Patent Publication Number: US-7216779-B2

Title: Sealing mechanisms for use in liquid-storage containers

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/199,618, filed Jul. 19, 2002 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,383, entitled “SEALING MECHANISMS FOR USE IN LIQUID-STORAGE CONTAINERS” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to the sealing of an interface between two (or more) members, such as between a container body and a container lid. 
     More specifically, the present invention relates to sealing mechanisms, structures, and techniques to be used in combination with liquid-storage containers which may be used to store (and dispense) various liquid substances such as paint, household cleaners, laundry products, and beverages, to name a few. The sealing mechanisms of the present invention may be formed portions of the actual members which define the interface to be sealed or may be separate sealing components or may be a combination of both. 
     In the design of liquid-storage containers, a first location to incorporate some type of sealing mechanism or structure is at the interface between the body of the container and the closing lid. Whether the lid snaps into or onto or in some fashion over the upper opening of the container neck portion, or whether the lid threads into or onto the neck, some type of sealing mechanism or gasket would likely improve the sealed integrity of that interface. Depending on the size and shape of the container and depending on the material to be placed in the container, the choice for the preferred style of sealing mechanism may change. Another factor in the selection or design of the preferred sealing mechanism or structure is the frequency of opening and closing the container. 
     When the liquid-storage container includes a pouring spout, additional sealing considerations come into play. How the spout is positioned in the container body will dictate to some extent what sealing mechanisms may be required and what type of sealing mechanisms or structures would be possible to employ and which types would be preferred. 
     The present invention focuses on various sealing mechanisms which offer a variety of design options for a variety of applications and interfaces. These various sealing mechanisms of the present invention have a general applicability for sealing between two (or more) members. However, these sealing mechanism are also described in the context of molded plastic paint containers with a screw-on lid and a pouring spout. As described, the sealing mechanisms of the present invention may be configured using shaped portions of the members which define the interface to be sealed, or may be provided by the use of separate sealing components, or may be a combination of both. 
     While the use of a pouring spout as part of a liquid-storage container is now commonly used for liquid laundry detergents and fabric softeners, the present invention is directed to how this broad concept can be adapted to other liquid-product containers, specifically containers for paint. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in the context of a molded plastic, one-gallon paint container, the present invention is not size restrictive. 
     Currently used metal paint cans include a generally cylindrical can body with a circular upper opening configured with a generally U-shaped peripheral channel which captures the outer peripheral lip or protrusion of a circular lid. A wire-like metal handle is provided and hinged at opposite ends to the paint can body. Anyone who has done any painting using such a paint can is no doubt familiar with the many problems in the sense of wasted and splattered paint. The awkwardness of pouring paint from the can into a tray for a roller is also seen as a drawback with this particular design. Dipping a paint brush into the can and then using the can edge as a wiping edge also creates a mess and causes paint to be deposited in the annular U-shaped channel. As paint collects in this peripheral channel, resealing the lid becomes particularly messy as the captured paint is pushed out and may either splatter or run down the side of the paint can. Aside from the mess, the current metal paint can design results in wasted paint, not only from what drips, splatters, or runs down the side of the can, but also from not being able to tightly reseal the lid onto the can body. If the lid is not tightly resealed on the can body, the paint can dry out or skim over, causing obvious problems of continued use and often resulting in the leftover portion of paint being discarded. 
     By designing a paint container with a screw-on lid and a pouring spout with an excess paint drain-back feature, a number of the disadvantages with metal paint cans and the use of such cans can be eliminated. While plastic containers with spouts are now in use for laundry products, there are a number of reasons why such containers are not suitable for paint and why significant design changes must be invented to be able to create a suitable paint container with these structural features. For example, the size of the opening in the container body needs to be expanded for a paint container as compared to a liquid laundry detergent and, as such, the spout design must change. As this occurs, the sealing mechanisms or structures have to be considered. There is a desire to have a wiping edge for the paint brush as part of a suitable paint container, a factor which is not a consideration with a liquid laundry detergent. The attempt to incorporate this type of wiping edge as part of the pouring spout presents additional design challenges. The drain-back feature is also an important part of any new and improved paint container. Any paint which is wiped off of the brush or drips from the brush and any paint which might run down the lip of the pouring spout needs to have a path to reenter the body of the paint container. 
     A further consideration for a suitable paint container is the overall shape and balance, not only for handling and transporting convenience, including the possibility of stacking, but also for the practical consideration of being able to tint to a particular color by adding pigment to a base color, such as white. This tinting requires access to the interior of the paint container body and also requires some type of vibratory shaking of the paint container. This in turn focuses some attention on the design in terms of the size and shape of the container as well as the design of the sealing mechanisms which are employed as part of the paint container at those interfaces where leakage could conceivably occur. 
     The present invention provides an improvement to the current designs in this field of art in a novel an unobvious manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A sealing mechanism for a container for sealing an interface between a plurality of structural members according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first member having a neck portion defining an opening and including an outer annular edge, a second member having a radial lip positioned in contact with the neck portion, and a removable third member attachable to the first member for closing the opening and being constructed and arranged to seal against the outer annular edge when attached to the first member. 
     According to yet other embodiments of the present invention, various sealing mechanisms are disclosed for a container for sealing an interface between a plurality of structural members. The sealing mechanisms which are disclosed as part of the present invention preferably include as one member a molded container with a threaded neck portion, a pouring spout inserted into the neck portion of the first member, and a removable cap which is designed for threaded engagement with the spout. 
     One object of the present invention is to provide an improved sealing mechanism for a container. 
     Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right side elevational view of a paint container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view of the  FIG. 1  paint container. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 1  paint container. 
         FIG. 4  is a left side elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 1  paint container as viewed along line  4 — 4  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial, enlarged detail view, in full section, of the spout connection of the  FIG. 1  paint container. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of a paint container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the  FIG. 6  paint container. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 6  paint container. 
