U.S. patent application number 10/829810 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for hinged overcap for rectangular containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stevens, James P..
Application Number | 20050236465 10/829810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34965199 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050236465 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens, James P. |
October 27, 2005 |
Hinged overcap for rectangular containers
Abstract
An overcap for a generally rectangular container comprises a
generally rectangular top panel, and a skirt joined to and
depending from the outer periphery of the top panel for engaging an
outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the
overcap on the container. The overcap comprises a fixed portion and
a movable portion. The movable portion is connected to the fixed
portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted
upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains
affixed on the container. The fixed portion of the overcap is
structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of
the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the
top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to
engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.
Inventors: |
Stevens, James P.;
(Castleton, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Sonoco Development, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34965199 |
Appl. No.: |
10/829810 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/125.05 ;
229/125.25; 229/5.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/24 20130101;
B65D 43/0222 20130101; B65D 2251/0093 20130101; B65D 2543/00101
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D
51/20 20130101; B65D 2251/0018 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101;
B65D 2543/00379 20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/125.05 ;
229/005.5; 229/125.25 |
International
Class: |
B65D 043/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plastic overcap for a generally rectangular container having
an open top end defining four corners, comprising: a generally
rectangular top panel having an outer periphery, an upper surface,
and a lower surface; a skirt joined to and depending from the outer
periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and
inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being adapted for
engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably
affix the overcap on the container; the overcap comprising a fixed
portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first
portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to
said first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of
the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said
remainder, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion
along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward,
pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed
on the container; the fixed portion of the overcap being structured
and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the
container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top
panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to
engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.
2. The overcap of claim 1, further comprising a scraper integrally
formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel
for leveling a scoop.
3. The overcap of claim 2, wherein the scraper is located adjacent
to and parallel with the hinge.
4. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the top
panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free
of any downward projections that would interfere with sealing of a
membrane across the open top end of the container to which the
overcap is adapted to be affixed.
5. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the movable portion and the
fixed portion comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded
structure, the hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed
portion comprising a living hinge.
6. The overcap of claim 5, wherein the living hinge is formed by a
reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line
diagonally across the top panel.
7. The overcap of claim 6, wherein the reduced-thickness region is
formed by a groove in at least one of the upper surface and lower
surface of the top panel.
8. The overcap of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the skirt
defines a channel for receiving the rim of the container.
9. A container and closure therefor, comprising: a container body
having a wall defining a top edge encircling an opening of the
container, the container body at the top edge defining a generally
rectangular cross-section having four corners, the wall defining an
outwardly projecting rim extending from the top edge; a flexible
membrane lid affixed atop the top edge of the container body wall
to seal closed the opening of the container; and an overcap
removably attached to the container body for re-closing the
container after removal of the membrane lid, the overcap
comprising: a generally rectangular top panel having an outer
periphery, an upper surface, and a lower surface; a skirt joined to
and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt
defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of
the skirt being configured to engage the rim of the container body
to removably affix the overcap on the container, wherein the lower
surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of
the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere
with the membrane lid; the overcap comprising a fixed portion and a
movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of
the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said first
portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top
panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said remainder, the
movable portion being connected to the fixed portion along a hinge
such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about
the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the
container; the fixed portion of the overcap engaging three of the
four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally
diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being
structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner
of the container.
10. The container and closure of claim 9, wherein the overcap
further comprises a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface
of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a scoop.
11. The container and closure of claim 10, wherein the scraper is
located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge.
12. The container and closure of claim 10, wherein a lower edge of
the scraper lies substantially at or above the level of the
membrane.
13. The container and closure of claim 9, wherein the movable
portion and the fixed portion of the overcap comprise parts of a
one-piece integrally molded structure, the hinge connecting the
movable portion to the fixed portion comprising a living hinge.
14. The container and closure of claim 13, wherein the living hinge
is formed by a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending
in a line diagonally across the top panel.
15. The container and closure of claim 14, wherein the
reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in at least one of
the upper surface and lower surface of the top panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to overcaps for containers, and
particularly to overcaps for non-round containers wherein the
overcap includes a hinged lid portion that can be lifted to gain
access to the container contents.
[0002] Generally rectangular metal cans for containing spices or
the like often include a molded plastic snap-on cap that has one or
more hinged lids for covering one or more openings formed through
the top panel of the cap. A lid is lifted to uncover the opening,
which can be configured for shaking contents from the can or can be
sized and shaped to allow a measuring spoon or the like to be
inserted into the can to scoop out some of the contents. With these
types of caps, the entire periphery of the cap always remains
engaged with the can because the opening is formed through the
cap's top panel.
[0003] For some types of products, however, it is desirable to be
able to insert a relatively large measuring scoop or the like into
the container to scoop out some of the contents. It may be
desirable in other cases to pour the contents out the opening. The
required size of the opening for accommodating the scoop may be
larger than what can be provided through the top panel of the cap.
