CN109641683B

CN109641683B - Container with sealable lid

Info

Publication number: CN109641683B
Application number: CN201780053639.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 诺亚·齐曼·彭特勒威茨; 康纳·帕特里克·麦克纳马拉; 木田真纪子; 松本保; 小笠原申之; 永田嘉德
Original assignee: Helen of Troy Ltd
Current assignee: Helen of Troy Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-02
Filing date: 2017-08-18
Publication date: 2020-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-18
Also published as: CN109641683A; TW201811627A; BR112019004220A2; MX2019002472A; WO2018044587A1

Abstract

A storage container assembly includes a container and a lid. The lid includes a top cover, a button, a gasket pusher, and an arm. The button is movable in a first axial direction between a protruding position in which a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the lid and a depressed position in which the top surface of the button is closer to the upper surface. The cushion is movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The gasket pusher is movable in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction and pushes the gasket. An arm operatively connects the button with the gasket pusher. Movement of the button from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of the arm and movement of the gasket pusher in the second axial direction.

Description

Container with sealable lid

Background

The present invention relates to a storage container having a lid that is capable of sealing with the container. Us patent 7,815,067 discloses a similar type of container.

Disclosure of Invention

The storage container assembly includes a container having an opening and a lid for covering the opening. The cover includes a top cover, a button, a gasket, a plurality of gasket pushers, and a plurality of arms. The overcap defines an upper surface of the lid. The button is movable relative to the top cover along a first axial direction between a protruding position in which a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the lid, and a depressed position in which the top surface of the button is closer to the upper surface of the lid than the protruding position. The cushion is movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. Each liner pusher is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. Each gasket pusher pushes the gasket toward an expanded state when moving from a retracted position to an extended position. The plurality of arms operatively connect the button with the plurality of gasket pushers. Movement of the button from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of the arm and moves the gasket pusher in a second axial direction, which causes the gasket to move toward the expanded state.

A method for assembling a lid includes disposing a cam mechanism on a base and disposing a web on the base. The web includes a hub, a plurality of arms, a plurality of gasket pushers, and a plurality of tension connector elements. Each arm is connected to the hub and is associated with a respective gasket pusher. Each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent gasket pushers. The method further includes coupling the button to the cam mechanism, disposing the cover on the base, and coupling the base to the cover. The top cover includes a button opening for receiving the button. The method also includes attaching the liner to the base.

The web for the inflatable cushion includes a hub, a plurality of arms connected to and extending outwardly from the hub, a plurality of cushion pushers associated with respective arms, and a plurality of tensile connector elements. Each liner pusher includes a liner contact surface for contacting a liner, movement of the hub in a first axial direction causing movement of the liner pusher in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction. Each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent gasket pushers.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly including a container and a lid sealable to the container.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the container assembly with the lid removed from the container.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the lid for the container assembly shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in fig. 1 and 2, with the lid disposed on the container, but not yet in a sealed condition.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the lid of the container assembly shown in fig. 1 and 2, which is different from the perspective view shown in fig. 3 (which is a lower perspective view).

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the container assembly with the button in the depressed (and locked) position.

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the position of the lid web, base and gasket when the lid button is in the protruding position.

Figures 9 and 10 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the position of the lid web, base and gasket when the button of the lid has been fully depressed beyond the depressed position.

Figures 11 and 12 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing the position of the lid web, base and gasket when the button is in the depressed (and locked) position.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid capable of sealing with a container.

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the lid shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the lid shown in fig. 13, which is different from the perspective view shown in fig. 14 (which is a lower perspective view).

Fig. 16 is a lower perspective view of the web of the cap shown in fig. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the position of the web, base and liner of the lid of FIG. 13 with the button of the lid in a protruding position.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the web of the cap shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of the displacement of the arms on the web and the buttons of the cover shown in fig. 1 and 13.

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the lid.

Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the lid shown in fig. 20, which is different from the perspective view shown in fig. 20 (which is a lower perspective view).

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the button, web and base of the lid of fig. 20 and 21 with the button of the lid in a protruding position.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the button, web and base of the lid of fig. 20 and 21 with the button of the lid in a depressed (locked) position.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the button, cap and base of the lid of fig. 20 and 21 with the button of the lid in a depressed (locked) position.

Fig. 25 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a web for the lid shown in fig. 14 and 15.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the web shown in fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a bottom plan view of the web shown in fig. 25.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a storage container assembly 10 including a container 12 and a lid 14. Fig. 2 shows the lid 14 removed from the container 12. The container 12 includes side walls 16 of generally rectangular configuration (plan view) and a bottom wall 18. The side walls 16 extend upwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall 18 and define an interior volume 20 in which articles may be disposed. The side wall defines an upper opening 22 which is covered by the lid 14. The sidewall 16 also defines an inner surface 24 for the container 12, and the lid 14 is sealable against the inner surface 24.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the lid 14 shown in fig. 1 and 2. The lid 14 includes a button 30, a top cover 32, a web 34, a cam mechanism 36, a base 38, and a gasket 40. Movement of the button 30 causes movement of the pad 40. Referring to fig. 4, movement of the button 30 in a first axial direction, e.g., parallel to arrow 42, results in movement of the pad 40 in a second axial direction, e.g., parallel to arrow 44, wherein the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Actuation of the button 30 moves the liner 40 from a contracted state (shown in fig. 4) to an expanded state in which the liner 40 will contact the inner surface 24 of the container 12.

Referring back to fig. 3, the button 30 is shown in a generally circular configuration, but the button may take on other configurations, such as square, rectangular, or other polygonal configurations. The button 30 includes an upper section 50 defining a top surface 52, which is typically the surface that is pushed by an operator to move the button. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 52 is generally planar and is generally horizontally oriented when the container 12 rests on a horizontal surface in typical use. The button 30 includes a peripheral skirt 54 extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 50. Peripheral skirt 54 is of generally annular or cylindrical configuration and, in the illustrated embodiment, is vertical when container 12 rests on a horizontal surface in typical use. Tabs 56 (four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extend radially outwardly from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 54. The tab 56 facilitates the connection of the button 30 with the cap 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the button 30 includes an inner annular flange 58 extending downwardly from the upper section 50 and radially inwardly offset from the peripheral skirt 54. The button 30 also includes a barb 60 centrally located on the upper section 50 and extending downwardly from the upper section 50. The barbs 60 include a cross-shaped base 62 that provides for attachment of the button 30 to the cam mechanism 36.

