Container Components

Abstract

The container assembly includes a storage container, a ring, a cover and a seal. The storage container has a ring attachment portion. The ring has an internal thread and an alignment mark aligned with the end of the thread. The ring can be attached to the ring attachment portion. The cover has an external thread and an alignment mark aligned with the end of the thread, so that when the cover is inserted into the ring with the two alignment marks aligned with each other, the cover is easily inserted into the ring without being interfered by the thread, and the cover can be rotated to seal the cover to the ring. The seal is formed on the ring and provides an airtight and watertight seal between the cover and the ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a container assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a storage container including a lid assembly with a ring attached to the storage container and a removable / reattachable lid. Background Art

[0002] Containers that are easily cleaned between loading of contents become very useful in applications such as pet food storage. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage container having a ring and a lid, wherein the lid can be easily mounted to and removed from the ring.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a transparent or partially transparent storage container that stores, for example, pet food, such that a person or pet owner can at least partially see through the cover and confirm the contents of the storage container and the amount of the contents within the storage container.

[0005] In view of the state of the prior art, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a container assembly having a storage container, a ring, a cover and a seal. The storage container has a ring attachment portion. The ring has an internal thread and an alignment mark aligned with the end of the thread. The ring can be attached to the ring attachment portion. The cover has an external thread and an alignment mark aligned with the end of the thread, so that when the cover is inserted into the ring and the two alignment marks are aligned with each other, the cover is easily inserted into the ring without being interfered by the thread, and the cover can be rotated to seal the cover to the ring. The seal is formed on the ring and provides an airtight and watertight seal between the cover and the ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly according to a first embodiment, the container assembly having a storage container and a cap assembly including a ring fixedly attached to the storage container and a removable cap;

[0007] Figure 2 is a first side view of a container assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein a ring of the ring assembly is attached to a storage container and a lid is attached to the ring;

[0008] Figure 3 is a second side view of the container assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the ring of the ring assembly is attached to the storage container and the lid is attached to the ring;

[0009] Figure 4is a top view of a container assembly according to a first embodiment, showing a first alignment arrow on the ring and a second alignment arrow on the cap, the first alignment arrow and the second alignment arrow being aligned with each other, indicating that the cap may be removed or inserted into the ring and thereafter rotated such that the cap is threadably attached to the ring;

[0010] Figure 5 is another top view of the container assembly according to the first embodiment, showing a first alignment arrow on the ring and a second alignment arrow on the cap, the first alignment arrow and the second alignment arrow being misaligned relative to each other, thereby indicating that the cap is in threaded engagement with the ring and cannot be removed from the ring;

[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a cover and a portion of a ring according to a first embodiment, showing a first alignment mark and a second alignment mark;

[0012] Figure 7 is a side perspective view showing a storage container, a ring and a cover according to a first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a storage container and a ring separated from each other according to a first embodiment;

[0014] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a cover assembly according to a first embodiment showing the cover mounted to a ring of a ring assembly;

[0015] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of the ring assembly according to the first embodiment, showing the ring, the seal of the ring and the cover separated from each other;

[0016] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a seal separated from a ring according to a first embodiment;

[0017] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a ring separated from a seal according to a first embodiment;

[0018] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a portion of a seal according to a first embodiment showing indicia formed therewith, a ring having an upper portion and a lower portion connected to one another by a post or connecting portion overmolded into an opening of the ring;

[0019] Fig.14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a ring assembly according to a first embodiment, showing details of the ring, such as an opening through which a post or connecting portion of a seal extends, upper and lower portions of the seal, and portions of a cover;

[0020] Fig.15is another perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the ring assembly according to the first embodiment, showing details of the ring, seal and cover;

[0021] Fig.16 is yet another perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the ring assembly according to the first embodiment, showing details of the ring, seal and cover, and in particular details of the upper and lower portions of the seal;

[0022] Fig.17 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a ring and a seal according to a first embodiment showing an opening in the ring defining a logo and the logo being formed as part of the seal;

[0023] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a top surface of a cover according to a first embodiment, the cover being shown removed from a ring and a storage container;

