CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A container assembly includes a body having an exterior sidewall which encloses a hollow interior. The body also includes a closed end and an access opening allowing access to the hollow interior. The container assembly also includes a lid disposable between a stored orientation or a closing position over the access opening. The stored orientation includes the lid disposed on or in a support portion disposed on the exterior sidewall. The container assembly also includes a retaining assembly including correspondingly disposed tabs and slots on the inner periphery of the lid and the outer periphery of the body. The retaining assembly provides an secure but removable locking engagement of the lid when in a closing position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward a container assembly with a novel retaining assembly to secure the lid in a closing position over an access opening as well as a container assembly with a novel support portion to secure the lid in a stored orientation. Furthermore, the present invention is directed toward a container assembly capable of being made so as to facilitate stacking of multiple container assemblies upon one another.

2. Description of the Related Art

Threads and threaded lids have been used in the art as a means for securing a lid to a container in a removably secure fashion. However, the use of threads is not without its drawbacks. As an example, it can occasionally be difficult to align the threads on the container with the threads on the lid in order to properly secure the lid to the container. The result is usually a cross-threaded lid, which no longer serves to prevent the escape of fluid from the access opening of the container.

One known method of circumventing the use of threads includes a closure for a liquid-container which may be removably retained in an open orientation by a “snap-fit” construction. More specifically, a linear portion of the closure includes a raised protrusion extending upwardly from the top surface of the lid. The protrusion includes a circular base and a nipple. The nipple is structured and dimensioned to be securely but removably held within an indent by a snap-fit type of connection.

It is another object of the invention to provide a container assembly with a support portion to facilitate a removably secure retention of the lid when not disposed in a closing position over the access hatch. Accordingly, one known method of at least retaining the lid in proximity to the container, but not necessarily securely, includes providing a tether connected to the cover and also includes an opposite end connected in surrounding relation to the neck portion of the bottle. The flexibility and structure of the tether facilitates the cover being retained in proximity to the container when not disposed in a closing position, however, the cover is still allowed to move relatively freely.

As will be disclosed further below, the present invention addresses these and other needs in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel container assembly of the type generally used to contain fluids such as beverages to be consumed. As such the invention or at least some of its constituent parts may be comprised of an appropriately food-safe material, such as, for example, any number of plastics which do not contain Bisphenol A, or any number of metals or metal alloys that do not contain lead. It may also be desirable to coat the invention or at least some of its constituent parts in a food-safe coating. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that it may be beneficial to use transparent or at least partially translucent materials in constructing the invention, so as to facilitate visual confirmation of the contents without resort to opening the container. It will be likewise appreciated that the invention is capable of storing more than just beverages or food items to be consumed and likewise may be formed of materials selected without consideration of food safety and instead chosen for other, more pertinent considerations. Lastly, it will be appreciated that the various components of the invention may be formed of different materials as desired, such as, for example, forming the lid from plastic and the body from metal.

The invention includes at least a body and a lid, the lid being disposable between at least a closing position and a stored orientation. The body includes an exterior sidewall, a closed end, an access opening, and a hollow interior. In at least one embodiment, the invention may further provide a vacuum chamber between the exterior sidewall and the hollow interior, so as to provide greater thermal insulation. In further embodiments, the exterior sidewall may be comprised of a plurality of substantially flat panels arranged about a substantially cylindrical orientation so as to facilitate stacking and/or packing of the containment assembly.

The exterior sidewall includes a support portion to facilitate retention of the lid in a stored orientation. In at least one embodiment the support portion comprises a recess in the exterior sidewall, into which an engagement portion of the lid may be disposed. Preferably, the engagement portion and recess are correspondingly dimensioned so as to provide a releasably secure stored orientation. This releasably secure stored orientation may be further facilitated by disposition of a plurality of support members about the outer periphery of the lid and projecting therefrom, so as to further snug the lid against the inner periphery of the recess.

In at least one embodiment the lid may include a leash integral thereto. Further, a retention member may be disposed on the leash opposite the lid, appropriately dimensioned and configured to be disposed about the body in a movably secure relation. As an illustrative example, the retention member may be formed substantially as a ring which is appropriately dimensioned to be disposed about a narrowed portion of the body. In yet further embodiments, the leash may be integral with the body, obviating the need for a retention member.

The lid includes, at least, a closed end, an open end, an outer periphery, and an inner periphery. Preferably, the inner periphery of the lid is cooperatively dimensioned and configured with the outer periphery access opening to facilitate a relatively secure seal therebetween as would be desired for use as a beverage container. The secure seal may be further facilitated by the use of a flexible collar disposed concentrically about the access opening of the body. The collar may be formed so as to be pliant enough to yield when the lid is placed in a closing position over the access opening, yet still rigid enough to provide a relatively high sealing force against the inner periphery of the lid. Such pliant qualities may be achieved by forming the collar from plastic. Conversely, the collar may be formed so as to be substantially rigid and to cause the lid to yield when placed in a closing position over the access opening. Such rigidity may be achieved by forming the collar from metal.

As stated above, the lid is disposable into a closing position to prevent the contents stored in the hollow interior of the body from exiting through the access opening. The closing position may further include a removable locking engagement facilitated by a retaining assembly of reciprocal structuring disposed on the inner periphery of the lid and the outer periphery of the access opening, respectively.

A first element of the retaining assembly includes a plurality of tabs disposed about the outer periphery of the access opening and projecting therefrom. Another element of the retaining assembly includes a plurality of slots disposed on the inner periphery of the lid. In some embodiments at least a portion of the slots may extend through to the outer periphery of the lid. The tabs and slots are cooperatively dimensioned and disposed such that the tabs may be removably received by the slots upon disposal of the lid into the closing position. As will be discussed further below, the tabs and slots may comprise any manner of reciprocal structuring so as to provide a removable locking engagement of the lid upon the body, such as, but not limited to, a snap-fit relation of the tabs into a relief area of the slots.

In a further embodiment, the slots may be angled along the inner periphery of the lid, beginning proximal to the open end and ending proximal to the closed end. Such configuration provides a levering or ‘camming’ action of the tabs against the slots so as to provide a snug fit of the lid against the access opening.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with a lid disposed in a closing position over an access opening.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container assembly in accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 with a lid disposed in stored orientation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lid of a container assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a body of a container assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial side plan view of a body of a container assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial side plan view of a container assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with a lid disposed in a closing position over an access hatch.

FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away side plan view of a container assembly in accordance the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, depicted is a container assembly 10 with body 100, lid 200, and support portion 300. The body includes an exterior sidewall 101 with an access opening 104 and closed end 103 disposed on opposite ends thereof. The access opening 104 allows access to the hollow interior 102. In this embodiment of the invention, the exterior sidewall 101 is comprised of a plurality of flat panels 107 but, in other embodiments, may be configured as a continuous and substantially round member.

The body 100 further comprises a collar 106 disposed concentrically about the access opening 104 which facilitates a snug fit between the lid 200 and the outer periphery 105 of the body 100. For example, the collar 106 may be configured and formed so as to be pliant enough to yield when the lid 200 is placed in a closing position over the access opening, yet still rigid enough to provide a relatively high sealing force against the inner periphery (not depicted) of the lid 200. Such pliant qualities may be achieved by forming the collar 106 from plastic. Conversely, the collar 106 may be formed so as to be substantially rigid and to cause the lid 200 to yield when placed in a closing position over the access opening 104. Such rigidity may be achieved by forming the collar from metal.

The body 100 also includes a support portion 300 disposed on the exterior sidewall 101. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support portion 300 comprises a recess 301 in the exterior sidewall 101, into which an engagement portion 203 of the lid 200 may be disposed when the lid 200 is disposed in a stored orientation as depicted specifically in FIG. 2. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the recess 301 should be correspondingly dimensioned and configured with the engagement portion 203 of the lid 200 so as to facilitate a snug fit of the lid 200 therein. This snug fit may be further facilitated by disposing a plurality of support members 206 about the outer periphery 204 of the lid 200. Thus, when the lid 200 is disposed in the stored orientation, the support members 206 will engage the inner periphery 302 of the recess 301 and provide a retaining force thereupon. As an illustrative example, the support members 206 may be configured to project a sufficient distance from the lid 200 so as to require the support members 206, or the lid 200 itself, to yield when disposed in the recess 301. This may be accomplished by, for example, forming the lid 200 of plastic and molding the support members therefrom.