The overcap 32 includes a generally horizontally disposed upper section 70 that defines an upper surface 72 of the lid 14. The upper surface 72 is generally planar in the illustrated embodiment and is generally horizontally oriented when the container 12 is resting on a horizontal support surface (e.g., a table), with the lid 14 covering the upper opening 22 (fig. 2) of the container 12. A button aperture 74 is provided in the top cover 32 for receiving the button 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the button aperture 74 is circular in that the button 30 is also circular; however, the button hole 74 may take other shapes, particularly where the shape of the button is different. An appendage 76 depends downwardly from the upper section 70 proximate the button aperture 74. In the illustrated embodiment, four appendages 76 are shown (see FIG. 5). Each appendage 76 includes a respective channel 78 for receiving a respective projection 56 on the button 30. When the button 30 is depressed and released, the tab 56 moves within the channel 78. The protrusion 56 traveling in the channel 78 prevents rotational movement of the button 30 relative to the top cover 32. The top cover 32 also includes fastener openings 82 that extend through nut posts 84 (fig. 5) for attachment of the top cover 32 to the base 38. The top cover 32 also includes a vertically oriented peripheral skirt 86 depending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 70. The peripheral skirt 86 generally matches the configuration of the sidewall 16 of the container 12. An inner vertical wall 88 depends downwardly from the upper section 70 and is offset inwardly from the peripheral skirt 86. The shape of the inner vertical wall 88 is the same as the shape of the peripheral skirt 86, but is smaller. A channel 92 is formed between the peripheral skirt 86 and the inner vertical wall 88. At least a portion of the liner 40 is received in the channel 92, which can be seen in fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 3, the web 34 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material that includes a hub 100, an arm 102, a gasket pusher 104, and a tension connector element 106. Each arm 102 connects the hub 100 with a respective cushion pusher 104. Each tensile connector element 106 connects a respective gasket pusher 104 with an adjacent gasket pusher. Movement of the button 30 causes movement of the hub 100, movement of the hub causes movement of the arm 102, movement of the arm causes movement of the gasket pusher 104, and movement of the gasket pusher causes movement of the gasket 40.

Hub 100 includes a central opening 110 for receiving barb 60 on button 30. Cross-shaped base 62 fits over central opening 110 of hub 100 in a manner that prevents button 30 from rotating relative to hub 100. The hub includes ratchet teeth 112 (shown in cross-section in fig. 4) that mate with the cam mechanism 36. The barbs 60 are connected to a cam mechanism 36 that operatively connects the button 30 to the hub 100.

Arms 102 extend radially outward from the lower end of the hub 100 and connect the hub 100 with a corresponding pad pusher 104. The centerlines bisecting each arm 102 are offset from each other by 90 degrees and each centerline passes through the center of the hub 100. Each arm 102 includes a first hinge portion 120 connecting the arm 102 to the hub 100 and a second hinge portion 122 connecting the respective gasket pusher 104 to the arm 102. Each

hinge portion

120 and 122 operates as a flexure. Each

hinge portion

120 and 122 has a smaller thickness than the section of each arm 102 located between the hinge portions. As seen more clearly in fig. 4, for the first hinge portion 120, material has been removed from the lower section of the arm 102, and for the second hinge portion 122, material has been removed from the upper section of the arm. In another arrangement, material may be removed from the lower section of the arm 102 or from the upper section of the arm for both the first hinge section 120 and the second hinge section 122. Each arm also includes an elongated aperture 126. The elongated hole 126 is positioned between the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122. The elongated aperture 126 provides a locating feature for the arm 102 and web 34 and may also limit the movement of the arm.

Each of the gasket pushers 104 is generally triangular in plan view. Each of the gasket pushers 104 includes a gasket contact surface 130 that contacts the gasket 40. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 130 is generally L-shaped in plan view, and a line emanating from a center point of the hub 100 that bisects the arm 102 coincides with a corner of the L-shaped pad contact surface 130. Each pad pusher 104 includes a central elongated opening 132 centered along a line bisecting the arm 102 emanating from a center point of the hub 100. Each liner pusher 104 also includes an outer liner pusher opening 134 adjacent each respective tensile connector element 106 to which the liner pusher 104 is connected.

Openings

132, 134 in the liner pusher 104 provide locating features for the liner pusher 104 and the web 34, and may also limit the movement of the liner pusher. The web 34 on each of the gasket pushers 104 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 136 and a flat (planar) lower surface 138, both of which are perpendicular to the first axial direction (parallel to arrow 42 in fig. 4). The gasket pusher 104 and the second hinge portion 122 move in a plane parallel to the upper surface 136 or the lower surface 138 to cause the gasket 40 to expand and contract. The gasket pusher 104 is movable between a retracted position (see fig. 7 and 8) and an extended position (fig. 11 and 12). The liner pusher 104 pushes the liner 40 toward an expanded state when moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

The tensile connector elements 106 interconnect adjacent gasket pushers 104. In the illustrated embodiment, four gasket pushers 104 are provided and are interconnected by four tensile connector elements 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensile connector element 106 is annular. When the liner pusher 104 is in the extended position, the tensile connector element 106 is tensioned to urge the liner pusher back to the retracted position. However, the cam mechanism 36 holds the gasket pusher 104 in the extended position until the button 30 is depressed again after the button 30 is in the depressed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the web 34 is formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the hubs 100 are interconnected with the gasket pushers 104 by respective arms 102, and the gasket pushers 104 are also interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 106. When molding web 34, web 34 is molded into the configuration shown in fig. 3, wherein the lower end of hub 100 is vertically offset above upper surface 136 and lower surface 138. This results in a position coplanar with the lower surface 138 relative to the lower end of the hub 100, to which the web 34 tends to be urged.

The cam mechanism 36 includes a cam 140 and a spring 142, the spring 142 acting against the base 38 to bias the cam 140 toward the button 30. The cam 140 includes a cylinder 144 having a vertical channel 146 and ratchet teeth 148. The cam 140 is connected to the button 30 (fig. 4) by the insertion of the barbs 60 into the openings 152 of the cam 140. The spring 142 biases the button 30 toward the protruding position (fig. 1).