[0024] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of a cover according to a first embodiment, the cover being shown removed from a ring and a storage container;

[0025] Fig. 20 is similar to the second embodiment Figure 4 A top view of a container assembly showing a storage container and a ring assembly having a ring and a transparent cover or at least a partially transparent cover;

[0026] Fig.21 is a bottom perspective view of a transparent cover according to a second embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 22 is a graph showing the effect of a surface treatment of a cover and its influence on the transparency and translucency characteristics of the cover when provided with a surface treatment according to a second embodiment;

[0028] Fig.23 is a perspective view of a ring assembly having a transparent cover and a transparent ring according to a second embodiment, showing details of a seal;

[0029] Fig.24 is a cut-away perspective view of a ring assembly having a transparent cover and a transparent ring according to a second embodiment, showing further details of the seal;

[0030] Fig.25 is another cut-away perspective view of the ring assembly with the transparent cover and transparent ring according to the second embodiment, showing further details of the seal;

[0031] Fig.26 is a perspective view of a cap assembly removed from a container according to a third embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 27is an exploded view of a cover assembly according to a third embodiment, showing the ring 214, the seal 240, and the cover 216;

[0033] Fig.28 is a bottom perspective view of a ring according to a third embodiment with the seal and cover removed, showing the snap-fit ​​attachment member and threads for screwing the cover to the ring;

[0034] Fig.29 is a top perspective view of a ring according to a third embodiment with the seal and cover removed, showing a plurality of openings filled with posts of the seal after the seal is overmolded to the ring, threads for threading the cover to the ring, and markings including alignment marks for aligning the cover with the ring during installation and removal of the cover from the ring;

[0035] Fig.30 is a cross-sectional view of a ring according to a third embodiment with the seal and cover removed;

[0036] Fig.31 is a diagram showing one end of a ring according to a third embodiment ( Fig.30 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the left end of FIG.

[0037] Fig.32 is a diagram showing the other end of the ring according to the third embodiment ( Fig.30 Another enlarged cross-sectional view of the right end of FIG.

[0038] Fig.33 is a top view of a ring according to a third embodiment with the seal and cover removed;

[0039] Fig.34 is a bottom view of a ring according to a third embodiment with the seal and cover removed;

[0040] Fig.35 is a top view of a seal removed from a ring according to a third embodiment;

[0041] Fig.36 is a bottom view of the seal removed from the ring according to the third embodiment;

[0042] Fig.37 is a top perspective view of a seal according to a third embodiment, showing a mark formed at a portion of an outer periphery of the seal;

[0043] Fig.38 is a bottom perspective view of a seal according to a third embodiment;

[0044] Fig.39 is a side view of a seal according to a third embodiment;

[0045] Fig.40 is a part of the seal according to the third embodiment ( Fig.39 An enlarged side view of the left side of FIG.

[0046] Fig.41 is another part of the seal according to the third embodiment ( Fig.39 An enlarged side view of the right side of the image;

[0047] Fig.42 is a top view of a cover according to a third embodiment;

[0048] Fig.43 is a bottom view of a cover according to a third embodiment;

[0049] Fig.44 is a top perspective view of a cover according to a third embodiment;

[0050] Fig.45 is a bottom perspective view of a cover according to a third embodiment;

[0051] Fig.46 is a side sectional view of a cover according to a third embodiment;

[0052] Fig.47 is a first side cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to a third embodiment, illustrating the physical relationship between the ring, the seal, and the cover;

[0053] Fig.48 is a second side cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to a third embodiment, illustrating the physical relationship between the ring, the seal, and the cover;

[0054] Fig.49 is a part of the cover assembly according to the third embodiment ( Fig.47 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the left side of FIG. 1 ; and

[0055] Fig.50 is another part of the cover assembly according to the third embodiment ( Fig.47 ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the right side of the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0057] First refer to Figures 1 to 7 , illustrates a container assembly 10 having a storage container 12 , a ring 14 , and a lid 16 according to a first embodiment.