Also with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 200 is secured to the body 100 by a leash 207 and retention member 208. The lid 200 is formed unitarily with the leash 207, but in other embodiments may merely be connected thereto. The retention member is disposed opposite the lid 200 on the leash 207. The retention member 208 is a substantially ring-shaped member cooperatively dimensioned with a narrow portion of the body 100 so as to be disposable thereabout, thus movably securing the lid 200 to the body 100, while allowing the retention member 208 to rotate about the body 100. In further embodiments, the leash 207 may be formed unitarily with the body 100 opposite the lid 200, thereby obviating the need for a retention member 208.

With reference to FIG. 3, depicted is a lid 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The lid 200 includes a closed end 201 and open end 202 disposed on opposite ends of an inner periphery 205 and an outer periphery 204. The lid 200 also includes an engagement portion 203 which is to interact or mate with the support portion 300 in a stored configuration of the lid 200. As depicted, the engagement portion 203 comprises a portion of the open end 202 of the lid 200 to be inserted into the recess 301.

In at least one embodiment, and as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recess 301 is of sufficient depth to fully receive the lid 200 therein such that the closed end 201 is substantially flush with the flat panel 107 of the exterior sidewall 101. Accordingly, the support portion 300 may be disposed upon the body 100 such that at least a portion of the lid 200 is disposed above the flat panel 107. Such a configuration provides a relief area for the leash 207.

In other similar embodiments, the leash 207 may be constructed of materials that exhibit such flexibility as to allow the lid 200 to be disposed within the recess 301 with either the closed end 201 or open end 202 exposed. Either orientation may be desirable depending upon the desired use of the container assembly 10. For example, when utilized in dirty or dusty environments, it may be desirable to dispose the lid 200 within the recess 301 with the closed end 201 exposed in order to maintain the sterility of the inner periphery 205 so as to avoid contaminating objects or fluids stored within the hollow interior 102. As another example, when washing the container assembly 10, it may be desirable to dispose the lid 200 within the recess 301 with the open end 202 exposed in order to facilitate washing of the inner periphery 205.

Projecting outward from the outer periphery 204 of the lid 200 are a plurality of support members 206 used in conjunction with disposition of the lid 200 in a stored orientation. As depicted, the support members 206 are projected outward so as to form a hollow facing the inner periphery 205. Such configuration not only contributes to ease of manufacturing but also provides a pliant character, capable of elastic deformation upon insertion of the engagement portion 203 into the recess 301 (depicted in FIG. 1) It will be appreciated that any of a variety of appropriate methods may be utilized in forming the support members 206, such as by depositing material on the outer periphery 205, so as to avoid forming a hollow facing the inner periphery 205. Such a formation may be provided, for example, when a more rigid character of the support members 206 is desired.

Also depicted in FIG. 3 are a plurality of slots 420 to be used in conjunction with a retaining assembly 400 (depicted in FIG. 6) when a removable locking engagement of the closing position is desired. As depicted in FIG. 3, the slots 420 include an outwardly-flared open end 421 disposed on the inner periphery of the lid 200. The open end 421 is formed in an outwardly flared configuration to as to facilitate the capture of a tab 410 (depicted in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6) to be received by the slot 420. Accordingly, it is not necessary to the operation of the invention that the open end 421 be outwardly-flared. One or more embodiments may include an outwardly flared open end 421 to facilitate capture of the tabs 410 therein. The slots 420 also include a channel 422 which, as depicted is open to the outer periphery 204 of the lid 200. The channel 422 terminates in a relief area 423 which, as also depicted, is open to the outer periphery 204 of the lid 200. The operation of the slots 420 in coordination with the tabs 410 will be discussed below after discussing the various structural features of the tabs 410.

Now with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of tabs 410 are disposed about the outer periphery 105 of the collar 106 and projecting therefrom. Specifically with reference to FIG. 4, depicted are the side bevel 412 and retaining edge 413 of the tabs 410. Likewise, with specific reference to FIG. 5, depicted are the top bevel 411 and retaining recess 414 of the tabs 410.

