Magnetically sealable enlosure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure/sealing mechanism for a door and cabinet, or lid and container combination that uses a plurality of magnets in combination with a sealing member to create an air-tight or near air-tight environment. The sealing mechanism further considers two additional features including the use of a floating-hinge to provide an optimal seal alignment, and an embedded cam-handle mechanism that can be rotated and thereby used to open the container. It is envisioned that the closure/sealing mechanism may be used for containers such as humidors, coolers, refrigerators/freezers, and briefcases.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/273,229 filed Mar. 2, 2001 entitled “Magnetically Sealable Enclosure,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a closure/sealing mechanism for a door and cabinet, or a lid and container combination that uses a plurality of magnets in combination with a sealing member to create an air-tight or near air-tight environment. The sealing mechanism further considers two additional features including the use of a floating type of hinge to provide an optimal seal alignment and an embedded cam-handle mechanism that can be rotated and thereby used to break the seal and open the container. It is envisioned that the closure/sealing mechanism maybe used for containers such as humidors, coolers, refrigerators/freezers, and briefcases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Magnets and sealing materials have been used in combination for a number of years to create enclosures for a number of different applications, including refrigerators and freezers. The magnets and seals have typically been positioned in a number of different orientations to create releasable seals. In general, it is desirable to a create sufficient magnetic attraction using either magnets alone, or magnets in combination with a magnetic attractive material such as steel, to draw together the container (hereinafter to include cabinet) and container door or lid, such that a seal is created between the container and door. Various flexible materials have also been used to provide the actual seal, including rubber and plastics.

[0004] Unfortunately, the wear associated with the constant operation of opening and closing the door of the container creates friction and thus imperfections in the seal. Depending upon the nature of the container, costs are then incurred in the form of additional energy to heat, cool, or adjust the humidity of the subject container. To remedy this problem, an expensive replacement seal is often required. Thus, there is a significant need in the industry to provide a closure/sealing mechanism that is durable, reliable and inexpensive to manufacture, while providing a superior seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an arrangement of a magnet and seal to improve the seal assembly on various types of containers. It is another aspect of this invention to provide an improved seal assembly that has a long life. It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a floating-hinge assembly that aligns the seal located on the container and the opposing portion of the seal material located on the door, such that the seals are optimally aligned, thereby creating a better seal, and thereby causing less wear and tear on the seals as the door is repeatedly opened and closed to access the contents of the container.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a cam-handle mechanism is presented, wherein the cam-handle mechanism is used to break the seal. Such a mechanism is applicable for devices such as luggage or briefcases. Finally, it is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide a floating-hinge assembly that is capable being operated without causing harm to an operator's hand or fingers, should said operator's hand or fingers accidently become positioned in between the container and door during closure of the container.

[0007] Although it is generally known in the refrigeration arts to use magnets deployed within a sealing mechanism, arrangements of the a seal and magnets have not been optimized to reduce wear and tear to the sealing gasket. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a means of separating the two portions of a sealing gasket (located on the container and the container door or lid, where door or lid are herein used interchangeably) to prevent friction to the sealing gasket caused by rubbing of the two portions together as the container door is repeatedly open and closed against the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Several figures have been developed to assist with understanding the invention. Following is a brief description of the figures that illustrate the invention and its various embodiments:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view of a container that incorporates the seal embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 1a is a top elevation view of an extruded strip containing magnets and a seal for a container;

[0011] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the extruded strip shown in FIG. 1a;

[0012] FIG. 1c is a top elevation view of an extruded strip containing magnets and a seal for a container lid;

[0013] FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional view of the extruded strip shown in FIG. 1c;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sidewall of the container depicted in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a sidewall of the container depicted in FIG. 1, but with the seal projecting above the sidewall rim;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a container lid that mates with the container depicted in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container lid depicted in FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the container lid depicted in FIG. 3, but with the seal recessed below the lid sidewall rim;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the container and lid sidewalls of a floating-hinge embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the floating-hinge embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

[0021] FIG. 7 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the floating-hinge embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of the container hinge portion of the floating-hinge embodiment with the enclosure and strike plate components depicted;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure with the spring portion of the floating-hinge embodiment depicted in FIG. 8;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a container having the floating-hinge embodiment, where the container door is in a closed position;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a container having the floating-hinge embodiment, where the container door is in a partially open position;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a container having the floating-hinge embodiment, where the container door is in a further open position;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a container having the floating-hinge embodiment, where the container door is in an open position;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a container having the floating-hinge embodiment, where the container door is in a closed position, with an object located between the door and the container;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a top elevation view of a container possessing a cam-handle embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a container and lid possessing the cam-handle embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a container possessing the cam-handle embodiment; and

[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a container possessing the cam-handle embodiment.

[0033] While the following disclosure describes the invention in connection with those embodiments presented, one should understand that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure may not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The nature of the present invention is best understood by considering the drawings in combination with the following text. In FIG. 1, a container 10 without a top lid is depicted. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of magnets 12a, 12b in combination with a seal 14a, 14b. Magnets 12a and seal 14a maybe installed directly within sidewall 16 of container 10, or they may be manufactured and installed on an extruded plastic strip. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, an extruded strip 19a of polyethylene may be manufactured with pre-formed installation points for magnets 12a, and with a pre-formed installation channel for seal 14a. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 1c and 1d, an extruded strip 19b with corresponding pre-formed installation points/channel for magnets 12b and strip 14b may also be manufactured. The extruded strips 19a, 19b would then be fitted with magnets 12a, 12b and seals 14a, 14b, and then subsequently interconnected, for example, by adhesive, to sidewall 16 and lid sidewall 36. Magnets 12a may be located radially to the interior of seal 14a, as shown, or radially to the exterior (not shown) of the seal 14a.

[0035] Seal 14a, 14b preferably consists of a closed cell neoprene gasket, although other types of sealing materials may be utilized. Preferably, seal 14a is a continuous strip of sealing material and is positioned on the sidewall rim 18 of container sidewall 16 such that it completely encloses container interior 20. Alternately, seal 14a may be a plurality of segments of sealing material that are installed in the sidewall rim 18 of container sidewall 16 such that they effectively form one continuous strip of material upon installation.

[0036] Magnets 12a, 12b are preferably a neodymium type of magnet; however, various types of magnets can be used. FIG. 1 illustrates four magnets 12a with their positive pole up; however, a fewer or greater number of magnets 12a may be used. For example, it may be desirable to install more than four magnets 12a in a relatively large container 10. In addition, if a greater sealing force is sought, additional numbers of magnets 12a may be used to accomplish this task.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of container sidewall 16 is depicted. Preferably, exposed seal surface 22a of seal 14a is recessed approximately 1 mm below sidewall rim 18. However, there is a flush fit between the exposed magnet surface 24a of magnets 12a relative to sidewall rim 18. Therefore, in a preferred method of manufacture, a seal channel 26a is formed, placed within an extruded strip, or otherwise cut into sidewall rim 18 to receive seal 14a, wherein seal channel 26a is about 1 mm deeper than the thickness of seal 14a. Similarly, a plurality of magnet inlets 28a, in corresponding number to the number of magnets 12a, are formed, placed within an extruded strip, or otherwise cut into sidewall rim 18 to receive magnets 12a. Preferably, seal 14a and magnets 12a are epoxy set and adhesively bonded within seal channel 26a and magnet inlets 28a, respectively. FIG. 2 depicts seal 14a located radially to the exterior of magnets 12a. However, as noted above, these two positions may be reversed such that magnets 12a are located closer than seal 14a to exterior sidewall surface 30, and seal 14a is located closer than magnets 12a to interior sidewall surface 32.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates the back of the container door 34, or equally, the underside or bottom of the container lid 34. Magnets 12b and seal 14b are installed on the underside of container lid 34 such that they align with magnets 12a and seal 14a placed in container sidewall 16 of container 10. More particularly, when the container lid 34 is closed, seal 14a of container 10 is aligned with and contacts seal 14b of container lid 34. In so doing, an air-tight or near air-tight seal is created between the container 10 and container lid 34. FIG. 3 further illustrates the location of four magnets 12b, although a fewer or greater number of magnets 12b may be used, as is desired. Preferably, the number of magnets 12a in container 10 equals the number of magnets in container lid 34. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the magnets 12b are oriented such that their negative pole is exposed. Thus, when the container lid 34 is closed, the negative pole of the magnets 12b located within the container lid 34 are attracted to the positive exposed pole of the magnets 12a located within the container sidewall 16. Obviously, the exposed poles of magnets 12a, 12b within container 10 and lid 34 may be reversed and still provide an equivalent attractive force.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view lid 34 and container lid sidewall 36. However, it is to be understood that container lid 34 does not require a container lid sidewall 36. More particularly, container lid 34 may be a flat or relatively flat structure that closes against container 10 without a lid sidewall 36 present. Similar to container sidewall 16, container lid sidewall 36 or the edge of container lid 34 (if a lid sidewall 36 is not present) is fitted with seal channel 26b that is sized to receive seal 14b. Preferably, exposed seal surface 22b of seal 14b is exposed approximately 1.5-2 mm beyond lid sidewall rim 38. However, there is a flush fit between the exposed magnet surface 24b of magnets 12b relative to lid sidewall rim 38. Therefore, in a preferred method of manufacture, a seal channel 26b is formed, placed within an extruded strip, or otherwise cut into lid sidewall rim 38 to receive seal 14b, wherein seal channel 26b is about 1.5-2 mm less in depth than the thickness of seal 14b. Exposed seal surface 22b of seal 14b contacts and compresses exposed seal surface 22aof seal 14a when container lid 34 is closed against container 10. In addition, the attractive force of magnets 12a, 12b tends to aid in compressing seal 14a with 14b, thereby improving the quality of closure created by seal 14a, 14b.

