U.S. patent application number 10/897018 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for twist-off container plug.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graham Packaging Company, L.P.. Invention is credited to David W. Cargile, Roy N. Krohn, Ed Roubal.
Application Number | 20060016837 10/897018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35107058 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060016837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cargile; David W. ; et
al. |
January 26, 2006 |
Twist-off container plug
Abstract
A container having a removable tab which creates a dispensing
opening when removed and where a lateral projection on said tab can
be used to reseal the tube.
Inventors: |
Cargile; David W.; (Lititz,
PA) ; Roubal; Ed; (Stewartstown, PA) ; Krohn;
Roy N.; (Wrightsville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20045-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Graham Packaging Company,
L.P.
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
35107058 |
Appl. No.: |
10/897018 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/563 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/10 20130101;
B05C 17/00516 20130101; B05C 17/00596 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/563 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/00 20060101
B65D047/00 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: an elongated, tubular tip, tapered at
one end; a tab having a lateral projection and a joining piece,
said tab being removably connected to said tip at the tapered end,
wherein the tab and tip are integrally molded.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a tubular
receptacle at the end of the tip, opposite to the end at which the
tab sits.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the receptacle is adapted for
containing a viscous substance.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the lateral projection of the
tab is tapered at one end.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the tab has two lateral
projections, at least one of which is tapered.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the joining piece is
substantially circular.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the tab is adapted to create a
dispensing opening in the tip once removed.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein an axis of the tab defined by
said lateral projection is substantially perpendicular to an axis
of the tubular tip before removal of the tab.
9. The container of claim 6, wherein a lateral projection of the
tab is adapted to plug the tip once the tab is removed.
10. A method comprising: (a) providing a container having a tip
which is tapered at one end and a tab with a lateral projection and
joining piece; and (b) removing said tab to create an opening in
said tip.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein removing the tab creates a
dispensing opening in the tip.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein a lateral projection of the tab
is tapered and the method further comprises plugging the tip by
inserting said lateral projection into the opening.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the container further comprises
a tubular receptacle at the end of the tip, opposite the end at
which the tab sits.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the receptacle is adapted for
containing a viscous substance.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising expressing the
viscous substance through the tip.
16. A method of manufacturing a container comprising: (a) extruding
a parison between two mold halves; (b) closing said mold halves;
and (c) blowing air into the parison to expand the parison to
produce a container that comprises: (1) a hollow tube that is
tapered at one end; and (2) a tab with a lateral projection and a
joining piece attached to said tab.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the tab is formed by compression
molding when the mold halves close.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein said tab is solid.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising filling said
container.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising sealing said
container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a tab or plug,
and more particularly to twist tab or plug for a container.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Existing container caps and the like require the use of
scissors or a knife in order to access the contents of the
container. Often there is no mechanism for resealing, so the entire
contents must be used, leading to unnecessary waste. Caps that do
allow for resealing often do not seal effectively, leading to
drying out and rapid deterioration of tube contents. Caps or plugs
that do seal tightly are difficult to remove.
[0005] Plugs or caps are often separate components that are
sometimes lost during shipping, display, or storage before use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,601 to Bostelman discloses a cap with a tether
so that the cap does not separate from the container during use.
However, this requires the separate purchase of a cap, resulting in
added cost. The separate purchase of a cap also means the cap is
not specifically made to fit the container for which it is used to
seal. Thus there is no guarantee that the seal will be as effective
as desired.
[0006] Another disadvantage of currently existing separate caps and
plugs is that they may need to be separately molded.
[0007] Container tips are composed of sturdy plastic, making
cutting difficult, and potentially dangerous. Further, it may take
several attempts before achieving a hole of the appropriate size.
For example, cutting too close to the tip edge may create an
opening that is not large enough for the contents to easily flow
through, leading to clogging. A cut that is too large results in
too much material flowing out of the tube. There is no remedy for
this, except to start over with a another tube. Finally, a hole
that is too large or too small may preclude use of the resealing
cap that is provided. All of these scenarios can lead to
unnecessary waste and expense.
[0008] Another disadvantage in the prior art is that caps, by
design, may not be properly fitted for sealing the tip hole that
results from cutting. Again, this leads to degradation of tube
contents. However, plugs that seal tightly can then be difficult to
remove.
[0009] What is needed then is an improved tab, cap or plug that
overcomes shortcomings of conventional solutions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is for a container having a tubular,
tapered tip and a tab. The tab is removable and can be used to seal
the tip. A tubular receptacle sits at the end of the tip opposite
to the end at which the tab sits. The receptacle may be designed to
contain a viscous substance or a suspension of a solid in a fluid
matrix, such as, for example, caulk, icing, sauces, gels, lotions,
soaps, a wood filler, and the like.
[0011] The tab has lateral projections which are substantially
perpendicular to the axis of the tip prior to removal of the tab.
Removal of the tab creates a dispensing opening in the tip. By
rotating the tab 90.degree. so that the axis of the projections is
substantially parallel to the axis of the tip, the opening may be
resealed using the lateral projections of the tab.
[0012] The tab also contains a joining piece. This portion of the
tab is connected to the tip prior to removal of the tab. The
joining piece facilitates removal of the tab once the tip has
already been sealed by allowing the user to grip the piece and
remove the tab.
[0013] The container and tab can be manufactured as one unit. There
are several advantages to this invention where the tab is
manufactured/sold as part of the container. A first advantage is
that the tab is molded to fit the tip to which it is attached,
resulting in an effective seal. Another advantage is that the
purchase of a separate cap or tab is not required. Further, there
is no danger of the plug or cap being separated from the tip and
lost prior to use.
[0014] The invention is also drawn to a method of using the
container and its easily removable tab to create an dispensing
opening, dispense the contents of the container, and re-seal the
opening.
[0015] The invention is additionally drawn to a method of
manufacturing the container of the present invention by compression
molding and extrusion blow molding.
[0016] Further objectives and advantages, as well as the structure
and function of preferred embodiments will become apparent from a
consideration of the description, drawings, and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or
structurally similar elements.
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a twist container
according to the present invention, prior to opening;
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts the removable tab and top end of the tip
prior to opening of the container, according to the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts the top end of the tip and the tab when the
tab has been removed, creating a dispensing opening, according to
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts the twist tab and top end of the tip as in
the present invention, once the tip has been resealed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below.
In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the
sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be
limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific
exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that
this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that other components and
configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and
scope of the invention. All references cited herein are
incorporated by reference as if each had been individually
incorporated.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the container of the present invention.
The container 100 is a one-piece construction that is
compression/blow molded and is made of a plastic material such as a
polyester, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and
polyethylene naphthalate (PEN); polyolefins such as polyethylenes,
and polypropylenes; and polyamides such as nylon. High density
polyethylene (HDPE) is a particular example of a plastic material
useful in practicing the invention. The container can be used to
package a wide variety of materials, including viscous materials
and suspensions such as caulk, wood filler compositions, icing,
gels, sauces, lotions, soaps, and others.
[0024] The container 100 has a tubular receptacle 101 for
containing the material, having a bottom end 102, a tubular
sidewall 103 and a top end 104. The tubular sidewall 103 of the
illustrated embodiment is circular in cross-section, such that the
receptacle 101 is cylindrical. Other cross-sectional shapes can be
similarly used and manufactured. Extending from the top end 104 of
the tubular receptacle 101 is the tip 106, which is connected to
the top end 104 of the receptacle 101 by the tip's bottom end 108.
The tip 106 has a tubular sidewall 110, and a top end 112, to which
the removable twist tab 114 is attached. The twist tab contains a
wider joining piece 111 which is connected to the top end of the
tube 112. The top end 112 of the tip is narrower than the bottom
end of the tip 108 such that at least a portion of the tip between
the receptacle 101 and the twist tab 114 is tapered. In the
illustrated embodiment, the tip sidewall 110 is also cylindrical in
shape, but other shapes can be used.
[0025] The twist tab 114 has tapered lateral projections 116. (See
FIG. 2). Prior to opening, the tab 114 is connected to and seals
the tip 106. In this position, the lateral projections 116 are
substantially perpendicular to the tip sidewall 110. By firmly
holding the lateral projections 116, a user can twist the tab 114
and remove it from the tip 106. This creates a dispensing opening
118 at the position where the joining piece 111 was attached to the
hollow part of the tip 106. (See FIG. 3.) After use, the tip 106
can be resealed with the same tab 114. By turning the tab
90.degree., such that the lateral projections 116 are substantially
parallel to the axis of the tip sidewall 110, the dispensing
opening 118 can be sealed with lateral projection 116. (See FIG.
4.)
[0026] At least one of the lateral projections 116 of the tab 114
are tapered at the end 120 to create an effective seal when
inserted into the opening. In the embodiment pictured, the
projections are symmetrical. However, the invention also includes
asymmetrical projections. It is also possible for the tab to have
only one lateral projection.
[0027] The cross-sectional area of the tab 114 at the widest point,
i.e. where the lateral projection 116 meets central portion of the
tab, C.sub.1, is greater than the cross-sectional area C.sub.2 of
the dispensing opening 118 at the tip 106. (See FIG. 3.) The
tapered ends 120 of the lateral projections 116 easily slide into
the tip 106 until the point where the cross-sectional area of the
tab is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the dispensing
opening, C.sub.2. At this point the tab 114 cannot move any further
into the tip 106. (See FIG. 4.) The result is an effective seal
that minimizes exposure of the container contents to air.
[0028] Another advantage of the tapered tab 114 is that the tapered
end 120 of the lateral projection 116 that first slides into the
tip 106 is narrow and pointed enough to help dislodge any tube
contents that are stuck in the tip 106. This prevents blockage of
the opening 118, resulting in greater ease in dispensing. This will
also prevent contents from adhering to the sides of the tip and
drying up.
[0029] When re-use of the container 100 is desired, tab 114 can be
easily grasped by the joining piece 111 and pulled. The joining
piece is a solid piece of material that makes up a portion of the
tab 114 and provides a grip for removal of the tab 114 from the tip
opening 118. Once removed, the tab 114 can be set aside or stored
elsewhere until it is needed to re-seal the tip. This facilitates
reuse of the container 100 by allowing repeated unsealing and
resealing of the tip 106.
[0030] Thus, the present invention is a tab/plug 114 that can be
easily removed by twisting the tab 114. Projections 116 on the side
of the tab allow for an easy grip-and-twist removal. These
projections 116 are then used to seal the tip 106 when the tab 114
is turned on its side. No scissors are required, and the tab 114
allows for a tight seal so that the container contents may be
stored for later use. The elimination of the cutting requirement
saves time, frustration, and possible injury. Subsequent removal of
the tab 114 is easily accomplished. The joining piece 111 of the
tab 114 allows a user to grip the tab 114 for removal from the
opening 118.
[0031] The container 100 of the present invention can be unitarily
manufactured by a compression/blow molding process. A parison is
placed between the two halves of a mold cavity and as the mold
halves clamp together over the parison, a portion of the parison is
compressed to create the tab. The remainder of the container is
subsequently blow molded to form the tip 106 and the tubular
receptacle 101. Alternatively, the tab 114 with tip 106 can be
integrally molded and then assembled together with a preexisting
tubular receptable 101.
[0032] The container 100 can then be filled with the material to be
dispensed. For example, at a filling station, the tubular
receptacle 101 of the container is filled with the desired contents
from the bottom end 102 of the receptacle 101. Once the contents
are in the tubular receptable 101, the bottom end 102 can be
flattened and heat welded. This creates a flat seal on the bottom
end 102 of the receptacle 101, and allows a user to squeeze out
container contents in the amount desired. Alternatively, a movable
piston can be placed at the bottom of the receptacle, similar to a
known caulk tube used with a caulk gun. In the latter embodiment,
the bottom end 102 of the receptacle 101 would remain cylindrical
in shape and open.
[0033] The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this
specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art
the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention.
Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the
scope of the present invention. All examples presented are
representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of
the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the
invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of
the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within
the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *