U.S. patent application number 10/720678 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for closure for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Drug Plastics & Glass Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Biesecker, Frederick N., Rochow, Donald, Sprishen, Gregory.
Application Number | 20050109782 10/720678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34591611 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050109782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Biesecker, Frederick N. ; et
al. |
May 26, 2005 |
Closure for a container
Abstract
A closure for a container. The closure includes an annular skirt
and a lid attached to the skirt by a living hinge, and a latch
which releasably engages an outer surface of the skirt to hold the
lid in a closed position. When the lid is in the closed position,
an upper surface of the lid is substantially coplanar with the
living hinge and an upper surface of the skirt. The closure has an
opening having an area which is substantially equal to the area of
an opening of the container. The closure may be adapted for use
with various types of existing container neck designs. The closure,
including the skirt, lid, hinge and latch, is formed as an
integral, one piece assembly.
Inventors: |
Biesecker, Frederick N.;
(Boyertown, PA) ; Sprishen, Gregory;
(Collegeville, PA) ; Rochow, Donald;
(Douglassville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD L.L.P.
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-7013
US
|
Assignee: |
Drug Plastics & Glass Company,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34591611 |
Appl. No.: |
10/720678 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/259.1 ;
215/237; 220/835; 220/837 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20130101;
B65D 2251/1058 20130101; B65D 2543/00379 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/259.1 ;
220/837; 220/835; 215/237 |
International
Class: |
B65D 043/14; B65D
051/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A closure for a container comprising: a generally annular skirt
including opposed outer and inner surfaces, the skirt including a
generally planar upper surface and a ledge extending from the inner
surface and disposed proximate the upper surface, the upper surface
having a generally circular opening extending therethrough; a
generally circular and planar lid at least generally coextensive
with the opening, having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a
living hinge connecting the upper surface of the skirt and the top
surface of the lid and supporting the lid for movement between a
closed position, wherein the upper surface of the skirt and the top
surface of the lid are generally coplanar, with the bottom surface
of the lid being in engagement with the ledge, and an open
position, wherein the lid is pivoted away from the upper surface of
the skirt to access the opening, wherein the hinge has a length
between the upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of the
lid which is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the
skirt and the top surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed
position; and a latch extending from the lid and being releaseably
engaged with the outer surface of the skirt when the lid is in the
closed position.
2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the length of the living hinge
subtends an arc along a circumference of the lid, the arc being in
the range of about 15 to 35 degrees.
3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the skirt, the hinge, the lid
and the latch are formed as an integral, one-piece assembly.
4. The closure of claim 1, the outer surface further including a
generally linear protrusion and a generally smooth area adjacent
the protrusion on a side of the protrusion opposite from the upper
surface, wherein the latch is generally L-shaped and has a first
leg extending generally radially from the lid over the upper
surface of the skirt and a second leg extending generally
perpendicularly from the first leg such that the second leg is in
facing relationship with the protrusion, the second leg including a
generally linear indent extending radially into the second leg, the
protrusion being complementarily received in the indent when the
lid is in a closed position to releasably hold the lid in the
closed position, and wherein the latch is released by application
of force to the second leg to pull the indent out of engagement
with the protrusion.
5. The closure of claim 1, the outer surface further including a
generally linear indent and a generally smooth area adjacent the
indent on a side of the indent opposite from the upper surface,
wherein the latch is generally L-shaped and has a first leg
extending generally radially from the lid over the upper surface of
the skirt and a second leg extending generally perpendicularly from
the first leg such that the second leg is in facing relationship
with the indent, the second leg including a generally linear
protrusion extending radially from the second leg, the protrusion
being complementarily received in the indent when the lid is in a
closed position to releasably hold the lid in the closed position,
and wherein the latch is released by application of force to the
second leg to pull the protrusion out of engagement with the
indent.
6. The closure of claim 1, in combination with a container having
an annular neck portion defining a neck opening having a neck
opening area, wherein the skirt opening has an area substantially
equal the container neck opening area.
