CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[θθθl] This application claims priority based on: (1) U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/087,814, filed August 11, 2008, (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,546, filed October 22, 2008, and (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/141,395, filed December 30, 2008. The entire disclosure of each of said U.S. provisional patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[ΘΘΘ2] The invention is in the field of the mechanical arts, and more particularly concerns self-actuating closure mechanisms for articles having components that are mutually closable, more particularly including self-actuating closure mechanisms that may be rotationally engaged, including without limitation embodiments in the form of lidded containers with self-closing mechanisms that operate to automatically mechanically lock and seal the container, no matter how the lid is placed on the container.

Description of the Related Art

[ΘΘΘ3] An example of an article having closable components that may be rotationally engaged is a jar with a threaded lid. Common kitchen jars are often dropped and broken because the lid has not been properly threaded by the previous user.

[ΘΘΘ4] Currently, most containers use a standard threaded locking/sealing mechanism or a latch, both of which require specific force to achieve a lock and seal. In the event this required force is not applied properly or fully, two main issues may arise: (1) the seal is not achieved, thereby potentially compromising the contents of the container, or (2) the lock is not adequate, thereby potentially risking the container and contents should the container be picked up by the lid.

[ΘΘΘ5] A prior solution to this problem is to provide containers with a lid having a press-shut clip closure. However, press fit clip lids are only viable for light weight containers and contents. They must be actively pressed shut. Also, most clip lids do not provide an adequate seal.

[ΘΘΘ6] Accordingly, a need exists for a self-closing container providing an effective and robust seal for a wide range of contents. More generally, a need exists for more modern closure mechanisms that are self-actuating and convenient, yet provide a strong and positive closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ΘΘΘ7] It is an object of the invention to provide a self- activating closure that operates in a convenient and straightforward manner and, when incorporated into a container, provides an effective and robust seal for a wide range of container contents. Other desired attributes include:

• The mechanism should preferably close automatically in a smooth and predictable manner, avoiding indefinite, "blocked" or "hung" states in which closure stops short of full engagement.

• The closure should preferably engage in a manner that provides strong, positive resistance to disengagement, when subjected to forces and movements other than a specific, intended disengaging operation.

• The disengaging operation should preferably involve different forces and movements than those resulting from routine storage and handling.

• The closure mechanism should preferably be capable of incorporating a positive seal for solid, liquid and/or gaseous contents. [ΘΘΘ8] In certain embodiments, the present invention achieves these objectives in part by using mutually attractive or repulsive elements such as magnets on the lid and/or the body (canister) of a container to draw the body and lid into engagement, and a mechanical interlock that activates upon engagement and secures the engaged components in a locked position. In these embodiments, the lid simply needs to be placed in proximity of the top of the canister and released. The closure mechanism shown can be adapted to any device having a closure that operates by rotation. By the same principles illustrated, the mechanism can be adapted to non- rotating embodiments, such as closures that linearly slide into place, embodiments with latches, and other closures.

[ΘΘΘ9] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, and the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[θθlθ] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

[θθll] Figure 1 collectively shows various views of an illustrative container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[ΘΘ12] Figure IA is a top perspective partially transparent view of the container illustrated throughout the various other views of Figure 1.

[ΘΘ13] Figure IB is a partially transparent side elevational view of the container of Figure IA.

[ΘΘ14] Figure 1C is a partially transparent top plan view of the container of Figure IA.

[ΘΘ15] Figure ID is a larger partially transparent side elevational view of the container of Figure IA. [ΘΘ16] Figure IE is a detailed view of area IE of Figure ID.

[ΘΘ17] Figure IF is a partially transparent side elevational view of the container of Figure IA, pointing out the section IH taken for Figure IH.

[ΘΘ18] Figure IG is a partially transparent top plan view of the container of Figure IA, pointing out the section IJ taken for Figure IJ.

[ΘΘ19] Figure IH is a partially transparent cross-sectional side view of the container of Figure IA.

[ΘΘ2Θ] Figure II is a detailed view of area II of Figure IH.

[ΘΘ21] Figure IJ is a partially transparent cross-sectional side view of the container of Figure IA.

[ΘΘ22] Figure 2 is an exploded parts view of the container of Figure IA, in a partially transparent top perspective view.

[ΘΘ23] Figures 3A-3D show another illustrative container in accordance with an alternate embodiment employing different shaped interlock pieces than those employed in Figure 1.