The base 38 is formed by a plate 160 having an upper surface 162 facing the overcap 32 when the lid 14 is positioned on the container and a lower surface 164 facing the interior volume 20 of the container 12 (fig. 5). As shown in fig. 3, a central liner pusher nut stud 166 is received within the central elongated opening 132 provided in each liner pusher 104. An outer liner pusher nut stud 168 extends upwardly from the upper surface 162 and is received in the outer liner pusher opening 134. An arm-nut post 172 extends upwardly from the upper surface 162 and is received within a respective elongated hole 126 provided in each arm 102. The nut posts 166, 168 and 172 help position the web 34 on the base 38. Each central gasket pusher nut post 166 in each respective corner of the base 38 may also be aligned with the nut post 84 in the top cap 32 to receive a fastener to connect the top cap 32 with the base 38. The top cover 32 may be connected to the base 38 by other conventional means. Nut posts 166, 168 and 172 are shown extending upwardly from base 38; however, if desired, the nut stem may extend downwardly from the upper section 70 of the top cover 32.

The base 38 also includes a central annular boss 174 having an inwardly extending projection 176 that terminates above a slot 178 extending radially through the central annular boss 174. The cam mechanism 36 is received in the central annular boss 174, and the vertical channel 146 cooperates with the protrusion 176 in a known manner to stabilize the button 30 in a protruding position in which the top surface 52 of the button is offset from the upper surface 72 of the lid 14 (as shown in fig. 1) and a depressed position in which the top surface 52 of the button 30 is closer to the upper surface 72 of the lid 14 than in the protruding position. When the button 30 is in the depressed position (see fig. 6), it is desirable that the top surface 52 of the button 30 be substantially flush with the upper surface 72 of the lid 14. Ratchet teeth 112 (fig. 4) on the hub 100 mate with ratchet teeth 148 on the cam 140 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which allows the button to remain in one of a protruding position and a depressed position.

Referring to fig. 5, a circular channel 182 is provided in the lower surface 164 of the plate 160 that constitutes the base 38. The inlet 184 extends from the channel 182 inwardly toward the center of the plate 160.

The cushion 40 includes a base 190 having an opening 192 and a plurality of inwardly extending ears 194. As shown in fig. 3, an annular flange 196 extends upwardly from an upper surface 198 of the base 190. An annular flange 196 is received in the channel 182 formed in the base 38, and each ear 194 is received in a respective inlet 184. The cushion 40 also includes a generally vertically oriented peripheral section 200. The liner 40 includes an inner surface 202 that fits around the base 38 and the web 34.

The button 30 is movable in a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 42 in fig. 4) relative to the top cover 32 between a protruding position (shown in fig. 2) and a depressed position in which the top surface 52 of the button 30 will be flush with the upper surface 72 of the lid 14. Because the cam mechanism 36 is similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 36 and the push button 30, the push button 30 can remain in the depressed position until depressed again, at which time the spring 142 biases the push button 30 from the depressed position to the protruding position. Movement of the button 30 from the protruding position toward the depressed position results in pivotal movement of at least one of the arms 102 (in the illustrated embodiment, each arm). When the push button 30 is pressed, each arm 102 pivots about the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122. The first hinge portion 120 of each arm 102 also translates in a downward (in the orientation shown in fig. 4) direction that is parallel to the first axial direction. The second hinge portion 122 of each arm 102 also translates away from the hub 100 in a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction. This movement in each arm 102 causes the gasket pusher 104 to move in a second axial direction that is transverse to the first axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second axial direction is parallel to arrow 44 in fig. 4 and perpendicular to the first axial direction; however, the second axial direction need not be perpendicular to the first axial direction, but may be at any angle other than parallel to the first axial direction. Movement of the liner pusher from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the liner 40 to move toward an expanded state in which the liner 40 may contact the inner surface 24 of the container 12. When the button 30 is in the depressed state, the gasket 40 contacts the inner surface 24 of the container 12 to seal the container. When the push button 30 is in the pressed state, the push button 30 may be pressed again, and the cam mechanism 36 may be operated such that the spring 142 biases the push button 30 toward the protruding position. When the push button 30 is moved from the pressed position toward the projected position, each arm pivots at both the first hinge portion 120 and the second hinge portion 122 as the hub 100 moves upward together with the push button 30. The first hinge portion 120 of each arm 102 may also translate in an upward direction (in the orientation shown in fig. 4) that is parallel to the first axial direction. The second hinge portion 122 of each arm 102 also translates toward the hub 100 in a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction. This causes the liner pusher 104 to be pulled toward the hub so that the liner 40 no longer engages the inner surface 24 of the container 12.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the web 34, base 38 and gasket 40 in a state where the button will be in a protruding position. Fig. 9 and 10 show the web 34, base 38 and gasket 40 in a fully depressed state before the button 30 is moved to a stable depressed position. Fig. 11 and 12 show the web 34, base 38 and gasket 40 in a state where the button is in a depressed position. To return to the protruding position, the push button 30 needs to be pressed again, i.e. the push button 30 is pressed while in the stable (locked) pressed position.

Fig. 13-17 show a lid 214 similar to lid 14. The lid 214 covers an opening of a container similar to the upper opening 22 shown in fig. 2, but the container has a different shape. The lid 214 may seal against an interior surface of the container (similar to interior surface 24 in fig. 2).

Fig. 14 and 15 show exploded views of the lid 214 shown in fig. 13. Lid 214 includes button 230, top cap 232, web 234, cam mechanism 236, base 238, and gasket 240. Referring to fig. 13, movement of the button 230 in a first axial direction (e.g., parallel to arrow 242) results in movement of the pad 240 in a second axial direction (e.g., parallel to arrow 244), wherein the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Actuation of button 230 moves liner 240 from a contracted state (shown in fig. 13) to an expanded state in which liner 240 will contact the inner surface of the container.

The button 230 is shown in a generally circular configuration, but the button may take on other configurations, such as a square, rectangular, or other polygonal configuration. The button 230 includes an upper section 250 that defines a top surface 252, which is a surface that is typically pushed by an operator to move the button. The button 230 includes a peripheral skirt 254 extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 250. Unlike the push button 30, for the push button 230, concave protrusions 256 (four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extend outwardly from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 254. A male projection 258 extends outwardly from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 254. The two male projections 258 are shown disposed 180 degrees opposite one another and offset 90 degrees relative to the corresponding pair of female projections 256. The

tabs

256, 258 facilitate the connection of the button 230 with the top cover 232. As shown in FIG. 15, the button 230 includes an inner annular flange 260 extending downwardly from the upper section 250 and radially inwardly offset from the peripheral skirt 254. The button 230 also includes barbs 262 that extend downwardly from the upper section 250. The barbs 262 include a cross-shaped base 264 and are used to connect the button 230 with the cam mechanism 236.

The top cover 232 includes a generally horizontally disposed upper section 270 that defines an upper surface 272 of the lid 214. A button aperture 274 is provided in the top cover 232 for receiving the button 230. A first (wider) appendage 276 depends downwardly from the upper section 270 proximate the button aperture 274. The first appendage 276 is received between the female projections 256. In the illustrated embodiment, two first attachments 276 are shown (see fig. 15). A second (thinner) appendage 278 depends downwardly from the upper section 270 proximate the button aperture 274. Each second appendage 278 includes a respective channel 280 for receiving a respective male projection 258 on the button 230. The

tabs

256, 258 cooperate with the

appendages

276, 278 to prevent rotational movement of the button 230 relative to the top cover 232. The top cap 232 also includes fastener openings 282 that extend through nut posts 284 (fig. 15) to facilitate attachment of the top cap 232 to the base 238. The top cap 232 also includes a vertically oriented peripheral skirt 286 that depends downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 270. Peripheral skirt 286 substantially matches the configuration of the side walls of the container whereby cap 214 mates with the container. An inner vertical wall 288 depends downwardly from upper section 270 and is offset inwardly from peripheral skirt 286. Inner vertical wall 288 has the same shape as peripheral skirt 286, but is smaller. A passage 292 is formed between peripheral skirt 286 and inner vertical wall 288. At least a portion of the liner 240 is received in the channel 292 similar to the liner 40 being received in the channel 92, as shown in fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 14, web 234 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material including hub 300, arms 302, gasket pusher 304, and tensile connector element 306. Each arm 302 connects the hub 300 with a respective cushion pusher 304. Each tensile connector element 306 connects a respective gasket pusher 304 with an adjacent gasket pusher. Movement of the button 230 causes movement of the hub 300, movement of the hub causes movement of the arm 302, movement of the arm causes movement of the gasket pusher 304, and movement of the gasket pusher causes movement of the gasket 240.

Hub 300 includes a central opening 310 that receives barbs 262 on button 230. Cross-shaped base 264 fits within opening 310 of hub 300 in a manner that prevents button 230 from rotating relative to hub 300. Hub 300 includes ratchet teeth 312 (fig. 16) that mate with cam mechanism 236. In a manner similar to the manner in which barbs 60 are connected to cam mechanism 36, barbs 262 are connected to cam mechanism 236 to operatively connect button 230 to hub 300.

Arms 302 extend outwardly from the lower end of the hub 300 and connect the hub 300 with respective gasket pushers 304. The arms 302 are not equally angularly spaced from each other as the webs 34 previously described. When viewed from a top plan view (see fig. 18), on the left side of the vertical centerline of web 234 (regardless of the orientation of opening 310), arms 302 are spaced apart from each other at an acute angle. Likewise, to the right of the centerline, the arms 302 are spaced apart from each other at an acute angle. In contrast, the arms 302 that lie above the horizontal centerline of FIG. 18 are spaced obtusely from each other. Similarly, the arms 302 that lie below the horizontal centerline in fig. 18 are spaced obtusely from each other.

Referring to fig. 17, each arm 302 includes a first (proximal) hinge portion 320 connecting the arm 302 to the hub 300 and a second (distal) hinge portion 322 connecting the respective gasket pusher 304 to the arm 302. Each

hinge portion

320 and 322 operates as a flexure. Each

hinge portion

320 and 322 has a smaller thickness than the section of each arm 302 between the hinge portions. For the first hinge portion 320, material has been removed from under the arm 302. For the second hinge portion 322, material has been removed from above the arm 302. Each

hinge portion

320, 322 may be formed in the same manner, e.g., both may remove material from the upper section, or both may remove material from the lower section. Each arm 302 also includes an elongated aperture 326. The elongated hole 326 is positioned between the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322. The elongated aperture 326 provides a locating feature for the arm 302 and web 234 and may also limit the movement of the arm.

Each gasket pusher 304 includes a gasket contact surface 330 that contacts the gasket 240. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 330 is generally L-shaped in plan view. However, due to the rectangular configuration of the cover 214, a line emanating from the center point of the hub 300 bisecting the arm 302 is offset with respect to the corners of the L-shaped gasket contact surface 330 (see fig. 18).

Each liner pusher 304 includes an elongated opening 332 similar to opening 132 in liner pusher 104 to provide a locating feature for liner pusher 304 and web 234 and also to limit the movement of the liner pusher. Web 234 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 336 and a flat (planar) lower surface 338. The gasket pusher 304 and the second hinge portion 322 move in a plane parallel to the upper surface 336 or the lower surface 338 to expand and contract the gasket 240. The liner pusher 304 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the gasket pusher 304 pushes the gasket 240 toward the expanded state.

The tension connector element 306 interconnects adjacent gasket pushers 304. In the illustrated embodiment, four gasket pushers 304 are provided and are interconnected by four tensile connector elements 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensile connector element 306 is annular. When the liner pusher 304 is in the extended position, the tensile connector element 306 is tensioned to urge the liner pusher back to the retracted position. However, the cam mechanism 236 holds the gasket pusher 304 in the extended position until the button 230 is depressed again after the button 230 is in the depressed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the web 234 is formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the hubs 300 are interconnected with the gasket pushers 304 by respective arms 302, and the gasket pushers 304 are also interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 306. Web 234 is molded in the position shown in fig. 14.

Cam mechanism 236 is identical in all respects to cam mechanism 36. Therefore, further description is omitted.

