FLEXIBLE LID ENGAGEMENT

A container includes a container section and an annular neck section with at least a first rim and a second rim, a resilient compression fold connecting the first rim and the second rim, the resilient allowing the neck section to compress and decompress in response to a force being exerted on a top edge of the neck section. A shoulder between the container section and the neck section may include a container stop configured to cooperate with a lid stop located on a lid for the container to limit rotation of the lid relative to the neck section.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the priority of, and expressly incorporates by reference herein the entire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/776,876, filed Dec. 7, 2018.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for storing various objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container that allows corners of the vessel and lid to align, and the container is still able to properly close.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

People often use jars and other containers to store objects on a shelf. When generally square-shaped jars and containers are placed on a shelf, they are better able to utilize all of the space on a shelf, as compared to round jars and containers. However, many of those square-shaped vessels also have square-shaped lids for a more attractive appearance, due to the similar shapes of the vessel and lid. However, if the square lid and square vessel are not aligned when the container is closed, the visual aesthetics can be spoiled.

Square container manufacturers therefore often place at least one stop on the vessel and lid to prevent the user from tightening the lid past a certain point on a vessel. This helps to ensure that the corners of the lid and vessel align with one another. Therefore, no matter how or at what angle the user places the lid onto the vessel, the corners of the vessel and lid will still align, and the visual aesthetics of the container can be preserved. While the visual aesthetics of the container may be preserved, the stop or stops may prevent a user from turning or twisting the lid to fully seal and engage the vessel, thereby preventing the container from fulling closing and retaining its contents. There is therefore a need for a square container that is able to ensure that the corners of the lid and vessel align when fully closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a container that includes a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section; the neck section has at least a first rim and a second rim, the second rim abutting and positioned above the first rim, the first rim and second rim sharing a common axis; a first resilient compression fold adjoining and positioned between the first rim and the second rim, the first resilient compression fold sharing the common axis of the first and second rim, the first resilient compression fold being at least partially folded over on itself approximate its midpoint thereby forming a first fold section and a second fold section; wherein the distance from the top side of the container section to a top edge of the second rim having first height in an uncompressed state and a second height in a compressed state, the second height being less than the first height; and wherein in the uncompressed state there is a space between the first fold section and the second fold section and in a compressed state the space between the first fold section and the second fold section is reduced in size or closed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a container that includes a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section; a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge; a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread; at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge; wherein said inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to be lowered over the neck section such that the interior thread of the inner annular skirt may engage the exterior thread of the neck section; and wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section and turned to allow the internal thread of the inner annular skirt to engage the external thread of the neck section, turning the lid relative to the neck section in a first direction forces the lid lower relative to the neck section; wherein turning the lid relative to the neck section in a second direction opposite to the first direction allows the lid to move upward relative to the neck section; and wherein the first generally vertical edge is configured to engage the second generally vertical edge at a desired degree of threading of the lid onto the neck section to prevent further rotation of the lid relative to the neck section in the first direction.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a container that includes a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section; the neck section further comprising at least first rim and a second rim, the second rim abutting and positioned above the first rim, the first rim and second rim sharing a common axis; a first resilient compression fold adjoining and positioned between the first rim and the second rim, the first resilient compression fold sharing the common axis of the first and second rim, the first resilient compression fold being at least partially folded over on itself approximate its midpoint thereby forming a first fold section and a second fold section; wherein the distance from the top side of the container section to a top edge of the second rim having first height in an uncompressed state and a second height in a compressed state, the second height being less than the first height; wherein in the uncompressed state there is a space between the first fold section and the second fold section and in a compressed state the space between the first fold section and the second fold section is reduced in size or closed; a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge; a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread; at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge; wherein said inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to be lowered over the neck section such that the interior thread of the inner annular skirt may engage the exterior thread of the neck section; wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section and turned to allow the internal thread of the inner annular skirt to engage the external thread of the neck section, turning the lid relative to the neck section in a first direction forces the lid lower relative to the neck section and forces the neck section to the compressed state; wherein turning the lid relative to the neck section in a second direction opposite to the first direction allows the lid to move upward relative to the neck section and allows the neck section to return to the uncompressed state; and wherein the first generally vertical edge is configured to engage the second generally vertical edge at a desired degree of threading of the lid onto the neck section to prevent further rotation of the lid relative to the neck section in the first direction.

These aspects are merely illustrative of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention and should not be deemed as limiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings in which the same or similar elements are referred to by the same numerals, and where:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of a container;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged elevation view of the vessel of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged cross section of the vessel of FIGS. 1-2 and 4.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the invention is not limited in scope to the particular type of industry application depicted in the figures. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. The following definitions and non-limiting guidelines must be considered in reviewing the description of the technology set forth herein.

