CA2481584C - Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container - Google Patents
Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2481584C CA2481584C CA002481584A CA2481584A CA2481584C CA 2481584 C CA2481584 C CA 2481584C CA 002481584 A CA002481584 A CA 002481584A CA 2481584 A CA2481584 A CA 2481584A CA 2481584 C CA2481584 C CA 2481584C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- closure
- dispensing closure
- lug
- dispensing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0809—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/04—Orienting or positioning means
Abstract
A dispensing closure, including a horizontal deck, an aperture through the deck, arid a collar depending below the aperture in the deck, is snapped over an annular bead on the neck of a molded plastic bottle. A stop wall, comprising a pair of ribs mounted for pivotal movement, is formed in the interior of the body of the closure; a gap is centrally located between the ribs. A radially projecting lug, which is triangular when viewed in side elevation, is formed on the sloping collar of the container; a dovetailed segment is defined at the free end of the lug. The collar on the closure has interrupted beads, so that the dispensing closure is secured to the container by snapping the interrupted beads over the annular bead on the neck of the container. The ribs of the stop wall flex pivotally outwardly when contacting the outer end of the lug. The dispensing closure is rotated relative to the container, in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, so that the dovetailed segment of the lug projects into the central aperture in the stop wall; the free ends of the ribs engage the dovetailed segment and lock the closure into proper alignment with the container.
Description
DISPENSING CLOSURE WITH STOP WALL FOR
POSITIVE.ALIGNMENT ON CONTAINER
Field of the Invention:
[0001] The invention pertains to dispensing closures, employing stop walls, that cooperate with a lug defined on the neck of a plastic container to establish positive alignment of the dispensing closure relative to the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
POSITIVE.ALIGNMENT ON CONTAINER
Field of the Invention:
[0001] The invention pertains to dispensing closures, employing stop walls, that cooperate with a lug defined on the neck of a plastic container to establish positive alignment of the dispensing closure relative to the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dispensing closures, including lugs, stops, and the.
like, for positively aligning the closure relative to a specific location, on a plastic container, such as the front of a bottle, are known. To illustrate, U.S. Patent 5,143,234, granted September 1, 1992 to Richard Lohrman et al, discloses a dispensing closure (20), employing a living, or snap-acting, hinge (26), and utilizing an alignment rib (30) for providing a positive alignment of the thumb recess (14) for facilitating the lifting of a hinged closure lid (24). In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-5, cooperating alignment ribs (30, 48) are located upon the bottle neck and the interior of the closure.
The alignment ribs are interrelated in such a manner that when the closure is threaded up the bottle neck, the mating ribs do not contact one another in the first instance, but eventually contact and abut each other after at least one full turn of the closure upon the bottle neck, and before one and one-half full turns of the closure upon the bottle neck, thereby positioning the thumb recess (14) in the center of the bottle face, as shown in Figure 4. The bottle face contains the brand name of the product, an advertisement for such product, fanciful graphics, etc. so that the proper alignment of the dispensing closure is of commercial significance.
like, for positively aligning the closure relative to a specific location, on a plastic container, such as the front of a bottle, are known. To illustrate, U.S. Patent 5,143,234, granted September 1, 1992 to Richard Lohrman et al, discloses a dispensing closure (20), employing a living, or snap-acting, hinge (26), and utilizing an alignment rib (30) for providing a positive alignment of the thumb recess (14) for facilitating the lifting of a hinged closure lid (24). In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-5, cooperating alignment ribs (30, 48) are located upon the bottle neck and the interior of the closure.
The alignment ribs are interrelated in such a manner that when the closure is threaded up the bottle neck, the mating ribs do not contact one another in the first instance, but eventually contact and abut each other after at least one full turn of the closure upon the bottle neck, and before one and one-half full turns of the closure upon the bottle neck, thereby positioning the thumb recess (14) in the center of the bottle face, as shown in Figure 4. The bottle face contains the brand name of the product, an advertisement for such product, fanciful graphics, etc. so that the proper alignment of the dispensing closure is of commercial significance.
[0003] Another positive orientation system for a dispensing closure, with an internally threaded skirt, and a closure, is shown in U.S. Patent 5,145,080, granted September 8, 1992, to Leo R. Imbery, Jr. The Imbery, Jr. patent discloses a container (30) having a neck (36) defining an opening 138) to the interior of the container, an exte.rnal screw t}iread (50), and a protuberance (80) The protuberance has generally opposite abutment surfaces (leading surface 96, and trailing surface 98), and at least one cam surface (106, 110) extending between the abutment surfaces. The closure (32) has a skirt (44) defining an internal screw thread (48) for engaging the external screw thread on the container. The skirt defines a recess (82) for receiving a protuberance (80). The recess is defined at opposite ends by spaced-apart engaging surfaces (121, 122) for confronting the abutment surfaces of the protuberance. The skirt is sufficiently resilient, as shown in Figure 6, to deform as relative threading engagement is effected between the closure and the container neck to accommodate relative movement of the container neck and closure until the protuberance is received in the recess, as shown in Figure 5, to prevent relative rotation between the closure and the container.
[0004] Another positive orientation system for dispensing closures secured to plastic containers is disclosed in U.S.
Patent 6, 431, 381, granted August 13, 2002, to Jeffrey T. Randall.
In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-5, Randall discloses a closure (30) having a lug seal (50) that cooperates with a container neck lug (28) formed on a shoulder (27) on an interior surface (25) of the container neck (26). In the alternative embodiment of Figures 6-11, Randall discloses a positive orientation system employing at least one neck lug (128) on an end of the container neck (121), and the closure body (132) is provided with at least the closure neck lug (154) extending from the closure neck, and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the at least one (usually two) neck lugs. The engagement of the lugs limits the threaded engagement between the closure and the container during installation of the dispensing closure, but permits unthreading removal of the closure from the container, when necessary or desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides In combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) said container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from said container body, and a neck extending upwardly from said sloping collar, (b) an annular bead encircling said neck of said container, (c) a lug formed on said sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from said neck, (d) said dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a lid, and a hinge for securing said lid to said closure body for pivotal movement relative thereto, (e) said dispensing closure further comprising a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through said deck, and an annular collar surrounding said aperture and depending below said deck, (f) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar so that said annular collar may be snapped over said annular bead to seat the dispensing closure upon the container, (g) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of said dispensing closure, (h) said stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of said closure body of said dispensing closure, and (i) said stop wall cooperating with said lug to define a home position when said dispensing closure is rotated relative to said container after being seated thereon.
The versatile dispensing closure is forced downwardly and snapped over a bead on the neck of the container, and is subsequently aligned to the neck of the container by a rotational movement. The dispensing closure relies upon interrupted beads, on the interior of a depending collar, to seat the closure.
The invention also provides a dispensing closure with a stop wall situated in the interior of the closure for cooperation with a plastic container that is characterized by a radially extending lug, or stop. The dispensing closure is snapped into engagement with the neck of the container, and is then rotated until the deformable stop wall engages the lug, and captures same, to positively align for the cap relative to the body of the container.
The invention also includes a unitary, molded plastic dispensing closure with a stop wall located in the interior of the dispensing closure between the skirt and the centrally located collar. A central opening or aperture divides the stop wall into two spaced ribs; each rib is flexible. The ribs deform, until the lug is seated in the central aperture, thereby defining the positively oriented, or aligned, position of the dispensing closure relative to the body of the container. One rib will flex if the closure is rotated to position in the clockwise direction, the other rib is flexed if the closure is rotated to aligned position in the counter clockwise direction.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispensing closure for a container, comprising: a closure body, a deck extending from the closure body, an aperture formed through the deck, and an annular collar formed around the aperture and depending downwardly from the deck;
a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface -4a-of the closure body of the dispensing closure; and means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides in combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) the container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from the container body, and a neck extending upwardly from the sloping collar, (b) a lug formed on the sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from the neck, (c) the dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through the deck, and an annular collar surrounding the aperture and depending below the deck, (d) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of the closure body of the dispensing closure, (e) the stop wall cooperating with the lug to define a home position when the dispensing closure is rotated relative to the container after being seated thereon, and (f) means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method of aligning a dispensing closure in a distinct, home position upon a neck of a container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) said dispensing closure comprising a horizontally extending deck, an aperture formed through said deck, and an annular collar formed around said aperture and depending downwardly from said deck, (b) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar, (c) a stop wall defined on -4b-a chord extending across the interior of said dispensing closure, (d) said container comprising a body, a collar, and a neck extending upwardly from said collar, (e) a bead encircling said neck of said collar of said container, (f) a lug formed in said collar of said container and having an outer end extending radially outwardly from said neck, the method of aligning said dispensing closure upon said container comprising the steps of: (1) snapping said interrupted beads on said dispensing closure over said bead on the neck of said container so that said dispensing closure is seated thereon, (2) rotating said dispensing closure relative to said container, until (3) said stop wall in said dispensing closure is seated upon the outer end of said lug, thereby defining a position of positive alignment between said dispensing closure and said container.
The method is compatible with automated high speed assembly machines. The stop wall is preferably defined by a pair of flexible, pivotal ribs, and an aperture is formed between the free edges of the ribs to receive the lugs.
The dispensing closure may be rotated in the clockwise, or counterclockwise, direction until the ribs engage the opposite sides of the radially projecting lug on the container and define the aligned position for the closure.
Other features and advantages, of the instant invention will become readily apparent to the skilled artisan, when the appended drawings are construed in harmony with the specification.
Patent 6, 431, 381, granted August 13, 2002, to Jeffrey T. Randall.
In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-5, Randall discloses a closure (30) having a lug seal (50) that cooperates with a container neck lug (28) formed on a shoulder (27) on an interior surface (25) of the container neck (26). In the alternative embodiment of Figures 6-11, Randall discloses a positive orientation system employing at least one neck lug (128) on an end of the container neck (121), and the closure body (132) is provided with at least the closure neck lug (154) extending from the closure neck, and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the at least one (usually two) neck lugs. The engagement of the lugs limits the threaded engagement between the closure and the container during installation of the dispensing closure, but permits unthreading removal of the closure from the container, when necessary or desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides In combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) said container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from said container body, and a neck extending upwardly from said sloping collar, (b) an annular bead encircling said neck of said container, (c) a lug formed on said sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from said neck, (d) said dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a lid, and a hinge for securing said lid to said closure body for pivotal movement relative thereto, (e) said dispensing closure further comprising a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through said deck, and an annular collar surrounding said aperture and depending below said deck, (f) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar so that said annular collar may be snapped over said annular bead to seat the dispensing closure upon the container, (g) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of said dispensing closure, (h) said stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of said closure body of said dispensing closure, and (i) said stop wall cooperating with said lug to define a home position when said dispensing closure is rotated relative to said container after being seated thereon.
The versatile dispensing closure is forced downwardly and snapped over a bead on the neck of the container, and is subsequently aligned to the neck of the container by a rotational movement. The dispensing closure relies upon interrupted beads, on the interior of a depending collar, to seat the closure.
The invention also provides a dispensing closure with a stop wall situated in the interior of the closure for cooperation with a plastic container that is characterized by a radially extending lug, or stop. The dispensing closure is snapped into engagement with the neck of the container, and is then rotated until the deformable stop wall engages the lug, and captures same, to positively align for the cap relative to the body of the container.
The invention also includes a unitary, molded plastic dispensing closure with a stop wall located in the interior of the dispensing closure between the skirt and the centrally located collar. A central opening or aperture divides the stop wall into two spaced ribs; each rib is flexible. The ribs deform, until the lug is seated in the central aperture, thereby defining the positively oriented, or aligned, position of the dispensing closure relative to the body of the container. One rib will flex if the closure is rotated to position in the clockwise direction, the other rib is flexed if the closure is rotated to aligned position in the counter clockwise direction.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispensing closure for a container, comprising: a closure body, a deck extending from the closure body, an aperture formed through the deck, and an annular collar formed around the aperture and depending downwardly from the deck;
a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface -4a-of the closure body of the dispensing closure; and means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides in combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) the container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from the container body, and a neck extending upwardly from the sloping collar, (b) a lug formed on the sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from the neck, (c) the dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through the deck, and an annular collar surrounding the aperture and depending below the deck, (d) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of the closure body of the dispensing closure, (e) the stop wall cooperating with the lug to define a home position when the dispensing closure is rotated relative to the container after being seated thereon, and (f) means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method of aligning a dispensing closure in a distinct, home position upon a neck of a container for discharging the contents thereof, (a) said dispensing closure comprising a horizontally extending deck, an aperture formed through said deck, and an annular collar formed around said aperture and depending downwardly from said deck, (b) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar, (c) a stop wall defined on -4b-a chord extending across the interior of said dispensing closure, (d) said container comprising a body, a collar, and a neck extending upwardly from said collar, (e) a bead encircling said neck of said collar of said container, (f) a lug formed in said collar of said container and having an outer end extending radially outwardly from said neck, the method of aligning said dispensing closure upon said container comprising the steps of: (1) snapping said interrupted beads on said dispensing closure over said bead on the neck of said container so that said dispensing closure is seated thereon, (2) rotating said dispensing closure relative to said container, until (3) said stop wall in said dispensing closure is seated upon the outer end of said lug, thereby defining a position of positive alignment between said dispensing closure and said container.
The method is compatible with automated high speed assembly machines. The stop wall is preferably defined by a pair of flexible, pivotal ribs, and an aperture is formed between the free edges of the ribs to receive the lugs.
The dispensing closure may be rotated in the clockwise, or counterclockwise, direction until the ribs engage the opposite sides of the radially projecting lug on the container and define the aligned position for the closure.
Other features and advantages, of the instant invention will become readily apparent to the skilled artisan, when the appended drawings are construed in harmony with the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGURE 1 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure, constructed in accordance with the principles.
of the instant invention, showing the unique stop wall;
[0012] FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing closure of Figure 1;
[0013] FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a container, constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention, showing the radially extending stop;
[0014] FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the upper end of the container of Figure 3 and a fragment of the container body;.
[0015] FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the dispensing closure seated upon the container, with the lug on the container pressing one rib of the stop wall to pivot outwardly;
[0016] FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view, similar to Figure 5, but showing the lug on the container seated within the aperture in the stop wall; and [00171 FIGURES 7 and 8 are schematic views, showing the manner in which the dispensing closure is rotated so that the lug on the container interacts with the stop. wall to provide positive alignment for the closure.
[0011] FIGURE 1 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure, constructed in accordance with the principles.
of the instant invention, showing the unique stop wall;
[0012] FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing closure of Figure 1;
[0013] FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a container, constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention, showing the radially extending stop;
[0014] FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the upper end of the container of Figure 3 and a fragment of the container body;.
[0015] FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the dispensing closure seated upon the container, with the lug on the container pressing one rib of the stop wall to pivot outwardly;
[0016] FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view, similar to Figure 5, but showing the lug on the container seated within the aperture in the stop wall; and [00171 FIGURES 7 and 8 are schematic views, showing the manner in which the dispensing closure is rotated so that the lug on the container interacts with the stop. wall to provide positive alignment for the closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(0018) Figures 1 and 2 show an integrally molded disper:sing closure 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention. Dispensing closure 10 comprising a body 12, a lid 14, and a "living" hinge 16 for securing the lid to the body for pivotal movement relative thereto. Body 12 includes horizontally extending deck 18, with a centrally located aperture 20. An annular collar 22 depends below deck 18, and a plug seal 24 encircles aperture 20 and extends radially about the aperture.
Interrupted beads 26 are spaced around the inner face of collar 22.
[00191 A recess 30, which receives the thumb, or other finger, of the user of the dispensing closure, is located at the "front"
of the closure, diametrically opposite living hinge 16. When lid 14 is pivoted to its closed position, plug or spud 32 is pressed into central aperture 20 to seal same. When the lid is pivoted to its open position, it is retained in a position that does not impede the discharge of product through aperture 20. A camming lug 34 extends above hinge 16 and cooperates with cam surface 36 that extends above deck 18 on body 12, to stress hinge 16, within its resilient limits, to cause the lid to move, in a toggle-like manner, between its opened, and closed, positions.
[0020] Stop wall 38 is situated within the interior of body 12 of closure 10, between the exterior skirt and collar 22, as shown in Figure 1. Stop wall 38 extends across the annular body of closure 10 in chord-like fashion, as shown in Figure 2. A gap 40 is located in the central area of stop wall 38, to divide the stop wall into resilient ribs 42 and 44, of equal size.
Reinforcing stays, 46, 48 may be used to rigidify the ribs 42;
44, and prevent excessive deformation.
[0021] Figures 3 and 4 depict a deformable plastic container 50 to which, or upon which, dispensing closure 10 is applied.
Container 50 comprises a body 52, which may be cylindrical, a sloping collar 54, and a vertically extending neck, or finish, 56 that encircles a discharge passage 57. An annular bead 58 encircles neck 56, and a radially projecting lug 60 extends outwardly below neck 56. Lug 60 is triangular in shape, when -7' viewed in side elevation, in Figure 4. Triangular cut-outs are defined in opposing sides of 1;.:g 60, so that ~ne lug terminates, at its outer or remote end, ii-, a dovetailed segment 62.
[0021] Figure S shows collar 22 of dispensing closure 10 pressed downwardly so that interrupted beads 26 snap over annular bead 58 on neck 56 of container 50. The lower end of body 12 of closure 10 rests upon sloping collar 54. Rib 44 of stop wall 38 on dispensing closure 10 presses against the remote end 62 of lug 60, and pivots outwardly.
[0022] Figure 6 shows the position that the various structural components of the instant invention assume when a torque is applied to dispensing closure 10, after the closure has been seated upon container 50.
[0023] Figure 7 shows, in a schematic fashion, dispensing closure 10 snapped over bead 58 (not shown) on neck 56 of container 50. Stop wall 38 contacts dovetailed segment 62 of lug 60, and the lug forces rib 44 to flex outwardly. After closure is seated, conventional capping apparatus applies a rotational force or torque to closure 20 to rotate same typically in a clockwise direction, as indicated by the directional arrow.
[0024] The clockwise rotation of closure 10 allows dovetailed segment 62 of lug 60 to become seated with gap 40 between ribs 42, 44 of stop wall 38. The cut-outs in the dovetailed shape of segment 62 receive, and seat, the free ends, or edges, of ribs 42, 44, to define the aligned position between dispensing closure 10 and container 50. The seating action is sufficiently robust so that continued rotational torque imparted by the capping apparatus, is insufficiently robust so that continued rotational torque imparted by the capping apparatus, is insufficient to overcome same. The aligned position, in most instances;
indicates that the recess 30 at the "front" of the closure is aligned with the front face of the container, which bears the brand name, product description, fanciful graphics, and other information relating to the product retained within the container.
-F-[0025] Figure 8 shows dovetailed segment 62 on lug 60 retained in its "home" position by the er;gagement of the free ends of ribs 42, 44 with the cut-outs on opposite sides of dovetailed segment 62 on lug 60. The "home" position determines the positive alignment of dispensing closure 10 with container 50 so that recess 30 is situated at the "front" of the container, in alignment with the front label (not shown).
[0026] Modifications and revisions will readily occur to the skilled artisan; for example, the closure may be rotated counterclockwise, and segment 62 at the free end of lug 60 may assume a different shape. "Living" hinge 16 may be replaced by a plastic strap, or straps. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their literal terms, but should be broadly construed in a manner consistent with the breadth of the invention.
(0018) Figures 1 and 2 show an integrally molded disper:sing closure 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention. Dispensing closure 10 comprising a body 12, a lid 14, and a "living" hinge 16 for securing the lid to the body for pivotal movement relative thereto. Body 12 includes horizontally extending deck 18, with a centrally located aperture 20. An annular collar 22 depends below deck 18, and a plug seal 24 encircles aperture 20 and extends radially about the aperture.
Interrupted beads 26 are spaced around the inner face of collar 22.
[00191 A recess 30, which receives the thumb, or other finger, of the user of the dispensing closure, is located at the "front"
of the closure, diametrically opposite living hinge 16. When lid 14 is pivoted to its closed position, plug or spud 32 is pressed into central aperture 20 to seal same. When the lid is pivoted to its open position, it is retained in a position that does not impede the discharge of product through aperture 20. A camming lug 34 extends above hinge 16 and cooperates with cam surface 36 that extends above deck 18 on body 12, to stress hinge 16, within its resilient limits, to cause the lid to move, in a toggle-like manner, between its opened, and closed, positions.
[0020] Stop wall 38 is situated within the interior of body 12 of closure 10, between the exterior skirt and collar 22, as shown in Figure 1. Stop wall 38 extends across the annular body of closure 10 in chord-like fashion, as shown in Figure 2. A gap 40 is located in the central area of stop wall 38, to divide the stop wall into resilient ribs 42 and 44, of equal size.
Reinforcing stays, 46, 48 may be used to rigidify the ribs 42;
44, and prevent excessive deformation.
[0021] Figures 3 and 4 depict a deformable plastic container 50 to which, or upon which, dispensing closure 10 is applied.
Container 50 comprises a body 52, which may be cylindrical, a sloping collar 54, and a vertically extending neck, or finish, 56 that encircles a discharge passage 57. An annular bead 58 encircles neck 56, and a radially projecting lug 60 extends outwardly below neck 56. Lug 60 is triangular in shape, when -7' viewed in side elevation, in Figure 4. Triangular cut-outs are defined in opposing sides of 1;.:g 60, so that ~ne lug terminates, at its outer or remote end, ii-, a dovetailed segment 62.
[0021] Figure S shows collar 22 of dispensing closure 10 pressed downwardly so that interrupted beads 26 snap over annular bead 58 on neck 56 of container 50. The lower end of body 12 of closure 10 rests upon sloping collar 54. Rib 44 of stop wall 38 on dispensing closure 10 presses against the remote end 62 of lug 60, and pivots outwardly.
[0022] Figure 6 shows the position that the various structural components of the instant invention assume when a torque is applied to dispensing closure 10, after the closure has been seated upon container 50.
[0023] Figure 7 shows, in a schematic fashion, dispensing closure 10 snapped over bead 58 (not shown) on neck 56 of container 50. Stop wall 38 contacts dovetailed segment 62 of lug 60, and the lug forces rib 44 to flex outwardly. After closure is seated, conventional capping apparatus applies a rotational force or torque to closure 20 to rotate same typically in a clockwise direction, as indicated by the directional arrow.
[0024] The clockwise rotation of closure 10 allows dovetailed segment 62 of lug 60 to become seated with gap 40 between ribs 42, 44 of stop wall 38. The cut-outs in the dovetailed shape of segment 62 receive, and seat, the free ends, or edges, of ribs 42, 44, to define the aligned position between dispensing closure 10 and container 50. The seating action is sufficiently robust so that continued rotational torque imparted by the capping apparatus, is insufficiently robust so that continued rotational torque imparted by the capping apparatus, is insufficient to overcome same. The aligned position, in most instances;
indicates that the recess 30 at the "front" of the closure is aligned with the front face of the container, which bears the brand name, product description, fanciful graphics, and other information relating to the product retained within the container.
-F-[0025] Figure 8 shows dovetailed segment 62 on lug 60 retained in its "home" position by the er;gagement of the free ends of ribs 42, 44 with the cut-outs on opposite sides of dovetailed segment 62 on lug 60. The "home" position determines the positive alignment of dispensing closure 10 with container 50 so that recess 30 is situated at the "front" of the container, in alignment with the front label (not shown).
[0026] Modifications and revisions will readily occur to the skilled artisan; for example, the closure may be rotated counterclockwise, and segment 62 at the free end of lug 60 may assume a different shape. "Living" hinge 16 may be replaced by a plastic strap, or straps. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their literal terms, but should be broadly construed in a manner consistent with the breadth of the invention.
Claims (23)
1. In combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, a) said container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from said container body, and a neck extending upwardly from said sloping collar, b) an annular bead encircling said neck of said container, c) a lug formed on said sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from said neck, d) said dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a lid, and a hinge for securing said lid to said closure body for pivotal movement relative thereto, e) said dispensing closure further comprising a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through said deck, and an annular collar surrounding said aperture and depending below said deck, f) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar so that said annular collar may be snapped over said annular bead to seat the dispensing closure upon the container, g) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of said dispensing closure, h) said stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of said closure body of said dispensing closure, and i) said stop wall cooperating with said lug to define a home position when said dispensing closure is rotated relative to said container after being seated thereon.
2. The container and closure combination of claim 1 wherein reinforcing stays are employed to strengthen said ribs comprising a pair of raised shoulders positioned on the length of one end of the ribs and adjacent to the central gap.
3. The container and closure combination of claim 1 or 2 wherein said lug is triangular when viewed in side elevation, said lug having an upper end, the upper end of the lug extending parallel to and spaced below said bead on said container.
4. The container and closure combination of claim 3 wherein a segment is formed at a radially extending outer end of said lug by narrowing a portion of said lug to form the segment.
5. The container and closure combination of claim 4 wherein a triangular insert is removed from each of the opposite sides of said segment, thereby forming a dovetailed shape for said segment.
6. The container and closure combination of claim 5 wherein said dovetailed shape of said lug promotes locking of the closure in the aligned or home position, even when relatively high torques are applied to the dispensing closure.
7. The container and closure combination of claim 6 wherein relatively high torques can be applied to said dispensing closure in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
8. The container and closure combination of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a recess is formed in the closure body of said dispensing closure diametrically opposite said hinge, said recess enabling the user to lift said cap and pivot same away from said closure body.
9. A method of aligning a dispensing closure in a distinct, home position upon a neck of a container for discharging the contents thereof, a) said dispensing closure comprising a horizontally extending deck, an aperture formed through said deck, and an annular collar formed around said aperture and depending downwardly from said deck, b) interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of said annular collar, c) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of said dispensing closure, d) said container comprising a body, a collar, and a neck extending upwardly from said collar, e) a bead encircling said neck of said collar of said container, f) a lug formed in said collar of said container and having an outer end extending radially outwardly from said neck, the method of aligning said dispensing closure upon said container comprising the steps of:
1) snapping said interrupted beads on said dispensing closure over said bead on the neck of said container so that said dispensing closure is seated thereon, 2) rotating said dispensing closure relative to said container, until 3) said stop wall in said dispensing closure is seated upon the outer end of said lug, thereby defining a position of positive alignment between said dispensing closure and said container.
1) snapping said interrupted beads on said dispensing closure over said bead on the neck of said container so that said dispensing closure is seated thereon, 2) rotating said dispensing closure relative to said container, until 3) said stop wall in said dispensing closure is seated upon the outer end of said lug, thereby defining a position of positive alignment between said dispensing closure and said container.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said stop wall further comprises a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, said gap being sized to receive the outer end of said lug on said container.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein a dovetailed segment is defined at the outer end of the lug, said segment projecting between, and cooperating with, said ribs on such stop wall to promote locking of the dispensing closure in the aligned position.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the dispensing closure can be rotated, in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, by automated assembly machinery.
13. In combination, a container and a dispensing closure secured to said container for discharging the contents thereof, a) the container comprising a container body, a sloping collar sloping inwardly and upwardly from the container body, and a neck extending upwardly from the sloping collar, b) a lug formed on the sloping collar and extending radially outwardly and away from the neck, c) the dispensing closure comprising a closure body, a deck extending horizontally from the closure body, an aperture through the deck, and an annular collar surrounding the aperture and depending below the deck, d) a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of the closure body of the dispensing closure, e) the stop wall cooperating with the lug to define a home position when the dispensing closure is rotated relative to the container after being seated thereon, and f) means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
14. The container and closure combination of claim 13 wherein reinforcing stays are employed to strengthen said ribs comprising a pair of raised shoulders positioned on the length of one end of the ribs and adjacent to the central gap.
15. The container and closure combination of claim 13 or 14 wherein said lug further includes an upper end and said lug is triangular when viewed in side elevation, the upper end of the lug extending parallel to and spaced below said annular bead on said container.
16. The container and closure combination of claim 15 wherein a segment is formed at a radially extending outer end of said lug by narrowing a portion of said lug to form the segment.
17. The container and closure combination of claim 16 wherein said segment has a dovetail-shaped profile when viewed from a top view.
18. The container and closure combination of claim 17 wherein said dovetailed shape of said lug promotes locking of the closure in the aligned or home position, even when relatively high torques are applied to the dispensing closure.
19. The container and closure combination of claim 18 wherein relatively high torques can be applied to said dispensing closure in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
20. The container and closure combination of any one of claims 13 to 19 wherein the means for securing the dispensing closure to the container comprises interrupted beads defined on the interior surface of the annular collar which cooperate with a bead encircling the neck of the container.
21. A dispensing closure for a container, comprising:
a closure body, a deck extending from the closure body, an aperture formed through the deck, and an annular collar formed around the aperture and depending downwardly from the deck;
a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of the closure body of the dispensing closure; and means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
a closure body, a deck extending from the closure body, an aperture formed through the deck, and an annular collar formed around the aperture and depending downwardly from the deck;
a stop wall defined on a chord extending across the interior of the closure body of the dispensing closure, the stop wall including a pair of ribs separated by a central gap, each rib being pivotally joined to an interior surface of the closure body of the dispensing closure; and means for securing the dispensing closure to the container.
22. The dispensing closure of claim 21 wherein reinforcing stays are employed to strengthen said ribs comprising a pair of raised shoulders positioned on the length of one end of the ribs adjacent to the central gap.
23. The dispensing closure of claim 21 or 22 wherein the means for securing the dispensing closure to the container comprises interrupted beads defined on an interior surface of the annular collar which cooperate with an annular bead on the neck of the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/664,871 US7128227B2 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2003-09-22 | Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container |
| US10/664,871 | 2003-09-22 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2481584A1 CA2481584A1 (en) | 2005-03-22 |
| CA2481584C true CA2481584C (en) | 2008-11-25 |
Family
ID=34312821
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002481584A Expired - Fee Related CA2481584C (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-14 | Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7128227B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2481584C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102004045073B4 (en) |
Families Citing this family (30)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2872792B1 (en) * | 2004-07-06 | 2006-08-11 | Cebal Sas Soc Par Actions Simp | LIGHTWEIGHT PLASTIC FLEXIBLE TUBES AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME |
| US7510095B2 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2009-03-31 | Berry Plastics Corporation | System comprising a radially aligned container and closure |
| US7549559B2 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2009-06-23 | Conroy Foods, Inc. | Directional pour spout container cap |
| US8308004B2 (en) * | 2005-11-22 | 2012-11-13 | Rexam Healthcare Packaging Inc. | Dispensing package having non-removable and non-rotatable dispensing closure |
| US20070187351A1 (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2007-08-16 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Tab-interconnected dispensing closure and container neck finish |
| US7766197B2 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2010-08-03 | Silgan Plastics Corporation | Closure with selectable dispensing orifices |
| US7635071B1 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2009-12-22 | Rexam Closures And Containers Inc. | Double shell dispensing closure with a reverse tapered drop lug |
| US7648051B1 (en) | 2006-08-09 | 2010-01-19 | Rexam Closures And Containers Inc. | Double shell dispensing closure with a reverse tapered drop lug |
| US7637402B2 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2009-12-29 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing cap with center channel and helical flow profile |
| WO2008067529A2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-05 | Rockline Industries, Inc. | Push button dispensing lid |
| US7614519B2 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2009-11-10 | Rockline Industries, Inc. | Push button dispensing lid |
| US7644843B1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2010-01-12 | Rexam Closures And Containers Inc. | Reverse taper dispensing orifice seal |
| US20080302797A1 (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2008-12-11 | Evan Ira Phillips | Container |
| US20090101646A1 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-23 | Whitewave Services, Inc. | Storage and Dispensing System |
| US8251263B2 (en) | 2008-03-24 | 2012-08-28 | Mary Kay Inc. | Container caps and systems |
| EP2535291A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2012-12-19 | Polytop LLC | Dispensing closure |
| EA018432B1 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2013-07-30 | Мэри Кей Инк. | Cap (variants) and container (variants) |
| US20100126992A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2010-05-27 | Evan Ira Phillips | Container |
| US8857644B2 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2014-10-14 | B.E. Inventive, Llc | Container |
| US8651304B2 (en) | 2011-06-08 | 2014-02-18 | Mwv Slatersville, Llc | Dispensing closure |
| ITVI20110267A1 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2013-04-06 | Giflor S R L | CONTAINER FOR PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR FLUID PRODUCTS. |
| US8870004B2 (en) | 2011-10-25 | 2014-10-28 | Target Brands, Inc. | Pharmacy bottle, system, and method |
| US8758322B2 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2014-06-24 | Target Brands, Inc. | Dispensing insert for a medicine containment and dispensing system and associated method |
| GB2519205B (en) | 2013-08-16 | 2017-02-08 | Mwv Slatersville Llc | Two-piece child-resistant dispensing closure |
| USD747649S1 (en) | 2014-01-15 | 2016-01-19 | B.E. Inventive, Llc | Can end |
| USD747199S1 (en) | 2014-01-15 | 2016-01-12 | B.E. Inventive, Llc | Closure for can |
| CN108473237B (en) | 2015-12-23 | 2019-12-10 | 荷兰联合利华有限公司 | Closure member |
| USD920046S1 (en) | 2019-05-23 | 2021-05-25 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Container cap with drink vessel |
| USD980069S1 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2023-03-07 | Ball Corporation | Metallic dispensing lid |
| US20230055070A1 (en) * | 2021-08-19 | 2023-02-23 | Closure Systems International Inc. | One-piece closure |
Family Cites Families (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3263850A (en) | 1963-10-09 | 1966-08-02 | Scott Plastics Corp | Bottle cap and liner |
| US3458052A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1969-07-29 | Aluminum Extrusions Inc | Structural support arrangement and method of assembling |
| GB1430302A (en) | 1973-03-15 | 1976-03-31 | Johnsen Jorgensen Plastics Ltd | Tmperproof container and closure assembly |
| US4301937A (en) | 1978-05-31 | 1981-11-24 | Maxcap, Inc. | Blow molded plastic bottle and plastic cap |
| US4289248A (en) * | 1979-10-15 | 1981-09-15 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Container closure assembly having intermediate positioning means |
| US5054268A (en) | 1989-09-01 | 1991-10-08 | Anchor Hocking Packaging Company | Press on, screw tight means for applying a closure |
| US5096083A (en) | 1990-05-08 | 1992-03-17 | Essef Corporation | Polyethylene shipping drum |
| US5145080A (en) | 1991-04-26 | 1992-09-08 | Seaquist Closures | Positive orientation system for a threaded closure and container |
| US5279434A (en) * | 1991-06-28 | 1994-01-18 | Tubolast Hispania S.A. | Tubular container with a non-removable workable cap |
| US5143234A (en) | 1991-08-12 | 1992-09-01 | Zeller Closures, Inc. | Single walled dispensing closures with positive alignment means |
| US5547091A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1996-08-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Dispensing container snap hinge closure |
| US5386918A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1995-02-07 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | Closure with tamper evidence structure |
| DE19602258A1 (en) | 1996-01-23 | 1997-07-24 | Cebal Verpackungen | Plastic tube with a tube body, and process for its manufacture |
| US5690242A (en) | 1996-03-25 | 1997-11-25 | Winfield Industries | Sharps disposal container cap securement arrangement |
| US5699922A (en) | 1996-05-21 | 1997-12-23 | Mhd Corporation | Detachable closure system for an open-ended tubular member |
| US5806698A (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 1998-09-15 | Tuboplast Hispana, S.A. | Assembly device for hinge-caps with finger cot, on container tubes provided with printing |
| DE19652148C2 (en) | 1996-12-14 | 2002-04-18 | Linhardt Metallwarenfabr Gmbh | Containers, especially bottles |
| US5988412A (en) | 1997-12-17 | 1999-11-23 | Rexam Plastics, Inc. | Safety closure having an internal locking lug |
| US6105801A (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-08-22 | Rexam Medical Packaging, Inc. | Container having collapsible neck finish |
| US6431381B1 (en) | 2000-10-11 | 2002-08-13 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Positive orientation systems for closures and containers |
| US6571994B1 (en) * | 2001-12-12 | 2003-06-03 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Closure having rotatable spout and axially movable stem |
| US20040162011A1 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2004-08-19 | Jsr Corporation | Aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing and production process of semiconductor device |
-
2003
- 2003-09-22 US US10/664,871 patent/US7128227B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-09-14 CA CA002481584A patent/CA2481584C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-09-15 DE DE102004045073A patent/DE102004045073B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US7128227B2 (en) | 2006-10-31 |
| DE102004045073B4 (en) | 2006-04-06 |
| DE102004045073A1 (en) | 2005-10-13 |
| US20050061765A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 |
| CA2481584A1 (en) | 2005-03-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2481584C (en) | Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container | |
| CA1337487C (en) | Closure for container and method and apparatus for forming the closure | |
| US7281638B2 (en) | Snap-hinge closure with tamper-evident lid and method of making | |
| US6405885B1 (en) | Locking tamper-evident dispensing closure | |
| AU2007238054B2 (en) | Tapered thread structure | |
| US20060186078A1 (en) | Screw on dispensing closure with structure for preventing removal | |
| US6029834A (en) | Childproof and tamper-proof container closure for containers | |
| CA2506602A1 (en) | Self-adjusting re-sealable spring center seal closure | |
| NZ243604A (en) | Snap hinge dispensing bottle closure: aligns a thumb recess on closure with bottle front | |
| AU2007259350A1 (en) | Closure system with orientation and removal capability | |
| JPH07500304A (en) | Integral fitting and cap with tampering band | |
| JP4053770B2 (en) | Container sealing system | |
| US6234334B1 (en) | Single-piece plastic lid | |
| JPH09183455A (en) | Lid made of plastic | |
| US7635071B1 (en) | Double shell dispensing closure with a reverse tapered drop lug | |
| US5036991A (en) | Tamper evident-cap for containers | |
| EP1440014B1 (en) | A closing element for containers | |
| CA1121760A (en) | Tamper-proof closure and method of making same | |
| EP3233650B1 (en) | A cap for a container and a package comprising such a cap | |
| EP1968857B1 (en) | Dispensing package having non-removable and non-rotatable dispensing closure | |
| EP3842358B1 (en) | Capping device intended to be fixed to a neck of a container | |
| US20040256421A1 (en) | Container with Alignable Dispensing Openings | |
| GB2277320A (en) | Container and tamper evident closure. | |
| GB2406561A (en) | Dispensing closure with stop wall for positive alignment on container | |
| GB2280895A (en) | Closure devices with compressible core seal |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150914 |