CONTAINER WITH WINDOW

Abstract

A container with a selectively engageable cover including a window. A container comprises a base and a cover selectively engageable with the base. The cover includes a window that covers an opening in the cover that may permit viewing at least a portion of the interior of the container while the cover is engaged with the base. The cover comprises a cover assembly that includes a first layer and a second layer of material joined together. The opening is covered by a sheet of material comprising the window. The window is positioned between the first layer of material and the second layer of material to form a composite cover assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container including a window permitting viewing of the container interior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Containers of various configurations are used to hold or store a variety of articles, including, for example, candy, chewing gum, medicine, cosmetics, jewelry, business cards, and bandages. Containers are sometimes used as product packaging for such items in a retail environment. The container conveniently stores various items in an accessible location and protects the items from damage or loss. A typical container generally comprises a box like structure that may be rectangular, square, circular, or another shape. The structure may be constructed from a variety of materials, but is sometimes made from a metal or metal alloy.

The types of containers discussed above often comprise a base portion and a lid or cover that may be selectively opened or closed and/or engaged or removed from the base portion of the container. Containers have been developed that use a variety of covers, for example, hinged covers, sliding covers, or press-on lids. The lid or cover thus provides access to the contents within the container while securely maintaining the contents within the container when the lid or the cover is closed and/or engaged in relation to the base.

Some containers also include a window disposed in the main portion or the cover of the container. This window typically comprises a transparent covering over an opening in the container. The window is sometimes bonded to a surface of the cover or mechanically joined or mounted to the cover. The window allows for visibility into the interior of the container without requiring the user to remove or open the cover or the lid from the main portion of the container. By allowing visual access to the interior of the container, the contents of the container can be readily determined as well as the degree of fullness of the container. The window may also provide marketing advantages when the container is used in a retail environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a container that comprises a base and a cover that is selectively engageable with the base of the container. The cover includes a window that may permit viewing at least a portion of the interior of the container while the cover is engaged with the base. The cover comprises a cover assembly that includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material joined to the first layer of material. The cover assembly also includes an opening disposed in the first layer of material and the second layer of material, substantially aligned with the opening in the first layer. The opening is covered by a third sheet of material comprising the window. The window is sandwiched between the first layer of material and the second layer of material to form the composite cover assembly.

The resulting construction of the cover assembly provides a sleek structure that also securely maintains the position the window within the cover assembly. Thus, the construction of the cover assembly eliminates the need for additional mounting or joining features to attach the window to the cover assembly. The window may also be maintained in the cover assembly without the use of an adhesive. Accordingly, the container may also be efficiently manufactured. Further, by inserting the window between the layers of material comprising the cover, the window cannot be easily removed from the cover, either intentionally or inadvertently, thereby providing an aesthetic and robust container for use in a variety of applications.

These and other advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in a closed orientation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open orientation;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open orientation;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container through lines A-A of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 is a right side view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in a closed orientation;

FIGS. 6 is a right side view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open orientation;

FIGS. 7 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an closed orientation;

FIGS. 8 is a rear view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an closed orientation; and

FIGS. 9 is a bottom plan view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a container 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 comprises a base 100 and a cover assembly 200 selectively engageable with the base 100. The base 100 generally comprises a five-sided box including a bottom wall 110 and a sidewall 120 disposed about the perimeter of the bottom wall 110 and extending from an internal surface 112 of the bottom wall 110. The cover assembly 200 is configured to substantially cover an area defined by the perimeter of the bottom wall 110. The cover assembly 200 may be adapted for selective engagement with the sidewall 120. An internal volume 20 of the container 10 is at least partially defined by the internal surface 112, the sidewall 120, and the cover assembly 200. The cover assembly 200 further includes a window 250 covering an opening 255 disposed in a top portion 210 of the cover assembly 200. The window 250 permits viewing of the internal volume 20 from outside the container 10 when the cover assembly 200 is at least partial engaged with the base 100.

The base 100 may be constructed from a single piece of material or by joining multiple members. For example, the base 100, including the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120, may be formed or molded from a single piece of material. Alternatively, the base 100 may be constructed by joining a separate member comprising the sidewall 120 to the bottom wall 110. Still further, the sidewall 120 may be formed from a plurality of members. For instance, the sidewall may comprise a wall assembly joined to the bottom wall 110 that comprises a pair of lateral walls 122 and pair of end walls 124 joined to the lateral walls 122. Additional embodiments of the sidewall may be constructed, as necessary, to correspond to a variety of possible geometries of the container 10, including, for example, a cylinder, prism, polygon, etc.

