Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a closure system attachable to wide-mouthed containers and, more specifically, a system for use with paint containers having a tamper-evident primary lid attachable to conventional paint containers by a specially formed crimp ring insert and a friction-fitting secondary lid made of plastic and/or metal attachable to a concentric portion of the primary lid.

Metallic paint containers have been in use for decades. One conventional design for forming closures on such containers involves crimping or curling the metallic sidewalls around a top panel and/or a around an annular ring or insert which itself connects to that top panel. Often times, these closures are necessarily formed from metal so as to accommodate the crimping process. Generally speaking, many of these systems rely on fitting an insert over the top, open edge of a container or pail. In some disclosures, the insert is crimped or captured via "curling" the metal container edge. A cap may be applied to or integrated with the closure.

One example of a typical "rim seal" style metallic container can be found in <CIT>. Here, a plastic annulus is fitted over the conventional method of closing a paint container to facilitate stacking of multiple containers. The annulus snap fits over a retaining ring that is crimped onto the terminal edge of the container. The ring has a radial extension that includes a groove sized to receive a corresponding feature formed on an outer edge of a sealing lid. The sealing lid can be force fitted or removed from the groove (and the container/ring), usually be way of a screwdriver, crowbar, or similar tool. Generally speaking, this type of rim-seal arrangement relies on metallic components owing to their durability.

Another iteration for paint container closure can be found in <CIT>, in which a pliable, plastic lid with dimples on its periphery that are attachable to corresponding apertures formed on the inner rim of the container. <CIT> contemplates integral features on the panel of a plastic lid (sealed to a plastic pail) to accommodate storage of paint brushes and rollers.

Separately, it is known that plastic closures on industrial drums can be manufactured to include tamper evident (TE) features. Generally speaking, a single-use frangible element may be formed on and/or fitted over the closure opening, such as by way of strip that is physically removed or a ring that separates when the lid is first removed. For example, <CIT>, in which a plug seal for a container includes a removable panel having a bail handle. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> provide further examples of TE arrangements.

<CIT> discloses a tamper-evident closure system for cylindrical containers.

In view of these earlier examples, a closure system that coupled the familiarity of a metallic rim-seal closure with the advantages of plastic lids (e.g., for tamper evidence) would be welcomed. Additionally or alternatively, a closure system that is durable, reusable, and can be implemented with existing containers and manufacturing lines (i.e., current metallic-only closure systems) without modification is needed.

A closure system for conventional paint containers is contemplated. The system includes a metallic ring insert that is crimped or otherwise attached to the edge of a conventional paint container. A primary lid is simultaneously or subsequently crimped or attached to the curled flange holding the container to the crimp ring. A second lid made of plastic or metal is than coupled to the top facing of the primary lid. The crimp ring, the primary lid, and the secondary lid all have contoured surfaces including one or more annular grooves and/or ridges, all of which are positioned and aligned to enable the primary lid and the crimp ring and, separately, the secondary lid and the primary lid to couple to one another. In the latter case, the secondary lid can be releasably held so that the paint container can be resealed. The primary lid has a tamper evident feature, such as a one-time removable pull-seal. In some aspects the tamper evident feature is overmolded onto a metallic ring, which is then crimped to the container.

Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. A person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.

Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on/in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on/in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance, or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase "A employs B or C," includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless context suggest otherwise.

Insofar as the container and/or selected components described herein may possess a an elongated cylindrical shape, it will be understood that the terms length, axis, and axial may be used synonymously, while transverse, radial, and diameter all refer to lines and spatial planes that are perpendicular to the length. Otherwise, reference to vertical and horizontal will be understood based upon the top of the page and the bottom of the page (in "portrait" orientation for <FIG> and in landscape orientation for <FIG>) for each of the images in the attached drawings.

Also, unless otherwise stated, measurements and observations were taken under normal, ambient conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), and any molecular weights are weight averages while formulations can be presumed as weight percentages (if/when appropriate). Still other terminology, conditions, and measurement techniques/methodologies will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art based upon industry norms, and this disclosure should be interpreted accordingly, and a skilled person will be well versed in applicable ASTM standards and procedures even if they are not expressly identified herein.

With reference to <FIG>, various aspects and views of the closure system are provided (as described above).

Generally speaking, the system includes a crimp ring <NUM> that is attached to the paint container <NUM> by curling the edge <NUM> in "beverage can" style or similar fashion. The ring <NUM> is preferably metal, and is configured to receive and retain a primary lid <NUM>.