The base 238 is formed by a plate 360 having an upper surface 362 facing the top cap 32 when the lid is positioned on the container and a lower surface 364 facing the interior volume of the container (fig. 15). Referring to fig. 17, a liner pusher nut post 366 extends upwardly from the upper surface 362 and is received in an elongated opening 332 provided in each liner pusher 304. An arm-nut post 372 extends upwardly from the upper surface 362 and is received within a respective elongated aperture 326 provided in each arm 302. Nut posts 366 and 372 help position web 234 on base 238. Each liner pusher nut post 366 in each respective corner of base 238 may also align with nut post 284 in top cap 232 to receive a fastener to connect top cap 232 with base 238. The top cap 232 may be attached to the base 238 in other conventional manners. Nut posts 366 and 372 are shown extending upwardly from base 238; however, if desired, a nut stem may extend downwardly from the upper section 270 of the top cover 232.

The base 238 also includes a central annular boss 374 having an inwardly extending projection 376 that terminates above a slot 378 extending radially through the central annular boss 374. The cam mechanism 236 is received in the central annular boss 374, and the vertical channel 346 cooperates with the protrusion 376 in a known manner to stabilize the button 230 in a protruding position in which the top surface 252 of the button is offset from the upper surface 272 of the lid 214 (as shown in fig. 13), and a depressed position in which the top surface 252 of the button 230 is closer to the upper surface 272 of the lid 214 than in the protruding position. The top surface 252 of the button 230 may be substantially flush with the upper surface 272 of the cover 214 when the button 230 is in the depressed position. Ratchet teeth 312 (fig. 16) on hub 300 mate with ratchet teeth 348 on cam 340 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which allows the button to remain in one of a protruding position and a depressed position.

Referring to fig. 15, a channel 382 is provided in the lower surface 364 of the plate 360 that makes up the base 238. An inlet 384 extends from the channel 382 inwardly toward the center of the plate 360.

The cushion 240 includes a base 390 and a generally vertically oriented peripheral portion 400. Liner 240 includes an inner surface 402 that fits around base 238 and web 234.

The button 230 is movable in a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 242 in fig. 13) relative to the top cover 232 between a protruding position (shown in fig. 13) and a depressed position in which the top surface 252 of the button 230 will be flush with the upper surface 272 of the lid 214. Because the cam mechanism 236 is similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 236 and the push button 230, the push button 230 may remain in the depressed position until depressed again, at which time the spring 342 biases the push button 230 from the depressed position to the protruding position. Movement of the button 230 from the protruding position toward the depressed position results in pivotal movement of at least one of the arms 302 (each in the illustrated embodiment). When the button 230 is pressed, each arm 302 pivots about the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322. The first hinge portion 320 of each arm 302 also translates in a downward direction (in the orientation shown in fig. 14) parallel to the first axial direction (arrow 242). The second hinge portion 322 also translates along a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction and moves outwardly away from the hub 300. This movement of each arm 302 causes the gasket pusher 304 to move in a second axial direction that is transverse to the first axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second axial direction is parallel to arrow 244 in fig. 13 and perpendicular to the first axial direction; however, the second axial direction need not be perpendicular to the first axial direction. Movement of the liner pusher from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the liner 240 to move toward an expanded state in which the liner 240 may contact the inner surface of the container. When the button 230 is in a pressed state, the gasket 240 is in contact with the inner surface of the container to seal the container. When the button 230 is in the pressed state, the button 230 may be pressed again, and the cam mechanism 236 may be operated such that the spring 342 biases the button 230 toward the protruding position. When the push button 230 moves from the pressed position toward the projected position, each arm pivots at both the first hinge portion 320 and the second hinge portion 322 as the hub 300 moves upward with the push button 230. The first hinge portion 320 of each arm 302 also translates in an upward direction (in the orientation shown in fig. 14) that is parallel to the first axial direction (arrow 242). The second hinge portion 322 also translates along a plane perpendicular to the first axial direction and moves inwardly toward the hub 300. This causes the liner pusher 304 to be pulled toward the hub 300 such that the liner 240 no longer engages the inner surface 24 of the container 12. Fig. 17 shows web 234, base 238 and gasket 240 in a state where the button is in a protruding position.

The

caps

14 and 214 described above can be made relatively short in the vertical direction (parallel to the arrow 42 in fig. 4 and the central axis 442 in fig. 20). Fig. 19 schematically shows that the displacement of the

button

30, 230 in the vertical direction is "y" and the displacement of each

pad pusher

104, 304 in the horizontal direction is "x". The length of the

arms

102, 302 on the

webs

34, 234 is "a". It is desirable that the displacement "x" of the pad pusher is less than twice the length of the arm, i.e., x <2 a. Further, it is desirable that the angle θ be less than 45 degrees so that the horizontal component of the horizontal force acting on the

pad pusher

104, 304 is greater than the vertical component.

The

covers

12 and 214 can be assembled in an easy manner. A method for assembling the

lid

14, 214 includes disposing the

cam mechanism

36, 236 on the

base

38, 238 and disposing the

web

34, 234 on the

base

38, 238. The method further includes coupling the

button

30, 230 with the

cam mechanism

36, 236, disposing the

cap

32, 232 on the

base

38, 238, and coupling the

base

38, 238 with the

cap

32, 232. The method of attachment of the

base

38, 238 to the

cap

32, 232 may use fasteners or via a snap connection. The method further includes attaching the

liner

40, 240 to the

base

38, 238, which may be accomplished by stretching the

liner

40, 240 around the

base

38, 238.

The method for assembling the

lid

14, 214 can easily stack the components on top of each other, which facilitates the assembly process. The order of the above steps need not be in the exact order described. Further, disposing the

cam mechanism

36, 236 on the

base

38, 238 may include inserting the

spring

142, 342 into the central annular boss 174, 374 (or onto a boss of a different shape), and disposing the

cam

140, 340 on the

spring

142, 342.

Fig. 20 and 21 show a state where a cover 414 similar in shape to the cover 214 (see fig. 24) is assembled. The lid 414 covers an opening of a container similar to the upper opening 22 shown in fig. 2, but the container may have a different shape. The lid 414 may seal against the interior surface of the container (similar to the interior surface 24 in fig. 2).