[ΘΘ24] Figure 4 shows another illustrative container in accordance with an alternate embodiment employing eight mutually attractive magnet pairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[ΘΘ25] The following is a description of alternative preferred embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are illustrative only, and the invention, as defined by the claims, is by no means limited to particular examples shown. For example, certain preferred embodiments are described in relation to an implementation with specific magnetic attraction elements, pins, and channels, but it should be appreciated that the disclosure that follows was intended to enable those skilled in the art readily to apply the teachings set forth to other commonly available hardware and materials. The specific features of any particular embodiment should not be understood as limiting the scope of what is claimed. [ΘΘ26] The specific embodiments presented herein for purposes of illustrating the invention may be implemented in a rotation- ally engaging mechanical context concern containers, such as might be used in the kitchen. Of course embodiments other than containers also exist in which the mutually closing members can be engaged with a rotating motion.

[ΘΘ27] An illustrative article having a rotationally engaged closure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, in this case article 1 as shown in Figure 1, comprises a body 2 and a lid 3.

[ΘΘ28] We will sometimes refer herein to the "top" of body 2, and such references will be to the end of body 2 that faces lid 3 in a mutually closed position. Similarly, references to the "bottom" of lid 3 refer to the portion of lid 3 that faces body 2 in a mutually closed position. The term "axis" as used herein will refer to the rotational axis defined when rotating lid 3 to engage/disengage with body 2. "Axial" will mean aligned with the axis, and "radial" and/or "circumferential" will refer to positions in planes perpendicular to the axis.

[ΘΘ29] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, article 1 is configured as a container with a hollow interior, and is therefore sometimes also referred to as "container 1". Lid 3 is shaped to be engageable with body 2, and rotatable when engaging therewith. Outer lid lip 61 descends circumferentially downward from the top of lid 3 to form a cylindrical structure shaped and sized to drop down upon and receive the upper portion of body 2.

[ΘΘ3Θ] Figure 2 also depicts container 1, in an exploded parts view.

[ΘΘ31] There are at least one, and in the case of this embodiment, three, first interlock pieces shaped like first interlock piece 4, fixedly disposed on body 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, first interlock piece 4 is generally in the shape of an inverted circle segment (with some flattening on the arced underside, near area 7, where it is near horizontal), protruding radially from the upper outer circumference of body 2 (or otherwise having a radial extent relative to body 2) and oriented so that its generally flat upper surface 12 is tilted downward, in this embodiment from left to right when viewed from the side and from outside of container 1. The three first interlock pieces in this embodiment comprise first interlock piece 4 and two other corre- . sponding like pieces (visible but not separately referenced, in Figure 1C), that are likewise fixedly disposed circumferentially around the upper outer circumference of body 2, at approximate 120 degree intervals.

[ΘΘ32] There is at least one, and in the case of this embodiment, three, second interlock pieces shaped like second interlock piece 5, fixedly disposed on lid 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, second interlock piece 5 has a cylindrical pin shape, oriented radially with respect to the axis of lid 3, and protruding inward from the inner circumference of lid outer lip 61 (or otherwise having a radial extent relative to lid 3) . The three second interlock pieces in this embodiment comprise second interlock piece 5 shown in Figure 1, and two other corresponding like pieces (visible but not separately referenced, in Figure 2), likewise fixedly disposed circumferentially on the inner circumference of lid outer lip 61, at approximate 120 degree intervals.

[ΘΘ33] The cylindrical pin shape of second interlock piece 5 (and its circumferentially corresponding elements) can rotat- ably engage the underside of first interlock piece 4 (and its circumferentially corresponding elements) when lid 3 is closed on body 2 and rotated relative to body 2. As may be seen in Figure IE, this rotational engagement has a rotationally defined area of interlock engagement 6, adjacent to the above-mentioned generally flat, horizontal portion (in the area of 7) of the underside of first interlock piece 4, wherein, within the area of interlock engagement 6, an interlocking portion 8 of second interlock piece 5 is disposed against an interlocking portion 7 (of first interlock piece 4 (i.e., a portion within said generally flat, horizontal underside area of first interlock piece 4) .

[ΘΘ34] Further, there is at least one pair of mutually attractive (or repulsive) elements (9, lθ), the opposite elements of said pair being disposed respectively on body 2 and lid 3, and positioned thereon such that their position of strongest attraction to (or repulsion from) each other, as lid 3 rotates relative to body 2, approximately corresponds to the rotational position of lid 3 and body 2 when rotationally positioned in area of interlock engagement 6. In this embodiment, the mutually attractive/repulsive elements are magnets, and preferably strong rare earth magnets. The N/S polarity of the magnets is indicated by light/dark shading (which polarity is immaterial, so long as polarities are consistently treated). In the illustrative embodiment, there are three magnets 9, 9', and 9" circumferentially disposed at approximate 120 degree intervals around lid 3. Opposing magnets lθ, lθ', and lθ" are circumferentially disposed at like intervals and radius on base 2. (Base 2 may also have additional magnets around its upper periphery, for example, magnets 21, 21' and 21", which are N/S-oriented in a direction opposite to the N/S orientation of the other base magnets lθ, lθ', and lθ", so as to repel instead of attract magnets 9, 9', and 9"; such optional, oppositely oriented magnets will be discussed later in this disclosure.) The arrangement of magnets shown here (and like arrangements involving a greater or lesser number of magnets) may of course be reversed between the lid and the base. In the embodiment shown, paired magnets have been used. However, combinations of magnets and unmagnetized magnetic material may alternately be used in an equivalent manner as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[ΘΘ35] As can be seen in various views in Figure 1, when magnets 9 and lθ are aligned, first and second interlocks 4 and 5 are also in an interlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, this occurs when all of 4, 5, 9, and lθ are approximately aligned, but it is not necessary that interlock pair 4 and 5 be vertically aligned with magnet pair 9 and lθ.

[ΘΘ36] In addition, there is preferably at least one ramp 11 forming the bottom of an inset running at least partially around the upper outer circumference of body 2. The inner circumferential wall of the inset area above ramp 11 contains first interlock piece 4 as a radial protrusion into said inset. Ramp 11 is inclined relative to the top of body 2 to slope in the direction of area of interlock engagement 6, and runs beneath first interlock piece 4 in said area of interlock engagement 6 _f with sufficient clearance to accommodate second interlock piece 5. In this embodiment there are three circumferential ramps, comprising ramp 11 and two other corresponding like ramps (which may be seen in the various views of Figure 1), again at approximate 120 degree intervals. Further in this embodiment (but not necessary to the invention), ramp 11 (and each of the other two corresponding ramps) comprises two sections, one on either side of first interlock piece 4, each section sloped symmetrically about first interlock piece 4, and running toward the underside and beneath first interlock piece 4. These three ramps together define a generally scalloped inset of varying elevational depth around the upper periphery of body 2. As may be implied from the above description, in this embodiment first interlock members 4, etc. protrude from the sides of body 2 into this scalloped inset, and the three areas of maximum ramp depth lie approximately beneath each of first interlock members 4 etc., providing clearance for second interlock piece 5 and its corresponding other two lid interlock pieces.

[ΘΘ37] Ramp 11 is positioned on body 2 to receive second interlock piece 5 from above as lid 3 is drawn into compression with body 2 from a rotational position in which second interlock piece 5 is approaching a portion of ramp 11 from above ramp 11. Note that the invention will function without ramp 11. However, ramp 11 is preferred, in that it helps to engage the assistance of both gravity and magnetism in translating downward lid motion into rotation in the direction of locking, rather than relying exclusively on the magnets or other attractive/repulsive elements to induce such rotation.

[ΘΘ38] The respective shapes of interlock pieces 4 and 5 -- in this embodiment, the shape of interlock piece 4 as an inverted generally circle-segment-shaped piece with an underside flatted area, and of second interlock piece 5 as a cylindrical pin -- assist in a smooth closure of lid 3 onto body 2. The respective shapes of upper surface 12 of first interlock piece 4 and lower surface 13 of second interlock piece 5 are such that, in those cases when surfaces 12 and 13 contact each other during closure of lid 3 against body 2, surfaces 12 and 13 slide against each other when further urged together and rotated with lid 2 and body 3 (respectively). Said sliding is in a direction corresponding to closer engagement of lid 2 and body 3. Said shaping of surfaces 12 and 13 is further such that first interlock piece 4 and second interlock piece 5 slide off of each other at a further position of relative rotation and compression of lid 3 and body 2, above ramp 11 (and then second interlock piece 5 falls onto ramp 11 and proceeds into engagement as otherwise described herein with respect to ramp 11) .

[ΘΘ39] Preferably magnets 9, 9', and 9" will come very close to magnets 10, 10', and 10" at a closure position, but the opposing magnet surfaces preferably should not actually make physical contact. This small separation helps lid 3 maintain positive pressure against base 2 when container 1 is closed, and assists in sealing.