[0058] The container assembly 10 can be used for industrial purposes or for storing food. The container assembly 10 shown is not limited to the size and shape depicted. For example, the container assembly 10 can be a large five-gallon bucket type container, wherein the ring 14 is mounted to the top of the storage container 12, or it can be a small handheld type, or any size in between. The container assembly 10 can be used to store food materials (such as dry pet food), or any material that needs to be stored in a sealed container. The storage container 12, the lid 16 and the ring 14 can be resized accordingly, so that a plurality of different sizes of the container assembly 10 can be manufactured and sold.

[0059] The ring 14 (also referred to as the sealing ring 14) can be manufactured or molded in a process independent of the storage container 12. Thereafter, the ring 14 is attached to the storage container 12 via a snap-on attachment ring 15 or a plurality of snap-on attachment members 15 ( Fig.15 ) is fixedly attached to the annular flange 20 of the storage container 12 ( Figure 8 Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive or sealant material may be used to permanently secure the ring 14 to the annular flange 20 formed on the storage container 12. Regardless of the material or method of securing the ring 14 to the annular flange 20, the ring 14 is not easily or readily removed from the storage container 12, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, the ring 14 is attached to the annular flange 20 (also referred to as the ring receiving lip 20) of the storage container 12 so that the attachment or bond between the ring 14 and the ring receiving lip 20 of the storage container 12 is airtight and watertight. In addition, when the lid 16 is mounted to the ring 14, the storage container 12 is airtight and watertight.

[0060] The cover 16 is designed to be easily mounted to the ring 14 and thus to the storage container 12 , and to be easily removed from the ring 14 and thus to the storage container 12 .

[0061] Fig. 9 The ring assembly is shown removed from the storage container 12. The ring assembly includes the ring 14, the seal 40 and the cap 16.

[0062] like Figure 8 , Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Figure 14-16 As shown, the ring 14 has an internal thread 22 and the cap 16 has an external thread 24. Fig.12 As shown, threads 22 and 24 are generally equivalent to or similar to the mechanical threads of a bolt and nut arrangement. Fig.12 As also shown in FIG. 1 , the ring 14 has an alignment mark 30 . The inner thread 22 of the ring has a starting point 22 a aligned with the alignment mark 30 .

[0063] like Fig.10As shown, the outer thread 24 of the cap 16 has a starting point 24a that is aligned with the alignment mark 32 of the cap 16. The starting point 22a of the thread 22 of the ring 14 and the starting point 24a of the thread 24 of the cap 16 are positioned and oriented so that when the alignment mark 32 of the cap 16 and the alignment mark 30 of the ring 14 are aligned as shown in FIG. Figure 4 When aligned as shown, the cap 16 can be easily assembled within the ring 14 so that when the cap 16 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the threads 24 of the cap 16 can begin to engage the threads 22 of the ring 14. Once the cap 16 is within the ring 14, the cap 16 is in the closing direction D C The threads 22 and 24 are designed so that the cap can be rotated approximately 360+ degrees and secured to the ring 14. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 These alignment marks are shown aligned with each other, ready for fastening the cover to the ring. Figure 1 and Figure 5 The lid 16 is shown fully secured (rotated slightly more than 360 degrees) to the ring 14. To open the storage container 12, the lid 16 can be moved in the opening direction D O The cover 16 is rotated 360+ degrees until the alignment marks 30 and 32 are aligned again. Thereafter, the cover 16 can be lifted off the ring 14.

[0064] The ring 14 comprises a seal 40 which is compressed by the cover 16 when the cover 16 is attached to the ring 14. The seal 40 is made using an over-molding process.

[0065] First, the ring 14 is manufactured using, for example, a molding process. Thereafter, the seal 40 is overmolded to the ring 14 .

[0066] The ring 14 is first produced (molded) with a series of openings 14b along its top surface (see Fig.14 ). Optionally, the outer annular side of the ring 14 may be provided with a plurality of identification receiving openings 14a. Thereafter, the seal 40 is overmolded onto and around the annular inner portion of the ring 40. Fig.10 and Fig.13 As shown, the overmolded seal 40 includes an upper ring 40a (upper seal), a lower ring 40b (lower seal), a connecting post 40c and an optional brand logo 40d. Fig.13The seal 40 is shown separated from the ring 14. However, this is for illustrative purposes in order to show the connecting post 40c formed with (and secured to) each of the upper seal 40a and the lower seal 40b. The seal 40 is overmolded to the ring 14 such that the connecting post 40c extends through the opening 14b in the ring 14 and the brand logo 40d extends through the opening 14a of the ring 14, thereby making the seal 40 a non-removable part of the ring 14. In other words, the seal 40 can only be removed from the ring 14 by cutting or separating the seal 40 into separate pieces.