The headings (such as “Introduction” and “Summary”) and sub-headings used herein are intended only for general organization of topics within the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the disclosure of the technology or any aspect thereof. In particular, subject matter disclosed in the “Introduction” may include novel technology and may not constitute a recitation of prior art. Subject matter disclosed in the “Summary” is not an exhaustive or complete disclosure of the entire scope of the technology or any embodiments thereof. Classification or discussion of a material within a section of this specification as having a particular utility is made for convenience, and no inference should be drawn that the material must necessarily or solely function in accordance with its classification herein when it is used in any given composition.

The description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the technology, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology. Moreover, recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features, or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the stated features. Specific examples are provided for illustrative purposes of how to make and use the apparatus and systems of this technology and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are not intended to be a representation that given embodiments of this technology have, or have not, been made or tested.

As used herein, the word “include,” and its variants, is intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may also be useful in the materials, compositions, devices, and methods of this technology. Similarly, the terms “can” and “may” and their variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation that an embodiment can or may comprise certain elements or features does not exclude other embodiments of the present technology that do not contain those elements or features.

“A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. “About” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range.

Turning to FIG. 1, a container 5 includes a lid 10 and a vessel 15. Both the lid 10 and the vessel 15 are preferably shaped and formed so that they are both quadrilateral-shaped in the latitudinal cross-section, and are able to selectively engage with one another. In other embodiments, the container 5 may have any other cross-sectional shape, although non-circular shapes are preferred. The container 5 further has its vessel corners 20 align with its lid corners 25 when the vessel 15 and lid 10 are fully engaged with one another as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. For other shapes, the lid 10 and vessel 15 will likewise align when fully engaged.

Turning to FIG. 2, the vessel 15 includes a neck section 30 and a container section 35. The vessel 15 further includes a first vessel end 40 and a second vessel end 45, where the neck section 30 is located and positioned at the first vessel end 40 and the container section 35 is located and positioned toward the second vessel end 45. The container section 35 includes a base 50, four container walls 55, and a container shoulder 60. As illustrated, the base 50 is quadrilateral-shaped and is located and positioned at the second vessel end 45 of the vessel 15, while the four container walls 55 project away from the base 50 and extend substantially perpendicular from the base 50. The container walls 55 therefore extend from the second vessel end 45 towards the first vessel end 40 of the vessel 15. It is noted that other container shapes may have different wall configurations. Each container wall 55 is adjacent to and abuts two other container walls 55, thereby creating a quadrilateral cross section which has one end 45 enclosed. The base 50 and container walls 55 are preferably substantially planar sheets, although the base 50 and container walls 55 may be different shapes and textures in alternative embodiments. Similarly, the vessel 15 may have other shapes when viewed in a cross section.

The container shoulder 60 of the container section 35 extends substantially horizontally inwards from the container walls 55 at the first vessel end 40 toward the center of the container section 35 until the container shoulder 60 abuts the neck section 30. The container shoulder 60 includes at least one container stop 65. A container stop 65 may be a right triangle that protrudes upwards and away from the container shoulder 60, and may be located and positioned adjacent and abutting the neck section 30. Other container stop 65 shapes are envisioned. The at least one container stop 65 preferably includes a first container stop end 70 and a generally opposing, but sloped, second container stop end 75. As shown, the at least one container stop 65 is shaped so that the first container stop end 70 gradually slopes upwards away from the container shoulder 60, while the second container stop end 75 is substantially perpendicular to the container shoulder 60.

The neck section 30 extends upwardly and projects away from the container shoulder 60 of the container section 35. The neck section 30 is therefore located and positioned opposite to the base 50 at the first vessel end 40 of the vessel 15. The neck section 30 is preferably an annular ring having a smaller diameter than the width or depth of the container section 35. However, as will be understood, the neck section 30 may take any other form as would be known in the art. The neck section 30 has an opening 85 extending into an inner storage cavity of the container section 35, and an upper surface 90 around the opening 85. The first vessel end 40 of the vessel 15 is therefore open so that items may be placed through neck section 30 and into the vessel 15.

The neck section 30 includes an attachment rim 95, an attachment rim curve 98, a first compression rim 100, a second compression rim 105, and a third compression rim 110, which are all preferably annular rings. The attachment rim 95 projects away from the container shoulder 60, while the first compression rim 100 projects away from the attachment rim 95, and the second compression rim 105 projects away from the first compression rim 100. Finally, the third compression rim 110 projects away from the second compression rim 105. The attachment rim 95 includes a first set of threads 115 that extends radially outward from an outer surface 120 of the attachment rim 95 which allows for a threaded engagement with the lid 10.

