Dispensing – With plural openings or discharge guides – Having flow controllers or closures
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-07
2001-08-28
Derakshani, Philippe (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With plural openings or discharge guides
Having flow controllers or closures
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279788
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to household storage containers, particularly those used for foodstuffs. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved storage container having an integral window, and which may be used with a cover providing a seal which may be opened by pivoting of the cover, and further which may be used with a pouring insert which forms pouring and scooping openings with the container.
Numerous types of household storage containers are known, including those which are typically formed of plastic, which have a container with a sealing cover, and which are typically used for food storage. A first problem with known containers of this type is the desire to provide a good seal between the container and cover, yet permit the cover to be easily applied and removed. Typically, the better the seal, the more difficult it is to apply and remove the cover. As such, there is a continuing need for a cover which provides a good seal, yet is easy to use.
A further problem with such containers is the desire to permit visual inspection of the contents, yet provide an aesthetic appearance by visually obscuring the contents. It has been known to provide containers which have an opaque main body with a clear window section. While these containers provide great advantages over fully clear or fully opaque containers, they have a strong disadvantage in cost. Specifically, the opaque main body and clear window section are molded in two separate steps, increasing molding time, complexity, and cost.
Finally, such containers have disadvantages in dispensing the contents. Containers which are large provide adequate storage, and the contents may be dispensed by scooping from the container, but it is difficult to pour contents from the container. Smaller containers are easier to use by pouring the contents, but do not provide sufficient storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a storage container which substantially obscures the contents except for a window section for visual inspection.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a container in which the window section is a monolithic portion of the container, by providing the window section with a reduced thickness and/or an appreciably more transparent surface finish.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a container and cover combination permitting sealing of the container, yet easy application and removal of the cover.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a combination in which a sealing bead provides a seal, yet the cover may be pivoted by application of force to break the seal.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container and a pouring insert mounted to the container, with the pouring insert aiding in the dispensing of contents from the container.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such a container and pouring insert in which the insert may have a secondary panel folded to a hidden position to provide a large opening for scooping of contents from the container.
These and other objects are achieved by a container for storing items, such as foodstuffs. The container includes a sidewall which includes a monolithic window portion having greater transparency than the remainder of the sidewall. This is achieved by forming the container of a clear, tinted material, and forming the window portion with a reduced thickness, and/or forming the window portion with a smooth surface and forming the remainder of the sidewall with an obscuring texture. A cover may be used to close the container, and may form a seal with the container. The cover may include pivot pins to permit the cover to be pivoted to a position breaking the seal, thus permitting easier removal of the cover. A pouring insert may also be used with the container. The pouring insert is mounted to the mouth of the container, and includes a main pour spout and a secondary pour spout. Both pour spouts include pour guides to direct spilled contents back into the container. A hinge in the pouring insert permits a first section to remain in position while a second section is folded therebeneath. The second section may be secured in this position, forming a scooping aperture.
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Daenen Robert H. C. M.
Heiberg Jakob
Jeppesen Hanne Dalsgaard
Lillelund Stig
Bui Thach H
Dart Industries Inc.
Derakshani Philippe
Ross Taylor J.
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