A container having a shaped rim

Abstract

 A container (10) comprising a bottom (12), a wall (13), an opening (14) and a rim (15) integrally formed with the wall (13), wherein the rim (15) comprises an exterior first wall portion (19), a first bend (20), an interior second wall portion (21), a second bend (22) and a sealing portion (16) to be engaged by a sealing wall (18) of a lid (11) to seal the container (10), wherein the first bend (20) extends radially inwards from the exterior first wall portion (19) to the interior second wall portion (21), and wherein the second bend (22) extends radially inwards from the interior second wall portion (21) to the sealing portion (16), so that the interior second wall portion (21) at least partially extends between the exterior first wall portion (19) and the sealing portion (16) towards the bottom (12) of the container (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a container. Containers of this type comprise a rim having a sealing portion to be engaged by a corresponding sealing wall of a lid, so that the container can be sealed by means of the lid. Containers of this type can contain various types of products, such as liquids, semi liquids, solids, powders etc. Containers of this type can for example contain liquids, such as paint, solvents, stain, glaze, glue and similar. Containers of this type can also contain various types of foodstuff, such as corn flakes, chocolate milk powder, etc. Such containers and lids can be made of sheet metal. Alternatively, such containers and lids can be made of plastic materials, fibre materials, cellulose based materials or any other suitable material.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Various types of containers are known in the prior art. One prior art container is disclosed in EP1495980. The container disclosed in EP1495980 comprises a rim having a sealing portion to be engaged by a corresponding sealing wall of a lid for sealing the container by contact between the sealing portion and the sealing wall. The rim is connected to a top portion of a container wall, for example by means of an overlapping folding structure on the exterior side of the container wall. The rim then extends from the exterior side of the container wall, over the top portion and axially downwards and radially inwards into the container to form the sealing portion within the container. Hence, the rim is manufactured separately and is subsequently connected to the container wall.

[0003] One problem of such prior art containers is that a considerable amount of material is discarded during manufacture of the rim. Consequently, the material cost of such prior art containers can be relatively high. Further, the environmental influence due to material consumption during manufacture of such prior art containers can be considerable.

SUMMARY

[0004] One object of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioned problems and provide a container according to claim 1. Hence, the container can comprise a bottom, a wall, an opening and a rim integrally formed with the wall, wherein the rim comprises an exterior first wall portion, a first bend, an interior second wall portion, a second bend and a sealing portion to be engaged by a sealing wall of a lid to seal the container, wherein the first bend extends radially inwards from the exterior first wall portion to the interior second wall portion, and wherein the second bend extends radially inwards from the interior second wall portion to the sealing portion, so that the interior second wall portion at least partially extends between the exterior first wall portion and the sealing portion towards the bottom of the container. According to the invention, the rim is integrally formed with the wall of the container, wherein the need of a separately manufactured rim is eliminated. Consequently, the material consumption can be reduced. Further, when the container is manufactured in a sheet material, such as sheet metal, one surface of the sheet material can be provided with a corrosion resistant layer, which corrosion resistant layer not is visible from the exterior side of the container.

[0005] The first bend extends from one end of the exterior first wall portion to one end of the interior second wall portion, and wherein the second bend extends from the other end of the interior second wall portion to one end of the sealing portion, so that the rim is a continuous, non-branched and integral part of the container wall. Hence, the parts of the rim can pass into each other in a continuous non-branched manner. For example, the rim can be formed by folding the sheet material forming the container wall, so that the rim is a folded top portion of the container. Alternatively, the rim and the wall can be an integrally moulded article.

[0006] The first bend can be substantially U-shaped, so that the interior second wall portion extends substantially in parallel to the exterior first wall portion. Also the second bend can be substantially U-shaped, so that the lower part of the interior second wall portion is arranged between the exterior first wall portion and the sealing portion. Hence, the first bend can extend inwards and downwards, wherein the second bend can extend inwards and upwards.

[0007] The sealing portion can be connected to a third bend extending radially outwards. The third bend can facilitate insertion of the lid into the opening of the container and prevent persons from cutting themselves on any sharp edges. The third bend can be connected to an end portion extending substantially towards the bottom of the container. Hence, the end portion can be arranged between the sealing portion and the interior second wall portion. Hence, also the third bend can be substantially U-shaped.

[0008] The container can be provided with the lid. The lid can comprise a radial flange, for example to be arranged above the third bend of the rim. The lid can also comprise a bead for engaging the second bend of the rim, i.e. the bottom side of the second bend, to provide further sealing and attachment of the lid to the rim.

[0009] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Non-limiting examples of the container according to this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container and a lid according to one embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a schematic section view of a portion of the container and the lid according to one embodiment, wherein the container is sealed by means of the lid, and

Fig. 3 is a schematic section view of a portion of the container and the lid according to a further embodiment, wherein the container is sealed by means of the lid.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0011] With reference to Fig. 1 a container 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated together with a lid 11 for sealing the container 10. In Fig. 1 the container 10 and the lid 11 have been separated for the purpose of illustration. The container 10 is for example arranged for containing a liquid, such as paint, solvents, varnish, stain, glaze, glue and similar. Alternatively, the container 10 is arranged for containing solid materials or powder materials. According to one embodiment, the container 10 is arranged for containing various types of foodstuff, such as corn flakes, chocolate milk powder and similar. For example, the container 10 and the lid 11 are made of sheet metal. Alternatively, the container 10 and the lid 11 are made of another suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials, cellulose based materials, fibre materials or any other suitable material. According to one embodiment, the container 10 is a conventional sheet metal container for a liquid, e.g. a conventional paint can, comprising a conventional sheet metal lid.

[0012] The container 10 comprises a bottom 12, a wall 13 and an opening 14. The wall 13 is connected to the bottom 12 in a conventional manner, forming an interior space for the material to be contained. The wall 13 extends axially in a direction corresponding to a centre axis A of the container. The container 10 also comprises a rim 15 having a sealing portion 16 to be engaged by the lid 11 for sealing of the container 10. The rim 15 is integrally formed with the wall 13, wherein the rim 15 and the wall 13 is a continuous one piece unit. For example, the rim 15 is formed by folding an edge portion, such as a top portion, of the wall 13.

[0013] The lid 11 comprises a flange 17 forming a peripheral portion of the lid 11. The flange 17 is, for example, a conventional circumferential flange 17. The lid 11 also comprises a sealing wall 18 connected to the flange 17. For example, the sealing wall 18 is terminated with the flange 17. The sealing wall 18 is arranged for interfacing with the container 10 for sealing thereof. For example, the sealing wall 18 extends at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular, to the flange 17. Hence, normally the flange 17 extends substantially horizontally and the sealing wall 18 extends substantially vertical. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sealing wall 18 is cylindrical following the shape of the lid 11 and the container 10. However, other shapes can be used, such as an oval, elliptic or rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. For example, the sealing wall 18 can be formed by a recess in the lid 11 in a conventional manner. For example, the lid 11 is a conventional lid.

[0014] The container 10 is for example provided with an open top portion having the rim 15 for interfacing with the lid 11 to seal the container 10. The sealing portion 16 of the rim 15 interfaces with the sealing wall 18 of the lid 11, which is described in more detail below. The container 10 can be arranged for receiving the lid 11, so that the lid 11 is arranged substantially level with the top portion of the container 10, wherein the top portion encloses the circumference of the flange 17 when the lid 11 is mounted on the container 10. For example, the top portion is wider than at least the adjacent portion of the container 10. For example, the top portion is wider than the rest of the container 10.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 2 a portion of the container 10 and the lid 11 according to one embodiment is illustrated, wherein the container 10 is sealed by means of the lid 11. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the container 10 is provided with the rim 15. The rim 15 comprises the sealing portion 16 for interfacing with the sealing wall 18 of the lid 11. The sealing portion 16 is arranged for engagement with the sealing wall 18, wherein the container 10 is sealed when the sealing portion 16 is arranged in contact with the sealing wall 18 along at least a portion thereof. For example, the sealing portion 16 and the sealing wall 18 are substantially level and vertical surfaces. The sealing portion 16 and/or the sealing wall 18 can be resiliently flexible so as to provide a sealing force in a conventional manner. According to one embodiment, the sealing portion 16 is somewhat flexible in the radial direction. The flexibility of the sealing portion 16 can be due to the folded structure of the rim 15 and the material thereof.