[ΘΘ4Θ] Base 2 may also have a central opening 32 therein defining an interior space or volume of body 2 (as would normally be the case where article 1 was, for example, a kitchen container having an interior for its contents). Preferably, lid 3 also has cylindrical inner lip 31, preferably fluted to reduce friction, disposed on the bottom of lid 3 and shaped to fit closely within the peripheral wall of central opening 32 of base 2.

[0041] When lid 3 is brought into proximity of body 2, cylindrical inner lip 31 engages the central opening 32 of body 2. Assuming lid 3 and body 2 are approximately upright, when lid 3 is let go of, it will tend to fall (primarily at first in most cases by gravity) toward body 2, preferably guided into a concentric position by cylindrical inner lip 31. As lid 3 gets close to body 2, magnets 9 and 10 (and their corresponding radial counterparts), and/or magnets 9 and 21 (and their corresponding radial counterparts) will get close enough to interact significantly. Magnets 9 and 10 mutually attract, whereas magnets 9 and 21 mutually repel. In either case, the attraction and/or repulsion serves to urge magnets 9 and 10 closer together, and interlock pieces 4 and 5 toward their locked position, and at the same time, draw lid 3 closer to body 2. [ΘΘ42] If second interlock piece 5 contacts ramp 11, these forces will tend to pull second interlock piece 5 into locked position under first interlock piece 4. If, on the other hand, in this process second interlock piece 5 comes against the upper surface 12 of first interlock piece 4, second interlock piece 5 will slide down the incline of top surface 12 of first interlock piece 4 and fall onto ramp 11, and again be drawn into locked position under first interlock piece 4. When in locked position, the interlock portion 8 on lower surface 7 of first interlock piece 4, being approximately flat, ensures that the lid remains locked, even if a container with the lid attached on is picked up from the lid.

[ΘΘ43] The container in this embodiment strongly and positively resists having the lid removed other than by a specific twisting and pulling disengagement motion that rotates second interlock piece 5 out from under and clear of first interlock piece 4 (i.e., against strong magnetic force tending to keep the interlock pieces aligned), and then pulls lid 3 away from body 2 (again, against magnetic force tending to pull the lid and body together). A plain pulling force will not remove lid 2. Nor will a rocking force, lateral force, or a plain twisting force.

[ΘΘ44] Preferably, repulsive magnets 21, 21' and 22' are disposed at 120 degree intervals circumferentially around body 2, at equal distances centered between magnets lθ, lθ' and lθ". In an embodiment having one or more of these additional magnets, the body magnets are arranged in alternating polarity, to form a N-S-N-S- N-S pattern (in the case of three sets of magnets) around the upper circumference of the body. Preferably, the radial counterparts of ramp 11 intersect, i.e., have their highest points, Jl, etc. in positions approximately aligned with magnets 21, 21', and 21", i.e., at positions where magnets 9, 9', and 9" will encounter approximately maximal repulsive force. This arrangement works especially well to provide a positive, automatic locking action without indefinite states, blockages, "hangs", or dead spots.

[ΘΘ45] Furthermore, a seal may be provided between lid 3 and base 2. In the illustrated embodiment, such a seal is in the form of 0-ring 41, seated at the base of cylindrical inner lip 31 where it joins lid 3, and against chamfer 42 on base 2 when lid 3 is in closed position on base 2. Flat sealing rings or discs could be used instead of an O-ring. O-ring 41 is dimensioned and placed so that it is approximately optimally compressed for sealing when the assembly of container 1 is in a full locked position.

[ΘΘ46] Base 2 may further comprise resilient pad 51 on the bottom of base 2. This pad facilitates single-handed use of container 1. The pad provides sufficient friction against a surface such as a table or counter to overcome the attractive force of the magnets when a user twists the lid, so that the user need not necessarily hold the base with the other hand.

[ΘΘ47] It is not necessary to use three lid magnets. One or more lid magnets, up to any arbitrary number, may be provided. In embodiments of this type, however, where repelling magnets are also used, there should preferably be twice the number of body magnets as there are lid magnets (or vice-versa), so they may be alternating in polarity and equally spaced, with corresponding interlock, and optionally ramp elements for each mutually attracting pair. The illustrated embodiment with three lid magnets and six body magnets is currently preferred.

[ΘΘ48] Ramp 11 and first and second interlock pieces 4 and 5 and the related structures could be interchanged and/or rearranged as between lid 3 and base 2 of container 1 for equivalent operation. Similarly, lid 3 could be adapted to fit within the central opening 32 of base 2, rather than to fit over the outside top of body 2. Other variations of a similar nature will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[ΘΘ49] There are numerous other embodiments that might be developed for generally rotational closure embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[ΘΘ5Θ] For example, in an alternate embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, there are three lid rod magnets 3Θ9 radially oriented and positioned in the inner lip 361 of lid 3Θ3; body 3Θ2 has six sets of ramps 311 with interlock pieces 3Θ4 centered over the lowest points of ramps 311 and body magnet 310 radially oriented in the wall of body 302 under interlock piece 304. Thus, in this em- bodiment, magnets 3Θ9 and 31Θ engage (or repel, as may be the case in a variation of this embodiment) from the side, rather than from the top. Rod magnets 3Θ9 do both the jobs of locking pins (5) and lid magnet (9) of the previously discussed embodiment, i.e. the 3Θ9 magnets engage with the body ramps 311 and once under the interlock piece 3Θ4 provide strong attraction to magnet 31Θ, and thus provide a mechanical lock.

[ΘΘ51] While the design of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is generally satisfactory, the incline of the upper surface of first interlock piece 4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 has an advantage over the corresponding interlock structure shown in Figure 3 because it avoids a potential "dead spot" in self-closure that exists in the embodiment in the Figure 3 embodiment when the lid 3Θ3 is initially placed so that rod magnet 3Θ9 is very close to exactly centered over the top of first interlock piece 3Θ4, which is approximately level at the topmost portion of its upper surface. The unbroken and continuous incline of the top surface 12 of first interlock piece 4 in the embodiment of Figure 1 avoids this particular situation.

[ΘΘ52] Figure 4 shows another alternate embodiment having eight pairs of mutually attracting magnets, comprising four pairs 6Θ9, 61Θ in one N-S paired orientation, alternating around the circumference of lid 6Θ3 and body 6Θ2, with four pairs of magnets 622, 621 oriented in the opposite orientation. The first four pairs 6Θ9, 61Θ are respectively centered over interlocks 6Θ4, 6Θ5 and the second four pairs 621, 622 are respectively centered over the top-most areas of ramps 611.

[ΘΘ53] It should be apparent that the various embodiments of the invention may be used for any type of rotating closure not necessarily associated with a cylindrical container, such as a gas tank or other filler cap, vent cap, or the like.

[ΘΘ54] In addition, the principles of the invention could also be adapted to non-circular geometries, wherein a channel analogous to ramp 11 is linear, and, for example, there are two parallel rows of alternating opposing magnets rather than a circular arrangement. [ΘΘ55] Similarly, as mentioned above, in a rotating engagement embodiment, first and second interlock pieces 4 and 5 need not be aligned with magnets 9 and lθ, but can be offset at any angle relative to the axis of a circular mechanism or relative to the length of a linear mechanism, so long as positioned so that second interlock piece 5 comes into alignment with first interlock piece 4 when magnets 9 and lθ (or corresponding mutually attractive elements) are aligned, in which case the deepest point of ramp 11 (or corresponding element) would also be moved to align with the lock position defined by the first and second interlock pieces.

[ΘΘ56] Furthermore, interlocking pieces 4 and 5 could be interchanged with other interlocking elements known to those of skill in the art, including without limitation hooks, latches, interlocking grooves and the like.

[ΘΘ57] The two embodiments shown in detail here have mutually attractive elements, in this case magnets, disposed differently, in one case to engage along a radius and in another case to engage axially. These are but two of numerous workable arrangements of mutually attractive or repulsive elements, and others that provide both forces to draw the closure pieces together and move them into locking alignment by rotation or sliding will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. As previously mentioned, combinations of magnets and unmagnetized magnetic material may also be used as an alternative to magnet pairs.

[ΘΘ58] As explained, a self-actuated closure in accordance with the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art in many respects. It only requires the placement and release of the lid (or other closing element) in order for it to automatically lock and seal. It does not require manual application of specific force to achieve a lock and seal, and can provide a positive and effective seal for a wide range of containers and contents. It can close automatically in a smooth and predictable manner, avoiding "blocked" or "hung" states in which closure stops short of full engagement. It can engage in a manner that provides strong, positive resistance to disengagement other than by means of a specific disengaging operation, and the disengaging operation involves different forces and movements than those resulting from routine storage and handling. The closure mechanism is readily capable of incorporating a positive seal for solid, liquid and/or gaseous contents.

[ΘΘ59] It is apparent, therefore, that the invention meets the objectives set forth above and provides a number of advantages in terms of ease of use and effectiveness, over the prior art. Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art and may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.