As seen in FIG. 3, the lid 10 includes an outer skirt 125 and an inner skirt 130. The lid 10 further includes a first lid end 135 and a second lid end 140. The outer skirt 125 of the lid 10 preferably includes a top portion 145 and four lid walls 150. The top portion 145 is located and positioned at the first lid end 135. As shown, the top portion 145 is a substantially planar quadrilateral, where each of the four lid walls 150 extends or projects away from the top portion 145. Each of the four lid walls 150 is adjacent to and abuts two of the other lid walls 150 at a right angle. Each lid wall 150 is preferably opposite another lid wall 150. The outer skirt 125 of the lid 10 is therefore quadrilateral-shaped as shown with the outer skirt 125 at the first lid end 135 enclosed and the outer skirt 125 at the second lid end 140 open. However, the lid 10 preferably mimics the shape of the vessel 15.

The inner skirt 130 includes an attachment ring member 155 and at least one lid stop 165. The attachment ring member 155 is preferably an annular ring that projects downwards or away from the top portion 145 of the outer skirt 125. The attachment ring member 155 is therefore a hollow cylindrical member that is enclosed at the first lid end 135 and open at the second lid end 140. The attachment ring member 155 includes an attachment ring member rim 160 that extends around the circumference of the attachment ring member 155. The attachment ring member rim 160 includes the at least one lid stop 165, and is preferably substantially even except for the at least one lid stop 165. The at least one lid stop 165 is preferably located and positioned on the attachment ring member rim 160, and protrudes or projects away from the attachment ring member rim 160. The at least one lid stop 165 is preferably a right angle triangular protrusion, which has a first lid stop end 170 and an opposing second lid stop end 175. The at least one lid stop 165 is preferably shaped so that the first lid stop end 170 gradually slopes and projects away from the attachment ring member rim 160, while the second lid stop end 175 is substantially perpendicular to the attachment ring member rim 160 or substantially parallel to the lid wall 150.

The attachment ring member 155 preferably is the same height or shorter than the lid wall 150, so that the lid walls 150 may be adjacent and abut the vessel 15 when the lid 10 and vessel 15 are selectively engaged (which will be described in greater detail hereinafter). However, in alternative embodiments, the lid walls 150 may be either shorter or taller as long as the lid 10 is fully able to engage the vessel 15. The lid 10 further includes at least one rib connection 185 which connects the inner skirt 130 to the outer skirt 125 and preferably stabilizes the inner skirt 130 within the lid 10. The at least one rib connection 185 is preferably a substantially planar member that extends vertically from the first lid end 135 to the second lid end 140. The at least one rib connection 185 is adjacent to and abuts each of the top portion 145, at least one of the lid walls 150, and the attachment ring member 155. The attachment ring member 155 further includes a second set of threads 190 which extends radially inward from an inner surface 195 of the attachment ring member 155. The first set of threads 115 of the neck section 30 are able to engage with the second set of threads 190 of the attachment ring member 155 through a threaded engagement as known in the art.

As described above and best seen in FIG. 4, the neck section 30 includes the attachment rim 95, the first compression rim 100, the second compression rim 105, and the third compression rim 110. All four of these rims 95, 100, 105, and 110 may be annular rings. The attachment rim 95 preferably extends or projects away from the container shoulder 60, while the first compression rim 100 is located and positioned above the attachment rim 95. The first compression rim 100 is further located and positioned between the attachment rim 95 and the second compression rim 105, while the second compression rim 105 is located and positioned in between the first compression rim 100 and the third compression rim 110.

In greater detail, the attachment rim 95 preferably extends substantially vertically upwards, projecting away from the container shoulder 60. The attachment rim 95 includes an attachment rim shoulder 98 that curves radially inward and connects to the first compression rim 100. The attachment rim 95 includes a first set of threads 115 that extends radially outward from an outer surface 120 of the attachment rim 95, between the container shoulder 60 and the attachment rim shoulder 98.

Similarly to the attachment rim 95, the first compression rim 100 also extends substantially vertically upwards, projecting away from the attachment rim shoulder 98. The first compression rim 100 may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the attachment rim 95. The first compression rim 100 includes a first compression rim shoulder 198 that curves or angles sharply radially inward. A second compression rim shoulder 199 extends from the first compression rim shoulder 198 and curves radially outward. Together, the first compression rim shoulder 198 and the second compression rim shoulder 199 create a first fold 200 as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The circumference of the first fold 200 is therefore less than the circumference of the first compression rim 100. The first fold 200 sits between the first compression rim 100 and the second compression rim 105.