         FIG. 9  is right side elevational view of a paint container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear elevational view of the  FIG. 9  paint container. 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 9  paint container. 
         FIG. 12  is a left side elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 9  paint container as viewed along line  12 — 12  in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the spout of the  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6  paint containers. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial, front elevational view of a pivot post comprising one portion of the  FIG. 13  spout. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of the handle of the  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6  paint containers. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of a sealing mechanism for use with a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     The present invention relates to the design and construction of various sealing mechanisms and these are described in combination with various containers, preferably a molded plastic paint container with a pouring spout. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 , there is illustrated a molded plastic paint container  20  according to a representative example for use with the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 , there is illustrated a molded plastic paint container  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Paint container  20  includes a contoured body  21 , pouring spout  22 , and threaded lid or cap  23 . A hinged, bail-like handle  24  is attached to the pouring spout  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spout  22  includes a lower threaded portion  25  which threads onto the neck portion  26  of body  21  and an upper threaded portion  27  to which the cap  23  is threaded. 
       FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  illustrate a second configuration for the contoured body  30  of paint container  31  and a second configuration for the cooperating cap  32 . The spout and handle which are used in container  31  are identical to spout  22  and handle  24 . The only difference between these first and second paint container designs resides in the shape and contouring of the container body and in the shape and contouring of the cooperating cap. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 , a third configuration for the contoured body  35  of paint container  36  is illustrated. Included is a third configuration for the cooperating cap, though in many respects cap  37  is similar to cap  32 . The spout  22 ′ which is used in container  36  is substantially identical to spout  22 . However, due to the molded-in handle  35   a  as part of the contoured body  35 , a separate handle  24 , as might be hinged to the spout  22 , is not included. Accordingly, the spout of the  FIGS. 9–12  embodiment has been referenced as  22 ′ to reflect the design change to omit the two pivot posts for handle  24 . Other differences between the first, second and third paint container designs reside in the shape and contouring of the container body and the shape and contouring of the cooperating cap. Additionally, the third paint container design omits the hinged, bail-like handle  24  from spout  22 ′ in exchange for the molded-in handle  35   a . Additional details of spout  22  (and in part spout  22 ′) are illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14  and these drawings should be referred to for a more complete understanding of the paint container  20  of  FIGS. 1–5 . These spout details are also part of paint containers  31  and  36 . Similarly, additional details of the handle  24  and its connection to the pivot posts of spout  22  are illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and these drawings should be referred to for a more complete understanding of the paint container  20  of  FIGS. 1–5 . These handle details are also part of paint container  31 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1–5 , paint container  20  is a molded plastic container with a contoured body  21  sized to hold approximately, but at least, one gallon of paint within the defined interior volume. The contoured body  21  includes a base  40 , sidewall  41 , and a series of external threads  42  on neck portion  26  which defines a circular opening  43 . The circular opening  43  provides the means to initially fill the container  20  with paint. Thereafter, the spout  22 , handle  24 , and cap  23  are attached to securely close the circular opening  43  and thus securely close paint container  20 . It is envisioned that the internally-threaded cap  23 , via threaded outer wall  23   a , will be threaded onto the upper threaded portion  27  of the spout and that the handle  24  will be attached to the spout, by means of two pivot posts  44 , before threading the spout to the neck portion  26  by way of threads  42 . In this way the cap, spout, and handle can be preassembled as a cap subassembly and attached as a single subassembly unit directly to the contoured body  21  as the lower threaded portion  25  of the spout  22  threads onto the neck portion  26  of the contoured body  21 . 
     If the initial fill of paint is of the final color or tint which is desired, such that it is ready to be used as initially packaged, then the preassembled subassembly of the cap  23 , spout  22 , and handle  24 , would not need to be removed from the contoured body  21  prior to first use. The purchaser/end user would then merely unscrew the cap  23  in order to gain access to the paint. However, if the initial fill of paint is a base color or tint which is going to be further colored or tinted by the addition of other pigment, then the store personnel would typically remove the preassembled subassembly of the cap  23 , spout  22 , and handle  24  in order to gain access to the paint in the body  21  in order to add the required pigment to create the selected color. After adding the pigment, the container body  21  is closed by (re)attaching the spout  22  to the neck portion  26 , while the cap and handle remain assembled to the spout. The paint mixture is then blended by a vibratory shaking process. One advantage of attaching the transporting handle  24  directly to an exterior wall surface of the spout is to simplify the container body  21  design. The handle  24  in this location does not interfere with the equipment for the vibratory shaking process. Also, by raising the handle pivot location to an upper location as compared to the body of the container, the balance of the container when dispensing paint is improved. 
     In describing the interior volume of contoured body  21  as being designed to hold at least one gallon of paint, two important points need to be made. First, the details of the present invention are not size restrictive nor size limited. Whether considering the inventive features relating to the container structure or the inventive features relating to the various sealing mechanisms, the present invention details can be incorporated into virtually any size of container which can be used for virtually any type of product, most likely a liquid product. A one-gallon paint container was selected as the preferred embodiment to be used to describe the container structure and to describe the various sealing mechanisms disclosed herein and comprising part of the present invention. In this context, the purchaser/end user expects to receive at least one gallon of paint since that is how the package is marked and that is what is advertised. Secondly, some clearance space (air volume) is required inside of the closed container after it is initially filled with paint so that there will be some space left in order to permit movement of the paint during any vibratory mixing. Further, space needs to be provided so that if pigment is added, there is space to do so while still having some clearance space left so that the vibratory mixing can be performed in order to blend the added pigment into the base paint color. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 1–5 , contoured body  21  includes three recessed portions  46   a ,  46   b , and  47 . The size, shape, and location of these three recessed portions are important in view of their described functions. Portions  46   a  and  46   b  are best illustrated in  FIG. 2  and are seen as being virtually identical to each other and symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of contoured body centerline  48 . The depth of each recessed portion  46   a  and  46   b  is approximately ½ inch at its deepest location, noting that there is a smooth and gradual transition by means of the rounded peripheral edges  49   a  and  49   b  which connect the interior of portions  46   a  and  46   b , respectively, to the outer surface of sidewall  41 . 
     The area of each recessed portion  46   a  and  46   b , as well as the depth of each portion, is adequate for the fingers on one side and the thumb on the other side of the end user to be placed on opposite sides of land portion  50  for gripping of the contoured body via land portion  50 , to assist in pouring paint from the body  21  by way of spout  22 . The symmetrical design and the virtually identical configuration of portions  46   a  and  46   b  allows the paint container to be used in an equally convenient manner by both right-handed and left-handed end users. 
     It should also be noted that centerline  48  is the lateral centerline for handle  24  and for spout  22 , especially the pouring lip portion of spout  22  which will be described in greater detail later. In this way, the container  20  can be lifted by the handle  24  by one hand and the body gripped by the other hand for tilting the body, with the cap  23  removed, in order to pour out paint by way of the pouring spout. Since the handle is attached to the spout as opposed to the container body, it moves the handle support line location closer to the pouring location and this yields better control and balance. If done correctly, the pouring paint is not able to contact any part of the handle and this lessens any spillage or mess. Further, there is an ergonomic balance and convenience to this method of use and container manipulation in view of the way the hands of the end user are positioned relative to the container body (land portion  50 ) and relative to the handle  24 . This enables a more controlled dispensing of the paint, not only due to the addition of the pouring spout, but also due to the design of the handle, the design of the contoured body, and the centerline positioning of these structural features. The recessed portions  46   a  and  46   b  provide the necessary clearance for the hand of the end user to be able to grip around land portion  50  as part of the overall handling and manipulation of the container  20 . 
     Recessed portion  47  is continuous from one side of contoured body  21  to a corresponding location on the opposite side such that portion  47  is substantially symmetrical, in size, shape and location, relative to centerline  48  and effectively located opposite to portions  46   a  and  46   b . As will be noted from the edge views, the depth of portion  47  is relatively shallow, approximately 1/16 inch in depth, and is generally uniform throughout and is separated from the outer surface of sidewall  41  by a substantially flat, lateral peripheral edge  53  which surrounds and helps to define recessed portion  47 . This recessed portion  47  is used to receive a product label. Whether the product label is applied by adhesive or some other technique, possibly a molded-in-place design to be described later, the label thickness is such that it fits within recessed portion  47  below the outer surface of sidewall  41 . In this way, by actually recessing the label in portion  47 , the outer peripheral edge  53  which surrounds the label protects and guards the peripheral edge of the label such that the label edge will not be caught or contacted in such a way that the label might either tear or begin to peel off from the container. 
     The base  40  is contoured with a recessed circular portion  55  which is sized, shaped, and positioned so as to be compatible with the size, shape and position of raised portion  56  of cap  23 . In this way, it is possible to safely stack one paint container  20  on top of another, similarly styled paint container  20 . Although the raised portion  56  is uniquely contoured for easier gripping of cap  23 , the outer peripheral shape is part cylindrical and is capable of being inserted into a cylindrical recess, so long as the cylindrical recess is slightly larger and slightly deeper. By sizing the recessed circular portion  55  in this manner, the outer portion  57  of base  40  that surrounds recessed circular portion  55  then actually rests on the radial collar  58  of cap  23  so as to give added support to the weight of the upper paint container. The stack of two or more paint containers  20  thus utilizes the interfit of portion  56  into portion  55  to help steady and stabilize the stacked combination. 
     The contoured body  21  extends above the recessed portions  46   a ,  46   b , and  47  into a curved portion  61  extending around the periphery of the upper part of the contoured body  21 . The curved portion  61  then extends inwardly in a radial direction, at which point it joins neck portion  26 . The neck portion  26  is annular with a substantially cylindrical inner surface  62 , terminating at top edge  63  which is substantially flat but which includes a slight unevenness and slight surface irregularities due to the molding process. Top edge  63  defines circular opening  43 . The exterior of the neck portion  26  is externally threaded with threads  42 . With added reference to  FIG. 3 , the overall outer shape of body  21  includes four sides for sidewall  41  and the rounded “corners”  64   a – 64   d  between adjacent sides  65   a – 65   d . This top plan view also helps to illustrate the location of land portion  50  as well as the contoured and tapered sides of the land portion  50  which helps (ergonomically) with the comfort of the grip by the hand of the user. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , it will be seen that the interior region of the top surface of cap  23  is recessed with an annular channel  68  which surrounds a gripping island  69  which is shaped with a series of three finger recesses  70  used to receive the first three fingers of the end user&#39;s hand for opening and closing the paint container by unscrewing (opening) the cap and by screwing the cap back in place in order to close the container. Since container  20  is designed for paint and since this suggests the value of a large opening in the neck portion, i.e., circular opening  43 , the ergonomics of opening and closing the container by removing and reapplying the cap must be factored into the final design. Recognizing that the outside diameter size of cap  23  is approximately 6 3/16 inches, it is awkward to try and unscrew the cap from a tightly closed container with only one hand. Using two hands to grip a larger diameter cap precludes the ability to also hold the container body stationary with the other hand. The awkwardness of trying to single-handedly manipulate a larger diameter cap exists whether the cap is being removed or is being reapplied. In order to help solve this problem, as provided by this embodiment of the present invention, cap  23  is contoured with a smaller gripping portion in the form of gripping island  69 . Additionally, land portion  50  is provided and is able to be held with one hand when unscrewing the cap (and reapplying it) in order to hold the contoured body  21  relatively stationary. The other hand grasps gripping island  69  and uses finger recesses  70  to manipulate the cap  23 . 