[0067] The upper ring 40a of the seal 40 includes a plurality of annular ridges that contact the exterior underside of the cover 16 when the cover 16 is mounted to the ring 14. The upper ring 40a defines an upper seal that contacts the cover 16 and is slightly compressed when the cover 16 is fastened to the ring 14. The lower seal 40b anchors the seal 40 to the ring 14 and defines a lower annular seal between the ring 14 receiving lip 20 of the storage container 12 and the ring 14. The connecting post 40c keeps the upper ring 40a and the lower ring 40b attached to each other, formed together with the upper ring 40a and the lower ring 40b (upper seal and lower seal). An optional trademark logo 40d is attached to the lower ring 40b. The trademark logo 40d is formed in the trademark-shaped opening 14a in the outer surface of the ring 14 during the overmolding process.

[0068] There are many features in the design of the ring 14 and the cap 16. For easier installation and alignment, the cap 16 has more "lead ins". The cap 16 and the ring 14 each have respective alignment identifiers 30 and 32 so that when the cap 16 is inserted into the ring 14, the alignment mark 32 (alignment identifier) ​​of the cap 16 easily aligns the alignment identifier 30 (alignment mark) of the ring 14a to the starting position. The end or beginning 24a of the threads 24 on the cap 16 is at or below the starting point 22a of the threads 22 on the ring 14, so when the cap 16 is rotated, the cap 16 is in the proper position to begin engaging with the threads 24 of the cap 16. The alignment mark 32 on the cap 16 and the alignment mark 30 on the ring 14 also provide a reference point after a 360 degree rotation, which provides an indication of when it has been rotated enough to engage and compress the seal 40 (also called a gasket or overmolded gasket).

[0069] Because seal 40 is made using an overmolding process, stretching, shifting, and / or movement of the seal or gasket is reduced and is a significant improvement over prior art designs.

[0070] The lower seal 40b of the seal 40 has a plurality of ridges that enable the ring 40 (and lid) to fit to a variety of food bins. The ring 14 and lid 16 can be used with common bins, such as five gallon buckets from home improvement stores.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the storage container 12, the ring 14 and the lid 16 are preferably translucent so that a person cannot see through the container assembly 10 to see the contents therein. The lid 16 is particularly made so that a user cannot see through the lid 16, such as Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown. Because the container assembly 10 is intended for outdoor use and may be exposed to sunlight, the elements of the container assembly 10 are also made of materials that provide protection from sunlight (sunscreen materials, such as UV-blocking materials). The protection from sunlight is to provide an extended life for the container assembly 10 and also protect the contents of the container assembly 10.

[0072] Second embodiment

[0073] Now refer to Figure 20 to Figure 25 , a container assembly 110 according to a second embodiment will now be described. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the components of the second embodiment that are identical to the components of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the second embodiment that are identical to the components of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0074] The container assembly 110 includes a storage container 12, a ring 114 and a cap 116. The storage container 12 is preferably the same as the storage container 12 of the first embodiment. The ring 114 may be the same as the ring 14 of the first embodiment, but alternatively may be provided with the features described below with respect to the cap 116.

[0075] The cover 116 is removable from and mountable to the ring 114 (and thus the storage container 12) in the same manner as described above with respect to the cover 16 and ring 14 of the first embodiment.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the lid 16 and the ring 14 are translucent, making it impossible to see the contents of the storage container 12. However, in the second embodiment, the lid 116 (and optionally the ring 114) can be made of a transparent material so that the contents of the storage container 12 can be seen or partially seen through the lid 116.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the container assembly 110 is preferably used to store food.

