Patent Description:
Containers are a widely used component in a variety of industries. Wholesalers, merchants, and individuals use containers in a plethora of industries including, but not limited to: manufacturing, agriculture, beverage, entertainment, health care, food services, hospitality, fishing, retail, automotive, transportation, waste management, oil and gas, education, and construction. The paint industry in particular, as a liquid-based industry, heavily depends on containers for the majority of its packing, storing, and shipping requirements. As such, improvements to paint and other liquid-carrying containers may account for significant cost savings to a company's bottom line.

As an initial matter, containers and lids can include inadequate sealing mechanisms that allow leakage and air intake. Further, in some applications, traditional containers tend to permit waste, as paint or other liquids often become trapped in various joints or seams of the container. Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need for containers and lids, having a design that provides an improved sealing structure that provides a liquid-tight seal and limits the amount of product that may become trapped in various joints or seams of the container. The document <CIT> shows an example of cylindrical molded plastic container adapted to receive a snap-on snap-ring which acts as a transition structure between the container side wall and a suitably configured closure.

Briefly described and according to one embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a seal ring and a container, as disclosed in the appended claims, and more particularly to containers including a separate seal ring, as disclosed in claim <NUM>, and associated container lids. The present disclosure discusses a novel and unique container that provides several improvements over existing, traditional containers in the paint and other liquid-based industries. In various embodiments, the containers discussed herein increase product retention and are lower cost than traditional containers for storing similar goods. In at least one embodiment, the present container includes a separate container ring, which, in combination with the container design, may substantially eliminate one or more seams within the container (e.g., the combination of the container and ring). In this embodiment (and others), the present container may prevent product stored therein from being trapped in the one or more eliminated seams. Substantially eliminating one or more content-trapping seams may preserve original color content of tinted paint (e.g., by preventing tinted/coloring from being trapped in the seam) and enable a consumer to pour all paint/content out of the container such that no paint/content is left trapped within a joint or seam. As will be understood, a design that allows a consumer/user to pour out all paint/content may make such a container easier and/or less expensive to recycle.

Additionally, in particular embodiments, and as will be discussed herein, the container is manufactured from plastic, as opposed to traditional containers manufactured from metal, such that production expenses may be decreased and container longevity may be increased.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed embodiment(s) will become apparent from the following detailed written description of the embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or aspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, 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 disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. All limitations of scope should be determined in accordance with, and as expressed in the claims.

Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term shall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the context of the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning for the capitalized term is intended. However, the capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to be necessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended.

The above and further features of the disclosed exemplary container, container ring, and container lid will be recognized from the following detailed descriptions and drawings of particular embodiments. In various embodiments, a container with a rim is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the container includes a container body (e.g., external wall) that forms the outer casing of the container. In some embodiments, the container includes bail ear assemblies to provide a mechanism for attaching a handle to the container. According to at least one embodiment, the container includes a bottom panel to provide stability and support for the container as well as an encasing for material stored in the container. In particular embodiments, the container (e.g., the container rim) includes one or more seal surfaces to provide enhanced sealing properties when engaged with a container ring and sealed with a container lid.

In at least one embodiment, a container ring is disclosed for engaging with a container and container lid. In some embodiments, the container ring includes a u-shaped channel. In particular embodiments, the container ring includes one or more sidewalls including one or more seal surfaces for facilitating a liquid-tight seal when engaged with a container and/or container lid. In some embodiments, the container ring includes a ring bead for engaging with a corresponding structure on a container lid. In certain embodiments, the container ring includes an outer sidewall including a hook-shaped aperture for attaching to the container rim of a container. According to at least one embodiment, the container ring is circular in shape. In at least one embodiment, the container ring is square or rectangular in shape.

Furthermore, a container lid is disclosed for engaging with a container ring. In various embodiments, the container lid includes one or more seal surfaces to provide enhanced sealing properties when sealing a container (e.g., container ring). In particular embodiments, the container lid includes an undercut for engaging with a corresponding ring bead on a container ring to facilitate a liquid-tight seal. In one or more embodiments, the container lid may be manufactured to fit any container shape (e.g., rectangular, ovoid, etc.). According to at least one embodiment, the container lid is circular in shape. In at least one embodiment, the container lid is square or rectangular in shape.