Additionally, pouring from the opening is hindered by the fact that
the peripheral portion of the cap typically forms a lip that
obstructs the free flow of product. Accordingly, in such instances,
the cap can be configured so that an entire end portion of the cap
can be lifted such that the end portion disengages from the rim of
the container. The end portion is connected by a hinge to the fixed
portion of the cap that remains engaged with the container. Such a
cap allows a relatively large opening to be created for accessing
the container contents, since the opening is not obstructed by any
portion of the cap. Examples of caps of this type are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,654, U.S. Pat. No. 3,412,890, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,119,890.
[0004] The caps described in the above patents, however, are not
usable with containers that have a flexible membrane lid affixed
across the top edge of the container for initial sealing of the
container, because the caps include both an outer skirt and an
inner skirt between which the top edge and rim of the container are
received. The inner skirt would interfere with a membrane lid.
[0005] Various solutions to this problem have been proposed. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,890 discloses a container having an
annular flange spaced below the top edge of the container and
extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the container
wall, and having the membrane sealed to the flange. Accordingly,
the membrane is not interfered with by the overcap engaged on the
top edge of the container. This solution, however, is
unsatisfactory for certain types of containers, such as composite
cans, wherein it is impractical to provide the necessary annular
flange. Additionally, the flange causes an undesirable obstruction
of the opening of the container.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,566 notes the problem of using overcaps
having both outer and inner skirts with containers that are sealed
by a flexible membrane adhered atop the rim of the container. In
the solution proposed in the '566 patent, the inner skirt is
omitted. However, as noted in the patent, elimination of the inner
skirt results in the overcap being susceptible to sliding off the
container when the movable portion of the overcap is lifted. To
address this problem, the outer surface of the container body
includes fowardly facing shoulders and the overcap includes
rearwardly facing shoulders that engage the shoulders on the
container body to prevent the overcap from sliding off the rear of
the container body when the movable portion is opened. The
shoulders on the container body can be relatively easily provided
in the container of the '566 patent because it is molded plastic.
However, such shoulders would generally not be attainable or
practical on a composite can. Thus, this solution to the problem is
not suitable for composite containers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses the above needs and provides
other advantages, by providing an overcap configured to remain in
place on a generally rectangular container without the use of an
inner skirt and without requiring special shoulders or other
features on the container or overcap. Accordingly, the overcap can
be used on composite containers and/or containers sealed by a
flexible membrane lid.
[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an
overcap for a generally rectangular container comprises a generally
rectangular top panel, and a skirt joined to and depending from the
outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer
and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being adapted
for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to
removably affix the overcap on the container. The overcap comprises
a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising
a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt
joined to the first portion, the movable portion comprising the
remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined
thereto. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion
along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward,
pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed
on the container. The fixed portion of the overcap is structured
and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the
container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top
panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to
engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.
[0009] By engaging three corners of the container, the fixed
portion of the overcap is not susceptible to sliding off the
container when the movable portion is lifted. Accordingly, no inner
skirt is required to keep the overcap in place. The overcap allows
for the creation of a relatively large opening so that the
container contents can be scooped or poured out without hindrance
from any peripheral portion of the overcap.
[0010] The overcap optionally can include a scraper integrally
formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel
for leveling a measuring scoop or spoon inserted into the container
to scoop out some of the contents. The scraper advantageously is
located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge, and preferably is
as close as possible to the opening that is created when the
movable portion is lifted. The scraper thus will extend along the
diagonal edge of the opening in a position suitable for scraping
off excess product from a scoop as the scoop is withdrawn from the
container.
[0011] In an embodiment particularly suitable for containers sealed
with a flexible membrane lid, the lower surface of the top panel
immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any
downward projections that would interfere with sealing of the
membrane across the open top end of the container. Additionally,
where a scraper is included, advantageously a central region of the
top panel from which the scraper depends is located so that the
lower edge of the scraper lies substantially at or above the level
of the membrane. This ensures that the scraper does not interfere
with the membrane.
[0012] Preferably, the movable portion and the fixed portion of the
overcap comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure.
The hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion can
comprise a living hinge, which can be formed as a reduced-thickness
region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the
top panel. Advantageously, the reduced-thickness region is formed
by a groove in the lower surface of the top panel, as opposed to
having the groove in the upper surface of the top panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0013] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and overcap in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the overcap
of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the overcap along line
3-3 of FIG. 1, showing the overcap closed;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the hinge region
of the overcap;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the hinged
portion of the overcap open;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container and overcap in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the underside of the overcap
of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present inventions now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0022] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a generally
rectangular container 10 and overcap 20 in accordance with the
invention. The container 10 includes a side wall or body wall 12
that extends upward from a base of the container and terminates in
a top edge 14. The body wall 12 defines a generally rectangular
cross-sectional shape for the container. At the top edge of the
body wall, an outwardly projecting bead or rim 16 is formed. The
rim extends about the periphery of the container opening. In the
case of a composite container as shown, the rim can be formed by
curling or rolling the upper edge of the body wall outwardly using
a suitable tool such as a die.