[0040] As with container 10, a plurality of magnet inlets 28b, in corresponding number to the number of magnets 12b, are formed, placed within an extruded strip, or otherwise cut into lid sidewall rim 38 to receive magnets 12b. As with container 10, preferably there is a flush fit between the exposed magnet surface 24b of magnets 12b relative to lid sidewall rim 38. Likewise as with container 10, preferably seal 14b and magnets 12b are epoxy set and adhesively bonded within seal channel 26b and magnet inlets 28b, respectively.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 4a, in an alternate arrangement of seal 14a and 14b, seal 14a is disposed within container sidewall 16, or placed within an extruded strip, such that it projects beyond sidewall rim 18. If so, seal 14b disposed within lid sidewall 36, or placed within an extruded strip, may be recessed relative to lid sidewall rim 38. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the exposed seal surface 22a or 22b of one of either of seal 14a or 14b is recessed.

[0042] In a separate aspect of the present invention, a floating-hinge assembly is provided. In a preferred embodiment, floating-hinge 40 not only serves the basic purpose of acting like a normal hinge on a container, but also provides about 2 to 3 mm of vertical movement between container 10 and container lid 34, thereby allowing seal 14a, 14b to be separated vertically upon opening container lid 34 from container 10, and thus minimizing frictional wear to seal 14a, 14b.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of floating-hinge 40 is illustrated. Container hinge portion 42 is anchored in the sidewall 16 of the container 10 by any means; for example, it could be fastened, threaded, glued, bonded, or otherwise fixedly attached. Lid hinge portion 44 of floating-hinge 40 attaches to the container lid 34 in a similar fashion. Container hinge portion 42 and lid hinge portion 44 are connected by means of a pin 46. Floating-hinge 40 utilizes plastic or nylon washers or bearings 48 to reduce wear to the hinge 40.

[0044] Container hinge portion 42 located within the container sidewall 16 consists of a enclosure 50 with enclosure wall 51 that contains a movable shaft (or plunger) 52 and spring 54. The shaft 52 moves longitudinally inside enclosure 50, thereby compressing spring 54 against a stop 56 at the end of the shaft 52 and the top of enclosure 50. This allows shaft 52 to retract as the magnets 12a, 12b draw the seal 14a, 14b tight. As designed, even when lid 34 is in the fully closed position against container 10, there should be a few millimeters of clearance between the stop 56 at the end of the shaft 52 and the rear portion 58 of enclosure 50.

