US20070262080A1 - Lid assembly with tape roll holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A plastic lid for a plastic paint container includes a holder for retaining a roll of masking tape. The holder can be a receptacle, a protrusion for engaging the central core of a roll of masking tape, or a combination thereof. Additionally, tabs and protrusions can be used to further secure the roll of masking tape to the container lid. When a central protrusion is used, at least a portion can be formed as a logo. Combinations of the lid and a container and the lid and a roll of tape are also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/800,238, filed May 12, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Embodiments in this application relate to a lid assembly for paint and coating containers such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862, incorporated herein by reference, but which further comprises a holder sized for holding a roll of masking tape. The holder can be a receptacle for the tape roll, a protrusion for engaging a central core of a tape roll, or a combination thereof.
• In another embodiment, the invention relates generally to a combination of a roll of masking tape with a lid assembly for a paint or coating container.
• Masking tape is often used when painting interior surfaces to prevent the overlap of paint onto other surfaces such as ceilings, wall, glass panes, and trim. Masking tape is marketed by Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. in different colors to indicate the quality of the tape. Intertape's PT8 masking tape is a green paper backed pressure sensitive masking tape with a synthetic adhesive designed for direct exposure to sunlight up to eight days while providing clean removal from most surfaces. It is suitable for use on windows, trim and walls and has a medium crepe backing that provides very good cornering and conformability. Intertape's PT14 masking tape is a blue paper backed pressure sensitive masking tape with a synthetic adhesive designed for direct exposure to sunlight up to fourteen days while exhibiting easy removal from most surfaces. It is made with a fine structured crepe backing that provides excellent conformability and cornering. While masking tape is marketed and used specifically for painting purposes, it is not presently sold in combination with paint.
• The typical paint container uses a substantially flat metal lid on a cylindrical metal can. However, more recently, Sherwin-Williams® introduced a plastic container that has a square cross-section and a circular, screw-on plastic lid assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862 to Nottingham et al. Thisprior art container10, as illustrated inFIG. 1A, has abody12 with a bottom wall, at least four sidewalls and a neck. The neck defines a wide mouth opening and includes threads for receiving mating threads on thelid14. Thelid14 also has a plurality oflugs16, preferably twolugs16, extending radially from thelid14 and terminating at or before thelugs16 extend beyond the container sidewalls when thelid14 is in sealed engagement with the container. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the top portion of thelid14 is substantially flat. Thebody12 also has anintegral handle13 for lifting the container and the container neck supports a bail-type handle18 also for lifting said container. Theintegral handle13 and bail-type handle18 do not extend beyond the container sidewall. The container and lid assembly thus have an effective packing footprint and an effective packing volume which substantially conforms to the effective packing footprint and the effective packing volume of a conventional metal paint can. However, this container does not offer a convenient storage mechanism for masking tape that is often used in painting tasks.
• What would be useful is a means to store and/or merchandise masking tape in conjunction with a container of paint or other coating or, alternately, in conjunction with a container lid.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Embodiments disclosed herein provide a means for storing and/or merchandising a roll of masking tape in a lid assembly of a paint or coating container by providing a holder in an upper portion of the lid assembly, where the holder is sized and shaped for retaining a roll of masking tape.
• Disclosed embodiments provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket container lid that includes a roll of masking tape in a holder.
• Disclosed embodiments also provide container lids that comprise a holder for a roll of masking tape.
• Disclosed embodiments further provide a lid with a receptacle that is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape.
• Certain disclosed embodiments provide a lid with a protrusion that is dimensioned to engage the inner core of a roll of masking tape.
• Other disclosed embodiments provide a lid with both a receptacle that is dimensioned to accept a roll of masking tape and a protrusion that is dimensioned to engage the inner core of the roll of masking tape.
• Disclosed embodiments provide the lid in combination with a roll of masking tape or in combination with both a roll of masking tape and a container of liquid coating.
• Various embodiments of the invention include: a combination of a plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, a subcombination of a plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, and a combination of a plastic container lid and a roll of masking tape. In each embodiment, the lid includes a lower portion for engaging a container and a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. In some embodiments, the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape. In other embodiments, the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion that is dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape. In further embodiments, the holder includes both a wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle and a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape. In a variation of this embodiment, the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.
• A variation of the embodiments that use a receptacle can further comprise a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the receptacle wall at spaced locations. Similarly, a variation of the embodiments that use a central protrusion can further comprise a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations. Any embodiment with a central protrusion can further comprise a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion to assist in grasping the roll of tape and/or at least a portion that is formed as a logo.
• Each of the various embodiments can be formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding. Likewise, each of the various embodiments can include a holder that is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
• These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by a review of the figures and detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view prior art container and lid assembly;
• FIG. 1B illustrates a basic cross section of a prior art container lid;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a lid cross-section in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a protrusion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 10 illustrates an orthogonal view of a further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Embodiments of the present invention provide a means for a roll of masking tape to be stored and/or merchandised in a lid of a paint or coating container. The substantially flat top portion of the lid is altered to provide a holder for a roll of tape. The structure of the holder is preferably molded integrally with the plastic lid, such as by injection molding or blow molding of the additional structure, although this is not meant as a limitation. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the additional structure of the holder in one embodiment of alid20 is a receptacle22 formed by a raisedwall24 adjacent the outer edge of thelid20. Preferably, the receptacle22 further includes acentral protrusion26 sized to correspond with the approximately 3″ paper core that is commonly used with masking tape rolls, although this is not a limitation. Thecentral protrusion26, if included, may be molded appropriate to the size of the tape core for the desired roll of tape.