The second compression rim 105 extends or projects vertically away from the second compression rim shoulder 199 to a second fold 205. The second fold 205 includes a second fold shoulders 202 and 204. The second fold shoulder 202 curves radially inward from the second compression rim 105. A cross section of the combination of the second compression rim shoulder 199, the second compression rim 105, and the second fold shoulder 202 therefore resembles an elongated or a horizontally compressed letter C. The second fold shoulder 204 extends from the second fold shoulder 202 and curves radially outward. The second fold shoulders 202 and 204 create the second fold 205. The second compression rim 105 therefore has the first fold 200 on one side and the second fold 205 on its other side. The second compression rim 105 largely has the same circumference as the first compression rim 100, while the circumference of both the first fold 200 and the second fold 205 are smaller than the circumference of the second compression rim 105. However, in alternative embodiments, the circumference of the rims 100 or 105 may differ.

The third compression rim 110 projects or extends upwardly from the second fold 205. The third compression rim 110 may be generally rounded in cross-section, curving radially inward at a third compression rim shoulder 210. The third compression rim shoulder 210 curves inwardly to become the upper surface 90. In other words, the cross section of the second fold shoulder 204, the third compression rim 110, and the third compression rim shoulder 210 resembles the letter C. As in the second compression rim 105, the circumference at the second fold 205 and upper surface 90 are less than the circumference at the center of the third compression rim 110.

When the user desires to close the container 5, the user may be able to place the lid 10 onto the vessel 15 where the inner skirt 130 of the lid 10 is able to receive and mate with the neck section 30 of the vessel 15. The lid 10 may be placed onto the vessel 15 in any direction or at any alignment of the vessel corners 20 and lid corners 25, meaning that when the lid 10 is placed on the vessel 15 the corners 20 and 25 may or may not align. The user can then twist the lid 10 clockwise so that the lid 10 is able to selectively engage the vessel 15. The user can continue to the turn the lid 10 clockwise until the lid 10 cannot be turned anymore due to the engagement of the at least one lid stop 165 and the at least one container stop 65. The second lid stop end 175 and the second container stop end 75 engage one another, thereby preventing the lid 10 from being further turned clockwise. When the lid 10 cannot be turned any further, the vessel corners 20 and the lid corners 25 will be aligned.

In addition to the structure of the container 5 ensuring the vessel corners 20 and the lid corner 25 are aligned when the lid 10 and the vessel 15 are fully engaged, the structure of the container 5 also creates a physical seal by the compressed neck section 30 abutting the lid 10. In greater detail and as shown in FIG. 5, when the top portion 145 of the lid 10 is adjacent and abuts the upper surface 90 when the lid 10 and vessel 15 are fully engaged. As the user continues to twist the lid 10 clockwise, the top portion 145 of the lid 10 pushes the upper surface 90 of the vessel 15 downwards towards the container shoulder 60. This causes compression of the neck section 30 thereby creating a physical seal between the lid 10 and vessel 15. The neck section 30 is able to compress due to the flexibility of the neck section 30 as well as the first and second folds 185 and 190, which create intentional weakness in the neck section 30. The structure of the neck section 30 allows it to flex and compress in the desired area. Due to the compressed neck section 30, with the abutting top portion 40 and the upper surface 90, the container 5 is able to be fully engage and seal even if the at least one lid stop 165 and at least one container stop 65 would normally prevent the lid 10 and vessel 15 from fully engaging.

The preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in the best mode known to the inventors. However, as various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiment, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section;
the neck section further comprising at least a first rim and a second rim, the second rim abutting and positioned above the first rim, the first rim and second rim sharing a common axis;
a first resilient compression fold adjoining and positioned between the first rim and the second rim, the first resilient compression fold sharing the common axis of the first and second rim, the first resilient compression fold being at least partially folded over on itself approximate its midpoint thereby forming a first fold section and a second fold section;
wherein the distance from the top side of the container section to a top edge of the second rim having first height in an uncompressed state and a second height in a compressed state, the second height being less than the first height; and
wherein in the uncompressed state there is a space between the first fold section and the second fold section and in a compressed state the space between the first fold section and the second fold section is reduced in size or closed.

