Plastic paint can

Abstract

A paint can has a molded plastic bucket and cover which are releasably engageable with one another at a seal. The bucket has an integrally-formed handle with a cushioned grip formed therein. The handle has an enlarged central portion that facilitates knitting of the molten material fed into the handle mold. The cover has a central panel and a surrounding closure member joined to the panel by a connector. The connector supports the central panel intermediate the a first sealing surface on the closure member. The connector resiliently urges the closure member into sealing engagement with the bucket rim. The sealing surfaces have a polished finish. Grooves in a reinforcing ring on the bucket provide access for removal of the cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to containers for liquids and is particularly concerned with a container intended for use with paint and similar materials. It will be understood that the invention is directed to the structure of a container, and is not limited to use with any particular contents. As used herein the term paint can will refer to the combination of a bucket or pail and a cover or lid. Obviously the purpose of a paint can is to contain paint in a condition that protects the paint and prevents unintended release or removal of the paint from the bucket, while allowing convenient access to the paint when desired. A paint can requires a rugged, reliable sealing engagement between the top of the bucket and the cover. Simultaneously, access to the can's contents requires the cover to release its engagement with the bucket upon reasonable, directed effort on the part of the user. These somewhat contradictory requirements have more or less been resolve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a plastic paint can that has a leak-proof cover. The cover has a central panel, a connector, and a closure member with sealing surfaces that prevent leaks. The closure member can be easily removed. The cover also has a cushioned grip for easy handling and a reinforcing ring for easy removal of the cover. The all-plastic bucket has a handle with a widened central portion and finger-receiving grooves. The invention also includes a cover for an all-plastic paint can with a closure member and central panel joined by a connector, and a reinforcing ring for easy removal of the cover. The technical effects of the invention include improved sealing, easy handling, and prevention of leaks."

Problems solved by technology

However, the traditional antagonism between seal integrity and easy access has raised several difficulties in making the transition from metal cans to plastic ones.

Among these problems is the formation of a reliable seal between the bucket and the cover that prevents leaks during shipment, storage and in-store processing, i.e., paint mixing associated with tinting.

This is due to the extra manufacturing step of attaching such a handle to the bucket and due to the problems of assuring that a separate handle remains connected to the bucket.

However, this has also proven to have its share of problems in prior molded paint cans.

Failure of the handle in normal use has been a recurring issue.

Forming a cushioned grip in the bail has also been considered impractical.

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