The container, container ring, and container lid discussed herein may be formed in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the container, container ring, and container lid are formed by injection molding. In particular embodiments, the container, container ring, and container lid are 3D printed or created via other additive manufacturing technique. In further embodiments, various components of the container, container ring, and container lid are formed or created separately, and the various components of the container, container ring, and container lid are joined or otherwise suitably connected to form the container, container ring, and container lid. In one embodiment, the container, container ring, and/or container lid may each be one piece and unitary.

The container, container ring, and container lid may be formed from any suitable material or materials for storing or transporting such materials. In various embodiments, the container, container ring, and container lid are manufactured from metal or composite material. In particular embodiments, the container, container ring, and container lid are manufactured from plastic (e.g., Polyethylene, High-Density Polyethylene, etc.).

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the container, container ring, and container lid discussed herein may be used for storing and sealing any variety of materials, including, but not limited to: paints, oils, food, consumer goods, construction materials, inks, chemicals, lubricants, adhesives, coatings, roofing mastics, driveway sealers, flavorings, sanitation supplies, building products, ice melt compounds, powders, pet food, and other such materials.

Turning now to <FIG>, an exploded view of an exemplary container <NUM> and container ring <NUM> are shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the container ring <NUM> and the container <NUM> are circular in shape and have a substantially similar radius. In various embodiments, the container ring <NUM> and container <NUM> may be rectangular or square in shape. In various embodiments, the container ring <NUM> attaches to the container <NUM> to facilitate a liquid-tight seal. In one or more embodiments, the container ring <NUM> attaches to the container <NUM> by placing the bottom <NUM> of the container ring <NUM> snugly around the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> (as further discussed herein). In certain embodiments, the container ring <NUM> and the container are manufactured out of plastic (e.g., Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PP), etc.).

In particular embodiments, the container ring <NUM> may include various components to facilitate a seal with the container <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, and as will be further discussed herein, the container ring includes an inner sidewall <NUM> and an outer sidewall <NUM> connected by a floor <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the distance between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> may be any suitable distance (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, cm, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.). In some embodiments, and as will be further described herein, a container lid (e.g., a plug) includes corresponding sealing components, that may align and engage with the inner sidewall <NUM> of the container ring <NUM> to provide a liquid-tight seal when pressed together.

In one embodiment, and as shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes a container body <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the container body <NUM> includes an external wall <NUM> to enclose the container <NUM> and provide a solid base for stability. In some embodiments, the external wall <NUM> may include graphical information (e.g., signage). In various embodiments, the container body <NUM> terminates at an open end, whereby the open end includes a container rim <NUM> around its circumference. In certain embodiments, and as will be further discussed herein, the container rim <NUM> includes design features to facilitate a liquid-tight seal when engaged with a container ring <NUM>. Further, in various embodiments, the container <NUM> includes a container bottom <NUM> to provide stability and support for the container <NUM> when resting on a surface.

<FIG> shows an exemplary container <NUM>, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, plastic bail ears <NUM> are included on the external wall <NUM> of the container body <NUM>, such that a handle may be attached to the container <NUM> to facilitate carrying or lifting of the container. In various embodiments, the bail ears <NUM> may be circular, pentagonal, rectangular, or any suitable shape. In particular embodiments, the bail ears <NUM> may be affixed to the external wall <NUM> of the container body <NUM>, or, in one or more embodiments, the bail ears <NUM> may be an integral component of external wall <NUM> of the container body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary container ring <NUM>, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, a top surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> is at a higher elevation than a top surface <NUM> of the inner sidewall <NUM> relative to the container ring floor <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the inner sidewall <NUM> is less than the thickness of the outer sidewall <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, in some embodiments, the outer sidewall <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> beneath the top surface <NUM> to facilitate attachment of the container ring <NUM> to the rim of a container. In at least one embodiment, the outer sidewall <NUM> extends upward at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the container ring floor <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the inner sidewall <NUM> has a smaller radius than the outer sidewall <NUM>, whereby the difference in radii is substantially equivalent to the width of the container ring floor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the width of container floor <NUM> and the angle of the outer sidewall <NUM> generally prevent liquid from getting trapped in the container ring <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the floor <NUM> of the container ring <NUM> includes a generally smooth surface.