[0078] The cover 116 may be clear, completely transparent, or may be translucent with a low level of opacity so that a person can see through the cover 116 with enough clarity to determine the level of the contents of the storage bin. With a more translucent property (more transparent), a person looking through the cover can also confirm the contents of the storage container 12.

[0079] In other words, the cover 116 of the storage container 12 can be provided with any of a variety of levels of transparency as needed or desired. The ring 114 can match the color of the storage container 12 or can match the color of the cover 116.

[0080] like Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown, the cover 116 is tinted so that a predetermined percentage of light is prevented (or filtered) from passing through the cover, while still allowing the consumer to see the food level or content level within the storage container 12 without opening the storage container 12 (without removing the cover 116). The opacity of the tinting can be varied to adjust the amount of light passing through. The tinting can be molded in during the manufacturing process or added as a second coating or a mixture of the two.

[0081] When storing food, it is advantageous to block at least some light from entering the container assembly 110. Moisture content affects the physical and microbiological aspects of dry pet food. The present invention relates to freshness and shelf life stability. Freshness affects the taste of food that is attractive to pets.

[0082] Direct sunlight can cause food to dry out prematurely, leading to food spoilage and becoming less appealing to pets by negatively affecting food flavor. The container assembly 110 depicted in the figures protects the food by maintaining the correct humidity within the pet food via a lid 116 and ring 114 providing a lid sealing system that prevents ambient moisture from entering the container. Moisture content and freshness date are critical to food stability; both are required by the FDA for all dry pet food labels.

[0083] The clear or translucent cover 116 may also have UV protection added to the cover to further increase the protection of the food inside. During the manufacturing process, the UV coating may be applied to the outside of the cover, molded into the cover, or a mixture of the two.

[0084] The lid 116 may have many possible levels of transparency. The lid 116 may be completely transparent (clear) so that the contents and the height of the contents relative to the storage container 12 can be easily confirmed. For example, if a storage bin user needs to confirm how full the storage container 12 (storage bin) is, the clear transparent lid 116 provides an unfiltered and unobstructed view of the contents of the storage container 12.

[0085] In an environment where the contents of the storage assembly 110 may be sensitive to bright light, the cover 116 may include a manufacturing material that renders the cover 116 slightly opaque or translucent such that a person looking through the cover 116 can determine the height of the contents of the material in the storage bin (how full or empty the storage container 12 is) and still determine the type of material in the storage container 12.

[0086] In an environment where the contents of storage container 12 are extremely sensitive to bright light, cover 116 may include a manufacturing material that renders cover 116 more opaque or more translucent and less transparent such that a person looking through cover 116 can determine the height of the contents of the material in storage container 12 (how full or empty storage container 12 is), and will likely not be able to determine the type of material in storage container 12 without removing cover 116.

[0087] The cover 116 may be colored in any of a variety of color shades to provide a pleasing appearance.

[0088] There are several ways to prevent sunlight from passing through the clear cover 116:

[0089] Applying a liquid UV spray coating to the surfaces of the storage container 12 and the lid 116;

[0090] Applying a UV protective film to the surfaces of the storage container 12 and the lid 116;

[0091] Changing the physical surface of the plastic defining the storage container 12 and the lid 116 by structure, thickness, or engraving to eliminate sunlight;

[0092] • Adding polymer stabilizers directly to the resins forming the storage container 12 and the lid 116 .

[0093] UV absorbers and parabens

[0094] Stabilizer

[0095] Antioxidants

[0096] HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer)

[0097] • Add colorants of varying densities, hues and effects (such as pearlescent).

[0098] The resin may affect the clarity of the cover 116. Crystal clear resins include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), amorphous copolyester (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN or ABS), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), other transparent resins that are not typically rated as CRYSTAL clear include polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and transparent polypropylene (PP).

[0099] The cover 116 may be molded from any of the resins listed above in clear form.

[0100] Polymer stabilizers can be used with the resins listed above to prevent degradation when the plastic is exposed to heat and / or UV light. These are often referred to as UV inhibitors or UV stabilizers. Phenolic antioxidants (AOs) are the primary antioxidants and are known to reduce discoloration. Examples of various types of antioxidants include any of the following: phosphites, thioesters, aminos (Aminic), and binary blends; Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) protect polymers from UV exposure by neutralization; UV absorbers and hydroxybenzoates (UVA) absorb energy from UV radiation and dissipate the energy as heat by reversible chemical rearrangements.

