Threaded Container Lid With Locking Catches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers designed for pocket storage lack effective mechanisms to prevent accidental unthreading of lids, leading to potential spills and product loss, especially when carried in pockets or other loose environments.
Innovation Solution
The container design incorporates a pair of locking catch portions and attachment ribs that secure the lid to the bottom, utilizing radially extending threads and angularly positioned ribs to prevent rotation and ensure a locked position, with additional features like abutment surfaces and gripping ribs for secure assembly and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple threaded lid is used for pocket containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental unthreading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric locking catch portions with specific geometric profiles that engage in only one direction. The locking catch on the lid has a profile that matches the corresponding catch on the container bottom, creating an asymmetric engagement that prevents rotation in the unthreading direction while allowing controlled opening. This asymmetric design provides reliable security without requiring complex multi-component locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple radial threading to a two-dimensional engagement system by incorporating locking catch portions that extend axially and engage with corresponding catches on the container bottom. This adds an axial dimension to the traditional radial thread engagement, creating a more secure locked position that prevents both accidental unthreading and lateral movement while maintaining relatively simple construction.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to prevent accidental unthreading, then the reliability of lid security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing threaded structure by integrating locking catch portions directly into the thread geometry. The locking catches are formed as continuous integrals of the thread structure rather than separate components, allowing the lid to be secured against accidental unthreading through the inherent geometry of the combined thread-and-lock structure. This merging approach provides enhanced security while avoiding the complexity of separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking catch portions are designed to automatically engage and lock when the lid is threaded onto the container bottom, without requiring separate locking actions or additional components. The geometric profile of the locks ensures that proper threading automatically positions the locking catches in their engaged state, and the structure itself provides the locking force. This self-service mechanism delivers reliable security while maintaining simple operation and construction.
3Manufacturing precision
If radially extending threads are used to secure the lid, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to prevent rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous threaded structure into discrete threading zones and locking zones. The radially extending threads provide precise engagement for securing the lid axially, while separate locking catch portions provide dedicated rotational stability. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized for its specific function—threads for precise positioning and locking catches for rotational prevention—without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the rotational stability issue by adding locking catch portions that engage in the axial dimension, complementing the radial thread engagement. The locking catches extend axially to engage with corresponding features on the container bottom, creating a two-dimensional engagement system that simultaneously provides both precise radial positioning through threads and rotational stability through axial locking engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a container lid and container bottom as well as a method of assembling the same is provided. In one aspect, the container lid and container bottom have cooperating locking catch portions that inhibit rotational motion therebetween. In one embodiment, the locking catch portion of the container lid is provided by a segment of a thread thereof. In another aspect, an attachment rib is provided by the container bottom that is interposed between adjacent threads. The attachment rib is used to axially engage a thread of the container lid when axially snapping the container lid to the container bottom. A method of assembling the container lid to the container bottom is provided that includes axially snap engaging the thread of the container lid with the attachment rib of the container bottom.