limited to any particular contents of the can, as it is known in the art that such cans may contain paint, stain, varnish, etc.  
           [0006]    There continues to be a need for improved ways of accessing the contents of paint cans for viewing and/or dispensing, while maintaining a good seal around the rim of the lid.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In one aspect, the invention is a port assembly for a can with a removable lid, the port assembly allowing inspection of and access to the interior of the can without removal of the lid. The port assembly comprises a port in the lid and a port stopper adapted to close the port in the lid to prevent contents of the can from escaping. When opened, the port assembly provides access to the contents of the can. The port stopper has at least one portion that is substantially transparent and substantially colorless, allowing visual inspection of the contents of the can when the port assembly is closed.  
           [0008]    In another aspect, the invention is a pouring spout adapted to interface with a port assembly in a removable lid of a can, the port assembly comprising a port in the lid; and a port stopper adapted to interface with the port to create a closed configuration in which contents of the can cannot escape and an open configuration that provides access to the contents of the can, the pouring spout having means for interfacing with the port.  
           [0009]    In yet another aspect, the invention is a removable lid for a can, the lid comprising a port assembly for allowing inspection of and access to the interior of the can without removal of the lid, as described above.  
           [0010]    In a further aspect, the invention comprises a can including a lid and a port assembly in the lid, as described above.  
           [0011]    In a still further aspect, the invention is a method of adding a material to a can. The can has a removable lid with a port that is adapted to interface with a port stopper to create a closed configuration in which contents of the can cannot escape, and an open configuration that provides access to contents of the can. The port stopper has at least one portion that is substantially transparent and substantially colorless, to allow visual inspection of the contents of the can in the closed configuration. The method comprises introducing the material into the can through the port without removing the lid; and engaging the port with the port stopper. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a prior art paint can lid.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a paint can lid equipped with a port assembly comprising a port stopper and a port collar, according to one aspect of the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a top view of the paint can lid of FIG. 2, showing the port collar in place.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a top view of the port stopper of FIG. 2.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the port stopper of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a paint can lid equipped with a port assembly comprising a port stopper and matching port collar configured to minimize contamination by paint of threads designed to join the two, according to another aspect of the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a paint can lid similar to that of FIG. 6, with the threads on the port stopper and port collar reversed, according to yet another aspect of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a paint can lid similar to that of FIG. 7, showing additional space where the port stopper screws into the port collar, according to still another aspect of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a paint can lid similar to that of FIG. 7, showing a lip around the top of the port stopper, according to a further aspect of the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 is a top view of a lid with a port assembly in place, showing positioning of the port assembly relative to the rim, according to a still further aspect of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pouring spout designed to fit into a lid equipped with a port collar, according to yet a further aspect of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a can equipped with a lid comprising a port assembly, according to an even further aspect of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]    The invention will next be illustrated with reference to the figures, wherein the same numbers indicate the same elements in all figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of the present invention. The figures are not to scale, and not intended as engineering drawings.  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a side cross-sectional view of a prior art lid  10  comprising a main lid body  12  and a raised rim  14 . The main lid body has an upper surface  11  and a lower surface  13 , which is inside a can when the lid is in use. Such a lid is commonly used in sealing cans such as might be used for paints, varnishes, stains, laquers, and a variety of other liquid or solid materials. The lid may be made of a metal, typically steel, but may be made of any of a number of materials including other metals and a variety of plastics. The rim  14  of the lid is pressed into a receiving V-shaped notch in the open top of a can (not shown), thereby sealing the can.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 shows, according to one embodiment of the invention, a lid  20  equipped with a port assembly, useful for accessing the interior of a can on which the lid is mounted, without a need to remove the lid. The figure shows the port assembly comprising a port stopper  22  (shown in side view) in position to be screwed into a port collar  30  (shown in side cross-section view), to close port  32  in the main lid body  12 . Materials of construction for the main lid body  12  and rim  14  may be any convenient material known in the art, and may as nonlimiting examples comprise a metal, glass, or a polymeric material. Typically the lid will comprise steel for the main lid body and the rim.  