7. A closure for a container comprising: a generally annular skirt
including outer and inner annular surfaces, the skirt further
including an upper surface, the outer surface including a generally
linear protrusion and a generally smooth area adjacent the
protrusion on a side of the protrusion opposite from the upper
surface, the upper surface having an opening extending
therethrough; a generally planar lid sized to complementarily fit
within the opening and being pivotally mounted to the skirt for
movement between a closed position which closes the opening and an
open position which exposes the opening; and a generally L-shaped
latch extending from the lid having a first leg extending generally
radially from the lid over the upper surface of the skirt and a
second leg extending generally perpendicularly from the first leg
such that the second leg is in facing relationship with the
protrusion, the second leg including a generally linear indent
extending radially into the second leg, the protrusion being
complementarily received in the indent when the lid is in a closed
position to releasably hold the lid in the closed position, and
wherein the latch is released by application of force to the second
leg to pull the indent out of engagement with the protrusion.
8. The closure of claim 7, wherein the skirt, the hinge, the lid
and the latch are formed as an integral, one-piece assembly.
9. The closure of claim 7, wherein the generally smooth area is in
the form of a generally planar recessed area in the outer
surface.
10. The closure of claim 7, further comprising a tamper-evident
member removably attached to the outer annular surface by at least
one frangible member and positioned adjacent the protrusion to
block access to the second end of the latch when the lid is in the
closed position.
11. A combination container and closure system, comprising: a
container including an annular neck defining a container opening,
the container opening defining a first area; a closure including: a
generally annular skirt including an outer surface and an inner
surface and the skirt further including an upper surface having a
closure opening extending therethrough, the closure opening
defining a second area, the first and second areas being
substantially equal in size and shape; a generally planar lid sized
to complementarily fit within the closure opening and being
pivotally mounted to the skirt for movement between a closed
position which closes the opening and an open position which
exposes the opening; and a latch extending from the lid and being
releaseably engaged with the skirt when the lid is in the closed
position, wherein an area of the closure opening is at least equal
to an area of the container opening.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the skirt, the lid and the
latch are formed as an integral, one-piece assembly.
13. The combination of claim 11, the outer surface further
including a generally linear protrusion and a generally smooth area
adjacent the protrusion on a side of the protrusion opposite from
the upper surface, wherein the latch is generally L-shaped and has
a first leg extending generally radially from the lid over the
upper surface of the skirt and a second leg extending generally
perpendicularly from the first leg such that the second leg is in
facing relationship with the protrusion, the second leg including a
generally linear indent extending radially into the second leg, the
protrusion being complementarily received in the indent when the
lid is in a closed position to releasably hold the lid in the
closed position, and wherein the latch is released by application
of force to the second leg to pull the indent out of engagement
with the protrusion.
14. The combination of claim 11, the outer surface further
including a generally linear indent and a generally smooth area
adjacent the indent on a side of the indent opposite from the upper
surface, wherein the latch is generally L-shaped and has a first
leg extending generally radially from the lid over the upper
surface of the skirt and a second leg extending generally
perpendicularly from the first leg such that the second leg is in
facing relationship with the indent, the second leg including a
generally linear protrusion extending radially from the second leg,
the protrusion being complementarily received in the indent when
the lid is in a closed position to releasably hold the lid in the
closed position, and wherein the latch is released by application
of force to the second leg to pull the protrusion out of engagement
with the indent.
15. The combination of claim 13, further comprising a
tamper-evident member removably attached to the outer annular
surface by at least one frangible member and positioned adjacent
the protrusion to block access to the second end of the latch when
the lid is in the closed position.
16. A closure for use with a container having an annular neck with
an outer surface and a raised bead projecting radially from the
outer surface, the raised bead having a first end and a second end
and extending continuously between the first and second ends
circumferentially around the neck, and a gap between the first and
second ends extending over a first arc having a first length, the
closure comprising: a generally annular skirt including an outer
surface and an inner surface, the skirt further including an upper
surface and a lower surface, the upper surface having an opening
extending therethrough, and a plurality of retaining members
extending radially inwardly from the inner surface, each of the
retaining members being spaced about a circumference of the skirt
such that any 180 degree arc of the circumference contains at least
one retaining member, and each of the retaining members extends
over a second arc having a second length which is greater than the
first length; a generally planar lid having a top surface and a
bottom surface and being sized to complementarily fit within the
opening and being pivotally mounted to the skirt by a hinge
connecting the upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of
the lid for movement between a closed position which closes the
opening and an open position which exposes the opening; and a latch
extending from the lid and being releaseably engaged with the skirt
when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the closure is
snapped onto the neck of the container such that the bead is
positioned between the retaining members and the upper surface and
is retained to the container by an interference between the
retaining members and the raised bead, the interference preventing
the closure from being removed from the container.
17. The closure of claim 16, wherein the skirt, the lid and the
latch are formed as an integral, one-piece assembly.
18. The closure of claim 16, the skirt further including a ledge
extending from the inner surface and disposed proximate the upper
surface, wherein in the closed position, the upper surface of the
skirt and the top surface of the lid are generally coplanar, with
the bottom surface of the lid being in engagement with the ledge,
and wherein the hinge has a length between the upper surface of the
skirt and the top surface of the lid which is substantially
coplanar with the upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of
the lid when the lid is in the closed position.
19. The closure of claim 16, the outer surface further including a
generally linear protrusion and a generally smooth area adjacent
the protrusion on a side of the protrusion opposite from the upper
surface, wherein the latch is generally L-shaped and has a first
leg extending generally radially from the lid over the upper
surface of the skirt and a second leg extending generally
perpendicularly from the first leg such that the second leg is in
facing relationship with the protrusion, the second leg including a
generally linear indent extending radially into the second leg, the
protrusion being received in the indent when the lid is in a closed
position to releasably hold the lid in the closed position, and
wherein the latch is released by application of force to the second
leg to pull the indent out of engagement with the protrusion.
20. The closure of claim 19, further comprising a tamper-evident
member removably attached to the outer annular surface and
positioned adjacent the protrusion to block access to the second
end of the latch when the lid is in the closed position.
21. The closure of claim 16, the container having a container neck
opening having a container neck opening area, wherein the closure
skirt opening has an area at least equal to the container neck
opening area.
22. A combination of a closure and a container, comprising: the
container having an annular neck with an outer surface and a raised
bead projecting radially from the outer surface, the raised bead
having a first end and a second end and extending continuously
between the first and second ends circumferentially around the
neck, and a gap between the first and second ends extending over a
first arc having a first length; the closure, comprising: a
generally annular skirt including an outer surface and an inner
surface, the skirt further including an upper surface and a lower
surface, the upper surface having an opening extending
therethrough, and a plurality of retaining members extending
radially inwardly from the inner surface, each of the retaining
members being spaced about a circumference of the skirt such that
any 180 degree arc of the circumference contains at least one
retaining member, and each of the retaining members extends over a
second arc having a second length which is greater than the first
length; a generally planar lid having a top surface and a bottom
surface and being sized to complementarily fit within the opening
and being pivotally mounted to the skirt by a hinge connecting the
upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of the lid for
movement between a closed position which closes the opening and an
open position which exposes the opening; and a latch extending from
the lid and being releaseably engaged with the skirt when the lid
is in the closed position, wherein the closure is snapped onto the
neck of the container such that the bead is positioned between the
retaining members and the upper surface and is retained to the
container by an interference between the retaining members and the
raised bead, the interference preventing the closure from being
removed from the container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a closure for a container
intended for use with pharmaceuticals or other products. More
particularly, the invention relates to closures having a hinged
lid.
[0002] Numerous designs exist within the prior art for container
closures. Design objectives of manufacturers of container closures
include ease of manufacture, adaptability of the design for use
with multiple existing container designs, ease of use by an end
user and low cost. Ease of use is influenced by factors such as the
size of the opening of the closure and ease of operation of the
closure latch.
[0003] Hinged closures are particularly desirable for use by
persons with reduced hand strength, as would be typical of someone
afflicted with arthritis in their hands. A closure having a hinged
lid eliminates the need to remove the closure from the container
neck. As closures are typically firmly secured to containers during
the packaging process, eliminating the need to completely remove
the closure can be advantageous.
[0004] Hinged closures having a cap opening which is large relative
to the container neck opening are particularly desirable, as larger
cap openings increase the utility of the closure by making it
adaptable for use with capsules and other dispensed products having
a wider range of sizes. A lid hinge design consistent with
maximizing the cap opening is thus also highly desirable.
Furthermore, a latch design which holds the hinged lid securely
fastened, while also allowing the latch to be readily released and
the lid opened would also be highly desirable. Still further, a
closure which is adapted for use with multiple styles of existing
container designs would be desirable, as such versatility would
reduce costs to manufacturers and ultimately to consumers by
reducing the need for new manufacturing tooling. Accordingly, a new
hinged closure providing a high degree of ease of use,
adaptability, ease of manufacturing and low cost would be
advantageous and desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly stated, in a first aspect the invention is a closure
for a container comprising a generally annular skirt including
opposed outer and inner surfaces. The skirt further includes: a
generally planar upper surface and a ledge extending from the inner
surface and disposed proximate the upper surface, the upper surface
having a generally circular opening extending therethrough. A
generally circular and planar lid at least generally coextensive
with the opening is provided, having a top surface and a bottom
surface; and a living hinge connecting the upper surface of the
skirt and the top surface of the lid and supporting the lid for
movement between a closed position. The upper surface of the skirt
and the top surface of the lid are generally coplanar, with the
bottom surface of the lid being in engagement with the ledge. In an
open position, the lid is pivoted away from the upper surface of
the skirt to access the opening. The hinge has a length between the
upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of the lid which is
substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the skirt and the
top surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position. A
latch extends from the lid and is releaseably engaged with the
outer surface of the skirt when the lid is in the closed
position.
[0006] In a second aspect, the invention is a closure for a
container comprising a generally annular skirt including outer and
inner annular surfaces. The skirt further includes an upper
surface. The outer surface includes a generally linear protrusion
and a generally smooth area adjacent the protrusion on a side of
the protrusion opposite from the upper surface. The upper surface
has an opening extending therethrough. A generally planar lid is
sized to complementarily fit within the opening and is pivotally
mounted to the skirt for movement between a closed position which
closes the opening and an open position which exposes the opening.
A generally L-shaped latch extends from the lid and has a first leg
extending generally radially from the lid over the upper surface of
the skirt and a second leg extending generally perpendicularly from
the first leg such that the second leg is in facing relationship
with the protrusion. The second leg includes a generally linear
indent extending radially into the second leg. The protrusion is
complementarily received in the indent when the lid is in a closed
position to releasably hold the lid in the closed position. The
latch is released by application of force to the second leg to pull
the indent out of engagement with the protrusion.
[0007] In a third aspect, the invention is a combination container
and closure system. The container includes an annular neck defining
a container opening defining a first area. The closure includes a
generally annular skirt including an outer surface and an inner
surface. The skirt further includes an upper surface having a
closure opening extending therethrough. The closure opening defines
a second area. The first and second areas are substantially equal
in size and shape. A generally planar lid sized to complementarily
fit within the closure opening is pivotally mounted to the skirt
for movement between a closed position which closes the opening and
an open position which exposes the opening. A latch extends from
the lid and is releaseably engaged with the skirt when the lid is
in the closed position. An area of the closure opening is at least
equal to an area of the container opening.
[0008] In a fourth aspect, the invention is a closure for use with
a container. The container has an annular neck with an outer
surface. A raised bead projects radially from the outer surface.
The raised bead has a first end and a second end and extends
continuously between the first and second ends circumferentially
around the neck. A gap between the first and second ends extends
over a first arc having a first length. The closure comprises a
generally annular skirt including an outer surface and an inner
surface. The skirt further includes an upper surface and a lower
surface. The upper surface has an opening extending therethrough. A
plurality of retaining members extend radially inwardly from the
inner surface. Each of the retaining members is spaced about a
circumference of the skirt such that any 180 degree arc of the
circumference contains at least one retaining member. Each of the
retaining members extends over a second arc having a second length
which is greater than the first length. The closure further
comprises a generally planar lid having a top surface and a bottom
surface. The lid is sized to complementarily fit within the
opening. The lid is pivotally mounted to the skirt by a hinge
connecting the upper surface of the skirt and the top surface of
the lid for movement between a closed position which closes the
opening and an open position which exposes the opening. A latch
extends from the lid and is releaseably engaged with the skirt when
the lid is in the closed position. The closure is snapped onto the
neck of the container such that the bead is positioned between the
retaining members and the upper surface and is retained to the
container by an interference between the retaining members and the
raised bead. The interference prevents the closure from being
removed from the container.
[0009] In yet a fifth aspect, the invention is a combination of a
closure and a container. The combination comprises the container
having an annular neck with an outer surface. A raised bead
projects radially from the outer surface. The raised bead has a
first end and a second end and extends continuously between the
first and second ends circumferentially around the neck. A gap
between the first and second ends extends over a first arc having a
first length. The combination further comprises the closure having
a generally annular skirt. The skirt includes an outer surface, an
inner surface, an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper
surface has an opening extending therethrough. A plurality of
retaining members extend radially inwardly from the inner surface,
each of the retaining members being spaced about a circumference of
the skirt such that any 180 degree arc of the circumference
contains at least one retaining member. Each of the retaining
members extends over a second arc having a second length which is
greater than the first length. A generally planar lid having a top
surface and a bottom surface is sized to complementarily fit within
the opening and is pivotally mounted to the skirt by a hinge. The
hinge connects the upper surface of the skirt and the top surface
of the lid for movement between a closed position which closes the
opening and an open position which exposes the opening. A latch
extends from the lid and is releaseably engaged with the skirt when
the lid is in the closed position. The closure is snapped onto the
neck of the container such that the bead is positioned between the
retaining members and the upper surface and is retained to the
container by an interference between the retaining members and the
raised bead, the interference preventing the closure from being
removed from the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the
invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the
invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are
presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure for a container,
shown in a closed position, in accordance with a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a threaded container
suitable for use with the closure of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1, shown
in an open position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure of
FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closure for a container,
shown in a closed position, in accordance with a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container having a neck
with a raised bead and suitable for use with the closure of FIG.
6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 6, shown
in an open position;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the closure
of FIG. 9, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closure for a container,
shown in a closed position, in accordance with a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the closure of FIG.
12;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 12;
and
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the closure of FIG.
12, with a tamper-evident strip removed from a remainder of the
closure, and rotated 180 degrees such that an interior surface of
the tamper-evident strip is visible.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left,"
"top," and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "interior" and "exterior" refer to
directions towards and away from, respectively, the geometric
center of the closure or designated parts thereof. The terminology
includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives
thereof and words of similar meaning.
[0028] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to
indicate like elements throughout, in accordance with the present
invention there are shown in FIGS. 1-14 three preferred embodiments
of a closure for use with a container.
[0029] A first preferred embodiment of the closure 10 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The first embodiment closure 10 has a
hinged lid 50 which is movable between a closed position 12 (FIGS.
1, 4 and 5) and an open position 14 (FIG. 3). The first embodiment
closure 10 includes a generally annular skirt 30, having
conventional threads 40 and further includes a latch 60 for
releasably securing the lid 50 in the closed position 12.
[0030] The closure 10 is suitable for use with a conventional
container 20 (FIG. 2), having an annular neck 22 provided with
threads 24. The neck 22 defines a neck opening 26 having a neck
opening area defined by an inner surface 25 of the neck opening
26.
[0031] The annular skirt 30 of the closure 10 includes opposed
inner and outer surfaces 38 and 32, respectively. The skirt 30
further includes an upper circumferential rim 48 which defines a
generally planar upper surface 42, with a generally circular
opening 46 extending therethrough. The skirt opening 46 has a skirt
opening area. The area of the skirt opening 46 is substantially
equal to the area of the container neck opening 26. A gap 49 in the
circumferential rim is sized to accommodate the latch 60 when the
lid 50 is in the closed position 12. The outer surface 32 may be
provided with a plurality of finger ribs, shown as vertical lines
in FIGS. 1 and 3, for enhanced grip ability. The outer surface 32
includes a generally linear indent 34, positioned generally
opposite a living hinge 58 (described in detail below herein)
connecting the lid 50 to the skirt 30 and in general alignment with
the latch 60 when the lid 50 is in the closed position 12. A
generally smooth area 36 is provided adjacent the indent 34 on a
side of the indent opposite from the upper surface 42. A ledge 44
extends from the inner surface 38, and is preferably disposed
proximate the upper surface 42.
[0032] The lid 50 is generally circular and is at least generally
coextensive with the opening 46. The lid 50 includes a top surface
52 and a bottom surface 54. A seal 56 extends generally
perpendicularly from the bottom surface 54, proximate an outer
circumference of the lid 50. When the lid 50 is in the closed
position 12, the top surface 52 is generally coplanar with the
skirt upper surface 42, the bottom surface 54 rests against an
upper surface of the ledge 44, and the seal 56 is positioned
proximate an inner circumference of the ledge 44. The skirt and the
container neck openings, 46 and 26, respectively, are generally
equal in size and shape such that the ledge 44 and inner surface 25
of the neck opening 26 are coterminous.
[0033] The lid 50 is connected to the skirt 30 by the living hinge
58. The hinge 58 connects the lid top surface 52 with the skirt
upper surface 42. In the closed position 12, along a length of the
hinge 58, the hinge 58 is substantially coplanar with the skirt
upper surface 42 and the lid top surface 52. The length of the
hinge 58 subtends an arc "A" along a circumference of the lid 50 in
the range of about 15 to 35 degrees, preferably about 20
degrees.
[0034] The latch 60 is generally "L"-shaped, having a first leg 62
extending generally radially from the lid 50 and a second leg 64
extending generally perpendicularly from the first leg 62. In the
closed position 12, the first leg 62 extends over the skirt upper
surface 42, and fits within the gap 49. Further in the closed
position 12, the second leg 64 is in facing relationship with the
skirt outer surface 32. The second leg 64 includes a generally
linear protrusion 66 extending generally radially inward from the
second leg 64, such that when the lid 50 is in the closed position
12, the protrusion 66 is complementarily received in the indent 34
to releasably hold the lid 50 in the closed position 12. The latch
60 is released by application of force to the second leg 64 to pull
the protrusion 66 out of engagement with the indent 34. From this
disclosure, the artisan will recognize that the protrusion 66 on
the second leg 64 could be replaced by an indent, and the indent 34
replaced by a protrusion. Indeed, as described herein below, other
embodiments of the present invention employ this alternative
arrangement.
[0035] The first embodiment closure 10 is preferably fabricated
from a thermoplastic material using injection molding techniques
well known to those skilled in the art. The entire closure 10,
including the skirt 30, lid 50, hinge 58 and latch 60, are all
formed as an integral, one piece assembly. From this disclosure,
one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other
conventional materials and fabrication techniques could be
substituted. Also based on this disclosure, the person of ordinary
skill in the art would further recognize that the relative
proportions of the components illustrated could be varied without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0036] In use, the closure 10 is installed on the conventional
threaded neck container 20 during a packaging process. After
purchase, the consumer may proceed to dispense product, for example
pharmaceutical capsules, from the container by applying force to
the second leg 64 to pull the protrusion 66 out of engagement with
the indent 34, moving the lid 50 to the open position 14. The latch
60 can be opened with relatively low force, making the closure
especially well suited for use by persons of limited hand strength.
Given the very compact design of the hinge 58, the opening 46 can
be made to be substantially the same size as the bottle neck
opening 26, allowing the closure 10 to be used with products having
a wide range of sizes.
[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 6-11, a second preferred
embodiment of the closure 110 is shown. In general, elements of the
second embodiment 110 have been assigned reference numerals
incremented by 100 from the reference numeral of corresponding
elements of the first embodiment 10. For example, the second
embodiment 110 includes a lid 150, corresponding to the lid 50 of
the first embodiment 10. For the sake of brevity, only those
features of the second embodiment 110 which are substantially
different from the corresponding elements of the first embodiment
10 are described in detail herein below.
[0038] The second embodiment closure 110 is intended for use with a
second container 120 (FIG. 7), having an annular neck 121 provided
with a raised bead 124. The neck 121 has an outer surface 122 and
defines a neck opening 123 having a neck opening area. The raised
bead 124 has a first end 125 and a second end 126 and extends
continuously between the first and second ends 125, 126
circumferentially around the neck 121. A gap 127 exists between the
first and second ends 125, 126. The gap 127 subtends an arcuate
portion of the neck 121, the arcuate portion having a first
length.
[0039] The second embodiment closure 110 differs from the first
embodiment closure 10 primarily in that the closure 110 is provided
with a plurality of retaining members 140, located proximate to a
lower surface 143 of the skirt 130. The retaining members 140 are
provided rather than the threads 40 of the first embodiment closure
10, making the second embodiment closure 110 suitable for use with
second container 120. The retaining members 140 extending radially
inwardly from the inner surface 138 of the skirt 130. Each
retaining member 140 subtends an arcuate portion of the skirt 130,
the arcuate portion having a second length which is greater than
the first length of the gap 127. Each of the retaining members 140
is spaced about a circumference of the skirt 130 such that any 180
degree arc of the circumference contains at least one retaining
member. The closure 110 is snapped onto the neck of the container
120 such that the bead 124 is positioned between the retaining
members 140 and the upper surface 142, and is retained to the
bottle by interference between the retaining members 140 and the
raised bead 124, in a manner well understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art. The interference thus prevents the closure 110
from being removed from the bottle 120.