In some aspects, the crimp ring <NUM> will have an upwardly curled edge <NUM> on its inner periphery. This curled edges <NUM>, <NUM> extend axially so that the inner and outer portions of the crimp ring have approximately the same elevation at axis A (which extends along the same plane as the cross sectional view in <FIG>, and all of the axes A, B, C, and D refer to the permanently affixed axial positioning of the ring <NUM> and primary lid <NUM> relative to the container <NUM>). The inner and outer axial elevations conform to cooperating feature on the primary lid <NUM> to improve the coupling, as will be described below. It may be possible to curl the inner peripheral edge downward, so long as the elevation at the top facing of the crimp ring remains comparable to the top facing along its outer peripheral edge.

On its outer periphery, out edge of radial ledge <NUM> is formed into a beverage can-style connection in which edge <NUM> is folded around a bent terminal edge of the container, thereby imparting a G-shape to the outer edge of the crimp ring, with the terminal edge of the container wall <NUM> captured or sandwiched in between, and the outer periphery of portion <NUM> presents sufficient radial surface area on the crimp ring to allow for the crimping of its outer periphery. Portion <NUM> is aligned along axis B, which is positioned beneath axis A.

An annular groove <NUM> is disposed between the inner and outer edges of the crimp ring <NUM>. This groove <NUM> may have a U-shape that is configured to conform, receive, and hold (via friction fit) a corresponding groove <NUM> on the primary lid <NUM> by aligning along axis D that defines the lower-most end of the closure system. The primary lid <NUM> also includes a ridge <NUM> in addition to the annular groove <NUM>. In any instance, it is important to ensure that the coupling groove <NUM> on the crimp ring <NUM> is configured to cooperate with corresponding groove <NUM> on the primary lid <NUM> (also note that the secondary lid <NUM> may also cooperate with groove <NUM> on the opposite facing of the primary lid, for purposes of sealing and/or positioning).

A primary lid <NUM> has a cooperating shape in comparison to the crimp ring <NUM> (e.g., circular). Notably, the primary lid <NUM> must have a larger diameter than the crimp ring <NUM>, as the outer peripheral edge <NUM> of the primary lid is bent, crimped, or snap-fitted around the style coupling between the crimp ring <NUM> and the container <NUM> (i.e., at curled edge <NUM>). This creates an axial skirt <NUM> that encases the crimped connection between the ring <NUM> and the container <NUM>, while the concentric portions of the primary lid (at least initially) conceal and seal the interior volume of the container <NUM>.

In some aspects, the very edge of the primary lid <NUM> may be curled under the G-shape of the crimp ring <NUM> so as to permanently secure the primary lid <NUM> to the crimp ring <NUM>. When finally installed, the crimp ring <NUM> and the primary lid <NUM> will remain affixed to the container, and a user only needs to rely on the tamper evident feature of the primary lid and, subsequently, use of the secondary lid to reseal the container after it is first opened.

The primary lid <NUM> will have a cooperating annular groove <NUM> (or coupling feature) immediately adjacent to the peripheral section <NUM> that fits over the crimp ring/container joint. As noted above, the lid <NUM> conforms to the ring <NUM> and couples the primary lid <NUM> to the container <NUM> by force fitting groove <NUM> into cooperating groove <NUM> on the ring <NUM>, as well as by clamping the axially aligned edge section to the top and bottom axial surfaces of edge <NUM> (i.e., the beverage can coupling). Given this arrangement, it is important for the axial elevation of the lid portion <NUM> to have a radial ledge aligned along axis A and to terminate at or below axis B (i.e., the snap-fitting feature or curled section at the edge <NUM> of primary lid <NUM> descends below axis B). Further, the inner diameter on the axial section on the lid <NUM> that fits around the curled combination of container <NUM> and edge <NUM> must be greater than the outer diameter of combination, while the groove <NUM> must drop down at or immediately adjacent to axis D and create an interference fit within both axial surfaces defining groove <NUM> on the ring (more preferably, the bottom U-shape of the groove <NUM> also comes into contact with the radially aligned surface in the groove <NUM>).

Coaxially inset from the groove section <NUM> on the lid <NUM>, a ridge <NUM> defines a pocket that receives and couples to curled section <NUM> on the ring <NUM>. Ridge <NUM> includes an angled wall section <NUM> that may be resilient to conform and seal to the curled section <NUM>. In turn, angled wall <NUM> terminates at or slightly below axis C, which aligns with the positioning of the panel <NUM>. Axis C will have a lower axial elevation in comparison to axis B. Conversely, the ridge <NUM> will have its maximum axial height above axis B but below (or possibly coinciding with) axis A.

Along its inner most portion, the primary lid <NUM> includes a centrally located flat closure panel <NUM>. This panel will seal the contents of the container and prevent unwanted leakage, evaporation, or loss of the container's contents.

Flat panel <NUM> includes a removable sealing panel that is defined by thinned groove <NUM>. Groove <NUM> is positioned concentrically within the perimeter defined by the inner edge <NUM> of the crimp ring <NUM>, and the depth/axial elevation of groove <NUM> descending below axis C (which, itself is aligned in the same plane as a central portion of the flat panel <NUM>).