         [0027]    Port stopper  22  has a top  24  comprising an optional lip  26 , and top  24  is integral with first threaded cylinder  28 , which has a bottom  29 . Optional lip  26  extends beyond the diameter of first threaded cylinder  28 , and may serve to reduce contamination of the contents of the can to which the lid is attached. Although first threaded cylinder  28  is shown as threaded along most of its length, it need only be threaded on the end section adjacent bottom  29 . In addition, although the threads are shown in FIG. 2 as straight, they may have a taper. The threads may be of any convenient pitch and threads/unit length.  
         [0028]    Materials of construction for port stopper  22  may be any convenient material including, as nonlimiting examples, a metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or a polymeric material. Preferred is a substantially transparent and substantially colorless material, with nonlimiting examples being polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, it may be advantageous to use materials of construction for port stopper  22 , or coatings thereon, that cause the contents of the can to wet and/or adhere to the surface of the stopper. Conversely, for some applications it may be advantageous for the materials or construction or coatings to resist wetting by the contents of the can.  
         [0029]    Port collar  30  comprises a hollow cylinder, threaded on the inside surface, and open at both ends. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, port collar  30  comprises upper and lower collars  30   a  and  30   b , which are attached to the upper an lower surfaces  11  and  13 , respectively, of main lid body  12 . The upper and lower collars may be separate as shown, or may be integral with each other, for example by means of connecting portions going through holes in main lid body  12  (holes not shown). In addition, upper collar  30   a  is optional, and may be dispensed with entirely. Port collar  30  may be made from any convenient material known in the art, including as nonlimiting examples a metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or a polymeric material. Most typically, port collar  30  will comprise steel.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 shows a top view of one embodiment of an upper collar  30   a  such as was seen in FIG. 2. Upper collar  30   a  overlies and is coextensive with an opening in main lid body  12 , forming port  32  of diameter D. In this embodiment, upper collar  30   a  is attached to main lid body  12  and lower collar  30   b  (not shown) by means of fasteners  34 , such as screws or rivets. Although fasteners are shown in FIG. 3, adhesives such as epoxy or polyisocyanate resins, or other attachment means may also be used.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 4 and 5 show, respectively, a top view and a side cross-section view of one embodiment of a port stopper  22  such as was seen in FIG. 2, showing additional detail, according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows a depression  34  in the top of port stopper  22 , with the bottom  29  underlying depression  34  being attached to (or integral with) a raised grip  36 , suitable for being grasped when opening the port. An optional slot  38  is shown on grip  36 , suitable for engaging with a spatulate tool, for example a screwdriver, or coin, or the like in opening the port.  
         [0032]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, grip  36  is a straight bar of approximately rectangular cross-section extending across and integral with (or affixed to) bottom  29  within the depression  34 , on a diameter thereof. Other shapes are however possible for grip  36 , including but not limited to bars with curved sides, multiple bars, bars arranged in a spokelike manner, bars with a non-rectangular cross section, and a plurality of pegs instead of bars. Alternatively, grip  36  may be configured such that port stopper  22  can be removed by a common tool such as a wrench, or configured to match the shape of a custom-made tool. Other configurations of grip  36  may be contemplated, and are intended to be considered within the scope of this invention.  
         [0033]    In general, instead of or in addition to grip  36 , there may be provided one or more means for engagement of and transfer of torque to the port stopper for unscrewing the port stopper from the port collar. Such means might include, but are not limited to, slots, multiple holes for engagement of special tools, depressions with geometric shapes for engagement by screwdrivers (Phillips head, hex, star head, etc.) or other tools (such as but not limited to a bung wrench), or any geometry suitable for engagement by the human hand.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 shows the port stopper  22  of FIG. 4 in cross-sectional view. In this embodiment of the invention, the top of grip  36  is recessed relative to the top  24  of the port stopper. The top of grip  36  may however be even with top  24 , or above it. Preferably however, grip  36  is not so high as to extend above the rim  14  of lid  10  (reference FIG. 2). Such an arrangement is conducive to cans having lids equipped with port assemblies.  