2. The container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the neck section further comprises a third rim, the third rim abutting and positioned above the second rim, the third rim sharing the common axis of the first and second rim; and

a second resilient compression fold adjoining the second rim and sharing the common axis of the first and second rim, the second resilient compression fold being at least partially folded over on itself approximate its midpoint thereby forming a third fold section and a fourth fold section; and
wherein in the uncompressed state there is a space between the third fold section and the fourth fold section and in a compressed state the space between the third fold section and the fourth fold section is reduced in size or closed.

3. The container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge;
wherein the inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to fit around the exterior of the neck section when the lid is lowered over the neck section; and
wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section, an underside of the top surface will come into contact with the top edge of the second rim and may place the neck section into the compressed state and wherein when the lid is raised, the underside of the top surface will be separated from the top edge of the second rim and all the neck section to release to its uncompressed state.

4. The container as set forth in claim 3, wherein the top surface of the lid is provided with an outer periphery having a shape corresponding to an exterior shape of the container section.

5. The container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section; and
at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge.

6. The container set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread;
at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge;

7. The container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge;
a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread;
at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge;
wherein said inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to be lowered over the neck section such that the interior thread of the inner annular skirt may engage the exterior thread of the neck section; and
wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section and turned to allow the internal thread of the inner annular skirt to engage the external thread of the neck section, turning the lid relative to the neck section in a first direction forces the lid lower relative to the neck section and forces the neck section to the compressed state; and
wherein turning the lid relative to the neck section in a second direction opposite to the first direction allows the lid to move upward relative to the neck section and allows the neck section to return to the uncompressed state.

8. The container as set forth in claim 7, further comprising:

the inner annular skirt having at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge;
a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge;
wherein the first generally vertical edge is configured to engage the second generally vertical edge at a desired degree of threading of the lid onto the neck section to prevent further rotation of the lid relative to the neck section in the first direction.

9. A container, comprising:

a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section;
a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge;
a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread;
at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge;
wherein said inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to be lowered over the neck section such that the interior thread of the inner annular skirt may engage the exterior thread of the neck section; and
wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section and turned to allow the internal thread of the inner annular skirt to engage the external thread of the neck section, turning the lid relative to the neck section in a first direction forces the lid lower relative to the neck section;
wherein turning the lid relative to the neck section in a second direction opposite to the first direction allows the lid to move upward relative to the neck section; and
wherein the first generally vertical edge is configured to engage the second generally vertical edge at a desired degree of threading of the lid onto the neck section to prevent further rotation of the lid relative to the neck section in the first direction.

10. A container, comprising:

a container section and an annular neck section abutting a top side of the container section;
the neck section further comprising at least first rim and a second rim, the second rim abutting and positioned above the first rim, the first rim and second rim sharing a common axis;
a first resilient compression fold adjoining and positioned between the first rim and the second rim, the first resilient compression fold sharing the common axis of the first and second rim, the first resilient compression fold being at least partially folded over on itself approximate its midpoint thereby forming a first fold section and a second fold section;
wherein the distance from the top side of the container section to a top edge of the second rim having first height in an uncompressed state and a second height in a compressed state, the second height being less than the first height;
wherein in the uncompressed state there is a space between the first fold section and the second fold section and in a compressed state the space between the first fold section and the second fold section is reduced in size or closed;
a lid having a top surface and an inner annular skirt, the inner annular skirt having an internal thread and at least one lid stop on a bottom edge of the inner annular skirt, wherein the at least one lid stop is provided with a first generally vertical edge;
a non-vertical shoulder section connecting the container section and the neck section and wherein the neck section is provided with an external thread;
at least one container stop located on the shoulder section, the container stop having a second generally vertical edge;
wherein said inner annular skirt is provided with an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the neck section thereby allowing the inner annular skirt to be lowered over the neck section such that the interior thread of the inner annular skirt may engage the exterior thread of the neck section; and
wherein when the lid is lowered over the neck section and turned to allow the internal thread of the inner annular skirt to engage the external thread of the neck section, turning the lid relative to the neck section in a first direction forces the lid lower relative to the neck section and forces the neck section to the compressed state;
wherein turning the lid relative to the neck section in a second direction opposite to the first direction allows the lid to move upward relative to the neck section and allows the neck section to return to the uncompressed state; and
wherein the first generally vertical edge is configured to engage the second generally vertical edge at a desired degree of threading of the lid onto the neck section to prevent further rotation of the lid relative to the neck section in the first direction.
Patent History
Publication number: 20200180823
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 6, 2019
Publication Date: Jun 11, 2020
Inventor: Michael D. Murphy (Evergreen Park, IL)
Application Number: 16/706,228
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 43/02 (20060101); B65D 1/02 (20060101); B65D 1/10 (20060101);