[0101] like Fig. 22 As shown, colorants, textures, and wall thicknesses may be used to limit sunlight transmission through the storage container 12 and / or lid 116. Fig. 22 The images in show three possible colorant variations: black / grey will tend to absorb light; white will reflect light, preventing penetration; and thicker wall sections will also affect the amount of UV light blocked or filtered out.

[0102] Pearl gray / translucent (PET)

[0103] a. Illustration of the clear appearance of the coloring by adding both gray colorant and pearlescent effect

[0104] i. Grayscale dilution ratio is 2 / 100

[0105] b. Pearl additives are created by adding or micron-thin polyester film plastic sheets; these also help

[0106] To reflect sunlight

[0107] Pearl White / Translucent (CLPP)

[0108] a. Provides the most turbidity without added colorant.

[0109] b. Clarified PP resins are naturally less clear, sometimes ranging from white to off-white

[0110] c. Pearl additives made of micron-sized polyester film reflect sunlight

[0111] Translucent Night (SAN)

[0112] a. Illustration of the clear look by adding dark grey - no pearls

[0113] i. Grayscale dilution ratio is 1 / 100

[0114] Fig. 22 The circled magnified portion on the right side of FIG. 1 is an magnified portion illustrating the texture of the cover 116 , the effect of thick wall to thin wall, and the dark gray coloring.

[0115] Thus, a predetermined amount of light filtering and UV blocking (level of transparency or level of translucent property, aka opacity) provided to the cover 116 may be achieved in the cover 116 using one or a combination of the following or all of the following in combination with one another: additives, molded finishes, and wall thickness.

[0116] The most desirable combination of features that could be added to the clear lid 116 would allow consumers to view the level of food in their storage container 12 without removing the lid 116, while maintaining a good seal that would protect the freshness of their food, while providing protection from UV rays that could damage pet food.

[0117] Texturing and Sculpting:

[0118] The handle area (central area) of the cover 116 should be highly polished with a draft angle of not less than zero and not more than 15 degrees.

[0119] • Both the core and cavity sides of the mold should be high polished, except in areas where legends or branding are required; resulting in no less than 50% of the cap being high polished.

[0120] Nominal wall thickness should be within 1.4mm to 30mm

[0121] Additives and resins

[0122] • The cover 116 can be molded from various types of resins, including PC, PMMA, PETG, PET, SAM, COC, PE, HDPE, or PP.

[0123] • Colorants can be added to any resin, ranging from a 0.5 / 100 dilution ratio (colorant to resin) or 0.5% up to 10%.

[0124] Less colorant, less impact on clarity. More colorant, greater protection from UV sunlight.

[0125] Pearlescent effects can be added in the same ratio as colorants.

[0126] As described above with respect to the first embodiment and as Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, the ring 114 includes an overmolded seal 40 having an upper sealing portion 40a, connecting posts 40c and a lower sealing portion 40b. The seal 40 is molded to the overmolded ring 114. The upper sealing portion 40a has raised details to give multiple sealing points.

[0127] The overmolding of the seal 40 to the ring 114 may be accomplished in different overmolding processes, but provides the same functionality regardless of the method employed.

[0128] The first method is to injection mold a plastic material to form a ring 114 having details that allow the over molded seal 40 to be formed including openings 14b for connection posts 40c.

[0129] like Fig.23 As shown in the cross-section of , the overmolded seal 40 is produced by the following steps: 1) injecting an elastomeric material in the mold to form the top groove detail of the upper sealing portion 40a, 2) the elastomeric material then flows through the opening 14b in the top of the ring 114 to form the post 40c, and then 3) flows to the underside of the ring 40 to form the lower sealing portion 40b.