Now with reference to FIGS. 3-6, the operation of the tabs 410 and slots 420 as a retaining assembly 400 will be discussed. When a removable locking engagement of the closing position of the lid 200 is desired, the lid 200 is first disposed over the access opening 104. The plurality of tabs 410 must be aligned with the plurality of open ends 421 in the slots 420 in order for the slots 420 to receive the tabs 410. Thus, the outwardly-flared character of the open ends 421 is apparent as facilitating this alignment and acting to “funnel” the tabs 410 into the channels 422. Furthermore, and in concert with the outwardly-flared open ends 421, the top bevel 411 provides a smooth transition of the open end 421 over the tab 410.

Once the open ends 421 are passed completely over the tabs 410, the tabs may then project from the outer periphery 204 of the lid 200 by projecting through the channels 422. The lid 200 is then rotated such that the tabs 410 move, relative to the lid 200, toward the relief area 423. When rotated, the angled configuration of the channels 422 causes a ‘levering’ or ‘camming’ action whereby the rotation of the lid 420 causes the tabs 410 to push against the channels 422, thereby pulling the lid 200 down upon the access opening 104 and securing the lid 200 thereto. The lid 200 is rotated until the tabs 410 reach the relief area 423 which is configured to cause an affirmative snapping action of the tabs 410 thereto. Upon reaching the relief area 423, the retaining edge 413 provides a stop against the relief area 423 to prevent an over-rotation of the lid 200 relative to the tabs 410.

With specific reference to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that the precise dimensions and configuration of the slots 420 may be designed with reference to the desired retaining force exerted by the tabs 410 upon the lid 200. For example, as the distance between the closed end 201 and the relief area 423 decreases, the retaining force of the tabs 410 upon the lid 200 increases. To further facilitate a fluid resistant seal between the lid 200 and the access opening 104, a resilient material may be added to the closed end 201 in order to provide a yielding force between the closed end 201 and the access opening 104 (depicted in FIG. 2).

Now returning to FIGS. 3 through 6 generally, upon removing the lid 200 from the removable locking engagement, the lid 200 may be rotated such that the tabs 410 move, relative to the lid 200, towards the open end 421 of the corresponding slot 420. Here, the side bevel 412 provides a smooth transition to allow the tabs 410 to slip underneath the lid 200, facilitating a quick removal of the lid 200. As depicted specifically in FIG. 6, the retaining recess 414 may cause a portion of the tabs 410 to overhang the relief area 423. In such an embodiment, a force must be applied against the lid 200 in the direction of the body 100 such that the tabs 410 move, relative to the lid 200, toward the closed end 201 of the lid 200. Concurrently, the lid 200 may then be rotated to allow the tabs 410 to slip underneath the lid 200.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A container assembly comprising:

a body having an exterior sidewall disposed in at least partially enclosing relation to a hollow interior,

said body including a closed end and connected to said sidewall and an access opening disposed in communicating relation with said hollow interior,

a lid structured for removable attachment to said body in either of a stored orientation or a closing position relative to said access opening, and

a support portion disposed on said sidewall and structured to removably secure said lid on an exterior of said body in a stored orientation.

2. A container assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said support portion comprises a recess formed in said sidewall, said recess correspondingly dimensioned and configured with an engagement portion of said lid.

3. A container assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said stored orientation comprises said lid removably, and at least partially, disposed in supported engagement within an interior of said recess.

4. A container assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said stored orientation further comprises a portion of said lid disposed at least partially within said recess.

5. A container assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said recess comprises an inner periphery dimensioned and configured to removably engage and support an outer periphery of said lid.

6. A container assembly as recited in claim 5 further comprising a plurality of support members formed on and extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said lid; said plurality of support members collectively disposed in removably retaining engagement with said recess, when said lid is in said stored orientation.

7. A container assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said plurality of support members and said outer periphery of said lid are cooperatively structured and dimensioned to provide a retaining engagement defined by an elastic deformation of said plurality of support members upon disposing said engagement portion of said lid within said recess, when said lid is in said stored orientation.

8. A container assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a retaining assembly including a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said access opening; said retaining assembly further comprising a plurality of slots formed on said lid in removably receiving relation to said plurality of tabs, when said lid is in said closing position.

9. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a top bevel disposed thereon in receiving relation to an inner periphery of said lid.