• In another embodiment oflid30, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the raisedwall34 adjacent the outer edge of thelid30 further includes a plurality oftabs36 to assist in retaining a roll of tape in thereceptacle32.Such tabs36 help to retain the roll of masking tape when the container assembly orlid30 is not horizontal, yet do not substantially interfere with removal of the tape roll due to having sufficient clearance, sufficient flexibility, or both.FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment that usestabs98 to help retain a roll of masking tape inlid90. Althoughcertain tabs30 and98 are illustrated, the precise shape and configuration of such tabs is not limited to those illustrated and can take numerous other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• In an embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the holder for the tape roll is formed in thelid40 as aprotrusion46 with an effective diameter that is sufficient to frictionally engage the paper core of the masking tape roll in order to secure the roll of masking tape to thelid40. While illustrated in cross section as being cylindrical with a flat top,protrusion46 can take any suitable form without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, theprotrusion46 could be tapered vertically or rounded without departing from the scope of the invention. As illustrated inFIG. 5, thelid50 can further includeside walls54 in addition toprotrusion56 so as to formreceptacle52 for a roll of masking tape. As further illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the protrusion diameter of56/60 can be sized to engage the core of the tape roll. Alternately, other means such asadditional protrusions74 projecting radially from acentral protrusion70, as illustrated inFIG. 7, or anothershape80 that hasprotrusions82 to effectively engage the core of a roll of masking tape with sufficient friction can be employed, as illustrated inFIG. 8.
• In certain embodiments, it may also be useful to mold theprotrusion96, or a portion thereof, so as to provide a logo or other marketing indicia, as illustrated inFIG. 9. In this manner, the central portion that is exposed in the center of the roll of tape can be used for marketing and/or branding purposes. In other embodiments, molded indicia on the protrusion can include instructional or other information related to use of the lid or the masking tape.
• In embodiments where a central circular protrusion is included, the protrusion preferably includes afinger indentation62,72,92, and102, as illustrated inFIGS. 6, 7,9 and10, to make it easier to grasp and remove the roll of masking tape. In an embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, alid90 includes raisedwall94,central protrusion96,finger indent92, and a plurality oftabs98 extending inwardly from the top of raisedwall94 so as to assist in securing a roll of masking tape in thelid90.
• An example of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 10. In this example, theplastic container100 from Sherwin-Williams® that has a square cross-section and a circular, screw-on plastic lid assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,862 to Nottingham et al. has been adapted to use alid114 that can holdmasking tape112. As in the '862 patent, thelid114 includeslugs116 and the container includesbail handle118. Thelid114 further includes a raisedwall104 and acentral protrusion106 to form a receptacle for maskingtape112. Thecentral protrusion106 is rounded and includesfinger indentation102 to assist in removal and insertion of themasking tape112.
• The invention can further be adapted to provide a roll of masking tape that is most suitable for the paint or coating that it is included with. For example, for flat wall coatings (paints) that are likely to be applied with a roller, the lid can be adapted for holding a wide (e.g., 2″ wide) masking tape, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paints that are more likely to be applied with a brush can be adapted to hold a thinner (e.g., ¾″ or 1″ wide) roll of masking tape. Similarly, premium tape (e.g., Intertape brand PT14) can be included with premium paints and good tape (e.g., Intertape brand PT8) can be included with good paints.
• A basic embodiment comprises a plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, where the assembly comprises a container and a lid with the lid including a lower portion for engaging the container and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. Variations of this basic embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape and/or wherein the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape and/or the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. It further includes embodiments optionally comprising: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. Other options for the basic embodiment include those where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and those where the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
• Another embodiment comprises a plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising a lower portion including means for engaging a container, and a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape. Variations of this embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape; and the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. This embodiment can optionally further comprise: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. This embodiment also includes those where the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and where the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
• A further embodiment is to a plastic container lid and masking tape assembly comprising a lid and a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising: a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining the roll of masking tape. Variations of this lid and tape combination embodiment include those wherein: the holder includes a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape; the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape and/or wherein the holder includes a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape and/or the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape. It further includes embodiments optionally comprising: a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations; a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations; and/or a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion. Other options for the basic embodiment include those where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding and those where the holder is dimensioned to hold the roll of masking tape which is selected to have a width suitable for a liquid coating material to be stored in the container.
• In any embodiment wherein the lid has a central protrusion, it is optional to have at least a portion of the central protrusion formed as a logo or formed so that a logo may be applied thereto. Thus, a flattened portion of the central protrusion may have a logo formed or embossed thereon, or may permit the application of a “stick on” logo or other printed material, thus permitting a logo or printed display.
• A system and method for providing a roll of masking tape in the lid of a paint or other coating container have been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims (33)