[0045] As container lid 34 is pulled open, roller bearings 60 held by roller bearing retainers 62 attached to the lid edge 64 of the container lid 34 move in the direction of container hinge portion 42, i.e., in the direction of container interior 20. Roller bearings 60 contact strike plate 66. Strike plate 66 is preferably formed of metal, such as steel, and is preferably flush mounted. Until roller bearings 60 pass the location of hinge portion 42, lid 34 will automatically close itself if the lid 34 is released. As the bearings 60 pass the hinge portion 42, the shaft 52 will retract until it hits the end of the hinge enclosure 50. At this point, lid 34 will remain open (in a vertical configuration). Container hinge portion 42 rotates about pin 46 at pivot point 68, and lid hinge portion 44 rotates about pin 46, also at pivot point 68. Open space 70 may be provided adjacent pivot point 68 in lid 34 to provide space for shaft 52 to rotate and clear lid sidewall rim 38. Another characteristic of the floating-hinge 40 is that if an object, such as a person's finger, is in the way when the container lid 34 closes, spring 54 will allow the lid 34 to move enough so that it should cause less or minimal damage to the object.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates the components of the floating-hinge 40 assembly when the container lid 34 is closed against the container 10. FIG. 7 further illustrates the floating-hinge 40 when the hinge 40 is disengaged and container lid 34 is separated from container 10. This expanded view details the pivot point 68 of the hinge 40 and the direction of movement of shaft 52. FIG. 8 depicts an elevation view of container hinge portion 42 with enclosure 50 and strike plate 66. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of container hinge portion 42 illustrating enclosure 50 with spring 54 positioned therein. The direction of motion of shaft 52 is noted by arrow 72. Thus, shaft 52 is movable in a longitudinal direction within enclosure 50.

[0047] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate container 10, container lid 34, and floating-hinge assembly 40 at various stages of closure. FIG. 10 depicts container lid 34 closed against container 10. In this position, seal 14a, 14b is fully compressed together, including at the hinge side, by magnets 12a, 12b. FIG. 11 depicts the container lid 34 partially open. In this position, spring 54 is still gently pulling lid 34 back to the closed position since bearing 60 is still positioned to the exterior of shaft 52. FIG. 12 depicts the container lid 34 in yet a further partially opened position. As lid 34 is opened, bearing 60 is acting as a fulcrum and spring 54 is being compressed as shaft 52 is extended outwards. FIG. 13 depicts container lid 34 in a fully opened position. In this position, shaft 52 is fully retracted. Furthermore, there is a gap between lid 34 and container 10 when lid 34 is in an open vertical position. FIG. 14 depicts lid 34 in a closed position, but with an object “O” in between lid 34 and container 10. Here, spring 54 is also in a retracted position, thus allowing lid 34 to move outwards, preventing damage to lid 34 and object “O”.

[0048] In summary, floating-hinge 40 utilizes a spring 54 and shaft 52 within an enclosure 50. When opened, the shaft 52 compresses the spring 54, giving the lid 34 and the container 10 the ability to be vertically separated by a set distance, typically 2 to 3 mm, thus providing for optimal alignment of the magnets 12a, 12b and seal 14a, 14b. This embodiment also includes the use of a roller bearing 60 and strike plate 66 mechanism mounted in the vicinity of the hinge 40 to allow the container lid 34 to slide against the container 10 when lid 34 is rotated while the lid 34 is in close proximity to the container 10.

[0049] A further embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a cam-handle assembly 74, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-18. Cam-handle assembly 74 may be used to break the bond created by seal 14a, 14b and magnets 12a, 12b. Upon rotation of the handle portion 76, the connected cam shaft 77, as well as cam 78 that is inset within the container sidewall 16, is moved against a cam strike plate 80, whereby the force exerted by the cam 78 breaks the bond created by the magnets 12a, 12b and seal 14a, 14b, thus allowing the container interior 20 to be accessed. As illustrated in FIG. 15, it is anticipated that the cam-handle assembly 74 would be utilized with a plurality of magnets 12a located within the container sidewall 16 and corresponding magnets 12b located within container lid 34. The number of magnets 12a, 12b used would depend upon the type and strength of magnets 12a, 12b desired for the particular application sought. For example, it is anticipated that for a briefcase or piece of luggage, a plurality of magnets 12a, 12b would be used to create a significant attraction between the container 10 and the container lid 34, thereby creating a significant deterrent to opening the container 10 without use of the cam-handle assembly 74 assembly. Consistent with this embodiment, it is anticipated that a locking mechanism 82 may be utilized to secure the cam-handle assembly 74 from rotation, or to secure the container lid 34 to container 10, or a combination thereof.