10. A container assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining recess disposed in removably locking relation to said plurality of slots.

11. A container assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a side bevel to facilitate disposition of said lid out of said removable locking engagement.

12. A container assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining edge structured to facilitate said removable locking engagement with said plurality of slots.

13. A container assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of slots include an outwardly flared open end disposed on said lid in receiving relation to any one of said plurality of tabs.

14. A container assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each of said slots include an angled channel extending transversely from an open end to a closed end of said lid.

15. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining recess structured to facilitate removable locking engagement with said plurality of slots.

16. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a side bevel to facilitate disposition of said lid out of said removable locking engagement.

17. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining edge structured to facilitate said removable locking engagement with said plurality of slots.

18. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said outer periphery of said access opening comprises a flexible collar.

19. A container assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of slots include an outwardly flared open end disposed on said lid in receiving relation to any one of said plurality of tabs.

20. A container assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein each of said slots include an angled channel extending transversely from an open end to a closed end of said lid.

21. A container assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein each of said slots includes a relief area disposed oppositely of said outwardly flared open end.

22. A container assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said outwardly flared open ends are disposed adjacent an open peripheral edge of said lid in receiving relation to any one of said plurality of tabs.

23. A container assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said relief areas are disposed in receiving, removably retaining and at least partially enclosing relation to any one of said tabs.

24. A container assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said sidewall comprises a plurality of interconnected, substantially flat panels extending along at least a majority of a length of said body.

25. A container assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said support portion comprises a recess formed in one of said panels, said recess correspondingly dimensioned and configured with an outer peripheral portion of said lid.

26. A container assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a leash disposed in movably retaining relation between said lid and said body.

27. A container assembly as recited of claim 26 wherein said leash is formed integrally with said lid.

28. A container assembly as recited in claim 27 wherein said leash further comprises a retention member disposed in movably secure relation about a portion of said body.

29. A container assembly comprising:

a body having an exterior sidewall disposed in at least partially enclosing relation to a hollow interior,

said body including a closed end connected to said sidewall and an access opening disposed in communicating relation with said hollow interior,

a lid structured for removable attachment to said body in either a stored orientation or a closing position relative to said access opening,

a support portion including a recess formed on and extending into said sidewall,

said recess cooperatively dimensioned with said lid to removably receive and support said lid within said recess, and

said stored orientation comprising said lid fixedly and removably mounted on said sidewall.

30. A container assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein said recess comprises an inner periphery dimensioned and configured to removably engage and support an outer periphery of said lid.

31. A container assembly as recited in claim 30 further comprising a plurality of projections formed on and extending outwardly from said outer periphery of said lid;

said plurality of projections collectively disposed in removable retaining engagement with said inner periphery of said recess, when said lid is in said stored orientation.

32. A container assembly as recited in claim 31 further comprising a retaining assembly including a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said access opening and a plurality of slots formed on said lid in removably receiving relation to said plurality of tabs.

33. A container assembly comprising:

a body having an exterior sidewall disposed in at least partially enclosing relation to a hollow interior,

said body including a closed end and connected to said sidewall and access opening disposed in communicating relation with said hollow interior,

a lid structured for removable attachment to said body in closing position over said access opening,

a retaining assembly including a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an outer periphery of said access opening and a plurality of slots formed on said lid in removably receiving relation to said plurality of tabs, and

said closing position further comprising a removable locking engagement of said plurality of tabs removably received in said plurality of slots.

34. A container assembly as recited in claim 33 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a top bevel disposed thereon to facilitate disposition of said lid in overlying engagement with an outer periphery of said access opening.

35. A container assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining recess disposed in removably locking relation to said plurality of slots.

36. A container assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a side bevel to facilitate disposition of said lid out of said removable locking engagement.

37. A container assembly as recited in claim 36 wherein at least some of said plurality of tabs include a retaining edge structured to facilitate said removable locking engagement with said plurality of slots.

38. A container assembly as recited in claim 37 wherein said plurality of slots include an outwardly flared open end disposed on said lid in receiving relation to any one of said plurality of tabs.

39. A container assembly as recited in claim 38 wherein each of said slots include an angled channel extending transversely from an open end to a closed end of said lid.