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of bottom  29  and/or grip  36  of port stopper  22  is substantially transparent and substantially colorless, allowing the user to see the color of the contents of a can employing a lid  20  equipped with a port assembly according to the invention, without the need to remove the port stopper  22 . By substantially transparent and substantially colorless, it is meant that a user can visually inspect the contents of the can through the port stopper without having to remove the stopper, and that the view so obtained is a good representation of what the contents would look like without the stopper in place. Thus, for example, the port may somewhat hazy, as long as sufficient light is transmitted to allow an accurate view of the contents.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention, showing in cross-sectional view a lid  120  with a port assembly. The port assembly comprises port stopper  122 , shown here in position for screwing into port collar  130 , to close port  132  in main lid body  112 . Port stopper  122  has a top  124  that is integral with a first threaded cylinder  128 , which is open at the bottom end  129 . Although first threaded cylinder  128  is shown as threaded along most of its length, it need only be threaded on the end section adjacent bottom end  129 . As well, threaded cylinder  128  may be longer than annular space  140  into which it screws, leaving a portion of threaded cylinder  128  protruding from annular space  140 . Or, threaded cylinder  128  may be so short in length that, when screwed into annular region  140 , it does not reach the bottom. In addition, although the threads are shown in FIG. 6 as straight, they may have a taper. The threads may be of any convenient pitch and threads/unit length.  
         [0037]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, grip  136  (seen in an end-view) is a straight bar of approximately rectangular cross-section extending across and within a depression  134  in top  124 , on a diameter thereof. Although grip  136  may be a hollow raised structure, as shown in FIG. 6, it may instead be solid. Other shapes are however possible for grip  136 , including but not limited to means of engagement such as have been described above in relation to grip  36 , in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5. Even further configurations of grip  136  may be contemplated, and are intended to be considered within the scope of this invention.  
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, and as discussed above in relation to FIG. 5, at least a portion of top  124 , including grip  136  and/or the part of top  124  under depression  134 , of port stopper  122  is substantially transparent and substantially colorless.  
         [0039]    Port collar  130  comprises a threaded well comprising an inner tube  160  having an outer surface  162 , an outer tube  164  having an inner surface  166 , a connecting ring  168  between the inner tube and the outer tube, and an annular region  140  between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube, with threads being located on the inner surface  166  of the outer tube  164 .  
         [0040]    Port collar  130  is affixed on its outer surface  137  to main lid body  112  at joint  142 , forming port  132 . The top end  131  of port collar  130  may lie flush with the upper surface  111  of main lid body  112 , or may extend a distance K above it. Distance K may be between about 0 inch about ⅜ inch, preferably about ⅛ inch. The distance, if any, that joint  142  rises above upper surface  111  of main lid body  112  will depend upon distance K, and will be determined by considerations of convenience and mechanical strength. The bottom end  133  of port collar  130  extends a distance P below the lower surface  113  of main lid body  112 . Distance P is typically between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch, preferably about ½ inch. By virtue of the presence of the protrusion of the bottom end  133  below the lower surface  113 , there may be additional mixing action created when a can fitted with such a port collar is agitated, thus providing improved homogeneity of the liquid being mixed.  
         [0041]    Joint  142  may be provided by for example press-fitting port collar  130  into main lid body  412 , by welding or soldering it in place. Alternatively, port collar  130  and main lid body  112  may both be part of a single piece, obtained for example by molding, in which case joint  142  may be automatically incorporated during the preparation of lid  120 . As another alternative, port collar  130  and main lid body  112  may be affixed together with a polymeric material. Useful materials include, inter alia, cross-linked polyethylene, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurea, or polyurethane. Preferred are resilient materials such as synthetic and natural latex rubbers, neoprene, acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene or styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, ethylene-propylene rubbers, and silicone elastomers. The exact dimensions of joint  142  are not critical, but may typically be a band about ⅜ inch wide and about ⅛ inch thick. The term “thick” here means in a direction outward from port collar  130  along main body lid  112 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 7 shows, as provided by the invention, an embodiment in which the threaded portions of port stopper  228  and port collar  230  are reversed, relative to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. Thus in FIG. 7 the threads in port collar  230  are on the outer surface  262  of inner tube  260 , and the threaded portion of port stopper  222  is arranged to match this configuration.