[0023] The container 10 further includes a flexible membrane lid 18
affixed to the top edge 14 of the container body wall for initially
sealing the container closed. The lid 18 can include a sealant
material such as a heat seal material on its lower surface for
sealing the lid to the top edge of the container body wall. The
body wall can be formed of a compatible heat-sealable material;
alternatively, in the case of a composite container, a liner (not
shown) of the container can have a compatible heat-sealable
material forming its innermost surface for attachment to the lid.
The lid can be a multilayer structure including one or more barrier
layers and one or more layer for providing desired strength or
stiffness properties, in addition to the sealant layer. The
particular construction of the lid and the manner in which it is
affixed to the container are not important to the present
invention.
[0024] The overcap 20 is configured to removably engage the top end
of the container. The overcap includes a top panel 22 that is
generally horizontal when the overcap is atop the container. The
top panel has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. Joined to
and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel is a skirt
24 that has a generally tubular shape and extends generally
vertically (i.e., generally perpendicular to the top panel). The
skirt 24 has a radially outer surface 26 and a radially inner
surface 28. The radially inner surface 28 defines a recess or
channel 30 (FIG. 5) for receiving the rim 16 of the container. An
inwardly protruding rib 32 is formed on the inner surface 28 and
the channel 30 is located between the rib 32 and the top panel 22
(and in fact the channel 30 exists because of the presence of the
rib 32). In a relaxed state of the overcap, the rib 32 has a
slightly smaller radius (measured from the center of the top panel)
than the rim 16 of the container. The material of which the overcap
is made (and the container material in some cases) has sufficient
flexibility and resilience so that the overcap can be snapped over
the rim 16 by deforming the skirt 24 and/or rib 32 and/or rim until
the rib engages beneath the rim as shown in FIG. 3. The overcap is
retained on the container by friction and by the resilience of the
overcap, but the overcap can be removed by pulling with enough
force to deform the interlocking parts so that the rib clears the
rim.
[0025] The overcap 20 comprises a fixed portion 34 and a movable
portion 36. The fixed portion 34 is connected to the movable
portion 36 along a hinge 38 that permits the movable portion 36 to
be pivoted upwardly about the hinge to provide an opening into the
container as shown in FIG. 5. When the overcap is a molded plastic
structure (e.g., formed by injection molding), the hinge 38
advantageously can comprise a living hinge as known in the art. The
living hinge essentially comprises a reduced-thickness region of
the top panel 22 that gives the reduced-thickness region sufficient
flexibility to allow the movable portion 36 to be pivoted about the
region. Advantageously, the reduced-thickness region is formed by
providing a channel or groove 40 (FIG. 4) in the lower surface of
the top panel 22, and optionally also a groove 41 in the upper
surface of the top panel as shown. It is possible to provide the
groove in the upper surface only, or to provide groove in the lower
surface only. The invention is not limited to any particular
location(s) of the groove(s).
[0026] The hinge 38 extends generally diagonally along the overcap
in relation to the four corners. In particular, the hinge is
located and oriented in such a manner that the fixed portion 34 of
the overcap engages three of the four corners of the container (as
best seen in FIG. 1), and the movable portion 36, when it is
closed, engages the fourth corner. The engagement of the fixed
portion 34 with three corners of the container prevents the overcap
from sliding off the container when the movable portion 36 is
lifted, even though the overcap lacks an inner skirt.
[0027] The container of FIGS. 1-5 is prepared for use by first
removing the overcap 20 and peeling off the membrane lid 18. The
overcap is then replaced atop the container. When it is desired to
remove a portion of the container contents, the movable portion 36
is lifted by prying it upwardly, thereby creating an opening into
the container. A spoon or measuring scoop may then be inserted
through the opening to scoop out some of the contents as shown in
FIG. 5. The overcap can include a scraper 50 that projects
downwardly from the lower surface of the top panel. The scraper 50
advantageously is located on the fixed portion 34 of the overcap,
closely adjacent to the hinge 38. The scraper advantageously is
parallel to the hinge. Accordingly, the scraper is positioned to
allow a measuring scoop heaped with container contents to be
leveled by scraping the scraper across the top edge of the scoop as
shown. Advantageously, the lower edge of the scraper lies
substantially at or above the level of the membrane 18. This
ensures that the scraper does not interfere with the membrane.
[0028] An alternative embodiment of an overcap 120 in accordance
with the invention is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. The overcap 120
has a top panel 122 and skirt 124 configured in generally similar
fashion to the top panel and skirt of the previously described
overcap. The inner surface of the skirt 124 defines a series of
circumferentially extending ribs 132 spaced apart about the
circumference for engaging the rim of the container, as opposed to
a single substantially continuous rib as in the previously
described embodiment. The overcap 120 also includes a scraper 150
that projects downwardly from the lower surface of the top panel
122. The overcap 120 is configured for a container having a
more-elongate rectangular shape compared to the container of FIG.
1. The hinge 138 is still located in such a manner that the fixed
portion 134 of the overcap engages three of the four corners of the
container, and the movable portion 136 engages the fourth corner
when closed. The overcap 120 also includes a protruding tab 152 on
the movable portion to assist in prying it upwardly.
[0029] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *