US3791547A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ice chest construction
Assignee: Rubbermaid Winfield Inc
•
Filing: 1972-02-25
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-02-25
Abstract
Abstract An insulated container has superior insulating qualities and greater strength as a result of a novel lid and receptacle construction. The receptacle is a box-like structure the sidewalls of which terminate in a curved, generally convex surface. A lid is adapted to be received on the receptacle to close the opening. The lid has an arcuate, generally concave face which is complemental to the surface of the receptacle and provides a substantial area of contact between the lid and receptacle. The area of contact between the lid and receptacle is further increased by a rib which extends around the lid on the inside of the latter and is adapted to engage the receptacle. The aforementioned rib is disposed in parallel relationship to an overhanging lip which comprises the terminal edge of the lid and cooperates with the walls of the receptacle to present a relatively flush side of the container. The rib is so disposed relative to the lip to provide reinforcing which increases the strength of the lip. The construction also minimizes the width of the thin lip and thus facilitates molding from a high-strength material such as polyethylene.
Inventors
- 👤 T Branscum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 07:35
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25D; F25D3/00; F25D3/02; F25D3/06; F25D3/08; B; B65; B65D; B65D81/00; B65D81/38; B65D81/3813; B65D81/3823; F25D2331/00; F25D2331/80; F25D2331/804; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S220/00; Y10S220/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
A container comprising: a receptacle for containment of objects, said receptacle having inner and outer sidewalls terminating in a continuous edge presenting a convex surface and defining an opening; a first lid portion spanning the distance between said inner sidewalls to at least partially close said opening; and a second lid portion integral with said first lid portion and extending around the perimeter of the latter, said second lid portion having a concave inner face terminating in an exterior vertical surface, said concave inner face being disposed for sealing engagement with said convex surface to provide a substantial area of contact between said second lid portion and said receptacle the periphery of said second portion terminating in a Lip vertically overlapping the outer sidewalls of said receptacle and cooperating with the latter to present a relatively flush side of said container, said first lid portion including spaced apart inner and outer walls, said inner wall having a rib extending around its perimeter and also having an interior vertical surface extending downwardly from said inner face for sealing engagement with said inner sidewall as the lid approaches said convex surface, said second portion including structure disposed in backing relationship to said inner face whereby the transverse dimension of said second portion attains its maximum at the outer periphery of the lid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
A container comprising: a receptacle for containment of objects, said receptacle having inner and outer sidewalls terminating in a continuous edge presenting a convex surface and defining an opening; a first lid portion spanning the distance between said inner sidewalls to at least partially close said opening; and a second lid portion integral with said first lid portion and extending around the perimeter of the latter, said second lid portion having a concave inner face terminating in an exterior vertical surface, said concave inner face being disposed for sealing engagement with said convex surface to provide a substantial area of contact between said second lid portion and said receptacle the periphery of said second portion terminating in a Lip vertically overlapping the outer sidewalls of said receptacle and cooperating with the latter to present a relatively flush side of said container, said first lid portion including spaced apart inner and outer walls, said inner wall having a rib extending around its perimeter and also having an interior vertical surface extending downwardly from said inner face for sealing engagement with said inner sidewall as the lid approaches said convex surface, said second portion including structure disposed in backing relationship to said inner face whereby the transverse dimension of said second portion attains its maximum at the outer periphery of the lid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is of generally rectangular configuration, and said lip extends beyond said receptacle at opposite ends of the latter to facilitate lifting of the lid off of the receptacle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein are included protuberances along said rib at opposite ends of said first portion, and complemental recesses in said receptacle for receiving said protuberances whereby when said lid portions are received on said receptacle said protuberances and said recesses cooperate to lock said lid portions in place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said first lid portion includes a plurality of recesses within the area enclosed by said rib for holding articles of food when said first portion is inverted to serve as a food tray.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein is included a plurality of reinforcing fingers integral with said first and second portions and extending from said lip to the center of said first portion where all of the fingers merge into a common planar reinforcing area extending substantially the length of the lid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said sidewalls are comprised of spaced apart wall sections and including a layer of insulating material between said sections.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |