Stackable, tamper-evident closure system for metal tubs and containers

Abstract

A closure system that can be attached to existing paint buckets, cans, and other similar metal containers. A ring, preferably a metal ring, is crimped to the end edge of the container, while a flange with an engagement extension protrudes radially inward at the container opening. A plastic closure insert is coupled to the extension, and the insert may include a tamper-evident member, a spout, and / or other dispensing features, and a cap. The lid includes a radial lug that allows a plurality of sealed containers to be stacked on top of each other. The resulting system can be used for existing closing and filling operations while maintaining a low profile (i.e., a height above the crimped container edge < = 0.75 inch, more preferably < = 0.50 inch).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,610 filed on July 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a closure system attachable to a wide mouth container and more particularly to a system for a paint container having a crimp ring attached to a closure insert having various tamper-evident and storage features. Background Art

[0004] Metal cylindrical containers have been used for decades. One conventional design for forming closures on such containers involves crimping or crimping a metal sidewall around a top panel and / or around an annular ring or insert that is itself connected to the top panel. Typically, these closures must be made of metal to accommodate the crimping process. Examples can be found in U.S. Patents 7,780,979; 7,886,899; 8,708,188; and 11,485,570.

[0005] Despite having favorable physical properties, metal parts are not always preferred. For example, metals tend to be more expensive and more difficult to form and process than selected polymers. In addition, depending on the contents of the container itself, some metals may require specialized coatings, which may be more difficult if the metal is subsequently processed (e.g., by crimping).

[0006] Paint containers present special challenges in view of the variable composition of the paint and the need to provide a relatively airtight seal and a closure that is easily opened and resealed. In view of these requirements, "rim seal" metal containers and closures have become widely used, which are similar to those shown in U.S. Patent 5,161,689 and are more generally characterized by an interference fit established between a flat circular closure and a peripheral formation that mates with a corresponding formation on an annular flange at / near the container neck. This

[0007] Additionally, manufacturers and consumers may be hesitant to abandon closures or rim seals or other seals due to decades of use and capital investment.

[0008] Other iterations and solutions for closures associated with paint containers can be found in U.S. Patents 6,843,898; 7,137,525; 7,607,551; and 9,718,301. Generally, these disclosures are examples of plastic containers and / or closures. However, only U.S. Patent 7,137,525 appears to be applicable to the intended use of conventional rim seal structures.

[0009] The ability to detect potential tampering is another concern, especially where the coating is adversely affected by exposure to ambient air (e.g., moisture, oxygen, etc.). U.S. Patents 4,815,618 and 7,607,551; 9,718,301 provide examples of this functionality in non-rim-sealed and plastic coating containers, while U.S. Patents 4,534,481; 5,996,833; 6,360,908; 7,080,749; 7,537,132; and 7,568,585 provide examples of tamper-evident (TE) tear strips provided for lids used on industrial drums. In general, many of these designs disclose tamper-evident features in the form of a disposable frangible element mounted on the closure opening and / or as a removable strip positioned along the edge of a screw-top closure.

[0010] All of the aforementioned patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.In addition, other aspects of the present invention may incorporate one or more features of these conventional designs insofar as they are compatible with the following description.

[0011] In view of the foregoing, a tamper-evident rim-seal paint container and closure made from a low-cost material, such as plastic, would be welcome. Summary of the invention

[0012] A closure system is envisioned that can serve as a suitable alternative to traditional rim-sealed metal containers. In some respects, the system includes a top cover made of a polymer and / or a material that is easy to form (e.g., injection or other molding), with a fragile element or plate formed in the concentric portion of the closure plate on the cover. When so arranged, the fragile plate can be intentionally removed by applying an upward or rotating force to detach the element itself as a single disposable strip and / or plate. In either case, the remaining periphery of the cap as an annular ring attached to the neck of the container remains intact, the neck of the container having an opening into the internal volume of the container, and individually having a cylindrical extension protruding upward from the ring to allow attachment of a rotatable and removable cap, the diameter of the cap being less than the outer diameter of the container, but greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical extension.

[0013] In another aspect, instead of a tamper-evident feature, the annular ring may be formed as a pouring spout. Preferably, the spout has a sufficient diameter to receive the elongated shape of a standard paint brush. As described above, the annular ring is configured to removably receive a cap.

[0014] In either aspect, the annular ring is attached to the metal container by a metal ring connector. The connector is crimped to the terminal open end of the container or bucket along the outer periphery of the connector by conventional means. The inner periphery of the connector extends radially inwardly, with a serpentine, S-shaped or question mark-shaped flange at the innermost edge. In this way, the innermost edge is received in a C-shaped channel on the annular ring with a snap fit, and the retaining flange extends radially outwardly to affix and retain the terminal innermost edge of the connector. In this way, the closed system can be achieved by similar or identical processes and machinery that have been used for conventional metal rim sealing discs.

[0015] Advantageously, the annular ring easily accommodates a threaded cap, thereby eliminating the cumbersome levering required to remove many conventional rim-sealed containers. In addition, the closure allows for tamper-evident behavior and reduces manufacturing costs. Finally, the periphery of the overcap may be formed with a plurality of stacking flanges to allow containers employing the closure system to be stacked in a secure manner.

[0016] Specific reference is made to the claims, drawings and description attached below, all of which disclose elements of the present invention. Although specific embodiments are indicated, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with elements from separately identified aspects. In the same manner, one of ordinary skill in the art will have the necessary understanding of common processes, components and methods, and this description is intended to cover and disclose such common aspects even if they are not explicitly stated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The operation of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the following illustrated drawings. These drawings constitute a part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is both actually inclusive (i.e., the actual illustrated values) and relatively inclusive (e.g., the ratios of the respective sizes of the parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their functions, shapes, sizes and appearance, may further inform certain aspects of the present invention, as if fully reproduced herein. Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions in the drawings are inches, and any printed information on / in the drawings constitutes a part of this written disclosure.

[0018] In the drawings and appendices, all of which are incorporated herein as a part of this disclosure:

[0019] Figure 1is an exploded perspective view of a metal connector, metal paint container or bucket, and bottom closure, which is suitable for use with any aspect of the system of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a pour notch on an annular ring (with frangible plate removed) according to certain aspects. Figure 2B is a partial cross-sectional side view taken along a portion of the opening edge of the container and the insert / closure interface located at a point that bisects the diameter of the pouring recess.

[0021] Figure 3A is a diametrical cross-sectional side view of a system of the present invention having a removable frangible plate, a tamper-evident strip and a top cover, wherein Figure 3B A perspective exploded view of these components is shown, and Figure 3C A perspective view of the system is shown, including the features present when the cover and frangible plate are removed (as well as an optional tool, such as a paint brush shown, received through the annular ring to access fluid in the container).

[0022] Figure 4A is a diametrical cross-sectional side view of a system of the present invention having a frangible plate and a top cover removable by a bail handle, Figure 4B A perspective exploded view of these components is shown, Figure 4C A perspective view of the system is shown, including the features present when the cover and frangible plate are removed to reveal the teardrop-shaped opening (and an optional tool, such as a paint brush as shown, which is received through the annular ring to access fluid in the container).

[0023] Figure 5A is a diametrical cross-sectional side view of the system of the present invention wherein a partial mouth is formed within the ring in place of the frangible plate and the modified top cover, Figure 5B A perspective exploded view of these components is shown, Figure 5C A perspective view of the system is shown, including the features present when the cover is removed to expose the extended pouring spout (and an optional tool, such as a paint brush as shown, which is received through the annular ring to access fluid in the container).

[0024] Fig. 6A is a diametrical cross-sectional side view taken along a system of the present invention having a frangible plate and a top cover with stacking lugs and a lower portion of the same container to illustrate stackability. Figure 6B is a partially exploded perspective view with a quarter section removed from the insert and cover and the same container elevated to better illustrate the size, shape and positioning of the stackable lugs.

[0025] Fig. 7Ais a perspective exploded view of a low profile closure system having a one-piece cover held by a living hinge and Figure 7B The components are shown assembled, with the one-piece cover flipped over to an open position, exposing the living hinge. Figure 7C is a partial cross-sectional side view taken along a portion of the opening edge of the container and the insert / closure interface with the lid engaged in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the corresponding scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following description is intended to be illustrative only and should not in any way limit the various replacements and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0027] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context implies otherwise, the word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, the phrase "A employs B or C" includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). On the other hand, the articles "a" and "an" generally mean "one or more," unless the context implies otherwise.

[0028] The description and drawings in this disclosure and any written contents in the drawings shall be considered as part of this specification.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 7C , various aspects and views of the closed system are provided (as described above). The various embodiments of the closed system can be combined, and these individual views should not be considered limiting.

[0030] Generally speaking, the system 1 includes a container 10, an insert / annular ring 20, a connector ring 30, and a cap 40. The insert / annular ring 20 is initially sealed by a frangible plate 27, and / or it may include an integrally formed mouth 28 and is connected on its periphery to a connector ring 30, which itself is crimped to the top edge of the opening defining the container 10. The cap 40 is removably connected to the insert 20 so as to provide an airtight and low-profile seal if / when the frangible plate 34 is removed.

[0031] The container 10 includes a metal side wall 11, and a bottom panel 12 is crimped at the lower edge of the side wall into a "beverage can" style connection similar to the outer section 31 crimped to the side wall 11 (see below) as described above. In this way, the bottom panel 121 includes a formable peripheral edge 121 and a flat central section 122 that conforms to the shape and / or contour of the top face of the top cover 40 (more specifically, its top panel 41 and / or top panel extension 43). The side wall 11 and the bottom panel 12 are made of metal, such as aluminum, various grades of steel, and other commonly used alloys and materials, as long as these materials are ductile and maintain sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forming and crimping steps disclosed herein.

[0032] The annular ring and insert 20 includes an upstanding cylindrical extension 21 which may be threaded or provided with features 211 adapted to receive corresponding features on the skirt 42 of the closure cap 40 (described in more detail below). Unlike the container 10, the ring / insert 20 is made of a low-cost but durable plastic, such as an injection molded polymer having sufficient strength and chemical compatibility to withstand the uses contemplated herein.

[0033] Insert 20 is also referred to as a ring because in its final, operative position, it will be attached to the opening at the top of container 10 via connector 30. However, in some aspects, annular ring 20 may initially include a frangible plate 27. The plate 27 is removable by a lifting ring 273 and / or is removable only after a tamper-evident peripheral strip 274 (formed on the inner face of the ring) is first removed. In addition to providing an additional airtight seal to that provided by cap 40, the plate also serves as a form of tamper-evident. Recessed lugs and / or retaining tabs (not shown) may be employed on flange 21 or on the interface portions of ring 20 and / or cap 40 to prevent unwanted twisting or removal of insert 20 and / or cap 40 from container 10 / connector 30.

[0034] The plate 27 may have a circular shape that conforms to the shape of the opening in the container 10, or it may be arcuate, teardrop-shaped, or other curvilinear form selected to allow for insertion of a paint brush and / or facilitate pouring. In some aspects, a raised spout 28 may be provided (with or without a sealing plate 27 across the interior surface of the insert).

[0035] The plate 27 is connected to the body of the ring 20 along a thinned and / or perforated connector border 271 (which conforms to the shape previously described). The thicker main plate 272 prevents leakage when the container is initially sealed, although the use of the cap 40 will provide excess sealing protection.

[0036] To facilitate attachment of the collar 20, an inner downward skirt 26 may extend axially below the flange 21 and, in some aspects, below the radial retaining flange 25. The inner diameter of the skirt 26 will be equal to or less than the inner diameter of the collar 20 at its top opening. One or more pouring notches 261, preferably having a V-shape, interrupt the skirt 26. The notches 261 may also allow the collar 20 to be temporarily flexed to facilitate attachment of the collar 20 to other components of the system 1. The notches 261 also provide a passage when the container is tilted for pouring the coating. When an integral spout 28 is provided, the notches 261 may be aligned with the spout 28. In addition, the notches may extend upwardly sufficiently toward the passage 23 to allow fluid to drain, which otherwise may remain between the sidewall 11 and the skirt 26 when the container 10 is tilted for pouring.

[0037] The skirt 26 may be vertically aligned with the central axis of the container 10, or may be radially outwardly sloped away from the central axis of the container (eg, Figure 7C In any case, the skirt will taper inwardly as it extends downwardly away from the retaining flange 25. Ribs or supports may be provided on the inner or outer faces to provide enhanced strength along the central opening defined by the skirt 25 and the cylindrical extension 21, which configurations are potentially important for allowing tearing and removal of the frangible panel 27.

[0038] The mouth 28 may be formed to match or be held below the axial height / extension of the flange 21. In this manner, a low profile, flat cover 40 may be employed. The mouth 28 may include a skirt connection 281 that partially or completely obscures the opening, which in other cases is defined by the interior face of the ring 20 (after removal of the frangible plate 27, if present). A pour post 282 extends upwardly from the skirt connection 281. The connection 281 and post 282 may be integrally formed (i.e., molded as a single piece) with the other components including the ring / insert 20.

[0039] In the event that an extended mouth 28 is desired so that the post 282 extends above the top edge of the cylindrical extension 21, a modified cover 40a may be provided. Here, an additional top plate extension 43 provides the required axial clearance. The extension 43 includes a skirt 431 enclosed by an extension plate 432. The outer diameter of the extension plate 432 must be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening at the top of the cylindrical extension 21. The extension 43 may also conform to the diameter of the bottom portion 122 to provide an alternative way of positioning and stacking the containers 10, 10a.

[0040] An annular connector or crimp ring 30 is attached to the paint container 10 by crimping the edges in a "drink can" style or similar form. The ring 30 is preferably metal, but is coupled to the plastic closure insert or annular ring 20. After the ring 30 is formed and attached to the container 10, the inner coupling section 33 projects radially inward and is received in an annular groove or retaining channel 23 formed on the interface surface of the plastic insert / annular ring 20. This channel 23 forms a C-shaped gap defined by an axial retaining skirt 24, which extends downward from a radial flange 22 on the body and has a separate lower retaining lug or flange 25. This radial retaining flange 25 prevents the connector 30 from being inadvertently removed. The lowest edge of the retaining skirt 24 terminates axially above the top surface of the retaining flange 25, thereby forming a pocket portion (described below) that receives the sealed interface of the connector 30.

[0041] The inner coupling section 33 is configured to allow flexing when captured by the insert, and the crimp connection on its outer crimp section 31 maintains it fixed to the container 10. The middle section 32 provides a guide channel defined by an outer vertical wall 321, a radial groove or flat section 322, and an inner vertical wall 323. The guide channel cooperates with the axial retaining skirt 24 to align and position the insert 20 relative to the connector 30. In some aspects, the connecting ring 30 is made of the same material as the container 10, more specifically, the same material as the sidewall 11 to which it is attached. In addition, the material selected for the connector 30 can be sufficiently resilient to allow the insert 20 to snap into place after the connector 30 is crimped onto the container 10. For added versatility, the guide channel and groove section 322 can be configured to conform to a conventional rim-seal metal closure, thereby providing an additional sealing mechanism for the manufacturer or end user in the absence of the ring 20 or the ring is removed intentionally or accidentally.

[0042] In terms of crimping or attaching the ring 30 to the container 10, a disk (preferably metal) is provided, which has sufficient ductility and a machinable periphery and whose diameter is preferably greater than the diameter in the container opening. The disk is centered on the axis of the cylindrical side wall 11 and the outer edges are bent (by swaging or other suitable machinery). This causes the outermost edge of the disk to fold simultaneously with the terminal edge of the container. Ultimately, the container edge is bent into a U-shape (i.e., the edge is substantially parallel to the main side wall section or forms an acute angle with the main side wall section). In this case, the outermost edge of the container is completely folded around itself, thereby forming an end section 311 surrounded by the container side wall, while the bottom transition curl 312 and the top transition curl 314 are positioned at axially opposite ends of the outer crimping portion 313 on the disk.

[0043] At the same time or subsequently, the middle section 32 of the periphery of the plate is also processed to form a guide channel. Thus, the outer vertical wall 321 of this channel conforms to the main side wall section of the container (i.e., defines the inner part of the U shape). This arrangement fixes and seals the connecting ring 30 and the side wall 11. As mentioned above, this method is also effective for fixing the bottom plate 12.

[0044] Another important aspect of the connector 30 is its inner circumference. Here, the V-shaped or U-shaped terminal edge is defined by the inner vertical wall 323 of the guide channel. This wall simultaneously serves as a vertically oriented interference fit interface 331 between the connector 30 and the insert 20 (more precisely, the inner face of the axial retaining skirt 24). The transition section 332 also conforms to the underside of the insert 20 within the retaining channel 23. Finally, at the inner terminal edge of the initial disk, an angled interference fit interface 333 engages with an outer axial face on the body of the insert 20, which defines the retaining channel 23 itself. The interface 333 may also contact the radial flange / retaining flange 25, either temporarily when the components are connected, or permanently as an additional sealing surface.

[0045] The angled portion of the inner segment 33 is key to the coupling insert 20. Specifically, the angled segment 333 will have an axial height that matches and / or is less than the axial height of the retention channel 23, while the radial width of the inner segment 33 is also sized to match and / or be less than the corresponding radial dimension of the channel 23. The opening of the channel 23 (defined by the linear distance between the end of the axial skirt 24 and the radial retention flange 25) is large enough to receive and substantially surround the segments 331, 332, and 333. Notably, the angled segment 333 is resilient so as to generate a biasing force that facilitates coupling and also maintains the interference fit interface 331, 333.

[0046] The cap 40 may be removable, or it may be an integrally formed cover element 44 attached to the insert 20 by a living hinge 441. Structurally, the cap 40 has an axial skirt 42 with optional threads or coupling features 421 on one or both faces (inner and / or outer). A top plate 41 completely surrounds and seals the skirt 42, and an additional plug seal / skirt 411 may be coaxially disposed on the bottom face of the plate adjacent the skirt 42. On its periphery, the skirt 42 may include a plurality, preferably at least three or four, and possibly as many as five, six, seven or eight, of lugs or tabs 45 extending radially outwardly from the periphery of the skirt 42. These tabs 45 help to improve grip when removing the cap (particularly if / when the cap is threadedly engaged with the insert), and they are configured to be of sufficient size and strength to withstand stacking loads. Preferably, lugs 45 are formed at diametrically opposed edges of the top plate 41 to define a diameter that mates with (i.e., nests within) the inner diameter of the flat bottom portion 122 on a similarly constructed container 10a. In this manner, the cans are partially seated and held in a stack. The lugs 45 should not extend beyond the outer diameter of the insert 20.

[0047] The system (in its various forms) is suitable for attaching standard size paint containers, including paint containers with a nominal inside diameter of 3.150 inches. In some aspects, the system is designed to have an inside diameter of 3.472 inches, although the means for attaching the crimp ring and insert are fully compatible with existing / standard container closure methods. In fact, it is expected that the solid round bottom of the container (see Figure 1 ) will be crimped to the sidewall portion using the same machinery and method as the ring is crimped to its top. In this way, the stacking / nesting function of the lugs with the bottom of the container can be easily performed and replicated.

[0048] The shape of the crimp ring and the mating annular groove in the insert result in a closure system with an exceptionally low profile. Even in the aforementioned standard sizes, the system will add less than 0.75 inches (when an extended pour spout is used), 0.50 inches, or even as little as 0.125 inches (when an integral cap is used) in height above the crimp connection of the container and ring.

[0049] It is noteworthy that the positioning of the retaining channel 23 on the insert 20 creates a C-shaped connection point for the extension arm of the collar (i.e., the inner section 33). The extension arm is inserted coaxially with the container from the crimp connection (i.e., the outer section 31) so that the skirt-like protrusion of the insert is partially seated between the crimp and the extension arm. This creates an arcuate receiving section on the insert that extends more than 180 degrees around the extension arm, and may exceed 270 degrees, even up to 315 degrees.

[0050] The extension arm will have a V-like shape. In some aspects, one leg of the V will extend vertically so as to be substantially parallel to the side wall of the container. The second leg of the V will project downwardly and form an acute angle relative to the first leg. Preferably, the angle is less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, and at least 10 degrees. Particularly when the ring and extension arm are made of metal (such as steel, aluminum, or the same material used in container 10), the arm will impart spring-like properties to accommodate the connection of the insert to the ring. The axial height of the extension arm is less than or equal to the height of the crimped connection (i.e., the ring to the container). The radial footprint (i.e., from the outer diameter of one edge of the crimp to the inner diameter of the extension arm, such as Figure 2A shown) is greater than or equal to its axial height.

[0051] It is worth noting that Figure 3A , Figure 4A and Figure 5A are drawn to scale. Therefore, it should be understood that certain relative distances among and between the components shown in these figures can be inferred. By way of example and not limitation, Figure 5A The inner diameter of the cylindrical extension 21 in the skirt 26 is smaller than the inner diameter at any point in the skirt 26 and is smaller relative to the diameter between the outer (or, on the skirt 24, inner) faces of the retaining passage 23. Similarly, in all of the aforementioned figures, the axial height of the cylindrical extension 21 is greater than the axial height of the portion of the insert 20 that defines the retaining passage 23, and the crimped outer section 31 has a greater axial height but a smaller radial footprint than the inner section 33 that forms an interference fit. Any and all of these (and other) inferred relationships can and should be considered part of this written disclosure. Similarly, in addition to the aspect of providing a pouring spout, the central opening defined by the cylindrical extension 21 is maximized and should be maximized to receive a paint brush and / or otherwise provide easy access to a fluid (e.g., paint) carried within the interior volume of the container.

[0052] The foregoing configuration is specifically designed to provide a relatively low profile closure system at the top and bottom of the container. This low profile will allow for easy stacking and storage of multiple containers, and the use of lugs and mating / nesting diameters (described above) will enable manufacturers and retailers to more efficiently stack, store and display large quantities of containers.

[0053] In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a closure system for a paint container. In its broadest form, the system has an annular connecting element having an outer periphery configured to be coupled to the container in a crimping arrangement, a middle section defining a guide channel, and an inner periphery having two angled wall sections, the two angled wall sections together occupying a radial width and an axial height, wherein one of the angled wall sections is configured to generate a biasing force; the maximum outer diameter of the insert element is less than the outer diameter of the guide channel, wherein the insert element includes a central opening defined by an axially extending cylindrical section on the top face of the insert element and a retaining channel: i) positioning the outer periphery of the insert element, and ii) defined by an axial retaining skirt and a radial retaining flange; the cap is configured to be coupled to the top face of the insert element so as to selectively seal the central opening.

[0054] Additional aspects of the present invention build upon the foregoing by including a number of features that may be implemented in a variety of ways. These various aspects include any one or at least a partial combination of the following: (i) the insert element includes a frangible plate integrally formed with the insert element and configured to initially seal the central opening, the frangible plate having a circular or teardrop shape conforming to the inner diameter of the axially extending cylindrical section, and optionally having a frangible strip disposed about at least a portion of the interior face of the central opening (which may be removed simultaneously with the frangible plate), and / or a handle on the top face that is concealed when the top cover is coupled to the insert element; (ii) the central opening includes a mouth having a skirt connection attached to the interior face of the axially extending cylindrical extension, and a pouring cylinder extending coaxially within the axially extending cylindrical extension; (iii) the top cover includes a The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sealing member for sealing a plurality of containers, wherein the sealing member comprises a top plate extension to accommodate the mouth; (iv) the axial height of the outer segment of the connecting element is greater than the axial height of each angled wall segment of the inner periphery; (v) the radial width and axial height of the angled wall segments of the inner periphery are consistent with the inner surface of the retaining channel and form a plurality of sealing interfaces with the inner surface of the retaining channel; (vi) the top cover includes a plurality of radially extending load-bearing lugs, which are configured to allow stacking of multiple containers sealed by the closed system; (vii) the top cover is integrally formed with the insert element and is connected to the insert element by a living hinge; and (viii) the top cover includes a plug sealing skirt extending from the lower face of the top plate in the top cover, the plug sealing skirt being coaxially disposed within an axially threaded skirt also extending from the lower face.

[0055] Other aspects of the invention can be seen from the present specification and its drawings and from the context of the invention compared with the above background art.The various methods and components contemplated herein should be considered part of these aspects.

[0056] All parts should be made of materials that have adequate flexibility and structural integrity as well as being chemically inert. Materials should also be selected based on processability, cost, and weight. In addition to the materials specifically mentioned above, common polymers suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have specific utility, although metals, alloys, and other composite materials may be used to replace or add to more traditional materials. In view of the above design goals and requirements, various grades of low-density polyethylene are considered to have specific utility.

[0057] Reference to association should be understood to include any conventional means used in the art. This may take the form of a snap fit or press fit of components, although threaded connections, flange-groove connections, "drink can" and other forms of crimping and bayonet / groove-flange assemblies may be employed. Adhesives and fasteners may also be used, although these must be chosen judiciously to maintain the functionality of the assembly.

[0058] In the same way, engagement may include a connection or abutment. These terms and any implicit or explicit reference to association should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity may potentially be resolved by reference to the drawings.

[0059] Sealing or being in a sealed state refers to sufficient and close contact between the interface components to prevent unwanted fluids from flowing through the interface. These fluids can be liquids (e.g., dispensed fluids) or gases (e.g., ambient air). These seals can be temporary, as in the case of removable covers, allowing the interface surfaces to slide / slide past each other. In other cases, the seal is permanent, so the aforementioned connection arrangement or press fit produced by a "plug seal" arrangement (in which an edge or flange is press-fit into a gap on another component) is effective and appropriate. In the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that sealing features are or may need to be employed, particularly in those areas where non-linear interfaces occur.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and may be rearranged, modified, and replaced in a variety of ways. Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations include the foregoing detailed description. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A closure system for a paint container, the system comprising: an annular connector element having an outer periphery configured to couple to a container in a crimping arrangement, a middle section defining a guide channel, and an inner periphery having two angled wall sections that together occupy a radial width and an axial height, wherein one of the angled wall sections is configured to generate a biasing force; an insert element having a maximum outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the guide passage, wherein the insert element includes a central opening defined by an axially extending cylindrical section on a top face of the insert element and a retaining passage that: i) locates the periphery of the insert element and ii) is defined by an axial retaining skirt and a radial retaining flange; and A top cover is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the insert element to selectively seal the central opening.

2. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein: The insert element includes a frangible plate integrally formed therewith, and the frangible plate is configured to initially seal the central opening.

3. The closed system of claim 2, wherein: The frangible plate has a circular shape that conforms to the inner diameter of the axially extending cylindrical section.

4. The closed system of claim 2, wherein: The frangible plate has a teardrop shape.

5. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The central opening includes a mouth with a skirt connection attached to an interior face of the axially extending cylindrical extension and a pouring post extending coaxially within the axially extending cylindrical extension.

6. The closed system of claim 5, wherein: The top cover includes a top panel extension to accommodate the spout.

7. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The axial height of the outer section of the connector element is greater than the axial height of each angled wall section of the inner circumference.

8. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The radial width and axial height of the inner peripheral angled wall segments conform to the interior surface of the retaining channel and form a plurality of sealing engagements with the interior surface of the retaining channel.

9. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The cover includes a plurality of radially extending load tabs configured to allow stacking of multiple containers sealed by the closure system.

10. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The top cover is integrally formed with the insert element and is connected to the insert element via a living hinge.

11. The closed system of claim 1, wherein: The top cover includes a plug sealing skirt extending from a lower face of a top plate in the top cover, the plug sealing skirt being coaxially disposed within an axially threaded skirt also extending from the lower face.

12. The closed system of claim 2, wherein: A frangible strip is disposed around at least a portion of the interior face of the central opening.

13. The closed system of claim 12, wherein: The frangible strip is removed simultaneously with the frangible plate.

14. The closed system of claim 2, wherein: The frangible panel includes a handle on a top surface that is concealed when the top cover is coupled to the insert member.

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