     Although the pouring spout  22  will be described in greater detail later, a few brief remarks are appropriate here in the context of generally describing paint container  20 . The pouring spout  22  includes an annular sidewall  73  which is slightly tapered in its lower portion, leading away from annular collar  74  in a downward axial direction toward lower edge  75 . The exterior surface of sidewall  73  above collar  74  provides the upper threaded portion  27 . The outer annular wall  76 , depending from the radial wall  74   a  of collar  74 , is internally threaded and provides the lower threaded portion  25 . The pouring spout includes an interior opening  77 , a wiping edge  78 , and a brush receptacle  79  which defines a series of apertures in bottom wall  80  for the drain-back of surplus paint into the interior volume  81  of the contoured body  21 . The pouring lip  82  is positioned opposite to the brush receptacle  79  and extends in an upwardly direction as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     By sizing the annular sidewall  73  with a gradual taper and with an interference fit relative to inner surface  62  at an upper location adjacent collar  74 , a sealed interface by means of this interference fit can be created between spout  22  and neck portion  26  of the contoured body. This interference fit also helps secure the pouring spout  22  within the neck portion  26  of container  21 . By having an interference fit, there is less tendency for the spout to back off of or out of the threaded engagement to the neck portion  26 . The threading of the spout onto the neck portion  26  begins with what can best be described as interference free fit due to the taper adjacent lower edge  75 . However, as the threaded advancement continues, an interference fit gradually begins to occur. The threading of the spout onto the neck portion continues until the top edge of the neck portion seats against the underside surface of the radial wall  74   a . As the threaded advancement occurs, the degree of interference between sidewall  73  and inner surface  62  progressively becomes tighter and tighter in an effort to try and achieve or facilitate achieving a sealed interface at that location between the two members. This interference fit is also intended to help hold the spout  22  in position in the container body  21  while cap  23  is removed and reapplied. 
     Sealing of the interface between the spout  22  and neck portion  26  can be provided by the interference fit between sidewall  73  and inner surface  62 , or at the interface between the radial wall  74   a  of collar  74  and top edge  63  of the neck portion, or at both locations. While the achievement of suitable sealing can be attempted by merely surface-to-surface contact, the degree of tightness of the fit and the force required for tightly screwing the spout onto the neck, can be a consideration. To lessen the reliance on only the surface-to-surface contact between these two members, one or more sealing mechanisms can be incorporated into the design of paint container  20 . Since many of the sealing mechanisms or structures disclosed herein as part of the present invention can be used in cooperation with other types of containers and enclosures, these sealing structures are disclosed in a more generic form relative to the two (or more) corresponding members which define the interface to be sealed. More specifically, the structural members which are disclosed generically represent any two (or more) structural members which have an interface where some degree of sealing is desired. In the context of the preferred paint container embodiments of the present invention, one interface for sealing is between the spout and the contoured body. Another interface to be sealed is between the spout and the cap. It would also be possible to consider a secondary seal between the cap  23  and the collar  74  of the spout  22 , as a back up if the primary spout-to-cap sealed interface would be prone to exhibit leakage. While the preferred embodiments of the sealing mechanisms of the present invention utilize formed portions of the members which define the interface to be sealed, other techniques can be used, such as the use of separate sealing components or a combination of formed portions and separate components. 
     As should be understood, paint container  20  is generally symmetrical about centerline  48  and thus includes the associated component parts. The spout  22  includes a pouring lip  82  which is centered on centerline  48 , while the handle  24 , land portion  50 , and recessed portion  49  are also entered in centerline  48 . The centerline alignment of the various portions and components of paint containers  20 ,  31 , and  36  is important for several reasons. From the standpoint of stacking and arranging the paint containers on a store shelf, it is preferable to have some uniformity as to the location or orientation of handle  24  and preferably to have it centered on the sides of the container so that the product label in the front is unobstructed. The threading of the spout is also an important consideration as a way to properly orient the spout relative to the corresponding container body with a minimum of handling machinery complexity. 
     When lifting and tilting the paint container in order to pour out an amount of paint, the centerline of the pouring lip  82  is preferably coincident with the centerline of handle  24  and with the centerline of land portion  50  or alternatively the molded-in handle  35   a . While the unitary construction of spout  22  (or spout  22 ′) can guarantee pouring lip  82  and handle  24  alignment, their centerline alignment to land portion  50  or handle  35   a  depends on the position of the spout  22  within the container body  21 . If a spout is merely inserted into a container neck portion without any specific detents, indentations, keys, or some other indexing means to guarantee proper alignment, then the handling machinery which is used to deliver the various components to the installation location and the machinery used to actually install one component into the other must be arranged in some manner so as to either recognize and then orient the components in the proper alignment prior to assembly or deliver the components to the assembly location in the properly aligned orientation. 
     In contrast, the present invention uses the threaded engagement between the spout  22  and neck portion  26  as well as the configuration of the threads on the neck portion and/or the configuration of the threads on the spout in order to guarantee the desired centerline alignment. The circumferential starting location for the threaded engagement can be controlled based on the mold design for the container neck portion and/or based on the mold design for the spout. The thread pitch and thread length can also be controlled and effectively these can be used to control the number of turns or revolutions of the spout  22  as it threads onto the neck portion  26 . A fixed position stop can also be used as part of one or both sets of threads to precisely control where the threading of the spout onto the neck portion will stop. Given the starting location of threaded engagement, the number of turns or revolutions or fractions thereof, and the precise stopping location, it is possible to guarantee centerline alignment between the pouring lip  82  and land portion  50 . In practical terms, with any type of automated filling and capping procedure, the container body will be provided in an upright orientation with the cap, spout, and handle removed. Paint is then added to the interior volume and the container body moves down the assembly line to the location where the cap, spout, and handle subassembly will be assembled. Regardless of how the container body might be turned at the point where the spout is to be assembled and to some extent regardless of how the spout might be rotated or turned when it is lowered into engagement with the neck portion, threaded engagement will begin at a precise location and the number of turns or portions thereof prior to stopping the threaded engagement will enable the spout to be assembled to the neck portion such that the centerline of the pouring lip  82  is coincident with the centerline of land portion  50  or handle  35   a.    