Panel <NUM> and/or the removable section defined by groove <NUM> is preferably circular and positioned immediately adjacent to the angled wall <NUM>; however, teardrop-shaped, polygonal or other functional shapes that do not otherwise conform to the circular shape of the ring <NUM> and ridge <NUM> are possible. These functional shapes can facilitate insertion of a paint brush and/or facilitate pouring. Pulling bails <NUM> may be provided to further simplify the removal of at least portions of panel <NUM>. The panel serves as a form of tamper evidence, in addition to providing a second seal (in combination with the cap that is coupled to the insert).

Panel <NUM> is essentially a "peelable feature" similar to a soup can or Spam can. The panel <NUM> is formed by thinned groove sections (formed by stamping, etching, etc.), that conform to the groove <NUM> indicated in <FIG>. In a preferred aspect, the removable panel has a circular shape that abuts the inner-most contact point between the curled edge of the crimp ring and the primary lid, so as to maximize the open area of the closure system when the secondary lid is removed.

Notably, the angled wall section <NUM> provides strength and resilience to facilitate the removal of panel <NUM>. That is, the angle of the wall slopes, rather being aligned parallel to the corresponding walls of groove <NUM>. In this manner, angled wall section <NUM> imparts flexibility needed to accomplish the aims of the inventive system, as does the specific arrangement and comparative axial elevations of the components of the lid <NUM> relative to the ring <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

A secondary lid <NUM> is removable held within the features on the top facing of the primary lid. The secondary lid <NUM> will preferably have a smaller outer diameter than either the primary lid <NUM> or the crimp ring <NUM>. The purpose of this secondary lid <NUM> is to allow for the container to be opened and resealed multiple times. In this manner, tamper evidence is achieved (via the primary lid) while the user retains the familiar closure features found on conventional paint cans.

The secondary lid <NUM> may include a curled edge <NUM> serving as an attachment feature along its outer periphery. This curled edge <NUM> also provides a "stop" to prevent the annular groove <NUM> on the secondary lid <NUM> from becoming wedged too tightly within the groove <NUM> of the primary lid <NUM>. As noted above, these grooves may have cooperating U-shapes, although a ridge or other shape may be included or substituted, so long as all three coupling features (on the crimp ring, primary lid, and secondary lid) are similarly shaped. Also, as noted above, the fit between any two of these components should create intimate contact along the two axially aligned surfaces defining the respective groove, although a third point of contact at the lower most axial interface is also possible.

The central portion <NUM> of the secondary lid <NUM> is a flat panel that seals the opening formed when the removable panel <NUM> of the primary lid <NUM> is displaced. Portion <NUM> may be surrounded by a groove <NUM> that conforms to the corresponding surfaces on the top of lid <NUM>; however, groove <NUM> could be replace or augmented with additional features. For example, sealing skirt <NUM> could extend from an underside of the solid panel <NUM>, while possessing a shape, diameter, and axial extension to engage and seal the opening that will be created when panel <NUM> is removed so that skirt <NUM> forms a plug seal with the ridge <NUM>, angled wall section <NUM>, and/or exposed edge of the groove <NUM> after the frangible section of panel <NUM> is removed. Skirt <NUM> and the solid central portion of the lid <NUM> can be formed from plastic, metal, or a metal disk overmolded by a plastic periphery.

In the alternative arrangements depicted in <FIG>, curled edge <NUM> can be replaced by a larger diameter, C-shaped snap-fitting <NUM>. Here, a radial bead <NUM> is positioned at the end skirt/sidewall <NUM>, so as to coaxially receive and snap-fit over and around the outer edge <NUM>. In this arrangement groove <NUM> is also removed.

The secondary lid <NUM> may be made from the same materials as the crimp ring and/or primary lid. However, in various aspects, the secondary lid <NUM> may be made partially or completely from plastic, so as to allow for potential cost savings. The use of plastic may also enable and enhance the ability to rely on plug sealing features <NUM> and snap-fitting features <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Specifically, features <NUM> have dimensions to cooperate and seal to similar features on other items (e.g., the inner and/or outer diameter(s) of a container neck or opening), with preferred aspects constituting an axially extending lip or ridge on the underside of the lid <NUM>. In some arrangements, portions or the entirety of lid <NUM> could be formed from plastic or a metal disk overmolded with a plastic periphery, although any plastic used as part of lid <NUM> must be sufficient workable to create and conform to the shapes and coupling arrangements contemplated herein.