[0130] In the second process, Fig.24 As shown in the cross section of , the overmolded seal 40 is produced by the following steps: 1) placing the elastomeric lower portion 40b in the mold, 2) placing the plastic ring in the mold, 3) closing the mold and molding the elastomeric material into the top groove detail of the ring 114, 2) the elastomeric material then flows through the opening 14b in the top of the ring 114, and then 3) reaches the underside of the placed ring forming the lower portion 40b.

[0131] like Fig.25 As shown in the cross section of , an overmolded seal can be produced by the following steps: 1) injecting elastomeric material into the top groove detail of the ring 114, 2) then the elastomeric material flows through the opening 14b in the top of the ring 114, and then 3) placing an elastomeric bottom gasket after the overmolded ring leaves the mold.

[0132] Alternatively, the upper sealing portion 40 a and / or the lower sealing portion 40 b may have a circular cross-section (not shown) that is flattened when the cap 116 is secured to the ring 114 .

[0133] Third embodiment

[0134] Now refer to Figures 26 to 50 , a lid assembly 208 for use with a storage container 12 according to a third embodiment will now be described. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0135] exist Fig.26 The fully assembled cover assembly 208 is shown in FIG. Fig. 27 As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2 , the cap assembly 208 includes a sealing ring 214, a seal 240, and a cap 216. The sealing ring 214 of the cap assembly 208 is attached to the storage container 12.

[0136] like Figures 28 to 34 As shown, the sealing ring 214 is similar to the ring 14 of the first embodiment, but includes a number of modifications compared to the sealing ring 14 of the first embodiment. The sealing ring 214 includes internal threads 22, as described above with respect to the first and second embodiments. However, the sealing ring 214 has been modified compared to the first and second embodiments in that the identification opening 230 receives the alignment mark 230a of the seal 240. The alignment mark 230a includes an identification and is positioned to align the cap 216 with the ring 214 during installation and removal of the cap 216 from the ring 214. The internal threads 22 of the ring 214 have a starting point 22a and an end point 22b that are substantially aligned with the alignment mark 30.

[0137] Ring 214 via Fig.28 and Figure 30 to Figure 32 The plurality of snap attachment members 15 shown in FIG. 1 are fixedly attached to the annular flange 20 of the storage container 12 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 ). Fig. 27 , Fig.29 and Fig.31 As shown, the ring 214 includes a plurality of openings 14b, as described above with reference to the first embodiment. Fig.14 240 , and is further described below together with the description of seal 240 .

[0138] exist Figures 35 to 41 , seal 240 is shown removed from ring 214 and cover 216. Seal 240 is similar to seal 40 described above in the first embodiment in that it is overmolded to ring 214. (Overmolded) Seal 240 includes upper ring 240a (upper seal), lower ring 240b (lower seal), connecting post 240c, and trademark logo 230a. Upper ring 240a and lower ring 240b are spaced apart from each other, with post 240c extending therebetween, as shown in FIG. Fig.40 and Fig.41 In other words, the posts 240c connect the upper ring 240a to the lower ring 240b. Moreover, because the plurality of connecting posts 240c extend through corresponding openings in the plurality of openings 14b, the seal 240 is fixedly connected to the ring 214. As described above, the brand logo 230a of the seal 240 includes one of the above-mentioned alignment marks.

[0139] Now refer to Figure 42 to Figure 46 A description is provided of the cap 216. The cap 216 is removable from and attachable to the ring 214 (and thus the storage container 12) in the same manner as described above with respect to the cap 16 and ring 14 of the first embodiment.

[0140] As with the second embodiment, the cover 216 of the third embodiment may be clear, completely transparent, or may be translucent with a low level of opacity, such that a person may see through the cover 216 with sufficient clarity to determine the level of the contents of the storage bin. Due to the lower translucent nature (higher transparency), a person looking through the cover may also confirm the contents of the storage container.

[0141] The cap 216 includes an outer wall 260 that includes an outer thread 24. As described above with reference to the first embodiment, the threads 22 and 24 are generally equivalent to or similar to the mechanical threads of a bolt and nut arrangement. The internal thread 22 of the ring 214 has a starting point 22a aligned with the alignment mark 230 and the cap 216 has an outer thread 24. The interaction between the threads 22 and 24 is described above with reference to the first embodiment and is consistent in the third embodiment. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description of the threads 22 and 24 is omitted.