     While paint container  20  and the other two paint container embodiments disclosed herein are not illustrated with any specific sealing mechanisms or structures, this was done to create a more generic container structure. It should be understood that one or more of those sealing mechanism embodiments disclosed herein can be used and preferably will be used as part of container  20  when container  20  is used for a liquid such as paint. The disclosed sealing mechanisms of the present invention can also be used as part of other container designs, even those that would not be directed to the storing and dispensing of paint. The structure of container  20  or either of the other two embodiments (containers  31  and  36 ) can be used for storing and dispensing other product, such as fine granular material which is pourable. For such materials, no further sealing would be required beyond what is illustrated for the container embodiments of  FIGS. 1–2 . The various sealing mechanisms of the present invention and how they can be adapted into paint container  20 , into the other two paint container embodiments, or into other container designs will be described herein. 
     With references to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , a second embodiment for a paint container  31  is illustrated. To begin, it should be understood that the same style of pouring spout  22  and handle  24  are used in this embodiment (container  31 ) and their attachment or engagement with the cap  32  and neck portion  26  are the same as that illustrated as part of paint container  20 . The interior size and shape of the neck portion  26  of the  FIGS. 6–8  container embodiment is substantially the same as the neck portion  26  of the  FIGS. 1–5  container embodiment. As such, with the identical spout being used, the threaded engagement is the same and the surface-to-surface interference fit on the interior of the neck portion is the same. 
     The overall design of cap  32  is different from the overall design of cap  23 , but the size, shape and arrangement of the interior of threaded outer wall  32   a  of cap  32  is virtually identical to the size, shape and arrangement of the interior of threaded outer wall  23   a  of cap  23 . As such, the threaded engagement between the internal threads on the cap  32  and the upper threaded portion  27  on the spout  22  is virtually the same in paint containers  20  and  31 . The differences between paint container  20  and paint container  31  are found in the shaping and contouring of contoured body  30  and in the shaping and contouring of the exterior of cap  32 . 
     Referring first to contoured body  30 , it includes recessed portion  88   a ,  88   b , and  89 . Portions  88   a  and  88   b  are similarly configured as hand gripping recesses on opposite sides of land portion  90  and are symmetrically arranged relative to centerline  91 . The peripheral edges  92   a  and  92   b  of each recessed portion  88   a  and  88   b , respectively, are smoothly contoured and curved as they extend from the base or bottom of each recessed portion upwardly and outwardly to outer surface  93  of contoured body  30 . 
     Land portion  90 , which is centered in centerline  91 , is contoured and tapered along its (longitudinal) sides for easy gripping by the hand of the user. While the actual shapes of recessed portions  88   a ,  88   b , and  89  are different from portions  46   a ,  46   b , and  47 , they are intended to function and perform in virtually the same manner. This includes recessed portion  89  which is intended to receive a product label. The same is true for land portion  90  as compared to land portion  50 . While the corresponding shapes of these two land portions are slightly different, albeit in fairly minor ways, these two land portions  90  and  50  are intended to function and perform in virtually the same manner. 
     With regard to cap  32 , it includes a generally cylindrical outer wall  32   a  which defines a series of equally spaced, recessed pockets  95  which serve as finger indents to facilitate gripping of cap  32  by the hand of the user. The raised upper portion  96  of cap  32  is generally cylindrical and cooperates with a recessed circular portion (not illustrated) in base  97  so as to enable to one (or more) paint containers  31  to be stacked by placing portion  96  of one container into portion  97  of another container. 
     The upper surface of the raised upper portion  96  is contoured with two recessed segment-shaped pockets  100  and  101  which are separated by dividing ridge  102 . The peripheral edges  103  of each pocket  101 ,  102  are smoothly contoured and curved as they extend from the bottom of each pocket to the outer surface of portion  96 . These two recessed pockets  100  and  101  in cooperation with the dividing ridge  102  enable the cap  32  to be grasped in an ergonomically-convenient manner so as to more easily remove the cap  32  from the spout  22  in order to open container  31  and also to more easily reapply cap  32  to spout  22  to close container  31 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11  and  12 , a third embodiment for a paint container  36  is illustrated. To begin, it should be understood that virtually the same style of pouring spout  22 ′ is used in this embodiment (container  36 ) and its engagement with the cap  37  and with neck portion  26  is basically the same as that illustrated for spout  22  as part of paint containers  20  and  31 . The one difference between spout  22 ′ and  22  is the elimination of pivot posts  44  from spout  22 ′. With regard to paint container  36 , a hinged, bail-like handle is not used and thus there is no need for the handle pivot posts  44  as part of the annular collar  106 . While this third preferred embodiment for a paint container includes a molded-in handle  35   a , and thus the decision to not include a separate hinged, bail-like handle  24 , spout  22 ′ could be replaced by spout  22  if such a handle might be desired as part of the overall container  36  design. Closing cap  37  of container  36  is virtually identical to closing cap  32  of container  31 . 
     The interior size and shape of the neck portion  26  of the  FIGS. 9–12  paint container embodiment is substantially the same as the neck portion  26  of the  FIGS. 1–5  and  FIGS. 6–8  embodiments. As such, with virtually the identical spout being used, the threaded engagement between the cap  37  and spout  22 ′ is the same as in the prior two embodiments using spout  22 . Likewise, the threaded engagement between the spout  22 ′ and container body  35  is the same as in the prior two embodiments. Further, the surface-to-surface interference fit on the interior between the neck portion  26  and spout inner sidewall  73  is the same as in the prior two embodiments. 