The secondary lid <NUM> serves as the resealable lid once the peelable feature is removed. The product would be sold as a "double lid" package. The formed beads on the lids would be configured to properly fit together. In the arrangement of <FIG>, secondary lid <NUM> may be metallic, and its use provides added level of sealing and protection for the product. It should be noted that the removable panel <NUM> effectively acts as a tamper evident feature which, because it is concealed by lid <NUM>, should be particularly effective. A frangible ring, tear strip, or other TE feature similar to those described in the background above could be provided on secondary lid <NUM>, and particularly the aspects contemplated in <FIG>.

The secondary lid <NUM> can also be made of all plastic in an appropriate material suitable for paint, varnishes, and other chemicals or solvents. The plastic lid can be configured with a seal to match the "cut-out" in the primary lid. Additionally or alternatively, the lid <NUM> can be made of a combination of metal and plastic. The metal portion would act as the seal in the open area and the plastic would wrap around and over the can rim to secure it. The metal portions could be overmolded for a secure fit. In the same manner, the removable panel <NUM> in lid <NUM> could be made with a similar construction.

The foregoing concepts offer a high degree of product resistance and compatibility with many solvent-based paints and varnishes. The dual lid arrangement allows for sealing and tamper evidence (via the primary lid). The secondary lid allows the system to be resealed quickly and easily.

The system, in all of its various forms, is suited for attachment to standard sized paint containers, including those having a nominal inner diameter of <NUM> inches. In some aspects, the system is designed to have an inner diameter of <NUM> inches, although the means for attaching the crimp ring and insert are fully compatible with existing/standard container closing methods. In fact, the insert and/or primary lid could be crimped to the sidewall portion using the same machinery and methods as employed with existing technologies.

As noted above, the system as contemplated and described provides for two separate hermetic seals of the container when it is initially shipped. Owing to the removable panel on the primary lid, an end user has tamper evidence and, owing to the secondary lid, the ability to open and reseal the container. Further still, the secondary lid may take on the familiar engagement mechanism found on many existing paint containers (i.e., a rim-seal in which the grooves create a releasable interference fit) and/or by providing a snap-fitting skirt. Finally, the configurations herein allow for the use of plastic components in either of these arrangements (rim-seal or snap-fitting skirt), which may create benefits in terms of materials compatibility and costs, especially to the extent the liquid in the container might otherwise require specialized alloys and/or a coating to protect metallic components from corrosion.

All components should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. The materials should also be selected for workability, cost, and weight. In addition to the materials specifically noted above, common polymers amenable to injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have particular utility, although metals, alloys, and other composites may be used in place of or in addition to more conventional materials. Various grades of low density polyethylene may have particular utility in view of the design goals and requirements noted above.

References to coupling are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field. This may take the form of snap- or force fitting of components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove, "beverage can" and other forms of crimping, and bayonet-style/slot-and-flange assemblies could be employed. Adhesive and fasteners could also be used, although such components must be judiciously selected so as to retain the functionality of the assembly.

In the same manner, engagement may involve coupling or an abutting relationship. These terms, as well as any implicit or explicit reference to coupling, will should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings.

References sealing or being in a sealed state means that interfacing components are in sufficient and intimate contact to prevent unwanted fluid flow across that interface. These fluids may be liquid (e.g., dispensed fluids) or gaseous (e.g., ambient air). These seals can be temporary, as may be the case with the removable caps, so that the interfacing surfaces are capable of sliding over/across one another. In other instances, the seal is intended to be permanent, so that the aforementioned coupling arrangements or force fittings created by a "plug seal" arrangement (in which an edge or flange is forced fitted into a gap on the other component) are effective and appropriate. In the drawings, it will be understood that sealing features are or may need to be employed, particularly in those areas where a non-linear interface appears.

Claim 1:
A tamper-evident closure system for cylindrical paint containers, the system comprising:
an annular ring (<NUM>) having an outer peripheral edge (<NUM>) configured for attachment by way of crimping, an inner peripheral edge (<NUM>), and a mid-section including an engagement groove (<NUM>) and radial ledge (<NUM>);
a primary lid (<NUM>) seated on a top facing of the annular ring, the primary lid having a central portion with a tamper evident panel (<NUM>) defined by a thinned groove (<NUM>) formed in the central portion, a peripheral edge (<NUM>) that couples to the outer peripheral edge of the annular ring, and middle portion positioned between the central portion and the peripheral edge of the primary lid and including a ridge (<NUM>) and a groove (<NUM>) configured to be seated within the groove of the annular ring;
a secondary lid (<NUM>) seated on a top facing of the primary lid, the secondary lid having an attachment feature (<NUM>) on its peripheral edge and a solid panel (<NUM>) that covers and seals the central portion of the primary lid; and
wherein, prior to removal of the tamper evident panel, both the primary and secondary lid seal create a seal over an opening in the annular ring and wherein an axial elevation (C) of the tamper evident panel is: i) above that of both the thinned groove and a lower extremity of the groove in the primary lid (D), and ii) below that of the mid-section of the annular ring (B).