[0142] like Fig.42 and Fig.44 As shown, the upper exposed surface of the cover 216 includes an X-shaped protrusion 262 with a recess 264 defined therebetween. The upper surface of the cover 216 also includes an alignment mark 268 used during installation and removal of the cover 216, as described in the first embodiment. The recess 264 facilitates the insertion of a user's finger to rotate the cover 216. Fig.45 As shown, wherein the underside or lower surface of the cover 216 is visible, the cover 216 includes a plurality of radially extending ribs 266 that provide strength rigidity and stiffness to the cover 216.

[0143] Figures 47 to 50 The ring 214 , the seal 240 , and the cover 216 are shown in cross-section, wherein the cover 216 is removably attached to the ring 214 and compresses the seal 240 .

[0144] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprise" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open terms, and these terms specify the existence of the features, elements, parts, groups, wholes, and / or steps, but do not exclude the existence of other unstated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes, and / or steps. The aforementioned is also applicable to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprise", "have" and their derivatives. Moreover, the terms "parts", "section", "part", "member" or "element" can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts when used in the singular. Also as used herein for describing the above embodiments, the following directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "below" and "lateral" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of the vehicle equipped with a container cover assembly. Therefore, these terms used to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to the vehicle equipped with a container cover assembly.

[0145] Terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0146] Although only selected embodiments are selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that different changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, position or orientation of different components may be changed as needed and / or desired. The components shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have an intermediate structure disposed therebetween. The function of an element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structure and function of an embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages do not have to be present in a specific embodiment at the same time. Each feature unique to the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be considered as a separate description of the applicant's other inventions, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. Therefore, the above description provided according to the embodiments of the present invention is only for illustration, and is not intended to limit the purpose of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container assembly, comprising: a storage container having a ring attachment portion; a ring having an internal thread and an alignment mark aligned with a start end of the thread, the ring being attachable to the ring attachment portion; a cap having external threads and an alignment mark aligned with the start of the threads, so that when the cap is inserted into the ring with the two alignment marks aligned with each other, the cap is easily inserted into the ring without interference from the threads and the cap can be rotated to seal the cap to the ring; as well as A seal is formed on the ring, the seal providing an air-tight and water-tight seal between the cover and the ring when the cover is mounted to the ring.

2. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein The cover is opaque so that a person cannot see through the cover.

3. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lid is translucent so that a person can at least partially see the contents of the storage container.

4. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lid is transparent so that a person can have an unobstructed view of the contents of the storage container.

5. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein The surface of the cover is provided with a surface texture which provides translucent properties to the cover.

6. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein The surface of the cover is provided with a surface texture which provides an opaque property to the cover.

7. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein The ring has internal threads and the cap has external threads, such that during rotation of the cap to attach the cap to the ring, the internal threads and the external threads engage with each other.

8. The container assembly according to claim 7, wherein The ring has a first alignment mark aligned with an end of the internal thread, and The cap has a second alignment mark aligned with the end of the external thread so that when the cap is rotated to a position where the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are aligned, the threads are spaced apart and disengaged from each other, allowing the cap to be lifted out of the ring and inserted into the ring.

9. The container assembly according to claim 7, wherein: When the cover is rotated within the ring to a position where the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are not aligned with each other, the threads engage with each other so that the cover cannot be lifted out of the ring.

10. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein The ring attachment portion of the storage container is an annular flange extending away from an adjacent surface of the storage container, and The ring has an outer portion and an inner portion that fits over the annular flange.

11. The container assembly according to claim 10, wherein The ring includes a snap-fit ​​projection that snaps into a corresponding portion of the annular flange of the ring attachment portion.

12. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The ring includes a seal molded to the ring.

13. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The ring includes a seal overmolded to the ring.

14. The container assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The seal comprises an upper portion and a lower portion separated from one another by a plurality of struts molded into corresponding openings in the ring, The upper portion provides a seal between a portion of the cover and the ring, and The lower portion provides a seal between the ring and a ring attachment portion of the storage container.

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