[0016] For example, a top portion of the flange 17 of the lid 11 is arranged at substantially the same level as the top portion of the container 10, wherein the flange 17 is circumferentially enclosed by the top portion of the container 10. The flange 17 is arranged at a distance from the rim 15 of the container 10 in a conventional manner, forming a gap between the flange 17 and the rim 15. Said gap between the flange 17 and the rim 15 can be arranged so that a conventional tool for opening the container 10 can be inserted between the lid 11 and the rim 15. Said gap between the flange 17 and the rim 15 can also be provided with further sealing means, such as a sealing strip of a flexible material or similar, which is not illustrated in the drawings.

[0017] According to Fig. 2, the rim 15 and the wall 13 are uninterruptedly formed, for example by means of folding the top portion of the wall 13, so that the rim 15 is formed by a folded part of the wall 13. Alternatively, the rim 15 and the wall 13 are integrally formed by moulding or similar. The rim 15 comprises an exterior first wall portion 19, a first bend 20, an interior second wall portion 21, a second bend 22 and the sealing portion 16 to be engaged by the sealing wall 18 of the lid 11. The exterior first wall portion 19 of the rim 15 is integrally connected to the wall 13, such as an upper end of the wall 13, and forms an exterior peripheral surface of the top portion of the container 10. The exterior first wall portion 19 is, for example, connected to the wall 13 in its lower end. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior first wall portion 19 is inclined radially outwards in relation to the wall 13, wherein the top portion of the container 10 is wider than the rest of the container 10. Hence, the top portion of the container 10 can be provided with a larger external diameter than the remaining portions of the container 10. In various embodiments the exterior first wall portion 19 extends substantially in parallel to the centre axis A in line with the wall 13, such as substantially vertical. According to the drawings, the exterior first wall portion 19 is substantially straight, i.e. linear. In various embodiments the exterior first wall portion 19 is curved, for instance as shown in Fig. 3.

[0018] The exterior first wall portion 19 is integrally connected to the first bend 20. For example, the first bend 20 is connected to an upper end of the exterior first wall portion 19. For example, the first bend 20 forms the top portion of the container 10. The first bend 20 extends radially inwards from the exterior first wall portion 19 to the interior second wall portion 21, so that the interior second wall portion 21 at least partially extends towards the bottom 12 of the container 10.

[0019] The first bend 20 is connected to an upper end of the interior second wall portion 21. For example, the first bend 20 is substantially U-shaped turning inwards and downwards from the exterior first wall portion 19. The first bend 20 can for example turn about 150-200° or about 180°. Hence, the interior second wall portion 21 is arranged between the exterior first wall portion 19 and the centre axis A. The interior second wall portion 21 can at least partially be arranged between the exterior first wall portion 19 and the sealing portion 16. For example, the interior second wall portion 21 extends substantially in parallel to the exterior first wall portion 19 and downwards in a direction towards the bottom 12 of the container 10. According to the drawings, the interior second wall portion 21 is substantially straight, i.e. linear. Alternatively, the interior second wall portion 21 is curved.

[0020] The interior second wall portion 21 is integrally connected to the second bend 22. The second bend 22 is connected to a lower end of the interior second wall portion 21. The second bend 22 extends radially inwards from the interior second wall portion 21 to the sealing portion 16, so that the sealing portion 16 extends substantially in an axial direction. The second bend 22 can be connected to a lower end of the sealing portion 16. For example, the second bend 22 turns inwards and upwards from the interior second wall portion 21. For example, the second bend 22 is substantially U-shaped and can, for example, turn about 150-200° or about 180°. Hence, the sealing portion 16 extends substantially in parallel to the centre axis A and is arranged between the interior second wall portion 21 and said centre axis A. Alternatively, the sealing portion 16 is inclined outwards, so that an upper end of the sealing portion 16 is wider than a lower end thereof. The sealing portion 16 is arranged for contacting the sealing wall 18 of the lid 11 for sealing of the container 10. The top end of the sealing portion 16 is arranged below the first bend 20, wherein the sealing portion 16 is shorter than the interior second wall portion 21.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the second bend 22 is arranged for engaging a bead 23 of the lid 11 for further sealing of the container 10 and attachment of the lid 11 to the container 10. The bead 23 can be formed in a conventional manner.

[0022] According to the illustrated embodiment, the sealing portion 16 is integrally connected to a third bend 24. The third bend 24 is connected to an upper end of the sealing portion 16. The third bend 24 is arranged below the first bend 20. The third bend 24 extends radially outwards towards the interior second wall portion 21. For example, the third bend 24 is substantially U-shaped and can, for example, turn about 150-200° or about 180°. The third bend 24 is arranged below the flange 17 of the lid, forming a gap in the axial direction between the flange 17 and the third bend 24. Said gap can be arranged for receiving a conventional tool for removing the lid 17. Said gap can also be provided with further sealing means, such as a strip of flexible material or similar. For example, the third bend 24 extends further downwards towards the bottom 12 of the container 10 and is terminated with an end portion 25. The end portion 25 extends substantially in parallel to the sealing portion 16 and is arranged between the sealing portion 16 and the interior second wall portion 21.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 the first wall portion 19 extends substantially vertically in an upper portion and comprises a first curved portion 26 before continuing in wall 13. The second wall portion 21 extends in a similar way and comprises a second curved portion 27 before continuing in the second bend 22. The sealing portion 16 of the container 10 extends in parallel with the sealing wall 18 of the lid 11. The end portion 25 in this embodiment is shortened compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and extends only a small distance after the third bend 24.

[0024] Thus, in various embodiments the first wall portion 19 is formed with a first curved portion 26 between the first bend 20 and the wall 13. The second wall portion 21 is formed with a second curved portion 27 between the first bend 20 and the second bend 22.

[0025] In various embodiments the first wall portion 19 is formed substantially straight between the first bend 20 and the wall 13. The second wall portion 21 is formed substantially straight between the first bend 20 and the second bend 22.

Claims

1. A container (10) comprising a bottom (12), a wall (13), an opening (14) and a rim (15) integrally formed with the wall (13), wherein the rim (15) comprises an exterior first wall portion (19), a first bend (20), an interior second wall portion (21), a second bend (22) and a sealing portion (16) to be engaged by a sealing wall (18) of a lid (11) to seal the container (10), wherein the first bend (20) extends radially inwards from the exterior first wall portion (19) to the interior second wall portion (21), and wherein the second bend (22) extends radially inwards from the interior second wall portion (21) to the sealing portion (16), so that the interior second wall portion (21) at least partially extends between the exterior first wall portion (19) and the sealing portion (16) towards the bottom (12) of the container (10).

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the first bend (20) extends from one end of the exterior first wall portion (19) to one end of the interior second wall portion (21), and wherein the second bend (22) extends from the other end of the interior second wall portion (21) to one end of the sealing portion (16), so that the rim (15) is a continuous integral part of the container (10).

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rim (15) is a folded top portion of the container.

4. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rim (15) and the wall (13) is an integrally moulded article.

5. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first bend (20) is substantially U-shaped.

6. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second bend (22) is substantially U-shaped.

7. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first bend (20) extends inwards and downwards, and wherein the second bend (22) extends inwards and upwards.

8. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing portion (16) is connected to a third bend (24) extending radially outwards.

9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the third bend (24) is connected to an end portion (25) extending between the sealing portion (16) and the interior second wall portion (21).

10. A container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the third bend (24) is substantially U-shaped.

11. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior first wall portion (19) of the rim (15) is inclined to form a wider top portion of the container.

12. A container according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a lid (11) for closing the opening of the container, wherein the sealing portion (16) is arranged in contact with the sealing wall (18) of the lid.

13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the lid (11) is provided with a radial flange (17).

14. A container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lid (11) is provided with a bead (23) for engaging the second bend (22) of the rim (15).

15. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing portion (16) extends in a substantially axial direction.

Drawing