Fig. 20 and 21 show exploded views of the lid 414. The lid 414 includes a button 430, a top cover 432, a web 434, a cam mechanism 436, a base 438, and a gasket 440. Movement of the button 430 in a first axial direction, e.g., parallel to the center 442, results in movement of the pad 440 in a second axial direction, e.g., parallel to the arrow 444, where the second axial direction is perpendicular to the first axial direction. Similar to the embodiments described above, downward actuation of the button 430 moves the liner 440 from a contracted state to an expanded state in which the liner 440 is in contact with the inner surface of the container.

The button 430 includes an upper section 450 defining a top surface 452. The button 430 includes a peripheral skirt 454 extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper section 450. Tabs 456 (four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment) extend radially outward from the lower free end of the peripheral skirt 454. The protrusion 456 facilitates coupling the button 430 with the top cover 432. Referring to fig. 21, the button 430 includes an inner annular flange 460 and a barb 462 extending downwardly from the upper section 450. The barb 462 includes a cross-shaped base (not visible here, but similar to the cross-shaped bases 64, 264) and is used to connect the button 430 with the cam mechanism 436. Button 430 is similar to

buttons

30, 230 described above; however, the button 430 includes an arm contact element 466 disposed on the inner annular flange 460. In the illustrated embodiment, four arm contact members 466 are provided, and the arm contact members 466 are equiangularly spaced from one another in a similar manner to the arm 302 shown in fig. 18.

The top cover 432 includes an upper section 470 that defines an upper surface 472 of the lid 414. A button aperture 474 is provided in the top cover 432 for receiving the button 430. An annular flange 476 depends downwardly from the upper section 470 and surrounds the button aperture 474. A channel 478 is provided in annular flange 476 to receive protrusion 456. The top cover 432 also includes fastener openings 482 that extend through the nut post 484 (fig. 21) for attachment of the top cover 432 to the base 438. The top cover 432 also includes a vertically oriented peripheral skirt 486 and an inner vertical wall 488, both depending downwardly from the upper section 470 so as to define a channel 492 similar to the top covers 32 and 232 described above.

Referring to fig. 14, web 434 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material similar to

webs

34 and 234 described above; however, web 434 lacks hubs (similar to hubs 100 and 300) and integral arms (similar to arms 102 and 302). The web 434 includes the liner pusher 504 and the tension connector element 506. The web 434 includes a flat (planar) upper surface 526 and a flat (planar) lower surface 528, both of which are perpendicular to the central axis 442.

Each liner pusher 504 includes a liner contact surface 530 that contacts the liner 440. In the illustrated embodiment, each pad contact surface 530 is generally L-shaped in plan view. Each liner pusher 504 includes an elongated opening 532 similar to the elongated opening 332 in the liner pusher 304 to provide a locating feature for the liner pusher 504 and the web 434 and also to limit the movement of the liner pusher. The liner pusher 504 moves in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 442 and parallel to the upper surface 526 or the lower surface 528 to expand and contract the liner 440. Each liner pusher 504 is also provided with a wall 536 that provides a vertical contact surface 538 facing inwardly toward the central opening 540 of the web 434.

The tension connector elements 506 interconnect adjacent gasket pushers 504. In the illustrated embodiment, four gasket pushers 504 are provided and are interconnected by four tensile connector elements 506. In the illustrated embodiment, the webs 434 are formed from a single piece of plastic material such that the liner pushers 504 are interconnected by respective tensile connector elements 506.

The cam mechanism 436 is similar to known ball point pen mechanisms. Instead of ratchet teeth 112 (fig. 4) on hub 100 (fig. 3) or ratchet teeth 312 (fig. 16) on hub 300, a gear 544 having ratchet teeth 546 (similar to ratchet teeth 112 and 312) is captured between the upper section 450 of button 430 and a cam 548, which is similar in all respects to cam 140 in fig. 4. The barb 462 extends through the gear 544, and the gear 544 is rotatable relative to the button 430.

The base 438 is formed from a plate 560 having an upper surface 562 that faces the top cover 432 when the lid is positioned on the container and a lower surface 564 that faces the interior volume of the container (fig. 21). A liner pusher nut leg 566 extends upwardly from the upper surface 562 and is received in an elongated opening 532 provided in each liner pusher 504. Each liner pusher nut post 566 in each respective corner of the base 438 may also align with a nut post 484 in the top cover 432 to receive a fastener to connect the top cover 432 with the base 438. The top cover 432 may be connected with the base 438 in other conventional manners. The nut post 566 is shown extending upwardly from the base 438; however, if desired, the nut stem may extend downwardly from the upper section 470 of the top cover 432. The arm mounts 572 extend upwardly from the upper surface 562. In the illustrated embodiment, four pairs of arm mounts 572 are provided. Each arm mount includes a shaft recess 574.

The base 438 also includes a central annular boss 576 having an inwardly extending protrusion 578 that terminates above slots 580 extending radially through the central annular boss 576. The cam mechanism 436 is received in the central annular boss 576 and the vertical channel 550 of the cam 548 cooperates with the protrusion 578 in a known manner such that the button 430 is stable in a protruding position in which the top surface 452 of the button is offset from the upper surface 472 of the lid 414 (similar to the button 230 shown in fig. 13) and a depressed position in which the top surface 452 of the button 430 is closer to the upper surface 472 of the lid 414 than the protruding position. When the button 430 is in the depressed position, a top surface 452 of the button 430 can be substantially flush with an upper surface 472 of the cover 414 (see fig. 24). The ratchet teeth 546 on the gear 544 cooperate with ratchet teeth 552 on the cam 548 in a manner similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms, which enables the button to be held in one of a protruding position and a depressed position.

The liner 440 is a generally vertically oriented annular body 590. The annular body 590 of the liner 440 includes an inner surface 592 that fits around the base 438 and the web 434.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 20 and 21, a plurality of arms 602 are provided separate from the web 434, i.e., the arms are not integrally formed with the web 434. Each arm 602 operatively connects the button 430 with a respective gasket pusher 504. Movement of the button 430 causes movement of the arm 602, movement of the arm 602 causes movement of the gasket pusher 504, which in turn causes movement of the gasket 440.

Similar to the arms 302 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the arms 602 are equally angularly spaced from each other. Each arm 602 includes a proximal contact surface 620 that contacts a corresponding arm contact element 466 on the button 430. Each arm 602 includes a distal contact surface 622 that contacts a respective liner pusher 504. Each arm 602 also includes a shaft post 624, each of which is received in a respective shaft recess 574 for connecting the arm 602 with the base 438. Each arm 602 pivots about an axis centered with respect to the respective shaft column 624 when a downward (parallel to the central axis 442) force is applied to the proximal contact surface 620, or when a force perpendicular to the central axis 442 is applied to the distal contact surface 622.

The button 430 is movable in a first axial direction (parallel to arrow 442 in fig. 20) relative to the top cover 432 between a protruding position (as shown in fig. 22, and similar to the button 230 shown in fig. 13) and a depressed position in which a top surface 452 of the button 430 is flush with an upper surface 472 of the lid 414 (see fig. 24). Because the cam mechanism 436 is similar to known ballpoint pen mechanisms and because of the connection between the cam mechanism 436 and the push button 430, the push button 430 can remain in the depressed position until depressed again, at which time the spring 554 biases the push button 430 from the depressed position to the protruding position. Movement of the button 430 from the protruding position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of at least one of the arms 602 (each in the illustrated embodiment). When the button 430 is pressed, each arm 602 pivots on the axle 624. This pivotal movement of each arm 602 causes the cam-shaped distal contact surface 622 to contact the vertical contact surface 538 on the wall 536. Due to the cam shape of the distal contact surface 622, this pivoting motion of the arm 602 will cause the arm 602 to move (push) the liner pusher 504 in a second axial direction (parallel to arrow 444 in fig. 20), which causes the liner 440 to move toward an expanded state in which the liner 440 is in contact with the inner surface of the container. This is evident when comparing fig. 22 to 23. When the button 430 is in the depressed state (fig. 24), the gasket 440 contacts the inner surface of the container to seal the container. When the button 430 is in the pressed state, the button 430 may be pressed again, and the cam mechanism 436 may be operated such that the spring 554 biases the button 430 toward the protruding position. As the button 430 moves from the depressed position toward the projected position, the spring force exerted by the web 434, which is intended to return to its original shape, and the gasket 440, which is also intended to return to its original shape, acts on the distal contact surface 622 of each arm through the vertical contact surface 538 on the wall 536 of each gasket pusher 504. This causes each arm 602 to pivot in opposite directions at the axle 624 upon movement of the button 430. When the liner pusher 504 is pulled toward the central opening 540 of the web 434, the liner 440 no longer engages the inner surface of the container.

Fig. 25-27 illustrate another example of a web 634 that may be substituted for the web 234 shown in fig. 14. The web 634 is an integrally formed piece of plastic material including the hub 800, arms (including the longer arms 802 and the shorter arms 804), a gasket pusher (which includes the corner gasket pusher 806 and the center gasket pusher 808), and tension connector elements (which include the larger tension connector element 810 and the smaller tension connector element 812). Each

arm

802, 804 is connected to the hub 800 and is associated with a

respective cushion pusher

806, 808. Each

tensile connector element

810, 812 connects a

respective gasket pusher

806, 808 with an adjacent gasket pusher. Similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 14, movement of the button 230 (fig. 14) causes movement of the hub 800, which causes movement of the

arms

802, 804, which in turn causes movement of the

gasket pushers

806, 808, which in turn causes movement of the gasket 240 (fig. 14).

The hub 800 includes a central opening 814 that can receive the barb 262 (fig. 15) on the button 230 (fig. 15). A cross-shaped base 264 (fig. 15) fits into a central opening 814 of hub 800 in a manner that prevents button 230 from rotating relative to hub 800. Hub 800 includes ratchet teeth 816 (fig. 27), which ratchet teeth 816 mate with cam mechanism 236 (fig. 15) in the same manner as ratchet teeth 312 described above.

For the web 634 shown in fig. 25-27, the longer arms 802 extend outwardly from the lower end of the hub 800 and connect the hub 800 with the corresponding corner gasket pushers 806 located in the corners of the web 634. When viewed in plan (see fig. 25), the longer arms 802 to the left of the vertical centerline of the web 634 (ignoring the orientation of the central opening 314) are angularly spaced at an acute angle to one another. Likewise, the longer arms 802 to the right of the vertical centerline are angularly spaced at an acute angle to each other. In contrast, the longer arms 802 that are located above the horizontal centerline in fig. 25 are angularly spaced from each other at obtuse angles. Similarly, the longer arms 802 that lie below the horizontal centerline in fig. 25 are angularly spaced from each other at obtuse angles.

Referring to fig. 26, each longer arm 802 includes a first (proximal) hinge portion 820 and a second (distal) hinge portion 822; wherein a first (proximal) hinge 820 connects the longer arm 802 with the hub 800 and a second (distal) hinge 822 connects the corresponding corner gasket pusher 806 with the longer arm 802. Each

hinge portion

820 and 822 serves as a bent portion. The thickness of each

hinge portion

820 and 822 is thinner than the thickness of the portion of each longer arm 802 between the hinge portions. Each longer arm 802 operates in a similar manner to arm 302 described above, and thus the operation of each longer arm 802 will not be described in detail.

For the web 634 shown in fig. 25-27, the shorter arms 804 also extend outwardly from the lower end of the hub 800. Each shorter arm 804 is associated with a respective central pad pusher 808 located between the respective corner pad pushers 806 of the web 634. Referring to fig. 26, each shorter arm 804 includes a proximal hinge portion 830 that connects the shorter arm 804 with the hub 800, and further includes a distal portion 832 that is associated with and selectively contacts a respective central cushion pusher 808. The proximal hinge portion 830 serves as a bent portion. As the hub 800 moves downward in the direction of arrow 834, as shown in fig. 3, the wider distal portion 832, as compared to the remainder of the shorter arm 804, moves in a direction transverse (perpendicular, in the illustrated embodiment) to the arrow 834, along the base 238 (see fig. 14), toward the corresponding central pad pusher 808. After the distal portions 832 contact the respective center pad pushers 808, as the hub 800 continues to move downward, the distal portions 832 push the respective center pad pushers 808 outward in a lateral direction away from the hub 800.

