Container closure system
US6102231A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2251/1025
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A container (e.g., for food) has a top portion, a bottom portion connected to the top portion by a hinge, and a closure opposite the hinge. The closure is a tab-and-slot type, with the tab curved in a direction away from the slot to encourage closing and discourage opening of the container. A beveled edge on the top surface serves as a designated pressure-application area for a user's thumb, assisting with opening and/or closing of the closure with one hand. Mating step-type peripheral flanges in the top and bottom slope upward from the hinge to the closure to create a multi-level seal that gets larger near the closure. The step shape of the top flange also helps create a channel in the top that catches any liquid spilled on the container, and barriers on either side of the closure in the channel discourage the liquid from entering the container through the closure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.