     As noted, the overall design of cap  37  is virtually identical to the design of cap  32 . The same recessed pockets  95  are included as part of cap  37  as well as the two recessed segment-shaped pockets  100  and  101  and dividing ridge  102 . The contouring of the pockets  100  and  101  is the same between cap  37  and cap  32 , including the same contoured peripheral edges  103 . 
     In addition to the removal of handle  24  from the  FIGS. 9-12  embodiment of paint container  36 , the most noticeable change with respect to either of the other two embodiments is the replacement of the recessed portions  46   a ,  46   b ,  88   a , and  88   b  and replacement of the land portions  50  and  90 , by the molded-in handle  35   a . Handle  35   a  is centered on parting centerline  108  and is bounded on opposite sides by clearance spaces  109   a  and  109   b . These clearance spaces help to provide hand clearance for the hand of the user to be able to reach around and fully grasp handle  35   a , allowing the fingers to extend into aperture  110 . The handle  35   a  clearance spaces  109   a  and  109   b  and aperture  110  are smoothly shaped and contoured for ergonomic comfort and convenience. In view of the fact that this handle  35   a  is intended to be used to lift the filled paint container  36  and to pour out paint by way of spout  22 ′, the circumferential size of handle  35   a  is ergonomically important, as is the contoured shape, including ridge  107 , in order to handle the weight and to dispense paint smoothly and in a controlled fashion. 
     The single recessed portion of the prior two embodiments which is designed to receive a product label has been replaced with two recessed portions  111   a  and  111   b  located symmetrically on opposite sides of centerline  108 . The addition of handle  35   a  and its configuration, as part of contoured body  35 , requires that for the most cost effective mold design, the mold parting line coincides with centerline  108 . With this parting line, any attempt to incorporate a molded-in label would not be possible with a single, wrap-around, recessed portion for the product label, as shown in the first two embodiments, noting portions  47  and  89 . In those embodiments using the referenced centerline ( 48  and  91 , respectively) as the mold parting line would mean that the mold parting line would pass through the center of the label. Accordingly, this third embodiment for paint container  36  discloses another feature of the present invention. Specifically, this embodiment discloses the concept and structure of two separate recessed portions for product labeling which portions are on opposite sides of the mold parting line such that molded-in-place labels can be used. 
     The base  114  of contoured body  35  is contoured with a recessed pocket  115  which is sized and shaped to receive the raised upper portion  116  of cap  37  for achieving the stackable capability for paint container  36 . The configuration of base  114  including pocket  115  and the configuration of upper portion  116  are such that the stacking of paint container  36  can be achieved in basically the same manner as achieved for the first two paint container embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the details of handle  24  and its connection to spout  22  are illustrated. In the context of handle  24  and its attachment to spout  22 ,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate the details of the pair of oppositely-disposed pivot posts  44 . In the context of the description of these components, it should be understood that each of the basic structural elements that are part of each paint container described herein, including paint containers  20 ,  31 , and  36 , are molded out of plastic as unitary members. This means that each contoured body, each spout, each cap, and each separate handle, is a unitary, molded plastic member. It is intended that the selected materials will be recyclable materials. Suitable materials for the contoured body include various grades of polyethylene, ranging from medium to high-density resins. Suitable materials for the spout and cap include a high-density, injection-molding grade, polyethylene resin. Suitable materials for the handle include a low to medium density polyethylene resin. 
     Returning to the description of the handle  24  and pivot posts  44 , it will be seen that each pivot post  44  includes an enlarged cylindrical head  125  and a concentric, reduced diameter stem  126  integrally connecting the head  125  to the outer cylindrical surface of spout  22 . The cooperating handle  24  includes a wider gripping portion  127  which connects to the oppositely-disposed, open sockets  128  by more narrow, tapered portions  129 . Each socket  128  is substantially cylindrical with a pivot post entry opening  130  and a part-cylindrical groove  131 . The axial height or width of groove  131  in each socket  128  is sized and arranged to receive the enlarged cylindrical head  125  of the corresponding pivot post  44 . 
     In order to initially attach handle  24  to spout  22 , the preferred approach is to do so with the spout separated from the remainder of the corresponding paint container. By orienting the body of handle  24  below the spout, the handle  24  is able to snap onto the two pivot posts  44  by first positioning the sockets above the posts such that each opening  130  is aligned with its corresponding pivot post  44 . Then, by pulling the handle down in the direction of the posts, the heads  125  are able to slide into the corresponding opening  130  and from there into the corresponding groove  131 . The handle body is then pivoted upwardly to a generally horizontal orientation. When the spout is attached to the container body, the handle is able to rest in this horizontal orientation by actually resting on a portion of the container body. However, the handle is able to freely pivot on pivot posts  44  from its horizontal, stowed condition to a vertical, dispensing condition. In order to separate handle  24  from the pivot posts  44 , the handle has to be moved so that the enlarged cylindrical head  125  of each pivot post can slide out of the receiving groove  131 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the details of spout  22  are illustrated. Included as part of spout  22  are a pouring lip  82 , a brush-wiping edge  78 , a brush-holding receptacle  79 , and drain-back apertures in bottom wall  80 . The pouring lip  82  and brush-wiping edge  78  cooperate to define interior opening  77 . It should be understood that spout  22 ′ is identical to spout  22  except for the elimination of pivot posts  44  from spout  22 ′. Spout  22  has a substantially annular form for ease of insertion into neck portion  26  and for the described interference fit (around the entire circumference) due to the annular form of neck portion  26 . The interior opening  77  is sized to receive a paint brush for dipping the brush into the paint contained within the interior volume  81 . As the paint brush is withdrawn, it can be rubbed across wiping edge  78  in order to wipe the excess paint from the brush bristles. The brush-wiping edge  78  is actually part of blade  140  which is inclined with edge  78  being the lower point. Blade  140  is of a unitary construction with the inner surface of spout  22  and separates the interior opening  77  from the brush-holding receptacle  79 . 
     The pouring lip  82  includes a contoured center portion  82   a  in order to help center the dispensing flow of paint and control the size and location of the existing stream of paint. Bottom wall  80  is substantially flat and defines three drain back apertures  141 . These apertures  141  allow any paint that drips or runs off of the paint brush when placed or stored in the receptacle  79  to return to the interior volume  81  of the container body. As the brush is wiped across edge  78  so as to remove excess paint, it is anticipated that some excess paint will actually collect on the surface of blade  140 . Due to the inclined nature of blade  140  which is directed toward interior opening  77 , any excess paint that collects on the surface of blade  140  is able to run down and back into the interior volume  81  by way of interior opening  77 . If the volume of paint being collected on blade  140  is such that some of the paint actually cascades over the opposite edge of blade  140  into receptacle  79 , this excess paint is also able to return to the interior volume  81  by way of drain-back apertures  141 . By locating posts  44  in a location which is axially close to pouring lip  82  and in particular portion  82   a , an improved balance for container  20  is achieved and this helps to smoothly dispense paint from container  20  by tilting and pouring. 
     As explained herein, it is contemplated, as part of the present invention, that one or more scaling mechanisms or structures will be arranged as part of paint containers  20 ,  31 , and  36 . Since these sealing mechanisms according to the present invention have a broad application to other types of containers and for sealing an interface between two or more members, they are described in a more generic manner. In the context of the present invention, the locations within paint containers  20 ,  31 , and  36  where one or more of the sealing mechanisms can be utilized are identified. Any minor details of exactly how to configure the two (or more) cooperating sealing portions of the two (or more) interface members in the context of the three paint container embodiments should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Continuing with the description of the various sealing structures or mechanisms of the present invention, reference will be made to  FIGS. 16–25 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 16 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  160  which includes an annular container neck finish  161  fabricated from a mono block tool design with buttress threads  162  and squared, annular land area  163  at the upper surface. An integrated spout  164  includes an outer radial projection  165  which rests on the inside edge of the land area  163 . The upper land portion  166  of the spout is angled to allow minimal clearance between the spout outer surfaces of upper land portions  166  and  168  and the inside cap surfaces  169  and  170 , respectively. The cap  175  includes an outer collar  176  with an angled portion  176   a  which, when tightened onto a container (via surface  169 ), contacts the outer, upper edge  177  of the upper land area  163  with surface-to-surface interference. Sealing is achieved by deforming the upper edge  177  of land area  163  at an angle of between approximately 15 and 85 degrees. This may be accomplished either with a single angled surface or with a compound angled surface. As deformation continues to increase following multiple uses, the spout  164  is compressed onto the upper, annular land area  163  of the container, thereby providing additional sealing. The spout  164  also serves to provide structural support for the corresponding container by preventing collapse of the neck as the cap is tightened. The spout is retained in the container by a small raised rib  178 , which may preferably be either solid or segmented, located on the outer surface  179  of wall  180  below the radial projection  165 . The combination of materials between cap  175  and container neck  161  is such that one component has a lower modulus of elasticity relative to the other. This difference permits material deformation more readily of the component with the lower modulus in order to achieve sealing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , sealing mechanism  190  is illustrated. Sealing mechanism  190 , which includes cap  189 , spout  192 , and annular container neck  193 , is similar in certain respects to sealing mechanism  160 . One difference between these two designs relates to the fact that the radial lip  191  of the spout  192  is located below the upper surface  196  of the container neck  193  and is retained by a raised rib  194  formed by a choker ring from the mono block tool design. Sealing is achieved by deforming the upper outer edge  195  at an angle of between approximately 15 and 85 degrees, either with a single angled surface as part of cap  189  or with a compound angled surface. By locating the spout  192  (including lip  191 ) below the upper surface  196  of the container neck  193 , radial deformation of the container neck is permitted and provides a means of conforming to inconsistent surfaces and ovality. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , there is illustrated a sealing mechanism  200  which has similarity to sealing mechanism  190 . Sealing mechanism  200  includes cap  189 , spout  192 , and annular container neck  201 . Container neck  201  is designed with an annular undercut groove  202  formed into the outer surface  203  of the container neck finish  201 . The undercut groove  202  forms a more conforming and flexible sealing lip  204  to the angled surface  205  of the cap  189 . This sealing mechanism  200  would preferably require the spout  192  to be located below the upper surface of the container neck finish  201 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  210  which is similar to what is illustrated in  FIG. 18  for sealing mechanism  200 . Sealing mechanism  210  includes a cap  211  with an angled groove  212  therein which is provided to locate and form multiple sealing edges with container neck  214 . Sealing is achieved by wedging the upper lip portion  213  of the container neck  214  into a groove  212  which is located generally at the same diameter as that of container neck  214 . The groove  212  is designed with angled side walls  215  and  216 , allowing optimal engagement and compression to the lip portion  213  of container neck  214  within the desired rotation and axial travel of caps  211 . The spout  217  has a design which is substantially the same as spout  192 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  220  which includes closing cap  221 , annular container neck  222 , and spout  223 . Sealing mechanism  220  further includes a flexible, annular lip  224  (or alternatively a plurality of annular lips) as part of cap  221 . The flexible lip  224  is oriented in a slanting, inward direction and is constructed and arranged so as to sealingly contact the upper land surface  225  of the container neck  222 . The flexible lip  224  is constructed and arranged to deform as the cap  221  is tightened onto the container neck, forming a concentrated sealing force applied onto the upper land surface  225 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  230  which includes closing cap  231 , annular container neck  232 , and spout  233 . The uniform container neck finish  232  is formed from a mono block tool design with buttress threads  234  and squared, annular land area  235  at the upper surface. The integrated spout  233  is constructed and arranged to cover the upper surface of