Turning now to <FIG>, a perspective view of an exemplary container ring <NUM> attached to an exemplary container <NUM> is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, when the container ring <NUM> is attached to the container <NUM>, the container rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> is substantially enveloped by the container ring <NUM>, such that an outer surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> extends over the edge of the container rim <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary container ring <NUM>, container <NUM>, and container lid <NUM> in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, and as will be discussed herein, various sealing components of the container lid <NUM> engage with the inner sidewall (not shown) of the container ring <NUM> to facilitate a liquid-tight seal of the container <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container ring, container <NUM>, and container lid <NUM> in an attached configuration is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the container <NUM> includes an external wall <NUM> with an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the external wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> extends upward from the container bottom and transitions into a container rim <NUM> at the upper end of the container <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the container rim <NUM> extends outward from the outer surface <NUM> of the external wall <NUM> to form a latch surface <NUM> for engaging with the container ring <NUM>, as will be further discussed herein. In certain embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the upper portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> of the external wall <NUM> protrudes outwardly from the external wall <NUM> and establishes a generally semi-circular bead <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the bead <NUM> may have a radius less than <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the generally semi-circular bead <NUM> transitions downward to an exterior floor surface <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the exterior floor surface <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the external wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, the container ring <NUM> includes a generally u-shaped channel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the u-shaped channel <NUM> (from a cross-sectional perspective) includes two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> connected by a floor <NUM> that generally slopes from the inner sidewall <NUM> downwardly to the outer sidewall <NUM>, whereby the outer sidewall <NUM> and the floor <NUM> form a substantially rounded connection <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the floor <NUM> may slope at an angle between forty-five and ninety degrees, preferably at an angle between forty-five and fifty degrees, relative to the outer sidewall <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the distance between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> may be any suitable distance (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, cm, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.).

As will be further discussed below, the inner sidewall <NUM> includes seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and integrally formed protrusions (e.g., ring bead <NUM>) of the container ring <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the inner sidewall <NUM> converge at an upper portion of the container ring <NUM> into a substantially trapezoidal peak (e.g., top surface <NUM>), which fits into a corresponding trapezoidal cavity <NUM> on the container lid <NUM>. In certain embodiments, top surface <NUM> (and the corresponding cavity on the container lid) may be substantially rectangular. In particular embodiments, top surface <NUM> (and the corresponding cavity on the container lid) may be substantially rounded. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall <NUM> may include a notch (not shown) on the seal surface <NUM> for engaging with a corresponding notch on a container lid. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be composed of an elastomer. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are composed of plastic. In various embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the container ring <NUM> are substantially flush against the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the container lid <NUM> (including the trapezoidal cavity <NUM>), such that a liquid-tight seal is facilitated.

Continuing with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the inner sidewall <NUM> includes a ring bead <NUM> (or other suitable protrusion) that protrudes into the u-shaped channel <NUM> of the container ring <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ring bead <NUM> may be substantially trapezoidal or substantially rounded in shape. In one or more embodiments, the ring bead <NUM> (e.g., protrusion) engages with a corresponding seal structure on the container lid <NUM>, such that a liquid-tight seal between the container ring <NUM> and the container lid <NUM> may be formed. For example, in particular embodiments, the ring bead <NUM> engages with a corresponding undercut <NUM> on the container lid, and, in combination with the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, facilitates a liquid-tight seal between the container ring <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. As will be understood from discussions herein, the inner sidewall <NUM> is received within a generally u-shaped channel of a container lid <NUM>, and the seal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and ring bead <NUM> help create a seal between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the container lid <NUM>, thereby sealing an interior/storage area of the container.

Further continuing with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the outer sidewall <NUM> includes various features for engaging with, and sealing a container <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the outer sidewall <NUM> may be substantially concave. In particular embodiments, the outer sidewall <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> that includes an aperture <NUM>, such that the upper portion <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> is substantially hook-shaped. In at least one embodiment, and as shown in <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> engages with the container rim <NUM>, whereby the bead <NUM> on the upper portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> of the external wall <NUM> is flush against the outer sidewall <NUM> of the container ring <NUM>, such that a liquid-tight seal is formed. In particular embodiments, the apex <NUM> of the bead <NUM> on the upper portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> of the external wall <NUM> makes contact with the outer sidewall <NUM> of the container ring <NUM>. According to the invention, the exterior floor surface <NUM> is flush against the inner surface <NUM> or the external wall <NUM> such that a liquid-tight seal is formed. In one or more embodiments, pressure exerted on the container lid <NUM> is transferred to the interface between the bead <NUM> on the container <NUM> and the hook and latch structure of the seal container ring <NUM> and container <NUM>, such that sealing properties are increased.

In one or more embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the top surface <NUM> is substantially flat and substantially parallel to the container bottom. In certain embodiments, the top surface <NUM> transitions down to a secondary surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> via a vertical wall <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the top surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> is at a higher elevation from the bottom of the container than the secondary surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the secondary surface <NUM> is substantially flat and substantially parallel to the container bottom.

In particular embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> of the container ring <NUM> includes a bottom surface <NUM> that is substantially parallel to the top surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> are integrally connected by an outer surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distance between the top surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> may be less than <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the top surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> is at a first distance from the bottom surface of the container ring <NUM>, and the top surface <NUM> of the inner sidewall <NUM> (e.g., the trapezoidal peak) is at a second distance from the bottom surface of the container ring <NUM>, where the first distance is greater than the second distance. In particular embodiments, the "tiered elevation" of the top surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the inner sidewall <NUM> (e.g., the trapezoidal peak) may help increase stability and load distribution when two (or more) containers <NUM> and container rings <NUM> are stacked together (e.g., for shipping, without lids), as portions of the container bottom may match the tiered elevation of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the container ring <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a cross sectional view of an exemplary container <NUM> stacked on top of a container <NUM>, container ring <NUM>, and container lid <NUM> in an attached configuration is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the present embodiment, a container bottom <NUM> sits on top of a container lid <NUM> engaged in a seal with a container ring <NUM> attached to a container <NUM>. In various embodiments, the container bottom <NUM> includes legs <NUM>, <NUM> to provide stability for the container <NUM>. In various embodiments, the upper leg <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and the lower leg <NUM> includes a base <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the bases <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially parallel to the container bottom and provide support when the container <NUM> is rested on a surface.

In various embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the substantially flat shape of the top surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM> provides a level surface for the base <NUM> of the upper leg <NUM> to rest upon. In these embodiments (and others), the lower leg <NUM> and the upper leg <NUM> may straddle the secondary surface <NUM> of the outer sidewall <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A seal ring (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising: an outer sidewall (<NUM>) comprising: an exterior outer sidewall surface comprising a substantially arcuate portion for interfacing with a corresponding semi-circular bead (<NUM>) of a sidewall (<NUM>) of a container (<NUM>, <NUM>) in an attached configuration; a top surface (<NUM>); an upper portion outer surface (<NUM>) substantially perpendicular to the top surface (<NUM>); and a upper portion bottom surface (<NUM>) substantially parallel to the top surface (<NUM>) and perpendicular to the outer surface (<NUM>); a generally hook-shaped aperture (<NUM>) comprising: an aperture surface substantially parallel to the upper portion outer surface (<NUM>) and intersecting with the upper portion bottom surface (<NUM>); and an undercut surface substantially perpendicular to the aperture surface, wherein the undercut surface is configured to interface with a corresponding surface on the container (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the attached configuration; an inner sidewall (<NUM>) forming a seal structure for sealing an interior cavity of the container (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a lid (<NUM>); and a floor (<NUM>) connecting the inner sidewall (<NUM>) and the outer sidewall (<NUM>), wherein the substantially arcuate portion of the exterior outer sidewall surface transitions to an exterior floor surface (<NUM>), the exterior floor surface (<NUM>) substantially parallel to the upper portion outer surface (<NUM>), characterized in that the floor (<NUM>) slopes downwardly from the inner sidewall (<NUM>) to the outer sidewall (<NUM>) and the floor (<NUM>) is adapted to flush against an inner surface (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>, <NUM>) with the exterior floor surface (<NUM>) such that a liquid-tight seal is formed.