Package for sale, storage and application of two-part coatings

#The present disclosure is directed to application of multi-part coatings, such as two-part epoxy paint, and more particularly to a package for retail display, sale, storage and application of two-part coatings.

#A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a package, including a container and a lid, for retail display, sale, storage and application of multi-part coatings.

#A package in accordance with presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure includes a one-piece molded plastic container having a base, an outer wall, and at least one dividing wall extending across the outer wall to divide the container into at least first and second chambers that are separated from each other by the dividing wall. The container has an open end remote from the base, and a molded plastic lid is provided for receipt over the open end of the container. The lid is constructed for sealing engagement with the outer wall and the dividing wall to seal the chambers from each other and from ambient surrounding the package. In at least one of the chambers, the dividing wall preferably has protrusions, such as ribs or beads, for engagement by a coating application roller. One chamber preferably has structure, such as a well on the base of the container, for supporting a package of coating compound such as hardener. The package preferably is marketed with a first coating compound in liquid form in one chamber and a second coating compound in a package engaged by support structure in the other chamber.

#The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will best be understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package in accordance with one presently preferred embodiment of the disclosure;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in the package of FIG. 1 with the lid and the coating application tools removed;

#FIG. 1 illustrates a package 10 in accordance with one presently preferred embodiment of the disclosure as including a lid 12 removably secured to a container 14. Container 14 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2-5. Container 14 is of one-piece molded plastic construction, preferably substantially rectangular construction, and includes an outer wall 16 that extends entirely around the outside of the container between a base 18 and an open top end. A dividing wall 20 extends across sidewall 18 dividing container 14 into a first compartment or chamber 22 and a second compartment or chamber 24. Chambers 22, 24 are separated and sealed from each other dividing wall 20, which is formed integrally with outer wall 16 and base 18, such as in a thermoforming operation. A plurality of ribs 25 are molded into dividing wall 20, at least within chamber 22 and preferably within both chambers 22, 24. Ribs 25 are in a parallel chevron-shaped array in the illustrated embodiment. Base 18 is in two sections divided by the hollow interior of formed dividing wall 20, as best seen in FIG. 5, and forms a flat base support surface on which container 14 and package 10 can be rested.

#The open end of container 14 has a flat shoulder 26 that extends entirely around the perimeter of the container. The upper edge 27 of dividing wall 20 preferably is raised slightly above shoulder 26. Shoulder 26 and edge 27 preferably are parallel to the support plane of base 18. A continuous lip 28 extends upwardly from shoulder 26 and edge 27 entirely around chamber 22. (Directional words such as “upwardly,” “top” and “bottom” are employed by way of description and not limitation with respect to the upright orientation of the container and package illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.) Likewise, a continuous lip 30 extends upwardly from shoulder 26 and edge 27 entirely around chamber 24. Lips 28, 30 cooperate with lid 12 (FIGS. 1 and 5) to seal chambers 22, 24 from each other and from the surrounding atmosphere, as will be described. A well 32 (FIGS. 2-3 and 5) is formed on base 18 within chamber 22 for laterally supporting a can 34 containing one of the two coating components. A handle 36 is pivotally mounted on container 14 and extends along a long dimension of the container, generally in the plane of dividing wall 20.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, lid 12 has a generally flat body of thermoformed plastic construction. The body of lid 12 is of rectangular geometry corresponding to the geometry of container 14. The lid body has a first generally rectangular portion 40 for overlying chamber 22, a second generally rectangular portion 42 for overlying chamber 24, and a peripheral skirt 44 extending entirely around the body of the lid. A continuous channel is formed between portions 40, 42 and skirt 44. A first continuous seal 46 is disposed in this channel in surrounding engagement with lid portion 40. A second seal 48 is disposed in the channel in surrounding engagement with lid portion 42. A third seal 50 on skirt 44 surrounds both portions 40, 42. In assembly, lips 28, 30 (FIGS. 2 and 3) on container 14 are received between opposed sections of seals 46, 48, 50 (FIG. 6) to seal the package. A closure 52 (FIGS. 1 and 6) is removably secured to lid 12 in a position to overlie and be in alignment with chamber 24 for adding tint or colorant to the liquid component within chamber 24, as will be described. A tab 54 on the periphery of lid 12 adjacent to closure 46 is connected to a tear band 56, which is molded integrally with lid 12 and extends entirely around the periphery of the lid, to permit removal of the lid by a user.