[0040] The second embodiment 110 further differs from the first
embodiment 10 in that, as discussed above, the relative locations
of the mating indent 34 and protrusion 66 are switched. That is, in
the second embodiment 110, a protrusion 134 is located on the skirt
130 and an indent 166 is located on the latch 60.
[0041] The second embodiment closure 110 is preferably manufactured
using the same materials and processes used to manufacture the
first embodiment closure 10, as discussed above.
[0042] In use, the second embodiment closure 110 operates generally
similarly to the first embodiment closure 10 and thus provides a
closure having a latch 160 that can be opened with relatively low
force and a hinge 158 with a very compact design, allowing an
opening 146 to be substantially the same size and shape as the
bottle neck opening 123. Additionally, since the first embodiment
10 can be used with conventional threaded neck containers and the
second embodiment 110 can be used with conventional containers
having necks with raised beads, the present invention discloses a
closure suitable for use with multiple types of known
containers.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 12-14, a third preferred
embodiment of the closure 210 is shown. Similarly to the second
embodiment 110, elements of the third embodiment 210 have generally
been assigned reference numerals incremented by 200 from the
reference numeral of corresponding elements of the first embodiment
10. Again, for the sake of brevity, only those features of the
third embodiment 210 which are substantially different from the
corresponding elements of the first and second embodiments 10, 110
are described in detail herein below.
[0044] The third embodiment 210 is preferably used with a container
such as the second container 120, and thus preferably is provided
with retaining members (not illustrated) such as the retaining
members 140 of the second embodiment. The third embodiment 210
includes a tamper-evident member 280. The tamper-evident member 280
is removably attached to the skirt outer surface 232 by frangible
members 282. Finger tabs 284 are provided to facilitate removal of
the tamper evident member 280. The tamper-evident member 280 is
positioned adjacent the protrusion 234 so as to block access to the
second leg 264 of the latch 260 when the lid 250 is in the closed
position 212. With reference to FIG. 15, the latch 260 preferably
includes a protrusion 262 which engages with a corresponding
indentation 286, located on an interior surface of the
tamper-evident member 280, when the lid 250 is in the closed
position 212. Engagement of the latch protrusion 262 and
tamper-evident member indentation 286 aids in preventing the latch
260 from being opened without the tamper-evident member being
removed from the third embodiment closure 210. In use, a consumer
removes the tamper-evident member 280 after purchase of container
and prior to opening the lid 250. With the tamper-evident member
280 in place, application of a force to pull the second leg 264 of
the latch 260 out of engagement with the protrusion 234 is
difficult. Thus the tamper-evident member 280 attached to the skirt
230 indicates that the lid 250 has not been opened since being
sealed at time of manufacture.
[0045] Alternatively, the tamper-evident member 280 could be used
with the first embodiment closure 10. In this case, if no other
tamper-evident features were included, the first embodiment closure
10 having a tamper-evident strip could simply be unscrewed from the
container 20, thus defeating the tamper-evident function.
Therefore, if the tamper-evident member 280 were to be used with
the first embodiment closure 10, it would be necessary to further
provide an additional element for indicating if the closure 10 had
been unscrewed from the bottle 20.
[0046] The third embodiment closure 210 is preferably manufactured
using the same materials and processes used to manufacture the
first and second embodiments 10 and 110. Furthermore, the third
embodiment closure 210 operates in a manner generally similar to
the first and second embodiments 10, 110, with the added step that
a user must remove the tamper-evident member 280 prior to use.
Thus, the third embodiment 210 provides the same benefits as those
provided by the first and second embodiments, as well as the added
benefit of providing the user with added assurance that if the
tamper-evident member 280 is in place, then the closure has not
been opened subsequent to the packaging process.
[0047] A closure for a container is thus disclosed including a
skirt, a lid, a living hinge and a latch. The lid has an upper
surface which is substantially coplanar with the living hinge and
an upper surface of the skirt. The closure has an opening having an
area which is substantially equal to the area of an opening of the
container. The closure may be adapted for use with various types of
existing container neck designs. The closure, including the skirt,
lid, hinge and latch, is formed as an integral, one piece assembly.
The closures disclosed are adaptable to multiple known container
neck designs and provide exceptional ease of use by the consumer.
The closures are readily and inexpensively manufactured.
[0048] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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