Each of the

gasket pushers

806, 808 includes a respective

gasket contact surface

836, 838 that contacts the gasket 240. In the web 634 shown in fig. 25-27, each of the gasket contact surfaces 836 on the corner gasket pushers 806 is generally L-shaped and each of the gasket contact surfaces 838 on the center gasket pusher 808 are linear in plan view. Each corner gasket pusher 806 may include an opening 840 to provide a locating feature for the corner gasket pusher 806 and the web 234 and also limit the movement of the corner gasket pusher 806. Each of the center pad pushers 808 may include a notch 842 that receives a rib (not shown), the notch 842 extending downward from the top cover 232 (fig. 14), which prevents the center pad pusher 808 from moving in a direction other than the lateral direction described above.

The

tensile connector elements

810, 812 interconnect

adjacent gasket pushers

806, 808. In the embodiment shown in fig. 25-27, six

gasket pushers

806, 808 are provided, which are interconnected by six

tensile connector elements

810, 812, and each of the

tensile connector elements

810, 812 is annular. When the

gasket pushers

806, 808 are in the extended position, the

tensile connector elements

810, 812 are tensioned, forcing the gasket pushers back toward the retracted position. However, the cam mechanism 236 holds the

gasket pushers

806, 808 in the extended position until the button 230 is depressed again after the button 230 is in the depressed position.

The web 634 shown in fig. 25-27 includes longer arms 802 and shorter arms 804, each longer arm 802 being connected to a respective corner pad pusher 806 and hub 800, and the shorter arms 804 being connected to the hub 800 and having a distal portion 832. Wherein the configuration of the distal portion 832 offset the web 634 shown in fig. 26 relative to the corresponding center pad pusher 808 when the button 230 (fig. 15) is in the protruding position is the configuration of the button 230 (fig. 15) in the protruding position. When the button 230 (fig. 15) is in the depressed position, the distal portion 832 of each shorter arm 804 contacts the respective center pad pusher 808. In an alternative embodiment, a web similar to web 634 may include all of the arms connected to the hub, wherein the arms have distal portions that are offset relative to the corresponding pad pushers when the buttons (fig. 15) are in the protruding position, similar to the shorter arms 804 shown in fig. 25-27. In this alternative embodiment, the gasket 240 (fig. 15) and the tension connector may urge the gasket pusher from the extended position toward the retracted position after the button 230 is depressed when in the depressed position and the button is moved back toward the protruding position.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A storage container assembly comprising:

a container having an opening;

a cover for covering the opening, the cover comprising

A web comprising a hub and a plurality of arms;

a top cover defining an upper surface of the lid;

a button movable in a first axial direction relative to the top cover between a projected position in which a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the lid and a depressed position in which the top surface of the button is closer to the upper surface of the lid than the projected position;

a liner movable between a contracted state and an expanded state;

a plurality of liner pushers, each liner pusher movable in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein each liner pusher urges the liner toward the expanded state when moving from the retracted position to the extended position;

wherein the plurality of arms operatively connect the button with the plurality of gasket pushers, wherein movement of the button from the projected position toward the depressed position causes pivotal movement of each arm and moves each gasket pusher in the second axial direction, thereby causing the gasket to move toward the expanded state; wherein each arm includes a first hinge portion connecting the respective arm with the hub, and wherein at least one arm of the plurality of arms includes a distal portion that selectively contacts the respective gasket pusher.

2. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a spring biasing the button toward the protruding position.

3. The storage container assembly of claim 2, wherein the lid further comprises a cam mechanism comprising a cam and the spring.

4. The storage container assembly of claim 3, wherein the cam mechanism is configured to cooperate with the button such that when moved from the projected position to the depressed position, the button remains in the depressed position and the button remains in the depressed position until depressed again when in the depressed position.

5. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the web is an integrally formed sheet of plastic material including the plurality of gasket pushers and a plurality of tensile connector elements, wherein each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent gasket pushers.

6. The storage container assembly of claim 5, wherein each tensile connector element is annular.

7. The storage container assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of arms is coupled with the hub and is associated with a respective liner pusher.

8. The storage container assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of arms includes a second hinge portion connecting a respective gasket pusher with a respective arm including the second hinge portion.

9. The storage container assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one arm comprising the distal portion is shorter than the at least one arm comprising the second hinge portion.

10. A method of assembling a lid, the method comprising:

disposing the cam mechanism on a base;

disposing a web on the base, wherein the web comprises a hub, a plurality of arms, a plurality of gasket pushers, and a plurality of tensile connector elements, wherein each arm comprises a first hinge portion connecting the respective arm to the hub, each arm is connected to the hub and associated with the respective gasket pusher, and each tensile connector element interconnects adjacent gasket pushers, and wherein at least one of the plurality of arms comprises a distal portion that selectively contacts the respective gasket pusher;

connecting a button to the cam mechanism;

disposing a cap on the base and connecting the base with the cap, wherein the cap includes a button opening for receiving the button; and

attaching a pad to the base.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein disposing the cam mechanism on the base further comprises inserting a spring into or onto a boss disposed on the base and disposing a cam on the spring.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein coupling the button to the cam mechanism comprises inserting a barb on the button through a central opening into the hub.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each liner pusher includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the method further comprising molding the web in a configuration in which the lower end of the hub is vertically offset above the upper surface of each liner pusher.

14. A web for an inflatable cushion, the web comprising:

a hub;

a plurality of arms connected to and extending outwardly from the hub, wherein each arm includes a first hinge portion connecting the respective arm to the hub;

a plurality of pad pushers, each pad pusher associated with a respective arm, each pad pusher comprising a pad contact surface for contacting a pad, wherein movement of the hub in a first axial direction causes movement of the pad pusher in a second axial direction that is transverse to the first axial direction, wherein at least one arm of the plurality of arms comprises a distal portion that selectively contacts the respective pad pusher; and

a plurality of tensile connector elements, each tensile connector element interconnecting adjacent gasket pushers.

15. The web of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of arms includes a second hinge portion connecting a respective gasket pusher with a respective arm including the second hinge portion.

16. The web of claim 15, wherein the at least one arm comprising the distal portion is shorter than the at least one arm comprising the second hinge portion.