land area  235  of the container neck  232 . Cap  231  includes an inner angled surface  237   a  on annular protrusion  237  which, when tightened onto a container, creates contact with the inner edge  236  of the spout. Sealing is achieved by means of short flat land seals  238  and  239  which make contact with the upper surface  240  of the spout  233 . The cap has an inner angled surface  237   a  which deforms the inner edge  236  of the spout and container to form a complying sealing surface at that interface. Spout  233  is preferably made from a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of annular protrusion  237  so as to bias sealing deflection into the spout. There are though cases when annular protrusion  237  is preferred to be biased and create sealing through deformation using a lower modulus material than that of spout  233 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  244  which includes closing cap  245 , annular container neck  246 , and spout  247 . Sealing mechanism  244 , which has a number of similarities to sealing mechanism  230 , further includes a flexible, annular member  248  which acts as a secondary seal and replaces the inner annular protrusion  237 . Container neck  246  includes a uniform container neck finish fabricated from a mono block tool design with buttress threads  249  and squared land area  250  at the upper surface. Spout  247  is constructed and arranged to cover the upper surface of the container neck. The flexible member  248  protrudes downward from the deck of the cap which, when tightened onto a container, yields contact with the inner surface  251  of the spout. Sealing is achieved by means of short, flat land seals  252  and  253  which make contact with the upper surface  254  of the spout and from the flexible member  248  in contact with the spout. An additional, axially protruding, annular member  255  is located radially inwardly of the flexible member  248  and extends axially below the flexible member  248 . This additional member  255  provides protection (preventing damage) for the flexible member  248  during manufacturing, handling, and shipping and assembly. Means for preventing spout rotation may be employed with this sealing mechanism design. Member  255  also provides a product baffle or shield that limits direct product influence when being shaken vigorously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  260  which includes closing cap  261 , annular container neck  262 , and spout  263 . The container neck  262  of sealing mechanism  260  includes a uniform neck finish fabricated from a mono block tool design with buttress threads  264  and squared, land area  265  at the upper surface. The spout  263  is constructed and arranged to cover the upper land area  265  of the container neck  262 . The cap  261  extends over and around spout  263  and thus the outer radial collar  266  of the spout is sandwiched between the neck  262  and cap  261 . Sealing is achieved by means of tapered and projecting land seals  267  and  268  which are in the form of“V” -beads and which make contact with the land area  265  of the container. The cap  261  will also seal to the spout by means of flat, land seal  270 . The preferred embodiment is to have the “V” -beads  267  and  268  of a softer material so as to achieve deformation and provide sealing relative to container neck  262 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  275  which includes closing cap  276 , annular container neck  277 , and spout  278 . Sealing mechanism  275  is similar to sealing mechanism  260  with the lone exception of including flexible member  279  protruding downwardly from the deck of cap  276 . Member  279  is used to establish a sealed interface against the inner surface  280  of spout  278 . As the cap is tightened onto the neck  277  of the container, the size, shape and location of member  279  relative to the spout causes member  279  to deflect due to the interference which is experienced and this in turn creates a contact seal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , there is illustrated sealing mechanism  285  which includes closing cap  286 , annular container neck  287 , and spout  288 . The container neck  287  includes a uniform bottle neck finish fabricated from a mono block tool design with buttress threads  289  and squared land area  280  at the upper surface. The spout  288  includes a radial lip  288   a  which is located below the upper surface  290  of the container neck and is retained by raised rib  291  formed by a choker ring from the mono block tool design. The upper inside surface of the cap includes (and defines) and annular groove  292  which receives a flexible, annular, square-cut gasket  293 . Alternatively the gasket  293  shape could be round in lateral section or O-ring shaped. Sealing is achieved by means of compressing the gasket  293  against the upper surface  290  of the container neck in order to form a complying sealing surface at reduced torque amounts over other sealing means. The key to effective sealing is to select a gasket material which is compliant relative to sealing surface  290 . 
     The sealing mechanisms disclosed as part of the present invention (see  FIGS. 16–25 ) are illustrated, in one general application, as they can be used for sealing an interface or interfaces between two or more structural members. As should be understood, the structural members selected as one means to describe the specifics of each sealing mechanism include a container body with a threaded neck portion, a pouring spout inserted into the neck portion, and a removable closing cap which is threadedly attachable to the container neck portion. However, one or more of the disclosed sealing mechanisms can also be used as part of other container configurations, including the paint container embodiments of  FIGS. 1–15 , as one example of other compatible container configurations which are suitable to be configured with one or more of the disclosed sealing mechanisms. 
     As one example of how one or more of the sealing mechanisms disclosed herein can be adapted for use with one of the disclosed paint container embodiments, consider the sealing mechanism  210  of  FIG. 19 . If we consider only the cap  211  and the container neck  214 , these two structural members have a wedge-type seal between lip portion  213  and groove  212 . This type of sealing mechanism could be used in paint container  20  by shaping cap  23  with groove  212  and spout  22  with lip portion  213 . In addition, or alternatively, this type of sealing mechanism could be used in paint container  20  by shaping spout  22  with groove  212  and the container neck portion  26  with lip portion  213 . 
     The sealing mechanism  220  of  FIG. 20  can also be adapted for use with paint container  20 . In this arrangement, one location for sealing is between the cap  23  and the upper edge (land area) of spout  22 . In order to incorporate the design principles of sealing mechanism  220 , the cap  23  needs to be shaped so as to include flexible lip  224 . In addition or alternatively, another location for sealing is between the spout  22  and the top edge (land area)  63  of neck portion  26 . 
     In a similar manner, the sealing mechanism  230  of  FIG. 21  can be adapted to be incorporated into paint container  20  at the location between the upper edge of the spout  22  and cap  23 . The improvement of sealing mechanism  244  of  FIG. 22  in the form of protective member  255  can be included as part of the modification of paint container  20  in order to incorporate this sealing mechanism. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.