The sidewall 120 may extend in a direction substantially normal from the inner surface or may be angled either outwardly or inwardly. The sidewall 120 may further include a periphery 130 disposed about at least a part of an upper portion 125 of the sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may be adapted to engage a portion of the cover assembly 200 when the cover assembly 200 is selectively engaged with the sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may be integral with the sidewall 120 or comprise a separate member joined to the sidewall 120. The periphery 130 may take on various forms, including either a continuous or discontinuous lip, rail, ridge, slot, or other feature. In the depicted embodiment, the periphery 130 comprises a base lip 135 formed by rolling a part of the sidewall 120 proximate the upper portion 125 outward from the sidewall 120. The base lip 135 forms a substantially arcuate cross-section that may be rolled back toward an outer surface 127 of the sidewall 120 with a thickness 137.

The cover assembly 200 comprises the top portion 210 and may include a side surface 220 disposed about the perimeter of at least a portion of the top portion 210. The side surface 220 extends downwardly from the top portion 210 and may be substantially normal to, inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the top portion 210. The side surface 220 may include an engagement portion 230 disposed over a least a part of a lower portion 225 of the side surface 220. The engagement portion 230 may be adapted to engage a portion of the base 100 when the cover assembly 200 is selectively engaged with the sidewall 120. The engagement portion 230 may be integral with the side surface 220 or comprise a separate member joined to the side surface 220. The engagement portion 230 may take on various forms, including either a continuous or discontinuous lip, rail, ridge, slot, or other feature. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement portion 230 comprises a cover lip 235 formed by rolling a part of the side surface 220 proximate the lower portion 225 inward from the side surface 220. The cover lip 235 forms an arcuate cross-section that may be rolled back toward an inner surface 227 of the side surface 220.

The base lip 135 and the cover lip 235 may be configured to permit selective engagement of the cover assembly 200 and the base 100 by way of, for example, a slip fit or interference fit where the cover assembly 200 is pushed downwardly onto the base 100 in a substantially normal direction. In the depicted embodiment, the cover assembly 200 is slidingly engageable with the base 100. The cover lip 235 may be disposed about substantially three sides of the cover assembly 200 to facilitate sliding engagement of the cover assembly 200 with the base 100. The portion of the cover assembly 200 that does not include the cover lip 235 allows the cover assembly 200 to laterally slide over the base 100. The cover lip 235 may be disposed a distance 240 from the top portion 210 such that the base lip 135 is slidable in a region 237 disposed between the cover lip 235 and an inside surface 211 of the cover assembly 200. In an embodiment, the distance 240 is substantially equivalent to the thickness 137, such that a relatively secure sliding engagement is accomplished between the cover assembly 200 and the base 100. The cover assembly 200 may include a detent (not shown) configured to engage a portion of the base 100. The detent, which may be disposed, for example, on the inside surface 211, provides engagement between the cover assembly 200 and the base 100, thereby preventing inadvertent disengagement of the cover 200 from the base 100.

The cover assembly 200 may comprise one or more pieces of material joined together. In the depicted embodiment, the cover assembly 200 includes an inner wall 202 and an outer wall 204. The inner wall 202 may be configured to substantially oppose the outer wall 204. The inner wall 202 and outer wall 204 may be joined using a variety of methods, including adhesive, welding, fasteners, and mechanical engagement. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 202 is mechanically engaged with the outer wall 204, in part, by way of the cover lip 235. At least a portion of the inner wall 202 includes a wing 203 extending from a perimeter of the inner wall 202. The wing 203 is disposed opposite the side surface 220 and is captured with a portion of the cover lip 235. The side surface 220 may be formed from the outer wall 204. Further, a leading portion of the outer wall 204 may be bent over a portion of inner wall 202 for additional securement between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204.

As shown in FIG. 4, the window 250 is disposed within the cover assembly 200. The window 250 comprises sheet material configured to cover the opening 255 disposed in the top portion 210. The window 250 may comprise a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material, including various plastics. In a particular embodiment, the window 250 comprises PVC. Placement of the window 250 in the top portion 210 permits viewing of at least a portion of the interior of the container 10 when the cover assembly 200 is engaged with the base 100.

