Receptacles – Closures – Pivotable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-06
2001-11-20
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Closures
Pivotable,
C220S848000, C220S287000, C220S262000, C220S730000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318587
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for closing a container, in particular a drinking glass, with a lid adapted for pivoting about a pivotal axle, a fastening arrangement for securing the pivotal axle with respect to the container, and a connector that connects to the lid and the pivotal axle.
Such a closing device is known from DE 296 00 246 U1. The closing device described therein is used to cover a drinking glass. The closing device is placed onto the drinking glass with a clamp serving as a fastening means to the upper rim, and the lid can be swung upward from its horizontal position on the drinking glass by means of a lever that is actuatable with a finger. On its one side, the lid connects to the lever via a connector. This closing device has the disadvantage that the lid and its position on the drinking glass cannot be adapted to different types of drinking glasses. Consequently, it is necessary to produce a different closing device for each type of drinking glass. Likewise, the use of the closing device for different drinking glass sizes is not provided because of the permanently predetermined position of the pivotal axle.
It is the object of the invention to improve a closing device of the initially described kind in such a manner that the closing device is adaptable to different sizes or types of glasses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a closing device for a container which comprises a lid, and a connector connected to the lid. A pivotal axle is secured to the connector by a fastening arrangement which permits the connector to be displaceable with respect to the pivotal axle along the length direction of the connector. Thus adjustment of the spacing between the pivotal axle and the lid in the direction of the connector is permitted.
In accordance with the invention, it has been recognized that the horizontal displacement of the lid is needed for adapting it to common glass diameters. This permits likewise a centering of the lid in the glass center, primarily when the upper rim slants inwards, as in the case of, for example, a wheat beer glass. Advantageously, it is possible to adapt the closing device to the common glass sizes from 0.2 to 0.5 liters. Likewise, due to its adjustability parallel to the connector, the closing device is adaptable to uncommon container shapes, such as angular or oval types of drinking glasses. The optimal positioning of the lid on the container permits a tight sealing of the lid all around.
Preferably, the connector extends substantially horizontally, when the lid is closed. As a result, the lid is horizontally adjustable in its position relative to the container. Since the lid is displaceable with the connector relative to the pivotal axle, the displacement motion of the lid occurs exclusively in the horizontal direction. On its end projecting beyond the pivotal axle, the connector mounts an operating handle for raising the lid from the upper rim of the container. In this end region of the connector, the latter can be bent upward, thereby creating an offset lever action, so that the lid does not extend too far out when being raised. This reduces a risk of injuring the face of the operator, when the lid is opened.
In a further development of the invention, the pivotal axle comprises in particular an axial slot, which supports the connector for displacement. Advantageously, the pivotal axle is constructed as a pin, which is openly supported between two arms projecting from the fastening arrangement. In the open region, a slot is provided, through which the connector extends. Thus, the connector is displaceable in a simple manner in the slot of the pivotal axle.
In another further development of the invention, the connector is designed and constructed in the form of a bow with two parallel side arms, between which the pivotal axle is mounted for displacement. In this arrangement, the pivotal axle that is designed and constructed as a pin is supported in a bore of one arm of the fastening arrangement. The ends of the pin projecting laterally from the bore of the arm contain each a groove, into which the two lateral arms of the connector can be clipped. This permits a displacement of the pivotal axle along the connector in a simple manner.
Preferably, the connector with the lid is removable from the pivotal axle. This can occur in a first further development, in that the pin is laterally removable from the two arms and can be pulled off from the connector through the unilaterally open slot. In a second further development, the connector can be separated in a simple manner from the outer ends of the pin by a slight pressing, since the engagement between the connector and the pivotal axle is formfitting. In addition, it may be provided that the lid is removable from the connector.
In another further development of the invention, the pin is supported in a bore such that a clamping action prevents the lid from closing unintentionally. To this end, the bore may be made in particular oval, whereby the pin is clamped in the bore, and the lid is slightly braked. When the pin is likewise made oval, it is possible to define an engaging position in the open position of the lid. This prevents in an advantageous manner an unintentional closing of the lid.
The fastening arrangement preferably comprises a projecting arm connected to the pivotal axle and a free leg, on which the projecting arm is supported for displacement.
It has been recognized by the present invention that the pivotal axle mounted to the projecting arm can be displaced relative to the free leg by displacing the projecting arm. Advantageously, the shape of the free leg makes it possible to preadjust the change of position of the pivotal axle, when the projecting arm is displaced. In this instance, the free leg is arranged at a distance from the wall of the container, so that a displacement of the projecting arm is possible.
It is preferred to construct the fastening arrangement as a coiled clamp with two in particular parallel clamping legs that can be clamped to a wall of a container. In this arrangement, the free leg connects the two clamping legs, thereby forming a helicoidal clamp, which permits applying the closing device in a simple manner by clamping it to the wall of the container. The rounding of the coiled clamp in a lower region serves the easy removal of the closing device from the container, should the container have a reinforcement on its upper rim. In addition, the rounding in the lower region of the clamp facilitates likewise the placement of the fastening arrangement. As a result of its coiled shape, the clamp advantageously adapts itself to different wall thicknesses. Moreover, the rounding of the clamp in its lower region permits pressing it from the bottom upward, thereby preventing the lid from wobbling, when it is opened and closed. In addition, because of its rounded shape, the clamp is suited in particular for folding in order to carry the closing device, for example, in a pocket of a jacket.
In a first further development of the invention, the projecting arm comprises on its end facing away from the pivotal axle a holding means that surrounds the free leg at least in part. The holding means surrounds the free leg preferably on its two lateral edges and is easily displaceable therealong. In this manner, the free leg may be shaped irrespective of the holding means in accordance with any desired curve. Therefore, the holding means with the lid can be a mass product, which is adaptable to different clamps of the fastening arrangement.
On its free leg, the fastening arrangement may comprise at least one rail, along which the holding means is displaceable. The rail is placed outside on the free leg, and the holding element can be displaced along the rail.
Preferably, the projecting arm performs a substantially vertical movement, when it is displaced relative to the free leg, so that the lid is vertically adjustable. Furthermore, the fastening arrangement may comprise
Alston & Bird LLP
Hylton Robin
Shoap Allan N.
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