[0050] FIG. 16 further illustrates the cam-handle assembly 74 in a cross section view. This FIG. depicts the container lid 34 in a closed position, and illustrates the position of the camhandle assembly 74 and its components relative to the container sidewall 16 and the seal 14a. This FIG. further illustrates handle portion 76 and cam shaft 77 that runs from the handle portion 76 through the container sidewall 16, and which ends at the cam 78. Bearings 84 may be utilized to isolate shaft 77 within the container sidewall 16 and allow it to rotate smoothly. An additional feature of this embodiment includes the use of a lip 86 as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 to prevent unauthorized persons from easily accessing the joint created between the container lid 34 and container sidewall 16 of container 10 by prying the two portions apart. FIG. 17 depicts lip 86 connected to the container sidewall 16. However, lip 86 may be located on the container lid 34. Furthermore, cam-handle assembly 74 may be situated within the container lid 34 itself, rather than within the container 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0051] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of cam-handle assembly 74 as viewed perpendicular through the container sidewall 16. This view illustrates the position of the cam 78 relative to the handle 76 and the shaft 77 through the sidewall 16. FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of cam 78 from the view point of facing container sidewall 16. This further illustrates the position of the cam 78 relative to the strike plate 80 located on the lid 34. In operation, when handle 76 is rotated, shaft 77 rotates cam 78 situated within cam opening 88. Cam 78 moves toward strike plate 80. Upon contacting strike plate 80, force is transferred to strike plate 80, causing container lid 34 to separate from the container 10. Accordingly, depending upon the number of magnets 12a, 12b used, and the dimensions of the various components of the cam handle assembly 74, this feature offers a significant security option.

[0052] While the above description and the drawings disclose and illustrate numerous alternative embodiments, one should understand, of course, that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains may make other modifications and other embodiments employing the principles of this invention, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Therefore, by the appended claims, the applicant intends to cover any modifications and other embodiments as incorporate those features which constitute the essential features of this invention.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly comprising:

a plurality of magnets interconnected to a sidewall rim of a container and an edge of an opposing container lid;

a first seal interconnected to said sidewall rim of said container and having a first exposed seal surface, and a second seal interconnected to said edge of said opposing container lid and having a second exposed seal surface, one of either of said first exposed seal surface or said second exposed seal surface recessed relative to said sidewall rim of said container or said edge of said container lid.

2. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of magnets are neodymium magnets.

3. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cam-handle assembly.

4. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal comprises a closed-cell neoprene material.

5. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a floating-hinge, wherein said floating-hinge attaches said container lid to said container.

6. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said floating-hinge comprises a spring and a shaft.

7. The seal assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of said plurality of magnets, and at least one of either of said first seal or said second seal is interconnected to an extruded plastic strip.

8. A sealing assembly for a container and a lid, comprising:

at least a first magnet placed within the container and at least a second magnet placed within the lid, said first magnet aligned with said second magnet upon closure of the lid against the container, and said first magnet having a first exposed polarity opposite to a second exposed polarity of said second magnet;

a first strip of sealing material placed within the container and a second strip of sealing material placed within the lid, said first strip of sealing material placed such that it contacts said second strip of sealing material upon closure of the lid against the container; and

a floating-hinge attaching the lid to the container.

9. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a cam-handle assembly.

10. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein either of said first magnet or said second magnet is a neodymium magnet.

11. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first strip of sealing material includes a first exposed seal surface and said second strip of sealing material includes a second exposed seal surface, and wherein either of said first exposed seal surface or said second exposed seal surface is recessed.

12. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein either of said first strip of sealing material or said second strip of sealing material is closed cell neoprene.

13. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said floating-hinge comprises a spring and a shaft.

14. A sealing assembly for a container and a lid, comprising:

at least a first magnet placed within the container and at least a second magnet placed within the lid, said first magnet aligned with said second magnet upon closure of the lid against the container, and said first magnet having a first exposed polarity opposite to a second exposed polarity of said second magnet;

a first strip of sealing material placed within the container and a second strip of sealing material placed within the lid, said first strip of sealing material placed such that it contacts said second strip of sealing material upon closure of the lid against the container; and

a cam-handle assembly used to open said door from said container.

15. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a lip surrounding said joint.

16. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising means of locking said cam-handle assembly.

17. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a floating-hinge assembly used to attach the lid to the container.

18. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein either of said first magnet or said second magnet is a neodymium magnet.

19. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first strip of sealing material includes a first exposed seal surface and said second strip of sealing material includes a second exposed seal surface, and wherein either of said first exposed seal surface or said second exposed seal surface is recessed.

20. The sealing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein either of said first strip of sealing material or said second strip of sealing material is closed cell neoprene.