The window 250 may be secured to the cover assembly 200 by a variety of methods including adhesive, fasteners, and/or mechanical engagements. In the depicted embodiment, the window 250 is captured within the cover assembly by the joining of the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. That is, the window 250 is sandwiched between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of the window 250 may be extended to substantially the width of the inner wall 202 to further effectuate securement of the window 250 within the cover assembly 200. Similarly, the length of the window 250 may also extend to substantially the length of the inner wall 202. By using a relatively thin sheet of material for the window 250, excess thickness of the cover assembly 200 and any perceptible bulge in the cover assembly 200 may be mitigated. Bulge is further mitigated by extending the window 250 to substantially the edges of the inner wall 202.

By capturing the window 250 within the cover assembly 200 in this manner, no additional materials, such as adhesive or fasteners, are needed for securement. Further, additional assembly steps necessary to secure the window 250 to the cover assembly 200 are also avoided. Still further, the window 250 is securely assembled within the cover assembly, preventing intentional or inadvertent removal or delamination of the widow 250 from the cover assembly 200. The window 250 is placed between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 prior to the joining operation of the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. The joining operation, thereby forms the cover assembly 200 with the window 250, providing a cover assembly 200 with appearance of an integrally formed window.

The container 10 may comprise a variety of dimensions and shapes. For example, the profile of the container may comprise a substantially square, rectangular, circular, or other shape. The container 10 may also be constructed to a variety of depths, as defined by the height of the sidewall 120 extending from the internal surface 112. The container 10 may be constructed from various materials including metals and plastics. In a particular embodiment, the base 100 and at least a portion of the cover assembly 200 comprise an aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The container 10 also may be decorated with various embossments or molded features that present a variety of designs or messages. The container 10 may also be painted or otherwise processed, such as by anodization, to provide the container 10 with a desired color and/or texture.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules and systems.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a base, the base including a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottom wall;

a cover assembly adapted for selective engagement with the base and including an opening, the cover assembly comprising an inner wall and an outer wall joined to the inner wall; and

a window substantially covering the opening, the window secured between the inner wall and the outer wall of the cover assembly.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a periphery disposed about at least a portion of the sidewall, and wherein the periphery is adapted for selective engagement with the cover assembly.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly includes a side surface disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of the cover assembly, the side surface extending in a direction substantial normal to the inner wall.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the side surface includes an engagement portion disposed about an edge of the side surface, and wherein the engagement portion is adapted for engagement with the base.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the engagement portion comprises a lip formed by rolling a portion of at least one of the inner wall or the outer wall, and wherein the lip at least in part joins the inner wall to the outer wall.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly is slidingly engageable with the base.

7. The container of claim 6, further including a detent disposed on the inner wall and adapted to selectively engage the sidewall to provide selective retention of the cover assembly with the base.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is substantially parallel to the inner wall.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material.

10. A container, comprising:

a base, the base including a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottom wall;

a base lip disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of the sidewall, the base lip forming a substantially arcuate profile;

a cover assembly adapted for selective engagement with the base and including an opening, the cover assembly comprising: an inner wall; an outer wall substantially opposing the inner wall and the outer wall joined to the inner wall; and a side surface extending in a direction substantially normal to the outer wall, the side surface including a cover lip disposed about at least a portion of the side surface and configured for sliding engagement with the base lip; and

a material sheet substantially covering the opening, the material sheet secured between the inner wall and the outer wall.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the material sheet extends to the side wall.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the base lip is slidingly receivable in a region disposed between the cover lip and the inner wall.

13. The container of claim 10, further including a detent disposed on the inner wall and adapted to selectively engage the sidewall to provide selective retention of the cover assembly with the base.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the material sheet comprises a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material.

15. A method of constructing a container with a window, comprising:

forming a base from a first piece of sheet material, the base including a bottom surface and a sidewall extending from at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottom surface;

forming an inner cover from a second piece of sheet material;

removing a portion of material from the inner cover to form a first opening;

forming an outer cover from a third piece of sheet material;

removing a portion of material from the outer cover to form a second opening;

inserting a fourth piece of sheet material between the inner cover and the outer cover, the fourth piece of sheet material substantially covering the first opening and the second opening, where the first opening and the second opening are substantially aligned; and

joining the inner cover and the outer cover to form a cover assembly adapted for selective engagement with the base,

wherein the fourth piece of sheet material is secured within the cover assembly by way of the joining the of the inner cover and the outer cover.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fourth piece of sheet material comprises a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the cover assembly is adapted for sliding engagement with the base.