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention similar to that of FIG. 7, in which annular region  340  has a width (w) that is wider than the thickness (t) of threaded cylinder  328 , thereby affording an empty space (w-t) within annular region  340  even when threaded cylinder  328  is screwed into port collar  330 . Such an empty space may facilitate screwing port stopper  322  and port collar  330  together by allowing outflow of air or liquid from annular region  340 . An example of liquid that might be present in annular region  340  may for example be paint or varnish or other contents spilled or overflowed from a can to which a lid  320  having a port assembly is attached.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 6, in which top  424  of port stopper  422  additionally comprises a lip  426 , which may serve to reduce contamination of annular region  440  by any of a variety of materials that might tend to find their way into it, for example dust and dirt, or spilled can contents. Lip  426  may extend any convenient distance from threaded cylinder  428 , and will typically be wide enough to extend at least to cover substantially all of port collar  430  when the port stopper  422  has been screwed into it. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, grip  436  may optionally be solid rather than hollow.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 10 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a lid  520  according to the invention, comprising a rim  514  and a main lid body  512  fitted with a port assembly consisting of a port stopper  522  and a port collar (hidden from view beneath port stopper  522 ). The port stopper  522  is located at a distance C from rim  514 . Distance C may be from about 0 inch to a distance that would put port stopper  522  in about the center of main lid body  512 ; this distance may vary with the size and shape of the lid, and will typically be chosen for convenience in manufacturing and/or use of the lid  520 . In particular, distance C may be chosen to correspond to a location that facilitates use of colorant dispensers typically used for tinting paints or other coatings. Note that although a circular lid  520  is shown in FIG. 10, the lid may be square, or rectangular, or any other shape as may be convenient. Note also that rim  514  may be of a similar shape as shown at rim  14  in FIG. 2, but may be any convenient form of closure, for example bendable metal flanges or an adhesive. Alternatively, lid  520  may be integral with a can or other container, in which case no rim or equivalent closure means may be needed.  
         [0046]    The diameter of port assemblies according to the invention may vary according to the type and size of can on which the lid with port assembly is to be used, the nature of the contents contained in the can, and/or other factors. A lid for use with a paint can may typically have a port assembly affording a port size of between about 1½ inches and about 4 inches, to allow the entry of paintbrushes. Typically, the port diameter will be between about 2 inches and about 3 inches. Such a size will tend to facilitate the addition of paint pigment by automated paint color matching equipment such as is widely used in the art to prepare custom color paints.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 11 shows, in another embodiment of the invention, a pouring spout  650  adapted to screw into a port collar such as has been described and illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. Pouring spout  650  comprises a hollow body with an optionally threaded cylindrical section  652  at one end, and may optionally have an angled opening  654  along part of the wall  656  and across part of the top end  658  of the spout. Use of such a spout may afford a convenient means of discharging the contents of a can that has been equipped with a port collar, without the need to remove the lid. The lid may then be closed with a port stopper such has been described in relation to the drawings. Pouring spout  650  may be made of any convenient material, including as nonlimiting examples a metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or a polymeric material. If a resilient material such as a rubber or other polymeric material is used for its construction, pouring spout  650  may optionally be made without threads, but rather be press-fit into a port collar prior to use.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a can  721  comprising a body  723  upon which is mounted a lid  720  fitted with a port stopper  722 , according to another aspect of the invention. Such a can may be used to contain a variety of materials, including but not limited to paint, varnish, stain, lacquer, drying oil. It may also be used for storing foodstuffs such as honey, maple syrup, and other edibles. It may also be used for holding motor oil or other lubricants, solvents, or other industrial materials. Other uses are possible, and are contemplated by this invention.  
         [0049]    A port assembly according the invention makes it possible to easily open the can, for access to the contents for the purposes of dispensing or for adding colorant or other additives, for example when a custom color is being prepared, or when biocides such as fungicides, algaecides, and/or bactericides are to be added. These are to be construed as non-limiting examples, since the benefits of the present invention are not limited to a particular type of material contained in, or added to, the can. It is also contemplated that the present invention may be used to introduce any or all of any number of ingredients into the can, in any sequence.  
         [0050]    Such additions may be done without the customer ever needing to open the can at the rim, as is currently done, thereby risking contamination of the joint where the rim attaches to the can. Thus air leakage may be minimized, potentially improving the shelf life of the contents of the can. Use of the port assembly may also reduce time and effort involved in the process of adding colorant, and the process of neatly dispensing liquids from the can, using the optional spout described above.  
         [0051]    Having described the invention, we now claim the following and their equivalents.