1. A plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials, the assembly comprising:

a container and a lid;

the lid comprising a lower portion for engaging the container and a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape.

2. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.

3. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.

4. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.

5. The assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.

6. The assembly ofclaim 2, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.

7. The assembly ofclaim 3, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.

8. The assembly of any one ofclaims 3 to5, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.

9. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.

10. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

11. A plastic container lid for storing a roll of masking tape, the lid comprising:

a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and

a top portion comprising a holder dimensioned for retaining a roll of masking tape.

12. The lid ofclaim 11, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.

13. The lid ofclaim 11, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.

14. The lid ofclaim 12, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.

15. The lid ofclaim 14, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.

16. The lid ofclaim 12, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.

17. The lid ofclaim 13, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.

18. The lid of any one ofclaims 13 to15, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.

19. The lid ofclaim 11, wherein the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.

20. The lid ofclaim 11, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold a roll of masking tape of a width suitable for the liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

21. A plastic container lid and masking tape assembly comprising a lid and a roll of masking tape,

the lid comprising:

a lower portion including means for engaging a container; and

a top portion having a holder dimensioned for retaining the roll of masking tape.

22. The assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the holder comprises a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the top portion to form a receptacle for the roll of masking tape.

23. The assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion and dimensioned to frictionally engage a core of the roll of masking tape.

24. The assembly ofclaim 22, wherein the holder comprises a central protrusion extending from the top portion concentric with the wall and dimensioned to fit within a core of the roll of masking tape.

25. The assembly ofclaim 24, wherein the central protrusion extending from the top portion is dimensioned to frictionally engage the core of the roll of masking tape.

26. The assembly ofclaim 22, further comprising a plurality of retaining tabs extending radially inward from the wall at spaced locations.

27. The assembly ofclaim 23, further comprising a plurality of retaining protrusions extending radially outward from the central protrusion at spaced locations.

28. The assembly of any one ofclaims 23 to25, further comprising a finger indentation formed in a periphery of the central protrusion.

29. The assembly ofclaim 21, where in the lid is plastic and formed by a method selected from injection molding and blow molding.

30. The assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the holder is dimensioned to hold the roll of masking tape which is selected to have a width suitable for a liquid coating material to be stored in the container.

31. The assembly ofclaim 3, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo.

32. The lid ofclaim 13, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo.

33. The assembly ofclaim 23, wherein at least a portion of the central protrusion is formed to permit display of a logo.

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